Monday, May 31, 2010
Warrior 1 MMA (W1) update-Eddie Fyvie out-Ryan Machan in for June 19th Judgement Day card
Machan will be taking on Jorge Britto at W1 in what is another great fight in an already amazing upcoming W-1 fight card. Britto has already won twice in 2010 having defended his CCF title against Josh Kyrejto and later beating JJ Mix in W-1: Bad Blood.
Machan, a top Canadian Lightweight, is coming off a loss to Guillaume De Lorenzi, another top fighter in Canada, at Ringside earlier this year.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
UFC 114 recap: Rashad Wins Fight but Not Fans
http://www.examiner.com/
It wins fights effectively, but Rashad Evans’ style does not win over fans. At UFC 114 Evans defeated Quinton “Rampage” Jackson by unanimous decision in a fight that saw a lot of clinching and takedown attempts, but few striking exchanges.
Much to the surprise of many watching, Rashad managed to land a hard right hand that knocked Jackson backwards just 15 seconds into the in the fight, however Rashad could do nothing with it. From there, he used his wrestling to control the round by pinning Rampage against the cage and taking him down once. The second round saw Evans pin Jackson to the cage and look for takedowns. Referee Herb Dean separated the fighters on several occasions because Rashad was not attacking enough. On the other hand, Rampage was unable to impose his will on Rashad during the first two rounds.
In the third and final round, Rampage landed several punches that had Rashad rocked. His legs gave out and he dropped to the canvas. Afterwards, Evans admitted he was briefly knocked out. Jackson jumped on him and landed some hard ground-and-pound but was unable to finish the fight. Evans eventually recovered and went on to win a decision.
In a fight where so much trash was talked, it’s surprising Rashad did not seem to want to inflict more damage on Rampage. Regardless, he got the win and will now likely earn a title shot against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
In other action, the co-main event saw Michael Bisping use his footwork and solid technical striking to earn a unanimous decision over Dan Miller. In the first fight on the PPV card, Diego Sanchez was upset by young Brit John Hathaway who out struck, out wrestled and out grappled the season one Ultimate Fighter winner. In an exciting back and forth battle, Antonio Rogerio narrowly won a spilt decision over the huge underdog Jason Brilz. Many, including UFC President Dana White, believe Brilz should have come away with the decision. The two men were awarded “Fight of the Night” deservedly.
Also, in perhaps the most shocking knockout of the year so far, Mike Russow defeated the heavily favoured Todd Duffee midway through the third round when he landed a punch that put Duffee to sleep. Duffee had been dominating Russow for the entire fight, landing powerful uppercuts and jabs and using his speed to avoid any damage. However, out of nowhere, Russow landed a counter right hand that ended the fight. It was only the second decent shot Russow landed all night. He was awarded “KO of the Night.”
In preliminary action, Dong Hyun Kim used his superior grappling to defeat Amir Sadollah. Efrain Escudero used his striking to earn a decision over Dan Lauzon. And, Cyrille Diabate showed he is a force to be reckoned with after knocking out Luiz Cane two minutes into their thrilling brawl.
Here are the complete results from UFC 114:
- Rashad Evans def. Quinton Jackson via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).
- Michael Bisping def. Dan Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
- Mike Russow def. Todd Duffee via knockout - Round 3, 2:35.
- Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def. Jason Brilz via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
- John Hathaway def. Diego Sanchez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26).
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Dong Hyun Kim def. Amir Sadollah via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
- Efrain Escudero def. Dan Lauzon via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27).
- Melvin Guillard def. Waylon Lowe via TKO - Round 1, 3:28.
- Cyrille Diabate def. Luiz Cane via TKO - Round 1, 2:13.
- Aaron Riley def. Joe Brammer via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
- Ryan Jensen def. Jesse Forbes via submission - Round 1, 1:06.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The main event at UFC 114 is one of the most anticipated fights in the sport's history
Mike Johnston Examiner.com
UFC 114 features a highly anticipated grudge match between Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans. The prelims can be seen live on Spike TV starting at 9 p.m. EST. The event is available to order in Canada on pay-per-view.
Here is a complete breakdown of UFC 114:
RASHAD EVANS vs. QUINTON “RAMPAGE” JACKSON
With all the trash talk leading up to the main event at UFC 114, most fans want to see a “fight,” not a mixed martial arts match. There is more bad blood between these two fighters than there is between Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir, Matt Serra and Matt Hughes, or Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley. The first heated words between these two were exchanged after Rampage beat Rashad’s training partner, Keith Jardine, at UFC 96. And, their heated exchanges as coaches on the Ultimate Fighter 10 were more memorable than the fights that season. All the trash talk, insults and animosity have lead to one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history. Both are former UFC Light Heavyweight Champions and whoever wins will get the first shot at ‘Shogun’ Rua’s belt.
Evans will want to play it smart and be patient, like he did against Chuck Liddell. However, Rampage is such an aggressive fighter, he may not allow Rashad to set up combinations. Instead, expect Rampage to force Rashad to fight. Also, this may seem like a silly point, but look at the size of Rampage’s head compared to Rashad’s. Pure physics says that Rampage will be able to take more punishment.
Rashad will not be able to outwrestle Rampage like he did against Thiago Silva, but he does have the ability to muster an explosive knockout punch or kick, even though we don’t see it too often. Just ask Chuck Liddell and Sean Salmon. In his last two fights he has been dropped with punches. Machida finished him but Silva could not. It seems as though when Rashad gets cracked with a good punch he doesn’t like it. And, since Jackson punches as hard as any light heavyweight in the world, Rashad will not wish to stand and trade, no one thinks he can. Then again, no one thought he could win TUF 2, and no one thought he could become the light heavyweight champion.
Remember this, at UFC 113 earlier this month, as much as fans wanted to see Josh Koscheck stand and trade with Paul Daley, he knew he need to implement a smart game plan to win. That’s what Koscheck did and that’s what Rashad will try to do. Rampage will come to fight and Rashad, under the tutelage of trainer Greg Jackson, will come to win. This fight could be like Jackson vs. Jardine at UFC 96, or Jackson vs. Silva at UFC 92. Either way, Rashad won’t be able to handle Jackson’s power.
Rampage by KO.
MICHAEL BISPING vs. DAN MILLER
Although Michael Bisping has a much bigger name, his middleweight bout against Dan Miller is very evenly matched. Bisping and Miller are each coming off decision losses to top Brazilians Wanderlei Silva and Demian Maia, respectively. Both men need a win to get back into the upper echelon of the division. This fight will likely go to a decision, but Bisping could get the finish if he is relentless with his strikes. It has been a rough couple of months for British fighters with Dan Hardy, Terry Etim, and Paul Daley all losing. Bisping should be able to get the Brits back in the win column.
Bisping by TKO.
TODD DUFFEE vs. MIKE RUSSOW
His UFC career has lasted at mere seven seconds, yet Todd Duffee has boat-loads of hype surrounding him. Injuries have kept him on the shelf since UFC 102 last August where he knocked out Canadian Tim Hague seven seconds into their fight. Duffee looks like an action figure and trains with some of the best in the world at Xtreme Couture. His opponent, Mike Russow, is a good wrestler that likes to wear down his opponents and look for chokes and arm locks. Duffee should be too strong to get submitted and he hits hard, very hard. The hype train should keep chugging along.
Duffee by TKO.
JASON BRILZ vs. ANTONIO ROGERIO NOGUEIRA
Brilz is a late replacement for Forrest Griffin and is a huge underdog. However, his style may give ‘Lil Nog’ some problems. If Brilz can utilize his wrestling ability and nullify Nogueira’s submission attempts, he could pull off the upset decision. Nogueira’s boxing and jiu-jitsu are at an elite level and he is likely two wins away from gaining a title shot. Unless Nogeuira comes into the fight overconfident, he should leave the cage with his hand raised.
Nogeuira.
JOHN HATHAWAY vs. DIEGO SANCHEZ
Since England’s John Hathaway does not have a bigger name, many people are writing him off in Diego Sanchez’s return to welterweight. However, this fight will be a lot closer than people think. Diego will come out with more energy than he did in his three fights at lightweight. In those three fights –even his classic war with Clay Guida– he looked stiff in his standup and wasn’t dominant on the ground. Still, Sanchez’s striking is superior to his opponent’s. Hathaway (12-0) has some serious skills and is one of the top young welterweights in the sport. If he can put Sanchez on his back, he has a realistic chance at winning a decision. However, Diego’s grappling is more advanced and he is too good at scrambling to allow Hathaway to control him for 15 minutes.
Sanchez by Decision.
UFC PRELIMS LIVE
DONG HYUN KIM vs. AMIR SADOLLAH
This is an interesting matchup since both fighters are excellent in the clinch although one is a striker and one is a grappler. Amir Sadollah has proven his Muay Thai skills are something to be feared, just ask Brad Blackburn and Phil Baroni. Dong Hyun Kim, on the other hand, is one of the best judo practitioners in the sport and has excellent back control. If Sadollah can keep the fighting standing, he should come out victorious. But, if Kim can toss Sadollah to the ground it could be a long night for the TUF 7 winner. Both men are undefeated and this fight is worthy of a pay-per-view billing, though it is available to watch for free on Spike TV. Kim and Sadollah both fight at an exhilarating pace and this will undoubtedly be an incredible fight.
Kim by Decision.
EFRAIN ESCUDERO vs. DAN LAUZON
The UFC Prelims Live broadcast kick-starts UFC 114 with a bout featuring these two young, exciting lightweights in what is a definite “Fight of the Night” contender. Both Lauzon and Escudero were victims of excellent submissions in their last fights and look to get back in the win column. Both are aggressive and won’t be afraid to let their hands fly. It was recently reported that Lauzon’s brother Joe kicked him out of his fight camp because of his behaviour. This could greatly affect his performance. Look for this fight to be a barnburner.
Escudero by TKO.
PRELIMINARY CARD
MELVIN GUILLARD vs. WAYLON LOWE
It’s a tough task for anyone stepping in on short notice to fight a guy like Melvin Guillard. He is explosive, athletic and will knock your head off at the drop of a dime. UFC newcomer Waylon Lowe has a large task in front of him. Lowe is a southpaw and Guillard has a brutal right hand, so look out for that.
Guillard.
LUIZ CANE vs. CYRILLE DIABATE
France’s Cyrille Diabate has fought some of the best in the world including Shogun Rua, and will make his UFC debut against tough Brazilian Luiz Cane. Diabate is a Muay Thai practitioner and at 6’6 will need to use his reach to be effective. Cane will need to be weary of knees and kicks. Cane is coming off his first career loss and it will be in his best interest to get inside, land some punches of his own and utilize his jiu-jitsu game. If he can do this, he should win. If they stand and trade, Cane runs the risk of getting caught, but he should do just fine as his boxing is lethal.
Cane.
JOE BRAMMER vs. AARON RILEY
Both men are fighting for their UFC lives with the loser likely getting cut from the organization. In his UFC debut, Brammer was dominated and choked out by Ontario’s Mark Bocek. Riley is a well-versed veteran of 41 fights and should be able to win wherever the fight goes.
Riley.
JESSE FORBES vs. RYAN JENSEN
Forbes has the momentum coming into this fight, winning eight of his last ten, while Jensen has lost five of his last eight. The key to this fight is whether or not the more experienced Jensen will be able to take Forbes down. If he can do that, look for him to work his active ground game.
Jensen.
For more coverage of UFC 114 and local MMA news, visit CanadianProFighter.com.
Friday, May 28, 2010
CanadianProfighter.com Exlcusive: One-on-One with Canadian star and TUF 11 cast member Nick Ring.
By Elton "Hobbie" Hobson
There’s an old cliché in fight sports about the toughest opponent to overcome being yourself.
Usually, it just refers to overcoming mental weakness, laziness, or a killer hangover. In Nick Ring’s case, it’s unfortunately all too literal. Of all the opponents he has faced over his 8 years as a professional, the toughest may turn out to be his own ACL.
It has certainly cost him as of late. The sole Canadian prospect on this season of Spike TV‘s “The Ultimate Fighter”, Ring was an early favourite right from the start. The first pick of Coach Tito Ortiz, he knocked off two wins in the house and may have been poised to take it all before finding out his ACL - which had already undergone surgery twice before - would once again have to go under the knife.
“It sucked. It sucked finding out, of course. And it sucked having to drop out,” Ring explains from his home in Calgary. “It’s just very, very frustrating to keep having to put my career on hold.”
Indeed, there is equal parts frustration and weariness in his voice, and it’s hard to blame him. Having major knee surgery for a third time is a daunting prospect for anyone - let alone a professional fighter. Yet that’s exactly what Ring did, going under the knife on April 9th for what will hopefully be the third and final time.
“What they did is, they took a cadaver [tendon] and they implanted that into my knee. And hopefully, that will prevent the knee from being reinjured in the future.”
As Ring explains, while the surgery was hard, it’s the getting better that is even harder.
“The tendon is actually at its weakest between six weeks and three months [after the surgery],” Ring says “and the real problem is that right around that same time period, you start to feel normal again. You feel like you can start to move around again. But the consequences of that are bad.”
As Ring can surely attest to. A kickboxing standout since the age of 15 with 30 professional fights, Ring made the transition to MMA in 2002 and has rattled off a perfect 10-0 in promotions like DEEP, Icon Sports, and Bellator. It would likely have been more if not for the recurring ACL problems, which once sidelined him for over three years.
For some, such setbacks could mean the end of a career. Not so for Ring.
“Oh yeah, I’ll be back. No doubt about it.” He says without hesitation. “I’ve come too far and given up too much to turn back now. I’ll be back. I’m not even close to finished in the sport.”
Still, the timeline for recovery is daunting. It will be September before he can even think about going to the gym again, meaning he will likely have to sit out the rest of 2010. For a hot prospect seemingly on the verge of making it big, it is yet another frustration.
And in an interesting way, it is a perfect analogy for his time spent on The Ultimate Fighter. Injured early in the tournament, Ring was forced to remain cloistered in the house - cut off from television, internet, and any form out communication with the outside world - without having the tournament and the six-figure contract to motivate him or look forward to.
When I ask Ring about his time “in the house”, he is surprisingly straightforward.
“I wouldn’t do it again. Or only if I didn’t have any choice.”
“I’m a very busy guy. Kind of a workaholic. I always like having a bunch of projects and things that I need to do, you know? Being stuck in that house, I wasn’t even able to read. And being injured, I wasn’t able to train with the other guys. For me, being that bored, it’s like pulling teeth.”
“So because [lifting] weights was pretty much the only thing I could do, that’s basically all I did. I figured, ‘I got as much free protein as I want, and what amounts to a free gym membership. Let’s see how big I can get this {expletive}’.”
Echoing a sentiment taken up by many former TUF cast members, Ring points to the extreme isolation as another of the show’s downsides.
“You don’t have any contact at all with the outside world. You just have to trust that your life back home is going on course.”
It’s an interesting choice of words, for Ring’s career hasn’t exactly stayed the course he intended it to. Still, like that old cliché goes, the greatest battle is always with yourself - and the battle you wage when the going gets tough, and quitting looks easier then sticking it out.
For eight years, three surgeries, and countless hours of rehab and physiotherapy, Nick Ring has stuck it out. After all that, a successful MMA career just might seem an easy feat by comparison.
“I haven’t fulfilled my dreams yet, or accomplished my goals, or done what I wanted to do yet. So whatever it takes, doesn’t matter how hard it is, I’m coming back and doing what I love.”
For Nick Ring, it really is that simple.
THE FIGHT CLUB PRESENTS RYAN “THE REAL DEAL” FORD VERSUS BRANDON WOLFF AT “TFC 11: DESTINY”
Edmonton, Alberta (Canada): The Fight Club (TFC), one of the fastest-growing fight promotions in Canada, has secured a world class main event for its next event, “TFC 11: DESTINY.” On Saturday, July 17th, live at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, TFC World Welterweight Champion Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford will defend his title against the man considered to be the number one 170 lb. fighter in Hawaii, UFC veteran Brandon Wolff. Tickets are available through http://www.thefightclub.ca/, or (780) 991-5670.
“DESTINY” will be shown on pay-per-view across Canada on Shaw, Shaw Direct, Bell TV, and Viewers Choice, offering virtually all Canadians the opportunity to purchase and watch the show live. The event will also be broadcasted at many commercial establishments, bars, pubs, lounges, and casinos across Canada. In addition, through a distribution agreement with Ringside Boxing & MMA, the event will be televised to a potential worldwide audience of over 150 million viewers (on a delayed basis). News on a press conference will be announced soon.
Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford (12-2) is viewed by many to be the next great Canadian welterweight after UFC 170-pound kingpin Georges St-Pierre. A native of Edmonton, “The Real Deal” won the TFC welterweight title on December 5th of last year when he knocked out California native John Walsh (10-5) in just thirteen seconds at “TFC 9: TOTAL CHOAS.” Ford holds victories over UFC vets Pete Spratt, CJ Fernandes, and Tommy Speer, who he defeated via first round submission at the most recent TFC event, “TFC 10: HIGH OCTANE” on March 19th. Ford is currently riding a four-fight win streak.
At “DESTINY,” Brandon Wolff (7-4) will be looking to lift the TFC welterweight strap from Ford. Wolff, who holds the X-1 welterweight title, stands five feet, ten inches tall, and trains with Team MMAD in Hawaii. The former Navy SEAL is a veteran of the UFC, the WEC, Rumble on the Rock, EliteXC, and K-1, and has faced top-flight competition such as Riki Fukuda, Chad Reiner, Ben Saunders, and Yoshiyuki Yoshida. After going 3-2 in an up-and-down early career, Wolff came out victorious in four straight fights, which included a unanimous decision victory over Chad Klingensmith at “EliteXC: Uprising.” In May of 2008, Wolff faced the UFC veteran Reiner for the X-1 welterweight title. After five grueling rounds, Wolff was awarded the unanimous decision victory and the championship. Now, he will look to add TFC hardware to his collection.
The Fight Club is also pleased to announce the addition of Ron “The Yacman” Yacovetti, who will now handle play-by-play commentary cageside for “TFC 11: DESTINY.” “The Yacman,” who is the face of the MMA social networking website FightLaunch.com, has done fight commentary for several other organizations, including the Korean MMA promotion Spirit MC (Spirit Martial Challenge), and the Florida-based Art of Fighting promotion. In addition, Ron co-hosts a weekly Web TV series entitled “The Yac & J Show,” a comedic news magazine style show.
Look for the additional fights to be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.thefightclub.ca/
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Bryan “The Beast” Baker, Alexander Shlemenko advance to Middleweight Tournament Finals with wins at Bellator 20
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (May 27, 2010) – Emerging superstar Bryan “The Beast” Baker and Russian striker Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko both scored semifinal-round victories while heavyweight Eddie Sanchez pulled off a stunning comeback win to gain entry into Bellator’s upcoming Season 3 Heavyweight Tournament during a stirring night of fights at Bellator 20 in San Antonio.
The victories by Baker (13-1) and Shlemenko (29-4) set up an intriguing final round matchup between two vastly different fighters, who both played to their strengths to defeat formidable opponents before a raucous crowd at San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre on Thursday.
Shlemenko(on top in picture), making just his third appearance in the U.S., won his fight against former all-American wrestler Jared Hess in gruesome fashion.
After Hess controlled the first two rounds, Shlemenko landed a sharp flying knee to Hess’s chin early on in Round 3, knocking him to the ground awkwardly and severely dislocating Hess’ left knee. Remarkably, Hess kept fighting for more than a minute afterwards, holding Shlemenko at bay as he tried to finish the fight. But when Hess (10-2) tried to stand up, the dislocated knee buckled under his weight and the referee wisely stepped in to stop the fight.
“It never ceases to amaze and humble me the level of courage and heart that our fighters display here in the cage and Jared Hess showed that yet again,” Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney said during the post-fight press conference. “At the same time, I have to congratulate Alexander Shlemenko, who fought hard against the 185-pound tournament favorite and was able to get the win.”
While not nearly as dramatic, Baker’s win over Las Vegas native and former competitive powerlifter Eric Schambari (12-2) was far more dominant. Baker -- who entered the tournament saying that he was gunning for reigning Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard’s belt -- backed up the talk by using a tight triangle choke to finish Schambari just 2:29 into Round 1.
“I knew he was going to come out and try to take me down,” Baker said of Schambari afterwards. “He’s a strong, strong dude, but on the ground I knew I could finish him with a submission. I’m looking all the way to Hector now. I’m looking to get my title … I’m looking to get my belt.”
Earlier, in the first televised fight of the night, Sanchez pulled off one of the most thrilling come-from-behind wins of the year to defeat Marcus Sursa by TKO at 0:23 into Round 3.
After an evenly matched first round, Sursa came out swinging to start Round 2, dropping Sanchez to the canvas with a solid right hand just a few seconds after the opening bell. For a few moments, it appeared as if Sursa would finish the fight easily, but Sanchez somehow regained his composure, took the dominant position and wore Susa down with a relentless ground-and-pound as the round ended. A rejuvenated Sanchez then came out with a vengeance in Round 3, knocking Sursa to the mat after just a few seconds before finishing him with a flurry of blows to the head.
“He caught me pretty good there and dazed the [expletive] out of me, but I’ve got a tough chin and I came back,” Sanchez told Bellator color commentator Jimmy Smith immediately after the fight. “I knew if I just hung in there I could finish him off.”
Afterward, Rebney announced that, with the victory, Sanchez had earned his way into Bellator’s Season 3 Heavyweight Tournament, which begins in August.
“He put on a great fight, made a great comeback and showed some huge heart,” Rebeny said of Sanchez.
In the final televised bout of the evening, a Bantamweight Feature Fight, Wyoming native Nik “Garfield” Mamalis used a rear naked choke to finish Hawaiian standout Mark Oshiro at 1:29 into Round 2.
The event also played host to five Local Feature Fights:
- Aaron Rosa def. Robert Villegas via unanimous decisión
- Adam Schindler def. Brian Melancon via unanimous decisión
- Andrew Chappelle def. Cedrick Marks via rear naked choke (8:18)
- Jimmy Flick def. Humberto DeLeon via unanimous decision
- Fernando Rodriguez def. Kenneth Battle via rear-naked choke (6:28)
Fans who missed Thursday night’s action can watch all the best moments this weekend during special highlight shows on NBC, Telemundo and the cable network mun2. Check your local listings for exact dates and times.
Bellator returns to action in two weeks at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., where Bellator will host the championship round of its Season 2 Lightweight Tournament. Rising star Pat Curran, who earned his way into the finals with stunning wins over Mike Ricci and Roger Huerta, takes on MMA veteran and “Submission of the Year” title holder Toby Imada.
The fight and the rest of the Bellator 21 feature card will again be televised live on FOX Sports Net.
For more information, visit http://www.bellator.com/
Training With Pros with Firas Zahabi-Trainer of GSP
On his way to UFC, 113 Jeff stops at Tristar Gym to train with Canada's Trainer of Champions - Firas Zahabi of Zahabi MMA. Firas trains fighters such as Dennis Kang, David Loiseau, Kenny Florian and the UFC Welterweight Champion - Georges "RUSH" St. Pierre.
WIN UFC 115 tickets at livingultimate.com. LIDDELL VS FRANKLIN
Coming soon to the FIGHT NETWORK. Firas Zahabi on TRAINING WITH PROS
WIN UFC 115 tickets at livingultimate.com. LIDDELL VS FRANKLIN
Coming soon to the FIGHT NETWORK. Firas Zahabi on TRAINING WITH PROS
Azevedo joins MFC's stable Brazilian lightweight only man to beat World Champion Jose Aldo
The Maximum Fighting Championship has added a fighter with impressive credentials to its talent roster in the lightweight ranks.
Brazilian star Luciano Azevedo (16-8) boasts a strong resume and the native of Rio de Janeiro is expected to make his organization - and North American - debut at MFC 26. Details on the show and its lineup will be announced shortly. Azevedo has signed an exclusive four fight deal with The Maximum Fighting Championship.
The 26-year-old, who has won six of his last eight encounters, holds the distinction of being the only fighter to best world-renown featherweight Jose Aldo, capturing a submission victory via rear-naked choke when the two met in 2005 in Brazil. One of Azevedo's other career highlights is a decision win over veteran Din Thomas - a verdict that came just four months after his victory over Aldo.
"I'm very excited to have Luciano in our organization and I'm expecting big things from him. I believe he can deliver in a big way," said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. "Obviously he has a great resume particularly with his win over Aldo - the only man in the world that has that distinction. Luciano has all the tools to be a champion so I'm hopeful he will live up to the expectations."
Azevedo has yet to fight in North America, predominantly fighting in his native Brazil but also making five trips to England, two to Japan, and a single matchup in France. The five-foot-eight jiu-jitsu practitioner and wrestler has won 12 of his fights by submission - five each by triangle choke and armbar along with two via rear-naked choke.
Bellator 20 post-fight press conference to stream LIVE at Bellator.com tonight
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (May 27, 2010) — Bellator Fighting Championships will once again provide a LIVE video stream of its post-fight press conference at Bellator.com tonight following Bellator 20.
The live stream, broadcast from the Majestic Theatre in downtown San Antonio will begin at approximately 11p.m. Eastern (8 p.m. Pacific), one hour after the conclusion of Bellator’s LIVE Fox Sports Net broadcast.
Fans can participate in the press conference as well by e-mailing questions to info@bellator.com or through Twitter @BellatorMMA during the duration of the broadcast.
The press conference will feature Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney as well as all eight fighters from tonight’s four televised bouts: Bryan Baker, Eric Schambari, Jared Hess, Alexander Shlemenko, Eddie Sanchez, Marcus Sursa, Nik Mamalis and Mark Oshiro.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Warrior 1 MMA (W1) is BACK this June 19th in Montreal Quebec-Make sure you don't miss it, this is an Event you have to see LIVE!!
Here is the Full Fight Card as it stands right now, Full of Amazing Canadian Fighters!!
Check out our Interview with W1 President Jack Bateman and our High-light clip from W1's last event BAD BLOOD
Jack Bateman interview with CanadianProFighter.com
CanadianProFighter.com's Highlight Video from W1's Bad Blood
Full Fight Card
Main Event!!
Denis Kang 185
Dae Won Kim
145 lb Title Fight
Thierry Quenneville
John Fraser
Ivan Menjivar 135
Aaron Miller
135 lb Title Fight
Adrian Wooley
Randy Spence
Antonio Carvalho 145
Juan Barrentes
Jorge Britto 135
Eddie fyvie
Misha Cirkunov 205
Ion cherdivara
Bruno Hosier HW
Matt Dunning
Josh Hill 135
Brent Franczuz
Demetrious Arvanopolus 170
Jay Alexander
Michael Imperato 135
Tim Chessel
Check out our Interview with W1 President Jack Bateman and our High-light clip from W1's last event BAD BLOOD
Jack Bateman interview with CanadianProFighter.com
CanadianProFighter.com's Highlight Video from W1's Bad Blood
Full Fight Card
Main Event!!
Denis Kang 185
Dae Won Kim
145 lb Title Fight
Thierry Quenneville
John Fraser
Ivan Menjivar 135
Aaron Miller
135 lb Title Fight
Adrian Wooley
Randy Spence
Antonio Carvalho 145
Juan Barrentes
Jorge Britto 135
Eddie fyvie
Misha Cirkunov 205
Ion cherdivara
Bruno Hosier HW
Matt Dunning
Josh Hill 135
Brent Franczuz
Demetrious Arvanopolus 170
Jay Alexander
Michael Imperato 135
Tim Chessel
Results of Bellator 20 weigh-in announced
Bellator 20 will be broadcast live in prime time nationwide on Thursday on FOX Sports Net and during special Bellator highlight shows this Saturday night on NBC, Telemundo and mun2.
The official results of the weigh-in are as follows:
MAIN CARD:
Bryan “The Beast” Baker (186 lbs.) versus Eric Schambari (185 lbs.) – at 185 lbs.
Alexander Shlemenko (184.8 lbs.) versus Jared Hess (185.2 lbs) – at 185 lbs.
Eddie Sanchez (234.4 lbs.) versus Marcus Sursa (219.2 lbs.) – at 265 lbs.
Nik Mamalis (135.2 lbs.) versus Mark Oshiro (135.4 lbs.) – at 135 lbs.
LOCAL FEATURE FIGHTS:
Robert Villegas (205.2 lbs.) versus Aaron Rosa (205.2 lbs.) – at 205 lbs.
Cedric Marks (166.8 lbs.) versus Andrew Chappelle (174.8 lbs.) – at 170 lbs.*
Brian Melancon (161.2 lbs.) versus Adam Schindler (154.8 lbs.) – at 155 lbs.^
Humberto DeLeon (124.6 lbs.) versus Jimmy Flick (124.6 lbs.) – at 125 lbs.
Kenneth Battle (154.8 lbs.) versus Fernando Rodriguez (153.8 lbs.) – at 155 lbs.
* Chappelle and Marks are negotiating a catchweight
^ Melancon and Schindler are negotiating a catchweight
Bellator brings championship fight to K.C. Power & Light District featuring Mizzou wrestling standout Ben Askren vs. top-rated Dan Hornbuckle
Askren (5-0) will take on MMA superstar Dan Hornbuckle (21-2) in the finals of Bellator’s ongoing Welterweight Championship Tournament. The winner will become the No. 1 contender to reigning Bellator Welterweight Champion Lyman Good (10-0) and will earn the chance to face Good in a world title fight later this year.
The much anticipated Askren-Hornbuckle showdown is one of eight fights scheduled as part of the June 17th event, which marks Bellator’s second visit in six weeks to the Power & Light District, a state-of-the-art, open-air, mixed-use entertainment venue in the heart of downtown Kansas City, owned and managed by The Cordish Company.
The event, Bellator 22, will be televised LIVE on FOX Sports Net and during special taped highlight shows the following Saturday night on NBC, Telemundo and the cable network mun2.
Tickets are on sale now at The Midland by AMC box office in downtown Kansas City and at ticketmaster.com. General admission tickets start at just $15 in advance/$25 at the door. Ringside and VIP tickets are also available and start at $75.
Other scheduled fights include:
- Winfield, Kan., native Tyler Stinson (17-6) vs. Omaha-based Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Leonardo Pechana (11-5) in the evening’s “Local Main Event”
- Kansas City’s Tammie Schneider vs. Lisa Ward in a “Female Showcase” fight at 115 lbs.
- Kansas City’s John Orr (5-4) vs. former NCAA Champion wrestler and current Brock Lesnar training partner Cole Konrad (3-0) in a “Heavyweight Feature Fight”
“We’re thrilled to be coming back to Kansas City for another event at the Power & Light District,” said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Our first trip to the venue back in late April produced one of the most magical events we’ve ever been a part of. Kansas City is a great fight town with great fans and the Power & Light District is a one-of-a-kind venue. We can’t wait to come back on June 17th with a Main Event fight featuring one of the top welterweights in the world, Dan Hornbuckle, and another star on the rise in Ben Askren.”
For more information, visit Bellator.com or powerandlightdistrict.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Bellator FC is MMA's Little Engine that Could
By Elton "Hobbie" Hobson
Bellator is actually a word in Latin. It means “Warrior”.
I’m telling you now because far and away, the question I get most whenever I mention Bellator FC is “what does that word even mean?” So now you know. And if you haven’t been keeping up with MMA’s little promotion that could, well, it’s time to start.
It wasn’t so long ago that mentioning the name “Bellator FC” to your casual MMA fan elicited a blank expression. But over the course of 2 seasons spanning 19 events and counting, Bellator is showing signs of stability and staying power, rare traits indeed in the often chaotic MMA business (Shine Fights, anyone?). They have TV deals on Fox SportsNet, NBC, and The Score here in Canada - a pretty impressive feat for a promotion with less then 20 live events to it’s name.
They also happen boast some of the most exciting, competitive MMA action to be found anywhere.
I know most fans get their full MMA fix from the UFC juggernaut, and with the promotion averaging 3 events a month now, it’s no surprise. As the saying goes, if you’re going to watch one MMA promotion this summer - make it the UFC.
But if you’re going to watch two MMA promotions this summer - it’s time to give Bellator a look. Still on the fence? Here are 3 reasons this upstart, throwback, Latino-oriented promotion is worth a look from every MMA fan.
Tournaments are Back, Baby!
Ok, technically Japanese promotion like Pride and it’s successors DEEP, DREAM, Sengoku Raiden et al. never abandoned the traditional single elimination tournament format. They have ran well publicised and successful tournaments to crown divisional champions, #1 contenders, open weight grand prix winners and whatever a “Super Hulk” is. The old school tournament is alive and well in the land of the rising sun.
Stateside, however, the tournament has long been forgotten, abandoned by the UFC when Zuffa bought the promotion. Which is a shame, because the entire MMA scene in North America was built on the success of the early UFC tournaments. They almost always had a wild west sort of feeling to them, but no one can deny they were also alluring and intriguing. Tournaments just seem to sit the into the cultural martial arts zeitgeist - Think of Enter the Dragon, Mortal Kombat, Bloodsport etc.
In the modern era, it seemed as though tournaments were consigned to the history books. They were too risky for promotions to put on, it was believed. What if a fighter pulls out with an injury last minute? Who do you get to replace him? Or what if a fight results in a Draw or a No Contest? Do you put the whole tourney on hold to do a rematch, of just advance one fighter for the sake of brevity over another (see Emelianenko, Fedor).
And so tournament style MMA in North America went the way of the Dodo, replaced by a rotating, divisional “ladder” similar to Boxing. But like the scientists from “Jurassic Park”, Bjorn Rebney and the guys behind Bellator have brought tournaments back from extinction.
Bellator has used it’s tournament format to compliment it’s broadcast schedule, which runs in “seasons” instead of year round. This let’s them keep fighters fresh while also building prospects up over the course of the tournaments run. The simplicity of this strategy is a large part of the reason for Bellator’s success and ability to make headway in a crowded market. It also proves tournaments are a viable form of promotion for any major MMA company, Japanese or otherwise.
Best Highlight Reel in the Sport
Without a doubt, the largest ingredient in Bellator’s remarkable success is their incredible library of highlight reel finishes - and their ability to use viral media to promote those highlights in turn.
Chances are you’ve seen Tony Imada’s unbelieveable reverse triangle on Jorge Masvidal somewhere on the internet. The submission won Imada the 2009 Submission of the Year award, and was a viral marketing sensation. Or maybe you’ve seen Yahir Reyes’ incredible spinning backfist KO of Estevan Payan, a punch out of a Bruce Lee movie. You might have seen Nick Pace go air Jordan on Colin Tebo with a flying knee, or Pat Curran curl Mike Ricci’s toes with a devastating right hook, or Bao Quach collapse in the clinch against Georgi Karakhanyan. The list goes on.
Unlike most MMA promotions, who attempt to restrict or tightly control their content online, Bellator took the opposite approach and promoted all these videos heavily on YouTube and on social networking sites, to big exposure. Of all the MMA promotions today, they may be the most forward thinking in terms of marketing and exposure.
It also helps that they have a crazy library of highlight reel finishes to fall back on. I know there’s no guarantees when it comes to MMA, but you can almost always bank on a Bellator event dropping your jaw somehow - be it thundering KO or mind bending submission. If you haven’t seen these videos and don’t know what I’m talking about - well, what are you waiting for?
Deep Roster of Prospects
For many MMA promotions, the biggest challenge (and ultimately, the one that dooms them) is properly developing prospects and young talent. The UFC has the marketing apparatus to properly “push” up and coming talent through their many television and PPV vehicles, but outside of the Zuffa empire it’s a much tougher go.
The sport of MMA is fickle and fast changing, and a prospect can go from white hot to DOA in a single night. Promotions run the risk of bringing someone along who proves to be a flop, or pushing someone into the main event role before they are ready for it (the recent Gegard Mousasi vs. Mohammed Lawal fight is a good example of both, respectively).
As a result, promotions tend to rely on old, proven stars rather then take a chance on the new guy. This can lead to short term success but ultimately leaves promotions with few options in the future. Promotions build around one or two big names almost always go under, while those that stay on do so because they were able to generate new, and not just capitalize on existing, fan interest.
Bellator gets this. They went the opposite way from most start up promotions and focused most of their energy on developing their own roster of stars. Instead, they focused on young, talented prospects across a range of disciplines and backgrounds. They didn’t seek out only former UFC champions or PPV level fighters to build their promotion around. Even their “big name” stars and champions, like Eddie Alvarez and Hector Lombard, are young guys with years left in front of them.
The result is that Bellator has possibly the deepest list of prospects in the sport right now outside the UFC - and maybe including it. When 2 time D-1 NCAA wrestling champion Ben Askren made his long awaited turn to MMA, it was in Bellator. When the UFC released popular lightweight Roger Huerta, it was Bellator who scooped him up. Then there’s Greco-Roman national champion Joe Warren, or Sengoku phenom Dan Horbuckle, or rising star Jacob McClintock. And that’s just a start.
For a sport always on the lookout for the “next” someone - the next GSP, the next Anderson Silva, the next BJ Penn etc. - I’d be willing to bet they’ll find at least one of them here. If Bellator continues to show patience and foresight in bringing their stable of fighters along, and they continue to impress like they have been, don’t be surprised to see a Bellator champion on the P4P list sooner rather then later.
So there it is, folks. Tournaments combined with awesome finishes combined with some of the hottest prospects in the sport today. Seems like a simple combination to me. In a sport so known for it’s chaotic, changing nature, Bellator is slowly emerging as the safest bet in MMA.
UFC announces plans to open a Canadian office in Toronto; ex-CFL boss Tom Wright to head operations
CanadianProfighter.com and Examiner.com Reporter
Although the sport of mixed martial arts is not yet sanctioned in Ontario, UFC President Dana White, along with UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta announced that the company is expanding and will open a Canadian office in Toronto.
“I’m pleased to announce that we have decided to actually have a presence here in Canada,” said Fertitta. “We will be opening an office here in Canada full-time to show our level of commitment.”
Fertitta announced that Tom Wright, former commissioner of the Canadian Football League, will head the UFC-Canada office. “After a long search, talking to a lot of people, we feel like we found the perfect person,” said Fertitta. “[Wright] brings a unique blend of business experience and sports experience.”
When the UFC began its quest for global expansion, they focused on having their product in the United States, Britain and Mexico, places with a rich history in boxing. Three years ago the UFC opened an office in the U.K., with the goal of expanding their brand across Europe and eventually across the globe.
Canada, however, was not in their immediate plans. But today, Canada is the UFC’s primary focus. “We never saw Canada coming,” said White. “We never realized how big this thing was going to be, and there’s no doubt about it, our second biggest market, outside of the United States, is Canada.”
“When we opened the office in the U.K. our goal there was to sort of ignite mixed martial arts over there and we felt that once we started doing events all over the country it would explode, and we were right,” said White. “It has already exploded here, it’s huge, it’s our second biggest market and to not have an office here is insane. It was time.”
Fertitta added that it makes sense, from a business standpoint, to be in Toronto since it is the fourth biggest commercial business area in North America behind New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. “Canada represents about 17 per cent of our overall business as a company now, so we look to continue to grow that,” said Fertitta. Between new media, video-on-demand, building UFC gyms, plus merchandise and a successful video game franchise, there are many ways for the UFC to generate income for the province in addition to holding MMA events.
The UFC-Canada announcement shows how far the sport has evolved in recent years. It will give Ontario’s economy a much-needed shot in the harm, and possibly influence the authorities to take the necessary steps towards legalizing the sport.
For more information on the UFC visit ufc.com.
Monday, May 24, 2010
MMA Day Enourmous Success, Hundreds Rally at Queens Park
http://www.examiner.com/x-34335-Toronto-MMA-Examiner
Despite the clouds and the threat of a thunderstorm, hundreds of enthusiastic mixed martial arts fans gathered at Queen’s Park in Toronto to show their support for the wildly popular sport, which is unceremoniously outlawed in the province of Ontario. The first annual MMA Day was an enormous success according to those running the event and those in attendance.
MMA Day was hosted and moderated by professional mixed martial artist and instructor Jeff Joslin, along with Rogers Sportsnet’s “Showdown Joe” Ferraro. All speakers were representatives of the MMA community including: the first Canadian UFC champion, Carlos Newton; the top featherweight in the country, WEC star Mark Hominick; a professional fighter currently signed with Bellator Fighting Championships, Sean Pierson; jiu-jitsu and MMA instructor and coach, Shah Franco; Chairman of the Fight Network, Loudon Owen; and MMA Day organizer and president of MMA Expo, Gerald Chopik.
During his speech, Showdown Joe made a plea to Premier Dalton McGuinty on behalf of the MMA community and fans. He pleaded “to make changes to the Ontario Athletics Control Act to amend the definition of professional contest or exhibition, so as to included the sport of MMA, which- according to a 2006 study published in the journal of sports science and medicine by the esteemed John Hopkins University school of medicine- has a lower knockout rate than boxing, which is a sport we sanction in Ontario.”
This request was met by uproarious applause from the crowd. “Some food for thought for everybody, mixed martial arts has a lower injury rate than even cheerleading. If you don’t believe me, Google it,” added Ferraro.
The fighters in attendance were not thugs with criminal records. They were educated, articulate role models that represent what the sport of MMA is all about. “The gentleman up here are among the best fighters in the world. But, they’re also among the best gentleman in the world,” said Loudon Owen.
Carlos Newton said that if MMA becomes legal in the province, there would be more local fighters that will make an impact internationally. “We already put out some of the best fighters in the world, per capita we probably are the best. And, I would say, having mixed martial arts legal here in Ontario would just raise that even higher. They’ll never catch us,” said Newton.
The former UFC champion then referenced advice he got when he was a young fighter and put it in the context of legalizing the sport. “Everyone always overestimates what they can do in one year, and everyone underestimates what they can do in ten,” said Newton. “So, this is the first step and we’re going to get there.”
For more great MMA and UFC coverage visit Mike at CanadianProFighter.com
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
MFC declares intent for Ontario events
Tentative dates and locations secured pending sanctioning
The Maximum Fighting Championship should be the first mixed martial arts promotion to hold a major world-class event in the province of Ontario pending final sanctioning of the sport by the provincial government and regulatory bodies.
The MFC, which has become one of the top mixed martial arts promotions in North America, has tentative agreements in place with several Ontario venues to host events beginning as early as February 2011. All agreements are subject to official sanctioning of the mixed martial arts.“I have said for years that once Ontario opens up legally, the Maximum Fighting Championship will proudly be there in full-force,” said Pavelich. “Pending the sanctioning required from the Ontario government, it will happen - the MFC will be first in the door and we will be there to stay.
“The Ontario market is remarkable and the MFC brand is already well-known and well-regarded there but we intend on taking the MFC to greater heights and do it for the thousands of mixed martial fans there. While everything regarding sanctioning for mixed martial arts is in the tentative stages and the MFC respects the process being taken, the Maximum Fighting Championship is not tentative about what it will accomplish once Ontario becomes fully-legalized for the sport.
“Unlike others the MFC will make Ontario a huge part of our yearly schedule. We won’t be there once or twice a year - the MFC will make a home in Ontario and host several shows each year in numerous locations.”
The Maximum Fighting Championship became the first fully-sanctioned mixed martial arts organization in Canada outside of Quebec when the company launched in 2000. The MFC and its own developmental promotion, Heat XC, have combined for 32 shows since bursting onto the scene with 95% of the shows hosted in front of sold-out crowds.
Since February 2008, the Maximum Fighting Championship has been the only Canadian-based mixed martial arts organization that features its shows on live television thanks to its broadcast partnership with HDNet, the cable network created by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
Once the Province of Ontario does sanction mixed martial arts, the Maximum Fighting Championship will be able to fully announce its schedule and host venues for shows.
Friday, May 21, 2010
FINALLY!!!!UFC BOOKS ROGERS CENTRE FOR MARCH 26 2011
WOW, is all I have to say, I don't doubt Joe but I have been waitig so long, I just don't know if I can believe it or not. I guess I will have to wait like the rest of the world, but like I said before I have talked with UFC execs and all they said was "it was happening already" so let's hope our crooked backwards government finally came to it's senses(or the UFC finally antied up enough buy-off money) and let's see some AMAZING ACTION right here at home!! I really can't wait for one and I knew it was only a matter of time.
Stay tuned for all the breaking news in the coming days at Canadianprofighter.com
Heat XC returns with David Heath and “King” Solomon Hutcherson as headliners, July 16
The Maximum Fighting Championship’s own developmental organization, Heat XC, is set to unleash another explosive show featuring two internationally known middleweights alongside a lineup of top prospects.
Heat XC 5: Punishment will take place Friday, July 16 at the Mayfield Trade Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, with a card headlined by a clash between crowd favorites David Heath and “King” Solomon Hutcherson. The two were initially slated to be part of the MFC 25: Vindication lineup until an injury sidelined Hutcherson, but it will now be the main event on the upcoming Heat show.
“Heat XC is growing into a much more prominent position and having a great main event to go with a strong lineup of up-and-coming talent is exactly how Heat XC will continue its rise to even greater heights,” said Mark Pavelich, Owner of the Maximum Fighting Championship as well as Heat XC under its banner of Pavelich Sports.
Heat XC has taken off with four consecutive sellouts and it shared the spotlight with its parent company at MFC 24: Heat XC. Not only has Heat XC started developing fighters for the Maximum Fighting Championship, it is truly standing on its own as a frontrunner on the Canadian mixed martial arts scene.
Heath (14-6) will make his debut at middleweight following a notable run in the light heavyweight ranks that included a first-round submission victory over the MFC’s former 205-pound champion, Roger Hollett. The Tulsa, Oklahoma, product shared the recognition for the MFC’s 2009 Fight of the Year for his toe-to-toe encounter with Mike Nickels at MFC 22. Hutcherson (11-6) captured his organization debut with a thorough three-round decision over Dave Mewborn at MFC 20 and then, after recovering from shoulder surgery, the Racine, Wisconsin, native dropped a controversial decision to Jason MacDonald at MFC 23.
“I said when I first booked the fight between Hutcherson and Heath that it would be an all-out war and it still will be - probably now an even a bigger battle since the animosity has had a chance to brew longer,” said Pavelich.
“Plus the fight now has the opportunity to really stand out on its own as the main event. I know that these two fighters will put on an effort worthy of main-event status.”
Heath personally called out this matchup back in February and both fighters have stated their definite willingness to get down to business.
“I don’t think it’s going to be about what game plan I have for him, it’s more about what I think his game plan will be for me,” noted Heath.
“This fight is right up my alley,” responded Hutcherson. “The fans know we both like to bang. Heath’s a banger too so I think the fans are really going to get their money’s worth.”
A number of Heat XC’s top fighters will be on the card including Nick Hrynchyshyn, Jason Gorny, Dami Egbeyemi and Jason Kuchera. The card will also feature a rematch from the MFC 25 undercard between Garret Nybakken and Jevon Marshall plus a heavyweight clash that will pit longtime rivals against each other. Former minor pro hockey enforcer Marty Melnychuk, who registered over 300 penalty minutes in a season three times during his career, will settle the issue once and for all against massive Ryan Getschel in what will undoubtedly be a wild affair.
Tickets for Heat XC 5: Punishment are on sale now by calling the Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 and via Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.ca/ and charge-by-phone (780) 451-8000.
Rosa vs. Villegas announced as Local Main Event for Bellator 20 in San Antonio
Promoters have attempted for years to convince Rosa (12-3), a 26-year-old from San Antonio and Villegas (7-2), a 34-year-old from Corpus Christi, to face off in the cage, but Bellator 20 on May 27th marks their first-ever meeting.
Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.
“Promoters from across Texas have been trying to get Aaron Rosa and Robert Villegas to fight each other for years, so it’s a great coup for Bellator that we’ve been able to finally make it happen,” said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Aaron and Robert are two of the best local fighters in Texas and both are looking to make their mark on the big stage. It’s going to be a great fight.”
The fight is one of four Local Feature Fights scheduled for the evening. Others include:
- Cedric Marks (27-20) of Killeen vs. Andrew Chappelle (7-6) of San Antonio;
- Brian Melancon (3-0) of Houston vs. Adam Schindler (6-1) of San Antonio;
- Humberto DeLeon (5-2) of Houston vs. Jimmy Flick (7-0) of Corpus Christi.
The Rosa-Villegas fight, however, is easily generating the most buzz.
“They’ve been trying to get us to fight for a long time,” Rosa said. “Now that it’s finally going to happen, I can tell you this much: We’re both gonna come out swinging and somebody’s gonna go down. It’s gonna be a great fight in front of my hometown crowd … I want everyone to show up.”
Rosa, a former football standout at Angelo State University in San Angelo, discovered MMA when a teammate showed him Renzo and Royler Gracie’s book, “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Theory Technique.” Since turning pro 4 ½ years ago, he has compiled an overall record of 12-3, with five of those wins coming via TKO.
“I’m a striker,” Rosa said. “I’m gonna go in there and punch him in the face and look for a knockout. That’s what I’m all about.”
Villaegas, for his part, says that he figures on taking Rosa to the ground, using the judo and jiu-jitsu skills that he’s honed over the last nine years at the MMA gym he owns and operates, Xtreme MMA in Corpus Christi. He holds black belts in both disciplines.
“I’m very picky about the fights that I take,” Villegas said. “I have to be inspired by a fight. I’ve had my ups and downs in MMA but this fight and being a part of the Bellator organization is a highlight. It’s gonna be a great show.”
For more information, visit Bellator.com or canadianprofighter.com
Pat Curran headlines Bellator Fighting Championships event on June 10th
Delray Beach native looking to follow up wins over Ricci, Huerta in fight with Toby Imada
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 21, 2010) — South Florida native and MMA rising star Pat Curran will return to fight in his home state for the first time next month since two upset victories in Bellator Fighting Championships’ Season 2 Lightweight Tournament catapulted him into the tournament’s championship round and national MMA stardom.
Curran, who grew up in Delray Beach and Boca Raton, will face off with MMA veteran and 2009 “Sumbission of the Year” title-holder Toby Imada during the Main Event fight when Bellator returns for the fourth time to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., on June 10th. The winner will take home Bellator’s Season 2 155-lbs. Tournament title and will become the No.1 contender to reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez.
The much-anticipated Curran-Imada fight is just part of the eight-fight Bellator 21 card, which will also be televised LIVE on FOX Sports Net and during special taped highlight shows on NBC and Telemundo. Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets and at Ticketmaster.com.
“We can’t wait to return to South Florida and bring our Lightweight Tournament Championship fight with us,” said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebeney. “I am especially happy that Pat Curran will have a chance to fight in front of his hometown crowd. He has gone on a tremendous run in our Lightweight Tournament and has made a substantial name for himself in the world of MMA. His fight against Toby Imada, a crafty MMA veteran, is going to be a great fight to watch and a great Main Event at the Hard Rock.”
Curran, who now lives and trains outside of Chicago, was standout wrestler for Olympic Heights Community High School, finishing fourth at the state finals during his senior year. After graduating, he studied for and received his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification in South Florida before being convinced by his older cousin, MMA legend Jeff “Big Frog” Curran, to move to Illinois to begin a career in MMA.
He took his first pro fight in February of 2008 and quickly compiled an impressive record of 9-3.
He made his Bellator debut in impressive and dramatic fashion on April 15th in Chicago with a first-round KO of Georges Saint-Pierre training partner Mike Ricci. Curran then followed that up with one of the biggest upsets of the year in all of MMA, a unanimous decision win over superstar Roger Huerta in Bellator’s Lightweight Tournament semifinal round Boston.
The wins have helped turn Curran into an overnight star.
Imada (25-12) is perhaps best known for the remarkable inverted triangle choke submission that he used to dispatch the heavily favored Jorge Masvidal during the semifinals of Bellator’s Season 1 Lightweight Tournament. The submission has now been viewed more than 700,000 times on YouTube and won Imada “Submission of the Year” honors from nearly every MMA media outlet. But the submission has also served to overshadow the magnitude of an impressive three-year run that has seen Imada win 11 of his last 12 pro fights including a Bellator quarterfinal submission of WEC veteran James Krause and a semifinal submission of up-and-comer Carey Vanier.
Details on the other seven fights will be released in the coming weeks.
visit canadianprofighter.com for more details later
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 21, 2010) — South Florida native and MMA rising star Pat Curran will return to fight in his home state for the first time next month since two upset victories in Bellator Fighting Championships’ Season 2 Lightweight Tournament catapulted him into the tournament’s championship round and national MMA stardom.Curran, who grew up in Delray Beach and Boca Raton, will face off with MMA veteran and 2009 “Sumbission of the Year” title-holder Toby Imada during the Main Event fight when Bellator returns for the fourth time to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., on June 10th. The winner will take home Bellator’s Season 2 155-lbs. Tournament title and will become the No.1 contender to reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez.
The much-anticipated Curran-Imada fight is just part of the eight-fight Bellator 21 card, which will also be televised LIVE on FOX Sports Net and during special taped highlight shows on NBC and Telemundo. Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets and at Ticketmaster.com.
“We can’t wait to return to South Florida and bring our Lightweight Tournament Championship fight with us,” said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebeney. “I am especially happy that Pat Curran will have a chance to fight in front of his hometown crowd. He has gone on a tremendous run in our Lightweight Tournament and has made a substantial name for himself in the world of MMA. His fight against Toby Imada, a crafty MMA veteran, is going to be a great fight to watch and a great Main Event at the Hard Rock.”
Curran, who now lives and trains outside of Chicago, was standout wrestler for Olympic Heights Community High School, finishing fourth at the state finals during his senior year. After graduating, he studied for and received his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification in South Florida before being convinced by his older cousin, MMA legend Jeff “Big Frog” Curran, to move to Illinois to begin a career in MMA.
He took his first pro fight in February of 2008 and quickly compiled an impressive record of 9-3.
He made his Bellator debut in impressive and dramatic fashion on April 15th in Chicago with a first-round KO of Georges Saint-Pierre training partner Mike Ricci. Curran then followed that up with one of the biggest upsets of the year in all of MMA, a unanimous decision win over superstar Roger Huerta in Bellator’s Lightweight Tournament semifinal round Boston.
The wins have helped turn Curran into an overnight star.
Imada (25-12) is perhaps best known for the remarkable inverted triangle choke submission that he used to dispatch the heavily favored Jorge Masvidal during the semifinals of Bellator’s Season 1 Lightweight Tournament. The submission has now been viewed more than 700,000 times on YouTube and won Imada “Submission of the Year” honors from nearly every MMA media outlet. But the submission has also served to overshadow the magnitude of an impressive three-year run that has seen Imada win 11 of his last 12 pro fights including a Bellator quarterfinal submission of WEC veteran James Krause and a semifinal submission of up-and-comer Carey Vanier.
Details on the other seven fights will be released in the coming weeks.
visit canadianprofighter.com for more details later
IS THE UFC coming to ONTARIO? Toronto this May 25th UFC is making a HUGE anouncement regarding Canada..STAY TUNED
Speculation is swirling as to what the announcement could be here a quick snippet from Bleacher report on what it could be "UPDATE: Joe Ferraro from the Canadian sports channel Sportsnet is reporting that not only is there the possibility that the announcement could see the filming of TUF 12 in Canada before the possible event at Rogers Centre featuring Georges St. Pierre and Josh Koscheck, but there is also a chance that the UFC could be opening a head office in Toronto with former WWE Executives Carl DeMarco and Shane McMahon possibly being involved with running the office. McMahon is also rumored to be pursuing a 5-10% stake of ownership in the company."
With Showdown Joe putting out such bold comments could it be true? Could the UFC be coming to T.O.?
When I was in Montreal for UFC 113, I was talking wih oneof their media directors, he said" everytime we come to Montreal your team makes it to the playoffs" So I responded "Then come to Toronto, god knows they need the help" he responded with a very montone" WE ARE".
Could it finally happen, could MMA finally be LEGALIZED in Ontario,
I can only dream, but come May 25th I will be awake and we will see what the real story is.
Dan Hornbuckle fight high-lights from last night
Known as a knockout artist, Dan Hornbuckle shocked the Handler’s fans again by ending his second straight Bellator tourney fight with a submission. An early candidate for submission of the year, Hornbuckle advances to the finals of Bellator’s welterweight tournament to face Ben Askren after pulling off an unexpected armbar against Army vet Steve Carl
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Hornbuckle and Askren, advance to Welterweight Tournament finals with dominant wins at Bellator 19
Reigning Bellator Featherweight Champ Joe Soto improves perfect record with ‘Super Fight’ win
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (May 20, 2010) – MMA star Dan Hornbuckle and former U.S. OlympianBen Askren both booked passage into the championship round of Bellator Fighting Championships’ Season 2 Welterweight Tournament at Bellator 19 on Thursday with dominant performances.
Meanwhile, reigning Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe Soto improved his record to a perfect 9-0 with a “Super Fight” victory over crafty UFC veteran Diego Saraiva.
The three fights – all dominant performances – were just part of another great night of Bellator action in front of a raucous crowd at the Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie, Texas – the first of two consecutive Bellator events in the Lone Star State this month.
The night’s most anticipated bout was undoubtedly Askren’s fight with UFC veteran Ryan Thomas – a rematch made possible when Thomas (13-5) re-entered the Welterweight Tournament to replace late scratch Jim Wallhead.
But while the first Thomas-Askren fight ended in controversy (a disputed referee’s stoppage), their fight on Thursday was controlled from the get-go by Askren, the two-time NCAA wrestling Champion at the University of Missouri. Askren held the dominant position for all three rounds, winning a clear-cut unanimous decision that improved his pro MMA record to 5-0. It was the first time that one of his fights had ever gone past the first round.
“It was a war … he definitely came to fight,” Askren said afterward. “I definitely had to dig deep. I was going for some submissions but he kept slipping out. It was a great fight.”
Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney agreed, saluting Askren’s commanding performance.
“Ben Askren was impressive,” Rebney said in the post-fight press conference. “For someone this new to MMA to be able to put on a performance like that against a fighter like Ryan Tomas is a testament to his huge, huge talent. He’s going to be tough guy to bet against.”
Earlier in the night, Iraq War veteran Steve Carl (13-2) took Hornbuckle to the ground shortly after the opening bell of their semifinal-round fight, but “The Handler” maintained his composure on his back, using a tight kimura to end the fight just 2:31 into Round 1. Hornbuckle has now recorded 10 submission wins 10 nine knockouts in his 23 career fights.
After the fight, Rebney made the case that Hornbuckle is quickly emerging as one of the top 170-pound fighters in the world.
“He continues to evolve and grow as a mixed martial artist,” Rebney said. “He is an awfully dangerous welterweight and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in the world at 170 who would go in as a favorite against him right now. I’m looking forward to watching him again next month.”
In the “Super Fight,” Soto assumed the dominant position early on in the fight and landed a huge elbow to Saraiva’s forehead near the end of Round 1, opening a deep cut that forced the ringside doctor to stop the fight at the end of the round. It was the first time that Saraiva (18-9-1) had been stopped in 38 career pro bouts.
“It sucks that I had to end him with the cut, but that’s the way it goes,” Soto said afterward. “Now I’m just looking forward to fighting the winner of the tournament.”
Rebney called the fight “a major statement” by Soto.
“This was a very dangerous fight for Joe,” Rebney said. “But he came to us and said ‘I want the toughest guy you can find at 145.’ With a performance like that against a fighter of Diego’s caliber, it ‘s a great night for him.”
The event also played host to six Local Feature Fights:
- Douglas Frey def. Aaron Wise via guillotine choke (0:49)
- Joshua Smith def. Donyiell Winrow via unanimous decision
- Johnny Bedford def. Jared Lopez via TKO (12:16)
- Scott Barrett def. Ty Lee via TKO (2:25)
- Joe Christopher def. Brandon McDowell via guillotine choke (1:36)
- Chas Skelly def. Daniel Pineda via kneebar submission (7:16)
Fans who missed Thursday night’s action can watch all the best moments this weekend during special highlight shows on NBC, Telemundo and the cable network mun2. Check your local listings for exact dates and times.
Bellator returns to action next week from the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio with two semifinal fights in the Season 2 Middleweight Tournament: Eric Schambari vs. Bryan “The Beast” Baker and Russian import Alexander Shlemenko vs. former NCAA all-American wrestler Jared Hess.
For more information, visit www.Bellator.com follow us on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/BellatorMMA.
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