Kick Down 64 Tonight in Denver and on Internet PPV!

PRESS RELEASE:

Tonight -- Saturday May 9 -- two Kick Down veterans will face off in the main event for the Kick Down professional Lightweight MMA title. Colby Snyder (8-2) will face Jose Luis Murillo (7-7).

Kick Down 64 is available for viewing on a LIVE Internet pay-per-view for those outside of the Denver area.

Colby Snyder is known for his striking abilities as a veteran of Chuck Norris' World Combat League.

Jose Luis Murillo is known for his toughness, having fought in numerous fight promotions. He will make his return to where he started.

Chris Dollbaum will try to become the fourth fighter in the history of the promotion to hold two different titles in two different weight classes when he faces Shaun Ogle (11-3) for the Middleweight title. The fight card will feature 11 bouts with 4 titles on the line. Mike Van Houten will face Sean McPeck for the Welterweight title. Nathan Gates to face Dominic Montoya for the Featherweight title. The action begins at 7:30 p.m. MST.

Fighters from Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, California, and New York will compete at Kick Down 64.

Go to KickDownMMA.com to order the LIVE Internet pay-per-view for just $9.95, and you also get a FREE DVD of the event just for ordering the PPV. Or, if you are in the Denver area, you can also get ticket information on the KickDown website and purchase tickets at the venue.

Kick Down 64 Official Fight Card:
-Colby Synder vs. Jose Luis Murillo
-Chris Dollbaum vs. Shaun Ogle
-Nathan Gates vs. Dominic Montoya
-Mike Van Houten vs. Sean McPeck
-Brandon Goshorn vs. Jeremy Michael Dittmer
-Jose Marin vs. Josh Kissell
-Kevin Silva vs. Troy Mumme
-John Zahn vs. John McDermott
-Byron Sowell vs. Josh Childress
-Ben Bradley vs. Manuel Miera
-Kevin Wirth vs. Andrew Watts

Shawn Tompkins Talks About the State of Xtreme Couture

Xtreme Couture coach Shawn Tompkins talks about his fighters and the future of Xtreme Couture on RawVegas.tv.

Roy Jones Jr. Headed to Strikeforce?

Scott Coker from Strikeforce and Ken Hershman from Showtime spoke with Cagewriter about the realistic possibilities of boxer Roy Jones, Jr. fighting Nick Diaz, or anyone else, under the Strikeforce banner.

UFC 2009 Undisputed's Extensive Career Mode

UFC 2009 Undisputed video game producer Neven Dravinski walks us through the extensive career mode. The game is scheduled for release on May 19.

"Changing of the Guard" Imminent for Japan?

It's been a persistent question in 2009: can Japanese MMA survive?

All signs point to desperate times for the sport in the Land of the Rising Sun, and with recent news of a "Super Hulk Tournament" at Dream 9 featuring novice Jose Canseco against kickboxing giant Hong Man Choi, many fans are asking, what in the world is going on over there?

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker worked with K-1 promoters Fight Entertainment Group (FEG) for seven years as the promotion's kickboxing connection, and has maintained close contact with the higher-ups at Dream.

The air to Pride's throne has not met ratings expectations with broadcaster Fuji TV and has been moved to a late night spot for its last two events. Though Dream 9 is scheduled for a primetime spot, it may be the network's last-gasp effort to revive the promotion.

In a conference call promoting his upcoming Strikeforce Challenger Series on May 15, Coker addressed his understanding of the situation in Japan. And from the sound of it, major changes are on the horizon.

"I think that they're in a situation where I think there's going to be a transition period soon," he said. "What that means, I'm not sure, as far as who's going to end up, but I think there's going to be some re-branding to another league. There's going to be some changes coming down the pipe; I've heard a lot of different rumors.

"I believe they will be continuing -- I don't think they're going out of business -- but I think there will be a changing of the guard (in FEG)."

Coker is currently working to get his favorite Japanese fighters into Strikeforce: Shinya Aoki, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and Hayato Sakurai. Pride vets Mitsuhiro Ishida and Kazuo Misaki have successfully made the transition to the promotion, and by year's end, Coker wants them in America.

Regardless of the shake-ups that are on the horizon, he says the relationship with FEG will stay strong.

"We have a good relationship with them, and we're still working on some of the fighter relationships going back and forth, which will be great for everybody," said Coker. "Other than that, I don't think it really impacts us. They do some great fights and they do some that I call the circus fights. We're not going to be in that business, but they do have a couple of guys that we really like that we'd like to fight on Showtime and the Strikeforce series."

Meanwhile, a source MMAInsider spoke to on Tuesday said Canseco, initially reported to be weighing the bout despite the promotion's announcement, will take the May 26 fight.

Matt Serra UFC 98 Video Blog - Day 2

Former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra continues with Day 2 of his video blog as he prepares for UFC 98 and his fight against Matt Hughes.

Hermes Franca Asks For UFC 103 Slot

The injury bug bit former UFC lightweight contender Hermes Franca in January, forcing his withdrawal from a main event with Joe Lauzon at UFC Fight Night 17.

His knee began bothering him after his title fight with Sean Sherk, and it went further downhill in the Octagon against Frankie Edgar.

Then it basically exploded.

"I was training and it was getting better," he said. "I never hurt my knee before, so I didn't know how bad it was. Before Joe Lauzon, it was really hurting. I found out it was my ligaments, my ACL, my meniscus, and cartilage. The MRI showed me everything."

Franca recently had surgery and is two months into a seven month recovery. He can walk and teach seminars, but nothing too strenuous.

"Day by day it's getting better, thank God," he said.

In the mean time, Franca hopes to return in September, although nothing has been formally planned.

"I told Joe Silva to save me a spot on UFC 103," said Franca. "It's going to be enough time so I'm not rushing myself. I can start in July, so I have exactly four months to train. I want to try to keep it healthy."

Lauzon is also on the mend for a torn ACL and is expected to be out of action the remainder of 2009.

NBA Star Shaquille O'Neill Cross-Training in MMA

On ESPN's First Take, Jonathan Burke talks about cross-training NBA star Shaquille O'Neil in mixed martial arts.

MMA Live Turns 1 Year Old Today on ESPN.com

MMA Live, ESPN.com's mixed martial arts news show, turns one year old on Thursday. In this anniversary edition, they take a look at Toby Imada's "Submission of the Year" candidate, former MLB player Jose Canseco's upcoming MMA debut, and more.

Jason Brilz Anticipates October or November Return

Jason Brilz sounded surprised when MMAInsider called to ask if he was on deck as a fill-in for injured UFC fighters.

Light heavyweights have had a rough go in past months, with four high profile fights shuffled due to injury.

Brilz was successful, and more importantly, uninjured, in his last outing at UFC 96 in March. A two month turnaround could be do-able for a slot at UFC 98 or the "TUF 9" Finale in June.

But according to the full-time firefighter, the Octagon is far from his mind.

"I'm not much of one for summertime training," said Brilz, who spoke to MMAInsider from his firehouse near Omaha, Nebraska.

Brilz has oft stated he doesn't want to fight full time... and he really means it.

"I think I'll probably be fighting in October or November," he continued.

UFC 104 has been rumored for Memphis Tennesse, featuring the return of former UFC light heavyweight champ Rampage Jackson, who withdrew from UFC 98 due to jaw injury. UFC 105 has no rumored location, but UFC president Dana White has hinted at more international locations to come for the promotion.

Forrest Griffin on Dr. Phil May 14th

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin has plunged headlong into main event with Anderson Silva at UFC 101. The affable fighter was originally booked to face Thiago Silva, but jumped at the idea of fighting "The Spider."

"This is going to be one ridiculous match," Griffin wrote on his official blog for sports nutrition company BSN. "I need to be mentally prepared to fight this guy. The past few fights, it looks like nobody has really lived up to their potential when going up against Spider. I want to at least come in and fight up to my ability. I'm just focused on dealing with him, showing up prepared and getting an actual fight going."

To get the fight going, he'll need to have his mind and heart right, and that's where Dr. Phil comes in.

The Texan talk show host had Griffin as a guest Wednesday in an episode to air on May 14. The show's theme is unknown, but if history is any indication, don't count on Griffin getting too touchy-feely.

Griffin will also embark on a book tour next month for the soon to be released "Got Fight?" featuring his quirky ideas on life and the fight game.

Dean Amasinger's TUF 9 Week 5 Video Blog

Team U.K.'s Dean Amasinger's video blog on Episode 5 of The Ultimate Fighter 9. Yes, we know Episode 6 just aired in the U.S., but the U.K. has a different television schedule than the U.S., so Dean's blogs come in a little later than the U.S. fighters.

Round 5 Reaches Walmart in Canada

PRESS RELEASE:

Round 5 on Wednesday announced that Walmart Canada will carry the collectibles in its stores across the country beginning this month. Walmart Canada will stock the two current Series, which are comprised of eight popular MMA figures, as well as planned future Series.

"Having our figurines available at Walmart locations will significantly boost our exposure throughout the country," said Damon Lau, Round 5 President. "Walmart Canada serves more than one million customers each day, bringing great visibility to the Round 5 brand and products."

Round 5 has announced partnerships with more than 20 mixed martial arts stars to date, with eight figurines already available: Randy Couture, Matt Hughes, Quinton ‘Rampage' Jackson and Tito Ortiz (Series 1); and Rich Franklin, Sean Sherk, Anderson Silva and Wanderlei Silva (Series 2). Series 3 figurines are scheduled to be available in May, featuring Andrei "The Pit Bull" Arlovski, "Big John" McCarthy, Frank Mir and Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira.

Series 4, which is scheduled for release in time for UFC 100 in July, features an expanded line of six figures. Women's MMA pioneer Gina Carano, international superstar Fedor Emelianenko, and recent additions Dan Henderson, Cung Le, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Matt Serra are included in the Series.

Round 5 plans to release collectibles of two additional series of athletes later in 2009, one during each quarter. Canadian Jason MacDonald has signed to be part of one of those releases, while other athletes to be represented in those series are yet to be announced.

Existing Round 5 figurines are available at other retail outlets throughout North America and online at www.Round5MMA.com, and in the MMAWeekly.com Online Store.

B.J. Penn's Video Blog - 5-4-09

Find more videos like this on BJPENN.COM

B.J. Penn's latest video blog as he starts training for his next UFC lightweight title defense, against Kenny Florian at UFC 101 in Philadelphia.

Matt Serra UFC 98 Video Blog - Day 1

A day in the life of former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra as he prepares for UFC 98 and his fight against Matt Hughes.

Diego Sanchez Talks About Training for Clay Guida

Diego Sanchez talks about his preparations for Clay Guida and how he's turned his house into an extension of his training gym. (Courtesy of Inside MMA)

Toby Imada vs. Jorge Masvidal: Submission of the Year?

(Courtesy of Bellator FC.)

Ohio State ROTC Honors Fallen Hero

The Ohio State University ROTC cadets proudly sponsor the first annual Ray Mendoza Leadership 5k Run/Walk, held on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. race time.

The race begins and ends at Page Hall, 1810 College Road, Columbus, Ohio. Easy parking is available at the Union Garage.

Proceeds from the Run/Walk benefit the Major Ray Mendoza Leadership Institute initiative at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University.

Registration fees are $25 per participant until May 22 and $30 per participant on race day. The first 300 racers will be given a commemorative t-shirt and awards will be presented to the top 3 overall male and female participants as well as the top 3 male and female in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and over.

To register for the race, log on to: http://www.premierraces.com/2009Races/RayMendoza.html

The Ray Mendoza Leadership 5k Run/Walk is held in memory of Major Ray Mendoza, USMC, who was killed in the line of duty in 2005, and left behind a legacy of leadership and public service. The Major Ray Mendoza Leadership Institute initiative at the Glenn School will teach, train and graduate future leaders who are willing to similarly dedicate their lives and careers to the public good.

Can't race but want to help? Make your on-line donation by visiting this link: https://www.giveto.osu.edu/igive/onlinegiving/search_results.aspx?fundnum=480794

Jason MacDonald Gets UFC Walking Papers, Looks Forward to Opportunities

Middleweight fighter Jason MacDonald got his walking papers (well, walking email) from the UFC this past weekend. It's obviously not something that he is relishing, but, ever the optimist, he is looking for opportunities in misfortune.

"The good news is I can go out there and win a few fights and hopefully be back in the UFC before the end of 2009," said MacDonald in his blog at sportsnet.ca on Monday.

"It also opens up some other opportunities for me. It's an opportunity for me to fight in the MFC and win that middleweight belt. I also wouldn't mind fighting in Strikeforce. They're looking for someone to fight Scott Smith. And I can beat Scott Smith. I'd also like to fight in Japan. I don't know if I'd want to make a career there, but I'd like the opportunity to do that."

Despite the UFC hosting more events than at any time in the promotion's history, there are also more fighters available than at any time in the sport's history. With the overabundance of talent, there's more pressure than ever for fighters to perform, and MacDonald is quite aware of the situation.

"The UFC has been great to me and they've been great to deal with, so there are no hard feelings at all. I understand it's just the nature of the sport," he wrote. "Especially nowadays, with so many fighters, it's more important than ever to win fights.

"I do my best to put on good fights, but I put on a horrible performance against Quarry. Had I gone out there and had a three-round war with him and had it been extremely exciting, I don't think I'd be in this position."

Not Only One of the Best, Rosi Sexton is One of the Smartest Fighters

Most mixed martial arts fans, obviously, know about British fighter Rosi Sexton for her exploits in the cage. She maintains a 9-1 professional record with her only loss being to Gina Carano.

But there's a lot more to Sexton than her fists and submission abilities – she holds black belts in both jiu-jitsu and Tae Kwon Do.

Sexton also has quite the academic resume, as well. She has a maths degree from Cambridge University and a PhD in theoretical computer science from Manchester. She is also a fourth year student in osteopathy at Oxford Brookes University.

In short, there's a lot of brains to go with her brawn.

With such an interesting mix of careers in fighting and academia, Sexton recently became the subject of an interview with UnderTheMicroscope.com, a site dedicated to the women in science.

She made an insightful comment on connecting her passion for mathematics to her passion for fighting:

"I think being able to think logically and break down a problem is crucial to success in many different areas, and MMA is no different. A lot of the thinking and analysis goes on in training. MMA is probably one of the most technical sports in the world. There is so much that you have to know and understand, and then you have to work out how your strengths and weaknesses will match up against your opponent's strengths and weaknesses."

For anyone that wants to know more about the scholarly fighter, you can read the full interview with Rosi Sexton at UnderTheMiscroscope.com.

Topps Releases More UFC Card Images and Answers Questions

Topps, on its official UFC blog, on Monday released more information and images of its upcoming UFC trading card series.

Along with four new images of Ultimate Fighter 9 trading cards, Topps answered a couple of questions that fans have had about the upcoming series:

Base cards will be a mix of individual fighter and personality cards as well as "UFC Debuts" that will feature the 2 fighters (who) participated in a particular person's first foray in a UFC Octagon.

There seems to be concerns about not getting autographs from the more established fighters and only having the opportunity to get autos from the TUF 9 competitors. Let me assure you of two things. One, these TUF 9 cards are limited (Approx. 100-200 per subject) and we will also be including many of the top stars from UFC events including many current and past champions and title contenders.