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"Fast" Eddie Constantine dies at 31

2010-01-28T18:57:00Z

Thursday, January 29, 2010
JC

The world of MMA has lost a friend and talented journalist, Eddie Constantine, 31. Known as "Fast Eddie" in his circle of friends, Eddie was an MMA journalist working for PROMMAnow.com. I met Eddie in person at Strikeforce 10-Melendez vs. Thomson, after building a report with him from chatting in TAGG radio’s chat room. We immediately hit it off as friends as he lacked any pretentious qualities as a down to earth individual.

Unfortunately, Eddie committed suicide on January 25^th, leaving behind friends and family to grieve his loss. It was reported that he was found by several of his friends who stopped by check on him at his home in Los Gatos, California.

Eddie held the title of “Fighter Relations Manager” with PROMMAnow.com and was responsible for lining up interviews and the logistics involved in setting up “The Info”, a podcast that he hosted alongside Matt De La Rosa.

Training himself and others in the sport of jiu-jitsu was a big part of his life, as he trained women’s self defense classes, as well as his friends at his home. Eddie was a purple belt under Renzo Gracie, and recently had begun a dedicated training program, which involved a contest that was dubbed “MMA’s biggest loser”. The contest was a weight loss competition with MMAJunkie.com’s John Morgan.

Training under Dave Camarillo at his Guerilla jiu-jitsu academy in Pleasanton as of late, he had a great relationship with his trainer and all those who trained with him.

Eddie’s welcoming personality drew many people to him, I being one of them. Covering weigh-ins and fights, I looked forward to seeing my buddy and colleague knowing I would get a big hug and a boisterous “What’s up bro?” Our meetings were always pleasant and lead into conversation about the latest and greatest in the world of MMA, always sharing whatever information we could with each other.

Passion, guts and courage are what it takes to be a journalist in the world’s toughest sport. Long hours, little to no pay, and a full time day job kept Eddie very busy. Not too busy to report on the sport and the people that he loved to be around. His personality and passion spoke for itself, and many people in the industry grew to respect him for it. He never had a problem finding fighters to interview, or gaining press credentials to events in the area because of it.

The world of MMA does not lend itself well to outsiders. Eddie, without question, was an insider. Interviewing anyone and everyone, from Champions, to first timer fighters, he never turned his nose up to people or opportunities. Anyone who visited local gyms with regular frequency was sure to have met Eddie, as he knew pretty much everyone there is to know at various different gyms in the Bay Area.

Eddie had many friends and fans, and I cannot express how it has affected them. I can speak for myself and say that I am very saddened by this turn of events. I walked around numb yesterday, as I was sent a link from a friend to an article written by Danny Acosta of FIGHT! magazine. I simply stared at the heading in disbelief, not wanting to click on it, somehow hoping that when I did, it was not the case, but it was. Eddie was not one to share or burden others with his problems, but that does not stop us for caring about him deeply, and wishing he would have leaned on any of us.

His passing is a great loss to many, and as there may be many questions as to how and why this happened, what is not in question was his presence among us, as he left a large body of his work that we can go back to visit at any time.

I considered Eddie a friend, and will always continue to do so.

Rest In Peace, Eddie Constantine, you are missed by your family, friends, and your dog, Tuffy.

A memorial fund has been established in Eddie’s name called “Fast Eddie’s Fighters”.

Donations for the services and the fund can be made to:
Fast Eddie’s Fighters
Care of: Status 5 Studio, Inc.
1250 Oakmead Parkway #210
Sunnyvale,CA
94085

Or made via Paypal to: fasteddiesfighters@gmail.com

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Emelianenko to face Brett Rogers this fall

2009-08-28T02:52:00Z

Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko

Fedor trains in front of fans and media.

Brett "The Grim" Rogers

Thursday, August 27, 2009
Photos: Esther Lin-Strikeforce

Fedor "The Last Emperor'' Emelianenko held an open media day in New York on Wednesday in front of hundreds of fans and media. The No. 1 heavyweight in the world displayed his striking game by hitting mitts and working on the heavy bag, while photographers and video cameras surrounded him.

Strikeforce announced that Fedor (30-1), would face undefeated and heavy-handed Brett "The Grim'' Rogers of Minneapolis on SHOWTIME® this fall. It will be Fedor's first fight since M-1 Global and STRIKEFORCE signed an agreement to co-promote major events.

Rogers was chosen over another likely candidate in Fabricio Werdum, a talented submission fighter with UFC and PrideFC experience. Rogers offers a solid striking game, size and strength. Rogers has easily dispatched his opponents, with only one lasting more than one round against him. Roger recently knocked out Andre Arlovski, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, in a mere 22 seconds.

Although Rogers is not known as a master game planner, and until now it has been pretty much unnecessary, as he has relied heavily on his power to defeat his opponents. The question for this fight is, can Rogers defend the takedowns of Emelianenko in order to effect his strong striking game?

Emelianenko, in his last bout against Arlovski, seemed to be losing the striking game, as Arlovski was landing punches and a big push-kick that backed Emelianenko into the corner. Emelianenko ducked under a flying knee attempt and caught Arlovski with a big right that crumbled him to the canvas at 3:14 of the first round.

MMA math dictates that "The Grim" would be a better striker, judging by his performance against the same opponent, but what this equation lacks is the element of Fedors' superior ground game. Luckily for MMA fans around the world, all questions will be answered this fall, as Rogers and Emelianenko face off in the cage.

Strikeforce: Santos defeats Carano for title

2009-08-17T21:23:00Z

Monday, August 17, 2009

Results

Winner	Opponent	Rd	Time	Method
Cristiane Santos Gegard Mousasi Gilbert Melendez Fabricio Werdum James Terry Alexander Trevino Jay Hieron Scott Lighty Justin Wilcox	Gina Carano Renato Sobral Mitsuhiro Ishida Mike Kyle Zak Bucia Isaiah Hill Jesse Taylor Mike Cook David Douglas	1 1 3 1 1 1 3 1 3	4:59 1:00 3:56 1:24 1:23 3:36 5:00 2:05 3:16	TKO-Punches TKO-Punches TKO-Punches Guillotine Choke TKO-Punches Key Lock-Sub. Unanimous Dec. TKO-Punches Rear-Naked-Choke

Cyborg Santos vs. Gina Carano

Santos was relentless with her striking.

Photos courtesy: Sherdog.com

Melendez retains title against Ishida by TKO

Werdum escapes an armbar to submit Kyle

Mousasi takes Light Heavyweight title from Sobral

Trevino remains undefeated with win over Hill.

Terry defeats Bucia for a second time.

Hieron and Taylor battle for three rounds.

Wilcox defeats Davis by rear-naked-choke.

Press Release: Strikeforce
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2009) – In the biggest, most important and highly anticipated fight in the history of women’s mixed martial arts, Cris Cyborg registered a brutal 4:59, first-round TKO (punches) over Gina Carano before a raucous 13,524 at HP Pavilion here Saturday on SHOWTIME.

For as long as it lasted, the Cyborg-Carano fight was as exciting as it gets. By winning, Cyborg (8-1), of Curitiba, Brazil, earned the first-ever Strikeforce Female 145-pound Championship. Carano, of Las Vegas, fell to 7-1. The historic, non-stop action match between the two most talented female fighters in the world was stopped by referee Josh Rosenthal a split second before the horn sounded to end the opening round of a scheduled five-round fight. When the thrilling proceedings were halted, Cyborg was on top of Carano and had delivered approximately 12 clubbing punches with both hands to Carano’s head.

"I just want to thank the fans for all the support I have always received, and to Gina for giving me this opportunity,’’ said a gracious but ecstatic Cyborg, who is a member of Brazil’s famed Chute Boxe fight squad.

Carano, an underdog in the wagering but clearly a crowd favorite, entered the ring to a deafening roar and the fans’ reaction to her introduction was seemingly as loud as one could possibly be.The incredibly popular Carano gave as much as she took for the most part, but the aggressive-minded Cyborg proved to be too strong for the popular fighter who was making her first start in eight months.

In other televised fights Saturday on SHOWTIME: Gegard "The Dreamcatcher" Mousasi (29-2-1) of Leiden, Netherlands, was victorious for the 13^thconsecutive time, winning his United States debut and the Strikeforce light heavyweight title by destroying defending champion Renato "Babalu" Sobral (35-9) of Los Angeles via Brazil, at 1:00 of the first-round (TKO, strikes).

Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez (16-2) of San Francisco by way of Santa Ana, Calif., avenged one of his two losses and retained the Strikeforce interim lightweight belt with a convincing third-round TKO (punches) over Mitsuhiro "Endless Fighter’’ Ishida(18-6-1) of Japan.

Melendez mostly dominated his fight agains Ishida. "The key to this fight was patience and I was patient tonight,’’ he said. "I know what kind of fighter Ishida was, and I knew what I had to do. It’s great to avenge a loss. But I am a different fighter than before.’’

Brazil’s Fabricio "Vai Cavallo’’ (12-4-1) Werdum moved closer to a possible world title fight against Fedor Emelianenko with a 1:24, first-round submission (guillotine) over Mike Kyle (12-7-1) of San Jose.

In the second of three Strikeforce world title fights, Mousasi threw a kick but Sobral blocked it and wound up on the ground in a scramble. Mousasi, who was in top position when they hit the ground, quickly unleashed a barrage of punches and that was that, ending Sobral’s five-fight winning streak. "I am very happy,’’ Mousasi said. "I am willing to fight anybody.’’

Brazil’s Fabricio "Vai Cavallo’’ (12-4-1) Werdum moved closer to a possible world title fight against Fedor Emelianenko with a 1:24, first-round submission (guillotine) over Mike Kyle (12-7-1) of San Jose.

In the opening bout of the telecast, Werdum overcame some early adversity to triumph impressively. "I trained hard and am happy with the result,’’ said Werdum, who resides in Huntington Beach, Calif. A two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion who owns a victory over current Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem, Werdum would not be opposed to an immediate crack at Fedor.Werdum has already defeated one of the Emelianenko brothers. On Nov. 12, 2006, he registered an impressive first round (3:24) submission (arm triangle choke) over two-time Russian National Sambo champion, Aleksander Emelianenko, brother of Fedor Emelianenko.

"I would be very happy if Strikeforce wanted to make a fight between Fedor and myself. Fedor is the best in the world and this world be a fantastic opportunity.’’

Saturday’s non-televised results: Jay "The Thoroughbred’’ Hieron (18-4), Las Vegas, won a unanimous three round decision (30-37 three times) over Jesse Taylor (13-4), San Diego, at 170 pounds; Scott Lighty (5-0), San Luis Obispo, Calif., TKO (punches) over Mike "The Animal’’ Cook (7-5), Fresno, Calif., at 2:05 of the first round (205 pounds); Justin "The Silverback’’ Wilcox (6-3), San Jose, submitted (rear naked choke) David "Tarzan’’ Douglas (4-2) of Antioch, Calif., at 3:16 of the third at 155 pounds; a Cung Le-trained fighter James Terry (7-1), San Jose, made in two straight over Zac Bucia (2-4), San Francisco, winning at 1:23 (TKO) in a rematch at 170 pounds; and Alex Trevino (4-0), of San Jose, submitted (keylock) Isaiah Hill (4-7), of San Jose, at 3:36, of the first round of their 155-pound bout.

Saturday’s event will re-air as follows:
Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT SHOWTIME 2.

It will be available ON DEMAND beginning Tuesday, Aug. 18 lasting through Monday, Sept. 14. Versatile play-by-play broadcast veteran Gus Johnson called the action on SHOWTIME with MMA expert Mauro Ranallo and MMA legend Frank Shamrock serving as expert analysts. Jenn Brown was the roving reporter.

Carano vs. Cyborg public weigh-ins today

2009-08-14T15:05:00Z

Gina Carano, Scott Coker, Cristiane Santos

Renato "Babalu" Sobral

Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez

Friday, August 14, 2009
Press Release: Strikeforce
Photos: Esther Lin

Media and fans are invited to attend the official weigh-in for the historic "STRIKEFORCE: Carano vs. Cyborg’’ mega-fight card this Saturday, Aug. 15, at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif, live on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). Gina "Conviction" Carano (7-0) and Cris Cyborg (7-1) will clash in the main event for the first STRIKEFORCE 145-pound Female Championship. Other STRIKEFORCE world title fights: Renato "Babalu" Sobral (35-8) will defend his light heavyweight belt against superstar Gegard "The Dreamcatcher’’ Mousasi (25-2-1) and Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez (15-2) will put his interim lightweight title on the line in a rematch against Mitsuhiro "The Endless Fighter’’ Ishida (18-5-1).

WHERE: Salon I, II, and III at San Jose Marriott, 301 South Market Street, San Jose, 95113, (408) 280-1300

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 14, 2009; 4 p.m. PT

Tickets, priced from $30, are on sale at HP Pavilion (408) 287-7070, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online www.ticketmaster.com and the official STRIKEFORCE website www.strikeforce.com. HP Pavilion doors open at 5 p.m. PT. The first preliminary bout will begin at 5:30.

Strikeforce releases Phil Baroni

2009-08-14T14:33:00Z

Phil "The New York Badass" Baroni
Photo: Strikeforce

Friday, August 14, 2009
Press Release: Strikeforce

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2009) – Phil "The New York Badass" Baroni has been released by world championship mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion STRIKEFORCE.

The 33-year-old Baroni, a native of Long Island, N.Y, has lost four of his last seven bouts. In his last appearance, a welterweight (170 pounds) matchup with Joe "Diesel’’ Riggs at St. Louis, Missouri’s Scottrade Center, Baroni sustained a one-sided defeat by way of unanimous judges’ decision.

"We wish Phil the best of luck and hope he can revive his career,’’ STRIKEFORCE Founder and CEO Scott Coker said Thursday. "If he can, maybe one day, he can return and fight for us."

Baroni’s most noteworthy fight in STRIKEFORCE was also the first STRIKEFORCE middleweight (185 pounds) MMA championship bout in history on June 22, 2007. Refusing to tap out, Baroni was choked unconscious by four-time world champion Frank Shamrock in the second round (4:00) of action.

Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza signs with Strikeforce

2009-08-05T17:29:00Z

Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (right) vs.
Jason Mayhem Miller

Tuesday, August 5, 2009
Press Release: Strikeforce

NEW YORK--Dream Middleweight Grand Prix runner-up and submission wizard Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (10-2) has signed a multi-fight agreement with world championship mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion STRIKEFORCE.

Souza is expected to fulfill the first fight on his contract in the fall.

"I am very excited that I will have the opportunity to fight in STRIKEFORCE amongst many of the world’s best middleweight fighters,"

said the 29-year-old Souza, a native of Brazil, who established his position as a top tier middleweight last year after placing second in the 2008 Dream Middleweight Grand Prix single elimination tournament in Japan.

"STRIKEFORCE has an extremely deep roster of top middleweight fighters. I am looking forward to the challenge and to taking my career to the next level."

During the opening round of the Dream tournament held in the city of Saitama on April 29, 2008, Souza submitted Ian Murphy with a rear naked choke in the first round (3:37). Souza’s next opponent, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, proved to be a tougher battle, escaping several submission attempts by the Brazilian in Yokohama on June 15, 2008. Souza prevailed, however, earning a unanimous decision over the American star.

In semifinal action on Sept. 23, 2008, Souza made quick work of Zelg Galesic, submitting Galesic with an armbar in the first round (1:27) in Saitama. That same night, however, Souza was finally stopped by Gegard Mousasi, the number two ranked middleweight in the world, in the first round (2:15) of the tournament’s championship bout in Saitama.

Souza, who took up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of 17, fought MMA legend Randy "The Natural" Couture to a draw in a grappling contest in 2006 and, shortly thereafter, began training at Xtreme Couture. He has since returned to training in his homeland.

Souza’s nickname, "Jacare," is Portuguese for the species of alligator that inhabit Manaus, the town in Brazil where he was born.

The news of Souza signing with STRIKEFORCE comes two days after the San Jose, California- based promotion inked an agreement with M-1 Global to co-promote Fedor Emelianenko, the world’s top ranked heavyweight and arguably the best pound for pound fighter in the world.

STRIKEFORCE in March 2009 signed a multi-year agreement to stage live MMA events on the premium cable television network.

Fedor signs with Strikeforce, sorry Dana!

2009-08-03T17:00:00Z

Fedor Emelianenko

Monday, August 3, 2009
Press Release: Strikeforce

NEW YORK--After a week of intense negotiations and speculation, the hottest topic of discussion in the professional fight world has come to a head as the world’s number one heavyweight and most sought after mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko has signed a historic, multi-fight agreement that will see him headline mega-events co-promoted by world championship promotions STRIKEFORCE and M-1 Global.

Emelianenko, known globally as Fedor, will make his premium television debut this Fall when his first fight under the new agreement airs live on SHOWTIME®. Up until now, Emelianenko’s live fights have aired exclusively on pay-per-view in the United States.

"I am looking forward to going back to work and fighting at the highest level," said the 33-year-old Emelianenko. During his nine year professional fight career, which included a four and a half year stay with the world’s former top MMA promotion, the now defunct PRIDE Fighting Championship, the Russian native has faced and defeated all comers.

In his last effort, the 6-foot, 235-pound Emelianenko decimated the number two ranked heavyweight at the time Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski with a single punch in the first round (3:14) of the main event of Affliction: "Day of Reckoning" at Anaheim, California’s Honda Center on January 24.

"STRIKEFORCE is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world," continued Emelianenko. "I am prepared to fight any of them."

"We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with M-1 Global and Fedor," said STRIKEFORCE Founder and CEO Scott Coker, a martial arts fight promoter of over 25 years. "Fedor has been the reigning king of MMA’s heavyweight division for quite some time now so being able to work with M-1 and Fedor will substantially increase the level of competition amongst the athletes in this weight class."

"With the addition of Fedor and STRIKEFORCE’s new relationship with M-1 Global, SHOWTIME is now the home of the best pound-for-pound male and female fighters in the world," said Ken Hershman, Senior VP and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports®. 　"The Aug. 15 Carano-Cyborg matchup on SHOWTIME will clearly determine the best female mixed martial artist on the planet. Then, come this Fall, our subscribers again will witness history when the universally recognized best male fighter—Fedor Emelianenko—joins the already long list of world-class athletes on the STRIKEFORCE roster, and for the first time ever plies his skills live on SHOWTIME."

Hershman continued: "We are better positioned now than ever before to deliver on our promise to televise the top fighters in mixed martial arts today."

"I am very happy and excited about the upcoming collaboration with Strikeforce," said Vadim Finkelchtein, President of M-1 Global. "We are very pleased that we found a reliable partner and I feel that　Strikeforce and M-1　can support each other on many things. This will create big opportunities for both parties to test their fighters against worthy opponents."

Though his official professional record is 30-1, Emelianenko is considered undefeated. The only blemish on his record is a December 22, 2000 fight that was stopped after 17 seconds and declared a TKO in favor of his opponent, Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, due to a cut Emelianenko sustained in the opening seconds of the matchup in Osaka, Japan.

Amongst those on Emelianenko’s list of impressive conquests are former PRIDE Heavyweight Champions Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mark "The Hammer" Coleman, and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic as well as former UFC Heavyweight Champions Kevin "The Monster" Randleman and Tim Sylvia, whom Emelianenko submitted with a rear naked choke only 36 seconds into their main event showdown at Affliction: "Banned" on July 19, 2008.

Despite his extensive experience, Emelianenko’s debut under the new STRIKEFORCE-M-1 venture will, interestingly enough, mark his first start in a cage. To date, all of his bouts have taken place in a ring.

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

UFC 100: Lesnar vs. Mir results

2009-07-12T02:13:00Z

Image Courtesy: Sherdog.com

Saturday, July 11, 2009
Quick Results

Winner	Opponent	Rd	Time	Method
Shannon Gugerty Tom Lawlor Dong Hyun Kim Jon Jones Jim Miller Mark Coleman Brock Lesnar George St.Pierre Dan Henderson Yoshihiro Akiyama Jon Fitch	Matt Grice CB Dolloway T.J. Grant Jake O'Brien Mac Danzig Stephen Bonnar Frank Mir Thiago Alves Michael Bisping Alan Belcher Paulo Thaigo	1 1 3 2 3 3 2 5 2 3 3	2:36 0:55 5:00 2:43 5:00 5:00 1:48 5:00 3:20 5:00 5:00	Guillotine Choke Guillotine Choke Unanimous Dec. Guillotine Choke Unanimous Dec. Unanimous Dec. TKO-Punches Unanimous Dec. KO Split Decision Unanimous Dec.

*Non-televised-results provided by Sherdog.com

Belcher vs. Akiyama
Rd 1
Holly Madison was the guest ring girl for this bout as she promoted "peep show". The two fighters felt each other out for the first couple of minutes untile Belcher landed a left low-kick that landed to the groin of Akiyama. Belcher disregarded the low-kicks and began to exchange with Akiyama's heavy hands. Belcher landed a left hook that drops Akiyama down on his butt. After pressing Akiyama against the cage the two returned to thier feet to trade more punches. Akiyama stood in front of Belcher and landed stiff jabs and a superman punch followed by a combination of straight punches, some of which landed to the face of Belcher. Belcher throws a right kick that Akiyama caught and took Blecher down with.

Rd 2
Akiyama takes Belcher down, but Belcher reverses and attempts a failed knee-bar attempt. Akiyama reverses to side mount and lands a few short elbows before Belcher retained guard. Akiyama throws big punches from the top but Belcher defends fairly well. Belcher shrimps in and escapes back to the feet. Trading leg kicks the fighters are slowing slightly. Belcher lands a couple of solid leg kicks and straight punches, but Akiyama stays in the pocket and trades. The fighters trade hard rights to close the round.

Rd 3
Belcher starts the round with more leg kicks and Akiyama comes out swinging with big looping punches that miss their mark. Akiyama seems to have something wrong with his left eye as the two trade punches. Akiyama lands a left hook and Belcher lands more leg kicks. Belcher leads with solid lefts as Akiyamas' eye begins to swell. The fighters trade big rights as they stand in front of each other. Akiyama snaps Belcher's head back with a big right, and Belcher lands a right of his own. Belcher is dropped by another big right, but rolls overs and gets back up to his feet. Belcher lands a superman punch. Belcher misses with a spinning back fist and Akiyama trips him to the canvas. The two get back to their feet and trade several more punches to the face as the round ends.

Yoshihiro Akiyama defeats Alan Belcher by split decision. The crowd voices their disapproval of the decision.

Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson
Rd 1
Henderson takes the center of the cage. Bisping circles before snapiping out some left jabs. Henderson rushes in with big right hands. Bisping is on his bike and circles to keep distance. Henderson rushes in and lands another right before Bisping keeps him at bay with acouple of rights of his own. Bisping lands a lead leg-kick and a right as Henderson comes in. Bisping throws a high kick and a punch as Henderson loads up wating to land the big right hand. Bisping lands a right before Henderson takes him to the cage. Henderson lands some kness as he controls Bisping against the cage. Bisping with a failed takedown attempt before Henderson lands an overhand right to close out the round.

Rd 2
Bisping with a leg kick. Bisping uses his jab to keep distance before Henderson closes to land a couple of rights and a left hook. Henderson lands an uppercut, and a solid jab that spins Bisping around. Bisping continues to circle and begins to pepper Henderson with his hand speed. Bisping continues to circle toward the right hand of Henderson. Henderson lands a huge right that drops Bisping to the canvas before he follow him down for one more to put an exclamation point on the fight.

Dan Henderson knocks out Michael Bisping at 3:20 of Round 2

UFC-Hall of Famer Royce Gracie was in attendance and waives to the camera.

George St. Pierre vs. Thiago Alves-UFC Welterweight Title Bout
Rd 1
GSP with an inside leg kick. Alves with a hgih kick that is blocked and a leg kick. GSP grabs a single leg and takes Alves down. Alves wlaks his way back up, but GSP puts him back down. GSP works his way to Alves' back, but Alves spins into him and they make it backup to the feet. GSP fires a body shot and Alves with a body kick. GSP lands a big leg kick and a snapping jabs. Alves stuff a shot and checks a kick. GSP misses with a spinning round house kick. GSP with a stiff jab and Alves charges in only to be taken down. Alves lands an elbow on the bottom and is bleeding from the top of his right eye. Thiago fights his way back up to the feet as GSP pressses him against the cage to close the round.

Rd 2
GSP with a leg kick. Alves checks a kick but is taken down by the Champion. GSP holds him down, but there is not a lot going on. GSP lands some short rights to the head and body. GSP lands some big rights that bloody the nose of Alves. GSP lands another left elbow from Alves' guard. Alves keeps GSP from passing his guard, but GSP land some big punches while Alves is on his back. Alves explodes out from under GSP and is pressed against the cage.

Rd 3
Alves comes out swinging and stuffs a takedown followed by a superman punch that misses. GSP keeps his distance and Alves lands a left jab. GSP throws a high-kick that is blocked. GSP fires a one-two and then takes Alves down. Alves nuetralizes GSP on the ground and gets back to his feet. GSP works his jabs as Alves works inside and attempts to brawl with GSP. GSP escapes but eats a leg-kick. GSP land a solid body kick that drops Alves. GSP with ground and pound trying to finish Alves but Alves recovers.

Rd 4
Alves is swollen all over his face, but is certainly game. GSP lands a short leg-kick. GSP shoots in and takes Alves down again. GSP works to full mount, but Alves puts him back in half-guard. Alves works his way out and manages a top position. GSP works a butterfly guard as Alves lands some short shots from the top. GSP pushes Alves away after a minute of being on his back. Alves comes in thowing powerful punches, but GSP keeps distance to avoid them. GSP takes Alves down again and works to take his back. GSP has hooks in but cannot finish Alves as the fourth round closes.

Rd 5
GSP tells Greg Jackson that he pulled his groin. GSP with an inside leg kick. Alves continues to come in, but GSP avoids. Alves lands a right and thorws a high kick that is blocked. GSP takes him down again. Alves is beaten up, but works his way to his feet valiantly. GSP works his jab and circles away as Alves alnds another leg kick. GSP takes him down once again. Alves works his way back to the feet only to be taken down again. Not much damage is done as GSP holds him down with an injured groin. Alves almost makes it to his feet in the closing seconds of the bout.

George St. Pierre defeats Thiago Alves by unanimous decision and retains his title.

Frank Mir vs. Brock Lesnar-UFC Heavyweight Title
Rd 1
The fighters circle as they find distance. Brock paws to keep Mir at bay, but Mir wades in before Brock takes him down. Lesnar works from the top and lands a short elbow. Lesnar holds Mir down and lands right to the face of Mir. Lesnar lands big shots to the body of Mir. Lesnar lands a couple of hammer-fist to close out the round.

Rd 2
Lesner and Mir clinch, but Lesnar lets him up. Mir throws strikes to the face of Lesnar and a knee. Mir attempts a flying knee, but is taken down. Lesnar pins him down and lands vicous punches to the face of Mir until the fight is stopped.

Brock Lesnar defeats Frank Mir by KO at 1:48 of Round 2.

Jon Fitch vs. Paulo Thiago
Rd 1
Fitch starts with a leg kick and a high kick. Another high kick attempt to a takedown. Thaigo attempts a guillotine and transitions to a darce. Fitch eventually escapes and takes Thiago's back. Fitch lands short elbows from the top as they stalemate for about the last minute of the round.

Rd 2
Fitch with a leg kick that misses. He throws a high-kick followed by a right. The fighters are entangled against the cage like the end of round 1. Fitch eventually trips Thaigo to the canvas, but Thaigo is squirly. Fitch moves to his back and tries to set his hooks, but Thiago fights him off.

Rd 3
Fitch takes him down once again and climbs his way onto Thaigos back. Thaigo slams Fitch on the canvas, but Fitch holds on. Fitch postures up as Thaigo throws several up-kicks. Fitch takes his back once again and lands several short punches to the face of Thaigo. Fitch locks in a body triangle and continues to punch the face of Thaigo as he tries to slap on a submission as the round closes. Fitch decides to finish with punches as he abondons the submission attempt.

Jon Fitch defeats Paulo Thiago by unanimous decision.

Chris Cariaso-WCSC Champion Pre-Fight Interview

2009-07-09T22:03:00Z

Ky Hollenbeck, Eduardo Baiao, Chris Cariaso

Chris Cariaso works his ground and pound.

Chris Cariaso takes Eduardo Baiao's Back

Chris Cariaso and Eduardo Baiao

Thursday, July 9, 2009
JC

Studying Muay Thai under Bunkerd Faphimai in Arizona, Chris Cariaso (8-1) began his training at age 12, after reading a flyer in a Thai food restaurant and immediately signing up for classes. After several years, the fight school that he attended had closed, and Chris began a run at a different sport, BMX.

After becoming a World Cup BMX champion, Chris ended up moving to San Francisco with his brother where he reunited with Bunkerd. Sidelined from BMX with a broken arm and jaw, Chris began training with Bunkerd again in order to rehabilitate himself. A solid Muay Thai fighter, Cariaso garnered an impressive 17-1 record. Not only proficient at Muay Thai, he became a 2005 Golden Gloves Champion in Boxing, and an IKF U.S.A. San Shou Champion.

JC interviews Chris Cariaso before title fight.

At the age of 17, Chris was given a job as Program Director by Alex Gong at Fairtex in San Francisco. Gong, a talented and decorated fighter was killed after pursuing a man that fled the scene of a hit-and-run incident involving Gongs' car. After Gongs' untimely death Chris and Bunkerd left Fairtex and opened their own gym (Fight and Fitness) in pursuit of their dreams.

Since then, Cariaso began training in fighting in MMA, rattling off 6 consecutive victories before being handed his first loss. Rebounding quickly a few months later, Cariaso submitted Cung Le student, Anthony Figueroa by rear-naked-choke (mata leon) in the second round of their bout on the Melendez vs. Thomson fight card in June of 2008.

After almost a year of not stepping in the ring to compete, Cariaso was given an opportunity to fight for the World Combat Sports Challenge National Bantamweight Title. His opponent was Alvin Cacdac, a tough fighter with a solid wrestling background, who recently defeated another of Cung Le's students, Jose Palacios.

Cariaso and Cacdac met on May 30th, and after 5 rounds of back and forth action, Cariaso was able to capitalize after escaping a knee-bar attempt by Cacdac in the 5th and final round of their bout. Cariaso was able to sink in a rear-naked-choke (mata leon) that Cacdac was unable to defend, giving Cariaso the victory, and crowning him WCSC National Bantamweight Champion.

Overeem defends title against Werdum in August

2009-07-06T19:57:00Z

Monday, July 6, 2009
Press Release: Strikeforce

NEW YORK (July 6, 2009)-STRIKEFORCE World Heavyweight Champion Alistair "The Demolition Man" Overeem (29-11) will put his coveted title on the line and, at the same time, attempt to avenge a previous defeat when he squares off with old nemesis and two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Fabricio "Vai Cavalo" Werdum (11-4-1) during the live, SHOWTIME® telecast of STRIKEFORCE: Carano vs. Cyborg from San Jose, California’s HP Pavilion on Saturday, August 15.

"I’m very happy that I’m being given the opportunity to fight him again and I’m looking forward to beating him," said the 29-year-old Overeem who, at 6 feet 5 inches tall and a chiseled 250 pounds, is considered one of the sport’s most impressive physical specimens. Overeem hails from The Netherlands and is a longtime member of the country’s Team Golden Glory, the fight squad that boasts a host of the world’s top martial arts fighters. "This is the one rematch I’ve wanted. I’m going to punish this guy."

The 31-year-old Werdum, a native of Porto Alegre, Brazil, is similarly confident about his chances of conquering Overeem a second time. Werdum, who relocated to Huntington Beach, California earlier this year to train with The United States affiliate of Brazil’s Chute Boxe fight camp, submitted Overeem with a kimura in the second round (3:43) of their first encounter, which took place at Pride: Total Elimination Absolute in Osaka, Japan on May 5, 2006. The matchup was Werdum’s fifth of a six fight stint under the now-defunct Pride organization.

"I am very confident. I have trained my whole life for this moment," said the 6 foot 4 inch, 235 pound Werdum regarding the rematch with Overeem. Coming in as the challenger in a title match is a huge motivating factor for me. Whether the fight is against Alistair or another fighter doesn’t necessarily matter to me. What matters is that I am fighting the champion.

"STRIKEFORCE is one of the biggest and most prestigious organizations in the world," continued Werdum. To become the heavyweight champion for such a respected organization would be an honor that is beyond words.

Last October, Werdum completed a four-fight stretch with UFC during which he toppled both former heavyweight championship challenger Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon "The Truth" Vera. Prior to his debut in The Octagon, Werdum pulled off an impressive first round (3:24) submission (arm triangle choke) of two-time Russian National Sambo champion, Aleksander Emelianenko, brother of the world’s top heavyweight MMA fighter, Fedor Emelianenko.

Overeem was crowned the first STRIKEFORCE World Heavyweight Champion in history on November 16, 2007 after he brutalized fellow heavy hitter Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello with a relentless offensive, finally stopping Buentello with a series of hard knee strikes to the midsection in the second round (3:42) of action at HP Pavilion.

Overeem made his debut with STRIKEFORCE at HP Pavilion on June 9, 2006, earning a one-sided, unanimous decision over Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort in the main event of the second STRIKEFORCE MMA card in history. The outcome marked Overeem’s second career win over Belfort.

The possibility of a rematch between Overeem and Werdum moved one step closer to becoming a reality on April 11th of this year when both fighters were guests at the STRIKEFORCE: Shamrock vs. Diaz mega-card at HP Pavilion. While Overeem was addressing the media on hand for the post-fight press conference, Werdum stood up from the audience and issued a challenge to Overeem.

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

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

In yet another title bout, STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Josh "The Punk" Thomson (16-2) will put his title on the line against Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez (15-2), the man whom Thomson dethroned by way of unanimous decision at HP Pavilion on June 27, 2008.

Elaina Maxwell discusses Gladiator Challenge

2009-07-01T22:11:00Z

	Wednesday, July 1, 2009 JC Finally back from our month long hiatus, we bring you an interview with Elaina Maxwell, an MMA fighter and former Bay Area resident. We taped this interview with her several weeks ago in regards to her Gladiator Challenge bout scheduled for May. She tells us about how the promoter wanted her to fight a male fighter after her first opponent fell through, and shares other reasons why she never ended up fighting on that card. Elaina also talks about her new training regimine, and talks about her hopes to make it to the Olympics and compete in San Shou. Now a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, Elaina tells us how often she likes to make it down to the "strip", and whether or not she likes to gamble.
	JC's interview with Elaina Maxwell:
	Links: Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute of Las Vegas ProFightNetwork.com MMA Legacy Trailer on Spike

James Terry Interview: Post Zak Bucia Fight

2009-05-27T15:47:00Z

James Terry (right) vs. Zak Bucia James Terry ground and pounds Bucia.	Wednesday, May 27, 2009 JC James Terry (6-1) recently defeated Zak Bucia by decision at Strikeforces May 11th event held at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. Terry is coming off a year long layoff to recover from his shoulder injuries sustained during his Cage Combat Fighting Championships title defense against Jeremiah Metcalf. Terry was unable to defend his Welterweight title, and was relegated to recovery, which included two surgeries on his shoulders. As a personal trainer at USH! (Cung Le), Terry has focused on training his clients and began a regimen of hard training in order to get back into fighting shape. After eleven months of training and wating for his next fight, Terry was lined up to face Zak Bucia (1-2), a less experienced, but game fighter.
	JC Interviews James Terry
	Terry defeated Bucia utilizing wrestling to control him and do damage on the ground for three rounds. Although Bucia was game and was able to nullify much of Terrys offense, Terrys overall dominance earned him a unanimous decision victory. "I was having to overcome some things when it came to the ground and pound, he kind of knew what his was doing a little bit with the jiu-jitsu."-James Terry Although, he was happy with his performance, Terry stated that he may have taken it a little easy. As the Cage Combat Fighting Championships Welterweight Title holder, Terrys short reign was surrounded with injuries. He broke his hand winning his title, and suffered two badly injured shoulders losing his title. "I was happy to get the win, but above and beyond all that, I was happy not to be injured."-James Terry Currently, Terry does not have any opponents lined up, but has three fights remaining on a four-fight contract with Strikeforce. Terry says he intends on dominating opponents in the future as he is happy to come away uninjured from the fight. "When it comes to pushing the pace, and getting after the next guy, I definitely want to try to, you know, step it up a little bit. Not just win fights, but dominate fights."-James Terry Terry says he hopes to get on the next fight card at the HP Pavilion, which he claims will take place in August, until then, he will focus on training himself and others at the gym. Terry implements weight-training as a large part of his training routine, and feels that it is a distinct advantage for him, as he stated that not all fight teams lift weights. "Coach Cung likes us to lift, and you know, we do a lot of lifting"-James Terry For more information on personal training with James Terry, he can be contacted at Universal Strength Headquarters(USH!) at (408) 729-4468. He can also be contacted by email: jterry.fitness@gmail.com

UFC 98 Quick Results-Machida KO's Evans

2009-05-26T17:22:00Z

Image Courtesy: Sherdog.com

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Quick Results

Winner	Opponent	Rd	Time	Method
Lyoto Machida Matt Hughes Drew McFedries Chael Sonnen Frank Edgar Brock Larson Tim Hagee Kyle Bradley Yoshiyuki Yoshida George Roop Krzyzstof Soszynski	Rashad Evans Matt Serra X. Foupa-Pokam Dan Miller Sean Sherk Mike Pyle Pat Barry Phillipe Nover Brandon Wolff Dave Kaplan Andre Gusmao	2 3 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 1	3:57 5:00 0:37 5:00 5:00 3:06 1:42 1:03 2:21 5:00 3:17	Knock Out Unan. Decision TKO Unan. Decision Unan. Decision Sub-Triangle Sub-Guill. Choke TKO Sub-Guill. Choke Split Decision TKO

With a fantastic performance over Rashad Evans, Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida becomes the UFC's new Light-Heavyweight Champion. Machida knocked Evans out early in the second round after landing a left to the chin of that gave the undefeated champion his first loss.

The fight began with the two undefeated fighters sizing each others' range and timing. Evans and Machida danced at a distance for two minutes before Machida landed the first strike of the match, a head-kick that stumbled Evans. Evans rushed in with a flurry of punches, but none landed effectively. The two continued to circle until Machida landed a left body kick followed by a straight left that dropped Evans. Machida jumped on top and began a flurry of head shots as Evans worked his way back up to his feet. The two continued at a distance as Machida throws two more head-kicks to close out the round.

The second round began with Machida throwing another set of body-kicks before attempting a takedown. Evans fights him off and throws an overhand right that is short and misses. Machida takes advantage and flurries straight in with punches, but Evans backed him up with several continuous short rights. Machida throws right and left high kicks that are both avoided by Evans before he eventually landed a stunning straight left followed by a combination that sent Evans down to the canvas again. Machida landed a series of lefts before Evans tried to get up, but Evans was thrown down again by Machida as he continued to throw uppercuts to finish Evans. Machida landed another left that put Evans down on a knee, as Evans was fighting with a huge heart to stay in the fight.

Evans made it to his feet only to dodge looping punches from Machida. Machida backs him up against the cage and lands a hard body kick followed by more punches. Evans was hurt and leaning against the cage when Machida landed a hard overhand right and then a short left hook that crumbled Evans to the cage floor for the final time of the match.

Lyoto Machida knocks out Rashad Evans and becomes the UFC's new Light Heavyweight Champion.

Strikeforce Challengers: Evangelista vs. Aina Results

2009-05-19T02:38:00Z

Evangelista vs. Aina

Johnson stands over Seumanutafa

Sarah Kaufman out-struck Tate for the win.

Aaron Rosa defeats Anthony Ruiz.

Monday, May 18, 2009
Photos and Press Release: Strikeforce

FRESNO, Calif. (May 15, 2009) – Previously unbeaten hometown favorite Billy Evangelista lost by disputed, controversial second-round disqualification to Mike Aina Friday in the main event of the inaugural Strikeforce Challengers telecast on SHOWTIME.

At the finish, neither fighter was satisfied with the outcome at the Save Mart Center.

Evangelista (9-1), of Fresno, was disqualified for “intentionally” kneeing Aina (12-6-1), of Hilo, Hawaii, in the head while the Hawaiian fighter was down. The rule is a fighter can knee a downed opponent to the body, but not the head.

“I feel bad at what happened, but I am definitely planning to protest,’’ Evangelista said. “Nothing I did was on purpose. I thought I had timed the knee perfectly and that he was on his feet when it was delivered.’’

Said Aina: “No one likes a fight to finish this way. I don’t look at it as a win for me, and he should not look at it as a loss for him. It should have been a no contest.’’

The five-fight telecast aired on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

In other SHOWTIME fights: Sarah Kaufman (9-0) of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, remained unbeaten with a hard-fought unanimous decision over determined Miesha Tate (6-2) of Olympia, Wash., in a women’s match at 135 pounds; Lavar Johnson (12-3) of Fresno scored an 18-second, first-round knockout over Carl Seumanutafa (4-3), a Samoan based in San Francisco, in a heavyweight fight; San Antonio’s Aaron Rosa (12-2) registered a 4:29 first-round TKO (choke) over Anthony Ruiz (21-13) of Coarsegold, Calif., takes on in a light heavyweight bout and Bao Quach (16-9-1) of Huntington Beach, Calif., won a unanimous decision over Tito Jones (6-3) of Sacramento, Calif., in a featherweight scrap.

In an eagerly anticipated women’s bout, Kaufman outlasted Tate in a non-stop, see-saw battle. It was the first time Kaufman was taken the distance, but she was the stronger fighter at the finish and won by the scores of 29-28 on all three scorecards.

A relentless puncher with good stamina, Kaufman bloodied Tate’s nose, but was taken to the mat twice, the first times she has ever been down.

“I give Miesha credit but I am very happy with my performance,’’ Kaufman said. “I wish I could have done more in the second round, but three rounds go by so fast. I wish they’d let us fight five-minute rounds like the guys.

Tate took down Kaufman in the closing seconds of the first round and in the first 35 seconds of the second. She kept Kaufman on her back for much of the second but couldn’t sustain her momentum in the third.

Lavar Johnson, a standout football player as an outside linebacker ay Madera (Calif.) High, caught an off balance Seumanutafa with a quick, brutal right uppercut that knocked the Samoan unconscious and sent him face down to the canvas. Seumanutafa tried to shoot with his head down but was nailed flush.

“This is exactly what I had practiced. I had watched tapes of Carl and knew he might try that kind of thing."

“This was an important win for me. I had my two young sons with me. No way was I going to let them see their Dad get beat up. No way they’d listen to me after that.’’

Aaron Rosa rallied after getting caught early. “He got me, but then I rocked him good with a right hand off the cage,’’ Rosa said. “I feel good. This was a big win and I am grateful for Strikeforce giving me this opportunity. He was a slick guy but he didn’t do anything that I wasn’t prepared for."

The victory was the second in a row for Rosa, who won the first 10 fights of his career.

In the telecast’s opening bout, Quach survived two knockdowns in the final round to win by the scores of 29-28 on the three judges scorecards. Winning for the 10th time in 11 starts, Quach appeared hurt after going down a second time but Jones didn’t follow up.

“I stuck to my game plan, which was to stick (kick) and move, and I did,’’ Quach said. “I know I won the first two rounds and he definitely got me in the third. I was dazed but he didn’t capitalize. But until the third round, he didn’t do anything. There was no doubt in my mind that I won the fight.’’

Non-televised results: Ben “The Teacher” Holscher (2-0) of Fresno submitted (rear naked choke) Cody Cantebury (1-4-1) of Sacramento at 2:47 of the first round (160 pounds); Thomas Diagne (1-0) of San Jose, Calif., won a decision over Kaleo Kwan (7-10) of Kailua, Hawaii (lightweights); Fabricio “Morango” Camoes (10-4) of Brazil submitted (rear naked choke) Torrance Taylor (7-6-1) of Cleveland, Ohio at 3:31 of the first round (155 pounds) and Spencer Herns (1-0) of San Jose won a majority three-round decision over Chad Sutton (2-2) of Fresno in a bout at 185 pounds.

SHOWTIME will replay Friday’s telecast on Thursday, May 21 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME TOO. It will be available ON DEMAND beginning Monday, May 18.

Mauro Ranallo called the action from cageside with Stephen Quadros and Pat Miletich serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is David Dinkins, Jr., with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast info and more, please visit the SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.

Evangelista vs. Aina weigh-in results

2009-05-17T00:50:00Z

Billy Evangelista vs. Mike Aina

Lavar Johnson vs. Carl Seumanutafa

Sarah Kaufman vs. Miesha Tate

Boa Quach vs. Tito Jones

Anthony Ruiz vs. Aaron Rosa

Monday, May 18, 2009
Press Release: Strikeforce

Weigh-In Results

Billy Evangelista
Lavar Johnson
Sarah Kaufman
Anthony Ruiz
Bao Quach
Ben Holscher
Zoila Frausto
Thomas Diagne
Fabricio Camoes
Chad Sutten

157.5
246.4
135
205.2
145.8
160.2
129.8
155.6
156.2
184

vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.

Mike Aina
Carl Seumanutafa
Miesha Tate
Aaron Rosa
Tito Jones
Cody Cantebury
Avery Vilche
Kaleo Kwan
Torrance Taylor
Spencer Herns

157.2
250.5
135.4
205.4
145.6
160
122.8
155.4
155.8
180.6

BILLY EVANGELISTA

"This is the first time I’ve had to deal with this type of attention, but I always feel I have to do more to stay unbeaten. The pressure is always there, but maybe there is a little more because this is in my hometown. I’m just going in to do my best and let it happen and see how it plays out."

"I learned during my three years in the army all about discipline, keeping my composure and learning to deal with people. I think those things help me prepare for a fight and for the fight itself. I know you just can’t go crazy and need to maintain your poise in the cage. I don’t get upset a lot like I did when I was younger, but still there is pressure."

"I’ve never seen Aina fight. I never watch tapes of my opponents. I like to focus on my fight and what I am doing. This sport is still evolving and fighters change their styles from fight to fight. So I don’t expect fighters to fight me like they did their opponent before."

"My friends, who are just trying to be helpful, tell me stuff, like ‘you know, Aina almost beat Nick Diaz’ and stuff like that, but it just doesn’t matter. I mean, I hear he is tall, so I guess I might have to fight on the inside more. Everybody says his Jiu-Jitsu is really good but we’ll need to see how fight goes."

"I think maybe my hands are faster than his but we’ll see. I know my Muay Thay is better so I will want to keep it standing and stay on the inside and deliver short kicks and uppercuts.’’

MIKE AINA

"This is obviously a big fight and the opportunity is great. This is why you train all those years -- to be able to fight in the main event on SHOWTIME. It doesn’t get bigger than that."

"I really hope they don’t think I am a stepping stone because they are in for a big surprise if they do."

"Evangelista has a great record, but there are holes in every fighter’s game. I’ve watched tape on him and he is definitely vulnerable to some things."

"I plan to spoil his homecoming and win one for all my fans in my hometown in Hawaii, who have always been there and supported me. They are with me each and every time I step into the cage."

"This is a long trip for me and I did not come here to lose.’’

SARAH KAUFMAN

"My coach describes my style as ‘controlled crazy.’ I’ve never gone the distance but for me, punching is like a submission. But if I get into position, I would definitely try for a submission."

"I love MMA and I love to do this. It is fun and makes me happy."

"I won’t be surprised if she tries to take me down because I know she is good at wrestling. But I plan to stay on top, hit her lots and push the pace."

"This is a huge fight, but I am going to just do what I do."

"Being unbeaten always means a little more pressure but I’ve been in this from the beginning just to see what I can do and how far I can go.’’

MIESHA TATE

"I have hobbies like camping, snow skiing and cooking Italian food, but I really can’t see myself doing anything but MMA."

"This is a win-win situation for me. She’s established and has a name so this is a great opportunity for me to put the first blemish on her record. I know I’m the underdog, but no one thought I could beat Elaina Maxwell and I did. So I am going into this fight just like I did that one."

"I’ve been working on my stand-up since she’s known for it. I would be surprised if she tried to take me down, but I’ll be ready if she does."

"I’ve wrestled a long time and had probably over 100 matches. I guess my favorite subs are chokes of any kind. Arm bars are always fun. They come natural to me. So I have to guess getting her on her back is where she wouldn’t want to be."

"But in this fight, I know my mental toughness is a major key, along with pushing the pace and putting pressure back on her. She’s obviously very heavy-handed and the fact she never stops pushing forward are her strengths."

"But I’m going to engage. I’ve never really tested my standup so this is as good a time as any. She comes in squared and gets you backing up. My goal is to see how she reacts when I punch back. I am hoping that will work.’’

LAVAR JOHNSON

"I was off three years with a torn ACL but I feel great know. The main things in each and every fight of mine are always trying to relax and keeping my poise. "

"Carl is a big strong guy who is going to try and take me down and ground and pound me, which is why I’ve been working a lot on my wrestling. I need to stay moving, stop his shot/takedown and gas him out."

"Being he’s a big guy, I’m going to try and make him tired. Hopefully, I knock him out while standing."

CARL SEUMANUTAFA

"I know I need to be more active, that I’ve waited too much in my last two fights, although I thought I should have got a draw in one of them."

"Johnson is a pretty good guy who’s aggressive but I feel like I’m stronger than him so I need to take him down and control him.’’

"I’m ready to fight but I’ve only had a week to train so I’d prefer to KO him and get it over. I train by myself in San Francisco but go to Texas to train when I know I have a fight."

"When I lost my first fight, I quit my job as a high school security guard to focus more on MMA. I’ll never forget that first loss because I learned such a big lesson. It made me want to train harder.’’

ANTHONY RUIZ

"I’ve been wrestling since the third grade but I’m always working to improve my ground game, which I think is good. My standup still isn’t there, but I seem to do OK, and I do seem to land sometimes."

"It’s important for me to stay within myself and not get wrapped up into the moment. It’s an aggression thing. If I get a little tired, I get sloppy. But I’ve still been effective. In this fight, I want to pull the trigger first, be aggressive while being relentless."

"My cardio has always been good so I want to push pace to the point where he is like, ‘will this guy every stop?’ I need to be the pitcher and try to deliver. I don’t want to be the catcher."

"It seems he has fought more seasoned opponents, but I’m not so sure Rosa has fought guys at my level. He’s 11-2, but he’s fought inferior guys."

"I’ve been through the ringer and fought some wars against a better caliber. The perfect scenario for me in this fight would be to standup, bang, get to where I am chasing him around the cage, take him down, lie on top and pummel him."

"I know I have lot of losses from submissions but it has been a long, long time since the last time I was submitted. I’ve never been knocked out."

"This is a very big fight for me and I’m very excited. I work as a fireman at the Madera-Mariposa-Merced fire department. All my captains and about 50 fire fighters will be on hand to watch.’’

AARON ROSA

"I feel I’m a lot better fighter than from the last time you saw me. My speed and the position of my hands and the way I hold them have definitely improved."

"I know he throws big punches but I’m not so sure his technique is that great. But I know I always have to beware and roll with the punches and counter. The guy has bursts of explosion, so I know I have to get off first."

"I’m really excited and totally ready. The fact Strikeforce is giving me this chance is tremendous and I am going to go for it. I won’t be reckless, but I am going to let in all hang out in there. Win or lose this is going to be a great fight and I am going to put on a show.’’

BAO QUACH

"I am really looking forward to Friday. The biggest thing for me in this fight and in all my fights is poise. I can’t just freak out or panic. I am fighting my third lefty in a row, so I’m used to them. I feel I am punching harder and better."

"I respect everybody outside the cage, but inside I hate them. I know he is a good boxer but I’ll stand with him if it comes to that."

"I don’t think he’s proved himself. I’ll be looking to take him down and use my lateral movement.’’

TITO JONES

"I only had three week’s notice but I’m in shape and ready to get it on."

"I’m a former Golden Gloves boxing champion who has trained with Roy Jones Sr. in Pensacola, Fla. I’ve learned so much from him: life lessons that I carry out today as well as fighting. I lost my Dad when I was 18 so Roy has been like a father figure. He’s taught me mental toughness."

"This is a great opportunity for me to fight a guy who will elevate me to where I want to be. I want to make it to the next level and I will after Friday. Quach was ranked 10^th until that last loss so a win over him would be huge."

"Being half Filipino, I am looking for another vicious KO, like the one Manny Pacquiao. The people in the Philippines are always looking to look up to somebody, so if I can do a fraction of what Manny has, that would be great."

"Quach is a veteran with three times as many fights, so I know I can’t be overzealous and that I have to fight smart and not get crazy. I’m confident in my kickboxing. I feel like if I touch him, he’ll go back to his wrestling background. I don’t think he’s ever seen speed like me and I plan to capitalize on that."

"I tend to counter sometimes, but I know I need to take the initiative more and not let him dictate the pace. I’m a little nervous now but come game-time I’ll be fine. I am looking at this as my coming out party and looking to steal the show.’’

Mauro Ranallo will call the action from cageside with Stephen Quadros and Pat Miletich serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is David Dinkins, Jr., with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast info and more, visit the SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.

Tony DeMaria- Boxing coach to Frank Shamrock

2009-05-13T17:40:00Z

Tony DeMaria-Boxing Coach Shamrock's Martials Arts

Tony wraps Frank's hands for Diaz fight training.

Tony works pads with Frank for the media.

Tony DeMaria wraps Clint Coronel's hands.

Clint Coronel training for his boxing debut.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
JC

Tony DeMaria is the boxing coach at Shamrock's Martial Arts Academy, in San Jose, California. Having trained Frank Shamrock for several years, DeMaria has grown close to Frank and speaks fondly of him.

"He's a wonderful human being...he's just a genius actually, mentally and physically".-Tony DeMaria on Frank Shamrock

His background in boxing takes him back to the tender age of 7, when he competed in his first amatuer boxing "smoker", and where he would eventually score a knockout over a future judge that was involved in a very high-profile murder case.

His father and uncles fought professionally, so boxing was in his blood, and like his family, he fell for the sport of boxing.

"Boxing is a very, very romantic sport, and I just kind of fell in love with it"-Tony DeMaria

JC Interviews Tony DeMaria pre-Diaz fight.

A native of San Jose with a Cecilian heritage, DeMaria has obviously felt at home fighting and coaching in the Bay Area, and has remained in San Jose while coaching fighters for over 3 decades.

"I have a very, very good report with all the kids"-Tony DeMaria

Tony has built relationships with boxers that he still keeps in regular contact with, an obvious sign that he has effected people deeply, and in a very positive way. A local fighter, Golden Gloves Champion then turned professional, Glen Corbus continues to call him every day.

"He calls me every morning at 7:15 like clock-work, hasn't stopped in ten years"-Tony DeMaria

Safety is always on the veteran trainer's mind, as he stated that many injuries occured in the gym before the fight, and that he keeps a close eye on his students. When it comes to his training style, hard work is paramount, positive reinforcement is constant, and fun rounds it out when the work is done.

"I just love it, I love the kids"-Tony DeMaria

After speaking with Tony, it becomes obvious that his love of his family, boxing, and friends keep his spirits high to face the adversities and realities of his life. He has a genuine love for the sport of boxing, and sharing his knowledge of it with others.

The attached interview with Tony was conducted while he was training Frank Shamrock for the Nick Diaz fight, and Clint Coronel for his professional boxing debut.Shamrock was not able to bring Tony's prediction of an early knock-out over Diaz to fruition, as he lost to Nick Diaz by TKO on April 11.

Although it was rumored that Shamrock had a rib injury leading into the fight, Shamrock never brought up the injury as an excuse, and also gave Diaz appropriate respect for his performance.

Coronel faced Ruben Rivera in a Junior Middleweight bout at Fight Night at the Tank on May 7th. Coronel and Rivera fought to a draw with Coronel scoring inside against his tall and long opponent. The judges scored the bout 38-38 for the two fighters.

"The Monster" is back to face Whitehead

2009-05-08T23:55:00Z

Friday, May 8, 2009
Press Release: Strikeforce

NEW YORK–Two-time NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Kevin "The Monster" Randleman (17-12) will make his long-awaited return to mixed martial arts (MMA) action when he squares off with fellow grappling expert Mike Whitehead (23-7) during the live SHOWTIME® telecast of Strikeforce: "Lawler vs. Shields" from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo. on Saturday, June 6.

Making his first appearance in over a year and his debut with Strikeforce, the 37-year-old Randleman of Columbus, Ohio will attempt to reclaim the glory he achieved almost a decade ago when he was crowned UFC heavyweight champion after scoring a knockout on Pete Williams at UFC 23 on November 19, 1999.

A tremendous athlete with explosive power, Randleman captured back-to-back NCAA national wrestling titles in 1992 and 1993 while competing for Ohio State University. His stellar collegiate career gained him entry into the school’s Hall Of Fame in 2004.

On October 22, 1996, Randleman made his professional MMA debut in Brazil where he stopped Luiz Carlos Macial in the first round of action. After amassing a 6-2 record, he entered the octagon for the first time at UFC 19 on March 5, 1999 and pulled off a stunning upset of MMA and kickboxing legend Maurice Smith.

After retaining his UFC title with a unanimous decision over Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo on June 9, 2000, Randleman was stopped by Randy "The Natural" Couture two months later.

In 2002, Randleman joined the ranks of Japan’s elite Pride Fighting Championship and enjoyed initial success by overcoming his first three opponents.

Randleman’s career came to a screeching halt three and a half years ago when he contracted a severe fungal lung infection that required surgery. The illness return shortly thereafter, thus delaying his return further.

Like Randleman, the 27 year old Whitehead has shined on the mats, achieving NJCAA All-American honors in 2001 while wrestling for North Idaho Junior College and, later, two-time All-American honors while competing for Southern Oregon University.

In his last start on October 29, 2008, Whitehead submitted Leo Pla in the first round of their matchup in Kansas City, Missouri. The victory returned Whitehead’s name to the win column one month after he gave up a unanimous judges’ decision to Renato "Babalu" Sobral. The loss to Sobral ended Whitehead’s 13 fight win streak that dated back to March 2006.

A native of Oregon, Whitehead has taken residence in Las Vegas, Nevada, the fight capital of the world to train amongst the sport’s best competitors. He recently parted ways with the Xtreme Couture camp and found a new home at the all-new training ground of superstar and former world champion Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva.

In 2005, Whitehead was cast on the second season of Spike TV’s smash-hit reality series The Ultimate Fighter. He has since conquered fellow octagon veterans Krzyysztof Soszynski and Vernon "Tiger" White as well as former UFC champion and HBO documentary subject Mark Kerr, whom Whitehead stopped with strikes in the first round of their meeting in Portland, Oregon on November 2, 2006.

Tickets for Strikeforce: "Lawler vs. Shields" are on sale at the Scottrade Center box office as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online www.ticketmaster.com, and Strikeforce’s official website www.strikeforce.com.

Eric Lawson in Never Surrender

2009-05-06T21:35:00Z

Eric Lawson

Wednesday, May 6, 2009
JC

Concord native and Strikeforce Middleweight fighter, Eric Lawson is featured during the opening sequence in Never Surrender, a movie about cagefighters starring GSP, Anderson Silva, Rampage Jackson, BJ Penn, and a host of other pro fighters.

Although the movies' star is not a mainstream fighter (Hector Eschavarria), the movie does have a talented list of fighters on the roster, and recognizable names for venues and sponsors on the cage that they fight in. Of course, not all of the fights happen in a cage, but I will save that for the review.

Kudos are in order for Eric Lawson on his movie debut, and on his latest TKO victory over Waylon Kennell on the Shamrock vs. Diaz event on April 11t, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. His latest victory brings his record to (9-2).

Lawson has recently stated that his fights will be on main fight card in the future, which will give him even greater exposure, and pit him against even more dangerous opponents.

Lawson stated that he does not have an opponent yet, but believes his next fight will take place in Washington at the Tacoma Dome.

Keep an eye out for my review of this movie, along with several other MMA related movies in the very near future. Never Surrender is currently available for rental at Blockbuster video stores.

Eric Lawson Myspace
Combat Fitness in Concord

"Cyborg" Santos and Villasenor meet in June

2009-05-06T15:39:00Z

Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Press Release: Strikeforce

NEW YORK (May 5, 2009)—Middleweight (185 pound) wrecking machines "Smokin" Joey Villasenor (26-6) and Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (16-12) will face off in the main event of a Strikeforce Challengers mixed martial arts (MMA) card at the all-new ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington on Friday, June 19.

The 32-year-old Villasenor, a member of Greg Jackson’s elite fight team in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will look to extend his win streak to five consecutive bouts in what will be his first start of the year. The Mexican American boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stylist scored a punishing, first round knockout on "The New York Badass" Phil Baroni live on CBS’s "Saturday Night Fights" on May 31, 2008.

Likewise, Santos’ appearance will be his first of the year as well as his long-awaited debut in The United States. To date, the 31-year-old distinguished member of Brazil’s famed Chute Boxe fight squad and husband of Cris "Cyborg" has terrorized opponents in a host of major organizations overseas including Japan’s now defunct Pride Fighting Championship. Santos’ last effort, a matchup with Siyar Bahadurzada in Tokyo, Japan on September 28, 2008, was cut short by an elbow injury that the Brazilian sustained only seconds into the contest.

Making his Strikeforce debut, the 32-year-old Gurgel, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt better known for his explosive, go-for-broke punching style, starred in the second season of Spike TV’s smash hit reality series, The Ultimate Fighter. Gurgel’s start will be his first since he dropped a three-round unanimous judges’ decision to Aaron Riley at UFC 91 on November 15, 2008.

Hallman, a former UFC championship challenger is, perhaps, best remembered for his two, first-round conquests of MMA legend Matt Hughes. After a year and a half hiatus, the 33-year-old Hallman rekindled his rich, 12-year history in the sport with a first round submission of Danny Ruiz on March 21, 2009. In his sole Strikeforce appearance to date,

Hallman made similar, quick work of Jeremiah Metcalf, forcing Metcalf to tap out to a heelhook at 1:39 of the first round of their meeting at San Jose, California’s HP Pavilion on November 16, 2007.Hallman’s protégé, the 24-year-old Devela is looking to return to the win column after being stopped by Terry Martin at Strikeforce’s second event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California on September 20, 2008. The loss brought the middleweight’s seven-fight win streak to an end.

Devela pulled off a stunning upset of Joe "Diesel" Riggs at the first-ever Strikeforce event in Washington State on February 23, 2008. With a single slam in the first round of battle, Devela rendered Riggs unable to continue their matchup at Tacoma Dome. Strikeforce’s affair at the Tacoma Dome marked the largest live gate in the history of any boxing, MMA, or kickboxing event in Washington State.

Also enlisted for the card, thus far, are lightweight (155 pound) fan-favorite Jorge Gurgel (12-5), wrestling ace Dennis "Superman" Hallman (40-12-2), and Hallman protégé Cory "The One" Devela (9-2).

ShoWare Center doors will open for the Strikeforce Challengers event at 5:30 p.m. PT on June 19 and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. PT.Tickets for the event, priced from $30, go on sale at 10 a.m. PT this Friday, May 8 at the ShoWare Center Box Office (253-856-6999 or 877-840-0457), online at ShoWareCenter.com, and at www.strikeforce.com. The live SHOWTIME® telecast of the event will begin at 11 p.m. ET/PT (tape delayed on the west coast) and will include up to five bouts.

Sarah Kaufman faces Tate in place of Couture

2009-05-05T18:19:00Z

Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Press Release: Strikeforce

NEW YORK (May 4, 2009)—Undefeated power puncher Sarah Kaufman (8-0) will fill the void left by Kim "Sugar Free" Couture and throw down with fellow rising star Miesha Tate (6-1) in a 135-pound contest during the SHOWTIME® televised portion of the inaugural Strikeforce Challengers mixed martial arts (MMA) event at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., on Friday, May 15.

Couture’s withdrawal last week created an ideal opportunity for the 23-year-old Kaufman, who is in fighting form after stopping Sara Schneider in the second round of their matchup on April 23. Kaufman has never been taken the distance in a professional fight.

"I’m very excited about this fight because I’ve been hearing about Miesha Tate for quite a while," said Kaufman, a former dancer who hails from British Columbia, Canada. "I know she has good wrestling and she’s been pretty active. She’s probably going to want to take the fight to the ground and I’ll want to stay standing so it should be an interesting matchup."

Punching and kicking opponents is a far cry from Kaufman’s former passion. She’s been dancing since the ripe age of two. At eight years old, the five-foot, five-inch Kaufman joined a dance company and soon after began performing in musicals, dancing to everything from ballet to jazz to hip-hop.

It was a few years ago that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Adam Zugec opened an MMA school directly underneath the dance studio where Kaufman practiced daily. After trying a single aerobic kickboxing class, she quickly gravitated towards martial arts.

"I’m very competitive by nature so I just pushed myself and eventually started competing in grappling tournaments," explained Kaufman.

"One day, an opportunity to fight came up so it just seemed like the next logical step for me at that point. There wasn’t anywhere else I could go with dance unless I wanted to turn professional so I put the dancing aside."

Since her professional MMA debut three years ago, Kaufman has added a breath of athleticism as well as credibility to the women’s field of competitors in the sport with the speed and force of her hands.

"I have the ability to put a lot of punches together because my conditioning is always really strong. I let my hands go and, at the same time, I don’t mind taking a shot to give a shot so I think that’s why I’ve performed the way I have so far."

Whereas Tate was regarded a heavy favorite in the matchup with Couture, she will enter the cage as an underdog against her new, unbeaten opponent.

"I like being the underdog because I have everything to gain and nothing to lose," said the 22-year-old Tate, who has been on a tear of late, stopping each of her last three opponents in the first round.

"I think (Kaufman)’s in for a surprise because she’s probably figuring that she’s beaten opponents that fight similar to me. But, she hasn’t fought me yet."

A native of Olympia, Wash., Tate was introduced to wrestling during her teen years when a girlfriend convinced her to join their all-boys high school wrestling team. Tate’s passion for the sport developed as she learned. Eventually, wrestling led Tate to join the MMA club at Central Washington University.

Last year, Tate enlisted with Victory Athletics, the elite fight squad headed by MMA star and two-time Matt Hughes conqueror Dennis "Superman" Hallman.

"He’s got so much to offer technically," she said about her mentor. "He comes from a wrestling background so his fighting style is very similar to the one I want to develop."

Tickets for the first Strikeforce Challengers event are on sale at the Save Mart Center box office and select Save Mart Supermarkets as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

Also on the SHOWTIME telecast, Aaron Rosa (11-2) will meet Anthony "A Train" Ruiz (21-12) in a light heavyweight (205-pound limit) fight while Lavar "Big" Johnson (11-3) will square off with Carl Seumanutafa (4-2).