K-1 World GP 2007 in Yokohama
By Zach Arnold | March 4, 2007
3/4 Kanagawa, Yokohama Arena
Claimed attendance: 9,650 paid
Results in full-page view.
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Topics: All Topics, Japan, K-1, Media, Zach Arnold | 7 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Sunday news special
By Zach Arnold | March 3, 2007
I hear that Randy Couture guy is really popular right now.
News and comments from Loretta Hunt on WOL radio (I’m using this link because it’s simpler than me typing the comments out). Here’s the audio. I wanted to highlight one point she made – the point being that she doesn’t think PRIDE will sell. Like I’ve said time and time again countlessly, usually Japanese organizations don’t sell but rather die. When Antonio Inoki sold New Japan to Yukes, that was the exception to the rule. Why? Because Yukes came out and basically admitted that they had to clean up a giant rat-infested business in NJ that they didn’t see coming when they bought the company in the first place.
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Topics: All Topics, Boxing, IFL, Media, MMA, UFC, Zach Arnold | 8 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
UFC 68: The Uprising
By Erin | March 3, 2007
Chris Lytle states that this is a “must-win†for him. I’d say its much more of a “must-win†for MattHughes. Chris Lytle losing to Hughes wouldn’t be that surprising or detrimental to his career.
UFC is claiming 19,000 in attendance. If that’s true, that’s an amazing crowd.
Mike Goldberg says that if Tim Sylvia wins tonight, “it’s time for the nay-sayers to go awayâ€. No, it’s really not. He’ll still be Bob Sapp With No Charisma, and he’ll still wear his belt to the bathroom (thanks to UFCJunkie.com for that visual, yick).
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Topics: All Topics, Erin Bucknell, MMA, UFC | 15 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
UFC 68
By Zach Arnold | March 3, 2007
Results links: Sherdog | UFC Junkie | UFC Mania | Observer | Figure 4
Consider this an open-thread for the event if you want to do PBP in the comments section or just make various show-related observations.
Here’s some fresh comedy material for you – Dana White has more words for Jerry Millen. (Link from F4WOnline.com message boards) Here’s a taste (listen to the audio first before relying on this paraphrasing):
Jerry Millen’s going to be out of a f—— job soon (cheers!) “Anyone sick of seeing that f—— homo? That’s Ferrall’s f—— gay buddy!” You get your hair frosted together? How the f— could you be friends with that clown? What f—— gay bar did you two meet at? … Tell your gay backstreet boy buddy to quit f—— calling me!
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Topics: All Topics, Media, MMA, UFC | 30 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Saturday news splash
By Zach Arnold | March 3, 2007
- Gryphon: Akira Maeda – married man
- The News Herald (Ohio): Putting a Dent in Ultimate competition (article about Jason Dent)
- The Los Angeles Times: UFC 68 title fight is pumping ire
- SLAM! Sports: Randy Couture would like to see UFC and PRIDE unite
- The Canadian Press (via CBC Sports): Jason MacDonald steps up in class against Rich Franklin
- The Houston Chronicle: Columbus event begins busy five-show stretch for UFC
- The Washington Post: Taut Couture – at 43, champ returns for more
- AOL Sports Blog: UFC champion Chuck Liddell in bad shape on TV
- Doghouse Boxing: Jens “Lil Evil” Pulver update
Topics: All Topics, Japan, Media, MMA, UFC, Zach Arnold | 15 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Source: Ed Fishman taking legal action against PRIDE
By Zach Arnold | March 2, 2007
By Zach Arnold
On Friday morning, Sherdog.com writer Josh Gross wrote the following in a new article:
The latest I hear is that Fishman is ramping up to sue Sakakibara and PRIDE in the event they default on the agreement that put Fishman in place as PRIDE USA prez … yikes.
Well, here are some additional details on the situation between PRIDE & Ed Fishman from a source close to the situation:
- A falling out between Fishman & PRIDE supposedly took place on Tuesday morning, in which Fishman told PRIDE that any further contact with him should be done directly through his attorneys.
- The fallout is rumoredly in regards to payment to Fishman as PRIDE USA President (in other words, a pending breach of contract). The contract between Fishman and PRIDE is allegedly a five-year contract. If PRIDE defaults on the contract with Fishman, he will go to court and sue for damages — along with trying to obtain the assets of PRIDE.
- Fishman was interested in buying PRIDE to the point that he supposedly would have kept both the Japanese and American offices opened, with business running as usual (w/ additional offices added). DSE management was not interested.
With the legal process now underway, it is extremely doubtful — in my opinion — that PRIDE will run a show in America again with Fishman still under contract to them. There are a lot of details regarding the legal dispute between the two parties that may surface publicly relatively soon. The legal matter is very complicated and not a black/white case.
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Topics: All Topics, Media, MMA, PRIDE, Zach Arnold | 10 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Friday news flash
By Zach Arnold | March 1, 2007
On the NSAC Agenda List for 3/5 (Monday), the following is listed: Randy Couture is applying for an MMA license and Dana White is applying for a pro-boxing license. Also, Zuffa LLC is applying for a permit for a boxing match (between Dana White & Tito Ortiz) for March 24th at the UFC Training Center in Las Vegas.
Video of the UFC 68 weigh-ins.
There is more fallout on the troubles regarding Nippon Sports, the parent publisher of Weekly Gong and Gong Kakutougi magazines.
Publicly, the company is denying reports that they are closing ship. (More on this here.)
Privately, however, I have been told that several writers may get together to start their own publication if Gong falls apart. A lot of the old guard for fight writers are now covering multiple sports (including baseball) in order to maintain the current income they have been accustomed to generating.
For anyone who has been a long-time follower of my past articles on PRIDE, none of the content in this article should surprise you one bit.
Onto today’s headlines.
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Topics: All Topics, Boxing, Japan, K-1, Media, MMA, UFC, Zach Arnold | 17 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Thursday media notes
By Zach Arnold | March 1, 2007
This is an interview Dana White did with Fox News for their Fight Game video news series.
Inside the UFC placed on hiatus by Spike TV.
Onto today’s headlines.
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Topics: All Topics, HERO's, Japan, Media, MMA, UFC, Zach Arnold | 30 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
UFC 68 – Quick Analysis
By Stephan | March 1, 2007
Well UFC 68 is upon us and along comes my “fan” review, I have a busy work scedule this week so that I can leave Friday morning, as I will actually be attending UFC 68 (it is not too far from me). So this is a quick analysis, pretty much from the top of my head. So, I am looking forward to the event, but I am not actually too thrilled about the actual fight card. I have been calling this card the “Redneck showdown” for awhile now. Ok, there are two darker guys on the undercard but thats it and not much international representation: Babalu (Brazil), Jason MacDonald (Canada). This is especially evident after the varied iternational card we had last week with Pride where we had fighters from Russia, Holland, Japan, Brazil, Norway…etc (no I dont want to start a UFC vs Pride debate).
In the interest of time, here is my take on the bouts that interest me the most:
Rex “Big Dog” Holman vs Matt “The Hammer” Hamill
I dont know much about Rex Holman, except that he is also an NCAA wrestling sensation (as Matt Hamill also is). This is also the battle of the local boys. Holman went to Ohio State and hails from Columbus, while Matt is from Cincinnati. This could be an interesting matchup. We know Matt does not seem to have the strongest chin and tends to swing wildly, so if Rex is any good standing up, he may want to exploit that against Matt. This is one is a pick-em fight I think, with maybe a slight edge to Hamill for being familiar with him.
Renato “Babalu” Sobral vs Jason “The Punisher” Lambert
Although Babalu screwed up last summer by chasing Chuck, I really like this fighter. Well rounded and especially dangerous on the ground. Jason Lambert may have a lot of experience, but frankly he has not faced the same level of opponents that Babalu has. This is probably a must win for both fighters. Lambert lost recently to Rashad. In the end, this should be a good fight, with Babalu getting a fairly easy win.
Rich “Ace” Franklin vs Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald
As much as I like Jason for saying “I’m not anybody’s stepping stone” and actually upsetting two favorites (Ed Herman and Chris Leben). His string of upsets should come to an abrupt end here, probably not as bad to what happened to Nate Quarry, but I dont give him much of a chance. What I see most likely to happen is that Jason will get tripped to the ground where he will try to submit Rich with some BJJ, but Rich will show why he is such a great GNPer. Rich by GNP.
Matt Hughes vs Chris “Lights Out” Lytle
Make no mistake, Matt Hughes will be totally prepared this time, Matt has conceded that he really didnt have a game plan against GSP, he also admitted that his gloves are not his forte. Look for a return to a strong performance, and probably a return to his slams and a win by solid GNP once on top. Lytle also conceded that he has been having a hard time getting up for this fight after losing in the TUF finale against Lutter (correction Serra!). He actually has a chance if he can keep it standing up, after all he is not called “Lights out” for nothing. If you want to pick an upset, this could be it (anything can happen as we’ve seen last weekend). In the end tho, Matt should take this one by GNP.
Main event
Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia vs Randy “the Natural” Couture
This is the main event, and I will be cheering for Randy big time, but I frankly dont think hes got much of a chance here. Randy had left the Heavyweight division because he was getting manhandled badly by Josh Barnett and Ricco Rodrigez, yes different times and different fighters. Tim, although not really showing it lately, has really good standup (hands and legs). He again will not be using the legs much as he doesnt want to give Randy something to grab on. The question will be whether Randy can take Tim down. Tim also has very good takedown defense. The other way that Randy may be able to take Tim down is from the clinch, but that means getting through Tims hands.
In the end I see Tim knocking Randy down, I dont like it as Randy will now be remembered for being chased out of the Heavyweight division twice, and out of the Light-Heavyweight division as well.
Topics: All Topics, MMA, Stephan Marceau | 12 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Wednesday workweek notes
By Zach Arnold | February 28, 2007
The story of the day comes from Japan, with an announcement that Gong Magazine (both the wrestling and MMA editions) will likely discontinue after March. Now the question is whether or not they will keep their mobile news service wire going.
Also, a report on Sherdog that the PRIDE 33 event drew 8,334 paid and 4,577 freebies for a total of 13,180 fans in the seats. That means around 63% paid, 37% comped.
Evander Holyfield named in online media reports as part of the recent raid on a online pharmacist that sold steroids and HGH.
Onto today’s headlines.
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Topics: All Topics, Boxing, Japan, Media, MMA, PRIDE, UFC, Zach Arnold | 29 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Tuesday tough talk
By Zach Arnold | February 26, 2007
- MMA Weekly: Pennsylvia state athletic commission preparing to regulate MMA in its state
- Sherdog: Greg Savage has unkind words for Jerry Millen
- IFL HP: Dear Don – advice from “The Predator”
- The Canadian Press (via CBC Sports): The Iceman (Liddell) ready to get back to training, looks forward to Sylvia-Couture
- Vegas Pop: Star PRIDE (celebrities show up for PRIDE 33)
- Mad Squabbles: Judging PRIDE 33 (a good article)
- Egotastic: Pretty soon, Jenna Jameson will be all breasts and no face
- MMA California: Murilo Ninja seminar in Los Angeles today
- The Cumberland News (UK): Fight fans in ticket rush for Workington War
- Salt Lake Tribune: More on the athletic commission fall-out in Utah that could affect MMA negatively
- The Cleveland Plain Dealer: MMA knocks out boxing
- UFC Mania: Bruce Buffer, poker pro
- Ground and Pound: Paul “Semtex” Daley interview (he’s going to Elite XC)
- The Canadian Press (via The Ottawa Citizen): From comedy to MMA, welcome to the world of Joe Rogan
- Fox Sports: American stars shine at PRIDE 33
- The Washington Times: In reality, Rulon Gardner’s good TV (the writer rips on Gardner for fighting Hidehiko Yoshida in MMA)
- The Canadian Press: Liddell-Silva match-up no longer on the cards, UFC rues lost opportunity (Dana White shreds PRIDE apart over their booking of Silva)
- The Boston Herald: Chuck Liddell is open for anything (including a run in the UFC Heavyweight division)
- Ivan Trembow: PRIDE 33 fight salaries (if Silva is fighting for only $150,000 USD…)
- UFC HP: Tim Sylvia, Randy Couture ready for historic battle Saturday
- NBC Sports: Dana White wants to sign Emelianenko Fedor
Topics: All Topics, IFL, Media, MMA, PRIDE, UFC, Zach Arnold | 88 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
PRIDE 33 Injury Report
By Zach Arnold | February 26, 2007
By Zach Arnold
If there is one positive for hardcore PRIDE fans about the Nevada State Athletic Commission, it’s the fact that they do some thorough medical analysis of fighters for safety precautions. And looking at the list of medical suspensions, there are plenty of implications that could effect PRIDE’s future matchmaking. Now that PRIDE is running in Nevada on a consistent basis, they have to play by the NSAC rules. This will unquestionably effect their matchmaking ability in Japan.
- Vanderlei Silva suspended until 4/11. This means he won’t work the 4/8 Saitama Super Arena event.
- Dan Henderson suspended minimum until 4/11 or when his fractured right hand heals. So a re-match with him and Silva is remotely possible for 4/28 in Las Vegas, but doubtful.
- Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is medically suspended until 4/11, meaning any prospect of a re-match in Japan on 4/8 in Saitama against Sokoudjou is out the window.
- All the discussion about Takanori Gomi vs. Nick Diaz happening on 4/8 in Saitama for the Lightweight title is gone now that Gomi has been suspended until 4/11. Additionally, Diaz has a fractured right orbital bone (eye) and likely won’t be able to fight until at least May. Elite XC has a show in Atlantic City, NJ on 5/5 and PRIDE has a Lightweight tournament show on 5/20 in Japan. The only possibility of Gomi vs. Diaz in the near future is on 5/20 in a non-title match.
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Topics: All Topics, Media, MMA, PRIDE, Zach Arnold | 10 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Monday morning media quarterback
By Zach Arnold | February 25, 2007
Today’s top story obviously is Rulon Gardner and two others surviving a small plane crash. More details here.
Bloomberg news reports that the Fertitta Brothers have been successful in making a bid to take Stations Casino private (it was a publicly traded company).
The majority of Japanese fight fans did not see PRIDE 33 on TV. Some were lucky enough to watch it on SkyPerfecTV PPV on the dish, but most didn’t. A large chunk of Japan’s fight fans will read about an event that took place in a foreign land. Therefore, whatever storylines the media tells them to focus on is what they will focus on.
I took a lot of heat for my Fight Opinion Weekly article on what I termed disastrous fight results at PRIDE 33. I wrote the article with the Japanese marketplace in mind, not the American marketplace. Japan is where PRIDE still has to make their bread and butter, after all. Most of the reaction from non-Japanese fans to the article was in disagreement.
Take a look at how the broadsheets in Japan covered PRIDE 33 and compare it to what I wrote about in my Sunday article.
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Topics: All Topics, Japan, K-1, Media, MMA, PRIDE, UFC, Yakuza, Zach Arnold | 32 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |