Featured Post

Thank You, Axl Rotten (And R.I.P.)

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year! ...

Even though I rarely work, I appreciate all of your support.

No matter what you decide to do, or where you decide to go, be safe and have fun!

Talk to you sometime in 2010.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Shoot Interview With Dory Funk Jr. On China's Only Wrestling Website's By Daddy Shawn

Source - Dory Funk Jr.:

The entire Dory Funk Jr. Shoot Interview is now on our website at http://www.dory-funk.com Click on Dory Funk Jr. Shoot Interview.

Daddy Shawn talks to Dory Funk about holding the NWA World Heavyweight Title for 4 1/2 years. Dory explains the life of being the World Champion. Dory Funk talks about the politics and atmosphere behind the NWA Board of Directors meetings. Dory talks about whether his father being in the NWA Board helped him to be the World Champion. Dory talks about the whole fiasco with Dory losing his title due to his auto accident at his father's ranch.

Daddy Shawn asks about Dory's opinion about how Dory thinks of past Champions like Bruno Sammartino being really bitter about the business today. Dory talks about how tough it was for him running the territory after Dory Funk Sr. past away. Dory talks about the funny story about him having a bear in one of their shows and it is very different to Terry Funk's version. Dory tells Daddy Shawn how they would use their connections in the business and the promoters around the country to run their territory.

Daddy Shawn asked if New Japan ever asked the Funks to jump ship since they were the backbone of the foreigners in All-Japan Pro Wrestling at the time. Daddy Shawn asks Dory Funk Jr.. if he felt All-Japan pushed them down the card after All-Japan has signed Stan Hansen. Dory Funk Jr. talks about how hard Stan Hansen could hit, "You never knew where he was going to hit!"

With the foreigners (Gaijins) in All Japan so strong at that time, Dory Funk was asked what they would do to make them stay on top of all the foreigners. Dory funk talked about there were much money made in WWF when he joined at the same time he was running as hard as the time he was the World Champion. Dory talked about the name of Hoss and whether Dory Funk Jr. liked it. Dory was asked his opinion about Jimmy Jack Funk after Terry left WWF in 1986. Dory talked a bit about Bruiser Brody and Jumbo Tsuruta.

Daddy Shawn asked which Japanese wrestlers did Dory train.

Daddy Shawn asks Dory Funk on whether if he ever thought of joining Pro Wrestling NOAH instead of staying with All Japan Pro Wrestling when the late Mitsuharu Misawa took majority of the roster to NOAH at that time. Daddy Shawn asks why Dory Funk returned to Royal Rumble 1996.

Dory talks about how he started to train some WWE up and comers at the requests of WWE. He also mentioned who were the first two recommendations he gave to WWE. When asked about ECW, Dory joked, "What am I doing here!? How did this happen?" Dory talks about helping for Carmen Electra's Naked Women Wrestling League. Dory is asked what he thinks of the business which has become today. Daddy Shawn and Dory Funk Jr. talk about the business in China and how could China be turned into a huge wrestling market. Dory mentioned how the internet is huge for the business. He used his !BANG! TV as the prime example. Dory was asked if he believes the art of professional wrestling has lost over the years. Dory is asked his thoughts of old-school style of professional wrestling training to his style of training today.

Dory mentions why the old Japanese style of professional hierarchy is not the way for any Japanese pro wrestling companies. Daddy Shawn asks who he believes is his finest student that he has ever trained? Daddy Shawn and Dory talked about his Chinese student Shane Chung and what plans there are for him. Dory told people who want to train as a pro wrestler to never give up. Dory and Daddy Shawn talked about doing a possible training seminar in China for 2010. Daddy Shawn also thanked Dory's help on helping him to connect with All Japan Pro Wrestling.

Dory Funk Jr. is Coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and trainer of WWE Developmental Talent. - For training schedules and ticket information to Support Your Troops 47, "Hell's Bells go to http://www.dory-funk.com.

Monday, December 28, 2009

HDNet Secures Title Sponsorship Of MMA Expo Philadelphia

Source - HDNet:

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DEC. 28, 2009 - Mixed Martial Arts Expo, LLC - The Original MMA Expo since 2005 - today announced HDNet, "Your Home for MMA," as the title sponsor of MMA Expo Philadelphia taking place January 9-10, 2010 at the Valley Forge Convention Centre.

"HDNet has an impressive track record of providing MMA Fans with some of the most exciting coverage in the sport," commented Gerald Chopik, president of MMA Expo. "I'm an avid fan of HDNet's Mixed Martial Arts coverage and 'Inside MMA' with Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten, and we are thrilled to be working with the network as the title sponsor of our Philadelphia event. The color commentary and fight analysis by Michael Schiavello and Guy Mezger are second to none - always high energy, insightful, creative and informative. This is the level of content that the sport demands and HDNet is known for delivering."

"MMA Expo Philadelphia kicks off what will be an explosive year for MMA and for HDNet," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "The fans have supported HDNet's commitment to bringing home more MMA than any network in the world - and now we are excited to partner with MMA Expo Philadelphia to bring our great sport right to the fans. Mixed Martial Arts Expo has a five-year history of delivering a solid event with a long list of MMA celebrities and HDNet is proud to be the title sponsor."

Philly fans are in for a great MMA weekend on January 9-10 according to Chopik. "We have another stellar celebrity line-up with former UFC Lightweight Champion 37-4-1 Sean Sherk, King of the Cage Champion 48-20-7 Shonie Carter, former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion 6-0-0 Cung Le, 9-2-0 Matt Hamill, UFC Hall of Famer 90-16-7 Dan Severn, 9X Submission Grappling Champion Marcelo Garcia, 4X Olympian and Judo Bronze Medalist Jimmy Pedro, as well as World Karate Champion Tokey Hill." More celebrities are due to be announced shortly.

MMA Expo comprises a number of action-packed combative sports competitions including USA Boxing, Gi and No-Gi Submission Grappling by On The Mat and the USA Karate Open with the Tokey Hill Challenge. MMA Celebrity seminars feature hands-on instruction with Sherk, Carter, Hamill and Severn. And for those interested in a career as an MMA official, there's even a Referee and Judging Seminar by seasoned MMA official, Marc Fennell.

MMA Expo Philadelphia is co-located with the popular Philadelphia Sports Expo and a single general admission gives attendees access to both events. For more information about MMA Expo Philadelphia, visit www.MixedMartialArtsExpo.com.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net, twitter.com/hdnet) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage including more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network. HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series, and revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "New York Confessions," "Deadline" and "Get Out!" HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com, twitter.com/hdnetmovies) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliated companies. To receive HDNet information via email, simply go to www.hd.net/listpage.

About Mixed Martial Arts Expo

The concept for Mixed Martial Arts Expo came about as a result of president Gerald Chopik's experience as a trade and consumer show producer and martial artist. Since its launch in 2005 Mixed Martial Arts Expo has hosted hundreds of exhibitors and martial arts instructors, and brought MMA fans together with many of the top names in the game including popular ring girl Arianny Celeste, PRIDE fighter Gary Goodridge, striking Coach and trainer of UFC Champions Sean Tompkins, UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn, James Irvin - record holder of the fastest KO in the UFC, current and former UFC fighters Ben Rothwell, Denis Kang, Jason MacDonald, Matt Hamill, Patrick Cote and Pete Sell, as well as former MMA champions Frank Trigg, Carlos Newton, Dan Henderson, Matt Serra, Andre Arlovsky and many more.

Mixed Martial Arts Expo, LLC and Mixed Martial Arts Expo, Inc operate in the USA and Canada respectively. Mixed Martial Arts Expo is not associated in any way with any mma expo events recently held in California and New York.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

BANG! TV Report - New Year's Eve, All Matches Inside A Steel Cage, Jimmy Hart In Dory Funk And Johnny Magnum's Corner / 5 Girl Gauntlet For The Gold

Source - Dory Funk Jr.:

Professional Wrestling Comes to Ocala, Florida at the Funking Conservatory Sound Stage http://www.dory-funk.com

New Year's Eve, Thursday December 31st, Support Your Troops 47, "Hell's Bells" All Matches Inside a Steel Cage, Jimmy Hart in Funk and Magnum's Corner - Showtime 7:00pm doors open at 6:00pm - Meet the stars of !BANG! TV

Heavyweight Title Match
Shane Chung
VS
Blain Rage

5 women's gauntlet for the Women's Title
CLAUDIA “the CLAW” REIFF
SAR-AH
MELISSA COATES
Miss Rachel FUNKING CONSERVATORY WOMEN'S CHAMPION
RAIN

Legends Tag Team Match
Dory Funk Jr. and Johnny Magnum Managed by Jimmy Hart
VS
Shane Chung and Hack Meyers

European Title Match
Johnny Romano
VS
Walter "Killer" Roberts

Tag Team Championship Tournament
round 3
the winner of round 2 will face the
Tag Team Champions, the "Cold Front"
Jordan Vinson and Christian Norskog

Tag Team Championship Tournament
round 2
Damien Steele and Mystery Partner
to face winner of the 1st round

Tag Team Championship Tournament
round 1
Mad Dog Medeske and Luke Spencer
VS
Shane Chung and Blain Rage

Tickets are $10 purchased in advance and $15 purchased the day of the show. Advance Purchase Tickets are available at Pardee Moving and Self Storage in Ocala, Florida.

Advance tickets can also be purchased online at http://www.dory-funk.com

For more ticket information and training schedules at the Funking Conservatory call 352-895-4658

Dory Funk Jr. is the coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and Trainer of WWE Developmental Talent.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Funk's Corner - Celebrate New Year's Eve At The Funking Conservatory Wrestling School

Source - Dory Funk Jr.:

Arrive Tuesday December 29th. Check in at the Hotel.

Train three sessions with Dory Funk Jr., Coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and Trainer of WWE Developmental Talent.

Appear on !BANG! TV New Years Eve Special "Support Your Troops 47 "Hell's Bells." All Matches Inside a Steel Cage.

Attend the Wrestlers New Year's Eve Wrestler's Party after the show.

Depart Friday January 1st.

All Accommodations Included 1400

Call now 352-895-4658 for information on this program and upcoming programs at the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School.

Visit the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School - http://www.dory-funk.com.
**************************
Support Your Troops 47, "Hell's Bells"
Thursday December 31st in Ocala, Florida at the Funking Conservatory Sound Stage - Showtime 7pm doors open at 6:30. Tickets in advance 10, the day of the show, 15.
All Matches Inside a Steel Cage
Featuring the "Mouth of the South"
Jimmy Hart

Main Event for the Women's Championship
Women's Gauntlet Match Inside a Steel Cage - Rachael Moore (Champion) Claudia "The Claw" Reiff, Melissa Coates, Sar-Ah and "Rain"

Dory Funk Jr. and Johnny Magnum
Managed by Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart
VS
Hack Meyers and Shane Chung

Tag Team Championship Match
"The Cold Front" Christian Norskog and Jordan Vinson
VS
Damien Steele and Mystery Partner???

World Title Match
Shane Chung (Champion) vs Blain Rage

Also Appearing:
Karl "Mad Dog" Madetzke, Luke Spencer, Johnny Romano
Walter "Killer" Roberts

One night tournament for the Tag Team Championship

Tickets are Available at Pardee Moving and Self Storage
For Ticket Information, Call 352-895-4658 or visit http://www.dory-funk.com.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

WWE's 'Tribute To The Troops' - Early Viewership Information

Even though I didn't see the show, I'm just bored enough to talk about the following:

While a blizzard kept a good many of us in our homes, it apparently didn't force us to watch NBC (or, for that matter, any other broadcast network), according to Nielsen Media Research's data.

Saturday's big numbers were actually drawn by the NFL Network, which pulled in somewhere around eleven-million viewers (for a Cowboys-Saints game). That easily doubled anything the broadcast nets had on, including the 'Tribute' program, which only managed about two-million-four-hundred-thousand viewers.

If it's any consolation, I'm pretty sure that'll blow away the combined efforts of Strikeforce and WEC.

!BANG! TV Report - WWE Hall Of Famers, Jimmy Hart And Dory Funk Jr. Coming To !BANG! TV - Rematch A Year In The Making

Source - Dory Funk Jr.:

The Mouth of the South, Jimmy Hart will be at !BANG! TV's Support Your Troops 47, "Hell's Bells."

In a return match one year in the making, Dory Funk Jr. will team with Johnny Magnum, Jimmy Hart will be in their corner inside a Steel Cage against Hack Meyers and Funking Conservatory World Champion, Shane Chung.

Now on !BANG! TV you can watch last year's match that resulted in this year's match inside a steel cage at http://www.dory-funk.com.

For the Women's Championship, The Champ[ion, "The Wasilla Wrecker" Rachael Moore will risk it all in a 5 girl Gauntlet Match Inside a Steel Cage with Claudia "The Claw" Reiff, Melissa Coates, Rain and Sar-Ah.

Inside the Steel Cage, "The Cold Front" Jordan Vinson and Christian Norskog will defend their Tag Team Championship against Damien Steele and a Mystery Partner yet to be named.

Blain Rage will challenge for the Funking Conservatory World Championship. Also on the card, Walter "Killer" Roberts, Karl "Mad Dog" Madetzke, Luke Spencer and Johnny Romano.

!BANG! TV presents 10 Webisodes leading to Support Your Troops 47, "Hell's Bells" coming to the Funking Conservatory Thursday December 31st, All matches will take place inside a steel cage.

In all on !BANG! TV you can browse through 75 current webisodes and wrestling matches starring the wrestlers of the Funking Conservatory and superstars from the golden age of professional wrestling.

For ticket information to New Year's Eve Special - Support Your Troops 47, "Hell's Bells" and training schedules at the Funking Conservatory call 352-895-4658 or visit http://www.dory-funk.com.

Tickets may also be purchased at Pardee Moving and Self Storage of Ocala, Florida or online from our website at http://www.dory-funk.com.

Advance purchase tickets are $10 and $15 if purchased the day of the show.

Dory Funk Jr. is the coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and Trainer of WWE Developmental Talent.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Jake Shields, Brian Stann And Frankie Edgar To Guest On TONIGHT'S 'Inside MMA' On HDNet

Source - HDNet:

Upbeat panel of MMA stars discuss their recent successes with Kenny and Bas Friday, December 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET

DALLAS, Dec. 18 -- WHAT: HDNet's "Inside MMA" features a trio of fighters on winning streaks this Friday, December 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

This episode has it all! Jake Shields talks to Bas and Kenny about the impact of Dan Henderson's signing with Strikeforce and an upcoming potential title bout between the two. Frankie Edgar tells the world whether or not he is ready to try to take the UFC lightweight title away from BJ Penn, while Brian Stann discusses his military service and his future in the light heavyweight division.

Also, reporter Ron Kruck heads to Las Vegas to share an exclusive feature on the growth of gambling in the MMA world, and how to interpret what the odds mean when you bet on a fighter.

Don't miss this week's Inside MMA!

WHEN: TONIGHT - Friday, December 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring five regular season games from the Premiere Season of the United Football League. HDNet also features the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com). "HDNet Fights" works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "New York Confessions," "Deadline" and "Get Out!" HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.

Upcoming Sneak Preview films include "Wonderful World" starring Matthew Broderick.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Verizon FiOS and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliated companies.

The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet1, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and, twitter.com/hdnetmovies.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO OFFER POPULAR ONLINE EXPERIENCE STRIKEFORCE: ALL ACCESS

Source - Showtime Networks Inc.:

Live Mixed Martial Arts Event – STRIKEFORCE: “Evolution” –

To Stream Simultaneously With Live SHOWTIME® Telecast

Saturday, Dec. 19 From HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

NEW YORK (Dec. 17, 2009)— SHOWTIME Sports will once again offer Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fans around the world STRIKEFORCE: All Access, the cutting edge online interactive experience, live on Saturday, Dec. 19, for STRIKEFORCE: “Evolution” from HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

The immersive digital experience will stream simultaneously with the live SHOWTIME® telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET* and be available to fans around the world including those in Brazil, Japan, throughout Europe as well as in the U.S. and Canada.

STRIKEFORCE: All Access will cost $24.95 per user and is available for pre-order at http://strikeforce.sho.com now. Purchase includes access to the live stream and replays anytime thereafter through December 24, 2009.

STRIKEFORCE: All Access debuted on April 11, 2009, when world-class MMA promotion STRIKEFORCE brought Frank Shamrock vs. Nick Diaz to SHOWTIME. The unique experience was offered again on June 6, for the Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Shields event. On both previous offerings, STRIKEFORCE: All Access was limited to U.S.-based online users. All Access went global for the first time with STRIKEFORCE: “Carano vs. Cyborg” on Aug. 15.

With STRIKEFORCE: All Access, fans can be their own director and toggle among five live cameras with full pause and rewind capabilities including SHOWTIME Sports exclusive CageCam®—a small, high quality camera worn by the referee which takes viewers inside the cage during the fights. Audio tracks will include the SHOWTIME telecast fight call by host and play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo, and color commentators Frank Shamrock and Stephen Quadros, as well as the corresponding audio to the selected camera. SHOWTIME is again working with BitGravity, Inc. and Episodic, Inc. to enable this unique multi-media experience.

As part of STRIKEFORCE: All Access fans also will receive a live Twitter feed from the event and can join behind-the scenes staff in tweeting about “Strikeforce” and “SHOWTIME Sports” during the evening.

Through a Facebook® Connect application, fans will be able to make predictions, comment on the live fights, discuss outcomes and more directly on the All Access page.

Other features include professional and amateur photography from the spectacle in the arena. Images of the fights, fan interaction and backstage will be uploaded during the live event via Flickr, the popular image and video hosting website and online community.

The Dec. 19 fight card features the return of undefeated superstar and former STRIKEFORCE World Middleweight Champion Cung Le against power punching Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith. Le, one of the most prolific and exciting fighters in all of martial arts, will return to the cage for the first time since relinquishing his title to concentrate on a movie career. STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight Champion Josh “The Punk” Thomson will defend his title against top-seeded rival and Interim Champion Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez. Undefeated Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal will make his United States and STRIKEFORCE debut when he meets two-time NAIA wrestling All-American Mike Whitehead. Middleweight Matt “The Law” Lindland will battle highly regarded STRIKEFORCE newcomer Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza.

*Telecast airs live in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME (delayed on the West Coast); STRIKEFORCE: All Access will be webcast live in available countries at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.

CageCam® is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc.

About Strikeforce

Strikeforce is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, Strikeforce has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of Strikeforce, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

About Episodic, Inc.

The Episodic publishing platform enables the broadcast of live and on-demand video to any web site, mobile phone or Internet connected device. With Episodic, content producers are able to push video to their web properties, showcase content via social networks, and even build custom branded iPhone applications around their media. Episodic spans the video value chain, providing everything publishers need to manage, measure and monetize their content.

About BitGravity

BitGravity has built the first global content delivery network optimized to deliver affordable video on demand, live broadcasts in standard and high-definition, software applications, Web assets, and interactive applications. BitGravity is based in Burlingame, CA and is privately held, with strategic investment from Allen & Company, Tata Communications and private investors. www.BitGravity.com

SIX QUESTIONS WITH MATT LINDLAND WHO FACES STRIKEFORCE NEWCOMER “JACARE’’ SOUZA ON DEC. 19, 2009, SHOWTIME® CARD

Source - Strikeforce:

Tickets For STRIKEFORCE: Evolution On Sale NOW!

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2009) — Former Olympic wrestling medalist Matt “The Law” Lindland, who recently took a stab at the world of politics, answered Six Questions recently posed to him regarding his highly-anticipated return to mixed martial arts (MMA) action this Saturday during the live SHOWTIME® telecast of STRIKEFORCE: Evolution.

Lindland (21-6) will take on submission expert “Jacare” Souza (10-2) at middleweight (185 pounds) on the star-studded fight card being headlined by Cung Le vs. Scott Smith at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Lindland, the 2000 Olympic Games silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, holds wins against Pat Miletich, as well as former champion Carlos Newton and Jeremy Horn. Lindland is one of only two men to submit Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Travis Lutter.

QUESTION: How’s your training been going for Dec. 19?

LINDLAND: “How’s my training going? I answer those questions every day. Can’t you be a little more creative than that? My training is going good and if it wasn’t I’d lie to you anyway and tell you it was.”

QUESTION: OK. Fair enough. We’ll get right into the politics questions. In 2008 you won the primary for a seat on the Oregon House of Representatives but were defeated in the general election. What did you learn from that experience and how active are you currently in politics?

LINDLAND: “You know, I’m really not that active. I’m an activist. I’m a registered Republican and I just felt it was my civic duty to run. I felt like we did not have a qualified candidate to run. Would I run for politics again if I had to? Yeah, absolutely. I would first try and find someone more qualified than me to do it and get behind them and support them instead but if I felt there wasn’t anyone qualified then I would.

QUESTION: You must have learned a lot during your run in politics?

LINDLAND: “I did learn a lot about the political process. I learned it’s not about valuables and principles but how much money you can raise. Politics is dirtier then NHB (No Holds Barred) when fighting was first starting and there were no rules. Politics has fewer rules than that.”

QUESTION: Who is the toughest fighter you’ve ever faced?

LINDLAND: “I think it just really depends on what point of my career I was in. I mean, early in my career I faced the legend Pat Miletich (in 2003). Then I had to face Fedor Emelianenko (in 2007) who is the best heavyweight in the world. It just depends on where you’re at in your career and when you’re fighting these guys. But I guess the obvious answer would have to be Fedor. Everyone knows I’ve fought him and he’s a phenomenal fighter.”

QUESTION: You fought him in Russia. Was that tougher to do on his home soil than over here in the States? And would you like to face him again?

LINDLAND: “I think so. They don’t make calls in Russia when guys grab ropes and stuff. He’s in a different weight class now. It’s a fight I don’t need to take but I’ll fight whoever. It doesn’t matter to me.”

QUESTION: Do your two children James and Robin like and participate in mixed martial arts?

LINDLAND: “Robin is a sophomore and doing track and field. As far as martial arts goes she’s the highest ranked kid we’ve ever had come out of our kid’s program. Both kids are pretty active in studying the martial arts. It’s not something they’re pursuing long term but I think teaching martial arts to kids, any combative sport, is a must. It teaches them a lot of good principles.

Tickets for Dec. 19, priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion ticket office as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com).

Doors at HP Pavilion will open at 5 p.m. PT for the STRIKEFORCE: “Evolution” event presented by Rockstar Energy Drink and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6:00 PM, PT.

The live SHOWTIME telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

About STRIKEFORCE

STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose.

WWE(R) Thanks President Obama And General Petraeus For Holiday Messages

Source - World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn., Dec 17, 2009 -- World Wrestling Entertainment(R) would like to thank both President Obama and General Petraeus for providing the WWE(R) with taped, non-partisan holiday messages to the men and women in the US Armed Forces to be included in our annual special, "Tribute to the Troops," this Saturday on NBC at 9 PM ET. This marks the second year that the Commander in Chief has provided a special message for the troops.

For the last seven years, WWE has traveled to the Middle East to entertain troops serving overseas in appreciation for their service to our country. WWE would also like to thank all those responsible in the White House, First Lady's office and the US Central Command for making this happen.

The request process for the President's video began in April 2009, when WWE met with Trooper Sanders, Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady. WWE continued these discussions after Labor Day as requested. In November, WWE was pleased to receive confirmation from Matt Flavin, Director of Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy at the White House, that a Presidential message would be supplied for "Tribute to the Troops." WWE supplied background information, as well as our production and deadline needs. We received confirmation on Monday that President Obama's message had been taped, and it was delivered on Tuesday morning.

We are hopeful that everyone, especially the service men and women of the Armed Forces and their families, enjoy "Tribute to the Troops."

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE:WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Tokyo, Toronto and Sydney. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) can be found at corporate.wwe.com.

The Score Inks Canadian Content Agreement With World Extreme Cagefighting(R)

Source - Score Media Inc.:

Partnership expands multi-platform Mixed Martial Arts content on The Score and brings seven live fights to hardcore MMA fans

TORONTO, Dec. 17 - Score Media Inc. (TSX: SCR) today announced that it has inked an exclusive Canadian multi-platform partnership agreement with World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC(R)), one of the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) sports organizations. The deal, which kicks off in January 2010, brings seven live WEC fights, online content and exclusive features to The Score.

"WEC has attracted millions of fans around the world, and in Canada specifically. By adding this franchise to our existing line up of comprehensive MMA content, The Score strengthens its reputation as a destination for hardcore MMA fans," says Benjie Levy, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Score Media Inc.

Adding the WEC to The Score's mix of in-depth, multi-platform, original MMA content - headed up by Mauro Ranallo, one of North America's renowned MMA authorities - showcases The Score's commitment to continued investment in building a superior destination for MMA content.

"We are excited to have The Score as the official partner of World Extreme Cagefighting in Canada," says WEC Vice President, Peter Dropick. "As a dedicated supporter of MMA, The Score is the perfect choice to help us build the WEC franchise in the Canadian market."

On December 18th at 10pm ET, The Score will be kicking off its exciting WEC line up with WEC Best of 2009, a look back at WEC's most exciting fights of the past year.

And to catch the first live WEC fight of 2010, tune in on January 10th at 9pm ET.

For more information, please visit http://thescore.com/mma/

About Score Media Inc.

Score Media is a media company committed to delivering interactive and authentic sports entertainment. Created in 1997 in response to the growing desire for increased participation in the consumption of sports, the Company has now established itself as the home for hardcore sports fans. Score Media's primary asset, The Score Television Network ("The Score"), is a national specialty television service providing sports news, information, highlights and live event programming in more than 6.6 million homes across Canada. Score Media also operates Hardcore Sports Radio, a satellite radio network available across North America on SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and other interactive assets including theScore.com and Score Mobile. Growing from a team of 60 in 1997 to over 220 employees in 2009, Score Media is a revolutionizing interactive media company.

About World Extreme Cagefighting(R)

The WEC brand is recognized as one of the premier mixed martial arts organizations in the United States. WEC, founded in 2001, is the sister organization of the Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) and today features the most prominent light weight fighters in the world. Owned and operated by WEC Holdings LLC., and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., the WEC produces live and taped events annually that are distributed through the Versus network.WEC programming is also available on Fox Sports en Espanol. In addition to its U.S. distribution, WEC programming is shown on The Score in Canada, Setanta Sports in Australia, Globosat in Brazil, and Cadena Tres in Mexico. For more information and current WEC fight news, visit wec.tv. World Extreme Cagefighting(R) and WEC(R) are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by WEC Holdings, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions and are licensed to WEC Productions, LLC.

!BANG! TV Report - New Webisodes On !BANG! For Women's Championship 5 Girl Gauntlet Match Inside A Steel Cage

Source - Dory Funk Jr.:

!BANG! TV presents 10 Webisodes leading to Support Your Troops 47, "Hell's Bells" coming to the Funking Conservatory Thursday December 31st, All matches will take place inside a steel cage.

The Main Event will feature a Gauntlet Match Inside a Steel Cage for the Women's Championship. Participants include The "Wasilla Wrecker" Rachael Moore, Claudia "The Claw" Reiff, Sa-rah, Melissa Coates and "Rain."

Now on BANG! TV New Webisodes:

Women's Champion, "The Wasilla Wrecker, Rachael Moore and Claudia "The Claw" Reiff engage in a music video challenge and Damien Steele seeks the help of the "Wasilla Wrecker" to solicit information from current tag team champions, "The Cold Front," Jordan Vinson and Christian Norskog.

Also on !BANG! TV at http://www.dory-funk.com, From the Glory Days of All Japan Pro Wrestling - October 21st, 1985 Terry and Dory Funk teamed with Tiger Mask (Mitsuharu Misawa) to take on Terry Gordy, Chauvo Guerrero and Bill Robinson.

Misawa was trained by Giant Baba and Dory Funk Jr. in professional wrestling.

In all on !BANG! TV you can browse through 75 current webisodes and wrestling matches starring the wrestlers of the Funking Conservatory and superstars from the golden age of professional wrestling.

For ticket information to New Year's Eve Special - Support Your Troops 47, "Hell's Bells" and training schedules at the Funking Conservatory call 352-895-4658 or visit http://www.dory-funk.com.

Tickets may also be purchased at Pardee Moving and Self Storage of Ocala, Florida.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

SIX QUESTIONS WITH UNDEFEATED “KING MO” LAWAL WHO WILL OPPOSE “IRON” MIKE WHITEHEAD IN LIVE, SHOWTIME® TELEVISED STRIKEFORCE: EVOLUTION MATCHUP

Source - Strikeforce:

Tickets For STRIKEFORCE: Evolution On Sale NOW!

SAN JOSE, Calif., (Dec. 16, 2009) — Undefeated “King Mo” Lawal will make his STRIKEFORCE debut and only his second mixed martial arts MMA appearance in the United States when he meets two-time NAIA wrestling All-American “Iron” Mike Whitehead in one of five televised fights on SHOWTIME® on Saturday, Dec. 19, from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Lawal, a former three-time U.S. Senior National wrestling champion and former NCAA National collegiate wrestling champion (Central Oklahoma), recently signed a multi-fight agreement with STRIKEFORCE. He has been training in Southern California with fellow STRIKEFORCE competitors Jason “Mayhem” Miller, Benji Radach, and Fabricio Werdum, among others.

In his last fight, King Mo dusted aside MMA legend Mark Kerr in 25 seconds on Aug. 28. The charismatic, outspoken 28-year-old Lawal, whose public feud with Quinton “Rampage’’ Jackson has been well-documented, is currently living in Temecula, Calif., by way of Mufiesboro, Tenn.

He recently answered Six Questions posed to him regarding his upcoming matchup.

QUESTION: What do you think about your Dec. 19 opponent Mike Whitehead?

KING MO: “I think Mike Whitehead is a good fighter. I’m not going to change anything or do anything differently. I just have to fight smart. We were both college wrestlers and have similar backgrounds. It should be a great fight.”

QUESTION: You’re training with some incredible fighters in Orange County. How has that helped you and have they given you any advice?

KING MO: “It’s been great. You got guys like Dan Cormier, Benji Radach and “Mayhem” Miller. There’s just a lot of guys and a lot of them have experience fighting for STRIKEFORCE. I haven’t really asked for advice because everyone is different. I’ve fought in a lot of big venues myself and under a lot of stressful situations and a lot of places that were just overwhelming. I’ve wrestled in Iran and in Russia and fought in Budapest. I’ve seen it all as far as people rooting against me. So I think I have a lot to teach those guys, as well.”

QUESTION: “What about fighting in Tokyo. Did you enjoy that experience?

KING MO: “I loved fighting over there. The food, the people, and just experiencing a different culture. But I’m happy to be back and fighting in the States. This will be my second fight here (he knocked out Mark Kerr in Kansas City in August).”

QUESTION: You have expressed interest in fighting heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko. Do you think you’ll get a shot at him?

KING MO: “Well, we both have fights on the horizon that we have to take care of first. He’ll have his hands full against guys like Fabricio (Werdum) and (Alistair) Overeem. I know I have to keep winning and so does he. He’s not fighting very often so I don’t know. It’s up to STRIKEFORCE at this point.”

QUESTION: What are you like outside the cage when you’re not fighting?

KING MO: “I’m pretty boring. I don’t anything too exciting. I like to just chill and listen to music. I actually like to watch boxing on TV.”

QUESTION: Who are some of your favorite fighters?

KING MO: “I like Paul Williams, (Floyd) Mayweather, and (Manny) Pacquiao. I like to watch old tapes of (Muhammad) Ali, (Larry) Holmes. I like (Kelly) Pavlik and the Klitschko brothers. I like them all. And the SHOWTIME tournament with the Super Six has been great. I watched the (Andre) Ward-(Mikkel) Kessler fight. Like I said, I like it all.”

Tickets for Dec. 19, priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion ticket office as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com).

In the main event, undefeated former STRIKEFORCE World Middleweight (185 pounds) Champion Cung Le (6-0) will square off with hard-hitting Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (17-6). STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight Champion Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2) will battle Interim Lightweight Champion Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (16-2) in a long-awaited rematch to determine the undisputed king of STRIKEFORCE’s 155 pound division. Former United States Olympic wrestling silver medalist Matt “The Law” Lindland (21-6) will face off with submission expert “Jacare” Souza (10-2).

Doors at HP Pavilion will open at 5 p.m. PT for the STRIKEFORCE: “Evolution” event presented by Rockstar Energy Drink and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6:00 PM, PT.

The live SHOWTIME telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

About STRIKEFORCE

STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Association Launched

Source - Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Association:

The MMA Conditioning Association adds the science to the knockout and the submission.

December 14, 2009 - Orange County, California – Mixed Martial Arts (also known as MMA) has become the fastest growing sport in the world. By definition, mixed martial arts is a combination of other martial arts styles such as wrestling, boxing, karate and jiu jitsu. Since its inception in the early 1990s, MMA fans and fighters have come to realize that technique is not enough. It takes strength, power, agility, flexibility, nutrition and sports psychology. That is the reason for the development of the MMA Conditioning Association.

“We do not teach fighting tactics or strategies. We educate fighters, coaches, and trainers on the science and application of conditioning for MMA,” says Dr. John Spencer Ellis, CEO of the MMA Conditioning Association. “Graduates of the MMA Conditioning Coach Certification course will also learn cutting edge, effective MMA business and marketing strategies specific to the fast evolving MMA industry. It’s imperative that our members and graduates are financially successful, not just talented conditioning coaches,” adds Ellis.

The MMA Conditioning Coach Certification curriculum is delivered in a high-tech, comprehensive online format using audios, video, PDFs, Powerpoints, discussion groups and continuing education. The course takes well over 60 hours of study to complete.

If you are interested in completing this educational course, visit the official site http://www.mixedmartialartsconditioningassociation.com/

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Just A Small, Tiny, Minuscule Tidbit

I'm not in the mood to do any serious work, or anything, but just wanted to pass along that Chris Jericho will be featured in, and on the cover of, the March 2010 issue of 'Men's Fitness.'

Friday, December 11, 2009

Tequila CAZADORES(R) Presents MMA Fighter Frank Mir With The Ninth Authentic Spirit Award

Source - Tequila CAZADORES:

MIAMI, Dec. 11 -- Tequila CAZADORES®, the number-one premium tequila in the world(1) and Official Spirits Sponsor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® ("UFC®"), recognizes one UFC fighter each month with the Tequila CAZADORES Authentic Spirit Award. The fighter embodies the core values of the brand demonstrating an authentic spirit in heart, mind, body, and action.

The ninth recipient of the Tequila CAZADORES Authentic Spirit Award truly embodies the award in every aspect. Heavyweight fighter, Frank Mir will proudly accept this award at UFC 107 in Memphis, Tenn.

Born into a mixed martial arts family, Mir has studied multiple principles of the sport, perfecting various art forms throughout his life. After a near career-ending motorcycle accident in 2004, Mir continued to show he has the heart of a champion. Never giving up hope, Mir dedicated himself to making a comeback. Mir is a two-time former UFC Heavyweight Champion, who hopes to reclaim the UFC Heavyweight Title.

Frank Mir showcases his dedication through his performance both inside the Octagon(TM) and out, which include his charitable endeavors. Raising four kids with his wife Jennifer, Mir understands the importance of a strong family foundation. He has become an avid supporter of St. Jude's Ranch for Children, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve all abused, abandoned and neglected children and families, creating new chances, new choices and new hope in a safe, homelike environment. He actively contributes his time and energy to raise awareness to break the cycle of child abuse and provides help, hope and support to children and families of abuse. As winner of the Authentic Spirit Awards, Tequila CAZADORES will present Mir with an Authentic Spirit Award plaque and $1,000 donation made in his name to St. Jude's Ranch for Children in Nevada.

"As the ninth winner in this exciting program, Frank Mir has demonstrated how being passionate, dedicated and courageous can incite inspiration and hope in others," said Ariel Meyer, vice president and brand managing director, Tequila CAZADORES. "This reflects the core beliefs of our brand and demonstrates the success of both the program and sponsorship."

The Authentic Spirit Award is an honor that is presented to the UFC fighter who best exemplifies one of the following qualities: social responsibility, commitment to the MMA art form, or good sportsmanship. Each month the winning fighter will be presented with a plaque and a $1,000 check from Tequila CAZADORES to the fighter's charity of choice. These monthly awards will culminate with a larger award presented to the fighter who best exemplifies all the qualities over the course of the year. A $10,000 check from Tequila CAZADORES will be presented to this winner with the full proceeds benefiting the fighter's charity of choice.

Tequila CAZADORES is the Official Spirit Sponsor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® ("UFC®") through March 2010. UFC is the world's leading professional mixed martial arts organization ("MMA") that offers a premier series of MMA sporting events. The sponsorship will introduce the authentic experience and taste of Tequila CAZADORES to UFC adult fans (21+) around the world.

Handcrafted in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, the premier agave growing region, Tequila CAZADORES is an authentic 100% agave tequila deeply rooted in heritage. This makes it the best way to salute the authentic spirit of the UFC contenders.

About Tequila CAZADORES®

Tequila CAZADORES is the maker of the number-one premium tequila in the world(2) and the number-one Reposado Tequila in California(3). It is renowned as one of the most popular premium tequilas in Mexico. Tequila CAZADORES is made with 100 percent blue agave grown, harvested and distilled in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, recognized as the premier agave growing region in the world, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful taste. For additional information about Tequila CAZADORES please visit www.cazadores.com.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import, sales and marketing arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI® rum, the world's favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world's most awarded premium rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI® vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.

About The Ultimate Fighting Championship®

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® is the world's leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events. Owned and operated by Zuffa(TM), LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, Bell ExpressVU, SaskTel Max(TM), Shaw Pay-Per-View, Viewers Choice, and WOWOW in Japan, and Premiere Combate and SporTV in Brazil, and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world. For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit ufc.com or uk.ufc.com or ufcespanol.com.

DRINK RESPONSIBLY. DISFRUTE CON MODERACION

®2009 CAZADORES IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK AND THE DEER DEVICE IS A TRADEMARK. IMPORTED BY TEQUILA CAZADORES U.S.A., SEAL BEACH, CA. TEQUILAS - EACH 40% ALC. BY VOL.

Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa(TM), The Octagon(TM) and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners.

(1) 2007 International Wine & Spirit Record (IWSR)
(2) 2007 International Wine & Spirit Record (IWSR)
(3) 2009 The Nielsen Company

Note from Ric: Booze jockeys in support of Frank Mir? Sounds about right.

ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® AND REED EXHIBITIONS ANNOUNCE DATES FOR THE NEXT UFC® FAN EXPO™

Source - Ultimate Fighting Championship:

(LAS VEGAS, NV, December 11)- This past July, the first-ever UFC Fan Expo took the sports world by storm, as fans celebrated the past, present, and future of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. So by popular demand, the UFC, in partnership with Reed Exhibitions, has announced that the second UFC Fan Expo will take place May 28-29, 2010, back in Las Vegas, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

The jam-packed two-day event, occurring during Memorial Day Weekend 2010, will provide fans with the opportunity to experience a number of special events, fighter appearances, autograph signings, and training & development sessions with elite fighters and industry leaders.

Over 200 leading companies are expected to exhibit, covering 200,000 gross square feet of space, and will feature apparel, electronic gaming, food & beverages, fight gear, fitness equipment and supplies, nutritional supplements, lifestyle products, and much more.

"I was blown away by the response to the first UFC Fan Expo. We have the greatest fans in the world," said UFC President Dana White. "Our next Fan Expo is going to be another incredible event, we are taking it to the next level, and offering even more exciting ways to experience UFC."

“We’re excited to be coming back to Vegas and next year’s event is going to be bigger and better than the first time around,” said Ed Gallo, Event Director for UFC Fan Expo.

The inaugural UFC Fan Expo took place in July 2009 during the historic UFC 100 weekend, providing over 15 hours of keynote addresses, special events, and training & development sessions. It was also the site for the first Grappling Tournament ever held in conjunction with a UFC event. With so much in store for the second UFC Fan Expo, organizers expect the event to really be taken to the next level.

For more information on UFC Fan Expo and to purchase tickets, visit www.ufcfanexpo.com. To subscribe to the official UFC Fan Expo newsletter visit www.ufcfanexpo.com/newsletter. For companies interested in reserving space at this premier event, contact Ed Gallo, Event Director at 1-203-840-5546 or email egallo@ufcfanexpo.com.

About The Ultimate Fighting Championship®

UFC is the largest live pay-per-view provider in the world and the fastest growing main stream sports organization in history. Owned and operated by Zuffa™, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN Entertainment, BellTV, SaskTel Max™, Shaw Pay-Per-View, and Viewers Choice. International distributors include WOWOW in Japan, Premiere Combate and SporTV in Brazil, with worldwide distribution via the Internet on UFC.com and Yahoo! Sports. UFC content is distributed commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. UFC programming is distributed in 132 countries, territories and jurisdictions, reaching 415 million homes worldwide.

Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa®, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, registered service marks, trademarks, trade dress and/or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC and licensed to its affiliated entities and other licensees in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC, its affiliates or other respective owners.

About Reed Exhibitions

The UFC Fan Expo is operated by Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading events organizer, with over 470 events in 37 countries. In 2008, Reed brought together over seven million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today, Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organized by 38 fully staffed offices.

Reed organizes a wide range of events, including exhibitions, conferences, congresses and meetings. Its portfolio of over 470 events serves 44 industry sectors, including: Aerospace & aviation, automobiles, broadcasting, building & construction, electronics, energy, oil & gas, engineering, manufacturing, environment, food service & hospitality, gifts, healthcare, interior design, IT & telecoms, jewelry, life science & pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical education, printing & graphics, property & real estate, security & safety, sports & recreation, and travel. Working closely with professional bodies, trade associations and government departments Reed ensures that each and every event is targeted and relevant to industry needs. As a result, many Reed events are market leaders in their field.

Tonight's 'Inside MMA' On HDNet Features New Winner Of The Ultimate Fighter

Source - HDNet:

Roy Nelson joins Bas Rutten and Kenny Rice - Friday, December 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET

DALLAS, Dec. 11 -- WHAT: Tonight on HDNet's "Inside MMA," the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 10, Roy "Big Country" Nelson joins the panel fresh off his victory at last weekend's season finale. Nelson talks about his win over Brendan Schaub and where he stands against the rest of the UFC Heavyweight Division.

UFC veteran Frank Trigg and Fox Sports analyst Jay Glazer round out the panel as they breakdown the Ultimate Fighter Finale, preview "UFC 107: Penn v. Sanchez," and discuss MMA's emergence in pop culture's mainstream. Plus, Kruck's Corner heads to New Orleans to profile the amazing journey of UFC heavyweight Pat Barry.

WHEN: Friday, December 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net, twitter.com/hdnet) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring five regular season games from the Premiere Season of the United Football League. HDNet also features the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com, twitter.com/hdnetfights). "HDNet Fights" works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "New York Confessions," "Deadline" and "Get Out!" HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com, twitter.com/hdnetmovies) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies presents viewers with over one hundred films and an average of twenty-five "HD Premieres" each month. HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliated companies. To receive HDNet information via email, simply go to www.hd.net/listpage.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Review Of Ring Roast 2: Terry Funk DVD

Source - Alan J. Wojcik:

Last year Kayfabe Commentaries held a Ring Roast for the former WWE star the Iron Sheik. It was a DVD success thanks to Scott Hall being drunk and a rumored staged slap from the Sheik to the face of Brian Blair. So how do they top it? By putting a true legend on the Roast platform, former NWA World Heavyweight champion & "Hardcore Icon" Terry Funk. Ring Roast 2 is labeled as All Funked Up and its 2 disc of laughs, tears and thankfully no one slapping anyone...well there are plenty of verbal slaps.

Wrestling magazine legend Bill Apter once again hosts if you call what he does hosting. Here's the who's who that addressed Funk & the fans: comedians Ryan Maher, Matt Bridgestone & Sean Morton, part-time comedians King Kong Bundy & Mick Foley with wrestling legends & personalities Kevin Von Erich, Dennis Stamp, Kevin Sullivan, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Missy Hyatt, JJ Dillon, Mike Graham and New Jack. Like last year the comedians went for cheap shots at the panel and anyone else in wrestling they could hitting and missing. Maher takes his life in his hands joking about New Jack and enjoy the squirming on-camera. I gave the title of part-time comedians for Bundy & Foley since they still are somewhat active in wrestling & to be honest Bundy really wasn't funny. There could have been fireworks with New Jack's golden tongue but to the surprise of many, he kept in check praising Funk as someone who molded his career. All of the wrestlers gave stories of their interactions with Funk and took some shots at each others. Stamp will make you be close to tears talking about Funk's charitable contributions in and out of wrestling. Hyatt lived up to her reputation she seems to enjoy (if I have to explain you're not a wrestling fan.) If you liked the Sheik's DVD then buy this one..if you don't understand the concept of the DVD avoid it and look forward to the next Kayfabe releases like Guest Booker: Mike Graham and Missy Hyatt's Pajama Party which can be pre-ordered through www.kayfabecommentaries.com

Dory Funk Jr., Shane Chung And !BANG! TV Producer Marti Funk At K & S Wrestlefest, December To Remember

Source - Dory Funk Jr.:

Funking Conservatory World Champion, Shane Chung and !BANG! TV Producer, Marti Funk will be in attendance with WWE Hall of Famer, Former NWA World Champion, Funking Conservatory Wrestling Coach and Trainer of WWE Developmental Talent, Dory Funk Jr. at Wrestlefest, December to Remember this Saturday December 12.

You will love Wrestlefest: December to Remember. Come and spend a fun filled day on December 12, 2009 at the Radisson Hotel in Carteret N.J. Get out of the cold and spend the Holidays with K&S Wrestlefest. V.I.P. Guests.

Radisson Hotel
30 Minue Street
Carteret, N.J. 07008

K & S Wrestlefest VIP Guest List
WWE Hall of Famer, Former NWA World Champion - Dory Funk Jr
!BANG! TV Producer Marti Funk
!BANG! TV World Champion, Combat Veteran of Iraq, China's - Shane Chung
Ron & Don Harris
Oklahoma University Football Player, Steve "Dr. Death" Williams
"Superstar" Bill Dundee
"Dangerous" Danny Spivey
Moondog Rex (Randy Colley)
Jack Victory
Texas Football Interscholastic League History Expert, Skandor Akbar
Clarence Mason
Outback Jack
Simon Diamond
Johnny Swinger
Brad Armstrong
Tim Horner

K&S Wrestlefest Vendor Guests:
Marty Wright formally known in WWE as the "Boogeyman"
"Sweet" Stan Lane
Bobby "The Brain" Heenan
"Headbanger" - Mosh & Thrasher
Mike Sanders
Former WWE World Champion, The Iron Sheik
Greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, Honky Tonk Man
!BANG! TV's Heart Throbs - Roselli & Antonio Thomas
Greg "The Hammer" Valentine
Former NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion, Angelo Savoldi
Madison Rayne
Tito Santana, Former West Texas University All American (Football)
Rodney Mack
Nitro Girls - Spice & Chae
The Living Legend - Larry Zbysko
Oklahoma State Amateur Wrestler, WWE's Gerald Brisco
Bruce Prichard aka Brother Love
!BANG! TV's Awesome Kong
Christy Hemme
Funking Dojo's - Steve Blackman
Sonjay Dutt
Jazz
Angelina Love
So Cal Val
Roxxi Laveaux
David Sammartino

December 12, 2009 at the Radisson Hotel in Carteret N.J.

More information on Wrestlefest December to Remember 2009 at http://www.dory-funk.com or visit the Wrestlefest Website at http://www.kandswrestlefest.com/

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

UFC Champ Tito Ortiz Opens Up During Best Heads Up Poker Match Of Season "Wrestling Saved My Life"

Source - PokerStars:

Supermodel Joanna Krupa Impresses With Her Poker Prowess -- Most-Watched Poker TV Show in History Airs New Episode on Sunday, Dec. 13 on FOX

LOS ANGELES, CA--(December 9, 2009) - PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge, the runaway most-watched poker television series in U.S. history, whose three episodes rank 1-2-3 in most number of viewers, returns on Sunday, December 13 with the most emotionally charged show of the season. PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge airs immediately after NFL on FOX coverage.*

Audience members at the taping of the PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge's fourth show still aren't sure which was more surprising: UFC Champion Tito Ortiz baring his soul to his opponent, or supermodel Joanna Krupa acting as if poker, not modeling, is her profession.

In a first round heads up match against a college wrestling coach, Ortiz opened up about the impact the sport has had on his life and his career.

"Wrestling is what saved my life," said Ortiz, in the middle of playing a hand. "I was a kid who was on the streets. My parents weren't ready to grow up, you could say. They had a drug habit and wrestling is what saved me. I got into wrestling, it kept me off the streets, kept me out of gangs. It changed my whole life completely."

But just as impressive as Ortiz's honesty, are the skills he showcases in his opening round match. In what may arguably be the best heads up televised poker game of the year, Ortiz and his opponent go on a ridiculous roller coaster ride of great plays, monster suck outs and incredible calls that promise to keep poker fans on the edge of their seats throughout the show.

Fellow celebrity Joanna Krupa, the current Playboy cover model, was no less impressive. Named Maxim's Sexiest Swimsuit Model in the World and a recent Dancing with the Stars contestant, Krupa shows she has a second career on the felt should she ever decide to stop modeling.

Krupa, who played in the 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event, and has long been a fan favorite in the poker community, mixes up her game, alternating conservative and aggressive play to keep her opponent off balance. The fact that she's breathtakingly beautiful doesn't make it any easier for her opponents to get any tells.

Krupa and Ortiz star in the fourth installment of the PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge, hosted by FOX's Chris Rose and featuring Daniel "Kid Poker" Negreanu, as online qualifiers from around the country vie for their chance to play Negreanu one-on-one for $1,000,000.

Getting to the grand prize match won't be easy: Contestants face a gauntlet of heads up matches, win and advance. Lose and go home:

-- Round 1: Take on Krupa or Ortiz in a fast-paced match. At least the contestants have the benefit of Negreanu coaching them at the table.

-- Round 2: Face off against 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion Chris Moneymaker, 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion Joe Cada, or rising poker star and Go Daddy girl Vanessa Rousso. In this round, Negreanu helps the contestants from a specially designed isolation booth, where he can see the player's hole cards and talk directly to them privately.

-- Round 3 and Round 4: Back-to-back heads up matches against four-time WSOP bracelet winner Negreanu.

Plus, the PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge wouldn't be complete without something for poker fans at home. Viewers will have a chance to enter a freeroll tournament on PokerStars.net as part of the PokerStars.net $100,000 giveaway. Twice during each show, PokerStars.net will announce a special contest that will give viewers a chance to win easy money.**

*Check local listings. PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge will air before NFL action in some markets.

**Go to Pokerstars.net for a full list of contest rules and qualifications.

About PokerStars.net:

PokerStars.net is the world's largest online poker school with over 26 million members worldwide. It's the premier destination for the world's top players -- with numerous tournaments running every day. PokerStars.net is renowned for offering the best software and security in the online poker world. PokerStars.net:

-- Has dealt over 32 billion hands

-- Has run more than 190 million poker tournaments

-- Holds the Guinness Book of World Records for 'Largest Online Poker Tournament' and 'Most Players at an Internet Poker Room'

PokerStars.net is the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour, PokerStars.net Caribbean Adventure, Latin American Poker Tour, Asia Pacific Poker Tour and The World Cup of Poker. PokerStars.net is the home of Team PokerStars.net Pro, a group of over 30 veteran and up-and-coming players from around the world who play online at PokerStars.net and are sponsored by the site in international tournaments around the world. For more information please visit www.pokerstars.net.

CUNG LE, SCOTT SMITH, JOSH THOMSON, GILBERT MELENDEZ CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS

Source - Strikeforce:

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009

Highlights from Wednesday’s conference call to discuss the Saturday, Dec. 19, STRIKEFORCE: “Evolution.” Taking part in the call were Cung Le (6-0), Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (17-6), Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2) and Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (16-2). The latter two will battle for the STRIKEFORCE world lightweight championship and the five-fight card will be televised on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

The event will take place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. The other televised bouts include: Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (10-2) vs. Matt “The Law" Lindland (21-6); “King Mo" Lawal (5-0) vs. "Iron" Mike Whitehead (24-7) and "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (16-5) vs. Trevor Prangley (22-5).

Tickets for Dec. 19, priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion ticket office as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com).

The first preliminary, non-televised bout will begin at 5 p.m. PT.

Since winning the Strikeforce middleweight title in March 2008, Le has not fought, concentrating instead on an acting career. This will mark his return to the cage.

Highlights of what Le and the other fighters had to say Wednesday:

CUNG LE

“This is sooner than I expected to come back. I expected to come back next year but I had a movie project that got pushed back. It’s (Dec. 19) a little earlier than I expected but it’s good to be back. I’m excited.

“I’m just going to do one fight at a time. After Dec. 19 I’ll see what’s going on. I’m committed to a couple of movie projects next year but I do want to fight next year but let’s get through this fight first.

“Each one of these fights could be a main event. You have like five fights in one night that could be a main event. Being the main event, Scott Smith and I have a tall task ahead of us.

“I don’t think it’s that hard of a transition to go into movies for an MMA fighter. The hard transition will be if you’re able to get the bigger roles and establish yourself as a good actor and having the producers and directors trust you to deliver the good acting and the action. That’s the big part of the transition.

“It was hard to vacate the belt. (But) it was definitely the honorable thing to do. After 17, 18 months off and running around and doing movies I didn’t feel like it was fair to all the middleweight contenders to fight for interim belts so I decided to give it up because I thought I’d be doing a movie but the project got pushed back till next year.

“I’m a martial artist first before being an actor and I love to compete. I know I can’t do this forever so I want to do it now. This is an opportunity for me to compete and I’m just excited to be back fighting a top contender like Scott Smith.

“I think the San Jose fans can compete with the best anywhere. It’s really never-wracking for me to compete there. I think the HP Pavilion is just a great place to compete.’’

SCOTT SMITH

“I’m really excited to be a part of this show. Any of these fights could be the headliner so I’m honored to be headlining on this card.

“I think both of our ground games are a little underrated. I like this fight with Cung Le because he’s a banger and I know he wants to go out there and put on a good show. I think we’re going to complement each other on this fight.

“Cung’s a very tough fighter to fight. My coaches have been watching a lot of film and I have too. I’m one of those fighters who has to look at what my opponent does but I have to be more concerned about what I do best and make sure I’m able impose my will.

“I’ve been pretty fortunate to get some pretty high profile fights. I think this is the biggest fight I’ve ever had.”

JOSH THOMSON

“I’m going to try and get through this week without injury. I wouldn’t have it any other way fighting who I consider the best fighter in Strikeforce in my division and obviously the No. 1 contender and the former champ. Gilbert is a great person and a great fighter and I’m honored to be fighting him.

“This is a completely different fight than the last fight. I didn’t even watch the last fight. Gilbert, I think, is a different fighter. I think he’ll come in with a different mentality and a different mindset. I don’t want to look at the past. I have to be sure I bring it home again and I’m not really looking at the last fight as a measuring stick whatsoever. It’s going to be a different Gilbert and a different fight.

“I don’t want the media to make any excuses if I go out there and he beats me fair and square. I don’t want people thinking that he beat me because I had all this time off or ring rust or whatever. I’m telling you right now I’m 100 percent. I’m ready to fight and if he beats me it’s because he was the better fighter that night. There is nothing else to it. I want to make that clear to the media now and to everyone who talks to me and to all my friends even and even to the guy who comes up to me in an alleyway and says something to me. I’m 100 percent, I’m ready to fight and I’m ready to bring my title home. If he beats me it’s because he was the better fighter.”

GILBERT MELENDEZ

“I think Scott and I are a great matchup. This is going to be a five-round war. I know we’ve been talking about this for awhile now and we’re both ready. I expect a lot of fireworks out there.

“There’s no question I’m here to win. I’m in it to win it for sure. Josh is right. I’m a different man. It’s almost been two years since we last fought and it’s also been two years for Josh so I know that’s he’s a two-year better fighter as well.

“What I learned from that last fight? If I’m going to be in this sport I have to bring my A game every time. Josh took it to me every round last time. Now I’m going to be more prepared. What I learned was I want to be a fighter and if I want to be a true fighter I have to bring my A game every time.”

About the fight being delayed because of Josh Thomson’s injury:

“I feel like it was a blessing in disguise and that the fight is now. Of course, you never wish an injury on anyone and Josh is such a great guy but the fact that it happened twice has allowed me to even get that much better. Those two fights I had were maybe what I needed to build up to Josh and rightfully earn a rematch for the title.

“I know Josh was injured for sure. I know people talk crap but I never bought into it. You can never underestimate Josh and I know he’s a warrior. I’m happy this time has come and I’m happy that I get the chance to prove I deserve a shot at the rematch and just really looking forward to putting on a better performance than last time.”

What happened the last time you two fought?

“I don’t think it was a bad night. I think it was more of a bad training camp. When you work hard it shows in there and Josh put in the work and it showed. That’s why he came out on top. I need to put in a little more time a little more intelligence. There’s no such thing as a bad night. I hope this time it’s a different story.”

MIKE AFROMOWITZ, Strikeforce Director Of Communications

“I think we’ve made an investment to signing more talent this year and I think you’re going to see more exciting matchups in the future between top fighters. There’s going to be a lot of great things to come.

“I think that Strikeforce has built a strong track record and our record speaks for itself. Strikeforce has been around since 1994 and we have a good relationship with our fighters and we’re going to just keep moving forward.

“Signing Dan Henderson is huge signing for us. Dan is a superstar and a great addition to our roster. He’s a great ambassador to the sports inside and outside of the cage and we’re looking forward to seeing him fight in 2010.”

About STRIKEFORCE

STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose ’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Bellator Fighting Championships Signs U.S. Olympian And NCAA Champion Ben Askren

Source - Bellator Fighting Championships:

CHICAGO, Dec 09, 2009 -- Bellator Fighting Championships announced Wednesday the signing of highly touted MMA prospect Ben Askren to an exclusive long-term agreement.

Askren is a U.S. Olympian who competed in the 2008 Beijing Games in freestyle wrestling. While wrestling at the collegiate level at the University of Missouri, Askren won two NCAA Division I titles. Since announcing his plans to cross over into professional mixed martial arts after the conclusion of the Beijing Games, Askren has been one of the most sought-after free agents in the sport.

Known for his unorthodox fighting style and world class credentials, Askren, 25, is slated to compete in Bellator’s welterweight (170 lbs.) division tournament. The promotion will kick off its second season on April 8, 2010 and will conduct eight-man tournaments in the featherweight (145 lbs.), lightweight (155 lbs.), welterweight (170 lbs.), and middleweight (185 lbs.) divisions to determine the No. 1 ranked challengers to face Bellator’s current champions.

In February 2009, Askren, who is known as “Funky,” made his professional MMA debut and has since compiled an undefeated record of 3-0. MMAJunkie.com has labeled him as “one of the top prospects in all of mixed martial arts,” while BloodyElbow.com called his abilities “mesmerizing.”

“I am very happy to welcome Ben to Bellator,” said Bjorn Rebney, founder and CEO of Bellator Fighting Championships. “Ben’s an exciting fighter with unlimited potential and an unparalleled list of Olympic and collegiate accomplishments. We believe he can become a true force in this sport. As an MMA fan, I can’t wait for Ben’s first fight in our tournament on FOX Sports Net, NBC and Telemundo this April.”

As the nation’s top MMA prospect, Askren joins a Bellator roster that includes elite fighters such as Eddie Alvarez (155 lbs. champion), Hector Lombard (185 lbs. champion), Lyman Good (170 lbs. champion), Joe Soto (145 lbs. champion) and many others.

Askren’s signing is the latest in a series of major offseason Bellator announcements that include the promotion’s historic new TV distribution alliance with FOX Sports Net, NBC and Telemundo. Bellator Season 2 begins April 8, 2010 and will run for 12 weeks. It will be followed by Bellator Season 3, which is slated to begin on Aug. 12, 2010 and will also run for 12 successive weeks.

Askren said the national TV alliances were a key factor in his decision to sign with Bellator.

“I like that my fights are going to broadcast nationally, I like the tournament-style format and I love the opportunity to be a part of something exciting and new,” he said. “I plan on winning Bellator. My goal, as it always has been, is to be the best in the world.”

Askren, who was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and grew up outside of Milwaukee, Wis., now lives in Phoenix and trains at the renowned Arizona Combat Sports gym. In addition to the wrestling techniques he honed at the collegiate and Olympic levels, he holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Askren is also engaged to be married on April 9th, one day after Bellator’s Season 2 premiere.

“My fiancé doesn’t really like the whole getting punched in the face thing, but she accepts it and is excited for me to continue to compete in MMA for Bellator.”

Each of Bellator’s 24 fights during Seasons 2 and 3 will be distributed live in primetime on Thursday nights on FOX Sports Net and its regional sports network affiliates. The top moments from each week’s live events will then be condensed into an action-packed 30-minute highlight show, broadcast every Saturday night, late night, on NBC. A one-hour highlight show will air in Spanish on Telemundo every Saturday night from midnight to 1 a.m. Each of the three broadcasts will be aired in high definition.

For more information, please visit Bellator.com.

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company with offices in Los Angeles and Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

Dory Funk's Corner - A World Class Wrestler And His Hairdresser

Source - Dory Funk Jr.:

In 1972, Giant Baba sent Jumbo Tsuruta to the Amarillo Territory for training in professional wrestling. Jumbo was a former Greco Roman Olympic Wrestler. Jumbo became one of the most popular and loved professional wrestlers ever in Japan.

In 1976 All Japan Pro Wrestling sent Sumo Wrestling Star, Genichiro Tenryu to the Amarillo Territory to be trained in Professional Wrestling. Nearing the end of his training period I noticed a small Japanese person traveling with Tenryu. The rumor was that it was Tenryu's Hair Dresser.

I wondered why He would have someone come all the way from Japan to fix his hair.

Hereford, Texas (A small town but good draw for professional wrestling) was running on a Saturday night and at the Amarillo Wrestling Office we received word that one of the wrestlers was sick and would not be making his shot in Hereford.

I didn't see that as a problem as Tenryu was still in town and could easily make the shot before leaving for Japan the following Monday. I asked our Assistant / Referee, Ken Farber to give Tenryu a call and have him work the shot in Hereford.

Ken made the call, then informed me that Tenryu's Hair Dresser had already left for Japan and Tenryu couldn't mess his hair up before leaving for Japan.

I told Ken, "Hell he can go to Bobbie's Beauty Shop down on 10th street and I will pay for his haircut. Tell him to make the shot in Hereford."

After speaking with Tenryu, Ken Farber came back to me and explained that Tenryu's Hair Dresser was specially trained in preparing Sumo Wrestler's Hair. In Japan there would be a special Sumo Ceremony of the Cutting of Tenryu's Hair symbolic of the end of his career in Sumo Wrestling and the beginning of His new career as a Professional Wrestler.

Alex Perez was off that night and was happy to work the Saturday night shot in Hereford, Texas.

Genichiro Tenryu became one of the greatest pro wrestlers in Japan forming a very popular team of Jumbo Tsuruta and Genichiro Tenryu.

Now on !BANG! TV, From Japan - Giant Baba and Dory Funk Jr. facing two of his best students, Genichiro Tenryu and Jumbo Tsuruta. Click on the !BANG! TV Logo at http://www.dory-funk.com.

ALL MATCHES INSIDE A STEEL CAGE.
The next !BANG! TV Taping, Support Your Troops 47, "Hell's Bells" comes to the Funking Conservatory Sound stage Thursday December 31st.

For ticket information to !BANG! TV and training schedules at the Funking Conservatory, call 352-895-4658.

Dory Funk Jr. is a WWE Hall of Famer, Coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and trainer of WWE Developmental Talent. http://www.dory-funk.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Minnesota Casino Hosting MMA Cage Event

Source - Treasure Island Resort & Casino:

RED WING, Minnesota, Dec 07, 2009 -- On Friday night, December 11 at 7 p.m. the Treasure Island Event Center will host a spectacular Mixed Martial Arts Cage Fighting event featuring MMA Super Star and UFC veteran Joe "Diesel" Riggs, who will take on Ray Steinbess (14-3) in a battle that sends the winner to Strikeforce on Showtime in January, 2010.

Riggs fought in Minnesota 6 years ago and is thrilled to be coming back. This will be the first time they have faced each other in the cage and should be a battle of epic proportions. Another feature bout is Strikeforce veteran Kaitlin Young (who fought superstar Gina Currano almost a year ago) is back and ready to make her run for the Strikeforce title as she takes on undefeated Muay Thai phenom Shana Olson. Olson is looking forward to competing against a fighter of Young's caliber because a victory would propel her to the next level in the sport.

Scheduled fighters* include Joe "Diesel" Riggs, Ray Steinbess, Drew Wells, Shane Emmons, Isaiah Larson, Mike VanMere, Kaitlin Young, Shana Olson, Mike Downey, Derrick Smith, Derrick Abrahms, Ryan Stock, Phil White, Rich McParland, Nate Schut and Steve Merth.

The action starts early when you attend the MMA Cage Fight weigh-in party on Thursday, December 10 at 7 p.m. Join us in the Parlay Lounge for drink specials, prizes and more as your favorite fighters prepare for Friday night's event.

Treasure Island's new Island Event Center will have special seating for this event on Friday, December 11. A seating chart is available online at www.treasureislandcasino.com. Ringside tickets are $50, $30 for regular seating and $15 for bleachers and are available at the Island Box Office or by calling 1-877-849-1640.

Treasure Island Resort & Casino is the only casino resort in southern Minnesota located on the Mississippi River. Treasure Island offers guests some of the best gaming, accommodations, food service and nationally known entertainment in the casino industry. Recently, Treasure Island was awarded the Official Best Casino of Minnesota and Sexiest Casino. Guests can relax in Treasure Island's luxurious 480-room hotel and take in a show in the new 3,000-seat Island Event Center. Additional guest amenities include a 137-slip marina, 95-site RV-park, a 120-passenger cruise yacht and Island Xtreme Bowl, a 24 Brunswick™ Lane bowling center, arcade and lounge.

MMA SUPERSTAR, FORMER U.S. OLYMPIC WRESTLER DAN HENDERSON SIGNS WITH STRIKEFORCE

Source - Strikeforce:

NEW YORK (Dec. 7, 2009)–Four-time mixed martial arts (MMA) world champion and two-time United States Olympic wrestler Dan Henderson will enter a new chapter in his legendary career after signing a multi-fight agreement with world championship MMA promotion STRIKEFORCE.

Henderson, the only fighter in history to simultaneously hold two titles in two different weight classes – the welterweight (183 pounds) and light heavyweight (205 pounds) crowns - with a major MMA promotion – PRIDE Fighting Championships – will enter the STRIKEFORCE cage after earning “Knockout of the Night” honors with his stunning second-round KO (3:20) over Michael “The Count” Bisping at UFC 100 in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 11, 2009.

“I'm very happy to be a part of STRIKEFORCE and their partnership with CBS and SHOWTIME®,” said the 39-year-old Henderson, who represented The United States in Greco-Roman wrestling in both the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics.

“STRIKEFORCE and its growing roster of world class talent will offer me many exciting fights and has the ability to bring many new fans from all around the world to mixed martial arts. I am grateful to (STRIKEFORCE Founder and CEO) Scott Coker for the opportunity to help make this happen and for treating me with the utmost respect throughout our negotiations.

“I’d also like to thank Dana (White) and the UFC for the opportunities they provided me and I wish them ongoing success. I’ll continue to watch their events and I hope they’ll tune in to my fights in STRIKEFORCE. After all, I’m a true fan of our fantastic sport and would love only to see MMA continue to grow.”

“We are excited to welcome Dan Henderson to STRIKEFORCE,” said Coker. “Dan is one of the world’s premiere fighters who has lived out an extraordinary career. We are looking forward to having him compete for us.”

At both Cal State Fullerton and Arizona State University, Henderson established himself as a force in collegiate wrestling, reaching the NCAA championships in 1993.

In 1997, Henderson entered the world of MMA, winning the Brazil Open, a four-man heavyweight tournament. One year later, he was the victor of the UFC 17 tournament, defeating both Allan Goes and Carlos Newton in the same night on May 15, 1998.

Following a stellar six plus year career with the now-defunct, Japan-based PRIDE Fighting Championships where he conquered a number of all-time greats including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva, and Vitor Belfort, Henderson re-entered UFC. He was selected to serve as coach of Team USA on the ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter reality series, which premiered on Spike TV on April 1, 2009.

STRIKEFORCE in March 2009 signed a multi-year agreement to stage live MMA events on premium cable television network SHOWTIME. The promotion made its live, primetime debut on CBS with the “Fedor vs. Rogers” mega-fight that it co-promoted with M-1 Global on Saturday, November 7 and generated 5.46 million viewers for the main event between the world’s number one heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko, and superstar Brett “The Grim” Rogers.

About STRIKEFORCE

STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose.