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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

R. I. MMA Fans To Taste ‘First Blood’ In Historic Show

Campbell-Almeida headline inaugural R.I. MMA show Sept. 17 at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE (Aug. 31, 2010) – History will be made Friday night, Sept. 17 when “First Blood” becomes the first sanctioned, professional Mixed Martial Arts show ever held in Rhode Island.

“First Blood,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., (CES) will be held at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, RI. All fights feature three, 5-minute rounds.

The main event pits arguably New England’s hottest prospect, Providence lightweight Mike “The Beast” Campbell (8-2-0), against undefeated Magno Almeida (6-0), of Wakefield (MA). In an exciting match-up of contrasting styles, Campbell has five knockouts, while five of Almeida’s six opponents have tapped-put.

In the co-feature, Bridgewater (MA) heavyweight Lee Beane (7-1-0) takes on Parker Porter (3-1-0), while Wakefield (MA) welterweight Rick Hawn (8-0-0) faces an opponent to be determined.

“Fighting is fighting and we know what fans want – fast action, entertainment and competitive matches,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said. “We’re taking the same grassroots promoting and marketing plan we’ve used so successfully for many years in boxing and taking it into MMA. I’ve been studying MMA for nearly three years in order to learn how to build the best team possible. Boxing plays a big part in MMA. Some athletic boxers want to try MMA, some powerful-punching strikers want to box. CES is now in the unique position to offer boxers and MMA fighters opportunities to cross over.

“Our goal is to develop MMA fighters and help bring them to the top of the mountain – UFC. We have a good relationship with UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Mark Ratner, from when he was Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. We believe our first show has the potential to be the best show ever in New England in terms of showcasing New England talent. We will have some of the best in action on ‘First Blood.’ We’re thrilled to be having this great show at our home base in beautiful Twin River.”

Also scheduled to fight on “First Blood” are Cranston’s (RI) Luis “Rock Star” Felix (4-5-0) vs. Joe Dechaves (3-2-0); Woonsocket’s pro-debuting lightweight Justin Switzer vs. Cranston’s Eric Fams; Maine welterweight Glenn Reaves vs. pro-debuting Bill Burley; Whitman (MA) featherweight John Campbell in his pro debut vs. Kurt Calash, of Middleton (CT); and Somerville (MA) lightweight Jimmy “Jimbo Slice” Davidson in his first fight vs. John Sienna (0-1-1).

Also on the card against opponents to be determined are undefeated Framingham (MA) light heavyweight Saul “The Spider” Almeida (7-0-0), Ludlow (MA) lightweight Alexandre “Vaca” Moreno (10-2-0), East Greenwich (RI) and Rhode Island MMA pioneer Mat Santos, along with welterweights Lionel Young (2-4-0), Antwann Penn and Mark Skeltcher. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “First Blood,” priced at $50.00, $75.00, $125.00, $150.00 and $200.00 (front row) are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6:00PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “First Blood.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

Press Conference Quotes

Mike Campbell: “To be part of the first MMA show in Rhode Island, I’m so excited to be part of it. I have goose-bumps right now….honestly. I’m gonna bring it; I never give boring shows. I promise you’re going to see fireworks. We bleed and sweat together and it’s my honor to fighting on this card with these fighters. It’s going to be war.”

Mat Santos: “I was on the very first card in Rhode Island. They called it Vale Tudo. There wasn’t a law against it but it was legal, 11 years ago. I was in the Army in 1993 when I saw my first MMA fight. It looked like fun and that’s why it went from a hobby to my lifeblood. I train six days a week, every week, whether I have a fight or not. I haven’t fought in four years, not necessarily because of lack of trying. This is the fifth fight set-up for me but opponents pulled out. Anybody that hits the ground against me, I’ll finish them. I’m 100-percent confident that I will submit him. There’s nobody out there I don’t have an answer for. This isn’t going to be a boring Jiu-Jitsu fight. If I can’t take him down, I’ll beat him on my feet. The past 11 years I’ve fought all over in rings, cages and even open mats, but now I’m finally fighting at home.”

Parker Porter: “I’m glad to be here. It’ll be my closest fight to home being from Southington, Connecticut. The last guy to beat Lee is in the UFC; the last guy to beat me is in the UFC. I’m looking forward to sizing us up. I promise you I’m going to bring it.”

Saul Almeida: I haven’t fought in a while. I just came back from training two months in California with some of the best MMA fighters in the world like Anderson Silva. It’s going to be a really entertaining fight. You won’t want to miss it.”

Lionel Young: “I’m still a baby at this – I’ve only been doing it for a year. This is my biggest fight. I promise to go into the cage and give every ounce in my body.”

Luis Felix: I’m excited to be fighting here in my backyard. It’s something I’ve looked forward to ever since I got into MMA. September 17th I’ll be here to fight. I don’t go into any fight hating my opponent. This is a sport and I love to do it. After the fight we can be friends. I’m willing to put everything on the line. This is my ultimate challenge. I look forward to putting on a good show.”

Joe Dechaves: “It’s an awesome time – Rhode Island history – to be fighting on this card. Felix is a good fighter. I’ve seen some of his fights. I’ve been training hard and I’ll be ready September 17th. It’s a special fight for me. I’m dedicating it to my father who died in July, on my wedding day, so this fight means more to be than anything.”

Source: Full Court Press

Dana White To Address Oxford Union Society

UFC PRESIDENT FOLLOWS IN FOOTSTEPS OF PRIME MINISTERS, US PRESIDENTS AND HEADS OF STATE AS GUEST SPEAKER AT THE DISTINGUISHED DEBATING SOCIETY

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 31 -- Dana White, the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization, will follow in the footsteps of US Presidents, British Prime Ministers and heavyweights from the political, scientific and sporting arenas when he addresses Oxford University's famed Oxford Union Society on October 13th, 2010.

Founded in the 11th Century, Oxford University is the oldest surviving seat of learning in the English-speaking world. The Oxford Union was formed by Oxford University students in 1823 as a "haven for free speech during an age noted for University repression" and boasts a guest speaker tradition second to none.

Previous speakers at the Union include former British Prime Ministers, former US Presidents Carter, Nixon and Reagan, over a dozen heads of state from around the world, including the Queen of England, such notables as US Civil Rights activist Malcolm X, US Attorney General Bobby Kennedy, cosmologist Stephen Hawking, biologist Richard Dawkins, theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, and popular icons such as Pierce Brosnan, Clint Eastwood and Martin Sheen.

White said: "It is a great honor to be invited to address the Oxford Union. Anyone who knows anything about me knows I always speak my mind and am very passionate about what I do, and the Oxford Union was founded on exactly those principles. I'm looking forward to meeting the students, and I know they have a reputation for asking tough questions and expecting straight answers from their guests. That's exactly what they'll get from me."

Ash Sangha, the Vice President of the Oxford Union Society charged with inviting guest speakers, added: "Throughout its history, the Oxford Union Society has been a renowned stage for high profile and deeply interesting figures to share their stories and promote their passions.

"We are delighted that Dana White will be making his contribution to this great tradition when he visits us in October. As President of UFC, Dana has created a billion dollar global sports company in less than a decade and we look forward to hearing his take on the rise of the UFC and giving us greater insight into this phenomenon."

During his visit to Oxford University, White will visit the historic Oxford Union Library, as well as meet with Oxford Entrepreneurs, another campus student society, who are keen to quiz White on the strategies he deployed to transform the UFC organization from a money-losing spectacle into the fastest growing company in the history of sport.

White will be in England for UFC 120, which takes place at the O2 Arena, London, on October 16. Headlined by British middleweight Michael Bisping taking on Japan's Yoshihiro Akiyama, UFC 120 is the fourth consecutive event the UFC has sold out in the biggest arena in Great Britain. The UFC will also be celebrating the first ever British UFC Fan Expo, which takes place at Earls Court, London, on October 15 and 16.

About the Oxford Union

The Oxford Union is hailed as the world's most famous and prestigious student society, having been founded in 1823 to provide a forum for free speech in an age when the University banned all discussion of politics and religion. Since then it has prospered remarkably. The Oxford Union is run by an elected student committee and students who have won elections here have gone on to do the same later in life, and it has produced five British Prime Ministers and numerous Presidents. The Union's record of guest speaker visits is world renowned. Its Chamber has played host to some of the most influential figures in the world: Presidents Reagan, Nixon and Carter have all spoken there, as have the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and the Queen of England.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship® - www.ufc.com

Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, USA with offices in London, England, UFC® produces over 30 live arena events around the world. The world's largest Pay-Per-View provider, UFC programming is distributed in the United States on Viacom, Inc.'s Spike TV and on Comcast, Inc.'s Versus network and ESPN and Channel FIVE in the UK. UFC content is distributed commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. Globally, UFC programming is broadcast in 147 countries, territories and jurisdictions, reaching 430 million homes worldwide, in 19 different languages. Ancillary businesses now include UFC.com with over 6 million unique visitors per month, the best-selling UFC Undisputed videogame franchise distributed by THQ, UFC Gym™, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo™ festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, articulated action figures and other media including best-selling DVDs and a bimonthly magazine.

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: UFC

Monday, August 30, 2010

RIP: Mickey Garagiola

Mickey Garagiola, a man of many hats, but, to many fans of pro wrestling, known for his 'Wrestling at the Chase' announcing stint (which lasted nearly 25 years), died, on Sunday, from cancer-related causes.

Garagiola was 88.

Friday, August 27, 2010

HDNet's 'Inside MMA' Breaks Down UFC 118 With Toney, Couture, And Edgar; Plus A Replay Of What Could Be The Fight Of The Year

Couture and Toney trade verbal jabs; Edgar says he's still the underdog; Santiago vs. Misaski - TONIGHT, Friday, August 27 at 9:00 p.m. ET on HDNet

DALLAS, Aug. 27 -- The showdown between MMA and boxing is finally here as James Toney and Randy Couture are ready to enter the octagon, but not before one final round of verbal sparring on HDNet's "Inside MMA," TONIGHT at 9:00 p.m. ET on HDNet.

Both fighters talk about the historic matchup of a boxing champion and a UFC legend, as the raw, unfiltered James Toney tells Kenny Rice in an exclusive interview "ain't no MMA guy ever taken an ass whopping'" and encourages Couture to not "fight like a girl." A cool Couture laughs at the trash talk and plans to teach Toney about the all-around fight game saying, "he underestimates the ground game."

Frankie Edgar joins the panel via satellite from Boston as he prepares for his rematch with BJ Penn. Even though he's the champion, Edgar says he doesn't feel any different four months into his reign. "I'm still the underdog," says Edgar but "my quickness is still a strength."

A preview clip with comments from Toney, Couture, and Edgar is available at: http://www.hd.net/insidemma.html

Plus, UFC Welterweight Mike Swick and Sherdog's Greg Savage join Kenny and Bas on the panel, and in the news, Jon Jones tells Ron Kruck when he is going to fight for the UFC Light Heavyweight title and its stop number one on the Inside America's Gyms tour...Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas.

Immediately following "Inside MMA" at 10:00 p.m. ET will be the primetime debut of "HDNet Fights: Sengoku Raiden Championship 14." In the main event, Kazuo Misaki challenges Jorge Santiago for the SRC Middleweight Title. The back and forth, five round battle is being hailed by journalists and fans as a candidate for the fight of the year.

"Forget Sonnen-Silva or Jung-Garcia, it is Santiago-Misaki that will go down as the fight of 2010 and ranks up there alongside Gomi-Diaz and Nogueira-Cro Cop as one of the greatest MMA fights of all time," said HDNet Fights commentator Michael Schiavello who called the fight live from Tokyo with former UFC star Frank Trigg. "It had everything an epic MMA fight should have: knockdowns from the stand up, near match-ending ground and pound, crazy submissions and escapes, an energized and vocal crowd and drama from the start to the controversial finish that will leave you speechless."

Don't miss a minute of TONIGHT'S full slate of MMA action - only on HDNet!

About HDNet

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

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence. HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com). "HDNet Fights" works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, King of the Cage, XFC, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA, while "Fighting Words with Mike Straka," goes one-on-one with some of the biggest names in the sport. HDNet also features regular season games from the newly formed United Football League.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Nickelback and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "Girls Gone Wild," "Deadline" and "Get Out!"

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

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

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

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, and Verizon FiOS.

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

Source: HDNet

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Ultimate Fighting Champion Chuck Liddell Shaves Iconic Mohawk 4 Good

LIDDELL PARTNERS WITH BIC 4 GOOD TO SUPPORT DOSOMETHING.ORG

NEW YORK, Aug. 26 -- BIC knows that it doesn't take a lot to do a world of good. This summer, Ultimate Fighting Champion Chuck Liddell and BIC men's razors--specifically the new BIC® Flex4™--will partner to support BIC 4 GOOD (http://www.bic4good.com) by shaving off Liddell's signature Mohawk.

The BIC 4 GOOD initiative asks Americans to shave their head--for real or virtually--and in turn BIC will make a donation on their behalf to DoSomething.org, a not-for-profit organization that empowers youth to do good in their own communities. In celebration of the launch of the BIC Flex 4 shaver and the opportunity to support a great cause, BIC and Chuck are asking America to join the movement.

"It doesn't take a lot to make a huge difference in the world, and I'm proud to be a part of BIC 4 GOOD's humanitarian effort," says Liddell. "By shaving off my own signature 'do, I hope to inspire people to do the same for this important program."

From April 15 through September 30 of this year, BIC will donate $444 to DoSomething for every video of a shaved head, $44 for every photo of a shaved head, and $4 for every virtually shaved head. Already, do-gooders everywhere have raised over $45,000. With Chuck's help, BIC hopes to push this number to reach the $60,000 fundraising goal for DoSomething.org.

If Chuck's real life look is too extreme for you, the BIC 4 GOOD virtual shave lets you have an impact with just a headshot and a little imagination. To join the campaign, visit the program's site at www.bic4good.com or visit www.facebook.com/bic4good for more information.

The BIC® Flex4™ disposable shaver for men has four flexible blades that individually adjust to your skin for an ultra smooth shave. This new shaver also features a pivoting head and heavy handle with a textured grip for superior control. The BIC Flex 4 shaver, which is BIC's best shave for men, has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $5.99 for a three pack.

About Chuck Liddell

Charles David 'Chuck' Liddell (born December 17, 1969), also known as "The Iceman" is an American mixed martial artist who fights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

A former UFC light heavyweight champion, Liddell has an extensive background in kickboxing and collegiate wrestling. Liddell holds notable wins over Renato Sobral, Jeff Monson, Guy Mezger, Kevin Randleman, Vitor Belfort, Tito Ortiz, Murilo Bustamante, Alistair Overeem, Jeremy Horn, Wanderlei Silva and Randy Couture. He was inducted into the UFC Hall Of Fame in July of 2009.

Liddell has also made several film and television appearances and can next be seen in the upcoming film Passion Play, opposite Mickey Rourke, Bill Murray and Megan Fox.

About BIC® Consumer Products

BIC Consumer Products USA (www.bicworldusa.com) is a leading distributor of stationery products, lighters and shavers. Since its founding more than 50 years ago, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable products. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands in the world today.

About Do Something

DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the United States that helps young people rock causes they care about. A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org in on track to activate two million young people in 2011. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. Plug in at www.DoSomething.org.

Source: BIC Consumer Products

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The Rematch You've Been Waiting For: Nick Diaz Vs. KJ Noons Is Set For Saturday, Oct. 9, In San Jose, Calif.

Kaufman to Defend STRIKEFORCE Women’s Belt Against Coenen
Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT; Ticket Pre-Sale Begins Today

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2010) – A grudge rematch that fans, media, and the confident fighters themselves have been clamoring for since the first fight ended in bloody controversy nearly three years ago, will take place on Saturday, October 9, when KJ Noons (9-1), fresh off a knockout victory last Saturday, challenges STRIKEFORCE World Welterweight (170 pounds) Champion Nick Diaz (22-7, 1 NC) in the main event at HP Pavilion here, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the co-feature, undefeated STRIKEFORCE Women’s Welterweight World Champion Sarah Kaufman (12-0) will make the second defense of her 135-pound title against No. 1 contender and Dutch superstar Marloes Coenen (17-4).

Another featured fight will pit an emerging star from the STRIKEFORCE Challengers series, up-and-coming Luke Rockhold (7-1), against the vastly more experienced, 2000 Olympic Games wrestling silver medalist, Matt "The Law" Lindland (22-7), in a middleweight (185 pounds) contest.

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Saturday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. PT online at Ticketmaster.com, at HP Pavilion ticket office, or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

A special presale opportunity for “STRIKEFORCE Insider” e-newsletter subscribers begins today, Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. PT. Sign up to become a “STRIKEFORCE Insider” at http://www.strikeforce.com/insider.html.

Diaz has not lost a fight since he first faced Noons, losing via disputed first-round TKO on Nov. 7, 2007. Diaz has been devastating in recent outings notching seven in a row. The talented, outspoken, no-nonsense brawler also boasts a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.

The always-dangerous Noons is an aggressive and prolific striker who has won his last six fights, including the thrilling slugfest against Diaz that ended when the cageside physician halted the proceedings due to excessive cuts around Diaz’ eyes.

Since that fight, there has been no love lost between the pair of brash fighters. Seven months after their first fight, on June 14, 2008, the fighters and their camp members nearly came to blows in the cage after the fighters registered victories in separate bouts.

“Nick has no class, he’s a bum, a piece of (expletive) and he and his team disrespected my family and I with their gestures and trash talk and tried to upstage my fight,’’ said Noons after the near-fracas.

Offered Diaz: “I’m sorry about what happened in the cage afterward, but I didn’t start it. His guys were talking (expletive) to us.’’

Diaz is coming off a first-round submission (armbar) over fellow superstar Hayato “Mach” Sakurai last May 29 at DREAM 14 in Japan. The six-foot, 27-year-old Diaz won the STRIKEFORCE title with a convincing first-round TKO (punches) over Marius “The Whitemare” Žaromskis on Jan. 30, 2010.

The 5-foot-11, 27-year-old Noons, who was born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, registered a spectacular, crowd-pleasing second-round knockout over Jorge Gurgel during last Saturday’s STRIKEFORCE: Houston, live on SHOWTIME.

Kaufman, a former ballet dancer, retained her belt for the first time with an explosive third-round body slam KO over Roxanne Modafferi at STRIKEFORCE Challengers in Everett, Wash., on July 23.

The personable, hard-hitting, 5-foot-5, 24-year-old Kaufman, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, has scored knockouts in nine of her 12 victories.

Coenen, 29, will appear before an audience for the first time since suffering a hard-fought third-round TKO loss to Cris Cyborg for the STRIKEFORCE Women’s Middleweight (145 pounds) Championship at STRIKEFORCE: Miami last Jan. 30.

The game and courageous, 5-foot-9 Coenen gave Cyborg one of her toughest fights. A member of Holland’s Team Golden Glory, Coenen has been a mixed martial artist since the age of 14. She will be moving down in weight to challenge for the title.

Rockhold of Santa Cruz, Calif. will bring a six-fight winning streak into what figures to be the toughest assignment of his career. Many feel the 25-year-old is one of STRIKEFORCE’s next great middleweight stars. He has been victorious by submission in all but one of his wins. A member of Team AKA in San Jose, Rockhold won his last start with a first-round TKO (knees to body) over Paul Bradley on Feb. 26, in San Jose.

Lindland of Oregon City, Ore, brought home the silver in Greco-Roman wrestling. He’s fought the best in a 13-year MMAs career, including the famed Fedor Emelianenko. An All-American at the University of Nebraska before turning pro in 1997, Lindland holds victories over Pat Miletich, Jeremy Horn, former UFC welterweight champion Carlos Newton and remains one of only two men to submit Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Travis Lutter.

In his most recent fight, the six-foot-tall Lindland scored a third-round TKO over “King” Kevin Casey on May 21 during a STRIKEFORCE Challengers in Portland, Ore.

About STRIKEFORCE

STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its "Shamrock vs. Gracie" event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose's HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE, sanctioned by ISKA, 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 (MMA) 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. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.

Source: Strikeforce

M-1 Global: “We Want Overeem”

New York City, New York (August 25, 2010) Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko has made it clear that he would like to fight the current Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair “Demolition Man” Overeem as his next opponent later this year.

“This is an important match for me and something that I personally want to happen,” says Fedor. “There have been conversations about putting this match-up together in the past and now is the time to begin making this bout possible.”

Conversations have been taking place behind closed doors between M-1 Global and Strikeforce for some time and injuries, timing and differences of opinion have been roadblocks to putting Overeem and Emelianenko together. “M-1 Global wants to make this fight happen,” says M-1’s Director of Operations, Evgeni Kogan. “As a global mixed martial arts company committed to driving the evolution of the sport and showcasing match-ups that the fans deserve to see, we want to make this bout a reality in 2010.”

The roadblocks that once previously were preventing one of the most highly anticipated bouts this year seem to be disappearing.

About M-1 Global:

Founded in 1998 by Vadim Finkelchtein and Sergey Matvienko, M-1 Global has established itself in the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA) as the premiere entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With offices in St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, New York City, Washington DC, Los Angeles and affiliates in Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Tokyo and Paris, the M-1 brand stages its M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Breakthrough events worldwide and its co-produced Strikeforce events in the United States; captivating the live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups.

M-1 Global’s greatest asset is the number one heavyweight fighter in mixed martial arts history, Fedor Emelianenko. With daily coverage on all MMA-related websites in the world, and articles in Time Magazine, LA times and New York times, Fedor and M-1 Global make a lifetime match serving as the catalyst to grow MMA in the 21st century.

Source: M-1 Global

Friday, August 13, 2010

Wrestler Magazine - Feature Story On Dory Funk Jr.

The Current Issue of the Wrestler Magazine F E A T U R E S a Multiple Page 90 Minute Interview with Dory Funk Jr. Plus Exclusive Photos-

Few people have done as much, or even witnessed as much, as Dory Funk Jr. has over the span of his 40-year career in wrestling.

Senior Writer Harry Burkett gets the former NWA World champion to open up about his life and his career in this exclusive 90-minute interview -

You can purchase the Wrestler now at http://www.pwi-online.com

Dory Funk Jr. is the Coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and Trainer of WWE, TNA, NXT and Japanese Wrestling Talent.

The next !BANG! TV Taping, Support Your Troops 55, American !BANG! Brawl comes to the !BANG! TV Sound Stage Saturday August 21st, Show time is 7:00pm.

For training schedules at the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and tickets to !BANG! TV Tapings, Call 352-895-4658 or visit our website at http://www.dory-funk.com

Source: Dory Funk Jr.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

SHINE FIGHTS RETURNS WITH GRAND PRIX FORMAT ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 AT THE PATRIOT CENTER AND LIVE ON PAY PER VIEW

Eight MMA Fighters To Compete For One Night in Single Elimination Tournament in Fairfax, VA.

NEW YORK, NY (August 12, 2010) - Shine Fights Promotions' highly-anticipated return to the MMA ring will take place on September 10 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA, it was announced today by Shine Fights COO Jason Chambers. The Grand Prix format--an eight-man, single-elimination tournament taking place in one night--will be the first such event held in the United States in more than 15 years. The bout will be broadcast live on PPV by MultiVision Media, Inc., beginning at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST. The suggested retail price is $29.99.

Tickets, priced at $350, $154, $94, $74, $64, $44, and $24, will go on sale Saturday morning (August 14) at 10a.m. EST and will be available at tickemaster.com. There will also be an "Early Bird Special" where those who purchase tickets in the first 48 hours will receive a 15% discount off the face value of the ticket, which will be available through the Patriot Center Box Office from 10am-5pm (Closed Sunday) and through ticketmaster.com.

"The Grand Prix format can be traced back to the grassroots of MMA," said Chambers. "Fans will be given the unique opportunity to witness some of the world's most talented athletes go head to head, more than once, in a single evening. And they will see first-hand the intense conditioning, determination, and will that is needed to survive in such a demanding format. Fans better purchase their tickets quickly because we are expecting a sellout."

Shine Fights CEO, Devin Price added, “Shine Fights has always believed in offering MMA fans a different and compelling fight card. I am as anxious as any other MMA fan to see a compelling tournament with eight tough fighters culminating with one champion, all in one night.”

"We are very excited to introduce this exciting, cutting edge format in High Definition," said Executive Producer Brian Ricco. "Being surrounded by our team of network veterans and buoyed by Bruce Beck, we are looking forward to the highest level of sports broadcast."

“The Patriot Center is very pleased to host Shine Fights’ Grand Prix Lightweight Tournament on Friday, September 10, 2010. We look forward to a fantastic Mixed Martial Arts tournament and feel it will be great for fans in the Washington, D.C. area,” said Barry Geisler, General Manager of the Patriot Center.

The Grand Prix tournament is sanctioned by the Virginia State Athletic Commission, but will be contested under Nevada State Athletic Commission rules. Each of the eight 155 lb fighters will be paired-off in the tournament's opening round, with the four winners moving on to round two. The two winners of round two will move on to the tournament's final round and battle for the championship. The single-elimination format means that the tournament winner will need to win three bouts that evening. (In case of injury there will be two alternate bouts)

Rounds one and two of the tournament will be composed of two 5-minute rounds. They will also have a 3-minute overtime if needed to decide a winner. Round three (Finals) will increase to three 5-minute rounds.

Below is a list of the eight competitors:

Rich Crunkilton: 16-3 with 7 TKOs, 6 Submissions, and 3 Decisions. The 30-year-old Ft. Lauderdale, FL native is known for his devastating throws and slams, high kicks and wild punches.

Josh Shockley: 9-0. Only 19 years of age, Shockley has made a name for himself through his athleticism and skills. He fights out of Duneland Vale Tudo with training partners Keith Wisniewski, Darren Elkins, and Mark Burch.

Drew Fickett: 37-13 with 3 TKOs, 26 Submissions. The 30-year-old Tucson, AZ native has notable victories over Josh Koscheck, Kurt Pellegrino, former UFC lightweight title contender Kenny Florian and Josh Neer. Drew won his last fight against fellow UFC veteran Derrick Noble by submission.

Carlo Prater: 24-7-1 with 2 TKOs, 12 Submissions. The Sao Paolo, Brazil native began competing in professional mixed martial arts in 2002. He amassed an undefeated record of 10-0, with a notable win over Melvin Guillard, before losing his first bout. He is the former PFC Lightweight Champion.

James Warfield: 20-6 with 15 TKOs and 5 Submissions. The Sun Prairie, Wisconsin native trained in Jeet Kune Do and Karate as a child. He has since fought for many MMA organizations, such as Shine Fights, International Fighting Championship, Freestyle Combat Challenge, Warriors 4 Warriors, Extreme Cagefighting Organization, Combat USA, Downtown Destruction, EVO MMA, Ultimate Battleground, Xtreme Kage Kombat, Ring Of Fire, and Ultimate Combat Sports. His nickname is The Unbreakable Heavy Hitter.

Marcus Aurelio: 20-8 with 4 TKOs, 13 Submissions, and 3 Submissions. The 36-year-old Brazilian native is an expert in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has never been stopped. All eight losses were by decision.

Hector Muñoz 9-3, 3 TKOs, 6 Submissions. Muñoz is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt. He is a 2x Grapplers Quest Champ, Pan Am Bronze Medalistas well as a Fight Fest Champion and Katana Cagefighting Champion.

Charles Bennett: 22-17-2 with 14 TKOs, 5 Submissions. The 30-year-old Ocala, FL native is known as a hell-raiser. He insults other fighters, disrespects referees, and has even brawled with other fighters backstage. He holds notable Knockout victories over former EliteXC Lightweight Champion KJ Noons, UFC veteran Gerald Strebendt, and WEC Bantamweight contender Yoshiro Maeda. He was once quoted stating that ground fighting " is like making love, it's not real fighting."

The MMA showdown will be beamed on PPV on cable and satellite in the United States and Canada. The event will be in High Definition and it will be available in both English and Spanish (where available). The MMA showdown will be distributed live on Pay Per View beginning at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST by Multi Vision Media, Inc. The suggested retail price is $29.95.

Ticket Information: Tickets for the Mixed Martial Arts Tournament at the Patriot Center on Friday, September 10 at 8:00 p.m. are $350.00, $154, $94.00, $74.00, $64.00, $44.00 and $24.00 (plus applicable service charges) and go on sale August 14 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 703-993-3035. For more information please visit www.patriotcenter.com. Follow us on Facebook (PatriotCenter) or on Twitter (@patriotcenter).

To learn more about Shine Fight Promotions, visit www.shinefights.com or follow the organization on Twitter @ShineFights, Myspace (www.myspace.com/ShineFights), YouTube (www.youtube.com/ShineFights) or become a fan on Facebook.

About Shine Fight Promotions

Shine Fight Promotions, LLC is a U.S.-based organization that seeks to deliver the art, discipline, respect, and passion that is mixed martial arts (MMA) to the global market. Shine is committed to the growth of MMA, and is focused on creating a positive experience for both fighters and fans. Organizing the fights that fighters and fans want to see by arranging the most competitive and interesting matches available is the foremost goal of the promotion. Shine Fight Promotion seeks to grow through innovation, high production values, dramatic and engaging fights, and the promotion of authentic MMA. Above all, Shine is committed to letting fighters, fans, and the sport “shine” through dynamic events. For additional information on Shine Fights, please visit http://www.shinefights.com/

Source: Shine Fight Promotions, LLC

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Funk's Corner - NWA Wrestling Legend's Fanfest - What Do You Say To A Legend?

NWA Wrestling Legends FanFest kicks off tonight in Charlotte North Carolina and continues through the weekend. You will have the opportunity to meet many of the true legends of professional wrestling.

What do you say to a wrestling legend?

It all starts with a good introduction (Self introduction or other) and a firm and sincere hand shake with a look in the eyes of the legend you are meeting.

Cleanliness, dress and cosmetic appeal give off first impressions. (Dress for the occasion)

Compliments on a wrestler's work are graciously accepted.

Professional wrestlers work hard to please the wrestling fans be they faces, heels or just good workers. The wrestling business in itself is so competitive for the top spots compliments for good work are often forgotten as in the business, good work is expected all the time.

When you compliment a wrestler be sure you mention the time, place so recall will be easy and your sincerity verified. They will recall the incident and most likely your face and name.

There is no need to refer to yourself as "Smart, With it or to try to speak Carney to a wrestler. They will know your sincerity and knowledge of the business by your demeanor.

Do not ask if they remember you from a meeting at a wrestling show from some time in the past. You would be putting them on the spot and leave them uncomfortable. It is better to introduce yourself giving your name and telling them some place you have met in the past.

Above all enjoy yourself and have a good time at NWA Wrestling FanFest in Charlotte, North Carolina. I will be looking forward to meeting so many of the wrestling fans who have been good to me for so many years.

For training information at the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School, Call 352-895-4658 or visit http://www.dory-funk.com -

Now on !BANG! TV Headliners - Dory Funk Jr. vs Jack Brisco, Antonio Inoki, Harley Race and Ted Dibiase (Click on "Watch !BANG! TV Here")

Source: Dory Funk Jr. - Coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and Trainer of WWE, TNA, NXT and Japanese Wrestling Talent

More Smack From Sonnen - While Tito Slams Hamill's Handicap Tomorrow Night On HDNet's 'Inside MMA'

The insults fly tomorrow night on HDNet, Friday, August 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET

DALLAS, Aug. 5 -- WHAT: On this week's "Inside MMA," Tito Ortiz reminds fans why he's the original bad boy of MMA with his comments about his future opponent Matt "The Hammer" Hamill. In a bizarre statement, Ortiz said that Hamill has no equilibrium because, "he's deaf so he has a soft head and you hit him with more and more shots."

Hamill, who is deaf, trained under Ortiz on Season 3 of "The Ultimate Fighter," and will face him at UFC 121 in October.

Ortiz tells Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten that Hamill has been, "...babied his whole life coming from being deaf. He's gonna be babied after, when I knock him out and look for a little snuggle."

Also on the program, in an exclusive interview with Ron Kruck, Chael Sonnen says that Anderson Silva is "not the first cheater I've dealt with." Sonnen, who has had a lot to say about this upcoming bout in the last few weeks, told Kruck that Silva is, "not the first guy who discovered he can soak himself in baby oil before he walks to the ring."

This week's panel also features outspoken Bellator title challenger Joe Warren facing his more soft-spoken opponent, Featherweight champion Joe Soto. Warren may win the panel's "war of words" but, Soto calmly tells Kenny and Bas, "he can't knock me out."

A clip from the upcoming program can be found at the following link: http://blog.hdnetfights.com/tagged/imma

WHEN: Tomorrow night, Friday, August 6, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

About HDNet

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

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence. HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com). "HDNet Fights" works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, King of the Cage, XFC, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA, while "Fighting Words with Mike Straka," goes one-on-one with some of the biggest names in the sport. HDNet also features regular season games from the newly formed United Football League.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Nickelback and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "Girls Gone Wild," "Deadline" and "Get Out!"

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

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

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

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, and Verizon FiOS.

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

Source: HDNet

Shark Fights 13 To Air Live On Pay-Per-View

Live From the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum -- Tickets on Sale Now!

AMARILLO, TX, August 5, 2010 - Shark Fight Promotions is proud to announce that Shark Fights 13 will be available live on pay-per-view on iN DEMAND for just $29.99. This highly anticipated mixed martial arts event has made considerable headlines over the last two weeks. The bout card is stacked from top to bottom with well known marquee fighters, including many veterans from Ultimate Fighting Championship, Strikeforce, PRIDE, EliteXC, and Dream. Shark Fights 13 will take place September 11 at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum in Amarillo, Texas.

Shark Fights 13 will feature a card loaded with action-packed match-ups such as Keith Jardine vs. Trevor Prangley, Rameau Sokoudjou vs. Houston Alexander, Drew McFedries vs. Joey Villasenor, and top welterweight contender Paul Daley. Daley's opponent and another high-caliber bout will be announced soon!

According to Brent Medley, president of Shark Fight Promotions, "We are tremendously proud to do our first pay-per-view event with iN DEMAND, it is a significant milestone for our company. Now fans that can't make it to the event can watch the fights live in the comfort of their homes. We are very excited that we are able to offer the fans a card stacked with such well-matched, high profile fighters for only $29.99."

Medley went on to say, "We wanted the entire card to be stacked with significant fights, including the undercard. We were strategic when choosing the match-ups and feel that Shark Fights 13 is a solid card from top to bottom. We also decided to go one step further and feature a title fight on the undercard. To my knowledge, this is the first time in MMA history that this has been done. It promises to be a very exciting bout. Our current Shark Fights lightweight champion Douglas Evans will defend his title against submission specialist Ronnie Mann. Fans will not be disappointed!"

Additional details on the Shark Fights 13 line up, the undercard broadcast, and the commentating team will be announced in the coming weeks.

Official Shark Fights 13 Line Up:

Main Card:

1. Keith Jardine vs. Trevor Prangley (205lbs)
2. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Houston Alexander (205lbs)
3. Paul Daley vs. TBA (170lbs)
4. Joey Villasanor vs. Drew McFredries (185lbs)
5. Another high-profile fight to be announced next week!

Undercard:

6. Ronnie Mann vs. Douglas Evans (145lbs)
7. Brock Larson vs. TBA (170lbs)
8. Aaron Rosa vs. Dave Herman (Heavyweight)
9. Marcus Hicks vs. Karen Darabedyan (155lbs)
10. Pete Spratt vs. Eric Davila (170lbs)

Shark Fight Promotions growing popularity and record-breaking attendance has garnered an incredible amount of positive publicity. In addition to drawing record breaking crowds of over 10,000, Shark Fights made headlines in 2009 when it partnered with ESPN 1440 radio to air the first live U.S. radio broadcast of an MMA event in the history of the sport. The historic broadcast was hosted by MMA Legend Don Frye and celebrity radio host Warren McCarty.

Shark Fights continues to receive a constant flow of impressive media coverage, ranging from feature articles and exclusive interviews to television and radio coverage. The company's reputation and constant media presence has attracted the attention of numerous MMA celebrities, such as Don "The Predator" Frye, Kimbo Slice, Bas Rutten, Ron Kruck, Tapout crew members Punkass and Skyscrape, WEC fighters Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, Leonard "Bad Boy" Garcia, WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown, and more.

Shark Fights 13 will take place on Saturday, September 11 at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum. Doors open at 6:00pm CDT. Fights start at 7:00 pm CDT. Tickets are on sale now! To purchase Shark Fights 13 tickets please go to www.Sharkfights.com, www.Panhandletickets.com, or visit any Panhandle ticket outlet. Shark Fights 13 is also available live on pay-per-view on iN DEMAND for $29.99.

To watch Shark Fights 13 live on pay-per-view, please contact your local cable provider. For additional information on Shark Fight Promotions, please visit http://www.sharkfights.com.

About Shark Fight Promotions:

Shark Fight Promotions, an innovative fight promotion company based out of Amarillo Texas, is dedicated to driving the growth of mixed martial arts through the production of high quality MMA events and by effectively showcasing MMA fighters. The organization takes pride in putting the fans and fighters first; therefore they strive to make each Shark Fight event more exciting than the last. Executives within the organization are committed to producing impressive fight cards with extremely competitive match-ups. They are also passionate about their philanthropic endeavors. Shark Fight Promotions stays involved in charity causes by partnering with, and contributing to, non-profit organizations in each city that hosts a Shark Fight Promotions event.

Source: Shark Fight Promotions

Bas Rutten Leads World-Class Announcing Team Into ‘War On The Mainland’ PPV Show

Sylvia-Buentello headlines one of 3 PWP Title fights Aug. 14 in Irvine, CA

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 5, 2010) – The August 14th “War on the Mainland” Pay-Per-View event, showcasing three Powerhouse World Promotions (PWP) LLC title fights, will feature a world-class announcing team, PWP CESO Brian Manna announced today.

Bas Rutten, one of the most recognizable figures in mixed martial arts, will be the color commentator/ring interviewer, joining blow-by-blow announcer Benny Ricardo in the television booth. “Classy” Jimmy Lennon, Jr. will serve as the ring announcer.

“We’ve put together one of the best MMA announcing teams in this business, along with one of the all-time great ring announcers,” Manna noted. “It was very important for us to have the best announcers working our first pay-per-view show. We couldn’t be happier or prouder to have these legends working together on our ‘War on the Mainland’ show.”

Two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia takes on former UFC and Strikeforce title challenger Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello in the main event for the vacant PWP Heavyweight Championship, live from Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.

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

Rutten, a former Dutch MMA and kick boxer, was a UFC heavyweight champion, as well as 3-time King of Pancrase world titlist. He is co-host of the popular Inside MMA show on HDNet.

“I always like working great MMA shows like this one,” Rutten said. “I love Paul Buentello. He is a top striker. Believe it or not, Tim Sylvia has improved in the last half-year. He came to my gym for two days to train and he kept dropping everybody. This is going to be a great fight and we all know it isn’t going the distance.”

Ricardo was an NFL place-kicker for nine years. Today, he is a stand-up comic who has broadcasted major worldwide sporting events like the Super Bowl and Wimbledon many years for Spanish television and radio stations. Benny crossed over to MMA a few years ago and he has worked numerous MMA PPV shows in North America.

“I’m looking forward to working with Benny,” Rutten added. “I can’t wait to talk to him before the show because he must have a lot of interesting stories to tell with his background in sports. He has successfully made the transition to MMA and we’re going to have some fun working this show.”

In the co-main event, former WEC titlist Jason “The Punisher” Lambert (25-11-0) meets 8-time World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Allan Goes (17-3-0) for the vacant PWP Light Heavyweight title belt.

In the third of three PWP title fights on the card (5 X 5, all other fights are 3 X 5), former IFL middleweight champion Matt “The Fighting Hippy” Horwich (22-13-1) faces former UFC title challenger Thales Leite (17-3-1) for the PWP middleweight crown.

Former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens “Little Evil” Pulver (22-13-1) meets Diego “El Nino” Garijo (4-1-0) in a Special Lightweight Attraction. “Jens Pulver started fighting on a show I had – the Bas Rutten Invitational,” Rutten added. “It was a 32-man tournament and Pulver fought four guys in one night. It was crazy. I knew back then that he was talented and went all the way. He still has knockout power. I think he has to focus more. In his last fight, he got out of an arm bar a few times but then he got caught. He just needs to focus more.”

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

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

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

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

Vendor opportunities and sponsorships are available by calling 1.858.798.1541.

Source: Full Court Press

Powerhouse Concept For Pay-Per-View - By Benny Ricardo

So you’re Juan Manuel Marquez, you just beat Juan Diaz again in rematch, but your right eye is swollen so big you can put “Good Year” on it and you want to fight a rematch with the man who has had the most incredible rise in weight and success in boxing history, Manny Pacquiao? Does the World want to see this again? Absolutely not. The world wants to see Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and will pay dearly to view it. So what is the problem?

Follow me on this, Manny is with Bob Arum, who is not Golden with Golden Boy who is the promoter of the moment for Floyd Mayweather Jr, who’s uncle/trainer might be going to jail, while Congressman Pacquiao who has to pay for his election will gladly submit to drug testing as Pretty Boy Floyd wanted, who himself has to pay some back taxes to pay, so the entire US Congress can spend it. So why won’t the bell ring for this fight?

The only people leaving more money on the table are BP and their one time leaky well in the bottom of the Gulf. You can’t recover oil in water anymore than you can recover your youth. It’s time for Michael Buffer to do his rumble thing or Jimmy Lennon to do his “It’s Showtime” or referee Mills Lane to say “Let’s get it on.” Ah, there you have it Mills Lane is no longer refereeing, Pacquiao is now 31 and Mayweather is 33 and whereas neither fighter has ever been hurt in the ring, age is creeping up on them.

Now this is where MMA and the UFC really gave fans a new alternative. The UFC shows depend on pay per view buys so they are going to match up the fighters that people will pay to see. After seeing Juan Manuel Marquez get his own urine he drank knocked out of him by Mayweather, why would you want to see Pacquiao fight Marquez again?

Why would you want to see Pacquiao fight another Top Rank cast member, Antonio Margarito? Cast, is right, Margarito was going to fight a Golden Boy fighter, Shane Mosley with wraps that were going to turn his hands into casts and thus got suspended and is still suspended in the USA. Bob Arum who promotes both Pacquiao and Margarito is going to make this fight a reality and offer it to you on pay per view.

The UFC was a beautiful concept as all the top fighters fought each other and the great leader of the UFC, Dana White did not really care who won, he cared instead about pay per view buys. Names like Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Tim Sylvia, Wanderlei Silva, Brock Lesnar etc, became stars. Meanwhile from the Eastern Part of the world came a Sambo Master named The Emperor Fedor Emelianenko who beat the world and had Russian Premier Vladimir Putin as his buddy.

Ok so that’s where the UFC failed in pitting the best against the best in the world for the pay per view crowd to see. Fedor had his own promotional company and UFC is not in the business of co promoting. So, yes, one time UFC Heavyweight Champions Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski did fight Fedor, but only after both had left the UFC.

The world wanted to see Lesnar and Fedor but no co- promotions, so no fight. Fedor has since been beaten by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert Fabricio Werdum, but the world still wants to see Fedor and Brock, so why won’t the bell ring for this fight?

Along come two guys from San Diego who have been in the fight business for some time, one a Grand Master in Karate, the other a boxing and MMA trainer. The Karate guy is Brian Manna and the boxing and MMA trainer is Tony Martinez. They enlist the help of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu master, Joe Moreira, bring in some boxing hall of fame guys named Carlos Palomino and Rodolfo “Gato” Gonzalez, while adding a due diligence guy named Burdett Streeter who’s words can add more submission holds on a contract than a Brazilian can create.

This group decides to call themselves, Powerhouse World Promotions and they want to bring in the best fighters in the world, be it MMA or Boxing and let them fight each other.

So they are made aware of and contact Doug Jacobs at Integrated Sports and talk their way into having an industry leader in the pay per view business as its partner.

The event is on and Brian Manna decides to call their first event “War on the Mainland.” Faster than you can spell Schwarzenegger, Brian gets his promoter’s license and Tony Martinez gets a matchmaker’s license in the state of California. Just like that you have a Mega fighting event on August 14th on pay per view television in the US and streamed on the internet to the rest of the world from the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.

Brian and Tony get two guys who should of fought before, Tim Sylvia and Paul Buentello, to fight in the main event, they get legendary MMA fighter Jens Pulver on the card as well as Jason Lambert and Allan Goes to fight each other. Thales Leite and a guy known as the Fighting Hippy, Matt Horwich fight each other and all of them are fighting for a Powerhouse World Promotions title. The undercard of the War on the Planet is stacked deeper than the New York Jet’s Super Bowl expectations.

Now get this, Powerhouse World Promotions does not care who wins their titles, all they know is that their next event will again be on pay per view television and on the internet and they are going to have the world do the matchmaking. Yes, the world picks the fighters they want to see fight each other, Tony Martinez has to go get them, Brian Manna has to decide what to pay them, Joe Moreira serves as counselor and interpreter and Burdett draws up the arm bar submission worded contracts to be signed and it welcomes co promoters.

No more ESPN Friday night fights where you know the red corner is going to win as they can’t afford a loss for the fighter who is owned by the promoters of the fight.

Not these Powerhouse World Promotion guys, they don’t want to own fighters anymore than they want to own Paula Abdul’s contract and have Paula Abdul go Paula Abdul on them.

Can you imagine seeing videos of a guy in Siberia knocking holes in ice blocks with his fists, while a guy in Liberia is knocking over palm trees with left and right combinations? You want to see them fight? Tell Powerhouse World Promotions and they will get the fighters to fight while the only guarantee they offer the fighter is a payday and a roundtrip ticket back to Siberia or Liberia. Pay per view, you’re paying so you pick ‘em.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

TWO-TIME OLYMPIAN AND UNDEFEATED PROSPECT DANIEL CORMIER TO FACE JASON RILEY, AUG. 21 IN HOUSTON

Addition of Undercard Bout Prompts New Start Time of 6:30 p.m. CT; Toyota Center Doors To Open at 6 p.m.

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

NEW YORK (Aug. 4, 2010) – Undefeated heavyweight and two-time United States Olympic Games wrestling team member Daniel Cormier will attempt to make it four wins in a row when he faces the hard-hitting Jason Riley in the undercard of a world championship doubleheader at STRIKEFORCE: Houston on Saturday, Aug. 21 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

The addition of the heavyweight bout to the undercard has prompted a new start time – 6:30 p.m. CT – for the STRIKEFORCE event, which was originally scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Doors to the Toyota Center open at 6 p.m.

A former NCAA Division I national championship runner up at Oklahoma State University, Cormier (3-0) has won all three of his professional MMA bouts via knockout. Cormier won his initial MMA and STRIKEFORCE start with a second-round TKO (punches) over Gary Frazier on Sept. 25 in Tulsa, Okla. He dominated John Devine in his second fight with a first-round knockout at a STRIKEFORCE: Challengers event on March 26 in Fresno, Calif., and followed that up with a first-round TKO of Lucas Browne on July 31.

A heavyweight prospect who trains at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif., Cormier placed fourth in the 2004 Olympics in freestyle wrestling. He was named captain of the U.S. squad for the 2008 Olympics, but was unable to compete due to injury.

Riley (7-3), of Columbus, Ohio, has won four of his fights via knockout, but is looking to rebound from a KO loss to Devin Cole on March 27. Far more experienced professionally than Cormier, Devine has been in the cage with MMA veteran Tim Sylvia, who fought MMA legends Fedor Emelianenko, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Randy Couture and Andrei Arlovski.

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

STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Champion “King” Mo Lawal (7-0) will make the first defense of his belt against devastating striker Rafael “Feijao’’ Cavalcante (9-2) in the main event on the live SHOWTIME telecast (10p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). The co-main event will feature Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (12-2) and American military hero Tim Kennedy (12-2) in a battle for the vacant STRIKEFORCE Middleweight (185 pounds) title.

In a featured, televised bout, undefeated heavyweight rising star and former WWE personality Bobby Lashley (5-0) will return to the cage against Chad Griggs (8-1). Also on the televised portion of the card, former world champ KJ Noons (9-2) will face Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt Jorge Gurgel (13-6) in a lightweight (155 pounds) featured bout.

The live SHOWTIME telecast of the event will begin at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

About STRIKEFORCE

STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its "Shamrock vs. Gracie" event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose's HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE, sanctioned by ISKA, 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 (MMA) 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. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.

Source: Strikeforce

Toney Vs. Couture: A Showdown Between Boxing And MMA - By Alexia Krause

If you asked the average sports fan to illustrate the differences between mixed martial arts and boxing, they'd struggle to find the discrepancies. However, to fans of the similar-but-different sports, not only are there distinct differences between the two, but a distinct rivalry as well. With MMA's popularity approaching the level of acceptance boxing currently enjoys, it could be said that the two sports are on the same wavelength but are moving in different directions.

For MMA fans, the sport is much more than "just a sport." As a matter of fact: with video games, events, and even MMA Clothing lines, it has become more of a cultural phenomenon than a sporting one. Boxing has had a similar history some 100 years ago, but things have changed quite a bit since then.

Arguments are constantly erupting between the two fan bases, and fuel was recently thrown on the fire when UFC President Dana White (using his standard colorful language) discussed boxing, criticizing both the sport and its fans. That being said, at the end of the day, an argument is an argument and nothing more. There haven't been many deciding events where one side comes away as the victorious party; that is, unless you consider boxing's James Toney coming face to face with MMA's Randy Couture at UFC 118.

One of boxing's most dominant forces will take on one of the most famous faces in all of MMA when James "Lights Out" Toney takes on Randy Couture in a fight that Toney has proclaimed to be "The biggest fight ever, period. Biggest event period, anywhere.” For Toney and boxing fans, this is their chance to show that boxing can stand up to MMA, and Toney is an excellent fighter for this feat. This is because Toney has held many belts in his storied career (over three different championships) which shows that he can fight differently-classed fighters while at the same time remaining a steadfast contender in the ring. This is something that Toney desperately wants to prove, as illustrated in just one of the many clips available. Here is Lights Out with Dana White from this past January at UFC 108 via mmafighting.com:



On the other side of the matchup is one of the most famous names in MMA - and in popular culture in general - Randy Couture. However, don't get confused, Couture is not some show fighter who has no skills to back up his fame. As a matter of fact, he is a three-time heavyweight champion and a two-time light-heavyweight champion. This is a feat that only Couture and one other fighter have ever accomplished. The fighting style that Couture is known for is his "ground and pound" technique, best illustrated where he uses takedowns to defeat his opponents on the floor. Despite his affinity for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has many other skills which he incorporates in the octagon to defeat his opponents. As for his fight with Toney, Couture is ready to show that MMA can absolutely match up to boxing, and that Toney is unprepared for the world of mixed martial arts. If you don't believe, me just take a look at Couture's desire to take on a match with James Toney for yourself.

It's yet to be seen which the greater, more physically demanding sport is: boxing or MMA. That being said, once UFC 118 is over, we may have an answer to that question. Rarely, if ever again, will we see two of the brightest stars in each sport to prove whose discipline is superior.

Alexia is a lifelong fan of sports and fitness. Recently, she's been smitten by Mixed Martial Arts. She is happy to be working with MMA Industries, proud suppliers of MMA training equipment to athletes around the world. Alexia continues to bring you the latest news in the mixed martial arts world on everything from the most advanced MMA equipment to the newest MMA shirts.

Funk's Corner - NWA FanFest Weekend And The Next !BANG! TV Taping

This will be a rare occasion that Terry and I will be together at the same event. I am looking forward to meeting and talking with the wrestling fans who have supported me throughout my career.

These stories and more will be told at this weekend's NWA Wrestling Fanfest in Charlotte, North Carolina:

Skandor Akbar, Knows more about Texas High School Football than the Texas High School Football Magazine, Who won the Greenbelt Bowl in Childress, Texas in 1958 and who turned pro-wrestler 5 years later?

Joe Blanchard played football at Kansas State University winning over Nebraska. What famous legend played for Nebraska at the time?

Tully Blanchard (West Texas State University) played his greatest game against Tampa University. Who won the game? I wrestled Tully in San Antonio defending the NWA World Championship in a 1 hour match. What did Tully say after the match?

My first match with Danny Hodge was on Amarillo TV. We wrestled the full hour on television. My next match with Danny was defending the NWA World Championship. Where?

Working the Calgary Territory as NWA World Champion, I wrestled Billy Robinson to 6 consecutive 1 hour time limit matches. The longest trip of my professional wrestling career by car was Billy, Myself and Dave Rhul traveling from Saskatoon Saskatchewan to Calgary. A clogged fuel filter extended the trip to 17 hours. A Marle Haggard Cassette tape and more than a case of Molson's Cream Porter and Labatt's Ale kept us going. We arrived in Calgary in time to wrestle, Billy and I. What do you think the result of match number 7 was?

Find out the answers at NWA Wrestling Fanfest in Charlotte, North Carolina:

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The next !BANG! TV Taping, Support Your Troops 55 "American !BANG! Brawl" comes to the Funking Conservatory Sound Stage Saturday August 21st in Ocala, Florida. Showtime is 7:00pm with doors opening at 6:30pm. Advance Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.dory-funk.com.

Main Event:
Dory Funk Jr. and Johnny Magnum
vs
Shane Chung and Blain Rage

2nd Main Event for the Women's Championship 3 Way Dance
Claudia "The Claw" Reiff (Champion)
vs
Rachel "The Wasilla Wrecker" Moore
vs
Cassie Crush

More matches will be announced soon

New on our website a spectacular photo shoot of the Funking Conservatory Wrestlers scheduled to appear on our next !BANG! TV Taping now up at http://www.dory-funk.com (Click on Photo Gallery) You may also call 352-895-4658 for ticket information and training schedules at the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School

Dory Funk Jr. is the Coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and trainer of WWE, TNA, NXT and Japanese Wrestling Talent.

Source: Dory Funk Jr.