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

Friday, July 31, 2009

RIP: Jack Lee

Jack Lee, known predominantly for his work as a harness-racing announcer, passed away (of unknown causes) on Thursday.

Lee, 73 (who retired from that sport about eleven-years ago and had been living in Florida), also had a tie to pro wrestling. For a brief period in the 1970s, Lee served as a World Wrestling Federation ring announcer, when the WWF ventured to Madison Square Garden (predating Howard Finkel, who continue to work for Vince McMahon).

FRANKLIN VS BELFORT TO HEADLINE UFC 103

For Immediate Release
July 31, 2009

LIVE FROM THE AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – It’s a staple on the list of most longtime UFC fans’ favorite images – Vitor Belfort, just 20 years old, blasting through his opponents with blistering hand speed and power. These displays rightfully earned him the nickname of ‘The Phenom,’ and even as he matured into a man who eventually held the UFC light heavyweight title in 2004, the fans never left his side. On September 19th, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Belfort returns to the Octagon for the first time in over four years to take on former middleweight champion Rich Franklin in the light heavyweight main event of UFC 103.

The announcement came today from UFC President Dana White, as he explained why a rematch between Franklin and Dan Henderson was replaced at the top of the UFC 103 bill.

“When we announced that Rich Franklin was fighting Dan Henderson, there was some backlash, and people didn’t like it,” said White. “So we went out and just signed Vitor Belfort. The fans didn’t like the card, we changed it and it’s now Rich Franklin vs Vitor Belfort headlining in Dallas.”

Born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Belfort (18-8) burst onto the world scene in February of 1997 with blistering stoppages of Tra Telligman and Scott Ferrozzo on the UFC 12 card that lasted a combined two minutes. Three months later, he destroyed Tank Abbott in less than a minute before an upset loss to Randy Couture at UFC 15 in October of 1997.

Belfort would log two more UFC wins over Joe Charles and Wanderlei Silva before traveling to Japan to fight in the PRIDE organization. There, Belfort went 4-1 with his only loss coming to Japanese superstar Kazushi Sakuraba.

In 2002, he returned to the UFC, with wins over Marvin Eastman and Couture (the latter earning him the UFC 205-pound title) sandwiched by losses to Couture, Chuck Liddell, and Tito Ortiz. After the close loss to Ortiz at UFC 51 in 2005, Belfort again took his show on the road, defeating UFC vets Terry Martin and Ivan Serati along the way. In his most recent bout, on January 24th, Belfort scored a spectacular 37 second knockout of Matt Lindland in the Affliction organization. In fact, Belfort, who has won four straight, has scored KOs or TKOs in seven of his last eight victories, proving once and for all that “The Phenom” is back.

“Vitor’s been on a streak again, and he’s back mentally and physically,” said White. “His contract came up and we were interested. I’ve been hinting around at bringing him back, we got it done and it worked out. I think him and Rich is a fun fight.”

Tickets for UFC 103: Franklin vs Belfort, are on sale now and are priced at $450, $350, $250, $150, $100 and $50. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, AmericanAirlinesCenter.com, American Airlines Center Box Office and by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Prices do not include service charges.

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™, 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, BellTV, SaskTel Max™, 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.

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.

Source: Ultimate Fighting Championship

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend

STAMFORD, Conn., Jul 31, 2009 -- World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) today declared the Company's regular quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share on its Class A shares of common stock. As previously announced, members of the McMahon family have waived $0.12 per share of the dividends. As a result, all Class A and Class B shares owned by the McMahon family will instead receive dividends in the amount of $0.24 per share. The record date for the dividend will be September 15, 2009, and the payment date will be September 25, 2009.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

Source: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

Mike The Pike Productions, Inc. Sets Stage For The Cage To Help Fight Human Trafficking

MTP Partners With MMA Event Pros for Event to Feature Music and Mixed Martial Arts Competition

FORT WAYNE, IN, July 31, 2009 - Mike The Pike Productions, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: PINR) CEO/President, Mark B. Newbauer, announces that executives for MTP have unanimously agreed on Mixed Martial Arts to be the focus of their next event which will be tied to an awareness campaign on human trafficking.

"MMA events have proven to be some of the most profitable of all time when produced by seasoned promoters with good contacts in the industry. It's no secret that this is a necessary ingredient for profitability. MTP has had several discussions with promoters to find the right fit in fulfilling this need and we were fortunate enough to have met Mike and Kristi Bowersock of Dragons Den MMA for a win-win. We'll also be reaching out to our contacts at Artists for Amnesty of Amnesty International (www.artistsforamnesty.org) and Polaris Project (www.polarisproject.org) for the event to ensure mass awareness on a topic that is only now surfacing as the epidemic it has become," states Newbauer.

This event will be entertainment with wide appeal in that the two companies are merging their abilities for an all-out MMA event to feature top-name musical acts, celebrity attendees, guest judges and national sponsorships. The two companies are also planning for pay-per-view streaming and/or HDNet broadcast opportunities with this event, which will be set for Fall 2009.

The Bowersocks have been promoting MMA events for over 10 years and are responsible for the first sanctioned MMA fight in the state of Indiana. Their events roster lists over 100 fight galas including worldwide Pay-Per-View events such as their recent success at the Star Plaza Theater outside of Chicago, IL featuring pro-fighters from UFC, Pride and K1. The couple is well known for their Full Contact Fight Series in the Midwest which is often featured internationally on www.mixedmartialarts.com. Both previous MMA fighters turned instructors; they've also trained several fighters with prominent presence in the UFC.

The couple is thrilled to be working with Mike The Pike Productions in structuring a co-venture that will be "spectacular for everyone involved," says Kristi. "We are excited to be working with Mike The Pike Productions on this event. The professionalism from Mark's team including Kelsi Velpel and (MTPs Fort Wayne Promotions Associate) Jake Slater is second to none. The promotions business is some murky waters and it's refreshing to see someone with the passion, integrity and capabilities presented by this team. The co-venture will be a success, no question."

Details on the event will be released as planning stages progress and Mike The Pike Productions continues to fulfill paperwork requirements to FINRA toward a ticker symbol change for PINR. As well, the company plans to release financial projections for its first two features in development, 'Dresden Sun' and 'Fish in a Barrel.' "These aren't just numbers based on previous films. We'll be conservative in our estimates based on intended cast as submitted to distribution contacts based on accurate worldwide numbers as to the value of cast vs. genre," states Newbauer.

Want to know what MTP is all about? Check out www.mikethepikeprods.com

MTP productions can also be followed on Twitter @MTPPRODS

Safe Harbor: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approvals for anticipated actions.

Source: Mike The Pike Productions, Inc.

M-1 GLOBAL ISSUES NEW STATEMENT REGARDING UFC NEGOTIATIONS

Due to a large amount of media requests, M-1 Global Co-Owner and President Vadim Finkelchtein has released the following statement in response to questions regarding an update on the status of contract talks between Fedor Emelianenko and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

"There have been recent reports stating that talk between M-1 Global and the UFC regarding Fedor fighting in the UFC have ended. Like some of the other reports that have surfaced, this is incorrect.

"It is unfortunate that so much incorrect information has been leaked to the public. It is M-1's preference not to negotiate in public and we are unsure why people claim that Fedor and M-1 turned down a six fight, $30 million contract to fight in the UFC when no such offer was ever made.

"Even though Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White did not meet with Fedor in person on Tuesday, they were represented over the phone. Outside of representatives of the UFC and M-1, no other company was represented during our negotiations. Since we did not go to the media with details of the meeting and only responded to the erroneous reports, we are unsure how these reports started.

"It's unfortunate because these type of tactics will not help ensure that M-1's talks with the UFC are fruitful. M-1 Global is still interested in continuing to negotiate with the UFC and while we are fielding offers from other major promotions, nothing has been decided. It is our hope that the UFC will remain in active dialogue with us as we try to find ways for us to work together. All we are asking is that there is give-and-take in the negotiations and that they are not one-sided."

- Vadim Finkelchtein, Co-owner/President
M-1 Global

Source: M-1 Global

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Total Viewership For CNBC's 'Ultimate Fighting: Fistful Of Dollars'

Last night's hour-long follow-up to their 2007 piece (which continues to air, at random times, through August 25), managed to pull in three-hundred-twenty-four-thousand people, according to Nielsen Media Research's data.

I don't know what the rating and share were, nor do I care, and I have no idea how that number compares to how the news net usually fares.

MITSUHIRO ISHIDA TO REPLACE INJURED JOSH THOMSON AND WILL FIGHT GILBERT MELENDEZ ON STRIKEFORCE: “CARANO VS. CYBORG”, SATURDAY, AUG. 15, AT HP PAV ...

MITSUHIRO ISHIDA TO REPLACE INJURED JOSH THOMSON AND WILL FIGHT GILBERT MELENDEZ ON STRIKEFORCE: “CARANO VS. CYBORG”, SATURDAY, AUG. 15, AT HP PAVILION IN SAN JOSE, CALIF.

Historic STRIKEFORCE Event Will Now Include Rematch Between Ishida and Melendez for Melendez’ Interim Lightweight Belt After Thomson Unable to Get Medical Clearance to Fight

SAN JOSE, Calif. (July 30, 2009) – It looks like Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez will get his rematch with Japanese wrestling expert Mitsuhiro Ishida a little sooner than he expected.

STRIKEFORCE announced on Thursday that Ishida will replace the injured Josh “The Punk” Thomson, owner of the STRIKEFORCE lightweight belt who was unable to get medical clearance for an injured leg. Ishida and Melendez will battle for Melendez’ interim lightweight title on the Saturday, Aug. 15, “Carano vs. Cyborg” show at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

SHOWTIME will televise the bouts during a telecast that will begin at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

San Francisco’s Melendez (15-2) lost a unanimous decision to Ishida (18-5-1) in Saitama, Japan, on Dec. 31, 2007, for the first loss of his career.

In his last fight on STRIKEFORCE, Ishida submitted Justin Wilcox in the first round at “Strikeforce at the Mansion II” on Sept. 20, 2008. After four wins in five fights, Ishida recently suffered a TKO loss to Mizuto Hirota at a May Shooto event.

Tickets start at $30 and are available at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070), all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and the official STRIKEFORCE website (www.strikeforce.com).

The undefeated Carano (7-0) and her top rival, Cyborg (7-1), are slated to battle five, 5-minute rounds in the first-ever fight for the STRIKEFORCE Women’s 145-Pound World Title. The matchup also represents the first women’s main event on a major MMA fight card.

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®.

Source: Strikeforce

WWE Releases Brian Kendrick ...

And, for Christ's sake, it took them long enough, considering how hated that little bastard is!

Once they split him from Ezekiel Jackson, the writing was on the wall, it was only a matter of time, and probably one or two of those other cliches.

The company wished him the best in his future endeavors, but I somehow doubt they meant it.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Friday’s ASC MMA Show In N.H.“Streaming Free”

Lamotte-Gordon headline at Icenter in Salem, New Hampshire

SALEM, New Hampshire (July 29, 2009) – Friday night’s (July 31) inaugural American Steel Cagefighting’s (ASC) mixed martial arts show, headlined by Manchester welterweight Nate “The Future” Lamotte (10-4-0), of Manchester, against Doug “Flash” Gordon (9-7-0) will be “streamed” live, for free, from the Icenter in Salem, New Hampshire.

The fights will be “streamed” on www.americansteelcagefighting.com, but blacked out locally, and available by simply submitting first names and corresponding email addresses on the web site.

In the co-main event, New York lightweight Pat Audinwood (7-0-0) puts his unbeaten record on the line against veteran “Mr. Big” Al Buck (6-7-0), former Cage Fury Fighting champion.

In the “Super Fight” fans will have an opportunity to watch two UFC veterans in action as UFC1 pioneer fighter Patrick Smith (16-13-0), making his New England debut, takes on super heavyweight Kevin “The Shamnan” Jordan (11-8-0).

A minimum of seven other pro and amateur matches are scheduled. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The eight pro fights are scheduled for three, three-minute rounds; fighters and fights are subject to change. Tickets, priced at $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00, are available to purchase at Stateline Ticket Agency in Salem (NH) and all Two Guys Smoke Shop stores in Salem, Nashua and Seabrook (NH), as well as by calling toll free 888.224.4272 or going on line to www.AmericanSteelCagefighting.com.

Doors open at 6 PM, first fight at 8 PM. Go to www.AmericanSteelCagefighting.com for additional information.

American Steel Cage Fighting

ASC is co-owned by David Garofalo and Sal LoNano. Garofalo is the proprietor of Two Guys Smoke Shop, in Salem (NH), one of the world’s highest volume independently owned cigar retailer. LoNano, who managed professional boxers “Irish” Micky Ward and former world light welterweight champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, owns S & L Boxing, which has promoted numerous nationally televised pro boxing shows. Gary Marino is the ASC matchmaker.

Source: Full Court Press

FEDOR EMELIANENKO ADDRESSES THE MEDIA FOR FIRST TIME SINCE "TRILOGY" CANCELLATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

Anaheim, Calif. -- In front of many leading members of the MMA media, former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko addressed the public Wednesday for the first time since Affliction announced last week that it was canceling its planned "Trilogy" pay-per-view event.

M-1 U.S.A. Vice President Jerry Millen opened the press conference held at the International Room inside the DoubleTree Hotel & Resort in Anaheim by revealing that Emelianenko will adorn the cover of an upcoming video game release in 2010.

"EA Sports will announce that (M-1 Global's) Fedor Emelianenko will headline the EA Sports mixed martial arts fighter game due October next year, also along with (M-1 fighter) Gegard Mousasi and Renato 'Babalu' Sobral," Millen announced.

After opening statements were made by both Fedor and M-1 Co-Owner and President Vadim Finkelchtein, reporters were then given their first opportunity to speak with the two.

Initial questions pertained to Affliction's decision to cancel "Trilogy" last week with both Fedor and Finkelchtein expressing their disappointment with the decision while also once again reaffirming Fedor's stance of being willing to fight anyone that Affliction deemed worthy.

Naturally, many questions were directed at M-1 officials regarding a report that appeared in the online edition of Tuesday's Los Angeles Times in which reporter Lance Pugmire claimed that contract talks between the Ultimate Fighting Championships and Fedor were in the process of being finalized.

M-1 officials responded by saying that no deal with the UFC is imminent and that it is negotiating with other potential suitors, most notably, Strikeforce. However, it was confirmed during the press conference that a new round of talks with the UFC and M-1 took place as recently as Tuesday and that M-1 had received a formal offer.

"The UFC made a (new) offer that was a very good offer," Finkelchtein confirmed.

Despite Finkelchtein's favorable response, he indicated that a major hurdle still exists between the two companies due to the UFC's failure to extend M-1 an opportunity to co-promote events. Finkelchtein stated that because M-1 has done its part to grow the sport by promoting shows all over the world that the company is worthy of co-promoting events with the UFC.

As the press event came to a close, Finkelchtein stated that fight fans would not have to wait long to hear about Fedor's next move.

"We're not going to wait," Finkelchtein indicated in regards to seeking a new home for Fedor. "We have to move forward. It might be that very soon we will be able to announce a deal with another promotion."

ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL AND THE "M-1 CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY AFFLICTION:"

M-1 Global (www.M-1Global.com) has been one of the leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organizations in the world for over a decade. International MMA stars who have fought under the M-1 banner have included Fedor Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, Karl Amoussou, Andrei Arlovski, Aleksander Emelianenko, Daisuke Nakamura, Keith Jardine, Alistair Overeem, Yushin Okami, Ben Rothwell, Mike Pyle, Melvin Manhoef, Roman Zenstov, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, and Chalid Arrab, to name a few.

Billed as the "World Cup of Mixed Martial Arts," the M-1 Challenge is a full season of MMA events sponsored by partner Affliction that showcases some of the best up and coming MMA fighters in the world. Broadcast to over 80 countries around the world, including HDNet in the United States, the M-1 Challenge pits teams of five fighters representing their respective countries against each other for international bragging rights and the title of M-1 Challenge Champions.

The "M-1 Challenge Presented by Affliction" affords MMA prospects all over the world an opportunity to test their skills, gain valuable experience at the international level, and become future stars in the sport of MMA. Fighters who succeed on the M-1 Challenge's international breeding ground will earn the opportunity to participate in major MMA events presented by M-1 Global and their promotional partners such as Affliction Entertainment.

Source - M-1 Global

Fedor Emelianenko Headlines EA SPORTS MMA Roster

Source - Electronic Arts Inc.:

World’s Top Ranked MMA Fighter Joined by Gegard Mousasi and Renato Sobral as First Fighters Announced for All-New Product

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Jul 29, 2009 -- Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), announced today that Fedor Emelianenko, the world’s top ranked* MMA heavyweight, will headline the EA SPORTS™ MMA fighter roster. Emelianenko will be joined by Gegard Mousasi and Renato Sobral, both of whom will be featured in a title bout at the STRIKEFORCE fight on August 15, as the first of a long list of fighters who will appear in EA SPORTS MMA, the all-new mixed martial arts title coming in 2010.

“I have fought all over the world and I am excited to be in EA SPORTS MMA because this game is going to show the global appeal of mixed martial arts,” said Emelianenko. “I know MMA fans have been wanting to play as me and pitting me against any opponent. Now they will have their opportunity.”

Fedor Emelianenko, a 6’0”, 231 pound Russian heavyweight mixed martial arts fighter, who excels in Sambo and Judo, holds a 30-1 record and is the current WAMMA Heavyweight champion. Emelianenko defended his WAMMA championship by knocking out former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski.

Gegard Mousasi, a former Dream Middleweight champion, has a current record of 25-2-1 and won his last match in Dream 9 against Mark Hunt this past May. The 6’1”, 185 pound Dutch-Armenian fighter will be taking on Renato Sobral to determine STRIKEFORCE’s Light Heavyweight champion and has a fight style that is a unique blend of Dutch kickboxing and judo.

Sobral, hailing from Brazil, is known for his aggressive style, grappling prowess, and high-caliber submissions. He is the current STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight champion and has a record of 35-8 with his last victory coming against Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at Affliction: Day of Reckoning fight earlier this year.

“I am very excited to have Fedor, the number one heavyweight in the world, as one of the top fighters in EA SPORTS MMA,” said Executive Producer Dale Jackson. “He is one of the elite fighters in the sport today and will provide the ultimate competition for our gamers. The EA SPORTS MMA team at Tiburon has been working on the game for over a year already and we will have a lot more great fighters and other exciting news to talk about soon.”

In addition to appearing in the EA SPORTS MMA video game, Mousasi and Sobral will be sponsored by EA SPORTS for the STRIKEFORCE fight.

EA SPORTS MMA will feature the most authentic, intense and broad mixed martial arts experience to date – complete with a vast array of top fighters and fighting styles from around the world. EA SPORTS MMA will be available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

For more information about EA SPORTS MMA, log onto www.easportsmma.com or follow the game on Twitter at www.twitter.com/easportsmma.

EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®.

* As ranked by Sherdog.com

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA MobileTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. John Madden, NFL, NCAA, NBA, FIFA, NASCAR, Tiger Woods and PGA TOUR are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. Xbox 360 is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies and is used under license from Microsoft. PlayStation and PLAYSTATION are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Jeff Monson Pleads Guilty To Malicious Mischief

Earlier today, Jeff Monson was back in court, where he admitted to last fall's spray painting of an anarchy symbol on Washington's state capitol. (Well, it's not like he could deny it, after allowing the act to be publicly chronicled, because Monson fancies himself a rights-activist pioneer, in ESPN The Magazine.)

Monson also entered an Alford plea (basically admitting he'd be convicted, were there a trial) on charges that he later performed a similar (mis)deed at a military recruitment building.

Monson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 1, and prosecutors will seek a ninety-day stint in jail and nearly twenty-two-thousand-dollars in restitution.

WORLD EXTREME CAGEFIGHTING® ANNOUNCES GLOBAL INTERNET BROADCAST OF TORRES VS. BOWLES

For Immediate Release:
July 29, 2009

LIVE STREAM AVAILABLE AT WEC.TV

WEC® PRESENTS: TORRES VS. BOWLES

From The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada - Sunday, August 9;

Fight to Air Live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – In addition to live broadcasts of WEC: Torres vs. Bowles on VERSUS in the United States and TSN2 in Canada, as well as a tape-delay broadcast on Cadena Tres in Mexico, World Extreme Cagefighting® is pleased to announce a live global internet broadcast of the Aug. 9 main card beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on the WEC.tv and UFC.com websites. The broadcast will be available to all continents, with the exception of North America.

For the nominal fee of US $9.99, fans across the world can log on and catch a live, English-language broadcast of one of the most stacked cards of the year. Emanating from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV, the four-fight main card will be available via web broadcast in areas that boast large MMA fan bases.

“The demand for a broadcast of this fight card in areas like Japan was significant,” WEC Vice President Peter Dropick said. “The global buzz about WEC certainly grew louder after Japanese star Takeya Mizugaki’s performance against Miguel Torres in April. We expect countries with huge MMA fan bases, including Japan and England, to log on to our website and watch an exciting night of fights.”

The live card will feature a bantamweight title clash between champion Miguel Angel Torres (36-1) and Brian Bowles (7-0), as well as Joseph Benavidez vs. Dominick Cruz in a 135-pound contest, Danny Castillo vs. Ricardo Lamas in lightweight action, and Jeff Curran vs. Takeya Mizugaki in a bantamweight tilt.

On top of the broadcasts on VERSUS, TSN2, and WEC.tv, viewers in Mexico will have an opportunity to watch WEC: Torres vs. Bowles on Cadena Tres via tape-delay on Saturday, Aug. 15.

For more information on the global broadcast of WEC: Torres vs. Bowles, visit www.wec.tv. Follow WEC on Twitter at http://twitter.com/weconversus.

About World Extreme Cagefighting®

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® 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 TSN network in Canada and Cadena Tres in Mexico. For more information and current WEC fight news, visit wec.tv. World Extreme Cagefighting® and WEC® 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.

Source: World Extreme Cagefighting

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

WORLD EXTREME CAGEFIGHTING® BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION MIGUEL ANGEL TORRES COULD BE THE MOST DOMINANT OF ALL-TIME

For Immediate Release:
July 28, 2009

WEC: TORRES VS. BOWLES

From The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sunday, August 9;

Tickets On Sale NOW

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – It’s a debate that captivates the mixed martial arts community. Who is the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighter? Champions like BJ Penn, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida and Brock Lesnar often get the most recognition, but perhaps the most dominant title holder is one who weighs just 135-pounds.

Miguel Angel Torres, the reigning WEC® bantamweight champion, has lost just once in his nine-year career and is currently riding a 17-fight winning streak. What’s more, since winning the title via submission over Chase Beebe in 2008, Torres has left his mark on the bantamweight division with three masterful championship defenses.

To prove Torres’ dominance, take a look at how he matches up against some of MMA’s top kingpins:

MOST CONSECUTIVE WINS: With 17 straight wins, Torres is the most successful fighter currently considered a top pound-for-pound candidate. During that streak, Torres has submitted 10 foes, knocked out five, and won a decision twice. Only Silva, WEC featherweight champ Mike Brown, and Machida come close to matching such dominance. UFC middleweight champion Silva and Brown both have 10-straight wins, while light heavyweight champion Machida is unbeaten in 15 professional contests.

BEST SUBMISSION PERCENTAGE: Of all major world champions, 28-year-old Torres boasts the highest submission percentage at 60 percent. WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner is second with a 56 percent ratio, while WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown is third with a 55 percent mark. UFC lightweight champ BJ Penn boasts a respectable 38 percent submission percentage.

MOST STOPPAGE VICTORIES: Matched with the sport’s top stars, Torres has nearly double the overall stoppage victories than the next closest champion. With 31 wins by knockout or submission, Torres bests Silva (18), Brown (16), Varner (14), St-Pierre (12), Penn (10), Machida (7), and Lesnar (3).

SECOND IN TITLE DEFENSES: Only 185-pound titlist Silva has more successful championship defenses (5) than Torres (3). A win on Aug. 9 would also put Torres in elite company when it comes to most championship fights won. A victory over Bowles would be Torres’ fifth in a title bout, tying him with Hall-of-Famer Chuck Liddell. Silva and St-Pierre are the only other active champions with more wins in title fights (6).

SECOND MOST KOs AMONG ACTIVE CHAMPIONS: With nine knockout victories in his career, Torres ranks second behind Silva (14) among current title holders. St-Pierre (8), Penn (5), Machida (5), Varner (5), Brown (4) and Lesnar (2) round out the list.

For more information on Miguel Angel Torres’ success, as well as information about the upcoming WEC: Torres vs. Bowles card, visit www.wec.tv. Follow WEC on Twitter at http://twitter.com/weconversus.

Tickets for Torres vs. Bowles are on sale now and priced at $40, $55, $85, $100, $125, $175, and $225. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone at 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting the Hard Rock Box Office. Tickets also are available online through www.wec.tv or www.ticketmaster.com.

Torres vs. Bowles will be televised nationally live on VERSUS beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. All of the network’s live WEC events are presented in HD and Spanish language SAP where available. For more information and how to find VERSUS in your local viewing area, visit http://www.versus.com/findversus.

About World Extreme Cagefighting®

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® 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 TSN network in Canada and Cadena Tres in Mexico. For more information and current WEC fight news, visit wec.tv. World Extreme Cagefighting® and WEC® 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.

About VERSUS

VERSUS celebrates real competition across all platforms (VERSUS.com, VERSUS on Demand and VERSUS HD). Now in more than 75 million homes, the network is the national cable home of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the IndyCar® Series as well as best-in-class events such as The Tour de France, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and Professional Boxing. The network also offers collegiate sports featuring nationally-ranked teams from top conferences such as the Pac-10, Big 12, Mountain West and Ivy League. VERSUS features the best field sports programming on television and is a destination for sports fans, athletes and sportsmen to find exclusive, competitive events and original programs, such as Sports Soup and The Contender that audiences can't find elsewhere. VERSUS, a wholly owned company of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK), is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

About The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Designed by the renowned Montreal-based architectural design firm Scéno Plus, the new Joint at Hard Rock has a capacity of 4,000, offers seven premiere VIP hospitality suites, and features an innovative sound and lighting system. To maximize fan’s enjoyment with a genuine experience, the new Joint is double its previous size, yet maintains the same atmosphere of the original venue. Introduced to concert-goers in April, the new Joint has opened to rave reviews thanks to its focus on creating the ultimate viewing experience.

Source: World Extreme Cagefighting

RENATO “BABALU” SOBRAL TO PUT STRIKEFORCE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE ON THE LINE AGAINST GEGARD MOUSASI ON AUGUST 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK (July 28, 2009)–-The highly-anticipated showdown between Renato “Babalu” Sobral (35-8) and Gegard Mousasi (25-2-1), which was suddenly cancelled by its original promoter last week, has been revitalized and will be contested with Sobral’s STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Championship on the line at San Jose, California’s HP Pavilion on Saturday, August 15.

The title bout will be featured during the SHOWTIME televised portion of the STRIKEFORCE: “Carano vs. Cyborg” mixed martial arts (MMA) mega-card.

“I am very happy that STRIKEFORCE has resurrected this fight and that I will have the opportunity to become STRIKEFORCE world champion,” said Mousasi, who is in the midst of a monstrous, 12 fight win streak. The 23-year-old was crowned the first Dream Middleweight Champion and Middleweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion last year in Japan.

“STRIKEFORCE is one of the world’s top promotions and I am proud to be a part of their roster of world-class fighters,” he said.

His wins over Denis Kang, Melvin Manhoef, and Ronaldo Souza last year cemented Mousasi’s place as one of the world’s top three middleweights.

Mousasi’s last victory, a first round (1:20) submission of former K-1 heavyweight champion Mark Hunt in Yokohama, Japan on May 26th of this year confirmed his desire and ability to conquer opponents in a heavier weight class as did his first round (2:32) KO of Japanese heavyweight champion Musashi in a K-1 kickboxing rules bout in Saitama, Japan on December 31, 2008.

The 33-year-old Sobral, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former national wrestling champion for Brazil, will defend his STRIKEFORCE championship for the first time since he seized the title from Bobby Southworth at HP Pavilion on November 21, 2008.

Sobral, a former UFC championship challenger, is riding a five fight win streak that began with his second round (3:30) submission of David Heath at UFC 74 on August 25, 2007. In his last start, he submitted Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou with a brabo choke in the second round (2:36) of their meeting at Affliction: “Day of Reckoning” at Honda Center in Anaheim, California on January 24 of this year.

A year and a half ago, Sobral relocated from his homeland to Orange County, California where he has since taken on former world championship boxing contender Justin Fortune as a trainer in order to bring his striking skills up to par with his expertise in submissions.

Over the course of 43 career starts, Sobral has faced and defeated some of the sport’s best competitors including legendary K-1 and UFC champion Maurice Smith. On Sept. 6, 2003, Sobral knocked off three top-tier rivals—Jeremy Horn, Mauricio “Ninja” Rua, and Trevor Prangley—during a single-elimination tournament.

In the main event on August 15, mixed martial arts’ (MMA) leading lady, the undefeated and extremely popular Gina “Conviction” Carano (7-0), will square off with rival powerhouse Cris “Cyborg” (7-1) in what is one of the most eagerly anticipated battles of all time.

Carano and Cyborg, the consensus two best female fighters in the world, will be the first women in MMA history to headline a major MMA fight card. In addition, they will fight for the first STRIKEFORCE 145-pound Female Championship.

STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2) will set out to defend his crown against Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (15-2), the man whom Thomson dethroned by way of unanimous decision at HP Pavilion on June 27, 2008.

Tickets for STRIKEFORCE: “Carano vs. Cyborg,” priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and the official STRIKEFORCE website (www.strikeforce.com).

HP Pavilion doors will open for the event at 5 p.m. The first preliminary bout will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The live SHOWTIME telecast of STRIKEFORCE: “Carano vs. Cyborg” will begin at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (tape delayed on the west coast).

After co-promoting two events live on SHOWTIME in 2007 and 2008, STRIKEFORCE in March 2009 signed a multi-year agreement to stage live MMA events on the premium cable television network.

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.

Source: Strikeforce

THQ Reports Record June Quarter Results

-- UFC(R) 2009 Undisputed(TM) #1 Best-Selling Title in US for the June Quarter --

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Jul. 28, 2009 -- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced record financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2009.

For the fiscal first quarter ended June 30, 2009, THQ’s net sales climbed 77% to $243.5 million from $137.6 million in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, for the three months ended June 30, 2009, the company reported net sales of $233.9 million, up 93% from $121.1 million a year ago. Fiscal 2010 first quarter net sales were driven primarily by UFC® 2009 Undisputed™, the first game from THQ’s new UFC® fighting franchise, and internally developed and owned intellectual property Red Faction®: Guerrilla™.

For the three months ended June 30, 2009, the company reported net income of $6.4 million, or $0.09 per share, compared with a net loss of $27.2 million, or $0.41 per share, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, for the three months ended June 30, 2009, the company reported net income of $6.9 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, compared with a non-GAAP net loss of $25.4 million, or $0.38 per share, in the same quarter a year ago.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP results is provided in the accompanying financial tables.

“We reported the highest June quarter net sales and net income in our history, driven primarily by the success of our hit title UFC 2009 Undisputed,” said Brian Farrell, THQ president and CEO. “Our first quarter results demonstrate the benefits of our more focused product strategy and aggressive cost management. These record results reflect the hard work and dedication of our employees around the globe.”

Farrell added, “Our three recently announced business units - Core Games; Kids, Family and Casual Games; and Online Games - are focused on delivering a strong fiscal 2010 line-up and building our pipeline of games to support THQ’s long-term profitability and growth.”

Fiscal 2010 First Quarter Highlights and Recent Developments

THQ was the #3 independent publisher1,3 in the US and UK for the June quarter
THQ extended its leadership in the fighting category with the addition of new multi-million unit title UFC 2009 Undisputed, which:
has shipped more than 2.9 million units worldwide to date,
was the #1 best-selling title1,2 in the US for the June quarter,
was the #1 best-selling title2,3 from an independent publisher in the UK for the June quarter, and
achieved an average Metacritic rating of 84.
THQ established its popular Red Faction® franchise on the Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION® 3, with an average Metacritic rating of 85 and more than one million units shipped to date
THQ had three of the top ten best-selling titles1,2 in the US for the month of June: UFC 2009 Undisputed, Red Faction: Guerrilla and Up
On June 24, 2009, THQ announced a reorganization of the company’s management team and business units in support of the company’s focused product strategy. THQ formed three new business units: 1) Core Games, 2) Kids, Family and Casual Games, and 3) Online Games; and promoted key executives to manage each of these units
On June 30, 2009, THQ finalized the previously announced $35 million revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A.

1
Publisher and title ranking are based on revenue from April-June 2009 across all platforms - PC, Consoles, and Portables. Ranking does not take into account subsidiaries. Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service

2
Roll-up of SKUs across all platforms - PC, Consoles, and Portables. Title ranking is based on units sold.

3
GfK Chart-Track



On July 27, 2009, THQ announced that it prevailed in its binding arbitration with JAKKS Pacific, Inc. The arbitrator has established a new preferred return payment rate to JAKKS Pacific for WWE video games sold under a license granted by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. to THQ/JAKKS Pacific LLC. The new rate, which is 40% below the previous rate, is effective as of July 1, 2006 and applies through December 31, 2009.

As a result, the company expects to report a one-time benefit of approximately $23 million during the fiscal 2010 second quarter ending September 30, 2009, and to reduce its accrued venture partner expense on its balance sheet by the same amount.

Business Outlook

Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2010

Given the strength of THQ’s first quarter results, the company now expects fiscal 2010 net sales to exceed those reported in fiscal 2009, on a non-GAAP basis, compared with its previous expectations of fiscal 2010 net sales that approximated fiscal 2009 net sales. The company also expects to achieve profitability for fiscal 2010, on a non-GAAP basis, compared with its previous goal of targeting profitability for the year. The company reaffirmed its expectation that its fiscal 2010 year-end cash balance will be at least $50 million higher than at the end of fiscal 2009, excluding payment of any amounts currently payable to JAKKS Pacific.

Fiscal Second Quarter Ending September 30, 2009

Because the company has no new titles scheduled for release during the fiscal 2010 second quarter, THQ expects to report net sales in the range of $85-$95 million, on a non-GAAP basis, compared with $151.6 million in the prior-year period. As a result of the company’s aggressive cost cutting efforts, THQ expects to report a smaller operating loss, on a non-GAAP basis, than reported in the same quarter last year. However, due to tax rate differences, the company expects to report a larger net loss for the fiscal 2010 second quarter, on a non-GAAP basis, than the $30.4 million net loss reported in the prior-year period.

The second quarter and full year non-GAAP outlooks exclude the expected one-time benefit of approximately $23 million from the JAKKS arbitration.

Pursuant to THQ’s product strategy, key releases scheduled for the remainder of fiscal 2010 include:


Core Games
Platforms

Darksiders™
Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3

MX vs. ATV™ Reflex
Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Nintendo DS™, PSP®

Red Faction®: Guerrilla™
Windows® PC

WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010
Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii™, Nintendo DS, PlayStation® 2, PSP


Kids, Family and Casual Games

All Star Cheer Squad™ 2
Wii

Disney●Pixar’s Up (international markets)
Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PSP, Windows PC

Disney●Pixar’s Cars Race-O-Rama
Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PSP

Drawn to Life®: The Next Chapter™
Wii, Nintendo DS

James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club: Games of Passion
Nintendo DSi™, DS

Marvel® Super Hero Squad™
Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PSP

SpongeBob Truth or Square
Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP

The Biggest Loser
Wii, Nintendo DS

World of Zoo™
Wii, Nintendo DS, Windows PC


Online

Company of Heroes® Online™
Windows PC

Dragonica™Online
Windows PC



Beginning in fiscal 2010, for non-GAAP purposes, the company has adopted a fixed, five-year projected tax rate to evaluate its operating performance, as well as to forecast, plan and analyze future periods. Based on its current five-year projections, the company is applying a 15 percent tax rate to its fiscal 2010 non-GAAP operating results.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to results determined in accordance with GAAP, the company discloses certain non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the following:

stock-based compensation expense,
the impact of deferred revenue and related costs,
business realignment expense,
other-than-temporary impairment on investments and any subsequent realized gains on those investments, and mark-to-market adjustments on Auction Rate Securities,
other material non-recurring charges and benefits, and
related income tax effects for each of these items.
THQ may consider whether other significant non-recurring items that arise in the future should also be excluded in calculating the non-GAAP financial measures it uses.

The company excludes these expenses from its non-GAAP financial measures primarily because its management does not believe they reflect the company’s core business, ongoing operating results or future outlook. THQ’s management believes that the use of non-GAAP financial measures provides meaningful supplemental information regarding its financial condition and results of operations, and helps investors compare actual results to its long-term operating goals as well as to its performance in prior periods. The non-GAAP financial measures included in the earnings release have been reconciled to the comparable GAAP results in the accompanying tables, and should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results.

In addition to the reasons stated above, which are generally applicable to each of the items THQ excludes from its non-GAAP financial measures, the company’s management uses certain of the non-GAAP financial measures for the following reasons:

Stock-Based Compensation. THQ does not consider stock-based compensation charges when evaluating the performance of its business or formulating its operating plans. Stock-based compensation charges are subject to significant fluctuation outside the control of management due to the variables used to estimate the fair value of a share-based payment, such as THQ’s stock price, interest rates and the volatility of the company’s stock price. Further, when considering the impact of equity award grants, THQ places a greater emphasis on the use of such grants as retention tools for long-term stockholder value creation, as well as overall stockholder dilution, rather than the accounting charges associated with such grants.

Deferred Revenue/Costs. Beginning in fiscal 2008, the company began recognizing the revenue and related costs from the sale of certain titles for which the online service is determined to be a deliverable over the estimated online service period. Although the company defers the recognition of its net revenue and costs with respect to these titles, there is no adverse impact to its operating cash flow. Internally, THQ’s management excludes the impact of deferred net revenue and costs related to packaged games when evaluating the company’s operating performance, when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods, and when assessing the performance of its management team. The company believes that excluding the impact of deferred net revenue and costs from its non-GAAP financial measures is important to facilitate comparisons to prior periods when the company did not delay the recognition of such amounts.

Business Realignment Expense. Although THQ has incurred business realignment expenses in the past, each charge has been a discrete, extraordinary event based on a unique set of business objectives. The company does not engage in business realignments on a regular basis or in the ordinary course of business. As such, the company believes it is appropriate to exclude these expenses from its non-GAAP financial measures.

Investor Conference Call

THQ will host a conference call to discuss fiscal 2010 first quarter results today at 2:00 p.m. Pacific/5:00 p.m. Eastern. Please dial 877.356.8075 domestic or 706.902.0203 international, conference ID 20165672 to listen to the call or visit the THQ Inc. Investor Relations Home page at http://investor.thq.com. The online archive of the broadcast will be available approximately two hours after the live call ends. In addition, a telephonic replay of the conference call will be provided approximately two hours after the live call ends through July 30, 2009, by dialing 800.642.1687, domestic, or 706.645.9291, international, conference ID 20165672.

About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, All Star Cheer Squad 2, Company of Heroes Online, Darksiders, Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter, MX vs. ATV Reflex, Red Faction, Red Faction: Guerrilla, World of Zoo, and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox Live logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

“PlayStation”, "PLAYSTATION", “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.

All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, the company’s expectations for the fiscal second quarter and year ending March 31, 2010, and for the company’s product releases in future periods. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”) and are based upon management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive and technological factors affecting the operations, markets, products, services and pricing of THQ, and our ability to successfully implement our cost reduction plans. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2009, and particularly the discussion of risk factors that may affect results of operations set forth therein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.


THQ Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)


Three Months Ended
June 30,
2009 2008

Net sales $
243,501
$
137,578


Cost of sales:
Product costs 79,929 60,008
Software amortization and royalties 45,036 27,000
License amortization and royalties 31,296 12,924
Venture partner expense 1,243 1,455
Total cost of sales 157,504 101,387

Gross profit 85,997 36,191
Operating expenses:
Product development 22,158 33,549
Selling and marketing 38,443 29,051
General and administrative 16,578 19,603
Restructuring 1,652 —
Total operating expenses 78,831 82,203

Operating income (loss) 7,166 (46,012 )
Interest and other income, net 59 2,494
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 7,225 (43,518 )
Income taxes 1,000 (14,252 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations 6,225 (29,266 )
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax — 2,042
Net income (loss) prior to allocation of noncontrolling interest 6,225 (27,224 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 184 —
Net income (loss) attributable to THQ Inc. $6,409
$(27,224
)

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to THQ Inc. – basic:
Continuing operations $
0.09
$
(0.44
)
Discontinued operations ─ 0.03
Earnings (loss) per share – basic 0.09 (0.41 )

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to THQ Inc. – diluted:
Continuing operations 0.09 (0.44 )
Discontinued operations ─ 0.03
Earnings (loss) per share – diluted 0.09 (0.41 )

Shares used in per share calculation – basic 67,469 66,553
Shares used in per share calculation – diluted 67,606 66,553



THQ Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (loss) to Non-GAAP Net Income (loss) (a)

(In thousands, except per share data)


Three Months Ended
June 30,
2009 2008
Net sales $ 243,501 $ 137,578
Change in deferred net revenue (9,602 ) (16,504 )
Non-GAAP net sales $ 233,899 $ 121,074


Three Months Ended
June 30,
2009 2008
Operating income (loss) $ 7,166 $ (46,012 )
Non-GAAP adjustments affecting operating income (loss):
Change in deferred net revenue (9,602 ) (16,504 )
Change in deferred cost of sales (b) 5,179 10,597
Business realignment expenses (b) 2,476 3,527
Stock-based compensation and related costs (b) 2,934 4,322
Total non-GAAP adjustments affecting operating income (loss) 987 1,942
Non-GAAP operating income (loss) $ 8,153 $ (44,070 )


Three Months Ended
June 30,
2009 2008
Net income (loss) attributable to THQ Inc. $ 6,409 $ (27,224 )
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Non-GAAP adjustments affecting operating income (loss) 987 1,942
Gain on sale of investments (488 ) ─
Mark-to-market on trading Auction Rate Securities (c) 139 ─
Income tax adjustments (d) (180 ) (118 )
Non-GAAP net income (loss) $ 6,867 $ (25,400 )

Non-GAAP earnings (loss) per share – diluted $ 0.10 $ (0.38 )

Notes:

(a) See explanation above regarding the Company’s practice on reporting non-GAAP financial measures.
(b) See table below for further detail related to income statement classification of these adjustments.
(c) Net mark-to-market adjustment related to an unrealized loss on a put option received for Auction Rate Securities (ARS) offset by the unrealized gain on the underlying ARS. This amount is recorded in “Interest and other income, net.”
(d) Income tax associated with non-GAAP adjustments.



The following table provides further detail on the income statement classification of certain non-GAAP adjustments that impact cost and expenses:


Three Months Ended
June 30,
2009 2008
Change in deferred cost of sales:
Change in deferred product costs $ 2,744 $ 3,902
Change in deferred software amortization and royalties 2,435 6,695
Total change in deferred cost of sales $ 5,179 $ 10,597

Stock-based compensation and related costs:
Cost of sales – software amortization and royalties $ 537 $ 576
Product development 587 1,148
Selling and marketing 97 815
General and administrative 1,713 1,783
Total stock-based compensation and related costs $ 2,934 $ 4,322

Business realignment expenses:
Product development $ 255 $ 3,527
Selling and marketing 493 ─
General and administrative 76 ─
Restructuring 1,652 ─
Total business realignment expenses $ 2,476 $ 3,527



THQ Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)


June 30, March 31,
2009 2009

ASSETS
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $ 154,727 $ 140,662
Short-term investments, pledged 30,585 —
Accounts receivable, net of allowances 86,674 60,444
Inventory 27,435 25,785
Licenses 35,257 45,025
Software development 129,765 137,820
Deferred income tax 6,886 6,112
Income taxes receivable 4,406 903
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 19,982 27,441
Total current assets 495,717 444,192

Property and equipment, net 30,210 33,511
Licenses, net of current portion 34,512 47,875
Software development, net of current portion 32,459 24,647
Deferred income taxes 1,982 1,982
Long-term investments 4,814 5,025
Long-term investments, pledged — 30,618
Other long-term assets, net 12,044
10,479
TOTAL ASSETS $ 611,738 $ 598,329

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable $ 54,223 $ 40,088
Accrued and other current liabilities 173,927 190,140
Secured credit lines 23,661 24,360
Total current liabilities 251,811 254,588

Other long-term liabilities 28,765 33,503
Total liabilities 280,576 288,091
Total THQ Inc. stockholders’ equity 328,148 307,040
Noncontrolling interest 3,014 3,198
Total equity 331,162 310,238
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 611,738 $ 598,329



THQ Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Supplemental Financial Information


Three Months Ended GAAP
June 30, 2009 June 30, 2008
Platform Revenue Mix
Consoles
Microsoft Xbox 360 $ 97,454 40.0 % $ 20,129 14.6 %
Nintendo Wii 13,293 5.5 23,304 17.0
Sony PLAYSTATION 3 78,267 32.1 6,653 4.8
Sony PlayStation 2 6,701 2.8 19,852 14.4
Other 5 — 53 0.1
195,720 80.4 69,991 50.9
Handheld
Nintendo Dual Screen 20,020 8.2 27,290 19.8
Sony PlayStation Portable 5,033 2.1 10,380 7.6
Wireless 4,195 1.7 5,147 3.7
Other — — 1,619 1.2
29,248 12.0 44,436 32.3

PC 18,533 7.6 23,151 16.8
Total Net Sales $ 243,501 100 % $ 137,578 100 %

Geographic Revenue Mix
Domestic $ 162,314 66.7 % $ 74,850 54.4 %
Foreign 81,187 33.3 62,728 45.6
Total Net Sales $ 243,501 100 % $ 137,578 100 %


Three Months Ended Non-GAAP
June 30, 2009 June 30, 2008
Platform Revenue Mix
Consoles
Microsoft Xbox 360 $ 97,470 41.7 % $ 7,521 6.2 %
Nintendo Wii 13,293 5.7 23,304 19.3
Sony PLAYSTATION 3 70,156 30.0 6,653 5.5
Sony PlayStation 2 6,701 2.8 19,852 16.3
Other 5 — 53 0.1
187,625 80.2 57,383 47.4
Handheld
Nintendo Dual Screen 20,020 8.6 27,290 22.5
Sony PlayStation Portable 5,033 2.1 10,380 8.6
Wireless 4,195 1.8 5,147 4.3
Other — — 1,619 1.3
29,248 12.5 44,436 36.7

PC 17,026 7.3 19,255 15.9
Total Net Sales $ 233,899 100 % $ 121,074 100 %

Geographic Revenue Mix
Domestic $ 158,807 67.9 % $ 67,107 55.4 %
Foreign 75,092 32.1 53,967 44.6
Total Net Sales $ 233,899 100 % $ 121,074 100 %

Source: THQ Inc.

Hogans Reach Divorce Settlement

After nearly two-years of separation, Hulk Hogan and wife Linda have agreed on a divorce settlement (the terms of which have not been publicly disclosed), bringing them within one step of finalizing the dissolution of their marriage.

FEDOR EMELIANENKO TO ADDRESS THE MEDIA DURING WEDNESDAY PRESS CONFERENCE IN ANAHEIM

Source - M-1 Global:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Anaheim, Calif. - Ever since Affliction announced late last week that its "Trilogy" event scheduled for Aug. 1 had been canceled, the combat sports world collectively has waited for an official response from former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko.

On Wednesday at 1 p.m. PT inside the DoubleTree Hotel in Anaheim, Calif., Emelianenko will address the media for the first time since last week's sudden cancellation. During the press conference, Emelianenko will discuss the ramifications of the cancellation, comment on his future in the fight game, and respond to questions from members of the media.

"Since the cancellation, there has been a great deal of speculation regarding Fedor and M-1," said Vadim Finkelchtein, whose M-1 Global fight company not only produces international MMA events but also manages Fedor. "On Wednesday, the media and fans will be able to hear what's going on with Fedor from the man himself."

Emelianenko, considered by most pundits to be the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world, had been scheduled to fight top contender Josh Barnett. A win over Barnett would have marked the sixth former UFC heavyweight champion that Emelianenko has defeated in his career. Unfortunately, Emelianenko was denied his opportunity after the California State Athletic Commission announced last Wednesday that Barnett would not be granted a license in time for the fight.

Emelianenko, 30-1, is perceived by many within the industry to be a free agent and it is believed he is being courted by every major MMA promotion in the world. Already considered a superstar in many other countries, he has seen his popularity rise in the U.S. since defeating Tim Sylvia, a former UFC heavyweight champion, in just 36 seconds in July of 2008. Emelianenko followed up the dominant Sylvia victory with a first round knockout over Andrei Arlovski -- another former UFC heavyweight champion -- this past January.

Reporters and writers can request to be credentialed for the press conference by contacting Combat Sports Media through the contact info listed below. The address for the Anaheim DoubleTree is 100 The City Drive, Orange, California, 92868-3204 (714-634-4500).

ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL AND THE "M-1 CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY AFFLICTION:"

M-1 Global (www.M-1Global.com) has been one of the leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organizations in the world for over a decade. International MMA stars who have fought under the M-1 banner have included Fedor Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, Karl Amoussou, Andrei Arlovski, Aleksander Emelianenko, Daisuke Nakamura, Keith Jardine, Alistair Overeem, Yushin Okami, Ben Rothwell, Mike Pyle, Melvin Manhoef, Roman Zenstov, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, and Chalid Arrab, to name a few.

Billed as the "World Cup of Mixed Martial Arts," the M-1 Challenge is a full season of MMA events sponsored by partner Affliction that showcases some of the best up and coming MMA fighters in the world. Broadcast to over 80 countries around the world, including HDNet in the United States, the M-1 Challenge pits teams of five fighters representing their respective countries against each other for international bragging rights and the title of M-1 Challenge Champions.

The "M-1 Challenge Presented by Affliction" affords MMA prospects all over the world an opportunity to test their skills, gain valuable experience at the international level, and become future stars in the sport of MMA. Fighters who succeed on the M-1 Challenge's international breeding ground will earn the opportunity to participate in major MMA events presented by M-1 Global and their promotional partners such as Affliction Entertainment.

Monday, July 27, 2009

JAKKS Pacific(R) Announces Result In THQ Arbitration

Source - JAKKS Pacific, Inc.:

MALIBU, Calif., Jul 27, 2009 -- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) announced that an arbitration with THQ over the rate of JAKKS' preferred return payment from WWE video game sales generated by the THQ/JAKKS joint venture for the period July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009, has resulted in a determination by the arbitrator that JAKKS is entitled to receive a preferred return payment at a rate of 6% of net sales of the WWE video games sold by the joint venture, rather than the 10% rate that had been accrued by JAKKS and THQ pending the arbitrator's decision. The arbitration award requires THQ to pay JAKKS approximately $34 million on account of the preferred return for the period from July 1, 2006 through March 31, 2009. As a result of the decision, JAKKS will reduce its receivable from THQ from approximately $57 million to approximately $34 million and take a non-cash charge of approximately $22.5 million in the second quarter.

The Company will discuss the results of the second quarter in its earnings release scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2009 after the stock market closes.

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, with a wide range of products that feature some of the most popular children's toy licenses in the world. JAKKS' diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories, sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific(R), Play Along(R), Flying Colors(R), Creative Designs International(TM), Road Champs(R), Child Guidance(R), Pentech(R), Funnoodle(R), Go Fly a Kite(R), Color Workshop(R), JAKKS Pets(TM), EyeClops(R), Plug It In & Play TV Games(TM), Girl Gourmet(TM), Kids Only(R), Tollytots(R) and Disguise. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., World Wrestling Entertainment, Ultimate Fighting Championship, Graco and Cabbage Patch Kids. JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakks.com.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific's business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS' products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

THQ Prevails In JAKKS Pacific Arbitration Dispute

Source - THQ Inc.:

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Jul 27, 2009 -- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced that it has prevailed in its binding arbitration with JAKKS Pacific, Inc. The arbitrator has established a significantly lower preferred return payment rate to JAKKS Pacific for WWE video games sold under a license granted by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. to THQ/JAKKS Pacific LLC. The new rate, which is 40% below the previous rate, is effective as of July 1, 2006 and applies through December 31, 2009.

As a result, the company expects to report a one-time benefit of approximately $23 million during the fiscal 2010 second quarter ending September 30, 2009, and to reduce its accrued venture partner expense on its balance sheet by the same amount.

Under the THQ/JAKKS Pacific LLC. operating agreement, JAKKS Pacific is to be paid a preferred return from sales of the LLC's WWE-licensed video games. The preferred return rate was to be reset for the period beginning July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009. When the parties were unable to agree on a new preferred return rate, THQ filed suit to compel arbitration pursuant to the terms of the operating agreement.

"As we expected, we have prevailed in this matter. We are gratified the arbitrator agreed the preferred return rate to JAKKS Pacific on WWE video games will be significantly lower," said James M. Kennedy, THQ's executive vice president, business and legal affairs.

About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless, and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, the company's expectations that its arbitration with JAKKS Pacific, Inc. has been concluded and the arbitrator's decision is final; and future WWE video game sales expectations. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "THQ") and are based upon management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive and technological factors affecting the operations, markets, products, services and pricing of THQ. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ's financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2009, and particularly the discussion of risk factors that may affect results of operations set forth therein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

FOLLOWING COACHING STINT ON THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER, TOM BLACKLEDGE SET TO RETURN TO THE M-1 CHALLENGE

Source - M-1 Global:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

Amsterdam, Holland - When Team England submitted their roster for the June 6 best-of-five M-1 Challenge (www.M-1Global.com) matchup vs. France, light heavyweight Tom Blackledge was a noticeable absentee.

Following a successful M-1 debut this past April in Japan in which Blackledge submitted Tatsuya Mizuno with a rear naked choke at 3:22 of round 1, Blackledge emerged as one of England's team leaders.

At the time, Team England indicated that Blackledge had been scratched due to injury. However, reports have surfaced that the Wolfslair Academy product was busy assisting teammate and close friend Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as a coach during the recent taping of Spike TV's hit reality show, The Ultimate Fighter.

The upcoming tenth season, featuring heavyweights Roy Nelson and Kimbo Slice, was shot over the course of six weeks in Las Vegas, preventing Blackledge from competing. But when England attempts to clinch a playoff berth by winning its best-of-five matchup vs. Group A rival Team Spain, Blackledge will be back in action.

Blackledge will look to improve his M-1 Challenge record to 2-0 when he faces Spain light heavyweight Enoc Solves at Studio 22 in Hilversum, Holland on August 15. The Team Spain vs. Team England matchup will be one of six M-1 Challenge matchups featured during a two-day mega taping.

And while Blackledge will be returning to the Team England fold, the squad will be without both lightweight Ian Butlin and heavyweight Rob Broughton. Butlin, recently featured in a documentary on Bravo in the U.K., has been forced to retire due to multiple facial fractures. Meanwhile, Broughton, who had been scheduled to take on Jessie Gibbs on Aug. 1 at Affliction's ill-fated "Trilogy" event, will remain off the roster as it is rumored he could face Gibbs on Aug. 28 during M-1 Global's "Breakthrough" event in Los Angeles.

Stepping in for Butlin is Scott Hewitt while David Keeley has gotten the call to fill Broughton's shoes. Hewitt is a former professional soccer and rugby player and is 1-0 since making his professional MMA debut, thanks to his prior training in both boxing and judo. Like Hewitt, Keeley is also undefeated (3-0) and was a professional athlete before converting to MMA. A former basketball player, the 27-year old will become the tallest competitor ever to fight for the M-1 Challenge at 6'10''.

"What Dave Keeley lacks in experience he more than makes up with enthusiasm, power and freakish size," said England coach Aaron Chatfield. "He has a challenge in front of him, but we are confident Dave (and his team) will rise to."

"M-1 Challenge is known for it's huge heavyweights and at six foot, ten inches, we feel we have the biggest heavyweight out there now," said team manager Ian Dean. "We are confident of him doing the business, especially if the five bout series against Team Spain comes down to the clutch fifth bout."

Joining Blackledge, Hewitt, and Keeley will be returnees Simon Phillips (welterweight) and Matt Thorpe (middleweight). Tied with Team France with overall records of 1-1 and individual records of 5-5, a Team England win combined with a Team France loss sends the British to the M-1 Challenge semifinals in just their first season. If both teams win or both teams lose, the team with the most individual wins will advance.

The current lineup for the Team England vs. Team Spain matchup on Aug. 15 at Studio 22 in Hilversum, Holland is as follows:

Team Challenge #1: Spain vs. England

1. Lightweight (154 lbs./-70 kg): Jose Roque vs. Scott Hewitt
2. Welterweight (167.2 lbs./-76 kg): Jonathan Leon vs. Simon Phillips
3. Middleweight (184.8 lbs./-84 kg): Rafael Rodriguez vs. Matt Thorpe
4. Light Heavyweight (204.8 lbs./-93 kg): Enoc Solbes vs. Tom Blackledge
5. Heavyweight (+204.8 lbs./+93 kg): TBA vs. David Keeley

For complete lineups of the 30 fights scheduled for a "weekend of fighting," please visit the "Events section at www.M-1Global.com.

ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL AND THE "M-1 CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY AFFLICTION:"

M-1 Global (www.M-1Global.com) has been one of the leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organizations in the world for over a decade. International MMA stars who have fought under the M-1 banner have included Fedor Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, Karl Amoussou, Andrei Arlovski, Aleksander Emelianenko, Daisuke Nakamura, Keith Jardine, Alistair Overeem, Yushin Okami, Ben Rothwell, Mike Pyle, Melvin Manhoef, Roman Zenstov, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, and Chalid Arrab, to name a few.

Billed as the "World Cup of Mixed Martial Arts," the M-1 Challenge is a full season of MMA events sponsored by partner Affliction that showcases some of the best up and coming MMA fighters in the world. Broadcast to over 80 countries around the world, including HDNet in the United States, the M-1 Challenge pits teams of five fighters representing their respective countries against each other for international bragging rights and the title of M-1 Challenge Champions.

The "M-1 Challenge Presented by Affliction" affords MMA prospects all over the world an opportunity to test their skills, gain valuable experience at the international level, and become future stars in the sport of MMA. Fighters who succeed on the M-1 Challenge's international breeding ground will earn the opportunity to participate in major MMA events presented by M-1 Global and their promotional partners such as Affliction Entertainment.

Open Letter From KIMO

Source - Full Court Press:

I’d like to thank all the members of the media, my fans, friends, and especially my family members with regards to their concern and support about me.

I went to sleep late Monday (July 20) and woke-up to my promoter, Ron Kort, shaking me sometime between 12-1 PM/PT on Tuesday, telling me that the media is going crazy over my death, and that he and others had been looking everywhere for me.

I had spent the night with a friend and my phone was turned off like it normally is overnight. I’m used to people spreading weird rumors about me, but I didn’t think this one was funny. So, I blew it off, but when Ron looked at me with that serious face of his, I knew this wasn’t a joke.

I got up and looked on my friend’s computer, read through some of the media reports, and couldn’t believe my eyes. From the time I went to sleep to the time I woke-up, the rumor of me dying had spread like wildfire. All I had done was go to sleep. I kind of felt as important as Michael Jackson, considering the media hoopla. While reading articles, I had to stop and look in the mirror. The overwhelming power of the media almost felt like my death was being predicted.

I was a little taken back and, as I attempted to compose myself, Ron informed me that Brandt Stebbins (New Era Fighting’s Business Development Manager) all day had been dealing with consoling my family and friends over this issue. Ron immediately got on the phone with members of the press and the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s office about getting a press release out immediately. As I was piecing the puzzle together, I had various friends yelling at me as if I set this up as a publicity stunt.

I woke-up to being told I was dead and getting yelled at. This wasn’t a fun wake-up. Before I go any further, I want to let everyone know that we are investigating this matter and have a good idea of how it originated, and that NONE of this came from me or anyone around me. I am sorry to all who know me for your grief and am amazed to see that I can make front page news in the press for negative items but not for anything good I have done. The media has always been quick to jump on negative rumors about me without verifying the truth.

I consider myself one of the founding fathers of MMA and an important figure in this industry. I was in this sport before it was a sport. I have seen the many ups-and-downs of this industry and have dedicated the last few years of my life to trying to making a difference by running for California State Athletic Commissioner, trying to get fighters paid what they are worth, and getting fighters more exposure even when they are not fighting. Given my contributions, it is amazing to me that I can get this kind of press on negative items, yet, not on my accomplishments.

In the last few months I have been called a Meth addict in the media and now I am dead. Both items are obviously proven not to be true. The power of the media is strong and it is the responsibility of the media to verify the information they post; it isn’t about being the first one on the scene. TMZ confirmed that I was dead. Well, that’s weird because they did that without a body or autopsy report. In my opinion, TMZ just became the next Inquirer. Why didn’t TMZ just confirm my body was abducted by Aliens?

No offense to TMZ or anyone else, but how about you guys in the media giving me a real chance at making a difference in this industry? Let’s try to use your power for some good. For example, I registered on the Bob Sapp www.FightEngine.com website. If I get enough hits, I will be able to fight whomever the fans want. No one will dictate who I fight except for you, the fans. I will fight whomever you guys want, not what promoters want. You guys decide. I want my last fight to be a freak show of a fight. I want to go out the same way I came in. I came in carrying the cross, but lost my path along the way, and didn’t want to be a hypocrite by carrying the cross if I wasn’t living that life style. I always believe that through Christ Jesus, all things are possible, and I believe Jesus Christ himself is my guiding angel with everything that has happened in my life.

I was pronounced dead and now I am resurrected. This is my second chance and I don’t want to let fans down. I am here to help train fighters for combat in the ring. I will train and walk fighters to the ring at any event. I am here to help fighters get paid their worth, I am here to entertain my fans and the whole MMA community, win or lose, and I am here to help make this fun and enjoyable for everyone. If I hit a certain number of votes on www.FightEngine.com, I will be a main event fighter for one of their scouting events, and you will be the ones to vote about whom you want me to fight. I would appreciate just as much attention as was given to me in these last few days on google.com, yahoo.com and other media sources to also occur on fightengine.com. Show me you guys really believe that I am as exciting to watch fight as everyone tells me to my face and I promise to live the right life style, train hard, and walk to the ring in my last fight with the cross on my back and with a real aggressive fight for the fans to watch. I’ve been known to head-butt guys in the back of the head, slap my opponent in the face, and even in Tank’s case, kiss my opponent on the cheek after I wipe the floor with them.

So, please vote for me on www.FightEngine.com and e-mail your interview and business relationship request for me to my promoter at RonKort@NewEraFighting.com. I am currently being approached to do cartoon voice-overs, interviews, and more. I am eager and happy to accommodate all of your requests. So, please, let’s try to keep this fun and entertaining but, most of all, truthful and positive.

Remember, it isn’t necessarily about being first in the media, rather, being accurate. I love my fans, family and even the media for all you have given me and will drive my focus on the positive, not the negative. Thank you all.

God Bless,
KIMO

(For more information about NEF or KIMO, go on line to www.NewEraFighting.com)

Funk's Corner - Christian, Mickie James And Jeff Hardy Win At WWE's Night Of Champions

Source - Dory Funk:

Funk's Corner - Three wrestlers who have trained in the Dory Funk Method of Professional Wrestling appeared on WWE's Night of Champions last night and all three came out victorious. Here at the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School we are proud of the accomplishments of Christian (ECW Champion), Mickie James (Diva's Champion) and in the last match on the card, Jeff Hardy (World Heavyweight Champion) winning in a classic match against C. M. Punk.

New on !BANG! TV, Studio Sar-Ah features Special Guest, Blain Rage. Sar-Ah and Blain Rage are in conflict throughout this installment of Studio Sar-Ah. Blain Rage accuses Sar-Ah of costing him a victory at the last !BANG! TV Taping by throwing in the towel. Sar-Ah offers proof in wasn't Blain Rage's towel she threw in.

Studio Sar-Ah Webisodes are featured on !BANG! TV at http://www.dory-funk.com.

If you would like to become a Professional Wrestler, Creative Writer for Professional Wrestling, Referee, Ring Announcer or Wrestling Promoter, call now - 352-895-4658 or visit http://www.dory-funk.com and fill out our application then call.

For advance tickets to Support Your Troops 43, !BANG! Aversary coming Sunday August 9th visit our website at http://www.dory-funk.com or go by Pardee Moving and Self Storage of Ocala, Florida or you may call 352-895-4658 for ticket information

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Lawsuit Waiting To Happen?

Not sure, nor am I going to go out of my way to find out, who's promoting this, but when Dana calls, say, "Hi," for me!

Friday, July 24, 2009

UFC And Affliction Announce Collaboration

Source - Affliction:

SEAL BEACH, Calif., July 24 -- Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship "UFC" organization and Affliction Holdings, LLC announced today they have agreed to a collaboration that will benefit the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and ultimately the sport's growing fan base.

The collaboration ensures commitments by UFC and Affliction for Mixed Martial Arts to continue to be recognized as a mainstream sport.

"We are excited about the return of Affliction to the UFC and look forward to seeing our fighters once again walk into the Octagon wearing the Affliction brands. Affliction is an innovator of mixing fashion with this sport and we are looking forward to working together to promote the sport." Dana White, President of UFC.

"Our brand is synonymous with the 'Live Fast' approach to life and UFC is the perfect venue for us to market our brand. We have come to an agreement with the UFC which we feel will be the best for the sport and will help the UFC continue delivering the highest caliber of fights." Eric Foss, Co-Founder of Affliction.

Affliction Trilogy Canceled

Source - Affliction Entertainment:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seal Beach, California (July 24, 2009) – The highly anticipated fight between Fedor Emelianenko and Josh Barnett at the Affliction Trilogy MMA show has been canceled. The mega fight was scheduled to take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim on August 1st. The unforeseen license denial of Josh Barnett gave Affliction limited time to find a replacement and adequately promote the new main event.

“Finding an opponent for the number one ranked MMA heavy weight champion in such a short period of time was a huge endeavor and I’m thrilled at the amount of fighters willing to take on this challenge,” said Tom Atencio, vice president of Affliction Entertainment. “But in the end, we just didn’t have enough time to promote a new fight to our standards.”

Affliction is deeply disappointed that the under card is also canceled through no fault of its own. Affliction stands behind the company’s brands and delivers premium products to the most passionate and loyal customers. Affliction’s first priority is to ensure that all future events live up to the company’s high standards.

Ticket holders for the canceled event should contact Ticketmaster or ticketmaster.com for a refund.

About Affliction Clothing

Recognized around the world for its unique design aesthetic, Affliction Clothing is a lifestyle-driven apparel company catering to consumers who LIVE FAST. After producing its successful first collection of T-shirts, thermals, and hoodies in 2005, Affliction quickly launched a full denim collection. Having gained a reputation for relentlessly pushing the envelope with its highly stylized graphics and powerful imagery, Affliction became a household name when celebrities, rock bands and athletes began religiously wearing it. Artistry and attitude characterize Affliction’s deconstructed, hand-illustrated, custom washed pieces embellished with the finest hardware and finishes. In 2008, Affliction opened their first retail store in Los Angeles, and later that year, their second in Miami. Retail expansion includes the 2009 opening in Las Vegas and Affliction’s first international location in Moscow.