| VISIT THE REST OF OUR SITE BY CLICKING THESE LINKS | |||||
| SUBSCRIBE | FCF SHOP | HOME | PICTURES | VIDEOS | FCF TV SHOW |
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
| Tuesday - June 1, 2004 |
From Dream Stage Entertainment: THE ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTINUES... CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004 LOS ANGELES, California - The four match ups for the second round of the sixteen-man heavyweight tournament, CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004, have been announced. The event will take place on June 20th, 2004 from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan and is scheduled to debut on North American pay per view on same day delay. At TOTAL ELIMINATION 2004 in April, sixteen fighters started, now eight remain! Fight Card: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Kevin "The Monster" Randleman Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira vs. "The Texas Crazy Horse" Heath Herring Paulo Cesar "Giant" Silva vs. Naoya Ogawa Semmy Schilt vs. Sergei Kharitonov Several more non-tournament matches will be announced soon. Fight Card Subject to Change. In the first announced match for the second round of the tournament, reigning PRIDE FC heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin "The Monster" Randleman. Emelianenko is one of the hardest hitters in the sport, but besides his heavy hands, he is also technically versed in submissions (he was the 1997 Russian National Judo & Sambo Champion, the 1997 European Sambo Champion and placed first in the 2002 World Sambo Championships in the heavyweight division). In the first round of the tournament, Emelianenko eliminated 2000 Grand Prix champion Mark "The Hammer" Coleman with a lightning quick arm bar from the guard. Now he is set to take on Coleman's top student and teammate, Kevin Randleman! "The Monster" was a state-wrestling champion in high school and also wrestled for Ohio State University where he was a three-time All-American and two time national champion. Randleman is coming off of one of the biggest upsets in mixed martial arts history after his KO victory over the seemingly invincible Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic during the first round. With Coleman in his corner, Randleman is looking to eliminate another of the tournament favorites in Fedor Emelianenko. In the second bout, PRIDE FC interim heavyweight champion, Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira will take on Heath Herring of Texas. A member of the Brazilian Top Team, Nogueira is one of the finest practitioners of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the world. Whether on the ground or standing toe to toe, "Minotauro" can mix it up, peppering his opponents with quick jabs and knees from the clinch. In the first round of the tournament, Nogueira eliminated a very game opponent in Japan's Hirotaka Yokoi. Fighting out of Holland and representing Team Golden Glory, "The Texas Crazy Horse" Heath Herring brings with him a well-balanced arsenal of submissions, strikes, and wrestling. Always a top contender in the heavyweight division, Herring eliminated Japanese fighter Yoshiki Takahashi via KO during the first round of the tournament. Now Herring moves on to possible redemption, as his match with Nogueira is not only to advance in the tournament but also a long-awaited rematch! These two previously met in the ring in 2001 at PRIDE FC: CHAMPIONSHIP CHAOS in which Nogueira won via decision in one of the most action-packed heavyweight bouts in PRIDE FC history. In the third bout, Giant Silva will go head to head with Japanese star Naoya Ogawa. At 7'5" and 528 lbs, Paulo Silva Cesar, better known as "Giant Silva," is one of the most imposing physical specimens ever to compete in mixed martial arts. With his incredible strength and reach advantage, he constantly poses match-up problems for his opponents. In the first round of the tournament, Silva was very impressive, submitting Sumo wrestler Henry "Sentoryu" Miller. The 6'4", 253-pound Ogawa is a silver medallist in Judo (at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games) and brings in a mixed martial arts record of 6-0. In the first round of the tournament, Ogawa eliminated K-1 striker Stefan Leko by choke. In the final tournament bout of the night, Russia's Sergei Kharitonov will face Dutchman Semmy Schilt. Kharitonov hails from Moscow, Russia and this undefeated fighter (8-0) has quietly made his presence felt in mixed martial arts; in his two PRIDE FC appearances he was impressive, armbarring both of his opponents (Jason Nobunaga and L.A. Giant). In the first round of the tournament, Kharitonov completely dismantled the dangerous Murilo "Ninja" Rua via KO. The pride of Holland, the nearly seven-foot tall Semmy Schilt is an expert kick boxer who uses his reach advantage to cause havoc in mixed martial arts. Schilt is devastating on his feet, often using a massive barrage of punches, kicks, and knees to overwhelm his opponents. Thus far during his career, this Golden Glory team member has won the titles of Hokutoki DaiDoyuko Champion and King of Pancrase. In the first round of the tournament, Schilt dispatched "Big" Gan McGee via arm bar. The schedule for the tournament is as follows: PRIDE FC 16-Man Heavyweight Tournament CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004 June 20, 2004 Saitama Super Arena (Second Round) FINAL CONFLICT 2004 August 15, 2004 Saitama Super Arena (Semi-Finals and Finals) PRIDE FC: CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004 will premiere on North American pay per view through iNDEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH NETWORK, UrbanXtra, TVN1, Bell Express Vu, and Viewer's Choice Canada on Sunday, June 20th, 2004. The premiere time is 9:00pm EST, 6:00pm PST and the count down show is at 8:30pm EST, 5:30pm PST. For additional replay times, please contact your pay per view provider. Participants and fight card are subject to change. |
|
From the event's promoter: Big fight for Vitale, return of tourney
After shocking the world with a win over Matt Lindland in his UFC debut, the victory and his abilities seemed to be forgotten when he lost to Lindland in his UFC rematch six months later. Even an impressive win over former UFC champion Dave Menne didn't get the telephone ringing with offers from the bigger events. However, on Friday, June 18, Vitale hopes to open some eyes in Japan when he faces Yushin Okami, a two-time Pride winner with an 8-1 record, in the main event of Super Brawl 36. "This is the kind of opponent who is very respected in Japan," promoter T.Jay Thompson said of Okami. "I feel very fortunate to get him to come here and give Vitale a chance to show what he can do. Of course, an impressive win by Vitale should open some doors for him." Vitale has a 17-3 record and has been one of the most consistent of a large group of successful Hawaiian fighters. His record includes nine victories in his last 10 fights, with the lone loss coming to Lindland. In addition to Vitale-Okami main event, the Super Brawl/Extreme Challenge tournament returns... this time with some of the nation's top up-and-coming 155-pounders. Competing in the event are:
MAIN EVENT: Niko Vitale 17-3, Grappling Unlimited/808 Fight Factory Vitale is coming off an impressive victory over former UFC Champion Dave Menne. Although he still has his sights set on the UFC, a win over Okami could easily land him in one of the biggest events in Japan. Vs. Yushin Okami 8-1 Wajyutsu, Tokyo Japan Okami is 2-0 in Pride events, including the last Bushido, and has a strong ground and pound style. Look for him to fight Niko's aggressive style with more aggression. |
| Wednesday - June 2, 2004 |
|
From Dream Stage Entertainment: THREE MORE MATCHES ANNOUNCED FOR CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004! LOS ANGELES, California - Three additional matches have been announced for CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004, which will take place on June 20th, 2004 from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan and is scheduled to debut on North American pay per view on same day delay. These matches are non-tournament matches. For the rank of #1 middleweight: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (USA) vs. Ricardo Arona (Brazil) The winner of this match will be positioned for a title shot in October 2004 Kazushi Sakuraba (Japan) vs. Antonio "Nino" Schembri (Brazil) Hidehiko Yoshida (Japan) vs. Mark Hunt (New Zealand) Tournament Matches: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Kevin "The Monster" Randleman Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira vs. "The Texas Crazy Horse" Heath Herring Paulo Cesar "Giant" Silva vs. Naoya Ogawa Semmy Schilt vs. Sergei Kharitonov Fight Card Subject to Change. The schedule for the tournament is as follows: PRIDE FC 16-Man Heavyweight Tournament CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004 June 20, 2004 Saitama Super Arena (Second Round) FINAL CONFLICT 2004 August 15, 2004 Saitama Super Arena (Semi-Finals and Finals) PRIDE FC: CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004 will premiere on North American pay per view through iNDEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH NETWORK, UrbanXtra, TVN1, VU!, and Viewer's Choice Canada on Sunday, June 20th, 2004. The premiere time is 9:00pm EST, 6:00pm PST and the count down show is at 8:30pm EST, 5:30pm PST. For additional replay times, please contact your pay per view provider. |
| Thursday - June 3, 2004 |
|
"Pride & Fury" Event Set for Idaho Debut By Loretta Hunt Some faces may have changed along the way, but the goal remains the same: to raise the bar on professional MMA events in Idaho. Surviving the loss of its main match-up and a slew of card changes that followed even up till late today, the Professional Fighting Association kicked off its official weigh-ins this evening from the Coeur D'Alene Hotel & Casino in Worley, Idaho. Twenty athletes, from a host of fight schools and teams representing primarily the Northwest, hit the scales to qualify for tonight's "Pride & Fury" card, the second professional MMA event in Idaho to be sanctioned by the Idaho Athletic Commission before permanent legislation of the sport goes into effect in July. (The IFC held the first back in November in Boise.) According to Deputy Commissioner Larry Beddes, the regulations officially adopted will mirror the same currently utilized by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, in addition to some added statutes of their own-- particularly ones that that will define amateur events in their jurisdiction. Promoted by UFC 48-bound fighter Trevor Prangley, along with longtime Team Idaho/Lion's Den coach Derek Cleveland, familiar faces from ringside will include Matt Lindland, Dan Henderson, and Dennis Hallman. UFC lightweight standout Josh Thomson will serve as head referee. In the main event, welterweight wrecking ball Sean Sherk is fresh back from Japan's PRIDE Bushido event with a new nickname in tow. He'll face Idaho State Division 1 wrestler Eric Heinz.
In bout order, here's how the weights stacked up tonight: Bantamweight Bout (135 lbs. limit) Del "the Filipino Delight" Hawkins (Team Thunder, AZ- 134.5 lbs.) vs. Brandon "Big Dawg" Shuey (Team Hardcore, ID- 135.5 lbs.) Lightweight Bouts Steve Granieri (Grapplers Edge, CO-153 lbs.) vs. Chad Nelson (Dog Pound, OR- 152 lbs.) John "Guns" Gunderson (Dog Pound, OR- 169 lbs.) vs. Mike "The Jack Knife" Jonet (Wenatchee Pankration Team, WA- 149 lbs.)** Dave Cochran (Independent, OR- 157 lbs.) vs. Josh Vreeman (Blood Motivated Inc., WA- 142 lbs) Middleweight Bouts Cory Devela (Team Underground, WA- 183 lbs.) vs. Ed "Short Fuse" Herman (Team Quest, OR- 187 lbs.)*** 175 lbs. limit: Josh Koscheck (AKA, NY- 175lbs) vs. Eddy Ellis (Victory Athletics, WA- 170 lbs.) Lightweight Bout Paul "The Jaw" Weseman (Lion's Den, ID- 153 lbs.) vs. Joe Vigil (Team Thunder, AZ- 154 lbs.) Middleweight Bout Erik Wray (AKA, CA- 184 lbs.) vs. Steve Gomm (Walt Bayless Jiu-Jitsu, UT- 180 lbs.)) Semi Main Event: Light-Heavyweight Bout Mikko Rupponen (Espoon Kehahait, Finland- 205 lbs.) vs. Matt "Suave" Horwich (Team Quest, OR- 203 lbs.) Main Event: Welterweight Bout Eric Heinz (House of Martial Arts, CO- 170 lbs) vs. Sean "The Muscle Shark" Sherk (AKA, MN- 170 lbs) ** Due to the last minute addition of Gunderson as a replacement, both fighters have agreed to meet at 162 lbs and will re-weigh in the morning. *** Both agreed to Herman weighing slightly over.
|
Back in Action! Tony de Souza Finally Returns to MMA. By Eduardo Alonso After an impressive career start, including even two wins in the UFC, the first top quality MMA fighter Peru ever produced suddenly got away from the game and enjoyed sidelines for about three years. However, time has come for Tony de Souza to get back in action as a interesting challenge lies ahead this coming Saturday, June 5th at MECA 11 in Brazil. When Tony enters the ring in a few days, Shooto veteran Luis Azeredo will be waiting for him on the opposite corner, in a fight that has the tools to be the best fight of the event. Azeredo will be doing his Chute Boxe debut, and he is already a proven veteran with his only loss coming to Hayato Sakurai by decision, and having beaten Anderson Silva already in his early days as a fighter. However, when Tony de Souza fights, he is not only doing it for his career, or his ego, he is doing it for the love of it and for Peru, a country where he is trying to build some MMA tradition. As we start to heat things up for MECA 11 and it's intriguing and interesting card, FCF had the chance to catch up for some quick words with the Peruvian fighter! FCF: You have been away from the game for quite a time already, as your last known fight was in 2001. What caused your absence from the MMA game? TDS: It has been bad luck that has left me out of the game for such a long time. Starting with Gil Castillo getting sick in London, and about 3 months ago my opponent hurting his shoulder 2 days before the fight here in Brazil. I am just hoping things go great and I finally get to enter a ring and fight. FCF: I know you recently did a pretty long trip getting all the way down to Brazil! Tell us a bit about the trip, and what interesting things did you see on your way to Rio de Janeiro? TDS: I crossed the Amazon river from the start in Yurimaguas, Peru, to the end in Belem [a city way up in the North of the country], here in Brazil. From Belem I took a bus to Rio de Janeiro. The trip took me a month and a few days, and all I can say is that the Amazon feeds you all day. |
| Friday - June 4, 2004 |
|
By Loretta Hunt Add Idaho to America's ever-expanding mixed martial arts map. The Professional Fighting Association put on a commendable first-time effort tonight from the C'oeur D'Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley to the tune of approximately 1,200 game fans, bringing that area its most advanced fight card to date. With the Idaho Athletic Commission overseeing its second sanctioned MMA event in state famous of its potatoes, promoters Trevor Prangley and Derek Cleveland gathered a depth of varying talent for "Pride & Fury", highlighting numerous up-and-comers from the Northwest area. Although many of the bouts were short-lived, the majority of them entertained, with eight of the nine bouts ending in submission. With all of the elements of mid-level professional show in place, the PFA has laid a strong foundation for future event growth in Idaho.
Highlights for the night included Team Quest's Matt "Suave Horwich's come-from-behind submission victory over a very well-rounded Mikko Rupponen of Finland, with a speedy transition from guillotine to a mean triangle choke-armbar combination. In the main event, a sharper-than-ever Sean Sherk made quick work of opponent Eric Heinz with a reversal to a neck crank, all while stuck in a constricting guillotine the Division 1 wrestler Heinz had managed to secure in the first seconds of play. It was easy to see why Sherk is rated one of welterweight's best.
PFA "Pride & Fury" Results: Flyweight Bout Del "the Filipino Delight" Hawkins (Team Thunder, AZ) def Brandon "Big Dawg" Shuey (Team Hardcore, ID)- 2:47 Rd 1 Armbar
Chad Nelson (Dog Pound, OR) def. Steve Granieri (Grapplers Edge, CO)- 3:04 R2 Guillotine choke John "Guns" Gunderson def. Mike "The Jack Knife" Jonet (Wenatchee Pankration Team, WA)- 0:27 R1 Rear-naked choke Dave Cochran (Independent, OR) def. Josh Vreeman (Blood Motivated Inc., WA)- : R1 Guillotine Choke Paul "The Jaw" Weseman (Lion's Den, ID) def. Joe Vigil (Team Thunder, AZ)- 1:39 R1 TKO Referee stoppage (strikes) Middleweight Bout Ed "Short Fuse" Herman (Team Quest, OR) def. Cory Devela (Team Underground, WA)- 3:20 R1 Armbar Erik Wray (AKA, CA) def. Steve Gomm (Walt Bayless Jiu-Jitsu, UT)- 0:32 R1 Guillotine choke Light-Heavyweight Bout Matt "Suave" Horwich (Team Quest, OR) def. Mikko Rupponen (Espoon Kehahait, Finland)- 0:50 R3 Triangle choke/armbar Welterweight Main Event Sean Sherk (AKA, MN) def. Eric Heinz (House of Martial Arts, CO)- 0:58 R1 Neck Crank |
|
Now available in the FCF Shop 
This is one of the most exciting DVD you will ever own! It features some of the best athletes and Jiu-Jitsu guys on the planet. Learn from the best and see tournament-tested techniques proven in intense competition. You will see everything from flying armbars to knee bars in live tournament action from around the world. See special guests including former UFC World Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz and then #1 contender Chuck Liddell. Learn from them and see what makes them champions and what keeps them at the top of their game.Featuring:
(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 |
|
Held June 2 & 3, 2004 at Colusa Casino By Keith Mills Gladiator Challenge held their first two-day show by pulling out all the stops with Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight tournaments, Lightweight and Welterweight belts, the Superfight belt, Dan Severn, and several regional fighters. Heavyweight tournament winner Dan Evensen fighting out of J-Sect/Nova Uniao with John Lewis in his corner won the Heavyweight tournament in his pro debut by beating Team Oyama's James Irvin, Dragon's Lair's Mike Womack, and finally in the most technical striking fight of the week Alpha Male's Julius Askew in a mostly stand-up war. Rashad Evans won the Light Heavyweight tournament with wins over Brian Pardo, Team Oyama's Hector Ramirez, and Worsham's Team X fighter Jamie Jara. The Light Heavyweight tournament had a couple odd turns of events when first on the first night due to the speed of the early fights both Ruiz and Pardo, who did not win their tournament fights, were asked to fight each other to add another fight to the card. No such additional fight was produced from the Heavyweight tournament. On the second night heavily favored Sleeman could not compete due to a knee injury so Ruiz took his place in the tournament. Full coverage coming in the Full Contact Fighter publication, subscribe today!
|
| Saturday - June 5, 2004 |
|
Eleven fights and twenty-two hopes! It's all or nothing this Saturday By Eduardo Alonso 10 editions have already come and gone, now Meca Vale Tudo heads for its 11th show promising the best event ever put together by the promotion. This Saturday, June 5th, 11 fights will celebrate the sport of MMA in the city of Teresopolis, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, with a live broadcast for Brazil and Portugal, showcasing both young talents and veterans of the Brazilian MMA scene, as well as bringing the biggest number of international fighters ever in Meca. Like this was not enough, a interesting fact is turning this into an even more important show for the fighters participating, as DSE's representatives Nobuhiko Takada and Mr. Sakakibara are on visit to Brazil and will take the chance to be on hand to watch the show live in Teresopolis. This means the world both to the youngsters starting out that dream of a chance to go to Pride, and also to the veterans of the game that knows this can be their last chance to hit the big show again. All of that, plus the presence of idols such as Wanderlei Silva, Rodrigo Minotauro, Pedro Rizzo, Murilo Ninja, Mario Sperry, Murilo Bustamante among others guarantee that fighters will leave their souls inside the ring, making for even more interesting fights. |
| Sunday - June 6, 2004 |
 Caption reads: WE WILL ACCEPT NO OUTCOME BUT VICTORY Limited Supply Get 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 |
|
Fierce action in a true Brazilian MMA marathon! By Eduardo Alonso It was a little past 5:00AM this morning (Sunday, June 6th), when the 11th edition of MECA Vale Tudo ended! That's right, the show sailed through the early hours of Sunday making everybody miss sleep to see some good old Brazilian MMA action, and I doubt anyone was disappointed, as the show had a bit for everyone. With an active crowd, some surprises, upsets and a lot of will from the motivated fighters, although a few decided to stall anyway, those who attended live at the city of Teresopolis saw some inspired performances by Takada Dojo's own Wataru Takahashi, Heat veteran Gustavo Ximu, Brazilian Top Team youngster Milton Vieira, Nova Uniao Jiu-Jitsu stylist Tony de Souza, Chute Boxe newest star on rise Daniel Acacio and local hero Delson "Pe de Chumbo". FCF will have a review of the show soon here on the website, so check out the results from tonight's (today's actually) action: Luciano Azevedo def. Suyan Queiroz by armbar in R3 Fabricio Monteiro def. Antonio Tello by KO in R1 Gustavo Ximu def. Nilson de Castro by judges' decision Wataru Takahashi def. Emerson Portilho by guillotine choke in R1 Alex Gaze def. Andre "Jackao" Bispo by KO in R3 Luis Brito def. Junior "Besouro" by forfeit due to injury R2 Ivan "Batman" def. Alexandre "Baixinho" Barros by judges' decision Milton Vieira def. Jadyson Costa by katagatame choke in R2 Tony de Souza def. Luis Azeredo by judges' decision Daniel Acacio def. Eric Tavares by KO in R1 Delson "Pe de Chumbo" def. Jorge "Macaco" Patino by judges' decision |
| Wednesday - June 9, 2004 |
 Give Us Your Thoughts... With the second round of the Pride Heavyweight Grand Prix fast approaching, we'd like your opinions on who will win each of the scheduled fights. Also, we'd like to hear about anything you have on your mind ... the reasons for your picks, the state of MMA today, legislation and/or controversies affecting the sport, anything happening in the MMA world today. 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 |
|
From the event's promoter: Agrees to Fight Sherk Gerald Strebendt has agreed to step in as a late replacement and fight Sean Sherk in one of the co-main events of Extreme Challenge 58 this Friday in Medina, Minn. "You'll never accomplish anything great if you don't put yourself on the line," Strebendt said. "If Sherk wasn't one of the top guys in the wprld, I wouldn't take the fight on such short notice. But he is one of the best, so it puts me in a position to test myself." Strebendt is a UFC and Bushido veteran with an 8-4 MMA record. He is a brown belt in BJJ under Eddie Bravo and is a former sniper instructor for the Marines. Sherk is 24-1-1 with his lone loss coming against Matt Hughes for the UFC welterweight championship. LINEUP Co-main events Gerald Strebendt vs. Sean Sherk Todd Carney vs. Dave Menne Feature fights John Dixson vs. Travis Wiuff Shannon Ritch vs. Darryl Guthmiller Melvin Guilliard vs. Richie Miller Main Ted Worthington vs. Chad Sutton Ryan Antle vs. Cliff Sanders Jared Pautsch vs. TBA Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the first bout at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available at the Medina Box Office (763) 478-6661 and Minnesota Combat Arts (651) 336-2777. |
|
A long night to be remembered as talents emerged and one of the most unique chapters of Brazilian MMA history was written! By Eduardo Alonso Through its tenth previous editions, never before Meca Vale Tudo meant so much for its participants, and never before so much pressure was laid on the shoulders of those fighting during the true MMA marathon ran in the cold city of Teresopolis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Through more than five hours of fights, every single fighter that stepped inside the Meca ring had both their hopes and fears to control, as Pride's representatives Nobuyuki Sakakibara and Nobuhiko Takada were both on hand ringside. This is a rare thing even for Japanese shows, let alone a Brazilian one! With youngsters wanting to prove they are capable, and veterans trying to show they still have a lot left in their arsenal, every fighter had his reason to feel the pressure, so the question was which ones would emerge under this situation, and which would fall short in such an important outing. Well, in that cold night some were truly ready for the task and delivered in good fashion! One of them was new Gracie Barra Combat Team addition Gustavo "Ximu" Machado. Facing extremely tough Chute Boxe fighter Nilson de Castro, this fight was as important to one as it was to the other, since Nilson was coming of a series of losses, while Ximu suffered a KO win at KOTC and had a controversial win over Allan Goes at Heat FC 2. However, what was seen Through the three rounds of fighting was Gustavo controlling most of the action, surprisingly feeling comfortable in the stand up against a barely recognizable De Castro in terms of striking. During the whole fight Ximu was able to land endless kicks to Nilson's legs, as well as several uppercuts, getting the better of the stand up. As the fight progressed and the Chute Boxe fighter tried to be more aggressive, Ximu used takedowns and ground and pound to secure a very solid judges' decision win. This was the third fight of the night, following a good outing by Shooto veteran Luciano Azevedo, who had way superior stand up than Brazilian Top Team fighter Suyan Queiroz, what helped him to punish and tire Suyan out during the first rounds, to finally score a beautiful submission just like Rodrigo Minotauro did to Mark Coleman, in a triangle choke switching to armbar. The second fight of the night saw Spanish Anotonio Tello entering the fight under the Chute Boxe banner, but having no chance against Fabricio Monteiro who needed barely 30 seconds to knock him out with punches. |
| Thursday - June 10, 2004 |
|
From the event's promoter: June 26 at Playoff Sports Club SALISBURY, Mass. (June 9, 2004) - Trilogy/Black Belt Productions presents a full evening of mixed martial arts (MMA) action --"CombatZone 6: Rampage" -- Saturday night, June 26 at Playoff Sports Club (formerly Taunton Ballroom and Matrix) in Taunton. The main event pits USKBA MMA Light Heavyweight United States Champion Mike Littlefield, of Taunton, defending his belt against Joe Manzello, of Providence. Littlefield, fighting out of the The Boneyard studio in Raynham, is recognized as one of the toughest and most popular fighters in mixed martial arts, while Manzello is a former three-time All-American wrestler. "We're excited to be promoting a mixed martial arts show like this back to Taunton," veteran promoter Bruce Marshall (Trilogy/Black Belt Productions) said. "Rampage is a power-packed show, including some of the best mixed martial arts fighters from local area schools. This card is loaded with talent and ready to explode June 26." The featured Super Fight matches middleweights Joe Lauzon (Reality Self Defense), of East Bridgewater, and Renat "Golden Legs" Myrzabekov, representing the famed Renzo Gracie School. Neil Sityodtong (Sityodtong Muay Thai) squares off against Mike Goddard (Boston Muay Thai in Revere) for the USKBA Muay Thai New England Super Middleweight Championship. Jason Dublin (Close Range), of Lynn, makes his long anticipated MMA debut against Andy Barnett (Strikezone). Alexander "Sash" Boriakoff (Team Elite), a chemical engineer, hopes to take Chris Herring (Gorilla Herring) to school, while Henry Borgos (BMAC) tangles with Joe Cushman (Reality Self Defense) and Scott Lockhart (SSS) battles Dawson Walton (Bulldog). Eight other exciting MMA fights are scheduled (all fights and fighters subject to change). The doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout at for 7 p.m. Tickets, priced at $100.00 VIP stage seating, $65.00 first row ringside, $50.00 ringside, are $30.00 general admission. Tickets are available at local martial art studios or by calling 978.828.2149. |
|
From the event's promoter: Dodge Theater Saturday, June 12, 2004 Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM Ticket prices: $15 (club level), $20 (rows 28-36), $30 (rows 17-27), $50 (rows 1-16). Tickets available at the Dodge Theater Box Office or by phone through Ticketmaster at 480-784-4444. $5 discount for tickets purchased in advance by mentioning the RITC 63 flyer. RITC 63 has an outstanding fight card. Please join us at the $40M Dodge Theater this Saturday night (June 12) for a full night of action packed fights. Fight Card: Triple Main Event: Rich Moss (195) vs Doug Berude (195) Nike Knight (145) vs Shuji Yamauchi (155) Homer Moore (210) vs Tim McMullen (240) Jamie Varner (170) vs Kyle Sprouse (165) Brodie Farber (180) vs Robert Maldonado (170) Rich Alten (210) vs Mike Lightfoot (200) Ray Elbe (170) vs Gabe Rivas (165) or Mike Ptak (175) Robert Rose (190) vs David Canuas (190) Mike McIntyre (220) vs Steve Castillo (220) Roy Sawyer (170) vs Bob Calnin (165) Steve McDonald (160) vs Jason Dehart (165) Troy Tolbert (140) vs Brandon Oliver (135) Fight Card subject to change. Dodge Theater 400 West Washington St Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 379-2888 www.dodgetheater.com Upcoming event: RITC 64 - Heart & Soul July 17, 2004 Dodge Theater |
| Sunday - June 13, 2004 |
 Now available in Red as well as classic Black & Steel Gray colors. 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 |
|
Pete Spratt Takes a Crack at NBC's Reality TV Boxing Show By Loretta Hunt
UFC welterweight veteran Pete Spratt made the forty-five minute drive to the Dallas sessions, completing an arduous multi-step process of sparring, interviews, and medical examinations. "Really, the main thing that made me pursue this is because there's so much talk about who's the best fighters in the world, whether it's boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai," says Spratt. "I just want to go in to prove that mixed martial artists can go into other sports and be dominant and be successful as well." Spratt was positive of his experience with casting directors, and awaits word if he will be among the sixty semi-finalists to be flown out to Los Angeles in July for the next round and another battery of tests. Popular boxing personalities Sylvester Stallone and "Sugar" Ray Leonard have been enlisted as on-camera mentors to the sweet sixteen that will be whittled down from this larger group. All sixteen finalists will represent one weight class that has yet to be determined. To find out The Contender's take on MMA, as well as how other mixed martial artists fared through auditions, check out the full story in this month's issue of FCF.
|
New! Navy Full Contact Fighter Boardshorts! Great for training, fighting or just hanging out-- you can even swim in them! Available with or without printed FCF logo (516)676-0033 Or Click here to order securely online with your credit card or print off the order form & mail it in with your payment |
|
From the event's promoter: Deliver Damage in Extreme 58 June 26 at Playoff Sports Club MEDINA, Minn. -- Sean Sherk and Travis Wiuff used bursts of power, while Dave Menne a steady, longer attack. In the end, the top three fighters in Minnesota were all impressive winners at Extreme Challenge 58 Friday at the Medina Entertainment Center. However, the story of the night was more how the "vistors" performed against the fan favorites. "We brought in five guys from around the country and put them up against top quality guys," said promoter Monte Cox. "And, they responded with two wins, a decision loss and two game efforts... I couldn't have asked for more."
In another oddsmaker shocker, Mike Whitehead made short work of Karl Knothe, winning by neck crank in the first round. Whitehead entered the bout with a 1-3 record, while Knothe was 19-0 fighting in smaller shows. Results:
|
|
From the event's promoter: 4 Knockouts Moss, Homer, Varner named Fighters of the Night RITC 63 was a knockout show both figuratively and literally. A packed Dodge Theater crowd enjoyed 4 exciting knockouts. In the featured Main Event, 39-year-old Rich Moss ended the evening with a vicious KO over physical specimen Doug Berude. Homer Moore, with UFC bound Joe Riggs in his corner, unveiled new striking skills against powerful Tim McMullen. Homer unleashed devastating punches to earn the KO victory. Rising star Jamie Varner displayed impressive skills against a very tough opponent for a submission victory. These hard fought wins earned this trio Fighter of the Night (FOTN) honors. Other candidates for FOTN were: Troy Tolbert, Steve McDonald, Roy Sawyer, Steve Castillo, Gabe Rivas, Brodie Farber and Shuji Yamauchi. Results: Troy Tolbert (138), Leininger Dojo won by submission (strikes), 2:37 Rd 2 Brandon Oliver (137), Team Brausa Steve McDonald (159), Ultima won by KO, 1:05 Rd 1 Jason Dehart (160), Team Brausa Roy Sawyer (168), Leininger Dojo won by submission (arm bar), 1:31 Rd 2 Bob Calnin (178), Team Brausa Steve Castillo (226), AZ Jiu-Jitsu won by submission (strikes), :52 Rd 1 Mike McIntyre (226), City Boxing Gabe Rivas (170), Pinal Martial Arts/AZ Jiu-Jitsu won by KO, 1:25 Rd 1 Mike Ptak (175), Team Brausa Brodie Farber (179), San Diego Black Tiger won by ref stoppage (strikes), 1:47 Rd 1 Robert Maldonado (185), Tucson BJJ Jamie Varner (170), ACS won by submission (choke), 1:47 Rd 1 Kyle Sprouse (158), Savage Te Dawg Pound Main Events Homer Moore (210), Team Brausa won by KO, 2:01 Rd 1 Tim McMullen (234), Team Dunamis Shuji Yamauchi (154), San Diego Black Tiger won by decision (2-1) Nike Knight (143), Ultima Rich Moss (198), Team Brausa won by KO, 1:46 Rd 1 Doug Berude (190), Team Dunamis Upcoming event: RITC 64 - Heart & Soul July TBD, 2004 Dodge Theater |
| Monday - June 14, 2004 |
|
From Dream Stage Entertainment: BOUT ORDER ANNOUNCED FOR CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004 LOS ANGELES, California - The bout order has been announced for CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004, which will take place on June 20th, 2004 from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan and is scheduled to debut on North American pay per view on same day delay. The bout order is as follows (from first to last): Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Nino "Elvis" Schembri Quinton Jackson vs. Ricardo Arona * Semmy Schilt vs. Sergei Kharitonov ** Paulo Cesar "Giant" Silva vs. Naoya Ogawa ** Hidehiko Yoshida vs. Mark Hunt Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Heath Herring ** Fedor Emelianenko vs. Kevin Randleman ** * This bout is for the rank of #1 middleweight; the winner will be positioned for a title shot in October 2004 ** Tournament bout Fight Card Subject to Change The schedule for the tournament is as follows: PRIDE FC 16-Man Heavyweight Tournament CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004 June 20, 2004 Saitama Super Arena (Second Round) FINAL CONFLICT 2004 August 15, 2004 Saitama Super Arena (Semi-Finals and Finals) PRIDE FC: CRITICAL COUNTDOWN 2004 will premiere on North American pay per view through iNDEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH NETWORK, UrbanXtra, TVN1, VU!, and Viewer's Choice Canada on Sunday, June 20th, 2004. The premiere time is 9:00pm EST, 6:00pm PST and the count down show is at 8:30pm EST, 5:30pm PST. For additional replay times, please contact your pay per view provider. |
| Tuesday - June 15, 2004 |
|
Written By Michael Afromowitz muaythaimes@aol.com K-1 martial arts fighting will make its highly-anticipated return to Las Vegas, Nevada's Bellagio Hotel and Casino on Saturday, August 7th. Superstars Ray Sefo, Cung Le, Carter Williams, Dewey "The Black Kobra" Cooper, and "Big Daddy" Gary Goodridge are the first five competitors to be appointed to the "Battle At The Bellagio III" card, tickets for which will go on sale in two weeks. "Battle At The Bellagio III" will be highlighted by K-1's signature eight-man, single-elimination tournament as well as several, single "Superfights." Sefo, Le and Goodridge will compete in separate Superfights against opponents who have yet to be determined while Williams and Cooper will see action in the tournament. For each of the tournament competitors, the single-elimination playoff represents the final opportunity to qualify for a subsequent leg of competition that will take place on September 26th in Japan. Sefo, a nine-year veteran of the K-1 circuit and a favorite amongst martial arts fight fans worldwide, put together his best career performance to date in Japan's Tokyo Dome four years ago. During the annual "World Grand Prix Finals" eight-man tournament in 2000, the 33-year-old native of New Zealand defeated his first two opponents before finishing as the event's runner-up. Last year, he was victorious in three of his four K-1 starts. Sefo's hard-nosed style and charisma have earned him a slew of product endorsements and larger than life status in Japan. A four-time K-1 Superfight victor, Le will attempt to bolster his perfect career record during the card's sole San Shou rules bout. During K-1 "Battle At The Bellagio II" Superfight action on April 30th, the 32-year-old resident of San Jose, California repeatedly executed his brilliant throwing techniques against a persistent Brian Warren before gaining a unanimous judges decision win. At 24 years of age, Williams is recognized as America's brightest young talent. Last year, the Modesto, Californian rose to power when he defeated three straight opponents to take hold of the 2003 K-1 USA crown. On June 6th, Williams rebounded from a "Battle At The Bellagio II" tournament loss by stopping veteran Petr Vondracek inside of two rounds in Nagoya, Japan. On April 30th, Cooper turned out his best K-1 tournament performance to date as he defeated Japan's Nobu Hayashi and heavy-handed American boxer, "Mighty Mo," respectively before facing Michael McDonald in the event's championship round. The 29-year-old Las Vegas hero, who holds two world kickboxing titles and a black belt in Kenpo Karate, went the distance with McDonald before placing as tournament runner-up. Also a professional boxer, Cooper has yet to be defeated in 12 starts. The 38-year-old Goodridge, who signed a two-year fight contract with K-1 earlier this year, staged a heroic and courageous performance against the heavy-handed Toa during a "Battle At The Bellagio II" Superfight. After being smothered and backed into a corner early in the opening round of action by Toa's persistent punching, Goodridge worked his way out of trouble with his own boxing combinations before scoring two knockdowns and earning a win by way of technical knockout at 2:43 of the same round. Tickets for the August 7th K-1 event will be available for purchase both online in the K-1 USA website (www.k-1usa.net) store as well as at The Bellagio Hotel and Casino box office (1-800-963-9634). Tickets will be priced at $50, $100, $150, and $250, respectively. "Battle At The Bellagio III" will be the second event of its kind staged this year. On April 30th, K-1 played host to a sellout of crowd of nearly 8,000 fans, including boxing legend Muhammed Ali as well as former undisputed heavyweight champion, "Iron" Mike Tyson. |
|
AX Fighting 1 Held June 12, 2004 At the Everett Armory Everett, Washington By Mike Neva
The headliner would pit local favorite Otto Olson against Canadian Jesse Bongfeldt from the Progressive Fighting Academy in Lethbridge, Alberta. Both fighters started off cautiously until Olson bull rushed into a clinch, at which point the superior wrestler was able to execute a bodylock takedown. Caught inside Bongfeldt's closed guard, Olson began to feverishly wing successive right hands causing the closed guard to be broken, giving him the opportunity to pass and attain side mount. Although Bongfeldt scrambled well fending off most of Olson's punches, it would not be enough, as Olson eventually would foray into the full mount and lock on his vaunted front choke for the submission victory. After a 3 year layoff from MMA competition, Josh Holt stepped back into the squared circle to face Bongfeldt's team-mate Justin "Houdini" Tavernini. It wouldn't take long to see why Tavernini is know as "Houdini" as he showed amazing submission defense against everything Holt could throw at him. After an initial takedown into full mount, Holt quickly took Tavernini's back and sunk in a tight rear naked choke. It appeared as though it was only a matter of time until Tavernini tapped out, or passed out, but somehow the Canadian Muay Thai Champion was able to fend off the submission and roll to his back eluding the near finish. Holt went right back to work as he caught Tavernini's right arm in an arm bar, but the magic man was once again was able to wiggle out of the submission. Tavernini then reversed position and found himself on top in Holt's guard for the remainder of round 1. To open round two Holt looked for a double leg, but Tavernini showed a great sprawl driving Holt face down on the mat. Both fighters would scramble for position, but it was the Canadian who found the top position. Tavernini would eventually lock in an arm bar of his own and submit Holt at 2:34 of round 2. Pankration Results Tim Abell def. Dustin Conner by TKO referee stoppage from strikes at 1:29 of round 1 Bristol Marunde def. Jared Freeman by guillotine choke at 2:11 of round 1 Justin Tavernini def. Josh Holt by arm bar at 2:34 of round 2 Otto Olson def. Jesse Bongfeldt by front choke at 2:09 of round 1 Kickboxing Results Ira Evenson def. Sam Sitchaisai by unanimous decision after 3 - 90 second rounds Josh Hostelter def. Elijha Fay by KO: 22 of round 2 Shandy Frye def. Allen Cameron by majority decision after 3 - 90 second rounds Muay Thai Results Ed Nuno def. Jason Swan by unanimous decision after 3 - 2 minute rounds Nate Cantiberos def. Shawn Gallo by split decision after 3 - 2 minute rounds Tag Team Submission Wrestling Chris Madsen, Casey Fortin and Buck Bisbey def. Brady Grimes, Koby Jones and Landon Showalter by rear naked choke at 5:30 of round 1 |
|
From the event's promoter: June 12th 2004 101 Lounge in Angola, IN A 165 - 180 lb. weight class was highlighted at this event in a Mixed Martial Arts eight-man tournament. The winner of this tournament wins $500 and a trophy. The runner up wins $100. Match by Match Results: Match #1: Grappling Heavyweight Match Matt Jennings vs. Earl Crawford Crawford defeated Jennings via rear naked choke submission First Round - 1:36 Match #2: MMA 8 Man Tournament Butch Scott vs. Brad Loker Scott defeated Loker via arm bar submission First Round - 2:42 Match #3: MMA 8 Man Tournament Gary Young vs. Eddie Sanchez Sanchez defeated Young via arm bar submission First Round - 1:24 Match #4: MMA 8 Man Tournament Matt Torres vs. Brian Densberger Torres defeated Densberger via rear naked choke submission First Round - 1:16 Match #5: MMA 8 Man Tournament Keith Beckly vs. Josh Wilcox Beckly defeated Wilcox via rear naked choke submission First Round - :53 Match #6: MMA Heavyweight Match Jason Gromski vs. Tyler Burgett Burgett defeated Gromski via injury First Round - 1:25 Match #7: MMA 190 lb. Match up Ryan Lorenz vs. Chester Post Lorenz defeated Post via rear naked choke First Round - :28 Match #8: MMA 140 lb. Match up Chad Ledbetter vs. Tom Skinner Skinner defeated Ledbetter via rear naked choke submission First Round - :27 Match #9: MMA 8 Man Tournament Eddie Sanchez vs. Butch Scott Scott defeated Sanchez via TKO First Round - 3:13 Match #10: MMA 8 Man Tournament Matt Torres vs. Keith Beckly Torres defeated Beckly via rear naked choke submission First Round - 3:41 Match #11: Kickboxing Match John Canin vs. Duane LaPole Canin defeated LaPole via judges' decision Three Rounds Match #12: MMA 150 lb. Match up Kevin White vs. Ryan Kronwitter Kronwitter defeated White via judges' decision Two Four Minute Rounds Match #13: MMA 180 lb. Match up Rick Casarez vs. Lonnie Peiffer Casarez defeated Peiffer via Judges' decision Two Four Minute Rounds Match #14: MMA Heavyweight Match George Crawford vs. Rich Weeks Crawford defeated Weeks via guillotine choke First Round - 2:25 Match #15: MMA 8 Man Tournament 165 - 180 lb. Championship Match Butch Scott vs. Matt Torres Torres defeated Scott via judges' decision Two Four Minute Rounds Matt Torres 165 - 180 lb. 8 Man Tournament Winner |
| Wednesday - June 16, 2004 |
|
By Jim Genia 
For the past year, East Coast MMA fans have watched as Jay Hieron crushed every opponent standing before him in the ring. A former Division I college wrestler who's honed his grappling under the tutelage of Rodrigo Gracie and who's polished his striking at Bellmore Kickboxing Academy, Hieron made short work of the local talent, and won a hard-fought battle against Brazilian Top Team-representative Fabio Holanda. There was no doubt the man known as the "Thorobred" was destined for bigger things. Stepping in for Jason Miller to face Canadian stalwart Georges St. Pierre at UFC 48 in Las Vegas, it seems Hieron's destiny is now. Hailing from Freeport, Long Island, sporting a 4-0 MMA record, a 2-0 kickboxing record, and possessing a level of submission defense that enables him to dodge a black-belt level jiu-jitsu onslaught, Hieron got the call while in Sin City, helping long-time friend and training partner Phil Baroni get ready for his upcoming bout. I tracked him down there to ask him some questions. Congrats on getting called up for the UFC. Tell me where you got your wrestling skills? I was a wrestler from high school on. I was a national champ in junior college. I went Division I for one year. I took off a couple years, then Phil Baroni got me into the sport. Now I love it, man. I love to fight. I feel like I was born to fight. 
Tell me about your training.I train with Rodrigo Gracie in Lynbrook (Long Island) - a real competitive school. My standup I train at Bellmore Kickboxing. Keith Trimble's my trainer, a real good trainer. I train everywhere. I want to work with the best guys - I don't care if I have to get my ass whipped to get better. I'm trying to go places. I've been ringside for all your fights, and while you've shown off some dominant wrestling skills, you never seem afraid to stand and trade punches. Why's that? That's what I train the most with out of everything. I want my standup to be crisp. 'Cause I got my wrestling if I don't want to be taken down. I feel real confident in my wrestling, so I want my standup game to be real good. How's did you get the news you'd be fighting in the next UFC? I came out [to Las Vegas] to help my boys with their training, the BadAss and my boy Mayhem (Phil Baroni and Jason Miller), and for personal reasons Mayhem couldn't fight so I stepped up. How does it feel? It feels great, man. I'm ready to go. I'm coming off a fight so I'm in pretty good shape. What do you know of your opponent, Georges St. Pierre? Strong, tough wrestler who likes ground-and-pound. What's your gameplan? Try to defend his takedowns, beat him up on the feet and dominate positions. Your next fight is going to be in the big show, the UFC - is that going to effect how you train? There's a little pressure 'cause this is the highest level you can get on, but I'm game for it. This is what I want to do. This is the show I want to be in - it just so happened that it came now. Now I'm stepping up. Prediction for your UFC debut? Hopefully a knockout, know what I mean? That's what I'm going to shoot for. You've got a lot of fans rooting for you here on the East Coast. Any words for them? They can expect an exciting fight and thanks for the support. You're entering the UFC with only 4 fights under your belt. What do you have to say to all those people who might question whether or not you deserve this shot? They don't know me yet. I've wrestled my whole life so it's like I've been fighting my whole life. Know what I mean? There's people that are always going to hate - I don't even listen to it. Congratulations again, and good luck. Thanks man. |
| Friday - June 18, 2004 |
|
UFC 48 Weigh-Ins Signal Full Card For Saturday By Loretta Hunt Las Vegas was a bit subdued for a change today, at least at the UFC 48 weigh-ins held at the Mandalay Bay Arena, where sixteen fighters made their requisite weights with little drama and a lot more playfulness. It was hard to gauge if the turnout was a bit smaller than in recent memory, but they were certainly quieter, voicing sporadic cheers for a select few fighters. In all, the proceedings moved swiftly as all but two fighters came in on or under their allotted weights. Welterweight Renato "Charuto" Verissimo and middleweight Evan Tanner came in a scant half pound over, but the Nevada State Athletic Commission waved these two having to strip down to their birthday suits. Rewinding backwards....
Heavyweight contenders Tim Sylvia and Frank Mir are both looking to slip into the vacant shoes of title holder tomorrow night. A bout that had originally been scheduled to anchor UFC 45 last November till steroid charges stripped then-champion Sylvia of the belt, Las Vegas native Mir went on to meet Hammer House protégé Wes Simms in yet another rematch. Enjoying his first career knockout with Sims, Mir's task tomorrow night will be a far heftier one. 6'8" Sylvia has five inches over Mir, and took ten pounds over him as well today, when he weighed in at 263 pounds. With Sylvia a striker by nature, Mir's superior submission savvy will depend on the all-mighty takedown.
Middleweights Phil Baroni and Evan Tanner, settling a score from their snafu-entrenched outing at UFC 45, certainly didn't disappoint in bring a little spice to the proceedings, especially with the assistance of Team Quester Matt Lindland, who accompanied teammate Tanner onto the stage with a skimpy pair of "daisy duke" short shorts held up over his head. Lindland tossed the trunks at Baroni's feet, who coolly kicked them off the stage. But, for all of Lindland's attempts to rile his training mate's opponent, Baroni was a pillar of soberness as he weighed in at 183.5 pounds. The usually bashful Tanner was quite the opposite today, sporting a shaggy do and a confident attitude as he tipped the scales at 185.5 pounds. Smirking all the way as they took their staredown poses, it was Tanner who inched in to try and put a little fear in his foe's heart. Baroni held his composure, but come tomorrow night, one shouldn't expect such behavior.
Looking more like best buds than ultimate enemies, welterweights Matt Hughes and Renato Verissimo laughed, shook hands, hugged, and even playfully tried to trip one another as they exited the stage after logging in their weights of 170 and 170.5 pounds respectively. If anyone is trying to work the angle that Hughes might be looking to settle some score with the jiu-jitsu teacher of the man who ended his two and a half year reign, it was certainly hard to fathom today. With an impressive debut against Carlos Newton at UFC 46, the pressure is on the pleasant Hawaiian to deliver again. If Hughes can garner the win and get back on track, could his next opponent be lingering on this very card? In keeping with the payback theme, welterweight Dennis Hallman is hoping to catch outspoken opponent Frank Trigg right where it counts, by putting a dent in his pride. Their initial scuffle at WFA: Level 3 prematurely ended a short but evenly-matched display of skill. The two have been back and forth on that fight for a year and a half in one way or another. Today at the weigh-ins, 169-pound Trigg hounded 170-pound Hallman against the edge of the stage, whispering an inaudible message only the two could hear. Hallman comedically played off the somewhat awkward exchange by covering his assets as Trigg invaded his space. With questions still to be answered as to which fighter should move on in the division, let's hope this swing bout makes it to the final pay-per-view telecast. South African export and Idaho Lion's Den fighter Trevor Prangley steps in to fill Londoner Lee Murray's slot after reported visa problems kept the Brit overseas this time around. Prangley had an action-packed three round grind with UFC 35 and 37 veteran Andrei Semenov back at March's Euphoria MFC: Russia vs. USA event, demonstrating some decent stand-up and solid ground and pound skills. Weighing in at 185 on the dot today, he meets UFC 30 veteran Curtis Stout, who logged in at 183 pounds himself. Both looking to earn another invitation back, this fight could very well turn into one of the electrifying crowd pleasers tomorrow night. For the cemented undercard offerings, newcomer Jay Hieron, a training partner to Phil Baroni, weighed in at 167 pounds. Returning Canadian opponent Georges St. Pierre came in at 169 pounds. Long Island lightweight favorite Matt Serra rang in at 155 pounds. Bouncing around, his Energizer bunny adversary, Ivan Menjivar was but a pound lighter.
|
|
A Rematch Made In Heaven By Loretta Hunt What makes a "good" rematch? There is no tried and true recipe, but when you have a legitimate one on your hands, you just know it. Accusations fly. Mud slings. And neither side can seem to agree on anything. For welterweights Frank Trigg and Dennis Hallman, scheduled to square off again this Saturday at UFC 48, one need only witness their initial clash a year and a half ago at November 2002's World Fighting Alliance: Level 3 to know that these two were meant to tango again. Like many memorable bouts that have come to pass, this pairing wasn't even intended at first. World-class wrestler Trigg had originally been scheduled to fight Pat Miletich for the WFA welterweight title, until a bulged disk in Miletich's neck sidelined his training. Hallman stepped in on two weeks notice, an intriguing replacement for the sheer fact that the confident ground specialist had an uncanny knack for tapping out accomplished wrestlers. They met on their feet and exchanged a volley of blows, with Hallman landing a notable punch that drew blood from Trigg's split lip. The rAw representative fought back though, forcing Hallman against the fence with some fire of his own before pouring on his patented knees in the clinch. It was one knee here that seemed to land a little too low for Hallman's liking, and he collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain. At the time, Nevada State Athletic Commission guidelines (still geared towards boxing) gave Trigg the win, as well as the belt, when Hallman couldn't continue following his allotted five minute recovery time. Due to Hallman's persistence, the regulation has since been amended, albeit it not retroactively, and regardless, the question still remains: Who was the better fighter that night? Of course, there is a natural discrepancy between the two fighters as to who was ahead on the WFA score cards before the bout's premature finale. "I was having a pretty decent fight," Hallman recalls frankly. "I got kicked in the balls. I wasn't able to continue and it insulted me that Trigg walked around like he won a friggin' gold medal at the Olympics or something. He thought it was the greatest thing in the world that he kicked me in the balls and won that way. Personally, I would have been pretty humble about a victory like that." "As far as me and my camp's standpoint, it's probably not a good rematch because I beat him up so decisively the first time," counters Trigg, "even though it did end so quickly and controversially from his side of the table. It was one of those deals where he got hit, he realized he couldn't stand the amount of pressure I was going to give him for the rest of the fight, he took his first opportunity he could find to get out of the fight and as a result he quit. He just gave up. He could have stood like a man and tried to fight again, but he chose not to." For Hallman, it's unfinished business. "I want to prove to Trigg," he says. "I don't really know if it's so much about proving things to people. He knows. He knows how it really went. He's gonna get my proof along with everyone else I guess. It's really just about between me and him." But, according to Trigg, Hallman has no gripe. "He's kind of like a dead horse-he doesn't know when to lie down," he remarks. "To me, there's no beef and I don't see why he's even got a problem. He got beat fair and square," Trigg adds before briefly pausing. "Unless he's feeling guilty about quitting. If he feels guilty about that, then he has a beef, but that's not with me. It's with his own spirit and soul." Both self-assured and boisterous in their own ways, neither has been one to sugarcoat their comments in the past. Hallman has called Trigg a chicken shit for not jumping at a rematch fast enough. Trigg has called Hallman a moron for pursuing the rematch altogether. But, with former UFC welterweight champion BJ Penn seemingly out of the picture since Zuffa's official announcement that he had been stripped of his title, both contenders agree that the stakes of this bout have risen substantially. "There's no champ," comments Trigg. "We've basically got myself and Hallman fighting. We've got Hughes and Verissimo fighting and we're all trying to fight our way through to say hey, we're the four guys that should be up for the title. The two winners of this should be fighting for the title in August. That's just the way it should work." If this indeed be a "silent" welterweight tournament at UFC 48, this talented quartet is as deserving as any to get their shot at the gold. Will two-time Hughes submitter Hallman be the one to pull it out? Or will hardnosed ground and pounder Trigg forge ahead? Who will be the better fighter come Saturday night? This is one rematch that can put that query to rest. |
| Saturay - June 19, 2004 |
|
Shamrock Tops UFC 48 Highlights, Mir Catches Sylvia for Heavyweight Crown By Loretta Hunt Sometimes you have to leave it to the veterans. Despite some fans concerns that the headliner for tonight's UFC 48 might come up short in terms of zest and excitement, it was 40-year-old Lion's Den legend Ken Shamrock that pulled out one of the more memorable performances tonight from the Mandalay Bay arena in Las Vegas on an otherwise average night of MMA action. Tackling an opening bell rush of strikes from fellow trailblazer Kimo, a crisper-looking Shamrock reversed his heavier opponent along the fence. The two clinched Greco-Roman style and traded knees as they see-sawed around the cage for dominance. And then with one resounding right knee, Kimo was down and apparently out, too stunned to launch any defense as Shamrock jumped in for the finish. Referee "Big" John McCarthy was right there to save Kimo any further punishment as he strained to gather his wits about him. The crowd embraced their ultimate hero warmly for his bravo performance and can look forward to the impending Shamrock-Ortiz rematch that the two fighters began to pitch tonight at the post-fight press conference.
Welterweight Frank Trigg made fairly quick work of submission specialist Dennis Hallman in their four minute scuffle this evening. The pair's first clash over a year and a half ago had been an evenly-matched endeavor, until Hallman was caught with a controversial low blow and could not continue. Tonight's results, however, left far less to question. Trigg was the dominator, landing a crisp punch to gain his opening for a quick takedown into Hallman's guard. Hallman did manage to secure a leg for a lock, but Trigg countered with more punches as he wiggled his way out. Referee Mario Yamasaki did well in stopping the play when Hallman took five or six consecutive unanswered hits to the head. Trigg moves to the head of the class with this undisputable victory. Although it looked like Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Renato "Charuto" Verissimo came the closest to finishing things with a tight triangle choke in the first round, it was Miletich Martial Art's fighter Matt Hughes who walked away with the unanimous decision win tonight. On the comeback trail following his UFC 46 loss of the welterweight title to Verissimo's student BJ Penn, Hughes' takedowns through each round were sound, but Verissimo's slick ground game always kept Hughes from gaining enough motion to dispatch his effective ground and pound game. Verissimo worked a high guard from his back with confidence and ease, minimizing Hughes' punches substantially with numerous submission attempts, but the Illinois native demonstrated just why he reigned as champion for two and a half years by staying focused and landing his shots when he could. With submission attempts not a factor in judging "effective grappling," Verissimo did not do enough to outscore the Division one wrestler's strikes and takedowns. Hughes gets the unanimous decision win. To kick off the live broadcast, Evan Tanner came in with tight game plan to virtually nullify anything Phil Baroni had intended to throw his way. Tentative at first, Tanner did his absolute best just to stay out of the way of his dangerous opponent's patented opening barrage of powerful strikes by backpedaling away. Eating a punch along the way, Tanner closed the distance and got his first of many takedowns for the evening. Pinning Baroni to the fence, Tanner lined up his target for some ground and pound punishment, but the New York Badass collected his strength and got to his feet. Tanner's strategy was working though, as Baroni just couldn't nail that one punch he needed to turn the tide. The two collided sporadically in the clinch with Tanner's knees and Baroni's punches vying for superiority, but the first round came to a close with the quiet Team Quest fighter clearly in the lead. In round two, Tanner took a "hit and run" tactic, landing a punch quickly and turning his back to get away, which Baroni would capitalize on later as he tagged him in retreat. But, Tanner was still landing far more than an uncharacteristically subdued Baroni could reciprocate. Realizing he was down going into round three, Baroni made his strongest case when he finally caught Tanner with a combo of punches and pinned him momentarily against the cage. Tanner sidestepped and jumped in again for the takedown, giving him the time he needed to recuperate. With the clock running out, a downed Baroni could do little to protest the impending loss.
Although it wasn't the most action-packed affair, Idaho's Lion's Den rep Trevor Prangley's victory over Curtis Stout was clear-cut and definitive in the end. Focusing more on his Muay Thai in the past, Missouri native Stout had obviously come to stand. Unfortunately for him, opponent Prangley, an alternate for the South African Olympic wrestling team, had other plans. Prangley scored the takedown easily and immediately went to work in Stout's guard with body shots. Maneuvering to side control, the two were eventually re-stood after a lapse of activity.
In the opening bout, newcomer Jay Hieron was simply overwhelmed by his more experienced Canadian counterpart Georges St. Pierre. Although both came out aggressive with a trade of jabs and straights, it was the St. Pierre who clearly had the advantage standing, landing a solid right hook and left follow-up before wrestler Hieron dove in for the save. Hieron was unable to get his opponent down though, and still looked dazed as "Rush" fired off another right hook and a left-right combo to bring him down. Hieron might have eaten an elbow or fist too many with a slightly slow referee stoppage, it was clear that St. Pierre was the better man tonight. Coupled with his dominating victory over judo-infused Karo Parisyan back at UFC 46, the pleasant, professional St. Pierre looks to be a future star for the welterweight ranks. UFC 48: Payback Results
| ||||||||||
| Sunday - June 20, 2004 |
|
Now available in Red as well as classic Black & Steel Gray colors. 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 |
|
Critical Countdown 2004 Results Click here for the results |
|
By Chris Onzuka Super Brawl/Extreme Challenge 155lb National Champion Tournament Held June 19th, 2004 Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, HI Tournament Quarter Finals: Justin James (Omaha, NE) def. Deshaun Johnson (HMC) Unanimous decision [(29-28), (29-28), (30-27)] after 3 rounds. Note: JDeshaun Johnson took the fight with only four hours notice. Ryan Schultz (Team Quest) def. Mike Aina ( BJ Penn's MMA) Split Decision [(29-28), (29-30), (29-28)] after 3 rounds. Kolo Koka (Grappling Unlimited) def. Bart Palaszewski (Team Curran) Unanimous Decision [(29-27), (29-28), (30-27)] after 3 rounds. Roger Huerta (Minneapolis, MN) def. Harris Sarmiento (808 Fight Factory) Submission due to strikes at 2:12 minutes in Round 3. Tournament Semi Finals: Ryan Schultz def. Deshaun Johnson Submission via rear naked choke at 2:55 minutes in Round 1. Note: Justin James fractured orbital bone, Deshaun Johnson replaces James. Roger Huerta def. Mike Aina by Judges Decision [(30-27), (29-28), (29-28)] after 3 rounds. Note: Kola Kola tore his ACL and is replaced by Mike Aina. Tournament Finals: Ryan Schultz def. Roger Huerta Verbal submission due to dislocated jaw at 1:47 minutes in Round 1. Ryan Schultz is the 155lbs Super Brawl/Extreme Challenge Tournament Champion. MAIN EVENT: Falaniko Vitale def. Yushin Okami (Tokyo, Japan) Split Decision [(29-27), (28-29), (29-28)] after 3 rounds. |
| Tuesday - June 22, 2004 |
|
By David West Ultimate Combat X Held June 20, 2004 Glades Arena - Kidderminster, UK A major upset rounded out a night of action at UC X as France's Matthias Riccio tapped out the heavily favored Pierre Guillet in the main event, out-muscling the American on the ground. The war of the gargantuans between Tengiz Tedoradze and James Thomspon, with a combined weight of 616 pounds, saw the crowd scream itself hoarse, whilst middleweight Matt Ewin continued his extraordinary rise to the top with another dominating performance.
|
|
From the event's promoter: FONTANA, Wis. -- Kerry Schall says "this is the year of the Meat Truck." And, so far, it has been exactly that. Schall, nicknamed the Meat Truck, has won three in a row in 2004 and all of them by first-round stoppage. The Team Extreme fighter has won 8 of his last 9 and boasts an impressive record of 18-6. On Saturday, June 26, Schall will meet a fighter with a similar streak in the main event of the Xtreme Fighting Organization (XFO) show at The Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wis. Kevin Jordan of Atlanta has a 3-fight win streak of his own, two of those by KO. And although he is less experienced with a 4-2 overall record, Jordan thinks he can pull the upset over Schall. "This is really a good fight... two heavyweights who are headed in the right direction," said XFO promoter Jeff Curran. Schall, who trains with UFC vet Rich Franklin, has fought some of the best... including Fedor Emelianenko, Bobby Hoffman and Travis Fulton. Griffen has fought Travis Wiuff, Cabbage Carreira and Forest Griffen. In addition to the heavyweight main event, XFO 2 will nine other bouts with young talent from Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. For more information, check out the website at www.x-fighting.tv. Tickets are available by calling Curran at 815 356-0454. Main Event Kevin Jordan vs. Kerry Schall Main Card Derek Keasley vs. Dan Gilbert Andre Davis vs. Steve Dau Rory Markham vs. Jason Guida Brandon Adamson vs. John Paun Ryan Antle vs. Jesse Veium Gabe Lemley vs. Clay Guida Kit Kieu vs. Rob Mrotek Jared Pautsch vs. Greg Hisler TBA vs. Mark Plavcan |
|
From the event's promoter: November 6, 2004 Evansville, Indiana HOOKnSHOOT will rise to the occasion once again to bring the best women fighters to the forefront of MMA with athletes from around the world. In April 2002 HnS stunned the world with "Revolution." An all-women's Full Contact show that has since won a film award, was shown on ESPN's Outside The Lines and got an even bigger response long after the show was over. "Already things have been happening that surpass the first show" says promoter Jeff Osborne. "Playboy has expressed interest in doing an article as well as Femme Fatale Magazine (a publication about prominent women's rolls in Hollywood movies)." "One thing that caught me off guard was MTV's interest in the show" continues Osborne. "They will be at the women's show filming for a new series and potentially casting some of the women for the show." The main event is now official! Megumi Fuji of Japan will take on Erica Montoya in the main event. Fuji is both a Japan National Sambo Champion and pro wrestler as well. Her list of grappling accomplishments are incredible. She is 1-0 in MMA but vows to tap Montoya out! Erica is not only a fighter, she's a UFC broadcaster, in addition to her undefeated 6-0 record in MMA, Montoya still remains active in grappling and many consider her a slight favorite to win. Unlike the first show, Osborne says instead of 18 fighters, there are now over 55 interested women and he urges others to step up and get involved. Anyone wishing to sponsor the event or get involved, should contact HOOKnSHOOT@aol.com. More matches and big announcements will be made in the upcoming weeks! If you're still one of the few who haven't seen the first DVD or may dislike women's fighting, you'll be GREATLY impressed HnS "Revolution" (All-Women Show), pick up a copy today in the FCF Shop. |
|
From Pancrase: Complete Results "PANCRASE 2004 BRAVE TOUR" TUESDAY, JUNE 22,2004 DOORS OPEN; 5:30PM FIRST FIGHT; 6:00PM KORAKUEN HALL (TOKYO,JAPAN) Live Gate: 2,300- Amateur Bout-Pancrase Gate lightweight 2x5 min rounds- MOTOKAZU KOBAYASHI(Hishojuku) drew KAZUYA HIROSE(IMNL Grappling) at full time limit Pro-Bout #1 -super heavyweight 2x5 min rounds- IRO ZEKI(Pancrase MEGATON) vs KEN ORIHASHI(Team POD) *The match result was suspended by the K.O.P. Commissioner because Orihashi pounded IRO Zeki still after the referee announced TKO at 1R 4:18. Pro-Bout #2 -featherweight 2x5 min rounds- MASASHI KAMEDA(MMA Dojo Cobrakai) def. MITSUHISA SUNABE(HYBRID WRESTLING MUGEN) by Sunabe's headbutt foul by the back of the head at 1R 3:52 Pro-Bout #3 -welterweight 2x5 min rounds- KOJI OISHI(welterweight 1st ranked/PANCRASEism) def. MASAKAZU KURAMOCHI(freelance) by referee stop TKO(mount punch) at 2R 4:13 Pro-Bout #4 -middleweight 2x5 min rounds- KATSUYA INOUE(RJW/CENTRAL) def. HIKARU SATO(middleweight 10th ranked/PANCRASEism) by mount punch KO at 1R 3:53 Pro-Bout #5 -light heavyweight 2x5 min rounds- AKIHIRO GONO(light heavyweight 3rd ranked/Pancrase GRABAKA) def. TSUYOSHI KURIHARA(team ROKEN) by punch KO at 1R 2:15 Pro-Bout #6 -middleweight 3x5 min rounds- IZURU TAKEUCHI(middleweight 2nd ranked/SK Absolute) drew OSAMI SHIBUYA(PANCRASEism) by 0-0-3 draw judges at full time limit Semifinal -middleweight 3x5 min rounds- NATHAN MARQUARDT(middleweight 1st ranked/U.S.A./High Altitude) drew EIJI ISHIKAWA (middleweight 5th ranked/Pancrase GRABAKA) by 1-0-2 split judges decision at full time limit Main Event -light heavyweight 3x5 min rounds- YUKI KONDO(3rd light heavyweight K.O.P./PANCRASEism) def. SHANNON "THE CANNON" RITCH (U.S.A./Team Cannon) by knee bar at 1R 1:01 |
| Wednesday - June 23, 2004 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the current issue of FCF ...
"I knew I broke his arm," UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir confidently beams from his Las Vegas home. "I knew. That's why when they stopped the fight and I got up, I raised my hand. I was like, this is over with. People were trying to tell me in the locker room that it was popped, and I kept saying yeah, okay. Sure enough the doctor came back and said, 'Nah, it's broken.'"
It was one of the more gruesome sights in recent UFC history, but former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia is trying to rebound swiftly from his recent UFC 48 loss to Frank Mir that left him with multiple fractures in his right arm. Staying close to his teammates today at the Miletich Martial Arts gym in Idaho, the heavyweight fighter was in good spirits and more than ready to clear up any misinformation about his injury that has circulated in the past week as he readies himself for surgery. "The radius broke once and the ulna broke twice," Sylvia clarified, referring to the two bones in his forearm, "clean breaks-- no tendon, nerve, or muscle damage at all. I got lucky."
UFC 46: Supernatural
You don't need to wear a belt to be considered a champion. Former frontrunner Randy Couture seems to be exemplifying that with his recent extra-curricular activities, some of which have taken the three-time UFC title holder outside the realm of mixed martial arts.