Shelby Walker found dead
By Zach Arnold | September 24, 2006
Female boxer & MMA fighter Shelby Walker (information on her can be found here, here, here, and here) was found dead due to a suspected overdose of pain medication.
Topics: All Topics, Boxing, Media, MMA, Zach Arnold | 4 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Kurt Angle heads to TNA
By Zach Arnold | September 24, 2006
Story information here. My first reaction — with Angle on TNA and Spike TV backing both TNA & UFC, the chances of Angle appearing in UFC (if he goes the MMA-and-wrestling combo route) just increased significantly. Unless, of course (as Dave Ditch pointed out to me), both Angle and TNA used UFC as nothing more than a decoy to fool both the Internet fans and WWE. If that’s the case, UFC sure is being taken advantage of by a lot of people these days.
Topics: All Topics, Media, Pro-Wrestling, TNA, UFC, Zach Arnold | 4 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Renzo beats Miletich in the IFL
By Zach Arnold | September 24, 2006
9/23 Moline, Illinois event results here. In-depth report here.
A live event report from the show. Maybe the IFL can sign Yves Edwards soon.
I couldn’t find any mainstream media/newspaper coverage coming out of the show.
Update: I just watched the first of the Portland-taped IFL shows on FSN. This show featured Bas Rutten’s Anacondas vs. the Tokyo Sabres. Talk about a one-sided affair. There were some amazingly quick finishes to the fights (outside of the opener, which went the distance). Overall, the production values on the show were a little bit better. Kenny Rice & Stephen Quadros did a commendable job. Strangely, they did not put over the Matt Lindland vs. Jeremy Horn fight until the very end of the show in a quick teaser. Besides the fact that the IFL show was not heavily advertised (I only found out about it online), running against American football did not help matters. The show overall was entertaining (and the Portland crowd definitely was excellent for heat), but very surprising that the IFL didn’t spend time really putting over Matt Lindland being on TV as a bigger deal.
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: All Topics, IFL, Media, MMA, Zach Arnold | No Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
UFC 63: Hughes vs. Penn
By Erin | September 23, 2006
Quick event results recap here.
Hmm, Penn certainly seems excessively confident. I really hope he’s been training hard and not just relying on his former win. Cause, that? Not such a good plan. Especially after his performance against GSP.
Jens has been accused of having a style designed to “not lose”? Umm, sounds like a decent strategy to me. Or is that your nice way of saying that Jens was safe in the boring way, Rogan?
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: All Topics, Erin Bucknell, MMA, UFC | 11 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Japanese arrest happening soon?
By Zach Arnold | September 23, 2006
Apparently, the last editions of Weekly Fight are going out with a bang. Over at NHB News, they’re talking about a claim in WF that someone associated (how tight or loose the association is not said) around the Japanese MMA industry is about to get arrested soon.
The question is whom it will be.
Update: Gryphon has more details about this rumor.
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: All Topics, Japan, Media, MMA, Zach Arnold | 2 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Dana White vs. Jerry Millen
By Zach Arnold | September 22, 2006
By Zach Arnold
If the name Jerry Millen doesn’t sound familiar to you, then here’s a brief description of him. He’s based out of Detroit, made his name in television production, has done some stints in Hollywood, and does all of PRIDE’s American video editing.
With this in mind, here’s quite a news item (from WO):
There was an unannounced and impromptu UFC vs. Pride showdown last night on the Scott Ferrall show on Sirius Satellite radio Ch. 101. I didn’t hear it, but Jerry Millen, who is the producer of the Pride shows, was guest. He’s the guy whose voice you hear when they translate the fighters who can’t talk English like Fedor or Wanderlei Silva in the interviews. He was running down UFC for a while. I guess Dana White heard about it and called up. They want at it. Millen accused White of being afraid of putting on Wanderlei Silva vs. Chuck Liddell. White brought up Silva lost to Vitor Belfort and Tito Ortiz and Millen said that was ten years ago (well, seven and eight to be exact). Lots of swearing. Millen kept talking about how much bigger Pride was world wide, and White said that Pride was going out of business.
It sure sounds like Dana is paying close attention to PRIDE these days. Dana’s pretty blunt about his feelings.
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: All Topics, Media, MMA, PRIDE, UFC, Zach Arnold | 17 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
MMA media circus
By Zach Arnold | September 21, 2006
- Los Angles Times – Altering the Perception (about UFC 63)
- Fox Sports – Hughes-Penn rematch two years in the making and UFC 63 predictions
- Canadian Press (via CBC Sports) – Hawaii meets country as BJ Penn tackles UFC champion Matt Hughes and The Fight Network attempts to expand into the American marketplace
- Kurt Angle quits wrestling, moves to MMA – RealFighterMag.com statement, Jim Ross reacts to Angle’s departure to MMA, and Kurt Angle’s manager’s statement on Angle’s future career in MMA.
- Las Vegas Review Journal: Penn won’t be content with Welterweight title
- St. Paul Pioneer Press: Brock Lesnar comments on MMA training
- Long Beach Press-Telegram: Penn gets second shot at crown
- Long Beach Press-Telegram: Coverage of UFC 63 press conference
Topics: All Topics, Canada, Media, MMA, UFC, Zach Arnold | No Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
The Ultimate Fighter Season 4, Episode 6
By Erin | September 21, 2006
Team MoJo is having fun knowing that they get to pick the next fight. McCarthy is upset that Mikey lost his fight. The guys then dumb him Captain Miserable for his pessimistic outlook on life.
McCarthy gets annoyed that someone wrote that he needs a personality and goes on a bit of a quest to find out who it was. Shonie confesses that it was him, and Drago is less than pleased that McCarthy thought it was him. Am I the only getting a total Days of Our lives vibe? I’m almost waiting for someone’s long lost evil twin to show up.
Jorge is doubly stressed as not only does he not know who he’s gonna fight, but his wife is also about to have a kid. Randy comes in with the well timed announcement that Jorge is in fact a dad. He also brought the Amp’d mobile phone so Jorge could see pics of his daughter.
Rich Franklin shows up for a week’s worth of coaching. Drago lets everyone know that he’ll be fighting McCarthy. Interestingly enough, it’s pointed out that Franklin will be fighting the winner of the Middle Weight division in the future.
I know the outfit that McCarthy was training in is just a funny looking sweat suit, but I swear it looks like a giant trash bag with arms and legs.
Recap of McCarthy’s UFC fight against Loiseau, which had he awesome spinning back kick, leaping knee combo that Loiseau finished the fight with.
Heh, rather amusing Xyience commercial featuring Loiseau rambling in French and none of the other fighters having a clue what he’s saying.
Recap of Sell’s UFC fights including his win against Phil Baroni and his loss to Nate Quarry. Dana describes the ending as very weird, I call that an understatement.
Wow 7:31 and the fight is starting already. Survey says this will be going a while.
Sell is only 23? Yup there’s my sense of my being completely unaccomplished again.
Rd 1: Sell gets a sweep and McCarthy starts working for a leg. Sell wiggles out and gets McCarthy’s back for bit. They are kinda in a position where Sell is more or less sitting on McCarthy’s shins. Sell works over to side guard and drops some short elbows. McCarthy manages to get standing again only to be not so successful in an attempt to takedown Sell. They end tangled up pretzel like with Sell on top and getting some head and body shots in until the end of the round.
Rd 2: McCarthy goes in for a takedown early and Sell snaps on a guillotine. McCarthy manages to slip out and gets half guard. McCarthy starts to work Sell’s arm and we’re kind stuck in slow motion for a few minutes. Sell finally starts working his way out and ends up with McCarthy across his midsection. Round ends.
Fight goes to a third round.
Rd 3: All stand up to begin until McCarthy goes in for a clinch and they end up on the ground with Sell in McCarty’s half guard. Sell is bleeding a bit from his head. Sell moves to full mount and the five year old in me giggles as Serra yells out “your hips are glued to his!!â€. Sell works his way to McCarthy’s back. McCarthy moves around and they end up half way pretzeled again. McCarthy goes for an arm and Sell sits on him until the end of the round.
Ok, look guys, its pronounced Ghee-A-Teen, not Gill-A-Teen. It’s French ok?
*Sigh, I’m a dork. Thanks to Zach for pointing out that I completely skipped the win. Sell wins by unanimous decision*Â
On the next episode Captain Miserable makes his presence know and we finally get to see Serra fight.
Topics: Erin Bucknell, MMA, UFC | 1 Comment » | Permalink | Trackback |
Fight Opinion Radio: Episode 25 (Interview with Brian Ebersole)
By Zach Arnold | September 21, 2006
Despite having a slow news week for MMA content, Fight Opinion Radio is back with another interesting show that we anticipate you will enjoy listening to. This week, our feature guest is fighter Brian Ebersole, who recently gained attention for being accused by the California State Athletic Commission for fixing a fight with perennial MMA jobber Shannon Ritch. In this exclusive interview, hear Brian’s thoughts on being suspended, how it’s impacting his IFL career, what his game plan is for dealing with the CSAC, and what his future plans are.
Also on this week’s show, we highlight some of the other major stories in MMA (Kurt Angle training for future MMA fights, the BoDog-Strikeforce alliance, and Phil Baroni maybe not working the PRIDE 10/21 Las Vegas show). In addition, we break down the PRIDE LV card and whether or not it’s a good card for business. Plus, Jeff Thaler talks about the war of words between the New Jersey State Athletic Commission and UFC (along with other fighter-related topics).
The 25th edition of Fight Opinion Radio is now online and available to download. Here are your options for listening to the show:
Broadband (MP3) | Dial-up/Streaming
More information on listening to this show (if you click the full-post view).
We definitely are interested in new sponsors. We are also interested in getting audio clips from each of you (and here are more details on how you can contribute).
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: All Topics, Erin Bucknell, Fight Opinion Radio, Jeff Thaler, Luke Nicholson, Media, MMA, podcasts, PRIDE, UFC, Zach Arnold | 3 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
PRIDE Bushido 11/5 Yokohama event
By Zach Arnold | September 20, 2006
The promotion announced Kazuo Misaki vs. Paulo Filho and Denis Kang vs. Akihiro Gono for their Welterweight tournament show on November 5th at Yokohama Arena.
Topics: All Topics, Japan, MMA, PRIDE, Zach Arnold | 2 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Kurt Angle indicates MMA is in his future
By Zach Arnold | September 20, 2006
By Zach Arnold
If you’ve been a regular reader of this site, you have read our reports (here and here) about the chances of Kurt Angle working in MMA. All signs point to Japan, the country with promoters who can offer the most money (and a country with no commission).
Today, Angle released a statement through his manager that he’s training for MMA competition. No wonder Jim Ross and others in WWE are scared to death of Angle attempting to do this.
Continue reading this article here…
Topics: All Topics, Media, MMA, PRIDE, Pro-Wrestling, Zach Arnold | 1 Comment » | Permalink | Trackback |
UFC 63: Analysis and predictions
By Stephan | September 20, 2006
Well UFC 63 is upon us this coming weekend. And as usual here is my fan review of the proposed matchups. This looks to be a very exciting card with a lot of fireworks in store (on paper anyways). Okay, here we go:
Preliminary Fights
Roger Huerta vs Jason Dent (LW)
Jason Dent replaces another Jason (Reinhardt) that was slated to fight Huerta because of a neck injury. Both fighters may be making their UFC debut, but both have much experience as fighters. This a striker vs a submission artist, as Dent has 9 wins by submission. Not knowing much more than that, I will give the edge to the striker here: Huerta by TKO.
Mario Neto vs Eddie Sanchez (HW)
Eddie is a late replacement for Gabriel Gonzaga (I didnt found out why he needed to withdraw). Neto has fought many top rated fighters. In his early career (10 years ago), he lost a decision to Dan Severn, he also lost by punches/submission to Randleman, but has wins all by submissions over Gary Goodridge by submission (I never got the hype about Gary), Travis Fulton and Seth Petruzelli. Eddie Sanchez is making is debut at the UFC, he himself says that he has a strong JiuJitsu, but also loves to hit. I smell an upset in the making here: Sanchez by submission.
Danny Abbadi vs. Jorge Gurgel
This is a fight between two TUF fighters that both need to win to remain active in the UFC. Jorge (TUF2) lost a close decision to Mark Hominick, and Danny Abbadi (TUF3), well we havent seen him since his lost to Kalib Starnes, Danny hasnt impressed me much, except for being nice to Mark Hamill on the TUF show. Gurgel seemed to have more of a drive to win and has more experience, therefore I pick Jorge Gurgel to win by submission (all his wins are by submission).
David Lee vs Tyson Griffin (LW)
Tyson Griffin is making is debut in the UFC, he is a highly touted prospect coming from Caesar Gracie’s camp (they have been active lately). Tyson actually holds a win over Urijah Faber! If you’ve been following KOTC, Faber has been tearing through most opposition. David Lee is also making his debut at the UFC, from what I could find he holds a purple belt in BJJ, and his record shows all his wins (and his one loss) by submission. Regardless, I a picking Griffin by submission, but its really too bad this fight is on the undercard.
Main Card Fights
Jason Lambert vs Rashad Evans (LHW)
Jason Lambert has been on a tear lately, not against any major opponents mind you, but he must be happy to now make the main card of a UFC event. He will have a tough test in Rashad Evans. To Rashad’s credit, he is a great wrestker, with decent stand-up and he just doesnt give up. The problem occurs when (not if) he runs out of gas, his fights usually become very boring. I always pick against him, and he always seem to pull out just enough energy for a decision to his advantage. So this time I do pick Evans by decision.
Joe Lauzon vs Jens Pulver (LW)
Joe Lauzon is a smart boy who just finished his computer science degree. He will need it, as he has a formidable task ahead of him for his UFC debut: facing the former UFC lighweight champion in Jens Pulver. “Lil Evil” Pulver is an intense fighter, he has won against some serious competitors; including none other than tonite’s headline BJ Penn (by decision). Jens then left the UFC for contractual reasons (sounds familiar? Ya another one). Pulver is actually slated to be a coach in upcoming TUF 5. In the end, Pulver is too well rounded; a great wrestler and he was actually also succesful as a boxer. He should prove to be too much for Lauzon. Pulver by TKO.
Gabe Ruediger vs. Melvin Guillard (LW)
Gabe Ruediger is making his UFC debut. He is a WEC champion, known to have a lot of heart and stamina. He is nicknamed ‘Godzilla’ for winning so many fights by overpowerng his opponents with brutal striking and also good submissions. He did lose by KO to Hermes Franca, but has bounced back since. Melvin Guillard, another TUF fighter with more mouth than game. Guillard is already talking trash about Ruediger, maybe he’s actually scared of him. I’m looking for the newcomer to upset, so ‘Godzilla’ Ruediger by submission here.
Mike Swick vs. David Loiseau (MW)
I’m really looking forward to this one. It is a very good test for both fighters. Is Mike ready for the top tier in that weight class? Mike has been going against better and better fighters. Was Loiseau just lucky with cuts to Tanner to get up there? Mike Swick has super crisp stand-up and super fast hands, Swick has also demonstrated that he can also apply submissions as well. “The Crow” while having lethal elbows and feet, has not demonstrated good technique in his last famous bout against Franklin. Really you say? Look at how he kept on crossing his feet while standing up, thats a big no-no in boxing. But he did demonstrate that he can take a LOT of punishment. Will Mike be able to inflict enough damage to KO Loiseau? Loiseau will also have be ready on the ground. Loiseau’s favorite way of getting out of the ground is by giving his back…Can Swick capitalize on that or on Loiseau not so tight stand-up? Or will it just be a stand-up war? So many questions. I have a real hard time picking this one, it should by TKO, but I dont see Loiseau getting knocked out. After saying all this, I can see Loiseau by KO.
UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes vs. B.J. Penn (WW)
This is a dream rematch for both, Matt totally wants to avenge his loss to BJ Penn almost 3 years ago. Matt himself says that he did not take BJ seriously at the time. He was insulted at BJ Penn coming up a class to try to take away his belt. And BJ, well he’s just giddy to have a shot at the belt, after losing a slightly controversial decision to GSP (in his mind and Lindlands heads anyways). I’m looking forward to this fight very much, but have no problem picking Matt Hughes as the winner, I’m just not sure if it’ll be by decision or by GNP, probably by GNP, therefore by TKO. Matt will be very prepared this time. I expect him to be slamming BJ right, left and centre. BJ Penn altho super slick and with crazy leg flexibility has the problem of running out of steam/stamina as his fights wear on. BJ’s best chance is standing up to Matt in the first or second round, if it goes longer than that, he’s in trouble. BJ is probably addressing his cardio, but not to the extent that Matt will keep him busy. Remember this is for 5 rounds.
Topics: All Topics, MMA, Stephan Marceau, UFC | 12 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
UFC-related media articles
By Zach Arnold | September 20, 2006
- Hometown Source – An interview with Sean Sherk
- Long Beach Press-Telegram – An interview/profile article with David Loiseau
- Canadian Press – Another profile article on David Loiseau
- Long Beach Press-Telegram –