Fight Junkie
Feed The Addiction
News Flash
November 2008Babalu vs. Southworth!
Babalu On Southworth: “This Was The Biggest Mistake Of His Career.”
There isn’t another fighter in the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) whose physical appearance coincides with his character more so than that of Renato “Babalu” Sobral (30-7).
At 33 years of age, the Brazilian native and Jiu-Jitsu black belt has firmly ingrained in the minds of his followers a look and demeanor that, coupled together, amount to a pretty startling and somewhat scary individual.
Less than a week out from his long-awaited showdown with Strikeforce World Light Heavyweight (205 lb. limit) Champion, Bobby Southworth (9-5), a notorious rogue in his own right, Sobral is spewing words indicating his firm intention to humble the defending crown holder.
“Bobby called me out and I gladly accepted the challenge,” said Sobral. “On Friday, the world will learn what Bobby already knows – that this was the biggest mistake of his career.”
Over the years he has spent mastering his craft, Sobral has produced more than his share of submissions. Given what seems to be a disproportionate training schedule, leaning heavily towards western boxing, that he has maintained for this bout, though, all signs indicate that the challenger will attempt to keep the fight standing and let his hands fly.
“I’m going to be looking for the knockout,” said Sobral, who has been putting in hours upon hours of work with former world championship boxing contender, Justin Fortune. Sobral hooked up with Fortune shortly after relocating from Brazil to the Los Angeles area. “If I have to break my hand on his face, I will.”
Despite the tough talk directed at his opponent, Sobral is a man with a soft side – especially when it comes to kids. At his brand new, state of the art gym in Cerritos, he is insistent upon instructing nearly all of the children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.
“It is important to me that they receive the best instruction possible so that they learn the fundamentals of this art,” he said. “I want to share with them something that has been a guiding force in my life.”
When the subject of conversation turns back to Friday’s showdown with Southworth, though, Sobral becomes all business again.
“I will be a100 percent and I’m going to push the pace. I will be very aggressive in this fight.”
Tickets for Strikeforce “Destruction,” priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (408-998-TIXS), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and on Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).
Middleweight (185 lb. limit) knockout artists Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (13-5) and Terry Martin (18-5) will collide in a featured contest as will world Muay Thai champion Duane “Bang” Ludwig (17-8) and Yves Edwards (34-14-1) at a catch weight of 164 lbs.
Kim Couture (0-1), wife of mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Randy “The Natural” Couture, will make her Strikeforce debut against Lina Kvokov (0-1) in a 130 lb. limit contest.
Joe “Diesel” Riggs (28-11) will make his return to the welterweight (170 lb. limit) division in a matchup with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Luke Stewart (6-1).
HP Pavilion doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for Strikeforce “Destruction” and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. The main card will commence at 7:30 p.m.
The live HDNet telecast of Strikeforce “Destruction” will begin at 10 p.m. EST (7 p.m. PST).
News Flash
November 2008Smith and Martin Ready To Slug It Out!
Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith and Terry Martin dded to Strikeforce “Destruction”.
A showdown between hard hitting middleweights (185 lb. limit) Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (13-5) and Terry Martin (18-5) has been added to Strikeforce “Destruction,” the star-studded mixed martial arts (MMA) fight card that will unfold at San Jose’s HP Pavilion on Friday, November 21st.
“This is one of the those matchups where there’s no chance it won’t be a great fight,” said the 29-year-old Smith, a Sacramento native who has been eager to return to the cage since his loss to Robbie Lawler in the main event of the live CBS televised MMA fight card on July 26th.
“A fight like Terry Martin – ever since I’ve watched him fight, I always thought he’d be an exciting fight for me. I like taking on guys that bring it and like to fight.”
Despite the short notice he was given for the meeting with Martin, Smith claims he will enter the fight in better condition that he did for the meeting with Lawler as he had already been preparing for a bout on November 8th that was subsequently canceled.
“My teammates said you got to stick in there and be ready to fight at any time and that’s what I did. I think fighting two weeks later is better for me and is perfect timing.”
Smith has become distinguished in the sport of MMA for his undying commitment to becoming a complete fighter with superior skills in all ranges of combat. His devotion is perhaps best exemplified through the five hours he spends on the road, three times each week, in order to train with one of the world’s top Muay Thai kickboxing trainers, Ganyao Fairtex, who is based out of San Francisco.
It is the kickboxing skills he has nurtured under Fairtex for the last three years that Smith believes will be critical to his success against Martin.
“He’s a better boxer and I’m a better kickboxer,” said Smith. “I want to keep the fight standing. I know he likes to stand and bang so it’s looking to be a slugfest.”
While Smith is looking to rebound from a defeat, the heavy handed Martin is seeking his second straight win. The 28-year-old made a splash debut with Strikeforce by scoring a one punch knockout on rising star Cory “The One” Devela during the promotion’s second event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills on September 20th.
“Cory Devela was a tough guy and he fought a good fight. I just wanted to show people that I’ve got knockout power in both my hands,” said Martin. “I’m looking to come out and bang in this fight, too.”
Martin is a testament to human fortitude and one’s ability to overcome a troublesome past. A former gang member, he survived five gunshot wounds that nearly took his life at age 15 on the streets of his native Chicago, Illinois, and has since earned a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and pursued a dual career in professional boxing and MMA. He is on his way to receiving a master’s degree in psychology.
“When I was in the hospital recovering, I was around people who were shot in the same places as me, but who couldn’t walk or who lost their limbs as a result of what happened,” explained Martin of what drove him to make such drastic changes in his life. “Some of them even passed away. That really made me think twice and start hanging out in a different environment.”
Martin’s determination and spirit caught the eye of another Chicago-based MMA champion in “Mr. International” Shonie Carter while Martin was wrestling competitively for his soon-to-be alma mater. Carter introduced Martin to the local MMA scene and, soon after, a new career was born.
Amongst the notches under Martin’s belt are wins over top contenders Chael Sonnen, Ivan Salaverry, and Jorge Rivera.
“Fighting has always been a part of me. I come from a fightin’ family,” said Martin. “You have to be aggressive to make it in MMA. I’m aggressive and agile and I think I have a very entertaining style.”
Tickets for Strikeforce “Destruction,” priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (408-998-TIXS), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and on Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).
World Muay Thai Champion Duane “Bang” Ludwig (17-8) will face fellow star Yves Edwards (34-14-1) at a catch weight of 164 lbs.
Strikeforce World Light Heavyweight (205 lb. limit) Champion, Bobby Southworth (9-5), will put his title on the line against top-ranked superstar, Renato “Babalu” Sobral (30-7).
Kim Couture (0-1), wife of mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Randy “The Natural” Couture, will make her Strikeforce debut against Lina Kvokov (0-1) in a 130 lb. limit contest.
Joe “Diesel” Riggs (28-11) will make his return to the welterweight (170 lb. limit) division in a featured contest with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Luke Stewart (6-1).
K-1 Dream veteran, Darren Uyenoyama (4-2), will return to action before his hometown fans when he meets Brad Royster (1-1).
HP Pavilion doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for Strikeforce “Destruction” and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. The main card will commence at 7:30 p.m.
The live HDNet telecast of Strikeforce “Destruction” will begin at 10 p.m. EST (7 p.m. PST).
News Flash
November 2008Broken Toe Outs Thomson!
Ludwig Mans Up For Edwards.
A broken toe will sideline Strikeforce World Lightweight (155 lb. limit) Champion Josh “The Punk” Thomson from his scheduled title defense against Yves Edwards (34-14-1) in the main event of Strikeforce “Destruction” at San Jose’s HP Pavilion on Friday, November 21st. World Muay Thai champion and mixed martial arts (MMA) knockout artist, Duane “Bang” Ludwig (17-8), will step up to face Edwards in the cage at a catch weight of 164 lbs.
Thomson sustained torn ligaments in one of his toes during a routine training session last week. He is expected to be out of action for several months.
The 30-year-old Ludwig is coming off a sensational first round stoppage of Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan, a veteran of Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter,” on Friday, October 3rd. He has since remained in top physical form while preparing other competitors for battle.
Ludwig is no stranger to imposing victories. The Denver, Colorado native shattered the all-time record for quickest finish in MMA history when he delivered a crushing right hand that leveled Jonathan Goulet only 11 seconds into their Spike TV live, televised matchup on January 16, 2006. To date, the record still stands.
A former professional kickboxer who crossed over to the hybrid combat sport that is MMA, Ludwig reached the pinnacle of his professional kickboxing career when he captured the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) World Junior Middleweight Muay Thai championship in Denver in January 2004. The victory was by no means simple as he was forced to contend with Thailand native Malaipet Sitprapom in a five-round, toe-to-toe war before earning a unanimous decision from the judges.
Ludwig displayed tremendous potential by winning 8 of his first 10 mixed martial arts contests, but it was his 11th start on January 25, 2003 in which he made his first big mark in the sport.
Matched with former UFC 155 pound champion, Jens “Little Evil” Pulver, in the main event of a star-studded card at Montreal, Canada’s Pierre Charbonneau Centre, Ludwig shocked those looking on when he caught Pulver with a punishing right hand that prompted the referee to call a stoppage to the bout at the 1:13 mark of the bout’s first round.
Like Ludwig, Edwards has triumphed over a number of other notable rivals, including Rich Clementi, Dokonjonosuke Mishima, James Edson Berto, and Hermes Franca, whom Edwards defeated twice.
Edwards, a native of The Bahamas, took up Karate at age nine and, soon after, began studying Kung-Fu. After relocating to Houston, Texas at the age of 15, he fell in love with mixed martial arts (MMA) and gradually immersed himself in various components of the sport, most notably Muay Thai, western boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Edwards later dubbed his hybrid style of combat “Thug Jitsu.”
It is his passion for combat that recently lured Edwards to Coconut Creek, Florida, where the 11-year veteran of professional MMA has become a full fledged member of star-filled fight squad, American Top Team.
Tickets for Strikeforce “Destruction,” priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (408-998-TIXS), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and on Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).
Strikeforce World Light Heavyweight (205 lb. limit) Champion, Bobby Southworth (9-5), will put his title on the line against top-ranked superstar, Renato “Babalu” Sobral (30-7).
Kim Couture (0-1), wife of mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Randy “The Natural” Couture, will make her Strikeforce debut against Lina Kvokov (0-1) in a 130 lb. limit contest.
Joe “Diesel” Riggs (28-11) will make his return to the welterweight (170 lb. limit) division in a featured contest with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Luke Stewart (6-1).
K-1 Dream veteran, Darren Uyenoyama (4-2), will return to action before his hometown fans when he meets Brad Royster (1-1).
HP Pavilion doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for Strikeforce “Destruction” and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. The main card will commence at 7:30 p.m.
The live HDNet telecast of Strikeforce “Destruction” will begin at 10 p.m. EST (7 p.m. PST).
News Flash
November 2008Couture To Make Strikeforce Debut!
Couture To Make Strikeforce Debut Nov. 21.
Kim Couture, wife of mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Randy “The Natural” Couture, will make her Strikeforce MMA cage fighting debut against Lina Kvokov in a 130 lb. limit contest at San Jose’s HP Pavilion on Friday, November 21st.
The 32-year-old Couture recently reaffirmed her commitment to becoming a pioneer of women’s MMA competition by adding none other than K-1 superstar and three-time world kickboxing champion, Ray “Sugarfoot” Sefo, to her stable of elite trainers.
According to Couture, the experience with Sefo, a veteran of 74 professional fights and a winner over several other all-time K-1 greats during his stellar 13-year professional fighting career, has, thus far, opened her eyes to a new world that embodies technical excellence while fighting aggressively on foot.
“I like his style,” said Couture, a martial artist of five years. “He’s very explosive and aggressive. He doesn’t wait around and look for openings. He creates them.”
Her upcoming appearance, the second MMA start of her career, will provide Couture with an opportunity to change the opinions of critics who watched her endure a beating at the hands of Kim Rose at Las Vegas, Nevada’s Thomas and Mack Center on June 20, 2008.
“Losing that fight was the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Couture who, despite sustaining considerable punishment, went the three round distance with Rose before losing a unanimous judges’ decision. “It’s completely changed me as a fighter. I’ve started doing things a lot different. It made me realize that I have to be the aggressor or I’m going to get hurt.”
As Vice President of Xtreme Couture, her husband’s Las Vegas-based fight facility, Couture maintains a hectic work schedule that includes managing several of the camp’s fight team members. However, she is also religious about training twice daily. Randy serves as her wrestling coach while Gil Martinez provides her with boxing instruction and Robert Drysdale oversees her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.
“I plan to show how well-rounded I am in this fight,” said Couture. “I’m going to be more aggressive and more explosive. There’s not anywhere the fight can go that I won’t be prepared because I feel like I’ve got the toughest camp and the best coaches.”
While she may make an effort to be the aggressor in the fight, fans can expect Couture’s opponent to utilize a similar strategy.
“I’m an A-type personality so of course I’m aggressive,” said Kvokov, a 33-year-old native of Portland, Oregon, whose meeting with Couture will also be her second professional start and an opportunity to even her record to 1-1 after being submitted with an arm bar by Tamara Parks in the opening round of their matchup on April 3, 2008.
“I don’t know Kim Couture, but I’ve heard a lot of great things and have a lot of respect for her so I’m really looking forward to going in there and banging it out with her.”
Kvokov’s history confirms that she has a strong competitive nature as well as a high tolerance for risk. After all, it was only 10 months ago that she initially engaged in formal martial arts training, something that she was introduced to by Strikeforce veteran, Matt Horwich.
Shortly after becoming a student, prize fighting seemed like a natural fit, according to Kvokov, a mother of four children. To accommodate the deep commitment that MMA fight training requires of its competitors, she proceeded to make drastic sacrifices, which included dropping out of law school in her second year of studies.
“I just think that it’s such a great thing, being able to beat someone up and get paid for it,” chuckled Kvokov. “I can’t think of a better way to earn a living.”
Tickets for Strikeforce “Destruction,” priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (408-998-TIXS), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and on Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).
In the main event, Strikeforce World Lightweight (155 lb. limit) Champion and San Jose resident, Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2), will put his title on the line for the first time and, at the same time, look to even an old score against the only man on the planet who has stopped him in the heat of battle - Yves Edwards (34-14-1). The 32-year-old Edwards, who scored an unforgettable, first round knockout on Thomson with a head kick at UFC 49 on August 21, 2004, remains one of only two competitors who have defeated Thomson.
Strikeforce World Light Heavyweight (205 lb. limit) Champion, Bobby Southworth (9-5), will make a highly anticipated title defense against top-ranked superstar, Renato “Babalu” Sobral (30-7).
Joe “Diesel” Riggs (28-11) will make his return to the welterweight (170 lb. limit) division in a featured contest with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Luke Stewart (6-1).
HP Pavilion doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for Strikeforce “Destruction” and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. The main card will commence at 7:30 p.m.
The live HDNet telecast of Strikeforce “Destruction” will begin at 10 p.m. EST (7 p.m. PST).
News Flash
October 2008Strikeforce Draws 1.1 Million Viewers!
Latest “Strikeforce on NBC” Episode Draws Record 1.1 Million Viewers.
Last Saturday’s episode of “Strikeforce on NBC” generated over 1.1 million viewers, a new high for the first-ever 52 week mixed martial arts (MMA) series in network television history, according to Nielsen Ratings.
The record number of viewers shattered the previous high of 949,000, which was recorded on May 9th.
The all-new, 30-minute program showcased the drama-filled light heavyweight (205 lb. limit) rematch between former South African National Wrestling Champion, Trevor Prangley (18-5), and former world championship challenger, Anthony “A-Train” Ruiz (21-12), which took place at Strikeforce’s second event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California on September 20th.
“It’s obviously great to see our product growing substantially on the network, but it’s more than just that,” said Strikeforce Founder and CEO, Scott Coker. “The consistently strong ratings we’ve seen are a sign that the sport of MMA is flourishing and continuing to gain new fans as its visibility grows on national television.”
"Strikeforce on NBC,” which premiered on April 12th, airs every Saturday, immediately following NBC’s hit poker tournament series, "Poker After Dark" (check local listings). MMA legend Ken Shamrock and award-winning ESPN announcer, Lon McEachern, co-host each program and provide expert, play-by-play commentary.
This Saturday’s “Strikeforce on NBC” episode will mark the premiere of the classic Strikeforce world lightweight (155 lb. limit) championship showdown between rival superstars Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2) and “El Nino” Gilbert Melendez (14-2), which took place at San Jose’s HP Pavilion on June 27th.
News Flash
October 2008Thomson To Defend Strikeforce Title!
Seeks Vengeance Against Edwards.
Strikeforce World Lightweight (155 lb. limit) Champion, Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2), will set out to make his first title defense and, at the same time, look to even an old score against the only man on the planet who has stopped him in the heat of battle - Yves Edwards (34-14-1) – at San Jose’s HP Pavilion on Friday, November 21st.
The 32-year-old Edwards, who scored an unforgettable, first round knockout on Thomson with a head kick at UFC 49 on August 21, 2004, remains one of only two competitors who have defeated Thomson. The finishing shot that Edwards landed on Thomson was afterwards called “the greatest knockout due to a kick in UFC history” by play-by-play announcer, Mike Goldberg.
“I was better than him then and I’m way better than him now,” said Thomson who, one day before his 30th birthday, coasted to his eighth consecutive victory, a first round TKO of Lion’s Den protégé, Ashe Bowman, during Strikeforce’s second affair at the world famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday, September 20th.
“This rematch is about winning back something that I let slip through my fingers last time,” Thomson explained. “It was a fluke, but that’s part of the fight game – anyone can get caught. I blame my error last time on my cockiness. This time, I’ve got to stamp my mark on it.”
His dominance of “El Nino” Gilbert Melendez at HP Pavilion on Friday, June 27th earned Thomson the Strikeforce title and a return to the lightweight division’s world top 10 rankings.
“I respect Yves as a fighter and consider him a friend. This is a business, though, and we know it so I’m going to do what I have to do,” said Thomson.
“It was a spectacular finish. We both scrambled and had a good idea, but mine was better,” noted Edwards of his first meeting with Thomson. During his 11-year professional career, Edwards has triumphed over a number of other notable rivals, including Rich Clementi, Dokonjonosuke Mishima, James Edson Berto, and Hermes Franca, whom Edwards defeated twice.
“Both Josh and I have improved. He’s always been comfortable in the cage, but his stand-up looks a lot better and he looks like he puts things together a lot better than he used to. He also looks even harder to take down than before.”
A native of The Bahamas, Edwards took up Karate at age nine and, soon after, began studying Kung-Fu. After relocating to Houston, Texas at the age of 15, he fell in love with mixed martial arts (MMA) and gradually immersed himself in various components of the sport, most notably Muay Thai, western boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Edwards later dubbed his hybrid style of combat “Thug Jitsu.”
It is his passion for MMA that recently lured Edwards to Coconut Creek, Florida, where he has become a full fledged member of star-filled fight squad, American Top Team. “Being able to go with these guys all the time has helped improve my game a lot. I’m not lacking anything down here. I’m in a fighter’s haven.”
Tickets for Strikeforce “Destruction,” priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (408-998-TIXS), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and on Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).
In the main event, Strikeforce World Light Heavyweight (205 lb. limit) Champion, Bobby Southworth (9-5), will make his highly anticipated title defense against top-ranked superstar, Renato “Babalu” Sobral (30-7).
Joe “Diesel” Riggs (28-11) will make his return to the welterweight (170 lb. limit) division in a featured contest with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Luke Stewart (6-1).
HP Pavilion doors will open at 5:30 PM for Strikeforce “Destruction” and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 PM. The main card will commence at 7:30 PM.
News Flash
October 2008NBC Strikeforce At The Mansion II!
Coverage Continues With Prangley-Ruiz Rematch.
The drama-filled light heavyweight (205 lb. limit) rematch between former South African National Wrestling Champion, Trevor Prangley (18-5), and former world championship challenger, Anthony “A-Train” Ruiz (21-12), will highlight NBC’s second consecutive week of Strikeforce Playboy Mansion event coverage on Saturday night.
The second encounter between Prangley and Ruiz, two powerhouses, was a much-anticipated follow up to their meeting at Strikeforce’s “Tank vs. Buentello” event at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California on October 7, 2006. Prangley overpowered Ruiz in the early going of their initial meeting before securing an armbar that forced Ruiz to submit at the 4:42 mark of the opening round of action.
The 36-year-old Prangley became South Africa’s national wrestling champion thirteen years ago. Soon after, though, he left his homeland for The United States in search of more advanced training. He settled in Idaho, where he secured a college scholarship and, later, became a two-time All-American at North Idaho College.
Ruiz, 30, is a product of AAA Academy of Kickboxing, the Modesto, California-based training center that, five years ago, produced a K-1 North American champion in Carter Williams. Ruiz emerged victorious in six consecutive bouts before losing a five-round unanimous decision to Strikeforce World Light Heavyweight Champion, Bobby Southworth, on June 27th.
Last Saturday’s “Strikeforce on NBC” episode marked the network premiere of Strikeforce’s September 20th affair at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California. The episode featured the card’s middleweight (185 lb. limit) battle between heavy-handed Terry Martin (17-6) and 24-year-old rising star, Cory “The One” Devela (9-2).
"Strikeforce on NBC," the first 52-week mixed martial arts series in network television history, airs every Saturday, immediately following NBC’s hit poker tournament series, "Poker After Dark" (check local listings). MMA legend Ken Shamrock and award-winning ESPN announcer, Lon McEachern, co-host each program and provide expert, play-by-play commentary.
News Flash
October 2008Southworth vs. “Babalu” Nov. 21st!
Riggs battles Stewart, tickets for Strikeforce “Destruction” on sale Monday.
Only two months after injuries to both fighters postponed their scheduled showdown, a healthy Strikeforce World Light Heavyweight (205 lb. limit) Champion, Bobby Southworth (9-5), will make his highly anticipated title defense against surgically repaired superstar, Renato “Babalu” Sobral (30-7), in the main event of Strikeforce “Destruction” at San Jose’s HP Pavilion on Friday, November 21st.
Joe “Diesel” Riggs (28-11) will make his return to the welterweight (170 lb. limit) division in a featured contest with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Luke Stewart (6-1). Strikeforce World Lightweight (155 lb. limit) Champion, Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2), will set out to defend his crown for the first time and notch his ninth consecutive victory against an opponent to be announced.
Tickets for Strikeforce “Destruction,” priced from $30, go on sale Monday at 10 AM PST and can be purchased at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (408-998-TIXS), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and on Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).
“It’s my title and I plan on defending it,” said Southworth, who had originally been slated to put his belt on the line against Sobral in the main event of Strikeforce’s second affair at the world-famous Playboy Mansion on September 20th. Stabilization problems stemming from a past knee injury, however, sidelined Southworth. “The stabilization in my knee is back and so is my strength.”
Southworth successfully retained his title at HP Pavilion on June 27th by neutralizing the wrestling skills of Anthony “A Train” Ruiz for five rounds before walking away with a unanimous judges’ decision.
A veteran of the first season of Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series, the 38-year-old Southworth is recognized as a founding member of Team AKA, the fearsome San Jose-based fight squad that boasts the likes of Thomson; Strikeforce World Middleweight (185 lb. limit) Champion, Cung Le; Josh Koscheck; Mike “Quick” Swick; and Cain Velasquez.
“Babalu’s a tough fighter. He matches up well with anybody because he’s strong in every area,” said Southworth. “I’m the same. I feel I have good wrestling, good standup, and good Jiu-Jitsu skills. This is a step up in competition, but my camp is working hard to prepare me and we’re coming to win.”
The 33 year-old Sobral, a former UFC light heavyweight championship challenger, underwent surgery on August 28th to mend a torn meniscus that he had sustained in his knee while preparing for the first scheduled meeting with Southworth. Four weeks of physical therapy followed the medical procedure.
“I’m definitely going to be looking for the knockout,” said an encouraged Babalu from Los Angeles, California, where he relocated from his native Brazil a year and a half ago to focus on his training needs. “I’m one month away and I’m 218 lbs. right now. I’m feeling great. I will be strong enough to win this fight.”
Since the move, Sobral, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, has dedicated a great amount of time to improving his western boxing skills under the tutelage of former world heavyweight championship challenger and conditioning guru, Justin Fortune.
“I’ve been working very hard on my boxing so I’m going to try to keep this fighting standing,” said Sobral, who is also working with the likes of heavyweight superstar, Josh Barnett.
Sobral’s last effort saw him score a unanimous decision victory over Mike Whitehead at The Honda Center in Anaheim, California on July 19th. The win was his third straight.
Sobral will soon move his training camp for the title fight to a brand-new Gracie Barra Academy that he is slated to open in the Los Angeles suburb of Cerritos on October 18th.
Riggs will attempt to rebound from the second round stoppage he suffered at the hands of top 10 middleweight, Kazuo “The Grabaka Hitman” Misaki, at the Playboy Mansion-hosted Strikeforce event. On the same card, Stewart returned to the win column with a first round armbar submission of Jesse Juarez.
HP Pavilion doors will open at 5:30 PM for Strikeforce “Destruction” and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 PM. The main card will commence at 7:30 PM.
News Flash
October 2008CBS ELITEXC PACKS RATINGS PUNCH!
SATURDAY'S #1 PROGRAM ON BOTH BROADCAST AND CABLE IN ADULTS 18-34, MEN 18-34 AND MEN 18-49.
The third CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS mixed martial arts event was Saturday's #1 program on both broadcast and cable in adults 18-34, men 18-34 and men 18-49 (tie), according to Nielsen live plus same day ratings for Oct. 4.
For the night, the prime time mixed martial arts event placed first in adults 18-34, men 18-34 and men 18-49 (tie) against such other sporting events as the Major League Baseball playoffs (cable), college football (cable and broadcast) and a competing mixed martial arts cable telecast.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS (S) (9:00-11:20PM) posted a 2.7/05 with 4.56m viewers, 2.7/10 in men 18-34, 2.7/08 in men 18-49, 2.9/08 in men 25-54, 2.0/07 in adults 18-34, 2.0/06 in adults 18-49 and 2.1/06 in adults 25-54.
Compared to the last CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS (July 26, 2008), CBS was up +59% in households (from 1.7/04), +75% in adults 25-54 (from 1.2/04), +100% in adults 18-49 (from 1.0/04), +150% in adults 18-34 (from 0.8/04), +93% in men 25-54 (from 1.5/05), +108% in men 18-49 (from 1.3/05), +170% in men 18-34 (from 1.0/05) and added +1.99m viewers (from 2.57m, +77%).
News Flash
October 2008Ludwig Stops Morgan!
Trigg Defeats Vitale At Strikeforce.
Knockout artist Duane “Bang” Ludwig (17-8) capped off an electrifying night of Strikeforce mixed martial arts (MMA) action, scoring a first round TKO on Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan (19-12), in their highly-anticipated rematch at Broomfield, Colorado’s Broomfield Event Center on Friday, October 3rd.
Superstar Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg (18-6) controlled the action against Falaniko “Niko” Vitale (26-9) for three consecutive rounds to notch a unanimous judges’ decision victory.
Morgan, who stopped Ludwig in 52 seconds when they faced off three years ago, took Ludwig down early in the first. Ludwig stood up shortly thereafter, though, and began to find his mark with his left hook and right hand.
A hard left hand to the body from Ludwig staggered Morgan. Ludwig followed up with a hard right hand to the head that put Morgan on his knees. Still on his feet, Ludwig blasted the downed Morgan with a left hand to the midsection.
Ludwig dropped into Morgan’s guard and began tagging Morgan with a flurry of blows. Morgan turned on to his side in an effort to escape the barrage, but Ludwig continued the heavy offensive until Morgan verbally submitted at the 2:01 mark of the first round.
Trigg, a former NCAA wrestling stud and 2000 Olympic wrestling trials finalist, showed off his stand-up combat skills, repeatedly backing Vitale into the cage and setting up flurries of elbows and right hands with a straight left hand, followed by a hard knee to the head. Vitale attempted to counter each time, but Trigg either controlled Vitale’s arms against the fence or back pedaled out of harm’s way.
In the third round, Trigg scooped his opponent up and slammed him, but was unable to make any headway on the ground.
Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson (5-2) made good on her promise of an explosive fight and also made it a short night for Tyra Parker (0-2). After scoring a straight right hand that stunned Parker, Waterson backed her opponent into the corner and began unloading knees to Parker’s face while the two were clinched.
Parker escaped, but made the mistake of turning her back, which allowed Waterson to latch on and sink in a choke. With the hold firmly intact, Waterson brought Parker to the ground and produced a submission at 1:20 of the opening round.
Two-time New York State Metropolitan Boxing Champion and Muay Thai Champion, Carlos Zevallos (1-0), survived an early storm at the hands of fellow light heavyweight (205 lb. limit) Andre “The Silencer” Walker (1-4) before turning the tides on Walker with a series of knee strikes in the clinch.
Zevallos took Walker to the ground and quickly transitioned from side control to mount where he rained down on Walker with punches until the referee called an end to the bout at the 4:48 mark of the opening round.
Billy Evangelista (8-0) was dropped twice in the first round by Luke “Lil’ Hulk” Caudillo (14-11) in lightweight (155 lb. limit) action, but made it to his feet after the second knockdown and launched a fearsome attack that, soon after, put Caudillo on his knees. An onslaught of punches from inside Caudillo’s guard forced “Lil’ Hulk” to turn over, allowing Evangelista to sink in a choke before the bell sounded.
Evangelista capitalized on the momentum he gained and controlled the pace of the fight in rounds two and three. Caudillo’s takedown defense was strong, but Evangelista managed to score a takedown in the third and final round and drop punches from both sides.
A slowdown in the action prompted the referee to stand the fighters up. Evangelista was awarded a unanimous judges’ decision following the close of the third round, raising his undefeated record to 8-0.
After keeping the fight standing for the majority of the first two rounds, Donnie Liles (12-5) decided to bring his welterweight (170 lb. limit) fight with Pete “The Secret Weapon” Spratt (18-15) to the mat, scoring two takedowns in the third. The second takedown produced dividends as Spratt gave up his back after being mounted. Liles sunk in a rear naked choke and, from his back, forced Spratt to tap at 1:59 of the round.
Tyler Toner (3-1), a 25-year-old upstart from nearby Aurora, dominated “Relentless” Ricky Johnson (0-2) with an all-out assault standing up and strong defense on the ground before finishing Johnson with a ground and pound offensive at the mark 3:44 of the second round.
Strikeforce “Payback” was televised live on HDNet.
Complete Strikeforce “Payback” Results:
Tyler Toner def. “Relentless” Ricky Johnson – TKO (Strikes) at 3:44, Round 2
Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson def. Tyra Parker – Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:20, Round 1
Carlos Zevallos def. Andre “The Silencer” Walker – TKO (Strikes) at 4:48, Round 1
Billy Evangelista def. Luke “Lil’ Hulk” Caudillo – Unanimous Decision, 3 Rounds (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Donnie Liles def. Pete “The Secret” Weapon” Spratt – Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:59, Round 3
Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg def. Falaniko “Niko” Vitale – Unanimous Decision, 3 Rounds (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Duane “Bang” Ludwig def. Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan – TKO (Strikes) at 2:01, Round 1
News Flash
October 2008Strikeforce "Payback" Weigh In Results!
Strikeforce “Payback:” Fighters Weigh In.
Despite Tyra Parker’s failure to make weight, her Strikeforce “Payback” matchup with Michelle “Karate Hottie” Waterson will go on as planned.
All other fighters scheduled to compete on the Strikeforce MMA card at Broomfield Event Center tomorrow successfully made weight at Dave and Buster’s in Westminster on Thursday.
Parker tipped the scales at 116 pounds, four pounds above the 112 pound limit, contracted weight of her bout. Waterson weighed in at 111.4 pounds.
The following are the official fighter weights from today’s weigh-ins:
Main Event 165 lb. limit:
Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan – 164.8 lbs.
Duane “Bang” Ludwig – 165 lbs.
185 lb. limit:
Falaniko “Niko” Vitale – 185.6 lbs.
Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg – 183.8 lbs.
170 lb. limit:
Pete “The Secret Weapon” Spratt – 170.8 lbs.
Donnie Liles – 170.8 lbs.
155 lb. limit:
Billy Evangelista – 155 lbs.
Luke “Lil’ Hulk” Caudillo – 155 lbs.
112 lb. limit:
Tyra Parker – 116 lbs.
Michelle Waterson – 111.4 lbs.
205 lb. limit:
Carlos Zevallos – 205.4 lbs.
Andre “The Silencer” Walker – 202.4 lbs.
145 lb. limit:
Ricky Johnson – 143.5 lbs.
Tyler Toner – 146 lbs.
Tickets for Strikeforce “Payback,” priced from $30, are on sale at Ticketmaster (303-830-TIXS) and Ticketmaster.com
Broomfield Event Center doors will open for Strikeforce “Payback” at 5:30 PM MST tomorrow and the preliminary card will begin at 6:30 PM MST. The main card will commence at 8 PM MST.
News Flash
October 2008Meet The "Karate Hottie”!
"Karate Hottie” Ready To Explode At Strikeforce “Payback”.
To the naked eye, Michelle Waterson looks more like she should be gracing the pages of Maxim rather than beating up on opponents in caged combat.
Just like the old cliché “looks can be deceiving” goes though, it turns out that the petite, 22 year old, otherwise known as the “Karate Hottie,” packs as much firepower as she does gorgeous looks.
Waterson, a former bikini model and native of Aurora, Colorado, has been throwing kicks and punches since the age of 10 when she took her first Karate class and, on Friday, she will attempt to give her hometown fans a dose of brutal theatrics when she makes her seventh professional start in mixed martial arts (MMA) competition at Broomfield Event Center.
“It’s gonna be an explosive fight,” said Waterson, who will face Tyra Parker on the 10-bout Strikeforce “Payback” card. The matchup will mark Waterson’s debut with the growing Strikeforce organization. “I heard Tyra’s really aggressive and good on the ground so it should be very exciting for the fans.”
As a contestant on the 2007 Oxygen network series, “Fight Girls,” a reality program that gave female kickboxers the opportunity to train and battle one another while living at a Las Vegas, Nevada martial arts camp, Waterson introduced herself to a national audience.
“It was a great experience,” said Waterson of the time she spent filming the show. “ It helped me become a stronger person and helped me learn how to deal with problems on my own. It also showed me that fighting is not just physical, but also mental.”
Shortly before the TV stint, Waterson, who is half American and half Thai by descent, took a trip to Thailand where she fell in love with the country’s national sport – Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing).
It was the culmination of her past experiences in martial arts and her burning desire to excel at the sport of MMA that, a year and a half ago, led her to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she has taken up residence to train under Greg Jackson, guru of one of the most finely tuned fight teams in the country.
“I needed to come here to take my career to the next level,” explained Waterson. “I’ve learned how to grapple on the ground and use my wrestling as a weapon. I’m a much more well-rounded fighter now.
Her work with Team Jackson produced dividends five weeks ago when she forced an opponent to submit from an armbar just 22 seconds into their bout. “Albuquerque has become a second home for me, and the Jackson team has become my family.”
Tickets for Strikeforce “Payback,” priced from $30, are on sale at Ticketmaster (303-830-TIXS) and Ticketmaster.com
In the main event of the 10-bout card, knockout artist and Denver native, Duane “Bang” Ludwig (16-8), will attempt to avenge a previous knockout at the hands of “The Ultimate Fighter” season three veteran, Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan (19-10). Superstar Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg (17-6) will take on Hawaiian submission expert, Falaniko “Niko” Vitale (26-8), in a featured middleweight (185 lb. limit) contest.
Broomfield Event Center doors will open for Strikeforce “Payback” at 5:30 PM MST and the preliminary card will begin at 6:30 PM MST. The main card will commence at 8 PM MST.
News Flash
October 2008Jesse Taylor-Drew Fickett Results!
SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS PROMOTES SUCCESSFUL MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CARD IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions (SRP) is not just a boxing promotional company anymore.
The four-year-old operation that promotes several world champion boxers is now trying its hand at promoting mixed martial arts events.
Thursday night, SRP in association with Total Combat Entertainment presented Total Combat “Notorious” from the Sycuan Resort & Casino, located just fifteen miles east of downtown San Diego, Calif.
The sell-out crowd of 2,800 were treated to an exciting and frenetic main event between welterweights Jesse Taylor and Drew Fickett.
From the start, Taylor had Fickett on his heels which would lead to a quick take down. Once on the ground, Taylor landed heavy shots to Fickett’s head, one of which opened a two-inch gash on his forehead just above his right eye.
Taylor would continue to land shots while Fickett tried to block the assault. The referee stopped the barrage at the 1:42 mark of the first round awarding Taylor the victory via TKO.
“We saw a great and unique vibe today,” said Scott Woodworth, president of SRP. “The fans loved the fights. The energy was out of this world. It’s was raw, intense and powerful. It was fun to sit back and observe the excitement as a fan and as a promoter.
“We sold every seat in the house. We were turning people away at the box office. I can say that future MMA shows are in the works here at Sycuan. We now have a successful model to build from.”
In the co-main event, Ian McCall of Laguna Nigel, Calif. won a unanimous decision against San Diego-native Kevin Dunsmoor in a three round bantamweight bout.
News Flash
October 2008Additional Tickets On Sale!
ADDITIONAL TICKETS RELEASED FOR “HEAT” AT BANKATLANTIC CENTER.
Due to an overwhelming demand for tickets, more seats and sections were released today for the eagerly anticipated EliteXC fight card, dubbed HEAT, this Saturday, Oct. 4, at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.
“We’re pleased to announce that we have just opened up some sections and made more $30 tickets available,’’ said Jeremy Lappen, Head of Fight Operations for EliteXC. “Not that we didn’t expect it, but the response to this fight card has been amazing. Thank you, South Florida.”
Tickets start at $30 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (954) 523-3309 in Broward County, (305) 358-5885 in Dade County and (561) 966-3309 in Palm Beach County, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the BankAtlantic Center box offices (954) 835-7825.
The BankAtlantic Center box offices are located on both the North and South sides of the main entrance. Their normal business hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The box office will be open the day of the event beginning at 10 a.m. The first live fight begins at 6 p.m. ET. The event is presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC.
Popular hometown hero Kimbo Slice will face legendary Hall Of Famer Ken Shamrock in a featured fight on a stellar, star-studded mixed martial arts card that includes women’s superstar Gina “Conviction” Carano, EliteXC welterweight champion Jake Shields and MMA standouts Andrei Arlovski, Paul “Semtex” Daley and Murilo “Ninja” Rua.
Besides Kimbo-Shamrock, Shields will defend against Daley, Carano collides with Kelly Kobold, Rua, a former EliteXC middleweight beltholder, faces Benji Radach and Arlovski takes on Roy “Big Country’’ Nelson.
Cris Cyborg meets Yoko Takahashi on an outstanding undercard that includes Florida fan favorites Edson Berto and Seth “The Silverback” Petruzelli.
Eight of the fighters on the six-bout undercard hail from the Sunshine state. The others are undefeated Lorenzo Borgomeo, David Martinez, Nicolae Cury, David Gomez, Nicholas Cardella and Mickey Gomez.
News Flash
October 2008TAYLOR & FICKETT MAKE WEIGHT!
SYCUAN CASINO, SAN DIEGO, CA.
Jesse Taylor weighed in at 175 lbs. while Drew Fickett tipped the scales at 176 lbs. The weigh in took place at the Showcase Theater, Sycuan Casino, San Diego, Calif.
Sycuan Tribal representatives pose with main event fighters Jesse Taylor and Drew Fickett at Wednesday’s weigh in at Sycuan Casino in San Diego, Calif. (from left to right) Willie Tucker Jr., Danny Tucker, Alicia Sanchez, Drew Fickett, Willie Tucker Sr., Jesse Taylor)
Sycuan Ringside Promotions, more commonly known for its boxing promotional business than its recent foray into MMA, is looking to bring top-tier, quality MMA fights to the sports savvy community of San Diego, Calif.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions in association with Total Combat Entertainment will present Total Combat “Notorious” on Thursday, Oct. 2 live from the Sycuan Resort & Casino, located just fifteen miles east of downtown San Diego.
In the main event, experienced wrestler and Temecula, Calif. native Jesse Taylor will mix it up with the veteran and dangerous Drew “The Master” Fickett of Phoenix, Ariz. in a three round welterweight fight.
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at http://www.sycuan.com/ringside or by calling the Sycuan Box Office at (619) 445-6002. Tickets are priced at $200, $75, $50 and $40. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT.
News Flash
October 2008CBS EliteXC Presser Quotes!
“CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’’ This Saturday, Oct. 4; Broadcast on the CBS Television Network at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Nine of the 10 fighters who will compete on CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS this Saturday, Oct. 4, attended Wednesday’s final press conference at the BankAtlantic Center at Sunrise, Fla.
The third installment of CBS’s primetime mixed martial arts event will be broadcast live from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.
The televised lineup for CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS: Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock (heavyweights); EliteXC 170-pound champion Jake Shields vs. Paul Daley; Andrei Arlovski vs. Roy “Big Country" Nelson (heavyweights); Gina Carano vs. Kelly Kobold (140 pounds); and Murilo "Ninja" Rua vs. Benji Radach (middleweights).
Tickets start at $30 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (954) 523-3309 in Broward County, (305) 358-5885 in Dade County and (561) 966-3309 in Palm Beach County, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the BankAtlantic Center box offices (954) 835-7825.
The BankAtlantic Center box offices’ normal business hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The box office will be open the day of the event beginning at 10 a.m. The first live fight begins at 6 p.m. ET.
What the fighters had to say:
KIMBO SLICE:
“Ken’s fighting in Florida, which is no place for an old man. I’m mentally prepared and ready to do it and represent the crib. It’s going to be ‘305’ (his area code) all day.
“I work all the time on being an all-around fighter. I am very competitive by nature so I train very hard and have the best coaches (Bas Rutten and Randy Khatami).
“I am going to get criticized all the time, but I enjoy MMA and try to represent the sport the best way I can. I have kids. I want to be the best kind of example I can be.
“I do not feel like I am carrying (this promotion, the sport, etc). Gina, all these fighters, we are all in this together.
“I am going to win this fight in any fashion I can. I want to annihilate him and win by knockout, but if I win it on the ground, that is all good, too.
“I come from a bare-knuckle background, so fighting with gloves is like hitting with mittens.”
KEN SHAMROCK:
“Kimbo has gained a lot of notoriety, but, in my opinion, he doesn’t deserve it. Snap, crackle pop. I am going to walk across the ring, hit him on his ugly beard and break his leg.
“I love to fight, that’s what I do. I want to thank CBS and EliteXC for putting me on this card. It is going to be a great one. I really appreciate all my fans’ support throughout all the ups and downs.
“What CBS is doing is really giving back to the fans. To just be able to turn on the TV and watch is a great thing.
“Most of the talking has all been said, so I will save the rest of my talking until Saturday.’’
JAKE SHIELDS:
“It’s great to be back fighting on CBS and defending my title. I’m in great shape and ready to fight. I’m on a roll and want to keep it going.
“Having CBS involved has obviously been huge for this sport. Now, people of all ages are watching where, before, maybe only the hard-core fans paid attention.
“I know a lot of people watching now that never watched or maybe didn’t pay that much attention. Fans are getting an education and a good look at what MMA is all about, and I am proud to be part of it.’’
PAUL “SEMTEX’’ DALEY:
“This is a huge opportunity for me and a huge fight for the fans in the UK. At the moment, I am very relaxed. I try not to focus too much on the magnitude of this fight, or the exposure I am going to get fighting on CBS. I don’t want to get nervous.
“For me, it was always about collecting belts and fighting the best and Jake is most certainly one of the best in the world. I want to make my country proud and want to thank ProElite, EliteXC and CBS for giving me the chance. I am very excited and looking forward to Saturday.’’
GINA CARANO:
“It is an honor for me to be at the dais with all these great fighters. I am looking forward to an amazing match. I would like to thank CBS and EliteXC for continuing to give us the platform to show what we can do. Having two women’s fights on this card says a lot.
“Whether you’re in the arena or watching on television, it’s going to be a great night of fights.’’
KELLY KOBOLD:
“Thanks to CBS and EliteXC, I do not have to explain to everyone what I do. The exposure women’s MMA is getting has been fantastic and has opened a lot of doors for us. We are legitimate fighters. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this event. I would be very disappointed and surprised if this wasn’t the best fight of the night.’’
ANDREI ARVLOSKI:
“Fighting on CBS is a very big opportunity for me and very exciting. I promise I will show a great fight.
“They are talking like the winner of my fight will face Fedor, but I have heard that kind of talk before. I have learned not to believe anything until it happens. So I will wait and see and continue to only focus on Saturday and on Roy.
“I am happy to be on a show with so many great fighters. Fans new to the sport or fans who know the sport very well are in for a great fight. I want to thank all the fans for their support.’’
MURILO “NINJA’ RUA:
“I’ve trained very hard for this fight and will show the fans how much I have prepared. I have a good opponent. This could be the fight of the night.’’
BENJI RADACH:
“This is an excellent matchup and style-wise should be a tough and exciting fight. Ninja is strong and big with heavy hands and comes to fight. But I feel I match up with him very well and will control the fight.
“Obviously, I am looking forward to fighting on CBS and getting the exposure that comes from fighting on CBS, and making my EliteXC debut.
“Being on CBS means even the casual fans, or sports fans unfamiliar with us, can watch. It is a tremendous deal for the fighters, fans, everybody.’’
CRIS CYBORG:
“I am very happy to be fighting on this card and thank everyone involved for making it happen. I expect a hard fight. I want to win and then fight Gina. That would be a fight the fans would love to see.’’
News Flash
September 2008Sycuan Entering the World of MMA!
SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS ENTERING THE WORLD OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions (SRP) is diversifying its business portfolio by jumping into the hot-as-ever world of mixed martial arts.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions in association with Total Combat Entertainment will present Total Combat “Notorious” on Thursday, Oct. 2 live from the Sycuan Resort & Casino, located just fifteen miles east of downtown San Diego.
SRP, more commonly known for its boxing promotional business than its recent foray into MMA, is looking to bring quality MMA fights to the sports savvy community of San Diego.
“Everyone in the boxing business has seen the growth and potential of mixed martial arts,” said Scott Woodworth, president of SRP. “It only makes sense for us to get involved in the sport. The San Diego community is very big on MMA and we’re aiming to bring competitive and exciting fights to the fans starting on October 2.
“Total Combat Entertainment is well known in Southern California and we’re extremely happy to be partnering with them for this event at Sycuan Resort & Casino.”
In the main event, experienced wrestler and Temecula, Calif. native Jesse Taylor will mix it up with the veteran and dangerous Drew “The Master” Fickett of Phoenix, Ariz. in a three round welterweight fight.
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at http://www.sycuan.com/ringside or by calling the Sycuan Box Office at (619) 445-6002. Tickets are priced at $200, $75, $50 and $40. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT.
In the co-main event, San Diego-native Kevin Dunsmoor will take on Total Combat veteran Ian McCall of Laguna Nigel, Calif. in a three round bantamweight bout.
The card also features two aggressive females. Kim Rose, who is coming off a win over MMA legend Randy Couture’s wife Kim Couture, will face Megan Gangitano. Both Rose and Gangitano are from the San Diego area and will compete in the 135-pound division.
Another bout to keep an eye will be the 140-pound match up between Nick Alvarado of San Pasqual, Calif. against San Diego local Rolando Perez.
ABOUT SYCUAN CASINO:
Open 24/7 and just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, Sycuan Casino offers an array of exciting gaming activities, entertainment and delicious food. In addition to our 2,000-plus slots, we have a total of 63 table games, including blackjack, pai gow, and mini baccarat in addition to a 24-table non-smoking poker room. The 1,250-seat Bingo Palace provides traditional and video bingo. Sycuan’s Showcase Theatre features great shows and concerts in an intimate, up-close-and-personal venue. And customers have a choice of dining in our international buffet, Wachena Falls Café, Sunset Deli or Bingo Snack Bar.
The Sycuan Tribal Government operates the region's premier Indian gaming and resort facilities, the Sycuan Casino and Sycuan Resort. Sycuan demonstrates its strong commitment to the San Diego region through its support of civic and charitable organizations. The Tribe also seeks to reinvest back into the San Diego community with a progressive business development effort. The Tribe also owns and operates Sycuan Ringside Promotions; the country’s first tribally owned boxing promotion company. Sycuan Funds is a publicly traded and professionally managed mutual fund. Combined, these enterprises now employ nearly 4,000 San Diegans.
ABOUT SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS:
Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable, including undefeated and former World Boxing Organization junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman, World Boxing Council super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez, World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero, former WBC welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir, former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio Diaz, lightweight sensation Jorge Paez Jr., undefeated cruiserweight prospect Shawn Hawk and once-beaten, super middleweight prospect Henry Buchanan.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions is led by Scott Woodworth, president; Willie Tucker, executive vice president; and Sean Gibbons, vice president/matchmaker.
News Flash
September 2008CBS Updated Fight Card!
Saturday's Updated Bout Sheet For EliteXC Event At BankAtlantic Center On CBS.
Jorge Boechat (3-2) 3 x 5 Nicolae Cury {Debut} 160 lbs
David Gomez {Debut} 3 x 5 Brett Jackowski (1-0) 140 lbs
Mickey Gomez (7-4) 3 x 5 Lorenzo Borgomeo (4-0) 170 lbs
Aaron Rosa (11-2) 3 x 5 Seth "The Silverback" Petruzelli (9-4) 205 lbs
Edson "Little Tiger" Berto (14-5-1) 3 x 5 Conor Heun (7-2) 160 lbs
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (5-0) 3 x 3 Yoko Takahashi (13-9) 148 lbs
Murilo "Ninja" Rua (16-8-1) 3 x 5 Benji Radach (18-4) 185 lbs
Gina "Conviction" Carano (6-0) 3 x 3 Kelly Kobold (16-2-1) 140 lbs
Andrei Arlovski (14-5) 3 x 5 Roy "Big Country" Nelson (13-2) 265 lbs
Jake Shields (21-4-1) 5 x 5 Paul "Semtex" Daley (18-6-2) 170 lbs
Kimbo Slice (3-0) 3 x 5 Ken Shamrock (26-13-2) 265 lbs
News Flash
September 2008CBS ELITEXC FIGHT CARD!
FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
The CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS fighters and those appearing on the undercard will participate in the FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE before the big event, Saturday, Oct. 4, at the BankAtlantic Center at Sunrise, Fla.
The third installment of CBS’s primetime MMA event will be broadcast live on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.
The televised lineup for CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS:
Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock (heavyweights)
EliteXC 170-pound champion Jake Shields vs. Paul Daley
Andrei Arlovski vs. Roy “Big Country" Nelson {heavyweights)
Gina Carano vs. Kelly Kobold (140 pounds)
Murilo "Ninja" Rua vs. Benji Radach (middleweights)
Tickets start at $30 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (954) 523-3309 in Broward County, (305) 358-5885 in Dade County and (561) 966-3309 in Palm Beach County, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the BankAtlantic Center box offices (954) 835-7825.
The BankAtlantic Center box offices’ normal business hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The box office will be open the day of the event beginning at 10 a.m. The first live fight begins at 6 p.m. ET.
WHERE: Chairman's Club at BankAtlantic Center
1 Panther Parkway; Sunrise, Fla. 33323
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008; 2 p.m. ET
News Flash
September 2008Vitale vs. Trigg!
Vitale Fight “Just Another Day” For Trigg.
Off the heels of his latest conquest in Japan, mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Frank Trigg (17-6) doesn’t seem too concerned about his next challenge, submission expert, Falaniko “Niko” Vitale (26-8). In fact, Trigg’s seemingly nonchalant attitude toward the 185-pound limit matchup with Hawaii’s top talent could be mistaken for brash overconfidence.
“To me, it’s just another day for me,” said Trigg, a 2000 Olympic wrestling trials finalist and former UFC welterweight championship challenger who will battle Vitale in a featured Strikeforce “Payback” MMA contest at Broomfield, Colorado’s Broomfield Event Center on Friday, October 3rd. “All of my days start to run together so I don’t have any thoughts about a particular fighter.”
When the subject of conversation turns to the state of his career, though, Trigg’s tone suddenly becomes more focused and intense. “I’ve only got a couple fights left so every fight is important to me.”
At 38, Trigg may be nearing the end of his splendid run in professional MMA. It is in the last two years, however, which he has also turned in some of his most impressive performances, to date, including back-to-back wins over Jason “Mayhem” Miller and Kazo “The Grabaka Hitman” Misaki.
Trigg attributes these recent, good fortunes to his adoption of all-time great, Randy “The Natural” Couture, as a mentor. Training at the Xtreme Couture academy in Las Vegas, Nevada has provided him with a new outlook towards competition.
“One of my biggest problems has been that I’ve been my own worst enemy,” admitted Trigg. “I let that get in the way of my fights. One thing about Xtreme Couture, especially hanging out with Randy, is he (emphasizes) doing the best you can, so it really takes the stress off of you. For him, it’s always about being fun. So, it’s kind of interesting to see how he trains and I try to mimic the style.”
While he has surely carved out a legacy in the sport that almost anyone would be proud to call his own, Trigg remains most proud of his career in amateur wrestling, which included team competition at University of Oklahoma and culminated with his outstanding showing in the Olympic trials.
“The whole thing was a great memory for me,” said Trigg. “It’s one of those things that I’ll never forget, especially at the level I took it to. I took it to a level that very few people ever get to go to. Being an amateur wrestler is something that will always be important to me. It developed who I am, what I do, and how I approach things.”
Tickets for Strikeforce “Payback,” priced from $30, are on sale at Ticketmaster (303-830-TIXS) and Ticketmaster.com
In the main event, knockout artist and Denver native, Duane “Bang” Ludwig (16-8), will attempt to avenge a previous defeat at the hands of “The Ultimate Fighter” season three veteran, Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan (19-10).
Also back in action at Strikeforce “Payback” will be “The New York Badass” Phil Baroni (12-10) and “The Ultimate Fighter” season four veteran, “The Secret Weapon” Pete Spratt (18-14), who will battle Donnie Liles (11-5).
Broomfield Event Center doors will open for Strikeforce “Payback” at 5:30 PM MST and the preliminary card will begin at 6:30 PM MST. The main card will commence at 8 PM MST.
News Flash
Zevallos vs. Walker!
American Top Teamer Steps Up To Face “The Silencer”.
American Top Team member and two-time New York State Metropolitan Boxing Champion, Carlos Zevallos (0-0), will fill the recent void left by Pat Barry, and make his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) debut against Andre “The Silencer” Walker (2-3), in a light heavyweight (205 lb. limit) contest during Strikeforce “Payback” at Broomfield, Colorado’s Broomfield Event Center on Friday, October 3rd.
Like his opponent, Zevallos brings to the cage a rich history in the striking arts, winning back-to-back New York State Metropolitan Championships in 2005 and 2006. A student of Muay Thai since the age of 16, the Queens, New York native, now 29, captured the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) National Heavyweight Muay Thai Championship in 2004.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” said Zevallos of his upcoming MMA debut. “I’m gonna make it very far (in MMA) because I pay a lot of attention to detail. I really dissect the sport and study it to the fullest – every aspect of it. “Not only do I learn it very fast, but I get really good at it. It’s a constant never ending search for perfection that drives me to MMA.”
“My striking is a lot more advanced than the average MMA guy,” the fighter stressed. “ I take it for what it is and thank God that I have that edge over them but, at the same time, anyone can lose at any given moment so you always have to find whatever weaknesses you have and work on that.”
Zevallos’ experience in kickboxing and amateur boxing competition, which also includes three runs at the annual Golden Gloves Championships, has helped prepare him to fight in pressure situations like the one in Broomfield that pits him against a veteran of five MMA bouts.
“To this day, that holds a big part of my heart,” explained Zevallos of his efforts in the boxing ring. “I just remember things like fighting this guy in one of the tournaments and getting caught with a real nasty left hook. I felt my body starting to collapse while I was on the ropes. Right before I started going down, I remembered that my cousin and one of my best friends were in the audience and all I started feeling was their emotions in the back of my head and that woke me up. I came back and won the fight.”
Last year, Zevallos packed up his belongings and relocated to South Florida, the home of fearsome fight squad, American Top Team, to pursue a new challenge in the world’s fastest growing sport. He has since been taken under the wing of famed ATT head instructor and Carlson Gracie black belt, Ricardo Liborio.
“I had heard about (American Top Team) and seen them on TV a lot. I liked the fact that they were winning consistently and I wanted to train where the best people were training.”
Zevallos’ opponent, Walker, is a Denver native and former student of Sabaki Karate under martial arts legend, Clarence Thatch. In the late ‘90s, Walker utilized his striking skills to go on an unbeaten, 5-0 run in “Toughman” competition.
“The Sabaki helps my stand-up (skills) in MMA a lot,” explained Walker. “I’m able to swing my opponent and knock him off balance. It’s a matter of using his weight against him.”
Walker made his greatest impression in the fight world to date on August 11, 2001 when he stopped Carter Williams in the second round of their K-1 matchup at Las Vegas’ Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Williams went on to capture the K-1 North America tournament championship two years later.
Tickets for Strikeforce “Payback,” priced from $30, are on sale at Ticketmaster (303-830-TIXS) and Ticketmaster.com
In the main event, knockout artist and Denver native, Duane “Bang” Ludwig (16-8), will attempt to avenge a previous knockout at the hands of “The Ultimate Fighter” season three veteran, Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan (19-10).
Superstar Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg (17-6) will take on Hawaiian submission expert, Falaniko “Niko” Vitale (26-8), in a featured middleweight (185 lb. limit) contest.
Also back in action at Strikeforce “Payback” will be “The New York Badass” Phil Baroni (12-10) and “The Ultimate Fighter” season four veteran, “The Secret Weapon” Pete Spratt (18-14), who will battle Donnie Liles (11-5) in a welterweight (170 lb. limit) showdown.
Broomfield Event Center doors will open for Strikeforce “Payback” at 5:30 PM MST and the preliminary card will begin at 6:30 PM MST. The main card will commence at 8 PM MST.
News Flash
ShoXC Results!
WILSON REIS TAKES UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER ABEL CULLUM.
In an excellent, competitive matchup between skilled, determined, well-conditioned fighters, unbeaten Brazilian Wilson Reis (6-0) of Philadelphia registered a close, unanimous five-round decision over Abel Cullum (11-2) of Tucumcari, N.M., to capture the first-ever EliteXC bantamweight title Friday in the main event on ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series.
Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC presented the crowd-pleasing event from the Chumash Casino Resort. It aired on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
In other SHOWTIME fights, Shane Del Rosario (5-0) of Irvine, Calif., scored a second-round TKO (strikes) over Carl Seumanutafa (4-1) of San Francisco, Calif.; in perhaps the fight of the night, David “Tarzan” Douglas (6-1) of Antioch, Calif., registered an upset third-round TKO (strikes) over Malaipet (3-3) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Jaime Jara (20-5) of North Highlands, Calif., earned a hard-fought split decision over previously undefeated Giva Santana (12-1) of Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Eric “Bad” Appl