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  Monday - September 1, 2003

From Zuffa:
Tim Sylvia on the Tom Green Show

UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia will be a guest on MTV's Tom Green Show this Tuesday (September 2). Check local listings for the correct broadcast time.

By Eduardo Alonso
Heating up for the IFC tourney:
Hungry for Action Filho Comes as Confident as Ever!

      With a solid record in his MMA career, and great credentials in grappling sports, Paulo Filho is a top contender in every organization he fights for although he has been misteriously absent from the game since his PRIDE debut. As intriguing as it can be, the Brazilian Top Team fighter debuted in PRIDE with a quick win over Japanese veteran Akira Shoji, doing what many fighters couldn't do, even in winning efforts against Shoji, and was never invited back to PRIDE till this point. Despite that Filho continued to train hard, and his frustration may only lead to more will to win as he is finally having his chance to perform again at the IFC tournament this September 6th, in Denver. This will be Paulo's US debut, and it couldn't be in better style as a great field of competitors lies ahead with names like Renato Babalu, Jeremy Horn, Mauricio Shogun and even up and comer Forrest Griffin. Despite all those names, Paulo Filho is confident in his skills and sees only the win in front of him, as he prepares to fight in his first ever tournament and square off against a Chute Boxe fighter for the first time in his life. As the date of the show approaches, Full Contact Fighter continues to heat up things for what promises to deliver some tough battles, and Paulão speaks with us in an honest conversation about his next task!

FCF:   After your solid win over Japanese veteran Akira Shoji at PRIDE 22, you never came back to the show and didn't fight in any event. Was it frustrating for you to keep waiting that long?
PF:     This was something I was not expecting. I was expecting that all the doors would open after that win but I think this was a backstage problem, not a problem with me. I had some problems with my managers, and maybe that led to this situation. It's unexplainable that I defeated Akira Shoji in two minutes, defeated some of the best Japanese fighters like Minowa, Yuki Kondo. I have a very good Jiu-Jitsu resume, with 3 BJJ world titles and 5 Brazilian Championships. I'm also a Judo black belt and I fought in numerous European circuits, and got medals in all of them. I was 3rd place in the Judo youth world championship, losing in a split decision in the end. I have been competing since very young. But the thing is that I'm not a guy who is very friendly with the media, and I saw a lot of friends getting hindered in their careers by focusing a lot on the media attention. I don't want to take part on this, my job is to train and fight, so sometimes I suffer because of those things. I don't know if you are aware but when Nino fought Sakuraba I was supposed to fight in his place, but they decided to use Nino cause they wanted someone better suited to Sakuraba's style, but in the end things didn't go as expected and Sakuraba got surprised. Now the IFC tourney appeared, and I can't stay without fighting for a whole year so here I am. My first fight is going to be against Mauricio Shogun, and I'm already eager to fight. He has been talking some stuff on his side, and I have been quiet, only opening my mouth every now and then. What I can guarantee you is that I'm ready, as he must be as well, so this will be a war! May the best man at the moment win.

FCF:   Did this long hiatus since your first fight give you even more appetite to fight now in this tournament?
PF:     Man, I'll tell you. It gives appetite and it doesn't gives at the same time. I stayed for a whole year getting promises of fights, only to see them not happening with three weeks before the show. So this is a sad situation, cause you start to get left behind, as time is going by. I was supposed to fight Anderson Silva one time and unfortunately I got injured, but now people could see that Anderson is not that great. A lot of comments were made back when we were supposed to fight that I ran from him and stuff like that. I would never run from him weighing 93 kg, and him weighing 83 kg. I would get him and, excuse me for my sincerity; I would break him in half. But since we only grow in life in our tough moments, I let this behind me and didn't pay attention to those things. This is just very sad, cause I fought 5 MMA fights and didn't lose any of them, and I never got an easy opponent. My easiest fight would be against Claudinho das Dores, but I was debuting and didn't know shit back then! I fought out of heart then, and he is somewhat of a dangerous guy either way, if you check what he did against Haroldo Cabelinho and Macaco. Anyway, it was sad and I think it was all about backstage stuff.
Click here to continue the interview

  Tuesday - September 2, 2003

From the event's promoter:
Black Headlines First Extreme Challenge in Iowa City

Extreme Challenge 53 poster       Jason Black will put his undefeated record on the line Sept. 13 when he takes on Marcel Perigord in the main event of Extreme Challenge 53 in Iowa City.
      It will be the first MMA event held in Iowa City.
      "We've had Extreme Challenge events in just about every city in Iowa," said promoter Monte Cox. "But we have never been able to find the right place in Iowa City... and it isn't because we haven't looked. Finally, we found a sponsor that wanted to support the event."
      The show will be held in the Gateway Center parking lot, which is in front of sponsor Big Ten Rentals.
      Black, who is 16-0-1, is a member of Team Extreme and trains with the Miletich Fighting Systems in Davenport, Iowa. He is the TKO (formerly UCC) welterweight champion and is generally considered among the top 170-pounders in the world. He won the Extreme Impact world title in London, England, a little over a month ago.
      Perigord is from Fort Hood, Texas, and has a Tae Kwon Do background and a year of MMA training... he is 1-0 as a professional.
      In a feature bout, former Iowa Hawkeye wrestler Ben Uker will return to Iowa City for his pro debut. Uker will face Dan Anderson of Des Moines, who sports a perfect 3-0 pro mark.
      Other fights for the show are being put together, but will consist of top amateurs from around the Midwest.
      Gates open at 6 p.m. with the first bout at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at numerous locations -- Sam's Pizza, The Sports Column, McInnerney's and Big Ten Rentals... all in Iowa City.
      For more information, contact Monte Cox at 563 505-0075.

From the event's promoter:
Ultimate Submission Showdown
THE ULTIMATE SUBMISSION SHOWDOWN

The UFC was created to compare all styles of martial arts. It became clear that the advantage of the grappler was tremendous. Now, everyone trains in some form of grappling and that has leveled the playing field. Today's events, consist of overgrown athletes relying on punches and kicks to pummel their way through victory. It's become a comparison of athletes, more than a comparison of styles! Fans miss the early days because now they rarely see a match end with a classic submission move...

From the creator of the UFC:
THE ULTIMATE SUBMISSION SHOWDOWN

Eight of the top grapplers in the world will compete in a single elimination tournament that will determine the world's best submission fighter. There is NO TIME LIMIT. Competitors can choose to wear whatever outfit they want. ALL finishing moves will be permitted whether it's chokes, neck-cranks, arm-locks, knee-locks, ankle-locks, foot-locks, takedowns, etc... The best representatives of wrestling, jiu-jitsu, judo, submission-fighting, shoot-fighting, and sambo are being invited. IT'S TIME TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP!

See it live at the James Armstrong Theatre in Torrance, CA,
OCTOBER 11, 2003.
SEATS ARE LIMITED. ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW!
CALL (310) 782-1309
For more information go to www.IGJJF.com

From Pancrase:
August 31 Pancrase Results

Pancrase 2003 Hybrid Tour
~10th Anniversary P.P.V. Show~

Open-Weight King Of Pancrase Title Match
Sunday,August 31,2003
Doors Open: 3:00pm Fights Start: 4:00pm
Ryogoku Kokugikan(Tokyo,Japan)
Live Gate: 10,500-

Match#1/Pancrase Vs N.J.P.W. 3 On 3 Team Bout/Open-Weight 3x5 Min Rounds
Osami Shibuya(Pancraseism) Def. Toru Yano(New Japan Pro-Wrestling) By Arm Bar At 2r 2:25

Match#2/Pancrase Vs World 5 On 5 Team Bout/Middleweight 3x5 Min Rounds
Ricardo Almeida(U.S.A./Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy) Def. Kazuo Misaki(Middleweight 3rd Ranked/Pancrase Grabaka) By 0-2-1 Split Judges Decision At Full Time Limit

Match#3/Pancrase Vs World 5 On 5 Team Bout/Open-Weight 3x5 Min Rounds
Yuki Sasaki(Pancrase Grabaka) Def. Heath Sims(U.S.A./Team Quest) By 3-0-0 Unanimous Judges Decision At Full Time Limit
*Sasaki's Original Opponent Evangelista Cyborg(Light Heavyweight 9th Ranked/Brazil/Academia Budokan) Was Pulled Out Due To Visa Problem

Match#4/Pancrase Vs World 5 On 5 Team Bout/Light Heavyweight 3x5 Min Rounds
Akihiro Gono(Light Heavyweight 3rd Ranked/Pancrase Grabaka) Def. Nilson De Castro(Light Heavyweight 4th Ranked/Brazil/Chute Boxe Academy) By Castro's Low Blow Foul At 1r 0:29

Match#5/Pancrase Vs N.J.P.W. 3 On 3 Team Bout/Catch Wrestling Rules 2x5 Min Rounds
Minoru Suzuki(Pancrase Mission) Def. Takashi Iizuka(New Japan Pro-Wrestling) By 3-0-0 Unanimous Judges Decision At Full Time Limit

Match#6/Pancrase Vs World 5 On 5 Team Bout/Middleweight 3x5 Min Rounds
Crosley Gracie(U.S.A./Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy) Def. Kiuma Kunioku(Middleweight 2nd Ranked/Pancraseism) By 3-0-0 Unanimous Judges Decision At Full Time Limit

Semifinal/Pancrase Vs World 5 On 5 Team Bout/Light Heavyweight 3x5 Min Rounds
Sanae Kikuta(2nd Light Heavyweight K.O.P./Pancrase Grabaka) Def. Elvis Sinosic(Australia/Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) By 3-0-0 Unanimous Judges Decision At Full Time Limit

Main Event/Pancrase Vs N.J.P.W. 3 On 3 Team Bout/Open-Weight K.O.P. Title Match 3x5 Min Rounds
Josh Barnett(Open-Weight 7th Ranked/U.S.A./New Japan Pro-Wrestling) Def. Yuki Kondo(Open-Weight 1st Ranked/Pancraseism) By Choke Sleeper At 3r 3:26
*Barnett was crowned the 10th open-weight King Of Pancrase

  Wednesday - September 3, 2003

By Eduardo Alonso
Breaking News:
Paulo Filho Out of IFC Tourney!

      In an unfortunate incident, Brazilian Top Team member Paulo Filho injured himself this Tuesday in training, just one day before his departure to the USA to compete in the much anticipated IFC Light-Heavyweight tournament. Filho was defending a takedown when he suffered a severe knee ligament injury and is currently in the hospital. The status of his injury isn't completely known yet, but it'll most certainly require serious treatment. This is the second time a sad incident like this happened in Filho's career, as he was also forced to withdraw from PRIDE 21 due to injury. At the moment both the IFC organization and Paulo Filho's manager are working on a replacement that may be announced at any moment. FCF will keep you posted on the developments.

  Thursday - September 4, 2003

Ring of Combat on "Free TV"

This Saturday, September 6th,MSG network (available on many cable and satellite providers) will air some of the fights from the Ring of Combat IV show held at Caesar's in Atlantic City on August 15th. The fights will be on Martial Art World, which is scheduled to air on MSG at noon on Saturday, with a repeat broadcast on Sunday, September 14th. The 30-minute show will feature the Nick Serra vs. Rick McCoy and Edson Carvalho vs. Jose Rodriguez fights as well as one or two others if time permits. More fights from the event will be shown in a future episode of Martial Art World, probably in October.

From the event's promoter:
RITC 53 - The Beat Goes On
Three RITC Title Fights

Saturday, Sept 13, 2003
Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix)
Doors Open: 5:30 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $20 (rows 14-25), $30 (rows 4-13) and $50 (rows 1-3).

Three RITC Championships will be "up for grabs" in this can't miss event. It will be the long awaited show-down between two top heavyweights, for the UNDISPUTED RITC Heavyweight Title, when Joseph Riggs (11-4) battles Andy Montana (11-3). The vacant RITC Lightweight Title brings Jake Hattan (9-1) in from Colorado for his RITC debut against formidable Robert Maldonado who is dropping to the Lightweight division. In another Main Event, Chris Peak (6'3", 210 lbs) out of Vancouver, British Columbia will be coming to Phoenix to challenge Homer "The Rock" Moore. "GrappleGirl", coming off an impressive win in RITC 51, will defend her title against, kick boxing specialist and 4 time World Champion for Women's Full Contact Kumite in Karate, Dallas Campbell. All of this and an outstanding supporting card will make for an unforgettable evening. Don't get shut out, order your tickets early. Call 602-267-1600 to order tickets (can pick up at will-call on fight night).

Joseph Riggs (220) vs Andy Montana (250)
Homer Moore (205) vs Chris Peak (210)
Jake Hattan (155) vs Robert Maldonado (155)
Cory Timmerman (310) vs Melville Calabaca (255)
Roger Mejia (200) vs Brett Shafer (200)
Joe Vigil (155) vs Matt Ver Halen (150)
RJ Gamez (180) vs Joe Frainee (185)
Michelle "GrappleGirl" Farrow (150) vs Dallas Campbell (160)
Rich Moss (190) vs Greg Bell (185)
John Lansing (185) vs Andy Bryant (185)
Justin Nauling (175) vs Mike Lightfoot (175)
Carlos Ortega (155) vs Rylan Sandoval (155)
Victor Cruz (155) vs Gabe Rivas (160)

Fight Card subject to change.

Meet Edwin Dewees and many of the fighters at the RITC Pre-Fight party on Sept 12 (Fri) at 7:00 PM at:

FLICKA's Baja Cantina
2003 N.Scottsdale Rd

No cover Charge - $2.00 Coronas all night long

The RITC Post-Fight Party will be at the same location and feature an Arizona Dream Girls Contest. It will be another great weekend of activities brought to you by Rage in the Cage.

Other upcoming events:

RITC 54
Saturday, Oct 25, 2003
Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix)

RITC 55
Saturday, Nov 15, 2003
Casa Grande

RITC 56 - Year # 6 Begins
Saturday, Dec 6, 2003
Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix)

RITC 57
Saturday, Jan 31, 2004
Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix)

  Friday - September 5, 2003

What's on your mind?

FCF Survey

Give Us Your Thoughts...

There's a lot going on in the MMA world right now. We'd like to hear your thoughts on the current events affecting our sport. What's on your mind? Let us know what you're thinking -- sound off about anything you want to talk about. This is your chance to be heard around the world -- sound off!

Some of the commentary we receive may appear in the upcoming issue of FCF.

Click here to take the survey
 

  Saturday - September 6, 2003

By Eduardo Alonso
Heating Up For The IFC Tourney:
Time For Some Recognition As Forrest Griffin Builds His Way Up And Is Ready For Big Time!

      Just a few hours away from what promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent years, Full Contact Fighter continues to heat up things for the show as they couldn't be more heated at this point! In a field with famous Light Heavyweight fighters including UFC and PRIDE veterans, and athletes representing the biggest teams in our sport, one guy quietly emerges as the underdog, as he always did in his appearances, and don't be surprised if he manages to steal the action and come out on with some good wins when all is over at tonight's IFC show. Forrest Griffin is a guy that has the opposite stereotype of what people got used to recognize as an MMA fighter.
      Very down to earth, calm, relaxed and educated, Griffin is a different kind in this sport. Spending his time and earning his living by helping kids with emotional problems, one can already understand that Forrest is an extremely calm person, and this translates into the ring. If you ever see this guy in a weigh-in, you will understand why he is for real. His calmness and tranquility reaches a point that amazes most people, and one could think he is either a talented and confident fighter, or a crazy unaware guy! But if you look at his record, you'll soon understand that the first case is what reveals the truth. With one loss coming at his very debut to the hands of a much more experienced, and much heavier Dan Severn, Griffin is yet to lose a fight since, and his list of wins includes names like UFC veterans Jeff Monson and Travis Fulton, and most impressively a recent quick win over seasoned veteran Ebenzer Fontes Braga at HEAT FC 1 in Brazil, little more than a month ago. Quietly and without drawing much attention, this fighter from Georgia has been building an impressive resume and now he is entering the biggest tournament he ever took part in. Make no mistake about it, he knows what this can mean, and he is taking it as he takes all his fights, for fun! This is probably the secret of this guy's calmness and good showings, despite not training with big names or in any known teams, he loves our sport and he is a natural. So, when the IFC starts tonight, don't be surprised if Forrest Griffin steals some of the spotlights and put on a good showing, cause winning or losing he is going be having a great time!

Griffin vs. Braga
Griffin vs. Braga
FCF:   Let's start by talking about your last fight. You fought at Heat Fighting Championship in Brazil, and defeated Ebenezer Fontes Braga, who's a UFC and PRIDE veteran. What did you think of your performance in the fight, and what did you think of the experience of fighting in your opponent's home turf?
FG:     It was a great experience all around. The fight worked out well for me. It was one of those things that if the fight haven't gone so well I would thought of it as a horrible experience (Laughs), but everything went well for me as far as the fight, so the experience was a good one and is always good to travel and sort of overcome that psychological disadvantage of being in somebody else's home turf.

FCF:   Do you like fighting as the underdog?
FG:     Yeah, it's a lot easier that way!

FCF:   (Laughs) What did you think of being in Brazil overall, not only about the fight itself, but of the show, or the trip in general?
FG:     Oh, I mean, I loved it! But it's a totally different place, on the little things. Like the showers aren't very hot, or the beds at the hotel are small (Laughs) nothing is supersize like we have in America. Everything is a little different, and those things are nice when you're just going out for travel, and seeing places, and enjoy different parts of the world and get a piece of that culture, but when you're gonna fight you want as much normality as possible. You like everything to be pretty normal, like you are used to.

FCF:   What did you think of Braga issuing you a challenge for a rematch, in a friendly way, after your victory?
FG:     Well, I mean, is one of those things that ensures me another trip back to Brazil and another fight. You never really want to fight a guy that you already beaten up. It's just that I know that when somebody beats me I'll want to fight him again, and I just know that if I had lost that fight I would want to fight him again, and I would just work my ass off for every minute of every day, to make sure that the next time things will go down in my favor. You know in your head that that's what he is thinking "No way this little punk kid is gonna beat me twice! I'm going to give everything I can and beat this kid". You really have to watch fighting somebody you already beat.

FCF:   Are you a guy that seeks rematches? You only lost once, but did you think about rematching Dan Severn after you lost to him in your debut?
FG:     Not really. I don't know, you know, I just don't see it helping me out really. It's not like he was a mean guy, or vicious or anything like that. He didn't really leave a bad taste in my mouth, for me it was just one of those things as growing, learning, developing as a fighter and overcoming the fact that there's people watching you. For me it was a good learning experience, it's tough to lose but I didn't get hurt and I was training again in the next week. The guy wasn't mean, he dominated me but he didn't hurt me or didn't destroy me, he didn't break me mentally. So that's not I fight I ever wanted a rematch.

FCF:   So you don't hold grudges against the fighters you face in the ring?
FG:     No, not particularly (Laughs) I don't want to talk about it too much, but there's a couple of guys that I won the fight straight up, no questions asked and they were like "it was fluke, and this and that" These people I would be happy to fight again. Just because I go out there and fight a good fight, and you have an off day it doesn't mean you can run around saying, whatever, it doesn't count. It counts!

Click here to continue the interview

From Dream Stage Entertainment:
Pride FC logo
PRIDE FC AND THE AMERICAN MMA MEDIA

September 5, 2003
LOS ANGELES, California - Because of Ryan Bennett's recent article "Pride Shuts Out American Media," Dream Stage Entertainment USA has felt compelled to respond.

While we do respect other viewpoints, we decided it was time to give our perspective on dealing with the media for Pride FC events in Japan. Because of the international nature of Pride, we receive media requests from all over the world, including the United States, Brazil, Australia, and numerous European countries. This is not to mention the Japanese media, which are in their own home market. In Japan the sport isn't only covered by the Japanese MMA media, it's also covered by the mainstream media. All in all, we commonly field over 300 press requests per event. It's an enormous challenge to satisfy everyone when dealing with such a literal crush of media.

While Dream Stage Entertainment USA has been working diligently these past four years to bring Pride FC into the United States, it must be realized that it is still primarily a Japanese show. This is not to say that DSE USA does not cater to American fans, on the contrary, the fight cards are always built with the intention of hopefully satisfying both the Japanese and American fans.

In regards to the American MMA media---they have been given more access and privileges than most of their Japanese counterparts, including closer photography positions and being privy to the hotel in which the fighters are staying. In many cases, members of the American MMA media have been brought to Japan and accommodated as guests of DSE. In addition, it's been common practice that the American MMA media is allowed to ride from the hotel to the events in the same bus as the fighters, granting them even more access and convenience than their counterparts. While it's true that we cannot always give all of these privileges to each individual American MMA website at the same time, we've done the best that we can.

In terms of going backstage, no media, American or otherwise, is given access. This is done, again, because of the amount of media we must accommodate (and keeping things fair) as well as our belief that the fighters must be given their privacy prior to their matches.

As far as weigh-ins, this comes down purely to a cultural difference, which has either not been understood or explained to the American MMA media. In Japan, it's not culturally acceptable to have a public weigh-in the same way it is in the United States. Yes, it's an opportunity for drama, stare downs, bad blood to boil, etc. But this is from the American perspective. While Pride FC events are in Japan, their events are run according to their cultural rules.

To address negative press---DSE USA respects the right of journalists to write what they like, but the problem has been that many critical articles and even posts on message boards by well-respected members of the MMA community have been written completely without our point of view. While we cannot always disclose all the reasons behind our decision, to not be approached and then be criticized with only one side of the story, isn't always easy to accept.

Most of these issues seem to come down to cultural differences and/or just plain misunderstandings and we are making attempts to be more open and approachable in the future. If guidelines and expectations are set in advance, we feel that this would only benefit both sides.

DSE USA is aware and thankful for our support in the United States and for coverage by the American MMA media. As the sport grows in this country we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the media and the fans.

I welcome any suggestions or comments by the American MMA media, in the hopes of building a better, more open relationship.

Best Regards,

Turi Altavilla
Vice President of Production
Dream Stage Entertainment USA

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  Sunday - September 7, 2003

Ultimate Combat 7 - World Domination Results
Held Sept. 6, 2003 - Chippenham, England
By David West

  1. Middleweight Bout - Ross Mason def. Lee Aylett by Rear Choke - 2:29 Round Two

  2. Lightweight Elimination Tournament - Mark Wilson def. Brian Davis - Unanimous Decision

  3. Heavyweight Bout - James Thompson def. Richie Cranny by Side Choke - 1:34 Round One

  4. Welterweight Elimination Tournament - Paul Jenkins def. Rafles Larose - Majority Decision

  5. Heavyweight Bout - Ruben Vazquez def. Lee Spencer by Rear Choke - 3:00 Round One

  6. Lightweight Elimination Tournament - Pat Carr def. Greg Loughrin - Unanimous Decision

  7. Light-Heavyweight Bout - Julian Gonzalez def. Wayne Cook - Disqualification Round One (Cook indefinitely banned from competition)

  8. Lightweight Elimination Tournament - Ian Butlin def. Marc Duncan by Triangle - 1:37 Round One

  9. Middleweight Bout - Sandy Geddes def. Steve Dempsey by TKO - 0:50 Round One

  10. Lightweight Elimination Tournament - Kim Hovgaard def. David McLaughlin - Majority Decision

  11. Welterweight Elimination Tournament - Fabricio Nascimento def. Javier Garcia by Triangle - 2:14 Round One

  12. Middleweight British Title Fight - Sol Gilbert def. David Patterson by TKO - 3:08 Round One
  13. Light-Heavyweight World Title Fight - Pierre Guillet def. Lars Besand by Rear Choke - 4:38 Round Three

IFC Results
Held Sept. 6, 2003
By Keith Mills

Marquardt beating Gomm
Marquardt on Gomm
Denver, CO -- The much-hyped IFC Light Heavyweight tournament held almost 10 years after very first UFC in the city it all started was in my opinion one of the better shows in a long time. Fighters from Ruas Vale Tudo, Lion's Den, Chute Box, Team Extreme, Gracie Baja, Team Quest, and more fought for Chuck Liddell's belt and $50,000. It was Ruas Vale Tudo's Renato "Babalu" Sobral that walked away with the belt as well as a heavily swelling eye after defeating Team Extreme's Jeremy Horn in the finals. Babalu had the first two rounds by slim margins, which may have caused Horn to be over-aggressive as he uncharacteristically fouled Babalu in the third round with a knee to the head of the grounded Babalu. Babalu not only won the tournament but took the hard road getting there with his first two fights going a total of a little over 28 minutes before stepping into the ring to face Horn for another 13, all at an elevation of one mile high.

Academy Of MMA's Amanda Buckner won the Women's 135 fight against Victory Athletic's Ginele Marquez in a fight many knew would be a challenge for Marquez to win. Buckner whipped out a ankle lock, a move she has so far shown no inclination to even try. In yet another example of the IFC's support for the women's divisions Jennifer Howe, the only woman to beat Buckner at 135, looked on from the broadcast table where she commentated for this one fight.

This show can basically be divided into two shows; the Light Heavyweight tournament and secondly several other name fighters getting fights against relatively outmatched opponents. Nathan Marquardt, Ron Waterman, and local fighter making his debut Chilo Gonzales also won to no great surprise. Worst moment of the night originally was marked by the "no contest" between Doug Evans and Brad Gumm when Gumm allegedly racked Evans to the point Evans couldn't continue, an issue hotly debated ringside by Ken Pishna especially with no resolution at this point. This dubious honor of worst moment was replaced a couple fights later with the entire Ron Waterman/"Scary" Jerry Vrbanovic fight. "Scary" Jerry is not exactly what one would call "top caliber" -- comments such as "his striking is in question" or "conditioning could use improvement" are understatements. Waterman on the other hand is so good the California promoters are having a tough time finding opponents. This fight was so one-sided it was almost amusing, with Jerry finally succumbing to a "chicken wing" submission. Basically the Light Heavyweight tournament was well worth the one-sided fights with big name fighters that filled the card.
Babalu victorious
Babalu victorious
  • Allen Sullivan def. Eric Escobedo 2:20 R2 by TKO
  • Tom Sauer def. Sean Gray 0:46 R1 by guillotine choke
  • Renato "Babalu" Sobral def. Trevor Prangley by unanimous decision (30-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Shogun def. Erik Wanderlei 2:54 R2 by TKO
  • Jeremy Horn def. Michail Avetisyan 4:59 R1 by armbar
  • Forrest Griffin def. Chael Sonnen 2:25 R1 by triangle choke
  • Sauer def. Sullivan 0:39 R2 by arm injury
  • Chilo Gonzales def. Jody Poff 1:00 R1
  • Babalu def. Shogun 3:07 R3 by guillotine choke
  • Horn def. Griffin 3:30 R2 by KO (kick)
  • Doug Evans and Brad Gumm ruled "no contest" due to groin injury
  • Amanda Buckner def. Ginelle Marquez 2:48 R1 by ankle lock
  • Nathan Marquardt def. Steve Gomm 3:28 R1 by submission to strikes
  • Ron Waterman def. Jerry Vrbanovic by arm submission
  • Babalu def. Horn by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

AFC Results
Held September 5, 2003
By Keith Mills

Aguilar with the 155 lb. belt
Aguilar
Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- AFC 5 showed the split with HOOKnSHOOT has not hurt the fledgling promotion, holding not only three fights of top fighters but a very solid undercard, a rarity in today's MMA.

Nick Aguilar, the FFC Lightweight Champion fighting out of Dave Strasser's school, stunned many by taking the inagural AFC Lightweight belt in the main event against heavily favored American Top Team fighter Edson Diniz. In the first round Aguilar didn't seem to get off the starting block and it looked like Diniz's ground game was going to provide a one-sided victory. Starting in the second Nick came alive with his striking and seemed to revert to his prepared gameplan. Rounds 2 & 3 were definitely Aguilar's as he relentlessly fought and earned the unanimous judges' decision, adding the AFC 155 belt to his FFC one which he will defend October 18th.

If only the Chris Lytle and Dustin Denes fights were as close.

Chris Lytle when he fights at Welterweight is one of the best and most exciting fighters to have such a blotchy record. It's his fights in Japan where he has fought as Middleweight that ruin his redcord, a strategy he would be wise to adjust. Lytle's tringle choke and armbar combination seemed to have the ref looking in the wrong place because although Lavender's body was stiff and "defending" the armbar the legs of Lytle alone choked out Lavender. The ref didn't seem to notice until Lavender was unconscious and his face was turning blue.
Dustin Denes puts Nick Thomas to sleep via triangle
Denes puts Thomas to sleep via triangle
Dustin "Clean" Denes is still the number 1 contender in Shooto despite losing his last fight partially because the last AFC was not sanctioned by Shooto and partly because Dustin fought one class heavier than he usually does. Like Lytle, Dustin at Middleweight has so far been unstoppable, on this night taking out Nick Thompson by his most common form of victory, a triangle choke.

AFC 5 really shone with the undercard. With so many shows now not respecting their own undercards and pointing to boxing as precedent it was refreshing to see a card packed with skilled fighters and not brawlers that would fight for peanuts. American Top Team's Jorge Santiago came back from his recent quick KO loss in KOTC to beat Derrick Noble was probably the biggest news on the undercard. American Top Team went 3-1, Dave Strasser's Freestyle Academy went 1-2, Integrated Fighting went 1-1, and local guys Freestyle Fighting Academy (no connection to Dave Strasser) went 3-0 showing no one group could be said to dominate the 10-fight card. Overall exciting and well-balanced for the fans of groundwork balanced with striking while fans of the brawlers and engineered knockouts would be more satisfied elsewhere.
  • Joe Cervantes drew Brian Geraghty after 2 rounds
  • Jorge Santiago def. Derrick Noble by unanimous decision (20-18, 20-18, 20-18)
  • Jorge Masvidal def. Roli Delgado 2:14 R1 by tapout to strikes
  • Marcel Ferreira def. Tony Ross 3:17 R1 by rear-naked choke
  • Paulo Barros def. Matt Hamilton by unanimous decision (20-18, 20-18, 20-18)
  • Efrain Ruiz def. Josh Krueger 3:59 R1 by submission to strikes
  • Phil Johns def. Pedro Brandao by unanimous decision (10-18, 20-18, 20-18)
  • Dustin Denes def. Nick Thomas 1:47 R1 by triangle choke
  • Chris Lytle def. Chatt Lavender 0:55 by triangle
  • Nick Aguilar def. Edson Diniz by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

  Monday - September 8, 2003

FCF Survey

Pick the winners...

With UFC 44 fast approaching, we'd like your opinions on who will win each of the scheduled fights. The results of the survey and some of the commentary we receive may appear in the upcoming issue of FCF.

Click here to take the survey
 

Warriors of the Ring 4
Held September 6, 2003
Maui War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku, Maui
By Chris Onzuka

Ryan Lee submitting Eric Tolentino
Lee armbarring Tolentino
MMA returned to Maui and once again provided a venue for up and comers to gain experience. A lot of people forget that good fighters are not born, they are made. That is why if we all want the sport of MMA to grow, we need to support events like Warriors of the Ring which provides a place for fighters to test their skills against opponents that are on the same level in a safe environment. Maui MMA fans are increasing in numbers and becoming educated with every event. I always enjoy events where new fighters compete because they come out to fight and do not look to "protect" their records like some journeymen fighters do. They come out to bang and that is exactly what they did. The event started out a couple of very young fighters starting up the crowd with some amateur boxing. These kids showed skills well beyond their years. In every match that followed, the fighters came out like bats out of hell and really went after each other. Some of the highlights were Tavini Sulusi's KO of John Quinlan, Ryan Lee's aggressive guard that he used to secure Eric Tolentino's arm, and the crowd being jarred by Billianor's dislocated elbow which occurred early in the match. The crowd was then treated to four warriors going at it in the last two matches. Sariento controlled his match with Ishimine, but Ishimine was still in the fight all the way to the end. And Moreno showed a lot of heart in his fight with Hinojesa. Hinojesa has a lot of talent, look for him and his teammate Ishimine to make some waves in the future. The next Warriors of the Ring will break in the New Year by having a show on January 25, 2004.

Exhibition Bout: Amateur Kickboxing: 3 Rounds - 1 Minute
Jacob Carlos vs. Keola McKee

Exhibition Bout: Amateur Kickboxing: 3 Rounds - 1 Minute
Thomas Kahoohanohano vs. Casey Ladore

MMA: 3 Rounds - 3 Minutes
Josh Kamalo def. Joe Estrella
Verbal submission due to strikes at 4:21 into R1

Tavini Sulusi (Maui Full Contact Fighting) def. John Quinlan
KO at 0:11 into R1

Warren Miguel (Maui Full Contact Fighting) def. Lucky Keefner
Split decision [(29-28), (28-29), (29-28)] after 3 rounds

Ryan Lee (Bulls Pen) def. Eric Tolentino
Submission via arm bar from the guard at 1:14 into R1

Matt Mozzoca def. Anthony Billianor (Maui Full Contact Fighting)
TKO due to injury when Billianor dislocated his elbow at 0:30 into R1

Semi-Main Event:
Harris Sariento (808 Fight Factory) def. Lorrin Ishimine (Maui Full Contact Fighting)
Unanimous decision [(30-27), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds

Main Event
Alan Hinojosa (Maui Full Contact Fighting) def. Marcus Moreno (Bulls Pen)
Submission via forearm choke at 4:13 into R2

  Tuesday - September 9, 2003

TKO Ultimate Rush
By Mike "The Shooter's Shooter" McNeil

TKO productions launched its first show in Montreal's Pierre-Charbonneau Centre on Sept. 6. Taking over for the now defunct UCC the card was lacking the Main event of George St. Pierre vs. Pete Spratt after Georges St. Pierre hurt his knee earlier in the week.

The event featured six preliminary bouts and seven fights on the main card so although there were some disappointments most MMA fans left very happy after a long night of Major League MMA.

Antonio Carvalho (145 lbs) made a very impressive TKO debut with a 2nd round win over Phillipe Lagace (145 lbs) via Ref stoppage.

David Guigui (145 lbs) was back and earned the Split Decision over Steve "The Snake" Claveau. Claveau looked reserved in this fight which had GuiGui turning it on and taking the fight to Claveau.

Kyle Sanford (184 lbs) improved his MMA record to 2-1-0 with a nice front head and arm choke over Aaron Tregear (185 lbs).

Jeff Joslin (169 lbs.) methodically took apart Alex Gasson getting the tap out due to strikes at 3:40 of the first round. Joslin showed great patience and technically superior ground game controlling this match.

Steve Daquette made his MMA debut against Andy Social and pounded his way to victory at 2:49 pf the first round. Social looked out matched, out weighed out muscled and out of luck from the opening bell in this one.

Dany Laflamme and Pain Peters (170 lbs) had their third match against each other and it was Laflamme who took home the Split Judges decision. This was just a continuation from their last fight where both fighters looked out of shape and it was just a contest of who would have anything left in the tank and let the judges decide. One comment from ringside though was that it should be a draw because neither deserved the win.

Cameron Brown (204 lbs.) of Gibson Pankration defeated Pascall Gosselin (205 lbs) via rear naked choke. Brown dedicated the fight to his mother who had recently passed away. It should be mentioned Gosselin did step up to replace injured Kristof Midoux.

Dave Goulet (154 lbs) and Stephane Dube (155 lbs) had a great fight that had the crowd getting into it from the opening bell. Goulet finally got the upper hand on Dube and sunk in the rear naked choke near the middle of round two.

Blake Fredrickson (155 lbs) lost a tough fight to Donald Ouimet (155 lbs) to a judge's decision. This fight could have went either way as both fighters left it all up to the last round to really put it all on the line.

Patrick Cote (205 lbs) did his best Tito Ortiz, Genki Sudo, Roy Jones Jr. and even threw in some Bruce Lee imitations in his fight against Yan Pellerin. Cote's antics must have riled Pellerin even before the fight as Pellerin entered the ring madder than a Kosher-Delhi waiter at closing time. In a good back and forth fight it was Cote who won over the crowd and the judges as he took home the Unanimous Decision.

Kang on top of Potvin
Kang on top of Potvin
Denis Kang (84 lbs) returned to Montreal to fight home town boy Stephan Potvin (185 lbs). Kang looked in great shape as he dismantled Potvin's game and won handedly with a referee stoppage in the third.

Mark "The Machine" Hominick (145 lbs) retained his TKO Canadian Super lightweight belt with a convincing win over Ryan Diaz (145 lbs). After three losses in other events Hominick came back and looked very dangerous in this one. Look to see a rematch between Mark and Richard Nancoo in the near future.
Vigneault vs. Pierson
Vigneault vs. Pierson
Due to the injury to Georges St. Pierre the main event was the Canadian Middleweight Championship between Reigning champ Steve Vigneault (185 lbs.) and number one contender Sean Pierson (185 lbs). Vigneault survived a vicious first round as Pierson used every wrestling trick he knew to take out the Champ. After being slammed, pile driven, elbowed, punched, kneed and bombs dropped on every part of him Vigneault somehow started to turn things around and slowly started to come back in the second avoiding the takedowns and nullifying Pierson's clinch. Vigneault started to pick apart Pierson and used his boxing to get his points and wear down the noticeably tired challenger. In the end it was the Champ Steve Vigneault that won on a unanimous judges' decision.

From Pancrase:
Latest Official PANCRASE Rankings
(as of 9/5/2003)

[Open-weight]
the 10th Open-weight K.O.P. Josh Barnett(U.S.A./New Japan Pro-wrestling)
*NEW!
#1 Yuki Kondo(PANCRASEism)
#2 Semmy Schilt(Holland/Golden Glory)
#3 Yoshiki Takahashi(PANCRASEism)
#4 Sanae Kikuta(Pancrase GRABAKA)
#5 Kiuma Kunioku(PANCRASEism)
#6 Nathan Marquardt(U.S.A./Colorado Stars)
#7 VACANT

[Super heavyweight(221lbs. and over)]
the 1st Super heavyweight K.O.P. VACANT
#1 Semmy Schilt(Holland/Golden Glory)
#2 Tim Lajcik(U.S.A./Gladiators Training Academy)
#3 Ron Waterman(U.S.A./freelance)
#4 Hideki Tadao(RJW/CENTRAL)
#5 Jun Ishii(Chojin Club)
#6 KENGO(PANCRASEism)

[Heavyweight(199lbs.~under 221lbs.)]
the 1st Heavyweight K.O.P. Yoshiki Takahashi(PANCRASEism)
#1 Tsuyoshi Ozawa(Zendokai)
#2 Katsuhisa Fujii(UFO)
#3 Jason Godsey(U.S.A./I.F. Academy)

[Light heavyweight(181lbs.~under 199lbs.)]
the 2nd Light heavyweight K.O.P. Sanae Kikuta(Pancrase GRABAKA)
#1 Yuki Kondo(PANCRASEism)
#2 Ricardo Almeida(U.S.A./Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy)
#3 Akihiro Gono(Pancrase GRABAKA)
#4 Nilson de Castro(Brazil/Chute Boxe Academy)
#5 Daisuke Watanabe(PANCRASEism)
#6 Ikuhisa Minowa(freelance)
#7 Yuki Sasaki(Pancrase GRABAKA)
#8 KEI Yamamiya(PANCRASEism)
#9 Evangelista Cyborg(Brazil/Academia Budokan)
#10 Osami Shibuya(PANCRASEism)

[Middleweight(165.7lbs.~ under 181lbs.)]
the 3rd Middleweight K.O.P. Nathan Marquardt(U.S.A./Colorado Stars)
#1 Izuru Takeuchi(SK Absolute)
#2 Crosley Gracie(Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy) *IN!
#3 Kiuma Kunioku(PANCRASEism) *down from #2
#4 Ricardo Almeida(U.S.A./Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy)
*IN!
#5 Kazuo Misaki(Pancrase GRABAKA) *down from #3
#6 Chris Lytle(U.S.A./Ring Sports Palmers Gym)
*down from #4
#7 Hidehiko Hasegawa(SK Absolute) *down from #5
#8 Shonie Carter(U.S.A./AIKI Training Hall) *down from #6
#9 Kosei Kubota(PANCRASEism) *down from #7
#10 Eiji Ishikawa(Pancrase GRABAKA) *down from #8

[Welterweight(152.5lbs.~ under 165.7lbs.)]
the 1st Welterweight K.O.P. Kiuma Kunioku(PANCRASEism)
#1 Koji Oishi(PANCRASEism)
#2 Takafumi Ito(PANCRASEism)
#3 Kenichi Serizawa(RJW/CENTRAL)
#4 Hiroki Nagaoka(Rodeo Style)
#5 Satoru Kitaoka(PANCRASEism)
#6 Yuji Hoshino(Wajutsu Keishukai GODS)
#7 Takuya Wada(SK Absolute)

[Lightweight(141.4lbs.~ under 152.5lbs.)] VACANT

[Featherweight(under 141.4lbs.)] VACANT

  Thursday - September 11, 2003

From Dream Stage Entertainment:
Pride FC logo
PRIDE FC BUSHIDO: THE GRACIE FAMILY VERSUS JAPAN! LOS ANGELES, California -Dream Stage Entertainment is proud to announce its inaugural "Bushido" show which will pit the Gracie family against a line-up of some of Japan's elite mixed martial artists.

Under coach Royce Gracie, Team Gracie will consist of Renzo, Ryan, Rodrigo, Daniel, and Ralph.

The Japanese team has yet to be finalized.

The event is scheduled for October 5th, 2003 from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan and a total of 7-8 matches overall are expected.


  Friday - September 12, 2003

The Brazilian Beat
BASF Card Changes, Jungle Fight Around the Corner, Forrest Back to HEAT and Rizzo Training Hard!

The Brazilian Beat:
      Here we are, just days away of the non-conventional Jungle Fight show, as Brazil continues to produce a high number of MMA events in the year of 2003, showing a new and fortunate trend that will most certainly help the sport here. As September is gearing up, Jungle Fight is not the only show gracing this month, as Brazil Super Fight is also rapidly approaching, as some small shows also have their share of action scheduled for the next days. Although shows such as Jungle or BASF are around the corner, HEAT FC is already slowly starting to get into full gear for November as fights are being signed at this very minute, and the following weeks promises to deliver plenty of surprises. With new shows popping up, in the better possible trend that has been taking place in Brazil, fighters are also preparing hard not only for those, but for the big leagues as well, such as UFC and PRIDE. Veterans Pedro Rizzo and Wanderlei Silva, both dangerous strikers, are training hard with clear goals set for November, while Vitor Belfort manages to keep focused in the middle of his usual media frenzy. Well, enough with the talk as Jungle Fight will bring the rhythm of the Amazon, as drums will set the pace and Full Contact Fighter will provide the beat as always!
  • PRIDE Middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva continues his relentless preparation for the final round of the PRIDE Grand Prix in November. After scheduling his physical preparation with his trainer Waldemar Guimaraes, "The Axe Murderer" is back to his technical training routine in Curitiba, as he enjoys his newborn son and get ready to fight twice in the same night. As his teammate Mauricio Shogun went to the USA to compete in the IFC, Silva stayed training as always, and he told FCF he has been experiencing full time dedication as he will accept no result but the title of the PRIDE GP. On the middle of the process Wanderlei and his wife finally made Thor the official name of his son, as the kid is already registered.

  • Speaking of Chute Boxe, young team's prodigy Mauricio Shogun Rua, brother of PRIDE veteran Murilo Ninja Rua, got back to Brazil this past Monday after a good performance at the IFC tournament this past Saturday. Shogun defeated Barra Gracie fighter Eric Wanderlei in the first fight, and then lost a battle to the actual champion of the tournament Renato Babalu Sobral in his second fight, at the last round. Mauricio hurt his right foot during the fights, and went to see a doctor after his participation on the show. Back to Brazil Ninja's brother told FCF the foot is not broken and he is going to resume training next week, looking for his next fight as soon as it appears.

  • Also on the Chute Boxe team subject, since the team is not only about MMA and Muay Thai is the academy's origin, Chute Boxe Muay Thai stand out Marlon Mathias recently got his so awaited and deserved Chute Boxe black belt! Marlon has been one ranking below black belt for three years already, and has been a stand out since day one at the Chute Boxe academy. With several wins at STORM Muay Thai, Mathias gained respect and fought his way to this so awaited day. On the same day as Marlon got his black belt, Chute Boxe prodigy Mauricio Shoun Rua was also promoted to Dark Blue belt [Likely two rankings before black belt at Chute Boxe]. FCF sends congratulations to both guys, specially Marlon who was awaiting this day for a long time and certainly deserved it, as he has tons of talent!

  • As has becoming an eternal subject on the Brazilian Beat, new shows never cease to pop up in Brazil, and the huge shows aren't the only ones appearing. As the sport is spreading all over the country, the city of Belem, capital of the state of Para up in the North of the country is also going to have its own show! The 1st SuperCombat MMA fight is a show scheduled to have 6 MMA fights in its card, taking place this next September 13th in an arena that is reported to hold up to 7,000 people. The card is mostly composed of local names, with the presence of an IVC veteran on the show, Andre Cardoso facing a fighter called Artur Tubarao. The main attraction of the show, as it is becoming a trend, is the guest appearance of Vitor Belfort as the main referee for the show.

  • Speaking of Belfort, "The Phenom" has been doing his usual share of TV appearances and MMA events VIP appearances. This Wednesday Vitor was interviewed live in a cable channel, as his schedule is as busy as ever. However, Vitor Belfort is still focused in training for the November UFC, and despite what some may think he is keeping himself in shape and is still awaiting the confirmation of his opponent for November.

  • Another UFC veteran who is preparing himself for November is Ruas Vale Tudo icon Pedro Rizzo. After plenty of trips helping out his teammates, including HEAT FC in Natal, up in the Northeast of Brazil, a trip to Puerto Rico for what should be Eduardo Simoes' second fight of his career, and other ventures, "The Rock" told FCF he is now only focused on his training and preparation for November, since he needs to take care of himself as well and was already missing hard training. Rizzo has been training full time and he also went on to say that he doesn't care if his opponent will be Ricco Rodriguez, Frank Mir or even Mirko Cro Cop, if that is possible, cause he is willing to do a great showing at the last fight of his UFC contract.

  • We're just a few days away from Antonio Inoki and Wallid Ismail's partnership show Jungle Fight. Scheduled to take place this next September 13th in a beautiful hotel at the Amazon Forrest, the show is now going to be aired live in Brazilian PPV trough Premiere Combate. The promoters are promising that this will be a breakthrough show that will be a mark in the sport's history in Brazil, attracting the attention of the whole society, mostly at the North Region of the country. The event's fighting card changed a lot in the last few days, and some fighters were dropped of the show for numerous reasons, while others were added. Fighters such as Carlos Barreto, Josh Barnett and Gary Goodridge are unfortunately out of Jungle Fight, while Evangelista Cyborg and Jorge Macaco Patino, among others were added. One of the main events of the show is going to be the fight between Macaco and Jiu-Jitsu sensation Ronaldo Jacare, in a fight that caused some controversy due to Macaco's prior commitment with Brazil Super Fight. Pancrase veteran Evangelista Cyborg is going to face Northeastern fighter Lucas Lopes, in another interesting match up. FCF will keep you posted in the latest from the show.

  • Mario Sperry's show, Brazil Super Fight is also coming up this next September 19th, at the city of Porto Alegre in Brazil, and some changes were also made to the card of this brand new show. Jorge Macaco Patino, who was supposed to be on the main event facing Japanese idol Ikuhisa Minowa was cut from the show by Sperry due to his decision of taking part at the Jungle Fight's card. According to Mario he couldn't risk having a fighter, mostly on the main event, performing one week before his show including the high risk of injuries involved in an MMA fight. While Macaco had committed to BASF before his commitment with Jungle Fight, "The Zen Machine" told FCF he holds no grudges against Patino, but he needed to make a decision for the sake of his show. Macaco's replacement is HEAT FC stand out Silmar Rodrigo, who has victories over Johil de Oliveira, and Brazilian Top Team members Henrique Nogueira and Marcelo Alfaia on his career. Ruas Vale Tudo fighter Ricardo Petrucio injured himself, and his fight was canceled as his opponent Helio Dipp also got injured, breaking his nose in training. Still the BASF inaugural card counts with some good names such as Ikuhisa Minowa, Luis Azeredo, Rodrigo Ruas, Silmar Rodrigo, Haroldo Cabelinho Bunn, Eduardo Simoes and Marcelo Alfaia, all with wins in shows such as MECA or HEAT FC. Here's the BASF fight card:
    • Marcelo Alfaia (BTT) vs Jose "Dragao" Ricardo (Gaviao Team)
    • Luke "The Duke" Piclum (BTT-Australia) vs Eduardo Simoes (Ruas Vale Tudo)
    • Haroldo Cabelinho Bunn (BTT) vs Leonardo Souza (Kimura/Nova Uniao)
    • Eric Tavares (Ruas Vale Tudo) vs Andre "Mau" Lagrende (Gold Team)
    • Gerson Silva (BTT) vs Eduardo Verissimo (Boxing)
    • Gilson "Capixu" Ferreira vs Muriez Linke (Gold Team-Poland)
    • Rodrigo Ruas (Ruas Vale Tudo) vs Luis Azeredo (Gold Team)
    • Silmar Rodrigo (Kimura/Nova Uniao) vs Ikuhisa Minowa (BTT-Japan)
  • As the month of September goes on, HEAT FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP promoters are already working on the second edition of the show, scheduled for November 27th, also at the city of Natal. The first fight of the next card, that promises to hold some good surprises, will feature HEAT, KOTC and IFC veteran Forrest Griffin against WVC and Bitetti Combat veteran Lucas Lopes, who's fighting Cyborg at Jungle fight. Griffin was one of the sensations of HEAT FC 1, defeating veteran Ebenezer Fontes Braga by rear naked choke in the first round. This past weekend Forrest also did a good showing at the IFC tournament, defeating Team Quest fighter Chael Sonnen before losing to the hands, and feet, of Jeremy Horn. He did however showed great talent, and will grace the HEAT FC ring once again in November, against a tough fighter in Lucas Lopes. More fights of the HEAT FC 2 card are likely to be announced next week and FCF will have the developments.

From Josh Hedges/UFC/Zuffa:
Tito Ortiz on Carson Daly Show, Ticket Info

Tito Ortiz is headed to NBC's 'Last Call with Carson Daly' on September 16. The show tapes that Tuesday at 7:00pm at 30 Rockefeller Center. Tickets are free but on a first come first serve basis. To reserve your tickets simply visit Last Call's link on www.1iota.com and register for the correct date. We will follow up with an email invitation. You must be at least 16 years of age to be in our audience. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you at the show!

  Saturday - September 13, 2003

Battlecade Extreme Fighting on DVD!

Battlecade EF 1 DVD Battlecade EF 2 DVD
Battlecade
Extreme Fighting 1
...
The inaugural event, featuring "The Zen Machine" Mario Sperry and Igor Zinoviev in one of the most famous matches ever!

Also Carlson Gracie Jr., John Lewis, Marcus "Conan" Silveira, Gary Myers and more in EXTREME FIGHTING 1!
Battlecade
Extreme Fighting 2
...
See Steve Faulkner, Carl Franks, Ralph "Pitbull" Gracie, John Lewis, Steve Nelson, Jean Riviere, Nigel Scantelbury, Conan, Jim Teachout, Igor Zinoviev, Jason Canals, and Carlos Newton fight it out in EXTREME FIGHTING 2!


With Ralph Gracie going to fight in Pride's Bushido show, demand is high to see him in action back in the early days of MMA, so order yours today before they sell out!

For FASTEST service call in your credit card order
(516)676-0033
Or
Click here to order securely online with your credit card
or print off the order form & mail it in with your payment
 

From the event's promoter:
RITC 53 Tonight!!!
Three RITC Title Fights

Saturday, Sept 13, 2003
Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix)
Doors Open: 5:30 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $20 (rows 14-25), $30 (rows 4-13) and $50 (rows 1-3).

Three RITC Championships will be "up for grabs" in this can't miss event. It will be the long awaited show-down between two top heavyweights, for the UNDISPUTED RITC Heavyweight Title, when Joseph Riggs (11-4) battles Andy Montana (11-3). The vacant RITC Lightweight Title brings Jake Hattan (9-1) in from Colorado for his RITC debut against formidable Robert Maldonado who is dropping to the Lightweight division and he is coming off a big win last week. In another Main Event, Chris Peak (6'3", 210 lbs) out of Vancouver, British Columbia will be coming to Phoenix to challenge Homer "The Rock" Moore. "GrappleGirl" will defend her title against, kick boxing specialist and 4 time World Champion for Women's Full Contact Kumite in Karate, Dallas Campbell. All of this and an outstanding supporting card will make for an unforgettable evening. Don't get shut out, order your tickets early. Call 602-267-1600 to order tickets (can pick up at will-call on fight night).

Joseph Riggs (220) vs Andy Montana (250)
Homer Moore (205) vs Chris Peak (205)
Jake Hattan (155) vs Robert Maldonado (155)
Nike Knight (140) vs Matt Ver Halen (150)
Roger Mejia (200) vs Brett Shafer (205)
Cory Timmerman (310) vs Melville Calabaca (255)
RJ Gamez (180) vs Joe Frainee (185)
John Lansing (185) vs Andy Bryant (185)
Rich Moss (190) vs Greg Bell (185)
Justin Nauling (175) vs Mike Lightfoot (175)
Michelle "GrappleGirl" Farrow (150) vs Dallas Campbell (160)
Carlos Ortega (155) vs Rylan Sandoval (155)
Victor Cruz (155) vs Gabe Rivas (160)

Fight Card subject to change.

FLICKA's Baja Cantina
2003 N.Scottsdale Rd
No cover Charge
$2.00 Corona's all night long

The RITC Post-Fight Party will be at the same location and feature an Arizona Dream Girls Contest. It will be another great weekend of activities brought to you by Rage in the Cage.

  Sunday - September 14, 2003

By Eduardo Alonso
Jungle Fight Quick Results

      Antonio Inoki and Wallid ismail's partnership project just ended minutes ago. The show started very late this September 13th and advanced through the early hours of September 14th. Expect a more detailed report soon at Full Contact Fighter, with comments on the fights and the show itself. Here are the results:
  • Ebenezer Fontes Braga defeated Rodrigo "Riscado" by guilliotine choke in the 1st round

  • Murakami Kazunari defeated Lee "Young Gun" by armbar in the 1st round

  • Marcelo Tigre defeated Joseph Banguis by rear naked choke in the 1st round

  • Justin McCully defeated Dario Amorim by judges' decision after 3 rounds

  • Fabricio Werdum defeated Gabriel Napao by referee stoppage in the third round

  • Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Shane Etner by key lock in the 1st round

  • Lyoto Machida defeated Stephan Bonner by doctor stoppage in the 1st round

  • Leopoldo Montenegro defeated Mark Schultz by triangle choke in the 1st round

  • Rico Chiapparelli defeated Luis "Pantera" by judges' decision after 3 rounds

  • Ricardo Morais defeated "Mestre Fumaça" by referee stoppage in the 1st round

  • Evangelista Cyborg defeated Lucas Lopes by TKO in the 2nd round

  • Jorge Macaco Patino defeated Ronaldo Jacare by KO in the 1st round

ROTR logo
BJ Penn vs. Takanori Gomi
Signed for Rumble on the Rock 4

Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
October 10, 2003
By Chris Onzuka

BJ Penn
Penn
We have just received word that the rumored match between former SHOOTO champion, Takanori Gomi and UFC lightweight contender BJ Penn has been signed, sealed and delivered. This match was being worked on since the last Rumble On The Rock event in August, which coincidentally was the same night that Gomi lost his title to Joachim Hansen. This match was put into flux because of the loss, but negociations continued because even with the recent loss, Gomi is still considered one of the best fighters at 155lbs. BJ Penn is on a mission to prove that he is the best fighter at 155lbs and he wants to solidify his slot with a win over Gomi. Penn's last fight was a controversal draw with Caol Uno at UFC 41 and since then he has traveled around the country working on further improving his skills.

The event promoters have been gaining experience with their first three shows in Hilo, Hawaii before taking ROTR to the next level. Their fourth event will be held at the Blaisdell Arena on Oahu and will be filled with an exciting undercard. The fight card looks to be pitting the best fighters from Hawaii (or fighting out of Hawaii) against the world. The rest of the card will be released soon!

  Tuesday - September 16, 2003

From the event's promoter:
Next Level Fighting
September 13th
Steubenville, Ohio
1,900 fans in were in attendance!!!

OFFICIAL RESULTS:
  • Billy Ayash def. Ryan Conway ***0:18sec / 1st / tap out to strikes***
  • Steve Neal def. Tim Wood ***1:45 / 1st / triangle choke***
  • Tony Sylvester def. Brandon "Buck" Kupfer ***3:25 / 1st / Ref. stoppage due to unanswered strikes ***
  • Mike Russo def. Chase Jolly ***3:15 / 1st / rear naked choke***
  • Mike Wells def. Lance Freimuth ***1:18 / 1st / K.O.***
  • Adam Rivera def. Brad Sizemore ***5:00 / 2nd / Unanimous Decision***
  • Jason Hathaway def. Frank Millsap ***5:00 / 2nd / Split Decision***
  • Angelo Popofski def. Todd Carney ***4:05 / 1st / Guillotine***
  • Dan Swift def. Salvatore Russo ***2:39 / 1st / Ref. stoppage due to unanswered strikes ***
  • Jason Dent def. Nick Spencer ***2:20 / 3rd / triangle choke***
  • Brandon Vera def. Don Richard ***5:00 / 2nd / Unanimous Decision***
  • Sam Hoger def. Josh Hendricks ***4:41 / 1st / arm triangle***
  • Luke Spencer def. Mike Willus ***5:00 / 3rd / Unanimous Decision***
  • Branden Hinkle def. Erik Knox ***1:00 / 1st / tap out to strikes***
A Special congratulations goes out to the "New" Next Level Fighting Champions:
Angelo Popofski (Middle Weight Champion)
Luke Spencer (Welter Weight Champion)
Jason Dent (Light Weight Champion)

From Koichi "Booker K" Kawasaki:
DEEP 12th Impact
Fight Results

September 15 , 2003 Otaku gym 15:00 start

1st Match
Jun Ishii (Chojin Club) vs Hagane Samurai (Hatenko)
Win Hagane Samurai by TKO (Punch) 3R 2:11

2nd Match
Ryuta Sakurai (R GYM) vs Hirohide Fujinuma (Aramusha)
Win Ryuta Sakurai by Arm lock 1R 3:46

3rd Match
MAX Miyazawa (Aramusha) vs Yoshinori Momose (Zendokai)
Draw (1-0)

4th Match
Dokonjonosuke Mishima (Cobrakai) vs Tetsushi Kato (Purebred Omiya)
Win Dokonjonosuke Mishima by decision (2-0)

5th Match
Dos Caras Jr. (AAA) vs Brad Kohler (Team Extreme)
Win Dos Caras Jr. by TKO 1R 1:25

6th Match
Hayato "Mach" Sakurai (Mach Dojo) vs Ryo Chonan (U-File Camp)
Win Ryo Chonan by TKO (Dr Stop) 3R 2:10

7th Match DEEP middleweight title match
Ryuki Ueyama (U-File Camp/champion) vs Masanori Suda (Club-J/challenger)
Draw (0-1), Ryuki Ueyama retains Champion Belt

From SuperBrawl promoter T Jay Thompson:
Two Fights Added!

170lbs 3x5 minute rounds
Tiki Ghosen (Team Oyama 5-3) v Ronald "The Machine Gun" Jhun (808 ff 18-10-2)

Ghosen is a proven UFC veteran who trains with some of the best in the business. His style is aggressive. His stand up is strong and his ground is solid. Jhun will likely start slow and try to put the pressure on Ghosen later in the fight. The winner of this fight will likely fight for the Super Brawl title in November.

Heavyweight 3x3 minute rounds
Travis "The Iron Man" Fulton (Iowa, 127-32-8) v Kauai Kupihea (808 fight factory 14-11)

Yes, you read correctly. Fulton has over 125 MMA wins, including, victories over Super Brawl Champion, Cabbage and Kawika Pa'aluhi. He has more than earned his "Iron Man" nickname. Kupihea is back training in Hawaii and looking to make a name for himself in the Super Brawl ring. He is a big man with KO power and good submission and wrestling skills. He will need to utilize all of them to beat Fulton.

From the event's promoter:
EXTREME CHALLENGE 53 Results

Aaron Griffith def. Bryan Robinson, 1:47 Rd. 1, tap from punches.

Brian Stichter def. Zach Cornwell, :06 Rd. 1, kick to head.

Rodney Webb def. Griffith, 1:00 Rd. 2 (4:00), rear choke.

Sub. grappling: Jeff Lindsay def. Brian Stichter.

Pro bouts
John Strawn def. Nate Mohr, 2:28 Rd. 2 (7:28), rear choke.

Dan Anderson def. Ben Uker, 3:47 Rd. 1, guillotine choke.

Jason Black def. Marcel Perigord, 1:08 Rd. 1 North/South choke.

From the event's promoter:
RITC 53 - Results
Brett Shafer named Fighter of the Night

It was a wild night at Celebrity Theatre. Brett Shafer upset undefeated Roger Mejia (9-1) to earn Fighter of the Night (FOTN) honors. Other candidates for FOTN were Justin Nauling, Greg Ball, RJ Gamez, Cory Timmerman and Homer Moore. Other items of interest included "no shows" by Dallas Campbell and Rylan Sandoval, Matt Ver Halen receiving permission for both his Opthamologist and the Commission fight doctor and then not being allowed by the AZ Commission to fight Nike Knight until Matt undergoes additional testing, Robert Maldonado coming in 6 pounds over the mandatory limit and the Lightweight Championship bout did not take place and then in the Heavyweight Championship Bout, Andy Montana complained of grease and after several attempts to restart the fight, the Commission ruled the match "no contest". By far, the best technique of the night was displayed by Joseph Riggs who caught a half cup of beer thrown into the ring and then proceeded to chug it prior to completing his post fight interview. RITC 54 (Oct 25) will be our biggest show ever, when Dan "The Beast" Severn makes his Arizona debut against Arizona standout Homer "The Rock" Moore.

Results:

Fight #1
Victor Cruz (153 lbs), Team Brausa
won by Doctor Stoppage (cut), 3:00 Rd 2
Gabe Rivas (163 lbs), Pinal Martial Arts

Fight #2
Justin Nauling (177 lbs), Team Brausa
won by submission (choke), 2:30 Rd 1
Mike Lightfoot (175 lbs), Freestyle

Fight #3
Greg Bell (199 lbs), Submission Factory
won by submission (arm bar), 1:48 Rd 3
John Lansing (177 lbs), Team Brausa

Fight #4
Robert Beraum (251 lbs), Dan Lowe's JKD
won by ref stoppage (strikes), 1:14 Rd 1
Wayland Berry (265 lbs), Team Brausa

Fight #5
RJ Gamez (178 lbs), Asher Combat Academy
won by decision (3 - 0)
Joe Frainee (180 lbs), Redlands Kung Fu

Fight #6
Cory Timmerman (315 lbs), Team Brausa
won by submission (arm bar), 2:22 Rd 1
Melville Calabaca (260 lbs), Savage Te Dawg Pound

Fight #7 (Super Fight)
Brett Shafer (205 lbs), Hybrid Training Center
won by verbal submission (injury), 2:42 Rd 2
Roger Mejia (213 lbs), Asher Combat Academy

Fight #8 (Main Event)
Homer Moore (208 lbs), Team Brausa
won by decision (3 - 0)
Chris Peak (212 lbs), Team Peterec

Fight #9 (Main Event)
Joseph Riggs (212 lbs) vs Andy Montana (243 lbs) ruled "no contest" by AZ Commission

Other upcoming events:

RITC 54 - "The Beast" vs "The Rock"
Saturday, Oct 25, 2003
Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix)

RITC 55
Saturday, Nov 15, 2003
Casa Grande

RITC 56 - Year # 6 Begins
Saturday, Dec 6, 2003
Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix)

RITC 57
Saturday, Dec 13, 2003
Tucson

RITC 58
Saturday, Jan 31, 2004
Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix)

  Wednesday - September 17, 2003

HOOKnSHOOT Greatest Hits Volume 1 DVD HOOKnSHOOT
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October 11th "Final Elimination" Marks K-1 Japan's United States Pay-Per-View Debut

K-1 poster For the first time in history, K-1 Japan will bring the grandeur of its prominent fighting sport to American households when K-1 "Final Elimination" airs on United States Pay-Per-View television at 10 PM Eastern Standard Time (7 PM Pacific Standard Time) on Saturday, October 11th. The event will be staged in Osaka, Japan's 50,000-fan capacity Osaka Dome.

The United States television production of the October 11th card will be presented as part of the joint marketing venture formed between K-1 USA and ESPN earlier this year. The event will be broadcast on DirecTV, InDemand, TVN, and Dish Network Pay-Per-View television outlets.

The lineup for the Osaka K-1 "Final Elimination" event will be comprised of 14 of the sport's elite combatants who were either victorious in a Grand Prix single-elimination tournament earlier this year or who posted other victories of great significance. The scheduled fighters will be matched up in seven single bouts and the winner of each contest will be awarded a spot in the annual December K-1 "2003 World Championship" eight-man, single-elimination tournament held in Tokyo, Japan's Tokyo Dome.

While the complete lineup of competitors for the October 11th event has not yet been confirmed it is certain that two Americans, Bob Sapp and Carter Williams, will be amongst those who will throw down. Since he twice knocked out K-1's most accomplished athlete in "Mr. Perfect" Ernesto Hoost last year, Sapp has evolved into a larger-than-life celebrity in Japan and a fixture on the country's K-1 fight cards. Williams earned his place in the October loop on May 2nd when, as a little known underdog, he defeated three straight opponents including defending champion Michael McDonald and six-time world kickboxing champion, Rick "The Jet" Roufus, to take the 2003 K-1 USA crown on May 2nd.

Amongst the others scheduled to do battle thus far are Hoost (Holland), three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion Peter Aerts (Holland), Jerome LeBanner (France), Ray "Sugarfoot" Sefo (New Zealand), Stefan "Blitz" Leko (Germany), Francisco Filho (Brazil), Alexey Ignashov (Belarus), and August 15th's K-1 "Battle At The Bellagio" tournament victor, Remy Bonjasky (Holland).

From Josh Hedges/UFC/Zuffa:
UFC Infomercial on primetime TV in L.A. Thursday

The UFC has secured a 7:00pm airing of the 30-minute infomercial on KHIZ TV64 in Los Angeles this Thursday, September 18th. The station is a full-powered independent broadcast station serving the Los Angeles DMA, including San Bernardino, Ontario, Los Angeles, Riverside and their surrounding communities. They are carried on all cable systems as well as the local channel line-up on DirecTV (channel 64 or 966) and DISH (channel 8019).

Super Brawl 31 Update!
By Michael Onzuka

There have been some last minute drop outs, but you have to expect that with everyone training so hard to look good in this talent filled card. The good thing is that there are so many interesting match ups that a couple of dropped fights still do not tarnish this card. With Egan Inoue and Ron Jhun coming off of loses, both are going to be extra hungry in their comeback. Egan is facing a very unorthodox Jason Miller was displayed his genetic hard head (not joking) and slick submissions in the 185 pound tournament before having to drop out due to injury. I am sure Miller is itching to prove that he could have won the tournament and will be no push over for Egan.
Egan needs this win bad to keep the momentum going for a rematch with Suda in an attempt to regain his Super Brawl title. Talks are going extremely well for Inoue/Suda II, but there is nothing in writing as of yet. Hopefully a match will be signed for the November or early next year show. Hawaii fans will keep their fingers crossed that Egan gets by Miller and Suda signs on the dotted line. Former King of the Cage Champ Ron Jhun never takes easy opponents and this time will be no different. Tiki Ghosen, a UFC veteran, is in front of the Machine Gun and will fire off a few before the night is over. The winner of this fight will be the favorite to fight for the Super Brawl title in November. Niko Vitale just blew through the competition in this past weekend's NAGA submission grappling tournament showing everyone why he is UFC material, especially on the ground. A win should ensure his return to the UFC in November, probably with a rematch to Matt Lindland. A return of Kauai Kupihea, who gave Cabbage one of his toughest fights in Hawaii, returns to action. Kauai is now living in Hawaii and training with Kai Kamaka and Ron Jhun at the 808 Fight Factory and will look to put himself back in to heavyweight contention for a Super Brawl Heavyweight belt. Kupihea is very mobile for a big man, has a great jab and a quick shot. The Filipino Phenom, Eddie Yagin, also returns to action. Hawaii fans know that Eddie is a crowd pleaser with his Sakuraba type fighting style. Almost every punch that Eddie throws has bad intentions and can put many a fighter to sleep early. Yagin will face another seasoned kickboxer in David Yeung of HMC. Yeung is known for his powerful kicks so this should be a great stand up war!

Super Brawl 31 is locked, cocked, and ready to rock. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the fighters stay healthy and hungry.

135lbs 3x3 minute rounds
Eldrick Pajorras (808 Fight Factory, 0-0) vs. Harvey (Grappling Unlimited, 0-0)

170lbs 3x3 minute rounds
Anthony Torres (Grappling Unlimited, 1-0) vs. tba

Heavyweight 3x3 minute rounds
George Randolph (Shark Tank, 4-2) vs. Ray "King Kong" Serraille (Grappling Unlimited, 1-4)

185lbs 3x3 minute rounds
Kaipo Kalama (Grappling Unlimited, 2-1-1) vs. Jay Martinez (Shark Tank, 3-1)

145lbs 3x5 minute rounds
Eddie Yagin (Grappling Unlimited, 7-2) vs. David Yeung (HMC, 2-2)

160lbs 3x5 minute rounds
Joe Jordan (6-5) vs. Kolo Koka (Grappling Unlimited, 5-4)

170lbs 3x5 minute rounds
Tiki Ghosen (Team Oyama, 4-3) vs. Ronald "The Machine Gun" Jhun (808 Fight Factory, 18-10-2)

Heavyweight 3x5 minute rounds
Travis "The Iron Man" Fulton (Iowa, 129-37-9) vs. Kauai Kupihea (808 Fight Factory, 14-11)

185lbs 3x5 minute rounds
Falaniko Vitale (Grappling Unlimited, 14-2) vs. Justin Ellison (1-4)

185lbs 3x5 minute rounds
Egan Inoue (Grappling Unlimited, 12-6) vs. Jason Miller (Team Oyama, 8-3)

Rumble On The Rock 4 Preview
Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
October 10, 2003
By Chris Onzuka

Here is the tentative fight card for Rumble On The Rock 4. The card is filled with some of Hawaii's best fighters in each weight class pitted against solid competition. ROTR 4 brings back one of Hawaii's more promising light-heavyweights, David Pa'aluhi. Pa'aluhi KO'd Bobby Southworth after a 3 1/2 year lay off in just 16 seconds. Another interesting match up is two world class BJJ black belts facing off when Leandro Nyza takes on Soneca Moreira. Jesus Is Lord's leaders, Ray "Bradda" Cooper and Stephen "Bozo" Paling look to return to the ring. "Bozo" just came off a frustrating draw in his quest to capture the SHOOTO Championship from "Pequeno" Nogueira last month. Both fighters are coming in to prove that they should be brought up in conversations when their respective weight classes are discussed. Another Nova Uniao black belt that is taking a leap up in the quality of opponents is "Charuto" Verissimo. Charuto is matched up against Cesar Gracie's Gil Castillo. Castillo is looking to prove that he is still among the best welterweights in the world. Then we have the best kept secret in the heavyweight category, Kauai Kupihea. After giving Cabbage Correira the fight of his life, he went on to dominate Travis Wiuff, racking up five wins until a set back in KOTC. Kupihea looks to take out one of KOTC's top ranked heavyweights in Paul Buenatello. Buenatello just came off a controversial loss to Bobby Hoffman for the KOTC heavyweight championship, which he will get another shot at soon, but he has to get past Kauai Kupihea to do that. Buenatello racked up a four fight win streak prior to his match with Hoffman. Both fighters are looking to recover from their last fight and get back to winning. Ron Jhun comes off a disappointing loss to John Alessio in KOTC to face Jake Shields. Shields is on a row which started right after Jhun's brother-in-law, Bradda Cooper defeated Shields in Hawaii. Shields bounced right back and got in the spotlight by beating Hayato Sakurai. He has added two more wins to his resume and looks to gain more recognition by beating Jhun. And finally the event caps off with FCF's (and most of the world's) #1 and #2 ranked lightweights, BJ Penn and Takanori Gomi. Both fighters are coming off of disappointments in their last fights, Penn's draw with Uno in the UFC and Gomi suffering his first loss and loss of the SHOOTO championship to Joachim Hansen. Even following those results, these two fighters are still considered by most, the top two lightweights in the world. On October 10th, the world will find out which fighter is top dog at 155lbs.

Lightweight
Santino Defranco (808 Fight Factory) vs. Eddie Ruiz

Welterweight
Ross "Da Boss" Ebanez (BJ Penn MMA) vs. Gabe Casillas (Debrazil Academy)

Super Flyweight
Yobie Song (Jesus Is Lord) vs. Antonio Banuelos (Pitfight Team)

Light Heavyweight
David "Kawika" Pa'aluhi (Jesus Is Lord) vs. Joe Riggs (BRAUSA)

Flyweight
Leandro Nyza (BJ Penn MMA) vs. Helio "Soneca" Moreira (Gracie Barra)

Welterweight
Ray "Bradda" Copper (Jesus Is Lord) vs. TBA

Flyweight
Stephen "Bozo" Paling (Jesus Is Lord) vs. TBA

Welterweight
Renato "Charuto" Verissimo (BJ Penn MMA) vs. Gil Castillo (Cesar Gracie)

Heavyweight
Kauai "The Hawaiian Assassin" Kupihea (808 Fight Factory) vs. Paul "The Executioner" Buenatello (American Kickboxing Academy)

Welterweight
Ron "The Machine Gun" Jhun (808 Fight Factory) vs. Jake Shields (Pitfight Team)

Lightweight
BJ Penn (BJ Penn MMA) vs. Takanori Gomi (K'z Factory)

  Wednesday - September 18, 2003

From Dream Stage Entertainment:
BUSHIDO:
CARLOS NEWTON VS RENZO GRACIE!

Bushido logo LOS ANGELES, California - As part of "Team Japan versus the Gracie Family," Dream Stage Entertainment's inaugural "Bushido" show will feature Carlos "The Ronin" Newton versus Renzo Gracie.

Though Newton is a citizen of Canada, his popularity and familiarity with the Japanese fans led to his joining of Team Japan in their quest to defeat the Gracie Family.

Under the guidance of coach Royce Gracie, Team Gracie will take on a line-up of some of Japan's elite mixed martial artists.

FIGHTCARD:

Renzo Gracie vs. Carlos Newton
Ryan Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Hamanaka
Rodrigo Gracie vs. Daiju Takase
Daniel Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Ralph Gracie vs. Dokonjonosuke Mishima
(Card Subject to Change)

The live event is scheduled for October 5, 2003 from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan and a total of 7-8 matches overall are expected.

Bushido will be available on U.S. pay per view (delay) on December 21, 2003 at a special reduced rate of $19.95.

Don't miss the show!

PPV INFORMATION:

Premiere date: Sunday, December 21, 2003
Premiere time: 9:00pm EST, 6:00pm PST
Count Down show: 8:30pm EST, 5:30pm PST
PPV price: US $19.95
Run time: 3 hours (approximately)
Availability: iNDEMAND, DirecTV

From the event's promoter:
4 Fighters Battle for Extreme Challenge Title

Extreme Challenge poster       It has been more than 2 years since the Extreme Challenge has had a weight-division champion.
      However, all that will change on Oct. 11 when a 4-man tournament will crown a middleweight champ at Extreme Challenge 54 in St. Charles, Ill.
      Battling for the championship belt will be 6-time UFC competitor LaVerne Clark; EC tourney veteran Jay Buck; Keith Hackney protege Rafal Piszczek; and Raw Team member Mac Danzig.
      Extreme Challenge 54 will be held at Sportsplex, the same venue as EC 51. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the first bout is scheduled for 7 p.m.
      "We haven't crowned a champion in a long, long time," said EC promoter Monte Cox. "Since we're starting to do more events, it seemed like bringing back the titles would add some excitement."
      Previous EC champions who advanced to the UFC include: Pat Miletich, Jeremy Horn, Shonie Carter; Bobby Hoffman, Adrian Serrano, and Phil Johns.
      Buck will face Piszczek and Clark will face Danzig in the opening round.
      A total of 13 fights are scheduled, including Joey Gilbert vs. Billy Rush; Kerry Schall vs. Demian Decorah; Bart Palaszewski vs. Jay Estrada; Terry Martin vs. Bill Hill; and Steve Dau vs. Jason Guida.
      Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at Curran Martial Arts (815) 356-0454 and Sportsplex (630) 762-8100.

  Sunday - September 21, 2003

SuperBrawl 31: Crossroads
Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
September 20, 2003
By Chris Onzuka

Due to a last minute injury to his eye, Hawaii's most popular MMA fighter, Egan Inoue had to pull out of his fight with Team Oyama's Jason Miller. This fight was supposed to keep Inoue sharp and prepared for a possible rematch with Masanori Suda in November. The rematch is rumored to be very close to finalizing for the November event. Due to Inoue's withdraw, the Vitale-Ellison fight was made the main event and local kickboxer, Shawn Taylor stepped up to fight Miller. Vitale is another Hawaii fighter with big plans for November, where he is rumored to make his return to the UFC for a possible rematch with Matt Linland, who Vitale beat via a freak KO in their last meeting. Even with Inoue out and the shuffling of the main event, SuperBrawl 31 brought together a solid card with great matches like Jhun-Ghosen and Yagin-Yueng. Ghosen's leg kicks edged him out the victory as these two fighters just went after each other in a great battle of striking exchanges and heart. At times the Yagin-Yeung fight was a sleeper due to the fact that both fighters are primarily counter punches and were waiting to react off of each other. One judge gave it to Yeung due to his effective leg kicks, but the other two judges saw it even. In addition there were some surprises like King Kong beating Fulton by out striking him and displaying superior take down defense. And Shawn Taylor's sheer tenacity as Jason Miller put on a submission clinic, locking Taylor in everything but the kitchen sink, but Taylor would some how get out of it. He finally had to put Taylor to sleep in a triangle to finish the match. Tons of heart was shown by Taylor for staying in the fight.

Exhibition 3x1 minute rounds
Randy Apolo (Untamed, 64 lbs) drew Kai "Boy" Kamaka (808 Fight Factory, 57 lbs)

135lbs 3x3 minute rounds
Harvey Nakamura (Grappling Unlimited, 0-0, 132 lbs) def. Edric Pajarros (808 Fight Factory, 0-0, 131 lbs)
Submission via rear naked choke at 2:19 into R3.

185lbs 3x3 minute rounds
Jay Martinez (Shark Tank, 3-1, 183 lbs) def. Kaipo Kalama (Grappling Unlimited, 2-1-1)
Unanimous Decision after 3 Rounds.

Heavyweight 3x3 minute rounds
Ray "King Kong" Seraille (Grappling Unlimited, 2-4) def. Travis "The Iron Man" Fulton (Iowa, 127-32-8, 255 lbs)
Unanimous Decision [(29-28), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 Rounds.

170lbs 3x5 minute rounds
Tiki Ghosen (Team Oyama, 5-3, 169.5 lbs) def. Ronald "The Machine Gun" Jhun (808 Fight Factory, 18-10-2, 170 lbs)
Split Decision [(29-28), (28-29), (30-28)] after 3 Rounds.

185lbs 3x5 minute rounds
Jason Miller (Team Oyama, 10-3, 180 lbs) def. Shawn Taylor (0-1-1, 181 lbs)
Submission via triangle choke (Taylor was put to sleep) at 3:34 into R2.

145lbs 3x5 minute rounds
David Yeung (HMC, 2-2, 144.8 lbs) drew Eddie Yagin (Grappling Unlimited, 6-2, 144.7 lbs)
Majority Draw [(29-29), (29-29), (30-29)] after 3 Rounds.

160lbs 3x5 minute rounds
Joe Jordan (5-3, 159 lbs) def. Kolo Koka (Grappling Unlimited, 5-3, 160 lbs)
Disqualification due to kicking the head of a downed opponent at 4:28 into R3.

185lbs 3x5 minute rounds
Falaniko Vitale (Grappling Unlimited, 12-2, 200 lbs) def. Justin Ellison (1-3, 200 lbs)
Submission due to punches from the guard at 2:35 into R1.

UFC Championship Belt Replica
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JUNGLE FIGHT REVIEW:
Amazing landscape sets the stage for MMA matches in Brazil

By Eduardo Alonso

      At the last Saturday, September 13th, the show that attracted the curiosity of many MMA fans around the world finally became reality at the Brazilian Northern region. Jungle Fight surely had a breakthrough concept as a fighting show was never brought so near the Amazon Forrest, and the Wallid Ismail/Antonio Inoki partnership succeed in that field as the event took place in a location that needed a two hours boat ride to reach the venue were the fights too place. The atmosphere was interesting, and expectation was created from the get going to please the local government who invested in the idea and helped making the show a reality. With a small crowd composed only of guests and mostly VIP people, and a number of fighting personalities, the stage was set to create a savage environment betting on the jungle-like concept as it couldn't be different in a show that was happening deep in the rain forest. However, unfortunately not all of the fights lived up to the magnitude of the stage and the persons involved as some of the combats had a huge difference in skills between the competitors. Thankfully though, some fights still manage to portrait the real skills of today's MMA fighters bringing everybody a taste of good action.
      The show kicked off with the return of fighting veteran Ebenezer Fontes Braga, doing his first outing as a Brazil Dojo member (Inoki and Wallid's Brazilian team) facing MECA veteran Rodrigo "Riscado". Braga was coming to this fight as the favorite and needing a win, after his loss to American sensation Forrest Griffin at Heat FC 1 and this is what he got. The fight merely lasted a minute as Ebenezer sunk in a guillotine choke at his opponent's first takedown attempt, that caused Riscado to oddly go out despite not showing a huge effort to escape. Props to Braga who is back on the winning track and is still a very talented fighter who deserves respect. Another Brazil Dojo fighter making his team debut was Marcelo Tigre. Famous for the controversy on most of his combats, Tigre showed an uncharacteristic calmness in this fight against the inexperienced Joseph Banguis, taking him down and working a rear-naked choke in another quick match, where Tigre didn't have to spend energy to throw almost any strikes in the match to defeat his opponent, who didn't belong in the same ring with him. Outwheighing his opponent by around 30 kg, PRIDE veteran Ricardo Morais also did quick work of unknown fighter "Mestre Fumaca", who came in with a Capoeira background and proved to be no match for the Brazilian Giant. Morais simply took the fight to the ground, passed his opponent's guard and threw some strikes from the mount to have the fight ended by the referee, showing he could be matched against a tougher opponent.
      Before Jungle Fight took place the show was believed to have some Pro-Wrestling matches, however as the pay per view broadcast started none of the fights were billed as such, and this left the fans wondering since some of the fights had pro wrestling characters performing and left a uncertainty on everybody's mind. PRIDE veteran Murakami Kazunari took Lee "Young Gun" from Korea in a fight were both fighters came with intensity, and soon after a scramble in the ground Kazunari found an armbar from the guard to win the match in the early minutes. Later in the evening Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Shane Etner by dominating the groundwork and working his positions until he got a key lock on his opponent. As those fighters were billed as real, they surely were and hopefully we'll see the winners in future fights against tough opponents so they can attest their skills and keep their hard fought winning streak.
Lyoto Machida punishing Stephan Bonner
Machida punishing Bonner
      A good surprise for both promoters and fans was the showing of young fighter Lyoto Machida, who showed good ring composure and stand-up skills in his victory over Stephan Bonner. Lyoto punished Bonner a lot in the stand up exchanges, connecting with kicks and punches and making his opponent bleed a lot, causing the fight to be stopped for several times to allow the doctors to check his cuts, until they decided Stephan couldn't continue. Make no mistake about it, as Lyoto has some decent skills. The so awaited debut of rAw team master Rico Chiapparelli came with a win to his record, in a match where he completely dominated his opponent, controlling the Wrestling during the whole match and pounding Luis Pantera with strikes from the top. Rico sure showed good skills, as everybody believed he has, and can take a tougher opponent in his next fight, if he wants to do one. On the other hand American Wrestler Mark Schultz came back to the scene years and years after his UFC outing to experience a defeated to the hands of young Brazilian BJJ fighter Leopoldo Montenegro. Mark maybe suffered from ring rust, and lack of knowledge about his opponent as Montenegro quickly adjusted a triangle choke after being taken down by Schultz, in a surprisingly quick match up that can add a lot to the Brazilian young career.
Rico Chiapparelli going for takedown on Pantera
Chiapparelli going for takedown on Pantera
      As it was said previously, some fights brought a lot of excitement to the show, whether due to the skill lever of the fighters, or to the will showed by then in pursuit of the win. In a back and forth exciting match, Abu Dhabi runner up Fabricio Werdum stopped last MECA winner Gabriel Napao by Ref. Stoppage in the final round, after two rounds of a war by both fighters. In the first round, Napao managed to take Werdum down a lot of times, but couldn't capitalize from the top position. As the fight continued, Fabricio started to turn things around and get the better of the stand up, hurting Napao with punches and knees, and getting top position often on the ground, until Gabriel couldn't take it anymore, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Pancrase veteran Evagelista Cyborg took on HEAT FC fighter Lucas Lopes and both fighters ended up doing a stand up match for most of the bout. As Cyborg was able to defend Lopes' takedown attempts, Lucas found himself forced to stand up against the dangerous striker, resorting to butt scoot on some occasions, but managing to handle himself in most moments. In the middle of the fight the lights went out around three times, causing the fight to be stopped and then re-started later. After those problems Cyborg finally managed to take work of the already tired Lucas with good low kicks to finally win a TKO at the second round.
      In the main event of the show veteran MMA fighter Jorge Macaco Patino proved his will and experience were too much for BJJ phenom Ronaldo Jacare. Jacare was visibly nervous in his MMA debut, and made the mistake of trying to trade blows with Macaco, who wanted the fight to be a stand up war. After some exchanges, with wild punches being thrown, Patino ended up catching Jacare with a strong right hand that sent Ronaldo to the mat dazed, only to stumble later after trying to regain his feet, giving Macaco a KO win to get his career back on track. The other fight of the show saw American Justin McCully defeating Dario Amorim by judges' decision in a fight that was spent almost all in the clinch position. Overall Jungle Fight managed to attend its proposal to gather everybody's attention, and in such a gorgeous landscape fights may have been only a detail, so let's wait for the next one!

From Koichi "Booker K" Kawasaki:
K-1 SURVIVAL 2003 JAPAN GP FINAL

K-1 SURVIVAL 2003 JAPAN GP FINAL takes in Japan on Sep 21. K-1 will host an 8-man Japan GP tournament and K-1 super fight and 2 MMA fight. Kimo is off of the card, Ivan Salaverry is in as his replacment and will fight against Rene Roose under MMA rules. In other K-1 news, reknowned boxer Francois Botha made an appeal at the press conference to participate in K-1 in the near future.

K-1 SURVIVAL 2003 JAPAN GP FINAL
Date : Sunday, September 21, 2003 start :16:00
Place : Yokohama Arena

11th Match Tournament - Final 3x3min
Winner of Semi Final 1st Fight vs.
Winner of Semi Final 2nd Fight

10th Match Super Fight 3x5min - MMA RULE
Bob Sapp (USA/Team Beast) vs.
Stefan Gamlin (USA/DC7)

9th Match Super Fight 3x5min - MMA RULE
Ivan Salaverry (USA/AMC Pankration) vs.
Rene Roose (Holland/Team Peter)

8th Match Tournament - Semi Final 2nd Fight 3x3min
Winner of Quarter Final 3rd Fight vs.
Winner of Quarter Final 4th Fight

7th Match Tournament - Semi Final 1st Fight 3x3min
Winner of Quarter Final 1st Fight vs.
Winner of Quarter Final 2nd Fight

6th Match Super Fight 3x3min - K-1 RULE
Jerome Le Banner (France/Boerboel & Tosa Gym/Boxing) vs.
Shaka Zulu (South Africa/Steve's Gym)

5th Match Super Fight 3x3min - K-1 RULE
Mike Bernardo (South Africa) vs.
Butterbean (USA/Team Butterbean)

4th Match Tournament - Quarter Final 4th Fight 3x3min
Tsuyoshi Nakasako (Japan/ZEBRA244) vs.
Hiromi Amada (Japan/TENKA 510)

3rd Match Tournament - Quarter Final 3rd Fight 3x3min
Yusuke Fujimoto (Japan/Monster Factory) vs.
Nobu Hayashi (Japan/Dojo Chakuriki)

2nd Match Tournament - Quarter Final 2nd Fight 3x3min
Tatsufumi Tomihira (Japan/SQUARE) vs.
Hiraku Hori (Japan/Team Dragon)

1st Match Tournament - Quarter Final 1st Fight 3x3min
Musashi (Japan/Seido Kaikan) vs.
Montanha Silva (Brazil/Master Roney)

From the event's promoter:
COMBATZONE 3
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Club Lido, Wonderland Entertainment Center, Revere, MA

RESULTS

Professionals
Full Contact Kickboxing

HEAVYWEIGHTS -- Jason Bonacorsi, Concord (NH) WUDEC5 John Marzullo, Providence (RI). SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS - Gary Bonenfant, Manchester (NH) WSDEC5 Frank D'Ambra Rochester (NY), (Bonefant won New England Combatzone Championship)

Amateurs

Full Contact Kickboxing

MIDDLEWEIGHTS - Huzon Alexander, Waterbury (VT) WTKO2 Richard Feliciano, New Bedford (MA), (Alexander retained NE Combatzone Championship); Billy Allison, Manchster (NH) WTKO2 Greg Rogers, Concord (NH). FEMALE WELTERWEIGHTS - Dawna Creighton, Quincy (MA) WUDEC3 Suzie Paschkewitz, (Boston (MA).

San Shou

WELTERWEIGHTS - Michael Norman, Boston (MA) WUDEC3 James Battle, New York City (NY); Albert Pope, Riverdale (CT) WUDEC3 Ian Morgan, New York City (NY).

Mixed Martial Arts

SUPER HEAVYWEIGHTS - Joe Borges, Fall River (MA) WS1 Richard Mitchell, Attica (NY). CRUISERWEIGHTS - John McCarron, Dorchester (MA) WTKO1 Rob Marvin, Churchville (NY).

Muay Thai

CRUISERWEIGHTS - Derrick Szmyt, Boston (MA) WDQ1 Bill Newcomb, Revere (MA).

Combatzone 4 will be held Dec 6 featuring champion Tony "TNT" Ventura, New Bedford (MA) vs. No. 1 contender Tommy "The Terminator" Kimber, Lynn (MA) for the world super middleweight championship at Club Lido in Revere (MA).

  Monday - September 22, 2003

Trevor Michaelis on top of Greg Crunutt
Road to Victory
Held September 20, 2003
At the Cattlemen's Livestock Exchange
Yelm, Washington
By Mike Neva

KOTC & WEF veteran Joey Guel hadn't fought in MMA since December of 2002. With the birth of his first daughter just four months ago, and an unfortunate string of injuries the "Coyote" had been forced to pull out of his previous two fights. Anxious to step back into the squared circle, Guel took the fight on late notice against newcomer Clint Webley. Just seconds into the match Guel showed off his submission prowess as he clamped on a tight arm bar, which had Webley writhing in pain. Guel then released the arm bar thinking Webley had tapped, but referee Benji Radach didn't see the tap and much to Guel's dismay the bout was restarted. It didn't take Guel long to once again find himself in the same position and this time there would be no controversy as he submitted Webley just 1 minute into the first round.

The main event was without doubt the most exciting and competitive match of the evening. Victory Athletics fighter Trevor Michaelis looked for submission after submission against youngster Greg Crunutt in what turned out to be a back and forth three round war. Both men battered and bloodied one another, but neither gave an inch, and in the end it was Michaelis who earned a hard fought unanimous decision.
  1. Mixed Martial Arts
    Emile Rowland (Yelm, WA) def. Nicholis Clifton (Quincy, WA) by rear-naked choke at: 18 of round 1

  2. Mixed Martial Arts
    Joey Guel (Olympia, WA) def. Clint Webley (Quincy, WA) by arm bar at 1:05 of round 1

  3. Mixed Martial Arts
    Brock Doyle (Olympia, WA) def. Ron Smith (Olympia, WA) by KO at 2:20 of round 2

  4. Mixed Martial Arts
    Chris Young (Quincy, WA) def. Dave Fissell (Yelm, WA) by keylock at 2:15 of round 1

  5. Kickboxing
    Justin Davis (Yelm, WA) def. Kyle Keeney (Olympia, WA) by TKO at: 45 of round 2

  6. Mixed Martial Arts
    Wesley Welch (Yelm, WA) def. James Keefover (Rainer, WA) by verbal submission at 1:01 of round 1

  7. Mixed Martial Arts
    Trevor Michaelis (Olympia, WA) def. Greg Crunutt (Quincy, WA) by unanimous decision after three 3-minute rounds

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  Tuesday - September 23, 2003

From Koichi "Booker K" Kawasaki:
PRIDE BUSHIDO NEWS

DSE/PRIDE announced 4 additional match-ups for PRIDE BUSHIDO today.

PRIDE BUSHIDO
Date: October 5 Start: 17:00
Place: Saitama Super Arena

Mirko Cro Cop (Croatia / Cro Cop Squad Gym) vs.
X

Alexandre Emelianenko* (Russia/Russian Top Team) vs.
Assuerio Silva (Brazil /Chute Boxe Academy)
*younger brother of Fedor Emelianenko

Sergey Kharitonov (Russia/Russian Top Team) vs.
Jason Nobunaga* (New Zealand/elite Kick Boxing Gym)
*K-1 WORLD GP 2003 in Melbourne tournament 2nd Place

Akira Shoji (Japan / AMC Pankration) vs .
Mauricio Shogun (Brazil /Chute Boxe Academy)

During the announcement, Mr.Takada also made the following plea: "I want receive a call from somebody Japanese to want to fight Mirko, because this event's title is BUSHIDO (Warrior's Way/Spirit). So please contact me, I hope someone appears here in Japan."

Already announced:

Carlos Newton (British Virgin Islands/Warrior Martial Arts Center) vs.
Renzo Gracie (Brazil/ Team Renzo Gracie)

Dokonjonosuke Mishima (Japan/Cobra-kai) vs.
Ralph Gracie (Brazil/ Team Renzo Gracie)

Kazuhiro Nakamura (Japan/Yoshida Dojo) vs.
Daniel Gracie (Brazil/ Team Renzo Gracie)

Daiju Takase (Japan / Free) vs.
Rodrigo Gracie (Brazil/ Team Renzo Gracie)

Kazuhiro Hamanaka (Japan/Takada Dojo) vs.
Ryan Gracie (Brazil/ Team Renzo Gracie)

Conrgrats Hawaiian Style!

Congratulations to FCF's own Mike Onzuka and his lovely wife Lisa on their newest addition. On September 19, 2003 at 7:39am, Lisa gave birth to a baby boy. Caleb Kamakana Bung Kuen Mitsuyo Onzuka weighed in at 7lb 1.5oz and measured 20 inches.
Mike and CalebLisa and Caleb
Mike & Lisa with Caleb

Tito and Kristen
The Carson Daly Experience:
Behind-The Scenes With Tito Ortiz

By Loretta Hunt

Mixed martial arts is once again on the upswing ... it's mere days before UFC 44 and the little-sport-that-could continues to garner attention on the broadcast and cable TV talk show circuit. Tonight, UFC light-heavyweight champ Tito Ortiz appears on Carson Daly's Last Call (check local listings for airtime), where he'll educate the MTV icon on the finer points of the sport.

Taped last Tuesday in New York City, FCF was granted a backstage pass to observe just how Ortiz and the UFC are making an impact in the mainstream media. Here are a few impressions:
  • 6:00 PM- Tito Ortiz's chauffeured car pulls up to the curb of NBC's Rockafeller Studios. Despite the fact that audience members have been instructed to enter via an entrance all the way around the corner, a few determined fans seem to be in the know. They are ready, pens and cameras in hand, to mark the occasion. Ortiz obliges as best as he can until he is ushered inside. It's far from a mob scene, but-- hey, it's definitely a start. I fold myself into the Ortiz posse and we're off.

  • 6:05 PM- Once past security, we are escorted upstairs to a small dressing room stocked with complimentary food, drinks, and trendy parting gifts. Tito's wife, Kristen, a vivacious sprite almost half her husband's size, doesn't leave his side. Tito plunks down in a reclining seat in the corner. No leather jacket for the champ tonight. He's wearing a tailored gray suit with a fitted black shirt underneath. His shiny silver belt buckle reads, "PUNISH."

  • 6:15 PM- Jim Byrne of Team Services, the publicity firm that has facilitated tonight's appearance, doesn't waste any time in prepping Ortiz for what may lie ahead. There is concern that Daly might bring up the Toughman competition and somehow try to parallel it to MMA. Before Byrne can finish his thought, Ortiz dives into a detailed answer that immediately puts the room at ease. The champ has definitely done his homework.

  • 6:20 PM- Jason, a producer for the show, enters carrying the all-important cue cards. He sits down across from Ortiz and begins to go over the questions that will be asked. They all stem from a phone conversation the two had a couple of days earlier and in general, are of the lighter fare. In fact, the questions encouragingly leave much room for Ortiz to plug MMA and the UFC. Jason seems honestly enthused by the sport and even divulges that Daly has been training boxing as of late. Ortiz's face lights up with the news. Jason also explains that Tito will be the second guest following an actress from NYPD Blue, a slot that will give the fighter a little extra TV time. Tito gives a jovial nod to show his gratitude. I silently wonder if this is something they say to all the guests.

  • 6:25 PM- Jason leaves the room and we all start to comment on the questions. I say I am concerned about a particular question focusing on a bar fighting incident from Ortiz's earlier days. Kristen eases herself on the arm of Tito's chair and they run a quick dialogue over how he will handle that. "You don't know how many times I've lied awake in bed thinking of how I'd answer these questions," he finally announces to the room, fully aware that the weight of the sport lies on his shoulders in a few short moments. It's obvious that Ortiz wants to make a good impression on the audience, not only for himself, but for MMA. His confidence makes him the man for the job tonight.

  • 6:30 PM- With still a half an hour to go, I take the opportunity to get some last minute thoughts on his pending clash with Interim champ Randy Couture. For the first time since we got there, Tito melts into his chair. He likes MMA talk. I ask him how much he's weighing in right now. "218 to 220," Tito chimes back, his tone leaving little doubt that it's right where he wants to be. He expects the fight to go all five rounds, thus the extended training schedule. By this time, Kristen is sampling some of the goodies left for us. Having arrived in New York at 6AM that morning, the two have been trying to catch up on their sleep all day. But, despite staying up the day before to film a segment for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (which ran last Friday), Ortiz has still managed to get in his training by hitting the Big Apple streets for an hour run.

  • 6:35 PM- How's training up at Big Bear going?, I ask. Ortiz has been up in the mountains for the last three months, spare some time on select weekends where he's made the three-hour trip back to California to see his wife and year-old son Jacob. Ricco Rodriguez, Quinton Jackson, and Dean Lister (among others) have all taken turns training with Ortiz up at "the house" in the woods. I ask about Mark Kerr, who was rumored to be there as well. He says Kerr left after the first month without as much as a good-bye and hasn't contacted him since. A twinge of disappoint escapes from his brow.

  • 6:40 PM- A technician remarks that he's seen the stills of Ken Shamrock's battered face in the control booth as he wires Ortiz for sound. He comments that he better not mess up the mic job or he's sure he'll get it too, but its obvious the man is slightly intimidated by Ortiz's towering frame. It's obviously not the first time Ortiz has heard this, as he briskly quips something back. The sound guy smiles and leaves.

  • 6:50 PM- The show starts in ten minutes and Tito looks a bit pensive to me, until I realize he's actively rehearsing his answers over and over in his head. The TV monitor comes to life and although the screen remains black we can hear Daly warming up the audience. He announces Tito's name and gets a solid reaction from the crowd. The excitement is mounting for everyone in the room. We all settle down in front of the screen and wait for Tito to be called.

  • 7:00 PM- The half hour show begins and a young woman comes to the door to gather Ortiz. She looks a bit awestruck. Tito looks a bit nervous. He kisses his wife and is guided down the hallway and out of sight. Kristen sits down in a chair beside me. "This is the part where I get nervous," she whispers, her eyes never leaving the screen. I can see why Ortiz opts to bring her along on trips like these. Kristen's energetic demeanor brings a certain lightness to the surroundings.

  • 7:15 PM- When Tito's name is announced, Kristen tenses up in her seat. It's hard for me to imagine that she and Ortiz are only 28-years old, as the 6'2" MMA specimen walks onto the stage and into the viewership of millions of homes. Kristen lets out a squeal of delight as Daly gratefully takes one of her husband's hats and puts it on to wear for the rest of the show. She has helped her husband launch the Punishment Athletic clothing line in the last few months and knows the power of advertising when she sees it.

    Tito and fan
  • 7:30 PM- The segment goes well (no spoilers here) and Ortiz makes his way back to the tiny dressing room. His face is awash with relief. I ask him if he could get used to a bit more celebrity than what he has experienced in the world of MMA. A toothy grin from ear to ear is all I need for an answer. We pack up our things and head for the exit.

  • 7:45 PM- Downstairs, Ortiz is greeted by a slew of fans-- young and old alike. I'm surprised to see quite a few young ladies approach Tito for an autograph or picture. It's apparent his appearance has gone over well. I thank the Ortiz's for their time and let them be for a late supper. It's back on a plane first thing in the morning and Tito will be back up at Big Bear by that evening. A bit lighter in my step, I walk home dreaming about September 26th.

From Josh Hedges/UFC/Zuffa:
UFC logo
TICKETS GO ON SALE SATURDAY, SEPT. 27, FOR UFC 45: REVOLUTION;
MEGA-STAR EVENT WILL BE NOV. 21 AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

Ultimate Fighting Championship To Mark Its 10th Anniversary With An 8-Fight, All-Star Card LIVE on Pay-Per-View


Matt Hughes, Tank Abbott, Phil Baroni, Robbie Lawler To Compete In UFC's Return To One Of Its Most Popular Arenas in Uncasville, Conn.

      LAS VEGAS, NEV., September 22, 2003....Tickets, $300, $200, $100, $60 and $30, will go on sale this Saturday, September 27, at the Mohegan Sun Arena box office in Uncasville, CN, and at www.tickets.com, for Ultimate Fighting Championship 45: Revolution, an eight-fight mega-star card that will be held Friday, November 21, at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Tickets also may be ordered by telephone by calling 1-800-477-6849 or 860-862-8499. All ticket purchases are subject to transaction fees.
      UFC 45: Revolution, which will celebrate the UFC's 10th anniversary, also will be available LIVE on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. EST on iNDemand, DirecTV, Dish Network, Bell ExpressVu, TVN, Echostar and Viewers Choice Canada. The suggested retail price will be $29.95.
      The all-star card will feature UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes defending his title for the fifth time, legendary heavyweight Tank Abbott meeting Hawaiian power puncher "Cabbage" Corriera, middleweight knockout artist Phil Baroni and welterweight star "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler. The entire card will be announced.
      The UFC's first fight event, UFC 1: The Beginning was held November 12, 1993, at McNichols Arena in Denver, Colo. That night, Royce Gracie defeated Gerard Gordeau in the final match with a tap out by rear naked choke at 1:42 to become the first UFC champion. Other fighters on that first card included Ken Shamrock, Kevin Rosier, Art Jimmerson, Teila Tuli, Patrick Smith, Zane Frazier, Jason DeLucia and Trent Jenkins.

From the event's promoter:
Danger Zone News

On November 8th The Danger Zone "Fight Night" series continues at the 101 Lounge in Angola, Indiana, bell time 7 P.M.

Boxing, kickboxing, submission grappling, and mixed martial arts (MMA) matches will take place. The 180-195lb weight class will be highlighted for the MMA Division into an 8 Man Tournament. First place wins $300 and a trophy with $100 and a trophy going to the runner-up.

Fighters who wish to participate in either the tournament or in a single match simply e-mail severndd@cbpu.com or call (517) 278-4908.

We have seven weight classes starting at 135lbs and under going up on 15 lb increments. You can find our rules, time periods, and such by going to our website: www.the-dangerzone.com. Fill out an application and send it in. Make sure you designate what category you would wish to compete in (boxing, kickboxing, submission grappling, or mixed martial arts).

If you have any questions, please call (517) 278-4908 or e-mail Dan at severndd@cbpu.com.

  Wednesday - September 24, 2003

Inside the current issue of FCF:

FCF New Issue In this issue...

PRIDE Total Elimination 2003 - Live coverage of the star-studded middleweight Grand Prix.

UFC 44 Preview: Don't know all of the competitors in the upcoming UFC? We profile them all for you and get quotes from the fighters themselves.

King Of the Cage 26 in Reno, where Radach crushed Machado and KOTC 27 at Soboba Casino where Bobby Hoffman defends his title.

Smack Girl - Femme fatales duking it out in Tokyo.

Andrei Arlovski: get to know the Belarusian banger.

MECA 9: Shogun beats Cyborg in a terrific battle in Rio de Janeiro.

WEC 7: This Time it's Personal.

Ring of Combat 4: An Epic Night of Battles - Live coverage from Cesar's in Atlantic City.

K-1 Battle at the Bellagio: Remy Bonjasky comes out on top in an 8-man tourney and Kimo and Bob Sapp swing for the fences.

Rumble on the Rock 3: Cabbage bangs out a quick win in Hilo, Hawaii.

Professional SHOOTO live from the Yokohama Cuktural Arena in Kanagawa, Japan.

Is Don King Really Entering MMA? We track down the players in attempt to find out.

3rd Black Belt Challenge: Jacare wins his first fight at Black Belt.

Former AMC Pankration strength & conditioning coach Mark Ginther presents Ask the Ubermensch: Timeless Tips from the Teutonic Titan of Training.

Duane "BANG" Ludwig BioFile.

Controversy: Fight fans make their picks and give their opinions for UFC 44.

In our monthly columns...
In Matt Hume's techniques, Matt Hume & Daniel Eng demonstrate an Omoplata Defense Roll Biceps Crush Counter; and in the Punchers Corner, champion kickboxer Derek Panza discusses Defending Kicks Part 2.

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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  Thursday - September 25, 2003
Randy CoutureTito Ortiz
It's On ... Almost
Slyvia and Loiseau Miss Weight,
Ortiz-Couture Main Event Is A Go

By Loretta Hunt

Tim Sylvia and Wee-Man
Sylvia and Wee-Man
      From a promoter's viewpoint, today's UFC 44 weigh-ins were a rip-roaring success. At Mandalay Bay's House of Blues, its two level nightclub was packed to the gills with fans and the press. ESPN News broadcast a highlight of the affair at 4:10 this afternoon, while evidence of various other media outlets in attendance were also apparent. Among them, a positively elated Wee-Man, of MTV's Jackass Fame, was on hand to interview some of the fighters for Fox Sports Net's 54321. If this afternoon's turnout is not an indication of the great strides the UFC has made in past weeks with regards to mainstream coverage, then this reporter doesn't know what is.
      For some of the fighters, however, the weigh-ins must have been more of a nightmare. UFC Heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia came in at 267 pounds, failing to make the cutoff. In disbelief, he explained to NSAC rep Marc Ratner that he had weighed in ten pounds lighter that morning, but to no avail. The Maine native was given two hours to lose the two pounds which he did amply, eventually coming in at 262 pounds. Opponent Gan McGee rang in 264 pounds on his first go, making this a match-up of astronomical proportions.
      Not to leave the heavyweight champion without company, Canadian middleweight David Loiseau seemed a little surprised when he was the second fighter of Undisputed's card to miss weight. "The Crow" came in at 189 pounds and was also given the requisite two hours to comply. He eventually came in right on the money at 185 pounds, while Northeast brawler Jorge Rivera made the 184 pound mark. Two hard-hitters at heart, this fight should yield some fast-paced leather flying.
      The inevitable showdown between light-heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz and his interim title counterpart Randy Couture reached a fevered pitch today as both men finally met eyes. Surrounded by their sizable camps, both fighters were kept at separate ends of the stage till their intros were made. Couture was first to the scale at 205 pounds, much to the approval of the raucous crowd. Ortiz stepped up next to a mix of cheers and boos and came in at a cut 204.5 pounds. There was even a bit of animosity between the two in their staredown, especially on "The Natural's" end, who almost tauntingly challenged his adversary on the stage with his confident looks.
      Heavyweight Belarussian brothers-in-arms Vladmir Matyushenko and Andrei Arlovski had the largest weight differential of any bout going into tomorrow night. Matyushenko weighed in a light 219 pounds, while the "Pit Bull" clocked in at 243 pounds. With this the last fight on his contract, will Matyushenko be out to please the fans hoping to see him stand and bang with Arlovski? "I'll do anything possible to keep my fans happy. They want me to stand up? I'll stand up, but most the thing is I want to win."
      Light-heavyweight prospect Rich "Ace" Franklin came in at a ripped 204 pounds, as compared to opponent Edwin Dewees' 198 pounds. With Franklin the heavy favorite going into their bout, the Ohio native says he is feeling a bit pressed to make a good showing. "It puts some added pressure on me to win," he commented, "'cause if I end up losing this fight, this could be a career ruiner. That's why I trained harder for this fight than I did with Evan Tanner."
      In the welterweight division, master judoka Karo Parisyan weighed in at 169 pounds. Returning opponent Dave Strasser was a svelte 170. Headstrong Parisyan is expected to push the action in this match-up versus his experienced opponent. At one and one apiece, fellow Californians Nick Diaz and Jeremy Jackson will square off for the third time to determine who moves on in the UFC. They came in 169.5 and 170 pounds respectively, with Diaz the victor of their last encounter. "I was looking forward to fighting Dennis Hallman, " admitted Diaz of his original opponent for this bout, "but that's okay. I don't think Jackson could do anything else to me."
      Rounding out the stacked nine-fight card that looks to be a sell-out affair, undefeated lightweight Hermes Franca will meet one of his idols in Japanese superstar Caol Uno. Both athletes weighed in at 155 pounds on the dot, and while Uno is looking to stay in title contention yet a third time, Franca is a newcomer on the rise.
Hermes Franca vs. Caol Uno
Franca vs. Uno
      Live from Mandalay Bay tomorrow night, eighteen fighters are ready to strut their stuff and put on a show like no other -- and quite a show it might undisputedly end up being.

From DSE/PRIDE:
BUSHIDO: CRO COP ADDED TO THE FIGHTCARD!

Bushido logo LOS ANGELES, California - Pride FC superstar Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic has been added to the Bushido fight card and will battle a yet to be announced opponent, known currently in Japan only as "X."

Also added to the card---Pride FC veteran Akira Shoji against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (younger brother of Murilo "Ninja" Rua), Chute Boxe heavy-hitter Assuerio Silva going head to head with Alexander Emelianenko (the younger brother of Pride FC heavyweight champion, Fedor Emelianenko), and Sergey Kharitonov of the Russian Top Team versus kick boxer Jason Nobunaga.

This includes the previously announced "Team Japan versus the Gracie Family," headlined by Renzo Gracie against Japan's adopted son, Carlos "The Ronin" Newton.

FIGHTCARD:

"Team Japan versus the Gracie Family"

Renzo Gracie vs. Carlos Newton
Ryan Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Hamanaka
Rodrigo Gracie vs. Daiju Takase
Daniel Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Ralph Gracie vs. Dokonjonosuke Mishima

Sergey Kharitonov vs. Jason Nobunaga
Akira Shoji vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
Alexander Emelianenko vs. Assuerio Silva
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. "X"

(Card Subject to Change)

The live event is scheduled for October 5, 2003 from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Bushido will be available on U.S. pay per view (delay) on December 21, 2003 at a special reduced rate of $19.95.

Don't miss the show!

PPV INFORMATION:

Premiere date: Sunday, December 21, 2003
Premiere time: 9:00pm EST, 6:00pm PST
Count Down show: 8:30pm EST, 5:30pm PST
PPV price: US $19.95
Run time: 3 hours (approximately)
Availability: iNDEMAND, DirecTV

  Saturday - September 27, 2003
Champions Randy Couture and Tim Sylvia
There Can Be Only One:
UFC 44 Yields Couture Domination,
Sylvia Reigns Supreme

By Loretta Hunt

There can be only one and Tito Ortiz knew it. He had commented prior to tonight that this fight would not only determine the undisputed champion of the light-heavyweight class; it would determine who is the greatest fighter ever to grace the UFC octagon. Randy Couture is that man.

In a second remarkable performance to match his decimation of number one contender Chuck Liddell just three months ago, Randy Couture again beat the odds to best 5-Time champion Tito Ortiz. Couture quickly gained momentum from round to round with his expert Greco-Roman takedowns and pinned Tito Ortiz to the ground for almost the entire twenty-five minute duration. For any other two combatants, this fight may have been viewed as less than exciting, but with these two athletes' stellar histories with the sport, every moment was breathtaking to watch.

"I said it was going to come down to takedowns," Couture commented shortly following his fight. "I took him down in every round and that was the difference in the fight." Although it doesn't seem possible, Couture has come into his own at age 40. The greatest tactician this sport may ever see, Couture's next title defense will be the last one on his contract.

An emotional Tito Ortiz
An emotional Ortiz
As for the unseated champion, an emotional Ortiz barely held back the tears in his post-fight address. Citing injuries and a overwhelming publicity schedule leading into the bout, he wants a rematch. Only time will tell if that ever comes to pass.

For the rest of the card, Undisputed yielded three impressive knockouts, two aggressive TKOs, and two slick submissions. Along with Couture's performance, only one other fight went to decision. Here's how it went down:

In the co-main event billed "The Battle Of The Giants," it seemed 6'8" heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia would have his work cut out for him with 6'10" opponent Gan McGee. McGee's height and reach had allowed him to stand unconventionally up to this point, but faced with an opponent of comparable size, one would think that he would have adjusted his stance. With his left arm down and his chin unprotected, it was only a matter of time before champion Tim Sylvia landed the first of two straight right crosses that sent "The Giant" down a mere one minute and fifty-four seconds into round one. Slyvia retains the heavyweight title and moves on to his second title defense in November versus submission wizard Frank Mir.

Winners Andrei Arlovski and Josh Thomson
Arlovski & Thomson
Andrei Arlovski began his route into title contention tonight with a versatile win over veteran heavyweight Vladmir Matyushenko. Opportunities opened up for the 24-year old fighter early when "The Janitor" attempted to trade some punches with his fellow Bellarussian opponent. Although Matyushenko shot in for the takedown, Arlovski masterfully defended and fired off a shot that sent Matyushenko back. Arlovski attempted to finish the fight with some follow-up strikes but Matyushenko stayed in the game and pulled guard. With a fast-paced scramble that landed Arlovski in the full mount momentarily, "the Pit Bull" was able to finish with a clean standing KO 2:14 into round one.

For ten years, this sport has been built on upsets. Tonight's first lightweight match-up was very much in that vein. Undefeated up-and-comer Hermes Franca would have to play his cards perfectly to catch Japanese legend Caol Uno. It was a somewhat predictable first round in which an ultra-aggressive Uno controlled the pace of his scuffle with Franca, taking down the Brazilian easily and dominating with active strikes from above. Franca took the reigns in the second with a dynamic toss that spiked the Japanese powerhouse square on his head and, it quickly became obvious that Uno would not be able to recover. Dazed and out of his element, Uno struggled to his feet and out of submission danger only to be nailed with a clean right hook along the fence. Promising up-and-comer Franca got the KO 2:46 into round two.

Winners Nick Diaz, Hermes Franca and Karo Parisyan
Diaz, Franca & Parisyan

It took Meat Truck Inc. representative Rich Franklin a little bit longer than some may have expected, but "Ace" eventually got the job done, bombarding first-timer Edwin Dewees with knees, kicks, and punches to powerfully overcome him. Dewees was game at first, tying up with Franklin and taking him down early, but Franklin worked his way up to his feet, and took his opening along the fence with a close range flying knee and a strong follow-up. Franklin got the TKO via referee stoppage 3:35 into round one.

In preliminary action, welterweights Nick Diaz and Jeremy Jackson met for a third and last time to settle a personal vendetta that had left both cubs tied at one and one a piece. Diaz, the clear victor of their last scuffle two months earlier, was the clear dominator out of the gate, taking "The Scorpion" down with relative ease and working the strikes from above. Jackson had a couple of tactful escapes, but was unable to get anything going on his feet. Diaz eventually put this bout to bed with a quick armbar 2:04 into the third round.

Although known as a ground specialist, Gerald Strebendt made his way to the Octagon sporting the traditional garb and presentation of a Muay Thai practitioner -- possibly to intimidate heavy-handed opponent Josh Thomson. It takes more than the headdress and prayers to stand with someone of Thomson's caliber though, who quickly startled Strebendt with a leaping punch into a textbook takedown. Surprisingly, Thomson -- a powerful stand-up artist with KO power -- moved into Strebendt's guard, where he was susceptible to his adversary's unconventional "rubber guard" technique. After a few crafty but failed submission attempts, it took one offhanded back-fisted punch for Thomson to send Strebendt off-kilter. He wobbly escaped to his feet and Thomson pounced, quickly getting the TKO via referee stoppage at 2:45 after numerous punches were left unanswered on the ground.

In a hard-earned three-round standup demonstration, Massachusetts native Jorge Rivera pulled out the unanimous win over returning Canadian bomber David Loiseau by patiently chipping away at his heavy-handed opponent. At first both threw ample shots but neither athlete seemed flustered. Loiseau scored in the first with some penetrating elbows that caused two deep cuts in Rivera's scalp and effectively applied knees in the clinch. Loiseau's true enemy, though, seemed to be the intense fatigue that crept in on him halfway through the second round. Rivera capitalized with some combinations that sent "The Crow" backpedalling, and began to make some headway damage-wise in the third, finishing strong down to the last second. Persistent Rivera prevailed in the judges' verdicts.

Karo Parisyan made an impressive debut in his first UFC welterweight outing this evening, tying up 23-3-4 opponent Dave Strasser handily, while dazzling the crowds with some savvy gi-less judo throws. Strasser defended well at first, even trading briefly with Parisyan once they made it to their feet, but in the end succumb to a Kimura out of the young Armenian's swift judo positioning. Parisyan moves ahead with a tap out victory 3:52 into the first round.

From the event's promoter:
MID-DAY FIGHT TIME poster MID-DAY FIGHT TIME
Saturday, Sept. 27th at 2:00pm
GRAND CENTRAL CASINO AND KIRK JENSEN PRESENT
"MID-DAY FIGHT TIME"
info & Tickts call the Casino at 253 396-0500

Kickboxing - Mauy Thai - Pankration bouts!

Main Event
Brian Jones Jr. Vs Phil Petit
Lt. Heavyweight Mauy Thai Title bout

From the event's promoter:
Gladiator Challenge

Gladiator Challenge poster Don't forget this Sunday the Gladiator Challenge comes to Porterville. The last few shows have shows have all been sell outs. So try to get tickets before the day of the event. FOR RESERVATIONS EAGLE MOUNTAIN CASINO: 1-(559)788-6220 VALLITIX.COM: 1-(888)825-5484 GATES OPEN AT 3:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 28th - EAGLE MOUNTAIN CASINO GLADIATOR CHALLENGE MAIN EVENT "Big" John Dabney vs Mike Martinez

Kengo Ura vs Brian Sleeman
Joe Stevenson vs TBA
Chuck Kim vs TBA

ALSO FEATURING
  • Dustin Ardin vs Anthony Ruiz
  • James Neuarez vs Scott Licoln
  • Keith Pitman vs Gary Nunez
  • Joe Hernandez vs Lee Anderson
  • Tony Llamas vs Augie Garcia
  • John Rodriquez vs Raul Lopez
  • Jason McKow vs Joanah Broad
  • Paul Ward vs Bain Serna
  • Gab Contraras vs Pedro Tome
  • Robert Escalla vs Erik Eide
  • Palika Drummando vs Reggie Esquazel
  • Willie Wallace vs Wil Scott
  • Santino Genaro vs TBA
  • Tino Alverado vs TBA
  • Gilber Magana vs Mark Wallace
FOR RESERVATIONS EAGLE MOUNTAIN CASINO: 1-(559)788-6220 VALLITIX.COM: 1-(888)825-5484 GATES OPEN AT 3:00 PM

  Monday - September 29, 2003
Boxing's Francois Botha Signs With K-1;
Will Debut Vs. LeBanner in Osaka Oct. 11

Written By Michael Afromowitz
muaythaimes@aol.com

In the wake of the Mike Tyson signing, K-1's most widely publicized acquisition to date, another top 10 boxing contender in Francois "The White Buffalo" Botha, will join the ranks of "The New Fighting Sport" and will make his K-1 rules fighting debut in Osaka, Japan's K-1 "Final Elimination" event on October 11th. Botha will face world Muay Thai kickboxing champion, Jerome LeBanner during the Osaka seven fight card that will be televised live on United States Pay-Per-View television.

The Botha signing came shortly after the 35-year-old boxer initiated a verbal confrontation with K-1 megastar Bob "The Beast" Sapp following Sapp's first-round victory over fellow former NFL player Stephan Gamlin during the Sunday, September 21st K-1 "Survival 2003" card in Yokohama, Japan where Botha was on-hand as a spectator and guest of the K-1 organization. The exchange between Sapp and Botha, which turned into a shoving match, bore likeness to the showdown that unfolded between Tyson and Sapp on August 15th immediately after Sapp's victory at K-1 "Battle At The Bellagio" in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rated number 10 by The World Boxing Organization (WBO), Botha of Witbank, South Africa is also a former International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Heavyweight champion who boasts a professional boxing record of 44-4-2 (28 KO's). The four losses on Botha's record came at the hands of Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko, Michael Moorer, and Mike Tyson, all of whom have been heavyweight champions.

Botha's October 11th opponent, Jerome LeBanner, is recognized as one of the most accomplished and brightest fighters in the history of K-1. Twice, in 1995 and last year, he reached the championship round of the K-1 World Grand Prix Finals, the eight-man single-elimination tournament staged on the first Sunday of every December in Tokyo, Japan's 70,000-capacity Tokyo Dome. LeBanner is also the reigning International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) World Superheavyweight Muay Thai kickboxing champion.

K-1 DVDs!

K-1 2002 World Grand Prix Finals DVD K-1's Greatest Knockouts DVD
K-1 2002 World Grand Prix Finals...
Never in its extraordinary 10-year history has K-1 seen a draw filled with both depth and combatants from such a wide array of disciplines and experiences as it did during in its 2002 K-1 World Grand Prix Finals. From a three-time champion to veteran fixtures in the tournament circuit, to a mixed martial arts powerhouse to a former professional football player and wrester, this end of the year showdown had it all.

2001 champion Mark Hunt returns to defend his crown, one that he seized a year prior as a little known kickboxer and shocked the Japanese world in doing so. Standing in his way of repeat success, though, is nothing less than a brigade of experience and sheer power. Peter Aerts and Ernesto Hoost, the most decorated fighters in the history of the sport, each shoot for a record fourth title while K-1 veterans Ray Sefo and Jerome LeBanner aim for their first. And rest assured that a loud impression will be made when 350-pound former NFL lineman and professional wrestler Bob Sapp attempts to become the first American to capture the most prestigious possession in the martial arts.
K-1 Knockouts...
K-1's Greatest Knockouts:

Since it began its conquest of the fight world in 1993, K-1, the fastest growing sport worldwide, has provided some of the most thrilling moments in the history of combat sports courtesy of the elite Karate, Kung-Fu, and kickboxing talent that it courts from around the globe.

Finally, you can bear witness in one continuous segment to the most dramatic and hardest-hitting knockouts ever delivered on the tournament circuit with punches, kicks, and knee strikes. Brace yourself for the action you are going to witness during K-1 World’s Greatest Martial Arts.


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Results from
Extreme Brawl 4

Held Sept, 28, 2003 - Bracknell, England
By David West

MMA Matches
  1. Aaron Blackwell def. Leon Dickens by TKO - 2:20 R1
  2. Ski Skirskis def. Paul Hopkins by ref stoppage - 2:24 R1
  3. Mark Epstein def. Dave Nicolosi by KO - 0:49 R1
  4. Peter Tiarks def. Ricky Salhan by triangle choke - 3:22 R1
  5. Matt Ewin def. Sean Cochrin by rear choke - 4:19 R1
  6. Ricky Moore def. John Waite by armbar - 2:35 R1
  7. Andy Cooper def. Paul Jenkins - unable to continue due to injury - 0:38 R2
  8. Jeremy Horn drew with James Zikic after 3 rounds (No Decision)
Kickboxing Matches
  1. Chris Knowles def. James McSweeney by decision after 3 rounds
  2. Daniel Waciakowski def. Chris Ballard by TKO - R2

  Tuesday - September 30, 2003
From UFC/Zuffa:
UFC banner
TICKETS GO ON SALE SATURDAY, SEPT. 27, FOR UFC 45: REVOLUTION; MEGA-STAR EVENT WILL BE NOV. 21 AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

Ultimate Fighting Championship To Mark Its 10th Anniversary With An 8-Fight, All-Star Card LIVE on Pay-Per-View


Matt Hughes, Tank Abbott, Phil Baroni, Robbie Lawler To Compete In UFC's Return To One Of Its Most Popular Arenas in Uncasville, Conn.

      LAS VEGAS, NEV., September 22, 2003....Tickets, $300, $200, $100, $60 and $30, will go on sale this Saturday, September 27, at the Mohegan Sun Arena box office in Uncasville, CN, and at www.tickets.com, for Ultimate Fighting Championship 45: Revolution, an eight-fight mega-star card that will be held Friday, November 21, at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Tickets also may be ordered by telephone by calling 1-800-477-6849 or 860-862-8499. All ticket purchases are subject to transaction fees.
      UFC 45: Revolution, which will celebrate the UFC's 10th anniversary, also will be available LIVE on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. EST on iNDemand, DirecTV, Dish Network, Bell ExpressVu, TVN, Echostar and Viewers Choice Canada. The suggested retail price will be $29.95.
      The all-star card will feature UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes defending his title for the fifth time, legendary heavyweight Tank Abbott meeting Hawaiian power puncher "Cabbage" Corriera, middleweight knockout artist Phil Baroni and welterweight star "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler. The entire card will be announced.
      The UFC's first fight event, UFC 1: The Beginning was held November 12, 1993, at McNichols Arena in Denver, Colo. That night, Royce Gracie defeated Gerard Gordeau in the final match with a tap out by rear naked choke at 1:42 to become the first UFC champion. Other fighters on that first card included Ken Shamrock, Kevin Rosier, Art Jimmerson, Teila Tuli, Patrick Smith, Zane Frazier, Jason DeLucia and Trent Jenkins.

From Dream Stage Entertainment:
Pride FC logo
Three More Matches Announced for Bushido

LOS ANGELES, California - Today Dream Stage Entertainment announced three additional matches for the PRIDE Bushido show.

German striker and Golden Glory team member Chalid "Die Faust" Arrab will face Rodney "Golden Glory Hunter" Faverus ... Japanese vale tudo expert Eiji Mitsuoka will go head to head with UFC veteran Chris Brennan ... and in the main event, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic will face Mexican MMA/Pro Wrestling superstar Dos Carras Jr.

FULL FIGHTCARD:

"Team Japan versus the Gracie Family"

Renzo Gracie vs. Carlos Newton
Ryan Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Hamanaka
Rodrigo Gracie vs. Daiju Takase
Daniel Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Ralph Gracie vs. Dokonjonosuke Mishima

Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Dos Caras Jr.
Sergey Kharitonov vs. Jason Nobunaga
Akira Shoji vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
Alexander Emelianenko vs. Assuerio Silva
Chalid "Die Faust" Arrab vs. Rodney Faverus
Eiji Mitsuoka vs. Chris Brennan
(Card Subject to Change)

The live event is scheduled for October 5, 2003 from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Bushido will be available on U.S. pay per view (delay) on December 21, 2003 at a special reduced rate of $19.95. Don't miss the show!

PPV INFORMATION:

Premiere date: Sunday, December 21, 2003
Premiere time: 9:00pm EST, 6:00pm PST
Count Down show: 8:30pm EST, 5:30pm PST
PPV price: US $19.95
Run time: 3 hours (approximately)
Availability: iNDEMAND, DirecTV

By Eduardo Alonso
Brazil Super Fight Review:
Great Organization as Minowa is Crowned Champion!

      One more top MMA show was added to the now quickly growing Brazilian scene, as Mario Sperry's promotion Brazil Super Fight debuted this past September 19th. That Friday, in the city of Porto Alegre [the capital located most to the South of the country] seven MMA fights and one Muay Thai bout brought teams such as Brazilian Top Team, Ruas Vale Tudo and Gold Team, among others, to grace the ring of the new show in matches that showed a variety of skills to those who attended the show. The most impressive thing about the first edition of Brazil Super Fight [BASF] was its organization. The event showed top-notch organization and structure, with every little detail being taken care of, and hopefully setting a new standard in Brazilian shows. From its weigh-ins and press conference, to the actual days of the fights everything ran smoothly and fighters were treated as they deserve.
      When the crowd started to get impatient, and the actual time for the show to start finally arrived, two guitar players dueled playing the Brazilian National Anthem, in what couldn't suit better the appeal of the spectacle, considering the event's name. This got the crowd going, however the first fight of the night would capture even more of the public's attention as local fighter and BTT member Marcelo Alfaia entered the ring to face another Jiu-Jitsu stylist in Jose Ricardo "Dragao". Having the crowd on his side Alfaia had no trouble in controlling Jose during the three rounds of five minutes each, getting the better of stand up action and scoring takedowns numerous times. In the end he earned a fair judge's decision much to his fans delight. The second match of the night brought the show's first international combat, showing a trend that promoter Mario Sperry wants to follow in his next shows, as Ruas Vale Tudo fighter Aloisio Barros faced Australian fighter Luke Piclum, also out of the BTT. The fight was somewhat even, with Luke getting some takedowns and good strikes on stand up, however as the fight progressed Barros got more confident and in the 3rd round ended up connecting with a solid knee strike that opened a nasty cut on the Australian fighter's eyebrow, causing the doctor to call the fight giving Aloisio the win.
      The next fight of the card would prove to be one of the most exciting outings of the show, as fighting veteran Haroldo Cabelinho Bunn entered the ring to face newcomer and underdog Leonardo Souza. Before the fight started few gave any chance to Souza, who is going to be at the HEAT FC 2 card, as Bunn had the Brazilian Top Team on his corner and tons of experience. Both fighters came in trying to win, and that led to an exciting match. Haroldo kept trying to take the newcomer down, but much to his surprise Leonardo showed good Wrestling skills and was able keep the fight standing, creating danger for the BTT member in the stand up exchanges. As the match got in to the second round, Bunn started to get tired and Souza managed to take him down a couple of times, landing dangerous strikes from inside his guard, until he finally knocked him out with a huge punch to his chin, giving lights out for Cabelinho. Following this combat Ruas Vale Tudo team scored another win, as Eric Tavares found no difficulty in dominating Andre Lagrende, taking him down and working to mount position, unleashing a series of strikes until his opponent submitted verbally. However, if Lagrende let Gold Team down in his losing effort, his teammate Luis Azeredo would prove to be probably the scariest man in that event in the next bout. Facing Ruas Vale Tudo fighter and UFC veteran Rodrigo Ruas, Azeredo showed why he has wins over the likes of Anderson Silva, Cristiano Marcello and others. He simply took no prisioners as he ran over Rodrigo Ruas in an amazing effort. After a brief stand up action Azeredo took the fight to the ground and begin to punish Ruas from inside his guard. Rodrigo quickly tried to go for a ankle lock, but showing amazing quickness Azeredo escaped and unleashed a ferocious series of punchers from the top sending his opponent to dream land in a matter of less than two minutes of fight.
      After the brief intermission, the show resumed with a Muay Thai bout where Paulo Nikolai's student Gerson Silva dominated the clinch position, using his superior reach, and scored a KO over STORM veteran Zeli Ferreira in the 1st round, just to warm up the fans for the rest of the MMA action coming next. Gracie Barra fighter Rodrigo Durok stepped into the ring to show the amount of work his master Vinicius Draculino has been putting on his dojo, as he also took easy work of Muriez Linke from Poland. Durok controlled the clinches as well as the ground work, and ended up scoring a guilliotine choke to get the tap out near the end of the 1st round. In the main event of the evening, HEAT FC fighter Silmar Rodrigo and PANCRASE veteran Ikuhisa Minowa battled for the BASF belt in an very exciting fight, giving a perfect ending for the show. Minowa was very aggressive in his submission attemps, proving dangerous from all positions and going from one submission to another during the whole match! However, Silmar matched Ikuhisa's quickness with his usuall calmness, as well as dominating the takedowns and slowly punishing the Japanese fighter from the top, with small punches to his face from inside his guard. As the fight went on Silmar was being able to defend all of Minowa's submission attempts, whether they were key locks, tirangle chokes or amrbars, and the fight was seeming to get on his side, as a major uspet as begining to take shape! But dangerous as always, Minowa had other plans, and from a stand up clinch, where Silmar was getting his back, he impressively rolled into a kneebar that got no choice to the HEAT FC fighter but to tap out in the second round. In dramatic fashion Minowa was crowned the champion, and now let us all wait for BASF 2 this coming December!

Event's results:

Muay Thai:

Gerson Silva defeated Zeli Ferreira by KO in the 1st round

Mixed Martial Arts:

Marcelo Alfaia defeated Jose Ricardo "Dragao" by judges' decision after 3
rounds
Aloisio Barros defeated Luke "The Duke" Piclum by doctor stoppage in the 3rd
round
Leonardo Souza defeated Haroldo "Cabelinho" Bunn by KO in the 2nd round
Eric Tavares defeated Andre Lagrende by TKO in the 1st round
Luis Azeredo defeated Rodrigo Ruas by KO at the 1st round
Rodrigo Durok defeated Muriez Linke by gulliotine choke in the 1st round
Ikuhisa Minowa defeated Silmar Rodrigo by kneebar in the 2nd round

From Pancrase:
Pancrase 2003 Hybrid Tour
Saturday, October 4, 2003
Doors Open/ 5:30pm
First Fight/ 6:30pm
Grand Cube Osaka(Osaka, Japan)

Amateur Match#1/Pancrase Gate Featherweight 2x5 Min Rounds
Takashi Hasegawa(Pancraseinagakigumi) Vs Yutaka Nishikawa (MMA Musousenjutsu)

Amateur Match#2/Pancrase Middleweight 2x5 Min Rounds
Koichi Hioki(Wajutsu Keishukai Hyogo) Vs Yujin Kawamoto (Riroots Conan)

Amateur Match#3/Pancrase Gate Featherweight 2x5 Min Rounds
Naoji Fujimoto(Pancrase Inagakigumi) Vs Yasuhiro Kaneyama (Tenri MMA Newaza Kurotokai)

Pro-Match#1/Featherweight 2x5 Min Rounds
Daichi Fujiwara(Pancrase Inagakigumi) Vs Yoshinobu(Shiojuku)

Pro-Match#2/Lightweight 2x5 Min Rounds
Kenji Takeshige(Pancrase Inagakigumi) Vs Takumi Yano(Ugokai)

Pro-Match#3/Open-Weight(68kg And Under) 2x5 Min Rounds
Yoshiro Maeda(Pancrase Inagakigumi) Vs Satoshi Watanabe (MMA Dojo Cobrakai)

Pro-Match#4/Catch Wrestling 2x5 Min Rounds
Koji Oishi(Welterweight 1st Ranked/PANCRASEism) Vs Takefumi Hanai (Twist)

Pro-Match#5/Light Heavyweight 2x5 Min Rounds
Keiichiro Yamamiya(Light Heavyweight 8th Ranked/PANCRASEism) Vs Keith Jardine(U.S.A./Jackson Fight Training)

Semifinal/Middleweight 2x5 Min Rounds
Nathan Marquardt(3rd Middleweight K.O.P./U.S.A./Colorado Stars) Vs Yuji Hisamatsu(Tiger Place)

Main Event/Welterweight 2x5 Min Rounds
Takafumi Ito(Welterweight 2nd Ranked/PANCRASEism) Vs Daisuke Hanazawa 13 (MMA Dojo Cobrakai)

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