UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT PREVIEW

Posted on | July 28, 2007 | 3 Comments

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION?

by: Jack J. Bratcher

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Randy Couture faces Gabriel Gonzaga for the UFC Heavyweight Championship Title on August 25th, 2007 at UFC 74 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. This is going to be one of the most exciting battles we’ve had in the Octagon ever. What makes this match so significant? There’s several reasons why this match is not only very important but also incrediblly exhillhirating. Can a forty-three year-old man not only win the Heavyweight Title but can he defend it? Couture did the unthinkable when he came out of retirement to demolish a six foot eight inch knockout artist by the name of Tim Silvia to win the UFC Heavyweight Title. He has held the Heavyweight Title twice and the Light Heavyweight Title twice. Randy “The Natural” Couture is one of the most respected fighters in the game. He is a very intelligent and smart fighterr and is known for being able to recognize and capitalize on an opponent’s weaknesses and holes in their game. For instance, Randy saw Tim Silvia’s title defense against Jeff Monson. Although Silvia won that match, he did not “beat” Monson; he simply retained his belt. He eeked out a decision win but by no means dominated Monson. Randy recognized how Tim coveted his Heavyweight Belt so much that he lost that hunger to win and beat an opponent and simply just wanted to do what he had to do to hold on to that belt. Randy saw an opportunity and took advantage of it and he deserves alot of credit for what he has done.

Enter Gabriel Gonzaga; a Brazilian Ju-Jitsu Black Belt who not only is a wizard on the ground but just knocked out what was arguably the world’s most feared striker in Mirko CroCop during his last fight. Gonzaga is a beast. His nickname is “Napao,” which means “The Nose” signifying he has a unique ability to smell and sense an opponent’s weaknesses and capitalize on them. Here are some of his credentials: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt / Titles: 2006 Mundials Champion, Heavyweight BJJ Black Belt GP 2004 Champion/ ADCC Trials Brazil Champion and ADCC 2005 second place, four-time BJJ national Champion / five-time Sao Paulo State Champion. Gonzaga and Randy are built pretty similar, Randy being six-foot-two, Gabriel being six-one. However, Gonzaga weighing 242 pounds, outweighs Randy by about twenty pounds. Gonzaga, I think may be the toughest fight of Randy’s life. Chuck Liddell was tough for Randy, but that was the light-heavyweight division whereas this is a heavyweight bout and Gonzaga is alot bigger than Chuck.

When I first heard that Mirko CroCop was joining the UFC I anticipated a fight between he and Randy Couture for the Heavyweight Title. To me, this seemed like a dream match and personally I didn’t know how Randy could handle a striker with the capabilities of CroCop. But then, they matched CroCop up with Gonzaga, who is well-known for his submission and ju-jitsu game, but stunned the MMA world when he made CroCop fall and get bent up like a Gumby doll after a high kick to the head. So what you have here with Gonzaga is a man who stood toe-to-toe with one of the most feared strikers in the world and demolished him. Even before Gonzaga knocked him out he was on top of CroCop on the ground after catching CroCop’s very first kick attempt of the fight and taking him down where he proceeded to land some vicious shots. But the referee stood them up in one of the most controversial referee calls in recent memory under the pretense of “not enough activity”. There was activity by Gonzaga for sure but anyway they were made to stand up where most everyone thought was a huge benefit for CroCop; then all of a sudden it was over with Gonzaga’s high-kick to the head.

I for one can hardly wait for this fight. I’m a big Randy Couture fan. But also I have become a big believer in Gabriel Gonzaga. Anyone who could do what he did to Mirko CroCop is clearly deserving of much respect. Clearly, Gonzaga is a very well-rounded fighter, as is Couture which is what makes this fight so interesting. Both of these fighters can take this fight anywhere. Randy has stood toe-to-toe with strikers such as Tim Silvia and also Chuck LIddell, whose punching power is legendary. He has beat Liddell at his own standing game before. He has submitted fighters on the ground and he’s also knocked out fighters (although it’s been years since he’s knocked anyone out). Also, one interesting note about Randy Couture is that he’s only had I think two or three fights ever that weren’t Title Fights. Think about that for a minute. That’s why he’s a future Hall-of-Famer.

The Heavyweight Division of the UFC, with the aquisition of Pride, has become a much harder division now. The competition is more fierce than it’s ever been and Gabriel Gonzaga is the first one in line for the King’s title. Randy Couture is the King of the UFC. Even if Couture loses, he has cemented his place in mixed martial-arts history forever. He truly is a living legend. Randy can go five five minute rounds with no problem. He is always in phenomenal shape. Gonzaga has never had to go five five-minute rounds in a UFC match, though I doubt it will be factor for him judging by the way he looked last time against CroCop. He looks to be in perfect shape. But it will be Gonzaga’s first time in the main event; his first time in the Big One. This is the absolute biggest fight of Gonzaga’s life. Randy has been here many times before. Could nerves and pressure become a factor for Gonzaga? This really is a great match-up. And on August 25th 2007 we wil either have a new UFC Heavyweight Champion with Gabriel Gonzaga or Randy Couture will once again defy the odds, stare age in the face, and retain the most coveted Title in all of mixed martial-arts.

Be sure to check out http://74.ufc.com for all the details about this fight and all the other matches on this incredible fight card.

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NOONS KNOCKS OUT EDSON IN SHOXC DEBUT

Posted on | July 28, 2007 | 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KJ NOONS SCORES DEVASTATING KNOCKOUT
OVER EDSON BERTO IN THE MAIN EVENT OF
SPECTACULAR PREMIERE OF SHOXC: ELITE CHALLENGER SERIES
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Friday, July 27, at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

Chumash Casino Resort, Santa Ynez, California

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (July 28, 2007) – In a scintillating finish to a thrilling, crowd-pleasing and exciting debut of ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series, KJ Noons bounced back to register an impressive third-round knockout over Edson Berto Friday on SHOWTIME.

In the co-feature of a live two-hour telecast that featured five competitive, evenly-matched fights between determined, well-conditioned athletes, Jaime Jara blasted out Jeremiah Metcalf in the third round to capture his fourth Gladiator championship belt.

EliteXC presented the event from the Chumash Casino. It aired on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Noons (4-1), of San Diego, was knocked out by “Krazy Horse” Charles Bennett in the first Mixed Martial Arts fight shown on premium television (Feb. 10, 2007, on SHOWTIME), but mostly had his way against Berto (12-4-1), of Orlando, Fla., before dropping him with a devastating right knee to the face.

Talk about a finishing kick.

“This is definitely a different feeling than I had the first time I fought on SHOWTIME, but it solidified what I have been saying, that my last MMA fight was a fluke,” said Noons, who followed the knockdown with a right hand and right elbow to the face before the referee stepped in and stopped the proceedings 45 seconds in the third round.

“This win reestablishes my status in MMA. I don’t want to say that a loss would have been devastating but now I am right back where I need to be.”

“I was really dehydrated and very fatigued,” said Berto, who had an eight-fight unbeaten streak (7-0-1) end. “It just didn’t allow me to be myself out there.”

Jara (16-4), of North Highlands, Calif., won a brawl and the Gladiator Challenge middleweight title with an exciting first-round knockout over Jeremiah Metcalf (5-3) of Modesto, Calif.

In a match that featured numerous non-stop exchanges, Jara caught Metcalf with a punishing left hook that dropped him shortly before the fight was stopped at 4:15.

“I think it tells a lot about a guy like me who can win a fight like this on two days’ notice,” Jara said. “I had to cut a bunch of weight so that is why I was a little slow. Winning my fourth belt in my fourth different weight class (heavyweight, light heavy, middleweight and welterweight) is quite an accomplishment that I am proud of. I am a warrior. I get calls all the time. I am always ready to fight.’’

Metcalf, who connected with his fair share of shots, disagreed vehemently with the ref’s decision to stop the slugfest.

“I had him where I wanted him,’’ he said. “The punch flashed me, but it wasn’t a knockout. I was fine. They called it too early.”

In other bouts on the ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series, Scott Jorgensen (4-1) of Boise, Idaho, took a three-round unanimous decision over Chris David (8-6-1), of Santa Rosa, Calif., winning a one-sided war by the scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice; in an excellent performance, undefeated Aaron Rosa (10-0), of San Antonio, Tex., scored an impressive technical knockout over the more highly regarded Brazilian Jefferson Silva (3-2) in a bout halted by the cageside physician after the first round due to an eye injury; and Muhsin Corbbrey (5-2), of Hilton Head, S.C.), opened the telecast with a unanimous three-round decision over Lee Gibson (10-3) of Kansas City. Corbbrey won by the scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28.

EliteXC announcer Mauro Ranallo called the action from cage side with The Fight Professor, Stephen Quadros serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of ShoXC is David Dinkins, Jr. with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

Immediately following the SHOWTIME telecast, five bouts were streamed live on the Internet (www.proelite.com). In fights called by Todd Keneley (blow-by-blow) and $kala “Jared” Shaw (color commentator) , Shayna Baszler (8-4) of Sioux Falls, Iowa, won by first-round submission (armlock), over Jan Finney (3-4) of Springfield, Ohio; Josh Neal (2-0) of Turlock, Calif., scored a 2:15, opening round knockout over Eric Biondo (2-1) of Sacramento, Calif.; Anthony Ruiz (16-10) of Coarse Gold, Calif., scored a first-round TKO over Jason Geris (4-3) of Sacramento, Calif.; Tony Rubalcava (1-0) registered a first-round TKO over Drew Montgomery (3-2); and Brian Cobb (12-4) defeated John Reedy (2-3) with a rear naked choke at 4:09 in the first round.

EliteXC returns to SHOWTIME on Saturday, Sept. 15 from Hawaii. Viewers and fans can expect to see EliteXC’s world middleweight champion, Muilo ‘Ninja’ Rua, top-notch welterweight Nick Diaz, world-ranked welterweight Jake Shields and women’s superstar Gina Carano.

About ProElite, Inc. (www.proelite.com)

ProElite Inc. (PELE:PK) delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of mixed martial arts enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND™ and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.

DRUGS ARE BAD!! ANOTHER CHARLIE SCHMIDT COMBAT SPORTS RANT

Posted on | July 27, 2007 | 4 Comments

DRUGS IN MMA

Who cares about Steroids in MMA? Performance Enhancing Drugs are for lame sports like cycling and the Tour De France. We need to show the world that MMA is way cooler than that. This is an extreme sport, right? Isn’t that what the general media calls it,”Extreme” cage fighting? So let’s show them how extreme we are. Here’s what I call for:

LSD in MMA.

Forget about growth hormones, testosterone boosters, and anabolic serums smuggled from Mexico. Let’s get the fighters what they really need to go the extra mile while in the ring or cage, and that is some high powered Grateful Dead strength blotter acid. Imagine how exciting our sport could be! Say a fight on a UFC card is putting the crowd to sleep with the dull lay and pray performances of the fighters…have Big John administer a hit of acid to each fighter and voila, the fight goes from snoozefest to scorcher. By the third round both fighters will probably be in tears while racing around the cage chasing invisible bats and screaming at the top of their lungs before finally being led out of the cage in strait jackets. You think the beer swilling UFC fans would boo a fight like that? No way.

And what about Crystal Meth? Who wouldn’t want to see a 100 round fight, just like the way old days of boxing. The Crystal Meth Cage Fighting Championships, the CMCFC, would draw huge numbers, almost as many as the THXFC, the Tequila and Heroin Xtreme Fighting Championships. The THXFC would be tremendously popular due to the large amount of vomit produced by fighters while in the cage, creating a slippery slimy fight mat that leads to numerous comical slips during the fight. Showtime would jump on that in a minute.

The UFC already provides the guys on The Ultimate Fighters with booze, so why not give them some additional party favors? Have Joe Rogan and Eddie Bravo show up and give out their potent Ganja Lollipops to all. There will be no backyard street fights once those Pot Suckers hit the system, just a little reggae and some slightly uncomfortable shirtless male bonding.

Ok, to end on a serious note. Let’s cut out the dope guys. Look, it happens in every sport. Hell, I’m sure there has even been a competitive bowler or two who has competed while under the influence. From middle school athletics to the Olympics to the upper echelon professional ranks, all sorts of athletes use Steroids and other drugs. They get caught sometimes, but just as often they get away with it. It’s just a part of sports.

Unfortunately for the world of MMA, we are already fighting an uphill battle to be recognized by the general populous as a respectable, bonafide sport. It doesn’t help when the general media can characterize MMA fighters as roid raging Neanderthals because a few of our guys failed a test. Let’s not give em any fuel for their fire.

A MIDWEST MMA MERGER ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted on | July 27, 2007 | 1 Comment

Media Contact: Chris Arns (515) 274-0849 arns.chris@gmail.com

For Immediate Release

TOP MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA) ORGANIZATIONS MERGE TO FORM LARGEST IOWA FIGHT PROMOTION COMPANY

Des Moines, IA- July 27, 2007- Midwest Cage Championship (MCC) and Title Fight Championship (TFC) announced plans today to combine resources, merge operations, and mutually produce professional mixed martial arts (MMA) events. Both organizations are based in Des Moines and were formed in early 2006. MCC is arguably the oldest and most well established promoter in the Des Moines market, with their ninth production (Heatwave) happening Saturday, July 28. TFC is best known for its larger, high-production, celebrity centric shows in venues including Wells Fargo Arena and Veterans Auditorium.

“Each organization has unique qualities and varied experiences that together create the largest, most organized, and well resourced fight company in the market” stated Scott Casber, co-founder of TFC. In total, the combined companies have produced 15 events, including professional boxing at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Additionally, programming is available to consumers via cable broadcasts (Mediacom) and by web casts (actionranch.com).

MCC owners, John Halverson and Ryan Hass, are both experienced and well respected fighters. Halverson himself is a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In the new organization, Halverson and Hass have the key responsibility to select and organize event competitors in addition to duties being equally split between all company members. TFC has an intrinsic link to the wrestling world through its sister company, ten year old TakeDown Wrestling Radio. That relationship has provided access to world class MMA stars that have visited Iowa to promote TFC shows including Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Randy Couture, Tim Sylvia, Matt Hughes, Diego Sanchez, Rashad Evans, and Mike Van Arsdale

“Ultimately fight fans as well as the fighters will benefit. Being a professional fighter myself, I want to put emphasis on building the fighters by putting together exciting matches. When people see fights like Jeremy Stephens versus Chris Mickle, they never forget the heart, determination, and talent both competitors brought to the table. Their fight will be talked about for a long time! We want to continue to give fighters opportunities to showcase their skill with the intent the recognition will boost them up the ladder, ultimately to pay per view shows like the UFC or WEC” offered John Halverson, regarding the improvements resulting from the merger. Existing venue agreements with 95KGGO/Buccaneers Arena (MCC) and the Iowa Events Center (TFC) will provide fans more than 15 shows per year with varied formats and price levels. Additionally, individual and unique rosters of corporate sponsors will work in concert to help attain mutual goals set by the new organization.

“Going forward, the MCC name will be maintained for all MMA events, while Title Fight will be established for our boxing events. We all agreed the MCC name has the most awareness with fight fans” commented Ryan Hass. Both organizations have a rich history of collaboration as MCC has hired TFC’s Casber as an announcer, and TFC and TakeDown Radio have actively promoted MCC shows.

“We’re clearly not heading into this blind. We’ve all worked together on several levels, know each other well, and have developed trust and respect. As a broadcaster and announcer, I’ve worked with every promoter in the market. These are the right guys to team with and take the fight game to the next level” offered an enthusiastic Casber.

An announcement of the first production under the new company will be provided soon. Fans first chance see a company event is tomorrow, Saturday July 28 at 95KGGO/Buccaneer Arena for IX: Heatwave. Tickets are available at the arena box office (515-278-9757) or on-line at midwestcagechampionship.com.

FINAL THOUGHTS AND WEIGH IN QUOTES FOR FRIDAY ELITEXC BOUTS

Posted on | July 26, 2007 | No Comments

JAIME JARA NEW OPPONENT FOE METCALF;
SHOXC FINAL THOUGHTS AND QUOTES
‘
Thursday, July 26, 2007,
Chumash Casino Resort. Santa Ynez, Calif.

Edson Berto (11-3-1) of Orlando, Fla., faces KJ Noons (3-1) of San Diego (155-pound match) and Jaime Jara (15-4) of Sacramento, Calif., will meet Jeremiah Metcalf (5-2) of Modesto Calif., in a King of the Cage/Gladiator Challenge welterweight championship unification match in the co-featured MMA bouts Friday on SHOWTIME.

Jara is a replacement for Aaron Wetherspoon, who withdrew with an injury. The Gladiator Challenge 185-pound champion, Jara has won nine in a row and is unbeaten the last three years. He is dropping down in weight for this.

In other ShoXC fights to air during a live two-hour premiere telecast of of ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast), Jefferson “Tanque’’ Silva (3-1) faces Aaron Rosa (8-0) in a 205-pound match; Chris David (8-5-1) meets Scott Jorgenson (3-1) in a 135-pound bout; and Muhsin Corbbrey (4-2) opposes Lee Gibson (10-2) in a 155-round contest.

The fights are scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds.

For ticket information and sales, please visit www.chumashcasino.com or call the box office at 1-800-585-3737. Friday’s event starts at 8 p.m. PT. Doors open at 7 o’clock.

Five additional fights on Friday will be streamed live on the Internet (www.ProElite.com) immediately following the SHOWTIME telecast. To view the Internet matchups, please see bout sheet, which is attached.

ShoXC will air regularly on Saturday nights — following the Friday premiere — and will feature fighters from all over the world. In the debut episode, matches will take place in a 20’ x 22’ foot hexagon cage. MMA fights on other ShoXC telecasts may take place in a cage or a ring.

Selected Quotes:
EDSON BERTO
“This is a weird weekend for my family and me. My brother is boxing Friday night and I am fighting MMA the same night. My father, who is my fulltime trainer, is with me.

(more)
2-2-2
Final ShoXC Quotes – July 27, 2007

“This is going to be an exciting fight; a very good fight for both of us. But it is not going to be an easy. I am confident, of course. Noons is a very good fighter with a good all-around background. He got caught with a lucky punch last time. But I have to win. I came too far too lose.’’
JEREMIAH METCALF
“Fighting a late replacement means I have to change up my game plan but it is not a big deal because I am in great shape and prepared for anything.

“We are both fast-paced guys, so this should make for a really exciting, fast-paced fight.

“Fighting on SHOWTIME is a tremendous opportunity for me and a way for me to get a whole lot of exposure and get my name out there.’’
JAIME JARA
“I took this fight on two days’ notice but it won’t matter because I am always in the gym, always training anyway. I am very excited to get the chance to fight on SHOWTIME.

“He sees himself as a fast guy. So do I. Let’s see if I can slow him down a little.’’
JEFFERSON “TANQUE” SILVA
“I do not know anything about my opponent (undefeated Aaron Rosa) so I have no idea what to expect when I see him the cage. But it is not what he can or cannot do. It is all about what I can do, and I am always going for a knockout.’’
TONY RUBALCAVA
“I am making my pro debut Friday. So today, I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve. I am all excitement. I am 22 now, and this excitement has been building since I was 18 or 19.

“I wrestled four years at Fresno State University so I definitely feel I have a strong ground game. But I feel I have the strength to take the fight anywhere.’’
LEE GIBSON
“I have been in MMA for about 15 months and absolutely love it. It is very tough and a lot of hard work, but fun.

“After what I went through as a former Army Ranger and three tours of Iraq where we might get shot at everyday sometimes, this is like a walk in the park. Even if I lose, it is not like anybody is shooting at me.

“I grew up wrestling in Kansas City, but I always have loved to fight. I am really looking forward to my fight on Friday and fighting on SHOWTIME.’’

(more)

-3-3-3
Final ShoXC Quotes – July 27, 2007

About Pro Elite, Inc.
ProElite Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of mixed martial arts enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND™ and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.