STEELE CAGE PRODUCTIONS presents “FIREWORKS IN THE CAGE”

7-7-2007, Denver, CO
Event date: 7-7-2007

From the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV

The International Fighting Organization's first MMA event will be taped for broadcast on HDNet, Friday, July 13 at 10:00 p.m. ET. 

Promoted by Hall of Fame Boxing referee Richard Steele and Steve Oshins.

Fight Card:

Joey Gorczynski vs. Joe Cronin 
Chilo Gonzalez vs. Dan Molina
Zac George vs. Ryan Roberts
Tony Barker vs. Tyler Stinson
Lee Gibson vs. Talon Hofman
Bao Quach vs. Del Hawkins
Kelly Gray vs. James Funny

Featherweight Title Bout: Eric Payne vs. Brandon Shelton

 

Light Heavyweight Title Bout: Marvin Eastman vs. Rob Kimmons

 

Heavyweight Title Bout: Chris Guillen vs. Wes Simms

 

UFC 73 - Fighter Weigh-in Results 

7-7-2007, Denver, CO

From Sacramento, California

 

All fighters on the card made weight.

Middleweight Title Bout: Nate Marquardt (182.5lbs) vs. Anderson Silva (184.5lbs) 
Lightweight Bout: Hermes Franca (154.5lbs) vs. Sean Sherk (154.5lbs) 
Light Heavyweight Bout: Rashad Evans (204lbs) vs. Tito Ortiz (205.5lbs) 
Heavyweight Bout: Heath Herring (259lbs) vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (240.5lbs) 
Lightweight Bout: Alvin Robinson (156lbs) vs. Kenny Florian (155.5lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Mike Nickels (205.5lbs) vs. Stephan Bonnar (204.5lbs) 
Lightweight Bout: Diego Saraiva (155lbslbs) vs. Jorge Gurgel (155.5lbs) 
Welterweight Bout: Jason Gilliam (171lbs) vs. Chris Lytle (169.5lbs) 
Lightweight Bout:  Mark Bocek (154.5lbs) vs. Frank Edgar (154.5lbs) 

 

UFC 73 "STACKED" - Tomorrow From Sacramento California

7-6-2007, Denver, CO

Event date: 7-7-2007, 7pm PT/10pm ET , 

From the Arco Arena in Sacramento, CA

4:30pm ARCO Arena doors open, 5:15pm first live bout, 7:00pm Main card begins - live on pay-per-view

UFC presents the biggest fight card of the summer on Saturday, July 7th! “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz returns to the Octagon to face the undefeated winner of The Ultimate Fighter 2, Rashad Evans. The UFC Middleweight Championship will be on the line when champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva brings his Muay Thai skills to the Octagon against the 7-time King of Pancrase, Nate “The Great” Marquardt. Then, Sean “Muscle Shark” Sherk makes his first defense of the UFC Lightweight Championship against Brazilian fighter Hermes Franca. 

 

Tickets on sale through TICKETMASTER.COM and the ARCO Arena box office.

 

TSUNAMI FC "Fists of Fury 4: Rebirth" -  Results

7-5-2007, 

Denver, CO

 

Last Saturday, on June 30th 2007, Shidokan Germany hosted the fourth edition of "Fists of Fury" called "Rebirth!" in the Jahn Sporthalle in Stuttgart Germany. The event showed fighters from Japan, Holland, France, Poland, Brazil and Germany and two new Champions in SHIDO MMA were crowned. 

 

Fists of Fury 4: Rebirth! Official Results

1st Fight: Finals SHIDO MMA World Grand Prix -70 kg: Ben Amor Samy (Shidokan/France) vs. Moncef Mhabdi (Team Duke/Germany). Winner Moncef Mhabdi by Submission Round 1

2nd Fight: Finals SHIDO MMA World Grand Prix -77 kg: Marek Chwalibogowski (Emers Team Katowice/Poland) vs. Tomasz Jeruszka (Emers Team Katowice/Poland). Winner Tomasz Jeruszka by Submission Round 1

3rd Fight: Superfight Shidokan Karate -65 kg: Shingo Yokoyama (Shidokan/Japan) vs. Altan Seven (German Top Team/Germany). Winner Shingo Yokoyama after 2 rounds by Waza-ari.

4th Fight: Women MMA B-Class -60 kg: Nadia van der Weel (Team Duncan/Holland) vs. Annika Sitter (German Top Team/Germany). Winner Nadia van der Weel by TKO Round 2

5th Fight: Superfight Thaiboxing -76 kg: Katel Kubis (Fight World/Brazil) vs. Andreas Beckert (German Top Team/Germany). Winner Katel Kubis by KO Round 1

6th Fight: A-Class MMA -70 kg: Regiz Lima (Fight World/Brazil) vs. Jesse-Björn Buckler (Team IMAG/Germany). Winner Jesse-Björn Buckler by TKO Round 1

7th Fight: Title Match MMA -77 kg: Josenildo de Oliveira (Fight World/Brazil - Challenger) vs. Peter Angerer (German Top Team/Germany - Champion). Winner and new Champion Josenildo de Oliveira by KO Round 1

8th Fight: Title Match MMA -70 kg: Rivano Regiz (Fight World/Brazil) vs. Franco De Leonardis (German Top Team/Germany). Winner and new Champion Franco De Leonardis by Decision

The team-fight "Germany vs. Brazil" ended in a 2:2 draw.

 

NEW YORK BAD ASS - Tests Positive of Steroids!

7-4-2007

Denver, CO 

 

The California State Athletic Commission reports that Phil Baroni tested positive for illegal steroids following the June 22nd, Strikeforce bout against Frank Shamrock. 

 

C.S.A.C. testing indicated trace amounts of Boldenone Metabolite and Stanozolol Metabolite. Both drugs are steroids normally used to treat horses.

 

Baroni has been fined $2,500 and will be suspended a year, pending appeal.

Baroni's manager Ken Pavia, gave this statement: “While we respect the process and intent of the tests, we are disappointed with the results as they are completely unexpected. Phil did not knowingly ingest these drugs, which we are told are veterinary in nature. We intend to explore all rights that are afforded by the state commission and Armando Garcia."

 

PANCRASE USA - Belt Rank Promotion

7-3-2007

Denver, CO

 

Gutierrez and instructor Billy Hendricks

 

Matt Gutierrez is hereby awarded the rank of  Blue Belt of Pancrase Mixed Martial Arts.  Matt received the coveted degree in a special awards ceremony last night at the Stars Training Center in Broomfield, Colorado.  Congratulations - Pancrase Promotions Committee.

 

MMA News Briefs

7-3-2007

Denver, CO

 

The New York Times on Drug Testing in MMA - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/03/sports/othersports/03fight.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

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IFL - Launches on line photo store - Site gives fans the opportunity to purchase and download high quality imagery captured inside and outside the ring for the first time.  http://pictopia.com/gallery/ifl

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Phil Baroni's message to UFC President Dana White

(In the news at wrestling observer, Dave Meltzer says that in a news interview Dana admitted that watching Frank beat Baroni was "painful". He also says he'd like to sign Frank to a two fight deal where he'd fight Rich Franklin, then Anderson Silva next.)

(He said Franklin would "knock his head off his shoulders" and then Silva would "kill him". ) 

I don't think so.  And I like my chances against either one. 

(Dana admitted that watching Frank beat Baroni was "painful". )

What was so bad to watch? I had my moments in the fight. I walked out of cage on my own power. Unlike my opponent. 

Anderson Silva, Franklin was painful to watch. 

I could name a few more that were more painful recently but I wont go there. 

Franklin should have to fight me in order to get a shot at Frank. 

Its all good in the hood. Every dog has his day. I'll keep fighting like one until I get mine.

NYBA - Phil B 

GLOBAL FC - Announces Inaugural Event in August
7-3-200, Denver, CO

Event date: August 17, 2007, 8:00pm EST

Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, Connecticut

As announced last week, Global Fighting Championships will hold its inaugural event, a night of live Mixed Martial Arts fighting on August 17 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Living up to Global FC’s mission to bring top-tier fighters to the East Coast market, the card will feature MMA legend Mark Kerr, highly touted Middleweight Edwin “Babyface” Dewees, fan favorite Eric “Butterbean” Esch and more in action. Today Global FC announced the first of two championship bouts to be contested at its debut: 

Global FC Heavyweight Championship

Jeff “The Snowman” Monson vs. Wes “The Project” Sims

On August 17, as the first Global FC Heavyweight Champion will be determined when Jeff Monson locks horns with Wes Sims. This bout between two of MMA’s top heavyweights will be a true contrast in fighting styles between grappler and brawler. 

Monson, a master of the mat, was given the nickname “The Snowman” due to his impressive performance at the 1999 Abu Dhabi Combat Club tournament, defeating four Brazilian competitors in a row as a relative unknown. It was said that like a snowball, Monson was “white, compact, rolling, and kept getting bigger and stronger as the tournament went on”. Monson ended up winning the ADCC Championship. Jeff has a Masters Degree in Psychology but now uses his “Masters Degree” in submission grappling instead. He has an MMA record of 23-6-0. Monson has fought in Pride FC and has competed for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in the past. He will likely want to rely on his grappling to get his opponent on the ground on August 17 in order to neutralize his height and reach advantage. 

That is because he is facing the 6’10” tall Wes “The Project” Sims.

Wes Sims, standing 6’10” tall presents a daunting challenge for any fighter. Add to that the fact that ”The Project” is known as one of the most aggressive and unpredictable fighters in MMA. Sims originally wanted to be a Pro Wrestler, but he was drawn into MMA by Mark “The Hammer” Coleman. He has an MMA record of 17-9-1 and is looking to advance his career with a high profile Title win over Monson. “The Project” will need to use his massive reach to keep his distance from Monson and avoid being taken down. If he can keep the fight standing, and is able to unleash powerful strikes, Sims could find himself with the championship. Sims may be best known for an infamous incident in a UFC fight with Frank Mir in which he grabbed the cage for leverage and used repeated illegal stomps to the face and head of Mir knocking him out. 

The Global FC “Weekly Wire” returns next week with a closer look at the Super Heavyweight battle between Butterbean and Stefan Gamlin.

Who: Global Fighting Championships

What: 8 big fights featuring professional stars of MMA including Butterbean, Mark Kerr, Jeff Monson, Wes Sims, Edwin Dewees and many more!

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena

When: August 17 at 8pm Est.

Tickets: Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster: (860) 886-0070 or on-line by visiting www.ticketmaster.com 

 

IFL - Semifinals Fight Card

7-3-2007, Denver, CO

Event date: 8-2-2007
Continental Airlines Arena

East Rutherford, NJ

Sabres (Ken Yasuda) vs. Pitbulls (Renzo Gracie):
Savant Young vs. Erik Owings 
Antonio McKee vs. Delson Heleno 
Kazuhiro Hamanaka vs. Fabio Leopoldo 
Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Jamal Patterson 
Wayne Cole vs. Bryan Vetell 

Anacondas (Shawn Tompkins) vs. Silverbacks (Pat Miletich): 
Chris Horodecki vs. Bart Palaszewski 
Jay Hieron vs. Rory Markham 
Benji Radach vs. Ryan McGivern 
Alex Schoenauer vs. Mike Ciesnolevicz 
Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Ben Rothwell 

 

UFC 73 "STACKED" - LINE UP
7-2-2007 Denver, CO

Event date: 7-7-2007

Live from the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, CA

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) today announced the full line-up of fights for UFC 73: STACKED including two intense championship bouts and a heated grudge match between two light heavyweight rivals. UFC 73: STACKED features UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva in his first title defense vs. Nate “The Great” Marquardt. UFC Lightweight Champion Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk puts his newly-won belt on the line vs. Brazil’s Hermes Franca. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira steps into the Octagon™ for the first time for a heavyweight war with Heath Herring – and Tito Ortiz intends to put a painful end to Rashad Evans’ perfect 15-0 record. Let the fireworks begin. UFC 73, loaded with UFC superstars, takes place LIVE from ARCO Arena in Sacramento, Calif. Saturday, July 7, 2007.

Fight card:

Sean Sherk vs. Hermes Franca 
Anderson Silva vs. Nate Marquardt 
Tito Ortiz vs. Rashad Evans 
Antonio "Minotauro" Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Heath Herring 
Alvin Robinson vs. Kenny Florian 
Mike Nickels vs. Stephan Bonnar 
Jorge Gurgel vs. Diego Saraiva 
Jason Gilliam vs. Chris Lytle 
Mark Bocek vs. Frank Edgar 

Tickets for UFC 73: STACKED are on sale now with prices $550, $350, $250, $150 and $50. The fastest and most convenient way to purchase tickets is by visiting the Ticketmaster Web site at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone at (916) 649-TIXS, (530) 528-TIXS and (209) 551-TIXS. Tickets are also available at the ARCO Arena Box Office, which is open Monday thru Saturday from 10am to 6pm and at all Sacramento-area Ticketmaster locations and at www.ufc.com. 

UFC 73: STACKED is available live on pay-per-view at 10:00pm. ET/7 p.m. PT on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, Bell ExpressVu, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95 ($39.99 CAD).

 

IFL - Red Bears, Silverbacks' Battle in Chicago Featured Monday on MyNetworkTV 
7-1-2007

Denver, CO

The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI), the world’s number one professional mixed martial arts league, goes inside the matchup between the Chicago Red Bears and the defending IFL Champion Quad Cities Silverbacks, in the next episode of “IFL Battleground” on Monday, July 2, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT/MT). “IFL Battleground” airs every Monday night, with a replay on Saturday, on MyNetworkTV

 

K-1 WORLD MAX 2007 - Results

6-29-2007, Denver, CO

From the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan

 

1. Farid Villaume defeated Nonthanun Por. Pramuk by unanimous decision.
2. Yuji Nashiro defeated Hakuto by KO at 2:46 of rd 2.
3. Keiji Ozaki defeated Pak Wing Heung by decision.
4. Tatsuji defeated Andy Ologun by decision.
5. Takayuki Kohiruimaki defeated Tsogto Amara by unanimous decision
6. Artur Kyshenko defeated Su Hwan Lee by KO at 1:26 of rd 3.
7. Mike Zambidis defeated Drago by unanimous decision.
8. Yoshihiro Sato defeated Denis Schneidmiller by unanimous decision.
9. Andy Souwer defeated Ole Laursen by KO at 2:07 of rd 1.
10 Albert Kraus defeated Virgil Kalakoda by unanimous decision.
11. Buakaw Por. Pramuk defeated Nieky Holtzken by unanimous decision.
12. Masato defeated Gesias Calvancanti by unanimous decision.

IFL - To be offered to servicemen & women on bases around the world beginning in July 

6-29-2007

Denver, CO

The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI), the world’s number one team-based professional mixed martial arts league, Alfred Haber Distribution (AHDI) and Fox Sports Net today announced that the American Forces Network will begin airing “IFL Fight Night” beginning in July on a weekly basis.

“We are very pleased that servicemen and women around the globe will now be able to see our world class coaches and athletes on a regular basis,” said Gareb Shamus, IFL co-founder and CEO. “This TV deal, along with our recent partnership with the USO, reaches a key fan base for the sport, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow our relationship with the military in every way we can.”

"The American Forces Network is tremendously excited to have the opportunity to work with the International Fight League, "said Jeff White, executive director of the Defense Media Center. "Mixed martial arts programming has tremendous appeal to our military audience serving overseas. And IFL is particularly appealing in that it's a team-oriented sport that reflects the international flavor of our uniformed services. Many in our audience are seasoned veterans in several of these specific fighting styles, including wrestling, karate, Taekwondo, kickboxing, judo and jiu-jitsu. We're grateful to the IFL and Alfred Haber Distribution. The fact that Mr. Shamus and Mr. Haber have allowed the American Forces Network to distribute the IFL is yet another example of America's commitment to, and support of, our military men and women overseas."

The deal with AFN is the latest in a series of partnerships between the IFL and the military. Earlier this month the IFL launched an awareness partnership with the USO, with the two organizations working together on a series of goodwill and multimedia projects year-round. Currently IFL coaches and world champions Pat Miletich and Don Frye, along with reigning world champion Dan Henderson are on a Goodwill Tour of the Persian Gulf. IFL coaches and athletes also recently entertained over 3,000 servicemen and women as part of “Fleet Week 2007,” and have held clinics with servicemen and women in Chicago, Everett, Washington, and New London, Connecticut.

The coverage on AFN will be in addition to the IFL’s United States deals with “IFL Battleground” on MyNetwork TV (Mondays at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific/7 p.m. Central) and “Fight Night” (Fridays at 11 p.m. on FSN). IFL programming will also be seen starting in July on CanWest Global in Canada, who will distribute the shows on their Global X-Treme Sports Channel and MBC, the leading free-to-air Pan-Arab news and entertainment channel in the Middle East and parts of Africa. The next IFL event will be held Thursday, August 2, at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, N.J., the IFL’s championship semi-finals.

 

K-1 WORLD MAX 2007 - World Tournament Final Elimination

6-28-2007, Denver, CO

Event date: Thu. 28th, June 2007
Gates Open PM5:00 Start PM6:00
Place: Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan

 

Tournament Final Elimination Bouts / K-1 Rules:
9. Masato (Japan / Silver Wolf Top-4 Fighter in 2006) VS J.Z. Calvan (Brazil / American Top Team) 
8. Buakaw Por. Pramuk (Thailand / Por.Pramuk Gym 2006 Champ) VS Nieky "The Natural" Holtzken (Holland / Golden Glory Gym, West Europe Champ) 
7. Albert Kraus (Holland / Team Super Pro Top-8 Fighter in 2006) VS Virgil Kalakoda South Africa / Warrior's MMA  Academy, Top-8 Fighter in 2006) 
6. Andy Souwer (Holland / Shooto Boxing Holland Finalist in 2006) VS Ole Laursen (Denmark / Untamed)
5. Yoshihiro Sato (Japan / FULLCAST, Nagoya JK Factory Japan Champion) VS Denis Schneidmiller (Germany / Feuer sports, East Europe Champ) 
4. Drago (Armenia / Team IT'S SHOW TIME Top-4 Fighter in 2006) VS Mike Zambidis (Greece / Mega Gym)
3. Artur Kyshenko (Ukraine / Captain Odessa) VS Su Hwan Lee (Republic of Korea / Inchoen Moobi Gym Asia Champ) 

Super Fights: / K-1 Rules 
2. Takayuki Kohiruimaki (Japan / Team Dragon Top-8 Fighter in 2006) VS Tsogto "SHINOBU" Amara (Mongolia / Freelance Represent of Mongolia)
1. TATSUJI (Japan / Iron Ax Japan Tournament Finalist) VS Andy Ologun (Nigeria / Team Ologun)

Opening Fights:
3. Keiji Ozaki (Japan / Team Dragon) VS Pak Wing Heung (Hong Kong / Wunique Thai boxing) 
2. Yuji Nashiro (Japan / Cyoujoukai Theagenes Sports Academy) VS (HAKUTO Japan / Ranger Shinagawa Gym) 
1. Nonthanun Por. Pramuk (Thailand / Por. Pramuk Gym) VS Farid Villaume (France / Phenix Muay Thai) 

 

MMA News Briefs

6-28-2007

Denver, CO

 

SHAMROCK released from the UFC 

 

Ken Shamrock announced on Fight Network Radio that he’s been released from his contract with the UFC.  According to Shamrock, UFC president Dana White’s strong dislike for the IFL (Shamrock is a IFL coach) is the main reason their relationship has ended.

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FORMER K1 CHAMP - Positive for Cocaine

 

The California State Athletic Commission reports that 2003 K-1 USA champ Carter Williams has tested positive for cocaine. 

 

Williams lost (TKO from strikes) an under card bout against Paul Buentello on last Friday’s Strikeforce show in San Jose, California. 

If found guilty, Williams could be fined $1,000 and receive a six-month suspension.

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BRAZILIAN TOP TEAM 

 

Graciefighter reports rumors that Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira has left Brazilian Top Team have been confirmed. Nogueira now heads his own team and does his training at other gyms. A split between Murillo Bustamante and Mario Sperry has resulted in Sperry's ouster. Paulo Filho and others that made the core of the team have also left. BTT now is being controlled primarily by Murillo Bustamante and Bebeo Duarte.

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SHAMROCK VS BARONI - Strikeforce Replay on Showtime

 

SHOWTIME will televise last Friday’s EliteXC/Strikeforce mixed martial arts event—“Shamrock vs. Baroni”—on Saturday, June 30, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast includes tremendous performances by the first ever Strikeforce middleweight champion Frank Shamrock, the first-ever EliteXC middleweight champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua and rising star Cung Le. The action-packed six-fight telecast was co-promoted by EliteXC and Strikeforce and aired live on pay-per-view from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., this past Friday. 

 

IFL -  Co-founders' Statement
6-28-2007

Denver, CO 

On behalf of everyone at the International Fight League, we wanted to thank you for all your support as we have completed our first regular season. 

We now move on to the first-ever playoffs on August 2 at Continental Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In the first matchup Renzo Gracie’s Pitbulls, led by the electrifying Delson Heleno, meeting Ken Yasuda’s Tokyo Sabres, led by the undefeated tandem of duo of Antonio McKee (Los Angeles) and Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko (Belarus). The other matchup will feature Sean Tompkins undefeated Los Angeles Anacondas, led by the undefeated duo of Benji Radich and Chris Horodecki, taking on Pat Miletich’s Quad Cities Silverbacks, led by undefeated heavyweight Ben Rothwell. The two teams that advance will meet Thursday, September 20, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, for the first-ever IFL Championship. 

There have been a number of positive developments since we last wrote to you. 

Some key highlights of the first-regular season include: 

Attendance records set in the states of Illinois (Moline), Washington (Everett) and Oregon (Portland) in the past year, as well as solid crowds at Mohegan Sun, a sellout crowd in the first-ever MMA event at the Las Vegas Hilton, and an arena record crowd at the Sears Centre in Chicago. 

The IFL brought mixed martial arts to broadcast prime television for the first time with the launch of “IFL Battleground” on MyNetworkTV this past March. The show, hosted by Bas Rutten and Tiffany Fallon, has enjoyed ratings success and has been extended as part of the new network’s fall schedule Monday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific/7 p.m. Central. The IFL has found a home Friday nights at 11 p.m. on cable as well, with “IFL Fight Night” on FSN. Like “IFL Battleground,” the show has enjoyed solid ratings in the time slot. Over two million people are now viewing IFL programming on a weekly basis, and both shows will air in over 60 countries in North America, the Middle East and parts of Africa starting in July. 

The first-ever IFL home video “Greatest Knockouts and Extreme Action” will be available worldwide on September 18, distributed by IFL partner Warner Home Video. The video will feature the action in and out of the ring from the first calendar year of IFL events. 

The first-ever mixed martial arts trading cards will be out in the fourth quarter of 2007, created and distributed by industry leader The Topps Company. 

The IFL signed a host of new partners, ranging from Microsoft Xbox, HeadBlade shaving products, Sandals Resorts, v2 Vodka, Dale and Thomas Popcorn, USA Wrestling, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, the USO and Headline apparel. 

We wanted to thank you for all your interest and support, and hope you join us at our playoff events or at our soon-to-be-announced season ending Grand Prix, where we will crown our individual champions by weight class, in addition to our team champion.

Regards, Kurt Otto Co-founder/Commissioner & Gareb Shamus Co-founder/CEO, International Fight League 

 

NO HOLDS BARRED: Todd Hester of Gladiator Magazine

6-27-2007

Denver, CO
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2007-06-27T00_55_09-07_00

On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman speaks with one of the pioneers in mixed martial arts journalism, Todd Hester, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com).

In a lengthy discussion, we go over the origins and evolution of the sport now known as mixed martial arts, and especially point to its roots in grappling. We critique the current predominant direction in this sport, where sportsmanship and positive values are no longer promoted. And we discuss how Gladiator Magazine (for which I am also writing) is beginning to play a role in striving to get mixed martial arts to return to the path of emphasizing the many positive aspects of the combat sports and the martial arts.

Also, make sure to check out my weekly boxing show, SecondsOut Radio. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we begin by commenting on some aspects of Ricky Hatton's impressive fourth-round knockout of Jose Luis Castillo this past Saturday in Las Vegas which others have overlooked. We next focus on what should be a Super Saturday for boxing, July 7. On that day, in Cologne Germany, IBF heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitschko will try to avenge his April 2004 loss to challenger Lamon Brewster in a title fight scheduled for 12 rounds. That fight will be screened in most countries as a live Internet pay-per-view on SecondsOut.tv, at http://www.secondsout.com/ppv. (The Internet pay-per-view will not be available in North America, Germany, and Russia.) That same day, July 7, will see a clash of unbeaten fighters as WBA super welterweight champion Travis Simms (25-0, 19 KOs) puts his belt on the line against Joachim Alcine (28-0, 18 KOs). This fight headlines a card at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut, not far from Simms's hometown of Norwalk, Connecticut. It will be shown live in the US on Showtime, and is promoted by Don King Productions. This past Thursday there was a press conference in Bridgeport to kick off the promotion of this card. We were there and got a chance to speak with Travis Simms, Don King, and Scot X. Esdaile of the Connecticut NAACP, which is involved in supporting this event. SecondsOut Radio is also free to hear, but you must register to gain access to it, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio.

 

UFC 75 HEAVYWEIGHT FEATURE - MIRKO “CRO COP” vs. CHEICK KONGO

6-27-2007

Denver, CO

LIVE FROM THE O2 ARENA IN LONDON
SATURDAY, SEPT 8, 2007

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – Ultimate Fighting Championship® President Dana White today announced that Croatian superstar Mirko “Cro Cop” will return to the Octagon™ in September and take on France’s Cheick Kongo in a featured heavyweight bout at UFC 75 in London’s new O2 Arena. White delivered the UFC 75 announcement today live from Las Vegas via satellite on ESPN’s The Hot List and discussed the upcoming bout with host Scott Reiss.

“Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ is fighting Cheick Kongo from France,” said White. “He’s six foot four and two hundred and forty pounds – he’s huge. They are both strikers. Cheick Kongo is a very good striker and he’s good with his feet, knees and hands – it’s going to be a very interesting matchup.”

White also commented on the UFC’s continued dominance in sports and his mission to hold events in countries all over the world.

“We’ve done so well over here in the last six years in the U.S., we have this product…it translates all the cultural barriers, language barriers and we know this can work worldwide. We opened an office in London and we will have done three events in the UK this year, and they will all have been successful. Our plan is to move out into Europe and next year go into Italy, Spain, Germany, France, etc.”

ESPNEWS was the first to deliver official news of Cro Cop’s Octagon-return since his loss by knockout to Brazil’s Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 70 in Manchester. The 2006 PRIDE Open Weight Grand Prix Champion was expected by many to defeat the Brazilian heavyweight and face Randy Couture for a heavyweight title fight at UFC 74. Instead, Gonzaga caught Cro Cop with a right leg kick to the head, sending him to the canvas in a stunning upset nine seconds before the end of the first round. 

In a press conference held in London, Cro Cop spoke about his condition, his last fight and his desire to get back into the Octagon. He also stated his fight prediction and that he is already training full-time in preparation for UFC 75. 

“I am one of the most dangerous strikers in the world, but unfortunately, 

I did not prove that reputation in my last fight,” said Cro Cop.

“It was a great shock for me and I believe for all my fans and I was very disappointed. But I am a true professional and fighting is my life so I’m training harder than ever. And in the next fight I will be better than ever so I hope you will all be there to see it. I am going to beat my opponent. As I already told you, it was a shock for me and many people ask me if I am okay, if I am injured – it didn’t look good – that my ankle twisted, that my knee was looking bad, but it’s okay now. I have started running already, I started full training already and I am dying for my next fight.”

Cro Cop will take on Kongo, who like himself, is a kickboxer turned mixed martial artist. Not much was known of the 6’4” 240-pound Paris-native when he made his UFC 61 debut in July of 2006 against Gilbert Aldana. He had an impressive record and a stellar reputation as a fearsome kickboxer, but many wondered if he could compete in the MMA arena. He answered that question quickly as he halted the rugged Aldana in the first round. Kongo then jumped back and scored another first round stoppage at UFC 62, this one over Christian Wellisch. At UFC 70, the same night that Cro Cop was taken down, Kongo triumphed with a majority decision over popular Brazilian heavyweight Assuerio Silva, scoring his third win in the UFC.

Cro Cop vs. Kongo is the third bout announced for UFC 75. Last week the UFC announced the main event championship bout Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Dan “Hollywood” Henderson along with the special attraction Michael “The Count” Bisping in a light heavyweight battle vs. his bitter rival Matt “The Hammer” Hamill. 

Tickets for UFC 75 are available online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk starting at £25. UFC 75 will be screened live in the UK on Setanta PPV1 (Sky channel 481) at 8:00pm BST on Saturday, September 8, available via remote control through Sky Box Office or by calling 08708 500 005. 

 

BODOG FIGHT:  Paradise Lost Premier Features Four Fearless Fighters
6-26-2007

Denver, CO

If you yearn for hard-hitting mixed martial arts action with some of the world's best MMA athletes, then look no further.

Bodog Fight: Paradise Lost premieres in more than 90 million U.S. homes this Tuesday, June 26th at 11 p.m. / 10 p.m. Central on ION television and in Canada on The Fight Network.

This week, from the shores of sunny Costa Rica, Nick Agallar (17-4) takes on Ryan Bow (17-8-1) in a lightweight match-up, while newcomer David Avellan (1-0) looks to tame Antony "The Wild Thing" Rea (11-7) in a light heavyweight fight. 

Agallar is a 27-year-old Wisconsin native who fought in the first series of Bodog Fight, knocking out Nardu Debrah in the second round. Now, after being KO'd by Vladimir Zenin in Bodog Fight: USA vs. Russia, Agallar is on the comeback trail as he returns to Costa Rica to fight the 29-year-old Bow. 

An extremely agile fighter with lightning fast hands, Agallar is also a capable wrestler and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner from Dave Strasser's Freestyle Academy. 

Is he tough? He just returned from a 16 month tour of duty in Iraq. 'Nuff said. 

Born in Michigan, Bow is a former Shooto Champion who is new to Bodog Fight. The son of a wrestler, he moved to Japan in 1997 at age 17 to pursue a career in MMA. Eight years later, Bow became one of the first black men to open a dojo in Tokyo. Needless to say, the Kaminari Dojo (which translates to "lightning/thunder") founder is well versed in the martial arts. 

"I've studied Jow Gar Kung Fu, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Judo, and Muay Thai among other things," says Bow. "But I think MMA is the truest form of combat - a sport in which one can truly express himself."

Will Bow be able to "express himself" against the athletic Agallar? Tune in and find out! 

25-year-old David Avellan is another dojo founder making his Bodog Fight debut. The Florida native has joined forces with his brother Marcus to form the Freestyle Fighting Academy, which is poised to rival American Top Team as Miami's top choice for aspiring MMA athletes. Like his brother, David is an ADCC World Championship Qualifier well versed in submissions, although he doesn't mind going toe-to-toe with his opponents. 

Antony "The Wild Thing" Rea hails from France, where MMA is still illegal. As a result the 30-year-old grappler is used to fighting internationally, which could work to his advantage. He's certainly well versed in MMA, having sparred with fellow Bodog Fight veteran Krist of "Hurricane Midoux and K-1 kickboxing legend Jerome Banner at the Elite Training Centre. 

 

ULTIMATE FIGHTER FINALE 5 - Fighter Purses

6-26-2007

Denver, CO

Source - Nevada State Athletic Commission

 

B.J. Penn ($100,000) defeated Jens Pulver ($30,000)

Nate Diaz ($16,000) defeated Manny Gamburyan ($8,000)

Thales Leites ($14,000) defeated Floyd Sword ($3,000) 

Roger Huerta ($24,000) defeated Doug Evens ($3,000) 

Joe Lauzon ($16,000) defeated Brandon Melendez ($8,000) 

Cole Miller ($16,000) defeated Andy Wang ($8,000) 

Gray Maynard ($8,000) defeated  Rob Emerson ($8,000) 

Matt Wiman ($16,000) defeated Brian Geraghty ($8,000 )

Leonard Garcia ($4,000) defeated Allen Berubie ($8,000)

Total Fighter Payout - $298,000

 

KICKDOWN 38 - Tickets on sale now! 

6-26-2007, Denver, CO

Event date: Friday June 29, 2007 

Red Lion Hotel I-70 and Quebec, Denver, CO

Mixed Martial Arts Bouts. Up to 13 action packed bouts. 

PRELIMINARY FIGHT CARD:
1. Kick Down Professional Heavyweight MMA Title: Brian Cristina vs Damond Clark 
2. Cruz Chacon vs Chris Woods
3. Tom Johnson vs John Sargent
4. Joey Welch vs Jason Dake
5. Kick Down Jr. Featherweight MMA Title: Dominic Blanco vs Isaac Colon
6. Greg Shipporeit vs Rainbow Goodhunts 
7. Louise Johnson vs Clara Curtis MMA
8. Kick Down Am. Welterweight Title: Anthony Sanchez vs Kyle Johnson 
9. Tim Ridley vs Ken Scott
10. Tony Miller vs Jeff Soucy
11. Scott Tamblin vs Jeremy Hernandez
12. Kick Down Bantamweight MMA Title: Nick Honstein vs Ryan Scollard 
13. Joe Salley vs Justin Latka

Ticket Information: 1st Row $50.00, 2nd Row $40.00, RESERVED (Rows 3, 4, 5,6,7) $35.00 Gen. Admission $25.00
Online: http://www.martialartsradio.com.  For Tickets Call: 720.422.5154 or (303) 692-4865 or (303) 368-7800

 

K-1 World GP 2007 in Amsterdam

6-25-2007,

Denver, CO 

 

Held on June 23rd at the sold-out Amsterdam Arena, the 18-bout extravaganza featured a Super Heavyweight Title match, a trio of Superfights and a special K-1 Kids match, as well as an eight-man elimination tournament to advance a fighter to this year's K-1 WGP Final Elimination. Undercard action included mixed martial arts and K-1 bouts alike, with DJs and dancers providing entertainment between bouts.

 

To watch the event as shown on Dutch TV click here: http://sbs6.crossmediaventures.com/k1/

Brought to by Mat-Magazine.com

 

RAZ ENTERTAINMENT - New UFC TV Series in the Works
6-25-2007

Denver, CO

LOS ANGELES, June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- It Girl PR proudly announces its newest talent acquisition, Raz Entertainment and producer/actor Wali Razaqi.

Raz Entertainment is best known for "SEPTEMBER TAPES" (2004), which The Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety named as one of the TOP 10 movies at the Sundance and Cannes in 2004. The film is renowned for being the first, and only, American movie to be shot in Afghanistan. First Look Studios purchased the worldwide rights, and it was released theatrically by ThinkFilm.

 

2007 is a groundbreaking year for Raz Entertainment as it ventures into television, with a new reality sports series, and a pilot involving Ultimate Fighting Championship stars Rashad Evans, Nate Marquardt, and Keith Jardine. The 2007 Raz project slate also includes a dramatic feature film, "SAVING NAZGUL", scheduled to begin production in September, and two fully financed feature films, currently in development.

 

http://www.razproductions.com/

 

CFFC 5 - Kimbo Slice Victorious
6-24-2007

Denver, CO

Cage Fury Fighting Championships 5, from the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. 

 

Results:
Kimbo Slice defeated Ray Mercer by guillotine choke at 1:12 of rd 1. 
CFFC Light Heavyweight Championship: Josh Rhodes defeated Noah Inhofer by TKO from strikes at 1:13 of rd 2.
Devidas Taurovecius defeated Kevin Roddy by armbar at 4:49 of rd 1.
CFFC Lightweight Championship: Jim Miller defeated Anthony Morrison triangle choke at 4:56 of rd 1.
Nick Serra defeated Mike Varner by armbar at 2:52 of rd 2.
Danta Rivera defeated Alexis Aquino by footlock at 2:41 of rd 2.
Gregor Gracie defeated Josh Lydell rear choke at 2:09 of rd 1.
Al Buck defeated Brian Demuro  by unanimous decision.
Lyman Good defeated Doug Gordon by unanimous decision.
Nick Cantone defeated John Howard by unanimous decision.

 

ULTIMATE FIGHTER 5 - Season Finale Results

6-23-2007

Denver, CO

 

Live from The Pearl at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada

1. Matt Wiman defeated Brian Geraghty by TKO from strikes at 2:09 of rd 1.

2. Leonard Garcia defeated Allen Berubie by rear choke at 4:22 of rd 1.     

3. Gray Maynard vs. Rob Emerson ruled a no-contest. 

4. Cole Miller defeated Andy Wang by TKO from strikes 1:10 of rd 1. Round 1.

5. Joe Lauzon defeated Brandon Melendez by triangle choke at 2:09 of rd 2. 

6. Roger Huerta defeated Doug Evans by TKO from strikes at 3:30 of rd 2.

7. Thales Leites defeated Floyd Sword by arm triangle from side mount at 3:50 of rd 1. 

8. Nate Diaz defeated Manny Gamburyan by tapout due to shoulder injury at :20 of rd 2.

9. Main Event: B.J. Penn defeated Jens Pulver by rear choke in rd 2.

 

ULTIMATE FIGHTER 5 - Season Finale Weigh-in Results &Fight Card
6-23-2007, Denver, CO

Event date: TODAY, Saturday, June 23, Spike TV 9pm ET / 6pm PT
The Pearl at the Palms Casino,

Las Vegas, Nevada

 

Spike TV Card:
B.J. Penn (155.5 lbs) vs. Jens Pulver (152 lbs)
Nate Diaz (155 lbs) vs. Manny Gamburyan (155 lbs)
Roger Huerta (155 lbs) vs. Doug Evans (154 lbs)
Floyd Sword (185 lbs) vs. Thales Leites (186 lbs)

Preliminary Bouts:
Joe Lauzon (155 lbs) vs. *Brandon Melendez (157 lbs)
Cole Miller (155 lbs) vs. Andy Wang (156 lbs)
Rob Emerson (155 lbs) vs. Gray Maynard (155 lbs)
Allen Berube (153 lbs) vs. Leonard Garcia (155 lbs) 
Brian Geraghty (155 lbs) vs. Matt Wiman (156 lbs)

*Brandon Melendez did not make weight. His fight will go on but Melendez will be penalized 10% of his purse.

 

MMA News Briefs

6-23-2007

Denver, CO

 

Shamrock/Baroni Fight - Our friends at MAT-magazine have the video.  Click their link and watch both rounds. Another video site with more fights here.

---

Meet UFC President Dana White at Entrepreneur.com
Dana White shares his business insight on how he raised a pay-per-view spectacle from the dead and made it the hottest combat sport in the world. 

 

STRIKE FORCE - Live Results

6-22-2007, Denver, CO

 

 

Live from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California

 

1. Seth Kleinbeck defeated Sam Spengler by TKO from strikes at 2:55 of rd 2.
2. Chris Cariaso defeated Anthony Figueroa by unanimous decision.
3. Rex Richards defeated Ray Seraille by TKO from strikes at 0:37 of rd 1.
4. Luke Stewart defeated Jason Von Flue by TKO from strikes at 2:17 of rd 3.
5. Mike Pyle defeated Aaron Wetherspoon by unanimous decision.
6. Nik Theotikos defeated Nick Covert by KO at 1:13 of rd 1.
7. Edson Berto defeated Victor "Joe Boxer" Valenzuala by foot lock at 0:47 of rd 1.
8. Paul Buentello defeated Carter Williams by TKO from strikes at 0:10 of rd 2.
9. ELITE XC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT: Murilo "Ninja" Rua defeated  Joey Villasenor by TKO from strikes at 1:05 of rd 2.
10. Josh Thomson defeated Nick Gonzalez by choke at 1:42 of rd 1.
11. Cung Le defeated Tony Fryklund by TKO at 0:25 of rd 3.
12. STRIKEFORCE MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT: Frank Shamrock defeated Phil Baroni by choke-out at 4:00 of rd 2.
13. Paul Daley defeated Duane Ludwig by TKO from strikes at 0:42 of rd 2

 

CFFC 5 - TWO WORLDS - ONE CAGE 

6-19-2007, Denver, CO
Event date: June 23, 2007 / 8.00 PM 
Location: Boardwalk Hall - Atlantic City, NJ 

Live on Pay Per View.  Contact your local provider for details

MAIN EVENT: Ray Mercer (Team Merciless) vs. Kimbo Slice (Team Kimbo) 

Fight #9 - CFFC Light Heavyweight Title: Josh Rhodes (Freestyle) vs. Noah Inhofer (Miletech Fighting Systems) 

Fight #8 - NABC Lightweight Title: Devidas Taurosevicius (Panza/Gracie Barra) vs. Kevin Roddy (Rhino Fight Team) 

Fight #7 - Welterweight Fight: Gregor Gracie (Renzo Gracie) vs. Josh Lydell (Team Empire) 

Fight #6 - NABC Middleweight Title: Dante Rivera (Renzo/Almeida) vs. Alexis Aquino (Rhino Fight Team) 

Fight #5 - CFFC Welterweight Title: Mike Varner (Boneyard) vs. Nick Serra (Serra/Longo) 

Fight #4 - CFFC Lightweight Title: Jim Miller (AMA/Renzo Gracie) vs. Anthony Morrison (Atlantic City MMA) 

Fight #3 - CFFC Middleweight Title: Nick Catone (BJJ Shore Academy - Ricardo Almeida ) vs. John Howard (Chinese Kick Boxing Club/bit) 

Fight #2 - Welterweight Fight: Doug Gordon (Team Rush/Rio BJJ) vs. Lyman Good (Tiger Schullman) 

Fight #1 - Welterweight Fight: Brian DeMuro (Team Balance) vs. Al Buck (Team EVO) 

*Fight card subject to change without notice 

 

IFL - Moves 2007 World Team Championship to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Sept. 20 

6-19-2007

Denver, CO

Event to be first-ever for the world’s number one Mixed Martial Arts League in the state of Florida 

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI), the world’s number one team-based professional mixed martial arts league announced it will move its 2007 World Team Finals from The Forum in Los Angeles to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla. It will mark the IFL’s first-ever event in the state of Florida, and will take place in Hard Rock, on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. 

“Although we have had great success with our first two California events, this opportunity to have an event in Florida, in a hotbed for the sport with some of the new stars of the sport, was too much to pass up,” said IFL Co-founder and Commissioner Kurt Otto. “We have been able to bring our athletes to a host of new locations in our first year, and we wanted to find the right place in Florida, and there is no better place than the Hard Rock.” 

“We are very excited to be able to bring the action of the IFL to the Seminole Hard Rock for the fans of South Florida,” said Bernie Dillon, senior vice president of entertainment. “Mixed Martial Arts has done very well in our arena. We think this model with the championship on the line will be very exciting.” 

The winners of the two five-man teams from the Aug. 2 playoff semi-finals at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, N.J., will meet in the finals at the Seminole Hard Rock. The Quad Cities Silverbacks, coached by MMA legend Pat Miletich and featuring undefeated heavyweight Ben Rothwell and lightweight Bart Palaszewski, won the IFL World Team Championship competition in 2006. 

Tickets cost $200, $150, $100 and $50 *; all seats are reserved and available at the Hard Rock Live Box Office, open daily from noon until 7 p.m. Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: Miami-Dade (305) 358-5885, Broward (954) 523-3309, and Palm Beach (561) 966-3309. Doors open one-hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply. 

 

UFC Fight Night 10 - Fighter Purses

6-19-2007

Denver, CO

 

Total fighter payout as reported by the Nevada State Athletic Commission was $175,500.  

 

1. Spencer Fisher ($26,000) defeated Sam Stout ($6,000)
2. Jon Fitch ($36,000) defeated Roan Carneiro ($5000)
3. Drew McFedries ($14,000) defeated Jordan Radev ($5,000)
4. Thiago Tavares ($10,000) defeated Jason Black ($6,000)
5. Forrest Petz ($8,000) defeated Luigi Fioravanti ($8,000)
6. Tamdan McCrory ($8,000) defeated Pete Spratt ($12,000)
7. Gleison Tibau ($10,000) defeated Jeff Cox ($3,500)

8. Anthony Johnson ($6,000) defeated Chad Reiner ($3,000)
9. Nate Mohr ($6,000) defeated Luke Caudillo ($3,000)

Fighter purses do not include bonuses, sponsorships, percentages and other non-UFC earnings. 

 

UFC 75 - RETURNS TO LONDON SEPT. 8
6-18-2007

Denver, CO

QUINTON ‘RAMPAGE’ JACKSON vs DAN ‘HOLLYWOOD’ HENDERSON plus MIRKO CRO COPand MICHAEL ‘THE COUNT’ BISPING
LIVE FROM THE 02 ARENA SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8................Tickets On Sale Now

London, England (UK) – After an absence of over five years the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) organization will bring the world’s most exciting live sports event back to London on Saturday September 8. 

Topping off an incredible line-up is a dream match between two of the greatest fighters in all of mixed martial arts. For the first time in the sport’s history, champion will collide with champion as title-holders Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Dan “Hollywood” Henderson put it all on the line to decide who really is the best 205lbs (14stone 9lbs) fighter on the planet.

Tickets for UFC 75 go are available online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk starting at £25. For more information about UFC 75, or current UFC fight news, visit www.ufc.com or uk.ufc.com.

“It is a real thrill to bring this super-fight to London,” said UFC UK Division President Marshall Zelaznik. “When we returned to the UK earlier this year, we promised to bring the UFC’s brightest stars here and that’s exactly what we did with our record-breaking events in Manchester and Belfast. In September, we will deliver one of the most exciting and historic fights ever to hit London.

“For the last decade, MMA fans have asked the question – who is the true worldwide No.1 in each weight class? At UFC 75, they will have their answer as far as the 205lbs division is concerned.” 

Jackson is coming off a stunning one-round KO of Chuck Liddell and will put his newly won UFC title belt on the line against Henderson, the pound-for-pound superstar who holds two titles in the PRIDE fighting organization.

Also appearing on the stacked super-card is fearsome striker Mirko ‘Cro Cop’, who is looking to erase the memory of his stunning loss to Gabriel Gonzaga in Manchester in April and begin a new reign of terror in the heavyweight division. 

Plus, in a special attraction the UK’s favorite fighting son Michael ‘the Count’ Bisping returns to the Octagon in a light heavyweight battle.

UFC 75 will be screened live on Setanta PPV1 (Sky channel 481) at 8:00pm BST on Saturday, September 8, available via remote control through Sky Box Office or by calling 08708 500 005. 

This Champion v Champion bout comes about after the ownership of the UFC acquired PRIDE, paving the way for fight fans to see the best bouts between the best fighters – something fans have dreamed about for years.

The remaining bouts for UFC 75 will be announced in the near future. All bouts are subject to change. 

 

PANCRASE 2007 RISING TOUR - Lineup
6-17-2007, Denver, CO

Event date: 7-27-2007

Location: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan 

Event website: http://www.pancrase.co.jp/tour/2007/0727/index.html

1. Welterweight (75 kg) K.O.P. Title Bout:
Daizo Ishige (SK ABSOLUTE) vs. Katsuya Inoue (Wajyutsu Keisyukai RJW)

2. Neo-Blood Tournament Middleweight (82kg) Final Bout:
Rikuhei Fujii (Wajyutsu Keisyukai RJW) vs. Tomoyoshi Iwamiya (Takada Dojo)

3. Neo-Blood Tournament Welterweight (75kg) Final Bout:
Nao ‘Yoshirock’ Yoshida (Wajyutsu Keisyukai A-3) vs. Satoru Takadaya (Yoshida Dojo)

4. Neo-Blood Tournament Lightweight (69kg) Final Bout:
Yuichi Ikari (P’s Lab Tokyo) vs. Koichiro Matsumoto (Imada Dojo)

5. Neo-Blood Tournament Featherweight (64kg) Final Bout:
Yuichi Miyagi (P’s Real) vs. Koji Yoshimoto (AJ Gym)

6. Lightweight (69kg) Bout:
Jose Aldo (Nova União) vs. Shoji (K.I.B.A)

7. Featherweight (64kg) Bout:
Miki Shida (P’s Lab Tokyo) vs. Jong Jin Sok (Jin Sok Judo Dojo) 

 

IFL - Las Vegas Results
6-17-2007

Denver, CO

IFL results from the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Team Pitbulls defeat Team Dragons 3-2.
1. Middleweight Bout: Brent Beauparlant (Dragons) defeated Fabio Leopoldo (Pitbulls) by TKO from a shoulder injury at  2:22 of rd 1.
2. Light Heavyweight Bout: Andre Gusmao (Pitbulls) defeated Wojtek Kaszowski (Dragons) by rear choke at 3:53 of rd 1.
3. Lightweight Bout: Wagnney Fabiano (Dragons) defeated Erik Owings (Pitbulls) by armbar at 0:58 of rd 1.
4. Welterweight Bout: Delson Heleno (Pitbulls) defeated Gideon Ray (Dragons) by armbar at 1:29 of rd 2.
5. Heavyweight Bout: Marcio Cruz (Pitbulls) defeated Rafael Feijao (Dragons) by disqualification at 3:42 of rd 3.

Team Lions defeated Team Scorpions 4-1.
6. Middleweight Bout: Daniel Molina (Lions) defeated Seth Baczynski (Scorpions) by foot lock at 1:32 of rd 1.
7. Welterweight Bout: Pat Healy (Lions) defeated Mike Guymon (Scorpions) by split decision.
8. Lightweight Bout: John Gunderson (Lions) defeated Gabe Casillas (Scorpions) by rear choke at 2:58 of rd 2.
9. Heavyweight Bout: Roy Nelson (Lions) defeated Shane Ott (Scorpions) by unanimous decision.
10. Light Heavyweight Bout: Mike Whitehead (Scorpions) defeated Vernon White (Lions) by TKO from strikes at 0:54 of rd 2.

 

UFC 72 "VICTORY" - Live Results

6-16-2007

Denver, CO

 

Live results from the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

 

Preliminary Bouts:
1. Welterweight Bout: Dustin Hazelett defeated Steve Lynch by choke hold at 2:50 of rd 1.
2. Heavyweight Bout: Eddie Sanchez defeated Colin Robinson by TKO from strikes at 0:32 of rd 2.
3. Welterweight Bout: Marcus Davis defeated Jason Tan by TKO from strikes at 1:15 of rd 1.
4. Middleweight Bout: Ed Herman defeated Scott Smith by rear choke at 2:25 of rd 2.

 

Televised Bouts:
5. Lightweight Bout: Tyson Griffin defeated Clay Guida by split decision after 3 rds.
6. Middleweight Bout: Jason MacDonald defeated Rory Singer by TKO from strikes at 3:18 of rd 2.
7. Light Heavyweight Bout: Forrest Griffin defeated Hector Ramirez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) after 3 rds.
8. MAIN EVENT- Middleweight Bout: Rich Franklin defeated Yushin Okami by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) after 3 rds.

 

MURILO “NINJA” RUA - Off STRIKEFORCE / ELITE XC JUNE 22 PPV CARD 
6-16-2007, 

Denver, CO


LOS ANGELES -- Murilo “Ninja” Rua will not be fighting on the highly anticipated “Shamrock vs. Baroni” Friday, June 22 cage fight card extravaganza from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. 

“Ninja,” who was scheduled to fight Joey “Dream Smasher” Villasenor for the vacant EliteXC middleweight title as part of the Strikeforce-EliteXC cage fight card that will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME® PPV (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), did not pass the physical. 

“This is a tough break for “Ninja,” Joey Villasenor and all MMA fight fans,” said Gary Shaw, President Live Events EliteXC. “This was going to be a terrific fight. We expect to announce a suitable opponent for Joey very soon 

“These things happen, but my top priority as a promoter, whether it be MMA or boxing, always has been the safety and well-being of the athletes.” 

In the PPV main event, MMA pioneer Frank Shamrock will battle Phil “The New York Bad Ass” Baroni for the vacant Strikeforce middleweight title. 

Other scheduled PPV fights include: EliteXC’s Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett vs. Victor “Joe Boxer” Valenzuela, lightweights; Strikeforce’s Cung Le vs. Tony “The Freak” Fryklund, middleweights and Carter “The Beast” Williams vs. Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello, heavyweights.

The undercard features many of today’s top up-and-coming fighters. As many as five bouts will be streamed live at ProElite.com starting at 4:40 p.m. PT/7:40 p.m. ET.

 

UFC 72 PARTY IN DENVER TODAY!!

6-16-2007

Denver, CO
Presented by Ring of Fire & Sven Bean

This Saturday afternoon all Denver sports fans are invited to the UFC 72: Franklin vs. Okami party at CHAMPPS Sports hosted by RING OF FIRE. 

SPECIAL BROADCAST TIME: 1:00 PM!!

ABOUT THE PPV EVENT: 
This first ever UFC event in Belfast features the main event middleweight bout Franklin vs. Okami. Franklin, (23-2-0) fighting out of Cincinnati, Ohio, is an extremely well-rounded fighter possessing great striking and submission skills. He fought most of his career as a light heavyweight before moving to the middleweight division. At UFC 53, he knocked out UFC champion Evan Tanner to capture the middleweight crown. He made his first title defense against Nate Quarry at UFC 56 winning by first round KO and his second defense against Canadian David Loiseau at UFC 58, winning by decision after dominating “The Crow” through all five championship rounds. He faced Anderson Silva in his third UFC title defense, but was KOd by the Brazilian in the first round. At UFC 68, he returned to the Octagon™, and in front of his home state crowd, stopped Canadian Jason MacDonald at the start of the second round. At UFC 72, Franklin faces Japan's Yushin Okami for the fight that could make him the number one contender for the middleweight title. 

Main Event: Rich Franklin (185) vs Yushin Okami (185)

Forrest Griffin (204) vs Hector Ramirez (204)
Jason MacDonald (185) vs Rory Singer (186)
Tyson Griffin (155) vs Clay Guida (155)
Marcus Davis (169) vs Jason Tan (169)
Eddie Sanchez (234) vs Colin Robinson (238)
Ed Herman (186) vs Scott Smith (185)
Dustin Hazelett (169) vs Steve Lynch (170) 


OFFICIAL ROF PARTY LOCATION: CHAMPPS
Champps philosophy is simple. Make burgers from scratch and pile them high. Fill our bar with TV's and turn the volume up for games/fights. Bring in a DJ and have a party every night!!! 

Directions: CHAMPPS Aspen Grove is located at 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive inside the Aspen Grove shopping center. For more info please call 303.707.0333

Bodog Fight Billionaire Makes UFC President “An Offer He Can’t Refuse”
6-16-2007

Denver, CO

In response to recent comments made by Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White, Bodog Fight founder Calvin Ayre is pleased to extend a once-in-a-lifetime offer to his mixed martial arts rival.

White’s unfortunate public diatribe included slanderous comments about the Canadian billionaire, referring to the online gaming mogul as a “criminal”. The notoriously bald UFC promoter goes on to liken Mr. Ayre to a Richard Pryor character, stating “he’s like that guy in Brewster’s Millions who is trying to spend all his money in 48 hours.”
With July 14th’s Bodog Fight: Eddie Alvarez vs. Matt Lee marking Ayre’s first event on U.S. soil, the digital entertainment icon is referencing another Hollywood film, The Godfather, by making White “an offer he can’t refuse.”
“Sources tell me Dana’s a big Bodog Fight fan,” said Ayre. “He must be. He can’t stop talking about us. Personally, I love it when he keeps mentioning my organization in the media. He doesn’t seem to realize that each time he does, he only makes me more money, which is why I want to repay him by allowing him to experience the luxurious lifestyle I am fortunate to enjoy for 48 hours.”

“Since, regrettably, I am unable to attend the upcoming Bodog Fight event in New Jersey, I will offer to send my private jet – complete with an assortment of beautiful Bodog Girls – to pick up Mr. White, wherever he may be. I will then fly him to the east coast where he will enjoy a front row seat to our next event, followed by a VIP evening including a comfortable five-star overnight stay in a nearby Atlantic City hotel. After hitting the poker tables, Mr. White can retire to his lavish suite, sip the finest champagne and relax in the knowledge that all amenities and services are complimentary as my way of saying ‘thank-you’ for all the money he keeps making me.”

All Mr. White has to do is send his R.S.V.P. to pr@bodogfight.com and the wheels will be put into motion

 

UFC 72 - Official Weigh-in Results 
6-15-2007, Denver, CO
Event date: Saturday, June 16, PPV – 3pm ET / 12pm PT
Odyssey Arena
Belfast, Northern Ireland

Main Event
Rich Franklin (185) vs Yushin Okami (185)

Forrest Griffin (204) vs Hector Ramirez (204)
Jason MacDonald (185) vs Rory Singer (186)
Tyson Griffin (155) vs Clay Guida (155)
Marcus Davis (169) vs Jason Tan (169)
Eddie Sanchez (234) vs Colin Robinson (238)
Ed Herman (186) vs Scott Smith (185)
Dustin Hazelett (169) vs Steve Lynch (170) 

 

ROYCE GRACIE - Tests positive for steroids after Sakuraba fight 
6-15-2007

Denver, CO

Mixed martial arts legend Royce Gracie tested positive for steroids following his decision victory against Kazushi Sakuraba at the June 2 "Dynamite!! USA" show in LA.

The California State Athletic Commission issued this statement, "Royce Gracie who last competed for FEG Hero's on June 2, 2007 in Los Angeles, California has been suspended for the remainder of his licensing year and fined $2,500 for testing positive for Nandrolone Metabolite. The suspension period runs from the conclusion of the bout on June 2, 2007 through May 30, 2008.  Mr. Gracie has 30 days from the date on his suspension letter to appeal."

Dynamite USA (FEG) event director Mike Kogan said Gracie was vacationing in Europe and not immediately available for comment

 

EDDIE GOLDMAN'S NO HOLDS BARRED: 

Dr. Margaret Goodman on Tommy Morrison, Doping in Boxing & MMA, & Solutions

6-15-2007

Denver, CO

On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Dr. Margaret Goodman, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

 

Dr. Goodman, a neurologist who is also the former chief ringside physician for the Nevada commission, has just written an article entitled "What Happened to Doing Our Homework?" (http://www.secondsout.com/USA/news.cfm?ccs=229&cs=22163) for the boxing web site SecondsOut.com (for which I also produce SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/). The article begins to address the controversy surrounding former heavyweight boxing contender Tommy Morrison, who has claimed that his positive test for the HIV virus conducted for the Nevada commission in 1996 was inaccurate.

 

After an almost 11-year hiatus, Morrison returned to the boxing ring Feb. 22. 2007, in Chester, West Virginia, in a bout sanctioned by that state's athletic commission. He also fought in a fight billed as a "mixed martial arts" bout, although it was not held under MMA rules, this past Saturday, June 9, at the Yavapai-Apache Nation's Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde, Arizona. In numerous published reports, Morrison's former agent, Randy Lang, has alleged that recent tests have again confirmed that Morrison is HIV-positive (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/columns/articles/0610boxinginsider0611.html). Morrison has disputed that charge, although he has not made public any tests to refute Lang.

 

In a lengthy discussion, Dr. Goodman addresses what we really know about the Morrison situation, and whether someone today can go from being HIV-positive to negative. We discuss the latest round of positive doping tests this week involving Johnnie Morton in MMA and James Toney and Danny Batchelder in boxing and the apparent rampant drug culture in both of these combat sports. We discuss what can be done to combat these health and safety dangers, including what promoters should be doing. And we discuss the question of federal regulation of both boxing and MMA.

 

(Note: After we recorded this show, it was reported that MMA and Jiu-Jitsu legend Royce Gracie, who fought on the June 2 K-1 D