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  Monday - August 1, 2005
New King Of The Cage DVDs
In the FCF Shop
KOTC DVD KOTC DVD
KOTC 29: Renegade
Held Sept. 5, 2003
Soboba Casino
San Jacinto, CA

John Alessio vs Ronald Jhun
Dean Lister vs James Lee
Jeff Newton vs Tim Konrad
Charlie Valencia vs Greg Mayer
Wes Combs vs Tony Paterra
Joe Crilly vs Javier Casio
Thomas Denny vs Jason Dolder
Joe Camacho vs Juliano Prado
Charles Bennett vs. William Syrapi
Thomas Kenny vs Paul Cid
Richard Solis vs Alex Ricards
Richard McCorkell vs Jayson Dickinson
Buddy Clinton vs Mike Penalber
KOTC 30: The Pinnacle
Held Nov. 2, 2003
Pala Casino Resort and Spa
Pala, CA

Paul Buentello vs Bobby Hoffman
Joe Stevenson vs Thomas Schulte
Thomas Denny vs Richard Solis
Jeff Newton vs Joe Crilly
Tony Bonello vs Mansour Heidari
Joey Villasenor vs Art Santore
Keigo Kunihara vs Mike Bourke
Kyle Brees vs John Cole
Ray Elbe vs Paul Silva
Dale Breese vs. Albert Hill
Wade Shipp vs Kengo Watanabe


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From Zuffa/UFC:
UFC® "ULTIMATE FIGHT NIGHTTM"
LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS AUGUST 6

Ultimate FightersTM Will Be Unleashed in Octagon for First-Ever Ultimate Fight Night

Las Vegas, NV (August 1, 2005) -- The OctagonTM unleashes a fury when the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) organization holds the first-ever "Ultimate Fight Night," a nationally-televised event on Spike TV featuring fighters from the hit reality series "The Ultimate FighterTM." Stephan Bonnar, Sam Hoger, Alex Karalexis and Kenny Florian will be pitted against each other, and Chris Leben, Nate Quarry and Josh Koscheck will face-off with Patrick Cote, Pete Sell and Pete Spratt in a soon-to-be classic UFC event live on Spike TV from Las Vegas' Cox Pavilion Saturday, August 6, 2005. The live action starts at 4:15 p.m. PST (7:15 p.m. EST) and [correction from Zuffa follows:] Ultimate Fight Night Spike TV's cable telecast starts at 9 p.m. ET/PT(tape delay), Satelite is Live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

VINDICATION MATCH
Stephan Bonnar vs Sam Hoger (Light Heavyweights)
More than two and a half million viewers watched Stephan "American Psycho" Bonnar (9-2) fight like a warrior for three five-minute rounds before a close-call decision went to opponent Forrest Griffin. Working up the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills he learned from the legendary Carlson Gracie, Bonnar intends to vindicate himself by sending Sam "the Alaskan Assassin" Hoger (5-0) to the mat. Hoger, who trains with the renowned Pat Miletich team, is predicting a different outcome and intends to devastate Bonnar using his superior stand up martial arts skills.

WELTERWEIGHT WARRIOR MATCH
Alex Karalexis vs Kenny Florian (Welterweights)
Alex "The Assassin" Karalexis (5-0), set the precedent for his upcoming bout against Kenny "Ken-Flo" Florian (4-2) when he TKO'd Josh Rafferty in the first two minutes of the first round of the undercard of The Ultimate Fighter finale. A dangerous striker with knockout power, Karalexis will definitely need his stand-up martial arts skills against the polished ground-fighter and jiu-jitsu black belt Florian.

Patrick Cote vs Chris Leben (Middleweights)
Despite his controversial antics during the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, Chris "The Crippler" Leben (11-1) has proved himself a force to be reckoned with inside the Octagon. Holding a strong professional record, Leben will need all of his experience to challenge Canadian MMA champion Patrick "The Predator" Cote (6-2-0). Cote, a knockout artist, is hungry to make a name for himself in the UFC organization and plans to do so at Leben's expense.

Pete Spratt vs Josh Koscheck (Welterweights)
Already considered a top-flight wrestler, Josh Koscheck (5-0) possesses raw athletic talent and precision timing on the mat. Praised by the coaches of The Ultimate Fighter for his skills, Koscheck will find a foe of epic proportions with Pete "The Secret Weapon" Spratt (14-7-0). Described as a Dangerous striker with a Muay Thai base, Spratt renders instant knockouts with punches, kicks, knees or elbows. Spratt, who stopped "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler at UFC 42, plans to take Koscheck to school and teach him a few hard-knock lessons inside the Octagon.

Gideon Ray vs Mike Swick (Middleweights)
Scoring an intense 20-second knockout on The Ultimate Fighter finale, Mike "Quick" Swick (7-1) made good on his fight moniker and is plotting a similar attack when he meets Gideon "The Gladiator" Ray (15-2-1). Currently training under UFC veteran Keith "The Giant Killer" Hackney, Gideon intends to unload his famous striking techniques and render Swick a quick KO. With rival stand-up skills, both fighters are expected to strike at will and finish the bout by knockout.

Josh Neer vs Drew Fickett (Welterweights)
Determined to make his first-ever UFC fight a success, Josh "The Dentist" Neer (13-1-1) will enter the Octagon as an aggressive fighter who can swiftly handle an opponent by submission or knockout. Using a combination of wrestling and Muay Thai disciplines, Neer will take on Drew "The Master" Fickett (26-3-0), who considers himself one of the most well-rounded fighters in the world. Coming off months of intense conditioning and complex training, Fickett wants to defeat Neer and show the world he has the makings of a UFC champion.

Nate Quarry vs Pete Sell (Middleweights)
Nathan "Rock" Quarry (13-1) is on the fast track to UFC fame with his TKO of Lodune Sincaid at the Ultimate Fighter finale and recent TKO of veteran fighter Shonie Carter at UFC 53. Quarry has earned the reputation as a striker with a versatile set of submission skills. Pete "Drago" Sell, (6-0-0) a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt trained by UFC veteran Matt "The Terror" Serra, was the first man to ever submit the very tough "New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni. Sell is ready to show that he can take on Quarry and become the best middleweight in the division.

Nate Marquardt vs Ivan Salaverry (Middleweights)
The only man to be crowned a seven time-champion of one of Japan's oldest fighting organizations, Nate "The Great" Marquardt (24-6-1) will find himself against Ivan Salaverry (11-3-1) inside the Octagon August 6. Marquardt, who prides himself on his versatility and lion-hearted fighting style, will utilize the full potential of his world class striking and take-down skills to handle his opponent. Salaverry, coming off wins against Andrei Semenov, Tony Fryklund and Joe Riggs, is considered one of the most talented middleweights in the world. He has plans to become a challenger for the UFC middleweight title, and has no intention to let Marquardt derail that goal.

TICKETS
Tickets are priced at $300, $100 and $30 for UFC's Ultimate Fight Night and are available at the Cox Pavilion box office, at www.unlvtickets.com, or by calling 866.388.3267. Card subject to change and some bouts may not be shown due to time constraints.

  Tuesday - August 2, 2005
AX Fighting Championships 6: Throwdown
Held July 30, 2005
At the Edmonds Community College
Lynnwood, Washington
By Mike Neva

For years rumors have swirled about the Pride Fighting Championships breaking ground on U.S. soil. The consensus was that the Japanese power house organization would test the waters in either Las Vegas or Los Angles. No one, not even the most intuitive insider, could have foreshadowed that Pride's first foray into the US would be in the small town of Lynnwood, Washington. Granted, this was not officially a Pride event, but more of a dry run to test an experimental format of amateur Pride rules. However, with Pride CEO, Nobuyuki Sakakibara, and Senior Vice President, Hideki Yamamoto in attendance to witness this historical event, all the young fighters knew that it was a make or break opportunity. Never before had Mr. Sakakibara attended an event outside of the Pride Fighting Championships.

(left-right) Wiseman, Sakurai, Shoji, Sakakibara, Pearson, Barnett, Hume
(L-R) Wiseman, Sakurai, Shoji,
Sakakibara, Pearson, Barnett, Hume

Loveland pounding Morris
Loveland pounding Morris
With such high stakes, Team Quest fighter Ian Loveland made a great account of himself by submitting Paul Morris by rear-naked choke in the evening's main event. With head trainer, Robert Follis, and the self proclaimed "Cat Smasher" Chris Leben in his corner, Loveland made short work of an overwhelmed Morris. In the opening moments, Loveland stunned Morris with a flurry of punches, following it up with double underhooks into a slam takedown. On the mat, Loveland landed some solid punches causing Morris to give up his back for the submission victory only 1:23 into the opening round.

Other standouts included Kale Bradford winning a back and forth battle against the previously undefeated Chris Jensen. Steve Skidds of AMC Pankration also had an impressive showing finishing his opponent with a text book arm triangle choke late in the second round.

After the event, FCF had the chance to catch up with Mr. Sakakibara. Here is what he had to say:

FCF:   What were your overall impressions of the event?
Nobuyuki Sakakibara:     I thought it was a wonderful event.

FCF:   After watching this experimental event, could you foresee working with Matt Hume to promote an official amateur Pride event in Washington State?
NS:     Yes, certainly, we would like to be more aggressively involved and support these events.

FCF:   Could any of the fighters you watched tonight eventually work their way up and fight in the Pride Fighting Championships?
NS:     There were several fighters that had the potential to go to the next step, to fight in Pride or another event. We were very impressed by not only the fighters but also were very impressed by the audience. They were very educated and we saw a lot of women in the audience which was a good surprise to us.

FCF:   Thank you.
NS:     Thank you.

Special thanks to Yukino Kando for the translation.

Submission Wrestling Results
  • Haemon Song def. Seth Marker by a score of 2 - 1 after one 5-minute round
UFCF Pankration Results
  • Bryce Hamilton def. Nick Cantrell by TKO ref stoppage from punches at 0:26 of R2
  • Derriek Knox def. Jeramia Paterio by TKO ref stoppage from punches at 0:50 of R 2
Amateur Pride Results
  • Brian Poirier def. Dustin Nicholson by TKO ref stoppage from punches at 1:32 of R2
  • Steve Skidds def. Jason Sampaga by arm triangle choke at 1:48 of R2
  • Brian Shawn def. Adam Krumwiede by rear-naked choke at 0:30 of R1
  • Kale Bradford def. Chris Jensen by choke at 1:27 of R2
  • Casey Fortin def. Jeremy Utz by submission from strikes at 0:45 of R1
  • Wyatt Bassham def. Galen Bush by TKO ref stoppage from punches at 0:15 of R 1
  • Tyrone Glover def. Jake Draves by keylock at 1:08 of R 1
  • Ian Loveland def. Paul Morris by rear-naked choke at 1:23 of R1

From Pancrase:
SEGA SAMMY Presents
"PANCRASE 2005 SPIRAL TOUR"
Korakuen Hall (Tokyo,Japan)
Sunday, July 31,2005
Doors Opened: 11:30AM
First Bout Started: 12:00PM
Live Gate: 1,950-

Bout#1 lightweight 2x5 min rounds
KAZUHIRO INOUE (Impress) def. TAKAHITO IIDA (Wajutsu Keishukai A-3) by unfought win
*Iida could not make his weight less than 69kg (152lbs.) up until the designated weigh-ins held in the morning on the event date.

Bout#2 lightweight 2x5 min rounds
J-TARO TAKITA (Wajutsu Keishukai Tokyo Hombu) def. NUKINPO! (Pancrase P's LAB Tokyo) by 3-0-0 unanimous judges' decision at full time limit

Bout#3 featherweight 2x5 min rounds
TAKUMI MURATA (Wajutsu Keishukai A-3) def. DJ.taiki (K.I.B.A.) by 3-0-0 unanimous judges' decision at full time limit

Bout#4 heavyweight 2x5 min rounds
YUJI SAKURAGI (Seikenkaikan) def. ASLAN DZEBOEV (Russia/ Marupro Gym) by left middle kick KO at 2R 1:31

Bout#5 lightweight 3x5 min rounds
TAKUMI YANO (Ugokai) def. KUNTAP WEERASAKRECK (Thailand/Weerasakreck-Fairtex Gym) by referee stop TKO (arm bar) at 1R 4:38

Semifinal featherweight 3x5 min rounds
IVAN MENJIVAR (Canada/ Tristar Gym) def. MIKI SHIDA (Pancrase P's LAB Tokyo) by 3-0-0 unanimous judges' decision at full time limit

Main Event featherweight 3x5 min rounds
YOSHIRO MAEDA (Pancrase Inagakigumi) def. COLIN MANNSUR (Holland/ Team Schreiber) by referee stop TKO (ground punch) at 1R 2:43

From the event's promoter:
DFC 5 "Legends Of the Falls"

The Seven Clans Casino in Thief River Falls, MN is promoting a night of Mixed Martial Arts competition with the Dakota Fighting Championships out of West Fargo, ND on August 13th 2005.

Headlining the event out of Goodridge Minnesota will be Kyle Jensen. Jensen with over 30 fights has fought across the country and overseas in England and has a record of 24-08-01. Most notably he won the International Fighting Championships Welterweight Title on March 26th 2005 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI against Danny Higgins from Australia. Jensen won by knock out in just 1:36 in the first round.

He will face Vern Jefferson out of Tama, Iowa. Jefferson who has over 20 pro bouts is looking to upset Jensen for the DFC Welterweight Title.

For the Lightweight Title, current DFC Champion Saul Mitchell out of Shakopee, MN will rematch Thief River Falls's own Keith Sogla. In the first title fight Mitchell won a three round decision over Sogla. Mitchell was deducted points for kicking the head of a downed opponent, something which is against the ISKA-MMA rules the DFC follows. The rematch promises to be an all out war.

In the Heavyweight division is the DFC HW Champion Chris Tuchscherer out of Fargo, ND. Tuchscherer who is now 9-0 will face new comer Jim Dobson from Essex Ontario, Can. for the HW Title.

There are 12 bouts scheduled for the event:
  • Joe Keavney - Aaron Palmer
  • Alex Ferrer - Spencer Holands
  • Butch Hajicek - Eric Hageman
  • Jesse Barbot - Adam Ortiz
  • Jade Purgande - Joe Purcell
  • Ryan Schmitz - Nathan Spence
  • Bobby Strutz - Zach Shroder
  • Steve Hurley - Zack Schumack
  • Joe Winterfelt - Ethan Boyle
  • Saul Mitchell - Keith Sogla
  • Chris Tuchscherer - Jim Dobson
  • Kyle Jensen - Vern Jefferson
The Dakota Fighting Championships is Sanctioned by the ISKA-MMA.

Washed Navy Logo Hat w/ Rubber patch Back in stock!

Washed Navy
Logo Hat
with Rubber patch


Washed adjustable navy logo hat with cool rubber patch!

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  Wednesday - August 3, 2005
California MMA Regulations "Pulled Back" for PRIDE Amendments;
Final Approval Pushed to November at Earliest

By Loretta Hunt

A California State Athletic Commission meeting held yesterday in downtown Los Angeles yielded promising developments for Japan's leading mixed martial arts organization PRIDE, yet extended the time in which the sport must take to be legalized in the state by a minimum of 45 to 60 days, pushing a final approval date dangerously close to missing its December 9th fiscal deadline.

With a unanimous vote among the four Commissioners in attendance, the CSAC opted to recognize three revisions that Dream Stage Entertainment, promoters of PRIDE, had applied for consideration. They included the option of the use of a ring as opposed to a cage for MMA contests in the state, as well as the utilization of a 10-5-5 minute round format and the approval for fighters to wear gis and wrestling shoes in MMA bouts.

Click here to continue the article


  Friday - August 5, 2005
Countdown to UFN Live:
Weigh-Ins Reunite TUF Brethren

By Loretta Hunt

Ultimate Fight Night weigh-ins kicked-off this afternoon from The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and while nothing seemed out of the ordinary onstage with all sixteen fighters making their designated numbers, behind-the-scenes was where developments were really shaping up.

An army of Spike TV employees have seemed to triple the workforce racing about to make UFN, telecasting the first-ever live UFC event on basic cable starting 9pm ET. Indeed, the success of The Ultimate Fighter hit reality TV show has convinced the cable station that they're onto the next big thing. Expect to see a big TUF push in the following weeks leading up to season two's August 22nd premiere. FCF has also learned another reality show that floats around the MMA world in the works as well. (More information on that to follow.)

In the meantime, hungry fans can enjoy UFN, which is a reunion of sorts for TUF's first season cast -- half of the card tomorrow night consists of the popular cast.

Among them TUF alumni Alexis Karalexis and Kenny Florian weighed in at 170 and 171 pounds respectively. The fellow Boston natives became friends on and after the show had wrapped. Now, these two natural welterweights will fight each other for the right to stick around.

American Kickboxing Academy's Mike Swick hit the scales at 186 today, and opponent Gideon Ray, a 4-week replacement for an injured Keith Rockel, weighed in a comparatively lighter 181 pounds. More active in the welterweight division, the buzz is Ray's infectious personality has been making an impression on UFC brass. Let's see if his hands will be able to back that up when he squares off against striker Swick tomorrow night.

Drew Fickett vs. Josh Neer
Fickett vs. Neer

The first of tomorrow night's preliminary bouts, Miletich Martial Arts protègè Josh Neer weighed-in at 169 pounds. Opponent and UFC returnee Drew Fickett was one pound heavier. An intense competitor, Neer rebuffed Fickett's attempt to shake hands after their staredown, eliciting a reaction from the audience.

Josh Koscheck vs. Pete Spratt
Koscheck vs. Spratt

The first fight scheduled to hit the airwaves tomorrow night, Texan kickboxer Pete Spratt came in at 170 pounds on the dot. Opponent and All-American wrestler Josh Koscheck was 170.5 pounds, and has been delegated the favorite by both Internet and casino gambling outlets tomorrow despite Spratt's heavier experience. Koscheck's shredded appearance (he fought his four pro fight victories at welterweight before his TUF middleweight debut) was even noted by Spratt, who seemed to mockingly pay tribute to an Koscheck's washboard in their staredown.

Pete SellNate Quarry
SellQuarry

Next up the scales, East Coaster Pete Sell surprisingly got the loudest ovation from the Vegas crowd. He and somber Team Quest adversary Nate Quarry both came in at 186 pounds, one digit over their allotted weights, regularly waived by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Stephan BonnarSam Hoger
BonnarHoger

Sam "Sticky Fingers" Hoger, as opponent Stephan Bonnar has dubbed in, made his way to the stage capped by a UFC beanie. Hoger weighed in at 205 pounds; Bonnar came in at 206 pounds.

Patrick CoteChris Leben
CoteLeben

Team Quest prankster Chris Leben tipped the scales at 185.5 pounds, while Canadian Patrick Cote looked a fit 185 pounds. Both strikers, this bout could produce some fast-paced slugging.

Nathan MarquardtIvan Salaverry
MarquardtSalaverry

In the main event, Japan's Pancrase champion Nate Marquardt made it in at 184 pounds. Relatively unknown in the States, Colorado native Marquardt was just as easy-going and relaxed as opponent Ivan Salaverry, who also came in at 184 pounds. Both well-rounded in every aspect of the game, their bout should prove a competitive and technical bout for the new fans watching from home.

Going with the Flo:
Florian On Redemption's Heels

By Loretta Hunt

Kenny Florian - Photo courtesy of Zuffa/UFC
Florian
"That last fight was the most disappointing thing that's ever happened to me in my life," Kenny Florian bluntly conveys. After twelve weeks on a hit reality TV show, there the Boston native was in his fifth career fight in front of 2.3 million fans, and things just couldn't have gone worse. Heavy favorite Diego Sanchez had the experience, he had the size, and after two minutes and forty-nine seconds of dominating ground and pound on an overwhelmed Florian he had a 3-year, six-figure UFC contract.

To add sting to Florian's cuts and bruises, light-heavyweights Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin fought to the bitter end a few minutes later at the Spike TV live-televised The Ultimate Fighter Finale, and although Griffin was given the nod and all the spoils that came with it, Bonnar was awarded a UFC contract on the spot as well for his efforts.

Four months later, Florian will get a shot at both personal and public redemption when he meets fellow TUF alumni Alex Karalexis Saturday evening in Las Vegas for Ultimate Fight Night, the UFC's first-ever full-on live fight event shown on cable television. For Florian, it's one more shot to show fans he's got something to offer at the top level of American MMA during one of its biggest nights of exposure. Florian, for one, feels he has a lot to prove.

"It's something that got me down," the 28-year-old shares of his recent performance in the cage. "My performance against Leben was nothing to be proud of. I didn't show my skills, and against Diego, it happened once again. It was very frustrating. Obviously, fighting up a weight class or two was a big difference but I can't use that as an excuse for me because I never got to show anything that I really do in the cage."

Florian's "Cinderella story" was one not mentioned much on the hit series. UFC president Dana White had flown out to the East Coast to scout out Florian's opponent for the show, but after watching Florian in action, decided to take him on instead.

Click here to continue the article


From Zuffa/UFC:
UFC 54 Banner Ad
LIDDELL TO TAKE ON HORN
AT UFC 54: BOILING POINT

Light Heavyweight Belt On The Line In Much-Anticipated Grudge Match; Couture Looks To Bounce Back Against Van Arsdale; Other exciting matches

LAS VEGAS, NV -- Chuck 'The Iceman' Liddell will look to avenge the first loss of his career and defend his UFC® light heavyweight crown in the process when he takes on challenger Jeremy Horn at UFC 54: Boiling Point this August 20th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Also on the card is a huge matchup between Randy 'The Natural' Couture and Mike Van Arsdale. World class fighters Frank Trigg, Georges "Rush" St-Pierre and "The Nightmare" Diego Sanchez also battle on this card, which will be available LIVE on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, Bell ExpressVu and Viewer's Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $34.95.

GRUDGE MATCH
Liddell (16-3-0) is fresh off his big win over previous light heavyweight champ Couture at UFC 52, but he'll have one thing on his mind when facing Horn: revenge. That's because Liddell's first career loss (March 5, 1999, at UFC 19) came when Horn, a longtime veteran of mixed martial arts with a record of 85-13-5, executed a first-round arm triangle choke on the future champion. So UFC 54 provides a chance for Liddell to wipe the slate clean against his old nemesis. But Horn's well-rounded skills and versatility will present a tough challenge for the champ in what should be a match for the ages.

THE REBOUND
Couture (13-7-0)--the only man to win UFC titles in two separate weight classes -- is looking to climb his way back into title contention in the light heavyweight division. 'The Natural' is one of the most popular figures fighting in the UFC today. He'll have his hands full with Van Arsdale (8-1-0), a world-class wrestler and athlete who hasn't lost in almost seven years

WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN
Two of the best welterweights in the world collide as Trigg (12-3-0) and St-Pierre (9-1-0) go head to head to determine who will advance in the rankings. Trigg has angered the normally reserved St-Pierre with his prefight comments and St-Pierre promises to make him pay.

THE NIGHTMARE MAKES PAY PER VIEW DEBUT
Ultimate Fighter winner Sanchez (14 - 0) makes his UFC pay per view debut against dangerous striker Brian "Mandingo" Gassaway (18-9-3). Sanchez is undefeated but will have his hands full with the very experienced Gassaway.

TICKETS
Tickets priced at $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, for the all-star, eight-fight card go on sale at 10 a.m. PT, Monday, June 6, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office, all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com, www.mgmgrand.com and by telephone at 800-929-1111 or 702-891-7777. Ticket purchases are subject to transaction fees. Card subject to change.

From the event's promoter:
'Other' Franklin to End Amateur Career at ICE 16

Greg Franklin - Photo courtesy of the promoter
Greg Franklin
FAIRFIELD, Ohio -- Greg Franklin dabbled in professional MMA a few years ago, but is ready to attempt to follow in the footsteps of his famous brother.

On Saturday, Aug. 13, Greg Franklin will finish his amateur career by facing Detroit's Terry Davinney in the light heavyweight main event of ICE 16 at Metropolis Nightclub. The 15-bout event begins at 8:30 p.m. with doors opening an hour earlier.

Greg's amateur mark stands at 5-1 and he is 2-1 in ICE competition, while Davinney is 2-1 overall and 2-0 for ICE.

Of course, brother Rich Franklin is the UFC middleweight champion and recently completed a role as one of the two captains on the Spike-TV reality show "Ultimate Fighter." Rich will be on hand to serve as the cornerman for his brother.

Tickets for the event start at $25 in advance and can be purchased by calling Kerry Schall at 513 290-3259 or at SACAN Martial Arts, 513 759-4488.

From the event's promoter:
Gladiator Challenge Comes to Oregon

Saturday, August 13th, world class cage fighting comes to scenic Old Camp Casino with Gladiator Challenge. Gladiator Challenge makes its debut in Oregon in Burns, Oregon. This fight card features 15 closed fist, full contact, no holds barred matches, including three exciting main event bouts.

In the main event, Pride veteran Charles 'Krazy Horse' Bennett takes on Oregon's own John 'Quick Guns' Gunderson. Krazy Horse brings his unpredictable style of big slams and devastating knockout power to the cage to test local Team Desert Dogs premier fighter Gunderson. Gunderson is a veteran with wins over top contenders in smaller shows, who wants to demonstrate his skills in front of a wider audience against world class talent.

Also on the card, Kyacey 'Ice Cold' Uscola faces Washington native Paul Purcell. Uscola, of Primal Tribe Fighting, a top light-heavyweight contender, fights for the first time at middleweight, hoping to get a shot at the title at this new weight. Purcell, a veteran from Victory Athletics, moves up from welterweight to put a roadblock in Uscola's path.

Finally, Team Desert Dogs fighter Justin 'the Hawk' Hawes matches up with Pat Healy in what promises to be a fight to the finish between two seasoned veterans.

Come see Gladiator Challenge, simply the best in mixed martial arts, in its debut in Oregon at Old Camp Casino on August 13th. Doors open at 1:30pm, fights start at 3:00pm. For tickets, call 1-888-343-7568.

From the event's promoter:
RITC 73 - This Saturday Night!!!
Super Sternal Notch (live guest band)

Glendale Arena
Saturday, Aug 6, 2005
Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM

Tickets now available at Glendale Arena (623-772-3800) and through TicketMaster (480-784-4444). Advanced ticket prices: $20 general admission, $30 floor reserved, $50 floor reserved, $75 ringside (rows 4-7), $100 VIP (rows 1-3). Tickets $5 higher if purchased on fight day. Show your military, student or senior (over 55) ID and receive a $5 discount on each ticket purchased. Parking is free but there is a $5 additional charge for the Glendale Arena facility fee. The third edition of RITC - Glendale Arena is shaping up to be a spectacular night of fighting action. A strong team of Ricardo Pires trained fighters from Las Vegas (Schoenauer, Sursa, Wood) will be invading Glendale Arena on Aug 6th to take on some top Arizona fighters. The rest of the card is equally spectacular with strong match ups from top to bottom.

The special guest band for RITC 73 will be SUPER STERNAL NOTCH live on stage.

Fight Card:

Hans Marrero (205) vs Alex Schoenauer (205)
Kyle Brees (160) vs Victor Estrada (160)
Marc Sursa (220) vs Zack Staugkton (235)
Danny Wren (175) vs Adam Roland (175)

Nike Knight (135) vs Robert Davis (140)
Jeremiah Shivers (175) vs Paul Arroyo (180)
John Wood (185) vs John Lansing (185)
Brian Bourgeois (265) vs Herb Garcia (300)
Ryan Potter (195) vs TBA

Richie Reyes (160) vs Brandon Kress (160)
Dominik Cruz (150) vs Josh Donahue (150)
Jamie Schmitt (175) vs Bob Calnin (175)
Greg Palomo (175) vs Derek Kram (175)

Fight card subject to change.

Visit this web site for specific driving directions from throughout the valley:
http://www.glendalearenaaz.com/parking/parking_home.php

Glendale Arena
9400 W Maryland Ave
Glendale, AZ 85305
623-772-3200

  Saturday - August 6, 2005
Out of the Shadows:
Salaverry Primed for Ultimate Fight Night Breakout

By Loretta Hunt

Ivan Salaverry - Photo courtesy of Zuffa/UFC
Salaverry
Ivan Salaverry has lived in the shadows for quite some time and been just fine. While teammates like Josh Barnett or Bob Sapp have clawed their way up the ladder to a UFC Heavyweight title or to overnight superstardom on every ice cream wrapper, shaving cream can, and soda bottle in Japan, Salaverry was the quiet guy standing behind them, his gentle smile never betraying the slightest sign of jealousy.

In a sport where being "big" is often better, 34-year-old Salaverry has been content to go about things in his own unobtrusive way-- that is till now. Tonight, 10-4 Salaverry will be the envy of every mixed martial artist in America, the headliner on the UFC's first ever straight-on MMA event on cable television. Relegated to the pay-per-view bracket for years, fighters could only hope to score up to 200,000 potential admirers on a good outing with the UFC, but with Ultimate Fight Night, millions might watch Salaverry swing or submit his way to notoriety.

"Honestly, I don't have a clue," the Chilean athlete sheepishly answers when asked why he thinks he got the coveted slot. "I've always thought I was the redheaded stepchild of the UFC, but I think they're starting to enjoy my style. They're starting to enjoy that I don't have to be somebody that overwhelms people to make statement. Yes, I can go out there quietly, humbly and do my job, fight well, and come out on top."

With sweat come opportunities. Turn the pages of Salaverry's scrapbook and you'll see a 6'0" string bean wrestling at 135 pounds in high school on one page; a dashing, dark-featured jock voted "class flirt" on the next. Then there's the soldier: a construction, mines, and demolitions expert in the Marines; the night dwelling club promoter, and a pressed-suited social worker.

Yet, fighting is what Salaverry knew he was meant to do when the dreams started nine years ago, dreams that had him fiercely contorting on the ground or madly duking it out with some anonymous blur. Familiar with the UFC and Royce Gracie in particular ("a skinny Latin dude" that reminded him of his father), Salaverry sought out a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and trained for a while with Marcelo Alonzo, a Carlson Gracie brown belt at the time, in the greater Washington area.

That was not enough though. Hearing of a local expert trainer breeding a super team of functional all-purpose fighters, Salaverry found himself at AMC Pankration, a full-service facility led by "the Wizard" himself Matt Hume. Salaverry savored the times, leaving the gym each day with three things -- bruises, a black eye, and a big smile. Nourished by the fight world, Salaverry's obscurity slowly began to wane as his record started to grow.

At his UFC 37 debut, a solid 200-pound Salaverry used his weight advantage to throw Russian Red Devil Andrei Semenov around the cage like a rag doll. Just two shows later, however, a distracted Salaverry would be weighed down by Olympic wrestler Matt Lindland. The loss taught Salaverry the lesson of getting his personal affairs together before stepping into combat. He parted ways with his girlfriend at the time, and began the task of getting another big fight in the big show.

Added to UFC 50's roster two years later, a centered and poised Salaverry had an answer for every attack last-minute opponent Tony Fryklund threw his way, before verbally submitting the Miletich-trained fighter with an unorthodox back crank in under two minutes.

While news of fighters leaving camps tends to spread like wildfire, Salaverry's exit from AMC Pankration has been much like his tacit much unpublicized career, even though the middleweight left the gym at a critical time about a month before his UFC 52 victory over Joe Riggs. Between his praises of Hume, he'll only say that there was a "falling out" between himself and his trainer of five years and that it was time to move on.

Training for the last five months at Ring Sports United in Bellevue, Salaverry still receives the instruction of AMC trainer Bard Kertson along with Eric Dahlberg, who oversees his endurance training among other areas. "I know Matt Hume is amazing," Salaverry comments of his former teacher. "He is the wizard for a reason, but at the same time, I'm getting a lot more from these gentleman as far as personalized attention." Along with training camps that have included Tito Ortiz, who is slated to work Salaverry's corner tonight, the happy-go-lucky fighter has pieced together a training system that will ready him for fifteen minutes under America's microscope.

21-6-2 opponent Nathan Marquardt, a 5-year plus veteran of Japan's Pancrase organization and its middleweight title holder, is a deep well of both experience and skill. As technically-gifted as Salaverry say MMA pundits, their pairing makes for a fairly evenly-matched affair. It won't be an easy fight for either, but Salaverry doesn't wish to live in the shadows anymore.

"I'm excited to show these people what true professional athletes that do no-holds-barred are like," Salaverry hungrily echoes his past teammates that have gone on to accomplish their own feats of greatness. "I want the American public to see great fighters fighting. I want it to be an epic fight. You know, one of those fights where you're like 'wow.'"

  Sunday - August 7, 2005
What's on your mind?

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Give Us Your Thoughts...

We'd like your thoughts on the Ultimate Fight Night event that just aired on August 6th on Spike TV. We'd also like to get your picks for UFC 54 and Pride Final Conflict. The results of the survey and some of the commentary we receive may appear in an upcoming issue of FCF.

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Marquardt Decisions Salaverry;
Bonnar-Hoger Affair to Remember at UFN 1

By Loretta Hunt

Kenny Florian
Florian
The disappointment on Ivan Salaverry's face accurately echoed his stilted performance against a sharp Nathan Marquardt tonight at Ultimate Fight Night 1 from the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. Whether it be the pressure of having to anchor the UFC's first live event not relegated to pay-per-view, a situation of a good fighter having an off night, or a good fighter who'd simply met his match; the fluid, reactive Salaverry of past UFC bouts was nowhere to be found.

From the start of the three rounder, which handed Denver native Marquardt his first victory in his inaugural UFC appearance; the focused newcomer scored early with repeated kicks, then caught Salaverry's return fire and took him down at the 3:00 mark. Salaverry rose quickly, and tried to find some rhythm with occasional high kicks that Marquardt amply defended till round's end.

The Chilean middleweight's inability to commit to an attack often telegraphed his next move, and Marquardt, an experienced champion in Japan's Pancrase organization, was able to meet Salaverry at every turn. Off an anticipated kick, Salaverry found himself on his back, and Marquardt landed two solid elbows before they stood. At a later moment, Marquardt landed a combo on his feet and squashed a Salaverry takedown to push him to his back again. Rather than hunt for the submission, the former Matt Hume student punched upwards till the bell.

Marquardt continued to control the pace into the third round and Salaverry began to get desperate, throwing a wide swing uncharacteristic of a fighter his caliber that elicited jeers from the live crowd. Again, Marquardt caught Salaverry's kick and got the takedown, and tried to follow-up with an illegal kick to the head (most likely a product of his Pancrase rearing). Scrambling to his feet, Salaverry's awkward shoot was halted and Marquardt secured a guillotine choke that Salaverry nimbly rolled out of, but Marquardt was right there to try and take Salaverry's back as he rose to his feet. The pair ended the round with a struggle for control along the fence, but it was clear Marquardt would savor the victory in this outing.

TUF season one's most emotional fighter Chris Leben was a rock against Canadian Patrick Cote in their middleweight showdown that gave the fiery-haired Team Quest fighter a split decision victory in the end. Leben's plan was clear: throw a few punches and clinch to the fence for a takedown. However, Cote proved a formidable roadblock, often reversing Leben on the fence and clearing out to the middle where the two entertained the crowds with some head-turning swings. In these exchanges, Cote's speed gave him a slight edge in the first round.

To the delight of fans and probably the UFC/Spike TV brass looking on, rounds two and three also hosted some feverish trades of leather. Off an early flurry, Leben went for another takedown and the two fell simultaneously to the mat for the first time where Cote nestled into Leben's guard. The Montreal striker wanted to stand though, and ate a knee from Leben as he rose. Leben scored his first clean takedown shortly after, and Cote tied up his aggressor well, to the point where referee Herb Dean stood them for inactivity, and in the round's final seconds, Cote landed a punch just as Leben slipped to the ground.

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  Tuesday - August 9, 2005
Quarry-Sell Clocked at 42 Seconds, Judge Silbert Awarded 10-8 to Cote over Leben in 2nd at Ultimate Fight Night
By Loretta Hunt

FCF has obtained the official scorecards from Saturday's UFC Ultimate Fight Night, held in Las Vegas, and would like to clarify that the Nate Quarry-Pete Sell bout was called at 42 seconds, not 14 seconds as was previously announced.

In addition, Judge Roy Silbert, who scored a 27-29 overall for Canadian Patrick Cote in his bout versus Team Quest's Chris Leben, gave Cote a 10-8 in the second round of their match-up. Under the Unified Rules of Combat, utilized by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, a 10-8 round is awarded when "a contestant overwhelmingly dominates by striking or grappling in a round." Silbert scored a 9-10 in Leben's favor in the first round and a 10-9 Cote's way in the third round.

Judge Dalby Shirley scored all three rounds 10-9 in favor of Leben, while Judge Schorle scored a 9-10 for Leben in rounds one and three, and a 10-9 for Cote in the third.

From Spike TV:
SPIKE TV AND THE ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP®
KNOCK-OUT THE COMPETITION WITH "ULTIMATE FIGHT NIGHTTM"
LIVE Telecast Draws 2 Million Viewers Making Spike TV #1 Among
All Ad-Supported Cable Networks In Time Period With Key Male & Adult Demos
With M 18-34 & 18-49, Outdraws ESPN's NFL Pre-Season and X-Games Telecasts

New York, NY, August 9, 2005 -- Spike TV and The Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) knocked-out the competition with the LIVE telecast of "Ultimate Fight NightTM" on Saturday, August 6, 2005 (9:00 pm – Midnight, ET/PT). The first-ever UFC® Live fight card, "Ultimate Fight NightTM drew 2 million viewers, made Spike TV the #1 ad-supported cable network in the time period within all of the networks key demos of M 18-34, M18-49, P 18-34 and P 18-49.

Within its key male demographic, Spike TV delivered more Men 18-34 and 18-49 for "Ultimate Fight NightTM" than any other cable telecast that day, outdrawing ESPN's NFL Pre-season and X-Games telecasts. With M 18-34 the event scored a 2.0 rating, representing 522,000 viewers and a whopping increase of 400% when compared to the same time period last year. In M 18-49, the event earned a 1.8 rating/926,000 viewers, an increase of 350% versus YAGO.

With Adults 18-34, "Ultimate Fight NightTM" garnered a 1.6 rating, representing 803,000 viewers – a 433% increase when compared to the same time period last year. With A18-49 the telecast had a 1.3 rating, representing 1.3 million viewers, a 333% increase versus YAGO.

Additional "Ultimate Fight NightTM" ratings highlights include:
  • For the full week (Sunday – Monday, 8-11 PM), Spike TV's Primetime Schedule was #1 with M 18-49 -- a 1.1/ 578,000 viewers and with M 18-34 – 1.1/276,000. These were the network's highest ratings since the week of 4/4/05 which featured the LIVE season finale of Season One of "The Ultimate FighterTM."
  • Within the telecast, M18-34 ratings grew from a 1.2 rating to a 2.8 in the final quarter-hour, an increase of 133%.
"Ultimate Fight NightTM" featured some of the fighters from Season One of Spike TV's hit reality series "The Ultimate FighterTM" and took place in front of a sold-crowd at Las Vegas' Cox Pavilion. The card was highlighted by a thrilling bout between Stephan Bonnar and Sam "The Alaskan Assassin" Hoger, in which Bonnar was awarded a unanimous decision. An encore telecast can be seen Thursday, August 11 at 11 PM, ET/PT which includes a Welterweight bout not seen in this weekend's telecast between Alex Karalexis and Kenny Florian.

Season Two of "The Ultimate FighterTM" premieres on Spike TV Monday, August 22 (11:05 pm – Midnight, ET/PT) featuring 18 of some of the best up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighters in the world. UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin and UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes are the coaches for Season Two. UFC President Dana White serves as host.

Spike TV, the first network for men, is available in 87 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc.

UFN Gets 1.5
By Loretta Hunt

FCF has received early word that Saturday night's Ultimate Fight Night, which aired on Spike TV, received a 1.5 Nielsen House Hold rating with over two million viewers tuned in. More information will follow in the next few hours. [See Press Release from Spike TV added above]

  Thursday - August 10, 2005
From K-1:
Jan "The Giant" Subbed In For K-1 Reserve Fight With Lee

A last minute change to the K-1 "Mayhem At The Mirage" card that will take place at Las Vegas, Nevada's Mirage Hotel and Casino on Saturday will see 6 foot 11 inch, 316 pound mammoth, Jan "The Giant" Nortje (22-8 (20 KO's), square off with American boxer turned martial arts fighter, Imani Lee (8-3 (5 KO's).

The addition of Nortje to the lineup was made official yesterday. A native of South Africa, the 30-year-old boasts an undefeated record of 10-0 in professional boxing competition, with all of his victories having come by way of knockout. Three years ago, Nortje was

Also a former professional boxer and a tremendous physical specimen at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 295 pounds, Lee spent two years training in "the sweet science" alongside the likes of two-time world champion, James "Lights Out" Toney as well as former world heavyweight champion Michael Moorer and top 10 heavyweight contender, Lamon Brewster.

Lee decided to switch gears from boxing to martial arts fighting after making the acquaintance of both K-1 superstar Bob "The Beast" Sapp and California trainer Eddy Millis. Lee has since become a protégé of Millis.

The eight-man, single-elimination "Mayhem At The Mirage" affair will be headlined by three-time K-1 tournament champion, Michael McDonald (49-12 (23 KO's), and will mark the first start of California's Scott Lighty (22-7-2 (5 KO's) in the main draw of a K-1 tournament.

In addition to the tournament playoff, "Mayhem At The Mirage" will play host to two "Superfight" contests – one between K-1 "Battle at Bellagio III" tournament champion, "Mighty Mo" Siligia (26-3 (20 KO's), and former world heavyweight boxing champion, Francois Botha (46-11-2 (30 KO's); and the other between K-1 Max competitor and world Muay Thai champion, Duane "Bang" Ludwig (47-10 (22 KO's), and three-time French Muay Thai champion, Remy Bonnel (46-7 (33 KO's).

Tickets for K-1 "Mayhem At The Mirage" are on sale on K-1 North America's official website, www.k-1usa.net, and are priced at $300, $200, $100, and $50, respectively.

  Saturday - August 13, 2005
K-1 "Mayhem At The Mirage:"
The Official Weigh-Ins

By Michael Afromowitz
muaythaimes@aol.com

Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Francois "The White Buffalo" Botha and his scheduled "Mayhem At The Mirage" K-1 Superfight opponent, "Mighty Mo" Siligia, tipped the scales at 253 pounds and 273 pounds, respectively, during the official event weigh-ins at the Mirage Hotel and Casino on Friday, August 12th. Three-time K-1 tournament champion, Michael McDonald, the odds favorite to win tomorrow's eight-man, single-elimination tournament, came in at 213 pounds.

Below is a look at how each of the "Mayhem At The Mirage" competitors weighed in. The fighters are paired with their respective opponents.

Tournament Fighters:
Imani Lee – 327 lbs.
Jan Nortje – 297 lbs.

Michael McDonald – 213 lbs.
Azem Maksutaj – 204 lbs.

Freddy Kemayo – 223 lbs.
Ruslan Karaev – 215 lbs.

Chalid Arrab – 202 lbs.
Hiraku Hori – 227 lbs.

Tatsufumi Tomihira – 199 lbs.
Scott Lighty – 230 lbs.

Superfight Fighters:
Francois Botha – 253 lbs.
"Mighty Mo" Siligia - 273 lbs.

Duane Ludwig – 159 lbs.
Remy Bonnel – 158 lbs.

Tournament Reserve Fighters:
Rick Cheek – 252 lbs.
Mike Sheppard – 213 lbs.

Mark Selbee – 229 lbs. Patrick Barry – 230 lbs.

Preliminary Bouts:
Elaina Maxwell – 149 lbs.
Gina Carano – 146 lbs.

LaTasha Marzolla – 127 lbs.
Jane Estioko – 125 lbs.

A limited number of tickets for "Mayhem At The Mirage" are still available and can be purchased on K-1 North America's official website, www.k-1usa.net. Tickets are priced at $300, $200, $100, and $50, respectively.

Doors to the Mirage ballroom will open for the event tomorrow at 5 PM Pacific Standard Time. The first bout is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM.

Lawler to Headline KOTC in Indianapolis

"Ruthless" Robbie Lawler, fresh off a knockout win over Felaniko Vitale in Super Brawl, will fight in the main event of the Sept. 17 King of the Cage event in Indianapolis.

Lawler, a multiple veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is currently being sought after by Pride, the premiere fighting organization in Japan.

KOTC Indianapolis will be held at the Central Indiana Volleyball Center, also called the Edge Sports Complex, which is located at 6002 Sunnyside Road... just east of I-465 on Pendleton Pike Rd.

The event will be mainly professional bouts with some amateur bouts... winners will be considered for a national Pay-Per-View event scheduled for November in Ohio.

For more information, contact Chas Bowling at 765 520-5555 or email Monte Cox at fiteiowa@aol.com.

From the event's promoter:
RITC 74 - In Your Face
Saturday September 10, 2005
Pinal County - Parks, Recreation & Fairgrounds
11 MC Road
Casa Grande, Arizona
Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM

Tickets prices are $20 (General Admission Bleachers) and $30 (Floor Level Seating). It will be an exciting night of fighting action when Rage in the Cage returns to Casa Grande for their tenth event there. Many local fighters will be showcased to the appreciate and supportive tri-valley fans.

Here are the directions for those traveling from Phoenix or Tucson for the event:

Take I-10 to Exit 194
Head East on 287 away from CG for 7 miles
Turn right on 11 Mile Corner Rd and you're there

  Monday - August 15, 2005
UFN's Marquardt Tests Positive for Steroids; WEF's Levine and Helwig Suspended on Stimulant/Steroid Allegations
By Loretta Hunt

Test results received by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Friday revealed the presence of the steroid nandrolone metabolite for August 6th's UFC Ultimate Fight Night competitor Nathan Marquardt. Marquardt garnered a unanimous decision victory over Ivan Salaverry last week in the event's marquee fight at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, which was televised live on Spike TV. Marquardt is the eighth mixed martial artist to be cited for illegal drug use by the NSAC since it started testing the sport in 2002. The Colorado native will have 20 days following the date of notification to respond in writing to the charges.

NSAC Executive Director Marc Ratner has requested a temporary suspension of Marquardt's license pending a hearing. Zuffa LLC, owners of the UFC, was verbally notified of the allegations today, while written notification was also sent out to Marquardt as well.

"Boxer James Toney tested positive for nanodrolone and the New York State Athletic Commission made it a 'no contest.' We don't have that regulation yet, but I think the [Nevada] Commission is going to look at [implementing] that to make it an even stronger deterrent to fighters." commented Chief Deputy Attorney General Keith Kizer this afternoon from Nevada. Kizer clarified that this potential amendment would not effect any ruling change in the Marquardt-Salaverry bout, unless it was deemed retroactive.

On the heels of Marquardt's allegations, World Extreme Fighting's Jamie Levine and Marty Helwig, who fought for the promotion's middleweight championship on May 20th also at the Cox Pavilion, were both sentenced to suspensions at a hearing last Thursday. Helwig's urinalysis also tested positive for the steroid nandrolone metabolite. Opponent and defending champion Levine's results tested positive for the stimulants phendimetrazine and phenmetrazine, drugs that are not approved for use by the NSAC.

Despite multiple notifications from the NSAC, as well as being provided with a toll-free number in which to speak with the five-member Commission at Thursday's public hearing, Helwig did not contact the regulatory body regarding the allegations. Helwig was sentenced one year's suspension from fighting in Nevada and was fined half the $300 purse he was paid for the championship bout.

Levine spoke with the Commission via speaker phone, claiming the two stimulants he took were prescribed by a physician and he had no knowledge that they were restricted by the NSAC. When asked why he had not listed the stimulants as prescribed drugs he was currently taking on the NSAC's pre-fight medical questionnaire, Levine claimed he had run out of the stimulants four days before the fight. After listening to Levine's testimony, he was suspended from competing in Nevada for six months. He was not fined from his $2,000 purse.

  Tuesday - August 16, 2005
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From DSE/Pride:
PrideFC Final Conflict 2005 Logo
WERDUM VERSUS ZENTSOV ADDED TO
FINAL CONFLICT 2005

TOKYO, Japan – The match up of Fabricio Werdum versus Roman Zentsov has been added to the fightcard of PRIDE FIGHTING'S upcoming event, FINAL CONFLICT 2005, which is scheduled to premiere on North American pay per view on August 28th, 2005 at 9:00 pm EST, 6:00 pm PST.

Werdum is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and represents both the countries of Brazil and Spain. Thus far in his mixed martial arts career he is undefeated with a record of 5-0-1, capped off by his last victory at PRIDE Fighting 29 "Fists of Fire" against Tom Erikson (via choke). Werdum is a member of Mirko Cro Cop's Cro Cop Squad Gym, lending his expertise in the ground game to the team's legendary striking reputation. Roman Zentsov is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, and a member of Fedor Emelianenko's Red Devil Sport Club. Equally strong on his feet and on the ground, Zentsov looks to take out Werdum as each of their respective team leaders (Fedor and Cro Cop) will face off in the main event of the evening.

Additional bouts include UFC veteran and legendary brawler David "Tank" Abbott against Judo Olympic gold-medallist Hidehiko Yoshida ... Yoshida's protégé, Kazuhiro Nakamura, going head to head with Ukrainian hard-hitter Igor Vovchanchyn ... the semi finals and finals of the 2005 middleweight tournament featuring Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Alistair Overeem and Ricardo Arona ... and the long awaited heavyweight title fight between champion Fedor Emelianenko and challenger Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.

FIGHTCARD:
The Semi-Finals and Finals of the Middleweight Tournament:
Wanderlei Silva (Brazil) vs. Ricardo Arona (Brazil)
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (Brazil) vs. Alistair Overeem (Holland)
Winner Silva/Arona vs. Winner Rua/Overeem

Heavyweight Championship Match
Fedor Emelianenko (Russia) vs. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic (Croatia)
(Champion) (Challenger)

Additional Matches:
David "Tank" Abbott (USA) vs. Hidehiko Yoshida (Japan)
Igor Vovchanchyn (Ukraine) vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura (Japan)
Fabricio Werdum (Brazil/Spain) vs. Roman Zentsov (Russia)

Matches Subject to Change.

PRIDE FIGHTING'S 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix Tournament has spanned three events ... TOTAL ELIMINATION (opening round), CRITICAL COUNTDOWN (Second Round) and now FINAL CONFLICT (Semi-Finals and Finals). Sixteen fighters began last April and at FINAL CONFLICT only one will be crowned champion!

FINAL CONFLICT 2005 premieres on North American pay per view via iNDEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH NETWORK, UrbanXtra, TVN1, VU!, and Viewer's Choice Canada on Sunday, August 28th, 2005 at 9:00 pm EST, 6:00 pm PST (including a countdown show at 8:30pm EST, 5:30pm PST). For additional replay times, please contact your pay per view provider.

  Wednesday - August 17, 2005
From the event's promoter:
Mixed Fighting Championship (MFC)
Returns with USA vs. Japan;
Alvarez Leads American Contingent


Live from the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, November 5th, 2005 marks the return of the east coast's fastest growing MMA event, the Mixed Fighting Championship. In its eagerly anticipated fifth installment, MFC continues its unique brand of international cross-over competition with USA vs. Japan, and has extended its invitation to eight of each nation's warriors to meet in the famous MFC ring.

Representing the USA, MFC star Eddie Alvarez returns on the heels of his dominating turn against Russian Red Devil Danila Veselov at MFC's 4 Russia vs. USA. This explosive Fight Factory representative and 2-Time All American wrestler continues to test both chins and wills with his fast, accurate hands and superior showmanship. Opponent Daisuke "13" Hanazawa, hailing from Japan's Cobra Kai Academy, battled Rich Clementi for three grueling rounds at MFC 3's USA vs. the World. Will he be able to keep up with leather-wielding welterweight Alvarez?

8-1 Massachusetts native Joe Lauzon joins the MFC's ranks coming off a speedy eleven second TKO victory at AFC 13. This Team Aggression member will meet Japan's SHOOTO veteran Hiroyuki Abe, one of the few to ever best Alexandre Franca Nogueira, in a heated featherweight showdown.

Also on the card, American Top Team heavyweight Wilson Gouveia takes on Japanese wrestler Yusuke Masuda of the Abe Ani Combat Club, while Advanced Fighting Solution's and "Burmese Boxing" veteran Chris MacGrath will look to trade with Abe Ani's Shinichi "BJ" Kojima in a bantamweight battle.

MFC 5: USA vs. Japan

Eddie Alvarez vs. Daisuke Hanazawa
Joe Lauzon vs. Hiroyuki Abe
Wilson Gouveia vs. Yusuke Masuda
Chris MacGrath vs. Shinichi Kojima

Additional fights will be announced shortly, along with the return of the MFC Challenge, which offers its stage to the brightest newcomers the Northeast has to offer.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased directly through the Taj Mahal Box Office (609-449-5150) and through all Ticketmaster locations (1-800-736-1420 or on line at www.ticketmaster.com)

  Thursday - August 18, 2005
American D'Auguste Conquers
Japan's Smack Girl Dynamic 2005

By Roxanne Modafferi

Laura D'Auguste
D'Auguste adds another
belt to her collection
TOKYO, Aug. 17 -- Halfway around the world, American Laura D'Auguste showed Japanese spectators what their American counterparts have known for some time -- this mixed martial artist sure can fight. On minor notice, D'Auguste accepted all-female promotion Smack Girl's invitation to join the ranks of their 4-Woman Middleweight Championship Tournament, kicking-off from the Yoyogi No. 2 Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. The feisty foreigner, a regular on the U.S.'s Northeast circuit, hardly disappointed, waging two battles in one night on route to the crown, while besting her overall record to a cushy 8-0-1.

The first round of the tournament began with Megumi Yabushita from SOD women's MMA dojo facing striking specialist Asako Sayuka, who had defeated Yabushita in SG Smack Legend 2002. They exchanged hearty blows and the fight went to the ground, with Yabushita ending up in guard. Sayuka landed powerful low kicks, but Megumi executed a beautiful drop seonage shoulder throw, sending Sayuka head-over-heels. The fight went up and down for another minute before Megumi found Sayuka's arm and won by armbar half way into round one.

Click here to continue the article


Same Old Horn Set to Face Liddell?
By Derek Callahan

There's not too much of a point in trying to get Jeremy Horn to admit that his fight with Chuck Liddell this Saturday for the UFC light heavyweight title is any big deal. Sure, he's looking forward to it, but Horn's got a one-track mind that won't allow him to think of much else besides what he needs to do to win the fight.

"The preparation is the same," says Horn. When he and Liddell first fought at UFC 19, Horn looks back and knows that, "I couldn't box or wrestle." Now, he feels more prepared for what Liddell will bring.

"I don't plan on fighting him the way everybody else has fought him," says Horn, bringing back memories of Renato Sobral, Vernon White and Tito Ortiz all falling after trying to strike with Liddell.

What fans will see when Horn locks up with Liddell is an interesting clash, because this is the first time in a long time that Horn is taking on a 205-pound fighter the caliber of Liddell. After campaigning at 185 pounds, Horn is on the upswing weight-wise and is feeling confident about where he will be come fight time.

"When I fight at 185 I try to clean up my diet, polish things up a bit," says Horn. He walks around at about 200 pounds, which may make him smaller than Liddell who normally drops down to 205. "I've been training so much," begins Horn, "it's hard for me to put on any weight."

A consummate professional with over 100 recorded fights to his name, you can bet Horn will hit the scales on point though, possibly a fitter specimen than any eyes have seen to date. And while spectators might itch for a staredown that scorches the very stage they stand upon facing toe-to-toe for the first time in a long while, chances are the humble Horn won't hold up his end of the bargain.

A man of few harsh words, Horn was disparaged to learn an online interview inaccurately quoted him as saying he would knock Liddell out in their impending meeting. If Horn has anything negative to say about Liddell at all, it's behind closed doors. "He didn't get where he is by being terrible," he simply conveys. "He's a talented, tough fighter. I'm expecting a real hard fight."

  Friday - August 19, 2005
UFC 54: Boiling Point
Official Weigh-In Results

By Loretta Hunt

An infectious smile from welterweight Georges St. Pierre. The calming nod of seasoned veteran Randy Couture. The confident gait of Matt Lindland. Fans turned out in force to catch their favorites take the scales and made their presence known.

Chuck Liddell (left) vs. Jeremy Horn
Chuck Liddell vs. Jeremy Horn

The official weigh-ins in bout order tomorrow night:

Preliminaries

Terry Martin - 206 pounds
James Irvin - 206 pounds

Trevor Prangley - 184.5 pounds
Travis Lutter - 186 pounds

Joe Doerksen - 185.5 pounds
Matt Lindland - 185.5 pounds

Pay-Per-View Card

Georges St Pierre - 170 pounds
Frank Trigg - 170 pounds

Brian Gassaway - 170 pounds
Diego Sanchez - 170.5 pounds

Mike Van Arsdale - 205 pounds
Randy Couture - 206 pounds

Swing Bout
Tra Telligman - 229 pounds
Tim Sylvia - 164 pounds

Light Heavyweight Championship Title Fight

Jeremy Horn (Challenger) - 203 pounds
Chuck Liddell (Champion) - 204 pounds

The Gambler:
Lindland Chances Title Shot to Simply Fight

By Loretta Hunt

Matt 'The Law' Lindland Four months ago, with cameras rolling, tape recorders running, and an anxious crowd leaning in, it came from UFC president Dana White's very lips. Matt Lindland would get the next middleweight title shot.

Previously announced was a title match-up between UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner and challenger Rich Franklin, a fight some believed the 8-3 Lindland had been looked over for. If Lindland could wait, he'd get the winner.

Lindland couldn't wait.

After Franklin dispatched Tanner soundly at June's UFC 53, the new champion was off to TV Land to become a head coach for the second season of The Ultimate Fighter. It became fairly clear pretty quickly that Franklin would not defend his title any time before the series launched on August 22nd.

So, why is Lindland fighting Saturday night at UFC 54? "The problem is I'm fighting for a living, so I got to take fights when they come," the Oregon-based father of two replies. "I was promised a title shot before this last time as well, and I'm still waiting for that one. A promise of a title shot is nothing new."

If you had Lindland's ear, would you counsel him any differently? Chances are the Olympic silver medalist wouldn't listen. "I ask UFC to be on every fight card," Lindland says. "This is what I do. I love to fight I also like getting paid to fight, so if the UFC put me on every fight card that would be great."

The thrill of competition. The necessity of money. This is why Lindland will gamble his second career shot at a UFC title Saturday by jumping into the cage with Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Joe Doerksen, a recent replacement for an injured Joe Riggs.

"I would say Doerksen has to be a lot tougher than Riggs since he is planning on showing up to fight," Lindland jabs at his originally intended opponent Riggs, who had publicly attacked his" follicly-challenged" elder online shortly before their match-up had been announced.

With the loss of the brash 23-year-old slugger to UFC 54's roster, some might postulate that any juice to Lindland has left the building.

Motivation? I am still getting paid the same, this is what I do for a living so I'm still motivated to beat up some guy that steps in the ring and get paid for doing it. What more motivation do I need, I have the greatest job on the planet I get paid to beat up guys.

Whether it be Riggs or Doerksen though, the consequences remain the same. Lose and be tossed back into the pile of middleweight "one fight contract" players. Win and move up the next ladder rung towards champion Franklin, a path that has virtually cleared since potential contender Ivan Salaverry phoned in an uninspired performance against UFC newcomer Nathan Marquardt.

"I am sure Salaverry was the next golden boy," Lindland chimes in. "I was actually asked if I wanted to fight Ivan [first]. My answer was yes if that my only option but no if there is anyone else out there for me to fight. I was not real excited about the prospect of fighting Ivan since I had already decisively beaten Ivan and his style is rather defensive which would lead to a rather uninteresting bout."

Excitement. It's become a topic directly correlated with your opponent's style or strengths. Get an opponent whose style doesn't suit yours, and you could be branded a boring fighter in less than fifteen minutes.

The subject of numerous discussions on marketability, the wrestling-based Lindland is no stranger to this accusation. So, Lindland has tried to adapt and grow, both inside the cage and out. His Sport Fight promotion, co-owned by training partner and friend Randy Couture, grows leaps and bounds. On July 9th, 4,400 spectators turned out at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon for its fourteenth event, its highest attendance to date. Already broadcast by regional provider Comcast TV in the Northwest, Lindland says other cable networks are on the way.

And if he gets past Doerksen, Franklin is said to be a reality, but wisely Lindland isn't looking past phase one. "If the UFC gives me a shot at their boy Franklin, I will let you know after this fight. Right now I have to take care of a very tough Joe Doerksen."

From DSE/Pride:
Bushido 'The Tournament' Logo
WELTERWEIGHT BOUTS ANNOUNCED FOR BUSHIDO TOURNAMENT

TOKYO, Japan – The welterweight bouts have been announced for PRIDE FIGHTING'S BUSHIDO "The Tournament." Headlining matches include a rematch between Ikuhisa "The Punk" Minowa and "The New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni as well as Ryo Chonan against Dan Henderson.

PRIDE FC: BUSHIDO THE TOURNAMENT
Fight Card
Welterweight Tournament Bouts
Phil Baroni (USA) vs. Ikuhisa "The Punk" Minowa (Japan)
Ryo Chonan (Japan) vs. Dan Henderson (USA)
Masanori Suda (Japan) vs. Murilo Bustamante (Brazil)
Akihiro Gono (Japan) vs. Daniel Acacio (Brazil)

Welterweight Tournament Reserve Bout
Ryuta Sakurai (Japan) vs. Paulo Filho (Brazil)

(Fight Card Subject to Change)
Additional Matches to be Announced Soon.

(Continued on Next Page)
BUSHIDO THE TOURNAMENT will take place from the Ariake Coliseum in Japan and is scheduled to debut on North American pay per view via iNDEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH NETWORK, UrbanXtra, TVN1, VU!, and Viewer's Choice Canada.

North American Pay Per View Schedule:
PPV Premiere Date: Sunday, September 25th, 2005
Premiere Time: 9:00 pm EST, 6:00 pm PST

BUSHIDO THE TOURNAMENT will be available at a reduced rate of $24.95.

For additional replay times, please contact your pay per view provider.

Waterman Outwrestles Rodriguez at WEC 16
By Loretta Hunt

Lemoore, California, August 18 -- It couldn't possibly have gone the way a rebounding Ricco Rodriguez pictured it would as wrestler Ron Waterman amply outscored the former UFC Heavyweight Champion tonight from WEC 16: Clash of the Titans II with dominating takedowns and ground control to retain his Super Heavyweight Championship title.

Sharp wrestler Waterman played a systematic game by pushing a far less conditioned Rodriguez against the fence to secure an often violent takedown, and on the ground, the PRIDE veteran spent the majority of time in side control simply holding Rodriguez down. A glimmer of the slick Rodriguez of old would peak out with a submission attempt here and there, but for the most part, the Team Punishment fighter expended much of his energy either trying to deflect a Kimura attempt or struggling to get out from underneath Waterman's smothering hold until the two were stood again.

On their feet, Rodriguez scored briefly with two high kicks in the second round, the latter of which knocked Waterman's mouthpiece out, but after a quick break to clean and replace the equipment, Waterman again shot in and took his opponent down before he could capitalize. Returning to his corner at the bell, teammate Quinton Jackson could be seen popping a heavily bandaged Rodriguez's knee back into place, a lateral injury the fighter later told FCF he'd suffered a week before.

Ron Waterman taking down Ricco Rodriguez
Waterman taking down Rodriguez

If Rodriguez was hoping to tire his opponent out, the sight of a fresh and ready Waterman in the third round must have been an unwelcome one. Off Rodriguez's high kick, Waterman again scooped up his foe and hurled him to the mat, where he moved to a Kimura, then a can opener attempt. Rodriguez fended off the attempts easily, but could never launch enough of an offensive to the give the judges any other recourse but a unanimous decision nod for his opponent.

Taking the fight on a week's notice, a surprisingly positive Rodriguez blamed no one but himself for the loss backstage. "If I was in better shape and if I was the man that used to fight in the UFC weighing in at 240 instead of 270, I think I would have done a lot better," he told FCF. "The major thing is I truly have to get in shape and start taking training practice a bit more seriously. I've had some really bad demons with drinking and gambling and partying really hard. I'd train hard for three months, then go partying for two or three months, and that lasted for ten years. Now, I'm definitely taking this sport seriously."

Ron Waterman working for a submission on Ricco Rodriguez
Waterman working for a submission on Rodriguez

Many will not be able to get past Rodriguez's bloated exterior, a far cry from his King of the Cage and even UFC days, but six months into an Alcoholic's Anonymous program with a new found humility, Rodriguez should be commended for his bravery to step back into the cage when others would simply walk away. If he gets into a regular training regimen as he says he will, there could be a comeback left in him after all.

In the co-main event of the evening, Middleweight North American Champion Alex Serdyukov and challenger Victor Parfenov duked it out for two minutes and twenty seconds, until a hard knee to Parfenov's body crumbled him to the mat. The fellow Russians traded some rough shots back and forth, but Serdyukov's superior hand speed allowed him to land more frequently. Nearly buckling along the fence, Parfenov hung on only to be dropped by the final blow less than thirty seconds later in another corner.

Casey Olsen on top of Rolland Parli
Olsen on top of Parli
Also on the card, TUF season one competitor Chris Sanford survived an early round knockdown at the hands of Josh "Machine" Green to catch his gung-ho opponent's head with a standing guillotine a few moments later in the first round; while athletic light-heavyweight Kenny Ento, from Rock Solid in Visalia, demonstrated a strong stand-up repertoire before transitioning to a smooth ground game that snagged Chris Bothello in a late first round armbar.

Flanked by Josh Thomson and Josh Koscheck as he entered the cage, Pacific Martial Arts/Pit Fight Team's Casey Olsen also made an indelible impression off the bat tonight in his WEC debut. Unfortunately, Olsen was not only matched by an extremely game opponent in Bullet NHB Academy's Rolland "Irish Man" Parli, he had to vie for the crowd's attention after an overzealous fan decided to make his way down to the first row and take an empty seat. When a security guard contested him, the situation quickly escalated into an all-out brawl cageside with numerous other spectators jumping in. Olsen and Parli continued to scale a feverishly-paced battle nonetheless, which showcased the Pit fighter's clean takedowns and crisp, if not frenetic striking.

Kenny Ento armbarring Chris Bothello
Ento armbarring Bothello
Olsen dropped Parli with an uppercut midway through the round, yet the fight continued on when Olsen hesitated and didn't jump in to finish the job. The agile lightweight did eventually accomplish the tour de force when he again knocked down Parli with seconds left on the clock and the referee raced in to stop it. With a little more guidance to harness in his obvious skills, Olsen could make his way up the ladder.

WEC 16 Results

Dan Marks def. Walt Hughes - Armbar 2:22 R2
Allan Weickert def. Rocky Bastini - Armbar 2:50 R2
Ernie Tiesirino def. Van Palacio - TKO Referee Stoppage (strikes) 2:48 Rd 3
Kenny Ento def. Chris Bothello - Armbar 4:33 R1
Casey Olsen def. Rolland Parli - TKO Referee Stoppage (strikes) 4:58 R1
Steve Ramirez def. Jason Biswell - TKO Referee Stoppage (strikes) 2:01 R1
Jody Poff vs. Rafael Del Real - No Contest (Low Blow) R1
Chris Sanford def. Josh Green - Guillotine Choke 2:30 R1
Tosh Cook def. Troy Miller - Rear Naked Choke 1:45 R1

Middleweight North American Title Fight

Alex Serdyukov def. Victor Parfenov - TKO Referee Stoppage (knees) 2:20 R1

Super Heavyweight Championship Fight

Ron Waterman def. Ricco Rodriguez - Unanimous Decision (30-27 all)

The Brazilian Beat
Shogun, Silva and Arona Ready, Chute Boxe Receiving VIP guests, Minotauro Recovering from Surgery, Jungle 5 Postponed, Ninja to Stay in Pride, BJJ World Championship Review and More!

The Brazilian Beat:
      What awaits MMA fans around the world in less than two weeks, can be simply called amazing. The Pride Middleweight Grand Prix finals are coming up on August 28th, and although much more is going on in the mixed martial arts world, is tough to distract fans', fighters' and press' attention from such an important event, that will match up "enemies" Wanderlei Silva and Ricardo Arona, and maybe even provide the first-ever clash between two Chute Boxe stars. Needless to say, this scenario created plenty stirrings involving these two powerhouses, Chute Boxe and Brazilian Top Team, just adding more spice to the always busy Brazilian fight scene and its usual happenings. With that said, we won't keep you any longer from reading the news and imagining what will unfold when August 28th finally comes to pass! So let's go straight to the news, 'cause as showtime approaches, Full Contact Fighter allows space for the Beat to releases the sweet sounds, straight out of Brazil!
  • Although it already took place a good while ago, taking place over the very last days of July until the very beginning of August, the 2005 edition of the traditional BJJ World Championship, promoted by CBJJ, is still worth of mention here in this space, as it has been a while since this column last appeared. Through endless hours of Jiu Jitsu fights in Rio de Janeiro, many famous names of the "Smooth art" once again proved their value with the world championship as their prize in the end, like MMA veteran Fredson Paixao, Bibiano Fernandes, and mostly the current Jiu-Jitsu stand outs Ronaldo Jacare and Roger Gracie. However, maybe the most appealing fact of the tournament was controversy, as Roger Gracie and Ronaldo Jacare, both champions in their respective weight classes, battled in the final match of the absolute class, maybe the most important prize in today's Jiu-Jitsu. In a bout that was more conservative than open, Jacare ended up scoring a controversial takedown near the very end of the match, that gave him the win and cause much, believe me, much talk in Brazil during the past weeks. Here are the champions of 2005:
    • Roosterweight: Samuel Braga
    • Featherweight: Fredson Paixao
    • Super Featherweight: Bibiano Fernandes
    • Lightweight: Celso Vinicius
    • Middleweight: Andre Galvao
    • Light Heavyweight: Ronaldo Jacare
    • Heavyweight: Robert Drysdale
    • Super Heavyweight: Roger Gracie
    • Overweight: Francisco Fernandes
    • Absolute: Ronaldo Jacar

  • Chute Boxe fighter Murilo Ninja's UFC debut won't happen so soon, at least not in the October UFC show, as already stated by UFC's matchmaker Joe Silva, and confirmed by the fighter in Brazil. Although talks have supposedly went on about Ninja representing Pride in the UFC, as part of a co-operation between the two promotions, recent rumors have that negotiations have possibly fell trough about 15 days ago. It's tough to determine how far, or not, talks had gone, despite the fact that the fighter himself was eager and motivated to compete inside the Octagon. Rumors have that negotiations just didn't develop, possibly for financial reasons. Murilo will indeed likely be fighting in Pride's October show now.

  • In fact, Murilo Ninja decided to re-schedule his European seminar tour, that he had cancelled due to training for the early October UFC. The tour will start with a seminar in Gothenburg, Sweden, on September 3rd and 4th. Other cities in the tour includes Stockholm, also in Sweden, Copenhagen in Denmark, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, and Strood, in England, Belfast in Northern Ireland, as well as Milan in Italy, among others. Ninja is also expected to be a special guest at the September 10th Cage Rage show. FCF will keep you posted on the complete Chute Boxe stand out European seminar schedule.

  • Speaking of the Chute Boxe academy, things couldn't be hotter in the Curitiba based academy right now. With the intense training going on, as the only team that has two representatives on the Pride GP Finals, plus other athletes training for shows such as Cage Rage, one couldn't think those were enough ingredients to grant a busy training environment. However, guests just won't cease appearing at Chute Boxe right now, as after Pedro Rizzo and Beto Leitao, from Ruas Vale Tudo, another MMA fighter with striking background has showed up in the academy for some training. MMA star on rise Lyoto Machida is the latest fighter to arrive on Curitiba, and has began training with the team this past August 8th. At this point, it's not clear whether this is just training for a small period of time, or if a longer relationship can develop.


    Click here to continue The Beat


  Saturday - August 20, 2005
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Kazushi Sakuraba visits the Chute Boxe Academy
The Unthinkable Comes to Pass:
Sakuraba Arrives at Chute Boxe!

By Eduardo Alonso
Photos by Julio Heller

Rudimar Fedrigo and Kazushi Sakuraba
Rudimar & Sak
As it's already known by fans around the world the, once closed and restricted, Chute Boxe academy has open its doors for several training co-operations, receiving guests from the most diverse academies and styles, with the intent of improving their fighters techniques. Names like Jiu Jitsu stylist Nino "Elvis" Schembri, former rival and UFC veteran Jorge Patino Macaco, and even striker Evangelista Cyborg not only trained with Chute Boxe for a while, but became members of the team after initial trainings. Recently, UFC and Pride veteran Pedro Rizzo, and K-1 MMA veteran Lyoto Machida spent time in the famous academy from Curitiba, sharing the mats with the likes of Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio Shogun and Murilo Ninja, showing collaborations are the new trend in the academy. However, now this trend has truly got to a new level, as Japanese superstar Kazushi Sakuraba is already in Curitiba, and training at Chute Boxe!

Wanderlei Silva, Silva's son Thor and Kazushi Sakuraba
Wanderlei & son Thor with Sak
After lots of speculation on when the Pride star would finally arrive in Brazil, Sakuraba finally landed in Brazilian soil this Friday morning, August 19th, even anticipating rumors that he would indeed arrive only on Monday. During his brief stay so far in Curitiba, Sakuraba already visited the Chute Boxe academy, where he caught the final moments of the famous "Morning training sessions", where all the pros train together, meeting his nemesis Wanderlei Silva and his son, Chute Boxe trainers Rudimar Fedrigo and Rafael Cordeiro, Mauricio Shogun Rua and his brother Murilo Ninja, among many others. After the visit to the academy, the top dogs at Chute Boxe joined the Japanese fighter on a lunch, at Batel Grill, one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in Curitiba. Sakuraba is expected to stay training for 40 days at Chute Boxe, and came along with other Japanese fighters who are also going to benefit from the training. FCF will keep you posted on news about Sakuraba's Brazilian trip.

From Pancrase:
Pancrase Event Complete Lineup 8/27/05
SEGA SAMMY Presents
"PANCRASE 2005 SPIRAL TOUR"
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Doors Open; 5:30PM
Bout #1 Starts; 6:00PM
Korakuen Hall(Tokyo, Japan)

  • Bout #1 Welterweight 2x5 min rounds
    NAOKI MIYAMOTO (Wajutsu Keishukai A-3) vs NAOKI TAJIMA (S-KEEP)

  • Bout #2 Middleweight 2x5 min rounds
    MORIYUKI YAMADA (Team POD) vs KOZO URITA (Seikenkaikan)

  • Bout #3 Welterweight 2x5 min rounds
    TAKUYA WADA(Welterweight 8th ranked/ SK Absolute) vs MASAKAZU KURAMOCHI(freelance)

  • Bout #4 Middleweight 2x5 min rounds
    YUICHI NAKANISHI(Middleweight 6th ranked/ freelance) vs YUJI HISAMATSU(Wajutsu Keishukai TIGER PLACE)

  • Bout #5 Neo Blood Tournament 2005 Featherweight final 2x5 min rounds
    MANABU INOUE(U.W.F. Snakepit Japan) vs MASAKI YANAGISAWA(PPT)

  • Bout #6 Neo Blood Tournament 2005 Lightweight final 2x5 min rounds
    SOTARO YAMADA(TEAM JUNKiey) vs MINORU CHUJO(Wajutsu Keishukai Tokyo Hombu)

  • Bout #7 Neo Blood Tournament 2005 Welterweight final 2x5 min rounds
    ASAKI HONDA(Pancrase P's LAB Yokohama) vs SHINSUKE SHOJI(KILLER BEE)

  • Bout #8 Light heavyweight 3x5 min rounds
    DAISUKE WATANABE(Light heavyweight 6th ranked/ PANCRASEism) vs DAIJIRO MATSUI (Takada Dojo)

  • Bout #9 Welterweight 3x5 min rounds
    KOJI OISHI(Welterweight 3rd ranked/ PANCRASEism) vs NATHAN DIAZ(U.S.A./ Cesar Gracie Academy)

Pancrase Event Complete Lineup 9/4/05
SEGA SAMMY Presents
"PANCRASE 2005 SPIRAL TOUR"
Sunday, September 4, 2005
Doors Open; 3:00PM
Amateur Bout #1 Starts; 4:30PM
Umeda Stella Hall(Osaka, Japan)

  • Amateur Bout #1 Middleweight One Day 4-men Tournament 1st round 1x5 min round
    MOTOKI EJIMA (MMA Musosenjutsu) vs ARITO KISHIMOTO (MMA Anglar)

  • Amateur Bout #2 Middleweight One Day 4-men Tournament 1st round 1x5 min round
    HIDEMI MIHARA (MMA Cobrakai) vs MASAHIRO TORYU (P's LAB Osaka)

  • Amateur Bout #3 Pancrase Gate rules Featherweight 2x5 min rounds
    TOMOYUKI KODAMA (MMA Musosenjutsu) vs SHUNSUKE KIMURA (MMA Anglar)

  • Amateur Bout #4 Pancrase Gate rules Featherweight 2x5 min rounds
    NOBUHIRO YAMAUCHI (MMA Dojo Cobrakai) vs TAKASHI HASEGAWA (P's LAB Osaka)

  • Amateur Bout #5 Middleweight One Day Tournament final 1x5 min round
    Amateur Bout #1 Winner vs Amateur Bout #2 Winner

  • Pro-Bout #1 Pancrase Athena Gate Rules -53.5kg 3x3 min rounds
    ASUKA ITO (Pancrase Inagakigumi) vs 15 (unknown)

  • Pro-Bout #2 Lightweight 2x5 min rounds
    YUJI MIYAZAKI (MMA Dojo Cobrakai) vs SHUNSUKE KITADA (TEAM JUNKiey)

  • Pro-Bout #3 Welterweight 2x5 min rounds
    DAIZO ISHIGE (Welterweight 10th ranked/ SK Absolute) vs TATSUNORI TANAKA (Wajutsu Keishukai Hyogo Hombu)

  • Pro-Bout #4 Featherweight 2x5 min rounds
    NAOJI FUJIMOTO (Pancrase Inagakigumi) vs KENTA NAKAMURA (Zendokai iroshima Dojo)

  • Pro-Bout #5 Lightweight 2x5 min rounds
    KENJI TAKESHIGE (Pancrase Inagakigumi) vs YUICHI IKARI (Pancrase P's LAB Tokyo)

  • Pro-Bout #6 Super heavyweight 2x5 min rounds
    ALEX ROBERTS (Super Heavyweight 3rd ranked/ Kujukenkaikan) vs ANTHONY TATSUJI" NETZLER (TEAM Boon!)

  • Pro-Bout #7 Featherweight 3x5 min rounds
    YOSHIRO MAEDA (Pancrase Inagakigumi) vs MIKI SHIDA (Pancrase P's LAB Tokyo)

  Sunday - August 21, 2005
UFC 54 Injury Update: Telligman, Martin Okay
By Loretta Hunt

This morning from Las Vegas, FCF has received word from UFC president Dana White that all sixteen fighters who competed on last night's UFC 54 card are "okay."

White was informed that the entire roster of fighters were back at their host hotel by one AM, including 40-year-old Tra Telligman, who was knocked unconscious by heavyweight Tim Slyvia with left high kick 4:59 into their first round bout. Telligman remained out for an estimated three to four minutes while medical technicians administered him an oxygen mask and strapped him to a gurney. Telligman did come to and tried to rise, but was asked to remain down and was taken out of the arena.

Also taken out on a gurney following a James Irvin-induced flying knee knockout, Terry Martin was back at the UFC event at its conclusion in seemingly good health.

Chuck Liddell (left) vs. Jeremy Horn
Chuck Liddell vs. Jeremy Horn

Main eventer Jeremy Horn was reported to have vision problems sustained from punches he took from Chuck Liddell in the first round of their championship bout, while White reports that Brian Gassaway sustained multiple broken bones around both his eyes during his bout with welterweight Diego Sanchez and is currently under the closest medical scrutiny of all UFC 54's fighters at this time.

Knockdown King Liddell Breaks Horn at UFC 54;
Victorious Couture, Sylvia Back in Title Hunt

By Loretta Hunt

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- A blazing right straight shot through the air past Jeremy Horn's defenses and the man with over 100 fights to his name fell. It came over a minute into a tense first round that matched UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell against his first career loss that came at the hands of ground-savvy Horn at UFC 19. Tonight at UFC 54, the rematch would resemble nothing like its predecessor.

Horn had been touted a respectable challenger for the fighter that has been marketed as the hardest hitter the UFC has. Liddell made a very convincing argument for this claim tonight, nearly knocking Horn out in the first round, then repeating the same feat in the second round with another right that sent the Utah fighter down once again. Each time Liddell followed Horn to the mat and landed follow-up fireballs, then wisely backed away and signaled for him to stand. Horn got up each time, his body a little less certain, his mind racing to find a way in.

Their faces told the story. Virtually unscathed, a concentrated Liddell studied Horn like a puzzle as he circled him around the cage. Minutes ticked away and Horn's face gradually reddened, swelled, and later bled from his eye area and his nose. Try as Horn might, he couldn't find his range for a crucial takedown that would finally give him some advantage in this one-sided affair, and he was punished for it each time.

In the third, Horn switched tactics. If he could land kicks to Liddell's posting left leg, maybe he could slow him down. He landed three swipes and Liddell answered with a crisp straight. Horn acknowledged its devastation with a nod of his head and knew. This wasn't going to work either.

Round four. Another landing left-right combination. A moment to absorb and Horn's back scraped the fence. His hands went up to protect the onslaught he knew was coming, and that's all he knew he could do. Horn again stood at referee McCarthy's request and for the first time in his nine year career, he quit.

Tim Sylvia
Sylvia
Miletich Martial Arts brethren and former heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia fared much better in his bout with Lion's Den veteran Tra Telligman. Sylvia utilized his reach to slowly pick 40-year-old Telligman apart with effective jabs and left-right counter combinations.

Early on, Telligman's pro boxing experience helped him land a counter body shot, yet Sylvia looked to brush it off and kept coming forward. The Lion's Den rep then tried with overhand rights to break through his giant's defense. Then he ate a punch to get the clinch, but the confident 29-year-old grabbed Telligman's head each time and pulled his knee to his opponent's chest.

A cut under Telligman's eye proved an accurate gauge of Telligman's downfall as it began to swell and bleed freely. Teligman's swings became hesitatingly less frequent and Sylvia began to stalk, backing Telligman to the fence before landing flush with a left high kick that sent his elder to the mat with a second left on the first round clock.

For a tense few moments in the arena, Telligman lay unconscious as medical technicians buzzed around him. When he did come to some three to four minutes later, Telligman fought to rise, but he was already strapped to a gurney. A fighter whose tenacity was one brick in the foundation that built up the UFC in its earlier years, Telligman left the Octagon this way most likely for the last time in his career. No official update on Telligman's condition could be given by press time.

Randy Couture
Couture
In a tough tactical wrestling showdown, Randy Couture took his first step back towards title contention with a hard-earned victory over fellow Olympic wrestling alternate Mike Van Arsdale. With a definitive strategy seen throughout the bout, Couture's diligent execution finally reaped benefits with an arm-triangle choke 58 seconds into round three.

Couture started by striking with Van Arsdale, then kept him at bay in the North-South position when the threat of a takedown appeared. At first, a fresh Van Arsdale was able to ward off Couture's advances to go for a choke or take his back. Impeded for now, Couture threw knees to Van Arsdale's shoulders.

With speed on his side, Van Arsdale rose and shook a bearhugging Couture from his back to get in front of him, then take his back in return. Throwing Couture to the mat, Van Arsdale took his back, but just as fast the former champion was out and had his opponent's back.

So went the war of the wrestlers until round two when Couture tagged Van Arsdale in an exchange and he wobbled. Falling to his knees for the shoot, Van Arsdale was again thwarted and had to turtle. Again, Van Arsdale reversed out of their North-South stalemate and landed two notable punches in their subsequent exchanges. Couture pushed Van Arsdale to the fence and worked for a single-leg, then a throw. He got Van Arsdale down once more.

By round three, the evidence of both men's exhaustion was clearly evident. They both landed punches in their opening exchange and Van Arsdale shot again, halted in the North-South position one last time. Again, Couture maneuvered for the same choke and rolled Van Arsdale over. This time the choke came.

As expected, TUF season one middleweight winner Diego Sanchez chose not to stand with 2003 World Shidokan Champion Brian Gassaway in his UFC debut in the welterweight division. The aggressive grappler secured a single-leg takedown early on, and although Gassaway managed to his feet, Sanchez locked in a guillotine and fell to his back, pulling with all his might. Illinois native Gassaway rolled out, but the punishment was just beginning. Temporarily stalled in side control, Sanchez freed a trapped leg and went to work again, taking mount and then Gassaway's back. Impressively, Gassaway reversed out and up to his feet, but Sanchez took him right back down again and got mount again for a Kimura and then an armbar attempt. All in all, Gassaway barely escaped the first round intact with a round the judges unanimously scored a 10-8.

Save for whopping right he landed that forced Sanchez to shoot in its opening seconds, Gassaway didn't fare much better in the second stanza. A charged Sanchez stacked his opponent in the middle of the cage and landed more shots before again securing mount. With numerous elbows raining down on him, an overwhelmed Gassaway broke under the pressure and tapped himself out. Sanchez improves his pro record to 15-0.

Georges St. Pierre
St. Pierre
In one of the most dominating victories to come between two top five contenders in a UFC division, Georges St. Pierre cemented a second go with welterweight champ Matt Hughes next by plowing through an overwhelmed Frank Trigg. Unaccompanied to the Octagon by his trainer Rico Chiapparelli for the first time in his MMA career, Trigg still seemed as focused as ever in a make-or-break fight to stay alive in the promotion, but the young, infectiously likable Canadian proved too skilled to overtake.

After muscling Trigg to his back off the wrestler's failed takedown attempt, St. Pierre alternated between punishing Trigg from the mount and taking his back to try to secure the rear-naked choke. Each time St. Pierre came close, the audience cheered, possibly aware the move had spelled disaster for Trigg in his two previous title fights. Trigg defended at first and would be forced to return to his back, but a flawless St. Pierre landed two elbows still in mount and cut him. Struggling to stand, Trigg posted on all fours and St. Pierre took his back one last time. The rear-naked choke and its tap out came easily.

In preliminary action, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black Joe Doerksen impressed the crowds with a fluid ground attack that left opponent Matt Lindland incredulous by the first round's end. However, it was not enough to stop the limber 14-3 Lindland, who continues to give most ground practitioners an impossible time in sealing the deal.

After surviving an initial Lindland takedown in the bout's opening seconds, the Winnipeg native managed to return the favor on the Olympic wrestling silver medalist numerous times in round one and take his exposed back for a choke. Lindland defended well and scored with takedowns as well, but Doerksen continued to fight back, impressively bucking Lindland out of his guard two times with his legs and landing a powerful elbow off a clinch in the round's final seconds. It was an active round for Canadian Doerksen, however, he secured the 10-9 round from only one of the three judges watching. [Writer's Note: This reporter echoed Judge Jeff Mullen's 10-9 for Doerksen.]

Although competitive, round two was Lindland's on the scorecards. Twice he secured a guillotine choke on Doerksen that forced the ground specialist to scramble out. Coupled with his takedowns and advances from Doerksen's guard to side control, Lindland eked out the round.

Again, Lindland landed the guillotine to kick-off the third round and had Doerksen on the run. He escaped, but, restood later by referee Mario Yamasaki, Doerksen's demise would come from Lindland's strength: his undeniable takedowns. Lindland moves on with the unanimous decision victory and, if UFC president Dana White keeps his promise, will meet champion Rich Franklin most likely by the end of this year.

South African's Olympic wrestling alternate Trevor Prangley demonstrated beautiful trip takedowns and crisp body shots in his victory over Travis Lutter in the second preliminary bout of the evening. Although not a continuous occurrence, especially as the fight progressed into a much slower round two and three, it was enough to stave off Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former training partner Travis Lutter for a unanimous decision victory overall.

Prangley's momentum was clearly shaken after he unintentionally hit Lutter with two low blows in round one, first with an ill-targeted punch and then with a knee. The second time, referee Herb Dean penalized the Idaho resident one point, yet the fight continued on for its fifteen-minute duration. If Prangley can learn to sustain his stellar moments throughout three rounds if he has to, he could become more of a player in the middleweight division.

James Irvin
Irvin
After an uninspiring first round which saw Illinois opponent Terry Martin keep him tied down and virtually neutralized on the ground throughout most of its five minutes, Californian James Irvin rebounded in a big way with the flying knee heard around the world. It was an explosive, crowd-pleasing move that came nine seconds into round two and sent Martin to his back, where he remained unconscious for at least a minute.

In round one, Martin had safely secured the scoring with multiple takedowns and elbow shots within Irvin's guard. He was attempting to shoot in for a single-leg takedown when Irvin nailed him square with the knee at the top of the second. Administered an oxygen mask, Martin was gurneyed out of the arena, but was seen later that evening walking around the press area.

UFC 54: Boiling Point Results

Light Heavyweight Championship Title Fight
Chuck Liddell def. Jeremy Horn - TKO (Referee Stoppage / Verbal Submission) R4

Tim Sylvia def. Tra Telligman - KO (Kick) 4:59 R1
Randy Couture def. Mike Van Arsdale - Arm Triangle Choke (North-South) 0:52 R3
Diego Sanchez def. Brian Gassaway - Tap out (strikes) 1:56 R2
Georges St Pierre def. Frank Trigg - Rear-Naked Choke 4:09 R1
Matt Lindland def. Joe Doerksen - Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27}
Trevor Prangley def. Travis Lutter - Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-26, 29-27)
James Irvin def. Terry Martin - KO (Knee) 0:09 R2

UFC 54 Analysis and Ramblings
By Joe Hall

There was a sense in some MMA circles that Jeremy Horn had prepared a master strategy, something to be executed over four or five rounds that would whittle Chuck Liddell down to a fighter susceptible to a submission or being out-pointed. When that first straight right hand ripped through Horn's defense, though, it likely tore a hole in his strategy as well.

If given the choice, Horn would have undoubtedly chosen to attack Liddell on the ground. He wasn't given that choice, though. Liddell forced him to stand. Horn knew he couldn't come out of his corner diving at Liddell's legs. He had to set up his takedowns by striking with him first; he had to survive on the feet long enough to unlock the grappling game.

However, Horn got hit early with the kind of punch that ruins game plans. That first right hand Liddell landed permanently weakened Horn's defense and shut down his wrestling. Liddell took control of the distance and the cage, and Horn's takedown attempts from then on were often desperate and never close to completion. Even in the closely contested third round, in which Horn scored with several low kicks, he was fighting on Liddell's turf, according to Liddell's rules. In that world, it's only a matter of time.

One could argue Horn shouldn't have pursued Liddell around the cage. Liddell, however, has a way of luring opponents into chasing him. In his last two fights, Liddell has used movement and angles to force or bait two of the smartest fighters in the world -- Horn and Randy Couture -- into playing games with him they can't win. That's why he's the champion.

Horn was gutsy in defeat. Unfortunately for him, he still hasn't beaten the big name opponent in the big fight. Perhaps such a win would come sooner to him at 185 pounds.

OTHER NOTES
  • Georges St-Pierre sent a message to Matt Hughes at UFC 54, and Frank Trigg was the messenger. After blasting through Trigg, the 24-year-old was paraded around the cage on the shoulders of teammate David Loiseau. As fans cheered him, St. Pierre signaled to them his desire for a championship by motioning around his waist, where a UFC title could soon be strapped.

  • James Irvin threw himself into the light heavyweight mix with his dramatic knockout of Terry Martin. One win doesn't render him ready for Couture or Liddell, but a highlight like he created with his flying knee will indeed keep him around as someone to develop in a thin UFC 205-pound division.

  • Guillotine chokes were the key to Matt Lindland's victory over Joe Doerksen. Twice Lindland's chokes looked deep enough to finish the fight. Even though he didn't submit Doerksen, Lindland used guillotines multiple times to reverse the Canadian and nullify his nifty takedowns. Doerksen fought well overall and deserved the first round, though only judge Jeff Mullen awarded it to him. Surely Lindland has earned a title shot with this win.

  • Trevor Prangley is another developing contender at 185, the UFC's strongest weight class. He out-wrestled, out-struck and out-muscled Travis Lutter. The fight slowed down in the second round, though, and the third round was boring. Prangley seemed content to peck away in Lutter's guard rather than push for a finish. Rich Franklin was in a similar situation at UFC 50, when he was headed for a unanimous decision over Jorge Rivera. Unsatisfied with going the distance, the current middleweight champ passed Rivera's guard and submitted him with less than a minute remaining. That drive to put your opponent away is something that separates champions from contenders. Prangley has the tools, but he needs to show he also has the determination.

  • Tim Sylvia is right back in the heavyweight title picture. Many predicted his bout against Tra Telligman would be a slugfest, but no one expected the 6-foot 8-inch Sylvia to launch a kick up to his opponent's head for the knockout blow. From octagonside, Telligman looked like he was throwing hard and fast early in the bout. Soon, however, it became clear that Sylvia packed the greater power. Telligman was on the run and nearly escaped the first round, only he, like everyone else, didn't see that head kick coming.

  • In his win over Brian Gassaway, Diego Sanchez showed nothing more, nothing less than he's showed in the past. The UFC is, understandably, building their TUF champion slowly.

  • Randy Couture's win came through the execution of another well-devised game plan. Expecting to stuff Mike Van Arsdale's takedown attempts, the former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion honed a head-and-arm choke from the north-south position. When the choke didn't work early, Couture stuck with it until he caught Van Arsdale tired and vulnerable. The tap followed, and now the stage is set for Couture-Liddell III.

  Tuesday - August 23, 2005
TUF 2 Debuts Strong
By Loretta Hunt

The Ultimate Fighter has become the ultimate platform for mixed martial arts in the United States. Garnering mixed pre-show reviews from high-profile media outlets such as The New York Times, last night's season two premiere drew approximately 2.1 million viewers -- an 85 % increase from programming in that slot a year ago, according to Spike TV reps.

TUF 2 also saw gains from January 17th's TUF 1 season premiere with a 67% increase (2.5/643,000) in the Men 18-34 demographic and a 38% increase (2.1/1,067,000) in Men 18-49. The show was rated #1 in its cable time slot for both demographics.

Telligman Speaks on Sylvia KO;
Plans to Compete Again

By Loretta Hunt

Despite getting knocked out by former heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia with a vicious high left kick to his temple in the last second of the first round of Saturday night's UFC 54 competition in Las Vegas, UFC 54 competitor Tra Telligman was back home in Texas and in good spirits Monday -- and he plans to fight again.

Unconscious for moments on the Octagon canvas while medical technicians attended to him, Telligman snored while an oxygen mask was administered and he was strapped to a gurney. The 40-year-old fighter and 5-Time UFC veteran awoke as the gurney lifted from the canvas, but was asked to remain still as he was carried from the arena on his back.

At a local Las Vegas hospital, Lion's Den teammate Guy Mezger had the delicate task of explaining to Telligman what had happened, a situation the fighter says turned out to be a little humorous in the end.

"He said 'you got kicked in the head,'" Telligman told FCF, "and I asked who kicked me and he said Tim Sylvia. I said, 'I was fighting Tim Sylvia? Tim Sylvia kicked me in the head?'" Unaware that his 6'8" opponent had the kicking power, an incredulous Telligman made Mezger swear to him he wasn't messing around. Following a cleared CAT scan, Telligman was released and back at his hotel a couple of hours following the fight, where he treated himself to some gambling.

Tim Sylvia (left) vs. Tra Telligman
Sylvia vs. Telligman

On the 4:59 fight, which saw Sylvia land numerous combinations on the 4-2 pro boxer with little landed in return, Telligman was notably disappointed. "In all honesty, we really expected to win that fight and I was doing some things really wrong. My guys picked up on it and couldn't wait to get me back to the corner to make the adjustments because my timing was off. I was going for the one punch thing, trying to go for the knockout, instead of setting him up and doing what I was supposed to be doing. I was just so hyped up for the fight. I apologize to my fans."

A black belt in karate (American jiu-jitsu/Tae Kwon Do-based), Telligman says he's slated to compete next in Chuck Norris' World Combat League, a national-level Sport Karate promotion set to launch in the coming months.

  Thursday - August 25, 2005
From the event's promoter:
Guida to defend XFO title; Clark returns to MMA

ISLAND LAKE, Ill. -- Hometown hero Clay Guida will attempt to extend his winning streak to 14 bouts when he makes his first defense of the Xtreme Fighting Organization lightweight title this Saturday outdoors at Sideouts Bar.

In his way is John Strawn, a fighter who also knows about winning streaks. Strawn, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has a 28-5 record and once had a 26-fight win streak of his own.

XFO 7 is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling Curran Martial Arts at (815) 356-0454.

Also on the 12-bout card, 5-time UFC veteran LaVerne Clark makes his return to MMA... he hopes to put together a streak of his own en route to a return trip to the UFC.

Standout wrestler Clay French (3-0) of Eastern Illinois University will battle Josh Aroacho (2-0) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, in a battle of unbeatens.

XFO 7
Aug. 27, Sideouts, Island Lake, IL

Main event
John Strawn vs. Clay Guida
XFO lightweight championship

Main card
Jake Jetter vs. LaVerne Clark
Brandon Bledsoe vs. Bart Palaszewski
Ron Fields vs. Robert Hitte
Vito Woods vs. Aaron Tregear
Josh Aroacho vs. Clay French

Preliminaries
Jacob MacDonald vs. Jon Friedland
PJ Jordan vs. Omar Choudhury
Nick Brown vs. Reese Shaner
Jeremy Lindville vs. Justin Hutter
Nathan Hollar vs. Russ Janca
Nick Wright vs. Matt Fiordirosa

From the event's promoter:
APEX: UNDISPUTED; NEW LOOK CARD PACKS PUNCH

(Montreal, Quebec) -- Like most MMA cards, APEX: UNDISPUTED has taken a hit in terms of injuries, but APEX is proud to announce a talent filled card will be presented on September 3rd nonetheless at The Medley in Montreal (1170 St-Denis, Corner Rene-Levesque).

After a successful win in Pancrase, Ivan Menjivar was primed to fight the excellent Antonio Carvalho in the APEX main event. Carvalho, unfortunately got injured in his Shooto bout in Japan and is forced to pull out of his scheduled APEX bout. Replacing him is one of MMA's most talked about featherweights, Joe Lauzon from Massachusetts. Lauzon brings to APEX an impressive record of 9-1-0 and like Menjivar, is undefeated at 145 pounds. Lauzon holds a submission win against UFC veteran Mike Brown and is looking to play the spoiler against Canada's top featherweight.

Due to some unfortunate family issues, Stephan Potvin will no longer be competing on APEX: UNDISPUTED and APEX is currently in search for a replacement for Potvin against Fritz "The Animal" Paul.

Added to the event in a special kickboxing bout is Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson against "Ferocious" Freddie Espiricueta. Known in the kickboxing world as the next big thing in the sport, Thompson has been in APEX's plans since he made his Montreal debut in November 2004. Thompson won impressively by TKO in the 6th Round against an exceptionally tough Eric Boudreau. Thompson followed that up with a devastating 1st Round KO of Walter Baric last July in his next fight in Montreal. Thompson proved to the knowledgeable Quebec fight fans, that he is the real deal. Espiricueta comes from Mexico, through Houston and is coming to Montreal to show what true Mexican heart is all about.

Also added to the card is UFC Veteran Steve Berger who gave Fritz Paul his only defeat at the last APEX event. As a well traveled veteran with one of the most exciting styles in the world, Berger will be facing someone who has revenge on his mind. Nuri Shakir will now be stepping up the welterweight division and facing Berger who submitted him earlier in his career. Their first fight was one of the most exciting in Massachusetts history and the rematch is expected to cause fireworks.

Also changing opponents is Claude Patrick, who will now be facing APEX veteran Mandela Kponou, who defeated Marcus Celestin in the last APEX event. Kponou has gone on to have four more wins since his APEX debut and is considered a top prospect in the middleweight division. Patrick has also defeated Celestin in devastating fashion and is primed to show the Quebec fans what else he can bring to the ring.

Serge Lafond and Wojtek Kaszowski will still be facing eachother, but now they will be doing it under a different set of rules. Both fighters have agreed to fight under Full-Contact Kickboxing Rules which will definitely end in someone ending it with a KO. Brent Beauparlant will also still be facing his scheduled opponent in Chicago tough-guy Jason Guida. Guida is cementing a place as one of the toughest light heavyweights in the Midwest and Beauparlant wants to show the world what he is capable of.

Due to another injury, Martin Grandmont will now be rematching Eric Lacelle who he beat in his first professional MMA fight. Lacelle believes the fight was stopped too early and that he did not show his true skills and has revenge on his mind.

Added to the card is a bout between Nabil Khatib from Team Bushido and Sebastien Poirier of Wrecking Gym. Khatib has an excellent amateur kickboxing career under the tutelage of Jean-Yves Theriault and now is trying his luck in the MMA ring. Poirier is a tough all-around competitor who has been training for his MMA debut for a long time and finally feels ready to step into the ring.

Both Francois Flibotte's and Sean Ragnitz's opponents could not compete, so APEX put the two of them together is what is expected to be an extremely entertaining battle between a striker and a grappler.

Eric Beaulieu makes his APEX debut against Rowan Cunningham who has trained with Hamilton's Jeff Joslin. Beaulieu has fought plenty of talented fighters from around Canada and the United States and is a huge test for the newcomer Rowan Cunningham, who is known for his BJJ prowess.

Tickets for this event are available via Ticket Pro outlets at www.ticketpro.ca or (866) 908-9090. For more information, contact APEX at info@apexfighting.com or (514) 448-2492. Tickets are going extremely fast so please purchase them as soon as possible!!

APEX: UNDISPUTED LINEUP - SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FEATHERWEIGHT MAIN EVENT: IVAN MENJIVAR (TRISTAR GYM) Vs. JOE LAUZON (REALITY SELF DEFENSE)

MIDDLEWEIGHT KICKBOXING SUPERFIGHT: STEPHEN THOMPSON (UPSTATE KARATE) Vs. FREDDIE ESPIRICUETA (MEXICAN TOP TEAM)

MIDDLEWEIGHT FEATURED BOUT: FRITZ PAUL (TEAM NESTOR) Vs. TBA

WELTERWEIGHT FEATURED BOUT: STEVE BERGER (VAGHI JIU-JITSU / JONES BOXING) Vs. NURI SHAKIR (TEAM ELITE)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT FEATURED BOUT: BRENT BEAUPARLANT (BTT CANADA) Vs. JASON GUIDA (GILBERT GRAPPLING)

HEAVYWEIGHT KICKBOXING SUPERFIGHT: SERGE LAFOND (TEAM BERGERON) Vs. WOJTEK KASZOWSKI (WARRIOR MMA)

MIDDLEWEIGHT FEATURED BOUT: CLAUDE PATRICK (TORONTO) Vs. MANDELA KPONOU (DRAGON'S LAIR)

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT: MARTIN GRANDMONT (TEAM BERGERON) Vs. ERIC LACELLE (HAWKESBURY)

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT: ERIC BEAULIEU (BTT CANADA) Vs. ROWAN CUNNINGHAM (ABHAYA / JOSLINS / ALLIANCE)

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT: FRANCOIS FLIBOTTE (TEAM UNION) Vs. SEAN RAGNITZ (RONIN MMA)

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT: SEBASTIEN POIRIER (WRECKING GYM) Vs. NABIL KHATIB (TEAM BUSHIDO)

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT: MIKE HONG (BURLINGTON BJJ) vs TBA

From the event's promoter:
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30th 2005 AT THE PIERRE-CHARBONNEAU CENTER IN MONTREAL
STEVE VIGNEAULT IS BACK IN THE
ULTIMATE REMATCH!

Dear TKO Mixed Martial Art fan,

To commemorate the 22nd event in its history, TKO Major League MMA is pleased to announce one of the most anticipated rematches in the history of the organization. On September 30th 2005 two of the country’s most popular fighters, JASON "SUMO SAMURAI" ST-LOUIS (9-4-0) and former TKO Middleweight and Light-Heavyweight champion STEVE "LION HEART" VIGNEAULT (10-5-0) will go head to head again! In their first encounter, Vigneault won a TKO victory after 10 minutes in the bout when the doctor decided to stop the fight due to a nasty cut on St-Louis. A lot of people believe this war wasn’t over and now, one of the most exciting fight in Mixed Martial Art history is about to start again! Will St-Louis be able to withstand Vigneault’s relentless attacks? Will Vigneault remember how to counter all the spectacular submission attempts from St-Louis? Hold on to your seats as the deafening roars from the supporters of both sides are set to blow the doors off the building!

Also on the fight card: MARK "THE MACHINE" HOMINICK looks to defend his title one again in a rematch against his #1 contender, RYAN DIAZ in a unification bout for the TKO World Super Lightweight championship. TKO superstar JONATHAN "THE ROAD WARRIOR" GOULET is also back in action as he takes on UFC veteran "MR. INTERNATIONAL" SHONIE CARTER. Another UFC veteran will be in action as heavy-hitter MARVIN "THE BEASTMAN" EASTMAN takes on Sherbrooke’s own YAN PELLERIN. TKO 22: LionHeart, a fight card filled with some of the best fighters from around the world fighting in one of the most prestigious playground in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts: the TKO ring!

Be there and witness the rise of MMA stars SPENCER FISHER, FABIO HOLANDA, THIERRY QUENNEVILLE, CHRIS HORODECKI, SAMUEL GUILLET, TYLER JACKSON and many, many more!

This card will feature total of TEN (10) explosive and main event caliber fights! Tickets (20$, 35$, 50$, 75$, 100$ and 200$) are on now available by calling the TKO Ticket Office at 1-866-445-8886 or by visiting the Pierre-Charbonneau Center ticket office.

From the event's promoter:
RITC 74 - In Your Face
Featuring Andy Montana, Gabe Rivas & Melesio Perales
Saturday September 10, 2005
Pinal County - Parks, Recreation & Fairgrounds
11 MC Road - Casa Grande, Arizona
Doors Open: 6 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM

Tickets prices are $20 (General Admission Bleachers) and $30 (Floor Level Seating).

It will be an exciting night of fighting action when Rage in the Cage returns to Casa Grande for the tenth RITC event there. Popular local fighters will be showcased in this event to the appreciate and supportive tri-valley fans.

Fight Card:

Andy Montana (235) vs Rich Beecroft (235)
Melesio Perales (175) vs Robert Maldonado (175)
Gabe Rivas (160) vs Norman Pierce (155)

Michael Ashford (215) vs Anthony Trango (215)
Robert King (195) or Neil Abbott (200)vs Seth Baczynski (200)
Jason Hofeld (160) vs David Marquez (160)
Gabriel Flores (180) vs Derek Kram (180)

Dominik Cruz (150) vs Josh Donahue (150)
Eddie Castro (150) vs Rosco McClelland (150)
Nick Hedrick (150) vs Arturo Salcido (150)
Brandon Oliver (140) vs Joe Stojak (150)

Fight card subject to change.

Here are the directions for those traveling from Phoenix or Tucson for the event.

Take I-10 to Exit 194
Head East on 287 away from CG for 7 miles
Turn right on 11 Mile Corner Rd and you're there

Next event:

RITC 75 - Friday Night Fights
Glendale Arena
Friday Sept 30, 2005

From the event's promoter:
Arizona Desert Quest #14
Grappling / BJJ Championship

Date: Saturday Aug 27, 2005
Location: Broadway Recreation Center
624 W Broadway Rd - Mesa, AZ

Weigh-Ins: Kids 1PM (cut off at 1:30PM). Adults 3PM (cut off at 3:30PM).
Tournament Time: Kids 2PM. Adults 4PM.

All teams and individual competitors are welcomed to participate.

Competitor entry fee: $30 for one Division or $50 for both. To encourage Team participation, there will be a team discount for 5 or more team members registering together ($25 for one Division or $40 for both).
Children (by weight not age): $20
Spectator admission only $5.

Planned weight classes for Gi and No-Gi Tournaments:
135 lbs - 147 lbs
148 lbs - 160 lbs
161 lbs - 173 lbs
174 lbs - 188 lbs
189 lbs - 201 lbs
202 lbs - 213 lbs
214 lbs - Over

There will also be an OPEN Women's Gi Division and an OPEN Women's No-Gi Division.

Directions: 624 W Broadway RD. South side between Country Club and Alma School.

  Friday - August 26, 2005
FCF New Issue Check out what's in the current issue of FCF ...

Challenge: Wanderlei Silva and Marco Ruas call out Rickson Gracie.

Ultimate Fight Night garners big mixed reviews, but big numbers for Spike TV.

MMA Legislation: Updates in Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and California.

U.S. Boxing Commission: Will the proposed oversight body affect MMA?

Pride Bushido 8: Live coverage from Japan.

Chute Boxe-BTT Rivalry.

UFC 54: Boiling Point preview.

Meet Laura D'Auguste, the lady who's been plowing through the women's MMA ranks at 131 lbs.

Long time coming: Jeremy Horn is back in the UFC and fighting for the Light-Heavyweight title.

Pride Final Conflict 2005 preview.

Freedom Fights: Team USA vs. Team Canada.

Meca 12: A night of Chute Boxe in Rio.

AFC 13: MMA vets Denes and Rodriguez rebuild careers.

SuperBrawl 41: Icon - Lawler takes out Vitale.

K-1 World Hawaii Grand Prix 2005: Penn Decisions Gracie.

This month's Shooto Report covers 3 shows: the July 3rd in Nagoya and the July 14th & July 3oth shows in Tokyo.

Roxanne Modefferi BioFile.

Fight fans give their thoughts on UFN and predictions for UFC 54 and the Pride GP.

In our monthly columns...

In Matt Hume's techniques, Matt Hume & Daniel Eng demonstrate a Guard pass to heel hook.

In the Punchers Corner, champion kickboxer Derek Panza presents Part 3 of Organizing Your Training For Mixed Martial Arts.

In Fightin' Fit, Former AMC Pankration strength & conditioning coach Mark Ginther presents part 2 of Strength Training 101 - The Deadlift.

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


For FASTEST service call in your credit card order
(516)676-0033
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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:
HOOKnSHOOT

Coming off a monstrous sellout show of 3,400 plus fans on April 2, 2005, HOOKnSHOOT sets the stage for another potential sellout. Nearly 6 times the normal amount of tickets have already been sold before the complete lineup was released.

FOUR main event fights, two women's fights and a stacked undercard are shaping up to ignite the Evansville, Indiana Coliseum in just two weeks.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2005
HEATH PEDIGO vs. ROCKY GOODSON
KACEY ROSS vs. DARREN MORSE
JEFF MACKE vs. JASON BRYANT
SCOTT HENZE vs. BRENT WEEDMAN
JULIE KEDZIE vs. ANNE DEVILLE (tentative)
MOLLY HELSEL vs. VICTORIA REMINGTON
THIAGO PITBULL vs. ASH BOWMAN.
COURTNEY RAY vs. FRANK KIRMSE
PAULO DANTAS vs. IRA BOYD

A special guest has been added to the event. MMA fighter and WWE $1,000,000 TOUGH ENOUGH winner Daniel Puder will be in attendance to support his training partners at Louisville MMA and to meet and greet fans of HOOKnSHOOT.

Aaron Riley vs. Hector Munoz was announced earlier this week but will be postponed until a later date. Riley will be attendance with team members Dantas and Thiago.

Tickets are on sale (but VIP tables and front row are gone). Get your tickets NOW at HOOKnSHOOT TICKETS. http://store.yahoo.com/fightworld2/

  Saturday - August 27, 2005
Pride Middleweight Grand Prix title belt
Pride Middleweight Grand Prix:
Final Conflict 2005 Weigh-Ins

By Roxanne Modafferi

TOKYO, August 27th -- The banquet hall doors of the Century Marriott Tokyo Hotel swung open. Camera-toting reporters dashed to the first two rows of a sea of chairs closest to the stage where the fighters would be weighed in. A few minutes later, at least one hundred mostly Japanese entered the room, shuffling after an official who held a sign saying "Pride Fan Club." After being told in three different languages to wait, ominous music flooded the room from overhead speakers. The fighters made their entrance. Weigh-ins were preceded by opening statements by Dream Stage Entertainment CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara and Nobuhiko Takada.

Silva and Arona exchange words
Silva and Arona exchange words

Officials brought in the scales and Igor Vovchanchyn was the first to step up, followed by his opponent Kazuhiro Nakamura. Alistair Overeem came next carrying a big hammer, which he was forced to relinquish once it tipped the scales too heavy. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua followed closely behind. Next came Wanderlei Silva, glaring at everyone like a hungry wolf, opponent and audience alike. Another dangerous man stalked onto the stage, and Ricardo Arona stepped on the scales. The famous stare-down ensued. Their eyes locked, Silva and Arona exchange a few terse words in Portuguese, much to the audience's delight, before returning to their seats on opposite ends of the room. The weigh-ins ended with cheers from the fan club and posing for group pictures.

OvereemShogun
OvereemShogun

Weights:
  • Mauricio Rua - 92.2 kg / 203.3 lbs
  • Alistair Overeem - 92.5 kg / 203.9 lbs
  • Wanderlei Silva - 92.9 kg / 204.8 lbs
  • Ricardo Arona - 92.8 kg / 204.6 lbs
  • Kazuhiro Nakamura - 92.9 kg / 204.8 lbs
  • Igor Vovchanchyn - 92.7 kg / 204.4 lbs

NakamuraVovchanchyn
NakamuraVovchanchyn

Pride Final Conflict 2005 will be held tomorrow (Sunday, August 28, 2005) at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The event will air the same day on Pay-Per-View in North America, check your local listings for times.

  Monday - August 29, 2005
Pride: Final Conflict 2005
Held August 28, 2005
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama, Japan

Click here for results & post-fight photos


  Tuesday - August 30, 2005
TUF Ratings Climb
By Loretta Hunt

The Ultimate Fighter has begun its climb. Last night’s August 29th airing of TUF 2 scored a 1.76 Nielsen HouseHold rating and nabbed 2,238,000 viewers its second episode into the sophomore series. With the exit of loudmouth Louisianan Melvin Guillard came the entrance of more viewers, particularly in the Male 18-34 and 25-34 demographics, which rated a 2.75 (up 10%) and a 3.71 (up 27%). According to reps at SPIKE, no previously aired episode has scored a higher M18-34 rating since the series’ inception last January.

TUF Season 2 Ratings Watch
(HouseHold Rating/# of Viewers)
  • Episode 1- 1.7/2.1 million
  • Episode 2- 1.76/2,238,000 million

From the event's promoter:
MFC 5 'USA versus JAPAN'
Saturday, November 5th, 2005
Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ

MFC 5 poster Tickets are available now at www.ticketmaster.com / Keywords: Mixed Fighting Championship or by calling them at 1-800-736-1420.

'The Mixed Fighting Championships is back in Atlantic City!' states MFC matchmaker Miguel Iturrate. 'This event is themed 'USA versus JAPAN' and the MFC will be bringing our full production out for this event! Team Japan will feature MFC veterans Daisuke '13' Hanazawa, Kazuki Okubo, Hiroyuki Abe who were here for MFC 3. In Eddie Alvarez, Kurt Pellegrino and Joe Lauzon respectively, they have signed up for tough, exciting fights.'

'We have additional bouts to be announced, and we will be releasing much more information on this show in the coming days and weeks!' continues the matchmaker.

The current card appears below and is subject to final approval by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board.

Current Card - (Subject To Change):

'USA versus JAPAN' - MMA (3 RDS of 5 MIN):

3 ROUNDS / 170 LBS:
Eddie Alvarez (Fight Factory, Philadelphia, PA) v. Daisuke '13' Hanazawa (MMA Dojo Cobra-kai, Osaka, Japan)

3 ROUNDS / 170 LBS:
Kurt Pellegrino (ATT, Ft Lauderdale, FL) v. Kazuki Okubo (U-File, Tokyo, Japan)

3 ROUNDS / 145 LBS:
Joe Lauzon (Reality Self Defense, Boston, MA) v. Hiroyuki Abe (AACC, Tokyo, Japan)

3 ROUNDS / 265 LBS:
Alex Roberts (#3 in Pancrase, Kuju-ken Kaikan / Justice Management, Tokyo, Japan) v. Jay White (Team Quest, Portland, OR)

3 ROUNDS / 215 LBS:
Mike Patt (Team Jorge Gurgel JJ, Dayton, OH) v. Yusuke Masuda (AACC, Tokyo, Japan)

3 ROUNDS / 130 LBS:
Chris Macgrath (Advanced Fighting Systems, Mahwah, NJ) v. 'BJ' (AACC, Tokyo, Japan)

3 ROUNDS / 185 LBS:
Jose Rodriguez (Pitt's Pen, NJ) v. Yuichirou Tsuchida (Kuju-ken Kaikan, Osaka, Japan)

3 ROUNDS / 170 LBS:
Chris Ligouri (Pitt's Pen, NJ) v. 'Toraji' (AACC, Tokyo, Japan)

3 ROUNDS / 170 LBS:
Stephen Haigh (Fight Factory, Philadelphia, PA) v. Yuji Miyazaki (MMA Dojo Cobra-kai, Osaka, Japan)

3 ROUNDS / 170 LBS:
Joey 'KNOCKDOWN' Brown (Team Renzo Gracie, NJ) v. TBD


MFC SPOTLITE:
3 ROUNDS / 132 LBS (Ladies):
Tara Larosa (Team ROC, Fayetteville NC) v. TBD

3 ROUNDS / 170 LBS:
Bristol Marunde (ATT, Seattle, WA) v. Rich Attonito (Planet JJ, East Hanover, NJ)

3 ROUNDS / 170 LBS:
Thiago 'Pitbull' Alves (ATT, Ft Lauderdale, FL) v. Jay Jack (Academy of MMA, Portland, ME)

  Wednesday - August 31, 2005
FCF NHB Extreme Fight Shorts
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PRIDE Modifications Denied by Cali Commission;
Regs Back on Track for November Approval

By Loretta Hunt

The pendulum swung back yesterday in downtown Los Angeles, as the California State Athletic Commission voted not to adopt three PRIDE-requested modifications they had previously decided to add to the Golden state's yet-to-approved mixed martial arts regulations at an August 2nd meeting.

With a vote of 4-1, proposed Section 512 allowing for a 10-5-5 minute round format was denied; while Section 513, which would allow for optional fighter equipment such as wrestling shoes and gis, fell with a vote of 3-2. Of the five members to vote at the proceedings (two of which were new to the Commission and were absent from past informational meetings relevant to the proposals), none would make a motion to either support or reject proposed Section 523, which would have allowed for the use of a PRIDE-designed ring in MMA events conducted in California. With no motion introduced, this third proposal was also shot down.

The Commission's August 2nd ruling to allow for these three alternative additions had essentially "pulled back" already (Commission) passed regulations from the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), its final step in getting final approval within the state government. Now that the modifications have been dropped, MMA regulations will begin their trek again through the lawmaking process, leaving the Commission unaltered on route back to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).

"Director Zettel has already signed the regulations, so there's no reason to suspect there will be any delay," DCA Deputy Director told FCF following the proceedings. "Once the regulations are signed-off by the State Secretary, who also approved them on their last trip through, Hall says she has no indication of foreseeable problems once they reach the OAL for review. With this new timeline, the regulations could achieve final approval with the State in an estimated 30 to 45 days. Following a requisite 30-day wait period, the first sanctioned MMA event in California could take place as early as November.

Click here to continue the article


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