PANCRASE 2008 Shining Tour - Results

5-26-2008

Denver, CO

 

From the Azalea Taisho Hall in Osaka, Japan.

Results:
1. Isao Hirose defeated Panchii Yamauchi by decision
2. Strasser Kichi defeated Yushi Shiori by decision
3. Kenji Shimada defeated Takashi Hasegawa by KO at 1:58 of rd 1
4. Masahiro Toryu defeated Syuji Morikawa by choke at 3:36 of rd 1
5. Soyu Tanabe defeated Kenji Takeshige by KO at 3:44 of rd 1
6. Daisuke Hanazawa13 defeated Takefumi Hanai by decision.

 

UFC 84 "ILL WILL" - Results

5-25-2008, Denver, CO

From the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Preliminary bouts:

1. Shane Carwin defeated Christian Wellisch by KO at 0:44 of rd 1
2. Dong-Hyun Kim defeated Jason Tan via TKO from strikes at 0:25 of rd 3
3. Yoshiyuki Yoshida defeated Jon Koppenhaver by choke at  0:56 of rd 1
4. Rich Clementi defeated Terry Etim by unanimous decision
5. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou defeated Kazuhiro Nakamura via TKO (ref stoppage) at 5:00 of rd 1
6. Rousimar Palhares def. Ivan Salaverry by armbar at 2:36 of rd 1
 

Main card bouts:

7. Thiago Silva defeated Antonio Mendes by submission from strikes at 2:24 of rd 1
8. Lyoto Machida defeated Tito Ortiz by unanimous decision
9. Goran Reljic defeated Wilson Gouveia by TKO from strikes at 3:15 of rd 2
10. Wanderlei Silva defeated Keith Jardine by KO at 0:36 of rd 1

 

Main event:
11. B.J. Penn defeated Sean Sherk via TKO from strikes at 5:00 of rd 3

 

Wanderlei Silva received the “Knockout of the Night” bonus for dropping Keith Jardine at 0:36 of round 1.
Rousimar Palhares received submission of the night bonus for his armbar win against Ivan Salaverry.
Goran Reljic, and Wilson Gouveia both received the award for fight of the night after Reljic’s win by TKO in rd 2.

 

UFC 84 "ILL WILL" 

5-23-2008, Denver, CO

Event date: Saturday, May 24, 2008, 7pm PT / 10pm ET on PPV
Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV

Pay-Per-View Bouts:
B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk
Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine

Wilson Gouveia vs. Goran Reljic
Tito Ortiz vs. Lyoto Machida
Antonio Mendes vs. Thiago Silva

Preliminary Bouts:
Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Jon Koppenhaver vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Rousimar Palhares vs. Ivan Salaverry
Dong-Hyun Kim vs. Jason Tan
Terry Etim vs. Rich Clementi
Shane Carwin vs. Christian Wellisch 

 

FSN TO AIR UNDERCARD OF AFFLICTION BANNED MMA SPECIAL

5-22-2008

Denver, CO, PNW

One-hour Special Airs Live at 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST On Saturday, July 19

LOS ANGELES – George Greenberg, FSN Executive Vice President of Programming and Production, announced at a press conference today that FSN will air the undercard of AFFLICTION BANNED PPV event live on Saturday, July 19 at 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST. 

“FSN has long been at the forefront of televised Mixed Martial Arts action,” said Greenberg. “Our viewers are loyal, informed and passionate about the sport. This is a great opportunity to deliver a major MMA event to them featuring world-class fighters.”

The one-hour live undercard features three fights.* In FSN’s main event, Aleksander Emilianko (13-3) from St. Petersburg, Russia takes on Texas native Paul Buentello (23-10) in a 3-round heavyweight bout. Plus, in a welterweight matchup, JJ Ambrose (9-1) from Lakewood, CA battles against San Diego’s Patrick Speight (6-0). In the third bout, welterweights Brett Cooper (7-4) from Lakewood, CA and Las Vegas native Mike Pyle (15-5-1) face off. **

FSN was one of the first networks to televise MMA action and has been the home to UFC, PRIDE and IFL. Most every major star in the sport has fought on the network.

Nine-time Emmy Award-winner John Faratzis, who has helmed more than 50 world championship boxing matches as well as numerous MMA bouts, will produce and direct the special for FSN. Jay Glazer hosts alongside MMA veteran and FSN analyst Frank Trigg. 

*Live event time restrictions apply to number of televised bouts.
*Fight schedule subject to change. 

*****
FSN is the nation’s leading provider of local sports. FSN’s 16 owned-and-operated regional networks and its affiliated networks reach more than 70 million homes across the U.S. FSN serves as the TV home to nearly two-thirds of all MLB, NHL and NBA teams based in the United States. FSN also produces close to 5,000 live local events each year, including more than 1400 in high definition. In addition to its thousands of home team games and a wide variety of locally produced sports programs, FSN televises national sports events and programs, including Pac-10 and ACC basketball and Pac-10 and Big 12 football.

 

COLORADO MMA - Warriors Collide 3 Results

5-20-2008

Denver, CO

 

From the Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo Colorado.

 

1. Tim Stout defeated Brandon Melendez by TKO in rd 1
2. Gideon Ray defeated Bryant Craven by TKO (cut) in rd 1
3. Donnie Liles defeated Cruz Chacon by armbar in rd 3
4. Nick Bushman defeated Lorenzo Coca by KO in rd
5. Eric Fagyas defeated Gabe Miranda by unanimous decision 
6. Vellore Cabellero defeated Travis Sherman by rear choke in rd 1
7. Turrell Galloway defeated Shawn Daugherty by split decision
8. Chase Hackett defeated Nathan Torrez by unanimous decision
9. Andrew Cohea defeated Mark Gettler by armbar in rd 1
10. TJ Charles defeated Corey Ortiz by choke in rd 1
11. Dominic Montoya defeated Anthony Werner by submission in rd 1

 

DEEP 35th Impact - Results

5-20-2008

Denver, CO

 

From the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan

Middleweight Tournament Results:
Yuichi Nakanishi defeated Riki Fukuda by unanimous decision 
Riki Fukuda defeated Yuya Shirai by split decision
Yuichi Nakanishi defeated Daijiro Matsui by unanimous decision
Ryuta Sakurai defeated Young Choi by unanimous decision 

Featherweight Title Bout:
Dokonjonosuke Mishima defeated Masakazu Imanari by decision 

Lightweight Title Bout:
Sung Hwan Pang defeated Kazunori Yokota by KO in rd 1

Hidehiko Hasegawa vs, Hiroki Nagaoka was judged a draw
Koichiro Matsumoto defeated Yuki Ito by unanimous decision 

UFC 87: SEEK AND DESTROY
5-19-2008, Denver, CO, PNW

Event date: August 9, 2008

Venue: Target Center

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – In yet another historic moment in the quest to conquer new territory and bring the best of mixed martial arts to fans around the globe, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) organization today announced the first-ever UFC event to take place in Minnesota. In the main event, Brock Lesnar, fighting out of his hometown of Minneapolis, will return to the Octagon™ to face UFC Hall of Famer and former PRIDE® superstar Mark "The Hammer" Coleman, and in what many are calling the best lightweight fight of 2008, Kenny "KenFlo" Florian will square off against Roger "El Matador" Huerta in a battle that will move the winner one step closer to a 155-pound title shot. The Ultimate Fighting Championship will present UFC 87: SEEK AND DESTROY, featuring Lesnar vs. Coleman and Florian vs. Huerta, live from Target Center in Minneapolis Saturday, August 9, 2008.

"I am excited to be heading to Minnesota and Target Center with the first ever UFC in the state," said Dana White, UFC President. "UFC fans there are going to be blown away by this event - this fight between Brock Lesnar and Mark Coleman is going to be explosive, a battle between the original monster wrestler and the new breed of monster wrestler. Kenny Florian versus Roger Huerta has the potential to be one of the most action packed fights of the year, both have won Fight of the Night awards and they are known for delivering nonstop action. UFC 87 is going to be stacked with incredible matchups and all the fights fans want to see, from the first bout to the last."

“Target Center is very excited to host the Ultimate Fighting Championship right here in Minneapolis, Minnesota! UFC 87 will no doubt be one of the biggest events in the arena’s 18 year history,” stated Andy Warg, Director of Booking, Target Center.

Tickets for UFC 87: SEEK AND DESTROY will go on sale Sunday, May 25 at 12 Noon CT and will be priced at $600, $400, $250, $125, $75 and $50. Tickets for UFC 87 will be available at Target Center's Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 651.989.5151.

UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Thursday, May 22 at 10am CT via the website www.ufc.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Saturday, May 24 starting at 10am CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through www.ufc.com. 

UFC 87: SEEK AND DESTROY is available live on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, Bell ExpressVu, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.95 for standard definition or high-definition broadcasts (where available).

 

SENGOKU "Second Battle" - Results
5-18-2008

Denver, CO, PNW

 

From the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan

1  Satoru Kitaoka defeated Ian James Schaffa by guillotine choke in rd 1
2.  Mike Pyle defeatede Dan Hornbuckle by triangle choke in rd 1 
3.  Eiji Mitsuoka defeated Kwang Hee Lee by rear choke in rd 1 
4.  Jorge Santiago defeated Yuki Sasaki by armbar in rd 3
5.  Yoshihiro Nakao defeated Jim York by KO from strikes in rd 2
6.  Kevin Randleman defeated Ryo Kawamura by unanimous decision
7.  Roger Gracie defeated Yuki Kondo by rear choke in rd 1 
8. Josh Barnett defeated Jeff Monson by unanimous decision

 

X1 - Results

5-18-2008

Denver, CO, PNW

 

From the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu.

 

1. Egan Inoue defeated Hans Marrer by TKO in rd 1
2. Brandon Wolff defeated Chad Reiner by split decision 
3. Richie Whitson defeated Ray Cooper by KO in rd 1
4. Kolo Koka defeated Michael Brightmon by unanimous decision
5. Dylan Clay defeated Ron Jhun by forfeit in rd 2
6. Mike Pedro defeated Kana Hyatt by armbar in rd 1
7. Brandon Visher defeated Lorenzo Moreno by TKO in rd 2
8. John Visante defeated Sean Sakata by TKO in rd 1

 

IFL - Results
5-17-2008

Denver, CO

 

From the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

IFL Heavyweight Title Bout: 

Roy Nelson defeated Brad Imes by TKO at 2:55 of rd 1

IFL Lightweight Title Bout: 

Ryan Schultz defeated Deividas Taurosevicius by unanimous decision after 5 rounds

IFL Middleweight Title Bout: 

Dan Miller defeated Ryan McGivern by kneebar  at 3:36 of rd 1

Under card:
Danillo Villefort defeated Mike Massenzio by kneebar at 3:44 of rd 1
Zac George defeated Josh Souder by TKO at 0:47 of rd 1
Matt Horwich defeated Joey Guel by unanimous decision 
John Howard defeated Nick Calandrino by TKO at 2:24 of rd 3
Aaron Stark defeated Lamont Lister by unanimous decision 
John Franchi defeated Frank Latina by rear choke at 2:19 of rd 1

 

IFL - Tonight!

5-16-2008, 

Denver, CO 

Event date: Today, May 16, 7:30 p.m. ET (live broadcast on HDNet starts at 8:30 p.m. ET)

Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn

Title bouts: 
Ryan Schultz (Pictures) (154) vs. Deividas Taurosevicius (Pictures) (154) 
Roy Nelson (Pictures) (264.2) vs. Brad Imes (Pictures) (249.2) 
Ryan McGivern (Pictures) (181.2) vs. Dan Miller (Pictures) (180.5) 

Under card bouts:
Mike Massenzio (185.2) vs. Danillo Villefort (184.7) 
Zac George (Pictures) (155.2) vs. Josh Souder (156.2) 
Matt Horwich (Pictures) (185.7) vs. Joey Guel (Pictures) (185.5) 
Nick Calandrino (170) vs. John Howard (170.5) 
Lamont Lister (Pictures) (205.2) vs. Aaron Stark (Pictures) (205.7) 
John Franchi (Pictures) (155) vs. Frank Latina (Pictures) (152) 

 

No Holds Barred: Save Arizona State Wrestling, Jeffrey Siegel of ESPN, EliteXC Fighters Robbie Lawler, Scott Smith, Gina Carano, Kaitlin Young

5-16-2008

Denver, CO

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-05-15T23_57_20-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman begins by discussing the outrageous decision by Arizona State University to close down, without any notice, its storied wrestling program. A web site has been set up as part of a campaign to save Arizona State University wrestling (http://www.saveasuwrestling.com/).

Next, we speak with Jeffrey Siegel, senior vice president, specialized sales and marketing, of ESPN. We discuss the importance of the combat sports of boxing, mixed martial arts, and wrestling to the ESPN group of networks.

Preparations for the first "CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights", which air Saturday, May 31, 9-11 PM ET/PT, are continuing. This event will be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., and will be first primetime major network broadcast of a mixed martial arts event in America.

On a media conference call this week, we spoke with Gina Carano and Kaitlin Young, who will be facing each other in a women's 140-pound fight. We spoke them, as well as EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw, about this fight and the importance of women competing in mixed martial arts.

On another media conference call, we spoke with EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler and challenger Scott Smith, who have a title fight on this card. 

To listen to No Holds Barred, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.

You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).

Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.

 

AFFLICTION BANNED - To Make MMA History

5-15-2008, Denver, CO, PNW
Event date: July 19 PPV show
Venue: Honda Center, Anaheim, California

ANAHEIM, California – Affliction, the premier fashion label for men who love hard rock and fast living, will make history presenting its own Mixed-Martial-Arts pay-per-view event in association with M-1 and Roy Englebrecht Events, appropriately named “Affliction Banned,” featuring the much-anticipated return of
Russian heavyweight superstar Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko, supported by an All-World caliber undercard, July 19th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

“Affliction Banned” will be distributed on Pay-Per-View and air live (9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT) on cable and satellite viewing in the USA and Canada via iN Demand, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewer’s Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice for a suggested retail price of $39.95. The
telecast will be available in both standard and high definition television.

Fedor (27-1), the former undisputed PRIDE® heavyweight champion and Russian M-1 legend, has been universally recognized the past five years as the most dominating heavyweight in the world. He will face former 2-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), fighting out of Iowa by way of his native Maine. 

The exciting four-fight undercard is loaded with Josh “The Baby Faced Assassin” Barnett (21-5), of Seattle, facing-off stateside for the first time in two years in a grudge match against the only opponent to ever knock him out, Brazilian strongman Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (16-7).

Three-time All-America wrestler Mike Whitehead (20-5), of Salt Lake City, will battle Brazilian sensation Renato “Babalu” Sobral (29-7), of Costa Mesa, California. 2000 Olympic wrestling silver medalist Matt “The Law” Lindland (20-5), of Oregon City, faces Brazilian favorite Fabio “Negao” Nascimento (8-3).

Former IFL® titlist “Big” Ben Rothwell (29-5), of Kenosha, Wisconsin, is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in this groundbreaking event. 

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale May 20th at the Honda Center box office and through Ticketmaster.

ULTIMATE FIGHTER 8 - MIR and NOGUERIA named season eight coaches

5-13-2008, 

Denver, CO, PNW

 

The coaches for season eight of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter®, the most successful original series in network history, will feature two of the UFC®’s all-time top heavyweights. Interim UFC® heavyweight champion, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and former UFC® heavyweight champion Frank Mir, will star in the new season featuring light heavyweights (205 lbs) and lightweights (155 lbs) premiering Wednesday, September 17 at 10:00pm ET/PT. Nogueira and Mir will square off in the Octagon™ for a to-be-announced UFC® pay per view event. UFC® President Dana White will once again serve as the show’s host.

The Brazilian native Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-4-1), known as “Minotauro” (a Greek mythological creature), is one of the sport’s most successful heavyweights. Nogueira’s incredible career almost never happened as he was involved in a life-threatening accident at age ten when he was run over by a truck in his native Brazil. Fortunately, he survived and avoided permanent damage, thus his mixed martial arts pursuits were not deterred.

He began his professional career in MMA in the United States in June of 1999 with the World Extreme Fighting organization. However, Noguiera truly made a name for himself in the sport when he joined the RINGS organization in Japan and posted an 8-1-1 record from 1999-2000, losing only to Dan Henderson. 

Nogueira’s leap to MMA stardom came when he joined PRIDE in Japan and, from 2001-2003, proceeded to defeat the biggest names in the division including Bob Sapp, Mark Coleman, Heath Herring, Enson Inoue, Sanae Kikuta, Semmy Schilt, and avenged his earlier loss to Henderson. A tough loss to Fedor Emelianenko in March 2003 stopped his impressive winning streak, but “Minotauro’s” career rebounded with a close decision win over former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez in August 2003. 

The defining match in his career in PRIDE came in November 2003 with a memorable victory over Croatian Mirko Cro Cop via submission to gain the PRIDE heavyweight belt. ‘”Minotauro” would go 8-2 with one no contest in the final three years of his stay in Japan, including avenging a previous defeat to another former UFC heavyweight champ, Josh Barnett, with a decision win in December 2006. 

Nogueira made his UFC debut in July 2007 at UFC 77 with a victory over a familiar nemesis, Herring, whom Nogueira had beaten three times previously in his career. This past February, “Minotauro’ defeated Tim Sylvia in a stirring comeback via submission in the third round to claim the interim UFC heavyweight belt. The 31 year-old Nogueira lives in Brazil but spends time in south Florida training with the renowned MMA organization, America’s Top Team. 

Although he’s only 28, Frank Mir has endured quite a professional and personal rollercoaster ride since his UFC debut in November 2001 at UFC 34. Following a first round loss to Ian Freeman at UFC 38 in July 2002, Mir, a young, highly touted mixed martial arts star from Las Vegas was at a career turning point. Mir regained credibility as an emerging star with an impressive 
victory over UFC great Tank Abbott in February 2003. That victory led Mir on a journey to the ultimate prize in mixed martial arts, the heavyweight title. Mir defeated Tim Sylvia at UFC 48 in June 2004 in an unforgettable arm-breaking submission that UFC fans still discuss to this day. 

In a span of a few months, Mir went from the heights of UFC heavyweight champion to the lows of nearly dying in a grisly motorcycle accident. The severe injuries he suffered in the horrific accident led to him being stripped of his title as he rehabbed his broken leg. 

Mir returned to the Octagon almost two years later in February of 2006, but was stopped by Marcio Cruz in the first round. A subsequent decision win over Dan Christison put Mir in the win column once again, but a loss to rising star Brandon Vera put Mir back on the comeback trail. Now, after two straight victories including a first round submission of Brock Lesner, a former All-American wrestler at the University of Minnesota and WWE superstar, Mir is ready for another shot at the title.

The eighth season of “The Ultimate Fighter” goes into production in late May. The entire cast will be announced in early September. 

 

ProElite.com Introduces MMA Video On Demand 

5-13-2008

Denver, CO

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ProElite.com, the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) social networking and entertainment Web site, today unveiled its online offering of video-on-demand (VOD). Leveraging their industry-leading library of MMA events, ProElite.com’s VOD features high-quality streaming, top-notch competition, and world-class fight brands. 

MMA fans will be able to purchase VOD at ProElite.com on a fight-by-fight and full-event basis starting as low as 99 cents and $4.95, respectively. Fighters include Kimbo Slice, Anderson Silva, BJ Penn, Gina Carano, Jake Shields and more going toe-to-toe in events produced by EliteXC, ShoXC, Cage Rage, ICON Sport and Rumble on the Rock. ShoXC’s undercard footage, featuring the up and comers of MMA, will be offered free of charge. 

Additionally, ProElite is introducing the “ProElite Fight Pass,” which provides unlimited access to the entire VOD library and any future PPV event streams for an introductory price of $7.95 per month. Fight Pass is regularly priced at $12.95 per month. 

“We have hand picked hours upon hours of high-quality MMA content and provided a compelling online product that is accessible to fans on a global scale,” said Douglas Deluca, executive chairman of ProElite, Inc. “With more than 50 hours of combat currently available and 20 hours added monthly, our Fight Pass offering allows MMA fans to gain instant access to all of the MMA action they can handle.” 

To learn more about the ProElite Fight Pass go to: http://www.proelite.com/vod/fightpass. 

 

COLORADO MMA - Kick Down 50 Results

5-11-2008

Denver, CO

 

 

Results:

1. Don Lee defeated Geoff Brokx by unanmious decision
2. Logan Petro defeated Richard Large by choke in rd 2 
3. Nick Olson defeated Josh Childress by TKO from strikes in rd 3
4. Matt Vigil defeated Mitchell Alexander by unanimous decision
5. Adam Martinez defeated Mike Suski by TKO from strikes in rd 1 
6. Forrest Clouse defeated Ben Hand by armbar in rd 1
7. Prentice Ingram defeated Joe Caderli by armbar in rd 1 
8. Robert Martinez defeated Cody Combee by TKO from strikes in rd 1 
9. Brian Cristina defeated Brett Shafer TKO in Rd 3 
10. JOhn Sargent defeated Jack Johnson by rear choke in rd 1 
11. Nick Honstein defeated Tom Johnson by submission in rd 1
12. Colby Snyder defeated Daniel Douglass by TKO from strikes in rd 1

 

DREAM.3 - Lightweight Grand Prix, Round 2 Results
5-11-2008

Denver, CO

 

From the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

Results:
67 kg: Takeshi Yamazaki defeated Shoji by unanimous decision
84 kg: Jason "Mayhem" Miller defeated Katsuyori Shibata by TKO from strikes in rd 1
84 kg: Melvin Manhoef defeated Dae Won Kim by TKO from strikes in rd 1
70 kg: Daisuke Nakamura defeated Bu Kyung Jung by KO in rd 2
76 kg: Nick Diaz defeated Katsuya Inoue by TKO from strikes in rd 1
70 kg: Tatsuya Kawajiri defeated Luis "Buscape" Firmino by unanimous decision
70 kg: Eddie Alvarez defeated Joachim Hansen by unanimous decision
70 kg: Caol Uno defeated Mitsuhiro Ishida by rear choke

 

No Holds Barred: State of MMA, Affliction, IFL

5-11-2008

Denver, CO

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-05-10T09_56_34-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman focuses on several key issues regarding the state of mixed martial arts. Among the many topics discussed are the new Affliction promotion and the numerous challenges they are facing, the troubled pay-per-view model, and the recent announcement of major changes for the International Fight League (IFL).

We also hear comments by IFL CEO Jay Larkin and VP of Fighter Relations Bas Rutten on a media conference call this past week, and discuss with them the need for mixed martial arts promoters to co-promote events.

To listen to No Holds Barred, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.

You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).

Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441

 

IFL - Mohegan Sun Card May 16 
5-10-2008, Denver, CO
Event date May 16, 2008

Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn


NEW YORK –Mixed martial arts veteran Brad Imes (Sacramento, Calif.) will challenge Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) for the heavyweight championship as part of the nine-bout card as the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Friday, May 16. Imes replaces Branden Lee Hinkle (Weirton, W. Va.), who was injured in training.

A training injury to Fabricio Camoes of Brazil also necessitated a change in a non-championship lightweight bout. Frank Latina (Middletown, Conn.) will battle John Franchi (Cortland, N.Y.). Jim Miller (Sparta, N.J.), originally slated to face Camoes, withdrew from the bout following the injury to Camoes.

Imes, known as “The Hillbilly Heartthrob,” trains with Miletich Fighting Systems in Iowa. He has competed in several MMA organizations, and was notably a finalist in the second season of The Ultimate Fighter television series. Imes is 11-4 in his MMA career and will be making his IFL debut. May 16 will also mark the first IFL bouts for Latina (4-1 overall) and Franchi (3-0).

As previously announced, two other IFL Champions will put their respective titles on the line to headline the card, as Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) takes on Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) at middleweight and Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) defends against Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) at lightweight. HDNet will televise all three championship bouts, plus three preliminary matchups.

The preliminary bouts feature athletes from four MMA camps, including Team Quest, Team Bombsquad, World Class Fight Center and Team Prodigy.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.com, the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office, and by telephone at 860-886-0070.

IFL Mohegan Sun
Friday, May 16, 2008 (order TBD)

Preliminary Bouts
155 lbs.: Frank Latina (Middletown, Conn.) (0-0 IFL, 4-1 overall MMA) vs. John Franchi (Cortland, N.Y.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 3-0)
205 lbs.: Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.) (Team Quest) (2-2, 5-4) vs. Lamont Lister (Philadelphia) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 5-3)
170 lbs.: John Howard (Boston) (0-0 IFL, 8-3 overall MMA) vs. Nick Calandrino (Emerson, N.J.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 5-0)
155 lbs.: Zac George (Norman, Okla.) (Team Quest) (1-1, 12-2) vs. Josh Souder (Mason, Ohio) (Team Prodigy) (0-0, 10-6)
185 lbs.: Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) (Team Quest) (6-4, 21-10-1) vs. Joey Guel (Oregon) (0-0, 12-5)
185 lbs.: Danillo Villefort (Pompano Beach, Fla.) (World Class Fight Center) (0-0, 6-2) vs. Mike Massenzio (Paterson, N.J.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 10-1)

Championship Bouts 
185 lbs.: *Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) (Miletich Fighting Systems) (6-4, 12-5) vs. Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) (AMA Fight Club) (1-0, 7-1)
265 lbs.: *Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) (Lion’s Den) (5-1, 12-2) vs. Brad Imes (Sacramento, Calif.) (Miletich Fighting Systems) (0-0, 11-4)
155 lbs.: *Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) (Team Quest) (6-2, 19-9-1) vs. Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) (Renzo Gracie) (3-0, 9-2)

*Current Titleholder

 

IFL - Change 
5-10-2008

Denver, CO
By Greg DeSanctis 


In a conference call Thursday afternoon, IFL CEO Jay Larkin announced, among other things, a design change to the IFL's four-sided fighting surface, from traditional square to hexagonal. The unique six-sided ring, according to Larkin, will provide the athletes with an area that is larger and more similarly configured to surfaces they’ve gotten used to fighting on in the past. 

The Hex, as it will be called, maintains all the logistical benefits offered by the ring, while giving the athletes a more comfortable and familiar environment. Other surfaces which may consist of linked wire fence, translate poorly into the live event and production aspects of a high-profile show. The fence, or cage, does little but obstruct the views of fans, as well as make it bounds more difficult for television cameras to capture the action. The Hex, surrounded by ropes, will allow for a clearer view of the athletes and thus giving the fans and camera crew better visual access. 

Vice President of Fighter Relations Bas Rutten was also on the call and, never short for words, was quick to offer up his opinions. He went on to explain how the wider angles made by the Hex demand strategic changes to a fighter's game plan. 

“It’s more difficult to lock up your opponents in the corner, so you need more strategy,” Rutten said. He even went as far as to speculate that this might be, at least partially, responsible for the PRIDE fighters’ failure to live up to expectations when they began to transition into fighting in a cage rather than a four-sided ring. “It’s the best of both worlds,” he said of the Hex. 

The Hex represents one of many strategic adjustments the IFL has undergone in recent months in pursuit of furthering Larkin’s goal of staging the best possible fights by any means necessary. 

Extending his vision, Larkin spent a large amount of time discussing co-promotion opportunities. Looking forward, he intends wholly on staging fights in conjunction with other organizations. 

“We’re actively exploring joint operations with other fight organizations to get our fighters more experience and show how good the IFL fighters really are,” Larkin stated. 

According to the CEO, co-promotion is the future of the sport and is the only way it can survive. “You’ve got to co-promote, or else your talent pool will wither. Also, by being protective of your fighters you’re diluting the value of that fighter’s championship.” 

Larkin has been vocal about his desire to co-promote for some time, and his vision is beginning to come to fruition with several IFL fighters slated to appear on the Adrenaline card this June. He also mentioned Gary Shaw of Elite XC contacted him with the interest of “borrowing” Jay Hieron for a fight. Though scheduling conflicts prevented that fight from happening, Larkin was happy to entertain the idea of Hieron fighting on an Elite XC card. 

Larkin also addressed rumors that the IFL is on its last leg. 

He made no bones that the IFL is for sale, and he is actively pursuing investors. “I receive phone calls and questions everyday from potential buyers and potential partners,” he revealed. 

Despite the negative connotation, Larkin remains positive about the future of his fight league. He pointed out that the IFL still has valuable assets, and is constantly undergoing evaluation to better the product. Perhaps one of the IFL’s greatest asset is the international distribution, which has been tremendously successful. “We recently added Spain and Italy and some of the Baltic countries. IFL programming is currently seen in over 80 countries. Our International distribution may be the strongest in all of MMA,” he boasted. 

Change continues to be the theme in 2008. And with that change, comes an inherent resistance, but as time passes and visions become clearer, the fact cannot be ignored that change is good. 

 

PANCRASE 2008 "SHINING TOUR" - Lineup

5-9-2008, Denver, CO
Event date: Sunday, May 25th, 2008 

Venue: Azeria Taisho, Osaka, Japan

Event website: http://www.pancrase.co.jp/tour/2008/0525/index.html

 

Confirmed Bouts:

The Main Event - Lightweight Bout:
Daisuke "13" Hanazawa (Japan / MMA Dojo Cobra-kai - Freestyle Academy) vs. Takefumi Hanai (Japan / Twist)

Featherweight Bout:
Kenji Takeshige (Japan / Pancrase Inagaki-gumi) vs. Soyu Tanabe (Japan / Renshi Juku)

Middleweight Bout:
Masahiro Toryu (Japan / Pancrase-ism) vs. Shuji Morikawa (Japan / Team Crowd)

Bantamweight Bout:
Koji Hasegawa (Japan / Pancrase Inagaki-gumi) vs. Kenji Shimada (Japan / P's LAB Tokyo)

Welterweight Bout:
Strasser Kiichi (Japan / MMA Dojo Cobra-kai - Freestyle Academy) vs. Yu Shiori (Japan / Wajiu-tsu Keishu-kai TEAM VAMOS)

Neo Blood Tournament Bantamweight Semi-final Bout:
Punchy Yamauchi (Japan / MMA Dojo Cobra-kai) vs. Isamo Hirose (Japan / Strapple) 

 

ProElite Partners with FirstDIBZ™ - To Offer Cageside Seats, Sit Down with Fighters at May 31 EliteXC Fight 

5-9-2008

Denver, CO

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ProElite, Inc. (Pink Sheets:PELE), a sports entertainment and media company dedicated to producing world-class mixed martial arts (MMA) events, today announced it has partnered with FirstDIBZ™ to offer MMA fans cageside seats, a sit down with fighters and other exclusive opportunities at the upcoming May 31 EliteXC fight at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. 

MMA fans will have the option to purchase DIBZ for either a platinum or gold VIP package featuring cageside seats, a pair of signed gloves and poster, invitation to the fight press conference and weigh in, as well as a photo op with the fighters. To learn more or purchase the VIP packages, fans are invited to visit www.FirstDIBZ.com. 

“This is a unique opportunity for MMA fans to get up close and personal with EliteXC fighters without feeling any pain,” said Gary Shaw, legendary fight promoter and president of EliteXC, ProElite’s live fight division. “The May 31 fight is going to be a spectacular event featuring heavyweight phenom Kimbo Slice, EliteXC Champion Robbie Lawler, among other top-notch fighters. 

“Never before have MMA fans been able to get a behind-the-scenes look of how a fight unfolds before, during, and after the fits of rage, pride and athleticism play out in front of a live audience,” Shaw said. 

“EliteXC’s May 31 fight is a highly anticipated event that MMA fans will not want to miss, and we are thrilled to offer fans a front row seat and rare opportunity to meet and greet the fighters,” said Daniel Lotzof, president of FirstDIBZ. “Partnering with ProElite provides FirstDIBZ with an opportunity to help MMA fans enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” 

“FirstDIBZ provides fans with a new and innovative approach to gaining access to some of the most prestigious events in the world,” said Eric Ficksman, senior vice president of corporate development at ProElite. “With our May 31 fight just around the corner, MMA fans will be hard pressed to pass up an opportunity to attend this milestone event.” 

About ProElite, Inc. 

ProElite, Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment. The company has established a partnership with CBS that brings MMA to a major primetime network for the first time. Through acquisitions of MMA organizations in Asia and Europe, ProElite is a global leader with an exclusive distribution agreement for its program library with IMG Media. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. The company’s social media platform, ProElite.com, continues to add thousands of subscribers each month due to the large number of live streaming MMA events, social networking tools, and original and partner-driven content. 

About FirstDIBZ 

FirstDIBZ (www.firstdibz.com) is dedicated to providing consumers with advanced access to the most highly anticipated goods and services including live events, travel accommodations, publishing, consumer electronics, and other forms of content. Through the purchase of "DIBZ" consumers can guarantee themselves the right to first delivery of the items they most covet. "DIBZ" can be bought, sold and traded in real-time 24/7 on the www.firstdibz.com marketplace. FirstDIBZ pioneered the Pre-Primary or Forward Market to give consumers the opportunity to guarantee themselves access to those highly anticipated goods and services. The company is based in Chicago. 

 

IFL - Debuts Six-Sided Ring at Aug. 15 Meadowlands Show
5-9-2008

Denver, CO

The International Fight League (IFLI: OTC.BB) today announced it is in the process of developing a hexagon-shaped mixed martial arts ring, to be used in future IFL competitions. The new ring, created in conjunction with Throwdown Industries, the makers of Throwdown Energy Drink, will debut when the IFL holds its event on Friday, August 15, at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J. The fight card for that event will be announced in June.
Dubbed "The Hex," the six-sided surface will measure 24 feet across (27' 8 ½" end-to-end) and will be enclosed by five ropes. The use of The Hex maintains the viewing advantage for fans in attendance as well as the television audience that the ring provides, while also allowing for the strategic benefits of a hexagonal surface.

"From a production and live event standpoint, the ring has proven to be the most fan and media friendly environment, as well as providing the safest possible environment for our athletes," said Jay Larkin, IFL CEO. "The Hex allows for the larger surface that is utilized in other MMA organizations while still retaining the advantages we have enjoyed with the ring."

A prototype of The Hex is currently being constructed and will be housed in Las Vegas. Throwdown, the leader in MMA Gyms and Training centers, has built training centers and personal gyms for the top MMA athletes in the world. Athletes and coaches will have the opportunity to work out in it prior to the August 15 New Jersey event. 

"'The Hex' is quite different from the other world-class MMA facilities we have built," said Throwdown President Mike McIntyre. "We are excited to be putting our expertise to work in developing what we feel will be an optimal surface for the sport as it continues to grow."

Tickets for the East Rutherford, N.J. event will be available at the IZOD Center Box Office (located at the Meadowlands), www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (201) 507-8900.

 

ADRENALINE - Announces First Fight Card

5-8-2008, Denver, CO

Event date: 6 PM, June 14, 2008

Venue: Sears Centre, Chicago, IL

Event website

 

Main Card Bouts:
1. Jeff Monson (23-7) vs. Mike Russow (9-1) 
2. Daiju Takase (7-11) vs. Terry Martin (16-4) 
3. Alberto Crane (8-2) vs. Clay French (14-2) 
4. Tony Fryklund (14-9) vs. Brian Gassaway (25-17-1) 
5. Jeff Cox (9-6) vs. Bart Palaszewski (28-11) 
6. Taiwan Howard (6-1) vs. Rory Markham (14-4) 
7. Jame Gibo (11-2) vs. Mark Miller (9-3) 
8. Herc Hayes (7-5) vs. Kerry Schall (22-9) 
9. Rob Kimmons (15-3) vs. Hector Urbina (11-3) 
10. Aaron Rosa (10-2) vs. Ron Fields (18-24-1) 

 

Preliminary Bouts:
11. Dom O’Grady (4-0) vs. Mike Stumpf (8-1) 
12. Joe Jordan (40-11) vs. Ryan Williams (6-1) 
13. Christian Reynosa (6-2) vs. Josh Hosman (7-3-1) 

 

No Holds Barred: Bas Rutten, Junior Witter, Timothy Bradley

5-8-2008

Denver, CO

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-05-07T17_29_32-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with mixed martial arts legend and former King of Pancrase and UFC heavyweight champion, Bas Rutten (http://www.basrutten.tv/).

Amongst his numerous duties in many areas of MMA, Bas is training Kimbo Slice, AKA Kevin Ferguson, at his gym in Thousand Oaks, Calif., for Kimbo's May 31 fight against James Thompson on the EliteXC card at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This show will be broadcast on CBS, the first live, prime time MMA telecast on a major American broadcast network.

In a lengthy interview, Bas discusses his evaluation of Kimbo as a fighter, where Kimbo stands in only his third professional fight, and what his potential is. He also answers some of the critics of Kimbo. In addition, Bas fills us in on some of his other activities in his increasingly busy schedule.

Plus, we offer a preview of the fight between WBC super lightweight champion Junior Witter (36-1-1, 21 KOs) and top contender Timothy Bradley (21-0, 11 KOs), which takes place this Saturday, May 10, at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham, England. This fight will be telecast in the U.S. on Showtime on a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation.

We spoke with both Junior Witter and Timothy Bradley on a media conference call.

To listen to No Holds Barred, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.

You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).

Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.

 

UFC 84 "ILL WILL" - Fight Card

5-5-2008, Denver, CO

Event date: Saturday, May 24, 2008
Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV

Main Fight Card: 
1. B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk
2. Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine
3. Wilson Gouveia vs. Goran Reljic
4. Tito Ortiz vs. Lyoto Machida
5. Antonio Mendes vs. Thiago Silva

Under Card Bouts (may not be televised):
6. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
7. Jon Koppenhaver vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
8. Rousimar Palhares vs. Ivan Salaverry 
9. Dong-Hyun Kim vs. Jason Tan
10. Terry Etim vs. Rich Clementi
11. Shane Carwin vs. Christian Wellisch

 
UFC 85 "Bedlam" - Fight Card

5-5-2008, Denver, CO
Event date: Saturday, June 7, 2008
Venue: O2 Arena in London

Main Fight Card:
1. Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves
2. Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben
3. Mike Swick vs. Marcus Davis
4. Rashad Evans vs. James Irvin
5. Brandon Vera vs. Fabricio Werdum

Under Card Bouts (may not be televised):
6. Jorge Rivera vs. Martin Kampmann
7. Nate Marquardt vs. Thales Leites
8. Matt Wiman vs. Thiago Tavares
9. Ryo Chonan vs. Roan Carneiro
10. Jason Lambert vs. Luiz Cane
11. Antoni Hardonk vs. Neil Wain
12. Paul Taylor vs. Jess Liaudin

 

KICK DOWN 50 - Milestone Fight Card, May 10th, Denver CO

5-3-2008, Denver, CO

Event date: May 10, 2008

Venue: Red Lion Hotel, Denver, CO

 

 

Fight Card: 

1. Light Weight Men’s Modified Muay Thai Title: Don Lee vs Jeff Brokx 
2. MMA: Logan Petro vs. Paul Weyand
3. MMA: Josh Childress vs. Byron Sowell
4. MMA: Mitchell Alexander vs. Matt Vigil
5. Jr Light Weight MMA Title: Lannon Quintana vs. Adam Martinez
6. Middle Weight MMA Title: Ben Hand vs. Forrest Clouse
7. Light Weight MMA Title: Prentice Ingram vs. Joe Kaderli
8. Welter Weight MMA Title: Robert Martinez vs. Jeremy Malaterre
9. MMA: Brian Cristina vs. Brett Shafer
10. MMA: Jack Johnson vs. Zuess Blair
11. PRO Feather Weight MMA Title: Tom Johnson vs. Nick Honstein
12. PRO Light Weight MMA Title: Colby Snyder vs. Daniel Douglass

 

ON INTERNET PAY PER VIEW at www.kickdownmma.com
$8.00………………… for the event
$15.00 …………..for the event and edited DVD
$29.95 ……for the event, DVD, Official Kick Down 50 T-Shirt

Live Pay Per View will begin at 7:45 P.M. M.S.T. 9:45P.M. E.S.T.

To view this event on Demand at a future time please return to kickdownmma.com for details.

 

WARRIORS COLLIDE lll - Pueblo Colorado, May 16th Fight Card

5-3-2008, Denver, CO

Event Date: May 16, 2008

Venue: Pueblo Convention Center, Pueblo, CO

 

 

Fight Card:
1. Tim Stout vs. Brandon Melendez 
2. Bryant Craven vs. Gideon Ray
3. Cruz Chacon vs. Donnie Liles
4. Brandon Shuey vs. Lorenzo Cocoa
5. Zach Micklewright vs. Eric Fagyas 
6. Travis Sherman vs. Vellore Cabellero 
7. Shawn Daugherty vs. Turrell Galloway 
8. Mark Gettler vs. Andrew Cohea 
9. Chase Hackett vs. Nate Torres 
10. Martin Montoya vs. Cody East
11. Joey Banks vs TBA
12. Corey Ortiz vs. TBA 

 

DREAM 3 - Nate Daiz and "Mayhem" Miller added to lineup in Japan

5-3-2008 Denver, CO, PNW

Event Date:  May 11, 2008

Venue:  Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan 

 

 

Lightweight Grand Prix Bouts:
1. Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Luis "Buscape" Firmino

2. Caol Uno vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida
3. Joachim Hansen vs. Eddie Alvarez
4. Katsuhiko Nagata vs. Shinya Aoki (if he is medically cleared) 

Other Bouts:
5. Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Katsuyori Shibata
6. Melvin Manhoef vs. Dae Won Kim
7. Nick Diaz vs. Katsuya Inoue
8. Daisuke Nakamura vs. Jung Buk Yung

USA Judo Announces Qualifiers for 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Judo

5-2-2008
Colorado Springs, Colorado

USA Judo is pleased to announce the top eight athletes in each of 14 Olympic weight divisions who are eligible to compete in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Judo, June 13-14 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

This year’s event will be held for the first time simultaneously with the Trials for USA Wrestling and is expected to be one of the most exciting sporting events in the United States as athletes fight to win one of as many as 14 weight divisions in judo and 18 Olympic wrestling weight classes in the three Olympic styles (men’s freestyle, men’s Greco-Roman, women’s freestyle).

Members of the media may request credentials by visiting http://www.usajudolasvegas.com/media.php. 

“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase judo to the wrestling community in the U.S. We have had some great success with wrestlers moving into judo and making an impact in our sport,” said USA Judo CEO Jose H. Rodriguez (Colorado Springs, Colo.) “This is indeed a perfect Olympic Trials marriage and it will all happen in Las Vegas! I have had the opportunity to put on events with USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender and his staff in the past, and I know that they put on first-class tournaments. This is a win-win proposition for both judo and wrestling!” 

Athletes were selected based on their rankings on the USA Judo Senior Elite National Roster at the conclusion of the 2008 USA Judo Senior National Championships, April 11-12 in Virginia Beach, Va.

Athletes have until May 16 to accept or decline their invitation to Trials as well as to declare which weight they will compete in if they have qualified in multiple divisions. If an athlete declines his or her spot, the opportunity to compete will be offered to the next highest ranked athlete on the roster.

A complete roster of athletes eligible to compete in the Trials is as follows:

60kg
1. Taraje Williams-Murray (Wakefield, Mass. / NYAC / USA Judo National Team FORCE)
2. Nick Kossor (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
3. Aaron Kunihiro (Wakefield, Mass. / USA Judo National Team FORCE)
4. Josh O’Neil (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
5. Jeff Sato (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
6. Jeff Fujimoto (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
7. Dan Gomez (College Station, Texas / Texas A & M Judo)
8. Miguel Ballesteros (Miami, Fla. / USA Judo National Training Site at North Miami)

66kg
1. Taylor Takata (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
2. Kenny Hashimoto (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
3. Jeremy Liggett (Glenville, N.Y. / NYAC / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
4. Nate Torra (El Cerrito, Calif. / NYAC / East Bay Judo Institute)
5. Justin Flores (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
6. Josh O’Neil (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
7. Jeff Fong (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
8. Daniel Chow (Honolulu, Hawaii / Hawaii Tenri)

73kg
1. Ryan Reser (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
2. Michael Eldred (Fruitland, Idaho / Western Idaho Judo Institute)
3. Chuck Jefferson (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
4. Radu Brestyan (Wakefield, Mass. / USA Judo National Team FORCE)
5. Nick Delpopolo (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
6. Bobby Lee (Wakefield, Mass. / USA Judo National Team FORCE)
7. RJ Cohen (Buffalo Grove, Ill. / Cohen’s Judo)
8. Bill Shanahan (Rexford, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)

81kg
1. Travis Stevens (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
2. Aaron Cohen (Buffalo Grove, Ill. / NYAC / Cohen’s Judo)
3. Harry St. Leger (Brooklyn, N.Y. / NYAC / Legrosports Starrett)
4. Andrew Hung (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
5. Ross McBaisey (Atlanta, Ga. / Emory Judo)
6. Jose Bencosme (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
7. Davor Vasiljevic (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
8. Danny Satinsky (Buffalo Grove, Ill. / Cohen’s Judo)

90kg
1. Garry St. Leger (Brooklyn, N.Y. / NYAC / Legrosports Starrett)
2. Rick Hawn (Wakefield, Mass. / USA Judo National Team FORCE)
3. Brian Olson (Colorado Springs, Colo. / NYAC / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
4. Landry Ambouroue (North Richland Hills, Texas / Ruben Martin Judo Training Center)
5. Jacob Larsen (Santa Rosa, Calif. / Redwood Coast Judo)
6. David Ellis (Roselle Park, N.J. / Cranford Judo)
7. Eric Duus (Saratoga, Calif. / Stanford Judo)
8. Atsushi Yoshinaga (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)

100kg
1. Adler Volmar (Coral Springs, Fla. / USA Judo National Training Site at North Miami)
2. Christian Aarona (Waimanalo, Hawaii / Makiki Seidokan Judo Club) 
3. Djamaldin Aliev (Denver, Colo. / Denver Judo / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
4. Dariusz Mikolajczak (Brooklyn, N.Y. / NYAC / Legrosports Starrett)
5. Shintaro Higashi (Scarsdale, N.Y. / NYAC Kokushi Budo Institute)
6. Michael Barnes (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
7. Brian Picklo (Mustang, Okla. / USA Stars)
8. Victor Jean-Baptiste (Brooklyn, N.Y. / Mushakan Dojo) 

+100kg
1. Anthony Turner (Miami, Fla. / USA Judo National Training Site at North Miami)
2. Daniel McCormick (Wakefield, Mass. / USA Judo National Team FORCE)
3. Kirk Hoffmann (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
4. Jonathan Leonhardt (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
5. Derek Alef (Santa Barbara, Calif. / Santa Ynez Valley Judo)
6. James “Brewster” Thompson (Las Vegas, Nev. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
7. Conor Driscoll (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
8. Michael Prieditis (Fayetteville, N.C.)

48kg
1. Sayaka Matsumoto (El Cerrito, Calif. / NYAC / East Bay Judo Institute)
2. Natalie Lafon (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
3. Ann Shiraishi (San Francisco, Calif. / East Bay Judo Institute)
4. Angela Creutzberger (Ballston, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
5. Katelyn Bouyssou (Hope, R.I. / Mayo Quanchi Judo)
6. Diana Yoshida (Dallas, Texas / Dallas Judo)
7. Lisette Abad (San Jose, Calif. / After-School All-Stars)
8. Kayla Hall (Granite City, Ill. / USA Stars)

52kg
1. Anna Palmer (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
2. Tracy Nagai (Bellevue, Wash. / Budokan Judo)
3. Nicki Schultheis (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
4. Ann Shiraishi (San Francisco, Calif. / East Bay Judo Institute)
5. Chrissy Chow (Honolulu, Hawaii / Hawaii Tokai)
6. Mindy Chow (Honolulu, Hawaii / Hawaii Tokai)
7. Grace Ohashi (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
8. Tara Clark (Livermore, Calif. / Amador Judo)

57kg
1. Valerie Gotay (Harlingen, Texas / USA Judo National Training Site at Harlingen)
2. Carrie Chandler (Glenville, N.Y. / NYAC / USA Judo National Training site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
3. Hannah Martin (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
4. Anna Palmer (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
5. Janine Nakao (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
6. Hana Carmichael (Wellington, Fla. / Budokan Judo)
7. Michelle Hagerty (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
8. Marti Malloy (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)

63kg
1. Marti Malloy (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
2. Kayla Harrison (Wakefield, Mass. / NYAC / USA Judo National Team FORCE)
3. Janine Nakao (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
4. Paola Genao-Butler (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)
5. Ashlie Martini (Chicago, Ill. / Tohkon / Victorious Judo)
6. Hannah Martin (Glenville, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
7. Kristen Allan (Springfield, Va. / Sport Judo)
8. Christal Ransom (Colorado Springs, Colo. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center)

70kg
1. Ronda Rousey (Wakefield, Mass. / NYAC / USA Judo National Team FORCE)
2. Katie Sell (Harlingen, Texas / USA Judo National Training Site at Harlingen)
3. Tomoyo Yoshinaga (San Jose, Calif. / USA Judo National Training Site at San Jose State University)
4. Jaclyn Feuerschwenger (Linden, N.J. / Cranford Judo)
5. Jennifer Tutass (El Cerrito, Calif. / Cunningham’s Judo)
6. Katie Mocco (Glenville, N.Y. / NYAC / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
7. Helen Delpopolo (Westfield, N.J. / Cranford Judo)
8. Natalie Laursen (Livermore, Calif. / Amador Judo)

78kg
1. Katie Mocco (Glenville, N.Y. / NYAC / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
2. Nina Cutro-Kelly (San Antonio, Texas / Universal Judo)
3. Molly O’Rourke (El Cerrito, Calif. / East Bay Judo Institute)
4. Rhonda Morrell-Pruitt (Centerville, Ohio / Shudokan Judo Club)
5. Kayla Harrison (Wakefield, Mass. / NYAC / USA Judo National Team FORCE)
6. Nikki Kubes (Fort Worth, Texas / Fort Worth Judo)
7. Marina Lambert (Chesapeake, Va. / Washington Judo)
8. Lorey Edwards (Lorain, Ohio / Chu To Bu)

+78kg
1. Heidi Moore (Englewood, Colo. / Denver Judo)
2. Melinda Swanson (Honolulu, Hawaii / Hawaii Tokai)
3. Brittni Bradford (Tampa, Fla. / El Mambi Judo)
4. Lorey Edwards (Lorain, Ohio / Chu To Bu)
5. Nanoushka St. Pre (Brooklyn, N.Y. / Legrosports Starrett)
6. Toni Geiger (Dumont, N.J. / Tech Judo)
7. Janelle Snider (Latham, N.Y. / USA Judo National Training Site at the Jason Morris Judo Center)
8. Andi Bongert (Dubuque, Iowa / Sioux City Judo Club)

For more information, contact Nicole Jomantas, USA Judo Director of Communications and Media Relations, at 719.271.9937 (cell) or Nicole.Jomantas@usajudo.us.

 

Holds Barred: Gary Shaw, EliteXC, Ryan Schultz, Ryan McGivern, Vazquez-Marquez Trilogy, De La Hoya-Forbes

5-2-2008

Denver, CO

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-05-02T02_32_36-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman begins by commenting on what is really behind the Oscar De La Hoya-Steve Forbes fight this Saturday, May 3, and why fight fans should not miss the replay of the Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez trilogy on Showtime, also this Saturday, which were the best boxing matches of the past two years. We also discuss the comments by CBS chairman Sumner Redstone that it was not "socially responsible" for CBS to decide to air the May 31 EliteXC mixed martial arts show on that broadcast network. 
On our show, we spoke with Gary Shaw, the president of EliteXC's Live Events division, and president and CEO of Gary Shaw Productions, his boxing promotional company.

In a lengthy discussion, we talked about the mixed martial arts and boxing events in which he is involved. We previewed the EliteXC show coming Saturday, May 31, to the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, which will be telecast in the U.S. live on CBS beginning at 9 PM EDT, the first major mixed martial arts show on a major American broadcast network in prime time. We discussed the amazing trilogy between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, which he promoted, and the possibility of a fourth fight; the Kimbo Slice phenomenon and why he is in the EliteXC May 31 main event; the rest of the May 31 card including EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith and the return of Gina Carano; the inclusion on the May 31 undercard of Carlton Haselrig, the only six-time NCAA college wrestling champion and a star lineman with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets; his May 17 boxing card featuring unbeaten rising stars James Kirkland, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Alfredo Angulo, in Primm, Nevada, and on HBO; and the June 7 boxing card featuring Vernon Forrest vs. Sergio Mora and the rematch between Carlos Quintana and Paul Williams, from Mohegan Sun and on Showtime.

We also spoke with IFL lightweight champion Ryan Schultz and IFL middleweight champion Ryan McGivern about their upcoming title defenses Friday, May 16, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. In a dangerous fight, Schultz faces submission specialist Deividas Taurosevicius, while McGivern, in his first title defense, fights the tough Dan Miller.

To listen to No Holds Barred, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.

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WEC announces fight card
5-01-2008, Denver, CO

Event date: Sunday, June 1, 2008

Venue: Arco Arena

Las Vegas, Nev. (USA) – A full lineup of the mixed martial arts world’s most exciting and respected athletes will be in action at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California on Sunday, June 1, as World Extreme Cagefighting® (WEC™) is pleased to announce a high-impact undercard for the upcoming WEC: FABER VS. PULVER event. 

The card is headlined by the long-awaited superfight which will determine the undisputed king of the featherweight division, “The California Kid”, WEC Featherweight Champion Urijah Faber, will take on MMA legend Jens “Lil Evil” Pulver. Plus, Miguel Angel Torres defends his bantamweight title against top ranked Yoshiro Maeda. 

Announced today for the VERSUS television main card are exciting matchups between former WEC lightweight champion Rob McCullough and Kenneth Alexander, and former NCAA wrestling champion Mark Munoz and Chuck Grigsby. 

Donald Cerrone takes on Richard Crunkilton, Jeff Curran battles Mike Brown, Chase Beebe returns against Will Ribeiro, and Alexandre Nogueira makes his WEC debut against Jose Aldo.

Tickets for WEC: Faber vs. Pulver, priced at $185, $125, $75 and $35 (not including applicable services or taxes), are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone at 916-649-TIXS, 530-528-TIXS or 209-551-TIXS or by visiting the ARCO Arena Box Office. Tickets also are available online through www.wec.tv or www.ticketmaster.com.

WEC: Faber vs. Pulver will be televised live nationally on VERSUS beginning at 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT. All live WEC events will be presented in Hi-Definition (HD) and SAP where available. 

 

Main Card:
145 lbs: Urijah Faber vs. Jens Pulver
135 lbs: Miguel Angel Torres vs. Yoshiro Maeda
205 lbs: Mark Munoz vs. Chuck Grigsby
155 lbs: Rob McCullough vs. Kenneth Alexander

Preliminary Bouts:
155 lbs: Donald Cerrone vs. Richard Crunkilton
145 lbs: Jeff Curran vs. Mike Brown
135 lbs: Chase Beebe vs. Will Ribeiro
185 lbs: Tim McKenzie vs. Eric Schambari
170 lbs: Alex Serdyukov vs. Luis Sapo
145 lbs: Jose Aldo vs. Alexandre Nogueira
135 lbs: Charlie Valencia vs. Dominick Cruz

 

DREAM.2 Middleweight Grand Prix - Results

4-29-2008, Denver, CO, PNW
Available on HDNet on Saturday, May 3 (10:30pm ET).

 From the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

 

1. Shinya Aoki defeated  Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante by unanimous decision

2. Taiei Kin defeated Minowaman by unanimous decision 
 

3. Yoon Dong Sik defeated Shungo Oyama by unanimous decision

4. Zelg "Benkei" Galesic defeated Magomed Sultanakhmadov by armbar in rd 1

5. Ronaldo Jacare defeated Ian Murphy by rear choke in rd 1  

6. Kiyoshi Tamura defeated  Masakatsu Funaki by TKO from strikes 

7. Gegard Mousasi defeated Denis Kang by triangle choke in rd 1

8. Kazushi Sakuraba defeated Andrews Nakahara by rear choke in rd 1

 

HDNET FIGHTS and FEG - Announce deal to air 2008 Dream Grand Prix 

4-29-2008

Denver, CO, PNW

Six-fight deal makes HDNet THE television destination for Mixed Martial Arts

DALLAS - HDNet Fights announced that it is partnering with FEG USA, Inc. to present the 2008 DREAM Lightweight and Middleweight Grand Prix. This long-anticipated announcement makes HDNet the exclusive destination in North America for passionate MMA fans who can't wait to see these events on television.

"We're thrilled to announce this blockbuster deal with FEG," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "MMA fans have been emailing and posting on message boards non-stop, wanting to see the DREAM Grand Prix. Once again, HDNet is THE place to go to catch all of the action. This latest deal continues our commitment to making HDNet the 'Home of MMA' with more MMA events than any other television network."

"We are excited about working with HDNet, which gives us this opportunity to broadcast our DREAM show in North America," said Sadaharu Tanikawa, President of FEG USA, Inc. "We expect a long and a prosperous relationship with HDNet bringing our quality shows to their viewers."

"HDNet Fights Presents: DREAM 1" will debut this Friday, May 2 at 10:30 p.m. ET with a presentation of the DREAM 1 event which originally took place on March 15. 

The upcoming DREAM 2 event is set to take place on April 29and "HDNet Fights Presents: DREAM 2" will air that event this Saturday, May 3 at 10:30 p.m. ET.

"HDNet Fights Presents: DREAM 3" will air LIVE on HDNet on Sunday, May 11 at 3:00 a.m. ET with two encore presentations - one scheduled for Sunday, May 11 at 4:00 p.m. ET and Saturday, May 17 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Additional air dates and times for the upcoming DREAM events, will be announced at a later date.

DREAM 1, the debut of this new mixed martial arts promotion from Japan, featured fights including the long-awaited return of Heavyweight Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic to Japan, Hayato Sakurai fighting as a Welterweight, as well as the opening round of the Lightweight Grand Prix tournament. The first round is highlighted by a match-up of Top 10 fighters Gesias "JZ"Calvancanti vs. Shinya Aoki, plus fights from other top Lightweights Tatsuya Kawajiri, Mitsuhiro Ishida and Joachim Hansen.

Scheduled for DREAM 2, is the first round of the Middleweight Tournament, highlighted by a match-up of Top 10 fighter Denis Kang vs. rising star Gegard Mousasi, plus fights from other top Middleweights including Ronaldo Souza and MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba.
Also scheduled for DREAM 2, Gesias "JZ" Calvancante will square off once again with Shinya Aoki to settle the score after their controversial bout in DREAM 1. The winner claims a spot in the second round of the Lightweight Grand Prix.

 

NO HOLDS BARRED: Mo Lawal, Ron Scott Stevens

4-28-2008

Denver, CO

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-04-27T22_25_30-07_00

On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman speaks with freestyle wrestler Mo Lawal and Ron Scott Stevens