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Brazil Super Fight
Friday, September 19th, 2003
Porto alegre, Brazil

Complete Card (subject to change):

Ikuhisa Minowa defeats Silmar Rodrigo by leglock at 3:00, RD 2. (BSF middleweight title)
Marcelo Alfaia defeats Jose Ricardo 'Dragao' by unanimous decision.
Aloisio Barros defeats Luke 'The Duke' Piclum by TKO at 2:46, RD 3.
Leonardo Souza defeats Haroldo 'Cabelinho' Bunn by TKO at 1:50, RD 2.
Eric Tavares defeats Andre Mau 'Lagendre' by KO at 2:53, RD 1.
Rodrigo Durok Asmus defeats Muriez Linke by guillotine choke at 4:35, RD 1.
Luis Azeredo defeats Rodrigo Ruas by KO at 1:26, RD 1.

Muay Thai fight:
Gerson Silva defeats Eduardo Verissimo by KO at 2:26, RD 1.

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Tito Ortiz

Japanese underground journalist dragontail has posted the video segment of Tito Ortiz's Friday night appearance on Jay Leno's Tonight Show. To view the clip, click here

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Josh Barnett

Pancrase has announced to the Japanese media that Open Weight K.O.P Josh Barnett will defend his title against Yoshiki Takahashi on the October 14th show co-promoted by Pancrase and New Japan pro-wrestling.

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The Japanese media is reporting that Chute Boxe members Assuerio Silva and Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua have been added to the October 5th PRIDE Bushido card. If true, that means that the card now has the following matchups and fighters participating:

Confirmed matchups:
Renzo Gracie vs. Carlos Newton
Ryan Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Hamanaka
Daniel Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Rodrigo Gracie vs. Daiju Takase
Ralph Gracie vs. Dokonjosuke Mishima

Unofficially confirmed matchups:
Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua vs. Kevin Randleman
Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira vs Alexander Emelianenko
Peter Aerts vs. Norihisa Yamamoto
Assuerio Silva vs. TBA (possibly against Japanese fighter or rematch with Norihisa Yamamoto)


Fighters confirmed on the card:
Renzo Gracie
Ryan Gracie
Daniel Gracie
Rodrigo Gracie
Ralph Gracie
Assuerio Silva
Carlos Newton
Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua
Kazuhiro Hamanaka
Kazuhiro Nakamura
Daiju Takase
Dokonjosuke Mishima
Norihisa Yamamoto

Fighters heavily rumored to also be on the card:
Kevin Randleman
Peter Aerts
Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira
Alexander Emelianenko

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By Tape Lord


Hello my friends, Fightsport.com reported almost two months ago (before any other newssite) that UFC 45 would be taking place at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. Now we have gotten six of the unofficially confirmed matchups for the UFC 45 card from our Zuffa informant called 'Coffee Guy':

UFC 45 Card so far:

Frank Mir vs. winner of Gan McGee/Tim Sylvia
'Tank' Abbott vs. Wesley 'Cabbage' Correira
Pedro Rizzo vs. Ricco Rodriguez
Matt Hughes vs. TBA
Phil Baroni vs. Evan Tanner
Falaniko Vitale vs. Matt Lindland

Other fighters possibly on the card include:

Royce Gracie
Lee Murray
Vitor Belfort
B.J. Penn
Robbie Lawler
Rich Franklin

Possible opponents for Matt Hughes include Royce Gracie, Pete Spratt, or Frank Trigg)

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Josh Barnett

Todd Atkins reports the following from Japan:

"For fans who don't remember, the first Ultimate Crush was the event where Josh Barnett beat Jimmy Ambriz. For their second event, they are interested in making a Josh Barnett vs. Mark Coleman main event. Some other fighters they are pursuing are Yuki Kondo and Sanae Kikuta from Pancrase."

More info to come in the next week.

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Dan Henderson

Two days ago we posted that Insidefighting.com reported that Dan Henderson went onto the messageboard of Tito Ortiz's website and gave his pick for the Randy Couture vs. Tito Ortiz fight coming up in UFC 44.

It appears that it may have been a hoax as the real Dan Henderson (confirmed) made the following statement on the Underground forum yesterday:

"Sorry guys, but I have never visited Tito's Message board." -Dan Henderson

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co-promoter and ADCC champion Dean Lister (left) with Ricardo Arona.

RETO MAXIMO: BEAT DOWN IN BAJA
Sunday, September 14th. 2003
Balak Discotheque
Tijuana, Mexico

Dean Lister, David Hulse, and Marco Perez are producing the 'Reto Maximo' event in Tijuana, Mexico. Below is the complete card:

MMA matches:
Masato Ogura defeats Jose Carrillo by triangle choke at 1:02, RD 1.
Juan Aguilar defeats Alex Garcia by TKO, RD 1.
Omar Jimenez defeats Emmett Olvera by TKO, RD 2.
George Araujo defeats Hector Figueroa by TKO, RD 2.
Mike Rose defeats Matt Ruiz by armbar at 1:04, RD 1.
Akbarh Arreola defeats Alex Ramirez by armbar at 3:22, RD 2.
Raul Arvizu vs. Sean Ruiz by heel hook at 4:32, RD 1.
Cedric Marks defeats Mike Seal by rear naked choke at 1:53, RD 2.

Submission match:
Ronnie Major defeats Yahoo Reyes by majority decision.


UFC and KOTC ref Larry Landless will be referee the main events.

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Tito Ortiz

Reluctant UFC light heavyweight co-champion Tito Ortiz and Bruce Buffer (who is the lesser known brother of the famous ring announcer Micheal Buffer) taped a special segment for Jay Leno's Tonight Show with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest.

The segment is scheduled to air today on the Friday night edition of 'The Tonight Show' on NBC at 11:30 P.M. eastern standard time. Also featured in the segment are UFC veteran Fabiano Iha and KOTC champion Dean Lister.

Bruce Buffer, who many MMA fans warmly refer to as the Frank Stallone of ring announcing, also stated that he has managed to get himself, Tito Ortiz, and Randy Couture on the Sports Zone show in Southern California after the Monday Night Football game, which has a viewing audience of over 1.5 million NFL fans.

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By Todd Atkins

Ricco Chiaparelli

Jungle Fight:

Mark Schultz was paid approximately $5,000 dollars to do a pro wrestling match with a predetermined outcome. He was to win and he was supposed to be "caught" in several submissions only to escape. He was double-crossed plain and simple. The triangle was DEEP and he thought his opponent would let go of it as planned, but he did not and the rest is history. There are lots of unhappy people over this. Mark Schultz will get another fight and get a LOT more $$$.

Ricco Chiapparelli looked better then most have described. The person who I talked to saw the fight from 5/6th row. He said if it was held under Pride or UFC rules, it would have been stopped in the first round easy, and probably again in the second. Luis 'Pantera' suffered some very strong blows and was light headed and needing medical attention for a possible concussion and fractures to the face. Also, co-promoter Wallid Ismael was heard the next day saying he was confident he would have Chiappareli on another card against better competition.


UFC:

Looks like the November UFC will have the Sylvia vs. McGee winner facing Frank Mir in the main event. Matt Hughes also has to fight in this event by contract, or at least get paid for fighting even if he doesnt.

UFC president Dana White seems set on offering small dollars to top guys. Lots of closed door negotiations going on but not much progress. They are talking to someone, but it's anyone's guess as to who. Some people are guessing that it may be Pete Spratt, Anderson Silva, or possibly Frank Trigg.

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Ken Shamrock

Ken Shamrock is featured on the cover of the fall edition of the Ringside Boxing Catalog. Ringside features an increasingly growing line of MMA specific gear in their catalog now. Photography inside features UFC fighters such as Tim Sylvia, Matt Hughes, Chuck Liddell, Carlos Newton, Frank Mir, Robbie Lawler, Ken Shamrock, and Yves Edwards.

As many fans will probably remember, Ken Shamrock's estranged step-brother Frank Shamrock had a big argument with UFC president Dana White, when he accused White of pressuring Ringside into not featuring Frank Shamrock since he was not under a UFC contract.

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Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira

Sources in Brazil are telling us that Rodrigo 'Minotauro' Nogueira has been spending a lot of time training with boxing world champion and fellow Brazilian Acelino 'Popo' Freitas. Minotauro hopes to improve his standup game in general, but also in preparation for a match next year between the winner of the Emelianenko Fedor vs. Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic fight, granted Minotauro wins his fight in November.

It's been said by Japanese media that DSE wants Minotauro's November opponent to be Josh Barnett, but it all depends on Barnett and whether he can fit it around his busy pro-wrestling schedule.

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Chuck Liddell

UFC light heavyweight contender Chuck Liddell recently spoke to MMANews.com about many topics. Here are Liddell's answers to the questions posed to him:

Liddell on Tito Ortiz: "Oh, I would love that fight. Win or lose against 'Rampage' I want that one. Tito has always been a shit-talker, and no matter what happens, I'm out to shut that mouth of his."

Liddell on his training for the November 9th PRIDE GP Finals: "Everything is going good. I feel good, working hard, and expect some good fights in November."

Liddell on having the hard road to the final: "I would say that's fair to say."

Liddell on the controversial (but correct) judges decision in the Minotauro vs. Rodrigeuz fight and how it would affect his fights since he is not a PRIDE fighter: "Well, I never want to leave fights up to the judges anyway. I fight to win of course, but for this show, I've got to be looking for the knockout."

Liddell on whether he wants to pursue the PRIDE light heavyweight belt: "Uh, I'm content either way. I'll do whatever my guys want me to do. If I went for it, whether or not if I got the belt, I'd be going back to the UFC."

Liddell on the IFC wanting to make a rematch between him and IFC tournament winner Renato 'Babalu' Sobral: "Well, I mean, I think I got a lot of other things going on right now. I got fights left on my UFC deal after I'm done over here in PRIDE. So, it will be a while before I fight a guy I've beaten already again. But, I'd fight him again down the road. Like I've always said, I'll fight whoever they want me to fight. I'm ready to go whenever they're ready to go."

Liddell on teammate Gan McGee's chances of winning the UFC heavyweight belt against Tim Sylvia: "Oh yeah, definitely. I think he's got it locked up. If he comes out there and fights his game, he'll have that belt by the end of the night. He's training great, he's in great shape, and he's ready to go. He's ready to go five if it's needed, but I don't think that's too likely. I don't see it going past one or two."

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Vanderlei Silva

Japanese magazine Kakutogi Tsushin recently interviewed PRIDE middleweight champion Vanderlei Silva, with his coach and manager Rudimar Fredrigo also on hand giving a few comments. Interview translated by Akira S.:

TS: Congratulations for your third victory over Sakuraba. You left very fast after the show?

Vanderlei: Thank you. I just went to eat dinner, then back to my hotel and chat with my teammate that night.

TS: Really?

Vanderlei: (laughs) It's "makoto". (meaning it is "true".)

TS: You fought Sakuraba again. Did the fight go the way you planned?

Rudimar: Vanderlei always trains to improve. We didn't plan so much for that fight, but Vanderlei fought with improved speed and succeeded to show a new facet of his game in that fight.

TS: You looked a little cautious in that fight, more than usual. Why was this?

Vanderlei: He is a really smart fighter, so I had to do like that.

TS: Was he different from the previous two times you fought?

Vanderlei: He was very calm this time. Also, the both of us have improved our technique since the first two fights, so we succeed to in putting on a good fight for the audience.

TS: Were you surprise with his knee strikes?

Vanderlei: Yes, he raised the level of his Muay Thai skills. I think he practiced for it.

TS: Your Muai Thai skills and footwork also looked improved.

Vanderlei: Yes, I think that you must move a lot if you want to put on an exciting fight. So I think Muai Thai moves are the best to give a good show.

TS: You fought him three times, right?

Vanderlei: Yes I did, but every time we gave a good show. So I feel fans want to see it again. I am o.k. about doing another fight against him if he wants!

TS: Can we call Sakuraba a rival for you?

Vanderlei: I have competitive spirit towards him, but this is how I am for any opponent. That is the main purpose of the sport, correct? So it is normal that many fighters want to get a shot at me..

TS: That was the first fight of this tournament. Do you feel less pressure now?

Vanderlei: The first fight is really important in a tournament. If I had lost, everything would be over. So it was hard.

TS: It is not going to be Sakuraba next.

Vanderlei: Yeah. I don't care, it's all the same to me.

TS: Do you think the possibility of victory is going up?

Vanderlei: I have a lot of confidence in myself, and all of my teammates really hope that I become the champion of this tournament. The next step will be more relentless, so I am training even more for November.

TS: Rudimar, is there any pressure as the Chute Boxe coach to have your fighter in the final in November?

Rudimar: Chute Boxe's fighters are always training hard so we improve with every single show. We have a coach for every area of fighting, and they train our fighters in a smart way. They train in physical conditioning and training as well as skills training. I will take care of Vanderlei's training carefully because he has an heavy responsibility to carry now.

TS: But I think he is perfect already.

Rudimar: But there is no way to improve if I think this way. I train him as "He will be better next time than he is now". After his fights, I start to think about how I am going to make him better the next time.

TS: Your son was born before the Sakuraba fight, correct?

Vanderlei: (joyfully) On August 8th. It was earlier than was planned. Did you see the move I did where my hand looks like I am holding something and swinging it? That was for my baby.

TS: Oh, so this move was not for the interview?

Vanderlei: (with a smile) No. I 'm going to get many souvenirs for my children. I have many nephews and nieces too, so I have to buy a lot of toys.

TS: How will you raise your child?

Vanderlei: Every parent wants their children to grow healthy and straight. So I'm going grow him with strictly. I want my kid to a be fighter if he can, but this is his future so, I don't know now.

TS: Sakuraba's wife got pregnant too, so maybe your children will end up fighting each other?

Vanderlei: It could be that way, Pride will get bigger and spread around the world more.

TS: What are you going to say first when you get back to Brazil?

Vanderlei: First I want to say "I love you" to my son. It's not a coincidence that he was born right before that fight. It's a gift from God. I will win this tournament for him. By the way, don't you have the same question for me that you always ask?

TS: Which question?

Vanderlei: You always ask me "Which opponent would you like to fight next?" I have an answer this time.

TS: Oh really? You always answered "I'll fight any opponent that the promoter chooses". So this time I thought you would say the same. Well, "Which opponent would you like to fight?"

Vanderlei: (laughing) Goooood question! (with a smile) November is going to be a very good show and I will be ready to fight anyone. But if I can choose, I'd like to meet Yoshida in the semifinal. His skills are very good and his ground technique is great. So it will be a good challenge for me. He fights with good heart too. I think he is the stronger Japanese fighter, and It will be good experience for him to fight with me as the champion.

TS: Japanese will pay a lot of attention to this card.

Vanderlei: I hope so. Surely I will win.

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Hidehiko Yoshida

Japanese magazine Kakutogi Tsushin recently interviewed former world and Olympic Judo champion Hidehiko Yoshida after his fight in the Pride GP. Interview translated by Akira S.:

KT: Do you feel you hurt your knee during the fight against Tamura?

Yoshida: No, I didn't feel it getting hurt while fighting.

KT: Did you get injured because of the low kicks?

Yoshida: Yes I did, but I already knew Tamura was going to kick me in the leg. When I got kicked, I felt "It's going be O.K.". So, I fought directly in front, whithout protecting against his low kicks. I didn't feel pain in my knee during the fight because I was concentrated on fighting. But after the fight, I wasn't able to bend my knee. When I went to the hospital, my knee started bleeding inside. The doctor drained 40cc of blood out of there. Normally the knee is supposed to be full of water in this case, not blood. I couldn't sleep the night after the fight because of the pain. But my knee started to cool down afterwards, and it gradually got better. Now I have to get ready for the next fight. Maybe I won't be able to train the way I want to, but mentally I will be very strong because now I am the only Japanese fighter left in this tournament.

KT: Why did you fight a striking game this time?

Yoshida: Because I trained striking with foreign coach for that, so I wanted to show what I learned. The fight plan was to try to feel his striking. I think I succeed to break out of my shell once I tasted his strikes in that fight.

KT: Did you get mad when you got hit Tamura's left counterstrike, hitting you in the face at the begining of the fight ?

Yoshida: I lost consciousness before I got mad (with a smile). When I recovered consciousness, he jumped over me trying to pass the guard already. I thought , "God damn". My principle is "An eye for a eye, a tooth for a tooth", but I also learned from that fight. I want to improve my striking defense a lot more.

KT: You failed attempting a neck throw, then you tried a necklock...

Yoshida: I tried to go for "Kesa Gatame". I am very good with it in practice, but it didn't worked out that time.

KT: How much do you think you improved your striking skills since you've been training for it?

Yoshida: Almost nothing (with a smile). My coach said "Your punches weren't hitting his face, your were hitting his arms!" (with a smile)

KT: You injured your knee, which will take 2 months to heal properly. When will you start training again?

Yoshida: It's healing slower than before, so it depends on how my body will adapt. I am planning to adapt my training also.

KT: If you were able to choose your next opponent, which opponent in November's tournament would it be?

Yoshida: All of them are strikers left in that tournament, so it's all the same for me. I don't care about which one will face me. I'm going to go straight at him and fight, then I will have to win.

KT: Fans really want to see you against Vanderlei Silva.

Yoshida: I don't have choice about this thing so..........

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DSE officially announced to the Japanese media the five fighters who will represent Team Japan against Team Gracie in the PRIDE Bushido show on October 5th. Not many surprises here as Fightsport.com already announced both side's representatives 2 weeks ago.

Renzo Gracie was originally scheduled to take on Hayato Sakurai, but with Sakurai's eye injury putting his participation in doubt, DSE matched Renzo up against Carlos Newton instead. Also, DSE was originally thinking of matching up Rodrigo Gracie against Kazuhiro Hamanaka and Ryan Gracie against Daiju Takase, but have switched it to Rodrigo vs. Takase and Ryan vs. Hamanaka instead. Below is the lineup:

Renzo Gracie vs. Carlos Newton
Ryan Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Hamanaka
Daniel Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Rodrigo Gracie vs. Daiju Takase
Ralph Gracie vs. Dokonjosuke Mishima

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Tito Ortiz

Reluctant UFC light heavyweight co-champion Tito Ortiz has flat out refused to participate in the October 11th 'Ultimate Submission Showdown' event, according to event promoter Rorion Gracie. Rorion also announced that Frank Shamrock, Dan Severn, Mike Van Arsdale, Gokor, Sakuraba, and Yoshida have been invited, but declined to participate or send a representative.

The organizers are still talking to: Kimo, Dean Lister, Dan Henderson, Pat Miletich, Matt Hughes, Guy Mezger, Ken Shamrock, Ricco Chiaparelli, and Marco Ruas among others to see if they want to participate or at least send a representative. Competitors from all over the world are encouraged to apply online at IGJJF.com/uss_general_info.html

For more info, go to IGJJF.com

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The 30-minute UFC Infomercial will air at 7:00pm on KHIZ TV64 in Los Angeles this Thursday, September 18th. The station is a full-powered independent broadcast station serving the Los Angeles DMA, including San Bernardino, Ontario, Los Angeles, Riverside and their surrounding communities. They are carried on all cable systems as well as the local channel line-up on DirecTV (channel 64 or 966) and DISH (channel 8019).

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Brazil Super Fight
Friday, September 19th, 2003
Porto alegre, Brazil

Complete Card (subject to change):

Silmar Rodrigo vs. Ikuhisa Minowa (BSF middleweight title)
Marcelo Alfaia vs. Jose Ricardo 'Dragao'
Luke 'The Duke' Piclum vs. Aloisio Barros
Haroldo 'Cabelinho' Bunn vs. Leonardo Souza
Eric Tavares vs. Andre Mau 'Lagendre'
Rodrigo Asmus vs. Muriez Linke
Rodrigo Ruas vs. Luis Azeredo

Muay Thai fight:
Gerson Silva vs. Eduardo Verissimo

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Ryron Gracie

Ryron Gracie, who is the oldest son of Rorion Gracie, has confirmed his participation in Rorion's newly formed 'Ultimate Submission Showdown' scheduled to takeplace on October 11th.

The tournament is receiving fighter applications around all over the world on its website. To find out more, click here

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Jeff Ford vs. Jerome Smith

ShootBox now has pictures up on their website from their inaugural August 23rd show. To see the pics, click here

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SHOOTO: Capital Punishment
September 15th, 2003
Helsinki Finland

Mika Ilmen defeats Evert Fyeet by judges decision.
Sauli Heilimo defeats Mathieu Lawalata by side choke at 4:29, RD 1.
Jussi Jokinen defeats Haapanen Tommi by judges decision.
David Bielkheden defeats Joni Kyllonen by judges decision.
Mikael Lahdesmaki defeats Tom Niinimaki by judges decision.
Nico Naseri defeats Diego Gonzales by KO at 3:22.
Janne Tulirinta defeats Ville Honkala by judges decision.
Tomas Murdoch defeats Thomas Bacman by rear naked choke at 4:16, RD 1.

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SHOOTO
September 21st, 2003
Port Messe Nagoya
Aichi, Japan

Class-A Bouts:
Joao Roque vs. Hiroyuki Abe
Jeremy Bolt vs. Kentaro Imaizumi

Class-B Bouts:
Daisuke 'Amazon' Sugie vs. Tom Kirk
Naoki Matsushita vs. Koutetsu Boku
Hiroshi Umemura vs. Hiroyuki Tanaka
Yasuhiro Akagi vs. Shinichi Hanawa
Keisuke Kurata vs. HIRO
Akira Kibe vs. Manabu Kanou
Hirofumi Hara vs. Kotobukimaru

BJJ Match:
Leonardo Santos vs. Mitsuyoshi Hayakawa

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In a move that is very similar to the sports memorabilia industry in the U.S., PRIDE is now selling on a limited basis the parts of the ring canvas used for PRIDE events. Only 30 pieces have been exported to the U.S. for a total of 300 overall. Each piece of canvas is encased in a clear acrylic plastic and is displayed with a plate showing the fight card as well as a miniature version of the event's poster from Japan, with simulated autographs.

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Dan Henderson

Dan Henderson recently made an appearance on Tito Ortiz's message board and answered many questions from the fans. When asked who he thought would win upcoming fight between Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz, Henderson picked his teammate Couture. Here's what Henderson had to say:

"I've trained with both Tito and Randy. Let's state the obvious. Youth is on Tito's side. Stamina probably on Tito's side, but this depends entirely on how the fight unfolds. The odds makers are on Tito's side. Strength is a toss up. Randy has clearly lost some strength from being at 225, but he is still extremely strong. Both of these guys have different levels of strength. Strength in a gym or weight room and strength on the mat or octagon are entirely different. Randy is stronger at his natural weight lb. for lb. against fighters in the same weight. Randy gave up a lot of weight and strength in the heavyweight division. I see Randy being stronger at the beginning of this fight.

Randy has better stand up and grappling. Tito is more fluent in his BJJ, but not necessarily more skilled. Tito has more of a killer instinct. Determination both of them have. Who do I pick? Randy should fairly easily put Tito down on the canvas several times. What happens down there I don't know. This is going to be a tough, tough fight. How improved is Randy from his back now? We may find out. Every good fighter is always better skilled his next fight. I'm looking forward to this as everyone else is. I love both guys. I'm gonna have to go with the underdog on this one." -Dan Henderson

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Ken Shamrock

Sources in Las Vegas and Texas have confirmed that Ken Shamrock underwent successful knee surgery last week in Reno, Nevada. It was said that Shamrock has needed this surgery since before his fight with Tito Ortiz in UFC 40. Shamrock also said he'd still like to fight MMA when he's healed and would love to have a rematch against Ortiz if possible.

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Ricco Chiaparelli vs. "Pantera"

Brazilian magazine Tatame and the Jungle Fight website both have pictures of the September 13th Jungle Fight event up on their websites.

To view Tatame's pics, click here

To view Jungle Fight's pics, click here

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ICC President Dan Dease announced the following:

"We had a very productive weekend. We created a schedule for monthly pay per view and 48 tv show's a year. As far as the channel for tv, the likely candidate, from a selection of three that have expressed interest, is a broadcast network, not cable, I can't mention the name until the ink is dry, for fear that someone may try and interfere.

As far as my partnership goes, after all the crap we got last time for mentioning names, I will leave it to them to characterize the nature of their involvement. Suffice it to say we are prepared to take MMA to the mainstream in short order, I have been overwhelminlgy impressed with the assets at our disposal provided by the partnership. I mean as an example they are spending $150,000 on the set design alone to create a brand image unlike anything seen before, that will give the ICC a look so impressive, you won't believe it until you see it


We have been having a little trouble getting some of the fighter's we want for the 24th. We also found that there is an event in Hi on the 10th, the 24th(same night), and 2 weeks after, with some of the Hawaiian's we want already booked, on those show's. We are having a conference call with our partners this week to discuss our options to make this the best tourney we can. I'll let you guys know when we arrive at a game plan. Whatever happens I want this to be a world class tourney.

On the Tyson issue I have noticed an interesting phenominon. The women who work for our partners hate the idea of having Mike show up, he's a rapist, thug, yada yada ya etc. All the men involved with us love the idea and most don't think he's a rapist just a victim of a vindictive girlfriend. It actually got really heated on whether we'd bring him. My guess is we haven't heard the last of the women trying to get rid of him.

My partner's say yes, so the women lose out for now, and I guess they're bringing him. I hope this doesn't alienate us with the female segment of the fanbase. More news to come soon." -Dan Dease

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Hayato Sakurai

Sportsnavi is reporting that Hayato Sakurai has been cleared to fight in the October 5th PRIDE Bushido by a doctor. He also hopes PRIDE will keep his fight against Renzo Gracie on as planned.

Yesterday it was reported from Japan that Sakurai's eye injury would keep him off the PRIDE Bushido card.

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PRIDE: Final Conflict 2003
November 9, 2003
Tokyo Dome
Tokyo, Japan

Below is the line-up that is rumored to be happening for the PRIDE GP finals:

Grand Prix middleweight tournament:
Vanderlei Silva vs. Hidehiko Yoshida
Quinton Jackson vs. Chuck Liddell

Single fights:
Emelianenko Fedor vs. Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic
Rodrigo 'Minotauro' Nogueira vs. Josh Barnett
Heath Herring or Mark Coleman vs. Kazuyuki Fujita
Murilo Bustamante vs. Murilo 'Ninja' Rua
Kiyoshi Tamura vs. TBA (possibly a Gracie at this point)


Assuerio Silva and Peter Aerts may also figure into the card as well.

Daiju Takase and Ryan Gracie are already alternate fighters in the event that one of the GP fighters cannot continue in the tournament.

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Hayato Sakurai

Todd Atkins reports from Japan that Hayato Sakurai is now out of the October 5th PRIDE Bushido card due to an eye injury he sustained from his fight last night in the DEEP 12th Impact show. Sakurai sustained the injury from an up kick by Ryo Chonen. It was said that Sakurai's opponent in the PRIDE Bushido show would have been Renzo Gracie.

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Shoot Boxing: S of the World Vol.5
Korakuen Hall
September 23rd, 2003
Tokyo, Japan

Lineup Subject To Change:

Andy Souwer vs. Carlos Condit
Hiroyuki Doi vs. Victor Hernandez
Hiroki Shishido vs. Remigijus Morkevicius
Hideo Mihara vs. Akihumi Utagawa
Noriyuki Imai vs. Hiroshi Okawa
Ayumu Takahashi vs. TBA
Yasuyuki Suzuki vs. Shinichiro Gomi
Tsuyoshi Ishikawa vs. Takei

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Assuerio Silva

Storm GP
Saturday, September 13th, 2003
Florianopolis, Brazil

Muay Thai matches:

Assuerio Silva defeats Vitor Miranda by judges decision.
Wagner Gibi defeats Maxmiliano by KO at 1:50, RD 1.
Edicarlos Monstro defeats Igor by TKO.
Fabio Pelezinho defeats Fernando by unanimous decision.
Jeferson Cascao defeats Jonatan by unanimous decision.
Fabio Tigrao defeats Rafael by KO at 2:10, RD 1.
Damaso defeats Claudionei by judges decision.
Geremias defeats Rangel by unanimous decision.
Dida defeats Junior by judges decision.
Boinha defeats Dilo by judges decision.
Emerson defeats Anderson Bochecha by KO at 2:40, RD 1.
Jetron Amaral defeats Jean by judges decision.
Cristiano Nascimento defeats Monge by judges decision.

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Super Combat
September 13th, 2003
Belem, Brazil

Artur 'Tubarao' defeats Andre Cardoso by TKO.
Paulao defeats 'Dragao' Negro by rear naked choke.
'Sapo' defeats Falcao by TKO.
Ricardo Minhoca defeats Wal 'Paixao' by rear naked choke.
Michel Bastos defeats Willyan 'Tornardo' by TKO.
Dadal defeats Marcelao by TKO.

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By Todd Atkins


Leopoldo Montenegro (left) beating Mark Schultz in the Jungle Fight event.

I talked with someone who was at the show. After talking to him I really think there is something to the Mark Schultz fiasco. Remember when I mentioned before that Schultz was there for the payday? I now belive the fight was a work and all this was planned. I look for Schultz to appear on the next show, for yet another payday. But I will bet he wins next time.

Lots of things were overheard. I am also a bit leery of the RIcco Chiapparelli fight. Reports had him saying he wasn't fighting ever again. But he was overheard laughing afterwords and commenting to a corner of his that it would have been a lot easier if Inoki would have allowed him to finish the guy with a submission. He also said his knuckles were very tender and he got tired of hitting Pantera so much. I now wonder if his fight wasn't also worked to a degree.

Also, rumors were swirling at the event that the reason Gary Goodridge didn't fight Josh Barnett was NOT because he wanted no part of Barnett, but instead because he wanted no part of it being a worked match.

My friend said it did appear that some of the fights were legit. But he also said Schultz and Chiapparelli looked like they were holding back somewhat. Schultz looked furious afterword, but that could have been planned.

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Kato (left) vs. Mishima

DEEP 12th IMPACT
September 15th, 2003
Ohtaku, Japan

Ryuki Ueyama drew with Masanori Suda (Ueyama retains DEEP middleweight title)
Ryo Chonan defeats Hayato Sakurai by TKO at 2:10, RD 3.
Dos Caras Jr. defeats Brad Kohler by TKO at 1:25, RD 1.
Dokonjonosuke Mishima defeats Tetsuji Kato by majority decision.
Max Miyazawa drew with Yoshinori Momose.
Ryuta Sakurai defeats Hirohide Fujinuma by armlock at 3:45, RD 1.
Hagane Samurai defeats Jun Ishii by TKO at 2:11, RD 3.

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Georges St-Pierre

Canadian MMA insider JHR is reporting that Georges St-Pierre does not speak english (he is French-Canadian and speaks french), and can barely even put together a complete sentence in english, let alone write an elaborate rap song in english.

This puts serious doubt on the authenticity of the rap song challenge heard on MMAWeekly Radio, when a caller possibly posing as Georges St-Pierre called into the show. The song got an angry reaction from Pete Spratt, who was scheduled to be St-Pierre's opponent in TKO 13 before the fight was canceled due to a St-Pierre knee injury.

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Erin Toughill

Interview by SOH:

Erin Toughill was kind of enough to answer all questions that came her way. For those of you who don't know her, she is a professional MMA Fighter and Boxer.

SOH: Most of your personal information can be obtained at your website (Erintoughill.com), but tell us a little about yourself.

Erin: Well, I am 26 years old. I have been professionally fighting for 4 years and training in MA for 8 years. I'm pursuing a degree in sports therapy and I love to fight. I've been training BJJ for 6 years (purple belt), kickboxing 8 years, and western boxing 3 years. From time to time I have also been known to put massive verbal beat downs on trolls and imposters...I'm also a very sweet girl ;)!!

SOH: Where are you going to college?

Erin: Orange Coast College. I plan to transfer to Long Beach State or maybe Cal State Fullerton.

SOH: What ethnicity are you?

Erin: Half Irish, a quarter Italian, and a quarter Chinese.

SOH: That's a nice mix. Do you a boyfriend?

Erin: Sometimes ;)!!

SOH: Tell us about your fight with Jacqui Frazier-Lyde.

Erin: Oh...it was over a year ago. It was not the most eventful fight. I was head butted at the end of the second Round and it was stopped in the third. I received 10 stitches. I wish it had gone to the Fourth, because I was winning. I have fought MUCH tougher girls than Frazier though. My grandma hits harder then her.

SOH: Can you rate Frazier's fighting ability?

Erin: 1-10? I'd say 4.5, MAYBE 5!

SOH: Is she ducking you now?

Erin: DEFINITLEY. We contacted her MANY times asking for a rematch. She won't because she knows she'll lose....big time.

SOH: What are your future plans? Are you going to fight in MMA or boxing or both?

Erin: Right now - just boxing. If a good opportunity presents itself for MMA - of course I'll fight. I still train BJJ, but feel like I have more opportunities in the boxing. I'd like to fight for some world titles in boxing and fight some more MMA in Japan. I've been offered the opportunity to be involved with pro wrestling...so that's always an avenue as well.

SOH: Where do you train?

Erin: I train my boxing at Boxing 2000 in Orange, CA with Mike Semaza. I train my BJJ with James "Avalanche" Boran (Boranjj), who is one of the best American Black Belts and one of the first to train through Rickson Gracie years ago.

SOH: What do you look for in a guy? Is beating him up a plus?

Erin: At 5'10 & 165 - I definitely like a guy who is taller and bigger than me. I like a good sense of humor. I like confidence - not cockiness. I'm sick of seeing these guys (who could not fight there way out of a paper bag) with HUGE egos. I hate that. Training - Whether it's in boxing, BJJ, or whatever - is a MUST. It's hard to relate to someone if they have no idea what you're doing or going through. Maturity is huge too. Most of the guys my age seem to be better suited for babysitting than dating. If I can kick some guys ass - that's not a plus. If we are out and someone attacked us - I'd like to know that he could take care of it - not me!

SOH: So, are men intimidated by you? Is it hard
getting a date?

Erin: Ummm, yeah, for the most part I think they are. It's funny how insecure people get when they see a girl that's in shape and knows how to fight. I get challenged a lot. But mostly it's from guys who have these intense egos. They want to see if a girl can really fight or whatever. It's pretty funny. It's not hard for me to get a date though. I guess the intimidation factor just weeds out the guys who aren't on my level to begin with.

SOH: Backstroke or cowgirl (what's your preference)?

Erin: My initial choice would be the backstroke.

SOH: Backstroke? Are you leaving the rest to our imagination?

Erin: Of course!

SOH: Have you ever heard of Shaun Thingvold?

Erin: Not really. Is that a car part or something?

SOH: Shaun was a MMA fighter from Vancouver, Canada. His record is 2-0-1 and he stopped posting on the internet because of imposters and trolls. How about Luke Beston of Australia?

Erin: You know, all I know is that he has intense internet wars with people. He has a site Luke Beston too - I saw my picture on there and some other funny shit. I think it's hilarious. The way I look at it is that it's ALL publicity. Which is fine with me. I can admit there were times where I'd get irritated with the trolls - but if you keep feeding them - they'll just keep coming back. What a lot of these trolls don't understand is that if it was not FOR the fighters that they LOVE talking shit to, making websites about, trying to push their buttons, tearing them down etc. They would have even less of a life than they do now. They should thank some of the fighters for giving them a reason to LIVE!! LOL

SOH:Currently you are 4-1-1 in MMA. Who do you want fight next?

Erin: I'm in the works to rematch Irma Verhoef who I had my first fight w/ 4 years ago. It was a draw. This is a fight I am DYING to have. There was a couple times we were supposed to fight, but it just did not work out. We are BOTH patiently waiting. I like her because she comes to fight and she loves to fight - just like me. Besides that? Marloes Coenon - and maybe a couple girls in Japan. But like I said, there's just more girls and more fights in the boxing. I'm 165 lbs. There is a plethora of women in the 135 MMA class, but I don't see dropping that weight unless I chopped off some limbs.

SOH: What was said between you and Marloes Coenen?

Erin: I'd love to fight Marloes. She a great fighter and I think it'd be a technical match. Nothing was ever really "said". We just both know we'd have a tough fight between us...I won't hold my breath though.

SOH: What is you daily routine like? How often do you train?

Erin: I train my boxing at LEAST 5-6 days a week - 2 hours a day. I also train BJJ couple times a week along with running, sprinting, and weights. I never really have an off day. You have to always be ready cause you don't know when you'll get that big break.

SOH: The IFBA has you rank as the #3 Supermiddleweight in the world. How does that make you feel?

Erin: I am also ranked #7 in the world by the WIBA. It's something that I am proud of but I want to be ranked #1. Of course #1 is Laila Ali right now. I think she's a good athlete with respectable skills. But her record is very deceiving. If you know anything about boxing than you'll know what I mean. I'm glad we have her to bring recognition to our sport though.

SOH: Tell us about website. What should someone expect to see when they sign up?

Erin: We just started my website because of something called supply and demand. If we had started it up (and nothing happened) it wouldn't still be up. People wanted to know that there were girls out there that could really fight, but still looked like women. It just has lots of info on me and my fighting career, pictures of me outside of fighting, pictures of me fighting, and pictures that show my "sexy" side. People are intrigued by women that fight (obviously), but they get to see that's there more to me than JUST being a fighter. I think it's a fun project and I enjoy doing it.

SOH: Are you doing any modeling now?

Erin: No! I'm not a "model". I just pretend to be one on my site.

SOH: Are Tattooed women hot?

Erin: Yes, but I am only vouching for me and my sister.

SOH: Tell us about your tats?

Erin: I have a lot of them. I have my sister and brothers name along with Japanese kanji on the forearms/wrists. Big angel on the left outside calf - vine of clovers on the inside right calf. Angel on lower back – some Japanese inspired stuff on my upper back...and my first tattoo that I got when I was 15 - the Black Flag bars (a local punk rock band)

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By Todd Atkins


Egan Inoue (left)

A few days ago Egan Inoue injured his eye during training. It could possibly be a broken orbital. As of now his fight with Jason 'Mayhem' Miller scheduled for Super Brawl 31 is still on. Egan is seeing an opthamologist on Monday to find out for certain his medical status. We should all know more then on if the fight will indeed take place.

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Leopoldo Montenegro (left) beating Mark Schultz in the Jungle Fight event.

The early reports are that the Jungle Fight event in the Brazilian Amazon was a ratings success. Co-promoter Wallid Ismael announced after the inaugural show that the second Jungle Fight event will take place in the same location in January, 2004.

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Hayato Sakurai (right)

DEEP 12th IMPACT
September 15t, 2003
Ohtaku, Japan

Hayato Sakurai vs. Ryo Chonan
Ryuki Ueyama vs. Masanori Suda (DEEP middleweight title fight)
Dos Caras Jr. vs. Brad Kohler
Dokonjonosuke Mishima vs. Tetsuji Kato
Max Miyazawa vs. Yoshinori Momose
Ryuta Sakurai vs. Hirohide Fujinuma
Jun Ishii vs. Hagane Samurai

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RITC 53: The Beat Goes On
Saturday, Sept 13, 2003
Celebrity Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

Joseph Riggs vs. Andy Montana ruled a no-contest.
Homer Moore defeats Chris Peak by unanimous decision.
Cory Timmerman defeats Melville Calabaca by armbar at 2:22, RD 1.
Brett Shafer defeats Roger Mejia by TKO at 2:42, RD 2.
Greg Bell defeats John Lansing by armbar at 1:48, RD 3.
RJ Gamez defeats Joe Frainee by unanimous decision.
Robert Beraum defeats Wyland Berry by TKO at 1:14, RD 1.
Justin Nauling defeats Mike Lightfoot by choke at 2:30, RD 1.
Victor Cruz defeats Gabe Rivas by TKO at 3:00, RD 2.

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Mike Tyson

The ICC announced that Mike Tyson will appear as a guest at their October event set to take place in Hawaii.

The ICC also announced that the show after that will take place on November 15th in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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By Tape Lord


Hello my friends, my postal connections inside the DSE organization are telling me that the matchups I posted below is the Team Gracie vs. Team Japan lineup that will most likely be announced next week for the October 5th PRIDE Bushido card:

Renzo Gracie vs. Hayato Sakurai
Ryan Gracie vs. Daiju Takase
Rodrigo Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Hamanaka or Akira Shoji
Daniel Gracie vs Kazuhiro Nakamura
Ralph Gracie vs. Dokonjosuke Mishima

Kazuhiro Hamanaka is also being considered as an opponent for Daniel Gracie, but my postal connections say to expect Hamanaka to be matched up against Rodrigo Gracie.

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Georges St-Pierre

After pulling out of his fight with Pete Spratt at TKO 13 due to a knee injury, Georges St-Pierre then came on MMAWeekly Radio and laid out the following challenge rap for Spratt:



"George St. Pierre, back with another rap for Pete Spratt
His record is 50 percent, no wonder he's trying to become the next 50 Cent
He beats Robbie Lawler and thinks his career is alive, but put him in with Carlos Newton and he's done in a minute forty-five
He talks tough and acts like he has no fear, but just wait until he steps into the ring with George St. Pierre!" -Georges St-Pierre


To which Pete Spratt responded with the following:

"Georges St. Pierre is a dumb little trick trying to be in the rap game of which you dont know shit.
Still wet behind the ears, young dumb and full of cum, I came to Canada ready to fight and all you did was run!
It's easy for you to call in and talk trash, but when we were in Canada face to face you couldn't stop kissin my ass.
I'm gonna remember this shit until I see you the next time, whether it's in or out of the Ring your bitch ass is mine!!!!!!!
Well you done got me started on some thug type shit I may have to be nice seeing that your developing bitch tits!
Lay off the roids son before I sit you on the bench and if you cant understand what I am saying, I'll have your girlfriend translate it in french!!!!!!!!!!" -Pete Spratt





editor's note: For any fans wanting a real laugh, check out the heavy metal song and lyrics that come on when you visit the TKO website. We just hope that TKO president Stephane Patry didn't actually pay someone to do that song for his site.

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co-promoter and ADCC champion Dean Lister (left) with Ricardo Arona.

RETO MAXIMO
Sunday, September 14th. 2003
Balak discotheque
Tijuana, Mexico

Dean Lister, David Hulse, and Marco Perez are producing the 'Reto Maximo' event in Tijuana, Mexico. Below is the complete card:

MMA matches:
Masato Ogura vs. Alex Garcia
Juan Aguilar vs. TBA
Sean Ruiz vs. Mike Gooch
Omar Jimenez vs. Emmett Olvera
Hector Figueroa vs. TBA
George Araujo vs. Dave Mays
Mike Rose vs. Mitch Landless
Akbarh Arreola vs. Alex Ramirez
Mike Seal vs. Cedric Marks
Raul Arvizu vs. Dave Avila

Submission match:
Yahoo Reyes vs. TBA


UFC and KOTC ref Larry Landless will be referee the main events.

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A view of the Jungle Fight ring on the Amazon river.

Jungle Fight
September 13th, 2003
Ariau Tower Hotel
Manaus, Brazil

Jorge Patino 'Macaco' defeats Ronaldo 'Jacare' by KO, RD 1.
Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos defeats Lucas Lopes by TKO, RD 2.
Ricardo Moraes defeats Mestre Fumaca by TKO, RD 1.
Ricco Chiaparelli defeats Luis 'Pantera' by unanimous decision.
Leopoldo Montenegro defeats Mark Schultz by triangle choke, RD 1.
Lioto Matida defeats Stephan Bonnar by TKO, RD 1.
Shinsuke Nakamura defeats Shane Eitner by kimura, RD 1.
Fabricio Werdum defeats Gabriel Napao by TKO, RD 2.
Justin McCulley defeats Dario Amorim by judges decision.
Marcelo 'Tigre' defeats Joseph Bamguis by rear naked choke, RD 1.
Kazunari Murakami defeats Lee 'Young Gun' by armbar, RD 1.
Ebenezer Braga defeats Rodrigo Riscado by guillotine choke, RD 1.

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HOOKnSHOOT
September 13, 2003

Stonnie Dennis defeats Eddie Wineland by heel hook at 1:53, RD 1.
Jim Bruketta defeats Chad Washburn by armbar at 3:01, RD 1.
William Hill defeats Steve Schneider by unanimous decision.
Mike Loyd defeats Chris Griffen by unanimous decision.
Ryan Ackerman defeats Matt Horning by rear naked choke at 2:26, RD 1.
Curtis Stout defeats German Reyes by TKO, RD 2.
Scott Henze defeats Leo Sylvest by guillotine choke, RD 1.

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Jens Pulver

Former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will be fighting in the IFC event on October 25th according to his manager Monte Cox. The event will take place in Boise, Idaho, and his opponent will be Jake Hattan.

Cox also went on to say that Pulver will do the first fight of his 3-4 fight SHOOTO contract in either December or January. His opponent may be Kaoru Uno, depending on whether Uno beats Hermes Franca in UFC 44.

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KOTC has confirmed that a Bobby Hoffman vs. Paul Buentello rematch will take place on the next KOTC pay-per-view at the Pala Casino (just outside of San Diego, California) on November 2nd. The fight will be for the KOTC heavyweight title.

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