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| Wednesday - July 2, 2003 |
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Ortiz Announces Return To UFC 44; Couture Set for Belt Unification Bout By Loretta Hunt (July 2, 2003) Via a lengthy, yet fruitful telephone conference call today, Zuffa Sports Entertainment made it's first official announcements regarding it's approaching event. UFC 44: Undisputed will be held on September 26, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada. A venue for the show has yet to be secured, although UFC president Dana White was quick to add that various hotels/arenas are vying for the rights to host the event. Also present on the call, newly-crowned UFC interim light-heavyweight champion Randy Couture and current light-heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz, who meet this September to "undisputedly" decide who can call themselves the champion in the 205-pound division. Ortiz's participation today marked an end to months of speculation (and silence on his part) as to if and when the champion would return to the UFC fold. With a much-publicized split from Zuffa pointing to contract renogiations and/or an unwillingness to fight number one contender Chuck Liddell, White made it clear today that Ortiz is returning to fight under the same contract he had previously signed with some added amendments. When asked what these modifications were, White refused to comment, instead focusing on Ortiz's claims of injury and then entertainment commitments (Ortiz has been on location in Utah shooting The Crow: Wicked Prayers for the last two months) as reasons why the champion has not defended his title since November of 2002. Both Ortiz's management, Extreme Promotions (also represented on the line), and White were quick to squash any comments regarding any past difficulties between them, even when media cited specific examples that have arisen in the past few months. Setting a strong viewpoint off the bat, Couture was the first to comment on the upcoming bout. "I suppose I should thank Tito for creating this situation in the first place," he said, "and allowing me to come down from heavyweight and compete against Chuck. I think 'undisputed' is a great name for the title of this fight coming up. I don't know about calling this championship that I hold right now an interim title because I was willing to step up and fight the guy that Tito didn't really want to fight, and did so handily." "It's great to be here," replied Ortiz in his opening statement. "You guys are probably going to see one of the greatest fights in UFC history. Not only is Randy the ex-heavyweight champion, but now he's going to be the ex-interim champion. I have nothing but respect for Randy, but once again, this belt is mine." In addition, USA Today sports columnist and analyst Danny Sheridan was invited to lay out his odds for the upcoming bout. He has it 8 to 5 in favor of Ortiz. But, the real tidbits came as the conversation progressed into a question and answer period where invited media were able to systematically make their queries one person at a time. Conversation leaned heavily towards Ortiz and his absence from the sport for the last eight months, particularly with his unavailability to face long-awaiting contender Chuck Liddell in the cage. "There was never one doubt of hesitation in Tito Ortiz at all," the Huntington Beach Bad Boy responded to questioning. "I had entertainment commitments I had to fulfill. It wasn't a fact of that. It was a fact that we were making the right decisions for my career at this time. When Chuck Liddell took the fight with Randy Couture, I told myself and everybody around me to watch what happens and what happened was I was about $10,000 richer and I didn't even have to fight." Pressed further to respond if he will fight Liddell eventually, Ortiz added, "If the time comes, I have no problem with it at all. It's just the fact that I said, I have to make the right decisions for my career. I fight. I don't do the contracts. I just step up and fight. So, when decisions come down, of course I am the last person to say, and I'm going to make the right decisions for my career." Not to be left out of the loop, Couture was unafraid to voice his disdain with Ortiz for not taking the twice-proposed title fight with Liddell, spawning a verbal sparring session between Ortiz's management and "The Natural" over who can really call themselves the UFC light-heavyweight champion. When Ortiz's manager, Glenn McCusker encouraged White to clarify who the real champion is, Couture sternly chimed in, "I don't think Dana needs to clear it up. We'll clear it up this September." McCusker must have regretted pushing the subject any further, for Couture's quips quickly had the manager against the fence with client Ortiz jumping in to save him. "Your beating's going to come soon enough. Don't worry about it," retorted Ortiz. "But, the last time I looked, I still am the champ." Ortiz also commented that he felt disrespected by the decision to add an interim title to the division he had dominated for so long. "All of a sudden it put Tito out of the picture. All of a sudden, to me it seems like I'm now the challenger. Of course I am the champion, but it is a little silly now being the underdog." Most importantly though, and seemingly lost a bit in today's hoopla were White's meaty comments that came much later in the conference regarding the UFC's future. "We're gonna start doing things differently," White divulged, comparing MMA to the hierarchy of boxing where certain fights are pay-per-view worthy, while others simply are not. "Some of the fights are going to be in smaller venues. We're going to start restructuring the whole approach we've had on the UFC. Things are going to change a lot in the next year. The whole industry is going to get shaken up big time in the next year." Compliments of White, additional highlights gleaned from today's hour and a half press conference call included:
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From Zuffa: Two Goliaths Will Meet For The Ultimate Fighting Championship Title Live on Pay-Per-View Ticket Sales, Arena to be Announced LAS VEGAS, July 2, 2003...Ultimate Fighting Championship Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz will make his much anticipated return to the Octagon when he meets newly-crowned interim Champion Randy Couture for the uncontested title in the main event of UFC 44: Undisputed on Friday, September 26, from Las Vegas, Nev. UFC 44: Undisputed will be LIVE on pay-per-view starting at 10 p.m. EDT. The on-sale date for tickets and the location of the fight will be announced. Ortiz (11-2-0 in mixed marital arts) from Huntington Beach, Calif., gained significant media attention last November in his last UFC victory in Las Vegas when he fought mixed martial arts legend Ken Shamrock. Ortiz dominated the fight and won it when Shamrock could not continue after three rounds. After completing motion picture theatrical projects, Ortiz is now ready to fight Couture (8-4-0) of Portland, Ore., after a nine-month absence. Couture, a former two-time UFC heavyweight champion, claimed the interim light heavyweight championship June 6 with a technical knockout victory over former number one contender Chuck Liddell and made history by becoming the only UFC fighter to win titles in two different weight divisions. And all of this just one week shy of his 40th birthday. [Watch UFC 43: Meltdown replays on DirecTV during July and August.] Immediately after that fight, Couture, who is known as a "statesman" of the sport excited the near capacity crowd with his uncharacteristic challenge: "Tito, if you want this belt, you'll have to come into the Octagon and take it." So, Ortiz has accepted the challenge, signed the bout agreement and says he is ready to get back into the Octagon. "I don't think Randy is entitled to any kind of championship, much less an interim title, and I'm ready to prove who the real light heavyweight champion is," Ortiz said. Couture says he doesn't care what Tito thinks. "The fact is I fought, and beat, the long-time number one contender, Chuck Liddell, when Ortiz would not. I know the fans see me as the true light heavyweight champion. If Tito disagrees, he's going to have to prove it," Couture said. The remainder of the UFC 44: Undisputed card will be announced. The event will be seen on both cable and satellite television through providers such as: iNDemand, DirecTV, Dish Network, Echostar, TVN, Bell ExpressVu and Viewers Choice Canada. The suggested retail price will be $29.95. |
| Friday - July 4, 2003 |
 Happy Independence Day! |
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The Brazilian Beat: July is beginning, bringing a new promotion to add even more spice to the Brazilian NHB scene. Heat Fighting Championship is coming up with some interesting facts and a complex project, not to mention a solid card, looking to take back Brazil to its deserved status in our sport, and alongside with MECA contributing to spread MMA to all corners of this country. If a fan can't ask for more than that to begin his month, July will also bring STORM Muay Thai with the already traditional BTT vs. Chute Boxe rivalry translated in the final match of the event, as well as developments for the next MECA edition, promising to add even more to the Curitiba vs. Rio de Janeiro drama. Also in this edition of TBB is the one and only Vitor Belfort, who is everywhere these days in Brazil, "The Axe Murderer" Wanderlei Silva, Renato Babalu Sobral, and some other stars along with yet another small show adding up to the heat in the middle of the Brazilian winter. Enjoy the weather no matter where you are, in Summer or Winter, as USA prepares to celebrate the 4th of July and Brazil works hard to bring more fighting for all of us, with Full Contact Fighter always delivering the beat in tropical style!
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From the event's promoter: MMA will never be the same in Brazil! 
On July 31st of 2003 the sport of Mixed Martial Arts will change forever in Brazil, with the first ever edition of Heat Fighting Championship. In an effort to promote the sport in the country, introduce the so avid Brazilian fans to a truly professional show and sport, with flawless production and plenty of excitement, showing well prepared athletes in the most competitive and passionate sport on earth, bringing back the country to its glory MMA days, a new show is being born attending the requests of many all over the globe and finally giving Brazilians the taste of a true Mixed Martial Arts spectacle in all aspects like it was never seen before in the country.Taking place on the gorgeous city of Natal, up in the Northeast of Brazil and famous for its astonishing beaches, friendly people and great food, Heat Fighting Championship will count with a never seen before structure for a Brazilian MMA show, from the great hotel facilities for fighters and press, to the production treatment for the show itself. Counting with the support of the beautiful five stars Piramide Palace Hotel [www.piramidepalace.com.br], located literally in front of the beach with not even a street between the water park and the sand, the event will be able to accommodate fighters, crew and press with all the needed comfort, and will also be holding press conferences, rules meeting and weigh-ins at the hotel. At July 29th, a press conference will take place counting with the most important fighters of the show, and holding all fighting and local press as well, with all the press having access to a press-room with cable internet connection from where they will be able to send information on the spot about the press conference, as well as rules meeting and weigh-ins on the following day. As July 31st comes to reality, the night of action will be presented at the Machadinho Arena, holding up to 10.000 spectators, and counting with the best possible structure including a press-room at the arena as well, and a VIP section for the important guests of HEAT FC, with all the due comfort. Those fortunate spectators on hand for the night of action will also be able to witness a completely new treatment in terms of production for Brazilian shows, with breath-taking fighter presentation and entrances, several big screens giving all the audience the best possible view of the action, and plenty of more surprises. If all of that is not enough, the first edition of this serious project, with the second show scheduled for December of 2003, will be broadcast for almost the entire Northeastern Brazilian region by SBT, the country's second biggest OPEN NETWORK. This alone marks a major conquer for our sport in Brazil, since it has been relegated only to cable broadcasts over the years, and SBT is the same network that once broadcast Vitor Belfort's UFC 37.5 outing, reaching impressive rating levels. HEAT FC is finally able to make this reality again, bringing our sport to bigger audiences and helping spread the word, with millions of people having the chance to watch it on the privacy of their houses trough SBT. A DVD version of the show is also in the works, to please the international fans, as HEAT FC is coming to change the sport in Brazil forever, and help the effort of so many talented fighters and MMA events happening all the time now in the country. Since this is an MMA show, fighting is the most important aspect and HEAT wants to help young fighters to develop their talent, but also using its stage to showcase the skills of some of the best fighters in the globe, bringing only talented and proven fighters to the hottest ring at one of Brazil's most gorgeous cities. More details about this great venture are going to be released soon, but here's the card for HEAT FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 1: GENESIS:
*Card Subject to change, with one more preliminary and one more undercard fight likely to be announced and fighting order not decided yet. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunday - July 6, 2003 |
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From Pancrase: [Open-weight] the 9th Open-weight K.O.P. Semmy Schilt(Holland/Golden Glory) #1 Yuki Kondo(PANCRASEism) #2 Yoshiki Takahashi(PANCRASEism) #3 Kiuma Kunioku(PANCRASEism) #4 KEI Yamamiya(PANCRASEism) #5 Sanae Kikuta(Pancrase GRABAKA) #6 Tim Lajcik(U.S.A./Gladiators Training Academy) #7 Osami Shibuya(PANCRASEism) #8 Ron Waterman(U.S.A./Colorado Stars) #9 Hideki Tadao(RJW/CENTRAL) #10 Jun Ishii(Chojin Club) [Heavyweight(199lbs.~under 221lbs.)] the 1st Heavyweight K.O.P. Yoshiki Takahashi(PANCRASEism) #1 Tsuyoshi Ozawa(Zendokai) #2 Katsuhisa Fujii(UFO) #3 Jason Godsey(U.S.A./I.F. Academy) [Light heavyweight(181lbs.~under 199lbs.)] the 2nd Light heavyweight K.O.P. Sanae Kikuta(Pancrase GRABAKA) #1 Yuki Kondo(PANCRASEism) #2 Ricardo Almeida(U.S.A./Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy) #3 Akihiro Gono(Pancrase GRABAKA) *UP from #5 #4 Nilson de Castro(Brazil/Chute Boxe Academy) *UP from #6 #5 Daisuke Watanabe(PANCRASEism) *IN! #6 Ikuhisa Minowa(freelance) *DOWN from #3 #7 Yuki Sasaki(Pancrase GRABAKA) *DOWN from #4 #8 KEI Yamamiya(PANCRASEism) *DOWN from #7 #9 Evangelista Cyborg(Brazil/Academia Budokan) *DOWN from #8 #10 Osami Shibuya(PANCRASEism) *DOWN from #9 [Middleweight(165.7lbs.~ under 181lbs.)] the 3rd Middleweight K.O.P. Nathan Marquardt(U.S.A./Colorado Stars) #1 Izuru Takeuchi(SK Absolute) #2 Kiuma Kunioku(PANCRASEism) #3 Kazuo Misaki(Pancrase GRABAKA) #4 Chris Lytle(U.S.A./Ring Sports Palmers Gym) #5 Hidehiko Hasegawa(SK Absolute) #6 Yuji Hoshino(Wajutsu Keishukai GODS) #7 Shonie Carter(U.S.A./AIKI Training Hall) #8 Daiju Takase(freelance) #9 Takafumi Ito(PANCRASEism) #10 Kosei Kubota(PANCRASEism) [Welterweight(152.5lbs.~ under 165.7lbs.)] the 1st Welterweight K.O.P. Kiuma Kunioku(PANCRASEism) #1 Takafumi Ito(PANCRASEism) #2 Koji Oishi(PANCRASEism) #3 Kenichi Serizawa(RJW/CENTRAL) #4 Hiroki Nagaoka(Rodeo Style) #5 Satoru Kitaoka(PANCRASEism) #6 Yuji Hoshino(Wajutsu Keishukai GODS) #7 Takuya Wada(SK Absolute) [Lightweight(141.4lbs.~ under 152.5lbs.)] VACANT [Featherweight(under 141.4lbs.)] VACANT |
| Monday - July 7, 2003 |
 North American Challenge 11 Held July 5, 2003 At the Squamish Nations Rec Centre Vancouver, BC, Canada By Mike Neva
Newcomer Eric Wirt looked to get his feet wet in the mma game as he stepped up to fight brazilian jiu-jitsu practioner Garrett Davis. In what looked more like a jiu jitsu match, both fighters traded submission attempts in the opening round. Davis managed a take down to open round two and easily passed to side mount. Davis then adeptly pinned Wirt's right arm and gave up the top position to clamp on a tight arm triangle choke for the submission victory. In other action, KOTC veteran Joey Guel looked to shake off the ring rust in a three round kickboxing match. Guel, who recently celebrated the birth of his first daughter, stated before the match that due to the birth of his daughter and a subsequent shin injury he had been unable to properly train for the fight. The lack of training time became quickly apparent, as Jondal Rymple was able to knock down Guel twice on route to a decisive unanimous decision. Kickboxing Sepy Pazazzi (North Vancouver, BC) def. John Ma (Kamloops, BC) by TKO Ma chose not to continue at 1:11 of round 2 Muay Thai Costa Rojes (Vancouver, BC) def. Michael Blinn (Vancouvert, BC) by TKO corner threw in the towel at 1:23 of round 1
Yvette MacConnell (Kamloops, BC) def. Joey Lee (Surrey, BC) by split decision after three 2-minute rounds Muay Thai Will Richardson (Victoria, BC) draw. Baz Cunningham (Campbell River, BC) after three 2-minute rounds Kickboxing Taj Sangha (Surrey, BC) def. Gary Loiselle (Kamloops, BC) by TKO didn't answer the standing 8 count at 1:14 of round 1 Kickboxing Jondal Rymple (Richmond, BC) def, Joey Guel (Olympia, WA) by unanimous decision after three 2-minute rounds Kickboxing Jackie Maksymiw (Surrey, BC) def. Bonnie Ross (North Vancouver, BC) by unanimous decision after three 2-minute rounds Muay Thai Khun Suk Thanikul (Vancouver, BC) def. Tracey Hubbert (Victoria, BC) by TKO corner threw in the towel at 1:37 of round 2 Kickboxing Dean Lirette (North Vancouver, BC) def. Won Chung (Surrey, BC) by unanimous decision after three 2-minute rounds Pankration Garrett Davis (Vancouver, BC) def. Eric Wirt (Centralia, WA) by arm triangle choke at 1:02 of round 2 Muay Thai Ryoichi Sukenobu (Vancouver, BC) def. Daniel Christian (Vancouver, BC) by TKO corner threw in the towel at 1:11 of round 3 |
| Tuesday - July 8, 2003 |
 Give Us Your Thoughts... There's a lot going on in the MMA world right now... the PRIDE 8-man tourney, Tito returning to fight Randy to "unify" the title... We'd like to hear your thoughts on the current events effecting our sport. What's on your mind? Let us know what you're thinking -- sound off about anything... your thoughts on the PRIDE Grand Prix, thoughts on Tito vs. Randy or thoughts on why Tito vs. Chuck never happened, etc. ... anything you want to talk about. This is your chance to be heard around the world -- sound off! Some of the commentary we receive may appear in the upcoming issue of FCF. Click here to take the survey |
From the event's promoter:
After spending time helping his twin brother keep in shape, Mark Hughes has gotten the itch to fight again.Although he is a UFC veteran, Mark Hughes has been happy to play a supporting role and watch brother Matt win the UFC welterweight championship and single-handedly clear out the 170-pound division. However, it will be Mark Hughes getting onto the ring at Extreme Challenge 51, scheduled for Aug. 2 at Sportsplex in St. Charles, Ill. "I've been training a little and thought it would be fun to do again," he said. Mark will be facing Leo Sylvest, a winner of three straight bouts, who represents Integrated Fighting. Mark's lone UFC appearance was a decision victory over Alex Stiebling in UFC 28. In addition to the Hughes-Sylvest bout, Jeremy Horn will make his first-ever appearance as a middleweight (185 pounds) when he takes on William Hill. It will be Horn's 16th fight in the Extreme Challenge. "I'm hoping this division is kind of a new start for me, so it makes sense to go where I started my career," Horn said. Sportsplex, the host for the event, is an indoor soccer facility in St. Charles, a suburb of Chicago. "I haven't been doing many events lately, but Jeff Curran wanted to team up on an event and I thought this would be fun," said promoter Monte Cox. "When it started, I really didn't expect it to be such a strong show." In the main event, Jason Medina of Miletich Martial Arts will face Gideon Ray of Hackney's Combat in a battle of up-and-coming welterweights. The undercard features many of the top young fighters in the Chicago area. Also competing is Mark Homnick, the UCC Canadian champion. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the first bout starting at 8 p.m. Tickets for the event are available at numerous sites, including the Sportsplex (630) 762-8100; Linxx Academy (815) 356-0454; Hackney's Combat (630) 351-1209; and Combat-Do/All-American (708) 222-8100. The lineup:
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King Of The Cage DVDs!
Order yours today! For FASTEST service call in your credit card order (516)676-0033 Or Click here to order securely online with your credit card or print off the order form & mail it in with your payment |
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From the event's promoter: To be held July 13 at the Wembley Conference Centre, London
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From the event's promoter: On Saturday, July 19th, Main Event Promotions is going to present a NEW MMA EVENT to Northeastern Ohio!!! Let me present to you the Absolute Combat Challenge (A.C.C.)! Come witness some of the best "Up & Coming" Fighters in the Mid-West, display their skill in Canton, OH in the 'historic' Palace Theater! The show will be held at: The Palace Theater 605 Market Avenue North Canton, Ohio 44702 All Tickets are $20.00!!! All Seats are First Come, First Serve!!! Tickets are available at: Massillon & Canton area "Quonset Hut" The Palace Theater Box Office Tickets can be purchased over the Phone: The Palace Theater Box Office 330-454-8172 Under Card Chris Herring (Rockinham, NC) vs. Anthony Ferguson (Medina , OH) James Esclonie (Lexington, KY) vs. Udell Holmes II (Cleveland, OH) Josh Souder (Huntington, WV) vs. Tierre Hall (Cleveland, OH) Doug Sauer (Indianapolis, IN) vs. Tim Brown (Medina, OH) David Sachs (Washington, PA) vs. Drew Longshore (Massillon, OH) Main Card Welter Weight Championship Tournament Dan Swift (Team DNA) vs. David Preston (Team Ninja) Dave Stone (Integrated Fighting) vs. Scott Wickham (Independent) Middle Weight Championship Tournament Leo Sylvest (Integrated Fighting) vs. Matt Markowicz (Metro Fight Club) Forrest Petz (Northcoast Shootfighting) vs. Jon Tarrh (H.I.T.T./Terre Haute Boxing Center) Super Fight Light Weight Championship Bout Jorge Gurgel (Team Jorge Gurgel) vs. Luke Spencer (Hinkle Vale Tudo / Next Level Fitness ) ****CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE***** So, if you are looking for to have a few beers & see some good fights, then Canton, OH is where you need to be on July 19th! For more information about this show, or to find out how to be a part of this, or a future A.C.C. events , please contact: Dustin Ware A.C.C. / Match Maker 304-412-1604 (cell phone) http://absolutecombatchallenge.8m.com |
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From the event's promoter: Vince Returns!!! Saturday, Jul 12, 2003 Inn Suites Hotel & Resort (Tucson) Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM Ticket Prices: $20 General Admission and $30 Ringside Main Events:
MMA fans will be able to enjoy Rage in the Cage at the beautiful Inn Suites Resort in Tucson on July 12th. The resort is offering a special 40% discount if you mention RITC when making your reservation. Check out this fabulous special for RITC fans.
Inn Suites Hotel & Resort 475 N Granda Tucson, AZ 85701 Directions: I-10 exit #257A (St Marys Rd), head west onto W St Marys Rd, turn south on N Granda Ave. Other upcoming events:
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| Wednesday - July 9, 2003 |
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From Koichi "Booker K" Kawasaki: DSE/PRIDE has announced the first round (quarterfinal) match-ups for the upcoming PRIDE GP: PRIDE GRANDPRIX 2003 Date: August 10th 2003 Place: Saitama Super Arena Open: 13:00 Start: 15:00
And, he said about prize money as follows: 1st : 20,000,000 yen 2nd : 5,000,000 yen 3rd : 2,500,000 yen (2 fighters) |
New Black Full Contact Fighter Boardshorts!No pockets! (Our original gray boardshorts still have the pocket) Great for training, fighting or just hanging out--you can even swim in them! (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 |
| Thursday - July 10, 2003 |
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By Jim Burman Exactly one year since the UFC left town, London is about to host the most ambitious and biggest domestic show ever. Extreme Force is bringing high quality international talent over to England's capital for Sunday night's inaugural event of what many hope will be a highly successful series. Headlining the card is Ian "The Machine" Freeman vs. Valentijn Overeem for a rematch of their 2001 2 Hot 2 Handle fight which saw the Dutchman the victor. Both fighters have developed since, with Freeman fighting in the UFC and Overeem fighting in Pride, but it remains to be seen if the Overeem has what it takes to beat Freeman on home soil. While this match-up is a great headliner, fan interest has peaked over the penultimate fight of the night between Lee Murray and Jose 'Pele' Landi-Jons. Lee Murray's lightening fists have become notorious over the last twelve months, but Pele isn't afraid to bang either. Murray's fists versus Pele's kicks and knees! With both fighters known to stand and trade, don't expect this one to go the distance.
Two other UFC veterans on the card, James Zikic and Remco Pardoel, see action against France's Cyrille Diabate and Georgia's Tengiz Tedoradze respectively. Renato "Babalu" Sobral was due to face Golden Glory's Chalid Arrab, but the German fighter suffered an ankle injury putting him out of the match with just over a week to go. After speaking to the promoters on Tuesday, it was apparent that there had been no shortage of offers to fight Babalu, just none that were wholly suitable. When speaking with the event's co-promoter Paul Ivens, he explained that, "it was a matter of finding the right opponent for him... we couldn't get anyone in the time [period] to make a good fight." With this in mind, the promoters decided to pull the fight from the show rather than include a possible mismatch. With other matches including American Jason Black fighting highly regarded up and comer Michael Johnson, ferocious Alex Evans against hardy Frenchman James Shiavo of Team LeBanner, fans packed into the Wembley Conference Centre will certainly be in for a treat. Rest assured that Full Contact Fighter will be in the thick of the action on Sunday night and you'll be able to read about everything that goes down in an upcoming issue. ***STOP THE PRESSES*** The show's promoters have just announced that Jens Pulver will not be fighting due to suspected broken ribs. The injury is severe enough to prevent Jens from even traveling, but Extreme Force have been able to secure a replacement in MFS fighter Spencer Fisher. The promoters also wish to extend their apologies to the fans for this unfortunate incident and wish Jens a speedy recovery. Full Card
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Devion Peterson Injured, Henze in as the Replacement By Eduardo Alonso As the newest MMA promotion in Brazil continues to work its debut card, and developments regarding the show continue to happen all the time. Young American fighter Devion Peterson, who is considered as a likely future star of the sport, is reported to have injured his knee and is out of the HEAT FC 1 card. His replacement is also another American fighter in HOOKnSHOOT veteran Scott Henze, who will now face hometown favorite and Bitetti Combat and WVC veteran Silmar Rodrigo. Henze is an experienced fighter and will most certainly give Silmar all he can handle this July 31st. Promoters are also hoping to announce two more fights still this week, one preliminary bout with local appeal, and a interesting undercard bout to add more talent to the show. PRIDE and UFC veteran Ebenezer Fontes Braga is also reported to already have an opponent, which will be announced later this week. In other HEAT related news, the event's website is schedule to debut next week, and some more surprises are on the works to be announced soon. Here's the card as of now, check back in the coming days for plenty of more Brazilian news in the next "Brazilian Beat", including Wallid's new project, and PRIDE GP news:
One more preliminary and one more undercard fight likely to be announced and fighting order not decided yet. |
| Sunday - July 13, 2003 |
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By Jim Burman
Fighter Comments: Lee Murray on the action at the weigh-ins "I just want a piece of him y'know? I want to get it on as soon as possible." Pele (translated by Renzo Gracie) on the fight - "Every fight is different but he (Pele) definitely expects a very good result on his part." About the earlier excitement - "He's (Pele) very calm, it's even good that that happened so he could feel how much fear the guy (Murray) was feeling, so it was certainly a victory that he felt today."
Jean Silva on his opponent change to Robbie Oliver - "The guy is very good but I trained very hard for Jens Pulver ... It's ok, I feel confident for this guy." Michael Johnson on why he's rated by a lot of the top UK fighters - "People see the way I train, I train with Olympic level wresters, I've got a great team... Lee Murray, Gaz (Roriston), James Zikic ...I've got a professional boxing coach."
James Zikic on what he's been up to in the last year - "I've been doing a lot of striking. I've has two professional boxing fights (Zikic is currently unbeaten in Pro Boxing) and I've also fought in K1-UK...He's a world class striker so it's going to be fireworks tomorrow."
Weights: Ian Freeman (103.7kg) vs. Valentijn Overeem (104.1kg) Jose Pele Landi (83.1kg) vs. Lee Murray (82.5kg) Robbie Oliver (70.25kg) vs. Jean Silva (70.6kg) Michael Johnson (76.4kg) vs. Jason Black (76.4kg) Tengiz Tedoradze (not weighed in yet) vs. Remco Pardoel (not weighed in yet) Ricky Ninja Salhan (63.0kg) vs. Neil McLeod (not weighed in yet) Alex Evans (81.35kg) vs. James Schiavo (81.6kg) James Zikic (90.0kg) vs. Cyrille Diabate (91.75kg) Mark Day (82.5kg) vs. Gaz Roriston (82.9kg) |
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The Brazilian Beat: As the month of July develops, plenty of exciting MMA news are popping up all over the globe, and Brazil could be no exception. In one of the most surprising piece of news in the past years in the Brazilian scene, Wallid Ismail and Antonio Inoki are revealing a breakthrough project for their intriguing Jungle Fight show, and FCF shares the word with the readers on this edition of this column, and will continue to unleash details and news about it in the coming editions. However, on what regards new shows in Brazil this is not all, the brand new Heat Fighting Championship is coming strong and continues to work on their first show, in what is promising to take the country's MMA scene by storm! A lot of happenings are also taking place on the most famous Brazilian fighter's careers, as the long awaited PRIDE Middleweight GP is coming up, making Wanderlei Silva eager again, and Vitor Belfort is already focusing on his next UFC outing. All in all we have plenty of other interesting facts going on and news to report, so let's not wait more time with this introduction text, as this writer has to go straight out looking for more news, and Full Contact Fighter stands up for the coming challenges delivering the usual Brazilian Beat, in Jungle style this time!
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Results
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From the event's promoter Becky levi: Aug. 24 XCF Fight Show Sunday Aug. 24 Becky Levi's X-treme Championship Fighting has come back to Wrigley Field Bar in Ft. Wayne, IN. Don't miss this opportunity to compete for some of the best fans in the Midwest! This will be a super night of action packed MMA action! Amateur single bouts and tournaments as well as one pro fight will blow the fans away again in this outside venue! All amateur and Pro fighters looking to compete at the end of Aug. please contact Becky at dzmatchmaker@yahoo.com and provide name, wt.,record, and contact information. Look for a new web site to be up in the near future for this fight company. All fighters are required to supply HIV and HepB results for your own safety. Tickets will be $15 and $25 and awards will be going to all Tournament Champions! Weight Classes: 135 lb. - below, 136-150lb., 151-165lb., 166-175 lb., 176 -185lb, 186-195 lb., 196 -210lb., 210 -above. Thank you for your support! |
| Monday - July 14, 2003 |
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Not Happening August 10th By Eduardo Alonso After a lot of spectulation, endless comments and plenty of wait it's now known that the fight between former PRIDE Heavyweight Champion Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira against Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic is not going to happen as a superfight on PRIDE's August 10th card. The Brazilian fighter himself wanted to take this fight badly, due to his imense desire to come back strong and erase all the bad feelings left in his last fight against Emelianenko Fedor, and the former champion was just waiting on PRIDE's okay for the fight. However, it is now decided that this fight won't take place, and Cro Cop will likley be facing another opponent, with rumors suggesting Igor Vovchanchyn's name as his opponent. For Nogueira this is unfortunate, as he was hoping a win over Mirko would give him an immediate title shot after a possible win, and now chances are high that Minotauro will face none other than former UFC fighter Josh Barnett, although this hasn't been decided yet by the Japanese fighting organization. Look for more information to come out soon! |
 United Full Contact Federation & AFC: Summer Slam Held July 12, 2003 At the Lucky Eagle Casino Rochester, Washington By Mike Neva
American Top Team head trainer Ricardo Liborio said of the fight "We planned to avoid his stand up game, his strikes, his knees, and we trained a lot of wrestling". Only seconds into the match it was Diniz who imposed his will, taking Pearson to the mat. Diniz patiently worked from half guard trying vehemently to attain full mount. However, Pearson was able to sweep and work back to his feet. From his back, Diniz instinctively grabbed Pearson's ankle, tripping him and bringing the fight back to the canvas. This would spell the beginning of the end as Diniz was able to trap Pearson's right arm pass to side mount and eventually sink into a tight arm triangle choke putting Pearson to sleep giving Diniz a hard fought submission victory. In other action Landon Showalter scored a submission victory over the much-heralded Arizona prodigy Drew Fickett. Initially, Showalter appeared to be in a bit of trouble as Fickett locked in an arm bar, but Showalter was able wiggle out. After a Fickett takedown it was Showalter who adeptly worked in a tight triangle choke only three minutes into the first round. Roman Roytberg also made a triumphant return to the ring chopping down Cain Spaulding with devastating leg kicks. As the force of each kick echoed though out the arena, Spaulding finally had enough and called it quits mid way though the third round. Muay Thai Paul Gardner (Seattle, WA) def. Todd Young (Melba, ID) by verbal submission from an accumulation of punishment at 2:06 of round 2 Kickboxing Bryce Hamilton (Bellingham, WA) def. Cameron Brown (Port Moody, BC) by majority decision after five 2-minute rounds Pankration Landon Showalter (Everett, WA) def. Drew Fickett (Tempe, AZ) by triangle choke at 3:00 of round 1 Kickboxing Roman Roytberg (Bellevue, WA) def. Cain Spaulding (Port Moody, BC) by verbal submission from leg kicks at: 54 of round 3 Muay Thai Tristen Wit (Kirkland, WA) def. Benjamin Greer (Vancouver, BC) by TKO didn't answer the standing 8 count at 2:34 of round 4 Pankration Edson Diniz (Ft, Lauderdale, FL) def. Charles Pearson (Everett, WA) by arm triangle choke at 4:24 of round 1 |
 Extreme Force Quick Results Photographs by Keith Mills
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| Wednesday - July 16, 2003 |
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Barnett Out of the Scene, in Comes Rodriguez By Eduardo Alonso The never-ending tale of Minotauro's opponent for PRIDE's August 10th event may now be finally coming to an end, as one more occurred today. After training for a long time believing he would have to face PRIDE's sensation Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic, former PRIDE Heavyweight champion Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira ended up receiving information he would have to fight former UFC stand out Josh Barnett, in Josh's PRIDE debut. The fight between Minotauro and Barnett, which highly anticipated ever since the American challenged the Brazilian after Nogueira's win over Bob Sapp, is now going to have to wait once again as Josh Barnett decided to take part in a Japanese Pro-Wrestling event and postpone his PRIDE debut for the near future. With that, DSE secured former UFC Heavyweight champion and PRIDE veteran Ricco Rodriguez as Minotauro's opponent, and now negotiations are on in the final stages, with this fight on the verge of being announced at any minute to take place at the PRIDE GP, as a single bout. The interesting side of this match-up is that both fighters already fought each other in a submission wrestling match at the Abu Dhabi tournament once, with Rodriguez beating Minotauro by knee bar. This is a chance for revenge for Nogueira, who recently avenged his only MMA loss (at 1999 RINGS King of Kings) against Dan Henderson in PRIDE 24. The Brazilian fighter is confident in his win and is welcoming this chance to redeem himself in the PRIDE ring. FCF will keep you posted on new developments for the PRIDE August 10th card. |
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Extreme Force: Genesis By Jim Burman
The show, despite numerous dropouts (Arrab, Pulver, Freeman) ran smoothly with the undercard providing some great entertainment. American Jason Black took no time in despatching Michael Johnson, taking him down, passing his guard, landing knees that seemed to loaded up in the lighting rig (!) and then tapping him out with a reverse guillotine. Black showed real skill and technique in this win and hopefully we'll get to see him on these shores again soon. James Zikic and Cyrille Diabete fought the fight of the night with Zikic demonstrating his boxing prowess, Diabete demonstrating his muay thai efficiency and both showing uncanny ground games. The decision eventually went to Diabete but Zikic must be commended on an exciting performance. The original headline fight of the night could not go ahead as Freeman rang in sick from his hotel room on the day of the show. It's been rumoured that two fighters offered to replace him, Mark Epstein and Tengiz Tedoradze, but Overeem was understandably reluctant to accept at just a few hours notice. Tedoradze co-incidentally dominated UFC veteran Remco Pardoel earlier in the night and was willing to fight twice! As predicted Jean Silva opened his fight with a Capoera spinning back kick to double leg takedown combination much to the appreciation of the crowd. Working meticulously he eventually tapped out last minute stand in Robbie Oliver four minutes into the fist round. Oliver lasted well considering the circumstance but Silva's preparation for original opponent Jens Pulver showed. Full details of the show to be found in an upcoming issue. Gaz Roriston def Mark Day 1:30 rd2 by rear naked choke Neil McCleod def Ricky 'Ninja' Salhan 1:15 rd1 by armbar Tengiz Tedoradze def Remco Pardoel 2:34 rd1 by submission (punishment) Alex Evans def James Shiavo 4:50 rd2 Shiavo unable to continue Cyrille Diabete def James Zikic rd3 unanimous decision Jason Black def Mike Johnson 1:35 rd1 by reverse guillotine Jean Silva def Robbie Oliver 4:00 rd1 by triangle choke Lee Murray def Jose 'Pele' Landi-Jons 0:32 r2 by KO |
| Thursday - July 17, 2003 |
From TKO Communications:
Montreal (Canada) - Fort Lauderdale (USA) - "The Pride of El Salvador" Ivan Menjivar will make a return to the 155 lbs weight class this coming Saturday in the Absolute Fighting Championship. Even though Ivan will continue to fight in the Super Lightweight division (145 lbs.) this fight against Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro is a great opportunity for Ivan to see what he can do with one of the best 155 lbs fighter in the world. Menjivar alongside David "The Crow” Loiseau and Stephane Patry from TKO Management are leaving on Thursday for Fort Lauderdale and are 100% sure Ivan will make the Canadian fans and TKO Management proud! He's ready - and this is an opportunity he's been waiting for a long time! Top-10 SLW vs. a Top-10 LW - This will be a great fight - and maybe the beginning of something huge for Ivan at 155! And don't forget, The Pride of El Salvador will be back in Montreal for TKO 13 where he will fight for the TKO World SLW Championship against another great fighter, Ryan Diaz! |
| Friday - July 18, 2003 |
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By Jim Burman  Click here for pictures from last weekend's EF 1 |
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From Eddy Rolon: "Your Mission is Submission" Two Semi-Pro Open Tournaments $$$ Showcasing two divisions for CASH $$$ Under-170lbs. & Under-205lbs. *
 SUNDAY, JULY 20th 2003 Weigh-in and Warm-up area opens at 10:00 AM Final Weigh-in at 11:45 AM Tournament begins at 12:00 PM What makes this tournament Semi-Pro? The tournament winners get half of the registration, continuation and sponsorship money and prizes designated for their division. What makes Endgame Submission Grappling Special? No Points, No Decisions, No Judges, No Sandbagging. Stalling will get you nowhere. If you want to win get the submission. What if time runs out and no one has been submitted? If a match goes the distance without a winner, it is declared a draw. Competitors who have drawn can continue at the current level by purchasing one time only optional continuation (for any level other than finals). Get the finish if you want to advance. Check out the rules for more details. Where and how much does it cost to compete or to spectate? (Remember half of all registration and continuation fees go to the tournament winners) Registration $50 for competitors & $10 for spectators Optional Continuation in case of draw $20 Pre-Registration Space is limited. BAMMA, 367 Reuter Ave. Elizabeth, NJ For info (201) 233-2157 or email endgamegrappler@yahoo.com Click here for rules |
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From the event's promoter: Battle Ground Entertainment is entering the ever growing number of promotions in mixed martial arts, and they're doing it in a big way. Their inaugural show, War Cry, will be held in the 5,500-seat Odeum Sports Arena in Chicago on Saturday, July 19th at 7 p.m. This will be the first mixed martial arts contest approved by the state of Illinois and the first MMA event in Chicago since 1996. Sanctioned by the ISKA, War Cry will be full mixed martial arts rules in a boxing ring. The card currently stands at nine action-packed bouts featuring several UFC veterans from across the country, as well as many up and coming fighters. The current card (subject to change) is: Eugene Jackson (Team AKA) vs. Tony Fryklund (Team MFS) for the 185-pound ISKA Title Chris Lytle (Team IF) vs. Laverne Clark (Team MFS) - 175 lbs. Brad Gumm (Colorado BJJ & MMA) vs. Antoine Skinner - 155 lbs. Jeff Gerlick vs. Vaughan Palelei Rich Franklin (Meat Truck Inc.) vs. Roberto Ramirez - 205 lbs. Mike Patte (Meat Truck Inc.) vs. Davion Peterson (Team IF) - 205 lbs. Kyle Helsper (Team IF) vs. Kevin Knabjian (Gilbert Grappling) - 185 lbs. Travis Wiuff vs. TBA Jon Fitch vs. TBA Tickets are currently available at www.TicketMaster.com (event name War Cry) and the Odeum Sports Arena. Company Information Battle Ground Entertainment was formed to bring the best in Mixed Martial Arts to the Midwest and other areas that were previously in the dark. We strive to bring the highest level of professionalism and production to benefit MMA and the MMA community. Networking fighters with other aspects of marketing has enabled us to increase the size of MMA rather then simply appealing to the fans that are already out there. Another cornerstone philosophy of Battle Ground is to educate those who are ignorant of our exciting and growing sport in a manner that will legitimize the sport. By working with sanctioning bodies such as the International Sport Kickboxing Association or ISKA we are striving for success. Battle Ground Entertainment is always growing and thanks you the fans for support. |
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From the event's promoter: Homer Moore vs Wojtek Kaszowski Gabe Casillas vs Carlos Bizier Saturday, Aug 2, 2003 Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix) Doors Open: 5:30 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM Ticket Prices: $20 (rows 14-25), $30 (rows 4-13) and $50 (rows 1-3). Call 602-267-1600 to order tickets (can pick up at will-call on fight night). It will be Canada vs. Arizona, when former UFC Welterweight Champion, 6X UFC veteran and 6X Pride veteran, Carlos Newton brings 2 of his top fighters from Canada to face Arizona's elite in Rage in the Cage 51 on Saturday Aug 2nd. Carlos Newton will be bringing two of his top "Warrior MMA" fighters: Wojtek "Voitek the Destroyer" Kaszowski and Carlos Bizier (who replaces Tim Gyarmati who suffered a training injury). Rage in the Cage has a lot of momentum coming off a fantastic show in Tucson on July 12 with Don "The Predator" Frye in attendance. This upcoming spectacular card should be a real treat for MMA fans. Get your tickets early for best seat selection and to avoid being shut out. Homer Moore (205) vs Wojtek Kaszowski (215 - Canada) Vince Lucero (275) vs Mike Proctor (250 - San Diego) Andy Montana (245) vs Melville Calabaca (245) Rich Moss (190) vs Roger Mejia (205) Gabe Casillas (170) vs Carlos Bizier (170 - Canada) Jamie Varner (160) vs Rylan Sandoval (160 - New Mexico) Justin Lyon (360) vs Herb Garcia (300) Chappo Montijo (200) vs John Linder (210 - San Diego) Ed West (135) vs Nike Knight (135) Ray Elbe (175) vs Joe Frainee (180 - California) Michelle " GrappleGirl" Farrow (150) vs TBA Jed Hunt (275) vs Robert Beraum (250) Justin Nauling (170) vs Allen Branson (175) Fight Card subject to change. Post-Fight Party at: FLICKA's Baja Cantina 2003 N.Scottsdale Rd No cover Charge $2.00 Coronas all night long Arizona Dream Girls Contest Other upcoming events: RITC 52 - Rivalry Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 Casa Grande RITC 53 - The Beat Goes On Saturday, Sept 13, 2003 Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix) RITC 54 Saturday, Oct 18, 2003 Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix) RITC 55 Saturday, Nov 15, 2003 Site: TBA RITC 56 - Year #6 Begins Saturday, Dec 6, 2003 Celebrity Theatre (Phoenix) |
| Saturday - July 19, 2003 |
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From the event's promoter: Tonight in Bayonne, NJ! WHEN: This Saturday, July 19th, 2003 WHAT: Mixed Martial Art Fights TIME: Doors Open 6:30, 1st match at 8 PM WHERE: Marist Gymnasium, Bayonne, NJ SPECIAL TREAT Some of the best players in the National Football League will be at Reality Fighting IV this Saturday: Giants Defensive End - Mike Strahan Giants Running Back - Tiki Barber Giants Linebacker - Dhani Jones Jaquar Safety - Donavon Darius Jets Lineman - Jumbo Elliot Jets Lineman - Jason Fabini Jets Lineman - Tom Nutten Falcons Defensive End - Patrick Kerney Panthers Head Coach - John Fox CBS TV & CBS Sportsline NFL Reporter Jay Glazer will be making his MMA Debut. FIGHT ORDER: Fight#1 Jay Herien (Bellmore/Renzo) vs. Keith Plate (Island Jiu-Jitsu) Fight#2 Rocco Giordano (Combative Solutions) vs. Gus Indjeyiannis (CMA) Fight#3 John Beneduce (Renzo/Team UDS) vs. Rob Copenhaver (PFC) Fight#4 Hazem Ibrahim (Tap Team) vs. Pat Russo (Wilkie's) Fight#5 Phillipe Nover (Renzo/Team UDS) vs. Ronald Stalling (Sekai) Fight#6 Brian Jackson(Wrestling)vs. Jay Glazer (Obake) Fight#7 Romeo Gray vs. Jakob Sverre Lovstad (Scandinavian BJJ) SUPER HEAVY WEIGHT TITLE FIGHT Carlos Cline (Jerry Jones Ultimate MA) vs. Glen Sandull (Planet Jiu-Jitsu) FLY WEIGHT TITLE FIGHT Nick Cottone (Never Surrender) vs. Jerry Mosquea (Renzo) GET YOUR TICKETS at the door - We have plenty left! DIRECTIONS: Marist High School, 1241 Kennedy Blvd., Bayonne, NJ 07002 From New York City: Come through the Holland Tunnel. Follow signs for NJ Turnpike. Take exit 14A towards BAYONNE. Keep right at the fork in the ramp. Turn right onto East 53rd St. Turn right onto Broadway. Turn left onto W 55th St. Go 3 blocks to Kennedy Blvd. Make a right onto Kennedy Blvd. Marist High School will be on your left. Follow the Reality Fighting signs. From NY via Path or NJ Transit: Take Path or NJ Transit to Journal Square Station. Take the Trans Hudson Express bus # 10 (on platform D1) to Kennedy Blvd. & 57th From NJ Turnpike North or South: Take exit 14A off the NJ Turnpike towards BAYONNE. Keep right at the fork in the ramp. Turn right onto E 53rd St. Turn right onto Broadway. Turn left onto 55th St., and go 3 blocks to Kennedy Blvd. Make a right onto Kennedy Blvd. Marist High School will be on your left. Follow the REALITY FIGHTING signs. From 78 East: Follow signs for Holland Tunnel. Pay toll to enter NJ Turnpike, stay right. Follow Directions above from NJ Turnpike. From Newark Airport/Newark Marriott Hotel: Turn right onto Brewster Rd. Turn left onto the US-1 N/US-9 N ramp. Take the NJ Turnpike/US-1/US-9 exit. Keep left at the fork in the ramp. Merge onto US-1 & 9 N. Turn slight right onto NJ-440 S. Take ramp towards Bayonne via JF Kennedy Boulevard. Merge onto W 63rd St. Turn Right onto JF Kennedy Blvd. Follow the REALITY FIGHTING signs. |
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By Keith Mills IFC Warriors Challenge XVIII takes place tonight in Lakeport, CA. Last word was the card is as follows: Rick Morano vs. Rudy Hernandez Jeff Houghland vs. Tom Gois Carlos Cordero vs. Aaron Jameson Heather Soderquist vs. Britney Victoria Hannibal Adolofo vs. Shaun Beckett Jay Jack vs. Eddy Ellis Don Lunier vs. Randy Spence Shane Davis vs. Tim McKenzie Roger Neff vs. Cobra Brian Vanderwalle vs. Bobby Southworth Jaqueline Andrade vs. Amanda Buckner Nick Diaz vs. Jeremy Jackson Benji Radach vs. Steve Heath Both the main events feature fighters that are soon fighting in other high profile shows with Jeremy Jackson already scheduled to fight Dennis Hallman in UFC in September and Benji Radach scheduled to fight "Ximu" Machado in King Of The Cage in Reno in August. A loss for Radach wouldn't keep him out of KOTC, but a loss for Jackson might jeopardize his UFC chances, adding extra drama to this rematch between two of the top 170-pounders on the verge of breaking out. Jackson/Diaz is garnering most of the attention not only because of Jackson's upcoming UFC debut, but also because their first fight was in the finals of an 8-man tournament back when they didn't know much about each other. Now they have had plenty of time to train specifically for each other and the results are far from certain. Both these two put on spectacular performances in WEC 6 earlier this year with Jackson going the distance with Shonie Carter while Diaz ended his fight with Joe Hurley with an unforgettable Kimura shown on the cover of the April issue of Full Contact Fighter magazine. Diaz is one of four Team Cesar Gracie fighters tonight, with Steve Heath being one of the others in his Middleweight title fight against Victory Athletics' Benji Radach. Radach is coming up a weight class for his first fight at 185 while Heath is the former IFC Light Heavyweight Champion dropping down. With training opportunities for Heath being with ADCC invitee David Terrell and IFC World Welterweight Champion and UFC vet Gil Castillo while Radach trains with the phenomenal Dennis Hallman this one is bound to be a barnburner. To round out the title fights, Extreme Challenge and Ring Of Fire standout Amanda Buckner takes on Jacqueline Andrade, the woman who won the BJJ Pan Ams this year. Both of these 135-pounders have interested fans of the women's divisions for months and represent the next wave of challengers to the likes of Jennifer Howe and Debi Purcell. For the IFC Light Heavyweight U.S. title, AKA Fight Team's Southworth takes on Impact Martial Arts' Vanderwalle. With four titles and thirteen fights, it's going to be a long night, but well worth the price of a ticket. |
| Sunday - July 20, 2003 |
 Reality Fighting 4: Score One for the Little Guy By Jim Genia (July 19th, Bayonne, New Jersey) It was another successful night for Kipp Kollar's Reality Fighting promotion as hundreds of spectators crammed into the Marist High School in Bayonne, New Jersey, to catch some local mixed martial artists mix it up in the ring. On display: scorching hands, unstoppable takedowns, and more than a few chokes, a couple of which ended up putting competitors to sleep, and rounding out the experience were guest appearances by UFC vets Matt Serra and Phil Baroni, Pride vet Tim "Obake" Catalfo, and several NFL stars including Tiki Barber.
Some highlights of the action in North America's only octagonal-shaped ring included:
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By Keith Mills
Co-headliner Benji Radach had little trouble with last-minute replacement Steve Van Fleet in Benji's last fight before King Of The Cage in Reno next month. With wife and highly ranked women's 135 fighter Christine Van Fleet in his corner Steve Van Fleet did an admiral job of using his legs to try to keep the Victory Athletics' Radach at bay and in submission attempts but Radach had too much of a training advantage, having focused on fighting Team Cesar Gracie's Steve Heath until Heath became injured last week. Stnadig above the downed Van Fleet Radach continually pushed Van Fleet's legs away to throw heavy bomb after bomb, finally getting a KO shot to the chin of Van Fleet. Jacqueline Andrade scored an upset in her armbar over highly ranked Amanda Buckner in their Light Heavyweight bout to win the Women's Light Heavyweight belt. Amanda usually fights lighter and has championship fights in both Ring Of Fire and returning to the IFC for the Middleweight belt already lined up in the next two months. This night Buckner landed a solid punch while standing that opened up a cut on Andrade's cheek and looked like she had the fight in the bag when she was ground-and-pounding her opponent against the fence but it was the relentless armbar attempts of Pan Ams open division champion Andrade that finally prevailed. In the third belt bout of the night Bobby Southworth retained his IFC Americas Light Heavyweight belt with an armbar in one of the longest fights of the night at 4:28 of the first round. Look for a full report in an upcoming issue of Full Contact Fighter.
2. Aaron Jameson def Carlos Cordero 3:28 r1 by triangle choke 3. Heather Soderquist def Brittany Victoria between rounds 2 & 3 could not continue due to exhaustion 4. Shaun Beckett def Hannibal Adolfo 0:22 r1 by KO 5. Eddy Ellis/Willie Solorio declared no contest due to Ellis' illegal knees to head of downed opponent 6. Randy Spence def Don Lunier 1:38 r1 by rear choke 7. Tim McKenzie def Shane Davis 1:31 r1 by armbar 8. Roger Neff def Cobra 0:40 by neck crank 9. Bobby Southworth def Brian Van De Walle 4:28 r1 by armbar Southworth retains IFC Light Heavyweight Americas Championship belt 10. Jacqueline Andrade def Amanda Buckner 3:23 r1 by armbar Andrade becomes IFC Women's Light Heavyweight Champion 11. Benji Radach def Steve Van Fleet 1:21 r1 by KO 12. Nick Diaz def Jeremy Jackson 4:33 r1 by TKO Nick retains IFC Untied States Welterweight belt, picks up IFC Americas Welterweight belt and ISKA-MMA Americas Welterweight belt. Look for a full report in the August issue of Full Contact Fighter. |
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By Joe Hall CANTON, Ohio -- It was a thrilling main event, a gutsy battle between a pair of intrepid up-and-coming lightweights.
Jorge Gurgel entered next, flocked by his students and training partners. The Middletown, Ohio transplant via Fortaleza, Brazil was in the best shape of his life, a shredded 155 pounds. The fighters traded short, crisp strikes in the clinch for much of the opening round. Gurgel's inside work was superior, as he fastened his hands around the back of Spencer's neck and delivered knees that plunged into his opponent's midsection. Spencer landed the best shot of the first, though. Each time the fighters separated from the clinch, he would whip a mean left hand aimed for Gurgel's head. Midway through the round, one of the lefts landed, wobbling Gurgel and sparking confidence in Spencer. Gurgel quickly recouped, though, then retaliated with more damaging knees. Late in the round, Spencer scored a takedown, but immediately found Gurgel's legs triangled around his neck. He defended the BJJ black belt's submission attempts well, however, and the first five minutes concluded. The second round belonged to Gurgel. Off a scramble he sank in a deep armbar and began to extend the lock. Rather than tap, Spencer lifted his opponent off the mat and returned him to the canvas with angry force. The move roused the crowd and freed his arm, but the submission onslaught was only beginning. Gurgel never rested from his back; his attacks were endless. When one attempt didn't put away the submission savvy Spencer, he changed to another. When several armbars failed, Gurgel transitioned to a triangle choke, swept his foe and moved to the mount. With around 30 seconds remaining in the second, Gurgel cleared Spencer's grasp and began a blitz of strikes that did not cease or slow until the bell. Spencer deflected many of the initial blows, but the assault eventually pierced his defense and battered his face. The barrage would have been stopped in most events, though its timing and Spencer's guts helped force a final round. Between rounds Spencer stood in his corner depleted and bruised. Gurgel smiled a hungry grin and came out firing. He opened with a head kick that smacked Spencer's ear and reminded him to get his tired hands up. Gurgel then teed off in the clinch, and Spencer finally fell to the mat. Gurgel instantly mounted him and rained down punches and elbows at a pace that refuted the concept of third round fatigue. Spencer stubbornly absorbed the prolonged beating, which went far longer than it should have. The referee finally stopped the bout at 1:55, declaring Gurgel the victor and the Absolute Combat Challenge lightweight champion. "I give [Spencer] some props," said Gurgel after the match. "I was faking the jab and coming with the right, like we trained. I hit him square. He got dazed a little bit, but I hit him hard and the son-of-a-bitch took it." The win improved Gurgel's record to an impressive 8 - 0. "I just wanted to make my students proud," he said. "I wasn't going to lose." FULL ABSOLUTE COMBAT CHALLENGE RESULTS James Escaloni vs. Udell Holmes II Winner: Escaloni by submission (armbar) 1:14 R1 Steve Neal vs. John Anderson Winner: Neal by submission (armbar) 1:15 R1 Doug Sauer vs. Leremey Johnson Winner: Johnson by submission (armbar) 4:55 R1 David Sachs vs. Drew Longshore Winner: Sachs by TKO (strikes from mount) :51 R1 Tierre Hall vs. Josh Souder Winner: Souder by submission (rear naked choke) :58 R1 Chris Herring vs. Anthony Ferguson Winner: Herring by TKO (strikes from side mount) 3:15 R1 Welterweight Championship Dan Swift vs. Scott Wickham Winner: Wickham by TKO (strikes on ground) 2:28 R2 Leo Sylvest vs. Matt Markowicz Winner: Sylvest by submission (rear naked choke) 3:15 R1 Forrest Petz vs. Joe Thomas Winner: Petz by KO :09 R2 Middleweight Championship Leo Sylvest vs. Forrest Petz Winner: Petz by TKO :14 R2 Lightweight Championship Jorge Gurgel vs. Luke Spencer Winner: Gurgel by TKO (strikes from mount) 1:55 R3 |
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Babalu Added to the Show's Debut card! By Eduardo Alonso As the newest promotion in Brazil continue to prepare their first ever show this next July 31st, another Brazilian MMA star was added to the HEAT FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 1 card. Ruas Vale Tudo stand out and UFC veteran Renato Babalu Sobral comes as a great last minute adition to the already interesting card, promising to bring even more heat to the city of Natal, where the show will take place. Babalu's presence in the show was made possible due to the injury suffed by Khalid Arrab, who was supposed to fight him at Extreme Force 1 in London, that caused Sobral's presence at the British show to be cancelled. With that, a deal between HEAT FC and the Ruas Vale Tudo talent became possible as he is preapring to compete at the IFC tournament in September and was already in shape to fight due to all the training for Extreme Force. Babalu's opponent at the Brazilian show will be Gracie Barra fighter Marcelo "Uirapuru" Azevedo. Marcelo is a former BJJ World Champion at brown belt, and is currently a Jiu Jitsu black belt under Gracie Barra, training under the wings of Vinicus Draculino. The HEAT FC promoters had several difficulties to find a opponent for Sobral in Brazil, and Uirapuru jumped at the chance promising to give the spectators a good showing against the former RINGS fighter. On other HEAT news, American fighter Scott Henze isn't going to compete anymore, and UFC veteran Curtis Stout is his replacement, facing Brazilian Northeastern fighter Silmar Rodrigo, who is a veteran of WVC and Bitetti Combat. Brazilian Top Team fighter Haroldo "Cabelinho" Bunn is also out of the HEAT FC 1 card, due to his participation at Knock MMA on July 23rd. Here's the current card for HEAT FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP inaugural show, with some surprises still in the works:
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| Monday - July 21, 2003 |
From Koichi "Booker K" Kawasaki:
Date: August 10th 2003 Place: Saitama Super Arena Open: 13:00 Start: 15:00 |
| Tuesday - July 22, 2003 |
From Zuffa/UFC: TICKETS GO ON SALE SATURDAY, JULY 26, FOR UFC 44: UNDISPUTED; ALL-STAR CARD WILL BE SEPT. 26 AT MANDALAY BAY IN LAS VEGAS Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture Will Determine Ultimate Fighting Championship's True Light Heavyweight Champion LIVE On Pay-Per-View Heavyweight Champ Tim Sylvia To Defend His Title For First Time Against Gan McGee In 'Battle of Giants' In Co-Main Event LAS VEGAS, July 22, 2003...Live event tickets, $350, $250, $150, $75 and $35, for Ultimate Fighting Championship 44: Undisputed, which will feature the much anticipated return of Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz to the Octagon on Friday, September 26, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, will go on sale at 10 a.m. this Saturday, July 26, at the Mandalay Bay box office, at all Ticketmaster locations, at www.ticketmaster.com and www.mandalaybay.com. Tickets also may be ordered by telephone at 1-877-632-7800 or 1-702-474-4000. Ticket purchases are subject to transaction fees. The UFC is returning to Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, the site of its first event in Nevada in September 2001. UFC 44: Undisputed also will be available LIVE on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. EDT on iNDemand, DirecTV, Dish Network, TVN, Echostar, Bell ExpressVu and Viewers Choice Canada. The suggested retail price is $29.95. Ortiz (11-2-0 in mixed martial arts) from Huntington Beach, Calif., will meet newly crowned interim Light Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture (8-4-0) of Portland, Ore., for the undisputed title in the main event. UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia (17-0-0) of Davenport, Iowa, will defend his title for the first time against Gan McGee (12-1-0) of San Luis Obispo, Calif., in a "battle of giants" in the co-main event. The remainder of the nine-fight, all-star card will be announced. Fight fans have been anticipating another Ortiz title defense since his victory last November over mixed martial arts legend Ken Shamrock in Las Vegas. Due to motion picture theatrical commitments, Ortiz could not fight for nine months. On June 6 in Las Vegas, Couture met number one contender Chuck Liddell for the interim light heavyweight championship, which Couture claimed with an upset technical knockout in the third round. Couture, a former two-time UFC heavyweight champ, made history by becoming the only fighter to win UFC championships in two different weight divisions. But the victory over Liddell set the stage for a showdown with Ortiz and Couture now wants to unify the title. Ortiz doesn't care much for Couture's intrusion into his title territory. "I don't think Randy is entitled to any kind of championship, much less an interim title, and I'm ready to prove who the real light heavyweight champion is," Tito said. Couture says he doesn't care what Tito thinks. "I fought, and beat, the long-time number one contender, Chuck Liddell, when he wouldn't fight him. I know the fans see me as the true light heavyweight champion. If Tito disagrees, he's going to have to prove it," Couture counters. Meanwhile Sylvia, "The Maine-iac," a native of Ellsworth, Maine, who trains with one of the top MMA teams in the country, Miletich Fighting Systems, has been chomping at the bit to defend the heavyweight crown he won February 28 at UFC 41: Onslaught with a first-round, upset knockout of Ricco Rodriguez in Atlantic City, N.J. Although Sylvia is 6'8", 260 pounds, he will not enjoy a size advantage. McGee, "The Giant," is 6'10", 265, and the bout will be a collision of two of the biggest men ever to compete for a UFC championship. McGee also won a first-round KO victory in his last UFC fight February 28 over Brazilian jiu jitsu champion Alexander "Café" Dantes. |
Battlecade Extreme Fighting on DVD!Battlecade Extreme Fighting 1... An FCF Must-Have! On DVD - Over 2hrs. 49 min. The inaugural event, featuring "The Zen Machine" Mario Sperry and Igor Zinoviev in one of the most famous matches ever! Also Carlson Gracie Jr., John Lewis, Marcus "Conan" Silveira, Gary Myers and more in EXTREME FIGHTING 1!
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| Wednesday - July 23, 2003 |
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In this issue...|
From Zuffa/UFC: Fans Can Win Trip For 2 To Las Vegas For Ultimate Fighting Championship 44: Undisputed When Ortiz Fights Randy Couture For Title On Sept. 26 Fans Can Participate In Production Of A National Television Commercial Tickets For UFC 44 Go On Sale Saturday, July 26, At All Ticketmaster Locations LAS VEGAS, July 23, 2003...Ultimate Fighting Championship Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz will meet fans and sign autographs from 3 p.m to 5 p.m. PDT, Sunday, July 27, at the Wherehouse Records store, 2320 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa, Calif. All fight fans in attendance will be eligible for a drawing to win a round-trip for two to Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the Friday, September 26, UFC 44: Undisputed fight when Ortiz defends his title in the "Champion Vs. Champion" main event against interim light heavyweight champ Randy Couture. The lucky winner will receive round-trip airfare for two, a two-night hotel stay, two tickets to the fight and the opportunity to be a member of Ortiz' entourage as an honorary cornerperson. The winner must be present to win the prize. Fans also will have the opportunity to participate in the production of a national television commercial that will promote the UFC and its future fight events. During Ortiz' appearance there will also be attendance prize drawings for merchandise including the new UFC video games Tap Out and Throw Down, DVD and VHS video copies of UFC fights and souvenir clothing. Winners must be present to claim prizes. Tickets, $350, $250, $150, $75 and $35, for UFC 44: Undisputed will go on sale at 10 a.m. PDT, Saturday, July 26, at the Mandalay Bay box office in Las Vegas, at all Ticketmaster locations, at www.ticketmaster.com and www.mandalaybay.com. Tickets also may be ordered by telephone at 1-877-632-7800 or 1-702-474-4000 and purchases are subject to transaction fees. UFC 44:Undisputed also will be LIVE on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. EDT on iNDemand, DirecTV, Dish Network, TVN, EchoStar, Bell ExpressVu and Viewers Choice Canada. The suggested retail price is $29.95 Fight fans have been anticipating another Ortiz (11-2-0 in mixed martial arts) title defense since his last victory in November over mixed martial arts legend Ken Shamrock in Las Vegas. Due to motion picture commitments, Ortiz could not fight for nine months. On June 6 in Las Vegas, Couture (8-4-0) met number one contender Chuck Liddell for the interim light heavyweight championship, which Couture claimed with an upset technical knockout in the third round. Couture, a former two-time UFC heavyweight champ, made history by becoming the only fighter to win UFC championships in two different weight divisions. But the victory over Liddell set the stage for a showdown and both Ortiz and Couture now want to unify the title. |
| Thursday - July 24, 2003 |
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The Brazilian Beat: HEAT FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP is coming strong this next July 31st and MECA follows on August 1st. Also on the MMA trend, this edition of the BEAT brings you results from the latest Shooto show in Brazilian soil, as well as news regarding Ricardo Arona's training as well as his mentor, Mario Sperry, recovery from surgery. But since MMA isn't all that is into fighting, we're also bringing a taste of Jiu-Jitsu in this edition, since the sport has being totally on fire in Brazil this past days! As it couldn't be different in this space recently, Vitor Belfort is once again on the news and the guy has been literally everywhere in our country, appearing in several shows and raising to the spotlights once again. Since there's a saying that time is money, let's not waste a single dime more and bring you the news straight ahead, as Full Contact Fighter never rests and keep following the beat, as fighting in its different forms sets the rhythm through July in Brazil!
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| Saturday - July 26, 2003 |
 Adrenaline Fighting Championships Held July 25, 2003 At the Langley Civic Center Langley, BC, Canada By Mike Neva
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Middletown, Ohio July 26, 2003 By Joe Hall Lightweight Tournament Jason West def. BJ Mahon by rear-naked choke 0:44 R3 Billy Mitchell def. Brandon Adamson by triangle choke 1:34 R1 Finals Jason West def. Billy Mitchell by unanimous decision (29-28 three times) 9:00 Justin Brown def. Trevor Garrett by armbar 0:42 R2 Rob Maham def. Chad Cade by guillotine choke 0:38 R2 Jonathan "Billy Bob" Westfall def. Josh Davis by TKO (strikes from mount) 2:59 R1 Billy "Mojo" Horne def. Jim Jenk by TKO (strikes on ground) 2:29 R1 Jason Halderman def. John-David Shackelford by unanimous decision 9:00 Neal Rowe def. Danny Hoke by rear-naked choke 1:02 R2 |
| Monday - July 28, 2003 |
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Damon Perry replaces The Fight Professor. By Joe Hall 
Stephen Quadros, a staple of Pride's English broadcasts, was released by the company in early July. "The Fight Professor" had worked as a commentator for the event since January 2000."I was phoned by Yukino Kanda and informed that I had done a good job for three years, but they were going to try a new commentator at the next show," Quadros told FCF in a phone interview. "I said to her that I expected that this was going to happen, because I did. In my heart, I was waiting for when the knife was going to go in." Quadros' replacement is Damon Perry, a sportscaster in Detroit, Michigan. "Someone recommended [Perry]," said Yukino Kanda, Dream Stage Entertainment's Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Talent Relations. "We saw his tape, and we liked him a lot. He's very energetic. You can feel his energy through the TV. That's what we think we need." More to come, including Stephen Quadros' perspective on his release, in the next issue of FCF. |
From the event's promoter: The Only Mixed Martial Arts Show in NYC! Amateur mixed martial arts competition returns to New York City on Sunday, August 10th with the premiere of NY Underground Fighting at the Jerome Boxing Gym in the Bronx - and with it comes all the excitement you'd expect from clashing combat athletes! Stepping into the ring to continue his string of action-packed bouts, welterweight Jeet Kune Do fighter Christian Montes will face Team Renzo Gracie purple belt Andrew Callandrelli in a classic match-up of striker against grappler. Making his mixed martial arts debut at NY Underground Fighting, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu stud Justin Garcia will square off against wrestler Lance Visone, while Team Endgame's Terrence Shourts will test his skills against Lance's "kid brother" Evan Visone - a collegiate wrestler himself. Also on the card: Jiu-jitsu brown belt Rob Kahn, Team Endgame's Thomas Velasquez, Kioto Jiu-jitsu's Chris Scanlon, and a thrilling four-man heavyweight tournament! "No fanfare, just fighting" is the NY Underground Fighting motto, so be ready for some action! The Date: Sunday, August 10th. The time: Doors Open at 6pm, First Fight at 7pm. The Place: Jerome Boxing Gym, 436 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY - one block from the 3rd Ave-149th St. stop on the 2/5 train. All tickets $25, available at the door. For more info, e-mail nyundergroundfighting@hotmail.com or call (718) 609-1041. *All competitors are amateurs; No alcohol will be served on premises. |
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From the event's promoter: Fight Time Approaches as MMA is Reborn in Brazil 
Time is flying by and this next Thursday, July 31st the first edition of the newest promotion in Brazil will become reality and MMA will never be the same in Brazil after this date, ever again. After an amazing effort put on by the promoters who only had 45 days to make their dream become reality since their partnership was done, HEAT FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP is now just a few days away and anxiety is running high on the Brazilian MMA scene. With a solid card, never seen before for a inaugural show in Brazilian soil, counting with PRIDE, UFC, RINGS, K-1, IVC, MECA, Hook N' Shoot, KOTC, WEF and WVC veterans, great structure and a level of production never seen before in an Brazilian show, with amazing fighter entrances, several big screens and more, HEAT FC is coming to answer all claims and requests that the country that helped so much our loved sport to develop deserved a truly international show, and the time was now! With major press coverage, from Brazilian to Japanese magazines, never forgetting the American ones, going trough TV exposure [even overseas] and even with its own DVD out later on, HEAT will most certainly bring plenty of action this next Thursday, just to leave the fans eager for HEAT FC 2 in November of 2003.The last few days marked a lot of activity for the event, as some card changes were made due to several unfortunate incidents. Bitetti Combat winner Charles Andrade injured his knee on training last week and is due to surgery soon, being replaced by his teammate Savio Maia, who's also a Gracie Barra/PB Jiu Jitsu stylist and will now be the one facing local talent and RN Vale Tudo 2 winner [up to 82 kg] Fabio Bolinho. Jose "Zeca Doido" Ramalho, who was schedulled to face another local fighter in MECA veteran Lucas Lopes, dropped out of the show due to personal reasons, and UFC veteran Curtis Stout reported himself as injured to the event's organziation, and now new names to face both Lucas Lopes and Silmar Rodrigo may be announced at anytime. However, showing the effort made by the promoters a new fight was added to the card, bringing the debut of Ruas Vale Tudo Team fighter Eduardo Simoes, who is a submission wrestling stylist, even teaching ground techique classes to fighters at the RVT camp, facing Bitetti Combat 1 winner and recent Champions Night champion [submitting Brazil's northeast standout Rivanio Aranha] Carlos "Indio", in a fight that will most certainly be action-packed as both fighters are aggressive and are looking for quick ending for the bout. Tickets are already on sale in the city of Natal at all the Pitsburg points, one of the cities most famous fast-food restaurants, and expectations have that they'll sell out fast! This next Tuesday, the 29th, all fighters and press we'll be already in the city of Natal as the press conference takes place, followed by the weigh-ins and rules meeting on Wednesday, the 30th, and the exciting night of fights on the 31st, starting at 8:00 PM Brazilian time at the Machadinho Arena. HEAT FC welcomes feedback from all the MMA industry, and most of all the fans, so send your emails to heatfc@terra.com.br Don't miss the action, as now THE HEAT IS TOTALLY ON! Here's the card*: Preliminary Bouts: [3 rounds of 5 minutes each]
Undercard: [1st round of 10 minutes, 2nd and 3rd of 5 minutes each]
Main Events: [1st round of 10 minutes, 2nd and 3rd rounds of 5 minutes each]
*Card subject to change. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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From the event's promoter: RING OF FIRE hits the Mid West!!!! Saturday, August 9th, 2003 Ho-Chunk Casino Baraboo, WI The Colorado based promotion RING OF FIRE takes the show on the road and heads north to the Ho-Chunk Casino in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The premiere fighting organization in the Rocky Mountain region will bring a few of the ROF "regulars" along to test their craft against what the mid west has to offer. The card will be typical of the popular series which mixes both K-1 rules and Mixed Martial Art style bouts. "I know there are a lot of great fighters and great fight fans in the area and I very am excited to bring RING OF FIRE to this part of the country! I am trying to bring a little bit of everything to the table with this one, You have the Heavyweights because everybody likes to watch the big boys throw down, then you have the girls for the very same reason. I have signed fighters that have done well on local promotions and I am bringing some of the guys that have done well on past ROF events also" said promoter Sven Bean. HEAVY WEIGHT TITLE MATCH.... In the main event of the evening, UFC veteran Travis "Deisel" Wiuff of Rochester, MN, takes on ICC stand out Greg "GLADIATOR" Wikan for the vacant ROF Heavy Weight Championship belt. Wiuff has been on a mission to get back in the UFC going 8-1 since his appearance on Pay Per View, which brings his record to 20-4. Wikan, a former training partner of Wiuff, is a veteran fighter of the mid west scene. He is a fan favorite in the area because of his aggressive fighting style and has K.O. power in either hand. Two of the strongest fighters in the heavy weight division clash head on for the belt. FIRST TIME EVER, WOMEN'S BELT ON THE LINE... In the feature fight of the night the RING OF FIRE Women's Championship will be up for grabs. Amanda Buckner, of Portland, Maine will face Kelly Kobold, from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Buckner has been tearing up the submission scene, and gained recognition and respect with her gutsy MMA performance against Jennifer Howe earlier this year. Kobold has been on a mission since first stepping in the ring, going an impeccable 7-0. She has had two big wins on the ICC cards and is also a fan favorite in the mid west area. SUPER FIGHT UNDER K-1 MAX RULES... Rounding out the main events will be a 5 round SUPER FIGHT in the 155lb division fought under true K-1 MAX rules between IKKC United States Champion Terris James of Albuquerque, NM and tough middleweight contender Sam Stout from London Ontario, Canada. RING OF FIRE regulars Jay Jack, Christian Allen, and Fabian Acuna will make their Mid West fighting debut. Fighters from six different states and two countries will collide at the Ho-Chunk Casino FULL FIGHT CARD: Bout #1 KICKBOXING 142 Lbs 4 x 2 minutes Alisa Cantwell Holly Holm Rising Sun vs. AKKA Karate Baraboo, WI Albuquerque, NM Bout #2 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 205 lbs 3 x 3 minutes Kyle Hesper Dave Vickay Integrated Fighting vs. Kihon Fight Team Indianapolis, IN Detroit, MI Bout #3 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 205 lbs 3 x 3 minutes Aaron Treggar Nick Moreno Team Tompkins vs. Independent London, Ontario Madison, WI Bout #4 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 170 lbs 3 x 3 minutes John Friedland Max Foster Matamoros BJJ vs. Kihon Fight Team Milwaukee, WI Detroit, MI Bout #5 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 170 lbs 2 x 5 minutes ( 3 minute OT ) Jay Jack Sam Morgan Academy of MMA vs. Team BISON Portland, ME Minneapolis, MN Bout #6 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 155 lbs 2 x 5 minutes ( 3 minute OT ) Brian Szhor Fabian Acuna Freestyle Grappling vs. 3-D Martial Arts Milwaukee, WI Denver, CO Bout #7 KICKBOXING K-1 MAX Rules 155 lbs 5 x 3 minutes Sam Stout Terris James Team Tompkins vs. AKKA Karate London, Ontario Albuquerque, NM Bout #8 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 145 lbs 2 x 5 minutes ( 3 minute OT ) Tim Panicucci Christian Allen Freestyle Grappling vs. TKO / Pitt's Academy Milwaukee, WI Denver, CO Bout #9 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 142 lbs 3 x 5 minutes WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP Kelly Kobold Amanda Buckner Team BISON vs. Academy of MMA Minneapolis, MN Portland, ME Bout #10 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 255 lbs 3 x 5 minutes HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Travis Wiuff Greg Wickan Independent vs. Menne's Combat Academy Rochester, MN Minneapolis, MN TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!! All seats are just $25.00 and include a $5.00 for $10.00 match play coupon. You can purchase tickets at the casino's Golden Opportunity Counter or online at www.ticketmaster.com The Ho-Chunk Casino is only 45 minutes away from Madison, and just 2-3 hours away from both Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Ho-Chunk Casino in the Wisconsin Dells / Baraboo area features over 1200 reel, direct pay machines. Nickel, Quarter, Dollar and even five-dollar slot machines. 72 Blackjack tables with 3 dollar to 25 dollar wagers. High stakes Bingo. The casino also has a deluxe 315-room hotel, full-service convention center, entertainment area and restaurants. Amenities include heated outdoor pool and waterslide. Ring of Fire: For the FANS.. For the FIGHTERS.. For the SPORT!! |
| Wednesday - July 30, 2003 |
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Silmar Rodrigo has an opponent! BTT steps up and takes the task. By Eduardo Alonso As time was running out for the Heat Fighting Championship inaugural show, promoters hed to find a replacement for UFC veteran Curtis Stout, who was reported injured near the end of last week, a Brazilian fighter finally stepped up to take a fight against two-time Bitetti Combat winner Silmar Rodrigo on short notice! The latest addition to the HEAT FC 1: GENESIS card comes from the Brazilian Top Team. Henrique "Chocolate" Nogueira will be making his NHB debut in dramatic fashion, with literally no time to prepare for Silmar as all fighters and crew. Henrique is a Jiu Jitsu black belt, with a lot of power and determination. Coming out of the BTT camp he is most certainly no slouch, although Rodrigo remains the favorite in the bout. The challenge for Silmar, who is coming off a win against Johil de Oliveira, will be however the fact that now this fight is going to have a 90kg [close to 200lbs] weight limit, as his fight against Stout was originally a 85kg [close to 185lbs] bout. Regardless of that, the Kimura/Nova Uniao academy fighter is very excited and was just willing to fight, no matter who his opponent is. Initally the idea, with Curtis' injury, of the promoters was to bring another international fighter as a replacement. Some American and Canadian fighters were approached, but the extremely short notice caused by Stout's injury made it impossible for any other fighter to get a visa to get to Brazil in time. With that, the solution needed to come from the Brazilian NHB scene, and with Knock MMA just a few days ago and MECA 9 taking place on August 1st, it was a major struggle to get an opponent for Silmar, and the fight was at risk until "Chocolate" and the BTT camp stepped up this Monday! The official weigh-ins and rules meeting is taking place today, with the actual fights happening on July 31st! Stay tuned to FCF's website for more on the newest MMA promotion in Brazil, HEAT FC as well as plenty of news about MECA 9, PRIDE GP and more at the next Brazilian Beat! Here's the final HEAT FC 1:GENESIS card:* Preliminary Bouts:
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| Thursday - July 31, 2003 |
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By Eduardo Alonso Photos by Marcelo Alonso
All in all everything is ready and fighting time is approaching, as the Machadinho arena is awaiting a crowd of around 7,000 spectators to witness the debut of the newest promotion in Brazil, promising to conquer its space in the MMA scene right away, and looking for a long stay in the game. FCF will have results and event coverage right here, so don't miss it! |
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Battle in Seattle Held July 26, 2003 At the Seattle Police Pavilion Seattle, Washington By Mike Neva Otto "Spiderman" Olson may be the most beloved mma figure in the Pacific Northwest. Sporting an undefeated 2-0 amateur mma record, the Washington state native has been able to make the transition from elite wrestler to one of the most acclaimed young fighters in the state. Finishing 2nd ,3rd , and 5th in the NCCA championships for the prestigious Michigan state wrestling team, Olson's credentials as a wrestler are unquestioned. Trainer Charles Pearson stated the biggest problem with Olson is "no one wants to fight him ". Finding an opponent may have been difficult, but on this evening, Team Quest fighter Chris Leben, was more than happy to test his wares against the home town favorite.
1. Pankration Troy Hutnik def. Lance Ott by split decision after three 3-minute rounds 2. Pankration JT Horner def. Calito Fransisco by guillotine choke at 2:01 of round 2 3. Kickboxing Kyle Forsberg def. Naram Folka by unanimous decision after three 90-second rounds 4. Pankration Bryce Hamilton def. Joe Roberts by TKO referee stoppage from punches at 1:48 of round 1 5. Pankration Kevin Getch def. Clint Radovich by unanimous decision after three 3-minute rounds 6. Kickboxing Ed Herman def. Allen Cameron by unanimous decision after three 90-second rounds 7. Pankration Shawn Cahill def. James Hanson by TKO corner threw in the towel after round 2 8. Steve Ward def. Eric Wirt by split decision after three 3-minute rounds 9. Kickboxing Charlie Shaw def. Faris Alzeragi by unanimous decision after three 90-second rounds 10. Kickboxing Dale Kangas def. Carmen Cassella by TKO broken nose after round 1 11. Pankration Buck Bisbey def. Jason Vellow by TKO referee stoppage from punches at :48 of round 2 12. Pankration Chris Leben def. Otto Olson by KO from a punch at 2:01 of round 1 |
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