Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Nick Diaz's Test Results for Drugs of Abuse
A week after he thumbed his nose at the California State Athletic Commission's drug testing policies, MMAInsider has learned the outcome of Nick Diaz's post-Strikeforce test for drugs of abuse.
According to Bill Douglas, CSAC's Assistant Executive Officer, they are negative.
In an interview with the LA Times the week before the fight, Diaz claimed he could beat the Accutest drug screens employed by the commission using herbal urine cleansers.
"Diaz was fine," wrote Douglas via email. "The test went through a full battery which checks for cleansing agents."
Though Diaz claimed to have a long history of getting stoned in his hotel room the night before a fight, in the end, the talk may have just been a smokescreen.
According to Bill Douglas, CSAC's Assistant Executive Officer, they are negative.
In an interview with the LA Times the week before the fight, Diaz claimed he could beat the Accutest drug screens employed by the commission using herbal urine cleansers.
"Diaz was fine," wrote Douglas via email. "The test went through a full battery which checks for cleansing agents."
Though Diaz claimed to have a long history of getting stoned in his hotel room the night before a fight, in the end, the talk may have just been a smokescreen.
GSP's First Gatorade Commercial Debuts
Georges St. Pierre filmed his first commercial for Gatorade's new "G" campaign a few weeks ago, and now the commercial has hit the airwaves in Canada playing during the NHL playoffs. GSP is keeping elite company in the commercial alongside athletes like Dwayne Wade, Mia Hamm, and Olympian Usian Bolt.
Florian Talks Mass. MMA Legislation
On Thursday, newly minted lightweight contender Kenny Florian was among several industry veterans to speak to legislators on behalf of the sport's regulation in Massachusetts.
Florian, who attended the meeting with manager and fight promoter Joe Cavallaro and several UFC officials, said the meeting was a positive step towards legitimizing the sport in the Northeast state.
"There was really no opposition whatsoever, and it seemed like they were very informed," Florian told MMAWeekly Radio last night. "They were asking good questions that they were concerned about."
Since 2005, the sport has operated in a legal gray area, with the Massachusetts Boxing Commission attending, but not overseeing, MMA fights.
"Really, the basis of our argument is that you look at all the other states and how successful it's been, both economically and as far as a logistics standpoint, it’s great. To have a standardized set of rules, and look out for the safety of the fighters is important, and that’s why we want it regulated."
Cavallaro is an active promoter in the Commonwealth, and tells MMAInsider he tries to model state athletic commissions who regulate the sport, employing most of the safety procedures they are required to perform by law.
"Some promoters are going to look to cut corners, and that’s when there can be trouble, and some fighters are going to get hurt," said Florian. "So it’s very important that we get it regulated, and it looks like that’s going to happen."
UFC president Dana White, a resident of Boston in his twenties, announced the promotion was working on an event in the city for November. Florian was optimistic about the prospect.
"There’s so many fans here that want to see a UFC event and more mixed martial arts in the Commonwealth, that I think we’re closer than ever, no doubt about it," he said. "I don’t see why it’s not going to happen. God willing, we’ll have a UFC fight here before the end of the year."
If it happens, though, don't call him for tickets.
Florian, who attended the meeting with manager and fight promoter Joe Cavallaro and several UFC officials, said the meeting was a positive step towards legitimizing the sport in the Northeast state.
"There was really no opposition whatsoever, and it seemed like they were very informed," Florian told MMAWeekly Radio last night. "They were asking good questions that they were concerned about."
Since 2005, the sport has operated in a legal gray area, with the Massachusetts Boxing Commission attending, but not overseeing, MMA fights.
"Really, the basis of our argument is that you look at all the other states and how successful it's been, both economically and as far as a logistics standpoint, it’s great. To have a standardized set of rules, and look out for the safety of the fighters is important, and that’s why we want it regulated."
Cavallaro is an active promoter in the Commonwealth, and tells MMAInsider he tries to model state athletic commissions who regulate the sport, employing most of the safety procedures they are required to perform by law.
"Some promoters are going to look to cut corners, and that’s when there can be trouble, and some fighters are going to get hurt," said Florian. "So it’s very important that we get it regulated, and it looks like that’s going to happen."
UFC president Dana White, a resident of Boston in his twenties, announced the promotion was working on an event in the city for November. Florian was optimistic about the prospect.
"There’s so many fans here that want to see a UFC event and more mixed martial arts in the Commonwealth, that I think we’re closer than ever, no doubt about it," he said. "I don’t see why it’s not going to happen. God willing, we’ll have a UFC fight here before the end of the year."
If it happens, though, don't call him for tickets.
Don Frye Returns to Head Shark Fights in Texas
PRESS RELEASE:
Shark Fight Promotions, a Texas based mixed martial arts fight promotion company, has officially announced the addition of Legendary MMA Champion Don "The Predator" Frye to their upcoming "Shark Fight 4" Super Fight event; making it the promotions most exciting card to date. Frye (19-7-1), a decorated Pride, K-1 and Ultimate Fighting champion will face former National Judo Champion/Pan American Champion Rich Moss (7-2-0) in the feature fight of the night. "Shark Fight 4" will take place Saturday, May 2nd in Lubbock Texas, at the Citibank Coliseum located on the Texas Tech University campus.
Jim Larson, President of Shark Fight Promotions, had this to say, "We are very excited to have Don Frye on the Shark Fight 4 card. He is an MMA fan favorite and a Legend in the sport. This bout is a great addition to our already stacked card, which includes veteran UFC, WEC and Pride fighters. The event will also feature two Texas Championship Title Fights. This is undoubtedly our most impressive fight card to date. Get ready for an exciting night of fights!"
In addition to the exciting heavyweight match up between Frye and Moss, "Shark Fight 4" will feature two Texas Championship Title Fights. Lubbock's own Tech super star and NFL cross over Rex Richards will face MMA Stand out Darrell Schoonover (13-0) for the Texas Heavy Weight Title. In the second title fight; one of the most active MMA fighters in the world, Shannon "The Cannon" Ritch, will step into the cage with Texas Super Star T.J. Waldburger to compete for the Texas Welter Weight Title. A battle fight fans will not want to miss!
"Shark Fight 4" Official Fight Card:
Don Frye vs. Ritch Moss
Rex Richards vs. Darill Schoonover
Shannon Ritch vs. TJ Wallburger
Jesse Taylor vs. Eric Davilla
Wayne Cole vs. Marcus Sursa
Phil Cardella vs. Johnny Flores
Louis Luna vs Douglas Frey
Brandi Hainey vs. Jessica Miramontes
Aaron Garcia va. Elmar Muller
This Shark Fight Promotions Super Fight Event has it all - incredible match ups, two exciting title fights and several MMA celebrity guest appearances! Notable MMA super stars will be in attendance, including Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello, Joe "Diesel" Riggs, Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, Damacio "The Angel of Death" Page and Leonard "Bad Boy" Garcia. Doors open at 6:00 pm. The event officially starts at 7:30 pm. Children 12 and under get in free with the donation of at least 2 non-perishable food items. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All food donations will go to the Lubbock Food Bank to aide local families within the community.
"Shark Fights 4" will also air live as a pay-per-view web-cast for fans that aren't able to attend. For only $9.95 MMA fans can watch this action packed event on Sharkfights.com, while benefiting a great cause. Every PPV purchase will benefit the Children's Miracle Network, an organization that supports children suffering from cancer. Shark Fight Promotions will donate $1.00 from every PPV purchase to the organization. For more information on Shark Fight 4, please visit www.sharkfights.com.
Shark Fight Promotions, a Texas based mixed martial arts fight promotion company, has officially announced the addition of Legendary MMA Champion Don "The Predator" Frye to their upcoming "Shark Fight 4" Super Fight event; making it the promotions most exciting card to date. Frye (19-7-1), a decorated Pride, K-1 and Ultimate Fighting champion will face former National Judo Champion/Pan American Champion Rich Moss (7-2-0) in the feature fight of the night. "Shark Fight 4" will take place Saturday, May 2nd in Lubbock Texas, at the Citibank Coliseum located on the Texas Tech University campus.
Jim Larson, President of Shark Fight Promotions, had this to say, "We are very excited to have Don Frye on the Shark Fight 4 card. He is an MMA fan favorite and a Legend in the sport. This bout is a great addition to our already stacked card, which includes veteran UFC, WEC and Pride fighters. The event will also feature two Texas Championship Title Fights. This is undoubtedly our most impressive fight card to date. Get ready for an exciting night of fights!"
In addition to the exciting heavyweight match up between Frye and Moss, "Shark Fight 4" will feature two Texas Championship Title Fights. Lubbock's own Tech super star and NFL cross over Rex Richards will face MMA Stand out Darrell Schoonover (13-0) for the Texas Heavy Weight Title. In the second title fight; one of the most active MMA fighters in the world, Shannon "The Cannon" Ritch, will step into the cage with Texas Super Star T.J. Waldburger to compete for the Texas Welter Weight Title. A battle fight fans will not want to miss!
"Shark Fight 4" Official Fight Card:
Don Frye vs. Ritch Moss
Rex Richards vs. Darill Schoonover
Shannon Ritch vs. TJ Wallburger
Jesse Taylor vs. Eric Davilla
Wayne Cole vs. Marcus Sursa
Phil Cardella vs. Johnny Flores
Louis Luna vs Douglas Frey
Brandi Hainey vs. Jessica Miramontes
Aaron Garcia va. Elmar Muller
This Shark Fight Promotions Super Fight Event has it all - incredible match ups, two exciting title fights and several MMA celebrity guest appearances! Notable MMA super stars will be in attendance, including Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello, Joe "Diesel" Riggs, Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, Damacio "The Angel of Death" Page and Leonard "Bad Boy" Garcia. Doors open at 6:00 pm. The event officially starts at 7:30 pm. Children 12 and under get in free with the donation of at least 2 non-perishable food items. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All food donations will go to the Lubbock Food Bank to aide local families within the community.
"Shark Fights 4" will also air live as a pay-per-view web-cast for fans that aren't able to attend. For only $9.95 MMA fans can watch this action packed event on Sharkfights.com, while benefiting a great cause. Every PPV purchase will benefit the Children's Miracle Network, an organization that supports children suffering from cancer. Shark Fight Promotions will donate $1.00 from every PPV purchase to the organization. For more information on Shark Fight 4, please visit www.sharkfights.com.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
White Comments on Snafu With Montreal Commission
For a while, it looked like the UFC might not be headed to the Bell Centre in Montreal for UFC 97. The Canada-based Sportsnet reported that rule changes instituted by the Quebec Athletic Commission were at strict odds with the Unified Rules employed by the promotion, and with no compromise forthcoming, things appeared grim.
But in a rebuttal that's become a recent theme, UFC president Dana White said the media got it wrong, again.
UFC officials, including Lorenzo Ferttita, White, and Marc Ratner, flew to Montreal in mid-February to speak with the QAC, and according to White, there was no reason for alarm.
"The entire thing was blown out of proportion," White said at the pre-fight press conference for UFC 97 at the Bell Centre. "The fight was never in jeopardy, never in danger. There was a new commission, and we needed to come up here and talk to them and sit down--we hadn't done that yet. Soon as we did it it was fine.
"We love Canada, we love Montreal. Other than UFC 100, this is the fastest sell-out. The difference is there's 12,000 seats in Mandalay Bay, and there's 22,000 seats here. Believe me, we love Montreal. We're not going anywhere."
But in a rebuttal that's become a recent theme, UFC president Dana White said the media got it wrong, again.
UFC officials, including Lorenzo Ferttita, White, and Marc Ratner, flew to Montreal in mid-February to speak with the QAC, and according to White, there was no reason for alarm.
"The entire thing was blown out of proportion," White said at the pre-fight press conference for UFC 97 at the Bell Centre. "The fight was never in jeopardy, never in danger. There was a new commission, and we needed to come up here and talk to them and sit down--we hadn't done that yet. Soon as we did it it was fine.
"We love Canada, we love Montreal. Other than UFC 100, this is the fastest sell-out. The difference is there's 12,000 seats in Mandalay Bay, and there's 22,000 seats here. Believe me, we love Montreal. We're not going anywhere."
Strikeforce Matchmaker Explains Exit
A Wednesday report on fiveouncesofpain.com revealed that Strikeforce matchmaker Javier Mendez was leaving his job to focus on his fighters at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif.
Strikeforce representative Mike Afromowitz confirmed Mendez's departure and said no replacement had tapped for his position as of yet.
MMAInsider caught up with Mendez Thursday morning, where he explained his decision to leave and what his future holds.
MMAInsider: Why did you decide to leave?
Mendez: I couldn't handle it all. My fighters were suffering. I wasn't around. I had to make a decision to go with what I love to do. I love being around the fighters more. Also, I'm working on a clothing line for AKA. I couldn't do both.
MMAInsider: Did the new Showtime deal and new schedule prove to be the breaking point?
Mendez: Yeah, it just got so overwhelming. And I could see it in my fighters. They asked, 'hey, Javi, you going to be around?' And I'd say no. They'd say, 'who's going to be coaching us today?' Those kinds of things would be coming up. If I'm not around, things would have a tendency to fall apart. I've worked too hard to get where we're at as a team, I didn't want that to go away.
MMAInsider: How long had you been with Strikeforce?
Mendez: I've been with them since the beginning. We'd sit at Noah's Bagels and discuss match-ups. I never used to call on the other guy. In the end there, this one here, I was doing things for them. Because it was all based on what Showtime wanted, too. Showtime makes the final decision. But of course, it's up to the promoter puts together intriguing match-ups that Showtime decides if they want to use or not.
MMAInsider: What's in the future for American Kickboxing Academy?
Mendez: Building more stars. I feel that by the end of this year, we're going to have a new one in Cain Velasquez. He just has to materialize into what I think he is. I think Luke Rockhold is going to be another one from here. I've got a few other up and coming guys that I think are going to be something too.
MMAInsider: A lot of your fighters have made their way to Strikeforce, will AKA continue to be sort of a pipeline to the promotion?
Mendez: American Kickboxing Academy is available for any good promotion. It's not about Strikeforce, it's not about any promotion. It's about the fighters getting good fights and getting into a good organization that has something of value that the fighters are looking for. Even though I worked for Strikeforce, I was never pro-Strikeforce. I was pro-fighters. Whatever organization is out there producing a top talent show, I would definitely want my fighters involved.
Strikeforce representative Mike Afromowitz confirmed Mendez's departure and said no replacement had tapped for his position as of yet.
MMAInsider caught up with Mendez Thursday morning, where he explained his decision to leave and what his future holds.
MMAInsider: Why did you decide to leave?
Mendez: I couldn't handle it all. My fighters were suffering. I wasn't around. I had to make a decision to go with what I love to do. I love being around the fighters more. Also, I'm working on a clothing line for AKA. I couldn't do both.
MMAInsider: Did the new Showtime deal and new schedule prove to be the breaking point?
Mendez: Yeah, it just got so overwhelming. And I could see it in my fighters. They asked, 'hey, Javi, you going to be around?' And I'd say no. They'd say, 'who's going to be coaching us today?' Those kinds of things would be coming up. If I'm not around, things would have a tendency to fall apart. I've worked too hard to get where we're at as a team, I didn't want that to go away.
MMAInsider: How long had you been with Strikeforce?
Mendez: I've been with them since the beginning. We'd sit at Noah's Bagels and discuss match-ups. I never used to call on the other guy. In the end there, this one here, I was doing things for them. Because it was all based on what Showtime wanted, too. Showtime makes the final decision. But of course, it's up to the promoter puts together intriguing match-ups that Showtime decides if they want to use or not.
MMAInsider: What's in the future for American Kickboxing Academy?
Mendez: Building more stars. I feel that by the end of this year, we're going to have a new one in Cain Velasquez. He just has to materialize into what I think he is. I think Luke Rockhold is going to be another one from here. I've got a few other up and coming guys that I think are going to be something too.
MMAInsider: A lot of your fighters have made their way to Strikeforce, will AKA continue to be sort of a pipeline to the promotion?
Mendez: American Kickboxing Academy is available for any good promotion. It's not about Strikeforce, it's not about any promotion. It's about the fighters getting good fights and getting into a good organization that has something of value that the fighters are looking for. Even though I worked for Strikeforce, I was never pro-Strikeforce. I was pro-fighters. Whatever organization is out there producing a top talent show, I would definitely want my fighters involved.
In The Hot Seat: Dana White on TSN's Off The Record
UFC President Dana White is still feeling the heat from his recent video blog controversy where he drew an irate response for his comments that offended many homosexuals and women.
The derogatory remarks used in his rant about a Sherdog.com article by Loretta Hunt have TSN (Canada's version of ESPN) Off The Record host Michael Landsberg putting White's feet to the fire about whether he went too far in his blog, if and/or why managers are denied credentials, his thoughts on the media and more.
Click here to watch the TSN stream of Landsberg's interview with Dana White.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
ICON Promoter Thompson Goes "Back in the Day" with Tapout Exec and Gives Thanks
TAPOUT IS LEFT IN GOOD HANDSBy T. Jay Thompson
I thought I would let you know a little more about the least recognized TAPOUT personality. Marc Kreiner (President of TAPOUT) has been a friend and mentor for almost 20 years. I met him on the beach in Hawaii through a mutual friend weeks after he sold a cellular phone rental company for millions. I was 28 years old with long hair and "between jobs." I flew to Hawaii with $100 in my pocket to sleep on a friends couch and figure out my next move. I had no direction.
Marc flew to Hawaii on his private jet and was staying at a beach front suite at the Royal Hawaiian. The hotel employees clearly gave him special treatment even storing his 8 personal custom beach chairs at the hotel and setting them up every morning rain or shine. It just seemed like he was always smiling and having a good time. But I also had never seen someone work..or network as hard as he did. His phone was constantly ringing and what a diverse network he had....Stephen Spielberg would call, then a female 'entertainer' from a club in Miami. Next a CEO of fortune 500 company..then a homeless guy he sponsored in a 12 step program he was involved in.
Oh ya..the 12 step program. Lets go back a few years. Its 1978 and Marc is a 22 year old kid with a shared bedroom with his sister, a $25 per night job as a DJ at a nightclub in LA and penchant for telling 'stories'. He would tell the pretty girls at the club he was a record producer. Well one night someone believed him and he was offered the rights to a disco group for $6000. He accepted..proceeded to beg borrow and literally steal to come up with the money. This unknown group was name CHIC and 6 week later released 'Dance, Dance, Dance'...and then 'Le Freak'. 3 month after signing this band Marc was a multi millionaire living in a mansion on the beach in Malibu. Its the late 70's, cocaine is "not addictive" and he's single and on the cover of People magazine. You do the math.
Between 1980 and when I met him, he started and ran 5 or 6 other successful ventures and had an eye for talent. He must have seen something in me that I didn't. He convinced Shared Technology Cellular, the company he had just bought his company to open a branch in Hawaii that I could run. I spent the next 18 months running that branch into the ground. But while I was doing that I started a little MMA promotion called Super Brawl. Thanks Marc.
A couple years into my promoter career I met two guys that started a t-shirt company. One was Dan the other Charles. They had so much energy and I promise you they believed in my little Super Brawl company before I did. Although they couldn't do much about it because they were barely surviving. They came to one of my shows to sell shirts but were running so low on funds I paid for their hotel room. I never charged them to sell at my shows....and never will. I grew to be friends with them both and will forever miss Charles.
For the next 5+ years I tried getting Marc Kreiner to meet these crazy TAPOUT guys. I told Marc I thought they had a 'million dollar brand' but just lacked direction. I underestimated by about $499 million. I was finally able to put these guys together and its been amazing watching the ride they have been on. The team of characters fit together well and Marc brought the company to a whole new level.
While the TAPOUT crew is out busting their butts around the world Marc has a phone attached to his ear talking to CEO's, and homeless guys he is still sponsoring in that 12 step program. Just no 'entertainers' from Miami anymore. He is happily married with children.
Once again, thank you Marc for all you've done for me and the MMA community.
T. Jay Thompson is the veteran promoter behind Hawaiian MMA events Super Brawl and, later, ICON Sport, in addition to serving as a consultant for ProElite, Inc. On Saturday, Thompson will put up his tent again for Kingdom MMA, featuring a headlining bout between former ICON champions Kala Kolohe Hose and Jason "Mayhem" Miller at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu.
Grapplers Quest Grappling Against Autism; Joe Daddy in Hall of Fame
Jonathan Cimins, nephew of Grapplers Quest founder, Brian Cimins, was diagnosed with Autism at only 18 months of age. For the last five years, the Cimins family has supported Autism Awareness and created, "Jonathan's Team," to help raise funds for education, treatments, and, hopefully, a cure at each Grapplers Quest Submission Grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament nationwide.Grapplers Quest -- "The World's Largest Grappling Competition" -- is celebrating its 10th anniversary by bringing the 15th West Submission Grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships to The Sports Center (121 East Sunset Road) in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 9 (10:30 AM-6:30 PM).
One dollar from each spectator ticket or competitor fee purchased will be donated to help support the founder's nephew, Jonathan's alternative Autism Biomedical Treatment, by Dr. Neubrander, of Princeton, New Jersey. Click here for tickets to Grapplers Quest.
Submission Grappling is the ground fighting art of Mixed Martial Arts, combining the throws of Olympic Judo, takedowns of Greco-Roman and/or Freestyle Wrestling, leg locks from Russian Sambo, and various other submissions loke arm-bars and chokes from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Grapplers Quest organizes the official National, Regional, North American and World competitions for Submission Grappling, the submission style ground-fighting sport.
"Grapplers Quest will crown the Best Submission Grapplers and Jiu Jitsu fighters in the West in all age groups and skill levels in the largest grappling tournament in the history of the sport on May 9," Brian Cimins explained. "It is an event not to be missed. Grapplers Quest draws some of the best fighters and grapplers in the world, plus you'll meet tons of MMA Superstars in attendance. MMA and wrestling fans will love the sport of Submission Grappling, as well as support Autism Awareness by attending this event. See you mat-side, May 9th."
Grapplers Quest will host the 2009 Grappling World Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for Ultimate Fighter, Season 2 Champion and Las Vegas favorite, Joe "Daddy" Stevenson, who will be there coaching his team, meeting fans, and accepting the prestigious Hall of Fame Award.
WEC Champ Varner Returning for More Hand Surgery
It appears that WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner has suffered another setback in recovering from injuries stemming from his Jan. 25 bout against Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone.Apparently, his right index finger healed at a bad angle - 30 degrees - so he will go back in for a second surgery on his right hand, according to a report by MMAMadness.com.
The second surgery is scheduled for April 20. Varner will have a piece of bone removed and a steel plate and screws will be inserted in an attempt to correct the problem.
The procedure is expected to add at least another month to his return to the ring.
M-1 Signs Elite XC and Affliction Vets
Team Oyama fighters Shane Del Rosario and Giva Santana, as well as Affliction vet Fabio "Negao" Nascimento, are bound for the M-1 Challenge, the promotion announced in a press release on Wednesday.
The trio of veterans will represent Team USA against Team South Korea in the third edition of the M-1 Challenge, to be held April 29 at the former rock club Shinjuku Face in Tokyo, Japan.
Del Rosario steps in for Carl Seumanutafa, who lost to Edson Franca in February at M-1's season opener in Tacoma, Wash. Negao is replacing Dylan Clay, who also lost at the Feb. 21 event.
Two winners from the Team USA's first showing, Dave Jansen and Rafael Davis, will round out the roster.
Announced match-ups for M-1 Challenge 3:
Dave Jansen vs. Yui Chui Nam
Fabio Negao vs. Myung Ho Bae
Giva Santana vs. Min Suk Heo
Rafael Davis vs. Jae Young Kim
Shane Del Rosario vs. Doo Hee Lee
Also billed for the event are match-ups between Team United Kingdom and the new Team Japan, as well as Team France and Team Spain. 15 total fights are scheduled.
The trio of veterans will represent Team USA against Team South Korea in the third edition of the M-1 Challenge, to be held April 29 at the former rock club Shinjuku Face in Tokyo, Japan.
Del Rosario steps in for Carl Seumanutafa, who lost to Edson Franca in February at M-1's season opener in Tacoma, Wash. Negao is replacing Dylan Clay, who also lost at the Feb. 21 event.
Two winners from the Team USA's first showing, Dave Jansen and Rafael Davis, will round out the roster.
Announced match-ups for M-1 Challenge 3:
Dave Jansen vs. Yui Chui Nam
Fabio Negao vs. Myung Ho Bae
Giva Santana vs. Min Suk Heo
Rafael Davis vs. Jae Young Kim
Shane Del Rosario vs. Doo Hee Lee
Also billed for the event are match-ups between Team United Kingdom and the new Team Japan, as well as Team France and Team Spain. 15 total fights are scheduled.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Rob Emerson vs. David Baron at UFC 101 Scratched (UPDATED)
On Saturday, MMAWeekly.com reported that a match-up between lightweights David Baron and Rob Emerson was likely for UFC 101 on Aug. 8 in Philadelphia, citing sources close to negotiations.
However, a subsequent message from a representative in Baron's camp stated that the fight was off.
In email sent to MMAInsider, the representative said Baron had recently taken a new job and was undergoing "intensive on-the-job training" until August or September. The French fighter would not be available until October or November at the earliest.
"Because of this, David is likely to be released by the UFC," the representative stated.
Baron, 16-3, last appeared at UFC 89, where he lost to Jim Miller by submission.
Check back with MMAWeekly.com for updates on the story as they become available.
UPDATE: Baron's representative has informed MMAInsider that the fighter holds a job as a firefighter that is attached to the French military. Baron will be switching to a different post within the Department of Defense that specializes in fire security. The new job requires one year of training, which rules out an August fight with Emerson.
However, a subsequent message from a representative in Baron's camp stated that the fight was off.
In email sent to MMAInsider, the representative said Baron had recently taken a new job and was undergoing "intensive on-the-job training" until August or September. The French fighter would not be available until October or November at the earliest.
"Because of this, David is likely to be released by the UFC," the representative stated.
Baron, 16-3, last appeared at UFC 89, where he lost to Jim Miller by submission.
Check back with MMAWeekly.com for updates on the story as they become available.
UPDATE: Baron's representative has informed MMAInsider that the fighter holds a job as a firefighter that is attached to the French military. Baron will be switching to a different post within the Department of Defense that specializes in fire security. The new job requires one year of training, which rules out an August fight with Emerson.
The Return: Dana White's UFC 97 Video Blog!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Clementi To Adrenaline III
Lightweight Rich Clementi's next career move has been a persistent subject of fan speculation.
Clementi was released by the UFC in February and has since been fielding offers from various promotions, including Strikeforce. When lightweight champion Josh Thomson broke his leg ten days before his rematch with Gilbert Melendez, Clementi was offered his spot.
Clementi declined the offer due to illness, but he liked the idea of fighting for the San Jose based show.
As of yet, his only confirmed fight is Adrenaline III, manager Monte Cox's recently relocated show featuring a boxing match between Tim Sylvia and Ray Mercer in the main event.
Clementi's opponent has not been booked, but he and Cox client Jeremy Horn will take up the number one and number two spots of the MMA card at the BJCC Center in Birmingham, Alabama on June 13.
Clementi was released by the UFC in February and has since been fielding offers from various promotions, including Strikeforce. When lightweight champion Josh Thomson broke his leg ten days before his rematch with Gilbert Melendez, Clementi was offered his spot.
Clementi declined the offer due to illness, but he liked the idea of fighting for the San Jose based show.
As of yet, his only confirmed fight is Adrenaline III, manager Monte Cox's recently relocated show featuring a boxing match between Tim Sylvia and Ray Mercer in the main event.
Clementi's opponent has not been booked, but he and Cox client Jeremy Horn will take up the number one and number two spots of the MMA card at the BJCC Center in Birmingham, Alabama on June 13.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
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