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FCF's NHB News

Warning: all pictures on this site belong to Full Contact Fighter and are copyrighted.
They are not for use on other sites or other commercial use without the written consent of FCF


  Sunday - July 1, 2001

UFC 32 Pictures All Week!

Kondo vs. Matyushenko

Click here for more pictures
 

From promoter Will Hendricks:
Pancrase-Hybrid Sports Logo Weekend Warriors Challenge 7
Catch Wrestling Tournament Results
Held June 30th, 2001
#8 Garden Center, Broomfield, Colorado, USA

Ty Lynch Semi Final Bouts:
James Walker def. Amadeo Roybal by arm-bar at 4:38
Tyrone Lynch def. Jason Reading by judges' decision after 5 min.

Championship Bout:
Tyrone Lynch defeated James Walker by triangle armbar at 2:13 minutes.

WWC Tournament Champion Ty Lynch

  Monday - July 2, 2001

Minotauro to Debut in Pride Against Coleman!
By Eduardo Alonso

Nogueira Vs. Kopylov       Brazilian Top Team member Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira will finally make his long awaited debut in Pride at the next event, Pride 15. Minotauro, known for his great ground technique, won the last RINGS King of Kings tournament is now heading to Pride, and his first opponent will be none other than "The Hammer" himself, Mark Coleman! FCF was told today that Minotauro and Coleman is a done deal. This will be a great match for the upcoming card! Minotauro is training harder than ever, and will have his biggest challenge so far in his career facing the Pride Grand Prix 2000 Champion. Coleman recently got a win against another Brazilian Top Team member in Allan Goes, and now everybody will want to see if Minotauro will be able to come with the right game plan to face Coleman. This fight just proves that the next Pride will have a card full of stars once again. More news about Pride 15's fights to come soon! Keep checking the FCF web site!

UFC 32 Pictures All Week!

Uno delivers

Click here for more pictures
 

  Tuesday - July 3, 2001

From John Petrilli (RITC Writer/Statistician):
Arizona Summer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Submission Grappling Tournament - This Saturday Afternoon !!

Date: Saturday July 7, 2001
Location: Tae Kwon Do Academy
10135 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ

Please note that there will be separate divisions:

1. Jiu-Jitsu (Gi)
2. Submission Grappling (no Gi)
3. Absolute

Weigh In 12:00pm
Fight Time 1:00pm

Entry Fee: $30.00
All Competitors will receive a Competition T-Shirt.

1st Place winner in each division will receive a Championship Trophy.

If you need more information on the tournament please e-mail your address to doomstr@primenet.com

  Wednesday - July 4, 2001


Happy Independence Day!

More UFC 32 Pictures!

Miletich vs. Carter

Click here for more pictures
 

From the event's promoter:
Grapplers Quest Update

The Grapplers Quest National Submission Grappling Championships will be held Sunday, September 23rd, 2001 at The City College of New York in New York City. For more information, go to: GrapplersQuest.com or Grapplers.com

  Thursday - July 5, 2001

Now Accepting Pre-Orders
On UFC 30 & 31!

Each video is a must have!
**** 4-stars! ****

Available July 12th
UFC 30 Video UFC 30: Battle At The Boardwalk
Held February 23, 2001
Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ

World Middleweight Title Bout
Tito Ortiz vs. Evan Tanner

World Lightweight Title Bout
Karou Uno vs. Jens Pulver

Heavyweight Bouts
Josh Barnett vs. Pedro Rizzo
Bobby Hoffman vs. Mark Robinson

Middleweight Bouts
Elvis Sinosic vs. Jeremy Horn

Lightweight Bouts
Fabiano Iha vs. Phil Johns
UFC 31: Locked & Loaded
Held May 4, 2001
Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ

World Heavyweight Title Bout
Randy Couture vs. Pedro Rizzo

World Welterweight Title Bout
Pat Miletich vs. Carlos Newton

Heavyweight Bouts
Pete Williams vs. Semmy Schilt

Light Heavyweight Bouts
Chuck Liddell vs. Kevin Randleman
Matt Lindland vs. Ricardo Almeida

Welterweight Bout
Matt Serra vs. Shonie Carter
UFC 31 Video


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Quick Words with
Allan Goes & Murilo Bustamante

By Eduardo Alonso

FCF had the opportunity to meet with Brazilian Top Team members Allan Goes and Murilo Bustamante, at the Meca World Vale Tudo 5 in Curitiba. Both fighters shared some words about their past and future with FCF!

Alan Goes FCF:   At Pride 13 you went up against a very tough challenge, facing Mark Coleman, who is a lot heavier than you. What are your thoughts on the fight?
Alan Goes:   Look, this fight against Coleman...I'll not take anything away from him, 'cause Mark is a great fighter and he beat me. I wasn't in a good day, and I'm not creating any sort of excuses because it's not my way of dealing with things. He went there, kicked my ass and he won the fight, congratulations to him. He can wait, because I'm training to fight him again. It's like I always said, What can't finish me will only make me better. So this made me better. Coleman is a great athlete, I'll go after him, and I faced the better fight I ever did in my life, in the worst condition of my life! I'm not here trying to create excuses, but he didn't fight me in the best shape and condition that a fighter needs to perform his game.

FCF:   Can we expect to see you again in Pride soon?
AG:     For sure! I'll be [the next Pride,] in Pride 15. I don't know against who I'll be fighting, and no matter who I'll be fighting, I'll be there to give a show, do my best and leave my life in the ring if I need to!

FCF:   Murilo, you are considered one of the most technical fighters in the World, with a great guard and ground game. You had some memorable fights, like against Tom Erikson, and then you stayed away from the ring for a while. You came back recently, and now there are a lot of rumors about your future. What can we expect from you in the near future?
Murilo Bustamante Murilo Bustamante:   What happened was that I fought a lot, and I stayed away for a while because they weren't offering me what I wanted. So I decided to stay away from the NHB scene for a while, and expect a good opportunity that I would get what I wanted. Last year I received a good offer from the UFC, in which I would fight 3 times and I would fight for the title in the third fight, but the UFC was sold and split with the UFC Japan organization. In the meantime it seems that the UFC Japan event was cancelled. So I was invited to fight at the May 4th UFC event, but since I already had a contract with the UFC Japan, I needed to wait a bit, so I couldn't fight in the May 4th UFC. I had some offers, and I'm studying them all, but I intend to return to the ring as soon as possible! I'm ready now, and I'm looking to fight at least 3 times this year!

FCF:   Can we expect you to fight at the UFC, or maybe Pride?
MB:     It can be the UFC, it can be Pride. It will all depend on the negotiations, it'll depend on what will be better.

FCF:   We're waiting! Good luck in your next projects!
MB:     Thanks a lot, and good luck!
AG:     Thank you! Stay with God.

From Susumu's Gallery:
Susumu's Gallery Update

Hello,

Susumu's Gallery has added 29 photos from UFC 32 held on June 29th! This is our first update in 2 months. I hope these photos will cure Susumu's fans' thirst. Please enjoy.

Susumu's Gallery:
http://come.to/susumu

FCF Survey
What's on your mind?
What's on your mind? This month we want to give you the opportunity to express yourself. Let the world read what you have to say. Write about any thing that has to do with MMA/NHB -- future or present. Do you have any thoughts on the complete turnaround by iNdemand and the cable industry on their stance regarding the braodcasting of mixed martial arts on PPV? What did you think of UFC 32? Let's hear your thoughts. It's your call, your thoughts, your message...let the world hear your voice!

Some of the commentary we receive will appear in the July 2001 issue of FCF

Click here to take the survey
 

  Friday - July 6, 2001

From PrideFC:
PRIDE FC "RAGING RUMBLE"
(a.k.a. PRIDE 15)
Additional Match Ups

Three additional match ups and one change have been announced.

Additions:
  • Ebenezer Fontes Braga vs. Daijiro Matsui
  • Igor Vovchanchyn vs. Masaaki Satake
  • Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Quinton Jackson

    Change:
    Due to the injury on the hand Renzo Gracie was replaced by Wallid Ismail.
  • Syungo Ohyama vs. Wallid Ismail

    *Card subject to change
    *Total nine matches are scheduled.

  •   Saturday - July 7, 2001

    Quick words with Amaury Bitetti
    By Eduardo Alonso

          Brazilian Top Team member Amaury Bitetti first appeared as one of the most promising BJJ black belts to compete in NHB. After a good start in his career, Amaury faced some tough challenges and struggled a bit to get his career back on track. Responsible for some legendary battles, like against Don Frye at the UFC, Bitetti is a tough fighter who still has a lot to give in the NHB rings worldwide. FCF had the opportunity to meet him at the last MECA event in Curitiba, where he worked as the referee for the event!

    Amaury Bitetti FCF:   Amaury, What are you expecting from this event [MECA 5]?
    Amaury Bitetti:   It'll be wondeful! There are only good fighters in the event. We have the guys from Rudimar, with some very tough athletes, and all the others, like the people from Leitão (Ruas Vale Tudo), and from the Top Team. So I think it'll be a good event, with great wins and great KO's.

    FCF:   Is it hard to deal with the pressure of working as the referee for the biggest NHB event in Brazil?
    AB:     For me it's great! I already worked as a referee once in Paraná [A state of Brazil], I did 10 fights straight there, so I'm used to it! I'll let the fights go on, and If I feel that one athlete can't continue I'll stop the fight, no problem.

    FCF:   You already have a great BJJ background, and now you have been training a lot of Muay Thai lately. What can we expect from you in the future?
    AB:     As of now I don't have any contract signed, but I'm training Muay Thai with Artur Mariano and Luis Alves, and Rudimar will also help me to see if I can get some fights. If I do, it'll be great! I love Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu, so for me It's always Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu all the way!

    FCF:   You stayed in the USA for a while, focusing more on the UFC and the likes. How was that experience?
    AB:     I stayed there for a while to see if I could find some space to fight there, but it has been a bit difficult. I expect to be able to fight there, otherwise I'll see if Rudimar can get me to fight for Pride in the future.

    FCF:   Thanks Amaury, good luck!
    AB:     Thanks a lot!

      Sunday - July 8, 2001

    UFC 32 Pre-Fight Fun
    Tito Ortiz, Carmen Electra and Elvis Sinosic
    Australian fighter Elvis Sinosic
    enjoying a peek down-under
    at Carmen Electra.


      Monday - July 9, 2001

    From the event's promoter:
    RSF Eye Of The Storm

    Event: "THE EYE OF THE STORM": The Ultimate Fighting Event of its kind
    Event Sponsor: Reality Super Fighting, Jamie Levine, President
    Event Date: Saturday, July 21, 2001
    Place: St. Lucie Civic Center, Ft. Pierce, Fl
    Time: Fights start at 7 p.m.
    Tickets on sale now at the St. Lucie County Civic Center Box Office 561-462-1526
    Ticket Prices: $10, $15, $20 (ringside)
    Web site: www.realitysuperfighting.com

    Eye Of The Storm poster Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Cage Fights Come To Area No-holds-barred fights will rock the St. Lucie County Civic Center, Ft. Pierce on July 21. Ten matches will take place in a steel cage. Local favorite Chad Saunders will take on nationally acclaimed champion Karl Schmidt in the main event.

    There are few rules and lots of action inside the cage. Fighters may use any form of hand-to-hand combat which may include boxing techniques, kicking, elbow, knee strikes and Submission wrestling techniques. Matches are won by knockout, by one of the fighters giving up (signaled by the contestant "tapping out", that is tapping on the mat), by the referee stopping the match, or by the judges' decision.

    Fights are generally three four-minute rounds. Title fights are longer. The few rules that are part of the contest prohibit the fighters from eye gouging, groin strikes and biting.

    Even though it is easy to follow the action, the fighters are extremely skilled and do whatever it takes to win or just survive.

    Card is subject to change.

    FIGHT CARD

    Main Event
  • Karl Schmidt VS. Chad Saunders

    BOUTS
  • Kevin Hogan VS. Danny Berykett
  • Jeff Myers VS. Randy Rowe
  • Jeremy Bass VS. Mike Boukovich
  • Ahren Davis VS. Todd Carney
  • Arti Brito VS. Bill Perez
  • Matt Rogers VS. Paublo Popovitch
  • Scott Johnson VS. Raymond Totoricco
  • Jeff Schuller VS. John Hosegood
  • Jim Bob Thorten VS. Don Christman

  •   Tuesday - July 10, 2001

    eYada Taps Out

    Al Gattullo and Eddie Goldman Eddie Goldman's Internet talk show "No Holds Barred" is no more. It's not just Eddie's show, it was announced on Monday, July 9th that eYada would be ceasing operations. Though the company is not bankrupt, sources say money was definitely an issue. Getting advertisers to invest in "dot com" radio is a difficult thing at the current time. The market may have been a lot more friendly had the promise of Internet capable radios in cars and homes become a reality sooner.

    Here is a statement from Eddie on the matter...

    EYADA CLOSES ITS DOORS
    by Eddie Goldman

    MONTREAL, July 9 -- I received the news while in upstate New York en route to Montreal for Tuesday's Super Boxing Gala at the Molson Centre. The company on which I had hosted the "No Holds Barred" Internet talk show for 21 months, eYada.com, has closed down, effectively immediately. I was informed by my rugged producer, Al Gattullo, who had become a key supporter of the combat sports in this period. More details will follow as I get them, but for now, all of eYada.com is done.
    Click here to continue with Eddie's statement

    Vanderlei Silva out of Pride 15
    By Eduardo Alonso

    Vanderlei Silva and Eduardo Alonso       After all the speculation regarding Vanderlei Silva's opponent for Pride 15, it turns out that the "Axe Murderer" will not be fighting in the event.
          Silva, who is still undefeated in Pride, with wins over the likes of Guy Mezger, Dan Henderson and Kazushi Sakuraba, has been training hard for Pride 15 since his win over Shungo Oyama in the last Pride. This show was originally supposed to feature Vanderlei's rematch against Japanese superstar Kazushi Sakuraba, but due to Sakuraba's condition, the fight was postponed until later this year, probably November. That left fans wondering who would face the Chute Boxe star at Pride 15. Many names were thrown around, but despite all the talk FCF was told yesterday that Vanderlei Silva will definitely not be fighting in Pride 15.
          Silva has been one of the most active fighters in Pride lately, and he deserves this break. However, DSE will bring Vanderlei to Japan, and he will be attending the show as a guest, and will be on hand to help out Chute Boxe teammate Assuerio Silva, who will be fighting Valentijn Overeem. After this well deserved break, Vanderlei Silva will be fighting at Pride 16, in September, against a yet to be named opponent.


    From DSE USA:
    PRIDE FC "Raging Rumble"
    (a.k.a. PRIDE 15)
    Additional Match Ups


    Tuesday, July 10, 2001
    From Tokyo, Japan

    Three additional match ups have been announced.
    • Mark "The Hammer" Coleman vs. Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira
    • Heath Herring vs. Mark Kerr
    • Valentijn Overeem vs. Ausserio Silva

    Mark Coleman Mark Coleman
    ENTRY PRIDE: 5, 8, GP & 13
    HOMETOWN: Ohio, USA
    DOB: 12/20/1967
    WEIGHT: 245 lbs.
    HEIGHT: 6'2"
    TITLES or AWARDS:
  • '00 PRIDE-GP2000 Champion
  • '97 UFC XII Heavyweight Champion
  • '96 UFC X & XI Heavyweight Champion

  • Rodrigo Nogueira Rodrigo Nogueira
    ENTRY PRIDE: First time in Pride
    HOMETOWN: Salvador, Brazil
    DOB: 6/2/1976
    WEIGHT: 225 lbs.
    HEIGHT: 6'3"
    TITLES or AWARDS:
  • RINGS King of Kings 2001 champion

  • Heath Herring Heath Herring
    ENTRY PRIDE: 9, 11, 12 & 13
    HOMETOWN: Texas USA
    DOB: 3/2/1978
    WEIGHT: 254 lbs.
    HEIGHT: 6'2"
    FIGHTING HISTORY:
  • '01 PRIDE 13 def. Sobolev Denis
  • '01 PRIDE 12 def. Enson Inoue
  • '00 PRIDE 11 def. Tom Erikson
  • '00 PRIDE 9 def. Willie Peters

  • Mark Kerr Mark Kerr
    ENTRY PRIDE: 2,4,6,7,GP, 10 & 12
    HOMETOWN: Ohio, USA
    DOB: 12/21/1968
    WEIGHT: 250 lbs.
    HEIGHT: 6'2"
    TITLES or AWARDS:
  • 1999 ADCC Submission Wrestling Championship Tournament Champion (Over 99kg)
  • 1997 UFC15 Heavyweight Tournament Champion
  • 1997 UFC14 Heavyweight Tournament Champion

  • Valentijn Overeem Valentijn Overeem
    ENTRY PRIDE: 14
    HOMETOWN: Netherlands
    DOB: 8/17/1976
    WEIGHT: 208 lbs.
    HEIGHT: 6'4"
    FIGHTING HISTORY:
  • '01 RINGS KOK Veteran

  • Ausserio Silva
    ENTRY PRIDE: First time in Pride
    HOMETOWN: Curitiba, Brazil
    DOB: 6/18/1974
    WEIGHT: 222 lbs
    HEIGHT: 6'4"
    FIGHTING HISTORY:
  • TBA


  •   Wednesday - July 11, 2001

    IFC     Vs.     Severn & Levi     Vs.     Fulton Paul Smith, Dan Severn, Becky Levi & Travis Fulton

    On Saturday June 30th, 2001 Dan Severn faced off against Travis Fulton in World Extreme Cage Fighting's inaugural event at The Palace Casino in Lemoore, CA. When the match was over, it went to the judges, who awarded the unanimous decision to Severn. After the match, controversy reared its ugly head, with allegations of a worked match, personal vendettas and more began to be tossed around.
    Click here to read statements from
    IFC, Becky Levi & Dan Severn and Travis Fulton
    on the situation...

      Thursday - July 12, 2001

    From Pancrase:
    Latest Official PANCRASE Ranking
    (as of July 6, 2001)

    Open-weight
    9th K.O.P. Semmy Schilt(Holland/Golden Glory)
    1. Yuki Kondo(Pancrase Tokyo)
    2. Yoshiki Takahashi(Pancrase Tokyo) *up from #4
    3. Kiuma Kunioku(Pancrase Yokohama) *down from #2
    4. KEI Yamamiya(Pancrase Tokyo) *down from #3
    5. Sanae Kikuta(Pancrase GRABAKA)
    6. Osami Shibuya(Pancrase Yokohama)
    7. Jason DeLucia(U.S.A./Pancrase Hybrid Budokan)
    8. Katsuhisa Fujii(freelance)
    9. vacant
    10. vacant
    Light-heavyweight(177lbs.under 199lbs.)
    1st K.O.P. vacant
    1. Yuki Kondo(Pancrase Tokyo)
    2. Sanae Kikuta(Pancrase GRABAKA)
    3. Paulo Filho(Brazil/Brazilian Top Team) *NEW!
    4. Ikuhisa Minowa(Pancrase Yokohama)
    5. Omar Bouiche(Sweden/Mixed Martial Arts Stockholm)
    6. Brian Gassaway(U.S.A./AIKI Training Hall)
    7. Mitsuyoshi Sato(Pancrase GRABAKA) *NEW!
    8. Kosei Kubota(Pancrase Yokohama)
    9. Daisuke Ishii(Pancrase Tokyo)
    10. vacant
    Middleweight(under 177lbs.)
    1st K.O.P. Nathan Marquardt(U.S.A./Colorado Stars)
    1. Kiuma Kunioku(Pancrase Yokohama) *up from #2
    2. Shonie Carter(U.S.A./AIKI Training Hall) *down from #1
    3. Chris Lytle(U.S.A./I.F. Academy)
    4. Yuji Hoshino(RJW/CENTRAL) *NEW!
    5. Genki Sudo(freelance) *down from #4
    6. vacant
    7. vacant
    8. vacant
    9. vacant
    10. vacant

      Friday - July 13, 2001

    The Road To Egan-Tiger 2:
    Marcelo Tigre

    By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com

    Marcelo Tigre The wild man from Brazil returns to the ring on American soil once again. Marcelo Tigre [Tigre is the Portuguese spelling of Tiger] has not been as active as he would like to have been, but then again, he would be happy if he could fight every other day. Tigre takes on Egan Inoue's number one student in an event that is titled, "The Road to Egan/Tiger 2." Egan Inoue will fight Tigre's top student on the same card. These fights are meant to serve as "tune up" fights before their much-anticipated rematch. I caught up with Tigre at the Team Tiger gym, which has expanded its offerings and grown since I last went there.

    FCF:   The last time you fought was in Japan at Deep 2001. Tell us about your fight there.
    Marcelo Tigre:   For this event I was in good shape and ready to fight, but people always say that I don't care about the rules, that I want to make my own rules. But this time, they [Deep 2001 organizers] put rules and nobody followed them. I tried to follow the rules, but [my opponent] didn't. Now I know what rules I am going to follow. I tried to follow the rules and do good in Japan because Japan is the best place for fight. I had a little problem before my fight, but all my fights are like that. As the fight goes on, all my opponents know that they cannot beat me because my heart is big. Then it becomes to easy for me and I always finish them, like in Japan. I have a good name in Japan. I am going to fight there again in Deep 2001 and Pancrase after the fight at SuperBrawl in Hawaii.

    FCF:   Do you have any dates when those fights are?
    MT:     July 21st, I have a fight in SuperBrawl. On the 28th of the same month, I fight in Pancrase. I fly straight to Japan after SuperBrawl. And then after that fight, I come back to Hawaii because of my students. I have a big team here and I have to take care of my students. Then I go back to Japan to fight in Deep 2001 for my belt. I think it is on August 15th.

    FCF:   Do you know who your opponent is for the Pancrase fight?
    MT:     I don't know who my opponent is yet. The next SuperBrawl event in October, I am going to fight again with Egan Inoue. I am also going to fight with Kimo [Leopoldo] at the Blaisdell [arena in Hawaii]. I think it is October 21st. That is my schedule for now.

    FCF:   You're fighting Egan and Kimo in the same month? When is the fight with Egan?
    MT:     I think October 12th. I have a paper with the date on it. We signed the contract already.

    FCF:   You don't mind fighting two big fights so close together?
    MT:     No, this is good for me, it will make me in shape. Like I told you, I have a big team that takes care of me. I have my personal trainer who stretches me. She came from Brazil, her name is Patricia. She came to help me with my flexibility because I have no flexibility. But I am better now, before it was "no train, just fight." But now, I got to change everything to make me more stronger because there is always someone big for me to fight. I fight any weight, I don't care about the weight. I don't care when I am going to fight. I can fight today. I can fight tomorrow. It doesn't matter because I am a fighter. I am like an animal. An animal fights to survive, that is my way.

    Click here to continue with the Marcelo Tigre interview

    From the event's promoter:
    HOOKnSHOOT SHOWDOWN
    is This Weekend

    Memorial Coliseum, Evansville, IN.
    Saturday, July 14th, 2001

    HnS poster "This is our summer show, we are going to have some fun" crows promoter Jeff Osborne. "We expect a packed crowd again, mainly due to the return of Aaron Riley and the additional media stir that has caused. He is doing morning radio shows, we are scheduled to have the news here in Evansville cover the weigh ins on Friday at 6PM, the atmosphere is great" continues Osborne. "And then we have the tag team grappling - in typical HnS fashion, we are just going to see how this plays out, but we think it could be a real crowd pleaser. The fighters involved sound excited too, so..." says Osborne "Poof, before your very eyes, we are experimenting!"

    HOOKNSHOOT TITLE BOUT (3 Rounds):
  • (Middleweight HnS TITLE MATCH) Aaron Riley (Champion - AMC Pankration, Evansville, IN) v. Yves Edwards (#2 ranked, 3rd Column, Houston, TX)

    2 round matches:
  • (over 220 lbs) Frank Mir (Ricardo Pires BJJ, Las Vegas, NV.) v. Jerome Smith (Extreme CF, FT Campbell, KY)
  • (200 lbs) Mike McPherson (Submissions, Tulsa, OK.) v. Ray Casias (The Fighter’s Guild, Nashville, TN.) (145 lbs) tbd v. Rocky Long (3rd Column, Houston, TX)
  • (167 lbs) Eddie Miller (3rd Column, San Antonio, TX) v. Andy Dodd (Extreme CF, FT Campbell, KY)
  • (187 lbs) Joseph Baize (Submissions, Owensboro, KY.) v. Bradley Burrick (Bethany Karate Club/Metro Fight Club, Sterling Hts. MI.)
  • (205 lbs) Tom Jones (Submissions, Tulsa, OK.) v. Alvin Robinson (Extreme CF, FT Campbell, KY)

    SPECIAL NOTE: Regarding RUAS VALE TUDO and Manuel Garcia. Garcia was announced as fighting Ivan Salaverri. This match will not happen on this show, however it is necessary to correct an error. Garcia, from Spain has traveled on several occasions to Brazil to train with the RUAS TEAM, however he is not an "official" member of the team. We announced Manuel as a member in error in our prior press release. Manuel will fight in HOOKnSHOOT in 2001, and when he does he will represent Spain. Apologies to both parties for the confusion.

  •   Saturday - July 14, 2001

    From the event's promoter:
    Hughes Taps Lavender in
    Extreme Challenge 41

    Matt Hughes       DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Matt Hughes continued his display of improved submission skills, catching previously unbeaten jiu-jitsu star Chatt Lavender with a sidechoke at 2:31 of round three Friday night to win the main event of Extreme Challenge 41.
          It was a thrilling finale with Hughes using his strength and wrestling skills to keep Lavender on bottom throughout the match. However, Lavender kept the match exciting by nearly catching Hughes in a couple of submissions in the first round.
          "I almost got him a couple times," Lavender said afterwards... "he was just so strong."
          Lavender was trying to make it three upset wins in a row after having submitted Karl Schmitz and LaVerne Clark en route to his 8-0 record.
          Hughes, now 27-3, almost finished the bout at the end of the second round. After catching his opponent with an arm-bar, Hughes let the arm go when he thought Lavender had tapped and the ref was stepping in to halt the fight.
          "I felt something and then Bart (Guyer) started to reach down," Hughes said. "I had the arm, but I let go... Bart said he didn't see a tap and so we kept going. He was a tough guy... very tricky and hard to hit."
          The bell sounded moments later, but Hughes was not to be denied. After getting another takedown and landing some body punches, he moved to the side and applied the choke.
          "I'm becoming a more complete fighter," Hughes said. "I've worked hard on the submission side and I'm improving my strikes and kicks."
          Hughes will now face Hiromitsu Kanehara in RINGS Japan on Aug. 11 in Tokyo.
          In a feature bout, Rich Franklin improved to 12-0 when opponent Chris Seifert tapped due to punches from the mount at 1:45 of round 2. It was almost an even first round, but when Seifert attempted a takedown in round 2, the fighters bounced off the ropes and landed with Franklin in the mount. Seifert, now 17-3, tried to escape for nearly a minute, but eventually tapped.
          Robbie Lawler, the 19-year-old from Miletich Martial Arts, improved to 4-0 with a TKO win over Marco Macera. Lawler, who has won all his bouts by KO, controlled the standup, and finished the bout with a hard right to Macera's head, while he was on the mat. Macera, who KO'd Eric Hibler in his last bout, dropped to 3-2.
          Jason Black was hoping to improve on his 12-0 record, but opponent Koji Lehman of Los Angeles had other ideas. Lehman, who flew in on Thursday, was nowhere to be found on Friday. Apparently, he moved up his return flight and left. No explanation or message was left with the promoter.
          Other winners were: Jason Medina, now 4-1; and Dennis Reed, now 33-21.
          In a tag-team submission match, the team of Pat Miletich and Jeremy Horn bested the team of Nate Schroeder and Tim Sylvia 2-1 in 8:05.

          The next Extreme Challenge is scheduled for Aug. 24 in Davenport.

    RESULTS:
    • Dennis Reed def. Gabriel Merendon, 1:03 tap from punches
    • Robbie Lawler def. Marco Macera, 1:19 ref stop from punches
    • Jason Medina def. Jamie Webb, :30 tap from punches
    • Rich Franklin def. Chris Seifert, 1:45 Rd. 2 (6:45) tap from punches
    • Matt Hughes def. Chatt Lavender, 2:31 Rd. 3 (12:31) sidechoke

    HOOKnSHOOT Showdown:
    Edwards Vs. Riley
    By Joe Hall

    Yves Edwards
    Pre-fight Interview with
    Yves Edwards

          Yves Edwards meets Aaron Riley in a long awaited rematch as the main event of Saturday night's HOOKnSHOOT. The fight card is appropriately titled -- Showdown. In their first encounter, the two young warriors battled under old Pancrase rules with Edwards earning a decision victory. Don't let the limitations of that bout deceive you, though. Edwards and Riley might have been restricted somewhat, but they traded strikes with a ferocity that few fighters could keep up with. Now, fast-forward to Saturday night and the palm strikes that were being thrown in Edwards's home state of Texas will turn into closed fists in Riley's backyard of Indiana. Their bout, easily the most significant rematch in HOOKnSHOOT history, will be even more intense and promises to be nothing short of a war.

    Yves Edwards
    [Pictured at right entering the ring as Michael Myers]
    Yves Edwards as Michael Myers Age: 24
    Born: Bahamas
    Fighting out of: Texas
    Years in MMA: 4 years
    Sponsor: Punishment
    Team: The Third Column Fight Team
    Favorite MMA fighter: Tito Ortiz
    Favorite MMA fight: Uno vs. Sato (1)
    If he could fight anywhere, he would fight: In the UFC
    If he could fight anyone, he would fight: David Hasslehoff or any of the top guys in the sport

    FCF:   How will the hometown crowd, dominated by Aaron Riley's friends and fans, affect you?
    Yves Edwards:   I'm going to tune those guys out. Everything Aaron does is going to be awesome to them. He has a big following out here. He breathes, and they're excited. It's pretty cool that he has that kind of following, but I'm not going to let it affect me.

    FCF:   What do you expect different from Aaron now that he has been training at AMC-Pankration with Matt Hume?
    YE:     I don't really expect anything too much different. Matt Hume is not the kind of guy to try to change you; he just brings out the best in you. I think he'll be better at everything, but I'm not expecting him to be a different fighter.

    FCF:   Aaron has shown in the past a willingness to stand toe-to-toe, gladly taking a few punches to throw several back. Matt Hume has said he wants to get Aaron away from these dangerous exchanges. Would you want to lure him into a similar trade of strikes?
    YE:     Aaron has a lot of power, and I don't think it's wise for anyone to try and go toe-to-toe with him. He has power and a steel jaw. That's a bad combination for anyone on the other end of that. I'll try to pick my shots. I prefer to keep it standing, and he likes a standup fight also. If the fight goes to the ground, we're both pretty decent down there. I think it will be exciting there too because we're not lazy fighters. The crowd here in Evansville understands the ground game, and they'll appreciate the work going on.

    FCF:   If you could finish this fight anyway you wanted, how would you do it?
    YE:     On the ground I think the most dominating move is the rear-naked choke. Standing, kicks are pretty, but whatever works.

    FCF:   Aaron is rumored to possibly be fighting in the September UFC. If you beat him, what does that do for you? Yves Edwards: It will make things a lot better for me, of course. The UFC is pretty much the cream of the crop. Having another win over Aaron will be nothing short of a blessing. That's what I'm hoping for, and that's what I plan on doing Saturday night.

    FCF:   At the last HOOKnSHOOT, you had one of the wildest entrances in the history of MMA as Michael Myers of the Halloween movies. Should we expect something big Saturday night?
    YE:     You know, I haven't planned anything, but I'm the kind of guy that does things at the spur of the moment. You'll just have to wait and see.

    FCF:   Do you have any closing comments?
    YE:     The sport is growing, and things are getting better for everyone. The UFC is the place to be, and I would love to be there. Zuffa, keep your eyes out because I plan on making big splashes.

    Pre-fight Interview with
    Aaron Riley

          Aaron Riley is ready. For the past year, the twenty-year-old Indiana native has been living in the gym at AMC-Pankration - literally. He sleeps and wakes at the training site of Matt Hume, Josh Barnett and Dennis Hallman among others. Riley began making a name for himself in his first professional bout at the age of sixteen. Now, with four years of experience in the sport and top-notch training under Matt Hume for the last year, he has become one of the young stars with the ability to carry the sport to another level. The time to begin realizing his potential is growing near, though. After a year absence from professional competition, Riley returns this Saturday night in the HOOKnSHOOT Showdown main event against Yves Edwards. Look for Riley to excite the hometown crowd with his honed technique and of course, his brick-like fists.

    Aaron Riley
    Age: 20
    Born: Tell City, Indiana
    Fighting out of: Kirkland, Washington
    Years in MMA: 4 years
    Team: AMC-Pankration
    Favorite MMA fighter: Frank Shamrock and Rumina Sato
    If he could fight anywhere, he would fight: In the UFC
    If he could fight anyone, he would fight: Whoever is the champion
    Biggest fight of his career: WEF VIII against Colin O'Rourke

    FCF:   When did you know this is what you wanted to do?
    Aaron Riley:     When I saw the first Ultimate Fighting Championship when I was twelve years old.

    FCF:   You were sixteen when you had your first MMA fight. What was it like to be fighting in organized shows while you were in high school?
    AR:     It was nice. Especially living in a small town. There were a lot of people that motivated me and supported me by coming to the fights. It was a good experience.

    FCF:   You basically grew up in a promotion. How would you describe your experience with HOOKnSHOOT?
    AR:     It was great to develop and evolve at the same time as HOOKnSHOOT. I started with them when it was a small show and drawing small crowds, and to grow with the show has been great.

    FCF:   What is it like to live in a gym at AMC-Pankration and dedicate your life to this sport?
    AR:     I never miss a class, and I'm never late. Everyone has been helpful and friendly. The atmosphere at AMC is what made me want to train there to start with. Of course, the technique is second to none, also.

    FCF:   You lost a decision in your first bout with Yves Edwards. What happened in that fight?
    AR:     I didn't have the mental focus I needed, and I didn't have the time to prepare like I should have. Yves came in really prepared that night and fought a better fight. He deserved to win.

    FCF:   In the past, you have stood toe-to-toe with anyone that would trade with you. Matt Hume has said he wants you to avoid those exchanges. Will you be able to refrain from the temptation to throw everything out the door and just stand and trade?
    AR:     Yes, I've tried to work out of some of those bad habits. That can lead to a short fight career if that is the only thing you do. Of course, in training I can't play that number with Josh [Barnett] either.

    FCF:   How do you see this rematch with Yves Edwards playing out?
    AR:     I see him doing things, and I'll react to them the way I've been trained. It all depends on how he comes out and what he wants to do.

    FCF:   This is your first professional fight since training at AMC-Pankration. In addition, there have been rumors of you possibly fighting in the September UFC. How important is this fight?
    AR:     It's a really important fight because it helps me gauge where I'm at after all of the training I've done. I've been out of professional competition for a year, and I'm stepping back in now. I'm hoping to see where I'm at, then go from there. There has been a lot of talk, but nothing is finalized. I don't even know what match I'm doing after this one. I may be competing on an amateur card at AMC in August. This is the only fight I'm focusing on right now.

    FCF:   Where do you see yourself in MMA in two years?
    AR:     Hopefully, I'll be holding the UFC Welterweight title.

    FCF:   In five years?
    AR:     Still holding the title and making more money.

    From Susumu's Gallery:
    Susumu's Gallery Update

    Hello,

    We have added 57 photos from the Shooto show held on July 6th in Korakuen Hall, Tokyo. Please enjoy.

    This time, I have a message from Susumu below:
    These photographs differ from my usual ones which shows basically how a fight develops. I chose the photographs by the criteria of the expression, motion or body shown while an athlete is fighting this time. Because I want to explore the possibility as fine art of fight photographs. I am happy if you send me your thoughts on my trial.

    Susumu's mail address is: susumu@fp.catv.ne.jp

    Susumu's photo from Shooto

    Susumu's Gallery:
    http://come.to/susumu

    From the event's promoter:
    IFC Logo
    INTERNATIONAL FIGHTING CHAMPHIONSHIPS
    PRESENTS
    WARRIOR'S CHALLENGE XIV
    Table Mountain Casino - Friant, CA
    July 18, 2001

    Will the West Coast Shine?

    IFC poster       The International Fighting Championships' ("IFC") Warrior's Challenge shows have always featured the West Coast's top young talent. Now, the IFC has decided that it is time to see how that talent stacks up against the world's best, and the world has taken notice.
          Representatives from the UFC, Pride, Pancrase and Shooto will all be on hand as the IFC's Warrior's Challenge XIV card rocks Table Mountain Casino on July 18th with its headline match up for the vacant IFC Welterweight World Championship. Undefeated Gil Castillo from Lake Tahoe, California, will take on Nathan Marquardt, the Middleweight King of Pancrase and Number 9 ranked Welterweight in the world. This fight is guaranteed to be explosive as Castillo tries to prove he is ready to take the title and break into the top 10 Welterweight rankings while Marquardt will be out to show the U.S. fans what they have been missing while he has been destroying the competition in Japan.
          Plus, the Warrior's Challenge XIV card will feature two Americas championship fights. In the first, IFC Light-Heavyweight of the Americas Champion, David Terrell from Concord, California, will defend his title against the number 10 ranked Light-Heavyweight in the world, Jeremy Horn. Terrell, who impressively beat Brazilian Jiu jitsu black belt Marcos Da Silva in his last fight, will definitely have his hands full against the veteran Horn, who has fought and defeated some of the toughest fighters in the world. In the second, Joey Villasenor, the former IFC Light-Heavyweight of the Americas Champion will drop down to the middleweight division to challenge Ryan Stout for his title.
          When you throw in ten more exciting fights, including a four women welterweight tournament, you can see why the world will be turning its attention to Friant California to watch the IFC's Warrior's Challenge XIV.
          There are only a few tickets still available. You can purchase them through Table Mountain Casino or by calling BASS tickets 1(800) 225-BASS.
    WARRIOR'S CHALLENGE XIV
    FIGHT CARD

    IFC Welterweight World Championship Fight (170lbs)
    IFC Super fight
    Champion
    Gil Castillo
    Lake Tahoe, CA
    169lbs/5'9"
    Cesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu
     
     
      Vs.  
    2X Middleweight
    King of Pancrase
    Nathan Marquardt
    Denver, CO
    169lbs/5'11"
    Stars Mixed-Martial Arts Training Center

    IFC Light Heavyweight Americas Championship Fight (205lbs)
    Champion
    David Terrell
    Concord, CA
    195lbs/6'0"
    Cesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu
     
      Vs.  
     
    Jeremy Horn

    Davenport, IA
    204lbs/6'2"
    Miletich Martial Arts Center
    4 X UFC Veteran
    Former IFC US Heavyweight Champion

    IFC Middleweight Americas Championship Fight (185lbs)
    Champion
    Ryan Stout
    Dayton, OH
    184lbs/5'9"
    Freestyle
     
      Vs.  
     
    Joey Villasenor

    Farmington, NM
    184lbs/5'11"
    Freestyle
    Former IFC US Light Heavyweight Champion

    IFC Light Heavyweight U.S. Championship Fight (205lbs)
    Champion
    Bobby Southworth
    San Jose, CA
    200lbs/6'0"
    Shamrock USA
     
      Vs.  
     
    Floyd Sword

    Farmington, NM
    200lbs/5'11"
    Freestyle
    IFC Light Heavyweight Tournament Champion

    Heavyweight Contender Fight (265lbs)
    Aaron Brink
    Huntington Beach, CA
    245lbs/6'3"
    Mixed Martial Arts
      Vs.   TBA

    Light Heavyweight Contender Fight (205lbs)
    Scott Smith
    Sacramento, CA
    195lbs / 6'0"
    BJJ Training Center Sacramento
      Vs.   Lalo Moz
    Fresno, CA
    200lbs/6'0"
    Team Fresno

    Welterweight Contender Fight (170lbs)
    Scott Bills
    Venice Beach, FL
    165lbs / 5'8"
    Jiu Jitsu
      Vs.   Nick Ertl Jr.
    Orangevale, CA
    165lbs/5'8"
    Cesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu

    Woman's Middleweight Tournament (135lbs)
    Tanya Vlahac
    Ontario, Canada
    135lbs/5'4"
    Freestyle Fighting
      Vs.   Judy Neff
    Boise, ID
    135lbs/5'4"
    Team Idaho
     
    TBA   Vs.   TBA

    Middleweight Challenge Fight (185lbs)
    Jimmy Walker
    Reno, NV
    182lbs/5'2"
    F.A.S.T.
      Vs.   Dennis Asche
    Bend, OR
    175lbs/5'9"
    Carlson Gracie / Washington

    Lightweight Contender Fight (155lbs)
    Cruz Gomez
    San Luis Obispo, CA
    153lbs/5'8"
    SLO-Kickboxing
      Vs.   TBA

    Lightweight Preliminary Fight (155lbs)
    Antonio Banuelos
    San Luis Obispo, CA
    134lbs/5'3"
    SLO-Kickboxing
      Vs.   Brian Peterson
    Santa Barbara, CA
    134lbs/5'4"

    From the event's promoter:
    More Changes to Super Brawl Card!
    (For the Better!)

    Where should we start? Chronologically:
    • Draculino pulls out due to injury-Search is on for new opponent for Yoshida
    • Abe Rodrigues injured in training-Search for opponent for Lemley
    • Jay R. Palmer in "legal trouble"-Have Yeung fight Lemley (phew!)
    • Looks like Genki Suda for Charutto!-Oops-Suda in final negotiations with UFC...no go.
    • Offer C.J. Fernandez for Charutto-His management accepts!!
    • Charutto calls the next day to inform me he has new job on Big Island and cannot train properly.
    • Baret injures neck in Shooto bout-Card not looking good!
    • Need to replace this fight with two quality opponents.
    • Ronald Jhun has IFC fight on the 18th cancelled!-Quick....call Ronald!
    • Jhun comes through..
    • when asked what kind of opponent he replies "the best you can find!"
    • Contact managing legend Monte Cox-recommends 18-2 Dave Strasser
    • Both fighters agree!
    • Marcelo's student scheduled to fight Egan runs into "complications and will not fight!
    • Quick, call Monte! Solution (10-9) journeyman Brett Al-Azzawi.
    • Niko Vitale comes into Grappling Unlimited after a few well deserved weeks off-get's ribbed for said time off - then asks if it would be possible to get on the card? What was suppose to say, no?
    • Call Monte Cox back up....Ask if he knows any quality opponents crazy enough to fight Niko on short notice
    • ...the answer is (32-21) Iowan, Dennis Reed. Maybe I should just charter a jet?
    • Phew....I think we are done!.............
    • Hey! Jay R. becomes "available" again and is in need of a fight!....
    • SPG gold medalist, Melchor Manabusen steps to the plate to make his long awaited NHB debut!
    • The End.......(ya, sure!)
    The Road to the Rematch!
    SuperBrawl 5th Anniversary


    Gabe Lemley 150lbs v David Yeung 150lbs
    (Team Extreme) 3-2 (Muay Thai) 0-1

    Melchor Manabusen 150lbs v Jay R. Palmer 150lbs
    (Pure Bred, Guam) 0-0 (Freelance) 21-

    "Iwi" Kohanu 143lbs v Lincoln Tyler 140lbs
    (Nova Uniao, Big Island) 0-0 (Freelance) 3-1

    Rick Graveson 199lbs v Paul Ano 195lbs
    (Team Extreme) 21-11 (Grappling Unlimited) 0-0

    Kim Morishita 153lbs v Gary Frietas 153lbs
    (Maui) 2-0 (Grappling Unlimited) 2-1-1

    Ben Earwood 176lbs v John Crisostom 176lbs
    (Team Extreme) 19-2 (Grappling Unlimited) 7-5

    Dennis Reed 195lbs v Niko Vitale 195lbs
    (Team Extreme) 32-21 (Grappling Unlimited) 7-1

    Dave Strasser 180lbs v Ronald Jhun 180lbs
    (Team Extreme) 17-2 (Jesus is Lord) 20-5

    Wesley Coreirra 270lbs v Marcelo Tiger 205lbs
    (Grappling Unlimited) 3-2 (Team Tiger) 33-1

    Brett Al-Azzawi 185lbs v Egan Inoue 190lbs
    (Team Extreme) 10-9 (Grappling Unlimited) 6-2

    From the event's promoter:
    Eye Of The Storm poster
    Reality Super Fighting

    RSF prepares to invade Ft. Pierce, FL on July 21, 2001 for RSF Eye of the Storm. Already signed for the main event are Chad Saunders vs. Karl Schmidt!! Look for this card to heat up as the 21st nears. Eye of the Storm will be held at the St. Lucie County Civic Center. Tickets are $10, $15 & $20.

      Sunday - July 15, 2001

    HOOKnSHOOT Showdown Results:
    Edwards Does It Again

    By Joe Hall

          As Aaron Riley and Yves Edwards made their way to the ring, the hometown crowd left their seats to gather a bit closer in the aisle way. Those already sitting ringside squeezed a little tighter while the fans in attendance roared to welcome Riley in his return fight after a departure to train across the country. In the three memorable rounds that followed, Yves Edwards landed a plethora of knees and punches to stun the crowd and become the new HOOKnSHOOT Middleweight Champion. Despite cutting Riley early in the first round and dominating on the feet throughout, Edwards narrowly escaped defeat several times. In what appeared to be typical Riley come-from-behind fashion, the bleeding champion passed to the side mount and swung for an arm lock in the final round. However, Edwards patiently defended and closed the round standing with a vicious combination. An incredible fight went to the judges whom justly and unanimously awarded the bout to Edwards. Riley showed unmatched heart, never going down despite the endless number of strikes he absorbed. Yves Edwards, on the other hand, scored another impressive win over Riley and should now receive the attention he deserves from the MMA world.

    Full Results

    Eddie Miller vs. Andy Dodd
    Miller by TKO - punches standing (rd 1)

    Joseph Baize vs. Bradley Burrick
    Baize by Submission - Leg Lock (rd 1)

    Travis Phippen vs. Rocky Long
    Phippen by Submission - Arm Lock (rd 1)

    Ray Casias vs. Mike McPherson
    Casias by Submission - Arm Lock (rd 1)

    Tom Jones vs. Alvin Robinson
    Jones by Verbal Submission - punches from the mount (rd 1)

    Frank Mir vs. Jerome Smith
    Mir by Unanimous Decision

    Yves Edwards vs. Aaron Riley
    Edwards by Unanimous Decision

      Monday - July 16, 2001

    Vanderlei Silva Carjacked!
    By Eduardo Alonso

    Vanderlei Silva       The violence in Brazil sometimes reaches some scary levels! This past week one of the most popular NHB fighters in the world, the "Axe Murderer" Vanderlei Silva, went through some terrible moments in his hometown of Curitiba!
          Vanderlei was driving his car around town, and all of the sudden he was surprised by three guys, all armed with guns! The deliquents quickly got into his car, and drove for some minutes with guns pointed to his head, leaving the NHB fighter not knowing what would happen with his life in the next few moments! The three thieves were very nervous, and didn't recognize who Vanderlei was. They kept driving for some moments, until they made him get out of the car, and disapeared with Vanderlei's Ford Ranger, taking his cell phone and plenty of money with them.
          The city of Curitiba is considered of the most tranquil cities in Brazil, with a very low crime rate compared to other Brazilian cities. Even so, we're reaching an unacceptable level of violence, and it's very sad to see one of the top fighters in the game having to go through this sort of situation in his own city. Fortunately everything ended up well, and Vanderlei wasn't hurt. The police have not found his car yet and nor have they found the thieves.

      Tuesday - July 17, 2001

    Super Brawl 21 Press Conference
    July 16, 2001 10:00 AM
    24-Hour Fitness
    Kapiolani Blvd. Honolulu, Hawaii

    By Michael Onzuka - Mike@onzuka.com

          The press conference went as planned. Thanks to slow car repair service, I arrived a bit late, but since there is a Brazilian in the show, I had a lot of time before it began (heh heh). Basically, the press conference was to let Marcelo Tigre, Wesley "Cabbage" Cabrerra, and Egan Inoue speak their minds and build the fight. Both Cabbage and Egan were pretty quiet with their comments, but Marcelo had a lot to say.
    Marcelo Tigre, Wesley Cabrerra, and Egan Inoue       All three fighters sat at a table and promoter T. Jay Thompson brought a film crew to video the press conference. Egan admitted that he did not know much about his opponent, Brett Al-Azzawi, but his style of mixing up the stand-up and ground would remain the same. Basically, Egan and Cabbage stated that they will let their fighting speak for themselves in the ring, while Marcelo explained that he lives a fighter's life and fights for pride, for his students to be proud of him, and for survival. Tiger stated that he is ready to fight any day, at any time. One interesting thing to note was that Tiger stated that when he gets hit, it wakes him up and gets him more in tune with the fight. From the fights that I have seen of Marcelo's, I have to agree and add that in order to get 100% out of Tiger, you have to give him a couple good shots. He also stated that the last time when he first faced Inoue, he was all alone with no team, physically sick, and did not know how to prepare properly. At that time, Marcelo's motto was, "No train, Fight!" Marcelo now has a personal trainer that has been working to increase his cardio and flexibility. He has brought in professional boxers to increase his punching power. After the interview, Tiger was boiling and he told T. Jay and myself that he wants to fight right now and I could see in his eyes that he was not just talking trash. He said that he is going to take his students back to his school and "work off" some energy.
          I don't think we will see a more refined technical bobbing and weaving Tiger, but one that has more power and the same balls to stay in range to cause some serious damage. Cabbage has the size and physical toughness to stand there with Tiger so if both fighters keep the fight standing, there should be some major leather flying and some very hard hits.

    The Road To Tiger/Inoue II
    Super Brawl 5th Anniversary

    July 21, 2001
    Neil Blaisdell Arena
    Honolulu, HI
    Tickets are $25 pre-sale, $29 on the day of the event.
    Limited $50 VIP seating are also available

    FIGHT CARD
    David Yeung
    150lbs 5'7" 150 lbs
    (Muay Thai) 0-1
      Vs.   Gabe Lemley
    5'10" 145 lbs
    (Team Extreme) 2-2
    Melchor Manabusen
    150 lbs.
    (Enson Inoue's Pure Bred, Guam) 0-0
      Vs.   Jay R. Palmer
    150 lbs
    (Universal Rough House) 21-10
    Iwi Kohanu
    135 lbs
    (Nova Uniao, Big Island) 0-0
      Vs.   Lincoln Tyler
    5'6" 135 lbs
    (Freelance) 3-1
    Rick Graveson
    5'10' 199 lbs
    (Team Extreme) 21-11
      Vs.   Paul Ano
    5'10" 200 lbs
    (Grappling Unlimited) 0-0
    Kim Morishita
    150 lbs
    (Maui) 2-0
      Vs.   Gary Frietas
    5'7" 150 lbs
    (Grappling Unlimited) 2-1-1
    Ben Earwood
    176 lbs
    (Team Extreme) 19-2
      Vs.   John Crisostomo
    5'7" 176 lbs
    (Grappling Unlimited) 7-5
    Dennis Reed
    195 lbs
    (Team Extreme) 32-21
      Vs.   Niko Vitale
    195 lbs
    (Grappling Unlimited) 7-1
    Ronald "Machine Gun" Jhun
    180 lbs
    (Jesus is Lord) 20-5
      Vs.   Dave Strasser
    180 lbs
    (Team Extreme) 17-2
    Cabbage Cabrerra
    6'3" 270 lbs
    (Grappling Unlimited) 0-2
      Vs.   Marcelo Tiger
    5'11" 205 lbs
    (Team Tiger) 33-1
    Brett Al-Azzawi
    185 lbs
    (Team Extreme) 10-9
      Vs.   Egan Inoue
    190 lbs
    (Grappling Unlimited) 6-2

    From DSE USA:
    PRIDE 15 PPV Schedule
    For North America

    We are pleased to announce PRIDE-15 (PRIDE FC "Raging Rumble") will be on PPV in North America as shown below. We are going to release additional information for Viewer's Choice Canada shortly.

    Regards,
    Hideki Yamamoto
    Dream Stage Entertainment USA

    DIRECTV SCHEDULES
    Premiere
  • 8/11/01 (Sat) 9:00 PM (ET), 12:30 AM (ET)
    Replays
  • 8/13/01 (Mon) *
  • 8/16/01 (Thu) *
  • 8/17/01 (Fri) *
  • 8/20/01 (Mon) *
  • 8/21/01 (Tue) *
  • 8/25/01 (Sat) *
  • 8/26/01 (Sun) *
  • 8/29/01 (Wed) *
  • 8/30/01 (Thu) *
    * All Day Ticket

    Dish Network
    Premiere
  • 8/11/01 (Sat) 9:00 PM (ET)
    Replays
  • 08/12/01 (Sun) 12:00AM
  • 08/14/01 (Tue) 8:00PM
  • 08/14/01 (Tue) 11:00PM
  • 08/16/01 (Thu) 10:00PM
  • 08/18/01 (Sat) 5:00AM*
  • 08/22/01 (Wed) 7:00PM
  • 08/24/01 (Fri) 9:00PM
  • 08/26/01 (Sun) 8:00PM
  • 08/28/01(Tue) 6:00PM
    * All Day Ticket

    BellExpress Vu
    Premiere
  • 8/17/01 (Fri)
    Replays
  • 8/18/01*
  • 8/20/01*
  • 8/31/01*
    *3 exhibitions per night
    (9:00pm ET , Midnight ET, 3:00am ET)

    Viewer's Choice Canada
    Premiere
  • 8/17/01(Fri) at 9:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM (ET)
    Replays
  • 8/20/01(Mon)*
  • 8/21/01(Tue)*
  • 8/28/01(Tue)*
  • 8/29/01(Wed)* *All day ticket

  • Vitor Belfort Leaves Brazilian Top Team!
    By Eduardo Alonso

          After lots of speculation, the "phenom" Vitor Belfort just told FCF today that he is really out of the Brazilian Top Team! Not only Vitor, but his old teammates Allan Goes, Carlão Barreto and Ricardo Arona among others all left the Brazilian Top Team to form a new fighting team!
          Vitor told FCF that he is training a lot of Muay Thai with Luis Alves, and that he is already training very hard for his upcoming UFC title fight against Tito Ortiz. Belfort also said that he is very happy with his new deal with the UFC, since the UFC is taking good care of fighters, and especially because the UFC is helping the sport to grow a lot! Belfort mentioned that he signed a long contract with the UFC, and that he is looking forward to a good partnership with the event over the years. "the Phenom" went on to say that the UFC not only paid him well, giving him the right value, they are also treating the fighters very well, understanding that they need to invest in the concept of stars, helping to build the sport and take it mainstream.
          The Brazilian Top Team started as a new NHB/Jiu Jitsu oriented team, with several former Carlson Gracie fighters, who left the Carlson team to form what would be one of the toughest and most talented fighting teams in the world. However, now most of the MMA community in Brazil is suprised with the news of a brand new fighting team in the country! With several talents like Belfort, this new team can only achieve success, and everybody is left wondering what will happen with the Brazilian Top Team.

      Wednesday - July 18, 2001

    From the event's promoter:
    The Lucky Eagle Casino & Matt Hume
    Present:
    W A R R I O R ' S     R E V E N G E
    UFCF & Washington State sanctioned
    Professional Kickboxing & Pankration

    Date: July 21, 2001
    Place: Lucky Eagle Casino in Rochester, WA
    Time: 7:00PM

    Quick Line up
    • Pankration match #1 Ivan "the Shark" Salaverry vs. Dan "the Crusher" Corpstein
      (3-5min rounds Pankration)
    • Kickboxing match #2 Ricky "the Leach" Neely vs Justin "the Jet" Jones
      (3 rounds Kickboxing)
    • Pankration match #3 Dennis Hallman vs Dan Shank
      (3-5min rounds Pankration)
    • Muay Thai match #4 Scott Schaefer vs Alberto Ramirez
      (5 rounds Muay Thai)
    • Pankration match #5 Jeff Monson vs Roman Roytberg
      (3-5min rounds Pankration for U.S. #1 ranking)
    • Muay Thai match #6 Luke Munsen vs Danny "Boy" Bennett
      (5 rounds Muay Thai)
    • Pankration match #7 Charles Pearson vs Ryan Diaz
      (5-5min rounds Pankration North America Championship)
    * * * Tickets Available at:

    Lucky Eagle Casino
    800-720-1788
    www.LuckyEagle.com
    Rochester, WA

    http://www.Pankration.com
    AMC Kickboxing & Pankration
    427 6th Street South
    Kirkland, Washington 98033 (USA)

    Phone: (425) 822-9656
    Email: AMC@pankration.com

    New KOTC Video Now In Stock!

    King Of The Cage 8 Only $14.95!

    King of The Cage 8
    Bombs Away
    April 29, 2001

    UNDERCARD FIGHTS
  • Chad Washburn vs. Anthony Ramos
  • Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Bryson Haubrick
  • Edwin Dewees vs. Jeremy Edwards
    FEATURE FIGHTS
  • Boa Quatch vs. Greg Mayer
  • Floyd Sword vs. Sokun Koh
  • Ronald "Machine Gun" Jhun vs. Brian Sleeman
  • Phillip Miller vs. Syungo Oyama
  • Rick Kerns vs. Daijiro Matsui
    MAIN EVENT FIGHTS
  • Martin Armanderez vs. Sean Sherk
  • Gil Castillo vs. Joe Hurley
  • Marvin Eastman vs. Vernon "Tiger" White



  • For FASTEST service call in your credit card order
    (516)922-1081
    Or
    Click here to order securely online with your credit card
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    From DSE USA:
    PRIDE 15 PPV Schedule for
    Viewer's Choice Canada

    Viewer's Choice Canada
    Premiere
  • 8/17/01(Fri) at 9:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM (ET)
    Replays
  • 8/20/01(Mon)*
  • 8/21/01(Tue)*
  • 8/28/01(Tue)*
  • 8/29/01(Wed)* *All day ticket

    (See yesterday's post for full schedule for North American PPV)

  • From the event's promoter:
    Eye of the Storm
    Fight Card

    Here is the card for "Eye of the Storm", a night of mixed martial arts fights to be held July 21, 2001 at the St/ Lucie County Civic Center in Fort Pierce Florida.

    Main Event: Karl Schmidt vs. Chad Saunders
    Fight 8: Sean Gray vs. Randy Rowe
    Fight 7: Kevin Hennings vs. Mike Buchovich
    Fight 6: Ahren Davis vs. Todd Carney
    Fight 5: Arti Brito vs. Bill Perez
    Fight 4: Antoine Coleman vs. Muta Champion
    Fight 3: Daniel Castro vs. Don Christman
    Fight 2: Jose Gonzales vs. Alan Williams
    Fight 1: Scott Johnson vs. Raymond Potoricco

    Preliminary Fight: TBD

    Card is subject to change.

    Also, look for Reality Super Fighting's next Event, "New Blood Conflict II" which will be held on August 11 at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta, GA. (Tickets on sale now at ticketmaster.com.)

      Thursday - July 19, 2001

    Quick Words With
    Alexandre "Pequeno" Nogueira

    By Eduardo Alonso

    Pequeno       With his memorable wins in Shooto, Alexandre "Pequeno" Nogueira has become one of the most respected Brazilian fighters in Japan. Recently "Pequeno" joined the Brazilian Top Team, one of the most important NHB teams in Brazil, proving that old rivalries are changing. During the last MECA event in Curitiba, where "Pequeno" brought one of his students to fight, FCF got a chance to talk with the Shooto champion about some of his future projects, his training and more at the recent MECA 5 event...

    FCF:   MECA has been growing a lot as an event lately, and now we have the presence of a the most important Brazilian NHB teams like Ruas Vale Tudo, Chute Boxe and the Brazilian Top Team. What do you expect from MECA 5?
    Alexandre "Pequeno" Nogueira:   I'm expecting a lot of fights, great fights, with a number of great athletes that will be fighting here and will show everything that they learned from their masters!

    FCF:   We have some Brazilian Top Team members debuting in NHB at this event. What can we expect from them tonight?
    Pequeno:   You can expect a lot of technique, the guys are coming to win, no matter what! They are very well prepared.

    FCF:   After all the great results you've had in Shooto, what is next for you?
    Pequeno:   What's next is that I'll defend my title, because I do it every year there, in September in Shooto...Against a Japanese champion, the guy that I lost to in a previous Shooto event.

    FCF:   What do you feel that changed in your game since you joined the Brazilian Top Team?
    Pequeno:   Well, it's a great experience. We have a lot of fighters, from all the weight divisions, with a number of different techniques, so I'm learning a lot, a bit of everything, and improving my whole game! Standing, on the ground, improving my takedowns, everything.

    FCF:   You brought a student of yours to fight here, but he isn't a Brazilian Top Team member. How does that work?
    Pequeno:   I teach Luta Livre, I teach classes at Niteroi [a city near Rio de Janeiro], and I have a large NHB Team there, with guys from all weight divisions, appart from the Brazilian Top Team. As a matter of fact, I'll be bringing some of my students to fight in Japan, at Shooto.

    FCF:   What can we expect from your student, Aba, in this show?
    Pequeno:   Aba has been training with me for a long time; we'll see how he will react tonight. He will be facing a tought and experienced fighter, Assuério, and this is the first time that he will fight NHB! It's his debut! So let's expect a great fight! He will look to take him down, and finish the fight on the ground, that's his style!

    FCF:   The best of luck for you in the future Pequeno!
    Pequeno:   Thanks a lot!

    Complete MECA 5 coverage in the current issue of FCF!
    Don't miss it!

    From the event's promoter:
    Super Brawl Weigh-In
    Goes Back to the Future!

    It all began in the winter of 1995 at a run down bar by the airport in Honolulu Hawaii. 8 street fighters stepped in a 16 foot make shift ring at Gussie LaMour's night club and made history. That is how the now successful and respected (well, somewhat) Super Brawl event got its start.

    For all those pining for the good ol' days, you don't have to pine any longer. Official weigh-ins and rules briefing will take place at this hallowed ground on Friday night July 20, at 7pm. Come on down and meet the fighters and talk to some who were there when it all began. Trade your fondest memories of the Gussie Dome!...Oh, ya...Entertainment will follow the weigh-ins.

      Friday - July 20, 2001

    The July 2001 issue of FCF is here!

    FCF New Issue In this issue...

    UFC 32: Unbelievably Freakin' Cool UFC 32 delivereda glitzy show, action-packed fights and the largest MMA crowd on U.S. soil, and FCF brings you there live!

    The Ultimate Advertisement: Zuffa brings MMA marketing to a new level. Find out all about the new advertising campaign intended to blitz mainstream media in the coming months

    The State of The [MMA] Union: We've come a long way baby! This editorial takes a look at the fast-paced evolution that the sport of Mixed Martial Arts has undergone in the past year

    IFC vs. Severn & Levi vs. Fulton What happened in the main event of World Extreme Cage Fighting's innaugural event? Whatever it was resulted in suspensions, accusations, and a lot of harsh words going around. We present statements from the players involved and will let you decide

    MECA 5: World Vale Tudo full coverage of Brazil's biggest NHB event live from Curitiba, Brazil

    Submitting The Cancer: Magno Penha is a tough Brazilian NHB fighter who was struck down in his prime by leukemia. Penha looked death in the face and battled his way back to health and strength. Find out about his amazing struggle for life and probe into the question of whether or not Growth Hormone can cause cancer.

    King Of The Cage 9: Hoffman crowned new Heavyweight Champ as KOTC burns up the desert

    Jean Jaques Machado: Meet the incredible submission specialist

    Javier Mendez is a former kickboxing champion who is very well known in kickboxing circles, but probably one of the most unrecognized faces in MMA. But if you come to Javier's gym, you will find him training the likes of Frank Shamrock, BJ Penn, Tony DeSouza, etc.

    You've heard of the Toughman contests, but have you ever heard of the Ruff-man contests? Well they've apparently been going on for about 25 years. The contest has Stand-up Grappling, and NHB divisions. Come with us to the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii for the Ruff-man's latest show.

    Pat Miletich BioFile: Find out everything about Pat, from his tastes in music to his favorite ice cream flavor and more!

    Also, fight fans from around the globe speak their mind on different issues in MMA today.

    In our monthly columns...
    In Matt Hume's techniques, Matt Hume and Aaron Riley demonstrate a Far Side Half-Nelson With Figure-4 On The Arm; and in the Punchers Corner, champion kickboxer Derek Panza discusses the Punch To Punch Transitions.

    Every issue of Full Contact Fighter is jam-packed with fight news from the U.S. to Brazil to Japan. FCF travels the globe to bring the fights to you. Get yours today! Available at Tower Records stores around the world or by subscription...


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    (516)922-1081
    Or
    Click here to order securely online with your credit card
    or print off the order form & mail it in with your payment
     

      Saturday - July 21, 2001

    From the event's promoter:
    K-1 Logo
    K-1 USA
    RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS!
    AUGUST 11, 2001


    At The Amazing BELLAGIO Resort Hotel & Casino

    "8 MEN ENTER..., ONLY 1 SURVIVES"
    featuring:
    Maurice Smith USA
    Stefan Leko GERMANY
    Peter Aerts HOLLAND
    Noboru Uchida JAPAN
    Sergei Ivanovic BELARUS
    Duke Roufus USA
    Jurgen Kruth SWEDEN
    Francisco Filho BRAZIL

    PLUS a full undercard of K-1 style and ISKA Muay Thai Action!

    For Ticket Information, please Call the Bellagio Ticket Office: 1-888-488-7111

    FCF TV

      Sunday - July 22, 2001

    Nevada Athletic Commission
    to Rule on Fate of MMA

    By Aaron Crecy

    LAS VEGAS--July 23, 2001 has the potential to be a joyous day for the sport of mixed martial arts fighting-or it could be remembered as Black Monday. That's because the Nevada Athletic Commission will convene in Las Vegas to vote upon whether or not to sanction MMA competitions in the state. However, insiders are confident that the Commission will give its approval, a move that would serve to move MMA a measurable stride in the direction of mainstream recognition.

    Established in 1941, the Nevada Athletic Commission is a five-member committee appointed by the Governor to regulate all contests and exhibitions of unarmed combat, including licensure and supervision of promoters, boxers, professional wrestlers, kickboxers, seconds, ring officials, managers, and matchmakers. The Commission is the final authority on licensing matters, having the ability to approve, deny, revoke or suspend all licenses for unarmed combat.

    The Nevada Athletic Commission currently sanctions boxing and kickboxing but has been considering a set of uniform rules for mixed martial arts that already have been adopted in New Jersey and California. If approved, it is conceivable that these new rules could be presented at the annual convention for the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), July 25-28 in New Orleans. With both Nevada and New Jersey on board, there is a likelihood that MMA could soon be sanctioned in most states, if not all of them.

    MMA organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride Fighting Championships are eager to host events in Nevada, and in Las Vegas in particular. Headquartered in Las Vegas, the UFC's ownership group, Zuffa LLC-led by Lorenzo Fertitta, himself the former vice-chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission-already has tentative plans to hold its next event at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino on September 28th. Meanwhile, Pride has expressed considerable interest in bringing its event to the U.S. to challenge the UFC on its home soil.

    Both events would benefit from Las Vegas' ability to draw fans from the lucrative California market, an MMA hotbed. In addition, Las Vegas represents a significant upgrade in terms of the overall fan experience and image, as Pride and the UFC would ally themselves with upper echelon casinos that offer a multiplicity of entertainment attractions.

    "Being sanctioned in Nevada is huge for the sport," said UFC president Dana White. "It puts more of a spotlight on the sport and it puts us in the mainstream. Nevada is a state where all of the legitimate [combat] sports take place, and it has the best athletic commission in the world."

    Mario Sperry Talks About
    Managing, Fighting & The Top Team

    By Eduardo Alonso

          Zé Mario Sperry is considered one of the top submission fighters in the world, both with and without the gi. Bringing home top honors in all type of events, from the BJJ Worlds to the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Championships to NHB fights around the globe, Mario has accomplished a lot during his career in the ring. But now he is not only successful inside the ring, but outside as well! Zé Mario has now taken on the additional task of fighter manager. FCF got the chance to talk recently with the "Zen Machine" about his new role as manager, his future inside the ring, and the recent events concerning the Brazilian Top Team.

    Mark Kerr choking Mario Sperry FCF:   Everybody knows Mario Sperry as a fighter, winning several BJJ championships, fighting in Abu Dhabi and in NHB events all over the world. Now, apart from your career as fighter you're also helping some young fighters, working as their manager. How has this latest experience been for you?
    Mario Sperry:   This experience, as fun as it may sound, happened in a very natural way. At first I always helped my teammates, like to get to Abu Dhabi back in the days when there were no trials and stuff...And even today I recommend some friends to fight there, and I was always a very spoken person, very happy, and since I speak English very well, I was always able to close some good deals and contracts for myself! The younger fighters were always watching me, paying attention to the decisions that I made and stuff like that. So, at a certain point in Ricardo Arona's career he asked me if I could help him to get a deal with RINGS, because I got a call from RINGS and I mentioned it to him. So I said, "Of course Arona, I'll help you! No problem!" So I went there with him [a couple of times] to Japan, and on the third time I told him that I couldn't do it anymore, because I have my own things to take care of. So he said, "Zé Mario, let's make it official then!" But I told him that it was tough, because we're friends and it involves money and stuff, but he said, "But Zé Mario, if it won't be you, it'll be someone else! And I would like to have you as a manager, because I like you a lot, we're friends, and we know each other from a long time, etc." So I accepted it, and started to work as his manager. Minotauro, who was a bit lost and stuff at that time, saw that and asked me to be his manager too. I thought it was funny, because people were approaching me to be their manager, because of my honesty I think. So I started to work as Minotauro's manager, and today I manage Minotauro, Arona, Minotauro's brother, Dustin Dennis, and I help a lot of people without any compromise! That's how it all started!

    Click here to continue with the Mario Sperry interview

    The Road To the Rematch!
    SuperBrawl 5th Anniversary

    July 21, 2001 - Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
    By Chris Onzuka - Chris@onzuka.com

          T. Jay Thompson wanted to mark the 5-year anniversary of SuperBrawl with a bang and that is just what happened. Earlier in the week, Thompson sent out a press release/promo reminiscing about SuperBrawl's humble beginnings (back then it was called Future Brawl) in a biker bar by the Honolulu International Airport. One my vivid memories was a huge bar fight that broke out at one of the events, which caused me to ALWAYS watch the fights with a beer bottle or some other hard object in my hand at all times. Another brawl broke out in the ring at the last event, SuperBrawl XX, when one of the corner men jumped into the ring and jumped on one of the fighters. Well, those days of yester-year were almost revisited again last night. You would never have guessed but Marcelo Tigre had something to do with it. Heh heh. The event was billed as "The Road to the Rematch" and it was supposed to build interest in the rematch between Marcelo Tigre and Egan Inoue after their epic battle two years ago.
    Cabbage vs. Tigre       Originally this event was supposed to pit Marcelo's best student fighting Egan and Egan's best student fighting Marcelo. Marcelo's student had to pull out of the fight due to some trouble outside the ring and Marcelo was stuck fighting Egan's student, Cabbage, who outweighs him by an incredible 77lbs. To make a long story short, Marcelo could not take the big man down and Cabbage had no problem absorbing Marcelo's strikes for the whole first round and even rocked Marcelo a couple of times. In the second round, Tigre caught a kick thrown by Cabbage and took him down. At this point, I guess Tigre wanted to make up for the damage that he was NOT able to unleash in the first round, so he worked his hands on the inside of Cabbages', cocked his head back and laid into a huge head butt that connected right in the center of Cabbage's eye brows. This caused referee, Haru Shiminishi, to immediately stop the fight (head butts are not legal) and have the doctors check the gash that was produced. Shiminishi then disqualified Tigre and declared Cabbage the winner. The crowd booed Tigre for breaking the rules and started throwing things into the ring at him. Marcelo responded by telling the crowd that they were "number one" with both hands, using that sign language that we all know and love. Egan and Enson Inoue jumped into the ring along as a large Grappling Unlimited contingent gathering outside the ring. Team Tiger gathered their forces on the other side of the ring. Luckily, things were cooled down on both sides...well, cooled down enough for both camps not to start a battle royal. The stage was set for THE REMATCH, but it may have also caused this much-anticipated fight to be called off due to Tigre's rule-breaking antics. Only time will tell... The next issue of Full Contact Fighter will feature comments from Tigre, Egan, Enson, Cabbage and T. Jay Thompson concerning this incident. This is why you HAVE to subscribe to FCF!

    David Yeung (Muay Thai, 1-1, 149lbs) def. Gabe Lemley (Team Extreme, 3-3, 149lbs)
    Unanimous decision [(20-18), (20-18), (20-18)] after 2 rounds

    Paul Ano (Grappling Unlimited, 1-0, 197lbs) def. Rick Graveson (Team Extreme, 21-12, 217lbs) Submission via inverted key lock (Kimura) at 1:05 of round 1

    Gary Freitas (Grappling Unlimited, 3-1-1, 150lbs) def. Kim Morishita (Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu, Maui, 2-1, 153lbs) Forfeit due to a no show

    Ben Earwood (Team Extreme, 20-2, 176lbs) def John Crisostomo (Grappling Unlimited, 7-6, 174lbs) Submission via foot lock at 4:38 of round 1

    Niko Vitale (Grappling Unlimited, 8-1, 195lbs) def. Dennis Reed (Team Extreme, 32-22, 192lbs) Submission via arm bar from the guard at 43 seconds of round 1

    Ronald Jhun (Jesus is Lord, 21-5, 180lbs) def. Dave Strasser (Team Extreme, 17-3, 189lbs) Submission via arm bar from the guard at 4:42 of round 2

    Egan Inoue taps out Brett Al-Azzawi Egan Inoue (Grappling Unlimited, 7-2, 186lbs) def. Brett Al-Azzawi (Team Extreme, 10-10, 177lbs) Submission via forearm choke from the cross position at 1:29 of round 1

    Wesley "Cabbage" Correira (Grappling Unlimited, 4-2, 283lbs) def. Marcelo Tigre (Team Tiger, 36-2, 206lbs)
    Disqualification, Tigre disqualified for intentional head butt from the guard at 54 seconds of Round 2
    After the fight, Mike and Tigre tell promoter T Jay Thompson they want Egan

      Monday - July 23, 2001

    Nevada Commission
    It's a TKO-
    Mixed Martial Arts Sanctioned in Nevada!

    MMA Garners Unanimous Approval
    by Nevada Athletic Commission

    By Aaron Crecy

    LAS VEGAS--It was an anticlimactic finish to a life and death struggle, a hasty, uncontested vote following a morning of monotonous discussion on minutia. Mixed martial arts, a sport that had at one time all but disappeared from the minds--and television sets--of the general public, was suddenly thrust into the mainstream. That's because on the morning of July 23rd, the Nevada Athletic Commission voted unanimously to sanction MMA competitions. Now, a sport that has long enjoyed only a cult-like following will soon bask under the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip alongside the likes of boxing and even professional wrestling.

    The MMA industry was prominently represented at the public hearing by delegates from Pride Fighting Championships, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, King of the Cage and the International Fighting Championships. And though each of these organizations worked diligently with the Nevada Athletic Commission to develop a uniform set of rules and regulations, there was ample surprise that the vote was so swift and with such little fanfare.

    Those in attendance looked at one another almost as if to ask, "Was that it?" And much to everyone's delight, it was. Thus, it was with a sigh of relief and an air of encouragement that the sport finally earned the legitimacy it has sought.

    Lorenzo Fertitta and Marc Ratner Led by Chairman Dr. Elias Ghanem--teleconferencing from San Diego, where he is receiving treatment for cancer--the Nevada Athletic Commission adopted the same set of rules that were approved by the New Jersey Athletic Control Board, with several slight modifications. Though Dr. Flip Homansky joined Dr. Ghanem as a vocal supporter of MMA, the outcome was by no means a formality--because while Amy Ayoub maintained a neutral air throughout, fellow commissioners Glenn Carano and Dr. Luther Mack voiced several concerns. However, executive director Marc Ratner--who does not vote but whose opinion is highly respected by the Commission--appeared to side with Drs. Ghanem and Homansky, which proved to be a boon for MMA.

    Celebrating its 60th year in existence, the five-member Nevada Athletic Commission is appointed by the Governor to regulates all contests and exhibitions of unarmed combat, including licensure and supervision of promoters, boxers, professional wrestlers, kickboxers, seconds, ring officials, managers, and matchmakers.

    The coming out party in Nevada will take place on September 28, 2001 when UFC 33 becomes the first MMA event in state history. Taking place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, the event also marks the UFC's return to cable pay-per-view television on iN DEMAND. Shortly after it voted to sanction MMA, the Commission voted unanimously once again to grant Mandalay Bay's application to promote the historic event. Upon review of its application, the Commission is also expected to approve Zuffa LLC--the UFC ownership group led by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta III--as co-promoters.

    King Of The Cage reps But the UFC's competitors will be fast on its heels, as Pride, KOTC and the IFC are among the organizations that plan to host events in Nevada in late 2001 and early 2002. Of these, Pride promises to present the greatest and most immediate threat to the UFC U.S. market share.

    Unlike the uniform rules adopted in Nevada and New Jersey, the Japan-based Pride organization does not utilize weight classes, has a longer first round and allows knees and kicks to the head when an opponent is on all fours, among other things. Pride reps Hideki Yamamoto and Yukino Kanda However, Pride spokesperson Yukino Kanda said that her organization would gladly adopt the required rules in order to hold an event in Las Vegas. And though it has no plans to change its format in Japan, it has already applied for a license to promote its show in Nevada.

    Given Nevada's influence in the world of combat sports, executive director Ratner is optimistic that other states will soon follow suit. To help facilitate the process, he plans to distribute the approved rules at the annual convention for the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), July 25 - 28 in New Orleans.

    "I give a lot of credit to the New Jersey Athletic Commission and commissioner [Larry] Hazzard," said Ratner. "There is an agenda item to talk about mixed martial arts [in New Orleans] and we will give this to all the different states. I don't know if it will be adopted at this particular convention but it will certainly be started there. I think it will be nationwide very soon."

    Nevada Rules Adaptations

    While the Nevada Athletic Commission for the most part implemented the same set of rules that are already in place in New Jersey, they did include several unique modifications.
    • Promoters must schedule a fight card consisting of 20 total rounds
    • A dropped mouthpiece must be rinsed before being returned to a fighter when there is a break in the action
    • Weigh-ins: Fighters weighing in at 147 lbs. or below can cut two pounds in two hours, while fighters weighing in at 148 lbs. Can cut three pounds in two hours
    • Promoters must have television monitors in place so that fans can view the combatants when a fight goes to the ground
    • The Commission will designate a minimum height for a ring and a cage; it will also make a determination on whether or not to have a mandatory ring apron

    From DSE USA:
    Coleman Out

    On July 23rd, Japan time, Dream Stage Entertainment will announce Marc Coleman's withdrawal from PRIDE-15. He was scheduled to face Rodrigo Nogueira. However, due to the aggravation of a knee injury which originally occurred some time before his participation in a pro-wrestling match on July 20th, DSE accepted the request from his management and decided that Coleman would be replaced by Gary Goodridge.

      Tuesday - July 24, 2001

    Ryan Bow Out of KOTC
    By Marc Scott

    Ryan Bow, originally sc