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Saturday, November 22, 2003

SHOOTO CARD 



Ironheart Crown 6: 'Inferno'
November 22nd, 2003
Hammond Civic Center
Indiana, USA


Class-A Bouts:
Stephan Bonnar vs. Brad Lynde
Dan Gilbert vs. Derrick Noble
Tommy Lee vs. Christian Allen
Miguel Torres vs. Ryan Ackerman

Class-B Bouts:
Jamil Willis vs. Eddie Wineland
Bart Palaszewski vs. Jason Bender
Jay Estrada vs. Monte Skinner
Jason Guida vs. Jason Veach
Bill Hill vs. Joe Billups
Steve Dau vs. Roberto Ramirez

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posted by Fightsport #10:47 PM


ZST LIGHTWEIGHT GP CARD 


Naoyuki Kotani

ZST Lightweight GP
November 23rd, 2003
Tokyo, Japan



The opening round of ZST's 16-man lightweight GP takes place on November 23rd, 2003. The semifinals and finals will take place on January 11th 2004.

Opening Round:
Naoyuki Kotani vs. Mindaugas Smirnovas
Masahiro Ohishi vs. Hideo Tokoro
Jason Maxwell vs. Taisho
Jorge Gurgel vs. Masakazu Imanari
Marcos Aurelio vs. Takumi Nakayama
Rich Clementi vs. Aloisio Barros
Igor Isaikin vs. Takumi Yano
Remigijus Morkevicius vs. Menno Dijkstra



The prize money is as follows:

Champion - 5,000,000 yen (approximately USD$42,000)
2nd place - 1,500,000 yen (approximately USD$12,500)
3rd place - 700,000 yen (approximately USD$6,000)

Prize money for first submission or KO - 100,000 yen (approximately USD$850)
Prize money for second submission or KO - 200,000 yen (approximately USD$1,700)
Prize money for third submission or KO - 300,000 yen (approximately USD$2,550)
Prize money for fourth submission or KO - 400,000 yen (approximately USD$3,350)

You can check out ZST's english-language website by clicking here

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posted by Fightsport #10:33 PM


TKO 14 CARD 



TKO 14: Road Warriors
November 29th, 2003
Colisee Des Boisfrancs
Victoriaville, Quebec



George St. Pierre vs. Pete Spratt
Steve Vigneault vs. Patrick Cote
David Goulet vs. Shawn Davidson
Ryan Diaz vs. Steve Claveau
'Pain' Peters vs. Stephan Laliberte
Cameron Brown vs. Yan Pellerin
Jeff Joslin vs. Jonathan Goulet
Kajan Johnson vs. Thierry Quenneville
Kyle Sandford vs. Michael Lachance
Stephane Vigneault vs. John Fraser

Any fighters still owed money by TKO president Stephane Patry, can contact him at:

Stephane Patry, President/CEO
TKO Communications Inc.
Tel: (450) 445-8886

TKOZone.tv

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posted by Fightsport #9:32 PM


CRO COP TO BECOME 'SPORTS MINISTER' IN CROATIA 


Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic

Puroresu Power reports the following:

Daily Sports has an article in Saturday's newspaper regarding Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic's political plans for running to become a member of the Croatian congress in Zagreb, Croatia. Filipovic wants to get involved in politics to 'tackle poverty and drug problems amongst children.'

Filipovic made his decision to become a political candidate overnight and asked for consent from his family. The political seat that Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic is expected to end up in the Croatian elections in Zagreb is that of being the equivalent of a 'sports minister'.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #9:32 PM


TAKADA ADMITS 'WORKS' 


Nobuhiko Takada

'I knew the fight's result. This was fake...'

The following quote is from Nobuhiko Takada's book, which was offically released in Japan. Sales of the book are expected to do very well, but the Japanese media report that the book is meeting mixed reviews amongst the Japanese pro-wrestling world and its fans.

Many are strongly against Takada revealing that the "shoot" style of UWF was worked, and many pro-wrestling people are strongly lashing out at Takada for the comments. According to media and pro-wrestling followers, at the height of his career, Nobuhiku Takada was the Japanese equivelant to Hulk Hogan in the U.S.

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posted by Fightsport #9:32 PM


UFC 45 RESULTS 



UFC 45: Revolution
November 21st, 2003
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, Connecticut


Matt Hughes defeats Frank Trigg by rear naked choke at 3:54, RD 1.

Matt Lindland defeats Falaniko Vitale by TKO at 4:23, RD 3.

'Cabbage' Correira defeats 'Tank' Abbott by TKO at 2:14, RD 1.

Evan Tanner defeats Phil Baroni by TKO at 4:42, RD 1.

Robbie Lawler defeats Chris Lytle by unanimous decision.

Pedro Rizzo defeats Ricco Rodriguez by unanimous decision.

Keith Rockel defeats Chris Ligouri by guillotine choke at 3:29, RD 1.

Yves Edwards defeats Nick Agallar by TKO at 2:14, RD 2.

You can read the play-by-play of every fight (televised and non-televised) by clicking here

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #12:27 AM


Friday, November 21, 2003

VANDERLEI ENJOYING MOMENT IN BRAZILIAN SPOTLIGHT 

InsideFighting.com reports the following:


Silva (left) with Brazilian soccer star Rivaldo.

Brazilian Vanderlei Silva, the champion of the Pride Grand Prix, is currently enjoying a wave of popularity in Brazil.

Vanderlei was recently seen in public, and he was in superstar form! Silva recently attended a football (Soccer) match in his hometown of Curitiba, Brazil, as the Brazilian national team passed through his hometown in a World Cup Qualifier match against South American rival Uruguay.

It turns out, the GP champ has made some fans among the Brazilian Soccer Team! Aside from meeting the team, Vanderlei was also mobbed by the fans, who pestered him for pictures and had him signing autographs throughout the entire match. Vanderlei is enjoying the attention, as the smile never left his face!

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posted by Fightsport #1:39 PM


BARNETT VS. SCHILT 


Josh Barnett

Antonio Inoki officially announced the following matchups for his December 31st show:

Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
Josh Barnett vs. Semmy Schilt
Kazuyuki Fujita vs. TBA

It was already announced that Yuki Kondo and Sanae Kikuta will also be on the card as well.

The Japanese media reported there is a possibility that Naoya Ogawa may also be on the card.

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posted by Fightsport #1:39 PM


UFC 45 TONIGHT 



UFC 45: Revolution
November 21st, 2003
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, Connecticut


The UFC tenth anniversary show, which has arrived with very little fanfare, takes place tonight on Pay-Per-View. Here is the complete card:


Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg (middleweight title fight)
'Tank' Abbott vs. Wesley 'Cabbage' Correira
Pedro Rizzo vs. Ricco Rodriguez
Phil Baroni vs. Evan Tanner
Falaniko Vitale vs. Matt Lindland
Robbie Lawler vs. Chris Lytle
Nick Agallar vs. Yves Edwards
Keith Rockel vs. Chris Ligouri

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:32 PM


RIZZO SPEAKS 


Pedro Rizzo (right)

Brazilian magazine 'Tatame' recently interviewed Pedro Rizzo before his fight tonight against Ricco Rodriguez in UFC 45. Here's what Rizzo had to say (interview by Marcelo Alonso):

Tatame: Why did you decide to go to the US to spend the last two weeks with Marco Ruas?

Rizzo: Marco knows how I think, how I am before the fights. I prefer training with him here, I feel more secure.

Tatame:What do you expect from your fight with Ricco?

Rizzo: I expect a hard fight. He beat Couture when Couture was the UFC champion he was the UFC champion, he lost to Tim Sylvia in a situation where anyone could have lost (punch to the chin), and he lost to Minotauro in a hard fight. He's a dangerous guy, even more so in the octagon, where you can use elbows and the fence.

Tatame: Comment a little bit on his style.

Rizzo: He is a guy who weighs a lot. He's very heavy and difficult to be sweep. He has good cardio, and a good team. He's one of the better heavyweights in the world, and facing a top heavyweight is always going to be a hard fight.


Tatame: How many fights are left in your UFC contract?

Rizzo: This is the last fight, and another reason to finish out with a victory.

Tatame: Is it true that you helped Minotauro to face Cro Cop?

Rizzo: Man, Minotauro called me...You know how he is...He called me on Wednesday, and he was traveling on Sunday! I told him, "why don't you call me on Saturday, it would be easier (laughing). But, when a friend calls, you have to help. He just wanted to go over basic stuff. Minotauro already has his Muay Thai trainer, Luis Alves, but he likes to listen to various fighters, and he wanted my point-of-view.

Tatame: What did you think of his fight?

Rizzo: I loved it. Mirko was very full of himself, and now Minotauro is there, on top again.

Tatame: Everybody says that you are a better fighter in the ring than in the octagon. Are there any negotiations going on between you and Pride?

Rizzo: I want to leave the UFC with a victory, so that I can have more marketability. Professionally, I prefer to face different fighters. The UFC let Chuck Liddell fight in PRIDE, if they send me too, I would stay there. If not, then I prefer to find new challenges.

Tatame: At the moment, there are three big organizations in Japan. Do you have any preference?

Rizzo: I don't have anything official yet, but I particularly like K-1. They have a Brazilian, Sergio Batarelli, who is representing them, so it is easier to have talks with them. Besides also having my good friend Peter Aerts, they are also going to start a K-1 MMA show.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #12:20 PM


TAPE LORD'S UFC 45 PICKS 

By Tape Lord

Tape Lord thinks that "Cabbage" (pictured, left) will outlast "Tank".

Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg
I've never been a big fan of Trigg's striking, and his MMA wrestling is not better then Hughes's. This will be a tough fight, but I see Hughes punishing Trigg with his G'n'P and winning by unanimous decision.
Tape Lord picks Matt Hughes by unanimous decision.

Tank Abbott vs. 'Cabbage' Correira
Tank looks in better shape then before, whereas Cabbage looks to be in worse shape then his previous fights. That being said, Cabbage's cardio is still better then Tank's IMHO, and he also has youth on his side. Tank hits with more power, but I don't see him being able to knock the granite-chinned Cabbage out. Cabbage's hands are much faster, but with not enough power to knock Tank out. Those factors make me think this fight will go the distance, with Cabbage's cardio and better submissions game giving him the edge.
Tape Lord picks 'Cabbage' Correira by split decision.

Phil Baroni vs. Evan Tanner
I think that size-wise, Evan Tanner is a bad matchup for Phil Baroni. Baroni is the better and more powerful striker, but Tanner's biggest advantage is that he trains with Team Quest. I think he will be able to take Baroni down and finish him off with elbows from side control.
Tape Lord picks Evan Tanner by TKO, RD 3.

Pedro Rizzo vs. Ricco Rodriguez
I think Rizzo goes out with a bang for the last fight of his UFC contract, and tees off on Ricco's glass jaw late in the fight.
Tape Lord picks Pedro Rizzo by KO, RD 3.

Matt Lindland vs. Falaniko Vitale
I was impressed with the Vitlae in his first fight with Lindland. Lindland can make all the excuses he wants about why he KO'ed himself, but the truth of the matter is that Vitale's incredible athleticism, balance, and skill were what made Lindland put himself in an awkward position in the first place. I think Vitale wins this fight by submission late in the fight.
Tape Lord picks Falaniko Vitale by armbar, RD 3.

Robbie Lawler vs. Chris Lytle
I think Lytle's advantages of experience and a better overall game will give him the edge against Lawler.
Tape Lord picks Chris Lytle by by split decision.

Yves Edwards vs. Nick Agallar
This will be a boring fight IMO, with Edwards oulling out the decision.
Tape Lord picks Yves Edwards by unanimous decision.

Keith Rockel vs. Chris Ligouri
Rockel is a B-level stiff out of Amherst, Massachussetts, and Ligouri is a .500 fighter. IMO this fight doesn't even deserve to be on the undercard of the old Ultimate Athlete show, let alone the UFC. That being said, I think Rockel can pull out a decision if he doesn't choke.
Tape Lord picks Keith Rockel by unanimous decision.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #3:32 AM


SCOOP MC TROLL'S UFC 45 PICKS 

By Scoop McTroll

Scoop picks Tanner (pictured, left) to beat Baroni.

Frank Trigg vs. Matt Hughes
Personally I dont care much about this fight. As the header fight for the 10th anniversary show I think it's average at best but I digress. I think Hughes wrestling will be too good for Trigg and Hughes will win by decision after controlling the fight with G&P tactics.
Scoop McTroll picks Hughes by decision.

'Tank' Abbott vs. 'Cabbage' Correira
How many times in the past have we heard that Tank is in the best shape of his career and he is going to kick some butt? He does look to be in better shape for this fight but I feel that Cabbage will have too much for Tank and after a couple of rounds Tank will tire and may even quit late in the fight due to exhaustion.
Scoop McTroll picks 'Cabbage' by verbal submission.

Phil Baroni vs. Evan Tanner
If Tanner has his head screwed on right for this fight he will easily beat Baroni. If the Tanner that fought Rich Franklin steps in to the Octgagon then Baroni will KO him inside round 1. Tanner looked great at the weigh in and the recent successes of his Team Quest teamates will have inspired him to train harder. I think this fight will be similar to the two Lindland-Baroni fights and Tanner will control the fight from the ground. If BJM doesn't step in to help Baroni like he has in the past then I see Tanner winning by decision.
Scoop mcTroll picks Tanner by decision.

Pedro Rizzo vs. Ricco Rodriguez
If Ricco still boxes like he did against Sylvia, then Rizzo can knock him out if he gets the chance. I see Ricco taking this fight to the ground immediately and laying on Rizzo and preventing him from striking. I think this will be how the fight pans out unless Rizzo can connect with a solid punch during the brief stand up periods.
Scoop McTroll picks Ricco by boring lay and pray decision.

Matt Lindland vs. Falaniko Vitale
I see this being a war in the clinch and on the ground. I think Lindland will survive Vitale's submission attempts and that the fight will go the distance with Lindland in side mount for much of the fight.
Scoop McTroll picks Lindland by decision.

Robbie Lawler vs. Chris Lytle
I havent seen any of Lytles fights so I'm not really able to judge on this one. I'll go out on a limb and pick Lawler by KO.
Scoop McTroll picks Robbie Lawler by KO

Yves Edwards vs. Nick Agallar
If they show this fight just prior to the Hughes-Trigg fight it will be a boring hour of television in my opinion. If I was there live I'd probably go and play some blackjack while this fight was on. I predict this fight will go the distance (like the little guy fights always do) and Edwards will win by decision.
Scoop McTroll picks Yves Edwards by decision

Keith Rockel vs. Chris Ligouri
Who are these guys? I pick Rockel because his name sounds cooler.
Scoop McTroll picks Keith Rockel because his name sounds cooler.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #3:32 AM


JAKE R'S UFC 45 PICKS 

By Jake R

Jake R picks Matt Hughes.

Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg
I am going with Hughes over Trigg by ground and pound decision. Trigg might get in a sneaky takedown or two throughout the fight, but Matt will overpower him and hold him down for a win similar to the sherk fight. they are about even standing, so it will all come down to wrestling where hughes seems to be better as far as applying it to MMA.
Jake R picks Matt Hughes.

Tank Abbott vs. 'Cabbage' Correira
Tank over Cabbage by KO. Cabbage came in out of shape and overconfident just as I reported he would do weeks ago, and Tank looks good by his standards. Tank is finally focused for the first time since fighting for zuffa, and will outslug Cabbage in an entertaining bout. Tank hits much harder than Cabbage and their chins are about equal, so he should eventually get the TKO or clean KO. Don't be surprised if Cabbage shoots in to try and take the fight to the ground after tasting a clean Tank punch.
Jake R picks 'Tank' Abbott.

Phil Baroni vs. Evan Tanner
Baroni over Tanner by ref stoppage/TKO. Baroni's style is bad for Tanner at this point, that is until Tanner improves his boxing a great deal. Tanner's only hope is to finish the fight on the ground after a takedown, but I think Baroni can survive that and pin Tanner against the fence for the ref stoppage.
Jake R picks Phil Baroni.

Ricco Rodriguez vs. Pedro Rizzo
Ricco over Rizzo by ref stoppage/cut/TKO. I predict a pretty boring and tentative fight, with both feeling one another out until someone makes a mistake. I expect Ricco to rush Rizzo after a kick and to take him to the mat, hold him down, and throw elbows for a cut stoppage.
Jake R picks Ricco Rodriguez.

Matt Lindland vs. Falaniko Vitale
Lindland over Vitale by decision. Typical Lindland fight, with him getting the takedown and holding his opponent there for three rounds.
Jake R picks Matt Lindland.

Robbie Lawler vs. Chris Lytle
Lawler by TKO. I think Lawler will have to use his wrestling in this fight, and would not be surprised if he has to shoot in after taking some shots standing, but I do see him getting the TKO.
Jake R picks Robbie Lawler.

Yves Edwards vs. Nick Agallar
Yves by decision over a last minute replacement.
Jake R picks Yves Edwards.

Keith Rockel vs. Chris Ligouri
I don't know anything about the last two fighters, so I abstain.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #3:32 AM


TODD ATKINS'S UFC 45 PICKS 

By Todd Atkins

Atkins upset pick: Frank Trigg

WELTERWEIGHT MAIN EVENT:
Matt Hughes: 170 vs. Frank Trigg: 169

A lot of people think that this match up will end up very much like Sherk vs. Hughes. On paper these people may be correct. But I feel Frank Trigg poses a much different opponent. Trigg in my opinion has a much more diverse GNP game, especially with elbows added to the rules. Trigg is also good off his back both at defending and attacking. Standing up he is also much better than Sherk. Trigg's one glaring problem has been taking shots. Hughes' one big advantage could be that he has stayed busy fighting, while Trigg has been fairly inactive. The way I see this fight is that Hughes could knock Trigg out at any time. But if he is unable to do so, I think Hughes will lose his title via decision or late stoppage due to ground strikes. Wrestling will play a bigger part in this due to the fact that Trigg poses a much bigger threat when he gains top position. Hughes needs to stay off the bottom in order to win this fight.
Atkins Pick: Upset - Trigg via TKO late.

HEAVYWEIGHTS:
Dave 'Tank' Abbott: 253 vs. Wesley 'Cabbage' Correira: 265

I saw that Tank still looks to be fairly fat and out of shape. I see Cabbage scoring a ref stoppage over Tank early or late in the fight. Basically whenever the opportunity presents itself. I see Tank Abbott as a has been fighter who is in poorly matched bouts by ZUFFA. Cabbage will end the Tank hype machine in devastating fashion.
Atkins Pick: Cabbage via ref stoppage

Ricco Rodriguez: 246 vs. Pedro 'The Rock' Rizzo: 243.5
This is Ricco's fight to lose. He has the better wrestling and ground skills by far. He should be able to control this bout and win it via decision. I do not think the UFC will provide Rizzo with the early stand-ups he needs to win this fight via KO. Rizzo cannot hang with Ricco on the ground pure and simple. And Ricco cannot hang with Rizzo standing. These kind of striker vs. grappler matchups usually make for exciting fights. But I do not see this as being one of those times.
Atkins Pick: Ricco by decision

MIDDLEWEIGHTS:
Matt Lindland: 185 vs. Niko Vitale: 184.5

I feel the same way about this fight as I did the first time. Vitale is just too good for a fighter like Matt Lindland. Niko poses a big threat from both the top and bottom positions on the ground. And he is good enough standing to make Lindland want to take him down. Lindland has the wrestling advantage, but that is where it ends. Vitale is an amazing athlete who I think is championship caliber.
Atkins Pick: Vitale via submission

Evan Tanner: 185 vs. Phil Baroni: 185
I was not impressed with Tanner last time I saw him fight. He looked very much like a fighter at the end of his career. I think Baroni could possibly hurt Tanner. Tanner may be able to wrestle Baroni a bit early with the extra weight. But I think the aspect of cutting down in class will not benefit him much. Baroni just has too much power.
Atkins Pick: Baroni via ref stoppage

Keith Rockel: 185 vs. Chris Liguori: 183
I hate to say this, but who are these guys? I have neither heard of either one of them.
Atkins Pick: Someone will win, and someone will lose.

WELTERWEIGHTS:
Robbie Lawler: 169 vs.Chris Lytle: 169.5

We all know about Robbie Lawler and what kind of fight he brings to the table. Lytle is a very good up and comer. But having Lawler in his first UFC fight is a tad much.
Atkins Pick: Lawler via ref stoppage

LIGHTWEIGHTS:
Nick Agallar: 155 vs. Yves Edwards: 154.5

Once again the UFC brings in a relative unknown. I do not know much about about Agallar. So in fairness I will not pick a winner in this fight.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #3:32 AM


'SKELBOY'S' UFC 45 PICKS 

By Steven 'skelboy' Smith

Lee Murray (right) is skelboy's pick as the true champ.


Keith Rockel vs. Chris Ligouri
I in't heard o'either o'these blokes, mate, but me cousin Billy reckons Rockel is that wrestler bloke. He in't though, 'cos that wrestler bloke is half-darkie an' Rockel is white an' looks like that twat from that movie "The Transporter". I dunno who Liguori is either, does I, but his name sounds a bit like that green knob what hung around w'that fat Nintendo bloke, so he'll probably lose n'all. I reckon Rockel wins this one easy, mate, 'specially if the octagon is full o'engine oil an' he has bike pedals on his feet.
Skelboy picks Keith Rockel.

Nick Agallar vs. Yves Edwards
Yves, in't he that perfume bloke? Ooo-err mate, that's a bit soft, innit? I dunno who these blokes are either (nice one Dana), but I heard Yves were a darkie an' "Agallar" sounds like one o'them Mexican dictator cunts. Nobody cares fuck all about this fight, mate, so I reckon Yves is gonna put on too much aftershave an' hallucinate that twat-boy from SeaQuest DSV what hanged himself is tryin' t'bite his bollocks off, causin' him t'lose a borin' decision.
Skelboy picks Nick Agallar.

Robbie Lawler vs. Chris Lytle
Robbie's that twat from Take That what can't box or knock anyone out, mate. After he fights an' doesn't knock the other bloke out them twats on the underground (they're like them midget blokes w'big eyes from the future what come out o'the ground and eat the rich poofters what like art an' bein' nice t'each other, in't they?) get all excited an' say "ROBBIE DIDN'T KNOCK HIM OUT BECAUSE HE HAS A CHIN OF IRON". No mate, Robbie didn't knock the other bloke out 'cos he in't got no punchin' power an' he can't box good. That's Ockham's razor, mate, Mach 3 for a closer fuckin' shave.
Skelboy picks Chris Lytle.

Falaniko Vitale vs. Matt Lindland
I dunno who Falaniko is, mate, in't that the bird from Dynasty what went t'space in a rocket 'cos she were a bit mental? I'd shag her an' eat that special space icecream them astronaut twats get. I wanted t'go in space until I found out that y'had t'be some sort of fuckin' science an' maths twat. Oi, NASA, if I can drive me mam's Corsa I can fly a fuckin' space shuttle, an' I don't need no fuckin' maths degree or calculator for that, does I? Anyway mate, in't Lindland that bald bloke what all them Billy No Mates types from the underground always say looks like that twat from that film w'that bird what gets her hair spunked on? He don't look like him at all, knobs, he looks like me GCSE history teacher what had a lazy eye, Mr. Morrison. He'd beat that bint from Dynasty easy mate, she'd be scared t'look up incase he thought she was starin' at his lazy eye, an' he'd use his knowledge o'history t'make some sort o'catapult or somethin' an' he'd use it t'chuck bricks at her house until she surrendered or called the rozzers. Same thing's gonna happen here, mate.
Skelboy picks Matt Lindland.

Phil Baroni vs. Evan Tanner
Evan Tanner's reminds me o'that one twat everyone knew in primary school what bought a Spectrum but didn't play games on it or nothin' an' just used it t'type in a bunch o'fuckin' numbers that made colors appear and all that other bollocks. That's only slightly better than Baroni, what's that arse bandit what lives in the Empire State building, in't he? Osama mate, next time steer a plane towards the knob cuttin' the fuckin' legs off his jeans, get me? Hold on, in't "Baroni" what that Crow bloke from Dangermouse used t'call that fat frog bastard? Don't matte mate, I pick the arse bandit t'win this by some sort o'fisting, whether it's t'the face or elsewhere. Evan mate, check me program an' see if it works:

10 PRINT "MY BUM'S SORE"
20 GOTO 10
Skelboy picks Phil Baroni.

Pedro Rizzo vs. Ricco Rodriguez
Ricco's that fat bloke what cries 'cos he can't fight good an' 'cos no birds want t'shag him 'cos he looks like that twat from Grange Hill what got his girlfriend preggers 'cos he were scared t'wear a johnny, in't he? Only in the UFC could this knob get a belt for free, he has t'pay extra an' get all his other ones custom made, mate. I heard he wears them stretch jeans like old blokes what realize their lives is empty an' try t'make up for it by buyin' big stereo speakers an' wankin' over Destiny's Child albums. He were complainin' 'cos he's only gettin' $30,000 t'show up an' get KOed again - what's wrong mate, can't y'buy enough pies w'that much? The UFC can't afford anymore mate, Dana White's a grippy bastard an' y'cost him that much in crane maintenance fees alone. After he loses this Rizzo fight maybe he can get KOed by that rat bloke from The Muppets as well, that'd be a right laugh.
Skelboy picks Pedro Rizzo.

'Tank' Abbott vs. Wesley 'Cabbage' Correira
This fight reminds me o'the time the fattest boy in me primary school class got in a fight with an even fatter older bloke what were hangin' around outside the school in his car takin' pictures when we was playin' football at break time. The old bloke got arrested an' the fat kid from me class got t'stand up at assembly an' given a remote controlled car an' a medal, mate. That in't gonna happen hear mate - Cabbage is gonna start growing weird bumps an' tumors an' then he's gonna grow t'like a hundred feet high like that nerdy twat from that cartoon that has the bloke w'a picture o'drugs on the back o'his jacket. Hawaii? No mate, that's Sellafield y'can thank for Cabbage. Tank wins by forfeit due to uncontrollable mutation - y'heard it hear first, y'fucker.
Skelboy picks 'Tank' Abbott.

Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg (middleweight title fight)
Trigg's that knob what thinks he looks like that Fast and Furious Curious George bloke, in't he? Newsflash mate, y'look more like that guy from Fine Young Cannibals, an' y'fight about as good.

Hughes: KOed by Pele, Pele KOed by Lee Murray.

Trigg: KOed by Sakurai, Sakurai TKOed by Hughes, Hughes KOed by Pele, Pele Koed by Lee Murray.

Lee Murray's the real champ, an' that's all that matters mate. But if y'must know, I pick Hughes by "darkie drag" behind one o'them cars what's got the trailer bit stuck on the back that cowboys have.
Skelboy picks Matt Hughes.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #12:53 AM


Thursday, November 20, 2003

UFC WEIGH-IN RESULTS 


Trigg vs. Hughes

UFC 45: Revolution
November 21st, 2003
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, Connecticut


Below are the official weigh-in results for UFC 45:

Yves Edwards: 154 pounds (70 kg)
Nick Agallar: 155 pounds (70.5 kg)

Robbie Lawler: 169 pounds (76.8 kg)
Chris Lytle: 169 pounds (76.8 kg)

Phil Baroni: 185 pounds (84.1 kg)
Evan Tanner: 185 pounds (84.1 kg)

Falaniko Vitale: 184.5 pounds (83.9 kg)
Matt Lindland: 185 pounds (84.1 kg)

Tank Abbott: 253 pounds (115 kg)
Wesley Correira: 265 pounds (120.5 kg)

Ricco Rodriguez: 246 pounds (111.8 kg)
Pedro Rizzo: 243.5 pounds (110.7 kg)

Keith Rockel: 185 pounds (84.1 kg)
Chris Ligouri: 183 pounds (83.2 kg)

Matt Hughes: 170 pounds (77.3 kg)
Frank Trigg: 169 pounds (76.8 kg)

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #9:58 PM


ALEXA.COM INTERNET RATINGS: TOP 10 ENGLISH-LANGUAGE MMA SITES  



Alexa.com just updated their internet ratings for this week. Below are the Alexa.com rankings for the top 10 MMA websites as of November 19th, 2003.

Fightsport.com has been the fastest-growing MMA website the last few months and have taken over the number 3 spot this past month, pushing Sherdog.net down to number 4. MMA.tv moved into the number one spot almost two months ago, knocking Sherdog.com down to number 2. MMAWeekly.com remains steady at number 5, while Subfighter.com has moved up to the number 6 spot.

The official site of the UFC fell down to number 7. Adcombat.com moved back into number 8, dropping the official site of PRIDE to number 9. MaxFighting.com survived by a thread to hang on to the number 10 spot.



MMA RANKINGS:

1.) MMA.tv - Traffic Rank for mma.tv: 4,044

2.) Sherdog.com - Traffic Rank for sherdog.com: 6,994

3.) Fightsport.com - Traffic Rank for fightsport.com: 8,413

4.) Sherdog.net - Traffic Rank for sherdog.net: 9,837

5.) MMAWeekly.com - Traffic Rank for mmaweekly.com: 11,896

6.) Subfighter.com - Traffic Rank for subfighter.com: 17,122

7.) UFC.tv - Traffic Rank for ufc.tv: 21,765

8.) Adcombat.com - Traffic Rank for adcombat.com: 28,509

9.) Pridefc.com - Traffic Rank for pridefc.com: 28,709

10.) Maxfighting.com - Traffic Rank for maxfighting.com: 49,561






Alexa.com tracks the internet ratings with the use of the Alexa toolbar, which is used by no less then 10 million people. Almost all of the Alexa toolbar users also use Amazon.com and Google, making the Alexa.com rankings very important with advertisers. Alexa.com is arguably the most respected internet ratings system in the business.

How to read the Alexa.com rankings: The traffic rank indicates the website's ranking amongst english-language websites. As the number goes lower, it indicates that the website is ranked higher.

For example:

a website with a traffic rank of '1', means that it is the number one visited english-language website on the internet, according to Alexa.com's 10 million users.

a website with a traffic rank of '10,221', means that it is the 10,221st most visited english-language website on the internet, according to Alexa.com's 10 million users.

a website with a traffic rank or '90,594', means that it is the 90,594th most visited english-language website on the internet, according to Alexa.com's 10 million users.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #9:58 PM


'CRO COP' VS. TAKAYAMA 


Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic

The Japanese media reports that Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic's opponent for the December 31st Antonio Inoki show will most likely be Yoshihiro Takayama.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #9:57 PM


'PEQUENO' VS. SATO 


Alexandre "Pequeno" Nogueira

Alexandre 'Pequeno' Nogueira confirmed to the Brazilian media that he will defend his SHOOTO lightweight belt against Rumina Sato on December 14th.

Pequeno's original opponent was Norifumi 'Kid' Yamamoto, but Yamamoto had to pull out of the fight due to a broken finger.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com



posted by Fightsport #9:57 PM


RIZZO READY FOR UFC 45 


Marco Ruas (left) instructing Pedro Rizzo (right).

Pedro Rizzo told the Brazilian media that he is ready for his upcoming fight against Ricco Rodriguez at UFC 45 tomorrow night. This will be the last fight on Rizzo's UFC contract, and he may be ready to move on to other challenges whether he wins or loses his last fight.

Rizzo said that he feels his style is more suited to a ring then to the octagon. Rizzo states, "I want to show that I'm still number one, and then I will see what I do after that."

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #9:57 PM


VANDERLEI TO RECIEVE BJJ BLACK BELT 


Vanderlei Silva (top)

Brazilian magazine 'Tatame' reports that after conquering the PRIDE GP title, Vanderlei Silva will be awarded his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Confederation's (CBJJ) president Carlinhos Gracie.

"I am very happy. This is an old dream come true for me, and I think that after almost submitting Yoshida and Quinton Jackson in the same night, that I proved that I am ready to recieve this belt", said Silva.

Carlinhos Gracie added, "He is a fighter of great value. Three years ago he was a purple belt under Sonequinha, then got his brown belt from Cristiano Marcelo, and now he has shown he deserves his black belt. He will recieve his black belt from his instructor. What I will give him is the CBJJ certificate of black belt".

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #9:57 PM


BRAZILIAN TOP TEAM BARBEQUE 


The Nogueira brothers being interviewed at Minotauro's new home.

Brazilian magazine 'Tatame' reports that the Brazilian Top Team celebrated Rodrigo 'Minotauro' Nogueira's victory at the PRIDE GP with a barbeque at Minotauro's new house in front of the sea, in the upscale neighborhood of Joa, in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazilian TV channel 'Globo Network' were also present and filming at the barbeque. Globo Network is producing a 40-minute interview with Minotauro and his twin brother Rogerio, talking about their lives and the fight with Mirko 'CroCop' Filipovic.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #9:57 PM


Wednesday, November 19, 2003

BRAZIL SUPER FIGHT POSTPONED UNTIL APRIL 


Mario Sperry

Brazilian magazine 'Tatame' reports that the second of edition of 'Brazil Super Fight' has been postponed until April of 2004. The second edition was originally scheduled for this December, but promoter Mario Sperry stated that they could not get any locations reserved due to the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com



posted by Fightsport #11:37 PM


AKEBOBO SPEAKS 


Akebono (right)

Former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono was recently answered some questions for the K-1 website regarding his upcoming fight against Bob Sapp. Here's what Akebono had to say (interviewed by Monty Di Pietro):

Interviewer: Are you training everyday?

Akebono: Almost every day now, we have Wednesdays and Sundays off.

Interviewer: Can you describe your training day?

Akebono: In the morning, it's running and weights, and in the afternoon I work on the bags and do some sparring.

Interviewer: How do you feel at the end of the day?

Akebono: Well, I feel a lot lighter! (Akebono has lost more than 10kg in training and now weighs just over 200kg. Kalakoda hopes to have him near 180kg for the fight)

Interviewer: What has been the most difficult part of your training?

Akebono: In Sumo, pushing at your opponent, there are a lot of muscles that you don't use very much. It is a challenge to make the adjustment, to get those different new muscles working.

Interviewer: How about kicks, are you worried about them?

Akebono: I'm new to K-1, and so I'm worried a bit about everything. In Sumo, we have a chance to train with and watch the other fighters before a tournament, but in K-1 the fighters are separate, so I don't know what Bob is working on. I don't know what to expect.

Interviewer: Do you think your knee is strong enough to take kicks?

Akebono: Well, I've already made the decision to fight, so even if my knees were bad, I'd tell you they were good! (laughs)

Interviewer: Do you have any previous boxing experience?

Akebono: When I was 11 years old, I boxed for two and a half weeks. I was KO'd by my coach, so I quit.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #11:37 PM


SUSUMU'S PRIDE GP PICS 


Vanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson

World famous MMA photographer Susumu Nagao now has pictures up of the PRIDE: 'Final Conflict' event that just took place on November 9th. To check out the pictures on Susumu's site, click here

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:48 PM


PANCRASE CARD 



PANCRASE 2003 HYBRID TOUR
Sunday, November 30st, 2003
Ryogoku Kokugikan
Tokyo, Japan

Open:
15:00
Start: 16:00


Sanae Kikuta vs. Yuki Kondo (light heavyweight KOP title)
Nathan Marquardt vs. Ricardo Almeida (middleweight KOP title)
Kiuma Kunioku vs. Ken'ichi Serizawa (welterweight KOP title)

Nilson Castro vs. Akihiro Gono
Ron Waterman vs. Jimmy Ambriz
Jake Shields vs. Kazuo Misaki
Barrett Yoshida vs. Yoshiro Maeda

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:46 PM


UFC 45 CARD 



UFC 45: Revolution
November 21st, 2003
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, Connecticut


Matt Hughes
vs. Frank Trigg (middleweight title fight)
'Tank' Abbott vs. Wesley 'Cabbage' Correira
Pedro Rizzo vs. Ricco Rodriguez
Phil Baroni vs. Evan Tanner
Falaniko Vitale vs. Matt Lindland
Robbie Lawler vs. Chris Lytle
Nick Agallar vs. Yves Edwards
Keith Rockel vs. Chris Ligouri

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:42 PM


'CABBAGE' SPEAKS 


Wesley "Cabbage" Correira (left)

Andre Courtemanche of UFCFightNews.com just interviewed Wesley 'Cabbage' Correira, who takes on 'Tank' Abbott this weekend at UFC 45. Here's some of what "Cabbage" had to say:


'Cabbage' on his future and Frank Mir: "Kimo is next on my hit list. If he wants to talk smack, let's see how far it gets him. Frank Mir is good, but in my eyes, he has no heart. The Wes Sims fight told me everything I need to know about him. If I was in his position and somebody would stomp my face and they asked me if I could continue, I'd be pissed right off and f*** him up. I wouldn't take the easy way out and say I can't continue. My motto is 'Til the Death.' "

'Cabbage' on 'Tank' Abbott: "Tank Abbott is a veteran and he's been around for while. My job here is to not make him, but to break him. I don't make legends, I break them. I feel like I really am there among the top heavyweight contenders in the UFC. And I think after I demolish Tank I should be up for a title shot and I should be able to get one."

'Cabbage' on how he thinks his fight with 'Tank' Abbott will go: "I'll just stand there and start swinging and beat him at his own game. How long it lasts all depends on what kind of shape Tank is in. If he's in shape, I'll knock him out in the second. If not, I'll finish him in the first. I just hope he doesn't tap out."

'Cabbage' on the UFC heavyweight belt and a possible rematch with Tim Sylvia: "Honestly, if I get a title shot in my next fight and I win the title, I won;t consider myself the true champion until I beat Tim Sylvia. Other then that, I'll be the champ that got the belt the easy way. Holding the belt would mean a lot to me, but I want to beat Tim Sylvia. After I beat him, I'll feel like I've earned the title. Tim beat me and the only way I would feel good is if he challenged me for the belt and I beat him."

'Cabbage' on what he would do different for a second fight with Tim Sylvia: "I've beem working on my cardio a lot more. I've been doing sprints, long distance running, everything to give me more wind."

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:39 PM


JAKE R. SCOOP ON HUGHES VS. PENN CONFIRMED BY THEGREEK.COM 


Matt Hughes

Fightsport.com's Jake R first broke the news a few weeks back that UFC president Dana White was planning to make a Matt Hughes vs. B.J. Penn welterweight title fight for the future.

TheGreek.com has now posted odds for a Hughes vs. Penn matchup up on their site, which effectively confirms Jake R's original scoop. It also demonstrates that Dana White is assuming Hughes will beat Frank Trigg at UFC 45 first.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #12:41 PM


Tuesday, November 18, 2003

TANK HAS MORE TO SAY ABOUT TITO 


"Tank" Abbott

The following excerpt is from a 3-part interview that Boxing Insider did with 'Tank' Abbott. Tank expressed that Tito Ortiz is not an upfront guy in the first part of the interview, and continued in the last part with the following:


Boxinginsider.com: I mean, if people want to book you for seminars or autograph sessions or stuff of that nature? Even indie wrestling? Do you do any of that stuff?

Tank Abbott: I'm not against it, but I really haven't done it. That means I really don't want to do it. It's like you've got these people that want to be rock stars -- for all the wrong reasons -- they want to be famous, so they want whatever comes their way. And then you've got other people that play music because they love to play music -- and then there's a fraction of those people that get over. I'm like one of those people. I love to fight and that's why I do it. I don't do it to be famous or to do anything else. They had a local thing here, it was a Monday night football... afterwards they did like a local football thing. Tito was on it and he was going (high voice): "I'm not going to be fighting when I'm forty. I'm using fighting for another vehicle" -- like he's going to be an actor or something. Well, what the hell are you even fighting for? I'll be fighting when I'm seventy if I can. If I'm still alive. I'll go down fighting all the other whippersnappers, they can kick my ass. I'll get my digs in, though.

Boxinginsider.com: Finally, what is the biggest misconception the public has with the Ultimate Fighting Championship?

Tank Abbott: That Tito is tough. (Laughs)

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #11:10 PM


WATERMAN VS. AMBRIZ 


Ron Waterman (left)

PANCRASE 2003 HYBRID TOUR
Friday, November 30st, 2003
Korakuen Hall
Tokyo, Japan

Open:
15:00
Start: 16:00


Pancrase announced that they have added the matchup of Ron Waterman vs. Jimmy Ambriz to their card on November 30th.

The line-up so far is:

Sanae Kikuta vs. Yuki Kondo (light heavyweight KOP title)
Nathan Marquardt vs. Ricardo Almeida (middleweight KOP title)
Kiuma Kunioku vs. Ken'ichi Serizawa (welterweight KOP title)
Ron Waterman vs. Jimmy ambriz
Nilson Castro vs. Akihiro Gono
Barrett Yoshida vs. Yoshiro Maeda

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #11:08 PM


YOSHIDA CONFIRMS FIGHTSPORT.COM SCOOP 


Hidehiko Yoshida

Fightsport.com first reported last week that Hidehiko Yoshida would be competing in the PRIDE Heavyweight GP, scheduled for May of 2004. Yoshida confirmed to the Japanese media yesterday that this is indeed true.

Yoshida also said that his chances of competing in one of the New Year's Eve shows is 50% right now due to an undisclosed injury that is still healing. The injury is believed to be to his right eye.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:24 PM


K-1 MAX RESULTS 


Phillips vs. Masato

K-1 MAX 2003
November 18, 2003
Nippon Budokan
Tokyo, Japan

Masato
defeats Vince Phillips by KO at 0:15, RD 2.
Albert Kraus defeats Genki Sudo by unanimous decision.
Daniel Lawson defeats Kojiro by majority decision.
Duane Ludwig defeats Toshio Matsumoto by TKO, RD 2.
Andy Souwer defeats Takehiro Murahama by majority decision.
Kohiruikaki Takayuki defeats Tony Valente by KO, RD 3.
Marfio Canoletti defeats Hiroyuki Doi by unanimous decision.
Yaduhiro Kazuya defeats Serkan Yilmaz by unanimous decision.
Shin Nopadetsorn defeats Ohno Takashi by decision.
Magunamu Sakai defeats Arslan Magomedov by KO, RD 3.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:14 PM


A FAN'S VIEW OF DANA WHITE 


Dana White

The following post was made by a concerned MMA fan on an internet forum. Whether you agree with it or not, the message makes some valid points:


"Even the best sometimes need a change when they are unable to fulfill the companies or teams expectations. Look at Joe Paterno - he did excellent for so many years, but circumstances change and stepping down would be the best for his program at this point in time. One should not let individual pride and arrogance supercede the best interest of the whole company or team.

That said, the UFC under Dana White has slowly swirled around and around the toilet bowl for the past several years, going deeper every time. The window of opportunity to introduce MMA in the US as a mainstream sport was not seized due to an inability to market and represent it effectively. Contacts and alliences with the media were never established i.e. ESPN. Production quality of the shows have never been great, but show no promise of improving. Unexciting cards have been repeatedly used. Rules changes regarding matches and divisions have created a lack of uniformity, confusion, and a feeling of favoritism. Lack of recognition in the past for legends like Royce Gracie undermines the integrity of the organization.

Finally, the presentation of Dana White himself is negative. He does not present himself as an educated, sophisticated, credible individual. He is more along the lines of the drunk frat boy who is arrogant, immature and self-serving. The events leading up to Pride GP and his commentary exemplify these charaterizations.

I am not saying that Dana White did not do a lot of good for the UFC and MMA. He did, and as MMA fans we should be grateful. However, MMA and the UFC could do even better with a positive change - its time for new leadership."

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #12:56 PM


Monday, November 17, 2003

ZST LIGHTWEIGHT GP CARD 


Naoyuki Kotani

ZST Lightweight GP
November 23rd, 2003
Tokyo, Japan



The opening round of ZST's 16-man lightweight GP takes place on November 23rd, 2003. The semifinals and finals will take place on January 11th 2004.

Opening Round:
Naoyuki Kotani vs. Mindaugas Smirnovas
Masahiro Ohishi vs. Hideo Tokoro
Jason Maxwell vs. Taisho
Jorge Gurgel vs. Masakazu Imanari
Marcos Aurelio vs. Takumi Nakayama
Rich Clementi vs. Aloisio Barros
Igor Isaikin vs. Takumi Yano
Remigijus Morkevicius vs. Menno Dijkstra



The prize money is as follows:

Champion - 5,000,000 yen (approximately USD$42,000)
2nd place - 1,500,000 yen (approximately USD$12,500)
3rd place - 700,000 yen (approximately USD$6,000)

Prize money for first submission or KO - 100,000 yen (approximately USD$850)
Prize money for second submission or KO - 200,000 yen (approximately USD$1,700)
Prize money for third submission or KO - 300,000 yen (approximately USD$2,550)
Prize money for fourth submission or KO - 400,000 yen (approximately USD$3,350)

You can check out ZST's english-language website by clicking here

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #11:12 PM


HEAT FC 2 CARD 


Carlos Barreto

Heat FC 2: 'Evolution'
November 27th, 2003
Natal, Brazil


Card Subject To Change:

Carlos Barreto vs. Travis Wiuff
Alan Goes vs. Gustavo 'Ximu' Machado
Akira Shoji vs. Marcelo 'Uirapuru' Azevedo
Forrest Griffin vs. Edson 'Paredao'
Ebenezer Fontes Braga vs. Eric Wanderlei
Vinicius 'Draculinho' vs. Kleber Galdino
Fabio Bolinho vs. Sergio 'Junior'
Roman Roytberg vs. Alexandre 'Vaca'

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #11:06 PM


K-1 NEWS 


Shannon Briggs

Puroresu Power reports the following:

K-1 matchmaker Sadaharu Tanigawa floated the names of Shannon Briggs and Genki Sudo for his December 31st Nagoya Dome show. Tanigawa admitted that he is very interested in getting Musashimaru as a K-1 participant. Tanigawa also said that the K-1 office has made an offer for Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic to appear at their December 6th Tokyo Dome show.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:21 AM


POSTAL CONNECTIONS: PRIDE CLOSE TO SIGNING AMERICAN TV DEAL 

By Tape Lord


TV executives impressed with PRIDE GP.

Hello my friends, my postal connections in the DSE organization has relayed to me that DSE is currently in negotiations to get PRIDE shown on a regular basis on American cable television.

K-1 is currently shown on ESPN and their 'Martial Arts Series' programming. Both ESPN and FOX Sports are looking to expand their viewer selection in this area, and that's where the interest in PRIDE comes in. Inside sources reveal that network executives were very impressed with the PRIDE: 'Final Conflict' show, and that it has sped up negotiations somewhat.

More news to come on this in the next two weeks.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:20 AM


PRIDE GP GETS MAINSTREAM COVERAGE IN BRAZIL 


Vanderlei Silva (second from right) being interviewed for TV show.

The PRIDE: 'Final Conflict' show recently got five minutes of coverage on the Brazilian TV show 'Fantastico', which is the highest rated Sunday night show on Brazilian television. The segment explained the rules of MMA, showed some quick fight highlights, and focused on Vanderlei Silva, Rodrigo 'Minotauro' Nogueira, and Murilo Bustamante.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:20 AM


TAPE LORD'S MONDAY MORNING MAILBAG 


Liddell vs. Jackson at the PRIDE GP.

Hello my friends! Welcome to Tape Lord's "Monday Morning Mailbag'. Below are some of the more interesting e-mails I recieved as one of the editors of this newspage. Enjoy...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRIDE GP Kicked Ass. Can The UFC Compete?
The PRIDE GP has to be one of the best, if not the best, MMA event of all time. Their budget is huge and the ratings and fans they pull in are just phenomenal. What can the UFC do to be like that, or is it even possible?
-Phil
Vancouver, Canada

Tape Lord's reply: In my humble opinion, for the UFC to be that successful, they would need to change ownership. PRIDE has demonstrated what can happen when you have a big budget and do the following: Tap into a huge market that already existed (pro-wrestling fans), make exciting fights and fighters that the fans remember and want to see, roll with the snowball effect and watch it grow to where it's at today.

The current management of the UFC (Dana White) has no clue on how to do this. In the opinion of many insiders he is not even junior executive material. The owners of the UFC (The Fertittas) also do not like to spend their money on what needs to be spent on. Bottom line: The UFC under the present ownership has gone as far as they can. The time is now right for someone with the real know-how to come in and take it to the next level.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Randlemans ground game??
were rooftop fights with randleman real not the sakuraba fight? I had no way of knoweing and i got a bet for 100 with somene over this. Now he wants me to pay for a plane trip or half a plane trip which costs more than the 100 bet. Pleayse help.
-Daren Roth
Huntington, New York

Tape Lord's reply: No Daren, the rooftop fights were not real. Randleman said in a recent interview that the fights were fixed and filmed for some cable TV show that will be airing soon.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

COUTURE VS. BELFORT
This is going to be one great fight! Who do you pick to win?
-John Summers
Queens, NY

Tape Lord's reply: This is a very tough fight to call, but in my opinion this will be Couture's toughest fight since his first fight with Rizzo. Belfort finally has the maturity and stability in his life to fulfill his potential, and he's still only 26 years old. The best of Belfort is yet to come IMO.

That being said, I don't think Belfort will be able to out-wrestle or out-box Couture. Belfort's advantages over Couture are his submissions and his explosiveness. He's going to need to find a way to utilize those two advantages to win, or to open up other opportunities to win. I'm not making an official prediction until before UFC 46, but I think that if this fight goes the distance that Couture will get the decision. If the fight ends before that, then it will be because Belfort submits Couture, or knocks him out with a vicious knee.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

UFC 45 Tenth Anniversary Card SUCKS!
Just what the hell is up with the GARBAGE card Zuffa is putting on for the UFC tenth anniversary show?? There's not one old school fighter on that card outside of Tank Abbott. Why the dropped ball on this one?
- UFC SUCKS
Boston, MA

Tape Lord's reply: UFC SUCKS, this is what happens when ineptitude meets economics. Because Dana White has made blunder after blunder for the past three years as UFC president (costing the company millions), his bosses are no longer giving him the budget he would need to put on a star-studded show. So what we are left with is the less-then-stellar anniversary card for UFC 45.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Keep up the great work
Dana was real upset after you guys exposed his backstage rant at PRIDE. Keep up the great work reporting the truth. Dana's so paranoid that he's got Josh Hedges and a few others trying to find out who Jake R is LOL
cguy@zuffa
Las Vegas, NV

Tape Lord's reply: Thank you Coffee Guy my good friend. In my honest opinion, Dana White should spend more time taking some business management courses rather then trying to find out who an internet reporter is.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:20 AM


DANA WHITE CAUGHT IN BLATANT LIE 


Dana White from his days as a Boxercise instructor.
Picture taken by Phelston Jones (c) 1999


It has been well documented that UFC president Dana White used to make his living as a Boxercize instructor. However, it seems that Dana White has attempted to hide this fact by blatantly lying to the UFC fanbase. Here is is a quote Dana White made on the UG forum on November 14th, which proves he is lying about his past as a Boxercize instructor.

"opinions are cool, they don't bother me at all but fake stories? so far i have heard that i died, freaked out back stage at pride, live in my car, a failed boxing promoter, was in the mob, currently in the mob, boxaerobics instructor, etc,etc." - Dana White


Not only is the above quote a blatant lie by Dana White, but the picture posted with this article is an athentic picture of him from his days as a Boxercize instructor. The picture was taken by Phelston Jones, and has appeared in more then one article in Las Vegas periodicals. Click here (and then scroll down) to view an article about Dana White the Boxercize instructor that appeared in Vegas Life.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #1:19 AM


Sunday, November 16, 2003

ALEXA.COM INTERNET RATINGS: TOP 10 ENGLISH-LANGUAGE MMA SITES  



Alexa.com just updated their internet ratings for this week. Below are the Alexa.com rankings for the top 10 MMA websites as of November 14th, 2003.

Fightsport.com has been the fastest-growing MMA website the last few months and have taken over the number 3 spot this past month, pushing Sherdog.net down to number 4. MMA.tv moved into the number one spot almost two months ago, knocking Sherdog.com down to number 2. MMAWeekly.com remains steady at number 5, while Subfighter.com has moved up to the number 6 spot.

The official site of the UFC fell down to number 7. The official site of PRIDE moved back into number 8, dropping Adcombat.com to number 9. MaxFighting.com survived by a thread to hang on to the number 10 spot.



MMA RANKINGS:

1.) MMA.tv - Traffic Rank for mma.tv: 4,074

2.) Sherdog.com - Traffic Rank for sherdog.com: 6,971

3.) Fightsport.com - Traffic Rank for fightsport.com: 8,478

4.) Sherdog.net - Traffic Rank for sherdog.net: 9,911

5.) MMAWeekly.com - Traffic Rank for mmaweekly.com: 11,876

6.) Subfighter.com - Traffic Rank for subfighter.com: 17,158

7.) UFC.tv - Traffic Rank for ufc.tv: 21,827

8.) Pridefc.com - Traffic Rank for pridefc.com: 28,579

9.) Adcombat.com - Traffic Rank for adcombat.com: 28,661

10.) Maxfighting.com - Traffic Rank for maxfighting.com: 49,193






Alexa.com tracks the internet ratings with the use of the Alexa toolbar, which is used by no less then 10 million people. Almost all of the Alexa toolbar users also use Amazon.com and Google, making the Alexa.com rankings very important with advertisers. Alexa.com is arguably the most respected internet ratings system in the business.

How to read the Alexa.com rankings: The traffic rank indicates the website's ranking amongst english-language websites. As the number goes lower, it indicates that the website is ranked higher.

For example:

a website with a traffic rank of '1', means that it is the number one visited english-language website on the internet, according to Alexa.com's 10 million users.

a website with a traffic rank of '10,221', means that it is the 10,221st most visited english-language website on the internet, according to Alexa.com's 10 million users.

a website with a traffic rank or '90,594', means that it is the 90,594th most visited english-language website on the internet, according to Alexa.com's 10 million users.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com


posted by Fightsport #9:41 PM


UFC 45 CARD 



UFC 45: Revolution
November 21st, 2003
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, Connecticut


Frank Mir
vs. Pat Smith
Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg (middleweight title fight)
'Tank' Abbott vs. Wesley 'Cabbage' Correira
Pedro Rizzo vs. Ricco Rodriguez
Phil Baroni vs. Evan Tanner
Falaniko Vitale vs. Matt Lindland
Robbie Lawler vs. Chris Lytle
Din Thomas vs. Yves Edwards
Keith Rockel vs. Chris Ligouri

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posted by Fightsport #9:41 PM


K-1 MAX COMPLETE CARD 


Duane Ludwig (right)

K-1 World Max 2003
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Nippon Budokan
Tokyo, Japan


(card subject to change):

Masato vs. Vince Phillips
Genki Sudo vs. Albert Kraus
Daniel Dawson vs. Kojiro
Duane Ludwig vs. Toshio Matsumoto
Andy Souwer vs. Takehiro Murahama
Tony Valente vs. Takayuki Kohiruimaki
Marfio Canoletti vs. Hiroyuki Doi
Kazuya Yasuhiro vs. Serkan Yilmaz
Takashi Ohno vs. Shin Nopadetsorn
Magunamu Sakai vs. Arslan Magomedov

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posted by Fightsport #9:41 PM


PANCRASE CARD 



PANCRASE 2003 HYBRID TOUR
Friday, November 30st, 2003
Korakuen Hall
Tokyo, Japan

Open:
15:00
Start: 16:00


Below are the matchups that have been announced so far for the Pancrase card on November 30th:

Sanae Kikuta vs. Yuki Kondo (light heavyweight KOP title)
Nathan Marquardt vs. Ricardo Almeida (middleweight KOP title)
Kiuma Kunioku vs. Ken'ichi Serizawa (welterweight KOP title)

Nilson Castro vs. Akihiro Gono
Barrett Yoshida vs. Yoshiro Maeda

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posted by Fightsport #9:41 PM


SUPERBRAWL CARD 



SuperBrawl 32
December 5th, 2003
Honolulu, Hawaii


Masanori Suda
vs. Shannon Ritch
Egan Inoue vs. Jason Miller
Ray 'King Kong Seraile vs. Tyler Lecky
Stephen Palling vs. Harvey Nakamura
Brian Pardoe vs. Riki
Mike Labuanon vs. Anthony Torres
Mike Bauer vs. Brandon Keene
David Yeung vs. Justin Mercado
Ryan Lee vs. Will Hagerty

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posted by Fightsport #9:41 PM


AFC 6 CARD 



AFC 6
Saturday, December 6th, 2003
War Memorial Coliseum
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Open:
6:30 pm
Start: 7:30 pm

Card Subject To Change:


Dustin Denes vs. Adrian Serrano
Leigh Remedios vs. Mike Brown (AFC lightweight title)
Jeff Monson vs. Ron Faircloth
Jorge Santiago vs. Keith Wisniewski
Efrain Ruiz vs. Jason Veach
Julian Ortega vs. Jorge Masvidal
Thiago 'Pitbull' Alves vs. Derrick Noble
Davion Peterson vs. Anthony Rea
Charles McCarthy vs. Pat O'Malley
Robert Bailey vs. Michael Quinlan

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posted by Fightsport #9:41 PM


BATTLE OF THE BAY 2 RESULTS 



Battle of the BAY 2
November 17th, 2003
South Africa

Ricco Hatting
defeats Weihahn Leshe by kneebar, RD 1. (SA Superheavyweight Title)
Chris Bright defeats Leon Mynard by KO, RD 1.
Jack O 'Connell defeats Ryan Hassan by armlock, RD 1.
Jose Mata defeats Henk Van Wyk by armlock, RD 1.
Julio Greco defeats Riaan Verster by TKO, RD 1.
Kevin Thomas defeats Syprian Helberg by rear naked choke, RD 1.
Dieter Heinemann defeats Blanche Cronje by rear naked choke, RD 1.
Jason Hendricks defeats Joe Geldenhuis by TKO, RD 3.
Rudy Quanson defeats Eric Neethling by KO, RD 1.

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posted by Fightsport #9:41 PM


RITC RESULTS 


Homer Moore

RITC 55: 'Super Heavyweight Showdown'
November 15, 2003
Casa Grande, Arizona

Homer Moore
defeats Thomas Gil by keylock at 2:51, RD 3.
Andy Montana defeats Lemuel Vincent by TKO at 1:35, RD 1.
Hans Marrero vs. Robert Maldonado declared a no-contest.
Israel Juarez defeats David Canvas by armbar at 1:19, RD 1.
Carlos Ortega defeats Steve McDonald by split decision.
Darren Wren defeats Kenyon Barnes by choke at 0:33, RD 1.
Michael Perales defeats Mike McIntyre by TKO at 0:41, RD 2.
Daniel Betzold defeats Gabe Rivas by majority decision.

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posted by Fightsport #9:41 PM


SHOOTO RESULTS 



SHOOTO: Bushido 'Karalius'
November 14th, 2003
Vilnius Ice Palace
Vilnius, Lithuania

Bazigit 'Volk' Atajev
defeats Mindaugas Kulikauskas by armbar, RD 1.
Rafles la Rose defeats Ramunas Komas by choke, RD 1.
Petras Morkevicius defeats Tomoki Kanuka by choke, RD 1.
Valdas Pocevicius defeats Mike Pyle by guilltine choke, RD 1.
Tadeushas Chilodinskis drew with Gzhegozh Jakubovski.
Grazhuydas Smailis defeats Regimantas Bakas by armbar, RD 1.
Egidijus Valavicius defeats Gela Getsadze by guillotine choke, RD 1.
Kestutis Smirnovas defeats Roman Sukoterin by split decision.
Darius Skliaudys drew with Takayuki Ohkouchi.

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posted by Fightsport #9:41 PM


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