Fight Junkie

Cacareco issues Open Challenge!

Chute Boxe fighter “Cacareco” Issues Open Challenge.

When Alexandre Ferreira left his comfortable home at the luta livre-based Brazilian Top Team in 2008, he thought his MMA career was over.

He hadn’t trained for eight months, and the five-foot-seven, 205-pound bull of a fighter was ready to call it quits after a decade in the sport.

On a whim, he made his cell phone number public to trainers and promoters alike, hoping that he may get one last shot at a small camp that would allow him to finish his career on his own terms.

Much to his surprise, Cacareco’s phone rang just two days later, and on the other end was a man that he never imagined would call.

Rudimar Fedrigo, the leader of BTT rival Chute Boxe, wanted Ferreira on his team. Just years earlier, Cacareco had been deeply entrenched in the rivalry between the luta livre specialists at BTT and the Muay Thai fighters at Chute Boxe when a brawl broke out between him and Chute Boxe member Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos after one of his two wins over Chute Boxe members.

“This invitation from Rudimar was a great lesson in my life,” Ferreira said at the time of his transition to Chute Boxe.

“We can’t be arrogant because life is like a big circle. In the most difficult moment of my career, it was the person who I expected least that offered his hand and invited me to be part of this team.”

Now two years older and with two more impressive victories under his belt, the 30-year-old is ready to make a big impact in mixed martial arts. Already a favorite of hardcore fans who followed him through his up-and-down career in the early days of the sport, Cacareco now looks to continue his impressive journey through a sport that was illegal in most of the United States when he found it.

The Rio de Janeiro, Brazil native started his career with a willingness to fight anybody at anytime, and his record showed the battles that he had been through. After beginning his career with a disqualification loss, Ferreira went on an eight-fight win streak, including two impressive showings in the no holds barred World Vale Tudo Championships that saw him win the one-night tournament once and then nearly win a second time before being injured.

The eight-fight win streak for the then 21-year-old Ferreira saw him earn victories over the likes of PRIDE veterans Heath Herring, “Dirty” Bob Schrijber, and Shannon Ritch, making him one of the hottest prospects in the sport.

Cacareco then went to Japan in the RINGS organization, but back-to-back losses to Hiromitsu Kanehara and Chris Haseman started a four-fight win losing streak that dropped the Brazilian’s record to a middling 8-5 overall.

But since losing to Miquel de Souza in 2004, Cacareco has gone on an impressive streak that has saw him win ten of his past eleven fights, with all ten victories coming via submission in the first round.

Perhaps even more impressive, however, is his seven fight win streak dating back to 2007. In the seven fights, Cacareco has spent just a total of nine minutes in the ring, including stopping four of his opponents in less than a minute.

The dominant streak earned the highly respected fighter a call from the UFC, where he was offered a fight with former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida. The top-ranked fighter declined to fight the fast-rising prospect.

Machida instead faced another Brazilian in Thiago Silva, who he easily defeated en route to earning a title shot and becoming a seemingly unbeatable champion. All of that is not lost on Cacareco, who would still like to fight the former world champion.

“It would be a very hard fight for him,” Cacareco said.

“My style would make him confused. He knew I would take him down and submit him, for sure.”

A brilliant wrestler who went undefeated in more than sixty wrestling matches as an amateur, Cacareco brings a dominant well-rounded grappling style to mixed martial arts that has rarely been seen before. With one of the most impressive double leg takedowns in the game, Ferreira never has much trouble getting a fight into his realm.

After signing with fast-rising Shine Fights late in 2009, Cacareco was quick to disclose his goals in his new home:

“I want to be the champion,” he stated simply.

“I don’t want to know who [to fight], I just want to know when.” Unfortunately for Ferreira, his scheduled fight at the organization’s May event was cancelled at the last minute, leaving him to wonder once again where to go next.

To make things worse, Cacareco has still not been paid what he was promised after the cancellation of the Shine event. Regardless, the well-rounded fighter is ready to move on and is willing to fight any fighter in the world at 185 or 205 pounds.

Fighting in the United States has always been a goal of Ferreira, who has said once again that he’ll face anybody at anytime and in any place:

“Lately, I have no idea how many times I had to answer the following questions: Why aren´t you fighting for a big event and what famous names in the game do you think you would beat?,” Cacareco said.

“The answer to the first question is hard, because it doesn’t depend only on me. I believe that I have what it takes to be in any show in the world. The answer to the second question is not that difficult: after seeing some light-heavy-weights that are in the best shows, I can say, with no doubts in my mind that I would do well against most of them. I have a unique way of fighting, I can go toe-to-toe with anybody and, as soon as I lay my hands on them, they know they will get submitted.”

“Since Lyoto [Machida] refused to face me in the UFC, people love when I tell them the names of fighters I´d submit. So, for starters, Gegard Mousasi would be a good name. I was offered to fight him last event [at DREAM], but it seems like he preferred to have an easier opponent, somebody who couldn’t even make weight. From the UFC Tito Ortiz, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Keith Jardine, Stephan Bonnar, and all those fighters that come from The Ultimate Fighter reality show; Jon Jones, King Mo, Jeff Monson, Dan Henderson, well, there are so many names out there that it’s too hard to mention, and I’m just listing fighters at 205, because light heavyweight is the division I want to focus on right now.”

Take Down Sports Network!

Taking The MMA World To A Whole New Music Level.

TDSN is announcing today a joint venture with eleven year NBA veteran and Music Entrepreneur Troy Hudson (affectionately known as “T-Hud” of Hudson Records) and his all-star cast of “Nutty Boyz” and beyond to expand the combat sports network scope to include a cross-pollination of “MMA Music Madness”.

Details of the deal will be released in the weeks to come. However, we know that fans can expect to see a new variety of high energy music and music celebrities at TDSN PPV events.

Troy Hudson says, “We love the raw energy, explosive power, and excitement of the fans in MMA. It reminds me of the competitiveness you see in the NBA and definitely in the Music Business, this is it!”

TDSN will kick off the new venture at 7:00pm Saturday July 31, 2010 at “The Joint” inside The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas at the “MMA Xplosion” Professional fight spectacular available on PPV at www.tdsn.tv.

“MMA Xplosion” represents the future champions of the MMA and Hudson Records represents the future of MMA music. Paris Bennett (American Idol 3rd Season Finalist) will be singing the National Anthem to inaugurate the musical infusion.

TDSN.tv will be launching an online MMA radio station featuring fight coverage’s, interviews, and MMA music for MMA fans. The TDSN online music community can expect a host of music videos, behind the scenes video sneak peeks, custom DJ mixes, along with downloads, uploads, and Mother Loads of MMA music choice.

Jens Pulver On PPV!

Aug 14TH Crossroads Fight.

In what could be the final fight of his often electrifying MMA career, former UFC lightweight champion Jens “Little Evil” Pulver finds himself at the crossroads for his August 14th on the “War on the Mainland” card, taking on upset-minded Diego “El Nino” Garijo in a Special Lightweight Attraction, live on Pay-Per-View from Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.

Pulver (22-13-1), fighting out of Nampa, Idaho , is riding a 5-fight losing streak into his match against Garijo (4-1-0), the fan favorite from San Diego who can make a name for himself with a victory against his celebrity-status opponent.

“I can’t keep getting cut and submitted,” Pulver said from his Orange County training camp.

“It’s not like I’m getting knocked unconscious or beat-up. I’m tired of losing. It’s important that I win this fight and do it my way. I always win my way. I have a game plan: I need to be open-minded, listen to my corner and be confident. Obviously, it’s not easy being confident having lost my last five fights, but I’m excited to find out. I have to win and fight smart doing it.

“I’m sick and tired of losing, even though I’m getting caught in submission holds, not getting beat up. I’m only 34 and nobody is going to tell me I’m too old or when to stop. This is a crossroad fight for me, though. If I can’t fix these little things and keep losing, it’s time for me to hang it up.”

Pulver’s career peaked in 2001-2002, when he defeated, in order, Caol Uno for the UFC lightweight title, successfully defending his UFC belt twice against Dennis Hallman and superstar B.J. Penn, followed by a win versus Rob Emerson.

“I still do this because I love it,” Pulver explained.

“I don’t fight for riches or fame. I just love the competition and training.”

Two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia faces former UFC and Strikeforce title challenger Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello in the main event for the vacant Powerhouse World Promotions (PWP), LLC Heavyweight Championship

“War on the Mainland,” presented by Powerhouse World Promotions, is being distributed by Integrated Sports Media at 10:00PM ET/7:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Bell TV and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. It will also be available in the United Kingdom via Primetime Live. The PPV card will also be streamed live on Internet PPV outside of the United States, Canada and United Kingdom by going to www.WarontheMainland.com.

Sylvia-Buentello is one of three PWP title fights (5 X 5, all other fights are 3 X 5). Former WEC titlist Jason “The Punisher” Lambert (25-11-0) meets 8-time World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Allan Goes (17-3-0) for the vacant PWP Light Heavyweight title belt. Former UFC title challenger Thales Leite (17-3-1) takes on Strikeforce veteran Falaniko “Niko” Vitale (27-9-0) for the PWP Middleweight crown.

Also fighting on “War on the Mainland” is Brazilian middleweight Gustavo “Ximu” Machado (18-8-1) vs. Rick Reeves (10-3-0) and Mexican welterweight Jorge “The Naked Man” Ortiz (16-5-1) vs. veteran Terry Martin (19-8-0).

Undercard fights featuring local fighters include lightweights Joao Silva (3-2-0) vs. Erin Beach (1-0-0), lightweights Cleber Luciano (3-3-0) vs. Todd Willingham (2-4-2), welterweights A.J. Mathews (3-0-0) vs. Sean Choice (1-0-0), and pro-debuting lightweights Evan Aitkins vs. Chad McCausland. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, ranging from $35.00 to $110.00 reserved and $110.00 to $295.00 on the floor, are on sale at the Bren Events Center Box Office (10 AM/PT-6 PM/PT, Mon-Fri), going on line to www.bren.uci.edu or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1.949.824.5000.

Doors open at 5:00 PM/PT, first bout 6:15 PM/PT, first PPV bout 7 PM/PT - 10 PM/ET. Go to www.WarontheMainland.com or www.bren.uci.edu for additional information.

War On The Mainland!

PPV MMA Promo Spot.

Two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia takes on power punching Paul Buentello in the main event, live from Bren Events Center in Irvine, California. Go to www.WarontheMainland.com or www.bren.uci.edu for additional information about this stacked MMA show.

STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS RESULTS!

KAUFMAN DEFENDS TITLE WITH DEVESTATING BODY SLAM KNOCKOUT OF MODAFFERI.

Fast-rising heavyweight prospect Shane Del Rosario kept his perfect record in tact with a first round knockout over Lolohea Mahe in the main event of Friday’ STRIKEFORCE Challengers MMA event on SHOWTIME® from the Comcast Arena at Everett in Everett, Wash.

In the co-main event, undefeated Sarah Kaufman defended her STRIKEFORCE Women’s Welterweight World Championship with a thrilling third round knockout of challenger Roxanne Modafferi.

Del Rosario (10-0) came out swinging in the first, using his speed as an advantage over the larger Mahe (6-2-1).

After a short stoppage of time after an inadvertent low blow to Mahe, Del Rosario pressed his opponent against the cage and continued with an onslaught of punches and knees.

He used a left knee to the body to wound Mahe and followed up with a combo causing Mahe to double over in pain. The referee stopped the fight at 3:48 of the first round.

“I knew he didn’t like shots to the body, so I kept hitting the body until he dropped,” said Del Rosario, who hopes to have catapulted himself into the thick of things in STRIKEFORCE’s deep heavyweight division.

“I’ve been training really hard and it’s finally paying off. I’m ready to step up the opposition and move on.

A wounded Mahe was clearly disappointed with his performance.

“He hurt me with the knee to the stomach,” Mahe said. “It just knocked the air out of me.”

In a hard-fought, technical match, Kaufman (12-0) stole the show and emerged victorious with an impressive body slam at 4:45 of the third round.

Modafferi (15-6) seemed to win the first round, but Kaufman came out blazing in the second, finishing the round with a flurry of punches. The highlight-reel body slam brought the crowd to its feet and ended the title defense in dramatic fashion.

“I got a knockout,” Kaufman said.

“It feels good to get the KO and to impress. She was really good at the take downs, but I could feel her getting tired. The opportunity was there with the body slam and I took advantage of it.”

Bobby Voelker (22-8) emerged victorious with a split decision victory over local fan favorite Cory Devela (9-5). The first round was close but Devela seemed to be the aggressor in the second even though he was on the bottom of the action. The hometown crowd was surprised when the scores were announced following the third, 29-28 Devela, 29-28 Voelker, 29-28 Voelker.

“I should have been better,” Voelker said.

“I always want to finish my opponent. It just shows I need to go back and work on my game. I didn’t anticipate him to fight in the clinch like that – that surprised me.”

Devela, who had taken a year off from the cage to help his girlfriend battle cancer, disagreed with the decision.

“I was surprised, I thought I had it,” Devela said.

“Even when I was on the ground I thought I was working on submissions. I just shouldn’t have left it up to the judges.

“He had a lot of control in the second, but I thought I was still active. I thought I would have come away with the decision. Nothing against him – but I’d like to do this fight again.”

In the second fight of the evening, Mike “Mak” Kyle (17-7-1) won his fifth straight fight with a first round submission (rear naked choke) of Abongo Humphrey (7-2) in a light heavyweight matchup.

Kyle threw solid combos throughout the fight, tiring Humphrey and getting him into positions where he was susceptible to submissions and a barrage of punches. The win may enter Kyle into consideration to challenge the winner of “King” Mo Lawal’s STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight Title defense against Rafael Feijao, who Kyle defeated in 2009.

“I stayed calm and relaxed and I knew I was in great shape,” Kyle said.

“He gave me that choke – he gassed out.

“I never gave up when a lot of people thought I should. This is just a stepping stone for me. I’m waiting for a lot of things to open up. When I’m blessed with the opportunity, I’ll be ready for it.”

Humphrey, who suffered only his second career loss, knew he made some mistakes.

“I didn’t execute my game plan at all,” Humphrey said.

“I dropped my hands a couple of times. It was just bad all the way around. He’s a good fighter - I give him a lot of respect. I’ll just live to fight another day.

In the opening fight of the telecast, hometown favorite Caros Fodor (3-0, 1 NC) dominated Thomas Diagne (1-2) en route to an impressive unanimous decision victory. Fodor, who lives and trains in nearby Kirkland under MMA legend Matt Hume, consistently went for the clinch then attempted the takedowns and submissions.

The undefeated prospect couldn’t complete the submission attempts and was disappointed in earning his first decision victory.

“I should have gone for the submission more when I had them,” Fodor said.

“Tonight, against his style, I was a little patient. I wasn’t 100 percent, but it was still great to earn the victory in front of my hometown fans. No excuses, but I should have submitted him.”

Complete STRIKEFORCE Challengers Results:

Shane Del Rosario def. Lolohea Mahe – TKO (strikes) – Round 1 (3:48)

Sarah Kaufman def. Roxanne Modafferi – KO (body slam) – Round 3 (4:45)

Bobby Voelker def. Cory Devela – Split Decision – 29-28 Devela, 29-28 Voelker, 29-28 Voelker

Mike Kyle def. Abongo Humphrey – Submission (rear naked choke) – Round 2 (3:28)

Caros Fodor def. Thomas Diagne – Unanimous Decision (30-27, three times)

Preliminary Card:

Brent "Mankill" Knopp def. Ryan Hayes – TKO (punches) – Round 2 (:55)

CJ March def. Taurean "Black" Washington – Unanimous Decision

Drew "The Eternal Fire" Brokenshire def. Jordan Macklin – Submission (Guillotine choke) – Round 1 (2:26)

"Psycho" Scott McDonald def. Doug Kay – Submission – Round 1 (2:09)

Brewster The Rooster" Inman def. Quincy Spruill – Submission – Round 1 (3:57)

Jamen "Chainsaw" Olney def. Jordan Currie – Unanimous Decision

John Elam def. Frankie Orr – Split Decision

Wendel Horton def. Keith Mortuiccio – TKO (1:43)

STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS!

Weights & Quotes.

The fighters who will compete in the STRIKEFORCE Challengers mixed martial arts (MMA) event on Friday, July 23 weighed in on Thursday at the Ice Box at Comcast Arena at Everett in Everett, Wash.

Undefeated heavyweight prospect Shane Del Rosario (9-0) faces Lolohea Mahe (6-1-1) in the main event on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). Both talented fighters are looking for a big win to help them break through to the next level of STRIKEFORCE Heavyweights, a stacked division that features Alistair Overeem, Fedor Emelianenko, Fabricio Werdum, and Antonio Silva, among others.

Unbeaten STRIKEFORCE Women’s World Welterweight (135 pounds) Champion and former ballet dancer Sarah Kaufman (11-0) will put her perfect record as well as her crown on the line against international star Roxanne Modafferi (15-5) in the co-main event.

Bonney Lake’s Cory Devela (9-4) will return to the cage for the first time in more than a year to face dangerous Bobby Voelker (21-8) in a welterweight (170 pounds) battle. Devela took a year off from MMA to help his girlfriend battle cancer.

In other featured action, Abongo Humphrey (7-1) will take on Mike “Mak” Kyle (16-7-1) at light heavyweight (205 pounds) and U.S. Army war veteran and Matt Hume protégé Caros Fodor (2-0, 1 NC), of Kirkland, Wash., will take on Cung Le pupil Thomas Diagne (1-1) in a lightweight (155 pounds) matchup in the first televised bout of the evening.

Strikeforce Challengers provides today’s top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised event.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Comcast Arena at Everett box office (866-332-8499) as well as online at ComcastArenaEverett.com and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

Comcast Arena at Everett doors will open for the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event at 5:15 p.m. The first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. PT. The first main card bout will start at 8 p.m.

FINAL WEIGHTS:

Shane Del Rosario – 243.6 Lolohea Mahe – 264

Sarah Kaufman – 134 Roxanne Modafferi – 133.4

Cory Devela – 171 Bobby Voelker – 170.4

Abongo Humphrey – 202.6 Mike Kyle – 205.8

Caros Fodor – 155.6 Thomas Diagne – 156

QUOTES:

SHANE DEL ROSARIO:

“Training went well. I’ve been off for a while trying to make fights, but things kept falling through. It’s good to be back in here.

“He’s got a big hand and a tough chin. It’s going to be a hard fight, that’s for sure. I’m going to keep my hands up and do my thing.

“The plan is to move up to the big show. It’s cool that all my hard work is finally paying off. I just have to fight a smart fight tomorrow and hopefully move up to the big show with a win.”

LOLOHEA MAHE:

“Camp went well. I feel very prepared. I spent three weeks training in California, really just working on my cardio.

“As for the outcome, I know I’m prepared for whatever and I can go the distance, but you can expect me to finish it fast.”

SARAH KAUFMAN:

“Training couldn’t have gone any better. I had partners in my camp that were all preparing for fights, so it made it more fun and challenging.

“I’m expecting Roxy to bring a fight. I don’t think she’s going to back down, but I do think she’ll try to take it to the ground.

“I’m happy fighting anywhere that I can let my hands go. It doesn’t matter if it’s on the ground or standing.”

“I’m looking to knock her out. You always want to finish it.”

ROXANNE MODAFFERI:

“Sarah is a powerful fighter. I’m looking forward to the challenge of facing her.”

CORY DEVELA:

“I felt the pressure of fighting in front of my hometown last time I fought, so I let it go this time – no pressure.

“I haven’t fought in a while, but these guys won’t let me have any rust. They’ve been pushing me too hard for there to be any rust.

“I expect him to bleed. I will finish him – bleed and tap.”

BOBBY VOELKER:

“I weathered the storm my last couple of fights. Tomorrow night I’m bringing the storm.”

ABONGO HUMPHREY:

“Camp went extremely well. I was 205 pounds a month-and-a-half ago and I was able to control my diet and keep it there.

“At this weight, I have a lot of strength, movement and explosion.

“I know I need to set an example in this fight. This guy has a special story and he deserves special recognition. I owe him that.”

MIKE KYLE:

“You can expect a second a round knockout from me.”

CAROS FODOR:

“I’m excited to fight in front of my hometown fans and on SHOWTIME. Fighting on TV is a huge step for me. This is what I train for.

“I’m ready for everything in there. We had a great camp – I’m just ready for that bell to ring.”

THOMAS DIAGNE:

“I think he may try to take me down or box me, because he has strong hands, but I’m ready for everything.

“I’m not worried about the hometown crowd cheering him on. I’ll have my coaches behind me so that should be enough.

“Everything went well in training. I had a good camp and didn’t have any trouble making weight.”

MONSON RETURNS!

ON FIGHT TIME 1.

Former UFC Heavyweight Contender and American Top Team MMA fighter Jeff “The Snowman” Monson will step into the cage on Saturday, August 21st for what’s being billed as one of the most exciting MMA fight cards in South Florida in some time.

The event called: “Fight Time 1” is being promoted by Howard Davis Jr.’s Fight Time Promotions and Jeff Gibson’s Elite Promotions. The two companies recently joined forces to make MMA a permanent sport in the South Florida market.

Monson was eager to be on the show when he found out that Davis, who also serves as Boxing Director of American Top Team, was putting on a MMA show in South Florida.

Monson is coming off a victory in Australia over Brazilian Ubiratan "Birao” Marinho Lima and will headline the 12 bout card.

Davis was recently featured as the boxing coach on Chuck Liddell’s team on the latest installment of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter. Davis says that he’s looking forward to the exciting card next month, which will be shown on Comcast Cable as well as streamlined via the internet.

“Fight Time 1” includes a 12-bout card, which will feature some of the latest talent from gyms throughout South Florida. Davis and Gibson promise a quality, action-packed night.

“Fight Time 1” will take place at the 3,500 audience capacity Club Cinema, 3251 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33064 Ticket prices: $35 general admission, $75 ringside, $100 VIP Ringside, $125 Seat at VIP Table. Doors Open at 6pm. First fight starts at 7pm. For tickets please go to: www.stubhub.com Via Phone at: 561-629-6212 or 786-543-1177.

War On The Mainland!

Bombs Away For Buentello And Sylvia.

Former UFC and Strikeforce heavyweight title challenger Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello believes his August 14 showdown against 2-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia, headlining “War on the Mainland,” is the type of match-up MMA fans have been clamoring for when the power striking pair battle for the vacant Powerhouse World Promotions (PWP), LLC Heavyweight Championship, live on Pay-Per-View from Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.

“War on the Mainland,” presented by Powerhouse World Promotions, is being distributed by Integrated Sports Media at 10:00PM ET/7:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Bell TV and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. It will also be available in the United Kingdom via Primetime Live. The PPV card will also be streamed live on Internet PPV outside of the United States, Canada and United Kingdom by going to www.WarontheMainland.com.

“It’s a great match-up,” Buentello said, “one that fans there in the arena or watching at home will be out of their seats, because they’re going to be on their feet from beginning to end. Because I’m finally fighting Tim makes this fight more interesting. I respect him as a fighter. We were supposed to fight before but it didn’t happen and here it is now. We’re two top heavyweight competitors. Everybody knows what I’m about - my nickname (‘The Headhunter’) says it all.”

The 6’ 2”, 250-pound Buentello, fighting out of Amarillo, Texas, has defeated “Tank” Abbott, Justin Eilers, and Mike Kyle, as well as Gary Goodridge (DEC3) and Kirill “Baby Fedor” Sidelnikov (TKO3) in a pair of high-profile Affliction-promoted shows.

Buentello (27-12-0) has stopped 17 of his 27 victims, while the 6’ 8”, 300-pound Sylvia (26-6-0), fighting out of Bettendorf, Iowa, has also knocked out 17 foes. Tim has defeated many of the world’s top MMA heavyweights and super heavyweights, including Andrei Arlovski (2) Brandon Vera, Jeff Monson, Wes Sims, Ricco Rodriguez, Mike Whitehead (2), Ben Rothwell and Jason Lambert.

“Sylvia versus Buentello; everybody know what it’s all about,” Paul noted.

“Neither one of us are submission guys. We’re both big guys who throw big punches. Fans know well in advance that they’re going to get their money’s worth.”

“I switched my training camp to Long Beach (CA) for this fight,” Buentello added.

“I’m now training with Antonio McGee. It’s been a great camp so far.”

Sylvia-Buentello is one of three PWP title fights (5 X 5, all other fights are 3 X 5). Former WEC titlist Jason “The Punisher” Lambert (25-11-0) meets 8-time World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Allan Goes (17-3-0) for the vacant PWP Light Heavyweight title belt. Former UFC title challenger Thales Leite (17-3-1) takes on Strikeforce veteran Falaniko “Niko” Vitale (27-9-0) for the PWP Middleweight crown.

Fan favorite, former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens “Little Evil” Pulver (22-13-1), meets Diego “El Nino” Garijo (4-1-0) in a Special Lightweight Attraction.

Also fighting on “War on the Mainland” is Brazilian middleweight Gustavo “Ximu” Machado (18-8-1) vs. Rick Reeves (10-3-0) and Mexican welterweight Jorge “The Naked Man” Ortiz (16-5-1) vs. veteran Terry Martin (19-8-0).

Undercard fights featuring local fighters include lightweights Joao Silva (3-2-0) vs. Erin Beach (1-0-0), lightweights Cleber Luciano (3-3-0) vs. Todd Willingham (2-4-2), welterweights A.J. Mathews (3-0-0) vs. Sean Choice (1-0-0), and pro-debuting lightweights Evan Aitkins vs. Chad McCausland. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, ranging from $35.00 to $110.00 reserved and $110.00 to $295.00 on the floor, are on sale at the Bren Events Center Box Office (10 AM/PT-6 PM/PT, Mon-Fri), going on line to www.bren.uci.edu or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1.949.824.5000.

Doors open at 5:00 PM/PT, first bout 6:15 PM/PT, first PPV bout 7 PM/PT - 10 PM/ET. Go to www.WarontheMainland.com or www.bren.uci.edu for additional information.

TFC 11!

World Light Heavyweight Bout To Headline Event.

The Fight Club (TFC), one of the top fight promotions in Canada, will return to action with “TFC 11: Full Force” on Friday September 10th. “Full Force” will showcase a main event rematch between TFC Light Heavyweight Champion Martin “The Stress” Desilets and UFC veteran Victor “The Matrix” Valimaki.

The belt will be on the line as these two lock horns once again, as TFC 11 will be held at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. Doors will open at 7 PM, and the fights will begin at 8 PM. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, http://www.thefightclub.ca/, or (780) 451-8000.

In their first bout, which took place at “TFC 10: High Octane” this past March, Desilets and Valimaki laid it all on the line, throwing punches with abandon. In the end, Desilets was able to outlast his foe en route to a TKO victory with only ten seconds left in the first round. He gained Valimaki’s light heavyweight strap in the process.

Check out the full fight here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEVf9dK3NR4. Now, these two will look to exceed their performances from their first fight at “Full Force.” Valimaki will attempt to regain his lost crown, while Desilets will do everything he can to hold onto it. Regardless of who comes out on top, the true winners will be the fans.

TFC Light Heavyweight Champion Martin “The Stress” Desilets (10-2-0-1) has only been to a decision once in his career, and has finished his opponent in every one of his victories. The Team Legion fighter, who trains with UFC fighter Jonathan “The Road Warrior” Goulet, is a six-foot tall native of Canada, and always brings the excitement in his bouts. He holds a TKO victory over current UFC contender Krzysztof Soszynski, and will look to make it two in a row against Valimaki at “Full Force.”

Victor “The Matrix” Valimaki (16-6), a veteran of the UFC, was riding a seven-fight win streak when he stepped into the cage against Desilets to defend his belt. Now, the nine-year MMA veteran will attempt to start another win streak by stopping the champ and getting his strap back. A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Valimaki holds victories over notables Dan “The Beast” Severn, Jason “Dooms” Day, and Vernon “Tiger” White. At “Full Force,” he’ll try to add Desilets to that list.

“Full Force” will also feature TFC favorites Ryan McGillivray, Rio Wells, Mitch Clarke, Luke Harris, Jordan McKay, and many more. Look for additional fights to be announced in the coming weeks. The event will be shown on The Fight Network on tape delay, and news on a press conference will be announced soon. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.thefightclub.ca/

IMMAE Announces MMA Exposition!

Event To Take Place July 24th And 25th In Denver.

International Mixed Martial Arts Expositions (IMMAE) today announced that it will be hosting the first ever MMA expo and trade show in Colorado on July 24th and 25th. The expo will be held at the number one entertainment venue in Denver, the Ritchie Center at the University of Denver (DU), which is located at the University Blvd exit off of I-25. Also held in conjunction with the expo will be a fight card put on by two of the sponsors, King of Champions and Fight to Win.

Tickets can be found at Ticketmaster.com. A two-day pass can be purchased for $30, or individual day passes are available at $20 for each day. Tickets for the fight card, “Worlds Collide,” are available for $30, $40, and $50.

Fight fans can expect an action-packed weekend of MMA action and events, including MMA superstar fighters and trainers from Colorado and around the world, exhibits from internationally recognized apparel and supplement companies, representatives of local gyms and martial arts dojos/training centers, and other great attractions.

Fans can come out and meet title contender Nate Marquardt, a UFC veteran and one of the world’s top five middleweights! They can also meet Brendan Schaub, fresh off his devastating knockout win at UFC 116. In addition, local rising UFC star Chris Camozzi will be in attendance to greet fans. Also, Bellator’s Brian “The Beast” Baker, as well as fighters from the well-respected Grudge Training Center will be in the house to rub shoulders with local fight fans.

Casual and hardcore fans alike will surely enjoy this fantastic event. They can meet MMA stars in-person, shop for MMA apparel and gear at discounted prices, watch live MMA and martial arts demonstrations in the cage and on the mat, watch the best grapplers in the Western United States in a submission grappling tournament, and attend the best MMA fight card of the year when “Worlds Collide!” This exciting fight event will feature a main event of UFC veteran Alvin Robinson taking on Jesse Hensley. Here is the full fight card:

ALVIN ROBINSON (11-5) GRUDGE TRAINING CENTER VS JESSE HENLEY (11-1) PROGRESSIVE MMA

RYAN MARTINEZ (6-0) INFINITE MMA VS DEREK LEWIS (2-1) SILVERBACK MMA (TX)

JUSTIN SALAS (7-3) GRUDGE TRAINING CENTER VS MATT SIMS (8-1) ZINGANO BJJ

ANGELO DUARTE (4-3) VS JOSIAH CALLIS (7-3) GROUND ZERO MMA

IAN BERG (5-3) GRDUGE TRAINING CENTER VS KENNETH SEEGRIST (12-4) DOM DOJO

CHAD KLINGENSMITH (6-2) GRUDGE TRAINING CENTER VS JEREMY KIMBALL (4-2) SHINGITAI JIU-JITSU

NICK BUSCHMAN (12-13) STRICTLY BOXING VS TRAVIS HOLLIS (6-4) FAMILY VALUES MMA

VINNY PALLONE (3-0) GRUDGE TRAINING CENTER VS NICK CASTANO (1-0) LOCKDOWN MMA (TX)

JASON LEE (3-1) GRUDGE TRAINING CENTER VS JASON CLAYTON (5-0) 8TH ST GYM

ERIC MOYA (2-2) GROUND ZERO MMA VS MIGUEL MARTINEZ (6-5) PROGRESSIVE MMA

JOSH FORD (1-1) GRUDGE TRAINING CENTER VS MATT COX (4-3) GROUND ZERO MMA

LORANT-T NELSON (2-1) GRUDGE TRAINING CENTER VS JEREMY HASTINGS (3-2) COLORADO BJJ

JAMES STRATER-SMITH (0-0) EASTON BJJ VS JOE GUTTIREZ (1-1) MOUNTAIN GRAPPLERS

ALONSO GARCIA (0-0) GRUDGE TRAINING CENTER VS GARRETT CULPEPPER (1-0) FUSBOXE MMA

Please visit www.kocmma.com, and www.fighttowinmma.com for more details.

Brian Jaus, President and CEO of IMMAE, was said, “We are unbelievably excited and energized to be hosting the first ever MMA trade show in Colorado, at the University of Denver’s Ritchie Center. Colorado has an enormous MMA fan base and an active lifestyle demographic in general. We expect these factors, along with our depth of experience with MMA expositions, to come together and create awesome event which we will all remember for a long time!”

Jamie Addie, Founder and Partner at King of Champions Promotions said: “KOC is pumped about being a lead sponsor of this event! This is an all out MMA weekend bash with all of the MMA superstars you would expect! And wait ‘til our fans see this fight card! MMA fans will not have the opportunity to attend a weekend long event like this for a long time!”

Seth Daniels, founder and principal of Fight to Win, was quoted:

“Fight to Win is proud to bring the number one grappling tournament in Colorado to the IMMAE Expo, we expect it to be a real treat for our loyal fans, and new comers to the sport alike. We’re also excited as hell to be co-promoting the number one MMA fight card of the year with KOC. KOC’s and FTW’s current fan bases, along with thousands of Expo attendees, will have the chance to see the best MMA fight card of 2010, up close and personal!”

Stay tuned for more announcements. Tickets on sale now at TicketMaster and all L.A. Boxing locations.

Bean & Pudzianowski Heats Up!

War Of Words Continues Across Atlantic.

Recent critical quotes by former Pride FC fighter Eric “Butterbean” Esch regarding Mariusz Pudzianowski have initiated a terse response from the 5-time World’s Strongest Man’s promoter in Poland, KSAW Federation, which has been organizing MMA events in Europe since 2004.

The popular “Butterbean,” who is a former pro boxer and sumo competitor, publicly insulted Pudzian in the aforementioned press release – saying, among other things, “as strong as he is, he (Pudzianowski) punches like a girl’ -- and promised a knockout victory if he ever meets the Pole in MMA competition.

KSW Federation has expressed its discontent with the opinions formulated by ’Butterbean,” noting that as an official of MMA promoter Moosin, Esch used Mariusz as the main attraction this past May on its pay-per-view event held in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“I don’t understand the reasoning behind Esch’s statements,” KSW co-owner Martin. Lewandowski said.

“One would think it’s just a publicity stunt. However, if Butterbean is really interested in this bout, we can seriously consider it. But in order to do that, we need more precise declarations from Esch.”

KSW co-owner Maciej Kawulski added, “’Butterbean’ is an MMA superstar in the USA. Mariusz would have to deal with an extremely experienced opponent, who’s also an uncompromising competitor in the ring. His fighting style is very brutal and aggressive. If Mariusz improves his conditioning -- I know he is working on it with professionals -- this fight could end up being an unforgettable show for all KSW fans. Once both sides express interest in the fight, KSW Federation will try to book this bout.”

Sylvia V Buentello!

Sylvia On Search And Destroy Mission For ‘War on the Mainland’.

Two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia plans to make a loud statement August 14 when he takes on former UFC and Strikeforce heavyweight title challenger Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello in the main event for the vacant Powerhouse World Promotions (PWP), LLC Heavyweight Championship, headlining the “War on the Mainland” Pay Per View show live from Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.

“War on the Mainland,” presented by Powerhouse World Promotions, is being distributed by Integrated Sports Media at 10:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Bell TV and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. It will also be available in the United Kingdom via Primetime Live. The PPV card will also be streamed live on Internet PPV outside of the United States, Canada and United Kingdom by going to www.WarontheMainland.com and registering.

The 6’ 8”, 300-pound Sylvia has defeated many of the world’s top MMA heavyweights and super heavyweights, including Andrei Arlovski (2) Brandon Vera, Jeff Monson, Wes Sims, Ricco Rodriguez, Mike Whitehead (2), Ben Rothwell and Jason Lambert.

“In the MMA world,” Sylvia said, “I need to win this fight in fashion to make a statement that I’m back. We were supposed to fight once or twice and now it’s finally going to happen. It’s going to be a great fight and show. Jason’s (Lambert) fighting in the co-feature and he’s a great fighter.”

Sylvia (26-6-0), fighting out of Bettendorf, Iowa, is coming off of an impressive second-round submission of 5-time World’s Strongest Man, Mariusz “Dominator” Pudzianowski, in which Tim broke two toes that sidelined him for three weeks.

“I hit him (Pudzianowski) with three kicks at the end of the first round,” Tim explained.

“The last one caught his knee and broke two of my toes. It’s no big deal. I’ve been back in the gym eight weeks getting ready for this fight.”

Buentello (6’ 2”, 250 lbs.), fighting out of Amarillo, Texas, has defeated “Tank” Abbott, Gary Goodridge, Justin Eilers, Mike Kyle and Kirill “Baby Fedor” Sidelnikov, among the more notables.

“Paul’s a gamer,” Sylvia noted.

“He’s a good striker with a lot of knockouts. He likes to bang, just like me, and that’s what fans want to see.”

Sylvia-Buentello is one of three PWP title fights (5 X 5, all other fights are 3 X 5). Former WEC titlist Jason “The Punisher” Lambert (25-11-0) takes on 8-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Allan Goes (17-3-0) for the vacant PWP Light Heavyweight title belt, while former UFC title challenger Thales Leite (17-3-1) faces Strikeforce veteran Falaniko “Niko” Vitale (27-9-0) for the PWP Middleweight crown.

Former UFC lightweight champion Jens “Little Evil” Pulver (22-13-1), one of the most popular MMA fighters in the world, faces Diego “El Nino” Garijo (4-1-0) in a Special Lightweight Attraction.

Also fighting on “War on the Mainland” is Brazilian middleweight Gustavo “Ximu” Machado (18-8-1) vs. Rick Reeves (10-3-0) and Mexican welterweight Jorge “The Naked Man” Ortiz (16-5-1) vs. veteran Terry Martin (19-8-0).

Undercard fights featuring local fighters include lightweights Joao Silva (3-2-0) vs. Erin Beach (1-0-0), lightweights Cleber Luciano (3-3-0) vs. Todd Willingham (2-4-2), welterweights A.J. Mathews (3-0-0) vs. Sean Choice (1-0-0), and pro-debuting lightweights Evan Aitkins vs. Chad McCausland. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, ranging from $35.00 to $110.00 reserved and $110.00 to $295.00 on the floor, are on sale at the Bren Events Center Box Office (10 AM/PT-6 PM/PT, Mon-Fri), going on line to www.bren.uci.edu or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1.949.824.5000.

Doors open at 5:00 PM/PT, first bout 6:15 PM/PT, first PPV bout 7 PM/PT - 10 PM/ET. Go to www.WarontheMainland.com or www.bren.uci.edu for additional information.

LASHLEY V GRIGGS!

Saturday, Aug. 21, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Unbeaten and rising heavyweight star Bobby Lashley gets back to business when he takes on Mixed Martial Arts veteran and Tucson firefighter Chad Griggs in a featured, televised bout during STRIKEFORCE: Houston, on Saturday, Aug. 21 from Houston’s Toyota Center and live on SHOWTIME (10p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Lashley vs. Griggs will be a prelude to a World Championship Doubleheader when STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Champion “King” Mo Lawal makes the first defense of his belt against devastating striker Rafael “Feijao’’ Cavalcante in the main event. The co-main event will feature Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and Tim Kennedy in a battle for the vacant STRIKEFORCE Middleweight (185 pounds) title.

The former International Fighting League’s Griggs, originally from Phoenix, Ariz., is 32-years-old and currently works for the Tucson Fire Department. He has an 8-1 record with some very early finishes, including six of his eight wins ending in the first round with seven of eight coming by way of knockout.

In his last fight on April 25, 2009, he knocked out Jon Alexander with elbows in the first round. He fought four times in 2007, the same year he suffered his first career loss as a professional. That loss came on April 13 in Connecticut he was submitted by Shane Ott in the first round at 1:09.

A father of two, Griggs said he’s excited about the opportunity to face Lashley.

“Of course I am. It’s really a dream come true,” said Griggs, who works out with Joey Rivera at APEX MMA gym in Tucson.

“MMA is something I got involved with by walking into a gym. Once I did I fell in love with the sport.”

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Lashley (5-0) is a former collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College and member of The United States Army. He made his MMA debut in December of 2008.

In his last fight and STRIKEFORCE debut, Lashley, 33, scored a first round TKO over Wes Sims at STRIKEFORCE: Miami on Jan. 30, 2010. Prior to that, the former wrestling star pulverized the 6-foot-5, 350-plus pound goliath Bob Sapp.

Lashley’s WWE and TNA wrestling career has helped make him a well-known figure in the sports and entertainment world.

Tickets are on sale at www.ToyotaCenterTix.com, by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX, at select Houston area Randalls locations, and at www.strikeforce.com. Tickets will also be available beginning on Monday at the Toyota Center box office.

Mariusz “Dominator” Pudzianowski!

Butterbean Rips Pudzianowski.

Moosin officials and the face of the MMA promotional company, Eric “Butterbean” Esch, greatly differ in their opinions of former 5-time World’s Strongest Man Mariusz “Dominator” Pudzianowski, in terms of rating the Polish strongman as a mixed-martial-arts fighter.

Moosin officials believe Pudzianowski has tremendous potential and that he should be featured on Moosin’s proposed October 9 show in Chicago. Mariusz, who has reportedly been training hard in his native Poland to develop his MMA skills, will arrive in Massachusetts by the end of July to begin training with former boxer “Irish” Micky Ward, as well as two former All-America wrestlers, in order to learn the basics of boxing and wrestling to improve his overall MMA game.

However, based on Pudzianowki’s second-round loss by submission to former 2-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia this past May in Worcester, Massachusetts, “Butterbean” doesn’t think Mariusz deserves to be showcased again on a Moosin pay-per-view event, at least not until he proves himself in the cage.

“I know he allegedly broke his foot in the fight against Sylvia,” Butterbean criticized Pudzianowski, “but he didn’t show anything before he quit. Pudzianowski has no stand-up and as strong as he is, he punches like a girl. All he does is throw arm punches. He needs a lot of help. He’s the 5-time World’s Strongest Man but hits like a 130-pounder, not a strong man who weighs 270 pounds. He doesn’t have the skill level to get to the level he wants to fight.

“Once he gets a stand-up game – you can’t have a ground game working without one – he could be a force in MMA. He still needs some work on his ground game, too. We all know he’s very strong but that’s not enough at the highest level of MMA. I don’t know who has been coaching him but that trainer should be fired. Pudzianowski needs to prove himself, showing he has a good stand-up game by beating a good MMA fighter, before he gets another big fight like a spot on the October 9th show.”

Moosin, based in South Korea-based, has promoted MMA shows in South Korea and the United States and, in conjunction with the International Taekwon-Do Federation, plans expansion into to China, Poland and Australia.

Sylvia V Buentello!

Headlines ‘War on the Mainland’ PPV Event.

Two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia takes on former UFC and Strikeforce heavyweight title challenger, Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello, in the main event for the vacant Powerhouse World Promotions (PWP), LLC Heavyweight Championship, August 14 on Pay Per View live from Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.

“War on the Mainland,” presented by Powerhouse World Promotions, is being distributed by Integrated Sports Media at 10:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Bell TV and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. It will also be available in the United Kingdom via Primetime Live. The PPV card will also be streamed live on Internet PPV outside of the United States, Canada and United Kingdom by going to www.WarontheMainland.com and registering.

“This event started as a training clinic that we’re still holding August 8 in San Diego,” PWP CEO Brian Manna explained.

“It’s a full day, training clinic – MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, striking, boxing kicking, etc. – at Manna’s Martial Arts in San Diego. Tony Martinez (President of Powerhouse) suggested we do a show. We discussed it with members of our team – Joe Moreira, Carlos Palomino, Rodolfo Gonzalez and Burdett Streeter – as well as Doug Jacobs (Integrated Sports Media) and (associate) Benny Ricardo. Pay per view made it an easier sell and we were able to raise capital for the show. Now, people from all over the world will be able to watch our show.

“The depth of our field is unmatched. We not only wanted to make sure that we had three really good fights like we do, but to insure that all of the fights on this show would feature high quality fighters, as well as competitive, entertaining matches. These fights are all very well matched from top to bottom. All of us (Team PWP) are old-school martial artists. We stepped into the ring against anybody that was put in there; the type of show we’re putting on August 14th and few like it exist today in MMA for the public.”

Sylvia (26-6-0), fighting out of Bettendorf, Iowa, is coming off of an impressive second-round submission of 5-time World’s Strongest Man, Mariusz “Dominator” Pudzianowski. During his sensational career, Sylvia (6-8, 300 lbs.) has defeated many of the world’s top MMA heavyweights and super heavyweights – Andrei Arlovski (2) Brandon Vera, Jeff Monson, Wes Sims, Ricco Rodriguez, Mike Whitehead (2), Ben Rothwell and Jason Lambert.

Buentello (6-2, 250 lbs.), fighting out of Amarillo, Texas, has notable victories against “Tank” Abbott, Gary Goodridge, Justin Eilers, Mike Kyle and Kirill “Baby Fedor” Sidelnikov.

Sylvia-Buentello is one of three PWP title fights (5 X 5, all other fights are 3 X 5). Former WEC titlist Jason “The Punisher” Lambert (24-11-0) faces 8-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Allan Goes (17-3-0) for the vacant PWP Light Heavyweight title belt, while former UFC title challenger Thales Leite (17-3-1) fights Strikeforce veteran Falinko “Niko” Vitale (27-9-0) for the PWP Middleweight crown.

In a Special Lightweight Attraction, former UFC lightweight champion Jens “Little Evil” Pulver (22-13-1), one of the most popular MMA fighters in the world, meets Diego “El Nino” Garijo (4-1-0).

Also fighting on “War on the Mainland” are Brazilian middleweight Gustavo “Ximu” Machado (18-8-1) vs. Rick Reeves (10-3-0), Mexican welterweight Jorge “The Naked Man” Ortiz (16-5-1) vs. veteran Terry Martin (19-8-0), and California lightweights Joao Silva (3-0) vs. Erin Beach (1-0). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

“We’re hitting the ground running,” Manna added. “People all over the world want to fight with us. We’re not interested in signing fighters to long-term contracts. We’re interested in the fighters being self-sufficient and stable. Burdett is a financial advisor and one of our goals is to aid fighters to become more aware of how to make their financial future more stable.”

Tickets, ranging from $35.00 to $110.00 reserved and $110.00 to $295.00 on the floor, are on sale at the Bren Event Center Box Office (10 AM/PT-6 PM/PT, Mon-Fri), going on line to www.bren.uci.edu or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1.949.824.5000.

Doors open at 5:00 PM/PT, first bout 6:15 PM/PT, first PPV bout 7 PM/PT - 10 PM/ET. Go to www.WarontheMainland.com or www.bren.uci.edu for additional information.

Fedor V Werdum!

Recap Video & Quotes.

Attached are the thoughts of current STRKEFORCE World Champions Alistair Overeem, “King” Mo Lawal, Nick Diaz and Gilbert Melendez on the historic event.

Thanks to the fans, the press, and the fighters who made STRIKEFORCE / M-1 GLOBAL Fedor vs. Werdum one of the year’s most phenomenal and talked about sporting events!

Grapplers Quest!

$11,500 Crowns World’s Best Grappler.

Grapplers Quest will crown the “2010 World’s Best Grappler” on Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11 with a 32-Man Superfight Tournament at the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore, CA.

The 32-Man Superfight Absolute Tournament will feature Alexandre Ribeiro, Jeff Monson, Bill Cooper, Joao Assis, Lucas Leite, Chris Moriarty, Sean Spangler, Antonio Braga Neto and many more of the world’s best Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Judo and Sambo fighters battling for the largest cash prize and most prestigious No-Gi Submission Grappling title in American history: $11,500 in cash ($10,000 for 1st place, $1,000 for 2nd Place, and $500 for 3rd Place).

GoFightLive.tv will stream the entire 32-Man Tournament (all 30 matches) live starting at 4:00 PM PST and 7:00 PM EST and then on-demand worldwide for just $19.99. Purchase online at: http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=722

For amateur competitors, the event will also feature 200 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Submission Grappling, Judo and Wrestling Divisions for competitors of all skill and belt levels and $3,000 in cash prizes. For event information, competitor registration, tickets and more on the Grapplers Quest at Tachi Palace in Lemoore, California on July 10-11, go to http://www.grapplersquest.com/events/tachi-palace-challenge

“There was no other tournament in 2010 to truly crown The World’s Best Grappler, so Grapplers Quest wanted to step-up and challenge the grappling world with $11,500 in cash,” said Brian Cimins, Grapplers Quest President.

“This has been a dream of mine since I started this event in 1998, to ultimately crown the World’s Best, and Tachi Palace Casino and GoFightLive.tv will make this dream a reality and you can witness it live around the world.”

The 32-Man Tournament will feature Alexandre "Xande" Ribeiro (multiple-time World Jiu Jitsu Champion and 3-time Grapplers Quest Pro Champion), Joao Assis (2010 UFC Fan Expo Absolute Champion), Jeff “Snowman” Monson (former World Champion, UFC Veteran), Bill "The Grill" Cooper (26-Time Grapplers Quest), Rustam Chsiev (K-Dojo, 5tTime Pro Grapplers Quest Absolute Champion), Lucas Leite (CBJJ World Champion), Kelly Anundson (American Top Team, 2010 USA Wrestling/World Grappling Champion), Sean Spangler (2009 World Series of Grappling Cruiserweight Champion, Robert Drysdale Black Belt), Brandon "The Animal" Olsen (Team Pain Cave, World Series Silver Medalist), Marcelo "Lapela" Mafra (2009 World Series of Grappling Champion), Cameron Diffley (AutismRadio.org Charity Superfight Champion), Chris Moriarty (ADCC Veteran), John Toth (Team Balance/2008 All-Star Pro Challenge Champion), Carlos Diego Ferreira Neves (Amazonas BJJ), Peter Iacavazzi (Sylvio Behring Black Belt, 7-time Grapplers Quest Advanced Champion), Brian McLaughlin (The Ultimate Fighter contestant, Precision MMA, Kardian MMA), Enrico Cocco (Zen Jiu Jitsu, 2009 ADCC North American Champion, 6-time Grapplers Quest Champion, Walter "Cascao" Vital (Mica/Machado/Cascao), Bruno Bastos (Nova Uniao, World Champion), Leopoldo Serao (World Champion from Fairtex), Stephen Martinez (Millenia MMA, 3-time Grapplers Quest Advanced Champion), Chris Downum (Camarillo Jiu Jitsu), Nathan “The Great” Ducharme (David Terrell), Antonio Braga Neto (Evolve MMA, Brazil and Singapore), Jason Manly (Jake Shields' Gracie Fighter Berkeley), Paul Stark (2010 Canadian Absolute Champion), James Popoulo (Rafael Lovato Jr.), Alexandre Ceconi (2010 ADCC Pro World Black Belt Champion), and Luke Rockhold (American Kickboxing Academy/Strikeforce Contender).

The card is subject to change. Alternate are spots available, submit resumes at: http://www.grapplersquest.com/contact

For event information, competitor registration, tickets and more on the Grapplers Quest at Tachi Palace in Lemoore, California on July 10-11, go to: http://www.grapplersquest.com/events/tachi-palace-challenge

Tune In Alert!

Fabricio Werdum On MMA LIVE On ESPN2 Tomorrow.

Thursday, July 1 at 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT Fabricio Werdum will discuss his stunning upset victory over MMA legend Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko that shocked the world this past Saturday night at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif, live on SHOWTIME®.

The historic first round (1:09) submission (triangle armbar) was the only legitimate loss of Fedor’s storied career during which the Russian has triumphed over nearly every major rival force in heavyweight division and reigned as the No. 1 pound for pound fighter on the planet.

The 32-year-old Werdum, a two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion and top-ranked heavyweight, added Fedor to his already impressive resume that includes wins over reigning STRIKEFORCE World Heavyweight Champion, Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem, as well as fellow superstars Antonio “Big Foot” Silva, Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon “The Truth” Vera.

Werdum is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and member of Brazil’s vaunted Chute Boxe fight squad. He was born in Brazil, but now fights out of Marina del Rey, Calif.

All Or Nothing!

LOCAL FAVORITES CHRIS BENNETT, MOJO HORNE, AND TJ BALL.

MMA Big Show, one of the top fight promotions in the Midwest, will present its next exciting event, “ALL OR NOTHING,” which will take place on July 17th at Belterra Casino Resort & Spa in Indiana.

In the main event, big-time local favorite Mojo Horne (7-2) will face one of his toughest tests to date, as he tangles with extremely experienced American Top Team product Lucas Lopes (19-8, fifteen finishes).

Also featured on the card will be rising young local prospect “The Samurai” Chris Bennett (0-1 pro, 18-1 amateur), as he attempts to capture his first pro win from Brad Smith (1-1).

Another notable local showcased on the fight card will be T.J. Ball (1-1), who will be looking to increase his pro experience against Danny “The Hammer” Surface (3-2).

And making his return to Big Show will be Scott Cornwell (1-1), who made his Big Show debut last fall against UFC veteran Junie “The Lunatic” Browning (4-3). Tickets for “ALL OR NOTHING” are priced at $25, $45, and $75, and are available through Ticketmaster, as well as http://www.mmabigshow.com/. 21 and over only, please.

A training partner of Rich Franklin and a former MMA Big Show Middleweight Champion, Mojo Horne was glad to put 2009 behind him, as he suffered the first losses of his pro career. However, he ended the campaign on a high note, as he submitted Kevin Barkdull in the first round at November’s “ONSLAUGHT” event.

Now back to his winning ways, Horne is looking to target his title once again in 2010.

Standing in his way will be extremely experienced veteran Lucas Lopes. A veteran of 27 MMA fights, Lopes has fought well-known competitors Sean Salmon and StrikeForce fighter Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos, and has defeated UFC welterweight contender Thiago Alves and former UFC fighter Antonio “Samuray” Mendes.

Lopes is on a four-fight winning streak, including two straight wins in StrikeForce. Lucas is coming off a KO victory over Robert “Bubba” McDaniel, who previous defeated Mojo via ref stoppage after Horne’s nose was broken.

This is Mojo’s opportunity to, in a way, avenge his loss to McDaniel, and come out ahead of a highly experience ATT fighter. Certainly, this will be a difficult test for Horne, but he’s ready to go out there and prove that not only can he beat a veteran like Lopes, he is deserving of a shot at “his” belt.

“I’m hoping that if I win this fight, that I’ll be able to fight for my title again. From there, once I get my title back, Jason says he has some plans for me. So I’m excited about that.”

What does he think about facing a competitor like his opponent?

“I’ve seen some footage on him. He looks like more of a standup fighter…don’t know much about his ground. The fight footage on him doesn’t show much about the ground. But I’m a firm believer in fighting the fight, not the fighter. So I’m just gonna go in there and do my thing.” And to the fans, Mojo had this to say:

“I’m going to do my best for you guys, as I always do. Hopefully, I get the KO or submission, and everyone get’s their money’s worth.”

“The Samurai” Chris Bennett built a name for himself with MMA Big Show fans with his incredibly exciting fights. A real crowd-pleaser, he turned professional earlier this year after piling up eighteen amateur victories. Bennett, currently a 0-1 as a pro, is looking to rebound after a devastating loss to American Top Team’s Tony Simms and prove that he's a serious contender against Brad Smith at “ALL OR NOTHING.”

Additionally, T.J. Ball will be fighting the very tough Danny “The Hammer” Surface, who will be making his pro debut. Both fighters recently dropped to 185 lbs. from their former heavyweight status. As a result, this is going to be a war between two muscle-packed fighters looking to dominate.

Fearsome fighter Scott Cornwell put on a show in the main event of Big Show’s “ONSLAUGHT” in November of 2009. is a Cincinnati native who started learning Tae Kwon Do at the age of three under Master David Huffstutler.

As a teenager, Cornwell quickly progressed through the ranks, and currently holds a 3rd degree black belt, winning several local and national tournaments. He also had a very impressive high school wrestling career, where he competed for multiple national teams in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

His amateur mixed martial arts career began in 2007 while training under 4th degree black belt and renowned MMA instructor Rob Gerhardt, and he won his first five amateur fights, amassing an impressive record of 7-2. In preparation for his pro debut, Scott began additional training with Rod Housley at Team Vision while continuing to train and teach at Hamilton-Fairfield Tae Kwon Do. In short, Scott is an excellent striker and wrestler, and is well-versed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Fans can bet on these fights through the MMA Big Show iPhone Fantasy Better, and can also watch the event LIVE on R&R Channel 354 on DirecTV at 8 PM EST on the 17th.

In addition, the Big Show Gym, a 19,000 square foot MMA & Fitness Facility will be opening on June 27th in Eastgate Mall in Batavia, OH. This new facility will opening softly on the 27th and will host a grand opening event approximately 30 days later, once all of the equipment and build-out has been completed.

This gym will feature a full strength and cardio center, full MMA cage (the actual MMA Big Show Cage), BJJ mats, Muay Thai center, and will host a multitude of training and group classes such as Extreme Fitness Boxing, Zumba, yoga, aerobics and much more. Please visit http://www.bigshowgym.com/ for more information.

The MMA Big Show is currently looking for both national sponsors for its live national broadcasts as well as the gym.

Bas Rutten Ties For Second!

Greatest Dutch Sportsman Media Voting.

MMA legend Bas Rutten finished tied for second for the "Greatest Dutch Sportsman" award in media balloting conducted by New York's historic Grand Central Oyster Bar.

Baseball's Bert Blyleven received the most votes, while Rutten and baseball's Jim Kaat were tied for second.

The promotion was in conjunction with the annual Holland Herring Festival at the iconic Manhattan seafood eatery and a Heineken Salute to Dutch Sportsmen, which was launched last week.

Dutch herring from the Netherlands is air-expressed to New York for a two week period at the Oyster Bar. You could say that Blyleven "caught the big fish."

Johnny “Double No-Hit” Vander Meer, track and field greats Fanny Blankers-Koen and Cornelius Warmerdam, soccer legend Johan Cruyff and basketball sharpshooter Kiki Vandeweghe finished in a five-way tie for fourth.

Pitcher Curt Schilling, former Indiana Pacer center Rik Smits, U.S. Open tennis champion Tom Okker, veteran tennis standout Richard Krajicek, the Dutch kickboxer Semmy Schilt, Olympic gold medalist Anton Geesink, and three time Stanley Cup champion Joe Nieuwendyk also received votes.

In two somewhat odd ballots, former Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, because he was a “Flying Dutchman” as a collegiate player at Hofstra University, and the Yonkers Raceway harness driver Brett Holland, because of his last name, both received single votes.

WCF 10 Results!

World Championship Fighting.

On June 11, 2010 World Championship Fighting knocked it out of the park with their WCF 10 event, live from the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, MA.

The card was stacked with nine action packed fights, and fans left the event raving about how it was the most exciting event World Championship Fighting has ever had.

Whether it was the four minute frenzy Bustar Crandall and Chris Madden put forth, the three round war between Joel Ly and Billy Walsh, or the stunning knockout provided by rising prospect Noah Weisman, this event had something for everyone.

Notables on hand to support the WCF John Howard, Dan Lauzon, Mike Campbell, Sean Gannon and Boston Celtics golden boy Glenn "Big Baby" Davis were all ringside.

Full results:

Dan Bonnell def. Christian Rivera via submission (guillotine) - Round 1, 1:58

Noah Weisman def. Luis Felix via TKO - Round 3, 1:34

Anthony Kaponis def. Stephen Stengel via TKO - Round 1, 4:34

Joel Ly def. Billy Walsh via submission (triangle) - Round 3, 1:45

Robbie Roberts def. Dan Jennings via submission (triangle) - Round 1, 1:11

Lee Emmitt def. Thomas Roy Gossler via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Josh Mellen def. Shawn Baker via submission (triangle) - Round 1, 3:01

Buster Crandall def. Christopher Madden via TKO - Round 1, 4:31

Jarrod Johnson def. Steve Beck via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 2:43

For more event photos and information, visit the new www.wcfighting.com

Expect huge news from World Championship Fighting in the coming weeks!

Ford V Prater!

INJURED WOLFF OFF TFC 11.

The Fight Club (TFC), one of the fastest-growing fight promotions in Canada, had secured a main event of TFC World Welterweight Champion Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford defending his belt against the man considered to be the number one 170 lb.

fighter in Hawaii, UFC veteran Brandon Wolff. The fight was to take place at TFC’s next event, “TFC 11: DESTINY” on Saturday, July 17th, live at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

Unfortunately, Wolff sustained injuries in defense of his X-1 welterweight title this past weekend, and had to pull out of his bout with Ford. Stepping in to contest the title will be two-time WEC veteran Carlo Prater.

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. In regards to the change in opponent, Ford is unfazed.

“It doesn’t change my approach to the fight. I’m ready for anyone. I’m a fighter, and that’s what I do. Carlo is a good fighter, he’s a tough guy, so I think it’s going to be a test for me, and hopefully I come out on top.” And that’s exactly what he plans to do. “You never know. I can say something, but as soon as that bell rings, it all changes. I’m looking to win, and that’s my prediction.”

Carlo Prater (24-7-1) is a well-respected veteran who has faced and defeated many top MMA fighters in the sport today. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Prater is a very dangerous combatant who has a lot of tools to finish any opponent.

In 2008 he challenged WEC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit for the belt. The result was a loss, but afterwards, Prater dropped to the 155-pound class and won the Palace Fighting Championships lightweight belt.

Now, he’ll step back into the familiar territory of the welterweight ranks and face Ryan Ford for the TFC 170-lb. strap.

During his eight-year career, Prater has faced well-known competitors such as Drew Fickett, Derrick Noble, Condit, Brock Larson, and Antonio McKee, and holds victories over Melvin Guillard, Spencer “The King” Fisher, Condit (they have defeated each other once), and Pat Healy.

In addition to Prater, TFC has added several other fights to “DESTINY,” including:

Mitch Clarke (6-0) vs. Curtis “The Demon” Demarce (8-7) - for the TFC Canadian Lightweight Title - A five-fight win streak has earned “The Demon” a title shot against the undefeated Mitch Clarke. Clarke, who is moving down from welterweight, will make his debut at 155 lbs.

Ryan “The Kid” McGillivray (9-4-1) vs. Andrew Buckland (11-6-1) - 170 lbs. - Edmonton’s Ryan McGillivray makes his return to the TFC cage in a much-anticipated rematch with Calgary’s Andrew Buckland. The two fought to a draw April 23, 2010 in a three-round war that saw a 2nd round point deduction for an illegal blow by Buckland cost him a victory.

Rio Wells (3-0) vs. Jason Zorthian (3-3) 170 lbs. - Ex-CFL football star Rio Wells puts his undefeated MMA record on the line against a very tough Jason Zorthian.

Jorge Ravanal, Jr. (2-1) vs. Dave Hale (0-0) - 160 lbs

Chuck Pelc (2-1) vs. Joel Powell (2-2) - 170 lbs.

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/

World Championship Fighting!

All Fighters Make Weight For WCF 10.

All fighters appearing on World Championship Fighting's WCF 10 event, set to take place tonight, June 11 live from the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, MA successfully made weight at last nights weigh-in.

The card is stacked with talent from top to bottom, and features 10 professional mixed martial arts fights.

Many mainstream stars often attend World Championship Fighting events.

MMA stars like Quentin "Rampage" Jackson, Kenny Florian, Joe Lauzon, Dan Lauzon, Jon Jones, Kimbo Slice have made an appearance, along with movie star Kevin James, and Boston Celtics players Rajon Rondo, Glenn "Big Baby" Davis and Kendrick Perkins have all taken in the exciting WCF action at recent events.

Expect more surprises from World Championship Fighting and GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!

Dan Bonnell (Renzo Gracie NH) vs. Christian Rivera (Dragon Warrior)

Luis Felix (Rockstar) vs. Noah Weisman (BJJ Revolution)

Stephen Stengel vs. Anthony Kaponis (AFA)

Jeff Silva (Premier Fight Team) vs. Peter Cole ( Bombsquad)

Joel Ly (Guy Chase) vs. Billy Walsh

Shawn Baker (Maxx Training Center) vs. Josh Mellen (Fight Factory)

Dan Jennings (Bombsquad) vs. Robby Roberts (Fight Factory)

Buster Crandall (Bombsquad) vs. Chris Madden (Guy Chase)

Thomasroy Gusler vs. Lee Emmitt (Guy Chase)

Jarron Johnson (Dragon Lair) vs. Steve Beck

visit the new www.wcfighting.com for tickets and more information.

DEL ROSARIO V MAHE!

STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS MAIN EVENT.

Undefeated heavyweight prospect Shane Del Rosario (9-0) will attempt to extend his unblemished streak when he faces fellow heavy hitter Lolohea Mahe (4-1-1) in the main event of a STRIKEFORCE Challengers Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card at Comcast Arena at Everett, live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), on Friday, July 23.

Unbeaten STRIKEFORCE Women’s World Welterweight (135 pounds) Champion and former ballet dancer Sarah Kaufman (11-0) will put her perfect record as well as her crown on the line against international star Roxanne Modafferi (15-5).

In other featured action, Abongo Humphrey (7-1) will take on Mike “Mak” Kyle (16-7-1) at light heavyweight (205 pounds).

A special pre-sale ticket purchase opportunity for the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event will take place for “STRIKEFORCE Insider” e-newsletter subscribers (http://STRIKEFORCE.com/insider.html), beginning at 10 a.m. PT Tomorrow/Friday, June 11, until 10 p.m. PT on Sunday, June 13. STRIKEFORCE Insiders will receive a special e-newsletter with the pre-sale code.

Tickets for the event go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. PT on Monday, June 14 and can be purchased at the Comcast Arena box office (866-332-8499) as well as online at ComcastArenaEverett.com and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

Del Rosario, of Irvine, Calif., hasn’t come close to losing since turning pro in August 2006. He has yet to go the distance; in fact, only one of his fights has gone past the first round.

In his last start, Del Rosario, who’ll be making his fifth appearance on SHOWTIME, submitted (omoplata) Brandon Cash at 2:57 of the first round on a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event on Nov. 6, 2009. Seven of his previous eight victories came via knockout.

Besides power, the 6-foot-4, 27-year-old Del Rosario possesses excellent movement and quickness. A graduate of UC Irvine with a degree in Psychology, Del Rosario played basketball in high school. He also is an active professional Muay Thai fighter and is 6-1 (six knockouts).

Mahe will be trying to regain his winning ways after suffering the first defeat of his career in his last start to Lavar Johnson during a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event last March 26.

An American Samoan who resides and fights out of Kahului Maui, Hawaii, the heavy-handed 6-foot-4, 28-year-old Mahe had his fair share of pavement punchouts before turning to MAA in November 2007, Outside the cage, the married father of three children is very active in the Church. Every Saturday he and his family clean the local church (Ala Lani United Methodist Church).

Kaufman, of Victoria, British Canada, captured the first-ever STRIKEFORCE Women’s 135-pound Championship in her last start with a unanimous five-round decision over Takayo Hashi in the main event of a STRIKEFORCE Challengers card last Feb. 26.

In her outing before last on June 19, 2009, on SHOWTIME, the 5-feet-5, 24-year-old Kaufman outpointed Shayna Baszler in the historic first five-minute, three-round women’s fight.

Regarded as perhaps the most powerful, pure puncher in women’s MMA, Kaufman is an avid ballet, jazz and hip hop dancer who only discovered the sport after a martial arts gym opened underneath her dance studio when she was 17. She attended the University of Victoria for two years with the goal of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon before focusing her efforts on MMA.

A pro since 2006, Kaufman knocked out her first eight opponents before earning a hard-fought decision over Miesha Tate during the first-ever STRIKEFORCE Challengers event on May 15, 2009, on SHOWTIME.

Modafferi, of Wilmington, Del., is coming off the biggest victory of her career, a three-round decision over highly regarded Tara LaRosa last May 21. The 5-foot-7, 27-year-old Modafferi has won eight of her last nine starts. The loss came in her STRIKEFORCE debut against Marloes Coenen on the undercard of “Fedor vs. Rogers’’ on Nov. 7, 2009.

One of the most unique and eclectic fighters in MMA, Modafferi cannot only be defined by fighting alone. A long-time admirer of Japanese culture, she graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 2005 with a major in Japanese Language and Literature and a minor in Linguistics. Her pro debut on Nov. 10, 2003, came in Japan during her junior year of college.

Soon after graduating college, Modafferi moved to Japan on a permanent basis after securing a full-time teaching position in which she taught English. Her earliest MMA victories came in Japan. But the lack of comparable competition made it virtually impossible for the terrific grappler to get fights, so she moved back to the United States.

Regarding her style, Modafferi says, “I put a lot of value in perfection, which is why I generally like grappling more than striking. I think it takes the perfect pressure, the perfect control, to pull off a beautiful submission hold. You take an armbar to the point of breaking, until the opponent gives up, and you let them go, unharmed. I think it's smooth, beautiful and masterful. I don't really want to break somebody's face and make them bleed -- just make them give up.”

Humphrey, a military son who was born on a base in Vacaville, Calif., and resides in Atlanta, Ga., scored a submission over George Bush (guillotine choke) at 1:44 of the first-round of a STRIKEFORCE: Challengers event last March 26.

The birth name of the 5-foot-11, 33-year-old is “Ronald,” but he prefers to be addressed as “Abongo,” the name of an African warrior spirit believed to protect a village located in The Republic of Ghana. The moniker was bestowed upon him a few years ago after he endured a series of mentally and physically grueling tasks during a rites of passage trip to Africa.

Humphrey’s experience there inspired him to establish a non-profit organization that allows him to introduce other African-Americans to their heritage by bringing them to Africa.

“There are certain things that are lacking in the black community here and one of them has to do with cultural identity,” said Humphrey, whose only loss came to Brett “The Grim” Rogers.

“Fighting and doing the community work in Africa is something that really drives me and motivates me in life.”

Humphrey was introduced to a national audience as a contestant on BET’s MMA reality series “Iron Ring” where he was a member of a fight team coached by MMA star, “Mr. International” Shonie Carter, and managed by hip-hop artist and producer Lil’ Jon.

“Some people are under the impression that most of the fighters on the show were push overs, but I fought and defeated some pretty well-known contenders,” Humphrey said. Among those he defeated during his stint on “Iron Ring” were former K-1 USA contender, Jeff “Big Diesel” Ford, and Carlos Moreno, who Humphrey knocked out with a head kick.

“I move more like a 205-pounder than I do a 245. I bring a lot of athleticism and skill into the cage,” Humphrey said.

Kyle has won four in a row and eight out of nine and is the last fighter to defeat highly touted Rafael “Feijao’’ Cavalcante. His only setback since April 2008 came against world-class Fabricio Werdum, who is fighting Fedor Emelianenko, the world’s No. 1 fighter, on June 26.

Comcast Arena at Everett doors will open for the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event at 5:15 p.m. The first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. PT. The first main card bout will start at 8 p.m.

Grappling Team USA!

Official U.S.A. Team In Grappling To Be Crowned June 12 In New Jersey.

Grapplers Quest, The World’s Largest Grappling Tournament, is hosting the 2010 U.S. National Championships of Submission Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this Saturday (June 12) at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown, New Jersey.

Go to http://www.grapplersquest.com/events/2010-us-national-championships for more information.

Submission Grappling is the ground fighting art of Mixed Martial Arts, combining the throws of Olympic Judo, takedowns of Greco-Roman and/or Freestyle Wrestling, leg locks from Sambo, and other submissions like arm-bars and chokes from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Grapplers Quest organizes the official National, Regional, North American and World competitions for Submission Grappling, the submission style ground-fighting sport.

Grapplers Quest will crown 250 2010 U.S. National champions from all types of grappling styles, ages, skill and belt levels. Each Men’s and Women’s Advanced Division weight class offers a cash prize ranging from $250 to $1,000 cash, a custom leather championship belt plus an official spot as the Team U.S.A. Representative to face Team Canada in December in New Jersey at The World Series of Grappling in the first true Country vs. Country team battle in the history of the sport.

Competitors may register and weigh-in Friday (June 11) from 5:00-8:00 PM/ET and doors open at 7:00 AM/ET Saturday (June 12). Please check schedule and weigh-in cut off times at http://www.grapplersquest.com/events/2010-us-national-championships.

Tickets will be available at the door: children 6 and under free, $10 for kids 7-17, $20 for adults for the full day plus the $7,500 cash Team U.S.A. Trials. Tournament starts at 10:00 AM with Youth National Championships (children and teens), followed by the Men’s and Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and then the No-Gi Submission Grappling divisions. The finals of the Men’s and Women’s Advanced Divisions will be featured in the Center rings. Get more information at: http://GrapplersQuest.com.

Strikeforce Conf Call Highlights!

BABALU SOBRAL & ROBBIE LAWLER, STRIKEFORCE CEO SCOTT COKER.

Sobral, Lawler and Coker participated in a national media conference call on Wednesday to discuss the upcoming STRIKEFORCE Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles, Calif. on Wednesday, June 16, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Lawler (17-5) will collide with former STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Champion Sobral (35-8) at a catch weight of 195 pounds in the main event.

Lawler, 6-1-1 with one No Contest in his last eight outings, is coming off a dramatic, come-from-behind 3:33, first-round knockout over highly regarded Melvin Manhoef on Jan. 30, 2010. Sobral’s start will be his first since losing his STRIKEFORCE belt to Gegard Mousasi on Dec. 19, 2009. Prior to the defeat, Sobral had reeled off five consecutive victories.

The first-ever STRIKEFORCE event scheduled for mid-week will take place in the midst of the E3 Expo, the premier trade show for computer and video games. During E3 Expo 2010 at the L.A. Convention Center, EA SPORTS™ will exhibit its highly anticipated title, EA SPORTS MMA, in which STRIKEFORCE is featured as a premier league.

The principal fighters on the June 16 fight card, including Lawler, Sobral, Evangelista Cyborg, Marius Zaromskis and Tim Kennedy, are all featured in the EA Sports MMA title.

What the fighters had to say:

OPENING COMMENTS:

SCOTT COKER: “We’re happy to have the fight between Robbie and Babalu and we’re looking forward to a great fight. That fight is going to have a lot of implications. I think that that fight, the winner, if Babalu wins and looks good, he will be first in line for a matchup against King Mo (Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal). Robbie, if he wins the fight, will be first in line to have a title shot at 185 against (Ronaldo) “Jacare" (Souza). Normally, we don’t put those fights out there, but I just wanted to let everyone know that this fight will have consequences and it will be an interesting show and we’re looking forward to putting it on.”

ROBBIE LAWLER: “Training is going good. I’m down in Arizona for fight camp. I’m just working real hard, working on my skills and looking forward to having a good show.”

BABALU SOBRAL: “I look forward to this fight. It’s going to be in California, my backyard, so it’s going to bring a lot of fans in.”

QUESTIONS:

With all the middleweight tournaments that you are having, could the winners be in a potential tournament?

COKER: “That is still to be determined. It hasn’t been mapped out 100 percent, but we’ll probably have an announcement in the next 10 days or so.”

Babalu could potentially face King Mo, but he’s recently said that he wouldn’t want to fight him because of their relationship. Is that true?

RICHARD WILNER (Babalu’s Manager) “Yes and no. For what it’s worth, if the question is ‘are we looking for a fight with Mo,’ with all do respect, the answer is no because of our relationship with Mo. If that’s the fight on the table because the fans are clamoring for it, then we’ll do what we have to do. If the question is ‘who do we want to fight,’ I could easily answer that question – and the answer is Dan Henderson and Gegard Mousasi.”

As far as Jacare goes, you said Robbie Lawler would face him for the title. Is Jacare absolutely locked to fight for the title next, regardless?

COKER: “This depends on how things shake out with Jake (Shields). If we end up in a situation where we’re looking for a 185-pound champion, I think Jacare would be a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the slot.”

Babalu, how is your training going considering Robbie has such good power?

BABALU: “I’ve been working hard. He’s a great striker and, as everybody knows, I don’t try knocking people out, so I have to defend from that.”

Robbie, how is your submission defense coming?

LAWLER: “Everything is going good. I’ve been training hard, working on all my skills as usual, so everything is going good.”

Babalu, how are you preparing for this fight after almost one year of not fighting?

BABALU: “Well, I took a little time off. I have been going to the gym; I’ve been prepared all along. I was supposed to fight in DREAM, but that go cancelled and STRIKEFORCE offered me this opportunity. I just had to push the training a little bit more. It’s been good training. I’ve had a very, very amazing camp.”

Scott, will the winner of the Fedor-Werdum fight get a shot at (Alistair) Overeem?

COKER: “When the fight is over, should Fedor be victorious, we will definitely be sitting down with M-1 to try to put that fight together.”

Scott, how is this type of event different for STRIKEFORCE?

COKER: “Basically, what happened was E3 was on the books about six months ago and EA Sports was putting out this MMA game. They asked us if we could put together some sort of event. We said, why don’t we do a fight and it will be our first real time in the Los Angeles market with SHOWTIME. We thought this will be a fun opportunity to do something in conjunction with EA Sports as part of the E3 convention. Then we started thinking about what type of card we’d bring there. Would we bring a Challengers card, do we have the available space (for a big card)? There was really a tight, tight grip on a lot of the venues there, so we couldn’t pull a big arena show. We talked to Ken Hershman and thought about doing a hybrid-type of show, and he gave it the green light. It’s kind of a sampling where you’ll have two fights on the undercard, it’s not going to be a fight where we normally have four or fight undercard fights, it’s a little bit later of a start time, but you’ll get to see some of the best and some of the up-and-coming guys who are trying to keep their value up.”

How is the LA market treating you so far?

COKER: “Ticket sales are terrific; I think we’re about 2/3 there (to sell out).”

Robbie, you’ve been knocking a lot of guys out, but your last couple of losses were by submissions. How are you going to approach Babalu, who is a submission specialist?

LAWLER: “Really, I’ve just been doing what I normally do: working on all my skills, striking, grappling, wrestling, just trying to build everything at the same time. (Against Jake Shields) I got caught in a submission, it was tight and I made a mistake. It was an easy mistake to fix and that’s what I’ve been doing. I grapple as much as I do anything else, so I’m not leaving anything behind. I’m working on all my skills.”

Babalu, your last fight in STRIKEFORCE you lost by knockout to Mousasi. What have you done to improve your standup and striking for Robbie?

BABALU: “The only thing that I changed a little bit because Robbie is southpaw is I’ve been training more southpaw then I used to train. That’s the only difference.

“Sometimes it’s good to get your ass kicked, and sometimes it can come back to haunt you. Mentally, I’m more prepared for this. I can’t wait to come back and fight. I’ve improved more, but I can strike too. There’s no secret to my game. I’ve fought everybody under the sun.”

Robbie, can you talk about the difference at fighting at 195 pounds and what your preparation is?

LAWLER: “I’m not too worried about my weight. I decided that I’d just eat whatever I’d want to and not worry about my weight. I tried bulking up, adding more fluids and taking a little more supplements than usual. If I was going to weigh 190, I’ll weigh 190. If I weigh 195, that’s fine. I’m just going to work hard and that’s what I’ve been doing.”

Babalu, what’s the difference in your approach at 195?

BABALU: “I haven’t been 195 since I was, like, 15 years old. For me to make 195, that’s a good opportunity to fight Robbie. He’s a big man and he’s a great challenger.”

Facing a striker after the way you lost last night, what’s your thought?

BABALU: “I lost my last fight, but that wasn’t because I punched in the head. He tripped me and took me down. I was on the ground, it wasn’t because I was weak. I will come back strong from the loss. I want to get back to my winning track.”

Robbie, your last fight was a tremendous and grueling fight. How long does it take for you mentally and physically to get over that fight?

LAWLER: “Physically a little bit longer. Once I got out here to Arizona I started pushing it a little harder, and that’s when I started feeling really good. Mentally, I was ready to go. I’m always mentally there where I believe in myself and I believe I can beat anyone - that’s easy. The physical part is always the part where you need to work hard and get back into shape and that’s what I did.”

How would you rate that victory (over Melvin Manhoef) over your other victories in your career?

LAWLER: “I think it was one of my biggest because everyone knows what kind of striker he is. Everyone said I should have taken him down, which maybe I should have. But to knock him out standing and to beat him on his feet, where he’s supposedly one of the best in the world, felt good.”

Babalu, do you feel any added pressure in this fight because of the extra time off and because a title shot is on the line?

BABALU: “There’s always added pressure. The pressure is always on. The next fight is always the most important fight in your life.”

Robbie, do you think there’s some advantage because he has taken some time off and is coming off of a loss?

LAWLER: “No, I don’t look at that as an advantage. Sometimes, taking time off you come back stronger and you’re able to look at what you need to work on and you’re fresher when you come into the fight. It all depends on the individual and how they train if it’s a benefit. I’m ready to go - that’s all I can control.”

Babalu, what would you say your strengths or advantages are going into this fight?

BABALU: “Normally, I would say my submission skills. But, I don’t know. I don’t think I have any advantages. I’ve just been training really hard and feel comfortable with what I’ve done. I’m just trying to get as mentally and physically prepared as I can to get the job done so I can come back to my house and kiss my family.”

Robbie, what would you say your strengths or advantages are going into this fight?

LAWLER: “I don’t really want to talk about my advantages, but, as far as my strengths are, I’m mentally prepared. I’m ready to go; I’m physically ready to go. I’ve been training real hard. Babalu is a really good opponent; he’s fought everyone it seems at different weights. So he’ll be ready to go and I’ll be ready to go.”

Babalu, how many times ideally would you like to fight each year?

BABALU: “Without injury I can fight every week. But I used to fight 12 times in one year back in the day. Honestly, every four months is perfect. I don’t know if that’s possible, but that’s the dream.”

CLOSING COMMENTS:

COKER: “I’d like to invite everyone down to the event, and if you can’t make it you can always watch it on SHOWTIME. We have a very busy month with SHOWTIME, we have Fedor fighting Fabricio Werdum on the 26th. We’re very excited to host that event; it’s going to be a big show. You know, everyone is talking about Fedor, Fedor, but, let me tell you something, I think people underestimate Fabricio in this fight. He beat Fedor’s brother, he beat Alistair Overeem, who’s our current champion, back in PRIDE, and he just beat (Antonio) Big Foot Silva, who just had a great win over Andrei Arlovski. This guy has fought the best in the world and I think it’s going to be a great fight. Tune into SHOWTIME to watch both fights.”

Tickets are on sale at STAPLES Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com). Tickets will also be sold at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE box office on days when events take place there.

World Championship Fighting!

WCF 10 June 11th.

World Championship Fighting today announced their full fight card for WCF 10, which takes place June 11, 2010 live from the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, MA. The card is filled with the hottest prospects and up and coming stars New England has to offer, and you do not want to miss this-these guys are the future of the sport.

Headlining the show is a match-up between undefeated Sit Yod Tong fighter Scott Nichols vs. a fighter who has appeared on all but two WCF events, Stephen Stengel.

Nichols has gotten off to a fast start in his pro career, and has looked dominant in his four wins.

Stengel is a tough, gritty veteran who is fresh off a win over another hot prospect that came in at 4-0, and he's looking to give Scott Nichols a rough introduction to World Championship Fighting.

Wilmington native, Dan Bonnell is set to take on tough brawler Christian Rivera. Bonnell is no stranger to WCF, as this will be his ninth WCF fight, and he's always a crowd favorite. Rivera is a veteran of over 10 MMA fights, and he's looking to spoil Bonnell's homecoming on June 11.

In what is expected to be the fight of the night, tough prospects square off as BJJ Brown Belt Noah Weisman takes on a fighter with some of the most exciting wrestling and striking in WCF, Luis Felix. Luis' fight with Josh Key will forever be remembered as one of the best ever for World Championship Fighting. Weisman is fresh off a tough fight with John Benoit, and he looks to get back to his winning ways against Luis Felix.

Popular amateur fighter, Shawn "The Neck Breaker" Baker is set to make his pro debut on the card as well. He is well know for his ring entrance, which includes a huge indian head dress, as well as his lethal striking. He takes on tough WCF veteran, Josh "The Mass Murderer" Mellen. Josh is always a crowd pleaser, and he plans to go to war with Baker on June 11.

Full fight card is below:

Noah Weisman vs Luis Felix

Steven Stengel vs Scott Nichols

Dan Bonnell vs Christian Rivera

Julio Colon vs Giovanni Pagan

Josh Mellen vs Shawn Baker

Jeff Silva vs Peter Cole

Greg Desmore vs Steve Beck

Joel Ly vs Billy Walsh

Robbie Roberts vs Dan Jennings

Buster Crandall vs Chris Madden

Thomasroy Gusler vs Lee Emmitt

Fight card subject to change

Get your tickets early, you do not want to miss this! For tickets and more information, check out the new www.wcfighting.com website.

Bas Rutten Honored!

Rutten Honored Among Top Dutch Athletes Ever.

MMA Legend Bas “El Guapo” Rutten is among the award nominees as Heineken and the Grand Central Oyster Bar in New York celebrate the annual Holland Herring Festival with the “Salute to Dutch Sportsmen.”

At the event, set for Thursday, June 10, sports media and fans will select the greatest athlete of Dutch heritage.

Though he will not be in attendance at the event, Rutten is joined on the ballot by soccer players Edgar Davids, Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit, Marco Van Basten, Johan Neeskens, Robin Van Persie, Dennis Bergkamp and Frank Rijkaard, big league pitchers Bert Blyleven and Curt Schilling, NBA players Rik Smits, Kiki Vandeweghe and Keith Van Horn, U.S. Open Tennis champ Tom Okker, and track and field stars Fanny Blankers-Koen, a quadruple-gold medalist at the 1948 Summer Olympics, and Cornelius Warmerdam, Men's Pole Vault World Record Holder.

The festivities take place from 6-8 p.m. The Grand Central Oyster Bar is located on the lower level of Grand Central Terminal at 42nd Street in New York City.

Noons V Krazy Horse Off!

Noons To Face Conor Heun.

An excellent lightweight (155 pounds) scrap between former world champion KJ Noons (8-2) of San Diego, Calif., and Conor “Hurricane’’ Heun (8-3) of Hollywood, Calif., by way of Boulder, Colo., will round out the televised portion of fights on SHOWTIME® when STRIKEFORCE steamrolls into Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Wednesday, June 16.

The first-ever STRIKEFORCE event scheduled for mid-week will take place in the midst of the E3 Expo, the premier trade show for computer and video games. During E3 Expo 2010 at the L.A. Convention Center, EA SPORTS™ will exhibit its highly anticipated title, EA SPORTS MMA, in which STRIKEFORCE is featured as a premier league.

Tickets are on sale at STAPLES Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com). Tickets will also be sold at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE box office on days when events take place there.

In other televised matches, hard-hitting “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (17-5) will collide with ex- STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion Renato “Babalu’’ Sobral, at a catch weight of 195 pounds, DREAM belt-holder Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis (13-4) will face Evangelista Cyborg (17-13) in a welterweight (170 pounds) contest and American military hero, Tim Kennedy, will take on the dangerous Trevor Prangley in a middleweight match.

The SHOWTIME broadcast will begin at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Noons will be making his STRIKEFORCE debut and fifth start on SHOWTIME. He has won four consecutive fights and is 7-1 in his last eight outings. His last defeat came to Charles “Krazy Horse’’ Bennett on Feb. 10, 2007, in the opening bout on the historic first MMA fight card ever broadcast on network premium television (SHOWTIME).

A confident, prolific striker, Noons is the last fighter to defeat current STRIKEFORCE welterweight champion Nick Diaz. In a thrilling, bloody fight on Nov. 10, 2007, Noons won by first-round TKO when a cageside doctor stopped matters after the round due to excessive cuts around Diaz’ eyes.

The 5-foot-11, 27-year-old Noons won his three ensuing fights after the setback to Krazy Horse – all by knockout -- over Edson Berto (KO 3, knee) on July 27, 2007, Diaz and Yves Edwards (TKO 1, punches and elbows) on June 14, 2008.

Following a near-two-year respite to continue a boxing career, Noons returned to MMA and won a decision over Andre Armado at DREAM 13 last March 22.

“They’re a lot of good fights out there for me in STRIKEFORCE,’’ said Noons, a former EliteXC 155-pound titleholder.

“I’m looking forward to getting a good win and moving on to bigger and better things. Fighting in Los Angeles is very cool. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of friends and fans there rooting for me.’’

The boyishly handsome Noons, who was born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, has been fighting for more than 20 years.

"My father was a professional kick boxer so I've been in martial arts since I was five or six years old and boxing and Muay Thai since I was eight or nine,’’ he said.

“I've been doing this forever and finally it's my time to shine again and I'm ready."

Heun, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt who prefers to kickbox in the cage, is a superb athlete and former IFL and EliteXC fighter who turned pro in 2006.

The 5-foot-10, 30-year-old Eddie Bravo-trained fighter is competing for the first time since losing his STRIKEFORCE debut on a decision in one of the most entertaining brawls of the year to Jorge Gurgel during a STRIKEFORCE: Challengers event on June 19, 2009.

The setback in a fiercely contested, electrifying slugfest between two ground fighters that gave the fans a kickboxing exhibition stole the show. At the conclusion of a grueling, non-stop-action encounter fought at a catch weight of 160 pounds, they got a standing ovation.

Bloodied and battered, the athletes “put on a fight for the ages at 160 pounds,” SHOWTIME announcer Mauro Ranallo commented during the telecast.

“I may go home a couple of bucks shorter and with some scrapes but that was the most fun I’ve ever had. I live for those 15 minutes,’’ said Heun, who was the stronger fighter at the finish despite coming up short by the scores of 29-28 and 30-27 twice.

The loss ended a three-fight winning streak for the aggressive-minded Heun, who entered the bout, his first in nine months, having won seven of eight.

Heun is anxious to put together another winning streak, beginning on June 16.

“I’ve been eyeing a fight like this, and have been calling out Noons for a long time,’’ Heun said.

“I’m beyond thrilled this fight was made. If Noons thinks this is going to be easy, he is in for the surprise of his life. This is my time’’

Before turning to MMA, Heun was a Division III National Qualifier wrestler at the University of Ithaca where he majored in English. After graduating, Heun did not enter MMA immediately. Instead, he went into the corporate world and even owned his own clothing apparel line. He would later leave Colorado and move to California where he began to work as a dental assistant. A little more than a year ago, Heun beat up a bully MTV's "Bully Beatdown.''

Doors at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE will open for the event at 6:15 p.m. PT. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 7 p.m. and the first main card fight will begin at 8 p.m.

CIRCLE OF PAIN!

MMA Champs Starring in "Circle of Pain" (Lionsgate).

Get ready for havoc and mayhem when the top mixed martial arts champions of the world come together in the extreme knockout release, Circle of Pain slamming onto DVD, Blu-ray Disc and Digital Download.

Incredible fighters including Heath “the Texas Crazy Horse” Herring (Former UFC Heavyweight), Roger Huerta (UFC Light Heavyweight), Frank Mir (Former UFC Heavyweight Champion), Kimbo ‘The Slice’ Ferguson (Former Elite XC Champion and the star of TV’s “Ultimate Fighter”) and Miguel Torres (World Extreme Cagefighting Organization fighter) star alongside Dean Cain (TV’s “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”), Tony Schiena (The Bleeding) and Bai Ling (Crank 2: High Voltage).

The Circle of Pain DVD and Blu-ray contain bonus features that include “behind-the-scenes” footage and interviews with cast and crew, plus interviews with the fighters and a look at the fight choreography on the set.

Highlighted by music from bands that include Hed PE, Parker Theory and Something To Burn among others, Lionsgate will unleash this DVD and Blu-ray Disc on June 15th for the suggested retail price of $26.98 and $29.99, respectively.

After an unfortunate mishap at the top of his game, fighter Matt Chase retires from the world of mixed martial arts and loses everything along the way. A dispirited Chase settles for a life without glory, until he is forced back into the ring against the current undefeated champion.

Now, he must face his fears, rebuild his strength and quickly become the ultimate warrior he was before retiring. However, entering back into the world he left behind isn’t easy - it’s kill or be killed and only the strongest survive. Let the battle begin!

To coincide with the DVD and Blu-ray Disc release date, the original TapouT Circle of Pain T-shirt will be available at retailers nationwide, wherever TapouT merchandise is sold.

*DVD AND BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

Behind the Scenes with Interviews of the Cast and Crew of Circle of Pain
Interviews with MMA Fighters Heath Herring, Frank Mir and Roger Huerta
Fight Choreography on the set of Circle of Pain

*Subject to change

CAST

Tony Schiena The Bleeding, The Merchant of Venice, Wake of Death

Heath Herring Salt, Unrivaled, Never Surrender, TV’s “UFC Unleashed,” Former UFC Heavyweight

Kimbo Slice Former Elite XC Champion and the star of TV’s “Ultimate Fighter”

Louis Herthum Tekken, Wrong Side of Town, Twelve Rounds

Roger Huerta UFC Light Heavyweight, Tekken

Frank Mir TV’s “UFC Unleashed,” TV’s “World Extreme Cagefighting,” Former UFC Heavyweight Champion

Miguel Torres TV’s “World Extreme Cagefighting”

Shannon Lepard Feature film debut

John Edward Lee Still Waiting…, TV’s “Criminal Minds,” TV’s “Monk,” TV’s “NCIS”

Dean Cain Out of Time, Rat Race, TV’s “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” and Bai Ling Crank 2: High Voltage, Lords of Dogtown, Man About Town, TV’s “Angel”

Garry Peters The Wendell Baker Story

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2010

Title Copyright: © 2009 Legacy Filmworks USA INC, Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Type: Home Entertainment Premiere / Blu-ray Disc Premiere

Rating: R for strong sexuality/nudity, violence and language

Genre: Action

Closed Captioned: DVD –English

Blu-ray – English SDH

Subtitles: English and Spanish

DVD Format: 16x9 Widescreen (1.78:1)

Blu-ray Disc Format: 1080P High Definition 16x9 Widescreen (1.78:1)

Feature Running Time: 89 minutes

DVD Audio Status: 5.1 Dolby Digital

Blu-ray Audio Status: 5.1 DTS HD-Master Audio

Smith V Le II!

Plus Thomson V Healy Bout Set For June 26TH.

Can Scott “Hands Of Steel’’ Smith, aka “The Comeback Kid,’’ do it again?

On Saturday, June 26, at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., on SHOWTIME®, Smith will attempt to make it two consecutive victories over Cung Le in a middleweight (185 pounds) rematch of one of the most incredible Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) comeback victories of all-time.

The eagerly anticipated return bout between Smith (17-6), of Elk Grove, Calif., and Le (6-1), of San Jose, will take place on an already-stacked STRIKEFORCE and M-1 Global fight card that features the world’s No. 1 heavyweight and pound-for-pound MMA fighter, Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (31-1),against two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion and top-ranked superstar Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum (13-4) in the main event.

The universally recognized No. 1 female fighter in MMA, Cris Cyborg will defend her STRIKEFORCE 145-pound belt against Jan Finney, marking the first time in history that both the No. 1 male and female fighters will compete on the same card.

In another featured fight, former STRIKEFORCE lightweight (155 pounds) champion Josh Thomson (16-3), of San Jose, will try and regain his winning ways against Pat “Bam Bam’’ Healy (23-15) of Portland, Ore. Thomson lost a five-round decision in his last start to Gilbert Melendez in one of the most wildly exciting, give-and-take slugfests of the year on Dec. 19, 2009, at HP Pavilion. Healy is coming off a well-deserved, unanimous three-round decision over Bryan Travers during a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event on May 21.

Tickets are on sale at the HP Pavilion box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com). For more information, please also visit www.M-1GLOBAL.com.

The SHOWTIME telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The hard-hitting, never-say-die Smith is no stranger to dramatic, stirring, come-from-behind victories. He rallied to knock out Benji Radach on April 1, 2009, at HP Pavilion and registered a highlight-reel second-round KO over the UFC’s Pete Sell on Nov. 11, 2006.

Smith, however, may have outdone himself with his courageous performance against Le, coming back from the brink of absolute defeat to triumph by third-round knockout last Dec. 19 at HP Pavilion.

Smith had taken a frightful beating for two-and-a-half-rounds as southpaw Le, making his first start in 21 months, totally dominated. The one-sided proceedings seemed over at least a couple of times as everything was going Le’s way. His trademark spinning back kicks were connecting with startling frequency and were knocking Smith around the cage.

At one point, while Smith was on the ground after getting dropped, Le seemed to throw more than 50 consecutive punches. He slammed Smith once.

But Smith, a proven finisher who has never turned down a challenge, summoned the energy and heart – again – to twice drop Le. After he connected twice on a downed Le, the referee stepped in and halted the exciting battle at 3:25.

“This was one helluva fight,’’ said Smith afterward.

“He had me the first two-and-a-half rounds, but I’ve got a hard head. On the knockdowns, I faked the right and threw the left. Everyone always looks for my right, but the left hook is my best punch.

“It took me until the third round to close the gap on him, but once I did and he began to drop his hands, I could sense things were starting to go my way. That’s when I feinted with the right and landed the left. It never matters who I fight. I just want these types of tough fights.’’

Le, a former STRIKEFORCE middleweight champion who relinquished the belt to concentrate on an acting career, offered no excuses but has been clamoring for a rematch since.

“He got the best of me last time with a good punch,’’ Le said. “We both fought our hearts out that night, but I’ve wanted a chance to turn the tables on him since that fight ended and now my opportunity is here. I am very excited to fight a warrior like Scott again.

“The fans in San Jose and those watching on SHOWTIME are in for a great fight again between Smith and me and a great night of fights.’’

Thomson, who shut out Melendez across five rounds to capture the STRIKEFORCE world 155-pound belt on June 27, 2008, lost a rematch by the scores of 49-46 twice and 49-47.

Like Le, the popular Thomson was coming off a lengthy layoff. It was his first start before a paying audience in 15 months due to injuries (he broke his left leg twice during training).

But Thomson showed against Melendez that he’s healthy again and he is excited about a possible rubber match. First, however, he must get past Healy.

“I’m up for a third fight with Gilbert if that’s what STRIKEFORCE wants,’’ said Thomson, who had an eight-fight winning streak end last time out.

“I know this is a fight the fans want to see again. But my sole focus now is on winning my next fight. I can’t concern myself with future fights.

“For me, the future is June 26 and beating Healy.’’

Healy has defeated quality opponents since turning pro in August 2001. He was impressive outpointing Travers (13-1 going in) by the scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice. It was a rare points’ victory for the durable, well-conditioned wrestling specialist who has won more than half his fights via submission.

A winner of three in a row and five out of six outings, Healy is getting an opportunity against one of the fighters he most wanted to fight.

“’I’ll fight anyone but there are two guys in the 155-pound as far as I’m concerned and that’s Josh and Melendez,’’ Healy said.

“A win over Thomson, then Melendez could be next for me.’’

Miesha Tate & Frank Shamrock Q&A!

Rape Preventions DVD Shoot Quotes & Photos.

STRIKEFORCE women’s 135-pound sensation Miesha “Takedown” Tate and four-time world champion and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) pioneer Frank Shamrock have teamed up on a DVD project that seeks to educate women on rape prevention techniques. The two MMA stars began filming Friday in Los Angeles for the educational DVD, which is scheduled for release later this year.

The DVD will feature defensive instructions from the MMA stars as well as feature interviews with three high-profile rape victims, who will recount their horrific experiences in order to educate potential victims. In the instructional component of the video, Shamrock acts as an attacker while Tate demonstrates self defense techniques for a variety of scenarios.

The production is part of Tate’s Take Down Enterprises, which endeavors to educate society on the history of MMA and why it’s the fastest growing sport in the world.

Here’s what the fighters had to say while taking a break from filming:

Why have you undertaken this project?

MIESHA TATE: “I think more women need to be aware of the dangers that can happen to them, as well as anybody else. Hopefully, we can help at least one person, if not many.”

SHAMROCK: “Getting involved in this was the right thing to do. I believe in Miesha Tate and her family’s vision of empowering women. Miesha is a beautiful and strong woman who’s taking control of her life and has a dream, she just happens to be fighting. At the same time that dream can empower and inspire people.

The fact that she’s fighting and using these techniques to not only to defend herself but to make a career for herself it just seems organic that she should be sharing it with as many people as possible. That’s been my vision with Mixed Martial Arts - it’s here to help. So, I’m just able to be around to help out.”

What are you hoping to accomplish with this DVD?

TATE: “I’d like to raise women’s awareness with this DVD. I want to make them feel confident in the ability that they have to protect themselves.”

SHAMROCK: “I hope we give some power back to women. I think women have given their power away for whatever reason, and I think they don’t know how powerful they are. It takes a girl like Miesha to make them think, ‘Wow, I didn’t know we could do stuff like that.’ Women need to see somebody doing it so they know that they can, because, the truth is, they all can do it. They have all this power and we just want them to know that.”

How useful do you think MMA is for women as a means of self-defense against sexual assault?

TATE: “MMA can be a huge tool for women to defend themselves against an attacker. I don’t think enough women realize the benefits that you can reap from training in MMA, especially the Jiu-Jitsu aspect of it. There’s a lot of leverage, and Jiu-Jitsu is designed for the smaller, weaker, meeker people, so it works well for women in self defense.”

SHAMROCK: “I would say that MMA is the most highly evolved form of hand-to-hand combat. It has the most tried and tested moves of how to defend and handle yourself in hand-to-hand combat, especially against a larger opponent.”

How can women enhance their understanding of MMA techniques by watching STRIKEFORCE MMA competition between athletes skilled in a variety of combat disciplines?

TATE: “It takes time, practice, watching and learning. You can only learn so much from watching an MMA fight; I think it’s really more of a hands-on thing. But, it never hurts. I learn a lot when I watch fights.

SHAMROCK: “Absolutely, watching a fight can help you out, 100 percent. Whatever your mind sees, it believes, and part of you believing in this technique and understanding it, is seeing it happen. I definitely think that you can not only learn from watching fighting, but you can also reinforce the things that you have learned by seeing people use it in practical application. When you see a girl like this, like Miesha, it’s like, ‘Hey, I can do that.’ And you really can, if you want to.”

World Championship Fighting!

Less Than 2 Weeks Away.

World Championship Fighting presents WCF 10, live from the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, MA on June 11, 2010. The fight card is packed from top to bottom with exciting fighters and you do not want to miss this event.

Recently added to the show is a highly anticipated match up between American Top Team's Rich De Los Reyes and Fenix Fight Club's Luciano "Boinha" Lopes.

Rich is a highly touted brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and an exciting stand up fighter, and he's gotten off to a fast start in his pro career with two quick submission victories.

He is set to take on a lethal striker in Luciano Lopes. Lopes is a national kickboxing champion in Brazil and looks to show the Boston area fans that he's here to stay.

Also recently added to the show is a match up between popular amateur fighter Shawn "The Neck Breaker" Baker and Scott Argott.

Shawn has shown some serious kickboxing skills in his amateur fights, and he is set to make his professional debut at WCF 10. Argott has never been afraid to stand in the center of the ring and trade punches, so this one should be a war!

Fresh of his best performance to date, 7-time WCF veteran Stephen Stengel looks to give highly touted WCF new comer Scott Nichols a rude awakening.

Stengel is best known for heavy hands and big knockouts, and he was very impressive in his submission victory over previously undefeated Mike Zichelle at WCF 9. He is set to face yet another undefeated prospect in Sit Yod Tong's Scott Nichols. Nichols is only 19 years old, but has already defeated some of the best 185 pound fighters in New England. Now he's set to enter into Stengel's home turf and look to keep his undefeated streak alive.

In a match up of exciting brawlers, Buster Crandall takes on Andrew Nelson. Both fighters look to take the center of the ring and swing for the fences. This will be an old school brawl between two guys who have one thing in mind: a knock out victory.

Get yout tickets fast, this is going to be one of the best WCF events to date. For tickets and more information, check out the new www.wcfighting.com website, with photos, videos and other interactive content.

THE FIGHT CLUB!

TFC 11: DESTINY.

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/

KENNEDY V PRANGLEY!

Lawler Meets Babalu In Main Event; Lashley-Sparks Fight Off.

American military hero and up-and-coming middleweight, Tim Kennedy, will be opposed by the dangerous Trevor Prangley in one of the featured STRIKEFORCE Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Wednesday, June 16, on SHOWTIME®.

The first-ever STRIKEFORCE event scheduled for mid-week will take place in the midst of the E3 Expo, the premier trade show for computer and video games. During E3 Expo 2010 at the L.A. Convention Center, EA SPORTS™ will exhibit its highly anticipated title, EA SPORTS MMA, in which STRIKEFORCE is featured as a premier league.

Tickets are on sale at STAPLES Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com). Tickets will also be sold at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE box office on days when events take place there.

In other televised fights on SHOWTIME, hard-knocking, hard-hitting “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (17-5) will collide with former STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion Renato “Babalu’’ Sobral, at a catch weight of 195 pounds in the main event and. DREAM welterweight champion Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis (13-4) will face Evangelista Cyborg (17-13) in a welterweight (170 pounds) contest.

A previously announced heavyweight match between Bobby Lashley and Ron Sparks will not transpire. Lashley suffered a knee injury during training.

Both 185-pound fighters – Kennedy (11-2), of Austin, Tex., by way of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Prangley (22-5-1), of Couer D' Alene, Idaho, via Cape Town, South Africa -- have been impressive in recent starts.

The 5-foot-11, 30-year-old Kennedy, a United States Army Special Forces sniper with the 19th Special Forces outfit based in San Antonio, has toured the Middle East multiple times, and earned the Army's Bronze Medal Star medal for valor under fire.

Inside the cage, Kennedy has won three in a row and 11 of his last 12. In his last outing, he submitted (north-south choke) Zak Cummings in the second round during a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event on Sept. 25, 2009.

Prangley, a six-foot, 37-year-old former South African national wrestling champion and Olympic alternate who turned to MMA after suffering a knee injury in college, is 11-1-1 in his last 13 fights. A five-fight winning streak ended Feb. 26, 2010, when a STRIKEFORCE: Challengers fight he seemingly was on his way to winning against Karl Amoussou ended in a technical draw at 4:14 of the first round due to an accidental thumb to Amoussou’s eye.

Kennedy has split two fights with Jason “Mayhem’’ Miller. Kennedy’s only other defeat came to Scott “Hands Of Steel’’ Smith in his pro debut on Aug. 31, 2001.

“I am fighting full-time and still in uniform, which is what I’ve wanted all along,’’ Kennedy said.

“I am looking forward to fighting again against a good, solid wrestler like Prangley, who trains at AKA (American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif.)

“He’s got heavy hands and a good chin. This will be a good fight for me.

Kennedy signed with STRIKEFORCE in 2009 after a two-year break from the sport due to his military commitments. This will be his third start on SHOWTIME for the San Jose-based organization. Before walking through the previously unbeaten Cummings (10-0 going in) in Tulsa, Okla., Kennedy scored a second-round submission (punches) over former BodogFIGHT champion Nick “The Goat’’ Thompson at Kent, Wash.

“I want to keep winning,’’ Kennedy said.

“STRIKEFORCE has a bunch of guys in my weight class who I match up very well with. I want to fight all of these guys and put on a good show for SHOWTIME and STRIKEFORCE.”

Prangley may not be the most feared fighter in MMA, but he is definitely not one many want to enter the cage with. He’s capable of besting anyone on any given night.

ince his pro debut (as a light heavyweight) in January 2001, Prangley has met some good ones, including “Babalu,’’ Jorge Santiago (his last loss) and Chael Sonnen. Prangley’s most significant victory may have come against Sonnen.

Prangley has fought for STRIKEFORCE in the past. Besides his last start against Amoussou, he also competed in STRIKEFORCE: Four Men Enter, One Man Survives, the first sanctioned MMA tournament in the state of California on Nov. 16, 2007 and was victorious over Anthony “A Train” Ruiz by way of unanimous decision at the second STRIKEFORCE event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Sept. 20, 2008.

Doors at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE will open for the event at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 7 p.m. and the first main card fight will begin at 8 p.m.

The event will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

World Championship Fighting!

Updated Fight Card.

World Championship Fighting today announced updates to their fight card for their WCF 10 event, scheduled to take place June 11 from the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, MA.

Originally scheduled to face Joe Dechaves, Noah Weisman will now fight Luis "Rockstar" Felix. Luis was last seen in action at WCF 8, in an epic 3 round war with Josh Key. Luis is one of the most exciting fighters currently fighting for WCF, and looks to show his trademark slams against the rising prospect, Noah Weisman. You do not want to miss this fight.

In a meeting of 130 pound fighters, Jeff Silva takes on Peter Cole. Both have fought previously for WCF and are always involved in exciting fights. Don't blink in this one! Both fighters are fast, and both have the skills to end the fight on a moments notice.

Carlos Rivera, the teenage son of WCF Fighter Elias Rivera has also been added to the June 11 event. Carlos is looking to follow in his father's footsteps with a big win in his WCF debut. Carlos takes on Josh Mellen, who last fought for World Championship Fighting at WCF 6.

A co-main event is expected to be announced by the end of the week, and it will truly make this a can't miss event. World Championship Fighting also launched their new interactive website, and it's flat out incredible. Fighter interviews, photos, videos, as well as ring card girl bio's and information on how to become a part of World Championship Fighting can be found on their new website, which can be found at www.wcfighting.com

Strikeforce Challengers Results!

Lindland Knocks Out Casey & Woodley Squeaks Out Win Over Coy.

Newly turned 40-year-old Matt “The Law” Lindland sent the raucous Portland MMA fans home with smiles on their faces as he battered “King” Kevin Casey with a barrage of punches in a fight stopped at 3:41 in the third round, earning Lindland his first Strikeforce Challengers win on Friday night on SHOWTIME.

Lindland (22-7) of Eagle Creek, Ore., was able to escape a rear naked choke attempt in the first round by a skillful Casey (3-2), a 28-year-old from Hawthorne, Calif., and from there completely dominated the rest of the middleweight fight in an impressive victory.

“Thank you, Portland, for coming out and showing me this support,” Lindland told the crowd.

“That guy’s got a head like piece of rock. I hit that guy with some shots.”

Afterward, Lindland told the media:

“He didn’t really do anything to me to cause any damage. I feel good about the fight. It’s hard to evaluate how you did because there’s a lot going on in your head. But I’ll watch it.”

The former Olympic Greco Roman wrestling silver medalist added, “I had a smile on my face the entire day. These are my friends and family. I just love the state of Oregon.”

In a matchup between two former college wrestling standouts, rising MMA star Tyron Woodley (7-0) of St. Louis, Mo., stayed unbeaten with his fourth Strikeforce victory, taking a close split decision against Portland’s Nate Coy, 29-28, 27-30, 29-28.

“Going into the third round I thought I was ahead but I wasn’t just trying to hang onto it,” Woodley said.

“At the end of the third round I realized I’m in Portland. I don’t want to leave it in the judge’s hands.”

But that’s exactly what he did, and then walked out of the cage to a chorus of boos from the displeased Portland fans who thought Coy did enough to get the win.

“Of course I’m upset with the decision because I hate to lose,” Coy said.

“The game plan was to stick and move and eventually wear him out. But he’s a tough kid. That’s a high-level wrestler/MMA guy right there.”

Roger Bowling of Cincinnati, Ohio, remained unbeaten at 8-0 after being awarded a unanimous technical decision over Bobby Voelker (21-8) of Kansas City, Kan., with all three judges scoring the welterweight bout 29-28.

At 3:33 of round three the tip of Voelker’s glove grazed the eye of Bowling. It was declared an accidental foul therefore giving Bowling the technical decision after going to the scorecards. Cory Schafer, President of the International Sport Karate Association, said afterward:

“The state of Oregon, in the event of an accidental foul if it occurs in the third round of a three-round fight and the injured fighter can’t continue, the partial round is scored and we go to the scorecard for the technical decision.”

During the telecast, SHOWTIME play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo declared, “Roger Bowling was born to fight. Roger Bowling was born to maybe even be a future champion.”

It took just one devastating right-hand punch from Tarec Saffiedine (9-2) to send Nate Moore (6-2) to the floor as the Temecula, Calif., fighter Saffiedine recorded his first career knock out win midway through the second round in an otherwise entertaining welterweight matchup.

“What a blistering knockout,” said SHOWTIME announcer and MMA legend Pat Miletich.

“That was amazing. Beautiful technique. Pay attention to that if you’re learning how to fight.”

In a lightweight fight that opened the evening’s SHOWTIME telecast, Portland’s Pat “Bam Bam” Healy (23-15) looked impressive handing Bryan Travers (13-2) of Bakersfield, Calif., just his second career loss in a unanimous decision, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27. It was Healy’s 38th professional fight.

“I’m a huge Blazer fan so anytime I can perform in the Rose Garden is a thrill for me,” Healy told the crowd afterward.

“I saw (Blazers center) Joel Przybilla in the crowd so it’s nice for you guys to be watching me out here for once.”

Asked how long he thought it would to be before he possibly got a Strikeforce title shot against lightweight champion Gil Melendez, Healy said:

“There are two guys in the 155-pound as far as I’m concerned and that’s Josh Thomson and Gil Melendez. I’ll fight anyone.” Thomson, who was in attendance, took note and said he was impressed with Healy’s performance.

Friday's fights will re-air on Tuesday, May 25, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME 2. The telecast will also be available On Demand beginning Wednesday, May 26, and running through June 8.

MMA action returns to SHOWTIME during a special edition of Strikeforce on Wednesday, June 16, as Robbie Lawler faces off against Babalu Sobral at a catchweight of 195 pounds. Taking place at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, the event will be live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Other bouts include heavyweights Bobby Lashley vs. Ron Sparks and Marius Zaromskis against Cyborg Santos in a welterweight matchup.

On June 26, Strikeforce and M-1 Global team up in co-promotion as the world’s No. 1 heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko returns to the cage to face Fabricio Werdum in the main event at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT). Strikeforce Women’s Middleweight champion Cris Cyborg will try to retain her title against challenger Jan Finney in the co-feature while K.J. Noons battles “Krazy Horse” Bennett in a lightweight division matchup.

Complete STRIKEFORCE Challengers Results:

Matt Lindland def. Kevin Casey via TKO (punches) - Round 3, 3:41

Tyron Woodley def. Nathan Coy via split decision via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)

Roger Bowling def. Bobby Voelker via technical unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Tarec Saffiedine def. Nate Moore via knockout (punch) - Round 2, 1:21

Pat Healy def. Bryan Travers via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Pro Escobedo def. Jason Sharp by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Blaine Macintosh def. Ben Morgan by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

David Lloyd def. Jay Schafer by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Patrick Whittington def. Jason Lambert by triangle choke (1:39 of the first round)

Hamza Salim def. Lee Flores by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Pudzianowski Quits!

Sylvia Forces Pudzianowski To Submit In Second Round.

Former 2-time UFC champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia forced 5-time World’s Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski to tap-out in the second round of the super heavyweight main event of this evening’s “Moosin” God Of Martial Arts” mixed martial arts pay-per-view show at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Sylvia, a native of Eastbrook, Maine, used his experience, arm length and boxing skills to defeat Pudzianowski, who was making his U.S. debut in only his third pro fight.

“This feels great, man,” Sylvia said after the fight.

“I’m back. Mariusz Pudzianowski is one helluva tough guy. This provides me with an opportunity to get another big fight, hopefully in three months. It didn’t go as I had planned. I thought I’d knock him out in the first round but I was a little cautious. My corner told me after the first round I could do anything because he was gassed. Once he failed on the takedowns, I knew I had him.”

In the co-main event, heavyweight Travis Wiuff recorded his 61st win, unloading a vicious left hook, followed by two rights that dropped Josh Barnes, which ended the fight only 34 seconds into the opening round.

Middleweight Rafael Natal (12-2-0) stopped Travis Lutter (10-6-0) by way of unanswered strikes in the opening round of their middleweight match.

“Moosin: God Of Martial Arts” pay-per-view event at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Boston lightweight Mike Campbell (9-2) registered the most significant victory of his young career, taking a 3-round decision from veteran (Yves Edwards (37-15-1) in a back-and-forth fight.

In a rematch featuring two of the top female MMA fighters in the world, Roxy Modaferri (15-5-0) avenged her loss, winning a split decision against Tara LaRosa (18-2-0).

Polish heavyweight Lukasz Jurkowski improved his record to 15-9, striking Ho Jin Kim with back-to-back right hands for a first-round knockout.

Tim Sylvia (26-6-0), Eastbrook,, ME WSUB2 (Strikes – 1:43) Pudzianowski (2-1), Biala,Rawska, Poland

Travis Wiuff (61-14-0), Rochester, MN WKO1 (Punches – 0:34) Josh Barnes (7-4-0), Muncie, IN

Paul Barry (4-0-0), Rockland, MAW WTKO2 (Punches – 1:32) Stipe Miocic (1-1-0), Cleveland, OH

Lukasz Jurkowski (15-9-0), Chorzow, Poland WKO1 (Strike – 2:22) Ho Jin Kim (7-7-0), Seoul, S. Korea

Rafael Natal (12-2-0), New York, NY WKO1 (Strikes - 4:12) Travis Lutter (10-6-0), Dallas, TX

Anthony Lapsley (18-4-0), Fort Wayne, IN WSUB1 (Knee Lock – 0:59) Fred Belleton (6-3-0), Rockland, MA

Forrest Petz (18-7-0), Cleveland, OH WDEC3 (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Ralph Johnson (4-1-0), Worcester, MA

Matt Lee (12-9-1), Worcester, MA WTKO2 (Punches – 1:46) Brett Oteri (5-1-0), Bridgewater, MA

Mike Campbell (9-2-0), Boston, MA WDEC3 (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Yves Edwards (37-16-1), Woodlands, T

Roxy Modafferi (15-5-0), Boston, MA WDEC3 (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) Tara LaRosa (18-2-0), Woodstown, NJ

MMA Xplosion!

Saturday, May 22nd.

The Next Generation Fighter

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 - 7pm PST

The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Doors open at 6pm, stream starts at 6:30pm, pro fights 7pm. Pay-per-view is only $6.95 and tickets starting from only $25!

Justin Wren (7-2) Grudge Training Center vs Reggie Higgins (3-0) One Kick Nick

Blas Avena (7-4) Team Mica vs Jorge Lopez (6-1) Wand Fight Team

Eric Bradley (4-1) Roy Nelson Country Club vs Chidi Njokuani (2-1) One Kick Nick

Angelo Antuna (6-1) LA Boxing Henderson vs Kyle Atkinson (1-2) Excel Defense

Odis Ruiz (2-0) Filipino MMA vs Jason Trevino (2-3) Havuk Skwod

Danny Davis Jr (3-1) Vadnais Fighting/Fasi vs Dave Hulett (5-4) Warrior Training Center

Chris Holdsworth (0-0) Cobra Kai vs Hussain Rasouli (3-2) Havuk Skwod

Gor Mnatsakanyan (0-0) Filipino MMA vs Ian Omalza (2-2) TapOut Training Center

Michele Gutierrez (0-1) Wand Fight Team vs Shimone Brooks (1-0) Ultimate Fitness

Round 5 Versus Series!

Prototypes At UFC Fan Expo (Booth No. 1161).

Round 5, a leader in producing mixed martial arts collectible figurines, will debut prototypes of some of its highly-anticipated “Versus” series at UFC® Fan Expo™, May 28-29 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Round 5 can be found at booth No. 1161 on the convention floor.

The “Versus” line, as announced last month, highlights battle scenes from great matchups in MMA history. Additionally, these distinctly new figurines, scheduled to hit retail stores in time for the 2010 Holiday season, will be accompanied by an Octagon™ segment display.

“UFC Fan Expo is a perfect opportunity for us to give devoted UFC and Round 5 fans the first look at the 'Versus' series,” said Damon Lau, Round 5 co-founder and president.

“We were overwhelmed by the response at last year's Expo, and we're pleased to be part of the show again, both to meet Round 5 fans and to introduce more die-hard UFC enthusiasts to our high-quality figurines.”

Included in the “Versus” series are figurine pairs from the following bouts: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva (UFC 92), 12-27-2008; Georges St. Pierre vs. B.J. Penn (UFC 58), 3-4-2006; Frank Mir vs. Brock Lesnar (UFC 100), 7-11-2008; Tito Ortiz vs. Chuck Liddell (UFC 66), 12-30-2006; Ortiz vs. Liddell (TUF 11); Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar (“The Ultimate Fighter®” Season Finale), 4-9-2005; and Jackson vs. Silva (PRIDE® 28), 10-31-2004.

In addition to viewing the “Versus” prototypes, fans will be able to purchase figurines in Round 5 “Ultimate Collector” Series 1 and 2, as well as add a Series 2 Limited Edition piece to their collections.

“Ultimate Collector” Series 1 includes figures of Chuck Liddell, Georges St-Pierre, Rashad Evans, Kenny Florian, Clay Guida and Lyoto Machida. Series 2 is comprised of Randy Couture, B.J. Penn, Tito Ortiz, Forrest Griffin, Michael Bisping and “Kimbo” Slice.

“Ultimate Collector” Series 2 is now available in Target stores and will be at other leading retailers across North America in May. A list can be found at www.Round5MMA.com.

Strikeforce Challengers!

Quotes & Photos.

All the fighters who will compete in the STRIKEFORCE Challengers mixed martial arts (MMA) event on Friday, May 21, weighed in on Thursday at The Game next to the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore. All the action will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Here’s what some of the fighters had to say:

MATT LINDLAND, who takes on Kevin Casey in the main event:

“It’s a good turnout out here and it’s nice to see so many fans out here supporting the fighters.

“I respect my opponent, certainly. He’s facing a tough guy tomorrow night. I respect him even more for stepping up to the challenge.

“I think it’s a great card. The co-feature is going to be the best between Nathan Coy and Tyron. One of those guys is going to be a breakthrough fighter and we’re hoping it’s Nathan. I think a lot of people are expecting Tyron to step up. We’ve all seen how talented he is but we haven’t seen him face anyone very tough. This will be his first big test. Those are the facts. He hasn’t fought any high-level opponents.”

KEVIN CASEY:

“I’m in great spirits and I’m honored to be here and fighting against Mr. Matt Lindland. I’m ready for that introduction of ‘King’ Kevin Casey as the premier athlete in this sport.

“With Mr. Lindland being the hometown favorite I expect him to have more pressure on him. And he being the veteran that even adds more pressure. I feel amazing and I’m ready put on a show. It’s just another day at the office for me. It’s payday time for me.”

NATE COY, who meets Tyron Woodley in a welterweight matchup:

“This is just like another day for me. I’ll sleep great and be ready to go tomorrow.

“I expect my opponent to come hard and to fight aggressive. That’s what I anticipate and that’s what I’m going to get.

“I absolutely respect my opponent. It’s the cream of the crop, the guys who get in the cage and sacrifices everything.”

TYRON WOODLEY:

“I think I match up really well with him. I think he’s been able to overwhelm guys on volume and mentally get into their heads. I think he’s never fought anybody as mentally tough as me and I think that’s going to cause him some concern.

“I want to go into the ring a little bit hungry. I’ll get some steak in me, a little bit of chicken breast. Something that’s going to stick in me and hang out. I’ll do some pasta and some carbs closer to the fight. Maybe three or four hours before I’ll eat a sandwich. I want to be a little bit hungry. I don’t want to be bloaty and slow.

“I’ll probably go into the cage around 190 pounds. I might go in a little lighter maybe 87 or 86 just to be a little quicker and more agile.

“I know people are picking us to be the fight of the night. I think they should. I’m not taking him lightly and he’s not taking me lightly. We’re going to get after it and tear that cage down most likely.

“I’m not thinking about Nick Diaz or anybody else. I’m taking this fight like it’s the most important of my career. That’s how I should take every fight. I think if I keep thinking that way than everything else will fall into place.

“Winning every fight is important to me. I want to win every fight. My undefeated record is important to me but I’m not trying to protect it. I’m trying to win each time out and that’s it.”

BOBBY VOELKER, who fights Roger Bowling:

“I’m feeling great. I wish it was tonight. Cutting weight was simple. I’m just ready to go.

“My opponent is a good fighter and a stand-up guy so that’s where I think I’m going to get him and just go in there and overwhelm him.

“You always want to go in with a game plan but once you get in there you just go with what you know and hopefully get the hand raised at the end.”

PAT HEALY, who fights Byron Travers in the evening’s first televised bout:

“I’ll eat a regular meal tonight and not overdo as bad as I’d like to. I want to make sure my body can process everything I put into it.

“I’ll sleep pretty well tonight in my own bed. I’ll wake up in the morning with my dog on the end of my bed like I do every morning. It really helps. It kind of gives you this weird sense that I’m not really fighting. It hasn’t really sunk in yet. Just being at home, it puts you at ease.

“My twin brother Ryan was in charge of selling all my tickets. I’m going to have about 80 friends and family out there.”

Tickets are on sale now at the Rose Quarter Box Office, all participating Safeway/ TicketsWest outlets, or by calling 877.789.ROSE (7673), as well as online at ComcastTIX.com and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com). Rose Garden Arena doors will open at 5:15 p.m. The first preliminary card bout will begin at 6 p.m. and the first main card bout will begin at 8 p.m.

Moosin MMA PPV!

Weights From Mass.

TIM “The Maine-iac” SYLVIA (25-6-0), Eastbrook,, ME 305 LBS.

MARIUSZ “Dominator” PUDZIANOWSKI (2-0), Biala,Rawska, Poland 273 LBS.

TRAVIS “Diesel” WIUFF (60-14-0), Rochester, MN 253 LBS.

JOSH BARNES (7-3-0), Muncie, IN 262 LBS.

TRAVIS “The Serial Killer” LUTTER (10-5-0), Dallas, TX 185 LBS.

RAFAEL “Sapo” NATAL (11-2-0), New York, NY by way of Brazil 185 LBS.

YVES “The Texas Gunslinger” EDWARDS (37-15-1), Woodlands, TX by way of the Bahamas 157 LBS.

MIKE “The Beast” CAMPBELL (8-2-0), Boston, MA 156 LBS.

TARA LaROSA (18-1-0), Woodstown, NJ 129 LBS.

ROXY MODAFFERI (14-5-0), Boston, MA by way of Japan 128 LBS.

HO JIN KIM (7-6-0), Seoul, S. Korea 196 LBS.

LUKASZ “Juras” JURKOWSKI (14-9-0), Chorzow, Poland 214 LBS.

RALPH JOHNSON (4-0-0), Worcester, MA 171 LBS.

FORREST “The Meat Clever” PETZ (17-7-0), Cleveland, OH 170 ½ LBS.

MATT LEE (11-9-1), Worcester, MA 170 ½ LBS.

BRETT OTERI (5-0-0), Bridgewater, MA 175 ½ LBS.

FRED “French Foot Fighter’ BELLETON (6-2-0), Stoughton, MA 185 LBS.

ANTHONY “The Recipe” LAPSLEY (17-4-0), Fort Wayne, IN 185 LBS.

PAUL BARRY (3-0-0), Rockland, MA 245 LBS.

STIPE MIOCIC (1-0-0), Cleveland, OH 241 LBS.

Strikeforce Challengers!

Workout Photos & Quotes.

Friday’s night’s STRIKEFORCE Challengers headliner, former Olympic wrestling silver medallist Matt “The Law” Lindland, and two other popular area fighters took part in a workout at Team Quest Martial Arts and Fitness just days before the event to be broadcast live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Lindland (21-7) from nearby Eagle Creek, Ore., faces “King” Kevin Casey (3-1) of Hawthorne, Calif., at Portland’s Rose Garden Arena on Friday night. Welterweight prospect and former Oregon State wrestling star Nathan Coy (8-2) of Portland takes on promising, unbeaten welterweight Tyron “T-Wood” Woodley (6-0) of St. Louis. Also appearing on one of the five SHOWTIME televised fights is Portland’s Pat “Bam Bam” Healy (22-15), who will face rising star Bryan Travers (13-1), of Bakersfield, Calif., in a lightweight bout.

Here’s what the three had to say after their open media workout:

MATT LINDLAND:

“We want all the local Portland MMA fans to come out for an exciting show on Friday night. You can stay home and watch it on SHOWTIME but we want you to come out and experience what a big MMA show is all about.

“I’d love to see signs and the fans getting into it. The louder it is and the more excited people are the better.

“I think there are a lot of gyms around and it’s an incredibly competitive market but I’d really love to see more fans come out and experience a live event. Until you’ve been there you really can’t make a decision about it. You might find that’s it’s truly something that you might enjoy or at least appreciate it for what it is.”

NATHAN COY:

“We’re excited about this fight. It’s like a dream come true; fighting in our hometown. We’ve been fighting here for some time and it’s just an honor for us.

“I think I was considered a prospect when I got into the sport. I’m established now and ready to prove to the fans of MMA that I’m one of the top-notch fighters. I think I’m worthy for a shot at the belt and I want to fight for a title.

“This is home for me, being in the gym. It’s so comfortable to me. It’s what it’s all about.”

PAT HEALY:

“It’s funny because my friends were just asking me about two weeks before they announced the fight when I was going to be fighting here next. I told them, ‘Man, just don’t count on it anytime soon.’ And then at practice one day Matt just said ‘They’re having a STRIKEFORCE fight here and you’re on it so spread the word.’

“I haven’t been able to find too much on my opponent. It should be an interesting bout. I think his style matches up with mine so I’m just going to push the pace on him and see what he’s really made of.”

Tickets are on sale at the Rose Garden Box Office, all participating Safeway/TicketsWest outlets, or by calling (877) 789-ROSE (7673). They also can be purchased online at www.ComcastTIX.com and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

Rose Garden Arena doors will open for the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event at 5:15 p.m. The first preliminary card bout will begin at 6 p.m. and the first main card bout will begin at 8 p.m.

Moosin Presser Quotes!

Moosin: God Of Martial Arts.

Tim Sylvia: “It’s going to be a good fight Friday night. I’ve been asked if it’s been difficult finding workout partners like my opponent who is 280 pounds with 4-percent body fat and gases-out after 45-seconds. Yeah, my workout partners don’t usually gas-out after 45-seconds. He (Pudzianowski) is big, strong and a worthy opponent. Friday night we’re going to have some fun.”

Mariusz Pudzianowski: “I know I’m just a beginner compared to my opponent, but I’m going to put on a great fight Friday night, and may the best man win.”

Travis Lutter: “I’m a man of few words. I just want to thank Rafael for taking the fight.”

Rafael Natal: “I’ve waited a long time for this fight. Every fighter wants a chance to fight a big fighter and Lutter’s a big fighter. I know that he is a very good Jiu-Jitsu fighter. I’ve trained hard. Whether stand-up, or on the floor, I’ve prepared.”

Yves Edwards: “I’m real excited to be here. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Campbell. I know about his strength. I’m going to have to counter that to win. I’m leaving New England with a W.”

Mike Campbell: “I’m honored to be fighting a guy like Yves. He’s a good guy and a class act. I promised myself that you’ll see the best Mike Campbell. We’re both going to bring it. It’s going to be a good fight with a lot of fireworks and very entertaining.”

Roxy Madofferi: “I’m very happy to be here fighting for Moosin and in Worcester. I’ve been training really hard. It’s a rematch but this time I’m going away with a win. I’m looking forward to facing Tara in the cage.”

Ho Jin Kim: “I’m prepared for this match. I’m going to show you a strong fight.”

Lukasz Jurkowski: “I’m glad to be here and very happy to be part of the Moosin organization. Ho Jin Kim is a very tough guy. This will be one of the best fights of the evening. I’ve been preparing for this fight almost two months, so he must be very careful and well prepared.”

PAY-PER-VIEW INFORMATION: Distributed by Integrated Sports Media at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, TVN and DISH Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Bell TV and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95 (also available in HD). ). It is also available on www.GoFightLive.TV outside of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Poland.

PPV ANNOUNCERS: Bas Rutten, Jeff Gorman and Tom Megalis

TICKETS: $35.75, $55.75, $75.75, $150.75 and $250.75, are on sale at the DCU Center Box Office (50 Foster St., Worcester, MA), all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or by calling 1.800.745.3000.

DOORS OPEN: 7:30 PM/ET; FIRST FIGHT: 8:00 PM/ET; FIRST PPV FIGHT: 9:00 PM/ET (6 PM/PT)

Q&A SCOTT COKER!

SIX QUESTIONS WITH STRIKEFORCE CEO SCOTT COKER.

Just days after another successful STRIKEFORCE event in St. Louis, Mo., CEO Scott Coker took time out to answer six questions.

STRIKEFORCE moves to Portland, Ore., this Friday night for a Challengers Series event, which will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Question: How did the results from Saturday’s event reshuffle the STRIKEFORCE heavyweight division?

Coker: “I think Alistair Overeem reinforced his status as a dominant champion in the division. “Big Foot” Silva showed the world that he’s also among the elite fighters in the division He fought a very game Andrei Arlovski and displayed tremendous skill on his feet during some great exchanges between the two. Overall, we saw some very exciting action in the heavyweight division on Saturday night, giving us more to look forward to.”

Question: What are your thoughts on the state of STRIKEFORCE’s middleweight division?

Coker: “Our middleweight division is arguably our deepest weight class in terms of talent. The fight between Jacare Souza and Joey Villasenor on Saturday is an example of how tight the competition is in this division. Joey fought a great fight against a guy that is regarded as one of the best in the world in the 185-pound division. At the same time, I think Jacare learned that there aren’t any easy fights in STRIKEFORCE. Jacare clearly dominated the first round against Joey, but Joey continued to come at him and press the action no matter how badly he was hurt.”

Question: What is going to happen with Jake Shields?

Coker: “Jake is our champion and a great Jiu-Jitsu stylist. We are still in a period of negotiations with him, so we’ll see. We inherited Jake’s EliteXC contract last year and we have to find an agreement that works for both sides. I think it is clear, though, that no single fighter makes or breaks our roster in any weight division.

“STRIKEFORCE has a great track record of seeking and acquiring the fighters we want to compete in our organization. It’s important not to forget that the No. 1 male and No. 1 female MMA fighters on the planet fight for STRIKEFORCE.”

Question: What’s next for “Feijao?”

Coker: “Feijao’s got a very fast paced, exciting style of fighting and I think he surprised a lot of people on Saturday with his knockout of Antwain Britt, who’s another one of the sport’s top prospects in the light heavyweight division. We’ll continue to test Feijao with top competition and see how he progresses. A title shot could be in his future if he continues to fight the way he did on Saturday.”

Question: What did you think about the non-televised fights on Saturday’s card?

Coker: “We had some great submissions and other interesting results in the preliminary bouts. I take my hat off to Jesse Finney, who is not only a great competitor, but also a great promoter and pioneer of MMA in the St. Louis market. Jesse put on a great show on Saturday. He’s still unbeaten and still hasn’t been taken the distance of a fight after five starts. The fight between Lyle Beerbohm and Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro was a very tactical fight as well. Both fighters displayed great grappling skills and produced one of the best fights of the night.”

Question: What are you looking forward to?

Coker: We’ve got a very busy schedule with a lot of great matchups. This Friday, we will be back on SHOWTIME® with our Challengers series. We have a great main event between Matt Lindland, a former Olympic wrestling silver medallist and highly accomplished MMA star, and “King” Kevin Casey, a former Rickson Gracie protégé and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert. We’re also looking forward to having Tyron Woodley back in the cage and to having Roger Bowling, another great prospect, make his STRIKEFORCE debut.

“On June 16, we have a tremendous card scheduled in L.A. featuring Robbie Lawler vs. “Babalu” Sobral, during the E3 gaming expo and, just 10 days later on June 26, Fedor will defend his status at the world’s No. 1 heavyweight and pound-for-pound fighter, against another top contender and incredible submission artist, Fabricio Werdum.”

BEERBOHM V RIBEIRO!

Fight To Be Shown On StrikeForce.com Tomorrow.

Undefeated Lightweight Rising Star Lyle "Fancy Pants" Beerbohm World-Ranked Lightweight & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Specialist Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro.

Replay of their STRIKEFORCE St. Louis: Heavy Artillery undercard bout. www.Strikeforce.com will replay the hotly-contested undercard bout between Beerbohm and Ribeiro on Wednesday, May 19 at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.

The fight, which was featured on the non-televised undercard of last Saturday’s STRIKEFORCE St. Louis: Heavy Artillery event, was an incredible game of human chess with both fighters displaying impressive grappling skills.

The 31-year-old Beerbohm has become an inspiration since he literally took up MMA on his way home from prison following a year of incarceration at a Washington State Penitentiary as a result of felony convictions, all related to his crystal meth addiction. Just eight days after his release from the penitentiary, the Spokane, Wash. native had his first amateur fight and has since amassed a perfect 14-0 record and become a top contender as a professional.

Ribeiro, a 30-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, is among the top lightweights in MMA. He’s won the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship four times, once as a purple belt in1996 and three times as a black belt in three consecutive years (1999-2001). Among his 20 victories include 14 stoppages (12 by submission) while topping notables such as Joachim Hansen, Eiji Mitsuoka, and Mitsuhiro “The Endless Fighter” Ishida.

Wednesday, May 19 at 6 p.m. ET / 3 PT at www.Strikeforce.com

LASHLEY V SPARKS!

Marius Zaromskis To Battle Evangelista Cyborg In 170-Pound Featured Matchup.

Former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley (5-0) will square off with fellow undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) heavyweight Ron “The Monster” Sparks (5-0) when STRIKEFORCE hits Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Wednesday, June 16. DREAM welterweight champion Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis (13-4) will face Evangelista Cyborg (17-13) in a featured welterweight (170 pounds) contest.

The 33-year-old Lashley, a 6 foot 3, 265-pound native of Junction City, Kan., was overwhelmingly victorious in his STRIKEFORCE debut last Jan. 30, stopping Wes Sims with an onslaught of punches in the first round (2:06) at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. The popular Lashley enjoyed success with both the WWE and rival pro wrestling league, TNA, between 2005-07.

In his outing before last on June 27, 2009, Lashley scored an impressive first-round (3:17) TKO over 6-foot-5 inch, 350-plus-pound goliath Bob “The Beast” Sapp in Biloxi, Miss.

A resident of Denver, Colo., Lashley was a collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College and member of The United States Army.

“I’m excited about fighting again,’’ Lashley said.

“I’ve been working very hard and I am continuing to learn. The guy I am fighting is huge. This will be a great fight.’’

The 35-year old, 6-foot-5 Sparks, of Louisville, Ky., is a tough guy with freakish girth and power who brings it each and every time. An equally imposing physical specimen who has been pummeling opponents, Sparks is coming off a unanimous four-round decision over Johnathan Ivey in his last effort on June 3, 2009.

Until then, only one of Sparks’ fights had lasted more than a minute. The total elapsed time in Sparks’ previous triumphs, all of which he won by knockout, was 184 seconds. He won in 1:07, 0:36, 0:24 and 0:17, respectively.

“I like to get in and get the job done,’’ the hard-hitting Sparks said.

“My last fight went all four rounds, but there is nothing I enjoy more than knocking a person out.’’

Sparks, who has been seeking a major fight against a “name’’ opponent, is looking forward to June 16.

“Trust me, we’re going to go down swinging,’’ he said.

“There will be no tap-outs. I am grateful of the opportunity STRIKEFORCE is giving me and I am very confident of a victory.’’

Zaromskis is one of the deadliest strikers in MMA and an opponent’s worst “Whitemare.’’ Until falling to STRIKEFORCE World Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz on Jan. 30, Zaromskis had won five in a row and nine of 10.

In July 2009, the talented, aggressive-minded 5-foot-9, 29-year-old captured the prestigious DREAM 12 Welterweight Grand Prix in Japan by literally booting the daylights out of his last two tournament foes, winning each fight by spectacular, evil head kick, both in the first round.

Zaromskis has consistently produced highlight-reel performances on the big stage since turning pro in February 2000. A member of London’s Shootfighters fight team, he is looking to manufacture another one against the hard-nosed Santos.

“This is a very important fight for me,’’ Zaromskis said.

“I was disappointed in my performance in my last fight but I know I can do better and expect to do better against a very dangerous opponent.’’

Santos, the husband of the No. 1 women’s fighter in the world, STRIKEFORCE 145-pound champion Cris Cyborg, dropped a split decision to Joey Villasenor in his STRIKEFORCE debut on June 19, 2009. That fight was contested at 185 pounds.

The 5-foot-10, 32-year-old Cyborg, a member of the famed Chute Box Academy, rebounded in his last start to score a 1:41, first-round TKO (head kick and punches) over Daniel Zarate on Dec. 1, 2009.

“My last fight for STRIKEFORCE against Villasenor was a hard, close fight that could have gone either way,’’ Cyborg said.

“Zaromskis has a great, fantastic reputation and I know what he can do, but I am excited about this fight and putting together a winning streak.’’

Tickets for the STRIKEFORCE event are on sale at the STAPLES Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com). Tickets will also be sold at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE box office on days when events take place there.

In the main event on June 16, knockout artist “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (17-5) will collide with former STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral (35-8) at a catch weight of 195 pounds.

The first-ever STRIKEFORCE event scheduled for mid-week will take place in the midst of the E3 Expo, the premier trade show for computer and video games. During E3 Expo 2010 at the L.A. Convention Center, EA SPORTS™ will exhibit its highly anticipated title, EA SPORTS MMA, in which STRIKEFORCE is featured as a premier league.

Doors at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE will open for the event at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. and the first main card fight will begin at 8 p.m.

The event will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Moosin Promo Video!

Moosin's May 21st PPV Show.

Pudzianowski V Sylvia!

Pudzianowski All In V Sylvia.

In only his third professional mixed-martial-arts fight, iconic Polish powerhouse Mariusz “Dominator” Pudzianowski makes his U.S. debut against former 2-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia, headlining the May 21st “Moosin: God of Martial Arts” pay-per-view event, at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Pudzianowski, 5-time World’s Strongest Man, is arguably the most popular Polish sports personality today, even hotter than boxer Tomasz Adamek, Formula One driver Robert Kubica, tennis player Agnieszka Radwanska, swimmer Otylia Jedrzejczak and NBA player Marcin Gortat.

The 6-1, 275-pound chiseled Pudzianowski practices karate, boxing and even finished second last year in Poland’s version of “Dancing With The Stars.” Taking on a super heavyweight such as the 6-8, 300-pound Sylvia (25-6-0), however, rates as an ambitious challenge for the relatively inexperienced Pudzianowski.

Sylvia (25-6-0), a native of Eastbrook, Maine, has defeated many of the top MMA heavyweights and super heavyweights – Andrei Arlovski (2) Brandon Vera, Jeff Monson, Wes Sims, Ricco Rodriguez, Mike Whitehead (2), Ben Rothwell and Jason Lambert. He believes that, if the Polish strongman and his team agreed to fight him this early in Mariusz’ MMA career, they must feel that he is over-the-hill in the cage.

Why fight Sylvia in only his third pro MMA fight? “First of all,” the 33-year-old Mariusz answered, “I’m not getting any younger. On a more serious note, though, I need to know as soon as possible what my strengths and weaknesses are fighting an established named fighter like Sylvia. My latest fight (last Saturday night in Poland) versus (Yusuke) Kawaguchi was worth every penny as a part of my MMA education (Mariusz won a 2-round decision against an opponent who was 11-1 going into the fight). Sylvia is the next logical step on my way to a world championship. I believe in learning by doing things.

“Sylvia brings experience, which I obviously don’t have, and he can punch. He is tall and has a long reach. I would like to use his strengths as his weaknesses, but I don’t want to talk too much about this. No extra tips from me, no way. I am somebody who will never quit. He has to knock me out cold to win. There’s no other way. I will fight a more disciplined fight than my last one, for sure, but I will still be fun to watch. I’m fighting for fans in order to give them good entertainment for their money.

“Fighting on in the United States and on pay-per-view is very significant. The USA is the birthplace of the real MMA, where the whole craziness started and now, in the age of the Internet and satellite TV, everything is global. I have a lot of fans in the U.S., not only Polish fans who always show-up to support their countrymen. It’s a global exposure and this is one of the reasons why I wanted to fight Tim – to gain recognition.”

“God of Martial Arts” is being presented by Moosin, the South Korea-based promotional company, which has promoted MMA shows in South Korea and the United States. Moosin, in conjunction with the International Taekwon-Do Federation, plans expansion into to China, Poland and Australia.

Pudzianowski has the rare combination of power, evident as a 5-time World’s Strongest Man, as well as the footwork and dexterity of a ballroom dancer.

“MMA and ballroom dancing are both hard,” Mariusz added.

“Both need dedication, depending on what you like, and I got tired training for dancing. But it wasn’t for me in the long run. The whole ‘Dancing With The Stars’ competition was a nice distraction, but, I prefer more manly endeavors.

“I never attempt any competition, dancing included, not thinking that I will win. It’s not in my nature. My fight with Sylvia will not be an exception. Losing to him is not even an option for me. This time the judges will not be needed.”

In the co-main event, Korean heavyweight Mu Bae “The Heavy Tank of Busan” Choi (9-4-0) faces veteran Travis “Diesel” Wiuff (59-14-0). Brazilian middleweight Rafael “Sapo” Natal (11-2-0) meets The Ultimate Fighter 4 winner Travis “The Serial Killer” Lutter (10-5-0), while Bahamian lightweight Yves “The Texas Gunslinger” Edwards (37-15-1) tangles with rising New England star Mike Campbell (7-2-0).

A special female attraction features two of the premier women MMA fighters in the U.S., Tara LaRosa (18-1-0) and Roxy Modafferi (13-4-0), at a 130-pound catch-weight.

“God of Martial Arts” is being distributed by Integrated Sports Media at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, TVN and DISH Network, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Bell TV and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95 (also available in HD). It is also available on www.GoFightLive.TV outside of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Poland.

The show has worldwide appeal but also features several local favorites on the undercard: Korean light heavyweight Chang Seob Lee (2-4-0) vs. Lukasz “Juras” Jurkowski (5-6-0), Clinton’s Matt Lee (11-8-1) vs. Bridgewater’s Brett Oteri (5-0-0) in a match-up of Massachusetts lightweights, unbeaten Worcester (Mass.) welterweight Ralph Johnson vs. NAAFS champion Forrest “The Meat Clever” Petz (23-7-0 undefeated Rockland (Mass.) heavyweight Paul Barry (3-0-0) vs. Stipe Miocic (1-0-0), Stoughton (Mass.) middleweight Fred “French Foot Fighter” Belleton (6-2-0) vs. Anthony “The Recipe” Lapsley (14-5-0).

Also, fan favorite Eric “Butterbean” Esch (98-18-5, all-fighting) squares-off against former Boston Bruins enforcer and popular WAAF sports personality, Lyndon “LB” Byers, in a charity fundraiser. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $35.75, $55.75, $75.75, $150.75 and $250.75, are on sale at the DCU Center Box Office (50 Foster St., Worcester, MA), all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1.800.745.3000.

Doors open at 7:30 PM/ET, first bout 8:00 PM/ET, first PPV bout 9 PM/ET (6 PM/PT). Go to www.MoosinUSA.com or www.dcucenter.com for additional information.

Beck & Czyz Join Chambers!

SERVE AS BROADCAST TEAM FOR "WORLDS COLLIDE.

Not only will MMA fans see a great evening of mixed martial arts competition on May 15TH, but they will also hear expert commentary from the broadcast team brought on-board to announce the event.

Shine Fights Promotion CEO Devin Price today announced that 2006 New York Emmy Award Winner for Outstanding Sports Anchor Bruce Beck and three-time world champion Bobby Czyz have joined MMA star Jason Chambers to form the broadcast team for the May 15th PPV broadcast of "Worlds Collide: Mayorga vs. Thomas." BR>
In addition, Karyn Bryant will serve as a correspondent for the broadcast.

Bryant's lengthy television experience includes assignments with SHOWTIME's Championship Boxing series, CBS' "The Early Show" (Guest Anchor), CNN's "77th Academy Awards Red Carpet" program (Host), and TNT's "Super Bowl 98" (Host/Reporter).

Beck is a household name among sports fans, having hosted an array of sports programs and covered a multitude of major sporting events.

He is in his thirteenth year with News 4 New York, and is the station's lead sports anchor.

In 2006 he received the New York Emmy for Outstanding Sports Anchor, and for three consecutive years (2007-2009) he was selected as New York State Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

Among the sports programs he has hosted are Mike'd Up, News 4 New York's Sunday Night Sports Show, the Toyota Giants Report with Coach Tom Coughlin, and The Rutgers Report with Coach Greg Schiano.

The list of sporting events he has covered for News 4 New York reads like a grocery list of the world's premier competitions: Super Bowl's XLII and XLIII, the World Series, the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Finals, the U.S. Open Tennis Championship, the U.S. Open Golf Championship, the NCAA Final Four, the Kentucky Derby and the 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008 Olympic Games.

Beck also served as the blow-by-blow announcer for numerous UFC events, including UFC 4 thru UFC 15.

"I am looking forward to calling the action on this exciting presentation by Shine Fights," said Beck.

"And I can't wait to see Ricardo Mayorga. This warrior has battled the likes of Shane Mosley, Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad in a boxing ring. Now he makes the transition to MMA in 'Worlds Collide.' Does he have the goods? We'll find out soon enough!"

Czyz compiled a record of 44-8 (28 Kos) and won three world championships during his successful 18-year boxing career. A member of the "International High IQ Society" (Mensa) Czyz was also ranked in the top 10 in six different weight classes. Among the boxers he fought were Evander Holyfield, Prince Charles Williams, Donnie Lalonde, Virgil Hill, and Dennis Andries. Since retiring from boxing, Czyz has built a successful career as a broadcaster, most notably as a commentator for SHOWTIME's "Championship Boxing" series.

"Ricardo Mayorga was an 'ANIMAL' in the boxing world and claims to have some grappling skills," said Czyz.

"We know that Din Thomas can grapple, so this may come down TO WHO LANDS WELL FIRST and WHO HAS THE BEST CHIN! I think this has to be an exciting fight based on the styles and tenacity of these two fighters!"

"We are very proud to announce this dynamic and well-rounded broadcast team," said executive producer Brian Ricco.

"'Worlds Collide' is a very unique event and we have assembled a diversified team of talented announcers, with both boxing and MMA backgrounds, that will reflect this cutting edge event."

Beck and Czyz will join previously announced Jason Chambers as part of the Shine Fights commentary team. Their debut will take place on the “Worlds Collide” fight card that will feature a 160-pound catchweight main event between former boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga and MMA veteran Din Thomas.

The co-main event will showcase a 185 lb. bout between former EliteXC Middleweight Champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua and Canadian warrior Travis “The Gladiator” Galbraith.

Also showcased will be a welterweight contest between MMA veteran Nick “The Goat” Thompson and Brazilian star Eduardo Pamplona.

In addition, a surefire ground war is set to take place at 175 pounds between 2009 ADCC Absolute Champion Braulio Estima and former Olympic Judo competitor Rick Hawn.

Also, a 205-pound grappler’s dream will also take place between Brazilian star Alexandre “Cacareco” Ferreira and IFL veteran and BJJ black belt Jamal “The Suit” Patterson, and a simmering slugfest between PRIDE veterans Charles “Kid Khaos” Bennett and Brazilian star Luiz Azeredo will round out the PPV-broadcast main card.

"WORLDS COLLIDE" is taking place at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC, and will be beamed on PPV on cable and satellite in the United States and Canada. The event will be broadcasted in High-Definition, and it will be available in both English and Spanish (where available). The broadcast will start at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be produced by MultiVision Media, Inc. There will be a 30-minute countdown show prior to the live event at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT. The event will be available for $29.95. Tickets may be obtained by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420, or online at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Crown Coliseum Box Office. For box office hours and more info, please call (910) 438-4100.

WCF New Website!

Launched And Announces Fights For WCF 10.

World Championship Fighting Announces Fights for WCF 10-New Website Launched.

World Championship Fighting today announced four featured fights for their WCF 10 event, scheduled to take place June 11 from the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, MA.

Fresh of a stunning knock out win at WCF 9, Wilmington's own Dan Bonnell takes on WCF new comer Christian Rivera. Christian is a veteran of over 10 mixed martial arts fights, and though the majority of his wins have come by submission, Christian has been known to stand and bang. The combination of these two will make for a very exciting fight on June 11.

Boneyard Fighter Dave Gilrein is also set to make his WCF debut, and he takes on Aniss Alhajjajy. After a long layoff, Gilrein made his return to action in February 2010, and won a dominant decision at 170 pounds. He moves back down to his more natural 155 pound weight class to take on a buzz saw in Alhajjajy. Alhajjajy has looked fantastic in his two prior WCF fights, and looks to keep his streak alive against Gilrein.

Joe Dechaves will also make his WCF debut, and he takes on Noah Weisman. Joe is 3-2 overall, and has shown great submission skills and a mean streak in the ring. Weisman started his WCF career with two dominant wins, and he gave John Benoit all he could handle at WCF 9. These are two of the most exciting up and comers in the area and you don't want to miss this.

Fresh of his best performance to date, 7-time WCF veteran Stephen Stengel looks to give highly touted WCF new comer Scott Nichols a rude awakening. Stengel is best known for heavy hands and big knockouts, and he was very impressive in his submission victory over previously undefeated Mike Zichelle at WCF 9. He is set to face yet another undefeated prospect in Sit Yod Tong's Scott Nichols. Nichols is only 19 years old, but has already defeated some of the best 185 pound fighters in New England. Now he's set to enter into Stengel's home turf and look to keep his undefeated streak alive.

More fights are expected to be announced in the next week, and you do not want to miss this event. World Championship Fighting also launched their new interactive website, and it's flat out incredible. Fighter interviews, photos, videos, as well as ring card girl bio's and information on how to become a part of World Championship Fighting can be found on their new website, which can be found at www.wcfighting.com

Chambers To Commentate!

MMA VETERAN AND TV STAR JASON CHAMBERS TO PROVIDE COMMENTARY AT “WORLDS COLLIDE”.

Shine Fight Promotions (Shine Fights) today announced that MMA veteran and Hollywood star Jason Chambers will be part of the broadcast team for the “WORLDS COLLIDE: MAYORGA VS. THOMAS” pay-per-view event. The other members of the broadcast team will be announced shortly.

Born in Chicago, IL, Jason “Hollywood” Chambers, as he is known in the MMA world, is a former professional fighter with a record of 18-5.

Perhaps best known as the host of the hit History Channel Series “Human Weapon,” Jason traveled the globe to explore the history and techniques of various martial arts as part of the show.

A diverse artist in every sense of the word, Jason is a certified Jeet Kune Do Concepts Instructor, and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Jason’s career, though, has often blurred the lines between cage and stage. Jason has been involved in the entertainment field since 2002, when he began to study the craft of acting in Chicago at “Act One” studios, and improvisation at the world famous “Second City.”

Chambers solidified his decision to pursue the entertainment field in 2003 by moving to New York to further study his craft, while continuing his BJJ training at Renzo Gracie’s academy.

He quickly landed appearances in established television series such as “Guiding Light,” “All My Children,” “Can You Tell?” and most frequently on “As the World Turns.”

Jason has done numerous commercials and has also been a guest star on “Days of Our Lives,” “The Middleman,” and “CSI NY.”

In addition to acting, Jason can be seen on G4’s “Attack of the Show,” where he gives his insights on upcoming MMA fights in their “MMA Chokehold” segment, and in FIGHT! Magazine, where he is a regular contributor.

Jason continues to train in BJJ and MMA in his free time. His unique combination of in-the-cage and on-the-air experience will bring great insight to Shine Fight fans worldwide.

Regarding “Worlds Collide,” Chambers had this to say:

“Growth is needed to sustain life. I believe the same is true for the sport of MMA. Thanks to the growth of MMA, we now have a plethora of talented fighters who want to make their mark. Shine Fights has stepped up to the plate with a team of people who come from this sport and genuinely care about the fighters. Our matchmaker, Ron Foster, has done an amazing job of balancing our talent pool with seasoned vets and future stars. Shine has created a win-win scenario for the fighters and fans.”

“Worlds Collide” is the perfect tag for this matchup,” said Chambers in relation to the main event. “Ricardo Mayorga is one of the most entertaining fighters to ever hit the boxing circuit. His hot-headed style coupled with his heavy hands propelled him to hold the WBC Championship belt. One solid Mayorga punch, and it could easily be lights out. On the other side of the fence lurks Din Thomas, who is riding a three-fight win streak. Din knows that in a fight, anything can and often will happen. I think Din feels disrespected by Mayorga’s actions, and will be looking to make a statement on May 15th.

Chambers’ Shine Fights commentary debut will take place on a fight card that will feature a 160-pound catchweight main event between former boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga and MMA veteran Din Thomas. The co-main event will showcase a 185 lb. bout between former EliteXC Middleweight Champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua and Canadian warrior Travis “The Gladiator” Galbraith. Also showcased will be a welterweight contest between MMA veteran Nick “The Goat” Thompson and Brazilian star Eduardo Pamplona. In addition, a surefire ground war is set to take place at 175 pounds between 2009 ADCC Absolute Champion Braulio Estima and former Olympic Judo competitor Rick Hawn. Also, a 205-pound grappler’s dream will also take place between Brazilian star Alexandre “Cacareco” Ferreira and IFL veteran and BJJ black belt Jamal “The Suit” Patterson, and a simmering slugfest between PRIDE veterans Charles “Kid Khaos” Bennett and Brazilian star Luiz Azeredo will round out the PPV-broadcast main card.

"WORLDS COLLIDE" is taking place at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC, and will be beamed on PPV on cable and satellite in the United States and Canada. The event will be broadcasted in High-Definition, and it will be available in both English and Spanish (where available). The broadcast will start at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be produced by MultiVision Media, Inc. There will be a 30-minute countdown show prior to the live event at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT. The event will be available for $29.95. Tickets may be obtained by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420, or online at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Crown Coliseum Box Office. For box office hours and more info, please call (910) 438-4100.

STRIKEFORCE UNDERCARD ACTION!

Nine Promising Area Fighters Will Compete During Strikeforce St. Louis: Heavy Artillery.

Popular, unbeaten welterweight Jesse Finney (5-0) of St. Louis will try to cash in against Justin DeMoney (14-2-1) of Ottumwa, Idaho, in the top non-televised undercard fight when Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) returns to The Gateway City with STRIKEFORCE St. Louis: Heavy Artillery at Scottrade Center this Saturday, May 15.

The remaining six non-televised fights will include nine fighters from St. Louis or the surrounding areas: The St. Louis fighters are Michael Chandler (2-0), Tom Aaron (6-2), Eric Steenberg (3-0 and Matt Ricehouse (1-0). The others are Darryl Cobb (3-1) of East St. Louis, Lee “Manimal’’ Brousseau (4-1) of Wood River, Ill., Booker DeRousse (2-2) of St. Genevieve, Mo., Sal Woods (4-7) of Granite City, Ill., and Greg Wilson (pro debut) of Cobden, Ill.

Chandler throws down with Woods at 170 pounds; Aaron takes on Steenberg at 185 pounds, Ricehouse battles Wilson at 125 pounds, Brousseau faces Francisco “Kiko” France of Rio De Janiero, Brazil, at 205 pounds and Cobb meets DeRousse at 145 pounds.

In the final undercard bout on a stacked fight card, STRIKEFORCE newcomer Vitor “Shaolin’’ Ribeiro (20-3) of Rio De Janeiro will face undefeated Lyle “Fancy Pants’’ Beerbohm (13-0) of Spokane, Wash., at 155 pounds The aforementioned matchups will precede a five-fight telecast on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Doors will open at 6 p.m. CT on May 15. The first preliminary bout is at 6:30. Tickets are on sale at Scottrade Center ticket office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

Finney, a graduate of Affton High in St. Louis, has been victorious in all his fights in the first round, including a 1:55 submission (keylock) over Josh Baumgarner on the last STRIKEFORCE event in St. Louis on June 6, 2009.

Before MMA, Finney went unbeaten as a kickboxer (23-0) and is 8-2 as a pro boxer. Finney also is the head coach of the St. Louis Enforcers of Chuck Norris’s World Combat League.

“I know DeMoney is a super tough guy so this should be my biggest test in MMA,’’ said the six-foot, 35-year-old Finney who is the owner and head instructor of his own gym, Finney’s MMA in St. Louis.

“He says he likes to stand and trade. If he really wants to do that, I look forward to the challenge of banging it out. I think I match up well with him in every area. Keys to getting this win are just being the athlete I am, and using my size and strength. I think I can beat him anywhere it goes.’’

To better concentrate on the upcoming fight, Finney trained in Las Vegas for a month.

“I chose to leave and go to Vegas just to be able to train and that's it,’’ he said.

“I have a few businesses in St. Louis and I am very thankful for that, but trying to run them and train full-time was just too much. This is crazy but believe it or not, my wife talked me into going to Vegas. It turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done.

“I think most people think I am a kickboxer doing MMA and that's simply not the truth anymore. I focus on my weaknesses every day and try to stay sharp on my strengths. My future in MMA is whatever Scott Coker wants. I’m a team player for STRIKEFORCE and always will be.

“I am not going to let anybody down on May 15.’’

DeMoney has remained extremely active since turning pro in 2007. A seven-time Extreme Challenge veteran, he fought six times that year, four times in ‘09 and on five occasions in ’08.

This will be DeMoney’s 2010 debut. He has gone unbeaten in his last nine starts (8-0-1). His last five victories have come inside the distance, including a second-round submission (punches) over Jesse Sanders in his last outing on Oct. 17, 2009.

Chandler, a former teammate of top prospect Tyron Woodley and a NCAA Division I All American, is a super-aggressive fighter who possesses great athleticism and speed, but his most impressive attributes may be his work ethic and ferocious tenacity. The 5-foot-8, 24-year-old has won both his starts by TKO (punches).

In his last effort, Chandler defeated Richard Bouphanouvong in the second round at a STRIKEFORCE event last Nov. 20. Chandler dispatched Kyle Swadley at 3:30 of the opening round in his pro debut on Aug. 8, 2009.

Woods is a hard-working, determined fighter looking to regain his winning ways.

“I’m really looking forward to this fight and I know we will put on a great show,’’ said Woods, who lost to Woodley on June 6, 2009, at Scottrade Center. “MMA is not for everyone; it’s all about hard work and I’ve put in all the work for this fight.’’

Aaron , a 5-foot-8, 31-year-old who fights out of Finney’s MMA, has won two out of three, including a TKO over Calvin Simmons in his outing on Nov. 21, 2009. Aaron went 6-0 in the amateurs.

Steenburg has won all three of his efforts in the second round. He ended matters with James Marino in his last start on Aug. 28, 2009, with a head kick 11 seconds into the session.

Ricehouse, who is making his STRIKEFORCE debut, registered a third-round KO (punches) over Tim Thomas in his pro debut on Jan. 30, 2010.

Cobb has been triumphant three consecutive times since losing his initial MMA fight. After winning two straight inside the distance, he won last time out on a split decision over Gary Tapasua at the STRIKEFORCE event on Nov. 20, 2009. DeRousse, who scored a first-round TKO over James Wade on June 6, 2009, at Scottrade Center, lost his last fight to Lee Brousseau on Oct. 3, 2009, via submission.

Brousseau is making his first start since defeating DeRousse. His three victories, which include a 0:18 KO (punches) over Greg LoFink on April 11, 2009, have totaled just 5:34. France is a highly touted grappling specialist who has won all his fights via first-round submissions: Total cage time: 3:39.

Ribeiro, a 30-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, is among the top lightweights in MMA. He’s won the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship four times, once as a purple belt in 1996 and three times as a black belt in three consecutive years (1999-2001).

Beerbohm is a top up-and-coming fighter who literally started MMA on his way home from prison after he spent a year and one day at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla as a result of felony convictions, all related to his crystal meth addiction.

In the May 15 main event, STRIKEFORCE World Heavyweight Champion Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem (32-11) will defend against heavy-handed knockout artist Brett “The Grim” Rogers (10-1). Former world champions Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (15-7) and Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (13-2) are matched in another heavyweight confrontation.

In other televised fights on SHOWTIME: Unbeaten Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sensation Roger Gracie (2-0) will make his STRIKEFORCE and U.S. MMA debut against two-time NCAA National Wrestling Champion and former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin “The Monster” Randleman (17-14) in a light heavyweight scrap, middleweight superstar “Jacare” Souza (11-2) will face determined, hard-hitting Joey Villasenor (27-6) and Antwain “The Juggernaut” Britt (11-3) will collide with Rafael “Feijao’’ Cavalcante (8-2) at 205 pounds.

Shamrock Promotions is assisting STRIKEFORCE with local marketing for the event.

Sylvia V Pudzianowski!

Sylvia Plans To KO Polish Strongman.

Two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Main-iac” Sylvia feels disrespected regarding his May 21st showdown against the first 5-time World’s Strongest Man, iconic Polish powerhouse Mariusz “Dominator” Pudzianowski, headlining the “Moosin: God of Martial Arts” pay-per-view event, at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Sylvia (25-6-0), a natïve of Eastbrook, Maine, has defeated many of the top MMA heavyweights and super heavyweights – Andrei Arlovski (2) Brandon Vera, Jeff Monson, Wes Sims, Ricco Rodriguez, Mike Whitehead (2), Ben Rothwell and Jason Lambert. On the other hand, the 6-1, 275-pound Pudzianowski (1-0), a national hero in Poland, has had only one pro MMA fight.

In addition to his feats of strength as the World’s Strongest Man, Mariusz practices karate, boxing and even finished second last year in Poland’s version of “Dancing With The Stars.” Challenging a fighter of Sylvia’s stature in the May 21st super heavyweight main event, however, sends one clear message to the 6-8, 280-pound Sylvia.

“They’re underestimating me and obviously feel that I’m done,” Sylvia said.

“I have another thing coming. He’s big, strong and a good athlete, but I’m going to knock him out. My last opponent (Jason Riley) thought the same thing and I knocked him out in the first round. I would have gotten him out even earlier but I broke my right hand.”

“God of Martial Arts” is being presented by Moosin, the South Korea-based promotional company, which has promoted MMA shows in South Korea and the United States. Moosin, in conjunction with the International Taekwon-Do Federation, plans expansion into to China, Poland and Australia.

Sylvia, presently training in Indiana, was a semi-pro football player in Maine who turned to MMA after attending a show. Although he fought in Rhode Island as an amateur, his May 21st fight against Pudzianowski will be his first as a pro in New England.

“Fighting for the first time in New England is an awesome feel and I’m excited about it,” Tim remarked. “Training camp has been awesome. I have 4-5 different big, strong heavyweights rotating in fresh. It’s like the old days in Iowa.”

In the co-main event, Korean heavyweight Mu Bae “The Heavy Tank of Busan” Choi (9-4-0) meets veteran Travis “Diesel” Wiuff (59-14-0). Brazilian middleweight Rafael “Sapo” Natal (11-2-0) faces The Ultimate Fighter 4 winner Travis “The Serial Killer” Lutter (10-5-0), while Bahamian lightweight Yves “The Texas Gunslinger” Edwards (37-15-1) faces New England’s rising-star Mike Campbell (7-2-0).

A special female attraction features two of the premier women MMA fighters in the U.S., Tara LaRosa (18-1-0) and Roxy Modafferi (13-4-0), at a 130-pound catch-weight.

“God of Martial Arts” is being distributed by Integrated Sports Media at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, TVN and DISH Network, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Bell TV and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95 (also available in HD). It is also available on www.GoFightLive.TV outside of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Poland.

The show has worldwide appeal but also features several local favorites on the undercard: Korean light heavyweight Chang Seob Lee (2-4-0) vs. Lukasz “Juras” Jurkowski (5-6-0), Clinton’s Matt Lee (11-8-1) vs. Bridgewater’s Brett Oteri (5-0-0) in a match-up of Massachusetts lightweights, unbeaten Worcester (Mass.) welterweight Ralph Johnson vs. NAAFS champion Forrest “The Meat Clever” Petz (23-7-0 undefeated Rockland (Mass.) heavyweight Paul Barry (3-0-0) vs. Stipe Miocic (1-0-0), Stoughton (Mass.) middleweight Fred “French Foot Fighter” Belleton (6-2-0) vs. Anthony “The Recipe” Lapsley (14-5-0).

Also, fan favorite Eric “Butterbean” Esch (98-18-5, all-fighting) squares-off against former Boston Bruins enforcer and popular WAAF sports personality, Lyndon “LB” Byers, in a charity fundraiser. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $35.75, $55.75, $75.75, $150.75 and $250.75, are on sale at the DCU Center Box Office (50 Foster St., Worcester, MA), all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1.800.745.3000.

Doors open at 7:30 PM/ET, first bout 8:00 PM/ET, first PPV bout 9 PM/ET (6 PM/PT). Go to www.MoosinUSA.com or www.dcucenter.com for additional information. For odds on the fights go to http://partners.betus.com.

FEDOR V WERDUM!

JUNE 26th.

After months of anticipation, the world’s No. 1 heavyweight and pound-for-pound Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (31-1), will make his eagerly awaited return to the cage to face two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion and top-ranked superstar Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum (13-4) in a STRIKEFORCE and M-1 GLOBAL co-promoted event at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. on Saturday, June 26, live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The Fedor-Werdum match will headline an event which will feature up to five televised fights on SHOWTIME and several non-televised undercard bouts that will be announced in the coming weeks.

A special pre-sale ticket purchase opportunity for the event will take place for “STRIKEFORCE Insider” e-newsletter subscribers (http://strikeforce.com/insider.html) from 10 a.m. PT Monday, May 10, until 10 p.m. PT on Thursday, May 13. Insiders will receive an e-newsletter with the pre-sale code.

Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. PT on Friday, May 14, at the HP Pavilion box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) as well as www.strikeforce.com. For more information, please also visit www.M-1GLOBAL.com.

For M-1 GLOBAL’s Fedor, it is a means of gaining revenge three and a half years after the 32-year-old Werdum defeated Fedor’s brother Aleksander Emelianenko, via submission (arm triangle choke) in the first round (3:24) of a bout in Rotterdam, Holland, on Nov. 12, 2006.

The M-1 GLOBAL superstar is simply referred to as "Fedor" by millions of fans around the world. He stands at 6-foot, 235-pounds and hails from Stary Oskol, Russia. He has become the most dominant MMA fighter of all-time since he began his professional career 10 years ago.

Fedor is one of the founders of M-1 GLOBAL and has competed for the organization since its inception more than two years ago. The 33-year-old has faced and defeated nearly every other rival superstar and champion of this era, including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, Andrei Arlovski and Mark “The Hammer” Coleman.

A master of the Russian military combat system, Sambo, Fedor made his live, primetime network television (CBS) debut in his last start on Nov. 7, 2009, when he faced unbeaten rising star Brett “The Grim” Rogers in a STRIKEFORCE and M-1 Global co-promoted event. After a difficult first round in which he sustained a cut and began bleeding profusely, the Russian suddenly turned the tide in the second round, sending Rogers to the canvas with a right hand and finishing him with a series of punches.

While the fight world still regards him as undefeated, Fedor actually has one official loss on his record, the result of a doctor stoppage due to a cut he sustained seconds into a matchup with Japan’s Tsuyoshi Kosaka on Dec. 22, 2000. Fedor avenged the TKO loss with his own first round TKO of Kosaka at a PRIDE Fighting Championships event in Japan on April 3, 2005.

Since joining the ranks of STRIKEFORCE, the 6-foot-4, 240 pound Werdum, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and member of Brazil’s vaunted Chute Boxe fight squad, has notched a pair of impressive victories, the first of which came on Aug. 15, 2009 when he quickly submitted Mike “Mak” Kyle with a guillotine choke in the first round (1:24) at HP Pavilion. The following Nov. 7, Werdum battled his way to a close unanimous decision victory over Antonio “Big Foot” Silva in a live CBS primetime televised matchup.

During an eight-year tenure in MMA, Werdum has conquered a number of other superstars, including reigning STRIKEFORCE World Heavyweight Champion, Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem; and UFC stars Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon “The Truth” Vera.

SOBRAL V LAWLER!

JUNE 16th.

Knockout artist “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (17-5) will collide with former STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral (35-8) at a catch weight of 195 pounds in the main event when STRIKEFORCE Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) hits Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles, Calif. on Wednesday, June 16.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. PT tomorrow/Saturday, May 1, at STAPLES Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com). Tickets will also be sold at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE box office on days when events take place there.

The first-ever STRIKEFORCE event scheduled for mid-week will take place in the midst of the E3 Expo, the premier trade show for computer and video games. During E3 Expo 2010 at the L.A. Convention Center, EA SPORTS™ will exhibit its highly anticipated title, EA SPORTS MMA, in which STRIKEFORCE is featured as a premier league.

Sobral’s start will be his first since he relinquished his STRIKEFORCE belt to superstar Gegard Mousasi, who stopped the Brazilian fighter one minute into their meeting at San Jose, Calif.’s HP Pavilion on Dec. 19, 2009. Prior to the loss, Sobral had reeled off five consecutive victories.

Sobral, 34, who resides in Orange County, Calif., has faced and defeated some of the sport’s toughest competitors during a 13-year career. On Sept. 6, 2003, he defeated three consecutive, first-rate opponents – Trevor Prangley, Mauricio Rua, and Jeremy Horn – in one night of single-elimination tournament action.

Also slated for action on the card are former WWE champion turned undefeated heavyweight MMA sensation Bobby Lashley (5-0) and lightweight star K.J. Noons (8-2)

Doors at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE will open for the event at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. and the first main card fight will begin at 8 p.m.

The event will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).