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

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.

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

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.

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:

***********************
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.

RYAN COUTURE, SON OF MMA LEGEND RANDY COUTURE, TO MAKE PRO MMA DEBUT AT STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS EVENT IN PHOENIX, AUG. 13, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

SAN JOSE, Calif. (July 29, 2010) – Ryan Couture, son of MMA legend Randy “The Natural” Couture, has signed a multi-fight agreement with world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion STRIKEFORCE and will make his professional MMA debut on Friday, Aug. 13 at the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event at Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz., LIVE on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

The 27-year-old Couture, a member of the Las Vegas, Nev., based Xtreme Couture fight team, will face Lucas Stark of Chandler, Ariz. in a three-round lightweight (155 pounds) bout.

Looking to make a name for himself in the sport his father helped pioneer, Couture compiled an amateur record of 5-1-1 competing as a lightweight with all five wins coming by way of submission. He has had access to a who’s who of MMA royalty as training partners and coaches, which, coupled with a solid amateur career, has given him the background and confidence to take his fight career to the next level.

Couture, whose parents split up when he was in sixth grade, spent his high school years in suburban Seattle. With his father being a former wrestling coach at Oklahoma State University, Couture naturally developed into a talented high school wrestler.

Following high school, Couture enrolled in Western Washington University in Bellingham, where he graduated in 2004 with a mathematics degree. He worked at a local bank until he realized his desire to work in the family business.

Couture began his MMA training in 2006, working diligently to mature into a well-rounded fighter, adding Muay Thai and a dangerous submission game to his repertoire. In January 2008, he moved to Las Vegas to train with his father.

In his final amateur bout on March 26, Couture fought to a draw against Sean Bollinger for the Tuff-N-UFF 155-pound title fight at The Orleans in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the Aug. 13 STRIKEFORCE Challengers event are on sale now through www.livenation.com, www.STRIKEFORCE.com, the Dodge Theatre Box Office, any Ticketmaster outlet or by phone at (800) 745-3000

In the main event, Phoenix native and MMA star Joe “Diesel” Riggs will take on knockout artist Louis Taylor at a catch weight of 182 pounds.

The event will also showcase a four-woman, single-elimination 135-pound tournament featuring STRIKEFORCE Women’s welterweight prospects Miesha “Takedown” Tate, Carina “Beauty But The Beast” Damm, Hitomi “Girlfight Monster” Akano and Maiju Kujala.

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

STRIKEFORCE Challengers is a proving ground for up-and-coming MMA fighters. The series is designed to provide today’s top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised event.

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

Bombs Away For Buentello And Sylvia In ‘War On The Mainland’ Headliner

Three PWP Title fights featured on Aug. 14 PPV show in Irvine, CA

SAN DIEGO (July 22, 2010) – Former UFC and Strikeforce heavyweight title challenger Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello believes his August 14 showdown against 2-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia, headlining “War on the Mainland,” is the type of match-up MMA fans have been clamoring for when the power striking pair battle for the vacant Powerhouse World Promotions (PWP), LLC Heavyweight Championship, live on Pay-Per-View from Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.

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

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

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

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

“Sylvia versus Buentello; everybody know what it’s all about,” Paul noted. “Neither one of us are submission guys. We’re both big guys who throw big punches. Fans know well in advance that they’re going to get their money’s worth.”

“I switched my training camp to Long Beach (CA) for this fight,” Buentello added. “I’m now training with Antonio McGee. It’s been a great camp so far.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vendor opportunities and sponsorships are available by calling 1.858.798.1541.

Source: Powerhouse World Promotions

MIESHA TATE, CARINA DAMM, HITOMI AKANO AND MAIJU KUJALA TO COMPETE IN STRIKEFORCE WOMEN’S WELTERWEIGHT TOURNAMENT

Four-Woman, Single-Elimination 135-Pound Tournament To Be Contested Friday, Aug. 13, At Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, Ariz., Live on SHOWTIME®; Winner Earns World Title Shot

SAN JOSE, Calif. (July 22, 2010) – Four women, three fights, one night!

With a world title shot on the line, STRIKEFORCE Women’s welterweight prospects Miesha “Takedown” Tate, Carina “Beauty But The Beast” Damm, Hitomi “Girlfight Monster” Akano and Maiju Kujala will compete in the first-ever STRIKEFORCE Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) women’s single-elimination tournament at STRIKEFORCE Challengers on Friday, Aug. 13, from Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz., live on SHOWTIME®.

The draw to determine the semi-final matchups for the two-round tournament will take place at the Official Weigh-In on Thursday, Aug. 12. A complete list of tournament rules will be provided in the coming days.

The SHOWTIME telecast (live at 11p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) will begin with the two semi-final bouts. The winners of each bout will compete in the tournament final later that night, just before the main event matchup of Joe Riggs vs. Louis Taylor. Each of the three tournament fights are scheduled for three, 3-minute rounds.

“We are going to fast-track these four talented prospects in a quest to determine the best in this deep women's division,” STRIKEFORCE CEO Scott Coker said. “Having all four women square off on one night with the chance to separate themselves from the pack is what STRIKEFORCE Challengers is all about.”

The tournament winner will become the official No. 2 contender in the competitive STRIKEFORCE women’s welterweight division. This Friday, July 23, live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast), current world champion Sarah Kaufman will risk her 135-pound crown against top-ranked challenger Roxanne Modafferi. The winner of that title fight will face Marloes Coenen next. The tournament winner will be the next in line.

“Marloes has made the move down to welterweight and she will get the next title fight,” Coker said. “She has proven that she belongs in the cage with our champion. So, after the tournament, we’ll have another legitimate contender to challenge for the title.

“We will have some terrific women’s matchups at 135 pounds in the next several months. It all starts this Friday with Kaufman and Modafferi, which is an excellent fight.”

The 23-year-old, 5-foot-7 Tate (9-2), of Olympia, Wash., is known for her superior skills, athleticism and determination. She notched her eighth professional victory on March 26, 2010, by submitting previously unbeaten Zoila “The Warrior Princess” Frausto with a textbook armbar in the second round (4:09) of a hard-fought bout during a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event on SHOWTIME at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

As a teenager, Tate joined her high school boys’ wrestling team in order to compete in a fast-paced, aggressive sport. She was introduced to MMA by a friend in college and, soon thereafter, her desire to challenge herself led to the birth of a professional career.

Recently, Tate began using her MMA skills for a noble cause – rape prevention. Last month, she began production on a DVD in which she and MMA legend Frank Shamrock thoroughly demonstrate MMA techniques that can be used by women to effectively defend themselves against attackers.

Damm (15-3), a 31-year-old resident of Brazil and sister of STRIKEFORCE veteran Rodrigo Damm, has been dubbed “Barbie Girl” by the Brazilian media because of her striking appearance. While competing in Japan in 2006, the 5-foot-4 Damm gained widespread public notoriety and was featured in a clothed pictorial for the Japanese edition of Playboy magazine.

A student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 15 and a professional mixed martial artist since 2004, Damm enters the tournament on a stellar 10-fight win streak. Her last victory, a first-round TKO (punches) over Aline Serio, came last Feb. 27 in Brazil. The Aug. 13 tournament will mark Damm’s third start in The United States. On April 3, 2008, she submitted (armbar) Sophie Bagherdai in the second round (1:52) in Los Angeles. One month later, she crushed Lashonda Knox with a knee strike in just 11 seconds in Racine, Wisc.

Akano, a 35-year-old who fights out of Tokyo, Japan, is a former champion of the Japanese women’s promotion Smackgirl and is an expert in submission holds. Fifteen of her 22 career victories have come by way of submission.

In her professional MMA debut in Tokyo on Nov. 26, 2004, the 5-foot-4 Akano lost a unanimous decision to Megumi Yabushita, but bounced back and reeled off seven straight wins, the last of which was a unanimous decision over American star Debi Purcell in Smackgirl on Feb. 15, 2006.

On April 11, 2009, Akano made her STRIKEFORCE debut when she moved up in weight to challenge the No. 1 female fighter in the world, Cris Cyborg. Despite giving up size to the naturally bigger 5-foot-7, 145-pound Cyborg, Akano fought valiantly and took the hard-hitting Brazilian into the third and final round before being stopped via strikes.

Three months after the loss to Cyborg, Akano rebounded and forced Miki Morifuji to tap out from an armbar in the second round (4:17) in Tokyo.

A woman of many talents, Akano is known for using “Between the Sky,” a song she wrote, as her entrance music.

Kujala (4-1), a native of Imatra, Finland, has already been victorious in tournament competition, winning a single-elimination tournament in The Netherlands on March 27. In the semifinal round of the event, Kujala submitted Akvile Vitkauskaite with a rear-naked choke in the second stanza (4:12) and, in the championship bout, she earned a unanimous decision over Titiana van Polanen after 10 minutes of battle.

Kujala brings a three-fight winning streak to the STRIKEFORCE Challengers cage. Her sole loss came to Aisling Daly via unanimous decision on Nov. 7, 2009.

Tickets for the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event are on sale at the Dodge Theatre Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (800) 745-3000, and online at www.livenation.com and www.STRIKEFORCE.com.

In the main event, Phoenix native and MMA star Joe “Diesel” Riggs (32-12) will square off with knockout artist Louis Taylor (6-1) at a catch weight of 182 pounds.

A former super heavyweight who once competed at over 300 pounds, the 27-year-old Riggs is now a dangerous threat in multiple STRIKEFORCE divisions. He holds the rare distinction of having competed at heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight and welterweight during the course of an eight-year career.

Taylor, of Chicago, has rattled off two consecutive knockout wins since the STRIKEFORCE and M-1 GLOBAL:  Fedor vs. Rogers event in Chicago, Ill. on Nov. 7, 2009. The 5-foot-11 Taylor has scored knockouts in four of his six victories and has only gone to the judges’ scorecards once in his pro career.

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

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

STRIKEFORCE Challengers, where tomorrow’s champions are born, is a proving ground for up-and-coming MMA fighters. The series is designed to provide today’s top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised event.

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

Sylvia Vs. Buentello Headlines ‘War On The Mainland’ PPV Event

Three PWP Title fights Aug. 14 in Irvine, CA

SAN DIEGO (July 8, 2010) – Two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia takes on former UFC and Strikeforce heavyweight title challenger, Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello, in the main event for the vacant Powerhouse World Promotions (PWP), LLC Heavyweight Championship, August 14 on Pay Per View live from Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.

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

“This event started as a training clinic that we’re still holding August 8 in San Diego,” PWP CEO Brian Manna explained. “It’s a full day, training clinic – MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, striking, boxing kicking, etc. – at Manna’s Martial Arts in San Diego. Tony Martinez (President of Powerhouse) suggested we do a show. We discussed it with members of our team – Joe Moreira, Carlos Palomino, Rodolfo Gonzalez and Burdett Streeter – as well as Doug Jacobs (Integrated Sports Media) and (associate) Benny Ricardo. Pay per view made it an easier sell and we were able to raise capital for the show. Now, people from all over the world will be able to watch our show.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vendor opportunities and sponsorships are available by calling 1.858.798.1541.

Source: Full Court Press