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| Monday - 5/1/2000 |
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Looking Back At Bart Vale And Looking Forward To Conan By Chris Onzuka www.fcfighter.com Photo by Joel Gold Dan "The Beast" Severn should change his nickname to "The Busiest Man In The NHB Business." Severn is a true competitor. He balances competing in NHB and professional wrestling along with promoting his own NHB events, always on the move, always competing. From all accounts, Dan Severn destroyed Bart Vale to win the Continental Free Fighting Alliance Heavyweight belt at the Continental Free Fighting Alliance Collision. The Beast has quieted the critics after his surprise loss to Josh Barnett at FutureBrawl. This fight against Vale was fairly low-key and not many people had heard of the match up until after the decisive results. Now Severn has been paired up against another fighter who recently came back and revenged a loss, Marcus "Conan" Silveira. This looks to be a classic match up of wrestling versus BJJ. This has the makings of a great match, but then again, what else would you expect from Jamie Levine's World Extreme Fighting?
FCF: You just came off a loss to Josh Barnett at FutureBrawl and came right back and beat Bart Vale on March 25th. Tell us about the fight. Dan Severn: I think it went a little into the second round, the rounds being 8 minutes a round. It was typical of one of my matches where I try to take the man off his feet and take them to where my strengths are. I tried some submission moves, which he tried to block and he was open for strikes. FCF: Bart Vale has been in this game for a while. It seems like this was a battle of the NHB legends. How did this match come about? DS: Basically the promoter of this event contacted me and I was available and...[laughs] it kind of sounds anti-climatic there maybe, but I have been busy with all the different things that I do. I was contacted, I was available and so I did the match. FCF: Vale is mainly known for his striking skills and you are known for taking opponents to the ground. Obviously, everyone knew both of your strategies coming into the fight, did you have any trouble implementing your strategy? DS: Well, I don't care necessarily for rings, let's put it that way. I prefer going into a caged environment. I think it's more conducive to this type of competition in the first place. He boxed me off pretty quickly in there. I could have stayed there and let him load up and start kicking away or move and attack. Whether it be upper body, mid-level, or lower body attacks, take him off his feet, end up in his guard and try various forearm chokes, neck cranks, key locks, things of that nature. And as he defended one thing, you're definitely open for something else. I just kind of took advantage of some openings. FCF: It was recently announced that at the next World Extreme Fighting 9: World Class [May 13th], you will fight Marcus "Conan" Silveira, who just came off a big win over Maurice Smith. Did Jamie Levine set this match up or did you want to fight Conan? |
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From the event's promoter: Starting in the summer and running to the end of the year, Indiana’s HOOKnSHOOT organization will host tournaments in five different weight classes under Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling rules. "This is our second year doing these tournaments. Last year, we qualified 4 men to the 2000 World Championships and they all did great. We got a 5th guy in as an alternate (Joey Gilbert) and he finished third in his division" speaks HnS promoter Jeff Osborne. "This year, we are adding an under 65.9 KG tourney, it goes with our expanding weight classes in HOOKnSHOOT and elsewhere in fighting - bring on the little guys!" Abu Dhabi organizer Guy Nievens adds "When competitors ask me, what is the best way to get to the Abu Dhabi tournament, I tell them 'go and win a qualifier'". And what is the best way to get into a qualifier? "Reputation helps, but the best way is to send a tape of yourself competing to HOOKnSHOOT. We will take the tapes, forward them to the club in Abu Dhabi and let the decision making process begin! We take the eight best guys possible!" continues Osborne. TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE: Under 65 KG (143.9 lbs. & under): JULY 22, 2000 - Evansville, IN. 66 - 77KG: (144 - 167 lbs.): AUGUST 2000 88 - 98KG: (193 - 217 lbs.): SEPTEMBER 2000 77 - 87 KG: (168 - 192 lbs.): NOVEMBER 2000 99 KG & up: (218 lbs. & up): DECEMBER 2000 TOURNAMENT WINNERS GET: QUALIFYING CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY AN INVITATION TO THE 2001 SUBMISSION WRESTLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, Abu Dhabi, UAE A SPONSORSHIP IN ABU DHABI AT THE 2001 EVENT "So this is the call - July 22nd will mark the first day that a competitor will be in for Abu Dhabi 2001." Announces Osborne. "We have a few more surprises to announce, both Abu Dhabi related and with the rest of the HOOKnSHOOT show. The last show, DOUBLE FURY is going to be a great tape, because the two nights made for great fights, but HOOKnSHOOT will be back at 1 night on June 10th, 2000 and we will annouice our lineup soon. Double Fury we announced the lineup way in advance, and we could not hold it. We won’t do that again" quips Osborne. TO PARTICIPATE: E-MAIL migueli@pa.net SEND TAPE TO: HnS PO BOX 124 Maugansville MD 21767-0124 |
| Tuesday - 5/2/2000 |
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From Susumu's Gallery: (for those who want know the results) 
Hello,I just finished uploading Pride GP pictures. Please enjoy. If you have RealPlayer in your PC, I recommend to click "Launch Slide Show with RealPlayer" button. You can watch through the whole 55 pictures with one click. http://member.nifty.ne.jp/westisle/susumu/index.htm |
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For those who just can't wait to see the taped PPV broadcast on May 13th... Click here for Pride Grand Prix results |
| Thursday - 5/4/2000 |
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Back on the Air Friday night! Full Contact Fighter Television is back on the air. The show, which debuted in Canada last fall, will be broadcast on Florida's Sunshine Network every Friday evening at 11:00 PM. The Sunshine Network is one of the United States' premier sports networks, boasting an elite schedule of professional and collegiate events. The on-camera team for Full Contact Fighter TV will include "The Mouth of NHB" Joel Gold. Gold, of course, is Full Contact Fighter publication's Editor and Michael Landsberg of TSN's Off the Record. Off the Record is Canada's most popular talk show among males 18-34, and Landsberg is one of Canadian television's most recognizable sports television personalities. Brian Sobie is the show's producer. He brings eleven years of sports television experience, and produced the show's pilot, along with a 1999 documentary on the UFC and NHB star Gary "Big Daddy" Goodridge. Full Contact Fighter TV will cover big-name fighters like Mark Kerr, Ken Shamrock, Mark Coleman, Kazushi Sakuraba, and Frank Shamrock as well as major promotions like World Extreme Fighting (WEF), Pride, Rings, Extreme Challenge, FutureBrawl, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and many others. Two shows have already been taped with stories on the tremendous PRIDE card scheduled for May 13th on Pay-Per-View and World Extreme Fighting. The debut show of FCF on Friday, May 5th will have a feature on Ken Shamrock and his return to NHB. Fans who do not want to know the PRIDE results before the PPV broadcast have nothing to fear, because the first episoides of FCF TV were shot before the PRIDE event. Full Contact Fighter TV will also be bringing the WEF to pay-per-view audiences in Canada on Viewers Choice Canada. The main event on the May 13th card will be Marcus "Conan" Silveira against former UFC Champion Dan "The Beast" Severn for the WEF Heavyweight Championship. Viewers' Choice plans to air the show on May, 27th. Also appearing on the card are hard punching Matt Hughes, tough guy Bobby Hoffman and Brazilian superstar Jose "Pele" Landi. Those in the Florida area are invited to tune in to the show, and NHB fans outside of Florida are encouraged to call their DirectTV office to see if they are showing FCF in their sports package in your area. DirectTV has a sports package that includes the Sunshine Network for people all over the country. Or write your local sports cable stations and ask them to add Full Contact Fighter TV to their schedule. |
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From the event's promoter: Tell City, Indiana TRIAL 3 (Amateur Trials!) 4 Man Tournaments for Amateur Belts SFC Style Amateur Rules No headstrikes on the ground 10 minutes / 3 minute OT. Lightweight Tournament (141-160 lbs) Mike Dunn Def. Nick Risen (towel thrown in) Trey Durham Def. Alan Woolums (armbar) Durham Def. Dunn (stoppage on armbar) CHAMPION: Trey Durham (Sevierville, TN. / Kaizen BJJ) Middleweight Tournament (161-180 lbs) Jason Black Def. James McCarroll (dec.) Virgil Strzelecki Def Brian Skippo Jason Black Def Strzelecki CHAMPION: James Black (Davenport, IA. / Miletich Martial Arts) Lightheavyweight Tournament (181-200 lbs) Mike Heuser Def. Chris Cann (tap out) Josh Weatherbolt Def. Brian Lakins (Dec.) Mike Heuser Def. Weatherbolt (dec.) CHAMPION: Mike Hueser (Davenport, IA. / Miletich Martial Arts) Heavyweight Tournament (over 200 lbs) Gene Click Def. Gavin Weurth (armbar) Warren Brooks Def. Rick McChristian (tap out - smother) Gene Click Def. Warren Brooks (armbar) CHAMPION: Gene Click (Knoxville, TN. / Kaizen BJJ) PRO MATCHES: Dale Carson (200 lbs. / Terre Haute, IN. 2-1 in NHB) v. Keith Wisniewski (190 lbs. / Portage, IN.) Wisniewski by rear naked choke Scott Henze (190 lbs. / Tell City, IN.) v. Don Comley (195 lbs.) Scott Henze by arm bar under 1 minute COMING SOON - June 10th, 2000 - Evansville, Indiana MELTDOWN! RETURNING TO THE EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL COLISEUM |
| Saturday - 5/6/2000 |
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From SEG: -Bout Slated for June 9, 2000 in Cedar Rapids, IA- NEW YORK CITY - In a much anticipated match, current Heavyweight champion Kevin "The Monster" Randleman and Brazilian sensation Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo will finally get their chance to step into the OctagonTM and clash for the ultimate prize in the UFC -- the Heavyweight Belt. This explosive showdown on June 9, 2000, at the Five Seasons Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was originally scheduled for March 10 at UFC XXIV, but was canceled due to an unfortunate backstage injury suffered by Randleman. Both fighters, now in superb shape, are hungrier than ever and ready to get it on in the OctagonTM. At 5'10" 220 lbs., Kevin "The Monster" Randleman is true to his name. Kevin wrestled for Ohio State and has won the Big Ten Championship three times, and won the U.S. National Wrestling Championship twice. After taking on such mixed martial arts legends as Bas Rutten and Maurice Smith, Randleman defeated Pete Williams at UFC XXIII in Japan for the prestigious Heavyweight title. Randleman's overall MMA record is currently 8-3, and he's gunning for his ninth win at UFC XXVI. Pedro "the Rock" Rizzo is a top contender in the heavyweight division. He sports an undefeated record in the UFC and Vale Tudo, and is 31-0 in kickboxing, with an amazing 30 knockouts. Ranked #1 by both the WMT and MTS kickboxing federations, Rizzo goes into the OctagonTM highly decorated, and is looking to come out the new UFC Heavyweight Champion. 
Defending his Lightweight Title belt for the third time Pat Miletich "The Croation Sensation" will be back in his home state. Undefeated in the UFC, Miletich is arguably one of the greatest Champions to ever enter the OctagonTM. At 31, this 5'10" and 169 lb. Jiu-Jitsu/freestyle fighter has a great deal of MMA experience, and he's looking to school another hungry challenger one more time in defense of his title.UFC XXVI will be hosted by noted sports commentator Mike Goldberg and Olympic Gold Medalist wrestler and Commissioner of the Mixed Martial Arts Council (MMAC), Jeff Blatnick. The announcer for the event will be Bruce Buffer (brother of boxing announcer Michael Buffer - "Let's get ready to Rrrrrrrrrrummmmble!") As always, the referee for the match will be Big John McCarthy. UFC XXVI will be broadcast live throughout the United States on pay-per-view television for $24.95, as well as DirecTV, Echostar, Primestar and TVN, and in Canada on Viewer's Choice Canada. The event will also be broadcast over the Internet's World Wide Web via PayForView.com, an internet-based entertainment company, for $14.95. For information concerning the UFC XXVI Internet broadcast, computer users can go to the official PAYFORVIEW website at www.payforview.com. PayForView.com will produce and post text-based parallel content on the website during the live telecast to enhance the entertainment experience. In addition, SEG Sports Corp. and Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of innovative videogame entertainment, have partnered to create the greatly anticipated, Ultimate Fighting Championship videogame. The game, which Incite magazine is calling"…the biggest, baddest brawler the console world has ever seen", will incorporate character models based on 22 real-life UFC fighters and 34 different fighting styles. The UFC videogame is set for world wide release for Playstation and Dreamcast in Fall 2000. Launched in 1993, The Ultimate Fighting Championship created the fastest growing category in pay-per-view: mixed martial arts. The concept of a mixed-discipline martial arts fighting competition is based on established events that have been taking place safely in Europe, Japan and South America for many years. In addition to reaching millions of homes in the U.S., the competitions are also broadcast internationally to Great Britain, Spain, China, Mexico and to countries throughout South America. Tagged the "Olympics of martial arts fighting" the UFC showcases world class athletes with a variety of backgrounds, including Olympic Gold medal winners, former NCAA titleholders, international kickboxing and judo champions, and world-renowned black belt martial artists. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is produced by SEG Sports Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Semaphore Entertainment Group. |
| Monday - 5/8/2000 |
NEW IVC VIDEOS IN THE FCF SHOP...
Get all 13 IVC videos for one low price!!! For FASTEST service call in your credit card order (718)661-3357 Or Click here to order securely online with your credit card or print off the order form and mail it in with your payment |
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Jiu-Jitsu Academy Finally Opens! By Chris Onzuka www.fcfighter.com Well, after almost five months, the new Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy had it's grand opening on Saturday, May 6th 2000. This new academy came about after a sudden closing of Relson's "old" academy in December of last year.  For those of you that were not aware, Relson's previous academy was primarily financed by Relson's brother, Rorion. And because of that, Relson was "financially tied" to Rorion. For numerous reasons, that academy was closed down and Relson and his crack team of "constructionally-gifted" students jumped into action. They found a new place and built another brand new academy right in the heart of Honolulu. In fact, it is a few blocks away from the home of FutureBrawl and Rage In The Cage, the Blaisdell Arena, not to mention the world famous Ala Moana Shopping Center. Relson welcomed his friends and family, most of which also happen to be his students, into his new academy. He also thanked everyone for being there and sharing his dream of owning his own academy, free from any outside influences. Relson said that this academy was built by his students and for his students. He also made an open invitation to anyone in Hawaii to come on down and train with him. The academy features over 1600 sq. feet of Mancino mats, locker rooms, amongst other things. Relson has big plans for this academy, which include hanging punching bags, pull up bars, and installing showers in the near future. If you would like to train with Relson, you are always welcome at the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, 844 Queen Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 or check out their web site at www.graciehawaii.com. |
| Tuesday - 5/9/2000 |
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World Extreme Fighting gets major sponsorship Holiday Inn Resorts, Pompano Beach, Fla., in an unprecedented show of support for World Extreme Fighting, today announced that every ticketholder to Saturday's blockbuster NHB event at Roberts Stadium in Evansville, Ind., will receive a complimentary vacation in magical Orlando or sunny Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Vacation vouchers good for 3-day, 2-night stays will be distributed to all ticketholders at Saturday's World Extreme Fighting 9 event in Evansville, Ind. "As one of the biggest sponsors of No-Holds-Barred events, we want to make this offer in support of World Extreme Fighting," said Bob Felice, regional manager for Holiday Inn, Pompano Beach. "We hope this helps entice fans to attend Saturday's event, which we feel is among the best in the sport's history. Once fans see the sport at its highest level, they will be hooked for life." World Extreme Fighting 9 features 12 professional NHB bouts with many of the world's top fighters. Elite competitors from three continents will compete in the event, which is being broadcast live in Brazil and by delay to Japan and Canada. Gates open at 5 p.m. with preliminary fights at 6 p.m. The live telecast begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets. To order by phone, call 812 423-7222 in Indiana or 270 926-6661 in Kentucky. |
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From Bruce Buffer: GET READY FOR ROUND TWO WITH THE ALL-NEW VERSION OF THEIR HILARIOUS SMASH HIT READY 2 RUMBLE BOXING Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 Goes Ringside With 12 All-New Characters, Including Celebrity Boxers and Better-Than-Ever Gameplay and Graphics LOS ANGELES - May 11, 2000 (E3 Booth #600, South Hall) Midway Sports Asylum, the sports brand of leading software industry publisher and developer Midway Games Inc., today announced that the highly anticipated Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 will be available in retail outlets this November for the PlayStation game console, PlayStation 2 game console, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color and the Sega Dreamcast. Capitalizing on the unique and hilarious personality of this best-selling franchise, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 brings an all-new level of style and attitude to the boxing ring. Leaving none of the elements of the original best-seller behind, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 combines intense boxing competition and the over-the-top action that made Ready 2 Rumble Boxing a hugely popular entry into the fighting category. Eleven of the original outrageous characters are back with updated costumes, special moves, taunts and "rumble flurries" unique to their own fighting styles. Twelve all new boxers, newly added ring girls and celebrity boxers, including NBA big-man Shaquille OíNeal, enter the ropes with distinctive flair and personality. Digitally sophisticated and visually stunning, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 adds to the larger-than-life comedy and action of the original. "The Ready 2 Rumble Boxing franchise has a very strong personality, which is back in great fighting shape for Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 ," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway Games. "Fans of the franchise will be delighted to see the all-new characters and fighting action, while those playing the game for the first time are in for a real treat." MIDWAY ANNOUNCES READY 2 RUMBLE ROUND 2 Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 features Michael Buffer, "The Voice of Champions" and his famous "Let's Get Ready to Rumble®" trademark call. Players will be able to compete in Arcade-Style Mode and fight for the championship belt. Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 also features an enhanced Championship Mode, where players take on the role of boxer and manager to assume control of managing the grueling calendar, scheduling fights and a training regimen. Players can train to build power, speed, stamina, punches and durability in order to move ahead and beat their opponent. Ready 2 Rumble: Round 2 Key Features
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| Thursday - 5/11/2000 |
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THE PRIDE PREMIERE PARTY The Fighting World's Best Make History HOLLYWOOD, CA---Pride, the most prestigious name in mixed martial arts competition is making a name for itself in the United States. This exclusive premiere party, hosted by none other than the "Voice of the Octagon," Mr. Bruce Buffer, gathered top film and television executives along with the fighting world's elite to promote and celebrate the return of mixed martial arts to mainstream pay-per-view.  With the upcoming broadcast of the Pride Fighting Championship 2000 from Tokyo on May 13th all fight fans have reason to celebrate as reality fighting, dormant to most of the United States for the last few years, returns with a determination and vengeance characteristic to the sport's greatest champions. Celebrities, fighters, and legends in attendance included:
This historic premiere party insures the future development of the sport of reality fighting and brings it the class, respect, and exposure it deserves in the United States. Jointly celebrated in this party was the opening of Dream Stage Entertainment USA. | ||||||
| Friday - 5/12/2000 |
From the event's promoter:
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| Saturday - 5/13/2000 |
New hats from Full Contact Fighter The best hats on the market Flexfit hats Available in: black, navy, cool grey, red For FASTEST service call in your credit card order (718)661-3357 Or Click here to order securely online with your credit card or print off the order form and mail it in with your payment |
| Monday - 5/15/2000 |
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For those who just can't wait or won't be able to see the taped Viewer's Choice Canada PPV broadcast on May 27th... Click here for WEF 9 results Check back later for pictures from the event |
| Tuesday - 5/16/2000 |
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By Joel Gold 
For months now, promoter Jamie Levine has been teasing the fans that he had big news for his wildly successful promotion, World Extreme Fighting. He claimed he would reveal the mystery live at WEF on May 13th in front of thousands of fans on Pay-Per-View. WEF is in the forefront leading the way into the millennium with action packed fight cards-and cost is no concern it seems. The goal of the promotion is to bring the best talent from around the world and match them for the best action possible.  The lights dim and smoke fills the walkway into the ring. A silhouette of a large man appears as he makes his way towards the ring. His walk is seemingly confident, as he breaks free into the light and appears with a bright red Full Contact Fighter hat--a true sign of a smart and sophisticated man. Gasps from the crowd as he enters the ring, and is announced, MARK KERR. Cameras flash as it is announced that Mark Kerr will sign a multi-fight deal with the WEF! The crowd goes crazy over the news as Kerr signs a contract for all to see. Look for "The Specimen" Mark Kerr to fight in the coming months, as his opponent will be reveled soon. |
| Thursday - 5/18/2000 |
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Mark Kerr, Matt Hughes, Pat Miletich and Conan Silveira. UFC Champion Kevin Randleman as always has a few interesting things to say about his upcoming bout against Pedro Rizzo on June 9th in UFC XXVI. TUNE IN.... 
FCF TV is broadcast on the Sunshine Network (available on DirecTV channel 632 as part of some of their programming packages) at 11 PM every Friday night. Out partying Friday night and missed the early play? No problem, there is a replay for real late night viewers as well. Check showtimes in your area at their website www.sunshinenetwork.com On Saturday night, FCF TV can also be seen on AmericaOne network at 8 PM. AmericaOne also offers live Webcasts of their programming on their website. Check showtimes in your area by going to www.americaone.com. |
COVERAGE OF LIVE EVENTS: * Pride Grand Prix 2000 * The best of the best battle it out * UFC XXV: Ultimate Japan 3 * The middleweight title on the line! * Rings Millennium Combine * from Tokyo, Japan * King Of The Cage 3 * * BAMA Championships 2000 * * FutureBrawl 2000: SuperBrawl XVII * INTERVIEWS: Tito Ortiz Post-fight with the new champ Matt Hume The NHB Jack Of All Trades Mark Coleman Back On Top Matt Hughes Post-fight after FutureBrawl 2000 "The Barracuda" Baret Yoshida Talks about his experience at Abu Dhabi Erik Paulson Post-fight after his Shooto title defense at FutureBrawl 2000 "The Speciman" Becky Levi Wanted: Large Female Opponent Tony Cecchine The controversial interview concludes in Part II Haru Shimanishi Matt Hume interviews Hawaii's Best Kept Secret FEATURES: Out Goes The Back Physical Therapist Cindi Prentiss gives tips on helping with and preventing back pain Kickboxing champion Derek Panza discusses Walking Down Your Opponent in the Punchers' Corner Pankration Team members Anthony Hamlett & Reese Andy demonstrate a stack to double pass in Matt Hume's Techniques Pictures, pictures, pictures!!! News, editorials, fight results, upcoming fights, and so much more... FULL CONTACT FIGHTER "The Undefeated NO HOLDS BARRED News Source of THE WORLD!!" See why we are the most respected & most read NHB publication in the WORLD! FCF travels the globe to bring you live coverage of the events! What are you waiting for? Come join the family! Subscribe today! For FASTEST service call in your credit card order (718)661-3357 Or Click here to order securely online with your credit card or print off the order form and mail it in with your payment |
| Friday - 5/19/2000 |
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Press Release from Kimo Leopoldo: FROM: KIMO LEOPOLDO, Los Angeles, California TO: The Mixed Martial World and the people in Montreal RE: Kimo fighting in the Universal Combat Challenge on June 2nd To the people of Montreal, I heard that there is a rumor I am not coming to Canada on June 2nd. So to this I say I hope Canada is prepared for KIMO to come and give out a little KIMOtherapy to his new friend standing at the other side of my playground. See you on the 2nd!!! Aloha and GOD bless KIMO |
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From the event's promoter: ELVIS SINOSIC steps up!
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| Sunday - 5/21/2000 |
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By Jeffrey Thaler The sport of Mixed Martial Arts will get some well deserved attention from the mainstream media on Tuesday May 23rd when International Fighting Championships Commissioner Paul Smith and fighter John Lewis appear on the Fox Sports Network television show "The Last Word" with Jim Rome. Smith and Lewis will debate the legitimacy of mixed martial arts with Lawrence Mandelker, an attorney for the New York State Athletic Commission. Mandelker is the man who shut down the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Extreme Fighting shows in New York three years ago. Smith and Lewis both reported that the show, which was taped on May 13th, went well. But, neither saw Rome tape his final comments, so you will have to tune into the show to get Rome’s take on mixed martial arts. Check your local listings for the time and channel. Be sure not to miss the biggest exposure the sport has received in years! Jeffrey Thaler can be contacted at whaledog@grapplers.com |
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The 1998 Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Champion? By Chris Onzuka At the inaugural event of the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Championships, the Gracie name was prominent in several of the top honors. Robin Gracie, the youngest of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Grandmaster Professor Helio Gracie, had to settle for second place in the under 65 kg. class. The most active member of the Gracie family in NHB, Renzo Gracie won the 66-76 kg. class. The 77-87 kg. class was won by a relatively unknown Gracie family member, Rodrigo Gracie. After earning this impressive title, Rodrigo went out of the spotlight until just recently. He recently won a submission grappling match against the self-proclaimed "Prince of Leg Locks" Robert Ferguson. How could someone come out of nowhere, win such a prestigious title, then disappear for over two years, only to reappear in a relatively low-key grappling match? Well, I asked myself the same thing. I found that Rodrigo has been training and teaching at his cousin Renzo's academy in New York, so I got a hold of him and asked him where he's been all this time. This is an excerpt from an interview which will be featured in the June issue of Full Contact Fighter. FCF: What are you currently doing? Teaching or just training for matches? RG: Yeah, I usually teach in the mornings or when Renzo is away. And I am training also. Right now, I am training very hard. I am doing kickboxing right now and trying to combine it with Jiu-Jitsu. I am kickboxing with Ray Longo, in Long Island and I am training with Renzo in the city. I am training very hard because Renzo wants me to fight in Japan soon, so I have to do some kicking and punching. FCF: When do you plan on fighting? RG: Definitely this year. I stayed out for more than a year because of a knee problem. I had like two surgeries. I had a torn cartilage and so the doctor said that he wasn't going to remove the cartilage. He was going to repair it, so they repaired it but it didn't really work out. They did it again and then I had a lot of scar tissue on my knee. Right now, I have problems sitting on my heels. It's stiff. After I train, I have to stretch sometimes to loosen up the knee. Right now, it's much better. It's not 100%, but it's much better. That's why I have not competed in Abu Dhabi. I competed in '98 and won, but I didn't compete in '99 and 2000 because of my knee. FCF: You recently competed in a submission grappling competition against Robert Ferguson. How did that come about? RG: I haven't competed for so long, so when I got in I was trying to take him down and get the feeling. He was using a lot of strength, so I was thinking that I am going to take the fight a little bit more standing and then I am going to try a takedown. If it doesn't work, then I am going to be on the bottom and he's going to be in my guard. I thought that if I pulled him into my guard that I would probably finish him a lot quicker, but I tried to take him down. It worked out well. After seven minutes, I got him. He's a tough guy, strong. He hung in there, I respect him for that. FCF: Do you have any other matches coming up? RG: I am probably going to do something in August or September in Pride. In December, I want to do the tournament with Kipp Kollar, who's organizing a tournament under 200 lbs. or over 200 lbs. or something. I don't know. 2001, I am going to go to Abu Dhabi. Actually, I'm really looking forward to going to Abu Dhabi because everybody is talking about it. |
| Monday - 5/22/2000 |
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By Jeffrey Thaler Fox Sports Network has just announced that the episode of "The Last Word" featuring International Fighting Championships commissioner Paul Smith and fighter John Lewis has been moved to Wednesday May 24th. The show, which was previously scheduled to air May 23rd, will be devoted entirely to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. |
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From the event's promoter: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Matt Hughes claimed his 12th straight victory at Extreme Challenge 32, only a week after a win in World Extreme Fighting and three weeks before fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Hughes, one of the most promising lightweight NHB fighters in the sport, got his patented body-slam takedown in the first 30 seconds against Shawn Peters, passed the guard to gain mount and soon after finished off his opponent with a choke at the 2:52 mark. Peters, from Brampton, Ontario, suffered his first loss. "Normally, I don't fight this often," Hughes said. "But this show was near my hometown and had been scheduled for months... it was a chance for many of my friends and relatives to see me and my brother compete." The "other" Hughes also shined, winning by TKO in 1:46 against previously unbeaten (3-0) Ron Fields of Dayton, Ohio. Mark Hughes is now 2-1 as a professional. Extreme Challenge 32 was held at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in front of just over 1,500 fans. It was the first-ever NHB event in Springfield. Matt Hughes, now 16-1, will face Marcello Aguilar in the June 9 UFC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In other major bouts, C.J. Fernandez won a unanimous 15-minute decision over Ben Earwood; and Jason Black won a split decision over Steve Berger. Fernandez, a heavily-muscled lightweight, improved to 8-4 with the win, while Earwood dropped to 11-2. Black, making his pro debut on a few hours notice, won a very close verdict against Berger, who earlier this year defeated Shonie Carter. Berger, who was scheduled to have a rematch against Andy Sanders, agreed to fight Black (who had a 10-pound weight advantage) when Sanders pulled out of the event. Here are the complete results:
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| Tuesday - 5/23/2000 |
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From the Japanese Fury: Dream Stage Entertainment Inc. will present PRIDE 9 at Rainbow Hall in Nagoya City, Japan on June 4th. The matches lined up so far are as follows...
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From SEG: IGN.com Crowns UFCTM Videogame The "Ultimate" in Real Fighting Gameplay NEW YORK CITY - The eagerly awaited Ultimate Fighting Championships videogame was unveiled to the gaming community at this year's E3 (Eletronic Entertainment Expo) event held last week (May 11-13). The game, which ign.com, the most visited gaming site on the Internet, calls, "...one of the best fighting titles at the show from any angle, be it visuals or gameplay," is being hailed as the best Dreamcast fighting game to hit the scene this year. The UFC videogame, published by Crave Entertainment, is set for worldwide release in Fall 2000. For the real deal catch UFC XXVI live on Pay-Per-View on Friday June 9th, 2000. The Heavyweight Title Belt is on the line this time when Kevin "The Monster" Randleman and Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo clash in the OctagonTM for the most prestigious title in mixed martial arts. Also, UFC Lightweight Champion "The Croation Sensation" Pat Miletich will be back defending his title for the third time against submission artist and UFC newcomer John "The Natural" Alessio. Plus a full night of action as the best athletes in the MMA do battle in the Ultimate Proving ground. Seeing is believing on June 9th from the Five Seasons Center in Cedar Rapids, IA. Remember, if it's not in the Octagon...it isn't real. |
| Wednesday - 5/24/2000 |
From the event's promoter:
Action-packed, "no-holds-barred" competitionJune 24, 2000 7:00pm Soboba Casino San Jacinto, California Hosted by Don "The Dragon" Wilson and MC'ed by "The Voice of the Octagon" Bruce Buffer, "King of the Cage 4" is the next installment in the fighting world's hottest new event extravaganza. Already renowned for bringing some of the best domestic and international mixed arts competitors into the cage, "King of the Cage" takes it to a new level with a fight card containing 4 PRIDE veterans, 7 UFC veterans, and 2 Hawaiian SuperBrawl Champions. With a card like this, you can bet this will be the biggest, baddest "King of the Cage" ever. TRIPLE MAIN EVENT * Ricco Rodriguez (Team Kerr/Machado) vs. Chris Franco (AMC Pankration) Tedd Williams (Combat Grappling) vs. Bill Parker (Jiu-Box-Fu) Fabiano Iha (Iha/Morreira) vs. John Alessio (Shark Tank) FEATURE FIGHTS * Todd Medina (Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu) vs. Matsui (Sakuraba) Jacen Flynn (Primal Tribe) vs. Toyonaga (Sakuraba) Jim Abrille (Rojo/High Performance) vs. Tony Galindo (Lion's Den) Faliniko Vitale (SWAT) vs. Aaron Torrez (Gracie Roughnecks) Ryan Painter (Shark Tank) vs. Dustin Moe (Primal Tribe) Shad Smith (Team Tapout) vs. Duane Ludwig (Bas Rutten) Charlie Kohler (Pereira/Monteiro/JJ Jiu Jitsu/Kampfer Club) vs. Jason Meaders (Gracie Roughnecks) David Stepp (Mansouri's Combat Grappling) vs. Dave Valasques (Striker Sports) TBA vs. Touradj (Mansouri's Combat Grappling) Mike Bourke (MK Judo/Academy of Arts) vs. Roger Godinez (Scorpion Combat) Marvin Eastman (Master Toddy) vs. Steve (Gracie Roughnecks) Dave Roberts (Iha/Morreira) vs. Pete Rossi (Team Kerr/Machado) Brennan Kamaka (SWAT) vs. Jeremy Williams (Next Generation) "King of the Cage 4" presents action-packed, no-holds barred bouts with five-minute rounds keeping the fighters active and on their feet providing plenty of fast striking, extraordinary grappling and extreme knockouts! And you never know what special guests will show up, as past events have included Ken Shamrock, Mark Kerr, Gary "Big Daddy" Goodridge, Bas Rutten, Rigan Machado, Tito Ortiz, and Jean-Jacques Machado. It doesn't matter which way you put it, "KOC 4" features the best of the best in reality fighting. * Fight Card Subject to Change |
| Thursday - 5/25/2000 |
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There will be a special airing of FCF TV tonight on the Sunshine Network (DirecTV channel 632) at 9:30 pm. Canadian viewers can catch the show on Toronto Star TV, today at 12 noon and 11:00 pm. It will also air on Toronto Star TV on Friday and Saturday, check local listings for the times. TUNE IN....
FCF TV is broadcast on the Sunshine Network (available on DirecTV channel 632 as part of some of their programming packages throughout the United States) at 11 PM every Friday night. Out partying Friday night and missed the early play? No problem, there is a replay for real late night viewers as well. Check showtimes in your area at their website www.sunshinenetwork.com On Saturday night, FCF TV can also be seen on AmericaOne network at 8 PM. AmericaOne also offers live Webcasts of their programming on their website. Check showtimes in your area by going to www.americaone.com. |
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Don't forget... WEF 9 will be on PPV this Saturday Click on the banner below for more info... 
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| Friday - 5/26/2000 |
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From SEG: June 9th Cedar Rapids, Iowa Heavyweight Title on the Line... Kevin Randleman vs. Pedro Rizzo (both signed) Pat Miletich vs. John Alessio (both signed) Aguiar vs. Matt Hughes (both signed) Jens Pulver vs. Joao Roque (both signed) David Dodd vs. Tyrone Roberts (no, yes) Alex Andrade (Lions Den) vs. Amauri Bitetti (no, no) Adrian Serrano vs. Shonie Carter (both signed) Ian Freeman vs. Tullius (no, yes) |
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By Mike Onzuka Rickson Gracie vs. Masakatsu Funaki Jose Mario Sperry vs. Hiromitsu Kanehara Jeremy Horn vs. Kiyoshi Tamura Andre Pederneiras vs. Genki Sudo Saulo Ribeiro vs. Yuki Kondo Another big NHB event in Japan that hopes to battle Pride approaches on May 26, 2000. This event pits Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu versus Japan fighters in a one on one match up. The title fight features the return of Rickson Gracie against a fighter who some will say is his most credible opponent, Masakatsu Funaki. Funaki is one of the founders of Pancrase, and was known as one of the most complete fighters long before cross training has been the "in thing." A majority of his experience comes from Pancrase events where he has fought NHB notables such as the Shamrock brothers and Bas Rutten. Open hand shots to the face and the elimination of heel hooks has tamed Pancrase of late, which poses a big question as to the effectiveness of the transition of Pancrase fighters to present NHB fights. Rutten and both Shamrocks have made a smooth and successful transition to closed-fist fights. Funaki has participated in a few NHB rules matches within the Pancrase organization and may be sharper, as far as recent experience, than Rickson. Both fighters are at the twilight of their careers and many fans feel that this may be Rickson's last fight. Can Rickson continue his status as the king of BJJ fighters or will he be dethroned like his brothers Royce and Royler? Jose Mario Sperry also returns after a long hiatus from the NHB scene to face a formidable opponent, Hiromitsu Kanehara. Many felt that Sperry would be the dominant big man from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, being heralded as the "Zen Machine." After a rocky first fight against Igor Zinoviev, Ze Mario found success in Australia in both NHB and in an academy that he opened there. Since hitting the videotape market with a vengeance and the sport Jiu-Jitsu scene, he has taken a break from fighting. With the break in the union with his long time instructor Carlson Gracie, it will be interesting to see if Carlson is worth the 20 or 30% training fee that he was said to be charging his fighters. Sperry has been training with Murilo Bustamante who recently made an impressive showing at the latest UFC Japan. Sperry would like to join Bustamante in building an undefeatable post-Carlson team. Kanehara has had a mixed 1999 with two wins and two losses. Kanehara eliminated Jeremy Horn before running in to the Rings Champ and $200,000 man, Dan Henderson. Primarily a Rings fighter, it will be seen if Kanehara can switch gears to face Sperry in this NHB event. The man who made an impact on the competitive lightweight Shooto circuit, Andre Pederneiras, returns to Japan to face Genki Sudo. Pederneiras knocked out the most exciting fighter (in my opinion) in NHB today, Rumina Sato after escaping an incredibly tight arm-bar. I still do not know how he got out of that. One of the founders of the successful sport Jiu-Jitsu team, Nova Uniao, Pederneiras stepped up in weight to fight UFC Lightweight Champ Pat Miletich. Although a cut stopped the fight, Pederneiras stood his ground against a powerful and experienced Miletich. Andre returned to action against the current Shooto champion, Kaoru Uno, and fought him to a draw. All doubts about Pederneiras being able to compete against the top guns of the lightweight division are all but vanished. His opponent Genki Sudo is relatively unknown and hopefully, Pederneiras does not underestimate this warrior with views of future bigger fights. American Jiu-Jitsu/NHB star Jeremy Horn is paired with Kiyoshi Tamura, which should be an interesting and technical battle. Horn has had a busy 1999 and has said that he plans to be more selective with his fights in 2000. After five months in to the new millennia, Horn has a win and a loss. After triangle choking Yamamoto in Rings, he hopes to continue on his last win in Japan. Tamura, like his American counterpart, is a submission specialist with many wins by submission holds. He has shown that he can grapple and fight with the best, which included Tsuyoshi Kosaka, Renzo Gracie, and Frank Shamrock. Durability is also a strong suit for Tamura who had made it far in the Rings tournament, losing to Renato Babalu. Tamura seems to be on the lighter side, which may be to Horn's advantage. It looks to be another great fight. Last, but not least, Saulo Ribeiro makes his NHB debut against Yuki Kondo. Kondo was the fifth and eighth King of Pancrase, a title that has been won over the years by Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Guy Mezger, Bas Rutten, and headliner Masa Funaki. Besides Funaki, Kondo is the only two-time winner of the prestigious title. Saulo, who is known as the best sport Jiu-Jitsu player on the planet, held out entering the NHB world, wanting only to fight the champions. Kondo more than fits this bill. Ribeiro has proven that he is one of the best grapplers with and without a kimono by taking the 2000 Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships. Along with being a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, Saulo also holds a black belt in Kyokushinkai Karate and is training with Brazilian boxing coach Claudio Coelho, who is the boxing trainer of choice for mostly all the Jiu-Jitsu NHB fighters. Ribeiro, who is the top student of Royler Gracie, is the unofficial heir to defending Grandmaster Helio Gracie's side of the family, which includes Rickson, Royler, and Royce (Renzo is a cousin). With Kondo possessing a win over kingpin Frank Shamrock, Saulo hopes that a big win will propel him immediately to the top of the middleweight division. This card seems to be another Japanese masterpiece on paper. With the conclusion of this event, the world will know where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stands among the next generation of styles and techniques of the Japanese, who often lead the trends to the future of NHB. Japan seems to hold the financial cards to make the quality match ups with the top fighters. If Coliseum is successful, this could be the beginning to NHB events gaining on the purses that are paid in boxing. Pride will have competition, which will open new opportunities for the top fighters to receive compensation for all the hard training that is required to stay at the top. |
| Saturday - 5/27/2000 |
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From GSE: NHB Fighters Battle It Out In A 32-Foot Octagonal Cage JUNE 24, 2000 6:00PM THIBODAUX CIVIC CENTER THIBODAUX, LOUISIANA Thibodaux has never hosted an event of this nature. Support from the local's and local sponsorship has been great. There are two Title matches up for grabs, Heavyweight as well as Middleweight. UFC and IFC Veteran Dirty Harry Moskowitz is lined up for the Super Fight. With 14 bouts in all , you don't want to miss this NHB action. For ticket information call Thibodaux Civic Center 504-446-7261 You can visit our website www.globalsportsent.com for hotel accommodations and fight information. HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE BOUT Joe Nameth Vs. Desmand Peterson MIDDLEWEIGHT 4-MAN TITLE TOURNAMENT Aristitides Britto Vs. Roger Kessler Warren Donnley Vs. Rich Clementi LIGHTWEIGHT 4-MAN TOURNAMENT Rob Bear Vs. Shannon Berry Charles Gardiner Vs. Marco Macera SUPER FIGHT Dirty Harry Moskowitz Vs. Rondald Rumpf SINGLE FIGHTS Jacob Ross Vs. Shem Tatum Dan Cooper Vs. Larry Godfrey Ray Totorico Vs. Wister Hill Rick Mcchristian Vs. Mike Herring Robert Ard Vs. Tim Douglas Tiger Tom Vs. Darren Desalvo |
From Susumu's Gallery:
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| Sunday - 5/28/2000 |
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From the event's promoter: Jeremy Horn, winner of three straight UFC bouts, will headline the 10-fight Extreme Challenge 33 event scheduled for June 10 at Harveys Casino and Hotel in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Horn, who has won 32 of his last 33 NHB bouts, will face undefeated Nate Parmelee (11-0) of Sioux City, Iowa, in the main event. "I always look forward to fighting in my home area," Horn said. "I've fought now all over the world... Japan, Brazil, Abu-Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Hawaii and so on. But there's always something special about fighting at home." The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event is being held outside under the cover of Harveys Casino's new parking garage. Tickets start at $22.50 and are available at the Harveys Gift Shop by calling 1-800-373-LUCK. Other local fighters competing include Dave Drey, Paul Antoniak, Danko Pike and Neal Binkley of Omaha; and Joe Leggett of Council Bluffs. The lineup: Main Event Nate Parmelee (11-0) vs. Jeremy Horn (40-5-4) 4-man middleweight tournament Mitch Rosland vs. Joe Leggett Clayton Miller vs. Mike Hueser Single matches Bernie Kaminski vs. Nate Schroeder Jason Fulcher vs. Danko Pike Mark Hughes vs. Neak Binkley Mark Swarthout vs. Dave Drey TBA vs. Paul Antoniak TBA vs. TBA |
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From promoter Christopher Cordeiro: Deiuseul Berto, Will be hosting the first Tigersworld International Citrus Open. Saturday and Sunday October 7th & 8th, at the Polk Community Colledge. This will be a Submisson Grappling tournament with prize money in 3 different weight divisions. $3000 for heavyweight. $2500 for middleweight and $2500 for light weight. For more information call Dieuseul Berto at 863-299-3661 or email him tigersworldma@yahoo.com It should be a great competition, teams from Brazil and Japan will be competing. Ricardo De La Riva himself along with competitors from Battle-arts gym and Takada's gym in Japan. Should be a great event. |
| Monday - 5/29/2000 |
FCF would like to pay tribute to those that paid the ultimate price in the battle for peace and freedom |
| Tuesday - 5/30/2000 |
From the event's promoter:
FOR TICKET INFO, EMAIL: HOOKnSHOOT@aol.com directly. Great seats are still available. ABSOLUTE STYLE: (1 round - 10 minute match)
(1 round - 20 minute match)
(1 round - 20 minute match)
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| Wednesday - 5/31/2000 |
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From SEG: UFC XXVI: ULTIMATE FIELD OF DREAMS Titans Randleman and Rizzo Clash for Heavyweight Belt Iowa natives Miletich and Roberts to be showcased as UFC returns to Iowa -Card Slated for June 9, 2000 in Cedar Rapids, IA- NEW YORK CITY - The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced its slate of fighters to compete in UFC XXVI: Ultimate Field of Dreams, scheduled for Friday, June 9th, 2000 at the Five Seasons Center in Cedar Rapids, IA. Preliminary bout is scheduled for 7:00 P.M., live action starts at 8:00 P.M. The main event in the eight-bout exhibition will feature the UFC's Heavyweight Champion, Kevin "The Monster" Randleman defending his title against the UFC's top Heavyweight contender Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo. This match-up was originally scheduled for March 10th at UFC XXIV, but was canceled due to an unfortunate backstage injury suffered by Randleman. Both fighters are back and prepared to put it all on the line for the Heavyweight belt. In addition to the Heavyweight title bout, the exclusive pay-per-view event will feature not one, but two home-grown Iowans competing in the Lightweight and Middleweight divisions. The UFC's Lightweight Champion and Iowa's own Pat Milietich "The Croation Sensation", defends his belt for the third time against UFC Newcomer John "The Natural" Alessio. Also, Tyrone Roberts "The Native Warrior", trained by Miletich, will step into the OctagonTM for the first time and showcase his skills in front of his home state crowd. Plus a full night of non-stop action as the finest athletes in the world of mixed martial arts look to make names for themselves in the ultimate proving ground…the OctagonTM. The fighters, who include both current UFC Champions and Newcomers are: Heavyweight Championship Bout Kevin Randleman At 5'10" 220 lbs., Kevin "The Monster" Randleman is true to his name. Kevin wrestled for Ohio State, winning the Big Ten Championship three times, and the U.S. National Wrestling Championship twice. After taking on such mixed martial arts legends as Bas Rutten and Maurice Smith, Randleman defeated Pete Williams at UFC XXIII in Japan to win the prestigious Heavyweight title. Randleman's overall MMA record is currently 8-3, and he's gunning for his ninth win at UFC XXVI. vs. Pedro Rizzo Pedro "the Rock" Rizzo is a top contender in the heavyweight division. He sports an undefeated record in the UFC and Vale Tudo, has a 31-0 prokickboxing record, with an amazing 30 knockouts. Ranked #1 by both the WMT and MTS kickboxing federations, Rizzo goes into the OctagonTM highly decorated, and is looking to come out the new UFC Heavyweight Champion. Middleweight Bouts David Dodd David Dodd has a 4-0 record in submission wrestling, winning all of his matches by submission in less than 2 minutes. He has a 12-3 record in MMA matches with 10 of his wins coming by first round submissions. At 6'2" 199 lbs., this former U.S. Marine is proving the temperature is not the only thing sizzling hot in Phoenix, AZ. vs. Tyrone Roberts Tyrone Roberts, appropriately nicknamed, "The Native Warrior" will be competing in his home state of Iowa. Brother and biggest supporter of UFC veteran Andre Roberts, Tyrone believes "It's my time now to show the world what I'm about." Tyrone, 5'9" and 192 lbs., is currently 4 and 0 as a pro-boxer. His UFC style record is an impressive 11-0-1. Alex Andrade Known as "El Toro" this 5'9", 199 lbs submission fighter started boxing at age 15 and became a Golden Gloves boxing Champion. He later switched over to kickboxing and became the USKA kickboxing Champion. Alex is 2 and 0 in Pancrase, and his overall MMA record is 6 and 1. Now training with Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den, Alex feels confident that this will be his year to make a name for himself in the UFC. vs. Amaury Bitetti At UFC IX - Motor City Madness on May 17, 1996 Amaury a 5' 6", 187 lbs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter from Brazil, lost by referee stoppage in 9:30 to Don Frye. Amaury was outweighed by 25 pounds in that match but showed great heart in one of the best fights of that year. He is a two time black belt open class Jiu-Jitsu World Champion. Bitetti's NHB record is 2-2-0. Lightweight Championship Bout 
Pat MiletichUFC Lightweight Champion and Bettendorf, Iowa native Pat Miletich captured his title in a win over Lion's Den fighter Mike Burnett at Ultimate Brazil, and has successfully defended his crown ever since. Undefeated in the UFC, this 5'10" and 169 lb. 31 year old Jiu-Jitsu/freestyle fighter has a great deal of MMA experience, and is looking forward to defending his UFC title, for the third time, in front of his home crowd. vs. John Alessio At a mere 20 years of age, this 5'10" 196 lbs submission fighter is making his UFC debut. John, who fights out of the Shark Tank competition team, has only been training for two years, but he explains "That's why they call me the 'Natural', because I picked it up so quickly." John's MMA record is 10 and 3, and he recently won the Futurebrawl 2000 Middleweight tournament. Lightweight Bouts Jens Pulver At 5'7" and 150 lbs. Jens "the Pulverizer" Pulver has won the Bas Rutten Invitational III Lightweight Title, winning both of his matches by knockout in under 30 seconds, and has had over 16 MMA matches with only 1 loss. His UFC record is 1-0-1. vs. Joao Roque Joao, a 5'4" 145 lbs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter, has won numerous Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, defeated wrestler Dennis Hall at the submission wrestling event "The Contenders", and his match against Royler Gracie that went the distance at the 1999 Abu Dhabi Submission World Championships was chosen as the best match of the tournament. Joao's current MMA record is 1-0-4. Matt Hughes Known for his takedowns, grappling ability and physical strength, wrestler Matt Hughes had a stunning UFC debut. At UFC 22 Matt pounded Sambo stylist Val Ignatov and won by unanimous decision after three rounds. The win is not surprising, Matt has been wrestling since his freshman year in high school. He was a two-time state champion in high school, a high school All American, and a four time collegiate All American. His UFC record is 1-0. vs. Marcello Aguiar Marcello's MMA record is 2-2-1 and he was the WVC 4 Tournament Champion. The 5'10" 169 lbs. Brazilian likes to strike, especially with kicks, and also has good ground skills. Marcello comes in with great respect for competitor Matt Hughes, and Marcello looks to earn the same respect in the Octagon. Preliminary Bout (Heavyweight) Ian Freeman vs. Mark Tullius Preliminary Bout (Lightweight) Adrian Serrano vs. Shonie Carter UFC XXVI will be broadcast live throughout the United States on pay-per-view television for $24.95, as well as DirecTV, Echostar, and TVN, and in Canada on Viewer's Choice Canada and BellExpressVu Ltd. The event will also be Webcast over the Internet's World Wide Web via PayForView.com |
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