FCF products Ad
VISIT THE REST OF OUR SITE BY CLICKING THESE LINKS
SUBSCRIBE FCF SHOP HOME PICTURES VIDEOS FCF TV SHOW

FCF's NHB News

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


  Sunday - December 1, 2002

From Pancrase:
Pancrase Results

Pancrase Tour 2002 Spirit Tour
Saturday,November 30,2002
Doors Open; 5:00pm/Fights Start; 6:30pm
Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium (Kanagawa,Japan)
Live Gate: 5,900 Sell Out
  • Pancrase Gate/Lightweight 2x5 Min Rounds
    Shinya Kumazawa(Hybrid Wrestling Mugen) Drew Hirotaka Tomiyama(P's Lab Yokohama)

  • Pro-Match#1/Middleweight 2x5 Min Rounds
    Yushin Okami(Wajutsu Keishukai Tokyo Hombu) Def. Sen Nakadai(Pancraseism) By 3-0-0 Unanimous Judges Decision At Full Time Limit.

  • Pro-Match#2/Featherweight 2x5 Min Rounds
    Mitsuhisa Sunabe(Hybrid Wrestling Mugen) Def. Masahiro Watanabe(Freelance) By Front Choke Sleeper At 2r 1:17.

  • Pro-Match#3/Middleweight 2x5 Min Round
    Kazuo Misaki(Pancrase Grabaka/Middleweight 4th Ranked) Def. Masaya Kojima(Wajutsu Keishukai Chiba) By Arm Bar At 1r 4:40.

  • Pro-Match#4/Welterweight 3x5 Min Rounds
    Takafumi Ito(Pancraseism/Welterweight 1st Ranked) Def. Takuya Wada (Sk Absolute/Former Shooto Middleweight 7th Ranked) By 3-0-0 Unanimous Judges Decision At Full Time Limit.

  • Pro-Match#5/Light Heavyweight 3x5 Min Rounds
    Ricardo Almeida(Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy/2001 A.D.C.C. -98kg Tournament 2nd Place) Def. Osami Shibuya(Pancraseism/Light Heavyweight 4th Ranked) By Rear Naked Choke At 1r 3:25.

  • Pro-Match#6/Light Heavyweight 3x5 Min Rounds
    Sanae Kikuta(Pancrase Grabaka/2nd Light Heavyweight K.O.P.) Def. Eduardo Pamplona(Ryan Gracie Jiu Jitsu/3 Times Brazil Muay Thai Champion) By 3-0-0 Unanimous Judges Decision At Full Time Limit.

  • Semifinal/Light Heavyweight 3x5 Min Rounds
    Kuhisa Minowa(Pancraseism/Light Heavyweight 6th Ranked) Def. Yuki Sasaki(Pancrase Grabaka/Light Heavyweight 3rd Ranked) By 2-0-1 Majority Judges Decision At Full Time Limit.

  • Main Draw/Open-Weight 3x5 Min Rounds
    Minoru Suzuki(Pancraseism) Def. Jushin Thunder Liger(New Japan Pro-Wrestling) By Rear Naked Choke At 1r 1:48.

From RITC/John Petrilli:
RITC 42 Tucson
This Saturday Night!!

Club Evolution
63 East Congress St
Tucson, Arizona
Saturday, December 7, 2002
Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM

All seats only $20!!! (Open seating on first come, first serve basis) Tickets available at the door or in advance at Lee's Liquor, 1202 N Stone Ave, 520-798-3233. Directions: Club Evolution is located 1 mile east of I-10 Exit #258.

Double Main Event:

Andy Montana (225 lbs), Asher Combat Academy
vs
Cory Timmerman (300 lbs), Brausa Academy

Robert Maldonado (170 lbs), Tucson Judo
vs
Gabe Casillas (170 lbs), Debrazil Academy

Super Fight:

Lyle Steffens (190 lbs), Tucson Judo
vs
TBA

Fighters from Debrazil Academy, Tucson Judo, Savage Te Dawg Pound, Asher Combat Academy, Brausa Academy and others will be on the card. It's been 2 years since Rage in the Cage held an event in Tucson. We have more RITC Tucson dates selected for next year in anticipation of a large turn out of local fans on Saturday night. It will be an exciting night of fights and entertainment. For Phoenix fans it's an easy 90 minute drive to Club Evolution and for Casa Grande fans it's half that time to see one of their top fighters in a Main Event fight. For more information, please visit www.rageinthecage.com or e-mail Roland Sarria at doomstr@primenet.com.

From Koichi "Booker K" Kawasaki:
PRIDE.24 Match Announced

PRIDE.24
DATE: December 23rd, 2002
OPEN: 3:00 PM START 4:30 PM
PLACE: Marine Messe Fukuoka, Japan (Fykuoka-Pref, Japan)

PRIDE heavyweight championship
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Brazil/Brazilian Top Team)
vs.
Emelianenko Fedor (Russia/Russian Top Team)

  Monday - December 2, 2002

Cagewarriors - Fists of Fury Quick Results
By Jim Burman

Jorge Rivera beating on Andy Langden Jorge Rivera [pictured beating on Andy Langden] was one of a few fighters who put in dazzling performances in Saturday's Cagewarriors show. The American import impressed UK fight fans with a technical display, showing why many are tipping him for the future. After landing some solid leg kicks at the opening of the match he took the fight to the mat. Once there he worked meticulously for a submission and secured the rear naked for the tap out. Also impressing the crows was 17-year-old Ross "Angry" Pettifer who demonstrated his improved stand up skills recently developed at the infamous Peacocks Gym. Fast gaining notoriety in the UK for his aggressive fighting style he KO'd Glen Appleby in a mean 17 seconds with a roundhouse kick. The fight of the night was delivered by Jean Da Silva (Brazil) and Sammy Shiavo (France). Showman Da Silva demonstrated his usual flamboyance with attempted flying kicks and a jumping oma plata attempt along with his solid grappling game whilst Shiavo punished him with great striking. Da Silva hunted for the submission but Shiavo utilized some great knee strikes and ground and pound skills of his own to neutralize the offence of the Brazilian. Eventually in the third round Da Silva managed to take Shiavo down, take his back and tap him out with a rear naked choke. All in all Cagewarriors pulled off a great show with high production values and some impressive matches with none going the distance.
  • Ross Pettifer def. Glen Appleby - KO 0:17 R1

  • Simon Holmes def. Lee Spencer - submission (punishment) R1

  • Andy Cooper def. Steve Cooper - KO 1:32 R1

  • Jean Da Silva (Brazil) def. Sammy Shiavo (France) - submission (rear naked choke) R3
Heavyweight Title Fight
  • Steve Thomas (Australia) def. Phil Holmes (England) - submission (Kimura) R2
  • Chris Cummins def. Jez Marchment - TKO Rd 1

  • Dave Elliot (England) def. Laszlo Forro (Hungary) - submission (Arm bar) R1

  • Attilla "the Hun" (Hungary) def. Chris Kerr (England) - ref stoppage (cut) R1

  • Chris Monsen (USA) def. Stuart Dowling (England) - submission (strikes from mount) R1

  • Terry McDougal (England) def. Robi Sakkozi (Hungary) - submission (guilotine) R1

  • Jorge Rivera (USA) def. Andy Langden (England) - submission (rear naked choke) R1

  Tuesday - December 3, 2002

By Loretta Hunt
A Fine Mess:
WFA Promoters Lewis and Huntington Speak Out Regarding Recent Media Woes

      It's usually a good thing when fans and press are still talking about a mixed martial arts show a week later, but in case of the World Fighting Alliance: Level 3 event held last week in Las Vegas, the less gab the better. With rumors still running rampant regarding a media mishap that took place just prior to the second to last fight of the night, promoters John Lewis and John Huntington are hoping to set the record straight as to just what went down.
John Lewis
John Lewis in
happier times
      Sadly, the truth remains that key photographers for the sport were asked to leave their designated spots alongside the cage by the Aladdin's Theatre of the Performing Art's in-house security team, seemingly at the time, under the direction of WFA promoter John Huntington. Despite providing the appropriate cage-side credentials and with fellow promoter John Lewis nowhere to be found, the journalists had no choice but to oblige the orders and cease their work. Not surprisingly, the results of this have caused a media backlash of sorts for the fledgling promotion. For starters, virtually no pictures from the last two championship fights for that night made it out in coverage. Some media outlets opted to not release ANY coverage of the show at all -- be it pictorial, written or otherwise. Above all, prestigious figures of the MMA media -- who have supported the sport since its inception -- walked away with a bad taste in their mouths and more poignantly, have had the opportunity to voice their sour opinions to the public.
      Among those asked to leave the stage was the photographer for Full Contact Fighter, the oldest running MMA publication out there. Alongside "the Mouth of NHB", representatives from numerous media outlets were also affected, including MMAWeekly.com, Sherdog.com, Maxfighting.com, and FightSport magazine. World-renowned Japanese photographer Susumu Nagao also received the cold shoulder from the venue's security team; while Josh Gross, there to supervise the coverage of the event for Maxfighting.com and FightSport magazine, spent the rest of his evening retrieving his photographer Peter Lockley, who'd been removed from the building all together.
      With someone having to take the blame for this media mess, all fingers pointed to Huntington, the "non-MMA" half of the WFA promotion team and the one who supposedly gave the orders in question. Huntington is the owner of "Club Rubber," a string of successful touring club events that have spanned the country. Teaming up with UFC and Extreme Fighting veteran Lewis, Huntington brings all the "night club" aspects to the mix. Just where was Huntington during all the commotion?
      For the entire run of the show, Huntington says he was in a control booth located at the back of the house, a substantial distance from the stage. Running the lighting, video track and clips, DJ and fighters' entrance cues via headset, Huntington says he was first approached by the venue's technical director Nick Cavazas regarding not the media, but the fighters' entourages loitering onstage. Huntington recalls Cavazas expressing concern over safety issues regarding wiring and equipment in the area and asked Huntington to address the onstage overflow. At this point, between split-second cues, Huntington told Cavazas to find John Lewis to deal with the situation.
      But Lewis says he was fighting his own battle downstairs with the Aladdin box office that had shut down for the night and was turning customers away (including those trying to pick up will-call tickets). Lewis entered the box office only to be told by the female supervisor on-duty that standard Aladdin protocol had them close the box office thirty minutes after a show is in progress. "I was very upset and I got loud with her and told her she needed to open the box office back up. Needless, to say she was upset that I was in there in the first place and she asked me to leave the room. I walked out and they opened the box office again and everything was fine -- fine except for the people that were turned away and left -- but at least the matter was dealt with."
      If that were not the least of his problems, about thirty minutes following the box office altercation, Lewis says he was approached by five Aladdin security personnel and two uniformed police officers, who escorted the promoter up to his room to pack his belongings and then proceeded to kick him out of the casino… forever!
      Back up in the control booth, Huntington recalls being approached by Nick Cavazas again, urging him to clear any unauthorized persons off the stage. With Lewis gone, Huntington knew he would have to deal with the situation on some level. "I told him that anyone with the proper credentials could stay onstage and those without would have to leave." Huntington also says that Cavazas did not cite any names or publications, but took these orders and exited the control booth.

Click here to continue the article

  Wednesday - December 4, 2002

KOTC Preview
By Keith Mills

Vasconcelos on top of Santos
Vasconcelos
on top of Santos
San Jacinto, CA -- This Saturday December 7th, the next installment of King Of The Cage takes place at the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, California. This show will be followed one week later by another KOTC to be held in Bernalillo, New Mexico on December 15 at the Santa Ana Star Hotel/Casino. Neither of these two shows will be broadcast on PPV, the next one to air will be in February from Albuquerque, NM. For the Dec. 7 KOTC show, gates open at 4:00pm PST and preliminary matches begin at 5:00 pm PST.

Jimmy Ambriz makes his return to KOTC in his first fight since beating Daniel Bobish for the Heavyweight belt back in August. This 307 lb fighter's opponent hasn't been announced yet but looks to be set to be the main event.

One of the more interesting fights on the card is Ron Jhun of 808 Fight Factory taking on Fernando Vasconcelos, the man who made such an impression when he beat Marcos Santos in KOTC at Soboba this past October. Jhun has been on a bit of a slide since losing to Jermaine Andre in WFA 1 a year ago only picking up one win against Shannon Ritch in Warriors Quest a month after the WFA before going on a three fight losing streak in SHOOTO and UCC and finally a draw against Shonie Carter in Super Brawl 27 last month. This fight will determine if Jhun can get back to his peak streak from '99-'01 or if Vasconcelos will step further into the spotlight of rising stars.

Crilly on top of Brooks
Crilly
on top of Brooks
Possibly rivaling Jhun/Vasconcelos for potential is John Cole vs. Joe Crilly. Crilly pulled off a decision win in the fight of the night at KOTC this past October when he took on Adam Brooks but this time his opponent will have more than two days to prepare as KOTC: Bad Intentions vet Cole returns to the cage.

Robert Emerson also makes his return to MMA, his first since losing a decision to Jens Pulver in Ultimate Minnesota this summer. He takes on Warriors Quest and Gladiator Challenge vet Jamal Perkins who most recently beat JR Palmer back in October.

At fourteen total fights this card is bound to have some hits. Tickets are still on sale.
Emerson (left) vs. Pulver
Emerson (left) vs. Pulver
  • Jimmy Ambriz Vs. TBA
  • Ron Jhun Vs. Fernando Vasconcelos
  • Mansure Hedari Vs. T.B.A.
  • Raul Delgado Vs. Brent Stevens
  • Robert Emerson Vs. Jamal Perkins
  • John Cole Vs. Joe Crilly
  • Matt Stansell Vs. Joe Camacho
  • Jessie Contreras Vs. Reggie Cardiel
  • Steve White Vs. Thomas Kenny
  • Louie Vaith Vs. Danny Brket
  • Justin Masley Vs. Asher King
  • Mike Bertuccini Vs. Shad Smith
  • Lobo Vs. Timothy Mendoza
  • Frankie Bollinger Vs. Cesar Moreno

  Thursday - December 5, 2002

From the event's Promoter:
Ring Of Combat logo Ring Of Combat
Hits NJ This Saturday

December 7, 2002
Meadowlands Expo Center

MMA & Muay Thai matches will feature the following fighters*:
  • Elvis Garcia (Tiger Schulmann's Karate)
  • Steve Anshelewitz (Martin's JJ/Renzo Gracie)
  • Themi Papadimitriou (Combined Martial Arts)
  • William Hamiliton (Tiger Schulmann's Karate)
  • Ted Govola (Mass Destruction Champ)
  • Pete "Drago" Sell (Serra JJ)
  • Shennen Maceo (Tiger Schulmann's Karate)
  • Miguel Arayo
  • Andy Ruggiero (Martin's JJ/Renzo Gracie)
  • John Rotendella (Pitts Pen)
  • Derrick Riddick
  • Eric Shaver
  • Eric Certo
*Card subject to change

MMA to Be Profiled on ESPN Tonight

Inside "Outside The Lines":
The Skinny on ESPN's Hour-Long MMA Documentary
By Loretta Hunt

By Loretta Hunt       On Thursday, December 5th at 7:00 PM (Eastern Time), there is no doubt where the majority of the MMA world will be. They will be sitting on their couches watching ESPN's Outside The Lines hour-long episode on mixed martial arts. Two years in the making, the show has been a collaborative effort among numerous producers and their crews, with filming spanning from November 16, 2000 all the way up to late November 2002, when cameramen will record their last moments of footage at UFC 40. Outside The Lines, a weekly show for the juggernaut sports network, focuses on lesser-known aspects of the sports world. Shows in the past have included subsets of the major sports or certain elements of them that have not necessarily been exposed to the public. On occasion, OTL has even had the opportunity to introduce something completely new to its audience. It would seem that MMA's turn has come.
      No one I spoke with at ESPN is quite sure how this came about, but in the beginning, early seeds for the show were planted when the words "extreme fighting" appeared on a topic board at an ESPN producers meeting for future shows. Discussion on the topic was strong and warranted a little field research, so ESPN producer Jon Fish was dispatched for some reconnaissance work in the trenches. An opportune phone call from then-manager Dana White (he managed fighters Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell) led Fish to the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey and UFC 28. When Fish returned to ESPN headquarters with excited descriptions of his experiences at the event, the folks at ESPN knew they were on to something. "Our objective at Outside The Lines is to not do the most obvious thing," explains Mike Cambareri, who joined the project as head producer last March. "This was an opportunity to show the public something they normally wouldn't see." With company approval, the wheels were set in motion to produce an entire OTL episode exploring the intriguing world of MMA. Producers were assigned. Meetings were held. Topics were introduced and then scratched. Camera crews were fanned out across the country. As the team dug deeper into their subject, Cambareri says they dedicated more of their time to work on it. Now, two years later, and months and months of phone calls, road trips, live interviews and beta tapes later, ESPN's OTL will be ready to unveil the fruits of its labors.
      The show itself will attempt to cover a wide range of matter. Cambareri confirmed that the episode's format will consist of possibly 4 to 5 major segments of yet to be determined length, while the remaining time will be sprinkled with smaller pieces. What will these main stories consist of? Apparently a lot. One segment will focus on "MMA's attempt to carve a niche in America's sports culture", and most specifically, the Ultimate Fighting Championship's quest to get into the mainstream. OTL has been following the popular promotion since November 2000, and, in addition to interviews from UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta and UFC president Dana White (among others), footage will take fans behind the scenes the day of a UFC event to get a first hand look at the preparations and emotions leading up to fight time. Cambareri also added that the piece will touch upon the improvements the sport has enjoyed since Zuffa Sports Entertainment became a part of it.
      Producer Jon Fish's segment tracks the UFC heavyweight champion and will most likely revolve around former champion Randy Couture's story. Fish was there when Couture made his triumphant return to the organization at UFC 28, besting Kevin Randleman for the heavyweight title. Fish was also there when Couture lost the belt to Josh Barnett at UFC 36 in March, and most recently observed Couture unsuccessfully try to get it back at UFC 39 in September. Expect the piece to offer a closer look at the 2-Time Champion's life through those that know him best. The segment will also cover Josh Barnett's fall from grace via charges of steroid use. Being the first ESPN representative "on the scene" two years ago, Fish has been an influential figure for the show, as his reports on the sport have helped the other producers in their own planning and research. For Fish, doing a piece on MMA was an appetizing prospect from the beginning. "I like boxing and I like Olympic wrestling. My impression going into this was one of excitement to see this up close and personal."

Click here to continue the article

ESPN OTL Press Release:
Outside The Lines logo provided by ESPN
Ultimate Fighting: Spectacle or Sport?

      Outside The Lines will report on ultimate fighting - described as "mixed martial arts" by its followers and called "human cockfighting" by it critics - as it attempts to carve its niche in American sports culture. The one-hour special will air Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. ET, and re-air Dec. 7 at 11 p.m. on ESPN2, and Dec. 11 at 4 a.m. and 3 p.m. on ESPN.

      Outside The Lines -- Ultimate Fighting: Spectacle or Sport? will present insight into the large and small organizations within the sport, profile fighters, examine the violence, and document illegal fighting in underground "fight clubs." Ultimate fighting includes elements of Greco-Roman wrestling, Marquis of Queensbury prizefighting rules, and multiple disciplines of martial arts dating back centuries.

      The show, hosted by Jeremy Schaap, will include the following segments:

ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP - THE FIGHT FOR LEGITIMACY
OTL has been monitoring the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the largest promoter of "ultimate fighting" in the U.S., for two years. When it began in 1993, it was promoted as "no holds barred" with no time limits, no weight classes (a 160-pound karate expert could take on a 450-pound sumo wrestler), with fights ending by knockout or by submission. In 1996, Senator John McCain embarked on a state-by-state crusade to ban ultimate fighting, and shortly thereafter the Ultimate Fighting Championship was dropped from pay-per-view TV. In 2001, new owners purchased the UFC hoping to bring ultimate fighting into sports' mainstream. In its quest for legitimacy, the UFC has made rule changes to appeal to a larger audience and subsequently, returned to pay-per-view in 2001. While it has gained popularity in the United States, the organization faces challenges from critics who think it is too violent, and from states that still won't sanction its fights. -- Steve Delsohn

CRITICS FIGHT ULTIMATE FIGHTING
When a promoter attempted to bring a cage fight to Carmel, Ind. (an Indianapolis suburb), Mayor Jim Brainard and the City Council banished all cage fighting from their town although ultimate fighting is legal in the state. OTL will look at why a number of states, including New York and Illinois, have refused to legalize any form of ultimate fighting. - Steve Delsohn

FIGHT CLUBS - BEYOND THE MOVIE
While most ultimate fighting is legal, OTL investigates the underground, illegal world of fight clubs and how they avoid the law. Venues include a residential garage in San Diego, which is home to the Metal Mulisha fight club, and a Los Angeles bar that can be closed down and turned into "Kaged Combat." OTL examines why fighters risk breaking the law and how they get away with it. -- Jeremy Schaap

FIGHTING FARM LEAGUES
Like other sports, mixed martial arts have "minor leagues" where fighters literally fight their way to the top. OTL reports on why these combatants compete for little or no money, and profiles the aspiring ultimate fighter - it could be your neighbor. - Tom Rinaldi

TRACKING THE UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION(S)
Outside The Lines has followed the fate of 39-year old Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champ Randy Couture for nine months. In that time he lost his championship to 24-year old upstart Josh Barnett, who was subsequently suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for steroid use. He was stripped of his belt by the UFC giving Couture a chance to re-gain the title. OTL profiles Couture and Barnett, and the impact the pursuit of the UFC heavyweight championship had on their lives. -- Greg Garber

THE GRACIES - MIXED MARTIAL ARTS' FIRST FAMILY
OTL profiles the Gracie family, the first family of mixed martial arts who have popularized Brazilian jiu-jitsu within today's ultimate fighting and spawned a stable of athletes who spread their knowledge internationally as teachers and fighters. There is 90-year old patriarch Helio Gracie, who can still apply a vicious chokehold, and Royce Gracie, the first champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993. While learning about the family business -- fighting and teaching fighting -- OTL was invited to a private class with student Ed O'Neill, who played Al Bundy in TV's Married With Children. -- Curry Kirkpatrick.

MINI-SEGMENTS
  • WOMEN, TOO-- OTL was at the first all-women's mixed martial arts fight card.
  • POP CULTURE -- A storyline in TV's Friends focused on the pursuit to become the Ultimate Fighting Champion. Actor Jon Favreau talks about his role in the episode and his impressions of ultimate fighting.

  • From the event's Promoter:
    SHOOTO Hawaii

    SHOOTO Hawaii poster Tentative Fight Card
    Main Event Shooto Class A - Middleweight 76KG 167.5
    Ray "Bradda" Cooper (Jesus Is Lord) VS. Jay Buck (Team Hell House)

    Semi-Event Shooto Class A - Welterweight 65kg 143.3
    Stephen "Bozo" Paling III (Jesus Is Lord) VS. Ryan Ackerman (Grappling Works)

    Shooto Class B 65KG 143.3
    Neal Andres (HMC) VS. Josh Corlione (Kodenkan HI)

    Shooto Class B Constructed 56KG 125
    Antonio Rodriguez (Team Big Dog) VS. Will Armstrong (808 Fight Factory)

    Shooto Class B 60KG 132.3
    Kyle Takao (HMC) VS. Thin Nguyen (Wailuku Kickboxing)

    Shooto Class B 70KG 154.5
    David Padilla (Gamebred) VS. Derek Matsumoto (HMC)

    Shooto Class B 76KG 167.5
    Sean Taylor (Freelance) VS. Tyson Coloma-Nahooikaika (Wailuku Kickboxing)

    Shooto Class B 65KG 143.3
    Tommy Lee (Team Hell House) VS TBA

    CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE

      Friday - December 6, 2002

    What's on your mind?
    FCF Survey
    Give Us Your Thoughts...
    ESPN & MMA

    This month we ask you, the fans of our great sport, to comment on the recent ESPN Outside The Lines show on "Ultimate Fighting". Did they portray the sport fairly? Did they go out of the way to sensationalize it in a poor light? What did you think of the show overall? What did you think of the individual segments? Will it hurt or help the sport or make no difference at all? Whatever you want to say, we're all ears. 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
     

    The Brazilian Beat
    Fedor out of PRIDE 24, Rogerio to face Mezger and Ninja ready to fight!

    The Brazilian Beat:
          After Combat Nordeste, the "Brazilian Beat" is back in great fashion with several pieces of hot news! PRIDE 24 is drawing all the attention in Brazil now, with some of the best Brazilian fighters competing on the card and STORM Muay Thai is coming up, so all of the camps are hard at work! So, without further delay, let Full Contact Fighter bring you the beat straight from Brazil!

    • The main event of PRIDE.24 between Emelianenko Fedor and Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira is now off! The Russian fighter injured himself and will not be able to compete; therefore PRIDE is now in search of a new opponent for their heavyweight champion. As always, we will follow the developments and keep you posted.

    • Minotauro's twin brother Rogerio Minotoro Nogueira will be fighting at PRIDE.24 against none other than veteran NHB fighter Guy Mezger! This fight was intended to happen earlier this year, but now is finally set and ready to go, in a PRIDE card that promises to be exciting to finish the year in great fashion.

    • Another fighter who will be competing at PRIDE.24 is Chute Boxe fighter Murilo Ninja Rua. Ninja is already training hard after his loss to Ricardo Arona at PRIDE.23, and he is getting himself ready for a tough opponent in Japan!

    • The 2003 edition of the Abu Dhabi tournament will be the first ever held outside of the Middle East, and the interest is continuously growing in Brazil. The city of Sao Paulo will hold the event in May 2003 and to show the amount of interest for the world's premier grapplers here, TV Bandeirantes, the fourth biggest network of the country, has already bought the rights to broadcast the event. Now we'll have to wait and see if they are planning to show it live, or just on tape delay.

    • The 8th edition of MECA World Vale Tudo, the biggest NHB event in Brazil is already being planned for early 2003. After the success of Bitetti Combat Nordeste, and considering the huge interest for NHB events in the Northeast of Brazil, promoters Jorge Guimaraes and Rudimar Fedrigo are seriously considering the chance of taking MECA to the city of Natal -- the same city that played host to Bitetti Combat -- and probably have the biggest MECA ever there. A tentative date would be somewhere in the end of February 2003, and fights between Brazilian Top Team member Carlos Barreto and Chute Boxe's Assuerio Silva, as well as Jorge Navalhada vs. Nilson de Castro are already being considered. We will keep you apprised of the developments.

    • Speaking of Chute Boxe heavyweight Assuerio Silva, there's still a considerable chance that he may finally return to PRIDE in its December edition. Assuerio has been training hard for a good while after his knee surgery, and has been reported to be doing serious sparring sessions with his fellow Chute Boxe team members. At this point it's still too early to say who his opponent will be at PRIDE 24, but it's probable that it will be a Japanese fighter.

    • The first Black Belt Jiu-Jitsu Challenge, held in Sao Paulo on December 3rd was a success. All the seats at the Directv Music Hall, a venue usually used for small concerts and shows, were sold and the crowd seemed quite pleased with the action on the mats. The event was fought in single-fight format, matching up some of the toughest BJJ black belts against one another, fighting for prize money. In the most important fights of the night Rodrigo Comprido defeated Roberto Tozi by 4-0, Gabriel Vilella defeated Fernando Terere by 2-0, Fabio Leopoldo beat Jorge Macaco Patino by armbar and Saulo Ribeiro beat Roberto Tozi by the score of 5-2. With the success of the event, the promoters are looking to hold more editions of the challenge in 2003.

    • The city of Curitiba will be holding another edition of the STORM Muay Thai event at the gorgeous Opera de Arame this Sunday, December 8th. STORM is a Muay Thai event organized by the Chute Boxe team that includes some of the best stand-up fighters in Brazil and usually reveals new talents for both stand-up action and even NHB. Names like Anderson Silva and Mauricio Shogun Rua already fought and won at STORM, so it's always good to keep a close eye on the action going on there. As usual, the whole Chute Boxe team will be on hand for the event, and among the most important fights of the night will be MECA veteran Daniel Lima facing Rodrigo, Rafael Cordeiro student Fabio Pelezinho facing MECA veteran Paulo Bueno and NHB veteran Gildo Lima facing STORM winner Henrique Rocha from Sao Paulo.

    • On the Brazilian Top Team side of the news, PRIDE heavyweight Champion Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira stayed in Japan after PRIDE.23 to shoot a video with a Japanese band of a special song made just for him! Minotauro enjoyed the experience and will likely use the song in his upcoming ring entrances. The Brazilian fighter is already back in Brazil training hard for his PRIDE.24 match-up against an as yet to be named opponent, and promises a ground war in the PRIDE ring.

    • Another Brazilian Top Team member that is now back in training is the "Zen Machine" Mario Sperry. Sperry is now almost fully recovered from his broken hand suffered in his win against Kopylov at PRIDE.22, and is resuming his full training routine in order to be ready to fight again in 2003, probably for the PRIDE February event.

    • In a sad piece of news, IVC, UCC and MECA veteran Claudionor Fontinelli was arrested this week in Rio de Janeiro and charged with trying to rob a drugstore along with four other persons. Two of the thieves manage to escape while the NHB fighter and a middleclass student got caught allegedly trying to rob the store using a gun. Claudionor is now in jail and may spend up to 9 years in prison.

    From Josh Hedges/Zuffa:
    UFC Logo
    ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP TO PRESENT BEST OF 2002 FIGHT SHOW ON PAY-PER-VIEW STARTING DEC. 14

    Two-Hour Spectacular To Feature Best UFC Mixed Martial Arts Fight Action Of This Year; Show To Air Until December 31

          LAS VEGAS, December 3, 2002… The all-new Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will debut UFC: Best of 2002, a two-hour, pay-per-view fight show spectacular featuring the best UFC fights of this year, at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST, Saturday, December 14, on iN DEMAND and DIRECTV and at 12 a.m. EST/9 p.m. PST on Bell ExpressVu. The suggested retail price is $19.95.
          UFC: Best of 2002 will include the year's most memorable fights with knockouts and submissions by such UFC stars as Middleweight Champion Murilo Bustamante, Light Heavyweight top contender Chuck Liddell, fast-rising Welterweight star Robbie Lawler, world-ranked British Middleweight Mark Weir, Lightweight top contenders Matt Serra and Yves Edwards, Heavyweight contender Frank Mir and Russian Middleweights Andre Semenov and Amar Suloev. UFC: Best of 2002 will air until December 31.
          [Following its debut, the re-play schedule includes: iN DEMAND, Sunday, Dec. 15/Monday, Dec. 16, 12 a.m. EST/9 p.m. PST, 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST, channel iN2; Wednesday, Dec. 18, 10 p.m EST/7 p.m. PST, channel iN1; Thursday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST, channel iN1, 11 p.m. EST/8 p.m. PST, channel iN2. On DIRECTV, re-plays will air from 6 a.m. to 6a.m. on its All Day Ticket on Dec. 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30. The Bell ExpressVu re-play schedule includes: Friday, Dec. 20, 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST and 12 a.m. EST/9 p.m. PST; Sunday, Dec. 29/Monday, Dec. 30, 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST, 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST, 12 a.m. EST/9 p.m. PST, 2 a.m. EST/11 p.m. PST, 4 a.m. EST, 1 a.m. PST, 6 a.m. EST/3 a.m. PST; Tuesday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m. EST/3 p.m. PST, 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST.]
          The UFC's next live pay-per-view event will be UFC 41: Onslaught at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST on Friday, February 28, 2003, from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. Live event tickets for UFC 41: Onslaught, $300, $200, $100, $60 and $30, are now on sale at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., at all Ticketmaster locations and at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets also may be ordered by phone, 1-800-736-1420.

    From the event's Promoter:
    Desert Quest III
    Grappling/BJJ Championship

    Date: Saturday, December 14, 2002

    Super Fight:
    Marc Laimon (Nova Uniao) vs. Edwin Dewees (Brausa Academy)

    Location:
    Westwood High
    945 West 8th St
    Mesa, AZ 85201

    Weigh-Ins: 12:00 Noon
    Fight Time: 1:00 PM

    All teams and individual competitors are welcomed to participate. Competitor entry fee: $30 for one Division or $50 for both. Spectator admission only $5. Come on out and support your team.

    Planned weight classes:
    • 135 lbs - 147 lbs
    • 148 lbs - 160 lbs
    • 161 lbs - 173 lbs
    • 174 lbs - 188 lbs
    • 189 lbs - 201 lbs
    • 202 lbs - 213 lbs
    • 214 lbs - Over
    Directions: closest major cross streets, Alma School Road / University Ave. Westwood High is located on the South side of West 8th St between Alma School and Country club (closer to Alma School). West 8th St is just North of University. For Teams driving in from the West side of town: take I-10 to 202 East, take Alma School Rd exit (exit #11), turn right (south), go 1.1 miles, turn left on West 8th St, go .3 miles and Westwood High is on the right side (south) of the street. For more information, please call Roland Sarria at 480-446-8127 or send him an e-mail (doomstr@primenet.com).

    From John Petrilli (RITC):
    RITC 43 - The Match
    Edwin Dewees photo courtesy of RITC
    Edwin Dewees
    RITC Champion
    Todd Medina photo courtesy of RITC
    Todd Medina
    UFC, WVC, Meca & KOTC
    Veteran

    Celebrity Theatre Phoenix, Arizona
    Saturday, January 18, 2003
    Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 8 PM

    Ever since Todd Medina made his Rage in the Cage debut 2 years ago, the RITC fans have highly anticipated this showdown matchup. The time has come to announce:

    Super Main Event:
    Todd Medina (195 lbs), Carlson Gracie Freestyle
    vs.
    Edwin Dewees (195 lbs), Brausa Academy

    An outstanding supporting card of Super Fights will be announced in the weeks ahead truly making this the biggest RITC event ever.

      Saturday - December 7, 2002

    A Prelude to Combat
    By Jim Genia

          Promoters Lou Neglia and Ray Longo are at it again, this time bringing their "Ring of Combat II" show to the Meadowlands Exposition Center, in Secaucus, New Jersey. The action begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 7th -- and it's the usual mix of kickboxing, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts bouts. As usual, the card is subject to last-minute changes, but stepping into the ring will be representatives from Martin's Jiu-Jitsu/Team Renzo Grace, Team Tiger Schulmann, Serra Jiu-jitsu, Pitts Pen, Combined Martial Arts, and the Dog Pound. Here's a brief look at some of the fighters:


    Steve Anshelewitz attempts a takedown on Jose Rodriguez at Ring of Combat 1 Steve Anshelewitz
    Anshelewitz, of Martin's Jiu-jitsu/Team Renzo Gracie, was crowned the East Coast 195-pound MMA Champ at the last Ring of Combat show - defeating a very-tough Jose Rodriguez via a controversial ref stoppage [Anshelewitz is pictured here attempting a takedown on Rodriguez]. Known for neutralizing his opponents' offenses and capitalizing on their mistakes, Anshelewitz will be putting his new Brazilian Jiu-jitsu brown belt to good use on Saturday night.


    Elvis Garcia
    Hot on the heels of a solid victory at Reality Fighting II last month, Garcia looks to keep up his winning MMA momentum. Representing Team Tiger Schulmann, he brings into the ring some strong stand-up skills and a solid knowledge of the ground game - which he'll need, as he's tentatively scheduled to face Themi Papadimtriou, a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu purple belt. "It's kind of like a revenge match," he says. "He beat two of our guys, so I'm going to beat him. I'm just going to beat him any way I can."


    Themi Papadimitriou ready for action at Vengeance at the Vanderbilt 14 Themi Papadimitriou
    Representing Combined Martial Arts, and sporting a purple belt under Marcelo Mello, Papadimitriou is no stranger to MMA-style competition. Or to the kickboxing ring. Or to grappling tournaments. Not the slightest bit afraid to test himself, Papadimitriou is an extremely active competitor. "Themi doesn't care who he fights," says trainer Carmine Zocchi. "He just likes to fight."


    Shennen Maceo cracks Keith Nesbitt with an uppercut at Ring of Combat 1 Shennen Maceo
    Stepping into the ring for some Muay Thai kickboxing action is Team Tiger Schulmann representative Maceo. "He's a 145-pounder who hits like a heavyweight," says trainer Shihan Schulmann, and judging by Maceo's performance in the ring, this isn't too far from the truth [Maceo is pictured here blasting Keith Nesbitt with an uppercut]. This time, however, the competition goes up a notch, as Neglia has flown in Cuban kickboxer Miguel Arayo to test the TSK bruiser. "I'm feeling real good, training real hard," says Maceo. "And I never underestimate any opponent."


    Ted Govola
    In an intriguing match-up of wrestler versus jiu-jitsu stylist, Govola comes to Ring of Combat to face Pete "Drago" Sell, and brings with him an impressive list of credentials. He represent the Dog Pound, is a former Division III wrestler from Trinity College, is the undefeated Mass Destruction Middleweight Champ, and is known for outlasting his opponents. Will Govola be able to outlast Drago?


    Pete Sell mounted on Vlad Koulikov at Vengeance at the Vanderbilt 14 Pete "Drago" Sell
    Drago is a rising star out of Serra Jiu-Jitsu, and will be looking to shine at Ring of Combat. He's also known for outlasting his opponents -- having gone the distance with Vlad Koulikov at "Vengeance at the Vanderbilt 14" [Sell is pictured here mounted on Koulikov] -- and with his purple belt in jiu-jitsu, is a submission threat from any position. Says his trainer, UFC lightweight stud Matt Serra: "He's in phenomenal shape. It's going to be 10 minutes of hell for his opponent."

      Sunday - December 8, 2002

    Did Outside The Lines
    Step Over The Line?...

    This month we ask you, the fans of our great sport, to comment on the recent ESPN Outside The Lines show on "Ultimate Fighting". Did they portray the sport fairly? Did they go out of the way to sensationalize it in a poor light? What did you think of the show overall? What did you think of the individual segments? Will it hurt or help the sport or make no difference at all? Whatever you want to say, we're all ears. 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
     

    Mezger vs. ?

    Guy Mezger In the ever-changing world of matchmaking... The latest word from the Mezger camp is that Pride wants Guy Mezger to take on Rodrigo Gracie and not Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira as previous stated. Stay tuned kiddies.

    Ring of Combat II:
    A Solid Night of Action

    By Jim Genia

          (Secaucus, New Jersey - December 7th) Promoters Louis Neglia and Ray Longo can chalk up another successful event, as Ring of Combat II brought a solid night of action to the Meadowlands Exposition Center. Gathering together some strong local talent to compete in Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, and American kickboxing, the show delivered more than a few back-and-forth wars to thrill the crowd. Highlights of the event include:
    Pete Drago Sell
    Pete "Drago" Sell
    • Kickboxer Kadir Kadri's punishing defense against champ Steve Anshelewitz' Brazilian Jiu-jitsu brown belt-level offense. Fending off two leglock attempts and a tight armbar, Kadri eventually succumbed to a triangle choke - but not before feeding Anshelewitz a steady diet of leather.
    • Pete "Drago" Sell and Mass Destruction champ Ted Govola's action-packed battle, which saw the two trading bombs on their feet and Drago nearly landing an umoplatta armlock and a deeply-sunk Kimura while they were on the ground. Drago earned the judges' nod to get the win, but both men acquitted themselves well.
    • Team Tiger Schulmann standout Shennen Maceo's quick and brutal destruction of Miguel Araoz in a Muay Thai bout that lasted only 56 seconds.
    Results:

    Muay Thai
    William Hamilton vs. Derek Riddick
    Hamilton via split decision after 4 rounds.

    MMA
    Steve Anshelewitz vs. Kadir Kadri
    Anshelewitz via submission, triangle choke at 8:40. Anshelewitz is still the 195-pound Limit East Coast MMA Grappling Champ.

    MMA
    Erick Shaver vs. John Rotendello
    Shaver via submission, keylock at :52.

    Pete Drago Sell
    Andy Ruggiero (top)
    vs. Erik Certo
    MMA
    Pete "Drago" Sell vs. Ted Govola
    Drago via decision - this was the fight of the night!

    MMA
    Elvis Garcia vs. Themi Papadimitriou
    Garcia via tap out due to strikes at 1:22.

    MMA
    Andy Ruggiero vs. Erik Certo
    Ruggiero via submission, forearm across throat at 8:53.

    Kickboxing
    Mike Ryan vs. Kadir Kadri
    Ryan via split decision - yes, Kadri fought twice.

    Muay Thai
    Shennen Maceo vs. Miguel Araoz
    Maceo via TKO at :56.

    From John Petrilli (RITC):
    RITC 42 - Results
    Steffens Named Fighter of the Night


    A high energy crowd welcomed Rage in the Cage back to Tucson after a two year absence. Knockouts, choke outs and arm bar submissions highlighted the evening's entertainment.

    Lyle Steffens, a physical specimen attending the University of Arizona on an academic scholarship, put on another thrilling performance. He won by submission in round 1 over tough Glendale fighter Sid Fisher. This win earned Fighter of the Night (FOTN) honors for Lyle and moves him to the #5 spot in the RITC Light Heavyweight rankings. Other candidates for FOTN honors were Gabe Casillas and debut fighter Justin Nauling.

    Results:

    • Justin Nauling (162 lbs), Brausa Academy
      won by submission (arm bar), 2:17 Rd 1
      Gabe Rivas (161 lbs), Pinal Martial Arts

    • Rich Moss (192 lbs), Brausa Academy
      won by submission (arm bar), 2:11 Rd 1
      Sal Camos (187 lbs), Asher Combat Academy

    • Matthew Houser (226 lbs), Las Vegas Combat Club
      won by submission (strikes), 1:25 Rd 1
      Neil Abbott (214 lbs), Asher Combat Academy

    • Gabe Casillas (168 lbs), Debrazil Academy
      won by KO, :34 Rd 1
      Kohji Sasaki (164 lbs), Brausa Academy

    • Lyle Steffens (190 lbs), Tucson Judo
      won by submission (choke), 1:40 Rd 1
      Sid Fisher (199 lbs), Freestyle

    • Robert Maldonado (173 lbs), Tucson Judo
      won by submission (choke), 1:40 Rd 1
      Adam Millican (168 lbs), Brausa Academy

    • Cory Timmerman (299 lbs), Brausa Academy
      won by submission (choke), :42 Rd 1
      Paul Shaffer (340 lbs), Asher Combat Aademy

    • Main Event
      Joseph Riggs (221 lbs), Brausa Academy
      won by TKO, :23 Rd 1
      Lemuel Vincent (274 lbs), Asher Combat Academy


    Upcoming events:

    Desert Quest #3 - Grappling / BJJ Championship
    Westwood High
    945 West 8th St
    Mesa, Arizona
    Saturday, December 14, 2002
    Weigh-ins: 12 Noon, Fight Time: 1:00PM

    Super Fight:
    Marc Laimon (Nova Uniao)
    vs
    Edwin Dewees (Brausa Academy)

    Title belt awarded to winner of BJJ Absolute Division. Title belt awarded to winner of Submission Grappling Absolute Division. Spectator admission only $5 !!!


    RITC 43 - The Match
    Celebrity Theatre
    Phoenix, Arizona
    Saturday, January 18, 2003
    Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 8 PM

    Super Main Event:
    Edwin Dewees (195 lbs), Brausa Academy
    vs
    Todd Medina (195 lbs), Carlson Gracie Freestyle

      Tuesday - December 10, 2002

    From John Petrilli (RITC):
    RITC 43 - The Match
    Two Super Fights Added


    Celebrity Theatre
    Phoenix, Arizona
    Saturday, January 18, 2003
    Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 8 PM

    Ever since Todd Medina made his Rage in the Cage debut 2 years ago, the RITC fans have highly anticipated this showdown matchup.

    Super Main Event:
    Todd Medina (195 lbs), Carlson Gracie Freestyle
    vs
    Edwin Dewees (195 lbs), Brausa Academy

    Super Fights:
    Roger Mejia (200 lbs), Asher Combat Academy
    vs
    Rob Woodin (200 lbs), Arizona Combat Sports

    John Lansing (165 lbs), Brausa Academy
    vs
    RJ Gamez (175 lbs), Asher Combat Academy

    More Super Fights will be announced in the weeks ahead making this a blockbuster RITC event. There will be 12 fights (the Arizona Commission Limit). Fight Card subject to change.

    From Pancrase:
    Pancrase 12/21 Event Lineup

    • Amateur Match
      TBD

    • Pro-Match#1 - Lightweight 2x5-Min Rounds
      Yuji Oba (P's Lab Tokyo) Vs. Satoshi Nishino (Wajutsu Keishukai Tokyo Hombu)

    • Pro-Match#2 - Welterweight 2x5-Min Rounds
      Kenji Arai (Pancraseism) Vs. Manao Kumagai (Zendokai)

    • Pro-Match#3 - Open-Weight 2x5-Min Rounds
      Kengo (Pancraseism/Open-Weight 10th Ranked) Vs. Jun Ishii (Chojin Club)

    • Pro-Match#4 - Light Heavyweight 2x5-Min Rounds
      Yuki Kondo (Pancraseism/Light Heavyweight 1st Ranked) Vs. Tsuyoshi Kurihara (Team Roken)

    • Pro-Match#5 - Heavyweight 2x5-Min Rounds
      Yoshiki Takahashi (Pancraseism/1st Heavyweight K.O.P.) Vs. Tsuyoshi Ozawa (Zendokai)

    • Pro-Match#6 - Light Heavyweight 3x5-Min Rounds
      Akihiro Gono (Pancrase Grabaka/Light Heavyweight 9th Ranked) Vs. Kei Yamamiya (Pancraseism/Light Heavyweight 2nd Ranked)
    • Pro-Match#7 - Middleweight 3x5-Min Rounds
      Chris Lytle (U.S.A./I.F. Academy/Middleweight 1st Ranked) Vs. Izuru Takauchi (Sk Absolute/Middleweight 2nd Ranked)
      *The winner in this match will be the challenger for the next middleweight title defense.

    • Main Event - Middleweight K.O.P. Title Defense 3x5-Min Rounds
      Kiuma Kunioku (Pancraseism/2nd Middleweight K.O.P.) Vs. Nathan Marquardt (U.S.A./Colorado Stars/Middleweight 3rd Ranked)

      Wednesday - December 11, 2002

    From Richard Santoro (SHOOTO):
    Official SHOOTO

    Here is comes... Shooto's year end mega-card. Shooto promoter, Sustain, always finishes out the year strong with a huge and exciting event line-up. While this one is not quite as blockbuster as some others in preceding years, it certainly promises to be a memorable one featuring titles bouts and hot up-and-comers.

    Shooto middleweight rookie tournament Champion, Kuniyoshi Hironaka, is taking on 18 year old Cesar Gracie student and newly 'crowned' BJJ purple belt Nick Diaz. Both men are young, skilled and ready to make their mark.

    Next is the fighter formerly known as Takumi Nakayama (now just Takumi) taking on Norwegian Shootor Joachim Hansen. Takumi is coming is coming off of a draw with Rumina Sato after breaking his two fight losing streak by defeating respected fighter Takeshi Yamazaki. Hansen who is 2-1 in the Finnfight promotion also won his Shooto debut in Scandinavia's first ever professional Shooto event. Will this be enough experience to put down Takumi???

    Next up is Shooto Featherweight rankers Hisao Ikeda and Masato Shiozawa. Ikeda has a win and a draw this year, is now looking to cement his place as the top contender at this weight despite the tournament that is running to establish that very spot. Shiozawa has two wins this year and wants to make his mark. He is ranked 9th and was left out of that Featherweight tournament so a win here could be for him.

    Another Shooto rookie tournament winner is on the card ready too not only prove that he is a major player in the Shooto circuit, but on the world stage as well. After winning the Shooto Welterweight tourney and climbing up the Shooto rankings, Tetsuya Kawajiri is stepping up to face the very dangerous Vitor Ribeiro. Ribeiro, who has already dispatched two Shooto rankers in the past, sees this a big step toward vying for the belt. You can bet the winner of this one will be very close to obtaining that goal.

    Shooto veteran and stalwart competitor Jake Shields will be laying it down against one of Shooto's hottest commodities Hayato Sakurai. Shields lost his Shooto debut against Ray Cooper by a very close majority decision, but he has had a good measure of success in other venues. He is looking to translate those victories over into Shooto, where a win would really shake things up. Sakurai is getting back into the ring after quite a lay-off. He has been nursing and injured back and bruised ego after his disappointing loss to Matt Hughes in the UFC. This is the first step for him to get back on track and work towards reclaiming his status as the top fighter in this weight class, not to mention reaqcuiring the Shooto Middleweight crown which was vacated by Anderson Silva (who defeated Sakurai for the belt in the first place).

    Then there is the highly anticipated rematch between Alexandre Nogueira and Hiroyki Abe. Abe defeated the champion by KO in a non-title fight and now this is his chance to take the belt once and for all. However, Nogueira will be twice as dangerous because this is not only a title bout, but also a chance at redemption. This scenario played itself out before when the Champ soundly defeated Tetsuo Katsuta in a rematch after Katsuta had also won a non-title bout. Even if Nogueira does win, he won't be able to relax because the Shooto lightweight division is quickly becoming one of the toughest in the business. Number two ranked Stephan Paling dispatched another opponent this past weekend and is primed and ready for his chance at the champ. There is also Norifumi Yamamoto the bruiser who decimated Katsuta, the ever dangerous Naoya Uematsu, and the new kid on the block Bao Quach. The possibilities at this weight are very interesting.

    Finally, closing out the card is the long awaited match-up between Dokonjonosuke Mishima and Takanori Gomi. Gomi is still the only undefeated fighter at this level and he is the proud owner of the Shooto Welterweight Championship belt. Mishima has his work cut out for him, but he has the size and grappling expertise to truly challenge the champion. However, it is Gomi's aggression and striking that could be the main factor in determining the outcome for this one.

    The entire card is listed below:

    Official Shooto
    Promoter: Sustain
    Location: Chiba, Japan
    Date: December, 14 2002

    Bout #1: Middleweight [76 Kg] 167.5 lbs
    Kuniyoshi Hironaka vs. Nick Diaz

    Bout #2: Welterweight [70 Kg] 154.3 lbs
    Takumi vs. Joachim Hansen

    Bout #3: Featherweight [60 Kg] 135.3 lbs
    Hisao Ikeda vs. Masato Shiozawa

    Bout #4: Welterweight [70 Kg] 154.3 lbs
    Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Vitor 'Shaolin' Ribeiro

    Bout #5: Middleweight [76 Kg] 167.5 lbs
    Hayato 'Mach' Sakurai vs. Jake Shields

    Bout #6: Lightweight [65 Kg] 143.3 lbs
    Championship Bout
    Alexandre Franca Nogueira vs. Hiroyuki Abe

    Bout #7: Welterweight [70 Kg] 154.3 lbs Championship
    Takanori Gomi vs. Dokonjonosuke Mishima

      Thursday - December 12, 2002

    HOOKnSHOOT Preview
    By Keith Mills

    Ft. Lauderdale, FL-HOOKnSHOOT move beyond Indiana this weekend with a show in the Sunshine State to end their year in style and warmth. HOOKnSHOOT were heavily involved with Ring Of Fury in MA earlier this year but this is the first time they are hitting the road using their name, a move we can expect to see more of next year as they pursue sanctioning in NV and possibly WA.

    9/02 HnS: Denes with a guillotine on Takeuchi
    9/02 HnS: Denes with a guillotine on Takeuchi
    This year-end show is dominated by the American Top Team with a total of seven fighters including the incredible Dustin Denes fighting as a Middleweight, Hermes Franca defending his belt against Ryan Diaz, and both Southeastern title matches, a new concept for HOOKnSHOOT. The main one to watch would be Denes who has been tearing up the scene since his debut in DEEP 2001 and now holds the #3 rank in Shooto's 83 kg division while his opponent Scott Henze is well known to fans of HOOKnSHOOT. In possibly one of the fastest paced fights of the night Franca, ranked #8 in Shooto's 65 kg division, was last seen in HOOKnSHOOT where he took Anthony Hamlett's belt three months ago and now faces the more experienced but less perfect record of Shooto and Super Brawl vet Ryan Diaz. Also Conan Silvera makes his return to MMA after being out of the ring for almost two and a half years since his loss to Dan Severn taking on Wes Sims, the Hammer House giant most likely to fill the shoes of Coleman and Randleman in the years to come.

    UCC 7: Peters kicking at Ouimet
    UCC 7: Peters kicking at Ouimet
    Also putting in a strong showing is AMC Pankration out of Seattle including the return to MMA of Matt Hume and the return to HOOKnSHOOT of Aaron Riley. Hume's fight against the UCC's Pain Peters is dripping with a "Heaven and Hell" theme with Hume being the soft spoken and polite devout Christian while Pain is known for his Tank Abbott like antics. Pain is coming off two straight losses in UCC this year while Hume is coming out of retirement after a whopping five and a half years off since his win over Pat Miletich all the way back in Extreme Fighting 4 so both of these fighters need this win badly. Riley is not only one of the most exciting fighters in the sport at 170 but unfortunately is best known for his losses with two to Yves Edwards and one to Robbie Lawler in his UFC debut earlier this year but don't let that fool you-this guy is most likely candidate for fight of the night as he takes on Ruas Vale Tudo fighter and IVC vet Barros in what is definitely not a gimme fight to get his win column advancing. Both these fights are the most interesting from a story line perspective.

    Franca mounted on Hamlett
    Franca mounted on Hamlett
    The only thing that could have made this card better would be if the women's 135 lb belt between Judy Neff and Angela Restad had not been cancelled. With Neff's knee injury and not enough time for a replacement like Debi Purcell or Tara LaRosa to take her place the belt bout is off until some time next year, bringing a premature close to the breakthrough year of women in MMA started with HOOKnSHOOT "Revolution" in April.

    Tickets for this show are still available. The War Memorial Auditorium is located at 800 NE 8th Street. Get your tickets fast for what is bound to be one of HOOKnSHOOT's best cards of the year.
    • (RD 2 - 205 lbs.) Emyr 'Tiburon' Bussard (American Top Team, FT Lauderdale, FL.)v. Solomon Hutcherson (Freestyle Academy, Milwaukee, WI.)

    • (RD 2 - 205 lbs.) Wilson Goveia (American Top Team, FT Lauderdale, FL.) v. John Fitch (Team AKA, Indianapolis, IN.)

    • (RD 2 - 135 lbs.) Matt Hamilton (Living Defense, Little Rock, AR.) v. Mark Ashton (AMC Pankration, Seattle, WA.)

    • (RD 2 - 155 lbs.) Nick Agullar (Freestyle Academy, Milwaukee, WI.) v. Cade Swallows (Freelance, Phoenix, AZ.)

    • (RD 2 - 155 lbs.) Darrell Smith (Animal House, Noblesville, IN.) v. Charlie Pearson (AMC Pankration, Seattle, WA.)

    • (RD 2 - 205 lbs.) Marcel Ferriera (American Top Team, FT Lauderdale, FL.) v. Tomi Simonen (Finnfight, Turku, Finland)

    • (RD 3 - 185 lbs.) Dustin Denes (American Top Team, FT Lauderdale, FL.) v. Scott Henze (Freelance, Tell City, IN.)

    • (RD 3 - 170 lbs.) Matt Hume (AMC Pankration, Seattle, WA.) v. 'PAIN' Peters (Team UCC, Montreal, Canada)

    • (RD 3 - 170 lbs.) Aaron Riley (AMC Pankration, Seattle, WA.) v. Alexandre Barros (Ruas Vale Tudo, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil)
    HnS SOUTHEASTERN TITLE MATCHES:
    • (RD 3 - 185 lbs.) Moacyr 'Boca' DeOliveira (American Top Team, FT Lauderdale, FL.) v. Harri Niva (Finnfight, Turku, Finland)

    • (RD 3 - 265 lbs.) Marcus 'Conan' Silveira (American Top Team, FT Lauderdale, FL.) v. Wes Sims (Hammer House, Colombus, OH.)
    HOOKnSHOOT CHAMPION (NON TITLE ACTION):
    • (RD 3 - 150 lbs.) Hermes Franca (HnS Champion, American Top Team, FT Lauderdale, FL.) v. Ryan Diaz (Gibson Systems, Vancouver, Canada)

    From the event's promoter:
    MMA Nationals poster
    Eilers to Headline MMA Nationals Event

          DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Justin Eilers, the leading tackler on last year's Iowa State University football team, will continue his mixed martial arts career Saturday when he competes in the feature event at the 2002 MMA Nationals.

          Eilers, 9-1, is coming off a decision loss to Dan Severn. His opponent will be Jeff Gerlick, 3-2.

          The MMA Nationals are scheduled for Stars & Stripes nightclub at 3 p.m. The event pits winners from the year's Trial events against each other in five weight divisions.

          Winners in each division will receive pro contracts to fight in either Extreme Challenge or Super Brawl.

    From GQ promoter Brian Cimins:
    Grapplers Quest Update...
    Apology to Team Tiger Schulman's Karate(TSK):

    At the 2002 Grapplers Quest World Championships on October 19th, an incident occurred which involved the disqualification of a Team Tiger Schulman's Karate competitor, Mike Stine, who was involved in a match against a Team Marcello Mello competitor, Albert DeSilva. Referee, Francisco Neto due to a perceived slam from the knees, disqualified Mike Stein. A heated controversy immediately ensued in which the Marcello Mello camp demanded that the disqualification was appropriate, while the TSK camp maintained that an illegal slam didn't take place and that DeSilva actually submitted. At this point, I approached the ring and attempted to calm the situation down. I immediately viewed the videotape and felt that, if anything, the slam was at best questionable; nevertheless, I was compelled to stand by my referee's decision, as there were few other options available to me at the time. I was concerned that an "overtime" of the match could only fuel the situation.

    Subsequently, in the days following the event, I had carefully reviewed the videotape. It became abundantly clear to me that the Grapplers Quest "no slamming" rule needs clarification and modification. With a clearer explanation of the "no slamming" rule, the unfortunate disqualification of Team Tiger Schulman competitor, Mike Stine, would have been avoidable.

    Slamming has always been an extremely sensitive subject to me. I severely injured my neck (2 herniated disks) and back (2 crushed vertebrae and 2 herniated disks) in December of 2000 from a full slam at a tournament. After my injury, Grapplers Quest instituted a "no slamming" rule, but had no clear explanation as to what constituted an illegal slam (i.e. from knees, standing, jumping, etc.). It simply stated, no slamming at all. As children as well as adults attend our tournaments, we felt that it is of the outmost importance to protect, especially the children, from injury.

    As there was a lack of clarity in the slamming rules to begin with and as this was a questionable slam that resulted in a disqualification, we would like to publicly apologize to Team Tiger Schulman in general and Mike Stine in particular. We are now in the process of reviewing, updating, and clarifying all of our rules. We will pay special attention to what will constitute illegal or disqualifying techniques and we will put forth efforts to insure that all of our referees adhere to the same regulation and are constantly updated as to any changes.

    I want all teams to know that Grapplers Quest's main purpose is to orchestrate the best events possible by creating a non-biased and safe tournament environment. If any competitor or team ever feels that they are being treated differently, I would ask them to contact me directly to resolve the situation immediately. We are looking to grow this sport and if we all work together, I know that we will.

    Sincerely,
    Brian Cimins
    President, Grapplers Quest

    Shooto Hawaii: Alpha
    Lahaina Civic Center
    Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
    December 7, 2002
    Fight Results and Descriptions by Michael Onzuka
    Pictures by Lisa Onzuka
    Mike@onzuka.com

    Ray and Monica Cooper once again wear the hat of promoters after a couple of Amateur Fighting Championship shows, which were tough man type of competitions with some modifications. They now turned their attention to their first MMA card. As they say, behind every strong man stands a strong woman and this is the case once again. Not only has Ray "Bradda" Cooper promoted his first official Shooto card, he also headlined it. Without the help of his very organized and detailed oriented wife, I am sure he would agree that all this would not be possible. The Coopers were contacted by the Shooto organization to start building amateur Shooto fighter in Hawaii. Since they are a fighting family and have fought in numerous events, they feel that the fighters come first and it showed in their first MMA event. Travel arrangements, great hotel accommodations, and a very professional venue welcomed Maui fans. Maui fans have already had a taste of MMA events and showed up in force for this event. The Coopers pulled out all the stops, including inviting Frank Shamrock to enjoy the night of fights, entrance lights, and ring ramp to give the Maui fans a taste of a big time show in a very small city.

    Shooto Class B 60 kg 132.2 lbs
    Kyle Takao (HMC) vs. Thin Nguyen (Wailuku Kickboxing)
    Takao wins by armbar from the mount at 3:25 min in the first round.

    Both fighters came out throwing some big punches in their first exchange. Takao circled and shot in for a double leg and took the fight to the ground. After a guard pass, Takao mounted his opponent in textbook fashion and controlled his position. After some punches to soften his opponent up, Takao finished Nguyen with an armbar from the mount. Takao showed impressive stand up and polished ground game in only his second fight. Keep your eyes on him. He may be the next great Hawaiian fighter, if promoters can find other 132 pound fighters to sharpen this diamond in the rough.

    Shooto Class B 65 kg 143.3 lbs
    Neal Andres (HMC) vs. Josh Corlione (Kodenkan HI)
    Andres wins by unanimous decision after two rounds.

    After a win against up and comer Jim Kikuchi in a controversial stop, Andres returned to the ring to show his skills. Both fighters traded blows from the start with Corlione getting the better of the stand up in the beginning. Corlione took Andres down, but did not advance his position. After a scramble, Andres recovered his feet and took down Corlione twice and punished him with vicious leg kicks while Corlione was on his back in the open guard. The second round almost mirrored the first with Andres taking down Corlione and controlling his opponent from inside the guard and scoring enough to win the unanimous decision. I'll end it here and skip the Godfather references. I do not want to go against the family. Ok, it slipped.

    Shooto Class B 56 kg Constructed Weight Class
    Antonio Rodriguez (Team Big Dog) vs. Will Armstrong (808 Fight Factory)
    Rodriguez wins by knock out at 0:12 seconds in the second round with a left kick to the head of Armstrong.

    Armstrong who was very impressive in his last fight in Warriors Quest took on local kickboxing powerhouse Tony "the Tiger" Rodriguez who is know for his aggression and hard hitting style while kickboxing. Rodriguez made his MMA debut in this fight and Armstrong seemed to have a good strategy against the kickboxer. Armstrong took Rodriguez down with a double leg and ended up in Rodriguez's guard, but did not utilize this advantageous position and only sparingly hit the Tiger. Rodriguez on the other hand was busy from the bottom with a lot of punches, but could not generate much power from the bottom position. Round two ended quickly. As Armstrong set up another take down, Rodriguez threw out a blindingly fast left roundhouse head kick that put Armstrong in never-never land. Armstrong never went down, but his corner wisely saw that the cash register was empty and stopped the fight.

    Matsumoto kneebarring Padilla
    Matsumoto kneebarring Padilla
    Shooto Class B 70 kg 154.5 lbs
    David Padilla (Gamebred) vs. Derek Matsumoto (HMC)
    Padilla wins by doctor's stop after round one over Matsumoto due to excessive swelling of Matsumoto's eye.

    Padilla took down Matsumoto early in the bout and just held his position. Matsumoto jumped at this stagnant opportunity to go for a knee bar which he locked and obtained a catch for both a knee bar and a toe hold. Padilla defended the numerous leg attempts very calmly and threw some heavy blows which caused some excessive swelling in the eye of Matsumoto as the round ended. After round one ended, the ringside doctor halted the fight and David Padilla was declared the winner by TKO.

    Shooto Class B 76 kb 167.5 lbs
    Sean Taylor (Freelance) vs. Tyson Coloma-Naho'oikaika (Wailuku Kickboxing)
    Coloma-Naho'oikaika by referee stop because of punches from the back mount at 3:51 minutes in round one.

    Coloma took down Taylor after both fighters exchange of kicks and knees from the clinch. Coloma, an experienced Jiu-Jitsu competitor, controlled the ground game and after an attempted mount, ended up on the back of Taylor and starts to deliver punishment and gets a deep rear naked choke in. Taylor defended and his mouthpiece fell out of his mouth. Taylor, while still being choked, puts in his own mouthpiece and continues to fight. After giving up on the choke, Tyson puts some leather to the head of Sean Taylor and causes referee Haru Shimanishi to stop the fight at 3:51 minutes in the first round.

    Paling passing Ackerman's guard
    Paling passing Ackerman's guard
    Semi-Event Shooto Class A
    Stephen "Bozo" Paling III (Jesus Is Lord) vs. Ryan Ackerman (Grappling Works)
    Paling wins by kimura (reverse key lock) while triangling Ackerman late in round one.

    Bozo starts this match with a takedown after obtaining a body lock and rains his usual big blows from the guard. Paling let Ackerman stand to deliver more punishment, but Ackerman takes Paling down and passed his guard. Paling recovered full guard and slapped a triangle on Ackerman. Since Ackerman was protecting his arm from going across his body, Paling switched to a kimura (reverse key lock) while holding his triangle to finish Ackerman at 4:21 minutes in round one and continue his quest to be Shooto's next champion. Shooto is literally running out of opponents for Paling who has time and time again proven that he not only beats everyone in his path, he takes on all comers and is probably the most active fighter in his weight class. Paling will be watching the Noguiera/Abe fight very closely because he should be the next in line for the championship.

    Buck triangling Cooper
    Buck triangling Cooper
    Main Event Shooto Class A
    Ray "Bradda" Cooper (Jesus Is Lord) vs. Jay Buck (Team Hell House)
    Cooper wins by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) over Buck after three rounds.

    This three round fight saw Ray Cooper trying to hold on to his top 5 ranking in Shooto while ducking no one and staying busy himself. Buck has been on a tear in the Midwest and making a huge name for himself culminating in the Ironheart Crown. Buck showed a good mix of stand up and ground while trading blows with the very patient Cooper throughout the fight. The first two round saw "Bradda" Cooper taking down Buck and punishing him in Ray "Bradda" Cooper style. Buck attempted a couple of triangles, but was unsuccessful. Round three was to be Buck's round as he took down Ray after taking a hard shot standing that caused his eye to bleed. Cooper recovered guard, but Buck held his position well and rained down some blows in Cooper's open guard. Unfortunately, it was a little too late and Ray Cooper continues in his quest for a Shooto title shot by winning a unanimous decision after three tough rounds. With Anderson Silva vacating the title, Ray Cooper's name has to be mentioned when the Shooto committee plans the crowning of their next champion.

    The Shooto Hawaii show seemed to be blessed to avoid the production problems that normally plague beginning promotions. Maybe it's from their strong religious beliefs and maybe due to a whole lot of planning and preparation. Everything went very smoothly and the Maui crowd seems very educated about MMA and enjoyed the action packed fights, including the technical ground work. Excellent sportsmanship by not only the fighters, but the crowd really made a good impression on the mainland based fighters. There is a place for mixed martial arts in Maui. There is no question about that.

    From the event's promoter:
    Pankracio - Reto Maximo logo
    Pankracio - Reto Maximo II
    Tijuana, B. C. - Mexico
    December 8th, 2002

    Official Fight results!

    Yahír Reyes Pankration/Lozano's Submission, Tijuana, Mexico, 3-3 over
    Angel Yocupicio Wrestling/Pentathlon, Tijuana-Mexico, 0-1
    by arm bar at 3:19 minutes of 2 RD.

    George Pelayo Todd Medina's Freestyle Fighting, New Port Beach, CA, 1-0 over
    Ethién Rascón Pankration/Lozano's Submission, Tijuana-Mexico, 0-1
    by majority decision.

    Victor Prado Wrestling/Pentathlon, Tijuana, Mexico, 1-0 over
    Micelli Villalba Pankration/Academia Defensa Total, Tijuana-Mexico, 1-2
    by TKO at the 4:55 minutes of the 1 RD. Victor mounted punching down on Micelli.

    Xavier Curiel Pankration/Reyes Kick Boxing Gym, Tiijuana, Mexico, 1-0 over
    Luis Alfonso Jacobo Judo/Kick Boxing, Mexicali, Mexico, 2-1
    by tap out at the 2:46 minutes of the 1 RD. Luis suffered a left shoulder injury that forced him
    to tap before receiving undo punishment while Xavier had gained the mount setting to unload.

    Brad McCall Chris Brennan's Next Generation, Irvine, CA, 3-1 over
    Mario Mendoza Pankration/Academia Defensa Total, Tijuana-Mexico, 1-1
    by submission at the 3:15 minutes of the 1 RD. (Rear naked choke).

    Enrique Cuellar Cuellar's Tjakai, Aguascalientes, Mexico, 4-1 over
    Shawn Ibsen Galindo's Lion's Den, San Diego-CA, 0-1
    by TKO at the 4:12 minutes of the 2 RD. After a very even 1st round action Cuellar gained the mount and began a barrage of strikes to the face of his opponent that merited the intervention of the referee stopping the actions.

    Sean Ruiz Todd Medina's Freestyle Fighting, New Port Beach, CA, 1-0 over
    Víctor Álvarez Wrestling/Pentathlon, Tijuana-Mexico, 0-1
    by submission at the 3:25 minutes of the 1 RD. (Rear naked choke).

    Akbarh Arreola Pankration/Lozano's Submission, Tijuana, Mexico, 2-1 over
    Fernando Zatarain Cuellar's Tjakai, Aguascalientes, Mexico, 0-1
    by KO at the 00:14 seconds of the 1 RD. Setting up with a front kick to Fernando's midsection Akbarh followed up with a devastating left round house kick to Zatarain's face that produced the quickest knock out to date in Reto Maximo.

    Mike Rose Caique Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Los Angeles, CA, 2-0 over
    Adolfo de la Torre Pankration/Academia de Defensa Total, Tijuana, Mexico, 1-2
    by arm bar submission at the 1:22 minutes of the 1RD. A game De la Torre couldn't put out enough to beat one of Caique's top BJJ brown belts.


    Walter Nakagawa Pit Bull Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, draws
    Steve Magdaleno Caique Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Los Angeles, CA.
    This was the card's co-main event in a special rules match between two extraordinary BJJ representatives. Submission only - no points match up. Walter and Steven displayed their grappling expertise in a no gi fight that peaked twice. Steven first put Walter in a bit of trouble when spinning from the half guard into a knee bar that Walter managed to escape; Walter returned the favor by taking Steven's back setting to apply a rear naked choke. Magdaleno defended Nakagawa's intentions to put him in the oniric realm taking the 2 x 5 minute match to the limit for a draw.

    Brodie Farber Perry's Full Circle Sambo, Sacramento, CA, 5-2 over
    Hector Figueroa Pankration/Academia de Defensa Total, Tijuana, Mexico, 2-2-1
    by submission at the 4:05 minutes of the 1 RD. The main event of the night pitted one of Mexico's top judo champions, Figueroa, versus Farber, who has made a following for himself in Tijuana after two previous successful appearances. Hector controlled the actions first by getting inside Brodie's stand up defense and throwing him with one of his trademark leg moves. What would have certainly ended the fight in a judo contest this time required a follow through; Hector assumed side control and was active landing knees and elbows to the body of his opponent. The first three minutes were on Hector's side but his mistake came when shifting from side control to the mount. Brodie bridged himself out of the bottom position and both swiftly moved to stand up again. Hector shot in again on Brodie but this time he was caught by Farber in a standing guillotine that forced Figueroa to tap out.

    General Notes:

    Lovely Uta (King of the Cage/The Price is Right) stepped on two occasion into the ring to throw out posters bearing her image as gifts to the appreciative yet respectful audience that were pleased to see such beauty gracing the event.

    Univision Television Network filmed the event to edit a report on MMA for "Primer Impacto".
    The show should air soon. Maybe within 2 to 3 weeks.

    At attendance were many top celebrities of the fight world game including MMA, BJJ, Kick Boxing, and Boxing.

    Namely:
    Jacqueline Nava (IKF - North American Kick Boxing Champion and Undefeated in Boxing) - Mexico
    Brenda Lopez (Bronze Medal at the Muay Thai World Cup Championships 2002, Thailand) - Mexico
    Edwin Aguilar (Mexico's National Kick Boxing and Vale Tudo Champion) - Mexico
    Pedro "Pit Bull" Fernandez (IKF - North American Kick Boxing Champion/K1 - USA veteran) - Mexico

    Carlos "Caique" Ellias (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrence, CA,/Caique BJJ in Los Angeles, CA) - USA

    Vernon "Tiger" White (Lion's Den/KOTC World Champion, Mega Fight World Champion) - USA
    Tony "The Bull" Galindo (Lion's Den /KOTC World Champion, head of San Diego's Lion's Den) - USA
    Dean Lister (Dean Lister BJJ/KOTC World Champion, North American ADCC Trials Champion) - USA
    Chris Brennan (Brennan's Next Generation/KOTC 3X World Champion, Shooto veteran) - USA

    Julio Cesar Chavez (5X World Boxing Champion/One of Professional Boxing's All Time greatest) - Mexico
    A warm welcome to the MMA fan community!!!

    Thanks to each and everyone that supported our event including government authorities, sponsors, news media, production team, coaches, fighters, and last but not least. . . special thanks to all the fans!

    Pankracio - Reto Maximo III is coming February 9th, 2003.

      Friday - December 13, 2002

    From DSE USA/Pride:
    PRIDE FC "Cold Fury III" (a.k.a. PRIDE 24) Five Match-Ups Announced.

    • Antonio Rodorigo Nogueira vs. Dan Henderson
    • Murilo Ninja vs. Kevin Randleman
    • Norihisa Yamamoto vs. Alexander Otsuka
    • Yuki Sasaki* vs. Rodrigo Gracie
    • Daijiro Matsui vs. Kazuki Okubo*
    *First time in PRIDE

    Event Information:

    DATE: Dec 23rd, 2002
    GATE OPEN 3:00 PM
    FIGHT START 4:30 PM
    PLACE: Marin Messe Fukuoka (Hakata, Fukuoka-Pref., Japan)

    Pay-Per-View; SkyPerfecTV (JAPAN, Dec 23rd Live PPV) DIRECTV, DishNetwork, TVN (Jan 11th, Taped Delay PPV) Bell Express Vu, Viewer’s Choice Canada (Jan 11th, Taped Delay PPV)

    From the event's promoter:
    UCC 12 Logo UCC 12: ADRENALINE
    January 25th 2003, 8pm ET
    Pierre-Charbonneau Center
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada


    Montreal (Canada) - The anticipation has been building for months and now the time has come for Canada's premiere Mixed Martial Art promotion to once again explode on the international sport scene. UCC 12: ADRENALINETM will feature some of the world's best MMA athletes including UCC World Middleweight Champion David "The Crow" Loiseau, MMA's best pound for pound fighter "Little Evil" Jens Pulver, UFC veteran Anthony "The Freak" Fryklund, Muay Thai phenom and K-1 veteran Duane "Bang" Ludwig, the hottest 145 pound fighter in the world today Ivan Menjivar, UCC World Welterweight champion John "The Natural" Alessio, undefeated MMA top prospect Jason Black, highly ranked super-lightweight Jeff Curran and many other spectacular world class athletes.

    UCC 12 will take place just a week before the company's third year anniversary, for this historic event the UCC will return to the venue where it all started. The Pierre-Charbonneau Center will be the place where history goes down as some fighters will become legends and some will go back to the drawing board. The Pierre Charbonneau center is known as a fight fans delight as EVERY seat in the house allows for a spectacular view of the action. The UCC has once again rose above the rest with a fight card to rival any promotion on the planet: 3 World Championships, 2 Canadian Championships, 3 Superfights and grudge matches will all ignite the Pierre Charbonneau center on January 25th 2003. UCC 12 will go down in history as Canada's brightest moment in MMA history!

    WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MAIN EVENT
    ANTHONY FRYKLUND vs. DAVID LOISEAU
    Anthony FryklundDavid Loiseau DAVID "THE CROW" LOISEAU (7-2-0) first became a Canadian phenom when he captured the UCC Canadian Middleweight championship at just 19 years of age. Advancing in his training, he became a lethal striker and one of the best boxers in MMA. His wrestling skills also raised eyebrows in the MMA community. On October 11th 2002, after years of hard training and dedication to the sport, he became the UCC World Middleweight Champion by dismantling top ranked Team Extreme champion Jesse Jones. Voted "hero of the week" in Canada's largest publication after his performance, The Crow is on top of his game and ready for ANYONE who tries to take his title. ANTHONY "THE FREAK" FRYKLUND (8-1-0) burst onto the UCC scene back at UCC 8 with a devastating ground and pound display that left his opponent dazed and confused. With a 3 fight winning streak including a huge win in the UFC against Rodrigo Ruas, he is now ready to step up for a world title shot. Will the CROW fly once again or is it time for the FREAK to freak out?

    WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
    DUANE LUDWIG vs. JENS PULVER
    Duane LudwigJens Pulver This is a fight that has created interest from MMA fans all over the globe. "LITTLE EVIL" JENS PULVER (10-1-1) is considered the best pound for pound fighter on earth and has been the brightest champion in UFC history. He has defeated stars such as Caol Uno, BJ Penn, and John Lewis and has now set his sights on the vacant UCC World Lightweight title. Often saying that he has a hard time finding fighters who are willing to stand up and trade strikes with him, the UCC has made a sincere effort to find a fighter who would not only be willing to, but would LOVE to stand up and strike with Little Evil: DUANE "BANG" LUDWIG (7-2-0). BANG is considered the most explosive and effective striker in MMA and has been a Bas Rutten student for several years in order to round out his game. Ludwig has dazzled MMA fans with his showmanship and has destroyed opponents with his explosiveness. Evil vs. Bang is a world class main event for a world class event! Which super striker will go home with the UCC title in hand?

    WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
    JASON BLACK vs. JOHN ALESSIO
    Jason BlackJohn Alessio UCC World Welterweight champion JOHN "THE NATURAL" ALESSIO (11-3-0) has been on a tremendous roll as of late. He made his UCC debut against wrestling standout Sean Pierson and made the task at hand look easy by knocking out the "Pimp Daddy" in brutal fashion. Since then he has defeated an experienced BJJ black belt (John Delao in WFF), an experienced UFC veteran (Chris Brennan in KOTC) as well as an up and coming Japanese star (Eiji Mitsuoka in Pride's The Best!). His skills have spoken for themselves and now he steps up for his toughest test yet. JASON BLACK (11-0-1) is one of the few undefeated MMA fighter in the world today. Known for his exceptional wrestling skills; he is also very versatile in submissions. After out-classing Chad Saunders at the last WFA event, Black is definitely ready for this title shot. Word has it that there might be bad blood between these two great athletes so it will be interesting to see what happens come fight time!

    CANADIAN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
    STEPHANE LALIBERTE vs. MARK HOMINICK
    Mark Hominick MARK "THE MACHINE" HOMINICK (2-0-0) is the UCC Canadian Super Lightweight Champion, the ISKA North-American Lightweight Kickboxing champion and the IKF North-American Lightweight Kickboxing champion. At only 19 years of age he has accomplished what many hope to achieve in a lifetime. A firm believer that in order to be the best YOU MUST BEAT THE BEST, Hominick sent Richard Nancoo into hiatus with a spectacular TKO victory and then easily dismantled the #1 contender, Steve Claveau. There was obvious bad blood between Claveau's Team Legion and Hominick's Team Tompkins and this animosity will continue as Steve Claveau's top student STEPHANE "THE NORDIC THUNDER" LALIBERTE (5-0-0) steps up to the plate against The Machine. Laliberte has an impressive 5-0 record in MMA and is one of the most aggressive individuals to have graced the UCC Proving Ground series ring. Its team vs. team, Champion vs. Challenger, Man vs. Man as these two athletes clash for the gold!

    MIDDLEWEIGHT SUPERFIGHT - CLASH OF THE SUPER STRIKERS
    JERMAINE ANDRE vs. STEVE VIGNEAULT
    Steve Vigneault UCC's knock out sensation, STEVE "LION HEART" VIGNEAULT (8-3-0) has a chin made of solid steal and possesses striking power enough to knock-out a raging bull. Vigneault is the first and only athlete in MMA history to simultaneously hold two titles in two different weight classes. This time, there are no titles on the line as he makes his return to action against a man they call "BAM BAM", JERMAINE ANDRE (4-2-0). Andre is a UFC veteran, WFA World Middleweight Champion and a World Class Muay Thai fighter. However it is unknown if he has ever faced a man with the striking ability, heart, determination and massive chin that the LION HEART possesses. Both SUPER STRIKERS, this bout could very well be the fight of the year and worth the price of admission alone. It is guaranteed that the capacity crowd will be behind their home town hero as he looks forward to another brutal KO victory on his long list of victims.

    SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT SUPERFIGHT - #1 CONTENDER SHIP
    WAGNNEY FABIANO vs. IVAN MENJIVAR
    Waggney FabianoIvan Menjivar At UCC 1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt WAGNNEY FABIANO (1-0-0) put his reputation on the line by entering the MMA world and competing for the UCC World Lightweight Championship. He easily became the first UCC World Lightweight champion however other commitments prevented him from re-entering the ring to defend his title. A forfeited title and creation of the new Super Lightweight class brings us to UCC 12 where Fabiano will once again grace the UCC ring with hopes of once again being a World Champion. Standing in his way is 6 times UCC superstar IVAN MENJIVAR (10-1-0). Menjivar is currently the hottest Super Lightweight fighter in the world and it seems like no one will be able to stop him from becoming the #1 ranked fighter in the world. With five straight wins including a total domination over MMA veteran and UCC contender Jeff Curran (currently ranked #8 in the world after defeating #4 ranked fighter Baret Yoshida), Menjivar is ready to explode like never before, on January 25th, don't blink.

    ALSO ON THE CARD:

    UCC 12 will also feature the return of JEFF CURRAN (8-4-1) as he competes for the vacant UCC World Super Lightweight Championship. His opponent will be announced very shortly. UCC fight fans will also have the pleasure to see in action for the first time one of the most exciting fighter from Western Canada, KULTAR GILL (2-1-0) from Gibson Pankration. Gill is one of the best prospects in the country and he's ready to show his stuff in Canada's #1 MMA promotion. Also back in UCC action will be "LOAF" JUSTIN BRUCKMANN (5-2-0) as he starts his climb to the top of the UCC Canadian Lightweight division! All this plus 2 other explosive fights to be announced shortly.

    The fight world will be watching closely as The Crow faces yet another big step in his young career. Fans and experts from abroad are anxiously awaiting the result of Bang Ludwig vs. Little Evil Pulver to finally determine who is the best pound for pound striker in MMA. The long awaited grudge match between Alessio and Black is one not to miss. When the Lion Heart and BAM BAM clash it is sure to blow the roof off of the Pierre Charbonneau Center. UCC fans are all looking forward to what the Machine Hominick will do to his next challenger. Stay tuned for more information on this great event!

    UCC 12: ADRENALINE
    Saturday January 25 2003 - 8pm Eastern Time
    Pierre Charbonneau Center
    Montreal, Canada

    Tickets go on sale soon....DON'T MISS IT!!!!!!!!

      Sunday - December 15, 2002

    BAMA's Fight Night 19
    Crowns A Welterweight Champ

    By Jim Genia

          (December 14th) The Bayside Academy of Martial Arts' (BAMA) Fight Night 19 took place at its usual spot at the South Plainfield Middle School in New Jersey, and the few hundred fans that filled the gymnasium were treated to an all-out war as four tough competitors vied for the belt in a welterweight tournament. Rounding out the action: bouts of Muay Thai, shootfighting, and mixed martial arts, featuring a wide range of local talent. Congrats to promoter Dan Miragliotta for another good event. Highlights of the night included:

    Isip works for an armbar
    Isip works for an armbar
    • Elmera's showboating "kung fu" antics that had the crowd cheering.
    • LaValle and Isip's quick but technical grappling battle.
    • Tabakhman's sudden jumping rear naked choke that would've made Rumina Sato proud.
    • The groundfighting showdown between Isip and Ortiz for the Welterweight belt -- which was a rematch of their previous encounter at the last Fight Night.
    Jay Beckett about to throw a Capooeira Kick at Mark Papadimitriou
    Beckett about to throw a
    Capoeira kick
    The Results:

    MMA
    Leonard Elmera def. Robert Gaurino - armbar from the guard at 6:39

    Shootfighting Tournament - Semi-final Glenn Ortiz def. Paul DiAndrea - heelhook at 0:42

    Muay Thai Bout
    Tom Dowd def. Anthony Valero - decision

    Shootfighting Tournament - Semi-final Jay Isip def. Peter Lavalle - guillotine at 1:34

    MMA
    Mark Papadimitriou def. Jay Beckett - tap out due to strikes at 1:19

    Shootfighting
    Mike Winkler def. Eric Colon - armbar at 4:20

    Muay Thai Bout
    Shawn Kenny def. Mike Alfano - decision

    Shootfighting
    Carmine Zocchi def. Jerry Fatjo - triangle choke at 2:01

    Shootfighting
    Judah Ciervo def. Michael Correa - Kimura armlock from the guard at 3:21

    Shootfighting
    Chris Alvarez def. John Calvano - keylock from the mount at 5:37

    Shootfighting
    Jay Beckett def. James Williams - neck crank at 7:03

    Shootfighting
    Joe Tabakhman def. Art Ravenell - rear-naked choke at 2:14

    Shootfighting Tournament - Final
    Jay Islip def. Glenn Ortiz - decision - Isip is now the BAMA Fight Night Welterweight Champ

    New UFC DVDs!
    Now available for pre-order
    UFC Ultimate KnockOuts DVDUFC Ultimate Submissions DVD

    ULTIMATE KNOCKOUTS & ULTIMATE SUBMISSIONS
    BOXED SET

    23 KNOCKOUTS - 24 SUBMISSIONS
    This 2-pack set of DVDs contains four hours of footage, including 2 hours of never before seen material.

    Includes tons of extras... Tito Ortiz' Corner at UFC 33, Gil Castillo wrestles an NFL Lineman, UFC 30 Post Fight Press Conference, Shonie Carter cutting weight at UFC 31, BJ Penn Interview at UFC 32, Robbie Lawler Interview, Dana White Interview, Lorenzo Fertitta Interview, Gil Castillo wrestles an NFL Lineman, Matt Serra Jiu-Jitsu Demonstration, UFC 32 Rules Meeting with Big John McCarthy, Ricco Rodriguez Submissions Demonstration, UFC 34 Post-Fight Press Conference and more!

    For a full list of the KOs & submissions inclded in this set, please visit the FCF Shop
    For FASTEST service call in your credit card order
    (516)922-1081
    Or
    Click here to order securely online with your credit card
    or print off the order form & mail it in with your payment

    STORM Once Again Delivers Fierce Muay Thai Action in Curitiba!
    By Eduardo Alonso
    STORM Muay Thai

          On December 8, 2002 the city of Curitiba was once again the stage for another edition of the now famous STORM Muay Thai event. The beautiful Opera de Arame, one of Curitiba`s most important landmarks, held the 18 Muay Thai fights fighting card and received almost a packed house to witness the local fighters battle against each other. Organized by the Chute Boxe team, the event counted with the presence of several Chute Boxe fighters both inside and outside of the ring. With names like Vanderlei Silva, Murilo Ninja, Anderson Silva, Rafael Cordeiro and master Rudimar Fedrigo among those on hand for the event, the resposibility of the fighters inside the ring grew and there was always the demand for lots of guts and huge determination, in the most traditional Chute Boxe style. The "Axe Murderer", Vanderlei Silva, himself worked as a referee in the event, as also did Murilo Ninja and Chute Boxe K-1 winner Nilson de Castro, among others. One of the most important attractions of the event were the participation of MECA veterans Marcelao and Paulo Bueno, as well as IVC and MECA veteran Silvio Urutum who fought in the event as well. STORM veterans Marlon Matias, Mauricio Veio, Nelson and Fabio Pelezinho also returned to event to continue their roll of victories on their young but promising careers.
    Urutum blasts Urso
    Urutum lands overhand right on Urso
          As Muay Thai fights are usually about excitment and lots of aggression, this had to be the case when Chute Boxe fighters are involved as well. One of the most important fights of the night, and also one of the most intriguing, was Chute Boxe fighter Marlon Matias vs. Rodrigo Bueno. Rodrigo is Paulo Bueno`s brother and Marlon came in as a late replacement! The future K-1 fighter was attending the event as a guest but was called on the spot to replace a injured fighter by his master Rafael Cordeiro, and he ended up fighting on the card! Without any special preparation Marlon was smart enough to save his energy and controlled the fight using his superior technique against a game opponent in Rodrigo, and earned a fair judges' decision. With this win Marlon continued his way into K-1 in 2003, and will be a tough fight for anyone in his weight when he gets on proper shape. Another Chute Boxe fighter and also a MECA veteran that did well on STORM was Daniel Lima. Daniel showed an aggressive style and pursuited the fight with strong punching combinations, scoring knockdowns on the first round and making his opponent give up between the first and the second round. Mauricio Veio, a Chute Boxe fighter with international experience, also did a good job in his fight against Anderson Macaco. Mauricio started the fight feeling tense, but soon got back to his usual game and started punishing Anderson's legs, to later score a nice knockout on the second round using his punches, showing that he is also on the right track.
          Another MECA veteran that performed on the night was Marcelao. Marcelao, who is 2-0 at MECA, fought in his usual aggressive style and ended up winning by doctor stoppage in the first round after his opponent suffered a severe cut on his face. Chute Boxe fighter Silvio Urutum came back to the fighting scene after MECA 7 scoring a solid win on STORM. Facing a tough opponent in Urso, Urutum took advantage of his strong hands and punched his way to a judges' decision scoring several knockdowns on the process, and showing that he is still a tough fighter with a lot of fuel in his tank. In one of the most wild and exciting fights of the night Nilson de Castro student Bruno Serafini won his fight by knockout with only 8 seconds remaining on the fight! Bruno took a severe beating on the first two rounds, even suffering some knockdowns but manage to fight his way back with a lot of guts and no fear at all! The crowd went nuts with the fight and Nilson seemed even more tired than his student after it! The most technical fight of the night was a draw between Chute Boxe`s future star Fabio Pelezinho and MECA veteran Paulo Bueno. The two fighters showcased a lot of skilss using all sorts of kicks, punches, knees and blocks, with Pelezinho getting the better of the exchanges in the beggining of the fight and Bueno coming back strong in the final round. In the last fight of the night STORM veteran Nelson scored yet another win against Silvio, getting a judges' decision in a well deserved win.
          After all it was great to see that Muay Thai, and fighting in general, are still strong in Brazil and around 2.000 people paid to see a local Muay Thai event that showcased the future of fighting sports, since lots of fighters that appeared on the show will be headlining NHB events in the future. Names like Anderson Silva, Mauricio Shogun Rua, and others fought in STORM before they made their way into NHB competition, so pay attention to some of those names, as Full Contact Fighter is always bringing you the action on the spot, no matter where or when it happens!

    Urutum wins
    Urutum wins
    STORM Complete results:
    1. Sarion Adams defeated Jeferson Cascao by DQ in the second round.
    2. Felipe defeated Dalsin by forfeit between the 1st and the 2nd round.
    3. Guilherme defeated Sadi by judges' decision after 3 rounds.
    4. Levir drew with Japa by decision after 3 rounds.
    5. Murilo defeated Sandro by judges' decision after 3 rounds.
    6. Eduardo "Du" defeated Lauro Ramirez by knockout in the 2nd round.
    7. Andre "Duda" defeated Marcos Zangado by knockout in the 1st round.
    8. Marlon Matias defeated Rodrigo Bueno by judges' decision after 3 rounds.
    9. Daniel Lima defeated Fernando "Fefe" by forfeit between the 1st and the 2nd round.
    10. Manoel defeated Peterson Pimentel by knockout in the first round.
    11. Pedroso defeated Luis Jr. by judges' decision after 3 rounds.
    12. Fabio Pelezinho drew with Paulo Bueno by judges' decision after 3 rounds.
    13. Mauricio Veio defeated Anderson Macaco by knockout in the second round.
    14. Marcelao defeated Vitor by doctor stoppage in the first round.
    15. Silvio Urutum defeated Urso by judges' decision after 3 rounds.
    16. Dilo drew with Felipe by judges' decision after 3 rounds.
    17. Bruno Serafini defeated Jardel by knockout in the 3rd round.
    18. Nelson Pereira defeated Silvio by judges' decision after 3 rounds.

      Monday - December 16, 2002

    From the event's promoter:
    Eilers Bounces Back with KO in MMA Nationals

          DAVENPORT, Iowa -- A decision loss to Dan Severn a few weeks ago apparently didn't have a lasting affect on former football star Justin Eilers.
          The leading tackler on Iowa State's football team a year ago, Eilers gave a flawless performance in the ring Saturday at Stars & Stripes. He knocked out Jeff Gerlick with punches from the mount only 2:56 into the first round of their main event bout to improve his overall record to 10-1.
          Eilers, 6-2 and 245, countered a takedown attempt by Gerlick, 6-3 and 285, and put the muscular heavyweight on his back. After gaining mount, Eilers picked the right moment to rise up and land a couple heavy blows that rendered his opponent helpless.
          In the amateur portion of the show, two fighters from Meat Truck, Inc., won titles... Billy Rush at 170 and Michael Patt at 210. However, 19-year-old Bart Palaszewski of Linxx Academy of Martial Arts stole the show, beating a pair of top opponents en route to taking the 150 title. At heavyweight, two Miletich Martial Arts fighters made the final with JD Patterson winning the championship.
          A few fighters failed to make the show when a death in the family prevented representatives of the Minnesota Trials from attending.
          Another highlight of the show was a 3-round boxing exhibition between former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver and No. 9-ranked 145-pounder Jeff Curran.

    Results:
    Main event: Justin Eilers def. Jeff Gerlick, 2:56 TKO, strikes from mount.
    150 division: Semifinals -- Cleve Tuttle def. David Hynes, 1:20 rear choke; Bart Palaszewski def. Jevgenijs Minajevs, 9:16 triangle choke; Final -- Palaszewski def. Tuttle, 7:27 armbar.

    170 division: Final -- Billy Rush def. David Sosebee, 7:05 ankle lock.

    210 division: Final -- Mike Patt def. John McCall, 4:46 TKO.

    Hwt division: Semifinals: Brandon Quigley def. Jamie Schell, 7:35 armbar; JD Patterson def. Mike Wells, unanimous dec. after OT (13:00); Final -- Patterson def. Quigley, 3:06 guillotine choke.

    The Professional
    FCF Pro Short frontFCF Pro Short back
    The Professional is the answer you've been waiting for-a fight short that will hold up for years to come. For those who like a tighter fit and the all important "no riding" feature, these shorts are a step above the rest. The graphics on the rear are "old school" as the front logo shines with the new colors of today!
    Who wears the Professional?
    Matt Hughes standing over Gil Castillo at UFC 40Phil Baroni ready for action at UFC 39

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

    HOOKnSHOOT Closes Out the Year with Exciting Show
    By Keith Mills

    Denes trying to submit Henze
    Denes trying to submit Henze
    Ft Lauderdale, FL-it was an exciting show to end an exciting year for HOOKnSHOOT, a year in which HOOKnSHOOT moved beyond Shooto sanctioning and expanded beyond Indiana. This show was indicative of their new approach where, like Ring Of Fury in MA, when they hit the road they heavily feature local fighters, in this case the American Top Team. The ATT have made appearances in HOOKnSHOOT before with Dustin Denes and Hermes Franca especially standing out but on this night no less than seven of the fights featured ATT members, going 6-1 overall. Look for HOOKnSHOOT to continue to expand next year reportedly into Las Vegas or even Washington State.

    Not one, but two old school legends came back for this show, with Matt Hume easily dispatching Pain Peters by armbar while Conan Silveira had trouble with Wes Sims' reach and striking power, losing to a TKO for unanswered strikes after almost finishing Sims in round 1 with a rear choke.

    Hume barely breaks a sweat in his return to the ring
    Hume barely breaks a sweat
    in his return to the ring
    UFC vet Aaron Riley was easily the fight of the night in his decision win against Ruas Vale Tudo fighter Alexandre Barros. Despite Barros' reach advantage working to his favor with several shots Riley pressed the attack no matter what position, even trying for a leg submission the only time Barros had Riley on his back. Barros for his part not only tagged Riley but also went for his share of takedown and submissions, definitely not a gimme fight for Riley to repair his record after a loss in his UFC debut earlier this year. Most of the fight regardless of who got the takedown ended up Riley on top hammering away and managing to stay out of a closed guard or submission.

    The only disappointment with the evening came with the Pearson/Smith draw decision. Despite moving beyond Shooto sanctioning and obtaining sanctioning through the Florida Boxing Commission this show kept the two-round length for the undercard, formerly the "B Class" fights under Shooto rules. With Smith scoring the first round and Pearson the second the draw was inevitable but if HOOKnSHOOT went to a three-round system for future bouts these disappointing endings could be a thing of the past.

    Overall despite the cancellation of the women's 135 lb belt bout fans have been looking forward to all summer the show was very exciting. Next HOOKnSHOOT is back in IN on March 9th where they kick off their "boot camp" series spotlighting the up-and-comers while the next FL show is already scheduled for March 28th with tickets on sale now.
    Matt Hamilton hitting Mark Ashton
    Hamilton hitting Ashton
    • Emyr Bussard def Solomon Hutcherson 2:51 r1 by rear choke
    • Wilson Goveia def John Fitch 3:38 r1 by TKO
    • Matt Hamilton def Mark Ashton 4:40 r2 by TKO
    • Nick Agullar def Cade Swallows 4:32 r1 by TKO
    • Marcel Ferriera def Tomi Simonen 2:29 r1 by guillotine choke
    • Charlie Pearson drew Darrell Smith by majority decision
    • Dustin Denes def Scott Henze 3:45 r1 by armbar
    • Matt Hume def Pain Peters 1:45 r1 by armbar
    • Aaron Riley def Alexandre Barros by unanimous decision
    • Hermes Franca def Ryan Diaz 4:23 r1 by guillotine choke
    • Moacyr "Boca" DeOliveira def Harri Niva 3:59 by kimura
    • Wes Sims def Conan Silveira 2:13 r2 by TKO

      Tuesday - December 17, 2002

    From Koichi "Booker K" Kawasaki:
    All PRIDE.24 Matches Announced

    PRIDE.24
    DATE: December 23rd, 2002
    OPEN: 3:00 PM START 4:30 PM
    PLACE: Marine Messe Fukuoka, Japan (Fukuoka-Pref, Japan)
    • 1st Match:
      Daijirou Matsui (Japan/Takada Dojo) vs. Kazuki Okubo (Japan/U-FILE CAMP.COM)

    • 2nd Match:
      Guy Mezger (USA/Lions Den) vs. Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira (Brazil/Brazilian Top Team)

    • 3rd Match:
      Ron Waterman (USA/Colorado stars) vs. Valentijn Ovreem (Holland/Golden Glory)

    • 4th Match:
      Yuki Sasaki (Japan/Pancrase GRABAKA) vs. Rodrigo Gracie (Team Reanzo Gracie)

    • 5th Match:
      Norihisa Yamamoto (Japan/Takada Dojo) vs. Alexander Otsuka (Japan/AODC)

    • 6th Match:
      Alistair Overeem (Holland/Golden Glory) vs. Volk Ataev (Russia/Russian Top Team)

    • 7th Match:
      Murilo Ninja (Brazil/Chute Boxe Academy) vs. Kevin Randleman (USA/Hammer House)

    • 8th Match:
      Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Brazil/Brazilian Top Team) vs. Dan Henderson (USA/Team Quest)

    From Josh Hedges/Zuffa:
    UFC Logo
    ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTS ANNUAL BASH:
    'ULTIMATE NEW YEARS EVE' SHOW ON PAY-PER-VIEW, DEC. 31


    Six-Hour Special to Feature Best Bouts, Top Fighters During its 10-Year History

          LAS VEGAS, NEV., December 17, 2002... For the eighth consecutive year, UFC is bringing viewers the ultimate pay-per-view party event on the ultimate night of the year: Ultimate New Year's Eve. UFC's annual six-hour fight show features the very best action and top UFC Mixed Martial Artists of the last 10 years. It will air on pay-per-view Tuesday, December 31, starting at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST.
          "Ultimate New Years Eve" will be available on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, Bell ExpressVu and Viewers Choice Canada for the suggested retail price of $24.95. An encore performance will begin immediately after the telecast.
          This classic show will provide a memorable trip through UFC history and includes fights from UFC 1: The Beginning, held in November of 1993, right up to last month's UFC 40: Vendetta, which sold out the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Some "Ultimate Fights" from 2002 alone include "New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni's war with Russian powerhouse Amar Suloev. Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell putting his number one contender status on the line against the dangerous Renato "Babalu" Sobral, and the fight many consider to be one of the best UFC fights of all time, "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler vs. Aaron Riley just seven months ago at UFC37: High Impact.
          UFC legends like Don Frye, Mark Coleman, Bas Rutten, Tank Abbott, Frank Shamrock and Ken Shamrock, the latter of whom just fought Tito Ortiz for the light heavyweight title at UFC 40, are also featured. Ultimate Fighters like Lawler, Matt Hughes, BJ Penn, Vitor Belfort, Chuck Liddell, Murilo Bustamante, Randy Couture, Matt Serra, Ricco Rodriguez and, of course, Royce Gracie all make their way once again to the Octagon in these vivid highlights. As an added bonus for purchasers, the show will include three fights never before televised.
          The UFC's next live pay-per-view event will be UFC 41: Onslaught at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST on Friday, February 28, from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The eight-fight card will feature the return of Tank Abbott to the Octagon.

    From Assistant Organizer Dustin Ware:
    3rd annual Arnold Schwarzenegger
    World Gracie Submission Championships

    MMA Nationals poster The 3rd annual Arnold Schwarzenegger World Gracie Submission Championships is one of the premier Professional/Amateur Submission Grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in the World! Year after Year, the "Top Grapplers" in the World have come out to showcase their talents, and this year will be no different!

    We would also like to announce the addition of the FIRST EVER Professional Women's No-Gi Division held in the U.S.! The addition of an Professional Women's division will finally allow the Female Grapplers the chance to not earn a "Big Pay Day" if they are victorious! We have already been contacted by some of the most technical and dominate Female grapplers in the World, so we encourage that you or any high level Female grapplers you know to get involved in this event!

    As in years past, the 2003 event will offer Prize Money to the top Professional Male & Female athletes in our World Class Submission tournament, with prizes/awards going to the top Amateur competitors in both the Gracie World Championship Gi Tournament and the Submission Grappling tournament.

    This World-Class event will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center between February 28th - March 2nd!

    I know you are wondering were you are going to find out weight classes, times for weigh-ins, and so on! So please go to http://gracieworlds.com for all the information & updates you will need about the event.

    Please know that the pre-registration date for this event is February 10th. If you are interested in registration for the Male or Female Professional No-Gi divisions, please submit your "Grappling Resume" to gracieworlds@aol.com As Soon As Possible!

    For further information please call 1-800-765-6999 or email us at gracieworlds@aol.com

      Wednesday - December 18, 2002

    The Brazilian Beat
    Silva Recovering Well from Knee Surgery;
    Belfort Almost Ready Again;
    Assuerio Going to Switzerland!

    The Brazilian Beat:
          The year of 2002 is almost at an end, but there's still plenty of NHB action about to go on, therefore training is continuing strong in Brazil! PRIDE 24 is coming soon and the two most successful NHB teams in the country will be involved in it. With the participation of Murilo Ninja in PRIDE 24 and the likely fight of Assuerio Silva at Antonio Inoki's event, things were heated at the Chute Boxe camp this week, and concentration was so high that even the team's biggest star having a knee surgery on the same week didn't distract the team's focus at all. In the Brazilian Top Team, with both Nogueira brothers looking to finish the year continuing with the team's success achieved in 2002, and Minotauro finally getting a chance to answer all questions in regards to whether his decision loss to Dan Henderson was fair or not. With all that at stake and some of the sports biggest stars recovering from surgeries, FCF kicks off the holiday celebrations by providing "The Beat" right out of Brazil, before Santa comes to town!
    • PRIDE Middleweight champion Vanderlei Silva is recovering well from his knee surgery. The "Axe Murderer" had surgery on both knees this past Wednesday in Curitiba and his recovery process has been surprisingly fast. Silva had been living with a knee problem since before his PRIDE 10 fight against Guy Mezger, but chose not to make it public, and while training for his PRIDE 23 bout against Hiromitsu Kanehara he aggravated the problem, but opted to compete anyway. After the fight surgery was demanded and it was finally done on December 11 of 2002 on both the left and the right knee, with the left one being the most serious due to ligament problems. Now Vanderlei Silva is recovering from the procedures and is expected to be back in the PRIDE ring in mid-2003. FCF did an exclusive interview with the champion, so stay tuned!

    • Speaking of knee injuries, Vitor Belfort is also recovering well from his own knee surgery around two months ago. "The Phenom" is already doing a lot of weight training and physical therapy, and is expected to resume his full fighting training routine in around a month. Talks are going on for Belfort to be back in the Octagon at UFC 42 in 2003, and Vitor told Full Contact Fighter that he is very willing to get back to action.

    • PRIDE contender Murilo Rua "Ninja" departed to Japan this Monday to compete at PRIDE 24 against "The Monster" Kevin Randleman. Alongside Ninja went master Rudimar Fedrigo and Rafael Cordeiro, and they are all very confident in Ninja's chances. Despite losing to Ricardo Arona less than a month ago, the young Chute Boxe fighter trained very hard for this fight and is willing to show against Randleman that he is game for anyone in his weight division, as he told FCF just before boarding the plane.

    • Another Chute Boxe fighter that may still compete in Japan in 2002 is heavyweight Assuerio Silva. Assuerio, who was away from the game recovering from knee surgery, has been training very hard at the Chute Boxe academy and still has a chance to compete at the Inoki New Year's event. He was told by the promoters to stay ready and will probably know whether he is fighting or not in the next couple of days.

    • Still speaking of Assuerio, even if he does not compete in Inoki's event, he is already confirmed as a participant in Europe's newest NHB competition, The Ultimate Free Style Switzerland. Switzerland will have an NHB event in mid-January, and Assuerio will be competing there in an 8-man tournament, just like in the old UFC days. Another fighter invited to compete was MECA veteran David Phillips, who may also accept the invitation. We hope that Europe will have more events in 2003 and will continue to follow the developments.

    • As NHB is growing in Europe and Switzerland is about to hold an event, talks are already going on for the first international edition of MECA World Vale Tudo in Switzerland! Although nothing is confirmed or decided, promoters are willing to take Brazil's biggest NHB show to the country formerly known for chocolate, clocks and interesting bank accounts and there's a good chance that this may happen in the first half of 2003.

    • UFC middleweight champion Murilo Bustamante is still unsigned with the UFC. Despite some rumors that he was definitely out of the picture for Zuffa, Bustamante told FCF he is still negotiating and willing to perform again in the Octagon, however things have been difficult up to now. Murilo also told Full Contact Fighter he is keeping himself in great shape and ready to fight as soon as the right opportunity appears.

    • 2003 was a year of great success for the Brazilian Top Team, with Minotauro winning all of his fights as the PRIDE heavyweight champion, Murilo Bustamante becoming UFC's middleweight champion, and countless wins by members such as Mario Sperry, Rogerio Nogueira, Paulo Filho, Fabio Mello among others. To celebrate the year and keep a friendly atmosphere among the training partners the BTT celebrated the end of the year with a huge barbecue party this Tuesday, December 17, where all the top names of the academy gathered with the youngsters in a typical Brazilian celebration.

    • Still on the subject of the BTT, PRIDE 24 is just around the corner and brothers Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira and Rogerio Minotoro Nogueira are just leaving today, December 18 of 2002, to Japan to compete in the PRIDE ring, due to visa problems. Despite the problems with the departure, both twin brothers are feeling great to compete in their respective fights, against Dan Henderson and Guy Mezger. Alongside with the fighters will be Mario Sperry and Bebeo Duarte, among others.

    • The NHB world will gain two new lawyers very soon! Chute Boxe team coach and founder Master Rudimar Fedrigo, and Master Rafael Cordeiro just entered the law school in Curitiba to get their degree in college. Rudimar already studied law for four years in the past, and with just one more year of study he will become NHB's newest lawyer! Famous for being strict and disciplined, one can only wonder how he will work in the courtroom in the future! FCF wishes the best of luck for both Chute Boxe masters in this new venture.

    • The smaller events deserve support and exposure as well... the city of Rio de Janeiro will hold another edition of the Submission Grappling event Duelo de Titãs. There will be a 10-fight card, including the participation of MECA veterans Aritano Silva and Leopoldo Serão. Hopefully 2003 will be a year full of events so all the new talents out of Brazil can compete.

    From the event's promoter:
    UCC on TSN in 2003!

    Montreal (Canada) - Already heavily consumed preparing its greatest show ever, the Universal Combat Challenge proudly announces the biggest news in Canadian Mixed Martial Arts broadcast history. The UCC has reached an agreement with CTV Specialty Television Enterprises© that will see it's incredible brand of MMA entertainment to be delivered to millions of eager fight fans on Canada's Sports Leader - TSN. This 2003 season on TSN will include the best fights from past UCC's as well as future events, for a total of 48 broadcasts on TSN and 112 broadcasts on ESPN CLASSICS CANADATM.

    Setting the standard in Canadian sports broadcasting, TSN's comprehensive schedule includes it's flagship news program 'Sports Centre' as well as NHL and International Hockey, NBA Basketball, CFL Football, PGA/LPGA Golf, MLB, NASCAR, F-1, and CART auto racing, not to mention World Cup Soccer, The Olympic Games, great Amateur sports action, and of course live WWE programming. TSN is majority owned by CTV Specialty Television Enterprises Inc, and is available in over 8 million households. TSN's programming, as well as its news content is also available online at www.tsn.ca

    Now with TSN on board, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is reaching another giant step before exploding on the world sports scene. "I have never been more excited for the sport of MMA and the UCC as I am today" said UCC owner and president, Stephane Patry. "Canada is home to one of the most incredible and innovative fight promotions on the planet, so it didn't take much time before TSN added our product to their regular programming schedule" added Patry.

    The UCC made its long awaited debut on TSN in the month of September 2002 with a two-part showcase of "UCC 10: Battle for the Belts". After the initial success of that show, TSN was quick to jump on the idea of making the UCC a part of its regular programming line up. The UCC is already rising to the top as the fastest growing promotion in the sport, with it's highly successful pay per view shows featuring world class fighters such as David "The Crow" Loiseau, Jens "Little Evil" Pulver, Jeremy Horn, John "The Natural" Alessio, Sean Alvarez, Georges "Jungle" St-Pierre, Tony "The Freak" Fryklund, Jermaine "Bamm Bamm" Andre, Duane "Bang" Ludwig, Mark "The Machine" Hominick, Ivan Menjivar, as well as a great roster of the world's best fighters known for their exceptional performances in the UCC ring.

    The events will be broadcast on Saturday nights at midnight (Eastern Time) right after NHL Hockey and Sports Center. The first show will air on February 23rd 2003 and will feature the best fights in UCC history.

    The Universal Combat Challenge (UCC), a Canadian owned and based company has his headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The UCC is Canada's #1 Mixed Martial Art fight promotion. Owned and operated by Stephane Patry and Cansports Communications, the UCC produces 5 pay-per-view events yearly that are broadcasted on Viewer's Choice Canada (pay-per-view), Bell Express Vu (satellite provider), Indigo (pay-per-view), Star Choice (pay-per-view). UCC events are also broadcasted on Canada's Largest Sport Network (Canadian version of ESPN), The Sports Network (TSN). The UCC also has its own weekly show on RDS's sports channel, and all the events are distributed on DVD and video cassette. The Canadian based company also produces 10 "Proving Ground" events yearly to nurture new talents. For more information please visit www.ucczone.ca or www.tsn.ca
    Waggney Fabiano
    WAGNNEY FABIANO OUT OF UCC 12
    FABIANO STRIKES OUT...

    Montreal (Canada) - The Universal Combat Challenge (UCC) regretfully announces the release of former UCC World Lightweight Champion Wagnney Fabiano. After a string of disappointing last minute withdrawals from UCC competitions, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt decided to pull-out once again of his upcoming fight against highly ranked MMA star Ivan Menjivar. This is not the first time the UCC has had issues with Wagnney Fabiano but this time Fabiano cited money has the main problem.

    Wagnney Fabiano was first stripped of his title for not defending it in over two years. Fabiano was offered numerous occasions to defend the title but something would always come up: injuries, seminars, visa problems and now money issues. Reached at his Montreal office, UCC president Stephane Patry was enraged by the entire situation. "...this is absolutely amazing! Sometimes I wonder if Wagnney Fabiano thinks he is bigger than the sport. I mean, we are talking about a guy who has ONE MMA fight: a decision win against someone who never won a fight. After stripping him of the title for obvious reasons we give him a chance to shine again and fight for the #1 contender spot. Now he's not happy with the money... That's strange... I'm wondering what really led up to that, is it really the money or Menjivar's performance last week-end at the Montreal Grappling tournament?"

    According to Stephane Patry, the offer made to Wagnney Fabiano was an excellent offer considering the fact that Fabiano has only one fight in MMA and that his scheduled UCC 12 bout was a preliminary fight. Patry added "...how much is worth a guy with one win. I mean he beat someone who never won a fight in this sport and constantly backed out of fights in the last two years. I'm very, very disappointed. We tried our very best with Wagnney Fabiano, but this time I give up, you'll never see him in the UCC again... Good luck to whoever wants him on their show..."

    The UCC is actively looking at a replacement for Wagnney Fabiano. More news should be available in the next few days as who will fight Ivan Menjivar at UCC 12.

      Friday - December 20, 2002

    Extreme Brawl
    Finishes Stellar Year for UK MMA

    By Jim Burman

    The last big show in a great year for UK MMA was held on Sunday when long-serving promoter Andy Jardine put on the first in a series of new shows. In a larger venue to previous Millennium Brawls, the show provided a lot of bang for your buck (or punch for your pound?), with 13 high action fights. The last of four promotions within three weeks of each other, each show bringing in approximately 1000+ fans, Extreme Brawl raised the rafters at the Bracknell Sports and Leisure Center and helped prove that the supply has not exceeded the demand in the ever more competitive MMA market place.

    Tendez Tedoradze mounted on Jarred Speed
    Tedoradze mounted on Speed
    The event saw the UK debut of three young American fighters who went 2 and 1 against their British opponents. Roli Delgardo (USA), ignoring crowd jibes about his pink singlet, set to work on Neil McLeod (UK) in a technical Welterweight match up. Opening with a flying knee that got him taken down, Delgardo worked patiently from the guard to secure a triangle. Showing great control he slowly stalked the submission before tapping McLeod out. Kyle Jensen (USA) then took on Jeremy 'Bad Boy' Bailey (UK) and demonstrated real focus as he took Bailey down, and methodically worked to the mount where he rained strikes down to force the ref stoppage. Controversy raised its ugly head however as Bailey protested the decision vehemently and wanted to fight on appearing unhurt from the onslaught. Eventually the tension died down and Bailey accepted the decision, although he was obviously still unhappy. Unfortunately the crowd didn't get a chance to see Bailey unload, but Jensen definitely did a good job of containing a tough competitor. The headline fight of the night saw Alex Evans (UK) take out Matt Shaw (USA) with an unfortunate outcome. Evans, known as a furious fighter, set out stalking Shaw immediately using kicks and punches to feel out his opponent. A high kick that glanced off of the face of Shaw seemed to jolt the American into action as he rushed for the takedown and settled in Evans' guard. Just as he started to work to pass, blood could be seen coming from his face and he backed off from Evans signaling to the ref. It appears that the glancing high kick actually resulted in Evans' toe going into Shaw's eye rendering him unable to continue. A disappointment as this fight was shaping up to be a war, but accidents do happen. With a great undercard, Extreme Brawl can only build on this highly successful show.

    Full Results

    Super Cruiserweight
    Luke Tamura vs. Nick Francino
    Francino by sub (Rear naked) 1st rd

    Middleweight
    Rob Hannis vs. Adam Dicks
    Hannis by sub (Arm bar) 1st rd

    Scott Ireland vs. Barry Williams
    TKO 1st rd

    Ronaldo Campos on Robbie Oliver's back
    Campos on Oliver's back
    Middleweight
    Ronaldo Campos (Bra) vs. Robbie Oliver (UK)
    Campos by sub (Choke) 2nd rd

    Welterweight
    Ricky Moore vs. John Waite
    Moore by sub (Triangle) 1st rd

    Super Lightweight
    Chin Weakasingh vs. Kevin Capel
    Draw

    British Middleweight Title
    Khris Hughes vs. Paul Ramsdale
    Ramsdale by sub (Rear naked) 1st rd

    British Light Cruiserweight Title
    Matt Ewin vs. Alex Reid
    Reid by sub (Triangle) 1st rd

    Super Heavyweight
    Jarred Speed (UK) vs. Tendez Tedoradze (Georgia)
    Tedoradze by tapout (Punishment) 1st rd

    Super Heavyweight Kickboxing
    Craig Amer vs. Chris Ballard
    Ballard by TKO 1st rd

    Welterweight
    Roli Delgardo (USA) vs. Neil McLeod (UK)
    Delgado by sub (Triangle) 1st rd

    Super Middleweight
    Kyle Jensen (USA) vs. Jeremy 'Bad boy' Bailey (UK)
    Jenson by TKO 1st rd

    Super Lightheavyweight
    Matt Shaw (USA) vs. Alex Evans (UK)
    Evans (Shaw unable to continue)

      Saturday - December 21, 2002

    From the event's promoter:
    Promoters Combine
    for Middleweight Tournaments

          Veteran mixed martial arts promoters T.Jay Thompson (Super Brawl) and Monte Cox (Extreme Challenge) will combine to host a pair of middleweight (185 pounds) tourneys early next year.
          The first 8-man event, Extreme Challenge 49, is scheduled for Salt Lake City on Feb. 23. The second 8-man event, Super Brawl 30, will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii, in April.
          "We're hoping this tourney helps discover middleweight talent in a similar fashion to the last two heavyweight events we held," Thompson said. "We had six fighters advance to the UFC or Pride from the first show, and we've already got three in UFC from the last one. We hope the trend continues."
          The tourneys are set up similar to the past events. The first event in Salt Lake City will serve as a qualifier for the main event in Honolulu. The top two finishers in the qualifier are guaranteed spots in Hawaii. And, depending on performance, more fighters could advance to either the main draw or alternate bouts.
          The day prior to Extreme Challenge 49, UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes will host a seminar at the Bayless Combat Jiu-Jitsu school. Hughes will then serve as referee for the event.
          "We're looking for middleweights who have the talent to fight in the big shows, but haven't had the opportunity to get the necessary exposure," Cox said. "This will be a tough tourney... just like before. But it is a perfect way to prove yourself and show the world what you can do."
          Fighters interested in competing should email Cox at Fiteiowa@aol.com. A bio and photo would be most appreciated.

      Monday - December 23, 2002

    PRIDE 24 Results
    Held December 23, 2002
    Marine Messe Arena - Hakata, Fukuoka-Pref., Japan

    Click here for the results

    PAY-PER VIEW AIR DATES:
    DIRECTV, DishNetwork, TVN (January 11th, Taped Delay PPV)
    Bell Express Vu, Viewer's Choice Canada (January 11th, Taped Delay PPV)
    SkyPerfecTV (Japan, December 23rd Live PPV)

    From Susumu's Gallery:
    Susumu's Gallery Update

    Susumu photo

    Hello,

    I have added many photos from Pride 23, Shooto and Pancrase. (This Pride is not the latest "24".) Please enjoy! I hope the photos from Pride 24 will come soon from Susumu.
    Visit Susumu's gallery at http://come.to/susumu.

    From Josh Hedges/Zuffa:
    UFC Logo
    ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP AIRS FIGHT SERIES ON TSN, CANADA'S SPORTS LEADER

    One-Hour Shows Present World's Best Mixed Martial Arts Fighters

          LAS VEGAS, NEV., December 23, 2002…The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world's leading mixed martial arts sports association, has started airing "Ultimate Fighting Championship," a series of one-hour fight shows on TSN, Canada's sports leader. For millions of Canadian sports fans, the series offers the opportunity to watch the world's best mixed martial arts fighters in action.
          "Ultimate Fighting Championship" features videotaped championship fights and top matches in each of the UFC's'five weight divisions and brings Canadian fight fans an insider's view of mixed martial arts in personal interviews with its top stars. The host is UFC live event announcer Mike Goldberg.
          TSN's broadcast schedule for Ultimate Fighting Championship for the next month is as follows: Saturday, December 28, 12:30 a.m. PST; Sunday, January 12, 2003, Midnight EST; Wednesday, January 22, 7:30 p.m. EST and Sunday, February 2, 12:30 a.m. EST.
          UFC champions and top stars, who will be featured, include Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez, Light Heavyweight Champ Tito Ortiz, Light Heavyweight top contender Chuck Liddell, former Heavyweight Champ Randy Couture, Heavyweight contenders Pedro Rizzo, Andre Arlovski and Ian Freeman, Welterweight top contender Carlos Newton, as well as Lightweight top contenders BJ Penn, Din Thomas, Matt Serra and Caol Uno, and many other top fighters.
          The UFC also is offering Canadian fight fans with Bell ExpressVu service two pay-per-view shows during the holidays. Currently available is Best of 2002, a two-hour spectacular featuring the best fights of this year. The suggested retail price is $19.95. The viewing schedule is Sunday, Dec. 29/Monday, Dec. 30, 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST, 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST, 12 a.m. EST/9 p.m. PST, 2 a.m. EST/11 p.m. PST, 4 a.m. EST/1 a.m. PST, 6 a.m. EST/3 a.m PST; Tuesday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m. EST/3 p.m. PST.
          Then at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST, Dec. 31, the UFC will bring Canadian fans its annual ultimate pay-per-view party event, "Ultimate New Years Eve," a six-hour fight extravaganza on Bell ExpressVu for $24.95. This classic show will provide a memorable trip through UFC history and includes fights from UFC 1: The Beginning, in November of 1993, right up to UFC 40: Vendetta, which sold out the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. An encore performance will begin immediately after the telecast.
          The UFC's next live pay-per-view event will be UFC 41: Onslaught at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST Friday, February 28, from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. That eight-fight card will feature the return of UFC legend Tank Abbott to the Octagon.

      Tuesday - December 24, 2002

    Pick up the December 2002 issue of FCF today!

    FCF New Issue In this issue...

    Outside The Lines... Out of Bounds? Dana White Speaks on the Outside The Lines Episode.

    A Night To Remember: UFC 40 delivered big, we bring it to you live from Vega$

    MMA Pioneer Marco Ruas talks about the early days of the UFC and PRIDE and discusses what he's got planned for the future.

    What ever happened to Jeff Blatnick? The Olympic Gold Medalist talks about what he's been up to and why he's no longer part of the UFC team.

    There's a new promotion on the Brazilian fight scene, Bitetti Combat brought NHB back to the city of Natal and FCF was there to bring you all of the action.

    PRIDE.23 live from the Tokyo Dome

    Highs and Low (Blows) - WFA: Level 3

    Media Mess - The fights in the cage wasn't the only action at WFA: Level 3. Get the inside scoop on how the press was booted from their cageside positions and the promoter was removed from his own event.

    This month's SHOOTO Report covers the November 15 show at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

    SportFighting: Third Time's the Charm - after two unsuccessful attempts, promoter Brian Cimins finally gets his first MMA show off the ground.

    SuperBrawl 27: Jhun & Carter draw and Cabbage is crowned champ at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii

    A New Star on the Rise; Some Tough Veterans on Track - MECA World Vale Tudo 7, live from Curitiba, Brazil

    Grapple & Strike 6 - MMA Action in the U.K.

    In his continuing series, Former AMC Pankration strength & conditioning coach Mark Ginther brings us his Drug-Free Training: Priming the Anabolic Environment - Part 1.

    Tim "Superman" Sylvia BioFile: get insight into the 6'8" UFC Heavyweight contender, including his earliest fighting memory... Getting beat up all the time in high school.

    Fight fans give their opinions ESPN's OTL show on Mixed Martial Arts.

    In our monthly columns...
    In Matt Hume's techniques, Josh Barnett & Jermiah Futch demonstrate a Standing Achilles to 1/2 Crab; and in the Punchers Corner, champion kickboxer Derek Panza discusses Proper Weight Distribution for Maximum Power.

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


    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
     

      Wednesday - December 25, 2002

    Merry Christmas From FCF

    From Koichi "Booker K" Kawasaki:
    Line-up for
    INOKI BOM-BA-YE 2002

    INOKI BOM-BA-YE 2002
    DATE: December 31st, 2002
    OPEN: 3:00 PM START 5:00 PM
    PLACE: Saitama Super Arena, Japan (Saitama-Pref, Japan)

    Hidehiko Yoshida vs. Masaaki Satake
    Tadao Yasuda vs. Jan "The Giant" Nortje
    Bob Sapp vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
    Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Mirco "Cro Cop"

    K-1 rules:
    Gary Goodridge vs. Mike Bernardo
    Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Cyril Abidi

      Thursday - December 26, 2002

    From the event's promoter:
    ONE MORE CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT ADDED TO UCC 12!
    CURRAN vs. MENJIVAR
    THE REMATCH

    FOR THE UCC WORLD SLW CHAMPIONSHIP!

    Montreal (Canada) - What is already being billed as one of the best Mixed-Martial-Art fight card in North American history, UCC 12: AdrenalineTM will again take it one step further with today's announcement. JEFF CURRAN has become the #1 contender for the UCC World Super Lightweight championship by knocking-out highly ranked grappling sensation Baret Yoshida back in September at UCC Hawaii. Since then, Curran kept improving while winning to earn a spot in the Top-10 rankings in his weight class.

    At the other end of the continent a young El Salvadorian-born superstar is raising eyebrows with spectacular wins while building an incredible 10 and 1 record. At only 21 years of age, IVAN MENJIVAR is one of the hottest 145 pounds fighters in the world today. His intense wrestling abilities coupled with his always improving boxing skills make him one of the most unstoppable forces in this division today. Training full time with the likes of UCC World Middleweight Champion David Loiseau and UCC Canadian Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre, Menjivar is yet another superstar coming out of Montreal, Canada.

    This will not be the first time these two have met in the UCC ring. Back in June 2002 at UCC 10, Ivan Menjivar scored the upset of the night by defeating Curran by unanimous decision in an all-out war. Since their first epic battle at 155 pounds, both athletes have since made the permanent drop to the Super Lightweight division. This should make for an even more exciting battle as two of the best Super Lightweight fighters in the world collide for the title at UCC 12: Adrenaline.

    The fight world will be watching closely as David "The Crow" Loiseau faces yet another big step in his young career in the form of Anthony "The Freak" Fryklund. Fans and experts from abroad are anxiously awaiting the result of Bang Ludwig vs. Little Evil Pulver to finally determine who is the best pound for pound striker in MMA. The long awaited grudge match between John Alessio and Jason Black is one not to miss. When the Lion Heart Steve Vigneault and BAMM BAMM Jermaine Andre clash it is sure to blow the roof off of the Pierre Charbonneau Center. UCC fans are all looking forward to what the Machine Hominick will do to his next challenger. Stay tuned for more information on this great event!

    UCC 12: ADRENALINE
    Saturday January 25th 2003 - 8pm Eastern Time
    Pierre Charbonneau Center
    Montreal, Canada

    Tickets are on sale now! CANADA, call 1-800-361-4595. USA, call 1-800-678-5440.

      Friday - December 27, 2002

    What's on your mind?

    FCF Survey

    Give Us Your Thoughts...

    2002 was a banner year for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. We'd like your thoughts on the events, fights and behind the scenes politics effecting MMA in the year 2002.

    The survey results and some of the commentary we receive will appear in the January 2003 issue of FCF

    Click here to take the survey
     

    From the event's promoter:
    HOOKnSHOOT on TV!

    It now appears that HOOKnSHOOT will be seen on DirecTV and many cable providers around the United States.

    Following the success of their local show in Evansville, Indiana's WTSN which does incredibly well in the ratings, HnS is ready to produce a program for the SUNSHINE NETWORK.

    Sunshine Network will air a 30-minute episode of HnS this coming weekend which will include matches from Florida, Indiana and Massachusetts.
    • Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro vs. Takumi Nakayama.
    • Anthony Hamlett vs. Jeff Curran (filling the vacant HnS 145lbs title)
    • Anthony Hamlett defending later against Hermes Franca.
    • Steve Berger vs. Nuri Shakir for the USMMA (HnS North-Eastern) Ring of Fury.
    • Highlights from Florida featuring Matt Hume vs. Pain Peters, Aaron Riley vs. Alexandre Barros, Conan Silveira vs. Wes Simms, Hermes Franca vs. Ryan Diaz and many more.
    While producer Jeff Osborne encountered "brutal production" problems he stresses that the content is great.

    "I had an external drive holding the entire TV show that went caput. I was quoted a price of roughly $4,000 just to TRY to retrieve the drive so I just decided to completely redo the show on two days notice" said Osborne.

    "It was the most stressful few days of my life just before Christmas but I think it turned out decent. We hope to do more projects like this down the road" Osborne said.

    Sunshine Network currently reaches 5.7 million homes throughout the state of Florida and via satellite across the U.S. The network achieved the three million mark in just three years -- making the basic network the fastest growing regional cable network in history.

    Sunday 12/29 at 1:30pm Eastern.
    Monday 12/30 at 1:00pm Eastern.

    DIRECTV Channel 632

    You can also verify dates and times at www.SUNSHINENETWORK.com.

      Saturday - December 28, 2002

    The Brazilian Beat
    Rizzo getting ready for Vladdy,
    Mino to Become an Action Figure
    and Chute Boxe Coming Strong in 2003!

    The Brazilian Beat:
          Well folks, 2002 is coming to a close and even with the holidays there are still plenty of things going on in the Brazilian NHB scene. With UFC 41 rapidly approaching, the Ruas Vale Tudo camp is working hard to prepare Pedro Rizzo for yet another battle. Also, camps like Chute Boxe and the Brazilian Top Team never really stop and as our beloved sport of NHB is always growing and gaining in popularity, Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira and Vanderlei Silva are both working on new ventures, meanwhile their teammates continue to train hard and prepare for a tough and action-packed year of 2003. Fans can expect to see a lot more action coming out of both camps in the next year and as always "The Beat" will continue to cover it all for you.
          2002 was surely a year full of happenings, both happy and sad for all of us. For the sport of NHB it was a year of great victories, with the UFC breaking new ground in America, getting on TV and finishing the year in impressive fashion with UFC 40, with PRIDE and K-1 holding the biggest event ever in Japan with Shockwave, with the stars of our sport gaining popularity and expanding their products, such as Tito Ortiz, Vanderlei Silva and Minotauro, and with the smaller events growing at an amazing pace due to the great work of promoters, fighters, press and the fans. For our personal lives 2002 was a tough year, full of uncertainties, doubts and never ending struggles, but it was also a year full of great memories both with and without our sport. In 2002 I went through tough times, but managed to grow and learn more about life itself and all in all it was great to have this space and to see it develop. For me, 2002, despite all the problems will be remembered as the year when "The Brazilian Beat" began, and hopefully we will share this space for lots of years to come, since 2003 will be an important year for FCF. As the year ends, I want to take this chance to thank all the fighters, promoters, friends, writers, editors and most importantly all the fans and readers for sharing all we went through in 2002 with us! In the last "Brazilian Beat" of the year I apologize for the long text, and want to leave you all with a big thank you for the support, and with the hopes of meeting you all in 2003 for more Brazilian NHB coverage. I take my time to dedicate this last piece of the year to my late Grandfather Jose Alonso Filho, who couldn't live to see this space grow, but will always be remembered in my heart. But as "The Beat" never stops, Full Contact Fighter manages to turn up the volume and provide one last bit of Brazilian groove in 2002! Enjoy the news and happy New Year everyone!
    • Ruas Vale Tudo star Pedro Rizzo is already fully recovered from the nose surgery that took place after his bout against Dan McGee, and is already back in training! "The Rock" is signed to face rAw team member Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 41 in February 2003, and is getting himself ready to once again pursue the UFC Heavyweight title. Pedro told FCF he is finally getting back to the best shape of his life and will try to give his best against Vladdy to then earn a shot at Ricco Rodriguez' belt as soon as possible. Rizzo is taking this fight so seriously that he is training even now during the holidays, and is eager to step in the Octagon again.

    • Speaking of the main Brazilian UFC Heavyweight contender, Rizzo joined his long time friend and K-1 superstar Peter Aerts on his trips to Thailand and Japan, where the Dutch fighter prepared himself and competed in the K-1 Grand Prix. This was Pedro's first time in Thailand, and being a Muay Thai fighter, he enjoyed the experience and told FCF he saw some very interesting elbow techniques there. After all those trips around the globe, "The Rock" is anxious to get on his trip to Atlantic City to fight at UFC 41.

    • PRIDE Heavyweight champion Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira was in terrible condition right before his non-title bout against Dan Henderson in PRIDE 24! Minotauro had high fever the day before the fight, as well as on the actual day of the fight! Doctors and even his friend Mario Sperry were reluctant about his participation, but being the professional he is, Nogueira insisted on fighting and had to take serum just before the fight to be able to compete, and after the bout he needed immediate medical attention once again. Regardless, both Minotauro and Dan Henderson put on a great performance to finish the year strong, in a very exciting match.

    • As Minotauro is also literally everywhere, he is going to be the next NHB star to become an action figure in Japan! After the recent release of Vanderlei Silva and Don Frye's action figures by PRIDE, Minotauro just signed a deal and will be the next Brazilian fighter to become an action figure that will surely sell a lot in Japan. His twin brother, Rogerio Minotoro Nogueira decided to stay in Japan after PRIDE 24 for a few days to take care of some personal business.

    • Still speaking of the Brazilian Top Team, "The Zen Machine" Mario Sperry is now slowly and safely resuming his Muay Thai training after he had his hand broken on his PRIDE 22 win over Kopylov. Sperry was already doing physical and ground training once again, and now he is doing some light Muay Thai practices again and expects to resume the sparring soon. Mario told FCF he will be ready for the March 2003 PRIDE event and is very willing to compete in it.

    • PRIDE Middleweight champion Vanderlei Silva is still recovering from his knee surgery and doing very well. "The Axe Murderer" is already walking without crutches and is having great progress with the physical therapy. Silva is very excited about his recovery and he is taking this time to take care of other personal projects that his fighting career doesn't allow him to do. Right now the Chute Boxe superstar is working on the details of a mini USA seminar tour, as well as expanding his new brand of products called WAND. Silva told FCF that his clothes will be available in Japan and the USA very soon. Europe is also in the plans for the future.

    • Getting back on the Ruas Vale Tudo team subject, MECA and DEEP veteran Gustavo Ximu Machado is reported to be training harder than ever in the academy and is expecting another opportunity to fight abroad as soon as possible. Ximu, who submitted Jorge Macaco Patino at MECA 6 early this year, has the potential to be one of the top guys in the 185lb division and now it's up to the promoters to give the guy a chance at the bigger shows. In the meantime he is continuing to train a lot and help his teammate Pedro Rizzo for his upcoming fight at UFC 41.

    • Gustavo Ximu's teammate Renato Babalu Sobral is still training hard and is not really considering retirement like as was rumored. After his loss at the hands (and feet) of "The Iceman" Chuck Liddell in the last UFC, rumors began circulating that this could have been Renato's last NHB fight, however FCF was told that he is training and wants to come back better than ever.

    • The year of 2003 promises to be an intense year for the Chute Boxe team. Master Rudimar Fedrigo, who is expecting the birth of his son Rigan in April 2003, told FCF that in 2003 the team wants to fight a lot! Not only the stars of the team such as Vanderlei and Anderson Silva, and Murilo Ninja Rua, but the other tough fighters from the Chute Boxe camp such as K-1 winner Nilson de Castro, IVC veteran Silvio Urutum, NHB's future superstar Mauricio Shogun Rua, K-1 veteran Julio Jamanta, among others are looking to compete a lot in 2003, and the team wants to have a good relationship with all promoters and events, having Chute Boxe fighters competing all over the globe, starting with heavyweight Assuerio Silva fighting in Switzerland in January.

    • Master Rudimar Fedrigo is already organizing the first-ever Chute Boxe training week in Curitiba, likely to be held in February of 2003, where fans, fighters and students from all over the world will have a chance to train and gather with the likes of Vanderlei Silva, Murilo Ninja Rua, Anderson Silva, Master Rafael Cordeiro and Master Rudimar Fedrigo himself for an entire week right in the Chute Boxe team's hometown. Details of this breakthrough event will be released soon and FCF will surely be there getting a taste of the experience.

    • See you all in 2003 at FCF! Now go and party!

      Monday - December 30, 2002

    Antonio Inoki addresses the press
    INOKI BOM-BA-YE
    Press Conference

    By Mark Ginther

    INOKI BOM-BA-YE 2002
    To be held:
    December 31, 2002
    Saitama Super Arena
    Saitama-Pref, Japan

    Line-up
    • 1st Match: 5min 3R/MMA rules
      Tadao Yasuda vs. Jan "The Giant" Nortje

    • 2nd Match: 5min 3R/MMA rules
      Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Daniel Gracie

    • 3rd Match: 5min 3R/MMA rules
      Yasuhito Namekawa vs. Wallid Ismail

    • 4th Match: 3min 3R/K-1 rules
      Gary Goodridge vs. Mike Benardo

    • 5th Match: 3min 3R/K-1 rules
      Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Cyril Abidi

    • 6th Match: 5min 3R/MMA rules
      Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Mirco Cro Cop

    • 7th Match: 5min 3R/MMA rules
      Hidehiko Yoshida vs. Masaaki Satake

    • 8th Match: 5min 3R/MMA rules
      Bob Sapp vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
    Bom-Ba-Ye 2002 Fighters


    Bob Sapp vs. Yoshihiro TakayamaBob Sapp vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
    Sapp and Takayama put on quite a show for the press. Sapp tells Takayama he's got a Christmas present for him and then empties a bottle of mineral water over his head.


    Gary Goodridge (left) vs. Mike Benardo
    Goodridge vs. Bernardo
    Wallid Ismail (left) vs. Yasuhito Namekawa
    Ismael vs. Namekawa
    Bernardo has "five words" for Goodridge: "I'm going to knock you out."
    Goodridge says he's going to "kick ass." And when Bernardo wakes up on New Year's Day, he's going to wonder what happened.
     
    Ismail wants to go after Namekawa on the stage and it doesn't look like an act. When Namekawa predicts a quick victory, Ismail say he (Namekawa) isn't going beat anyone. "There's going to be a war and you're going to the hospital, you're going to feel pain," he says. Namekawa ignores him and Ismail demands, "Look at me when I'm talking to you!"


    Mirko Cro Cop (left) vs. Kazuyuki Fujita
    Cro Cop vs. Fujita
    Hidehiko Yoshida (left) vs. Masaaki Satake
    Yoshida vs. Satake

      Tuesday - December 31, 2002

    Happy New Year!


    Your friends at FCF hope that you all have a very happy and safe New Year's Eve, and we wish you all of the best in the new year.

    INOKI BOM-BA-YE
    Results

    By Mark Ginther

    INOKI BOM-BA-YE 2002
    December 31, 2002
    Saitama Super Arena
    Saitama-Pref, Japan

    Results:
    • Jan "The Giant" Nortje beats in Tadao Yasuda in 57 seconds into the second round when his corner throws in towel.

    • Daniel Gracie beats Shinsuke Nakamura by arm bar 2:14 seconds into the second round.

    • Wallid Ismail beats Yasuhito Namekawa by unanimous decision.

    • Mike Bernardo beats Gary Goodridge by knock out 2:10 into the 1st round.

    • Bernardo is given a post-fight yellow card for striking a pose with a foot on the fallen Goodridge.

    • Quinton "Rampage" Jackson beats Cyril Abidi by unanimous decision.

    • Mirko Cro Cop beats Kazuyuki Yoshida by unanimous decision.

    • Hidehiko Yoshida beats Masaaki Satake by front choke 50 seconds into the 1st round.

    • Bob Sapp beats Yoshihiro Takayama by arm bar 2:16 seconds into the 1st round.

    From Susumu's Gallery:
    Susumu's Gallery Update


    Hello,

    We have added 20 photos from Pride 24 held on December 23rd. Please enjoy!
    Visit Susumu's gallery at http://come.to/susumu.

    Eye candy
    Rumble On The Rock
    Results

    Held December 28, 2002
    Edith Kanaka Ole Tennis Stadium, Hilo, Hawaii
    By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com

    Just like when he is fighting, when BJ "The Prodigy" Penn and his family decide to do something, they concentrate all their efforts to be successful at it. This is BJ's first MMA event and what better place to host it than in his own hometown of Hilo on the big island of Hawaii. They billed it as a "World Class Event" and it was just that with a custom built 24-foot octagon, stage lighting, entrance ramp and two 20-foot screens. They chose the same venue that the world renown, Merry Monarch Hula Festival is held. The fighters from the big island, Oahu and the continental U.S. performed to a sold out house of MMA fans. The matches were action packed with good matchmaking, coupled with the fact that every fighter came out to fight. The crowd even got treated to a BJJ demonstration by three BJJ black belts, which included BJ Penn. They also included some eye candy by bringing out the ladies who made the final round of bikini contest. The event was very well run and enjoyed by the fans and the fighters alike. Their next event is tentatively scheduled for February and I, for one cannot wait for it.

    All Matches were coprised of two 5-minute rounds
    Harris Sariento standing in Eric Beach's guard
    Sariento standing in Beach's guard
    • Des Minor (808 Fight Factory, 6'0", 200lbs.) def. Kepono Spencer (Waimo Warrior, 215lbs.) via TKO by way of referee stoppage at 4:00 into round 2.

    • Augie Padekan (Hard Knocks, 6'0", 205lbs.) def. Jason Walker (Universal Roughhousing) via rear naked choke submission at 0:45 into round 1.

    • Kyle Takao (HMC, 135lbs.) vs. Jerome Kekumu (Hard Knocks, 5'6", 150lbs.) Draw after 2 Rounds - 5 minutes.

    • Kaynan "Da Monsta" Kaku (Nova Uniao, 5,9", 155lbs.) def. Ed Newalu (Kodenkan, 5'8", 155lbs.) via unanimous decision [(20-18), (20-18), (20-18)] after 2 rounds.

    • Harris Sariento (808 Fight Factory, 5'7", 155lbs.) def. Eric "The Animal" Beach (Nova Uniao, 5'9", 160lbs.) via unanimous decision [(20-17), (20-17), (20-17)] after 2 rounds.

    • William "Strictly Business" Clifford (Nova Uniao, 5'10", 152lbs.) def. William Armstrong (808 Fight Factory, 5'11", 135lbs.) via unanimous decision [(20-18), (20-18), (20-18)] after 2 rounds.

    • Steven "Iwi" Okano (Nova Uniao, 5'9", 145lbs.) def. Josh Viera via TKO by way of referee stoppage due to strikes from the mount at 0:15 seconds into round 1.

    • Vai Togia (Hard Knocks, 6'1", 260lbs.) def. Kona Bear via majority decision [(19-19), (20-18), (20-18)] after 2 rounds.

    • Jay R. Palmer (Universal Roughhousing, 170lbs.) def. Brennan Kamaka (808 Fight Factory, 5'7", 175lbs.) via tap out due to strikes at 0:39 into round 1.

    • Nassor Lewis (808 Fight Factory, 5'8", 165lbs.) def. Ross "Da Boss" Ebanez (Nova Uniao, 5'9", 170lbs.) via unanimous decision [(20-18), (20-18), (20-18)] after 2 rounds.

    • Shannon "The Canon" Ritch def. Kaleo Padilla (Kona Boxing Club) via arm bar submission at 4:20 into round 1.

    • Wesley "Cabbage" Correira (Grappling Unlimited, 265lbs.) def. Joseph Riggs via KO at 2:07 into round 2.

    From John Petrilli (RITC):
    RITC 43 - The Match
    Celebrity Theatre
    Phoenix, Arizona
    Saturday, January 18, 2003
    Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM


    Tickets $20 (rows 14-25), $30 (rows 4-13) and $40 (rows 1-3).

    The discount that will be offered is $5 off on all advanced tickets purchased (walk up or by phone for will call) PRIOR to fight day.

    Advanced General Admission Tickets only $15!!! Day of the fights (if available) $20!!! Advanced Reserved Seats and Advanced VIP seats will be only $25 and $35 respectively!!! Day of the fights (if available) $30 and $40.

    Rage in the Cage will kick off the New Year with the biggest MMA event ever held in Arizona. California fighters will be coming to Phoenix to challenge top RITC hometown fighters. Todd Medina, who has appeared in the UFC, WVC, Meca and KOTC against world class opponents, will face local favorite Edwin Dewees in the Super Main Event. Herb Dean, a KOTC referee, who trains under Larry Landless at the Submission Factory in California, will provide a stern test for Joseph Riggs, the reigning RITC Heavyweight Champion.

    Super Main Event:

    Todd Medina (195 lbs), Carlson Gracie Freestyle
    vs.
    Edwin Dewees (195 lbs), Brausa Academy

    Super Fights:

    Joseph Riggs (220 lbs), Brausa Academy
    vs.
    Herb Dean (240 lbs), Submission Factory

    Cory Timmerman (300 lbs), Brausa Academy
    vs.
    Andy Montana (225 lbs), Asher Combat Academy

    Vince Lucero (260 lbs), Asher Combat Academy
    vs.
    Justin Lyon (380 lbs), Savage Te Dawg Pound

    John Lansing (165 lbs), Brausa Academy
    vs.
    Mike Mendoza (160 lbs), Arizona Combat Sports

    Sean Ruiz (195 lbs), Medina Freestyle Fight Team
    vs.
    Matthew Houser (215 lbs), Las Vegas Combat Club

    Roger Mejia (200 lbs), Asher Combat Academy
    vs.
    Rob Woodin (205 lbs), Arizona Combat Sports

    Emmitt Olivera (185 lbs), Medina Freestyle Fight Team
    vs.
    Robert Maldonado (175 lbs), Tucson Judo

    Matt Asher (210 lbs), Asher Combat Academy
    vs.
    Melville Calabaca (230 lbs), Savage Te Dawg Pound

    RJ Gamez (175 lbs), Asher Combat Academy
    vs.
    Michael Chavez (165 lbs), Savage Te Dawg Pound

    Del Hawkins (140 lbs), Team Phoenix
    vs.
    James Attwood (150 lbs), Brausa Academy

    There will be one or two fights added to this already stacked card. Fight Card subject to change. Don't get shutout. Get your tickets early. Tickets for RITC 43 are available at the Celebrity Theatre Box Office (602-267-1600) or at Ticketmaster (480-784-4444). Please visit www.rageinthecage.com for more information.

    © All materials contained in the Full Contact Fighter web site are protected by copyright and to be used only for personal and noncommercial uses. Public display or copying for sale or public distribution of any of these materials is strictly prohibited.