Sunday, January 31, 2010
[Blog] The Cageside Beat January 28 Recap: [caption id="attachment_34509" align="alignright" width="200" caption="T... http://ping.fm/RY8u8
[Blog] Team Thirsty spotlight: Shawn Bunch - Pro MMA Now exclusive interview: [caption id="attachment_34501" align=... http://ping.fm/DbDwH
[Blog] Matt Serra UFC 109 video blog - day 3: In his third video blog leading up to UFC 109, Matt "The Terror" Serr... http://ping.fm/px8YC
[Blog] Joe Warren struggles in Kit Carson Cup: The Kit Carson Cup was supposed to be a glorious beginning for the J... http://ping.fm/Dqz9w
Saturday, January 30, 2010
[Blog] Nick Diaz dazzles, takes home welterweight title with first round TKO at "Strikeforce: Miami": [caption id="... http://ping.fm/ZTTFe
[Blog] "Strikeforce: Miami" immediate reaction: Strikeforce Miami had a bit of star power and some quality match up... http://ping.fm/lO9ZT
[Blog] "Strikeforce: Miami" immediate reaction: Strikeforce Miami had a bit of star power and some quality match ups. In most ways the card exceeded all expectations, as there... http://ping.fm/27aMF
[Blog] Pro MMA Now talks with Nick Diaz at "Strikeforce: Miami": Strikeforce Miami Nick DiazUploaded by prommainfo.... http://ping.fm/Bmby6
[Blog] Lashley, Coenen, Walker - Pro MMA Now exclusive interviews from "Strikeforce: Miami": Pro MMA Now at Strikef... http://ping.fm/3dndC
[Blog] "Strikeforce: Miami" live play-by-play commentary and results: SUNRISE, Fla. - Pro MMA Now (www.prommanow.co... http://ping.fm/QsI2M
[Blog] Notes from ground zero - on the scene at "Strikeforce: Miami": [caption id="attachment_34394" align="alignle... http://ping.fm/QenRF
Friday, January 29, 2010
[Blog] "Strikeforce: Miami" weigh-in results with photos: [caption id="attachment_34395" align="aligncenter" width=... http://ping.fm/V09kr
[Blog] Talking to the "Strikeforce: Miami" fighters - Pro MMA Now LIVE in Florida: MIAMI, Fla. - Pro MMA Now (www.p... http://ping.fm/n5HnF
Thursday, January 28, 2010
[Blog] UFC vet and TUF 10 cast member Justin "The Viking" Wren to face Josh Henry at "Ring of Fire: Warlords"...: F... http://ping.fm/z7Ecd
[Blog] Matt Serra UFC 109 video blog - day 2: It's day two of Matt Serra's video blogs leading up to his fight with... http://ping.fm/H3OrK
[Blog] Lavar Johnson to make miraculous return at Strikeforce Challengers March 26: “Abongo” Humphrey to battle... http://ping.fm/7RSmE
[Blog] MMAJunkie Radio pays tribute to "Fast" Eddie Constantine: Tuesday morning, Jan. 26, 2010, MMAJunkie Radio ma... http://ping.fm/ey0eL
[Blog] MMAJunkie Radio pays tribute to "Fast" Eddie Constantine: Tuesday morning, Jan. 26, 2010, MMAJunkie Radio made the announcement about the death of our great friend and ... http://ping.fm/IvF4q
[Blog] "Strikeforce: Miami" betting odds has Lashley as mega-favorite - includes media day photos: [caption id="att... http://ping.fm/7MhGz
[Blog] Ultimate Fighting Championship inks deal with Sohu.com: UFC® Events to Live Broadcast on China’s Leading ... http://ping.fm/HmiZU
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
[Blog] Bellator Fighting Championships returns to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino four times in 2010: CHICAGO (January 27, 2010) — Bellator Fighting Championships and Re... http://ping.fm/MoTQP
[Blog] Bellator Fighting Championships returns to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino four times in 2010...: CHICAGO ... http://ping.fm/W3GLP
[Blog] The Cageside Beat January 28, 2010: WEC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer: [caption id="attachment_34305" align="... http://ping.fm/0Pqya
[Blog] The Cageside Beat January 28, 2010: WEC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer: [caption id="attachment_34305" align="alignright" width="200" caption="The Cageside Beat is the of... http://ping.fm/BVsmb
[Blog] "Raging Wolf VI" - play-by-play results: On Jan. 23, 2010, "Raging Wolf VI" took place at the Seneca Niagar... http://ping.fm/BX34o
[Blog] "Raging Wolf VI" - play-by-play results: On Jan. 23, 2010, "Raging Wolf VI" took place at the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel, in Niagara Falls, New York. The Ultimate... http://ping.fm/cvwWJ
[Blog] Remembering "Fast" Eddie Constantine - photo gallery included: [caption id="attachment_34278" align="alignle... http://ping.fm/0QnO4
[Blog] Remembering "Fast" Eddie Constantine - photo gallery included: [caption id="attachment_34278" align="alignleft" width="266" caption="Eddie sleeping with his dog Tuffy. ... http://ping.fm/37chP
[Blog] "Fast" Eddie Constantine of ProMMA.info dead at 31: Edward Constantine, 31, known to mixed martial arts fans... http://ping.fm/W8Zsv
[Blog] "Fast" Eddie Constantine of ProMMA.info dead at 31: Edward Constantine, 31, known to mixed martial arts fans as “Fast” Eddie of ProMMA.info’s podcast “The Info,... http://ping.fm/t1V8R
[Blog] EA Sports to offer free, online stream of Riggs vs. Hieron from Strikeforce: Miami this Saturday...: NEW YOR... http://ping.fm/fYJfx
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
[Blog] Denis Kang to fight Vernon "Tiger" White, Carlos Newton faces Chris Clements at W-1: Pro MMA Now (www.prommanow.com) reported on Sunday that Canadian MMA promotion Wa... http://ping.fm/9QVq6
[Blog] Denis Kang to fight Vernon "Tiger" White, Carlos Newton faces Chris Clements at W-1: Pro MMA Now (www.promma... http://ping.fm/mzeHM
[Blog] Joe Warren returns to the wrestling mat this weekend: Dream veteran Joe Warren will return to his Greco-Roma... http://ping.fm/Qcvzs
[Blog] Jim Rome rips Brock Lesnar: ESPN's Jim Rome had a few words concerning Brock Lesnar's recent post-illness co... http://ping.fm/1KjFr
Monday, January 25, 2010
[Blog] NCAA Wrestling Wrap 1/18 - 1/25: Iowa State goes 2-0 during tour of Oklahoma
The No. 2 Cyclones were clearl... http://ping.fm/OWGWP
The No. 2 Cyclones were clearl... http://ping.fm/OWGWP
[Blog] We have moved to www.prommanow.com: Thank you to all who have supported us here at ProMMA.info (www.promma.info). ... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/25/we-have-moved-to-wwwprommanowcom/
[Blog] We have moved to www.prommanow.com: Thank you to all w... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/25/we-have-moved-to-wwwprommanowcom/
[Blog] Pro MMA Now exclusive interview with Din Thomas: PRO MMA NOW: Din, Thanks for taking some time out to take t... http://ping.fm/qkYnh
[Blog] Up-and-coming lightweight Carey Vanier signs with Bellator Fighting Championships: CHICAGO, Ill. (January 22... http://ping.fm/myBlL
Sunday, January 24, 2010
[Blog] Canada's Warrior One signs Denis Kang to exclusive multi-fight contract: [caption id="attachment_34182" alig... http://ping.fm/I9aG3
[Blog] "Strikeforce: Miami" Spotlight: Pro MMA Now exclusive interview with Pablo "The Hurricane" Alfonso: On Jan. 30, 2010, Strikeforce will hold its first event of the year ... http://ping.fm/GUzTu
[Blog] "Strikeforce: Miami" Spotlight: Pro MMA Now exclusive interview with Pablo "The Hurricane" Alfonso...: On Ja... http://ping.fm/yG00j
[Blog] The Cageside Beat January 21 Recap: [caption id="attachment_34160" align="alignright" width="200" caption="T... http://ping.fm/n1Ybx
[Blog] The Cageside Beat January 21 Recap: On the latest ep... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/24/the-cageside-beat-january-21-recap/
[Blog] "Strikeforce: Miami" Spotlight - ProMMA.info exclusive interview with Pablo "The Hurricane" Alfo...: On Jan. 30, 2010, Strikeforce will hold its first event of the year at the BankAtlantic Center in Miami, Fla. It is a card stacked with talent, and while most of the MMA world is focused on the main card with the Cyborgs, the Lashleys, and the Walkers, there is some local Florida talent on the preliminary card that should not be overlooked.
Representing MMA Masters, and a BJJ brown belt under Daniel Valverde, Pablo "The Hurricane" Alfonso (5-2) will make his Strikeforce debut against undefeated American Top Team fighter Marcus "Parrumpinha" da Matta (7-0).
Pablo is coming off a triangle choke victory over Jason Goodall at "XFC 9: Evolution" last September, in a bout which earned him the XFC Bantamweight Title. Now just days away from the biggest fight of his career, Pablo knows his opponent well, and feels confident he will emerge the victor. ProMMA.info spoke to "The Hurricane" this week about the upcoming fight and his career in MMA.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Pablo, thank you my friend for taking the time to speak with us at ProMMA.info. How are you feeling right now as we are just a week away from the biggest fight of your career at “Strikeforce: Miami” – you getting excited?
PABLO ALFONSO: Yeah I am so excited to fight in Strikeforce, it is one of biggest shows in MMA worldwide.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Now you’re from Jacksonville, Florida, right? Obviously, they wanted to get some local Florida talent on this card. How did this fight come about for you, and when did you find out you would have the chance to fight for Strikeforce?
PABLO ALFONSO: Well I find out two months ago. It is my pleasure to fight for Strikeforce. Also, I'm known in Florida.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Is this a one fight deal for you, depending on if you win, or how is your contract set up with Strikeforce?
PABLO ALFONSO: So far, one fight contract. If I put a good show Strikeforce might get me extended, which means I get a good deal with Strikeforce contract.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: You had your first pro fight in 2000, and you won, but your next fight wasn’t until 2006. Why the long layoff and what were you doing during that time?
PABLO ALFONSO: I was taking my time during my career, which I was training a lot and improving my game. I felt I needed more time to train.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Can you tell us about your MMA background and how you got involved with MMA?
PABLO ALFONSO: Started doing karate when was 5-years-old and then moved on to wrestling when I was 14-years-old. I got into MMA when watching UFC 1, Ken Shamrock prime. Also got into PrideFC, I used to collect DVDs. (laughs) I'm a geek when it comes to MMA. I started doing jiu-jitsu with world class world champion jiu-jitsu sensei Daniel Valverde. Also my striking coach is Master Cesar Carneiro that trained his first student, Miami hero Luis Palomino "Baboon". He will be fighting Jorge Masvidal Feb. 4, 2010. I'm pumped to see that fight happen. I just fought in Xtreme Fighting Chamionship that show on HDnet Fights. I fought Jason "Good as Gold" Goodall. He had a 5-0-0 undefeated record and was holding XFC world championship. All his wins were TKO or KO. I was able to stop him in the fourth round by triangle choke and win the XFC world title belt. Now I'm a full time fighter. I train three time a day and six days a week. I love my job, this is my life. I thank Daniel Valverde and Master Cesar for helping me out during my career. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be a fighter. I represent my team MMA MASTERS. There are a lot of great fighters like Luis Palomino, John Kelly is 3-0-0, also he is fighting in Strikeforce, Danny Chavez is a hard hitting striker, and others. Now I'm a brown belt under Daniel Valverde and I'm doing well and continuing to improve.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Where do you currently train, who are your instructors, and those helping you get ready for this fight?
PABLO ALFONSO: I train out of MMA MASTERS in Miami. My coaches are Daniel Valverde and Master Cesar Carneiro.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: You are fighting undefeated Marcos da Matta. How much do you know about this guy and how do you see yourself matching up with him?
PABLO ALFONSO: I know Marcos da Matta. I used to train with him back in the days when I was 18-years-old, now I'm 26. It's a good match up cause I know his game and he knows my game also. It's funny that we are buddies and we end up fighting now cause we are two of the top fighters in Florida. I never thought I was fighting Marcos da Matta. He's a great coach, but is he a better fighter than me? No.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: How important is this fight for you and why – what does this fight mean to you?
PABLO ALFONSO: It mean a lot. He is a third-degree black belt and is known in Brazil. Also he is undefeated 7-0-0. Right now I'm his biggest fight for him, he's never fought a well-rounded fighter like me. I know he's nervous. I will finish him in the first round.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: There are some great matches on this card. Aside from your fight are you excited about watching any of the other fights – which of the other fights do you want to see most? Why – and who do you think will win?
PABLO ALFONSO: I like Nick Daiz, he's gotten a lot better than his past fights. His boxing looks a lot better. He will win. Cyborg - wow a monster, I cant wait to see her fight again.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Pablo, thank you so much for taking time to talk with us. Is there any sponsors you want to thank or do you have any shout outs?
PABLO ALFONSO: I would like to shout out my sponsors Brawl and Maul, they've been helping my career, thank you guys, and also thank you Jack Bratcher.
By: Jack Bratcher
Here is a highlight reel of Pablo "The Hurricane" Alfo... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/24/strikeforce-miami-spotlight-prommainfo-exclusive-interview-with-pablo-the-hurricane-alfonso/
Representing MMA Masters, and a BJJ brown belt under Daniel Valverde, Pablo "The Hurricane" Alfonso (5-2) will make his Strikeforce debut against undefeated American Top Team fighter Marcus "Parrumpinha" da Matta (7-0).
Pablo is coming off a triangle choke victory over Jason Goodall at "XFC 9: Evolution" last September, in a bout which earned him the XFC Bantamweight Title. Now just days away from the biggest fight of his career, Pablo knows his opponent well, and feels confident he will emerge the victor. ProMMA.info spoke to "The Hurricane" this week about the upcoming fight and his career in MMA.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Pablo, thank you my friend for taking the time to speak with us at ProMMA.info. How are you feeling right now as we are just a week away from the biggest fight of your career at “Strikeforce: Miami” – you getting excited?
PABLO ALFONSO: Yeah I am so excited to fight in Strikeforce, it is one of biggest shows in MMA worldwide.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Now you’re from Jacksonville, Florida, right? Obviously, they wanted to get some local Florida talent on this card. How did this fight come about for you, and when did you find out you would have the chance to fight for Strikeforce?
PABLO ALFONSO: Well I find out two months ago. It is my pleasure to fight for Strikeforce. Also, I'm known in Florida.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Is this a one fight deal for you, depending on if you win, or how is your contract set up with Strikeforce?
PABLO ALFONSO: So far, one fight contract. If I put a good show Strikeforce might get me extended, which means I get a good deal with Strikeforce contract.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: You had your first pro fight in 2000, and you won, but your next fight wasn’t until 2006. Why the long layoff and what were you doing during that time?
PABLO ALFONSO: I was taking my time during my career, which I was training a lot and improving my game. I felt I needed more time to train.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Can you tell us about your MMA background and how you got involved with MMA?
PABLO ALFONSO: Started doing karate when was 5-years-old and then moved on to wrestling when I was 14-years-old. I got into MMA when watching UFC 1, Ken Shamrock prime. Also got into PrideFC, I used to collect DVDs. (laughs) I'm a geek when it comes to MMA. I started doing jiu-jitsu with world class world champion jiu-jitsu sensei Daniel Valverde. Also my striking coach is Master Cesar Carneiro that trained his first student, Miami hero Luis Palomino "Baboon". He will be fighting Jorge Masvidal Feb. 4, 2010. I'm pumped to see that fight happen. I just fought in Xtreme Fighting Chamionship that show on HDnet Fights. I fought Jason "Good as Gold" Goodall. He had a 5-0-0 undefeated record and was holding XFC world championship. All his wins were TKO or KO. I was able to stop him in the fourth round by triangle choke and win the XFC world title belt. Now I'm a full time fighter. I train three time a day and six days a week. I love my job, this is my life. I thank Daniel Valverde and Master Cesar for helping me out during my career. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be a fighter. I represent my team MMA MASTERS. There are a lot of great fighters like Luis Palomino, John Kelly is 3-0-0, also he is fighting in Strikeforce, Danny Chavez is a hard hitting striker, and others. Now I'm a brown belt under Daniel Valverde and I'm doing well and continuing to improve.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Where do you currently train, who are your instructors, and those helping you get ready for this fight?
PABLO ALFONSO: I train out of MMA MASTERS in Miami. My coaches are Daniel Valverde and Master Cesar Carneiro.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: You are fighting undefeated Marcos da Matta. How much do you know about this guy and how do you see yourself matching up with him?
PABLO ALFONSO: I know Marcos da Matta. I used to train with him back in the days when I was 18-years-old, now I'm 26. It's a good match up cause I know his game and he knows my game also. It's funny that we are buddies and we end up fighting now cause we are two of the top fighters in Florida. I never thought I was fighting Marcos da Matta. He's a great coach, but is he a better fighter than me? No.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: How important is this fight for you and why – what does this fight mean to you?
PABLO ALFONSO: It mean a lot. He is a third-degree black belt and is known in Brazil. Also he is undefeated 7-0-0. Right now I'm his biggest fight for him, he's never fought a well-rounded fighter like me. I know he's nervous. I will finish him in the first round.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: There are some great matches on this card. Aside from your fight are you excited about watching any of the other fights – which of the other fights do you want to see most? Why – and who do you think will win?
PABLO ALFONSO: I like Nick Daiz, he's gotten a lot better than his past fights. His boxing looks a lot better. He will win. Cyborg - wow a monster, I cant wait to see her fight again.
WWW.PROMMA.INFO: Pablo, thank you so much for taking time to talk with us. Is there any sponsors you want to thank or do you have any shout outs?
PABLO ALFONSO: I would like to shout out my sponsors Brawl and Maul, they've been helping my career, thank you guys, and also thank you Jack Bratcher.
By: Jack Bratcher
Here is a highlight reel of Pablo "The Hurricane" Alfo... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/24/strikeforce-miami-spotlight-prommainfo-exclusive-interview-with-pablo-the-hurricane-alfonso/
[Blog] Fedor Emelianenko highlight reel b...: T... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/24/fedor-emelianenko-highlight-reel-by-machinemen/
[Blog] Team Thirsty�...: O... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/24/team-thirstys-shawn-bunch-wins-spot-on-us-world-cup-freestyle-team/
Saturday, January 23, 2010
[Blog] Matt Serra's UFC 109 video blog - Part 1: The video blog was made for guys like Matt Serra. "F" bombs are alw... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/23/matt-serras-ufc-109-video-blog-part-1/
[Blog] Matt Serra's UFC 109 video blog - Part 1...: The ... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/23/matt-serras-ufc-109-video-blog-part-1/
Friday, January 22, 2010
[Blog] Wes Sims will fi...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/22/wes-sims-will-fight-bobby-lashley-at-strikeforce-miami-on-jan-30/
[Blog] One-on-one with Hulk Hogan - comparing the pro wrestling and M...: W... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/22/one-on-one-with-hulk-hogan-comparing-the-pro-wrestling-and-mma-business-models/
[Blog] ProMMA.info exclusiv...: P... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/22/prommainfo-exclusive-interview-joey-the-mexicutioner-beltran/
[Blog] Mann Talk - Weeken...: [... http://prommanow.com/index.php/2010/01/21/mann-talk-weekend-preview-featuring-shooto-xfo-and-wrestling/
Thursday, January 21, 2010
[Blog] Mann Talk - Weekend ...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/21/mann-talk-weekend-preview-featuring-shooto-xfo-and-wrestling/
[Blog] Trevor Prangley to face Karl Amoussou in main event when Strikeforce Challengers series hits San Jose Feb....: NEW YORK (Jan 21, 2009)-World championship mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion STRIKEFORCE will return to its roots when it brings its Challengers fight series to The Civic Auditorium in San Jose, California on Friday, February 26. Topping the card will be a middleweight (185 pounds) contest between wrestling powerhouse Trevor Prangley (22-5) and Karl Amoussou (11-2-1).
Undefeated power puncher Sarah Kaufman (10-0) will challenge Japan's Takayo Hashi (12-1) in the first STRIKEFORCE women's world bantamweight (135 pounds) championship matchup in history while Luke Rockhold (6-1), one of MMA's brightest up and comers, will take on Paul Bradley (12-1) at middleweight.
Tickets for the first STRIKEFORCE Challengers event of 2010, priced from $30, go on sale at 10 a.m. PT tomorrow/Friday, January 22 at The San Jose Civic Auditorium box office, Ticketmaster (800-745-3000) and online at Ticketmaster.com and STRIKEFORCE.com.
Since 1993 when STRIKEFORCE was founded as a kickboxing series, The San Jose Civic Auditorium has played host to numerous events produced by the organization that more recently emerged a leading promoter of MMA contests.
Prangley, a former national wrestling champion for South Africa who ventured to The United States years ago in order to further his wrestling career, will put on the line a five fight win streak that began with his unanimous judges' decision victory over Anthony Ruiz during STRIKEFORCE's event at the world famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California on September 20, 2008. The 37-year-old also finished as runner up in STRIKEFORCE's four man tournament, the first sanctioned single elimination MMA event in California state history, on November 16, 2007.
The 24-year-old Amoussou, known for his devastating knockout power and unorthodox fighting style, hails from France and is an expert in Judo as well as Savate. He brings a three fight win streak with him to the STRIKEFORCE cage.
Kaufman is a 24-year-old former professional ballet dancer who stumbled upon MMA after a martial arts school opened underneath her dance studio in Victoria, Canada. Her mellow demeanor outside the cage is a stark contrast to her ferocity inside it, which has helped her knock out 8 of her 10 opponents.
In her last effort, Kaufman earned a unanimous judges' decision over Shayna "The Queen of Spades" Baszler during the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event at Kent Washington's ShoWare Center on June 19, 2009.
The 32 year old Hashi of Honbu, Tokyo is a former champion of Japan's Smackgirl MMA promotion.
Since suffering the only defeat of her career to Hitomi Akano on August 17, 2005, Hashi has reeled off eight straight victories, including a revenge win over Akano on September 6, 2007.
In other action, James Terry (7-1) of San Jose will square off with Tarec Saffiedine (7-2) of Temecula, California in a welterweight (170 pounds) bout while Raul Castillo (6-0) of Half Moon Bay, California will face fellow unbeaten middleweight Yancy Medeiros (4-0) of Waianae, Hawaii.
San Jose Civic Auditorium doors will open for the STRIKEFORCE event at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first preliminary bout will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the first main card bout will begin at 8.00 p.m.
The live SHOWTIME® telecast of the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event will begin at 11 p.m. E.T./P.T. (delayed on the west coast).
STRIKEFORCE in March 2009 signed a multi-year agreement to stage live MMA events on premium cable television network SHOWTIME. The promotion made its live, primetime debut on CBS with the "Fedor vs. Rogers" mega-fight that it co-promoted with M-1 Global on Saturday, November 7 and generated 5.46 million viewers for the main event between the world's number one heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko, and superstar Brett "The Grim" Rogers.
STRIKEFORCE Challengers is a proving ground for up-and-coming MMA fighters. The series is designed to provide today's top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised ev... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/21/trevor-prangley-to-face-karl-amoussou-in-main-event-when-strikeforce-challengers-series-hits-san-jose-feb-26/
Undefeated power puncher Sarah Kaufman (10-0) will challenge Japan's Takayo Hashi (12-1) in the first STRIKEFORCE women's world bantamweight (135 pounds) championship matchup in history while Luke Rockhold (6-1), one of MMA's brightest up and comers, will take on Paul Bradley (12-1) at middleweight.
Tickets for the first STRIKEFORCE Challengers event of 2010, priced from $30, go on sale at 10 a.m. PT tomorrow/Friday, January 22 at The San Jose Civic Auditorium box office, Ticketmaster (800-745-3000) and online at Ticketmaster.com and STRIKEFORCE.com.
Since 1993 when STRIKEFORCE was founded as a kickboxing series, The San Jose Civic Auditorium has played host to numerous events produced by the organization that more recently emerged a leading promoter of MMA contests.
Prangley, a former national wrestling champion for South Africa who ventured to The United States years ago in order to further his wrestling career, will put on the line a five fight win streak that began with his unanimous judges' decision victory over Anthony Ruiz during STRIKEFORCE's event at the world famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California on September 20, 2008. The 37-year-old also finished as runner up in STRIKEFORCE's four man tournament, the first sanctioned single elimination MMA event in California state history, on November 16, 2007.
The 24-year-old Amoussou, known for his devastating knockout power and unorthodox fighting style, hails from France and is an expert in Judo as well as Savate. He brings a three fight win streak with him to the STRIKEFORCE cage.
Kaufman is a 24-year-old former professional ballet dancer who stumbled upon MMA after a martial arts school opened underneath her dance studio in Victoria, Canada. Her mellow demeanor outside the cage is a stark contrast to her ferocity inside it, which has helped her knock out 8 of her 10 opponents.
In her last effort, Kaufman earned a unanimous judges' decision over Shayna "The Queen of Spades" Baszler during the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event at Kent Washington's ShoWare Center on June 19, 2009.
The 32 year old Hashi of Honbu, Tokyo is a former champion of Japan's Smackgirl MMA promotion.
Since suffering the only defeat of her career to Hitomi Akano on August 17, 2005, Hashi has reeled off eight straight victories, including a revenge win over Akano on September 6, 2007.
In other action, James Terry (7-1) of San Jose will square off with Tarec Saffiedine (7-2) of Temecula, California in a welterweight (170 pounds) bout while Raul Castillo (6-0) of Half Moon Bay, California will face fellow unbeaten middleweight Yancy Medeiros (4-0) of Waianae, Hawaii.
San Jose Civic Auditorium doors will open for the STRIKEFORCE event at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first preliminary bout will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the first main card bout will begin at 8.00 p.m.
The live SHOWTIME® telecast of the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event will begin at 11 p.m. E.T./P.T. (delayed on the west coast).
STRIKEFORCE in March 2009 signed a multi-year agreement to stage live MMA events on premium cable television network SHOWTIME. The promotion made its live, primetime debut on CBS with the "Fedor vs. Rogers" mega-fight that it co-promoted with M-1 Global on Saturday, November 7 and generated 5.46 million viewers for the main event between the world's number one heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko, and superstar Brett "The Grim" Rogers.
STRIKEFORCE Challengers is a proving ground for up-and-coming MMA fighters. The series is designed to provide today's top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised ev... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/21/trevor-prangley-to-face-karl-amoussou-in-main-event-when-strikeforce-challengers-series-hits-san-jose-feb-26/
[Blog] Mike "The Hulk" Easton set for February 20 bout at "Gameness Fighting Championship VI" in Nashville, Te...: [caption id="attachment_34081" align="alignleft" width="186" caption="Photo courtesy of Sherdog.com"][/caption]
One of MMA's top bantamweights, Mike "The Hulk" Easton (9-1) is coming to Nashville, Tenn. on Feb. 20 to fight Tom Ahrens (10-6) in the "Gameness Fighting Championship VI" co-main event. Easton is the current UWC Bantamweight Champion and a BJJ black belt under Master Lloyd Irvin.
Easton is currently on a five-fight win streak with his most recent win being a highly controversial split decision over Chase Beebe. The bout was even changed to a "no decision" for a time until Virginia's regulatory body decided the original decision would stand.
Ahrens is a submission expert, and has been fighting professionally for seven years. He will no doubt be looking to get back on the winning track, as he is coming off a third round doctor stoppage loss against Travis Perzynski at Extreme Challenge 127 last May.
GFC 6 is stacking up to be Gameness Fighting Championship's most impressive card to date. With eight professional fights so far confirmed and over 15 amateur fights scheduled, Nashville fans are in for one giant night of mixed martial arts action.
Other pro fighters lined up for GFC 6 include UFC veteran Josh Schockman, James Hall, Dustin West, Cory Alexander, Timothy (Rashad) Woods, and several fighters making their pro debut. Although not yet definite, Sengoku, Bellator, and Elite XC veteran, Dave "Pee Wee" Herman is being rumored for the main event.
By: Jack Brat... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/21/mike-the-hulk-easton-set-for-february-20-bout-at-gameness-fighting-championship-vi-in-nashville-tenn/
One of MMA's top bantamweights, Mike "The Hulk" Easton (9-1) is coming to Nashville, Tenn. on Feb. 20 to fight Tom Ahrens (10-6) in the "Gameness Fighting Championship VI" co-main event. Easton is the current UWC Bantamweight Champion and a BJJ black belt under Master Lloyd Irvin.
Easton is currently on a five-fight win streak with his most recent win being a highly controversial split decision over Chase Beebe. The bout was even changed to a "no decision" for a time until Virginia's regulatory body decided the original decision would stand.
Ahrens is a submission expert, and has been fighting professionally for seven years. He will no doubt be looking to get back on the winning track, as he is coming off a third round doctor stoppage loss against Travis Perzynski at Extreme Challenge 127 last May.
GFC 6 is stacking up to be Gameness Fighting Championship's most impressive card to date. With eight professional fights so far confirmed and over 15 amateur fights scheduled, Nashville fans are in for one giant night of mixed martial arts action.
Other pro fighters lined up for GFC 6 include UFC veteran Josh Schockman, James Hall, Dustin West, Cory Alexander, Timothy (Rashad) Woods, and several fighters making their pro debut. Although not yet definite, Sengoku, Bellator, and Elite XC veteran, Dave "Pee Wee" Herman is being rumored for the main event.
By: Jack Brat... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/21/mike-the-hulk-easton-set-for-february-20-bout-at-gameness-fighting-championship-vi-in-nashville-tenn/
[Blog] Nick Diaz, Marius Zaromskis, Cris Cyborg, and Marloes Coenen conference call highlig...: Superstar Nick Diaz, DREAM Welterweight Champion Marius "The Whitemare" Zaromskis, STRIKEFORCE 145 pound Women's Champion Cris Cyborg, and submission expert Marloes Coenen discussed the upcoming STRIKEFORCE MIAMI mixed martial arts (MMA) fights scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., LIVE on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
The 26-year-old Diaz (20-7), a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and native of Stockton, Calif, will take on DREAM welterweight (170 pounds) champ Zaromskis (13-3) in the main event and first STRIKEFORCE welterweight championship bout in history. Diaz, who will put a five fight win streak on the line, is making his first start since he submitted hard-hitting Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith on June 6, 2009. The highly explosive, 29-year-old Zaromskis, who hails from Siauliai, Lithuania, has won his last three fights on first-round knockouts via head kick.
STRIKEFORCE 145-pound women's champion Cyborg (8-1) will defend her crown against submission expert Coenen (17-3). Cyborg made history on Aug. 15, 2009 when the 24-year-old native of Brazil stopped superstar Gina Carano with a punishing barrage of strikes in the first round of their meeting to become the first-ever STRIKEFORCE women's champion. The long-awaited showdown between Carano and Cyborg also marked the first women's main event in the history of any major MMA promotion.
The 28-year-old Coenen, a member of Holland's Team Golden Glory and mixed martial artist since the age of 14, made a successful STRIKEFORCE debut and avenged one of her three career defeats by overpowering and submitting Roxanne Modafferi with an armbar in the first round (1:05) on November 7, 2009.
Also on the STRIKEFORCE: MIAMI card, football legend Herschel Walker will make his professional MMA debut as he begins the next stage of his athletic career against once beaten Greg Nagy. Undefeated heavyweight Bobby Lashley (4-0) will face an opponent to be announced.
What the athletes had to say on Wednesday's call:
What's it like dropping back down to 170?
NICK DIAZ: "I'm very happy to fight at that weight. I look the best at that weight. I like it, I feel the best at that weight. I've been waiting for a long time to fight in here at this weight class. Those last two fights weren't my idea. I've fought at welterweight most of my life, so this isn't a new thing to me. I'm happy to fight at welterweight."
A lot of people feel like you jumped ahead of the line for a title shot against Nick Diaz. What are your thoughts on that?
MARIUS ZAROMSKIS: "Well, I don't really think much of it. They told me to fight, so I'm fighting."
Jay Hieron thinks you're trying to duck him. Do you have a response to that?
DIAZ: "Ditto. I'm just fighting who they want me to fight. Whatever. That's how it is. I'm just fighting who they want me to fight. I try not to open my mouth.
Do you anticipate that matchup happening at some point?
DIAZ: "I'm ready to fight anybody. If they can make it, then let's do it. I'm ready to fight Jay Hieron and everybody in this weight class to get to the top. Whatever, I'll do it."
Cris, you beat Gina Carano, who was the face of women's MMA fighting. I guess now you are the face of women's MMA fighting. Do you like that role?
CRIS CYBORG: "I wasn't thinking about who is the face of MMA when I fought Gina. Gina was just another opponent like anyone else. With me being the face of women's MMA or not, I'm just going over there and doing my job, making sure I'm training hard and leading up the pack for all women in MMA."
I read that she was thinking about posing in "Playboy." Is that true or not? Also, that video of you choking out a reporter, was that real?
CYBORG: "The Playboy thing, I was literally horrified one morning when I found out everyone found out about it. I'd prefer not to talk about that right now and just focus on my fight. With the video thing, the reporter actually asked to see how strong I was and he wanted me to choke him out, so I did it."
Is there too much of an emphasis on appearance and looks in women's MMA coverage and what do you think it will take to get beyond that?
CYBORG: "It's just like with anything else that women do, their appearance is very important. However, it's not what's going to make you win a fight or not. It is your talent and what you're doing in the ring that matters the most. I hope we move past that."
MARLOES COENEN: "I agree with Cris. I think it's because it's just a young sport and people don't understand it's a sport that everyone can do. Women can do it, men can do it and you can start at a young age. With women, we're always judged by our appearance, and you see that in tennis with (Anna) Kournikova. It's almost like Gina is the Kournikova of MMA. I hope there will be girls out there and our level of fighting will increase that much where people talk about our fighting skills instead of the beauty that we do or do not have."
You mentioned it's a sport anyone can do, do you see boys and girls getting into this sport at a young age?
COENEN: "I'm from the Netherlands, and MMA is getting way more popular every year. You see children doing fights at 8-years-old or 10-years-old, so by the time they're 16 they've got like 50 fights under their belt."
And that's for boys and girls,
COENEN: "Yeah, yeah, yeah."
Nick and Marius, can you both assess your opponent's strengths and weakness?
DIAZ: "I think he's a good fighter, whatever. Anybody who is willing to fight at this level is a good fighter."
ZAROMSKIS: "I think Nick is a very well rounded fighter. He has strengths in both boxing and grappling, just all around. I think it's going to be a very tough fight for me. As far as how the fight will go or what I'll be able to do, I don't want to predict that. We'll just have to see it in the ring."
Nick, after the problems that arose on the STRIKEFORCE: Carano vs. Cyborg card, would you ever consider fighting in California again?
DIAZ: "I didn't know there were any problems. I'll fight wherever."
Marius, despite being the DREAM Champion, Jay Hieron turned down a fight with you because he said you have little name recognition. Do you feel vindicated that STRIKEFORCE offered you a title shot?
ZAROMSKIS: "I don't really care if I'm vindicated or not, because I don't pay attention to that. I feel that a fighter should fight whoever they put in front of you, whether he's famous or not. If Jay Hieron doesn't feel that I'm famous enough to fight him, then I guess he'll just have to wait until I get famous and I'll fight him."
Marius, is there a timeframe on when you'll return and defend your DREAM title?
ZAROMSKIS: "No, right now I don't know."
Cris, what is your ultimate goal in MMA?
CYBORG: "I'm already married, I already have a good life. I want to build a family, not right now though whatsoever. In the future, hopefully. I just want to continue fighting and continue to hold my belt as long as I can. I want to make sure I continue to get better and train harder, and eventually build a team, have students fight, have a regular mixed martial arts career."
Your style is very aggressive, how would you describe your personality?
CYBORG: "It would surprise you, but on a daily basis I am sometimes pretty aggressive. I'm a person that likes to have goals and looks towards the goals and achieve them. I'm calm some days, aggressive some days. I have a varying personality, but I definitely set my goals high and I like to do whatever it takes to achieve them."
Marius, can you talk about your finishes in your last few fights (KO head kicks)? Is that something you go for?
ZAROMSKIS: "I don't really look for a high kick, because when you look for something you end up being the one who's getting knocked out. If I see it there in a split second I'll take advantage of it. If it's not there then I'll use some other weapons. But, I do not look for a high kick."
Why are your high kicks so effective?
ZAROMSKIS: "I kick (inaudible) a lot with my legs, so I've got power in it."
Did you look up to Mirko Cro Cop at all? Or is your style completely independent?
ZAROMSKIS: "I was doing high kicks before. I'm not trying to imitate Mirko, I'm not inspired by Mirko. But, Mirko has a very devastating high kick, so if there's something I could learn from him I definitely wouldn't mind."
Are you always constantly looking to do different things?
ZAROMSKIS: "It's not something I look for, I just kind of do it. In a way, it kind of energizes me. I just do it for myself, but I guess fans find it interesting. I'm not doing it to be entertaining in a fight, I just do it to energize myself."
Cris and Marloes, what do you expect to see in the ring?
CYBORG: "I don't really think much about what's going to happen. I just go in prepared for whatever comes. She can bring it, so hopefully she'll be prepared for war, too."
COENEN: "It will be a tough fight because Cris is an amazing athlete, a real powerhouse. I know that everything I do is good. My standup is OK, my ground game is OK. I really think we'll both bring it and go toe-to-toe and give the audience what they're expecting."
What are your thoughts on the future of women's MMA?
COENEN: "Well, my goal is that I hope I never have to do office work again. I just want to stay a professional athlete. It's very important that women start fighting. When I grew up, it wasn't an option for a girl to fight. There was some judo, but not too much around here. I think it really helps women. If you start fighting, you feel stronger in your mind and physically you're stronger than you thought you were. That will help you in daily life. I just think it's very important that we have some messengers like Gina, like Cris and, hopefully, myself that will inspire women to do it, to think that ‘if they can do it, I can do it,' and start working out."
CYBORG: "Every woman that's working with MMA right now and every woman that's fighting plays a very important role in the sport and where the sport is going to take them. I really hope that I have a lot of fans out there and I hope to train little Cyborgs all over the world. I'm just excited to be part of it."
Cyborg, do you look at this as a nationalistic battle (Brazil vs. Netherlands), or is this just one women against another?
CYBORG: "I look at Marloes as a fighter and as a woman. I look at her as just another person competing with me and trying to take my belt away. Basically, I'm always defending my country no matter where I'm fighting, so I'm always defending the flag."
Nick, do you get sucked into the challenge of trying to beat people at their own game?
DIAZ: "No, I just do it all, you know. I try to take the easiest direction. A lot of times, it's easier to beat (inaudible) than it has been in the past. I'll just do whatever it takes."
Marius, what do you plan on doing to minimize the reach that Nick has with his punches?
ZAROMSKIS: "As far as Nick's reach, Nick obviously has a reach advantage because he's taller. But, I don't feel like the height difference is so drastic between the two of us to really worry about it too much. Of course, I'm concerned about the reach and I have some plans to address that. It's not like I'm 5 foot 6 and he's 6 foot 9. I think it's something I can handle."
Marloes, can you talk about what it would mean for you to win this title?
COENEN: "Winning the title? I won my first title in the ‘90s in Tokyo, and ever since then I haven't got a nice title. I'm very eager to get this title. I hope it's a good start to my career in America."
Worldwide, what do you think your profile is? Do you want to be as well known as Gina and Cris?
COENEN: "To be honest, I don't think I'm on the same level as Gina and Cris are, but I hope this fight will change that."
Do you think people would consider it an upset if you were to win?
COENEN: "I don't know. I know I'm considered the underdog, but I think hardcore MMA fans know what I can do and what I'm capable of. I hope that my last fight was a demonstration of that. To be honest, I don't really care what people think. I will show them in the cage."
How would you have to win this fight?
COENEN: "Differently. I know people are really focusing on my ground game, but I know my standup is really good and my striking is really OK because I dropped Roxanne (Modafferi) with one punch and I've KO'd girls before with just one punch. I know my standup is OK and I know Cris will find out about it."
Nick, is there any different preparation for you going into a championship fight?
DIAZ: "I do extra pushups and I run extra miles. I kick the heavy bag a lot, a lot. I just do the best I can. I learn more and more as I go. I've been doing this for a long time, I've got the same partners, so we're always working on new things together. I'm just getting good help by Jake Shields and Gilbert Melendez and my brother, everybody training for this fight."
Marius, have you been working on anything specifically on the ground because Nick has a big advantage in that department.
ZAROMSKIS: "I've prepared as well as I can on the ground because Nick has a superior ground game. But, this is MMA, this is not kickboxing. I train in all of it. I train in grappling, the fighting, the wrestling, the same for all fighters. I pretty much do everything my trainers tell me to do. If they say do more ground, I do more ground. If they say do more standup, I do more standup."
Cris, how do you feel Marloes stacks up as an opponent as compared to Gina Carano?
CYBORG: "I don't really compare any other opponents at all. I basically take each fight individually and look at whatever issues come up."
Marloes, based on your style, as more of a ground oriented fighter, do you think a five round fight benefits you?
COENEN: "I don't consider myself as a ground fighter. I consider myself as a complete MMA fighter. I'm training for a fight, I'm training for five-five minute rounds. I'm ready for everything."
Cris, how has your life changed since you beat Gina Carano?
CYBORG: "Regardless of being a women or not, a belt changes any athlete's life. The athlete's goal is to get a belt, I got the belt. It would have changed it regardless. Life has changed for the positive and I'm happy with it."
Marloes, are you looking forward to a standup fight with Cris? Do you think it will go five rounds?
COENEN: "I don't think it will go five rounds at all, because of the person she is and the person I am. If you put that together, it will not go to the fifth round at all."
Do you train with other women, or do you just train with men?
CYBORG: "I only train with men. I usually hurt the women."
COENEN: "For me, I usually train with men because there are not that many good women that do MMA here."
Marloes, this fight was supposed to happen a year ago. Has the extra time off helped you prepare more?
COENEN: "No, I'm always ready to fight. I was ready a year ago and I'm even more ready now."
Cyborg, Strikeforce recently announced a women's tournament at 135 and 145 pounds. What are your thoughts on that?
CYBORG: "I'm definitely going to analyze all the girls from different divisions, up and down to see who's coming near me. It's going to be very fun for the sport to have other divisions and other bel... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/21/nick-diaz-marius-zaromskis-cris-cyborg-and-marloes-coenen-conference-call-highlights/
The 26-year-old Diaz (20-7), a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and native of Stockton, Calif, will take on DREAM welterweight (170 pounds) champ Zaromskis (13-3) in the main event and first STRIKEFORCE welterweight championship bout in history. Diaz, who will put a five fight win streak on the line, is making his first start since he submitted hard-hitting Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith on June 6, 2009. The highly explosive, 29-year-old Zaromskis, who hails from Siauliai, Lithuania, has won his last three fights on first-round knockouts via head kick.
STRIKEFORCE 145-pound women's champion Cyborg (8-1) will defend her crown against submission expert Coenen (17-3). Cyborg made history on Aug. 15, 2009 when the 24-year-old native of Brazil stopped superstar Gina Carano with a punishing barrage of strikes in the first round of their meeting to become the first-ever STRIKEFORCE women's champion. The long-awaited showdown between Carano and Cyborg also marked the first women's main event in the history of any major MMA promotion.
The 28-year-old Coenen, a member of Holland's Team Golden Glory and mixed martial artist since the age of 14, made a successful STRIKEFORCE debut and avenged one of her three career defeats by overpowering and submitting Roxanne Modafferi with an armbar in the first round (1:05) on November 7, 2009.
Also on the STRIKEFORCE: MIAMI card, football legend Herschel Walker will make his professional MMA debut as he begins the next stage of his athletic career against once beaten Greg Nagy. Undefeated heavyweight Bobby Lashley (4-0) will face an opponent to be announced.
What the athletes had to say on Wednesday's call:
What's it like dropping back down to 170?
NICK DIAZ: "I'm very happy to fight at that weight. I look the best at that weight. I like it, I feel the best at that weight. I've been waiting for a long time to fight in here at this weight class. Those last two fights weren't my idea. I've fought at welterweight most of my life, so this isn't a new thing to me. I'm happy to fight at welterweight."
A lot of people feel like you jumped ahead of the line for a title shot against Nick Diaz. What are your thoughts on that?
MARIUS ZAROMSKIS: "Well, I don't really think much of it. They told me to fight, so I'm fighting."
Jay Hieron thinks you're trying to duck him. Do you have a response to that?
DIAZ: "Ditto. I'm just fighting who they want me to fight. Whatever. That's how it is. I'm just fighting who they want me to fight. I try not to open my mouth.
Do you anticipate that matchup happening at some point?
DIAZ: "I'm ready to fight anybody. If they can make it, then let's do it. I'm ready to fight Jay Hieron and everybody in this weight class to get to the top. Whatever, I'll do it."
Cris, you beat Gina Carano, who was the face of women's MMA fighting. I guess now you are the face of women's MMA fighting. Do you like that role?
CRIS CYBORG: "I wasn't thinking about who is the face of MMA when I fought Gina. Gina was just another opponent like anyone else. With me being the face of women's MMA or not, I'm just going over there and doing my job, making sure I'm training hard and leading up the pack for all women in MMA."
I read that she was thinking about posing in "Playboy." Is that true or not? Also, that video of you choking out a reporter, was that real?
CYBORG: "The Playboy thing, I was literally horrified one morning when I found out everyone found out about it. I'd prefer not to talk about that right now and just focus on my fight. With the video thing, the reporter actually asked to see how strong I was and he wanted me to choke him out, so I did it."
Is there too much of an emphasis on appearance and looks in women's MMA coverage and what do you think it will take to get beyond that?
CYBORG: "It's just like with anything else that women do, their appearance is very important. However, it's not what's going to make you win a fight or not. It is your talent and what you're doing in the ring that matters the most. I hope we move past that."
MARLOES COENEN: "I agree with Cris. I think it's because it's just a young sport and people don't understand it's a sport that everyone can do. Women can do it, men can do it and you can start at a young age. With women, we're always judged by our appearance, and you see that in tennis with (Anna) Kournikova. It's almost like Gina is the Kournikova of MMA. I hope there will be girls out there and our level of fighting will increase that much where people talk about our fighting skills instead of the beauty that we do or do not have."
You mentioned it's a sport anyone can do, do you see boys and girls getting into this sport at a young age?
COENEN: "I'm from the Netherlands, and MMA is getting way more popular every year. You see children doing fights at 8-years-old or 10-years-old, so by the time they're 16 they've got like 50 fights under their belt."
And that's for boys and girls,
COENEN: "Yeah, yeah, yeah."
Nick and Marius, can you both assess your opponent's strengths and weakness?
DIAZ: "I think he's a good fighter, whatever. Anybody who is willing to fight at this level is a good fighter."
ZAROMSKIS: "I think Nick is a very well rounded fighter. He has strengths in both boxing and grappling, just all around. I think it's going to be a very tough fight for me. As far as how the fight will go or what I'll be able to do, I don't want to predict that. We'll just have to see it in the ring."
Nick, after the problems that arose on the STRIKEFORCE: Carano vs. Cyborg card, would you ever consider fighting in California again?
DIAZ: "I didn't know there were any problems. I'll fight wherever."
Marius, despite being the DREAM Champion, Jay Hieron turned down a fight with you because he said you have little name recognition. Do you feel vindicated that STRIKEFORCE offered you a title shot?
ZAROMSKIS: "I don't really care if I'm vindicated or not, because I don't pay attention to that. I feel that a fighter should fight whoever they put in front of you, whether he's famous or not. If Jay Hieron doesn't feel that I'm famous enough to fight him, then I guess he'll just have to wait until I get famous and I'll fight him."
Marius, is there a timeframe on when you'll return and defend your DREAM title?
ZAROMSKIS: "No, right now I don't know."
Cris, what is your ultimate goal in MMA?
CYBORG: "I'm already married, I already have a good life. I want to build a family, not right now though whatsoever. In the future, hopefully. I just want to continue fighting and continue to hold my belt as long as I can. I want to make sure I continue to get better and train harder, and eventually build a team, have students fight, have a regular mixed martial arts career."
Your style is very aggressive, how would you describe your personality?
CYBORG: "It would surprise you, but on a daily basis I am sometimes pretty aggressive. I'm a person that likes to have goals and looks towards the goals and achieve them. I'm calm some days, aggressive some days. I have a varying personality, but I definitely set my goals high and I like to do whatever it takes to achieve them."
Marius, can you talk about your finishes in your last few fights (KO head kicks)? Is that something you go for?
ZAROMSKIS: "I don't really look for a high kick, because when you look for something you end up being the one who's getting knocked out. If I see it there in a split second I'll take advantage of it. If it's not there then I'll use some other weapons. But, I do not look for a high kick."
Why are your high kicks so effective?
ZAROMSKIS: "I kick (inaudible) a lot with my legs, so I've got power in it."
Did you look up to Mirko Cro Cop at all? Or is your style completely independent?
ZAROMSKIS: "I was doing high kicks before. I'm not trying to imitate Mirko, I'm not inspired by Mirko. But, Mirko has a very devastating high kick, so if there's something I could learn from him I definitely wouldn't mind."
Are you always constantly looking to do different things?
ZAROMSKIS: "It's not something I look for, I just kind of do it. In a way, it kind of energizes me. I just do it for myself, but I guess fans find it interesting. I'm not doing it to be entertaining in a fight, I just do it to energize myself."
Cris and Marloes, what do you expect to see in the ring?
CYBORG: "I don't really think much about what's going to happen. I just go in prepared for whatever comes. She can bring it, so hopefully she'll be prepared for war, too."
COENEN: "It will be a tough fight because Cris is an amazing athlete, a real powerhouse. I know that everything I do is good. My standup is OK, my ground game is OK. I really think we'll both bring it and go toe-to-toe and give the audience what they're expecting."
What are your thoughts on the future of women's MMA?
COENEN: "Well, my goal is that I hope I never have to do office work again. I just want to stay a professional athlete. It's very important that women start fighting. When I grew up, it wasn't an option for a girl to fight. There was some judo, but not too much around here. I think it really helps women. If you start fighting, you feel stronger in your mind and physically you're stronger than you thought you were. That will help you in daily life. I just think it's very important that we have some messengers like Gina, like Cris and, hopefully, myself that will inspire women to do it, to think that ‘if they can do it, I can do it,' and start working out."
CYBORG: "Every woman that's working with MMA right now and every woman that's fighting plays a very important role in the sport and where the sport is going to take them. I really hope that I have a lot of fans out there and I hope to train little Cyborgs all over the world. I'm just excited to be part of it."
Cyborg, do you look at this as a nationalistic battle (Brazil vs. Netherlands), or is this just one women against another?
CYBORG: "I look at Marloes as a fighter and as a woman. I look at her as just another person competing with me and trying to take my belt away. Basically, I'm always defending my country no matter where I'm fighting, so I'm always defending the flag."
Nick, do you get sucked into the challenge of trying to beat people at their own game?
DIAZ: "No, I just do it all, you know. I try to take the easiest direction. A lot of times, it's easier to beat (inaudible) than it has been in the past. I'll just do whatever it takes."
Marius, what do you plan on doing to minimize the reach that Nick has with his punches?
ZAROMSKIS: "As far as Nick's reach, Nick obviously has a reach advantage because he's taller. But, I don't feel like the height difference is so drastic between the two of us to really worry about it too much. Of course, I'm concerned about the reach and I have some plans to address that. It's not like I'm 5 foot 6 and he's 6 foot 9. I think it's something I can handle."
Marloes, can you talk about what it would mean for you to win this title?
COENEN: "Winning the title? I won my first title in the ‘90s in Tokyo, and ever since then I haven't got a nice title. I'm very eager to get this title. I hope it's a good start to my career in America."
Worldwide, what do you think your profile is? Do you want to be as well known as Gina and Cris?
COENEN: "To be honest, I don't think I'm on the same level as Gina and Cris are, but I hope this fight will change that."
Do you think people would consider it an upset if you were to win?
COENEN: "I don't know. I know I'm considered the underdog, but I think hardcore MMA fans know what I can do and what I'm capable of. I hope that my last fight was a demonstration of that. To be honest, I don't really care what people think. I will show them in the cage."
How would you have to win this fight?
COENEN: "Differently. I know people are really focusing on my ground game, but I know my standup is really good and my striking is really OK because I dropped Roxanne (Modafferi) with one punch and I've KO'd girls before with just one punch. I know my standup is OK and I know Cris will find out about it."
Nick, is there any different preparation for you going into a championship fight?
DIAZ: "I do extra pushups and I run extra miles. I kick the heavy bag a lot, a lot. I just do the best I can. I learn more and more as I go. I've been doing this for a long time, I've got the same partners, so we're always working on new things together. I'm just getting good help by Jake Shields and Gilbert Melendez and my brother, everybody training for this fight."
Marius, have you been working on anything specifically on the ground because Nick has a big advantage in that department.
ZAROMSKIS: "I've prepared as well as I can on the ground because Nick has a superior ground game. But, this is MMA, this is not kickboxing. I train in all of it. I train in grappling, the fighting, the wrestling, the same for all fighters. I pretty much do everything my trainers tell me to do. If they say do more ground, I do more ground. If they say do more standup, I do more standup."
Cris, how do you feel Marloes stacks up as an opponent as compared to Gina Carano?
CYBORG: "I don't really compare any other opponents at all. I basically take each fight individually and look at whatever issues come up."
Marloes, based on your style, as more of a ground oriented fighter, do you think a five round fight benefits you?
COENEN: "I don't consider myself as a ground fighter. I consider myself as a complete MMA fighter. I'm training for a fight, I'm training for five-five minute rounds. I'm ready for everything."
Cris, how has your life changed since you beat Gina Carano?
CYBORG: "Regardless of being a women or not, a belt changes any athlete's life. The athlete's goal is to get a belt, I got the belt. It would have changed it regardless. Life has changed for the positive and I'm happy with it."
Marloes, are you looking forward to a standup fight with Cris? Do you think it will go five rounds?
COENEN: "I don't think it will go five rounds at all, because of the person she is and the person I am. If you put that together, it will not go to the fifth round at all."
Do you train with other women, or do you just train with men?
CYBORG: "I only train with men. I usually hurt the women."
COENEN: "For me, I usually train with men because there are not that many good women that do MMA here."
Marloes, this fight was supposed to happen a year ago. Has the extra time off helped you prepare more?
COENEN: "No, I'm always ready to fight. I was ready a year ago and I'm even more ready now."
Cyborg, Strikeforce recently announced a women's tournament at 135 and 145 pounds. What are your thoughts on that?
CYBORG: "I'm definitely going to analyze all the girls from different divisions, up and down to see who's coming near me. It's going to be very fun for the sport to have other divisions and other bel... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/21/nick-diaz-marius-zaromskis-cris-cyborg-and-marloes-coenen-conference-call-highlights/
[Blog] Former Olympian, Ju...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/21/former-olympian-judo-master-ferrid-kheder-signs-with-bellator/
[Blog] Matt Serra discus...: M... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/21/matt-serra-discusses-upcoming-ufc-109-fight-against-frank-trigg/
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
[Blog] High-temp card to rock MFC 24: Heat XC...: The Ma... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/20/high-temp-card-to-rock-mfc-24-heat-xc/
[Blog] Highlights fro...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/20/highlights-from-wednesdays-media-conference-call-with-brock-lesnar/
[Blog] Brock Lesnar ann...: A... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/20/brock-lesnar-announces-octagon-return-on-espn-sportscenter-video/
[Blog] Prangley vs. Amoussou...: O... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/20/prangley-vs-amoussou-to-headline-strikeforce-challengers-vi/
[Blog] ProMMA.info exclusive...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/20/prommainfo-exclusive-interview-chris-the-professional-davis/
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
[Blog] UFC Gym in Concord to host Grand Opening this Saturday - full schedule of activiti...: Concord, Calif. (USA) - In what is shaping up to be a can't-miss event for fitness enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans alike, the first ever UFC® GYMTM will host its official Grand Opening this Saturday at 10AM PST. The flagship facility, which is located on 1975 Diamond Boulevard in Concord, will feature a star-studded lineup at the Grand Opening, including UFC President Dana White, UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell, as well as New Evolution Fitness Company (NEFC) founders and UFC Gym partners Mark Mastrov and Jim Rowley.
The Grand Opening will be preceded by a press conference at 9:30AM for media, as well as select members of the UFC Fight Club. Following the press conference, UFC Gym will be loaded with a day full of special demonstrations and autograph sessions featuring UFC fighters, as well as giveaways including UFC Gym prize packages and a trip to UFC 109.
UFC superstar Brandon Vera will give a TRX demonstration at the Grand Opening, while fellow fighters Anthony Johnson, Jon Fitch, Mike Swick, Josh Koscheck, and Cain Velasquez will sign autographs throughout the day. To top it off, UFC ring girl Arianny Celeste will also be in attendance. All in all, the official Grand Opening is further proof that UFC Gym is committed to motivating fitness enthusiasts and encouraging them to tackle exercise in a whole new way.
"The Grand Opening of UFC Gym in Concord is our way of showing everyone that our facility is second-to-none," NEFC CEO/co-founder Jim Rowley said, adding that UFC Gym fitness experts will be available all day Saturday to provide tours of the facility and answer membership/fitness questions. "We are dedicated to creating an atmosphere that inspires results and allows our members to approach fitness in a positive manner. Saturday is the first of many unique experiences that we plan to create for our members."
"We are really excited to host the Grand Opening," said UFC President Dana White, who will be kicking off the day by addressing the public at 10:30am. "UFC Gyms are raising the bar in the fitness world and we want people to come out and see it for themselves this weekend."
The full schedule for the Grand Opening, which will also feature a variety of vendors such as Harley Davidson, BSN, and Coke/Powerade, is available below. For more information on UFC Gyms, please visit UFCgyms.com.
GRAND OPENING FULL SCHEDULE
(Times Subject to Change)
9:30-10:30AM Press Conference featuring Dana White, Mark Mastrov and Jim Rowley.
(PRESS ONLY)
10:00AM Grand Opening Expo Officially Begins
10:15AM-10:30AM Kids Demonstration
10:30AM-11:15AM UFC Gym Grand Opening Expo Kickoff featuring Dana White, Mark Mastrov, Jim Rowley, followed by prize giveaway.
11:15AM-1:00PM Autograph Signing - Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck
12:45PM-2:30PM Autograph Signing - Mike Swick
12:45PM-1PM TRX Demonstration - Brandon Vera
1:05PM-1:20PM Kids Demonstration
1:25PM-1:40PM MMA/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Demonstration
1:45PM-2:00PM Group Fitness Demonstration - Zumba, Jump Rope
2:05PM-2:20PM Personal Training Demonstration
2:30PM-2:45PM Prize Giveaway
2:45PM-4:45PM Autograph Signing - Anthony Johnson and Cain Velasquez
2:45PM-3:00PM TRX Demonstration
3:05PM-3:20PM Kids Demonstration
3:25PM-3:40PM MMA/Muay Thai Demonstration
3:45PM-4:00PM Group Fitness Demonstration - Kickboxing
4:05PM-4:20PM Personal Training Demonstration
4:45PM-5:00PM Prize Giveaways
5:00PM Grand Opening Concl... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/20/ufc-gym-in-concord-to-host-grand-opening-this-saturday-full-schedule-of-activities/
The Grand Opening will be preceded by a press conference at 9:30AM for media, as well as select members of the UFC Fight Club. Following the press conference, UFC Gym will be loaded with a day full of special demonstrations and autograph sessions featuring UFC fighters, as well as giveaways including UFC Gym prize packages and a trip to UFC 109.
UFC superstar Brandon Vera will give a TRX demonstration at the Grand Opening, while fellow fighters Anthony Johnson, Jon Fitch, Mike Swick, Josh Koscheck, and Cain Velasquez will sign autographs throughout the day. To top it off, UFC ring girl Arianny Celeste will also be in attendance. All in all, the official Grand Opening is further proof that UFC Gym is committed to motivating fitness enthusiasts and encouraging them to tackle exercise in a whole new way.
"The Grand Opening of UFC Gym in Concord is our way of showing everyone that our facility is second-to-none," NEFC CEO/co-founder Jim Rowley said, adding that UFC Gym fitness experts will be available all day Saturday to provide tours of the facility and answer membership/fitness questions. "We are dedicated to creating an atmosphere that inspires results and allows our members to approach fitness in a positive manner. Saturday is the first of many unique experiences that we plan to create for our members."
"We are really excited to host the Grand Opening," said UFC President Dana White, who will be kicking off the day by addressing the public at 10:30am. "UFC Gyms are raising the bar in the fitness world and we want people to come out and see it for themselves this weekend."
The full schedule for the Grand Opening, which will also feature a variety of vendors such as Harley Davidson, BSN, and Coke/Powerade, is available below. For more information on UFC Gyms, please visit UFCgyms.com.
GRAND OPENING FULL SCHEDULE
(Times Subject to Change)
9:30-10:30AM Press Conference featuring Dana White, Mark Mastrov and Jim Rowley.
(PRESS ONLY)
10:00AM Grand Opening Expo Officially Begins
10:15AM-10:30AM Kids Demonstration
10:30AM-11:15AM UFC Gym Grand Opening Expo Kickoff featuring Dana White, Mark Mastrov, Jim Rowley, followed by prize giveaway.
11:15AM-1:00PM Autograph Signing - Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck
12:45PM-2:30PM Autograph Signing - Mike Swick
12:45PM-1PM TRX Demonstration - Brandon Vera
1:05PM-1:20PM Kids Demonstration
1:25PM-1:40PM MMA/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Demonstration
1:45PM-2:00PM Group Fitness Demonstration - Zumba, Jump Rope
2:05PM-2:20PM Personal Training Demonstration
2:30PM-2:45PM Prize Giveaway
2:45PM-4:45PM Autograph Signing - Anthony Johnson and Cain Velasquez
2:45PM-3:00PM TRX Demonstration
3:05PM-3:20PM Kids Demonstration
3:25PM-3:40PM MMA/Muay Thai Demonstration
3:45PM-4:00PM Group Fitness Demonstration - Kickboxing
4:05PM-4:20PM Personal Training Demonstration
4:45PM-5:00PM Prize Giveaways
5:00PM Grand Opening Concl... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/20/ufc-gym-in-concord-to-host-grand-opening-this-saturday-full-schedule-of-activities/
[Blog] The Cageside Beat Janua...: J... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/19/the-cageside-beat-january-21-2010-luke-and-charis-burrett/
[Blog] Breaking News Exc...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/19/breaking-news-exclusive-chad-corvin-signs-contract-with-the-ufc/
[Blog] NCAA Wrestling Wrap 1/11 - 1/18: [caption id="attachment_33... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/19/ncaa-wrestling-wrap-111-118/
[Blog] UFC Primetime goes behind-the-scenes for highly anticipated Georges St. Pierre vs. Dan Hardy mega-fi...: New York, NY, January 18, 2010 - In anticipation of their world welterweight title clash at UFC 111: ST-PIERRE vs. HARDY, UFC champion Georges St-Pierre and challenger Dan Hardy will be featured on UFC Primetime®, a weekly, three part series premiering Wednesday, March 10 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on Spike TV.
UFC Primetime, produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®), is a look into the lives of perhaps the world's best pound for pound fighter, St-Pierre, and Hardy, the man looking to unseat him at the top of the welterweight ladder.
As the two prepare for their meeting in late March, Spike TV will present three special weekly installments that will take viewers across the pond to Nottingham, England as Hardy trains with the rest of his Rough House team, and back to North America to Montreal to see how St-Pierre, one of the most beloved athletes in Canada, is preparing for his title defense.
UFC Primetime delivers an extraordinary amount of access to two of mixed martial arts' best, as they head into what could be the signature fight of 2010 at UFC 111. Christopher Martello of Spike TV serves as executive in charge of production of UFC Primetime.
UFC 111 will air live on Pay-Per-View Saturday, March 27 from the Prudential Center, in Newark, NJ at 10:00 PM ET/ 7:00 PM PT.
Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://ping.fm/WaBwp http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/19/ufc-primetime-goes-behind-the-scenes-for-highly-anticipated-georges-st-pierre-vs-dan-hardy-mega-fight/
UFC Primetime, produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®), is a look into the lives of perhaps the world's best pound for pound fighter, St-Pierre, and Hardy, the man looking to unseat him at the top of the welterweight ladder.
As the two prepare for their meeting in late March, Spike TV will present three special weekly installments that will take viewers across the pond to Nottingham, England as Hardy trains with the rest of his Rough House team, and back to North America to Montreal to see how St-Pierre, one of the most beloved athletes in Canada, is preparing for his title defense.
UFC Primetime delivers an extraordinary amount of access to two of mixed martial arts' best, as they head into what could be the signature fight of 2010 at UFC 111. Christopher Martello of Spike TV serves as executive in charge of production of UFC Primetime.
UFC 111 will air live on Pay-Per-View Saturday, March 27 from the Prudential Center, in Newark, NJ at 10:00 PM ET/ 7:00 PM PT.
Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://ping.fm/WaBwp http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/19/ufc-primetime-goes-behind-the-scenes-for-highly-anticipated-georges-st-pierre-vs-dan-hardy-mega-fight/
[Blog] Human Cock Fighter Blog - Thumpin' in Tu...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/19/human-cock-fighter-blog-thumpin-in-tulsa/
Monday, January 18, 2010
[Blog] Thomas Campbell is the Super Fight winner at "SSF 14: Resurrection" - complete result...: CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Northern middle Tennessee got a treat this past Saturday night, Jan. 16, as "SSF 14: Resurrection" brought live MMA action to the Clarksville Speedway. SSF Promoter Ron Dayley said, "All in all, SSF and The Clarksville Speedway were very pleased with the event and are excited to get started on the next one, March 6th."
Some of the highlights of the night included:
SSF fighter, Zack Hicks won the Fight of the Night trophy after a grueling three round unanimous decision victory over Isaac Ware.
Joel Cooper of the Bull Pit in Jackson successfully defended his 170-pound title by defeating Cedrick Scates with a straight ankle long in the second round.
SSF fighter, Maurice Tunstall won a three round unanimous decision war over Langford Battee of Team Rock out of Camden, Tenn., to win the 205-pound title.
It was title vs. title in the Super Fight main event as Thomas Campbell defeated Anthony Jones with a rear-naked choke in the second round to take home the 145 SSF Invitational Title and the & 145 SSF Super Fight Champ.
Ron Dayley and SSF would like to thank the judges, Randy Anderson (head coach at Team Rock in Camden, Tenn.), Jeremy Wallace (pro fighter), and Brian Horton (Team Rock fighter).
Here are the official results for "SSF14: Resurrection":
(170) Ryan Gillium def. (160) Caleb Lyell by Unanimous Decision (grappling)
(185) Billy Simms def. Jon Powell by TKO 1st round
(155) Russell Jackson def. Zachary Yates by RNC 1st round
(135) Cody Chesser def. Nathan Noble by Triangle 1st round
(230) Rudy Colinello def. Tim Climer by Guillotine 1st round
(185) Tom Torres def. Brandon Adams by TKO 2nd round
(215) Kyle Rubenstein def. Matt Barker by DQ 1st round
(175) Jose Arriago def. Chad Snider 1st round
(135) Jonathan Clemmons def. Justin Blackwell by Guillotine 1st round
(165) Jimmie Hayes def. Craig Craddock by Triangle 1st round
(155) Zack Hicks def. Isaac Ware by Unanimous Decision
(170) Joel Cooper def. Cedrick Scates by Ankle lock 2nd round (170 SSF Invitational Champ)
(205) Maurice Tunstall def. (190) Langord Battee Unanimous Decision (205 SSF Invitational Champ)
(145) Thomas Campbell def. Anthony Jones by RNC 2nd round (145 SSF Invitational Champ & 145 SSF SuperFight Ch... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/18/thomas-campbell-is-the-super-fight-winner-at-ssf-14-resurrection-complete-results/
Some of the highlights of the night included:
SSF fighter, Zack Hicks won the Fight of the Night trophy after a grueling three round unanimous decision victory over Isaac Ware.
Joel Cooper of the Bull Pit in Jackson successfully defended his 170-pound title by defeating Cedrick Scates with a straight ankle long in the second round.
SSF fighter, Maurice Tunstall won a three round unanimous decision war over Langford Battee of Team Rock out of Camden, Tenn., to win the 205-pound title.
It was title vs. title in the Super Fight main event as Thomas Campbell defeated Anthony Jones with a rear-naked choke in the second round to take home the 145 SSF Invitational Title and the & 145 SSF Super Fight Champ.
Ron Dayley and SSF would like to thank the judges, Randy Anderson (head coach at Team Rock in Camden, Tenn.), Jeremy Wallace (pro fighter), and Brian Horton (Team Rock fighter).
Here are the official results for "SSF14: Resurrection":
(170) Ryan Gillium def. (160) Caleb Lyell by Unanimous Decision (grappling)
(185) Billy Simms def. Jon Powell by TKO 1st round
(155) Russell Jackson def. Zachary Yates by RNC 1st round
(135) Cody Chesser def. Nathan Noble by Triangle 1st round
(230) Rudy Colinello def. Tim Climer by Guillotine 1st round
(185) Tom Torres def. Brandon Adams by TKO 2nd round
(215) Kyle Rubenstein def. Matt Barker by DQ 1st round
(175) Jose Arriago def. Chad Snider 1st round
(135) Jonathan Clemmons def. Justin Blackwell by Guillotine 1st round
(165) Jimmie Hayes def. Craig Craddock by Triangle 1st round
(155) Zack Hicks def. Isaac Ware by Unanimous Decision
(170) Joel Cooper def. Cedrick Scates by Ankle lock 2nd round (170 SSF Invitational Champ)
(205) Maurice Tunstall def. (190) Langord Battee Unanimous Decision (205 SSF Invitational Champ)
(145) Thomas Campbell def. Anthony Jones by RNC 2nd round (145 SSF Invitational Champ & 145 SSF SuperFight Ch... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/18/thomas-campbell-is-the-super-fight-winner-at-ssf-14-resurrection-complete-results/
[Blog] ProMMA.info Amateur Fighter of...: E... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/18/prommainfo-amateur-fighter-of-2009-thomas-campbell/
[Blog] Torres vs. Benavidez, P...: L... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/18/torres-vs-benavidez-pulver-vs-vazquez-official-for-wec-47/
GSP protege, training partner Mike Ricci signs with Bellator #mma #ufc #bellator #sports #news http://ping.fm/TCiGo
[Blog] GSP protégé, training partner Mike Ricci signs with Bellator Fighting Championshi...: [caption id="attachment_33922" align="alignleft" width="275" caption="Undefeated Mike Ricci (5-0) enters Bellator's lightweight tournament."][/caption]
CHICAGO (January 18, 2010) - Undefeated Canadian lightweight Mike Ricci, a regular training partner to fellow Quebec native Georges St-Pierre, is the latest highly-touted MMA prospect to sign an exclusive contract with Bellator Fighting Championships, the promotion announced today.
The 23-year-old Ricci, who will enter Bellator's 155 lbs. tournament with an unblemished pro record of 5-0, trains alongside GSP under the famed Firas Zahabi at his TriStar gym in Montreal. Zahabi told Bellator on Sunday that he thinks Ricci is "the next big thing" to come out of Canada.
"It's a long road to become the next GSP, but Ricci is the farthest along that road of anyone we've got," Zahabi said. "He's still earning his stripes, so to speak, but if he continues to progress, I think he'll be right up there with St-Pierre."
Like GSP, Ricci brings a well-rounded approach to the cage that draws upon extensive training in Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, Zahabi said.
"He's up for a much bigger challenge on an international stage and Bellator gives him that chance," he said.
Ricci is the first fighter to be named by Bellator as a participant in its eight-man Season 2 lightweight tournament. Bellator will also conduct tournaments at 145, 170 and 185 lbs. with the winners of this year's tournaments being declared No. 1 contenders to Bellator's current roster of champions. Season 2 begins April 8th.
"It's very exciting for Bellator to acquire a fighter with Mike Ricci's pedigree," said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "This announcement should give everyone an idea of the kind of talent they're going to be seeing in our lightweight tournament this spring."
Ricci began training in MMA at the age of 19 while also playing college football for Vanier University in Montreal. Soon afterward, he elected to give up football in order to train full-time with Zahabi.
His maturation process as a fighter, he says, has been greatly accelerated by training alongside St-Pierre and other TriStar regulars like Patrick Cote.
"What's made me improve so much in a short period of time is helping guys like Cote and GSP in their training camps," Ricci said. "It's also helped my confidence. When you set a goal of being a world champion, it may seem far-fetched-but not when you train alongside guys who've already achieved that."
That experience, however, is only part of his close involvement with world-class competition. He also trains regularly with the Canadian Olympic wrestling team-which has helped hone his defensive skills.
"I really pride myself on my defense," he says. "I think I've only been hit like twice in my whole career. I think that really separates me from my competition."
Ricci said he is looking forward to Bellator's Season 2 tournament both because of the high level of competition and the international exposure he hopes to gain from the promotion's historic TV distribution alliance with FOX Sports Net, NBC and Telemundo.
"I've gotten to the point in my career where my coach thinks I'm ready and I think I'm ready to take the next step," Ricci said. "I'm just very grateful for the opportunity."
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bella... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/18/gsp-protege-training-partner-mike-ricci-signs-with-bellator-fighting-championships/
CHICAGO (January 18, 2010) - Undefeated Canadian lightweight Mike Ricci, a regular training partner to fellow Quebec native Georges St-Pierre, is the latest highly-touted MMA prospect to sign an exclusive contract with Bellator Fighting Championships, the promotion announced today.
The 23-year-old Ricci, who will enter Bellator's 155 lbs. tournament with an unblemished pro record of 5-0, trains alongside GSP under the famed Firas Zahabi at his TriStar gym in Montreal. Zahabi told Bellator on Sunday that he thinks Ricci is "the next big thing" to come out of Canada.
"It's a long road to become the next GSP, but Ricci is the farthest along that road of anyone we've got," Zahabi said. "He's still earning his stripes, so to speak, but if he continues to progress, I think he'll be right up there with St-Pierre."
Like GSP, Ricci brings a well-rounded approach to the cage that draws upon extensive training in Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, Zahabi said.
"He's up for a much bigger challenge on an international stage and Bellator gives him that chance," he said.
Ricci is the first fighter to be named by Bellator as a participant in its eight-man Season 2 lightweight tournament. Bellator will also conduct tournaments at 145, 170 and 185 lbs. with the winners of this year's tournaments being declared No. 1 contenders to Bellator's current roster of champions. Season 2 begins April 8th.
"It's very exciting for Bellator to acquire a fighter with Mike Ricci's pedigree," said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "This announcement should give everyone an idea of the kind of talent they're going to be seeing in our lightweight tournament this spring."
Ricci began training in MMA at the age of 19 while also playing college football for Vanier University in Montreal. Soon afterward, he elected to give up football in order to train full-time with Zahabi.
His maturation process as a fighter, he says, has been greatly accelerated by training alongside St-Pierre and other TriStar regulars like Patrick Cote.
"What's made me improve so much in a short period of time is helping guys like Cote and GSP in their training camps," Ricci said. "It's also helped my confidence. When you set a goal of being a world champion, it may seem far-fetched-but not when you train alongside guys who've already achieved that."
That experience, however, is only part of his close involvement with world-class competition. He also trains regularly with the Canadian Olympic wrestling team-which has helped hone his defensive skills.
"I really pride myself on my defense," he says. "I think I've only been hit like twice in my whole career. I think that really separates me from my competition."
Ricci said he is looking forward to Bellator's Season 2 tournament both because of the high level of competition and the international exposure he hopes to gain from the promotion's historic TV distribution alliance with FOX Sports Net, NBC and Telemundo.
"I've gotten to the point in my career where my coach thinks I'm ready and I think I'm ready to take the next step," Ricci said. "I'm just very grateful for the opportunity."
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bella... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/18/gsp-protege-training-partner-mike-ricci-signs-with-bellator-fighting-championships/
Sunday, January 17, 2010
NCAA Wrestling LIVE RESULTS - Iowa vs. OK State - live play-by-play #mma #ufc #sports #wrestling #ncaa #news http://ping.fm/ernzK
[Blog] Must stop now - Tag Team MMA: Have you ever had a great idea for an invention, you found some investors, everyone loved ... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/17/must-stop-now-tag-team-mma/
[Blog] Must stop now - Tag Team MMA: Have you ever had a great idea... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/17/must-stop-now-tag-team-mma/
[Blog] Iowa vs. OK State on Big Te...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/17/iowa-vs-ok-state-on-big-ten-network-live-play-by-play/
[Blog] The MMA Show with Mauro Ranallo: Here is this past week... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/17/the-mma-show-with-mauro-ranallo/
[Blog] The MMA Show with Mauro Ranallo: Here is this past week's episode of The MMA Show with Mauro Ranallo. The show star... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/17/the-mma-show-with-mauro-ranallo/
[Blog] Joey Beltran turns Houston Alexander into a stepping stone at "New Year's Revolutio...: [caption id="attachment_33885" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Photo by Dave Mandel / Sherdog.com - When Kimbo Slice is a better grappler than you, that could be a hint you need some work on the ground game. Kimbo suplexes Houston Alexander at the TUF 10 Finale."][/caption]
Houston "The Assassin" Alexander (9-6), the once-upon-a-time-brawler who has seemingly fallen in love with leg kicks and evasion, proved once again the ground game is his Achilles heel last night in Tulsa, Okla.
Coming off a unanimous decision loss to Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson at "UFC: The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale" in December, Alexander was pitted against a much heavier* Joey "The Mexicutioner" Beltran (10-3) at "New Year's Revolution", a 5150/XFL co-promoted event held at the Spirit Bank Event Center.
It was a scene we have witnessed countless times before; wrestler takes striker to the ground and pounds him out. Alexander did his best in round one to land leg kicks and move side-to-side to avoid the takedown. However, it was not long before the Nebraska DJ ended up on his back eating elbows and punches.
Round two was a repeat of the first, except a swollen eye, a cut, and a pint of blood was added to the mix. Beltran put Alexander on his back again and pounded away. This caused Alexander to finally turtle-up, cover his head with his hands, and ultimately forced the referee to stop the barrage.
For Beltran, who was coming off a decision loss to Tony Lopez last October, it was a tremendous victory. He improved his record to 10-4, and turned a fighter who at one time was one of the hottest up-and-coming prospects in the UFC's light heavyweight division into a giant stepping stone.
For a complete play-by-play of what occurred in this fight as well as a list of all the losers and winners at "New Year's Revolution" check out ProMMA.info's live blog.
*It is relevant to note that Beltran weighed in at 225 lbs. and Alexander weighed in at 209 lbs.
By: Jack Brat... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/17/joey-beltran-turns-houston-alexander-into-a-stepping-stone-at-new-years-revolution/
Houston "The Assassin" Alexander (9-6), the once-upon-a-time-brawler who has seemingly fallen in love with leg kicks and evasion, proved once again the ground game is his Achilles heel last night in Tulsa, Okla.
Coming off a unanimous decision loss to Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson at "UFC: The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale" in December, Alexander was pitted against a much heavier* Joey "The Mexicutioner" Beltran (10-3) at "New Year's Revolution", a 5150/XFL co-promoted event held at the Spirit Bank Event Center.
It was a scene we have witnessed countless times before; wrestler takes striker to the ground and pounds him out. Alexander did his best in round one to land leg kicks and move side-to-side to avoid the takedown. However, it was not long before the Nebraska DJ ended up on his back eating elbows and punches.
Round two was a repeat of the first, except a swollen eye, a cut, and a pint of blood was added to the mix. Beltran put Alexander on his back again and pounded away. This caused Alexander to finally turtle-up, cover his head with his hands, and ultimately forced the referee to stop the barrage.
For Beltran, who was coming off a decision loss to Tony Lopez last October, it was a tremendous victory. He improved his record to 10-4, and turned a fighter who at one time was one of the hottest up-and-coming prospects in the UFC's light heavyweight division into a giant stepping stone.
For a complete play-by-play of what occurred in this fight as well as a list of all the losers and winners at "New Year's Revolution" check out ProMMA.info's live blog.
*It is relevant to note that Beltran weighed in at 225 lbs. and Alexander weighed in at 209 lbs.
By: Jack Brat... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/17/joey-beltran-turns-houston-alexander-into-a-stepping-stone-at-new-years-revolution/
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Houston Alexander outclassed - Monson wins split decision #mma #ufc #sports #news http://ping.fm/lXVMC
5150 Combat - New Year's Revolution live results and play by play #mma #ufc #sports #news http://ping.fm/U7N9t
[Blog] 5150 New Year's Revolutio...: T... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/16/5150-new-years-revolution-live-results-and-play-by-play/
[Blog] 5150 New Year's Revolution live results and play by play: Tonight at 7:00 p.m. EST 5150 pre... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/16/5150-new-years-revolution-live-results-and-play-by-play/
[Blog] Inside MMA live at University of Iowa - guests include Dan Gable & Pat Miletich (full episo...: Part 1
Bas and Kenny were live at the University of Iowa Friday night for Oklahoma vs. Iowa wrestling. Guests included Dan Gable, Pat Miletich, Guy Mezger, and Scott Casper from Takedown Radio. Kruck's Corner goes inside the Wrestling Hall of Fame. And as usual, the week's MMA highlights are covered. (part 2 after the jump)
Pa... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/16/inside-mma-live-at-university-of-iowa-guests-include-dan-gable-pat-miletich-full-episode/
Bas and Kenny were live at the University of Iowa Friday night for Oklahoma vs. Iowa wrestling. Guests included Dan Gable, Pat Miletich, Guy Mezger, and Scott Casper from Takedown Radio. Kruck's Corner goes inside the Wrestling Hall of Fame. And as usual, the week's MMA highlights are covered. (part 2 after the jump)
Pa... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/16/inside-mma-live-at-university-of-iowa-guests-include-dan-gable-pat-miletich-full-episode/
[Blog] Driven - a documentary about Jens Pulver...: On ... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/16/driven-a-documentary-about-jens-pulver/
[Blog] Contemplating the UFC-...: M... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/16/contemplating-the-ufc-abu-dhabi-connection-with-kevin-iole/
Friday, January 15, 2010
[Blog] UFC Gym holds ceremonial G...: L... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/15/ufc-gym-holds-ceremonial-grand-opening-saturday-jan-23/
[Blog] Memorial service set for Bob Shamrock: [caption id="attachment_33815" align="alignleft" width="252" caption="... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/15/memorial-service-set-for-bob-shamrock/
[Blog] Memorial service set for Bob Shamrock...: [captio... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/15/memorial-service-set-for-bob-shamrock/
[Blog] Joe Lauzon talks about loss to Sam Stout, hopes to fight in UFC Massachusetts deb...: Joe Lauzon (18-5) recently lost a unanimous decision to Sam Stout (15-5-1) at UFC 108 on Jan. 2, 2010. It was Lauzon's first bout back after undergoing ACL surgery and being sidelined for 10 months.
Although he was picked apart by Stout's striking, Lauzon showed great tenacity by continuously coming forward and bringing the fight. Lauzon and Stout were awarded "Fight of the Night" honors for their effort.
It is obviously difficult, if not impossible, to go through something like an ACL surgery and not have it affect you in your first fight back.
"I focused on the health of my knee and it held up. I didn't concentrate on my overall condition and I was a little rusty," said Lauzon. "I trained like a maniac six days of the week, twice a day, and then I couldn't do too much for six months (due to his knee surgery)."
Lauzon credited Stout with having a great game plan and being better on the ground than he expected. "I expected him to be tough. His takedown defense was better than I thought," Lauzon explained.
"I thought I'd have an easier time on the ground, too. He came to fight with a perfect game plan. Give him credit for a good fight. I'd like to fight him in a rematch but, then again, I'd like to fight anybody I've lost to but that doesn't happen very often and is out of my control."
Lauzon, a native of E. Bridgewater, Mass., is ready to move forward and has his eyes set on the UFC's Massachusetts debut in August.
"I really want to fight on the first UFC show in Boston. It's a natural and would be a dream come true for me," he stated. Lauzon, now 5-2 in the UFC, is already back training at his gym, Lauzon MMA in Bridgewater.
For more information about Joe "J-Lau" Lauzon go online and visit www.joelauzon.com or send him a message at Twitter.com/JoeLau... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/15/joe-lauzon-talks-about-loss-to-sam-stout-hopes-to-fight-in-ufc-massachusetts-debut/
Although he was picked apart by Stout's striking, Lauzon showed great tenacity by continuously coming forward and bringing the fight. Lauzon and Stout were awarded "Fight of the Night" honors for their effort.
It is obviously difficult, if not impossible, to go through something like an ACL surgery and not have it affect you in your first fight back.
"I focused on the health of my knee and it held up. I didn't concentrate on my overall condition and I was a little rusty," said Lauzon. "I trained like a maniac six days of the week, twice a day, and then I couldn't do too much for six months (due to his knee surgery)."
Lauzon credited Stout with having a great game plan and being better on the ground than he expected. "I expected him to be tough. His takedown defense was better than I thought," Lauzon explained.
"I thought I'd have an easier time on the ground, too. He came to fight with a perfect game plan. Give him credit for a good fight. I'd like to fight him in a rematch but, then again, I'd like to fight anybody I've lost to but that doesn't happen very often and is out of my control."
Lauzon, a native of E. Bridgewater, Mass., is ready to move forward and has his eyes set on the UFC's Massachusetts debut in August.
"I really want to fight on the first UFC show in Boston. It's a natural and would be a dream come true for me," he stated. Lauzon, now 5-2 in the UFC, is already back training at his gym, Lauzon MMA in Bridgewater.
For more information about Joe "J-Lau" Lauzon go online and visit www.joelauzon.com or send him a message at Twitter.com/JoeLau... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/15/joe-lauzon-talks-about-loss-to-sam-stout-hopes-to-fight-in-ufc-massachusetts-debut/
[Blog] Bao Quach added to Bellator ...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/15/bao-quach-added-to-bellator-featherweight-tournament/
[Blog] King Mo - Crossing the Boundary: Here's a new Muhammed "K... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/15/king-mo-crossing-the-boundary/
[Blog] Bob Shamrock dies at 68 - Fa...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/15/bob-shamrock-dies-at-68-father-to-ken-frank-shamrock/
Thursday, January 14, 2010
[Blog] The Cageside Beat January 1...: J... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/the-cageside-beat-january-14-2010-current-news-in-mma/
[Blog] "Inside MMA" goes L...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/inside-mma-goes-live-this-weekend-from-the-university-of-iowa/
[Blog] Brock Lesnar will be back: [caption id="attachment_33769" ali... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/brock-lesnar-will-be-back/
[Blog] MMA Live 1-14...: K... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/mma-live-1-14-09-brock-lesnar-update-interview-with-herschel-walker/
[Blog] ProMMA.info Card of 2009: UFC 100: With the UFC putting on an ambitious number of shows there were fears that their... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/prommainfo-card-of-2009-ufc-100/
[Blog] ProMMA.info Card of 2009: UFC 100: With the UFC putting... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/prommainfo-card-of-2009-ufc-100/
[Blog] Dan Miragliotta refs for Jimmy Fallon tonight: Well-known UFC/MMA referee Dan Miragliotta will appear... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/dan-miragliotta-refs-for-jimmy-fallon-tonight/
[Blog] Dan Miragliotta refs for Jimmy Fall...: W... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/dan-miragliotta-refs-for-jimmy-fallon-tonight/
[Blog] MMA fight gear spotlight: Hillbilly Fight Wear: Good friend of the site and author of "The Human Cock... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/mma-fight-gear-spotlight-hillbilly-fight-wear/
[Blog] MMA fight gear spotlight: Hillbilly...: G... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/mma-fight-gear-spotlight-hillbilly-fight-wear/
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
[Blog] Wilson Gouveia signs with Maximum Fighting Championship - debuts against Ryan Jimmo on Apri...: [caption id="attachment_33730" align="alignright" width="281" caption="Photo by Sherdog.com - Wilson Gouveia is returning to light heavyweight."][/caption]
ProMMA.info (www.promma.info) was notified today that ten-time UFC veteran Wilson Gouveia (12-7) signed a multi-fight deal with Maximum Fighting Championship on Monday. His first fight for the organization will take place against Canadian Ryan "Big Deal" Jimmo (12-1) at "MFC 25: Vindication" at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Alberta on April 9.
MFC 25 will broadcast live on HDNet and feature a soon to be announced major title fight.
Gouveia decided to return to light heavyweight after trouble making the 185 lbs. weight limit, and suffering back-to-back knockout losses, to Nate Marquardt at UFC 95, and then Alan Belcher at UFC 107.
“It was too much sacrifice and too hard, man,” said Gouveia. “I’m a professional. I do this for a living and I love it, but I don’t like to miss weight, you know? And, I would pass out in the sauna and guys would drag me out and say, ‘You have to stop this.’ It was just too much sacrifice and too hard on my body.”
Gouveia had good success at light heavyweight in the past. At UFC 62 he submitted Wes Combs, at "UFC Fight Night 9" he submitted Seth Petruzelli, at UFC 71 he submitted Carmello Marrero, and at UFC 80 he knocked out Jason Lambert - four back-to-back fights - four finishes - all at 205 lbs. That is the place the American Top Team-trained fighter wants to get back to.
“I hope the fans will see that I’m a better, more exciting fighter at 205 pounds,” said Gouveia.
Gouviea has one problem. And his name is Ryan Jimmo. Jimmo is on a 12-fight win streak and has not lost since his pro debut back in April 2007 at MFC 11. Most recently, Jimmo defeated Emanuel Newton via unanimous decision at MFC 23 back in December.
By: Jack Brat... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/wilson-gouveia-signs-with-maximum-fighting-championship-debuts-against-ryan-jimmo-on-april-9/
ProMMA.info (www.promma.info) was notified today that ten-time UFC veteran Wilson Gouveia (12-7) signed a multi-fight deal with Maximum Fighting Championship on Monday. His first fight for the organization will take place against Canadian Ryan "Big Deal" Jimmo (12-1) at "MFC 25: Vindication" at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Alberta on April 9.
MFC 25 will broadcast live on HDNet and feature a soon to be announced major title fight.
Gouveia decided to return to light heavyweight after trouble making the 185 lbs. weight limit, and suffering back-to-back knockout losses, to Nate Marquardt at UFC 95, and then Alan Belcher at UFC 107.
“It was too much sacrifice and too hard, man,” said Gouveia. “I’m a professional. I do this for a living and I love it, but I don’t like to miss weight, you know? And, I would pass out in the sauna and guys would drag me out and say, ‘You have to stop this.’ It was just too much sacrifice and too hard on my body.”
Gouveia had good success at light heavyweight in the past. At UFC 62 he submitted Wes Combs, at "UFC Fight Night 9" he submitted Seth Petruzelli, at UFC 71 he submitted Carmello Marrero, and at UFC 80 he knocked out Jason Lambert - four back-to-back fights - four finishes - all at 205 lbs. That is the place the American Top Team-trained fighter wants to get back to.
“I hope the fans will see that I’m a better, more exciting fighter at 205 pounds,” said Gouveia.
Gouviea has one problem. And his name is Ryan Jimmo. Jimmo is on a 12-fight win streak and has not lost since his pro debut back in April 2007 at MFC 11. Most recently, Jimmo defeated Emanuel Newton via unanimous decision at MFC 23 back in December.
By: Jack Brat... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/14/wilson-gouveia-signs-with-maximum-fighting-championship-debuts-against-ryan-jimmo-on-april-9/
[Blog] "UFC 109: Relentless" video preview: It's the clash of... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/13/ufc-109-relentless-video-preview/
[Blog] Shine Fights officially announces bout between Murilo "Ninja" Rua and Falaniko "Niko" Vit...: [caption id="attachment_33718" align="alignright" width="293" caption="Murilo "Ninja" Rua vs. Falaniko "Niko" Vitale"][/caption]
Miami, FL (USA): Shine Fights is pleased to announce the official signing of a bout between former world champion Murilo "Ninja" Rua (17-10-1) and tough Hawaiian fighter Falaniko "Niko" Vitale (26-9). The bout will take place at a yet-to-be announced Shine Fights III event, which is tentatively scheduled for spring 2010.
Ninja and Niko are both well-known to casual and hardcore MMA fans. Rua was a PRIDE mainstay, fighting in Japan's premier MMA organization a total of 13 times, and his brother is UFC light heavyweight contender Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Vitale is noted for his time in the UFC, where he defeated Matt "The Law" Lindland, as well as his experience in StrikeForce.
In addition, both fighters share a common opponent in "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler, and both have battled top MMA competition. This will be a huge fight for the combatants, as a victory will help propel the winner towards bigger and better fights, while the loser will head back to the drawing board.
Born and raised in Curitiba, Brazil, Rua is the brother of UFC light heavyweight contender Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Ninja began his career in his home country, running off four straight stoppage wins. His impressive beginning to his career earned him a call from Japan, and he soon began to make a name for himself as an athlete that finishes fights.
After his time in PRIDE, Ninja moved to England's Cage Rage promotion, before making his way to the United States. Since then, he has competed in both EliteXC and StrikeForce, while still making appearances in Japan, England, and his native Brazil.
Over the course of his nine year career, he has faced many of the top fighters in MMA, including PRIDE/UFC veteran Akihiro Gono, former PRIDE Middleweight and Welterweight Champion Dan Henderson, former PRIDE contenders Sergei Kharitonov and Ricardo Arona, StrikeForce fighters Benji Radach and Kevin Randleman, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, former WEC Middleweight Champion Paulo Fihlo, UFC fighter Denis Kang, Japanese fighter Riki Fukuda, and the aforementioned Lawler.
Ninja has defeated notables such as Mario Sperry, Alex Stiebling, Mark Weir, Xavier Foupa- Pokam, and Joey Villasenor, who he beat for the EliteXC Welterweight Championship belt. 15 of his 17 wins have come either KO/TKO or submission, and he always puts on a show for the fans, win or lose. And Ninja expects to continue to show that in his fight with Vitale:
"I'll try to impose my game and come out with a great win, so I can start off [my career with] Shine Fights in the right way. I'll always try to give great performances, making it for great spectacles for my fans and if God helps, try to win a belt, which will certainly be another great dream for me."
What separates him from his opponent? "My pace, my cardio and my will to enter the cage and look for the win all the time!"
And Ninja has a message for the fans: "I would like to first of all thank all the fans, and tell them that I'll be there [at Shine III], with a great appetite to seek the win for me and my family. I'll be even more motivated cause I'm going to be a father for the second time, so I need this win badly! If God helps me, this will be a great gift for me and my family. Finally, I want to thank Shine Fights for the effort of promoting our sport and giving me this chance of being part of it!"
Hawaii native Niko Vitale is an experienced athlete who recently celebrated ten years as a professional fighter. He represents the 808 Fight Factory, one of the toughest fight gyms on the Islands, and has fought for some of the most well-known promotions in the world. Fans of King of the Cage, Rage in the Cage, SuperBrawl, Icon Sport, the IFL, StrikeForce, and the UFC have all seen his skill set exhibited.
As with Ninja, Niko has taken on top names in the sport, including Lawler, recent StrikeForce Middleweight title challenger Jason "Mayhem" Miller, MMA pioneer Jeremy Horn, StrikeForce/UFC veteran Trevor Prangley, and UFC fighter Frank Trigg. He has beaten notable fighters such as UFC vet Aaron Riley, former UFC Middleweight Champion Dave Menne, UFC middleweight contender Yushin Okami, and the aforementioned Lindland. And he plans on adding Ninja to his list:
"We match up well in this fight. We have similar styles: we both like to fight on the ground. I haven't seen him fight on his feet all that much, but I'm sure I'm better there. I think I have what it takes to beat him. I'll be stronger on the ground, and stronger in my standup."
While Vitale has respect for his opponent, he's ready to prove himself. "I've been waiting for a big win over a big opponent, and I consider Ninja to be a big-time opponent."
But for Niko, the bottom line is putting on a show for the Shine fans. "Expect this fight to be really good, really explosive. We're both extremely experienced, and we've both knocked out and submitted guys. It's going to be a great fight to watch."
"MMA fans better be ready for this one," said matchmaker Ron Foster. "Ninja and Niko are going to throw down. There's a lot at stake here, and we expect fans to benef... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/13/shine-fights-officially-announces-bout-between-murilo-ninja-rua-and-falaniko-niko-vitale/
Miami, FL (USA): Shine Fights is pleased to announce the official signing of a bout between former world champion Murilo "Ninja" Rua (17-10-1) and tough Hawaiian fighter Falaniko "Niko" Vitale (26-9). The bout will take place at a yet-to-be announced Shine Fights III event, which is tentatively scheduled for spring 2010.
Ninja and Niko are both well-known to casual and hardcore MMA fans. Rua was a PRIDE mainstay, fighting in Japan's premier MMA organization a total of 13 times, and his brother is UFC light heavyweight contender Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Vitale is noted for his time in the UFC, where he defeated Matt "The Law" Lindland, as well as his experience in StrikeForce.
In addition, both fighters share a common opponent in "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler, and both have battled top MMA competition. This will be a huge fight for the combatants, as a victory will help propel the winner towards bigger and better fights, while the loser will head back to the drawing board.
Born and raised in Curitiba, Brazil, Rua is the brother of UFC light heavyweight contender Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Ninja began his career in his home country, running off four straight stoppage wins. His impressive beginning to his career earned him a call from Japan, and he soon began to make a name for himself as an athlete that finishes fights.
After his time in PRIDE, Ninja moved to England's Cage Rage promotion, before making his way to the United States. Since then, he has competed in both EliteXC and StrikeForce, while still making appearances in Japan, England, and his native Brazil.
Over the course of his nine year career, he has faced many of the top fighters in MMA, including PRIDE/UFC veteran Akihiro Gono, former PRIDE Middleweight and Welterweight Champion Dan Henderson, former PRIDE contenders Sergei Kharitonov and Ricardo Arona, StrikeForce fighters Benji Radach and Kevin Randleman, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, former WEC Middleweight Champion Paulo Fihlo, UFC fighter Denis Kang, Japanese fighter Riki Fukuda, and the aforementioned Lawler.
Ninja has defeated notables such as Mario Sperry, Alex Stiebling, Mark Weir, Xavier Foupa- Pokam, and Joey Villasenor, who he beat for the EliteXC Welterweight Championship belt. 15 of his 17 wins have come either KO/TKO or submission, and he always puts on a show for the fans, win or lose. And Ninja expects to continue to show that in his fight with Vitale:
"I'll try to impose my game and come out with a great win, so I can start off [my career with] Shine Fights in the right way. I'll always try to give great performances, making it for great spectacles for my fans and if God helps, try to win a belt, which will certainly be another great dream for me."
What separates him from his opponent? "My pace, my cardio and my will to enter the cage and look for the win all the time!"
And Ninja has a message for the fans: "I would like to first of all thank all the fans, and tell them that I'll be there [at Shine III], with a great appetite to seek the win for me and my family. I'll be even more motivated cause I'm going to be a father for the second time, so I need this win badly! If God helps me, this will be a great gift for me and my family. Finally, I want to thank Shine Fights for the effort of promoting our sport and giving me this chance of being part of it!"
Hawaii native Niko Vitale is an experienced athlete who recently celebrated ten years as a professional fighter. He represents the 808 Fight Factory, one of the toughest fight gyms on the Islands, and has fought for some of the most well-known promotions in the world. Fans of King of the Cage, Rage in the Cage, SuperBrawl, Icon Sport, the IFL, StrikeForce, and the UFC have all seen his skill set exhibited.
As with Ninja, Niko has taken on top names in the sport, including Lawler, recent StrikeForce Middleweight title challenger Jason "Mayhem" Miller, MMA pioneer Jeremy Horn, StrikeForce/UFC veteran Trevor Prangley, and UFC fighter Frank Trigg. He has beaten notable fighters such as UFC vet Aaron Riley, former UFC Middleweight Champion Dave Menne, UFC middleweight contender Yushin Okami, and the aforementioned Lindland. And he plans on adding Ninja to his list:
"We match up well in this fight. We have similar styles: we both like to fight on the ground. I haven't seen him fight on his feet all that much, but I'm sure I'm better there. I think I have what it takes to beat him. I'll be stronger on the ground, and stronger in my standup."
While Vitale has respect for his opponent, he's ready to prove himself. "I've been waiting for a big win over a big opponent, and I consider Ninja to be a big-time opponent."
But for Niko, the bottom line is putting on a show for the Shine fans. "Expect this fight to be really good, really explosive. We're both extremely experienced, and we've both knocked out and submitted guys. It's going to be a great fight to watch."
"MMA fans better be ready for this one," said matchmaker Ron Foster. "Ninja and Niko are going to throw down. There's a lot at stake here, and we expect fans to benef... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/13/shine-fights-officially-announces-bout-between-murilo-ninja-rua-and-falaniko-niko-vitale/
[Blog] ProMMA.info Fighter of 2009: Jose Aldo...: 2009 co... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/13/prommainfo-fighter-of-2009-jose-aldo/
[Blog] ProMMA.info Fighter of 2009: Jose Aldo: 2009 could really be considered the year of the featherweights. The WE... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/13/prommainfo-fighter-of-2009-jose-aldo/
[Blog] MMA with heart - Fighters Feeding Families: [caption id="attachment_33693" align="alignleft" width="266" c... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/13/mma-with-heart-fighters-feeding-families/
[Blog] MMA with heart - Fighters Feeding Famili...: [... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/13/mma-with-heart-fighters-feeding-families/
[Blog] Bellator Fighting Championships secures 12-0 Brazilian featherweight phenom Patricio Pitb...: [caption id="attachment_33688" align="alignleft" width="186" caption="Photo by Sherdog.com - Patricio "Pitbull" Freire"][/caption]
CHICAGO, Ill. (January 13, 2010) - Bellator Fighting Championships' search for its next great featherweight has moved south to Brazil, where it was announced today that undefeated MMA phenom Patricio Pitbull has signed a long-term promotional agreement and will compete in Bellator's Season 2 tournament.
The 23-year-old Pitbull is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is known throughout his home country for his devastating striking ability. He boasts a perfect 12-0 record with all but two of his fights finishing via KO, TKO or submission. Six of these 10 early finishes occurred in Round 1.
"In Bellator Season 1, Joe Soto came from nowhere to win our featherweight tournament and a six-figure check in just 90 days" said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "I believe Patricio Pitbull has the chance to do the same thing in Season 2. While he may be undiscovered by most U.S. fans, I can tell you that he is the real deal. I encourage you to go to YouTube and check him out for yourself."
Pitbull is the third fighter to join Bellator's upcoming eight-man 145 lbs. tournament along with 12-1-1 Russian-born Georgi "Insane" Karakhanyan and 5-0 Canadian fighting prodigy William Romero. Bellator will also conduct tournaments at 155, 170 and 185 lbs. with the winners of this year's tournaments being declared No. 1 contenders to Bellator's current roster of champions.
"I have been waiting for the opportunity to make my international debut for a long time," Pitbull, who speaks Portuguese, said through a translator. "Bellator has some outstanding featherweight fighters - particularly Joe Soto - and I am excited to have my chance to show America and the world what I can do in the cage."
Pitbull got his start in fighting sports at the age of 12 when he took up Jiu-Jitsu and, several years later, began training at Brazil's famed Chute Boxe Academy, which has, over the years, produced such fighters as Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Wanderlei Silva and reigning Strikeforce women's featherweight champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos.
Pitbull took his first professional MMA fight in 2004 while he was still a teenager and has been dominant in nearly every fight since, according to his manager, Ivan Canello.
"This guy really is like a pitbull-very small, but very, very powerful," Canello said. "From the bottom of my heart, I truly believe that he can win the Bellator tournament. He's been waiting for his big chance for a long time and now he's ready to go."
Pitbull is also excited for the exposure offered by Bellator's historic TV distribution alliance, which Canello called "something that no other organization in the U.S. can provide."
Each of Bellator's 24 fights during Seasons 2 and 3 will be distributed live in primetime on Thursday nights on FOX Sports Net and its regional sports network affiliates. The top moments from each week's live events will then be condensed into an action-packed 30-minute highlight show, broadcast every Saturday night, late night, on NBC. A one-hour highlight show will air in Spanish on Telemundo every Saturday night from midnight to 1 a.m.
"Here in Brazil, it's every fighter's dream to come to the mecca for MMA - the United States," Canello said. "I know that Pitbull is going to take full advantage of this opportunity."
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bella... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/13/bellator-fighting-championships-secures-12-0-brazilian-featherweight-phenom-patricio-pitbull/
CHICAGO, Ill. (January 13, 2010) - Bellator Fighting Championships' search for its next great featherweight has moved south to Brazil, where it was announced today that undefeated MMA phenom Patricio Pitbull has signed a long-term promotional agreement and will compete in Bellator's Season 2 tournament.
The 23-year-old Pitbull is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is known throughout his home country for his devastating striking ability. He boasts a perfect 12-0 record with all but two of his fights finishing via KO, TKO or submission. Six of these 10 early finishes occurred in Round 1.
"In Bellator Season 1, Joe Soto came from nowhere to win our featherweight tournament and a six-figure check in just 90 days" said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "I believe Patricio Pitbull has the chance to do the same thing in Season 2. While he may be undiscovered by most U.S. fans, I can tell you that he is the real deal. I encourage you to go to YouTube and check him out for yourself."
Pitbull is the third fighter to join Bellator's upcoming eight-man 145 lbs. tournament along with 12-1-1 Russian-born Georgi "Insane" Karakhanyan and 5-0 Canadian fighting prodigy William Romero. Bellator will also conduct tournaments at 155, 170 and 185 lbs. with the winners of this year's tournaments being declared No. 1 contenders to Bellator's current roster of champions.
"I have been waiting for the opportunity to make my international debut for a long time," Pitbull, who speaks Portuguese, said through a translator. "Bellator has some outstanding featherweight fighters - particularly Joe Soto - and I am excited to have my chance to show America and the world what I can do in the cage."
Pitbull got his start in fighting sports at the age of 12 when he took up Jiu-Jitsu and, several years later, began training at Brazil's famed Chute Boxe Academy, which has, over the years, produced such fighters as Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Wanderlei Silva and reigning Strikeforce women's featherweight champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos.
Pitbull took his first professional MMA fight in 2004 while he was still a teenager and has been dominant in nearly every fight since, according to his manager, Ivan Canello.
"This guy really is like a pitbull-very small, but very, very powerful," Canello said. "From the bottom of my heart, I truly believe that he can win the Bellator tournament. He's been waiting for his big chance for a long time and now he's ready to go."
Pitbull is also excited for the exposure offered by Bellator's historic TV distribution alliance, which Canello called "something that no other organization in the U.S. can provide."
Each of Bellator's 24 fights during Seasons 2 and 3 will be distributed live in primetime on Thursday nights on FOX Sports Net and its regional sports network affiliates. The top moments from each week's live events will then be condensed into an action-packed 30-minute highlight show, broadcast every Saturday night, late night, on NBC. A one-hour highlight show will air in Spanish on Telemundo every Saturday night from midnight to 1 a.m.
"Here in Brazil, it's every fighter's dream to come to the mecca for MMA - the United States," Canello said. "I know that Pitbull is going to take full advantage of this opportunity."
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bella... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/13/bellator-fighting-championships-secures-12-0-brazilian-featherweight-phenom-patricio-pitbull/
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
[Blog] Gray Maynard talks wi...: G... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/gray-maynard-talks-win-over-nate-diaz-at-ufc-fight-night-20/
[Blog] Houston Alexander, Jeff Monson, and Jeremy Horn fight this weekend at 5150 Combat League in Tulsa, Oklahoma - watch onl...: TULSA, Okla. - 5150 Combat League is bringing a host of UFC veterans including Houston Alexander, Jeff Monson, Jeremy Horn, Jason Lambert, Tim Boetsch, and Rich Clementi to Tulsa, Okla. this weekend for a "New Year's Revolution". The action takes place Sat., Jan. 16, at the Spirit Bank Event Center, and will broadcast a live online pay-per-view stream for $9.99 on www.gofightlive.com beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Houston Alexander (9-5) returns to the cage against Joey Beltran (9-3) after suffering a loss to Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson in his last fight, which took place on Dec. 5 in the UFC's TUF 10 Finale. Joey Beltran knocked out five straight opponents until he most recently lost a unanimous decision against Tony Lopez in a King of the Cage title bout this past October.
Heavyweight fighter Scott Barrett (9-1) gets the opportunity of a lifetime as he gets to square off with MMA legend and grappling phenom Jeff "Snowman" Monson (31-9). One of Monson's best qualities is his love of competition and apparent willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime, in shows big or small.
He has consistently remained one of the most active upper echelon heavyweight fighters in the world. In fact, he seems to fight more frequently the older he gets. Monson is 8-2 in his last ten bouts. He was on a seven-fight win streak until he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Pedro Rizzo this past September.
Scott Barrett will be an interesting test for Monson. Out of nine victories, Barret has finished eight of his opponents, and knocked out seven of them. He is a heavy hitter with all but one of his knockouts coming in the first round. He is currently on a three-fight win streak.
If you are in the Tulsa area and want to attend this event, check out the 5150 Combat League website (www.5150combat.com) for ticket information and directions.
Here is the complete fight card for "New Year's Revolution":
•Jeff Monson vs. Scott Barrett
•Jeremy Horn vs. Victor Moreno
•Joey Beltran vs. Houston Alexander
•Mike Budnik vs. Rich Clementi
•Amber Powell vs. Tammy Schneider
•Rudy Lindsey vs. Tim Boetsch
•Ray Clayton vs. Escdar Brownton
•Shane Howell vs. Lewis McKenzie
•Chris Davis vs. Jason Lambert
•Anthony Macias vs. Daniel Roberts
•Ryan Lopez vs. Dusty Morrison
•Abel Munoz vs. Troy Kious
•Justin McCorkle vs. Preston Snook
•Jason Nicholson vs. Justin Christie
•Robert Jamerson vs. Keith M... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/houston-alexander-jeff-monson-and-jeremy-horn-fight-this-weekend-at-5150-combat-league-in-tulsa-oklahoma-watch-online/
Houston Alexander (9-5) returns to the cage against Joey Beltran (9-3) after suffering a loss to Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson in his last fight, which took place on Dec. 5 in the UFC's TUF 10 Finale. Joey Beltran knocked out five straight opponents until he most recently lost a unanimous decision against Tony Lopez in a King of the Cage title bout this past October.
Heavyweight fighter Scott Barrett (9-1) gets the opportunity of a lifetime as he gets to square off with MMA legend and grappling phenom Jeff "Snowman" Monson (31-9). One of Monson's best qualities is his love of competition and apparent willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime, in shows big or small.
He has consistently remained one of the most active upper echelon heavyweight fighters in the world. In fact, he seems to fight more frequently the older he gets. Monson is 8-2 in his last ten bouts. He was on a seven-fight win streak until he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Pedro Rizzo this past September.
Scott Barrett will be an interesting test for Monson. Out of nine victories, Barret has finished eight of his opponents, and knocked out seven of them. He is a heavy hitter with all but one of his knockouts coming in the first round. He is currently on a three-fight win streak.
If you are in the Tulsa area and want to attend this event, check out the 5150 Combat League website (www.5150combat.com) for ticket information and directions.
Here is the complete fight card for "New Year's Revolution":
•Jeff Monson vs. Scott Barrett
•Jeremy Horn vs. Victor Moreno
•Joey Beltran vs. Houston Alexander
•Mike Budnik vs. Rich Clementi
•Amber Powell vs. Tammy Schneider
•Rudy Lindsey vs. Tim Boetsch
•Ray Clayton vs. Escdar Brownton
•Shane Howell vs. Lewis McKenzie
•Chris Davis vs. Jason Lambert
•Anthony Macias vs. Daniel Roberts
•Ryan Lopez vs. Dusty Morrison
•Abel Munoz vs. Troy Kious
•Justin McCorkle vs. Preston Snook
•Jason Nicholson vs. Justin Christie
•Robert Jamerson vs. Keith M... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/houston-alexander-jeff-monson-and-jeremy-horn-fight-this-weekend-at-5150-combat-league-in-tulsa-oklahoma-watch-online/
[Blog] ProMMA.info Knockout of 2009: Fedor over Arlovski: All MMA fans know that Fedor Emelianeko is a gre... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/prommainfo-knockout-of-2009-fedor-over-arlovski/
[Blog] ProMMA.info Knockout of 2009: Fed...: A... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/prommainfo-knockout-of-2009-fedor-over-arlovski/
[Blog] NCAA Wrestling Wrap 1/4-1/11: [caption id="attachment_33603"... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/ncaa-wrestling-wrap-14-111/
[Blog] NCAA Wrestling Wrap 1/4-1/11: [caption id="attachment_33603"... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/ncaa-wrestling-wrap-14-111/
[Blog] Live mixed martial arts action returns to C...: C... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/live-mixed-martial-arts-action-returns-to-clarksville-with-ssf-14-resurrection-on-saturday-jan-16/
[Blog] Live mixed martial arts action returns to Clarksville with "SSF 14 - Resurrection" on Saturday, Jan....: CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - This Saturday, Jan. 16, live MMA action returns to Clarksville, Tenn. with "SSF 14: Resurrection". A total of 15 fights are scheduled for the event which will take place at the Clarksville Speedway (indoors), located at 1600 Needmore Rd. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the fights start at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $20 and V.I.P. admission is $30. For ticket info call (931) 561-0917.
Two title bouts will take place as John Boyd takes on Maurice Tunstall and Cedrick Scates takes on Joel Cooper. Local favorites Jimmie Hayes and Zack Hicks will be on the card as well as newly crowned HookNShoot champion Thomas Campbell.
•(170) Billy Simms vs. (170) Jon Powell
•(155) Zachary Yates vs. (155) Russell Jackson
•(135) Cody Chesser vs. (135) Nathan Noble
•(230) Rudy Colinello vs. (230) Tim Climer
•(185) Brandon Adams vs. (185) Tom Torres
•(215) Kyle Rubenstein vs. (215) Matt Barker
•(170) Ryan Gillium vs. (160) Caleb Lyell - Grappling match
•(205) Langford Battee vs. (205) Josh Westbrook
•(135) Justin Blackwell vs. (135) Jonathan Clemmons
•(275) Calvin Lewis vs. (265) Calvin Grammer
•(145) Jarrett Weston vs. (145) Thomas Campbell - Grappling Match
•(165) Jimmie Hayes vs. (165) Craig Craddock
•(155) Isaac Ware vs. (155) Zack Hicks
•(190) John Boyd vs. (205) Maurice Tunstall - Title
•(170) Cedrick Scates vs. (170) Joel Cooper - Title
For more information on the SSF promotion visit www.mmaclarksville.... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/live-mixed-martial-arts-action-returns-to-clarksville-with-ssf-14-resurrection-on-saturday-jan-16/
Two title bouts will take place as John Boyd takes on Maurice Tunstall and Cedrick Scates takes on Joel Cooper. Local favorites Jimmie Hayes and Zack Hicks will be on the card as well as newly crowned HookNShoot champion Thomas Campbell.
•(170) Billy Simms vs. (170) Jon Powell
•(155) Zachary Yates vs. (155) Russell Jackson
•(135) Cody Chesser vs. (135) Nathan Noble
•(230) Rudy Colinello vs. (230) Tim Climer
•(185) Brandon Adams vs. (185) Tom Torres
•(215) Kyle Rubenstein vs. (215) Matt Barker
•(170) Ryan Gillium vs. (160) Caleb Lyell - Grappling match
•(205) Langford Battee vs. (205) Josh Westbrook
•(135) Justin Blackwell vs. (135) Jonathan Clemmons
•(275) Calvin Lewis vs. (265) Calvin Grammer
•(145) Jarrett Weston vs. (145) Thomas Campbell - Grappling Match
•(165) Jimmie Hayes vs. (165) Craig Craddock
•(155) Isaac Ware vs. (155) Zack Hicks
•(190) John Boyd vs. (205) Maurice Tunstall - Title
•(170) Cedrick Scates vs. (170) Joel Cooper - Title
For more information on the SSF promotion visit www.mmaclarksville.... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/live-mixed-martial-arts-action-returns-to-clarksville-with-ssf-14-resurrection-on-saturday-jan-16/
[Blog] Coach's blog - Things I've seen over the years: When you travel to fight shows as much as I do, you see ... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/coachs-blog-things-ive-seen-over-the-years/
[Blog] Coach's blog - Things I've seen over t...: W... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/coachs-blog-things-ive-seen-over-the-years/
[Blog] England's Tom "...: T... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/12/englands-tom-kong-watson-signs-with-maximum-fighting-championship/
Monday, January 11, 2010
[Blog] Brandon Vera vs...: O... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/11/brandon-vera-vs-jon-jones-headlines-ufcs-versus-debut-on-march-21/
[Blog] "UFC Fight Night 20" ...: F... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/11/ufc-fight-night-20-live-results-and-play-by-play-commentary/
[Blog] "UFC Fight Night 20" weigh-in results...: FAIRFAX ... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/11/ufc-fight-night-20-weigh-in-results/
Sunday, January 10, 2010
[Blog] WEC 46 Immediate Reaction: WEC 46 featured a lightweight titl... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/10/wec-46-immediate-reaction/
[Blog] WEC 46 live results and play by play: SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Follow along with us here at ProMMA.info for live... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/10/wec-46-live-results-and-play-by-play/
[Blog] WEC 46 live results and play by play...: SACRAMENT... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/10/wec-46-live-results-and-play-by-play/
[Blog] Back from the brink...: M... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/10/back-from-the-brink-mike-joker-guymons-battle-with-depression/
[Blog] The Cageside Beat January 7, 2010 Recap...: [cap... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/10/the-cageside-beat-january-7-2010-recap/
[Blog] Zuffa to reveal big fight announce...: A... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/10/zuffa-to-reveal-big-fight-announcement-tonight/
[Blog] Quinton "Rampage" Jackson gets three years probation - trying to focus on the positi...: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson talks about focusing on the positive things in this new video interview from the OC Register. Jackson, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, was sentenced to three years probation after a much publicized high-speed police chase that ended at gun point in the summer of 2008.
Jackson plays "B.A. Baracus" in the new A-Team movie which is scheduled for release in June. The fighter-turned-actor has decided to return to the UFC to finish out his contract, and is expected to face Rashad Evans in his next b... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/10/quinton-rampage-jackson-gets-three-years-probation-trying-to-focus-on-the-positive/
Jackson plays "B.A. Baracus" in the new A-Team movie which is scheduled for release in June. The fighter-turned-actor has decided to return to the UFC to finish out his contract, and is expected to face Rashad Evans in his next b... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/10/quinton-rampage-jackson-gets-three-years-probation-trying-to-focus-on-the-positive/
Saturday, January 9, 2010
[Blog] ProMMA.info "UFC Fight Night 20" staff ...: "... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/09/prommainfo-ufc-fight-night-20-staff-picks/
WEC 46 spotlight: Mark "The Machine" Hominick - ProMMA.info exclusive interview #mma #wec #ufc #sports http://ping.fm/MpEjE
[Blog] WEC 46 weigh-in results: SACRAMENTO – All 22 competitors succ... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/09/wec-46-weigh-in-results/
Friday, January 8, 2010
[Blog] ProMMA.info WEC 46 staff picks: "WEC 46: Varner vs. Hende... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/08/prommainfo-wec-46-staff-picks/
[Blog] WEC announces AMP Energy as off...: L... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/08/wec-announces-amp-energy-as-official-energy-drink/
[Blog] Kick off a New Year of "Inside...: D... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/08/kick-off-a-new-year-of-inside-mma-tonight-on-hdnet/
[Blog] The A-Team movie...: R... http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/08/the-a-team-movie-trailer-featuring-rampage-jackson-as-ba-baracus/
Thursday, January 7, 2010
[Blog] High stakes for Faber and Assuncao - Featherweight contenders vie for potential title s...: Las Vegas, NV (USA) - If Urijah Faber is the Tyreke Evans of the lighter weight classes, you can expect that "The California Kid" will be looking to hit the game-winning shot when he faces Raphael Assuncao at ARCO Arena on Sunday night. An explosive, speedy fighter who is considered among the best 145-pounders in the world, Faber (22-3) has his sights set on reclaiming the featherweight title. And while many believe a Faber win this weekend would lead to a mega-fight with champion Jose Aldo, the 30-year-old Sacramento native isn't thinking that far ahead just yet.
"Jose Aldo, without a doubt, has proven that he's the champ right now," Faber said. "So that's the guy I've got to beat. But before then, I've got a very tough opponent in Raphael. I don't want to get too excited about fighting Aldo yet because I've got another hard-headed Brazilian to try to throw around on Jan. 10."
It's probably best that Faber's sole focus is on Assuncao, because if Faber is Sacramento Kings' star Tyreke Evans, Assuncao is Los Angeles Lakers' stud Ron Artest. A staunch defender with a relentless approach, the 27-year-old is among the most dangerous grapplers in the game. While the native of Recife, Brazil is often soft-spoken, he doesn't mince his words when it comes to his desire to beat Faber and earn a world title shot.
"Urijah deserves to be where he is at in this sport," Assuncao said upon arriving in his opponent's hometown earlier this week. "But I didn't get lucky in getting here either. I've fought my way all the way up to co-main event status. I'm ready to prove that I'm the best in the world in this weight class."
With the anticipation for the Faber-Assuncao clash growing, WEC officials aren't surprised that both men are eyeing a future shot at the world title. Thus, WEC officials have flown champion Aldo in from his native Brazil to sit cageside for the event and get a look at perhaps the first challenger to his throne.
"Jose wanted to be here in the worst way," Harris said. "He wants to see Faber and Assuncao first hand and get a look at two fighters that want his belt. With that said, the energy at ARCO Arena on Sunday night is going to be amazing. Urijah Faber and Raphael Assuncao are going to war to determine which fighter is more worthy of a title shot. This could be one for the record books."
Bud Light® presents Varner vs. Henderson will be televised nationally live on VERSUS beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. All of the network's live WEC events are presented in HD and Spanish language SAP where available. For more information and how to find VERSUS in your local viewing area, visit http://ping.fm/FBrwd
For more information, visit www.wec.tv. Follow WEC at http://ping.fm/SJT8o http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/07/high-stakes-for-faber-and-assuncao-featherweight-contenders-vie-for-potential-title-shot/
"Jose Aldo, without a doubt, has proven that he's the champ right now," Faber said. "So that's the guy I've got to beat. But before then, I've got a very tough opponent in Raphael. I don't want to get too excited about fighting Aldo yet because I've got another hard-headed Brazilian to try to throw around on Jan. 10."
It's probably best that Faber's sole focus is on Assuncao, because if Faber is Sacramento Kings' star Tyreke Evans, Assuncao is Los Angeles Lakers' stud Ron Artest. A staunch defender with a relentless approach, the 27-year-old is among the most dangerous grapplers in the game. While the native of Recife, Brazil is often soft-spoken, he doesn't mince his words when it comes to his desire to beat Faber and earn a world title shot.
"Urijah deserves to be where he is at in this sport," Assuncao said upon arriving in his opponent's hometown earlier this week. "But I didn't get lucky in getting here either. I've fought my way all the way up to co-main event status. I'm ready to prove that I'm the best in the world in this weight class."
With the anticipation for the Faber-Assuncao clash growing, WEC officials aren't surprised that both men are eyeing a future shot at the world title. Thus, WEC officials have flown champion Aldo in from his native Brazil to sit cageside for the event and get a look at perhaps the first challenger to his throne.
"Jose wanted to be here in the worst way," Harris said. "He wants to see Faber and Assuncao first hand and get a look at two fighters that want his belt. With that said, the energy at ARCO Arena on Sunday night is going to be amazing. Urijah Faber and Raphael Assuncao are going to war to determine which fighter is more worthy of a title shot. This could be one for the record books."
Bud Light® presents Varner vs. Henderson will be televised nationally live on VERSUS beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. All of the network's live WEC events are presented in HD and Spanish language SAP where available. For more information and how to find VERSUS in your local viewing area, visit http://ping.fm/FBrwd
For more information, visit www.wec.tv. Follow WEC at http://ping.fm/SJT8o http://promma.info/index.php/2010/01/07/high-stakes-for-faber-and-assuncao-featherweight-contenders-vie-for-potential-title-shot/
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