Marc Ratner, Vice President of UFC Regulatory Affairs, is hard at work preparing for UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland on Jan. 17. It's the UFC's second appearance on Irish soil. In the show's main event, Dan Henderson is scheduled to face Rich Franklin at light heavyweight.
Because the Irish government does not recognize MMA as a sport, Ratner will oversee many logistical duties normally done by an athletic commission, including hiring of referees, ringside officials, and drug testing.
"As if it would be in the state of Nevada," Ratner tells MMAInsider.
Ratner is still working on forming a commission that oversees MMA in the United Kingdom. Up until now, the British Boxing Board of Control, which once oversaw boxing in Ireland, has not been open to MMA. However, Ratner says there have been changes in the Board's executive staff, and some of the new members may be amenable to incorporating the sport.
"We're working with them, hoping that will happen," says Ratner. "The British Boxing Board of Control can be the overall entity that's in charge, but they need some kind of MMA division. That's what we're working on."
Stateside, South Carolina and Wisconsin are two targets on his to-do list. The New York legislature reconvenes in mid-January, and the UFC's strategy groups and lobbying firms are laying the groundwork for the passage of bill 1-11458-A, which would regulate MMA in the Empire State. "We feel very confident that the sport of MMA will be approved in New York this session," Ratner says. He was unclear on the timetable for Massachusetts, though a July 2008 bill to regulate the sport was passed on.
"Everywhere there's an athletic commission, we want the sport of MMA approved. So we're out there working," he said.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Did Dollaway tap?
C.B. Dollaway defeated Mike Massenzio at UFC 92 by TKO, but was stunned on his feet and found himself in a guillotine choke early in the fight that some thought he tapped out to. The video is inconclusive and so was Dollaway when asked about the alleged tap."I don't really remember that part of the fight," said the Arizona Combat Sports trained fighter. "Apparently I got hit with a big shot. I remember taking him down and I kind of came to when I was in the guillotine. I just popped my head out. I don't remember tapping."
In the end, it doesn't really matter much. There wasn't enough of a tap for the referee to notice and stop the fight. Meanwhile, Dollaway was able to gain mount and drop down enough blows for the fight to be stopped, earning him the TKO win.
Pre-Sengoku 7 Video with Antonio Silva and JZ Calvancante
Antonio Silva and teammate/translator JZ Calvancante talk about Sengoku 7.
(Video courtesy of Marcus Mera and iGuillotine.com)
(Video courtesy of Marcus Mera and iGuillotine.com)
Pre-Sengoku 7 Video with Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal
Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal talks about his preparations with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira for Sengoku 7, and discusses Nog's loss to Frank Mir at UFC 92.
(Video courtesy of Marcus Mera and iGuillotine.com)
Pre-Sengoku 7 Video with JZ Calvancante
JZ Calvancante talks about readying his teammates for Sengoku 7, but also about the last minute cancellation of his Dynamite!! 2008 with Dream Lightweight Grand Prix Champion Joachim Hansen.
(Video courtesy of Marcus Mera and iGuillotine.com)
Friday, January 2, 2009
Look Out UFC, Here Comes XARM... Seriously?
Art Davie was one of the creators of the Ultimate Fighting Championship at its birth as a pay-per-view spectacle, well before it morphed into the more organized sport that we follow today.
Another UFC founder, Bob Meyerwitz, foundered in 2008 when he tried to modify MMA with his YAMMA Pit Fighting promotion. At least he was in the same realm. Davie takes it to a whole other arena as he tries to morph MMA with - of all things - arm wrestling.
According to a press release on Friday:
XARM is the next generation in combat sports, combing mixed martial arts with hardcore arm wrestling. It's three minutes of raw, uncensored action, and it's unlike anything you've ever seen.
The way to win in XARM is to stop your opponent with blows or make him submit. Arm pins are treated like a knockdown in boxing in that the recipient loses points. So, the essence of XARM as a sport is to attack without being tagged or submitted.
No, this is not a joke. Or, if it is, it is quite elaborate. Watch the video for yourself:
Another UFC founder, Bob Meyerwitz, foundered in 2008 when he tried to modify MMA with his YAMMA Pit Fighting promotion. At least he was in the same realm. Davie takes it to a whole other arena as he tries to morph MMA with - of all things - arm wrestling.
According to a press release on Friday:
XARM is the next generation in combat sports, combing mixed martial arts with hardcore arm wrestling. It's three minutes of raw, uncensored action, and it's unlike anything you've ever seen.
The way to win in XARM is to stop your opponent with blows or make him submit. Arm pins are treated like a knockdown in boxing in that the recipient loses points. So, the essence of XARM as a sport is to attack without being tagged or submitted.
No, this is not a joke. Or, if it is, it is quite elaborate. Watch the video for yourself:
Greg Jackson Reflects on Team Turnaround
Greg Jackson's camp, Jackson's MMA, is riding high after a stellar showing in 2008. Two champions now reside there, welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and new light heavyweight champion Keith Jardine, and standouts Keith Jardine, Nate Marquardt, Leonard Garcia, and Donald Cerrone are all coming off victories.
In mid-2007, things looked bleak. Jardine was knocked out by Houston Alexander. Evans drew with Tito Ortiz, and Nate Marquardt was stopped by Anderson Silva at UFC 73. For a stretch, it looked like Jackson had lost his touch.
"We were just making mistakes," Jackson told MMAInsider. "We were winning, winning, winning--I think we still have one of the best records, I forget exactly--and I was overtraining people. I'm pushing a little too hard. So we had a summer where everybody just lost. We didn't lose like 100 fights. I know our younger guys were winning, but stuff was going wrong there."
Jackson says the turnaround came after a session of good old fashioned brainstorming.
"I had to be a little introspective, and try to figure out with the help of my other coaches what we were doing, and I think we just solved the problem," he continued.
Now that the team is successful again, Jackson says there's no guarantee the team will continue to win. Since enduring the first slump, he's taking a Zen attitude about the future.
"It's just been our night a couple times," he said. "That might reverse again. But if it does, I know that I can look inside and say, 'what do we need to do to get better?' And just constantly try to grow and be reflective. As long as I can do that, I think we'll be ok."
In mid-2007, things looked bleak. Jardine was knocked out by Houston Alexander. Evans drew with Tito Ortiz, and Nate Marquardt was stopped by Anderson Silva at UFC 73. For a stretch, it looked like Jackson had lost his touch.
"We were just making mistakes," Jackson told MMAInsider. "We were winning, winning, winning--I think we still have one of the best records, I forget exactly--and I was overtraining people. I'm pushing a little too hard. So we had a summer where everybody just lost. We didn't lose like 100 fights. I know our younger guys were winning, but stuff was going wrong there."
Jackson says the turnaround came after a session of good old fashioned brainstorming.
"I had to be a little introspective, and try to figure out with the help of my other coaches what we were doing, and I think we just solved the problem," he continued.
Now that the team is successful again, Jackson says there's no guarantee the team will continue to win. Since enduring the first slump, he's taking a Zen attitude about the future.
"It's just been our night a couple times," he said. "That might reverse again. But if it does, I know that I can look inside and say, 'what do we need to do to get better?' And just constantly try to grow and be reflective. As long as I can do that, I think we'll be ok."
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Alberto Crane Opens New Gym in So-Cal on Jan. 10
Legacy Mixed Martial Arts ("Legacy") will offer classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu , Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts. Legacy is targeted to individuals who want to learn and train in a safe environment, while learning cutting-edge martial arts methods and techniques from World Class teachers and staff.Alberto Crane, UFC veteran, former King of the Cage Champion and World Jiu-Jitsu Champion, has been teaching for over 10 years and has produced many champions including World Jiu-Jitsu/Grappling Champions and MMA Champions. Alberto has competed at the highest levels in combat sports across the globe. Alberto has competed in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Brazil, ADCC, King of the Cage and20the UFC. He is a 2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt and a BJJ Black Belt World Champion, winning of over 70 grappling tournaments and holding a 10-3 Mixed Martial Arts Record. Alberto is trained for his mixed martial arts career locally by World Class Muay Thai coach Walter "Sleeper" Michalowski (Sitydtong LA) and by famed boxing coach Justin Fortune (Fortune Gym). Alberto's m ission is to bring out the full potential in each of his Legacy students.
Romulo Barral is considered to be one of the top Grappling Competitors in the World. Romulo was voted by Tatame magazine as the #1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in the World for 2007. He is a 2-time Brazilian Cup Champion, 4-time Brazilian Champion, 2-time World Cup Champion, 5-time Pan American Champion and a 5-time World Champion. Romulo recent ly moved to Los Angeles to further his mixed martial arts career and plans on leading and making a difference in the lives of Legacy students through his example of focused respect and discipline.
Legacy Mixed Martial Arts looks forward to contributing to the Los Angeles community by helping people perform at their best not only on the mat and in the cage, but also in life. Legacy will soon be announcing weekly classes it will be holding for selected under-privileged youth from the local community.
LEGACY MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
17263 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316
www.LegacyMixedMartialArts.com
818.588.1911
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Rashad Forgets "Nipple tweak" at UFC 92
Every time you see a Greg Jackson trained fighter enter the Octagon, you can expect to see them tweak their nipples before entering combat. It's become a tradition, and since it's inception, it has yielded strong results for Jackson's fighters in the UFC.Heading into UFC 92, Rashad Evans prepared for the biggest fight of his career taking on Forrest Griffin for the UFC light heavyweight title. But as Bruce Buffer introduced the fighters, Evans forgot to perform the ritual.
According to a superstitious teammate, that's why Evans lost the first two rounds against Griffin. "I didn't do the nipple tweak," said the UFC light heavyweight titleholder. "Jardine pointed it out. He said, 'Know what? I think that's maybe why you started off slow, man. You didn't get the nipple tweak in.'
"That's exactly what I get," added Evans. "I realized after the fight started that I didn't do the nipple tweak. I was like, man, what's going on? I lost my mojo."
Shinya Aoki Becomes First-Ever WAMMA Lightweight Champion
While the New Year has yet to arrive in North America, New Year's celebrations have already begun in other regions of the world. In Japan, the New Year has already been ushered in with its annual tradition of promoting major combat sporting events.With FEG holding a massive 17-bout show combining fighters from its K-1 kickboxing and DREAM mixed martial arts rosters, the promotion held one of the biggest shows ever with their presentation of "Dynamite!!" at the Saitama Super Arena.
"Dynamite!!" featured the crowning of the second-ever undisputed champion in World Alliance Mixed Martial Arts (WAMMA) history with Shinya Aoki defeating Eddie Alvarez via heel hook submission at 1:32 of round 1. In the process, Aoki became the first-ever WAMMA lightweight champion.
12 UFC 92 Fighters Drug Tested, Final Gate Numbers Released
The Nevada State Athletic Commission on Thursday announced that 12 of the fighters from last Saturday's UFC 92 card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena had been tested for performance enhancers and drugs of abuse. Test results for performance enhancers would likely be released early next week, while results for drugs of abuse could take up to a week longer.
According to NSAC executive director Keith Kizer, the fighters included Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Frank Mir, Brad Blackburn, Matt Hamill, Antoni Hardonk, Yushin Okami, Cheik Kongo, Quinton Jackson, C.B. Dolloway and Pat Barry.
Kizer also released final gate and revenue numbers for the event. The live gate numbers were in line with UFC president Dana White's post-fight quote, with $3,468,440 generated from 9,701 tickets sold. 4,465 tickets were issued as "comps," while 657 remained unsold.
According to NSAC executive director Keith Kizer, the fighters included Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Frank Mir, Brad Blackburn, Matt Hamill, Antoni Hardonk, Yushin Okami, Cheik Kongo, Quinton Jackson, C.B. Dolloway and Pat Barry.
Kizer also released final gate and revenue numbers for the event. The live gate numbers were in line with UFC president Dana White's post-fight quote, with $3,468,440 generated from 9,701 tickets sold. 4,465 tickets were issued as "comps," while 657 remained unsold.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
DYNAMITE!! 2008 Pre-Event Photos
Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Kiyoshi Tamura
Gesias "JZ" Calvancante vs. Joachim Hansen
Eddie Alvarez vs. Shinya Aoki
Hong Man Choi vs. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic
Mighty Mo vs. Semmy Schilt
Akihito "Kinnikuman" Tanaka vs. Bob Sapp(Photos courtesy of Marcus Mera of iGuillotine.com)
FOX News Fight Game at UFC 92
FOX News Fight Game's Mike Straka talks with Dana White, Randy Couture, Brock Lesnar, Kim Couture, and more about UFC 92 at the event.
VIDEO: BJPenn.com Show 5
Episode 5 (five parts) of the BJPenn.com Show...
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Silva vs. Liddell 2?
There's been a lot of talk about what Wanderlei Silva does next after his brutal knockout at the hands of Quinton Jackson at UFC 92 on Saturday. With such a finish, all memories of Jackson's two losses to the former Pride middleweight champ were swept under the rug.Silva has fought all but a few names in the upper echelon of light heavyweight talent. A few possibilities exist: if Jackson gets the next shot at new champion Rashad Evans, Silva could face the winner of Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva at UFC 94. He could fight training partner Forrest Griffin, a bout for which he has already said "is no problem." A scrap with Rich Franklin could do big numbers. And, lest we forget, Tito Ortiz looms at the fringes (until we actually see Tito's next contract, all bets are off).
At the post fight presser for UFC 92, UFC president Dana White said Silva is still very much employable.
"If Wanderlei wants to fight again, people want to see him," White said.
Almost under his breath, the outspoken president threw Silva's old foe, former champ Chuck Liddell, into the hat.
"Wanderlei’s a tough guy," he said. "Obviously, he’s had a rough road the last couple of years. There’s interesting fights for him too. Maybe we do him and Liddell again."
Silva's first fight with Liddell was a legitimate slugfest and fight of the year candidate in 2007. Both fighters have been tarnished with big knockout losses, and are in need of redemption. Despite taking a three-round beating, Silva managed to drop Liddell once in the second round, a round he arguably won. The question is...what does Wanderlei want to do?
"As fighters, these guys have to decide what they want to do, where they want to go from here," White commented.
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