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| Sunday - September 1, 2002 |
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Rumble Under The Sun Results By Loretta Hunt Photography by Keith Mills In its fourth show to date, World Extreme Cagefighting made it's East Coast premiere at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut last night. Hampered by some obstacles along the way including ticket sales (the WEC claims tickets.com mistakenly posted the show as sold out for a month) and a dropped featherweight title bout (opponent Renat Myrzabekov did not sufficiently make the tribal commission's medical requirements, leaving a ready Cole Escovedo to watch the show from the audience), the WEC seemed determined to get past it all and entertain a game crowd in the art of MMA. With an arena of approximately 7,500 seats, the show filled to about half its capacity, with the crowd checkered throughout the sections of seats. The nine remaining bouts hosted a range of talent from first-timer to seasoned professional, which led to a mixed bag of fight quality and excitement. With an East Coast versus west coast vendetta in effect for seven of the fights, it seems the East Coast edged out the west with a tally of 4-3. Here's a brief breakdown: It's back to the drawing board for Aaron Brink, who last night joined a long list of competitors that have fallen at the hands of the Miletich Fighting Systems fighter Jeremy Horn. In this main event heavyweight bout, both fighters had come onboard to face one another with relatively short notice, when an earlier bout pitting Frank Shamrock against Ricardo Almeida fell through. At the bell, Brink came in with a strong left jab, but Horn wouldn't have any of it. He immediately shot in for the takedown, pushing Brink against the cage, and finally down to the ground. Brink landed sideways against the cage and immediately tried to recover to standing, giving his back to Horn in the process. With Horn not heralded as a "master ground technician" for nothing, he easily slapped on the rear naked choke and had Brink tapping at :54 seconds into the match. In a featured bout, Miletich Martial Art's and UFC veteran Tony "the Freak" Fryklund met up with another UFC vet, Team Punishment's Zach Light. Light scored two separate takedowns early on while Fryklund utilized his time on his feet to institute some "dirty boxing" and his signature right hook. Following another Light takedown, Fryklund was able to maneuver a Kimura lock to Light's left arm from the guard, while his [Light's] other arm lay pinned underneath his body. In what continued to be a confusing night of referee behavior, official Mike Stalk appeared to halt the match upon Fryklund's instruction that Light was verbally submitting from the top. However, when Light and Fryklund were separated, Light denied he had submitted at all. Fryklund got the victory at 4:06 into the first round.
AKA standout Rich Crunkilton was an early favorite for tonight's card, and he didn't disappoint when he met up with opponent Luciano Oliveira, of New England Jiu-Jitsu/Joao Amaral Team. Crunkilton got things going with a strong right kick that had Oliveira shooting in for the takedown. Crunkilton quickly got to his feet and came back with a takedown of his own to half guard. Oliveira was able to work free and once to his feet, scored another takedown that left Crunkilton exposing his back as he tried to stabilize. Not taking this opportunity to capitalize, Oliveira instead focused on trying to keep the rising Crunkilton down. But it was Crunkilton who showed the true skill there, as he worked from guard through positions till he had the inevitable triangle choke employed. Oliveria tapped out at 1:55 into the round. In the title match for the WEC Lightweight title, Kurt Pellegrino (Team Renzo Gracie) and Mac Danzig (rAw) met for the second time in their careers to settle an old score. Their first outing had ended in a referee stoppage in Pellegrino's favor, but Danzig was unwilling to acknowledge the bout as a loss. Tonight was much more decisive, as Pellegrino dominated much of all three rounds of this lackluster fight to garner the unanimous decision and the lightweight title.
In an interesting heavyweight match-up, AKA's Christian Wellisch came from behind to dominate Renzo Gracie student Jay White late in the third round. White had shown confidence with his standup game and had the chance to finish Wellisch in the first round with his striking. At one point, White unleashed a right hook that floored Wellisch to a turtling position and had his back to finish the job, only to be separated by the referee and then restarted again (a move that seemed to puzzle spectators and was left unanswered). In the second round White tapped all his energies delivering standup punishment to an already exhausted and somewhat sloppy Wellisch, and although his hits were accurate, they had little power to finish the contest. At this point, conditioning had become a major factor for the two. With round three "do or die" for Wellisch, he finally got the single leg takedown, half mount, and then mount where he unloaded on an undefending White till he tapped out at 3:42 into the third round. White was taken from the arena via a stretcher. At 6'5", rAw Training Center's Jason Jones towered over his adversary Randy Rowe, a 4-day last minute replacement and Connecticut Dog Pound representative. Rowe showed a lot of raw talent and ingenuity early on by shaking off his giant of a foe with foot stomps "a la Marco Ruas" as they clinched at the fence. Rowe then impressively scooped up his hefty opponent and slammed him to the ground. Once in Jones' guard, Rowe had less to offer and as he worked his adversary to the fence for a "ground and pound" opportunity, Jones was able to secure a tight triangle choke. However, the bell sounded seconds later and the two men were separated. Rowe, on the ground, looked as if he could not continue, but it didn't matter. In a perplexing development, Jones rushed towards him and got in another hit before the two men were again separated. Jones was handed a disqualification for hitting a downed opponent after the bell had sounded and Rowe was given the win as he was helped back up the fighters' ramp and backstage. Weight and experience seemed to be two factors in effect for the match-up between heavyweights Eric Mainiai, of AKA, and Team Renzo Gracie's John Rallo. Rallo had weighed in the day before 254 pounds, while Mainiai was 226 pounds. An almost thirty pound advantage, coupled with a lack of experience (this was Mainiai's very first MMA fight) proved to much for west coaster. Rallo was confident and started off with a clean left-right combo that had the gun-shy Mainiai retreating to the corner. Although Mainiai showed some promise on the ground, the fight inevitably ended up back on its feet, and unable to withstand the barrage of strikes Rallo was unleashing, Mainiai verbally submitted at 3:06 into the first round. Team Renzo Gracie fighter James Gabert continued to surprise the crowd by not taking his bout with AKA's Mike Swick to the ground once. With a strong boxing and kickboxing background, Gabert showed a consistent persistence on his feet, even though his opponent had a substantial reach advantage that he readily used. Swick's lanky legs continuously landed right high kicks to Gabert's left side and every time Gabert would close the distance Swick was there with some devastating knees in the clinch. A deep gash opened up on Gabert's scalp in the first round and began to bleed, but Gabert showed no signs of stopping. With a quick pep talk from his mentor Renzo Gracie in the corner, Gabert came out in the second round more conscientious of guarding his left side, as Swick continued to fire off one right kick after another. Gabert got in some nice combos as well, but it would be Swick to get the majority decision after scoring the most hits.
Featherweight Jeff Curran, of Pedro Sauer Jiu-jitsu, made a strong showing for himself tonight as packed on a few extra pounds to take on Next Generation's Bao Quach in the night's first lightweight preliminary bout. Although Quach seemed the leader early on with a takedown and the subsequent mount that eventually followed, Curran finished the round strong with a beautiful reversal to half guard just as the bell sounded. With Quach noticeably slowing down in the second round, Curran took over with a series of kicks, highlighted by an effective front kick to his opponent's mid section and a body slam seconds later. In the third round, Quach effectively got the takedown to side mount, then half guard, but with pressure from the crowd to keep it standing, both men moved the action back upstairs. With the last minutes of the fight looming, both fighters turned up the heat with kicks and punching combinations, but it would be Curran to take the majority decision. The Results (in order of appearance) Jeff Curran (Pedro Sauer Jiu-Jitsu) def. Bao Quach (Next Generation)- Majority Decision Mike Swick (AKA) def. James Gabert (Team Renzo Gracie)- Majority Decision Randy Rowe (Dog Pound) def. Jason Jones (rAw Training Center)- Disqualification John Rallo (Renzo Gracie) def. Eric Mainai (AKA)- 3:06 Rd 1 Referee stoppage due to verbal submission Christian Wellisch (AKA) def. Jay White (Renzo Gracie)- 3:42 Rd 1- Referee stoppage due to tapout Tony Fryklund (Miletich Martial Arts) def. Zach Light (Team Punishment)- 4:06 Rd 1 Referee stoppage due to verbal submission Kurt Pellegrino (Renzo Gracie) def. Mac Danzig (rAw)- Unanimous Decision Rich Crunkilton (AKA) def. Luciano Oliveira (New England BJJ/Joao Amaral)- 1:55 Rd 1 Triangle Choke Jeremy Horn (Miletich Martial Arts) def. Aaron Brink (Team Punishment)- :54 Rd 1 Rear Naked Choke |
| Monday - September 2, 2002 |
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Tap Out or Knock Out Held August 30, 2002 Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com 
The crowd was thin as the highly anticipated match up with Kawika Pa'aluhi and Sean Gray for the vacant Warriors Quest Light Heavyweight Championship was put on hold due to a knee injury suffered by Pa'aluhi. This is the second event that Gray has not been able go. Sean Gray shocked Hawaii fans by beating Niko Vitale, earning his shot at the title. Pa'aluhi showed very little ring rust by coming off a long layoff to knock out Bobby Southworth. Hopefully this match up will take place in the next Warriors Quest. Warriors Quest has been a hotbed for up and coming Hawaii fighters and with a little bit of juggling, the card was set. One name that popped off the card was Leandro Nyza, a Nova Uniao black belt. Nyza followed his teammate, Charuto Verissimo into MMA who made his debut recently. Nyza has been training to make the transition from BJJ to MMA with none other than BJ Penn in Hilo, Hawaii. Number #1 ranked Bozo Paling showed why he holds that ranking by earning a split decision against a tough Inoue. I think a rematch between the Shooto champion, Alexandre "Pequeno" Nogueira and Paling is going to be an interesting one because Paling lacked experience the first time around and has grown a lot as a fighter. I caught up with Nogueira in Brazil at the Mundial and he said that he looked forward to fighting Paling or Baret Yoshida because they are great fighters.
Middleweight Class B 2x5 MinutesJohn Naole (HMC) def. Rodell Soares (Hard Knocks) Unanimous decision [(19-18), (19-18), (19-18)] Welterweight Class B 2x5 Minutes Jim Kikuchi (808 Fight Factory) def. Jerome Kekumu (Hard Knocks) Unanimous decision [(20-18), (20-18), (20-18)] Heavyweight Class B 2x5 Minutes Moses Kersiano (808 Fight Factory) def. Dustin Pacheco (Koden Kan) Submission via forearm choke from the mount at 1:07 into round 1. Welterweight Class B 2x5 Minutes Leandro Nyza (Nova Uniao) def. Ed Newalu (Koden Kan) Submission via rear naked choke at 1:12 into round 1. Lighweight Class B 2x5 Minute Dain Agbayani (808 Fight Factory) def. Jay R. Palmer (Universal Roughhousing) Submission via arm bar at 3:27 into round 1. Cruiserweight Class B 2x5 Minutes Kaipo Miller (Grappling Unlimited) def. Jason Verdadero (Bulls Pen) Submission via rear naked choke at 1:57 into round 1. Middleweight Class B 2x5 Minutes Deshawn Johnson (HMC) def. Harris Sariento (Koden Kan) Unanimous decision [(20-18), (19-18), (19-18)] Lightweight Class B 2x5 Minutes Eben Kaneshiro (Kamole Jiu-Jitsu) def. Yobi Song (Gamebred) Submission via rear naked choke at 2:09 into round 1. Lightweight Class A 3x5 Minutes Stephen Paling (Jesus Is Lord) def. Kazuhiro Inoue (Impress) Split decision [28-26), (29-28), (30-28)] |
| Tuesday - September 3, 2002 |
 Give Us Your Thoughts... With UFC 39 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 |
| Thursday - September 5, 2002 |
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The Brazilian Beat: Paulo Filho is back in action, Ninja's brother debuts with KO! While the results of the recent PRIDE Shockwave are still the subject of talk in the NHB circles in Brazil, primary focus has already shifted to upcoming events. September promises to be a busy month for all the camps with UFC 39, PRIDE 22, plus the Deep event next weekend. Teams like the Brazilian Top Team have a lot of fighters already in Japan training and getting ready to compete, and others are entering their final stages of their preparation. FCF will keep a close eye on all the camps during this month, because September will surely keep the beat going for a long time...
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From Susumu's Gallery:
Hello, We have added lots of photos from Dynamite! held on August 28th and a Shooto event held on 26th. Please enjoy! As for Dynamite!, its influence reaches very deeply in Japan. At the moment of the TV program of Dynamite!, my 69-year-old mother called me to tell that an exciting martial arts event was going on. Unfortunately, I was not at home then so the message was left on my answering machine. She does not like pro-wrestling. When I was a child and my father began to watch some pro-wrestling during dinner, she hated him to do that. But she loved to see Dynamite! And I asked her which bout she loves most. Her answer was "a big guy vs. a small guy" means Sapp vs. Nogueira. The bout impressed from the core of the fan to a novice. The market of Integrated Martial arts in Japan seems to grow further more. Visit Susumu's gallery at http://come.to/susumu. |
| Friday - September 6, 2002 |
Be sure to check out the HUGE $avings on UFC video packages 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 |
| Sunday - September 8, 2002 |
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From promoter T. Jay Thompson: Will Face Yoshida in UCC Jeff Curran, fresh off a victory in the WEC last month, has been signed to fight Baret Yoshida on Sept. 17 in the Universal Combat Challenge in Honolulu. Curran is a member of Team Extreme and trains under Pedro Sauer. He defeated highly-touted Bao Quach in the WEC event at Mohegan Sun Casino. Due to visa problems, UCC lightweight champion Wagnney Fabiano was unable to make the trip and defend his title against Yoshida. The Curran-Yoshida bout will not be for a UCC title. |
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From the event's promoter: Lansing submits Perkins It doesn't get any better than this. Rage in the Cage delivered an unforgettable, high energy night of non stop action. Our "Let's Roll" theme kicked off the night in grand fashion. Our traditional "Walk of Champions", showcasing the fighters for the evening, included American flags carried by each fighter. A five man full dress Marine Color Guard then entered the cage. A moment of silence was then observed in remembrance of all those that lost their life in 9/11. And then the nation anthem was sung by Dawn. Two large TV screens, using three different camera angles, made their debut for RITC 38. This provided excellent close up action from any seat in the house and was well received by the RITC fans. The RITC 38 card provided the best action ever seen in Arizona. One of the most memorable fights was John Lansing's submission victory over Gerald Perkins. There was some post fight poor sportsmanship displayed by Gerald Perkins. That nonsense has no place in MMA competition. If you tap in a fair fight, you should congratulate your opponent not try to "sucker punch" him from behind AFTER you lost the fight in the cage. I checked with the Arizona Commission after the show. Gerald Perkin's professional fighter's license has been revoked by the Commission and he can no longer fight in the state. This impressive win for John Lansing will propel him to the #1 Welterweight ranking and earned Fighter of the Night (FOTN) honors for John. This is back-to-back FOTN awards for Lansing. Other candidates for FOTN were James Attwood, Andy Montana, Cory Timmerman and Joseph Riggs. Another highlight of the evening was a 300+ fighter (Cory Timmerman) winning by arm bar submission !! Results: Fight #1 James Attwood (152 lbs), Brausa Academy won by submission (arm bar), 1:10 Rd 1 Joe Vigil (149 lbs), Savage Te Dawg Pound Fight #2 Daniel Souza (160 lbs), Team Bad Boy USA won by decision (2-1) Michael Chavez (162 lbs), Savage Te Dawg Pound Fight #3 Larry Robertson (195 lbs), World Gym won by submission (strikes), 2:55 Rd 1 John Hall (185 lbs), Warrior Spirit Fight #4 Brittish Pena (145 lbs), Brausa Academy won by submission (choke), :57 Rd 1 Carlos Ortega (154 lbs), Asher Combat Academy Fight #5 Bryan Pardoe (205 lbs), Brausa Academy won by ref stoppage (strikes), :45 Rd 1 Derek Whitehead (209 lbs), Brausa Academy Fight #6 Brad Reynolds (217 lbs), Leininger Dojo won by submission (choke), 1:36 Rd 1 Wayland Berry (255 lbs), Brausa Academy Fight #7 John Knisely (235 lbs), Leininger Dojo won by submission (choke), :52 Rd 1 Melville Calabaca (237 lbs), Savage Te Dawg Pound Fight #8 (Super Fight) Andy Montana (226 lbs), Asher Combat Academy won by decision (3-0) Steve Sayegh (227 lbs), Leininger Dojo Fight #9 (Super Fight) John Lansing (167 lbs), Brausa Academy won by submission (arm bar), 1:16 Rd 3 Gerald Perkins (164 lbs), JKD Jiu-Jitsu Fight #10 (Super Fight) Cory Timmerman (304 lbs), Brausa Academy won by submission (arm bar), 2:06 Rd 2 Justin Lyon (375 lbs), avage Te Dawg Pound Fight #11 (Main Event) Edwin Dewees (196 lbs), Brausa Academy won by submission (arm bar), 1:12 Rd 1 Shannon Ritch (180 lbs), Leininger Dojo Fight #12 (Main Event) Joseph Riggs (230 lbs), Brausa Academy won by decision (3-0) Joe Pardo (224 lbs), Caique BJJ Next Event: RITC 39 Saturday, October 19, 2002 Tickets for RITC 39 will be available at the Celebrity Theatre Box Office (602-267-1600) or at Ticketmaster (480-784-4444). For additional information, please call 480-446-8127 or visit www.rageinthecage.com. |
| Monday - September 9, 2002 |
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Edwards Returns to HnS with Knockout HOOKnSHOOT 'New Wind' Results By Joe Hall Photography by Keith Mills EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- After taking a deserved summer vacation, HOOKnSHOOT returned Saturday night with their fourth show of the year, "New Wind." 
In the main event, Hermes Franca completed his journey to the top of HOOKnSHOOT's 145-pound featherweight division, conquering champion Anthony Hamlett in the first round to claim the title. From his back, the American Top Team standout looked to clasp a triangle choke on the titleholder, but Hamlett defended and tried to gain side control. Not only did Franca prevent the maneuver, he soon reversed Hamlett and climbed into the mount. Smelling gold, Franca then pounded his opponent with rights and lefts [pictured] until the match was stopped.The victory marked Franca's fourth fight in HOOKnSHOOT. He finished all of his foes on the road to the title, submitting the first three in addition to his win by strikes Saturday night. Afterward, an amiable Franca called the promotion his "sweet home away from home." He also promised that no one would be taking his belt anytime soon. On the undercard, Yves Edwards returned to HOOKnSHOOT after a three-fight venture into the UFC. It was clear that his opponent, eighth-ranked Shooto welterweight Kohei Yasumi, was in serious trouble after Edwards easily stopped an early takedown attempt. Forcing Yasumi to stand, Edwards then uncorked a left hand that dropped his adversary and ended the lightweight fight in a mere 20 seconds. Despite his impressive performance, Edwards could not outdo John Renken's work from earlier in the evening. Facing UFC veteran Curtis Stout in a middleweight bout, Renken surprised many by choosing to stand with the talented striker. Both fighters came out firing, but after only 11 seconds, Renken launched a head kick with his left leg that instantly knocked out Stout. Reminiscent of Francisco Bueno's fall when nailed by Igor Vovchanchyn, Stout's arms folded to his side as he fell to the canvas unconscious. 
In middleweight action, Dustin Denes tallied another win for American Top Team by gaining a unanimous decision over Izuru Takeuchi. Denes [pictured mounted on Takeuchi] controlled the fight by flowing through various positions on the ground. The second round was his most dominant, as the fourth-ranked Shooto light heavyweight could not prevent Denes from twice passing his guard and taking the mount. From there, Denes landed short shots to Takeuchi's face while maintaining the position.The second of two women's bouts belonged to Tara LaRosa. Snapping a crisp jab coupled with sharp low leg kicks, LaRosa picked apart game challenger Angela Wilson on the feet. When the match went to ground, LaRosa was just as impressive. After quickly passing the half guard, LaRosa took the mount and hammered Wilson with punches to force a stoppage just before the end of the first round. In a much slower paced women's fight, Chris Van Fleet won a majority decision against Tanya Vlahac. Although the action was lacking, only a few jeers ran through the respectable Evansville audience. Those same fans roared to life when local fighter Scott Henze marched to the ring for a light heavyweight match. Henze delivered, submitting Steve Van Fleet with a key lock in the first round. Also on the undercard, Nick Agallar defeated Darrell Smith by unanimous decision in a lightweight fight. Agallar landed several hard shots from inside Smith's guard to sway the judges. Ryan Ackerman successfully returned to HOOKnSHOOT after a hard fought draw against Mike Cardoso in May. The 145-pound fighter from Canton, Illinois was again impressive, submitting Mike Lloyd with a kimura shoulder lock. Joseph Baize used a rear-naked choke to finish Luke Pedigo in a middleweight bout that opened the show. |
| Tuesday - September 10, 2002 |
 Warriors of the Ring War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku, Maui September 7, 2002 By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com There has been only one MMA event on Maui, until now. Warriors of the Ring launched its debut event and allowed Maui MMA fans the avenue to stop reading about the events on Oahu and actually go see one live. It also provided Maui fighters a chance to get more experience. This event drew the largest crowd ever to attend a mixed martial arts event in Maui. The crowd loved the action and was treated to interviews with BJ Penn, Cabbage Correira, both of which are going to be fighting in the next UFC, Falaniko Vitale and Ron Jhun during the intermission. The event brought in a lot of fighters making their MMA debut and mixed the card with some fighters with one or two matches under their belt that have shown a lot of promise. A few of the fighters that look to be ready to take it to the next level are Bull's Pen fighter Mark Moreno who has been knocking out his opponents as if he is going to get a bulk discount. Michael Labuanan and Tyson Coloma Nahooikaika look to have a good stand up game coupled with solid ground work to back it up. And finally, one fighter that was impressive, even in defeat, was Ed Joy [Pictured above heelhooking Tripson Kerisian]. Don't let his team name fool you, he showed great stand up and ground skills against the larger Kerisiano. I definitely look forward to seeing Joy fight again. The large crowd proves that MMA is growing on a grassroots level on Maui. Hopefully the crowds keep getting bigger and allow these events to grow. As for me, it is always fun to fly out to Maui and see my friends on Maui and sitting next to two of the ring girls on the way to Maui didn't hurt either (wink, wink). 
B/ake Huttendorf (5'9", 176 lbs., Kodenkan) def. Kruz Malaiakini (5'9", 185 lbs., Team Koali Freestyle Fighting, Hana, Maui)Submission via arm bar at 3:32 into round 1. [Pictured at right] Ray "King Kong" Seraile (6'3", 270lbs, Grappling Unlimited) def. Jesus Libero (6'3", 259 lbs., Wailuku Kickboxing) TKO, Libero suffered a separated shoulder at 1:10 into round 1. Mark Moreno (5'9", 175 lbs., Bulls Pen) def. George Mendoza (5'8", 163 lbs., Scalera Foundation) TKO, referee stoppage due to punch (second time that Mendoza was knocked down.) at 1:53 into round 1. William Armstrong (5'5", 131 lbs., 808 Fight Factory) def. Tien Nguyen (5'5", 133 lbs., Wailuku Kickboxing) Submission via arm bar from the mount at 3:17 into round 1. Dez Minor (6'0", 213 lbs., Kodenkan) def. Anthony Billianor (6'3", 259 lbs., Lockdown Unlimited) def. TKO, referee stoppage due to strikes at 1:49 into round 1. Tripston Kerisiano (5'7", 175 lbs., 808 Fight Factory) def. Ed Joy (5'8", 163 lbs., Team C.O.C.K.*) Unanimous decision [(7-3), (7-3), (6-4)] after 2 Rounds. * C.O.C.K. stands for Come Over & Catch Kracks Michael Labuanan (5'7", 164 lbs., Maui Full Contact) def. Cheyenne Alesna (5'8", 169 lbs., Kodenkan) TKO, verbal submission by Alesna due to exhaustion at 3:06 into round 2 Tyson Coloma Nahooikaika (5'8", 161 lbs., Brazilian Freestyle J.J./Luis Heredia J.J.) def. Corey Goeas (5'8", 170 lbs., Kodenkan) TKO, referee stoppage due to strikes at 1:51 into round 1. |
| Wednesday - September 11, 2002 |
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With the one-year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks upon us, three fighters share their perspectives on the national tragedy. Idaho, Washington, Missouri -- like everyone else across the country, it didn't matter where they were -- they were affected. FCF's Mouth of NHB, a native New Yorker born and raised, also shares his thoughts. Evan Tanner, native Texan and light-heavyweight fighter Where were you when you heard the news of the attacks? "I was driving across Idaho on my way up to Oregon to train with Team Quest -- for the Homer Moore fight (note: UFC 34). So I was actually on the road and I got a call on my cell phone. I was pretty worn out from driving, I had driven 17 hours the day before and had slept in a rest area for about an hour, and got back out on the road and was pretty bleary-eyed. I got that call, and that on top of the other stress [of driving] was pretty crazy." What was your reaction? "Immediately I was thinking, 'How old am I? Am I too old to join the military? Am I too old to get involved to do something about this?' Something like that hittin' so close to home is definitely a reality check. It's not such a safe, sterile world we live in, you know? There's bad things out there and when it hit on our shores it kind of makes you realize that. I think we get to feeling too comfortable and too safe in the States." One year later, do you think we're any safer? "It depends on how determined the terrorists are. There are definitely more people watching out for it, there are more measures in effect now to prevent the same type of thing happening... but it's a scary thought that there are some smart terrorists out there and if they can figure out a way to get around a lot of the security measures... I think it all depends. We always have to constantly be on the alert and be prepared." In your opinion, has the United States changed at all? "I think it has. It's something that's kind of brought more of a sense of unity to the United States." Have you changed? "I know it has affected me. I'm kind of much more thoughtful now than maybe I used to be as far as the safety of our country and where we stand in the world." Ivan Salaverry, Washington native and middleweight fighter Where were you when you heard the news? "I was going to work when I heard they were taking over planes. It was on the radio and I was driving to work -- I work for the state. On the way over there I heard about it, and when I got to work they had it televised. They were showing the plane crashes on the Towers." What did you think? "Horrific. Horrific. That's never happened. On American soil? That's crazy!" Do you think we're any safer a year later? "I don't think anywhere is safe against terrorism. Terrorism is like a sickness or plague. You have to completely wipe it out to be completely safe. [So] you're never completely safe." Don't you have family in New York? "Correct, but everybody was safe -- thank God." How has this country changed since then? "We're much more aware now of how vulnerable we are to our liberties. It's sad. It's really sad that we lose our freedoms of traveling abroad and at home with liberties free to us. Now, there are military in the airports, full checks, and everybody is really afraid or aware that there might be another terrorist attack." Have you changed at all? "Of course I feel much more protective of my country. I don't know if I'd call it patriotic, but I do feel protective of it and our rights and way of living." Steve Berger, Missouri-native and welterweight fighter Where were you when you heard the news? "I was siding. I was doing a siding job with my boss. The neighbor came out and I remember she said that they'd just crashed a plane into the Pentagon." Your reaction? "I couldn't believe it. I guess [I felt] a little bit of fear, and disbelief. Then we went and turned the radio on and just started listening. We just couldn't believe it and couldn't understand who it is, and why they'd be doing it." Were you affected? "No where near as bad as people... that were right there. I didn't have to deal with the dust and smoke and stuff like people that were actually there. But I'm sure everybody was affected, just, if nothing else, by empathizing with what went on and feeling a little insecure. You just kind of learned that we were vulnerable that day." Do you think our country is any safer now? "I don't think it's less safe. It might be a little safer, but I don't think it's safe enough." Have things changed in our country? "Sure. I think it's changed a lot. Like I said before, a lot of people realized that we are a little vulnerable in some areas, and also, we've definitely got some serious enemies." Did it change you? "I wouldn't say that I've changed, other than it was an experience I'd never forget... I was ready to go sign up [for the military]. Definitely." The Mouth of NHB Where were you when you heard the news of the attacks? Sleeping, I had just finished getting FCF out for the last couple of days -- a customer called to place an order and told Lisa that a plane had crashed into one of the towers. Lisa called me and told me to turn on the TV. What was your reaction? Shock at first -- then as the second plane came in I knew what was going on. Hurt, saddened, mad -- I knew we had family in the buildings. Were you affected? Yes, in many ways -- I lost a friend. Have you changed? Yes, I'm a whirlwind of emotion. I have always been a person who could move on after something was done to me -- after a little time of course. Screw being politically correct -- This time I want blood and I will go to my grave wanting revenge on the "Countries" that took part in -- and still take part in what is going on. I pray every day that we bomb the shit out of the scumbags. I want you to know why I get madder by the day -- I had recently moved and my wife and kids have become fast friends with a widowed family. Widowed how? 9/11! Two little kids who play at my house daily lost a father because of the attack. It hits me in the face every day! |
| Thursday - September 12, 2002 |
Join Chute Boxe team! In a very surprising piece of news, K-1 fighter and Shockwave winner Jerome LeBanner is set to join the Chute Boxe team in January of 2003! The French fighter is willing to venture seriously into the sport of NHB and asked master Rudimar Fedrigo if he could join the team and represent them in the future. Rudimar told FCF LeBanner personally asked to join the team and train with them, not just for a short period as a special preparation for a particular fight, but to actually represent the team in competitions as well. Jerome LeBanner, who just beat Don Frye by knockout in a K-1 fight at Shockwave, is expected in Curitiba next January to live and train with the team. With his own amazing stand-up skills, and the constant hard training at the Chute Boxe academy, Jerome's association with the Chute Boxe team can only do wonders for both sides, with fighters like Vanderlei and Anderson Silva bound to benefit from the K-1 fighter's kickboxing skills, and LeBanner benefiting from the NHB experience and hardcore training in the academy. The heavyweight division will be tougher in 2003. Keep checking the FCF news page for more details in the next Brazilian Beat. |
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From Koichi "Booker K" Kawasaki: DSE/PRIDE announced additional two match-ups for PRIDE.22 (to be held on September 29th) as follows:
DATE: September 29th, 2002 OPEN: 2:00 PM START 4:00 PM PLACE: Nagoya Rainbow Hall (Aichi-Pref, Japan) |
From promoter T. Jay Thompson:
UCC Hawaii September 17, 2002 - Blaisdell Arena Super Lightweight Challenge Jeff Curran vs. Baret Yoshida This will be a beauty! Curran has the tools to hang with Yoshida at every level. Excellent kickboxing skills, coupled with a brown belt in brazilian jiu-jitsu. His style is extremely aggressive. Yoshida has improved his stand-up game but many think he will be in over his head striking with Curran. But he should have the edge when the fights hits the ground.....if it hits the ground. Pick'em Even Odds Middleweight Challenge Stephan Potvin vs. Ron "The Machine Gun" Jhun Potvin is a solid fighter who has had success in the UCC promotion. His game is well rounded and he would love to take his career to the next level by beating "The Machine Gun". The always exciting, Jhun is coming off the longest lay-off of his career, so ring rust could be a factor. Look for Jhun to start cautiously and try to put some leather on Potvin late. Jhun 2-1 favorite Light Heavyweight Challenge Jeromie Sills vs. Falaniko Vitale Sit back and watch the fireworks! Sills is a solid kickboxer who will stand and trade with anyone. The extremely talented Vitale is continuing to improve his entire game. He should have the advantage on the ground, but don't be surprised to see him test out his striking abilities as well. Vitale 2-1 favorite Light Heavyweight Challenge Anthony Rea vs. Rich Franklin Many say Franklin will eventually become a world champion and he has built a 14-0 record so far. Rea is less experienced, but a solid kickboxer from France with a jiu-jitsu background. Franklin may be too tough standing or on the ground. Franklin 3-1 favorite Welterweight Challenge Donald Ouimet vs. Laverne Clark Two professional boxers with KO power and good chins... don't blink during this fight. Ouimet has the submission edge, while Clark is the better wrestler... look for this to go up and down for as long as it lasts. Pick 'em Even odds Welterweight Challenge Ivan Menjivar vs. Jay R. Palmer Menjivar is another solid Canadian fighter who will be tested by journeyman Jay R. Palmer. Although Menjivar should have the advantage in skill, Palmer's experience and ring savvy should make this a closer fight. Menjivar 3-1 favorite Heavyweight Challenge Kerry "Meat Truck" Schall vs. Kumu Cambra The "Meat Truck" is most famous in Hawaii for dominating an opponent in Super Brawl 24 only to end up falling out of the ring and cracking a vertabrae. For such a big fighter (270lbs) he is very agile and possesses a tremendous submission arsenal. The underdog Cambra will have to summon all his heart and strength to find a "W" in this fight. Schall 3-1 favorite "Pain" Peters vs. Kolo Koka The "bad boy" Pain Peters will attempt to impose his will on the younger, less experienced Koka. Look for him to try to get this fight to the ground were he excels. Koka will try to use his striking ability to fend off Peters' take-down attempts. Peters 2-1 favorite Light Heavyweight Challenge Yan Pellerin vs. Mike Malone Two young fighters attempting to get noticed. The Canadian, Pellerin, will take the fight to Malone and work to make it a ground battle. Malone must not give ground to win this fight. Pick'em Even Odds |
| Friday - September 13, 2002 |
 DVD & VHS video tapes coming soon! Pre-order now - We have the absolute best prices! Be sure to check out the HUGE $avings on Pride video & DVD packages 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 |
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Canceled! The Vengeance at the Vanderbilt show scheduled to be held tonight at The Vanderbilt in Plainview, NY has been cancelled. Reportedly, a last minute action by the State Liquor Authority -- which gave the promoters no time to fight the action -- has shut down the show. The Vengeance at the Vanderbilt shows are a New York tradition and have been running for several years without problem. Details are still unclear as to the reasons for the SLA's sudden action. |
| Saturday - September 14, 2002 |
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The Brazilian Beat: MECA 7 shaping up, Another BTT Heavyweight on the Ride, Babalu Already Living in the USA September is already half over and both PRIDE 22 and UFC 39 are quickly approaching with several Brazilian fighters on their cards. From Jiu-Jitsu fighters like Mario Sperry and Ryan Gracie to Muay Thai fighters such as Pedro Rizzo and Anderson Silva, all the major Brazilian camps are involved in some events in this month and needless to say the training has been as hardcore as ever. Besides all the camps' training, there's more going on in Brazil with new contracts being discussed all the time, the country's biggest NHB event continuously shaping up and will finalize its card by month's end, and more! So, sit back and enjoy the beat straight from Brazil...
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| Monday - September 16, 2002 |
From Josh Hedges/Zuffa: East Coast UFC Fans! UFC Promotions this week! All next week, UFC President Dana White and light heavyweight contender Chuck Liddell will be on the east coast all next week doing interviews and promotions leading up to UFC 39 on September 27th at Mohegan Sun. Wed, 9/18 - 2:30 pm - 1510 AM Boston - Eddie Andlernan Sports Show Thur, 9/19 - 7:50 am - WICC FM Bridgeport, CT 600 AM - Morning Breakfast Show Thur, 9/19 - 4:30 pm - WFNX FM Boston 101.7 FM - Storm and Birdsie Show Thur, 9/19 - 7:30 pm - WSNM Boston 1590 AM - Marty Terrell Sports Show Fri, 9/20 - 3:00 pm - WBCN Boston 104.1 FM - Afternoon Sports Fri, 9/20 - 7:30 pm - The Times Irish Bar, 112 Broad St., Boston * UFC Meet & Greet co-hosted by WFNX - Dana White and Chuck Liddell will be on hand talking with fans and signing autographs. The Times will be showing UFC fights all week long. |
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From promoter T. Jay Thompson: for UCC Eruption in Paradise! To Launch on RealOne On Tuesday, September 17th, SuperBrawl 26 will be broadcasted to the world, over the Internet, uncut and in its entirety. Also watch the replay at your convenience, all for one low price. Experience all the action of a real NO-HOLDS-BARRED fighting event, UNCENSORED! A premier name in mixed martial arts, Super Brawl, holds nothing back. The perfect fix for all you adrenaline junkies. Two men enter, one man leaves! From 8pm Hawaiian Standard Time (11pm PST, 2am EST) |
| Tuesday - September 17, 2002 |
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24-Hour Fitness Kapiolani September 16, 2002 1:00 PM By Michael Onzuka (Mike@onzuka.com) Super Brawl 26/UCC Tuesday Night, September 17, 2002 Fights start at 7:30 PM 
As usual, the press conference and weigh in went smoothly as amazingly, the imported fighters arrived before the local fighters. As some of you may know, everyone who lives in Hawaii follows Hawaiian time which is anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour (if not more) behind normal time. This is the first combination of the UCC which brought some of Canada's best versus Super Brawl's mostly Hawaii based fighters. There are so many interesting matches that I guarantee that one of these fights should be the Super Brawl fight of the year.The fights remained pretty close to intact with a few changes. Almost all the Hawaii's top fighters are featured in this card, along with Team Extreme's UFC veteran and hard hitter, Laverne Clark and new team member Jeff Curran. Clark came in clean cut and fit, while Curran was his usual relaxed self, even though he just fought two weeks ago and has another fight scheduled in the month. Curran felt that all the back to back fighting would actually help him because there would be minimal down time which is the down fall of many fighters as the desire to stay in shape starts to dwindle. Curran is a brown belt and a solid stand up fighter. He faces the Finisher, Baret Yoshida, who has the ability to beat anyone on any given day. Baret has showed his stand up skills by stunning the highly ranked Abe in his last fight in Japan. This may be the fight of the night, two balanced fighters that are originally ground fighters, but this fight may be decided on the feet. 
Niko Vitale, possibly the most physically talented fighters today, faces a two time Canadian kickboxing champion. Niko usually comes to bang, but it may be a mistake against the Canadian champ, Gosset who came in light compared to Vitale. Ron "The Machine Gun" Jhun returns to the Super Brawl right and faces a game Stephan Potvin. Many say that Jhun is ready for the UFC, but due to scheduling conflicts, it has not happened yet. The Hawaii fans are sure to see some straight bombs and a solid submission game from Jhun.One of the most interesting fighters on the card, "Pain" Peters, will make his Hawaii debut. He has become somewhat of an icon in Canada as a lunatic in the ring. Peters comes to fight and brings a fury that is rarely seen in our sport. If there is one guy that Pain cannot intimidate, it's Koka. Kolo exudes a toughness that one look tells you to step back or get hurt. Koka has been taking on all comers as of late, including having a good showing against UFC veteran and style trendsetter, Shonie Carter. Hawaii fans will be on their feet as these two bad men see who is the king of the ring. Kerry "Meat Truck" Shaw returns after a head banging last appearance in the heavyweight tournament. Shaw went through the ring and crashed head first through a ring side chair. I'm wearing my running show just in case. He faces a local roughian and instructor at Grappling Unlimited, Kekumu Cambra. Cambra took a beating in his last fight, also in the heavyweight tournament, but showed a huge heart by not giving up. It will be seen if Cambra has changed his game plan to be more successful in this fight against the talent and huge Meat Truck. This may be the most talent filled card that Super Brawl has ever put together. Hawaii fans will get a taste of the talented fighters from Canada and the midwest. Team Extreme studs Jens "Little Evil" Pulver and UFC middleweight champ, Matt Hughes, who will also be the referee, is here and anxious to see the fights as well. Canadians will get to see their favorite fighters on Canadian pay-per-view, another first for Super Brawl. The local fans will want to come down to the Blaisdell Center to see these fights first hand and witness a good serving of light and heavy fighters...and everything in between. Super Lightweight Challenge Jeff Curran 141.8 lbs vs. Baret Yoshida 143.2 lbs Welterweight Challenge Donald Ouimet 164.4 lbs vs. Laverne Clark 169.8 lbs Light Heavyweight Challenge Pasquel Gosset 192.0 lbs vs. Falaniko Vitale 198.4 lbs Light Heavyweight Challenge Anthony Rea 202.6 lbs vs. Rich Franklin 203.0 lbs Middleweight Challenge Stephan Potvin 184.0 lbs vs. Ron 'The Machine Gun' Jhun 185.0 lbs "Pain" Peters 169.8 lbs vs. Kolo Koka 166.5 lbs Welterweight Challenge Ivan Menjivar 154 lbs vs. Jay R. Palmer 151 lbs Heavyweight Challenge Kerry 'Meat Truck' Schall 270 lbs vs. Kumu Cambra (was not present) Light Heavyweight Challenge Yan Pellerin 201.2 lbs vs. Mike Malone 201.6 lbs |
| Wednesday - September 18, 2002 |
From DSE/Pride:
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 SuperBrawl Presents: UCC Hawaii Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii September 17, 2002 By Chris Onzuka - Chris@onzuka.com Stephane Patry's UCC is one of the fastest growing and well-run MMA events. Patry filled his first few shows with some up and coming Canadian fighters. After gaining some hard-earned experience, Patry introduced a tough challenge to the Canadian fighters by bringing in members of Team Extreme. Monte Cox's team of fighters primarily hail from Pat Miletich's school. Team Extreme has secured a foothold in the UCC by either gaining UCC titles or by earning the right to be next in line to fight the UCC champion for the title. This not being enough for Patry, he brought his show to Hawaii with the help of Monte Cox and SuperBrawl promoter, T. Jay Thompson. They have put together a fight card that could have been dubbed: "Team Hawaii versus Team Canada." Some of the best Hawaiian fighters were pitted against some of the best Canadian fighters. The celebrities that were in the house were professional wrestler, The Rock, former boxing champ, Jesus Salud, former UFC Lightweight Champion, Jens Pulver and the man in charge of the action, this time as the referee, was none other than UFC Welterweight Champion, Matt Hughes. There was a lot of action, some impressive knockouts and a couple of upsets. Ivan Menjivar showed Hawaii fans why you don't blink during a match as he performed a textbook German suplex on Jay R. Palmer, all but knocking him out. Potvin pulled off the upset of the night by submitting Ron Jhun after a being able to gain good position at times, but paying for it by Jhun unloading on him for two rounds. Potvin stuck it out and seized an opportunity by rolling into a knee bar and then transitioning to a toehold, submitting Jhun. What happens when you put two MMA fighters that are primarily boxers in the ring together? Exactly what you would expect, a war. Laverne Clark and Donald Ouimet threw some huge punches at each other. After the dust settled Clark's takedowns and higher landing percentage won him the match. I read that Rich Franklin is the next rising star, but I had never seen him fight. After seeing him fight at this show, I understand why people are talking about him. 
Franklin can do it all, punch, kick, clinch fight and take down. Anthony Rea made Franklin use his whole arsenal and looked to have the upper hand until Franklin stood his ground and unloaded a punch-kneeing combination from hell, knocking Rea to the canvas. The final match of the night brought together two fighters known for their strong BJJ ground games, but it would be Jeff Curran's superior striking that would bring him victory as his accumulated right hands took its toll and eventually knocked out Baret Yoshida. Right after the match, Relson Gracie stood up in Jeff Curran's corner and taunted Yoshida in what can only be described as distasteful. The Grappling Unlimited students exchanged words with Gracie and Gracie had to be escorted off the ring apron. This show of unsportsman-like conduct left a black mark on a great show. The team of Patry, Thompson and Cox put together a solid, evenly match card that had a lot of action and kept you on the edge of your seats.Light Heavyweight Challenge Yan Pellerin def. Mike Malone Submission via rear naked choke at 1:36 into round 1 Middleweight Challenge Kolo Koka def. "Pain" Peters Unanimous decision after 2 Rounds Welterweight Challenge Ivan Menjivar def. Jay R. Palmer TKO due to German suplex (belly to back suplex) at 1:03 into round 1 Heavyweight Challenge Kerry 'Meat Truck' Schall def. Kumu Cambra Submission via heel hook at 2:48 into round 1 Middleweight Challenge Stephan Potvin def. Ron 'The Machine Gun' Jhun Submission via toehold at 3:18 into round 3 Welterweight Challenge Laverne Clark def. Donald Ouimet. Unanimous decision after 2 Rounds Light Heavyweight Challenge Falaniko Vitale def. Pasquel Gossett Submission via arm bar from the guard at 2:00 into round 1 Light Heavyweight Challenge Rich Franklin def. Anthony Rea KO at 2:46 into round 1 Super Lightweight Challenge Jeff Curran def. Baret Yoshida KO at 2:08 into round 2 |
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From John Petrilli (RITC): Dewees vs. Adkins (UFC Veteran) Riggs vs. "A-Dawg" The excitement generated by Rage in the Cage 38 is just subsiding and we're gearing up for another great show. Two very interesting Main Event fights and a Super Fight will highlight RITC 39. One of Arizona's most active and most popular fighters, Edwin Dewees, will be featured in one Main Event fight for RITC 39. Edwin, in just over 2 years, has posted a 23 - 4 record in RITC bouts. A special thanks to Edwin for stepping up to accept this huge challenge in front on his hometown fans. Sam Adkins is a Wrestler/Boxer. He has appeared in the UFC on three occasions. Prior to his UFC 8 debut, Adkins had amassed an amateur wrestling record of 83 - 1, an amateur boxing record of 54 - 12 and a pro boxing record or 6-7. He was a National Golden Gloves silver medalist and formerly served as a sparring partner for both Tommy Morrison and Riddick Bowe. Sam has fought many notable MMA heavyweights, including Ken Shamrock, Don Frye, Dan Severn, Tank Abbott, Bobby Hoffman, Gan McGee and Travis Fulton. Sam Adkins is a very experienced fighter who will provide a stern test for local favorite Edwin Dewees. It should be a "war" that you won't want to miss. Joseph Riggs just turned 20 years old. He's a Wrestler/Boxer. He's a two-time State Wrestling Champion and an Arizona Golden Gloves Champion. In his first year of MMA competition he has posted a 6-1 record over quality opponents including two UFC veterans. Former #1 ranked RITC Heavyweight, Allan Sullivan is coming out of "semi-retirement" to challenge the current RITC Heavyweight Champ. "A-Dawg" has posted a 5 - 3 record against UFC veterans and a 9 - 2 record in RITC matches. He's looking to regain the top spot in the RITC Heavyweight Division. With a combined weight of nearly 700 pounds, the Cory Timmerman / Justin Lyon fight in RITC 38 turned out to be a real crowd pleaser. Cory stopped Justin's three fight win streak with an arm bar submission victory late into round 2. Justin asked for a rematch and since the fans loved their first encounter, we'll do it again at RITC 39. These intriguing fights along with a strong supporting card will make for another exciting evening of RITC fights. We're going to work hard on the rest of the card right up until fight time to provide the best available action for our loyal RITC fans. Kevin Christopher's Team Bad Boy USA, from San Diego, will be "invading" Phoenix to showcase some top new talent. Matt Asher's Combat Team, from Casa Grande Arizona, will be back in full force. The Asher Team, along with their huge contingent of supporters, have made a phenomenal impact on RITC over the past year. The always popular fighters from Leininger Dojo will be back for more action as well. Double Main Event: Edwin "Babyface" Dewees vs. Sam "The Experience" Adkins Joseph "Diesel" Riggs vs. Allan "A-Dawg" Sullivan Super Fight: Cory "Tugboat" Timmerman (305 lbs) vs. Justin "Big Dawg" Lyon (375 lbs) There will be 12 fights (the Arizona Commission Limit). Fight Card subject to change. Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona Saturday, October 19, 2002 Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 8 PM General Admission Tickets still only $20 !!! Tickets $20 (rows 14-25), $30 (rows 4-13) and $40 (rows 1-3) Tickets for RITC available at the Celebrity Theatre Box Office (602-267-1600) or at Ticketmaster (480-784-4444). Please visit www.rageinthecage.com or call 480-446-8127 for more information. |
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From the event's promoter: Fight Night V The Evolution Results Sept. 15, 2002 This was a full night of mixed martial arts and tough guy style fights for the Ft. Wayne fight fans. Look for the Fight Night VI to return to Ft. Wayne the second weekend in November. We would like to thank the referrees for the evenings event Fred Rodriguez and Brian Densberger, and our judges Jerry Rouch, Dave Hart and Kerry Dulin. A special thanks to our sponsors Amerisuites and La Margarita Restaurant. Pro Mixed Martial Arts Fights: Nate McCabe vs. Dan Swift Winner Swift Round 1 Arm Bar Pat Heidenreich vs. Ian Armstroung Winner Round 1 Arm Bar Tough guy style fights:: Sam Fisher vs. Troy Wissler Winner Fisher 2nd round TKO. Robbie Wealpar vs. Bobby Rose Winner Wealpar injury to knee. Sam Fisher vs. Nathan Delacruz Winner Fisher Ref Stoppage. Mixed Martial Arts Fight Results:: Single Bouts:: Dave Morris vs. Chris Kruit Winner Morris Ref Stoppage Round 1. Bryan Densberger vs. Mike Rooney Winner Densberger Heel Hook Round 1 Chris Herring vs. Dan Lamping Winner Herring Round 1 ref stoppage Doug Saur vs. Aaron Miller Miller Round 1 Arm Lock Amateur Tournaments:: 135-145 lb. Johnny Black vs. Eric Perez Winner Perez Round 1 strikes Eric Perez vs. Craig Williamson Winner Perez Injury Tournament Champion Eric Perez 160-170 lb. Shane Barnaby vs. John Valenti III Winner Valenti III TKO Round 1 John Valenti vs. Ken Heaton Winner Heaton Rear Naked Choke Bryan Skipo vs. Mike Rooney Winner Rooney Heel Hook Round 1 Mike Rooney vs. Ken Heaton Winner Rooney Arm bar Round 1 Champion Mike Rooney 171-180 lb. Seymour vs. Josh Turoczy Winner Turoczy Round 2 TKO knees Josh Turoczy vs. Kurt Illeman Winner Illeman 3:20 Round 1 Heel Hook Tournament Champion Kurt Illeman Exhibition grappling match: MJ Densberger vs. Dustin Blaskie Winner Blaskie Round 1 guillotine Contact Becky Levi at dzmatchmaker@yahoo.com to compete in future events. |
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From the event's promoter: Lowell, Mass - September 21st, 2002 Buy Tickets Now to ROF2 Be there for the RING of FURY 2 event at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell, MA (capacity 8000) on Saturday, September 21, 2002. Brought to you by Indiana's HOOKnSHOOT and USMMA. The main event will feature local hero and USMMA Light heavyweight Champion Jorge Rivera, who is known for his aggressive, explosive stand up style, fights for the coveted HOOKnSHOOT Light heavyweight Title against current HnS Champion Travis Lutter. This battle will be closely watched by all martial arts fans, as this marks only the second time in the history of HOOKnSHOOT that the coveted HnS belt has been disputed outside of Indiana. Lutter, a fierce competitor with a Black Belt from Carlos Machado and extensive MMA training with Guy Mezger and the Dallas LION'S DEN, is a champion who is always looking to challenge himself. Going to New England, to fight the local hero in his home arena for his first title defense may be a tall order for some, but don't look for Lutter to flinch! Expect a war! In another eagerly anticipated match, dangerous Nuri Shakir takes on UFC veteran Steve Berger, for the USMMA Title at 170 lbs. Shakir took out Berger's team mate Todd Fox at ROF 1, now the title is on the line against Berger - one of mixed martial arts most seasoned fighters! The show will also feature two additional USMMA titles on the line (TO BE ANNOUNCED), plus TEAM ELITE star and USMMA Middleweight Champion Keith Rockel in non-title action! Tickets for the event are on sale now at the Tsongas Arena box office, all Ticketmaster locations or charge by phone at 617.931.2000. www.ticketmaster.com For TICKETMASTER on the web! Group discounts are available by calling Joanne at 978-848-6906. Card Subject To Change
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| Thursday - September 19, 2002 |
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From Josh Hedges/Zuffa: UFC 39: Return of the Warriors Will Not be Carried on Echostar's Dish TV Satellite Service Echostar and Zuffa's Agent Not Able to Reach Agreement in Time LAS VEGAS, NEV., September 19, 2002... Zuffa, LLC, the owner of the new Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC), the world's leading Mixed Martial Arts sports association, announced today that its pay-per-view distribution agent was not able to reach agreement with satellite provider Echostar (the Dish TV Network) in time to air the next UFC pay-per-view, UFC 39: Return of the Warriors, scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2002. The live sports event will feature a heavyweight championship showdown between Randy Couture and Ricco Rodriquez, and will be available virtually everywhere in the cable TV and satellite universe domestically, Echostar notwithstanding. Live from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, it promises to deliver a much-anticipated title bout, as well as a full fight card, starting at 10 p.m. (EST). "It's always regrettable when a fight fan can't get what they want, when they want it and where they want it," said Dana White, President of the UFC. "That's why they're called fight fans in the first place. We don't ever like to disappoint them but we are placed in an awkward position between our distributor and a provider who has supported UFC since the beginning. We hope this is resolved expeditiously but unfortunately we don't believe that will be in time for next Friday's event". The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the world's leading mixed martial arts sports association. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the UFC programs pay-per-view product, both live and taped, through cable and satellite providers. In addition to its US distribution on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV and TVN, UFC events are distributed internationally through British Sky Broadcasting, WOWOW, Inc., in Japan, Globosat in Brazil and Modern Sports and Entertainment in Scandinavia. UFC licenses video games for all major playing platforms through Crave Entertainment. |
| Saturday - September 21, 2002 |
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From Team King of the Cage: COMING TO THE SILVER LEGACY IN RENO AND TO PAY-PER-VIEW! LOS ANGELES, California -"King of the Cage," the hottest brand of no-holds-barred fighting, is coming to the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada! "King of the Cage: Sudden Impact" is proud to feature eight bouts in all on a stellar fight card, including the big rematch . . . Bobish/Pele II! Watch these two giants clash! Will Daniel "The Bull" Bobish continue his dominance or will "Big" Eric Pele have his revenge? Also on the card . . . "Superman" Dennis Hallman takes on the winner of the October 19th KOTC World Welterweight Title Match between Romie Aram and Joe Stevenson . . . Dan "The Beast" Severn return to the cage against Reno slugger Rick Collup . . . and bruiser Mike Kyle of the Primal Fighting Club takes on kick boxer Paul Buentello. Don't miss it! FIGHT CARD: Daniel "The Bull" Bobish Bart Vale Shoot Fighting Vs. "Big" Eric Pele John Lewis / Pederneiras Vale Tudo Dennis "Superman" Hallman AMC Pankration Vs. October 19th Romie Aram/Joe Stevenson Winner Dan "The Beast" Severn Vs. Rick Collup Paul Buentello Vs. Mike Kyle Rocky Batastini Vs. Zane Frazier Jason House Vs. James Fanshier Scott Smith Vs. John Cole Jimmy Walker Vs. Gary Grate "King of the Cage: Sudden Impact" will be held on Friday, November 1st, 2002 from the Silver Legacy Resort Casino http://www.silverlegacy.com in Reno, Nevada. Gates open at 4:30pm PST, fights start at 6:00pm. Combining Nevada's turn-of-the-century silver mining heritage with state-of-the-art architecture and unrivaled entertainment theming, Silver Legacy Resort Casino is northern Nevada's most spectacular "must see" property. Silver Legacy also features the finest in gaming, with 85,000 square feet of gaming space, including the newly renovated Race & Sportsbook, two Keno lounges, 80 table games, 2,500 slot machines, and 7 night clubs. In addition, "King of the Cage: Sudden Impact" will be televised on pay-per-view! The pay-per-view broadcast begins at 6:00pm PST/9:00pm EST and is available via DirecTV, The Dish Network, TVN, Bell Express Vu, and Viewer's Choice. For more information on pay-per-view availability, check your local listings. For tickets, go to ticketsplus.net or call 1-800-585-3737. KING OF THE CAGE . . . KNOCKING OUT THE COMPETITION! |
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In this issue...|
By Jim Genia 
Today, the Ring of Fury promotion returns to Lowell, Massachusetts, and one of the highlights of the card is the match-up of three-time UFC-veteran Steve Berger against local welterweight Nuri Shakir [Photo courtesy of USMMA]. "Nuri who?" you might ask. Nuri Shakir: a 23-year old Small Circle Jiu-jitsu practitioner and member of Team Elite, with a 6-3 closed-fist mixed martial arts record and a long list of wins in open-handed competition (the only form of MMA competition allowed in Massachusetts until recently). Hailing from Nashua, New Hampshire, Shakir has fought at Dangerzone, the IFC, and Gladiator Challenge. At the last Ring of Fury, he squared off against Berger's teammate Todd Fox and broke the Missouri-native's jaw en route to victory. For Shakir, known as an aggressive striker and crowd-pleaser, this is a big chance to shine against top-level competition. At Ring of Fury 2, this New Englander is stepping up.First off, what kind of name is "Nuri"? Actually, it's an Arabic name. I was born Muslim, so my father named me 'Nuri', which means 'light'. What's your style of fighting like? My style is MMA-style -- that's all I can say. What happens is over time you just learn how to adapt your style. I've done judo, kung fu... so it's a mix between judo, kung fu and jiu-jitsu. And maybe a little wrestling. But my style is mixed -- a hybrid style of submission fighting. What are your strengths as a fighter? My strength as a fighter is that I'm able to adapt really fast; I'm good, fast and explosive; and I can do most anything I want to do in the ring. Tell us about how you got into competing. I got into competing about three years ago. I was grappling in a tournament [run by] NAGA (the North American Grappling Association). I was never part of a team -- me and my friend would just drive down there and compete -- and what happened was that I ended up beating four Renzo guys in a row. The longest match was about a minute, a minute and a half. David Roy and Kirik Jenness, the guys who run MMA.tv, saw me there and invited me up to train with them. They trained me, and I had my first MMA fight right after that. And your MMA competition history? I went out and fought at Dangerzone twice, and the first time it was a four-man tournament and I ended up winning twice. The first guy I TKO'd, the second I submitted with an armbar. But after that I fought Quincy Rice in my pro debut, which was kind of fast 'cause I think I had only three closed-fist fights. I lost that match -- but it was a pretty good match. I lost the match by armbar... [After a year hiatus], I ended up flying out to the IFC, where I fought Kelly Dullanty -- that was my second loss, and it was by decision. It was a pretty good match though. After that I flew back out to Colorado for Gladiator Challenge, and I won that fight against Greg McKintyre. He's out of California somewhere -- I beat him by TKO also. Beating Todd Fox was a good win for you, wasn't it? After I fought Todd Fox, no one wanted to fight me anymore. I had three guys lined up to fight, and all three guys backed out. Steve Berger is a really tough opponent. Who's been your toughest opponent thus far? My toughest opponent? Myself! [Laughs.] I'm going to say... probably Quincy. The reason I say Quincy is not because he hurt me -- he popped my arm -- but only because I hit him with a lot of things... I hit him with a few good shots and he kept on ticking, kept on ticking. Kelly Dullanty, he frustrated me... but I think if I trained for the fight I don't think he could give me a hard time at all. Your thoughts on Berger? I think he's a very good opponent. He's a nice guy. He's a boxing and jiu-jitsu guy... he's not really fast. He's real methodical and he's really, really good at what he does, but he's not fast. I'm not trying to sound cocky at all, but I'm real confident in what I'm doing. Do you have any concerns getting into the ring against him? I already have pretty good sprawls -- I'm pretty good at takedown defense -- so I'm not really too worried about that. I'm not too worried about his hands either. I know if he hits me it's going to be a different story, but I'm not too worried about it. I've got a lot of confidence in my style... and in what I can do. Are you going to stand and trade with him? It depends on what he gives me. I wasn't planning on standing with Todd, but Todd threw a punch at me so I threw a punch at him. Steve, he's grappler... I can grapple. But by the same token, if he throws punches at me and he lands I might hit him or I might go to the ground with him. It depends. I'm not afraid to do anything with him. I'm confident to punch, I'm confident to kick, I'm confident to go to the ground -- I'm confident to do everything. All I can say is: if he's not prepared for a war, he better go back home. How are you right before a fight? I'm pretty calm. I might get a little pumped up. Actually, I really don't get too pumped up until about a match before my match. Then I start to get pumped up. I don't get nervous anymore, I'm not sure why. I guess the nervousness now turns into excitement, 'cause I don't get jitters, my stomach doesn't flutter, nothing... I think I'm probably more excited than anything. What are your thoughts on the Ring of Fury promotion? It's actually the best event that I've ever competed in. This is a professional and very put-together event... I'm thoroughly impressed with it. Also, I can get up and go down the street and fight and then come back home, instead of flying two thousand miles either way. I love it! What are your goals in MMA? To be the best... I'd love to fight in King of the Cage, I'd love to fight in the UFC, I'd love to fight in Pride. Wherever the 'best' is, I want to be there. So for all the people who've never seen you fight, what can they expect? Don't expect it to be a sit-down or lay-down fight. It's going to be pretty fast-paced 'cause that's the type of fighter I am. Expect a war. Explosions. |
| Sunday - September 22, 2002 |
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at Ring of Fury 2 By Jim Genia Photography by Keith Mills (September 21, 2002) It was a night of thrills here in Lowell, Massachusetts, as Ring of Fury returned to give New Englanders another taste of quality mixed martial arts action. Proving that his premiere outing was no fluke, promoter Tom Hafers ran a smooth and well-organized event -- and put together a card of nine bouts stacked with UFC veterans, a HOOKnSHOOT champ, and the best in local talent. 
Squaring off for the United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) welterweight belt, MMA workhorse Steve Berger and crowd-pleaser Nuri Shakir fought fast and furiously. Missouri's Berger, coming of a tough loss against UFC-rising star Robbie Lawler, stepped into the ring with a ton of experience -- and needed it to weather the New Hampshire-native's storm of strikes. Dropped by a solid left at one point, Berger remained calm until he recovered, then regained his feet and resumed trading until he could secure a guillotine choke. Shakir was forced to tap out at 4:59 of the first round. Although Berger came away with a much-needed win, Shakir -- with his ferocity and heavy hands -- acquitted himself well.In light-heavyweight action, the war between Jorge Rivera and Travis Lutter was undoubtedly the best fight of the night. 
With Lutter's HOOKnSHOOT belt on the line, local Team Elite member and USMMA champ Rivera was all heart as he withstood his opponent's rock-solid ground game. Lutter, a game Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt and Texas Lion's Den fighter, maintained positional dominance and attempted everything from rear naked chokes to triangle chokes to armlocks, but Rivera showed tremendous poise in defending it all. On their feet, however, it was Rivera's world [Top photo: Lutter on left, Rivera on right], and at 3:46 of the third round he sent Lutter to the canvas with a stunning right cross [Center photo] followed by a bout-ending flurry. To the excited cheers of the audience, the exhausted "Conquistador" was victorious [Bottom photo shows the aftermath]. Rivera is now both HOOKnSHOOT and USMMA light-heavyweight champ.
In other championship action, Wisconsin heavyweight Ben Rothwell was victorious against Tennessee's Johnathan Ivey, despite nearly being disqualified for striking while the referee tried to separate the two. Rothwell -- at 257 pounds -- was too much for the entertaining 265-pound Ivey (who himself captivated the crowd with such antics as charging into the ropes and bouncing off pro-wrestling style, as well as flailing his arms and making faces as he attacked). Rothwell opened up a cut above Ivey's left eye that required medical attention twice, and as per Massachusetts rules, the bout was called in his favor. At 1:14 of the first round, Rothwell became the new USMMA Heavyweight Champ.Elsewhere on the card, middleweight champ Keith Rockel put on a clinic as he out-grappled the grappler in West Virginia's Todd Carney, tapping Carney out with a rear naked choke in the first round. In the welterweight division, Pennsylvania's Jeremy Bennett and Keith Wisniewski both looked impressive as they defeated Mike Littlefield and Matt Lee, respectively. In each instance, the referee was forced to stop the match due to unanswered strikes. The crowd of approximately 1,600 in attendance seemed pleased. And with UFC president Dana White, top-ranked fighter Chuck Liddell, boxer Mickey Ward, and UFC legend Mikey Burnett in the audience, Ring of Fury did it once again. Results:
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| Monday - September 23, 2002 |
| We regret to announce the passing of Jose Alonso Filho on September 21, 2002, grandfather of FCF's Eduardo Alonso. Our deepest condolences go out to Eduardo and his family. |
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From Koichi "Booker K" Kawasaki: Results from K-1 ANDY SPIRITS 2002 JAPAN GP FINAL Held Sept. 22, 2002 - Osaka Jo Hall 1st match:Opening Fight Hiroki Kurosawa def. Wataru Suda - R2 2:39 TKO (referee stop) JAPAN GP Tournament (3min 3R) 2nd match: Tsuyoshi Nakasako def. Ryuta Noji - R3 Decision (3-0) 3rd match: Yusuke Fujimoto def. Tooru Ooishi - R3 1:47 KO 4th match: Musashi def. Hiromi Amada - Extension R Decision (2-0) 5th match: Tatsufumi Tomihira def. Nobu Hayashi - Extension R Decision (3-0) Semi-Final 1st Match 7th match: Tsuyoshi Nakasako def. Yusuke Fujimoto - R3 2:18 KO Semi-Final 2nd Match 8th match: Musashi def. Tatsufumi Tomihira - R3 Decision (3-0) Final 11th match: Musashi def. Tsuyoshi Nakasako - Re-Extension R Decision (3-0) SUPER FIGHTS 6th match: K-1 rule Bob Sapp def. Cyril Abidi - R1 1:17 KO 9th match: K-1 rule Petr Vandrachek def. Great Kusatsu - R2 1:32 KO 10th match: K-1 rule Mike Bernardo def. Tom Erickson - R1 2:30 KO |
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Wes "Cabbage" Corriera By Loretta Hunt 
Coming in at 6'3" and 265 pounds, Wes "Cabbage" Corriera makes his UFC heavyweight debut following a seven-fight winning streak this past year at the SuperBrawl and Shogun promotions. Representing Grappling Unlimited, the home of spirited fighting brothers Enson and Egan Inoue, it will take nothing short of a knockout or submission to stop the freight train that is Correira. With a style reminiscent of the "old school" brawlers of yesteryear, opponent Tim Sylvia, of Miletich Martial Arts, may have his hands quite full come Friday night. An agreeable and jovial giant, Corriera lets us in on just how his training is going, his thoughts on fellow heavyweight Sylvia, what it means to have BJ Penn as a teammate, and just why he's called "Cabbage."FCF: Thanks for taking the time to talk Wes. As UFC 39 will be your first introduction to many MMA fans out there, I'd like to go back to the beginning and ask how you first got into mixed martial arts? Cabbage: Okay. I used to train a lot of boxing and kickboxing when I was younger, but I never got a chance to compete. I did wrestling for one year in high school and I also used to take judo and became a brown belt. I also took karate for a week before I figured out that it was full of crap. When I turned 18, I started training jiu-jitsu with B.J. [Penn]. I had my first extreme fight when I was twenty years old. It was my first MMA fight and I've loved it ever since then. FCF: All of this training has occurred in your native homeland of Hawaii? Cabbage: Yes, I study with Adrian Silver- he's me and B.J.'s boxing coach over here. With my kickboxing, I've been working with my teammates. Recently, I went to Thailand to study Muay Thai. B.J. and I started jiu-jitsu about the same time about four years ago. We went to high school together. I represent Grappling Unlimited with Egan and Enson Inoue when I fight, but when I come down here, I always have a place to train with B.J. We train in a cage together and I have a lot of technical guys to work out with. When I go to Grappling Unlimited [three islands over from Hilo, Hawaii on Oahu], I've got bigger guys to roll with and beat up a little. They beat me up too. I'll have Egan and Adrian in my corner for the fight- possibly Enson as well. FCF: That 's quite a corner to have. Cabbage: Don't worry. They'll be no Pride reenactments here. |
| Tuesday - September 24, 2002 |
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Today we continue our pre-fight coverage of UFC 39 with an interview with Cabbage's opponent, giant Tim Sylvia, as he prepares for his debut in the Octagon. By Loretta Hunt 
6'8". 265 pounds. In an age where large doesn't necessarily equate to slow; where heavyweights can be technical as well as brawny, Miletich Martial Arts' Tim Sylvia is looking to etch himself a place among this growing group of mammoth competitors. His journey reaches a new milestone here at UFC 39 with his toughest adversary to date. With a clean record of 15-0 amassed mostly from Extreme Challenge and SuperBrawl action, Sylvia is ready to take on what the next level of competition has to offer. His opponent? A burly Hawaiian by the name of Wes "Cabbage" Corriera, cut from virtually the same cloth as Sylvia himself. Two 265-pounders that BOTH want to keep it standing. (Insert fireworks here.) Sylvia explains how he's up for that challenge and where he's looking to go in the UFC heavyweight class -- revealing which heavyweight is on his own personal "hit list" and another heavyweight whose experience he has drawn from in the last couple of weeks. For this easy-going Maine native, Friday is only the beginning.FCF: Let's first start with your earlier days in the sport. How did you get into mixed martial arts? TS: I wrestled a bit in high school. I wasn't good at all. I was fat, short, and out of shape, but I loved to compete. I always did karate all through grammar and high school. I have about seven years of karate under my belt. I held a black belt in Okinawan karate and held a brown belt in an Americanized version I studied. Something I've always enjoyed was martial arts. I moved to another town and started bouncing at a place where all the other bouncers were doing grappling. They would just do it on the side and I started going to classes and really enjoyed it. We'd get together a couple of times a week at the local Gold's Gym. We were doing it mainly to protect ourselves when we were bouncing. We were choking guys out instead of punching them, which was much easier. FCF: Where were you and the other bouncers getting your grappling knowledge from? TS: One guy learned from Boston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Marcus Davis was a pro boxer out of Bangor [Maine]. He was teaching us the sambo part that he had learned in Boston. I also got all the Mario Sperry tapes that we'd all watch together on the weekends and then go and practice. I guess I was mostly self-taught for that first year. FCF: How did you progress from grappling to MMA? TS: I had the opportunity to compete in a couple of grappling tournaments and took first place in both of them. Then, I had the opportunity to do an amateur NHB fight, open-handed, in Rhode Island. I knocked the guy out in twelve seconds and thought, 'Wow, this is kind of fun. I kinda like doing this. I don't get in trouble for it and it's a great way to release stress.' And it kinda started from there. The next time they had a fight, I came down and won again. They gave me a title shot with Rhode Island Vale Tudo -- that's Kipp Kollar's event -- and he got me involved with the IFC. I went to Atlantic City and won there. FCF: From there, how did you connect with the Miletich Martial Arts team? TS: I went to the next UFC and met Pat [Miletich] and those guys and just started talking to them. I had a big fight coming up in World Extreme Fighting and knew that my competition was going to be tough. The guy I was training with at the time was talking to Pat and he ended up inviting me out [to Iowa] for a week. I came out and trained my ass off for a week and Pat said, 'You know, we could always use a hard working heavyweight. Why don't you come out and live here?' That's all I was waiting for and a month later I moved out here. |
From the event's promoter: FIGHT NIGHT 18
Come join us for an action-packed night of fights September 28th - Seating begins at 6pm, fights begin at 7pm South Plainfield Middle School 2201 Plainfield Avenue South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080 For more information call 908-352-0622 or visit http://members.aol.com/shootfyter. Fighters interested in competing in future BAMA events, please call 908-352-0622 |
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From John Petrilli (RITC): Dewees vs Adkins (UFC Veteran) Riggs vs "A-Dawg" Durant vs Alexander A third Main Event fight has been added to the already awesome RITC 39 card. Kenneth Alexander (Team Bad Boy, USA) from San Diego, posted 3 impressive wins earlier this year, two in RITC and one in Tito's Rumble on the Reservation. Kenneth moved to the #1 spot in the RITC Welterweight rankings. US Marine Sergeant Alexander then spent a 5 month tour of duty in Afghanistan. Adam Durant has posted a 4-1 record in RITC matches this year. His lone defeat was to Alexander when Adam stepped up to the Welterweight division to fight Alexander who had a 10 lb weight advantage that night. Adam is now on a 3 fight win streak and is ranked #1 in the RITC Lightweight division. When Kenneth returned home from Afghanistan last month, he officially announced that he's dropping to the Lightweight division. Kenneth and Adam are now co-ranked as the #1 RITC Lightweight due to this latest development. Kenneth now has his sights set on highly regarded Javi "Showtime" Vazquez but first wants to determine, at equal weight, who deserves the RITC Lightweight Championship, so we've added this outstanding matchup, Durant-Alexander II, as a Main Event fight to the RITC 39 card. Previously announced: One of Arizona's most active and most popular fighters, Edwin Dewees, will be featured in one Main Event fight for RITC 39. Edwin, in just over 2 years, has posted a 23-4 record in RITC bouts. A special thanks to Edwin for stepping up to accept this huge challenge in front on his hometown fans. Sam Adkins is a Wrestler/Boxer. He has appeared in the UFC on three occasions. Prior to his UFC 8 debut, Adkins had amassed an amateur wrestling record of 83-1, an amateur boxing record of 54-12 and a pro boxing record or 6-7. He was a National Golden Gloves silver medalist and formerly served as a sparring partner for both Tommy Morrison and Riddick Bowe. Sam has fought many notable MMA heavyweights, including Ken Shamrock, Don Frye, Dan Severn, Tank Abbott, Bobby Hoffman, Gan McGee and Travis Fulton. Sam Adkins is a very experienced fighter who will provide a stern test for local favorite Edwin Dewees. It should be a "war" that you won't want to miss. Joseph Riggs just turned 20 years old. He's a Wrestler/Boxer. He's a two-time State Wrestling Champion and an Arizona Golden Gloves Champion. In his first year of MMA competition he has posted a 6-1 record over quality opponents including two UFC veterans. Former #1 ranked RITC Heavyweight, Allan Sullivan is coming out of "semi-retirement" to challenge the current RITC Heavyweight Champ. "A-Dawg" has posted a 5-3 record against UFC veterans and a 9-2 record in RITC matches. He's looking to regain the top spot in the RITC Heavyweight Division. With a combined weight of nearly 700 pounds, the Cory Timmerman / Justin Lyon fight in RITC 38 turned out to be a real crowd pleaser. Cory stopped Justin's three fight win streak with an arm bar submission victory late into round 2. Justin asked for a rematch and since the fans loved their first encounter, we'll do it again at RITC 39. These intriguing fights along with a strong supporting card will make for another exciting evening of RITC fights. We're going to work hard on the rest of the card right up until fight time to provide the best available action for our loyal RITC fans. Kevin Christopher's Team Bad Boy USA, from San Diego, will be "invading" Phoenix to showcase some top new talent. Matt Asher's Combat Team, from Casa Grande Arizona, will be back in full force. The Asher Team, along with their huge contingent of supporters, have made a phenomenal impact on RITC over the past year. The always popular fighters from Leininger Dojo will be back for more action as well. Triple Main Event: Edwin "Babyface" Dewees vs Sam "The Experience" Adkins Joseph "Diesel" Riggs vs Allan "A-Dawg" Sullivan Adam Durant vs Kenneth Alexander Super Fight: Cory "Tugboat" Timmerman (305 lbs) vs Justin "Big Dawg" Lyon (375 lbs) There will be 12 fights (the Arizona Commission Limit). Fight Card subject to change. Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona Saturday, October 19, 2002 Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 8 PM General Admission Tickets still only $20 !!! Tickets $20 (rows 14-25), $30 (rows 4-13) and $40 (rows 1-3). Tickets for RITC available at the Celebrity Theatre Box Office (602-267-1600) or at Ticketmaster (480-784-4444). For more information, please visit www.rageinthecage.com or e-mail Roland Sarria at doomstr@primenet.com. |
| Wednesday - September 25, 2002 |
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By Loretta Hunt This installment of our Faces of UFC 39 series focuses today on heavyweight Gan McGee, deemed the biggest underdog for Friday night's showdown with heavily experienced Pedro Rizzo. 
Calm and reserved, much like his mentor Chuck "the Iceman" Liddell, Gan McGee made his Octagon debut at UFC 28, but hasn't walked the fame fighter's ramp since. With almost two more years of training under his belt and a few more wins to reflect this, McGee has been called up again to take the challenge. A high school and college wrestler, 6'10" McGee hopes his solid base in the art of the takedown will be enough to derail deadly striker Pedro Rizzo. The Californian discusses his breakdown of the fight, how he's been equipping himself for battle, and his thoughts on just how big weight will be a factor on Friday.FCF: The last time UFC fans had a chance to see you in action was at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, where you took on another first-timer, Josh Barnett. What have you been doing since UFC 28, and how did you make your way back to the Octagon? GM: After the UFC, I went back to fighting a few smaller shows. Actually, my weight increased -- I was coming in around 320 for a while and the UFC was using heavyweights that were lighter. I started dieting and training, trying to get my weight down. It's getting low now and I got the call -- so I'm doing it [the UFC] again. FCF: What smaller shows were you competing in? GM: I fought for the WEC a couple of times. Maybe another fight. I can't remember. FCF: When you fought Barnett, what weight were you at? GM: I was around 300 [pounds]. FCF: From 300 pounds you are working down to the 265-pound weight class limit, where opponent Pedro Rizzo will be waiting for you. Rizzo is extremely experienced, having fought for the show ten times since UFC Brazil in October 1998. What are your thoughts on this fight? GM: Me and Pedro Rizzo -- we're going to be the classic match of a wrestler versus kickboxer. I'm going to try and take him down. He' s going to try and knock me out. This is a great career opportunity for me. Rizzo is a good one to go against. I also think it's going to be fun. He's a tough guy. It should be enjoyable. FCF: How has your training with world-class striker Chuck Liddell helped you for this fight? GM: Chuck is a great training partner for me. He's pretty much the same [as Rizzo], maybe a little bit lighter. Chuck's a great kickboxer, the same style of fighting [as Rizzo]. There's nothing to worry about in taking him down and he's probably a little bit better wrestler than Rizzo. FCF: Let's fill in the fans in regards to your background in the combat arts. What discipline(s) did you start in? GM: I wrestled in high school and college. Chuck used to wrestle at Cal Poly too, but graduated a year or two before I went to college. And then there was also Scott Adams. He was wrestling in his senior year when I was a freshman. Chuck would come to work out at the gym after I was done wrestling. In my off-season, I started to stay and roll around with him and learn submissions. One day, Chuck asked me if I wanted to fight and I kinda fell into it from there. I didn't even wrestle my senior year. I just liked fighting so much that I decided to just do that. FCF: How far did you get with your college wrestling? GM: I went to nationals a few times, but never won it. FCF: You must have a very strong foundation in wrestling. What other aspects of the fight game do you train in today? GM: I work on a little bit of everything with Chuck -- kickboxing and submissions. I just try and stay well rounded. |
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By Loretta Hunt In this installment we catch up with one of the lightweight class's most dynamic fighters. With an eye-pleasing style within the cage, and a sassy attitude outside to match it, this fighter makes his way back to the Octagon after a nine-month hiatus from fighting. He's tough. He's confident. He's the only man to ever beat Jens Pulver. He is... 
Coming in at 5'9" and 155 pounds, this warrior makes his return after an injury-induced nine-month hiatus. Being the one competitor to have handed former UFC champion Jens Pulver a loss, Thomas was a natural choice for the 4-man lightweight tournament that will decide just who get to fill "Little Evil's" shoes. Thomas takes on Japanese legend Caol Uno, a fighter he lost to three years ago in the early stages of his career. Thomas is hoping that this time however, it will all go differently. Calm, relaxed, and always entertaining, Din Thomas is ready to make his presence known and has made a special pledge to the fans once his hand is raised on Friday night. Ladies and gentleman, Mr. Din Thomas.FCF: Let's get the public back up to speed in the ways of Din Thomas. Will you refresh our memories as to the injury you incurred a few months ago and your road to recovery and fighting again? DT: Basically, I'll say that the injury was just an accumulation of hard training through the years. I always remembered having pretty bad knees, but it got to the point where it was unbearable. When I was going to fight Matt [Serra at UFC 36], I couldn't even train some days. I couldn't even walk some days. I had a talk with my doctor, John Keating from Atlanta, and he said I would have to cancel my fight and get this taken care of. Basically, he went in and cleaned out my knee. It was a torn meniscus and some other damage in there that he took care of and now I'm good to go. FCF: How many months were you not able to do any type of training whatsoever? DT: About two months. I was on crutches for two months. When my doctor first told me I had to be off for two months, as soon as those two months started, I was counting the days. I actually threw the crutches off a day or two early. I was at the gym and I just started training right there. I couldn't take it no more. FCF: So how many months have you been officially training for your upcoming bout with Caol Uno? DT: I train year round really, so it's not like I have to do anything really special. I kinda turn it up a bit about two months out. That's when I really start focusing. FCF: And you've been able to complete this full two-month period? Did your recovery time dip into this time at all? DT: No, not at all. My knee is fine. It's like nothing happened. I feel really good. I can't complain at all. I'm really excited to fight. I just can't wait till the 27th. I'm dying over here! FCF: What is an ultimate fighter to do when he's on crutches for two months? DT: You get pampered a lot and you do a lot of talking to whoever will listen to you. I tried to build my fan base up while I couldn't fight. I did a lot of promotional work for myself. When you're training you don't have a lot of time to market yourself, so when I got hurt, I took the time to do that. I did a lot of radio. I made up little trading cards, so wherever I went, I'd pass out my cards and try and meet different people. |
| Thursday - September 26, 2002 |
 The Miracle of UFC 39 By Jim Genia The weigh-in for the Ultimate Fighting Championship 39 "The Warriors Return" show was held today at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, and it marked a momentous occasion in UFC history. "Momentous?" you may wonder? "Did someone fall off the scale and hurt himself?" No, no one got hurt, and that's what was so special. The card for this show has remained virtually intact, free of injuries and fighter withdrawals, since it was conceived. More than any other, this card can truly be called "solid" -- and that is the miracle of UFC 39. On to the weights. Stepping up for the vacant heavyweight title, two-time UFC champ Randy Couture was 227 pounds, while rising star Ricco Rodriguez tipped the scales at 243 pounds. Couture has been training with Miletich-fighter Tim Sylvia for this match. Will it be enough to keep the Team Punishment upstart from wearing the crown? For the much-anticipated first stage of the lightweight tournament, Hawaiian stud BJ Penn and jiu-jitsu demon Matt Serra were both 154 pounds -- and both looked to be in incredible shape. Penn himself was a changed man because of a new diet, having cut out junk food and gaining washboard abs in the process. Japanese superstar Caol Uno and Florida's tough guy Din Thomas were 154 and 152.5 pounds respectively. Will this rematch play out differently than their first bout years ago? Or has Thomas' string of victories since then (including a submission win over top dog Jens Pulver) made him into something more than Uno can handle? In the heavyweight division, Brazilian slugger Pedro Rizzo and SLO Kickboxing's giant Gan McGee were 246.5 and 264 pounds, while Sylvia and Hawaiian monster Wesley "Cabbage" Coreirra were 259.5 and 263 pounds [Cabbage & Sylvia are shown facing off above]. With all the heavy leather that will surely be thrown tomorrow night, these big boys were surprisingly amicable and friendly with each other. Equally as friendly were welterweights Sean Sherk and Benji Radach, who, at 167 pounds and 170 pounds, will be showing fans the latest edition of the classic "wrestler" versus "striker" match-up. Middleweights Ivan Salaverry and Matt Lindland were 184 and 183.5 pounds, and completely respectful. 
But taking the prize for fighter interaction: former middleweight champ Dave Menne (182 pounds) and New York BadAss Phil Baroni (182.5 pounds). Usually intense and focused, Baroni stepped up to the scale with a sexy woman on each arm, and at the photo op, jokingly grabbed Menne's throat and made as if he were punching him [This photo was snapped just after Baroni's "playful" antics]. The two fighters with aspirations for the belt then skipped the standard fighters' pose and stood with the women -- both warriors sharing a smile.So far so good for "The Warriors Return". A roster full of talent on a card more solid than any other -- will the miracle of UFC 39 pan out into a good show? Tune in tomorrow. |
 Connecticut Sound Bites By Loretta Hunt With the official weigh-ins for UFC 39 "The Warriors Return" completed -- fans, fighters, their families and friends enter the home stretch countdown for the "big show." Here are a few thoughts from some of tomorrow night's competitors, with their inevitable trip to the Octagon not far from their minds…
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Pedro Rizzo, eleven-time returning UFC heavyweight veteran, on opponent Gan McGee's heftier size:
Dave Menne, former UFC middleweight champion, on opponent Phil Baroni's rambunctious antics at the weigh-ins:
Tim Sylvia, first-time UFC heavyweight competitor and Miletich Martial Arts representative, on his and opponent Wes "Cabbage" Corriera's slimmed-down physiques:
Gan McGee, Chuck Liddell protégé and two-time returning heavyweight (formerly super-heavy), on going in the underdog against UFC staple Pedro Rizzo:
Benji Radach, three-time returning UFC welterweight contender, on opponent Sean Sherk's takedown prowess:
Middleweight contender Matt Lindland, on his recent ten-day trip to the Miletich camp:
Sean Sherk, Minnesotan welterweight dominator, on avoiding fan's criticisms:
Ivan Salaverry, AMC Pankration delegate and two-time returning middleweight, on just where his fight with Matt Lindland falls in the middleweight class's "big picture":
The Faces of UFC 39: New York Style Today we take a look at a couple of the local boys fighting in UFC 39: "NY BadAss" Phil Baroni" & Matt "The Terror" Serra. |
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By Loretta Hunt 
Loud. Brash. Cocky. Bold. Middleweight contender Phil Baroni has probably been called all of these things, as his in-your-face self promotion has attracted (and detracted) droves of fans curious to hear what he'll say next. Now add exciting to that list as well. For all of his talk outside the ring, Baroni is beginning to deliver the type of performances that complement the hype he preaches. His last fight at UFC 37 turned more than a few heads, when his concentrated aggressiveness allowed him to capitalize on Russian opponent Amar Suloev's hesitant play. Suloev, a world-class kickboxer, had been hailed as one of the "next big things" to hit the sport. Baroni thought to the contrary. Now taking on returning former UFC middleweight champion Dave Menne, a win for Baroni could secure him the title bout he's been working towards. Catching up with Phil between training sessions at the Mohegan Sun, his mood is focused and confident. This fighter means business.FCF: Phil, you've been uncharacteristically quiet lately. How has your training been going? PB: I've been training real hard and breaking my ass. I've been training at One Kick Nick's and the Las Vegas Combat Club. FCF: Have you officially made the move out to Las Vegas? PB: Yes, I'm living in Vegas now and I like it a lot. FCF: You made quite a statement with your last performance at UFC 37. Have there been any changes in your training since your last fight? PB: My last fight was Amar Suleov and the difference in training from that fight to this one is that I'm working a lot more on my stand up. I'm ready to rock and roll. FCF: If you could control where this fight is going with Menne, where would you like it to go? PB: I'm ready to fight anywhere -- anywhere it goes. I'm just going to go out there and be dangerous. FCF: Knockout or submission. What would be your weapon of choice? PB: Of course, knockout. I'm always looking for the knockout. |
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By Loretta Hunt 
Continuing with our pre-show coverage, today we hear from another contender in the hunt for the UFC lightweight title -- Long Island's own Matt Serra.He can wow fans on the ground with his slick positioning, flowing transitions, and submissions that seem to come out of nowhere. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the famed Renzo Gracie, Matt "the Terror" Serra has created himself a niche among MMA audiences. The "ground" fans worship him for his aggressive ground tactics while others respect him for his gutsy display standing up, even when he may be the odd man out. Since his unforgettable debut at UFC 31 versus a vastly more experienced Shonie Carter, Serra has always delivered the goods, making him a fan favorite in loss and victory. Friday's match up against BJ Penn is a dream come true for those looking to see the ground game pushed to its ultimate limits within the Octagon. But as Serra explains, he's not ready to be counted out upstairs quite yet. FCF: Let's first start off with your training, and a factor that is probably on a lot of fan's minds. How is your stand up coming along? MS: I've been training hard. I've been doing a ton of sparring, three or four times a week. I always hit all aspects hard, but who knows? Maybe people get to see [the standup] in this fight, maybe they don't. Up till now, I stand by each one of my performances and every good fight that I've had I feel like I can improve. From the Shonie fight, to the Edwards fight, to my Dullanty fight, I think I've become a more evolved and seasoned fighter each time. There's a chance they'll get to see it [the stand up] in this fight, but who knows? I always train hard though, and I train everything. FCF: Is it just a case of fans not getting a chance to see what you can really do on your feet? MS: People didn't get to see it [the standup] too much with my Edwards fight, but look what he did to his last opponent. I think Edwards is one of the best strikers in this sport . It would have been foolish for me to play his game. With Shonie, that' s where one of my mistakes was. I had too much of a street-fighter mentality in that fight. When I was standing, I just wanted to get him. I wasn't as strategic as I was on the ground. FCF: Your sparring at this point is a mix of boxing and Thai boxing, right? MS: We mix up everything. We punch. We do punching to takedowns. We do straight boxing, straight kickboxing. It's really nothing new. We have to cover everything and I'm sure most guys are doing what I'm doing. It might just sound different because a jiu-jitsu guy is doing it. |
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From the event's promoter: As of September 24th, this is the fight card: Fight Card: - Roger Sexton VS. Steven Tujac - Bill Bob Westfall Vs. Harry Bishop - Forest Petz Vs. Daniel McRae - Chad Ryner Vs. Jon Tarrh - Chris Melvins Vs. Chris Sunyak - Brian Skipo Vs. Pete Caniglia - Josh Smith Vs. Daniel Barrow - Jeff Cox Vs. Jason Jones - Joe Walls Vs. Chris Weekly - James Escaloni Vs. Nathen Burton - Eric Wilson Vs. Brad Sizemore - Tim Mannon Vs. Mat Householder - Alan Fenn Vs. Zachary E. Wilds ****CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE***** If you need more info about the show or the seminar, please contact me ASAP: rdware@cloh.net . |
| Friday - September 27, 2002 |
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By Loretta Hunt 
What better way to conclude our series today than chat with lightweight contender, BJ Penn? At 23 years old, Hawaiian import Penn has already had a phenomenal career in a relatively short period of time. He knocked out two of the UFC's top five lightweight contenders on his way to a collision course title bout with champion Jens Pulver. Although he did not come away from that match-up victorious, Penn says he walked away with an even more valuable commodity -- wisdom. Pulver may be gone from the UFC, but he still remains in Penn's thoughts. With the UFC lightweight belt potentially two fights away for 4-1 UFC veteran, Penn discusses his future in the game, his current bout against fellow BJJ black belt and Renzo Gracie protégé Matt Serra, and just what he thinks of Pulver's current competition.FCF: Your last fight versus Paul Creighton at UFC 37 introduced us to a less frenzied BJ Penn. You took your time and showed the patience of a more mature fighter. Should we expect more of that this Friday? BJP: Definitely. I'm going to take the fight as it comes, standing or on the ground or wherever. I think I'm a lot more relaxed now and I'm not in such a rush to get the guy out of there, so in that aspect this fight might look similar. But, I've also been working a lot on my explosiveness, so it might be a mix of those two. FCF: What do you attribute this newfound relaxation to? BJP: I attribute that to [Jens] Pulver. Losing that fight to him just made it a lot worse for everyone now, including him when I see him again to fight. I really feel like I matured over that fight. I know how it is now to be almost winning and then not win, to take a few punches here and there. That fight really did it for me. It made me ten times a better fighter. FCF: After training for previous fights with Frank Shamrock and "Crazy" Bob Cook's crew at the American Kickboxing Academy in California, you went back to your Hawaiian roots and trained for your last fight from there. Who have you been training with this time around? BJP: Pretty much the same guys as last time. I am training with my brothers, my teacher Charuto Verissimo de Oliveira [of Nova Uniao] -- he's a black belt down here, and then we have a wrestler here named Melchor [Manibusan]. He's fought in Abu Dhabi before. He's a great wrestler. We've been bringing in a couple of other guys and I have everything I need right now. FCF: Your match-up against Matt Serra is fast becoming one of the more anticipated bouts of the night, especially for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners around the world who hope to see some serious ground action. What are your thoughts on "The Terror"? BJP: Matt Serra is a very explosive fighter himself. He's a great competitor and I love watching him fight. I like him as a person as well; he's a really good guy. But I' m entering my prime now in my fighting career. This is definitely not the most experienced I'll ever be, but I'll definitely be my strongest and my fastest time. I think in these next seven years, you're going to see a lot of great fights out of me -- this is going to be one of them. |
| Saturday - September 28, 2002 |
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Penn & Uno Advance to Next Round By Jim Genia 
(Uncasville, Connecticut, September 27th) Not a single submission all night, but more leather thrown than ever before. A newly crowned young heavyweight champ, two lightweight chess matches, a heavyweight slugfest and a middleweight devestation. That was UFC 39 "The Warriors Return" in a nutshell, and judging by the packed house at the Mohegan Sun Arena -- on their feet cheering -- the show was a good one.
Ricco Rodriguez and Randy Couture met in the Octagon to determine who should fill the heavyweight championship vacancy, and after five rounds of back-and-forth pounding on the ground, Couture was forced to verbally submit. Dishing out the pain in the first two rounds, Couture found himself on the receiving end for the latter rounds as Rodriguez maintained the top position and rained down strikes. It was too much for the two-time champ, and at 3:04 of the Round Five, it was all over. Ricco "Sauve" Rodriguez is the new UFC Heavyweight Champ. In the first round of the tournament leading to the UFC's lightweight belt, four of the best 155-pound fighters in the world showed why they're the best. Going the full three-round distance, Japanese superstar Caol Uno weathered an early submission storm from Florida's Din Thomas and kept the pressure up with strikes from the top to earn the unanimous decision. Also going the distance were Hawaiian stud BJ Penn and Long Island's Matt "the Terror" Serra -- two of the best jiu-jitsu fighters in the world -- who fought this battle completely on their feet. Showing vastly improved stand-up, the Terror was forced to trade with Penn, who himself did everything in his power to not go to the ground. Though he failed to knock the Terror out as many had predicted, Penn remained in control, earning the unanimous decision. The stage is now set for a rematch between Uno and Penn -- with the vacant UFC lightweight title on the line. Rarely does the loser get a thunderous standing ovation from the audience, but Wesley "Cabbage" Coreirra deserved it. He and Miletich-fighter Tim Sylvia battled it out in what could only be described as a heavyweight "slugfest", and while he ate countless punches to the face and knees to the body, Cabbage refused to go down. Sylvia looked impressive as he stalked his opponent, and garnered the win after Cabbage's corner threw in the towel at 1:43 of the second round. But Cabbage was the man who would not go down -- making this bout the undisputed crowd favorite of the night. 
The Warriors returned to the Mohegan Sun for UFC 39 -- and it was a night of crowd pleasing heavy leather. Results:
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| Sunday - September 29, 2002 |
 A Good Night for Team BAMA at Fight Night 18 By Jim Genia September 28th -- It was a good night for local fighters to get their feet wet in the ring -- and it was a good night for some Bayside Academy of Martial Arts (BAMA) fighters. Fight Night 18 took place at its usual spot at the South Plainfield Middle School in New Jersey, and the few hundred spectators that filled the gymnasium were treated to Muay Thai, grappling, shootfighting, and mixed martial arts bouts as fresh talent battled it out. Congrats to BAMA and Dan Miragliotta for another good event. The Results: Muay Thai Bout Mike Tassello vs. Anderson DeCastro DeCastro by decision after three rounds. DeCastro showed superior technique, scoring a knockdown in the last round to secure the win. Shootfighting Timothy Hands vs. Peter LaValle LaValle via armbar. Hands, a BAMA fighter, started off the match with a great takedown/slam, but LaValle -- the current lightweight champ -- remained calm and flowed into a nice armbar from the bottom. Shootfighting Darrell Jackson vs. Michael Alfano Alfano by heelhook. Jackson scored a takedown, then went for a footlock, but Alfano was quicker -- nailing the heelhook and getting the submission. Muay Thai Bout Antonio Sanchez vs. Shawn Kenny Kenny due to Sanchez' corner throwing in the towel (a move which many thought wrong, including Sanchez). Sanchez came out strong and aggressive, scoring with flurries, but a calm Kenny weathered the storm to outlast his opponent. Shootfighting Glenn Ortiz vs. Jay Isip Isip by decision. An always-game Ortiz pressed the attack, despite being out-wrestled and out-positioned, but the two fighters fell through the ropes. Ortiz ended up landing on the gym floor and said he was unable to continue, so a decision was rendered on the action thus far. Shootfighting Judah Ciervo vs. John Calavano Ciervo by decision. Ciervo showed greater skill on their feet and smoother technique on the ground, but Calavano was tenacious and kept it competitive. Grappling Anthony Bayer vs. Michael Correa Correa via keylock. Correa, the better wrestler of the two, controlled on the feet and on the ground. A keylock from the mount garnered him the win. Muay Thai Bout Jon Delorenzo vs. Shawn Kenny Kenny by TKO. Kenny stepped into the ring once again and did his school -- Valaro's Martial Arts -- proud. Weathering another storm, Kenny delivered a heavy onslaught that forced the ref to give Delorenzo a standing-eight count. At the end of the count, Delorenzo could not continue and Kenny was declared the winner. Mixed Martial Arts Declan Timlin vs. Carlos Moreno Moreno by KO. Timlin, representing Combined Martial Arts, and Moreno, representing BAMA, came to bang -- and bang they did. Both of these big men came out swinging, but Moreno landed first, getting the quick knockout. This match was a serious crowd pleaser. Muay Thai Exhibition Bout Tony Valera vs. John Ward This match was an exhibition bout, giving both fighters a chance to break a sweat and fight in front of a crowd. Mixed Martial Arts Martin Grant vs. Leonard Elmera Elmera due to Grant's corner throwing in the towel. Elmera was aggressive, firing off flurry after flurry, but Grant kept going. However, condition became a factor, and upon seeing that their fighter was hopelessly exhausted, Grant's corner threw in the towel. Shootfighting Chris Scanlon vs. Anderson DeCastro Scanlon via armlock. DeCastro stepped into the ring for a second time, this time facing Kioto's Scanlon. DeCastro ended up on top after a scramble, but Scanlon nailed a Sakuraba-like armlock from the bottom to elicit the tap out. |
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From Josh Hedges/Zuffa: RODRIGUEZ WINS UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP WITH FIFTH ROUND TKO OVER COUTURE AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA Penn, Uno Win Lightweight Fights; To Meet For Vacant Title Uncasville, CT, September 28, 2002…Ricco Rodriguez of Las Vegas, Nev., won a fifth-round tap-out submission of former two-time champion Randy Couture of Portland, Ore., to win the vacant Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight crown tonight before a sell-out crowd of 7,514 Mixed Martial Arts fans at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Rodriguez, 10-1-0, came back strong with a ground and pound attack after Couture, 7-4-0, took control in the first two rounds with the same offense. Had Couture been victorious, it would have been his third UFC heavyweight title. "I've worked hard my whole life. I grew up in a tough neighborhood and I hustled to win this title. I'll be sleeping with my belt," Rodriguez said. Two lightweight preliminary bouts, both won by unanimous decision, selected the opponents for the UFC's vacant title in that weight division. Caol Uno, 13-4-2, of Kanagawa, Japan, defeated Din Thomas, 16-3-0, of Orlando, Fla., and BJ Penn, 6-1-0, of Hilo, Hawaii, defeated Matt Serra, 11-2-0, of Long Island, N.Y. Penn and Uno will meet early next year. Uno took Thomas to the ground in all three rounds and used elbow punches and grappling to win the unanimous decision. The Penn-Serra fight was much closer as both fighters were cautious in all three rounds. Penn's quickness kept him away from Serra's jiu-jitsu attack, which was enough in the judges' eyes to win the fight. Another battle of heavyweights saw Gan "The Giant" McGee win a first round victory over veteran Pedro Rizzo. McGee, 11-1-0, of San Luis Obispo, Calif., hit Rizzo with a hard right and knocked him down with seconds left. The shot opened a deep cut over Rizzo's nose and the fight was stopped between rounds. Rizzo, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, saw his record fall to 11-4-0. In a much anticipated middleweight bout, Phil Baroni, 6-1-0, of Long Island, NY, came out fast against Dave Menne of Forest Lake, Minn., and knocked him out in 18 seconds. Baroni hit Menne, 35-5-1, with a series of lefts and rights and he was out on his feet. Referee Larry Landless stopped it immediately. Baroni said he definitely wants the middleweight title. In other middleweight action, former 2000 U.S. Olympic wrestling silver medalist Matt "The Law" Lindland of Eagle Creek, Ore., won the Battle of the Northwest with a unanimous decision over Ivan Salaverry of Seattle, Wash. Lindland came out fast and won the first two rounds on the judges' scorecards with a ground and pound attack. Then, he won round three with a solid stand-up attack that opened a cut under Salaverry's left eye. Lindland said afterward he wants a re-match with middleweight champ Murilo Bustamante. Lindland is now 8-1-0 and Salaverry's record fell to 9-2-0. UFC newcomers Tim Sylvia of Davenport, Iowa, and Wesley "Cabbage" Correira of Hilo, Hawaii, staged a heavyweight slugfest in their debuts before Sylvia won a technical knockout by referee stoppage at 1:43 of the second round. Both fighters hit each other with numerous lefts and rights in the first round. "Cabbage" led the initial charge, but Sylvia quickly took over. As the second round began, Sylvia, 16-0-0 in overall MMA, again dominated Correira, who now has a 15-4-0 record. In the curtain raiser, welterweight contender Sean Sherk of Brooklyn Park, Minn., handed Benji Radach of Olympia, Wash., his first MMA loss at 4:16 of the first round with a solid ground and pound attack. Sherk, now 21-0-1, hit Radach, 11-1-0, with elbow shots that opened a deep cut on his forehead and the referee stopped the fight. Pay-per-view re-plays of UFC 39: Return of the Warriors began immediately after the live event at 1 a.m. EDT, Saturday, Sept. 28/10 p.m. PDT, Friday, Sept. 27 on channel iN1 and repeats at 4 a.m. EDT/1 a.m. PDT today. The show will also re-play on iN DEMAND channel iN2 at 1 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, Oct. 1/10 p.m. PDT, Monday, Sept. 30. DIRECTV will re-play the show on its All Day Ticket Sept. 28 and 29, then on Oct. 2,3,5,7,9 and 11. Bell ExpressVu re-plays will be at 1 a.m. EDT, today/10 p.m. PDT, Friday, Sept. 27 and 4 a.m. EDT/1 a.m. PDT today. On TVN, re-plays will air at 1 a.m. EDT today/10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27; 4 a.m. EDT/1 a.m. PDT today and 2 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, Oct. 1/11 p.m. PDT, Monday, Sept. 30. Viewers Choice Canada re-plays begin immediately after live telecast at 1 a.m. EDT today/10 p.m. PDT, Friday, Sept. 27, and 4:30 a.m. EDT/1:30 a.m. PDT today. On Tuesday, Sept. 30, it will air at 3 p.m. EDT/Noon PDT, 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT, 11 p.m. EDT/8 p.m. PDT and 3 a.m. EDT, Wednesday, Oct. 1/Midnight, PDT. The UFC's next live PPV event will be UFC 40: Vendetta at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST on Friday, Nov. 22, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. |
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