APRIL, 2010 RING GIRL & SPOKESMODEL CONTEST WINNER MANIPHAP’S WINNER PAGE IS NOW LIVE
Posted on | July 9, 2010 | No Comments
Maniphap, a beautiful and talented model, is the first of our April, 2010 Ring Girl/Spokesmodel Contest Winners to submit her winner’s page photos.
Our Summer, 2010 contest will be the first in the seasonal schedule we will observe for the contest from now on. The submission period is closed for Summer, 2010, and the voting page will go live late tonight. The contest is sponsored by Dissipline and cocaine energy drink. The Fall, 2010 Contest Submission Period Ends on September 15, 2010 at 5PM EST.
Stay Tuned For More Details and Click On The Image Below to see more of Maniphap on her sexy winner’s page. Congratulations to the April winners, the last in our monthly contest series. We will post Dominique’s winner page as soon as we get her pictures.
GO TO: www.unlimitedfightnews.com/maniphap.htm to visit this beautiful winner's new page on our site.
GOFIGHTLIVE TURNING UP THE MMA HEAT THIS WEEKEND
Posted on | July 9, 2010 | No Comments
Tachi Palace Fights – Stars and Strikes
Fri Jul 9 21:30PM ET
Click on the image at left to watch this event on GoFightLive!
Stars and Strikes from Tachi Palace featuring “Razor” Rob McCullough vs Fresno’s Isaac De Jesus and…
Tachi Palace Fights World Welterweight Championship
Santa Rosa, Calif.’s David Mitchell (10-0) vs. Lemoore, Calif.’s Poppies Martinez (18-6)
CO-MAIN EVENT
Welterweight Special Attraction
Seattle, Wash.’s Brad Blackburn (15-11-1) vs. Las Vegas, Nev.’s John Alessio (28-13)
Tachi Palace Fights World Bantamweight Championship
Fresno, Calif.’s Cole Escovedo (16-4) vs. Oakdale, Calif.’s Michael McDonald (9-1)
Lightweights
Santa Barbara, Calif.’s Bill Cooper (0-0) vs. Las Vegas, Nev.’s David Kaplan (2-3)
Tachi Palace Fights World Lightweight Championship
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.’s Gabe Ruediger (16-5) vs. Albuquerque, NM.’s Lenny Lovato (8-0)
Bantamweights
Fresno, Calif.’s Stephen Abas (1-0) vs. Lemoore, Calif.’s Joey DeLaCruz (1-0)
Lightweights
Las Vegas, Nev.’s David Bollea (2-0) vs. Visalia, Calif.’s Cody Gibson (3-0)
Bantamweights
Coalinga, Calif.’s Francisco Loredo (4-5) vs. Soledad, Calif.’s Drew Bittner (3-0)
Max Fights DM – Glory Fighting Championships
Fri Jul 9 21:00PM ET
Click the image at left to watch this event on GoFightLive!
MaxFightsDM and Glory Fighting Championship have entered into an agreement to co-produce live professional mixed martial arts (MMA) events in Iowa. Both companies are well established fight promotion organizations that have produced numerous events in several area venues. Glory FC was established in 2006 by Sullivan Baccam and Ted Baccam. MaxFightsDM is the newest venture of Des Moines promoters Scott Casber and Chris Arns, who began producing fight events in 2005 and have owned stakes in other fight promotions.
Glory is renowned for its high production values, as well as helping develop the careers of many nationally recognized fighters including Joe Brammer, Kevin Burns, Alonzo Martinez, and Zach Micklewright. MaxfightsDM is recognized for their strong ties to the wrestling community, as well as its celebrity-centric promotions. MaxFightsDM recent events featured bouts including Hermes Franca, Josh Neer, and Ben Askren. Many of the MMA’s top personalities have attended and helped promote their events, including Rampage Jackson, Randy Couture, Rashad Evans, Matt Hughes, Diego Sanchez and Tim Sylvia.
Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion, and larger than life figure, King Mo, will attend the July MaxFightsDM/Glory FC event. Details on meet and greet opportunities will be provided soon.
Titled Maximum Glory, the Friday, July 9 event will deliver a unique mix of talent and experience, drawing on the vast and combined resources of both companies. In the nights main event, suddenly famous Eric Wisely returns to the same venue where he TKO’d former WEC champion, and UFC title contender, Hermes Franca. Wisely, a Clinton, IA native, stunned the world at the MaxFightsDM January event gaining the win, and summoning Franca’s subsequent retirement announcement. This time, the unified MaxFightsDM/Glory FC Lightweight belt is at stake when Wisely puts it on the line with undefeated (7-0) Lonnie “Scrittywood” Scriven. Securing an opponent for Wisely proved a challenge, given his tough reputation, and Scriven has shown nothing but respect and appreciation for his opponent. At the same time, hes confident that his training with, in his words, My team Hard Drive, my heroes is enough to make the difference on its own. Scriven is training for the title fight with the Cedar Rapids based team including standouts Steve Carl, Jarred Downing, Bill Kamery, and Damien Papagni.
A second MaxFightsDM/Glory FC unified belt will be awarded in the Featherweight Division at Maximum Glory. Undefeated Benely Xamonty (8-0) puts his record at risk against Des Moines favorite, Brad “Bad Boy” Floyd. Xamonty blends a lethal mix of straight up Muay Thai and mad stand up skills, and is a proven crowd pleaser. Floyd is on a five fight winning streak, owns an unstoppable heart, and has gained much experience training with Jeremy Stephens, and Josh Neer at Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy.
Another exciting highlight arrives when Glory FC CEO Sullivan Baccam climbs into the cage to face Rob “Cemetery” Gates. Baccam’s heralded wrestling career, accompanied by his intense focus and training in striking, has him clearly focused on a victory via knockout. Gates is a member of the venerable Team Hard Drive in Cedar Rapids, and is known for his tremendous striking ability. Baccam’s only loss came at the hands of Gates’ team member and training partner, Bill Kamery. Bacaam views his bout with Gates as the logical step toward a rematch with Kamery. Gates too, has also suffered only a single loss. One man must change their claim to two losses. Neither man intends to do so.
Other key fights rounding out the 12 bout card include Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams vs. Joey Nguyen, Ashland Grady vs. Michael Graham, and Larry Tanchinh vs. Randy Meyer.
For full fight card and more details about this event, visit GoFightLive.tv.
Grapplers Quest: 2010 Tachi Grappling Challenge
Sat Jul 10 19:00PM ET
Click on the image to the left to watch this event on GoFightLive!
BOTH DAYS OF THE TWO-DAY TOURNAMENT, 5 RDS OF GRAPPLING WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL PURCHASERS. UNTIL WEDNESDAY THE PRICE FOR THIS SHOW WILL BE $14.99 AND AFTER WEDNESDAY IT WILL BE $19.99.
$11,500 32-Man “World’s Best Grappler” Tournament featuring: LEMOORE, Calif. (July 1, 2010) Grapplers Quest will crown the ‘World’s Best Grappler’ on Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11 with a 32-Man Superfight Tournament at the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore, CA.
The 32-Man Superfight Absolute Tournament will feature Alexandre Ribeiro, Jeff Monson, Bill Cooper, Joao Assis, Lucas Leite, Chris Moriarty, Sean Spangler, Antonio Braga Neto and many more of the world’s best Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Judo and Sambo fighters battling for the largest cash prize and most prestigious No-Gi Submission Grappling title in American history: $11,500 in cash ($10,000 for 1st place, $1,000 for 2nd Place, and $500 for 3rd Place).
Alexandre “Xande” Ribeiro (multiple-time World Jiu Jitsu Champion and 3-time Grapplers Quest Pro Champion), Joao Assis (2010 UFC Fan Expo Absolute Champion), Jeff ‘Snowman’ Monson (former World Champion, UFC Veteran), Bill ‘The Grill’ Cooper (26-Time Grapplers Quest), Rustam Chsiev (K-Dojo, 5tTime Pro Grapplers Quest Absolute Champion), Lucas Leite (CBJJ World Champion), Kelly Anundson (American Top Team, 2010 USA Wrestling/World Grappling Champion), Sean Spangler (2009 World Series of Grappling Cruiserweight Champion, Robert Drysdale Black Belt), Brandon ‘The Animal’ Olsen (Team Pain Cave, World Series Silver Medalist), Marcelo ‘Lapela’ Mafra (2009 World Series of Grappling Champion), Cameron Diffley (AutismRadio.org Charity Superfight Champion), Chris Moriarty (ADCC Veteran), John Toth (Team Balance/2008 All-Star Pro Challenge Champion), Carlos Diego Ferreira Neves (Amazonas BJJ), Peter Iacavazzi (Sylvio Behring Black Belt, 7-time Grapplers Quest Advanced Champion), Brian McLaughlin (The Ultimate Fighter contestant, Precision MMA, Kardian MMA), Enrico Cocco (Zen Jiu Jitsu, 2009 ADCC North American Champion, 6-time Grapplers Quest Champion, Walter ‘Cascao’ Vital (Mica/Machado/Cascao), Bruno Bastos (Nova Uniao, World Champion), Leopoldo Serao (World Champion from Fairtex), Stephen Martinez (Millenia MMA, 3-time Grapplers Quest Advanced Champion), Chris Downum (Camarillo Jiu Jitsu), Nathan ‘the Great’ Ducharme (David Terrell), Antonio Braga Neto (Evolve MMA, Brazil and Singapore), Jason Manly (Jake Shields’ Gracie Fighter Berkeley), Paul Stark (2010 Canadian Absolute Champion), James Popoulo (Rafael Lovato Jr.), Alexandre Ceconi (2010 ADCC Pro World Black Belt Champion), and Luke Rockhold (American Kickboxing Academy/Strikeforce Contender).
For full fight card and more details about this event, visit GoFightLive.tv.
Sylvia vs. Buentello headlines ‘War on the Mainland’ PPV event
Posted on | July 8, 2010 | No Comments
Three PWP Title fights Aug. 14 in Irvine, CA
SAN DIEGO (July 8, 2010) – Two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia takes on former UFC and Strikeforce heavyweight title challenger, Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello, in the main event for the vacant Powerhouse World Promotions (PWP), LLC Heavyweight Championship, August 14 on Pay Per View live from Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.
“War on the Mainland,” presented by Powerhouse World Promotions, is being distributed by Integrated Sports Media at 10:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Bell TV and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. It will also be available in the United Kingdom via Primetime Live. The PPV card will also be streamed live on Internet PPV outside of the United States, Canada and United Kingdom by going to www.WarontheMainland.com and registering.
“This event started as a training clinic that we’re still holding August 8 in San Diego,” PWP CEO Brian Manna explained. “It’s a full day, training clinic – MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, striking, boxing kicking, etc. – at Manna’s Martial Arts in San Diego. Tony Martinez (President of Powerhouse) suggested we do a show. We discussed it with members of our team – Joe Moreira, Carlos Palomino, Rodolfo Gonzalez and Burdett Streeter – as well as Doug Jacobs (Integrated Sports Media) and (associate) Benny Ricardo. Pay per view made it an easier sell and we were able to raise capital for the show. Now, people from all over the world will be able to watch our show.
“The depth of our field is unmatched. We not only wanted to make sure that we had three really good fights like we do, but to insure that all of the fights on this show would feature high quality fighters, as well as competitive, entertaining matches. These fights are all very well matched from top to bottom. All of us (Team PWP) are old-school martial artists. We stepped into the ring against anybody that was put in there; the type of show we’re putting on August 14th and few like it exist today in MMA for the public.”
Sylvia (26-6-0), fighting out of Bettendorf, Iowa, is coming off of an impressive second-round submission of 5-time World’s Strongest Man, Mariusz “Dominator” Pudzianowski. During his sensational career, Sylvia (6-8, 300 lbs.) has defeated many of the world’s top MMA heavyweights and super heavyweights – Andrei Arlovski (2) Brandon Vera, Jeff Monson, Wes Sims, Ricco Rodriguez, Mike Whitehead (2), Ben Rothwell and Jason Lambert.
Buentello (6-2, 250 lbs.), fighting out of Amarillo, Texas, has notable victories against “Tank” Abbott, Gary Goodridge, Justin Eilers, Mike Kyle and Kirill “Baby Fedor” Sidelnikov.
Sylvia-Buentello is one of three PWP title fights (5 X 5, all other fights are 3 X 5). Former WEC titlist Jason “The Punisher” Lambert (24-11-0) faces 8-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Allan Goes (17-3-0) for the vacant PWP Light Heavyweight title belt, while former UFC title challenger Thales Leite (17-3-1) fights Strikeforce veteran Falinko “Niko” Vitale (27-9-0) for the PWP Middleweight crown.
In a Special Lightweight Attraction, former UFC lightweight champion Jens “Little Evil” Pulver (22-13-1), one of the most popular MMA fighters in the world, meets Diego “El Nino” Garijo (4-1-0).
Also fighting on “War on the Mainland” are Brazilian middleweight Gustavo “Ximu” Machado (18-8-1) vs. Rick Reeves (10-3-0), Mexican welterweight Jorge “The Naked Man” Ortiz (16-5-1) vs. veteran Terry Martin (19-8-0), and California lightweights Joao Silva (3-0) vs. Erin Beach (1-0). All fights and fighters are subject to change.
“We’re hitting the ground running,” Manna added. “People all over the world want to fight with us. We’re not interested in signing fighters to long-term contracts. We’re interested in the fighters being self-sufficient and stable. Burdett is a financial advisor and one of our goals is to aid fighters to become more aware of how to make their financial future more stable.”
Tickets, ranging from $35.00 to $110.00 reserved and $110.00 to $295.00 on the floor, are on sale at the Bren Event Center Box Office (10 AM/PT-6 PM/PT, Mon-Fri), going on line to www.bren.uci.edu or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1.949.824.5000.
Doors open at 5:00 PM/PT, first bout 6:15 PM/PT, first PPV bout 7 PM/PT – 10 PM/ET. Go to www.WarontheMainland.com or www.bren.uci.edu for additional information.
Vendor opportunities and sponsorships are available by calling 1.858.798.1541.
“LET FREEDOM RING” WEIGHTS & FACT SHEET & FINAL PRESSER QUOTES
Posted on | July 8, 2010 | No Comments
NABO LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS – ESPN FNF
“Hammerin’’ HANK LUNDY JOHN MOLINA, JR.
NABO Lightweight Champion/WBO #7 NABO #9
Philadelphia, PA Covina, CA
18-0-1 (10 KOs) 20-1 (16 KOs)
135 LBS. 135 LBS.
NEW ENGLAND SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
CO-FEATURE – 8 ROUNDS – ESPN FNF
“IRISH” JOEY McCREEDY VLADINE BIOSSE
New England & EBA Super Middleweight Champion Former URI Football Player
Lowell, MA Providence, RI by way of Cape Verde
11-4-2 (6 KOs) 6-0 (4 KOs)
166 LBS. 165 LBS.
4 ROUNDS – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
KEITH KOZLIN ERIC PINARETTA
Warwick, RI New Bedford, MA
5-1 (3 KOs) 2-3 (2 KOs)
170 LBS. 168 LBS.
4 ROUNDS – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
JOE GARDNER DEMARCUS “Main Event” CLARK
Woonsocket, RI Shreveport, LA
4-1-1 (1 KO) 1-2 (1 KO)
169 LBS. LATER
4 ROUNDS – SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
DIEGO PEREIRA RICARDO CALAZADA
Lincoln, RI Las Vegas, NV
4-0 (2 KOs) 2-1 (1 KO)
142 LBS. 142 LBS.
6 ROUNDS – FEMALE WELTERWEIGHTS
ALEKSANDRA MAGDZIAK LOPES KALI REIS
Marshfield, MA Providence, RI
2-1 (1 KO) 2-0 (1 KO)
150 LBS. 148 LBS.
4 ROUNDS – LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHTS
DUSTIN REINHOLD JOEL NIEVES
Former So. New England Golden Gloves Champion Upset Minded
Fall River, MA Allentown, PA
1-1 (1 KO) 0-2
154 LBS. 153 LBS.
4 ROUNDS – CRUISERWEIGHTS
ERIC ESTRADA KEON GRAHAM
Providence Fire Fighter Potential Spoiler
Providence, RI Akron, OH
Pro Debut 2-2 (0 KOs)
195 LBS. 200 LBS.
(All Fights and Fighters subject to change)
Name: “Let Freedom Ring” Pro Card
Date: Friday night, July 9, 2009
Venue: Twin River Event Center, Lincoln, RI
Promoter: Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.
Matchmaker: Ted Panagiotis
Television: ESPN Friday Night Fights (10-12 PM/ET)
Tickets: $35.00, $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00 and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Information: Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Let Freedom Ring.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Hank Lundy: “I’d like to thank ESPN for showcasing my talents again. There were fireworks on July 4th and there will be even more tomorrow night. You can teach fighters how to fight but, if if you don’t have heart, you don’t have it. Anybody who knows Hank Lundy knows I’ll fight anybody. Training in Philadelphia I’ve fought everything including elephants and lions.”
John Molina, Jr.: “You have two great fighters in a no holds barred fight. My only prediction is you’re going to see a great fight. There will be fireworks tomorrow night.”
Joey McCreedy: “It’s going to be a tough fight, a war – the Fight of the Year. Me and Biosse are both hard-headed, stubborn who will fight anybody. I love the kid and his whole team. There’s no hate; we’re fighters, He’s in real good shape, I’m in real good shape. I’m glad to be sharing the spotlight with him on ESPN. It’s a make or break fight for both of us.”
Vladine Biosse: “My dream was to fight professionally and do it big-time. As a boxer I’ve taken a step forward every fight. It doesn’t get any better than this. I want to thank Joey for taking this chance and giving me an opportunity to share the ring with him. You’re going to get my best, as always. He’s coming to fight, I’m coming to fight. It’s going to be a great fight. Keep your eyes open, it’s going to be war.”
-CES-
FIGHT NEWS UNLIMITED HITS THE AIRWAVES TONIGHT AT 8PM EST & WE WANT YOUR OPINIONS ON MMA VS. BOXING
Posted on | July 8, 2010 | No Comments
Hey Folks,
Stop by OUR SHOW PAGE ON BLOG TALK RADIO and listen to our Fight Talk Unlimited show tonight. We want your take on the whole MMA vs. Boxing debate. You can call in and talk directly to Tony “The Tornado” Penecale and “Rabble Rousin'” Rich Bergeron by calling 1 (347) 324-3228 when we open up the phone lines on this controversial topic. Is MMA really crushing boxing? Is the whole “fastest growing sport in the world” label being applied to MMA with no proof to support that statement? What are your thoughts?
Share them with Tony and Rich tonight.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL SHOW WITH JOEY “MINNESOTA ICE” ABELL AS OUR SURPRISE GUEST
Alex Perez to Throw out First Pitch at Newark Bears Game!
Posted on | July 8, 2010 | No Comments
For Immediate Release
Newark, NJ (July 8) – Unbeaten welterweight sensation Alex Perez will throw out the ceremonial first pitch this Saturday at Riverfront Stadium prior to the Newark Bears’ 7:05 pm showdown with the Long Island Ducks.
A lifelong Newark resident with an 11-0 professional ledger, Perez’ next bout takes place just minutes away at the luxurious Prudential Center July 16 as part of ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights telecast. Perez will battle an opponent TBA in the eight round televised co-feature to the Zab Judah-Jose Armando Santa Cruz showdown.
Tickets priced at $53, $78, $103 and $203 (ringside) can be purchased at Prudential Center Box Office, by calling TicketMaster at 800-745-3000 or www.Prucenter.com
All SportFight XXVIII: Boiling Point Fighters to Step on the Scales July 9, 2010 at Grand Central Bowl: Event Open to the Public
Posted on | July 8, 2010 | No Comments
Who: SportFight XXVIII: Boiling Point – Weigh-in
When: Fri, Jul 9, 2010 ● 7p
Where: Grand Central Restaurant and Bowling Lounge
808 SE Morrison
Portland, Oregon 97214
503.236.2695
WHAT: All fighters who will compete in the SportFight XXVIII: Boiling Point event this Saturday, July 10 at Rose Garden will weigh in the day before, Friday, July 9 at Grand Central Restaurant and Bowling Lounge. The weigh in is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, free of charge and will start at 7p.
Fresh off his TKO win at Strikeforce Challengers in May, SportFight founder and MMA superstar Matt “The Law” Lindland has put together yet another adrenaline-pumping night of mixed martial arts action at the Theater of the Clouds on Saturday, July 10th at 7p. SportFight XXVIII: Boiling Point will offer up a stacked fight card featuring some of the most skilled and exciting athletes from both the Northwest and beyond.
This installment of SportFight will also have a distinct international flavor, featuring two top Brazilian fighters: the nephew of Hermes Franca—Lucca Franca taking on Japanese sensation Eddie Matsuura.
There will be two belts on the line at Middle Weight, Casey Manrique takes on Damian Dantibo.
For the Heavy Weight Title, Daniel Stewart of Team Quest Faces the California sensation DJ Linderman.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had this much talent on a card before,” says Lindland, President of SportFight, LLC. “We’re flying in some top international fighters, in addition to some of the best free agent fighters out there. We’re talent deep, and we’re heavyweight deep. On paper, this could be one of the better shows that we’ve had.”
1st Bout – Amateur – 155 lbs.
Shams Moussui vs. Brandan Alderman
2nd Bout – Amateur – 185 lbs.
Matt LaRocque vs. Hamza Salim
3rd Bout – Amateur – 205 lbs.
Jake Zeliff vs. Brandon Pitts
4th Bout – Amateur – 155 lbs.
Travis Cavalli vs. Jake Morris
5th Bout – Professional – 180 lbs.
Ray Armstrong vs. Jon Clift
6th Bout – Professional – 205 lbs.
Justin Gardner vs. Chris Folsom
7th Bout – Professional – 145 lbs.
Lucca Franca vs. Chaz Gurule
Co-Main Event
8th Bout – Professional – Welterweight Title
Damian Dantibo vs. Casey Manrique
Main Event
9th Bout – Professional – Heavyweight Title
DJ Linderman vs. Dan Stewart
*Subject to change
About SportFight
Founded in 2003 by Matt Lindland and Randy Couture, SportFight is the leading mixed martial arts promotion in the northwestern United States. Together with its subsidiary brands, “Proving Grounds” and “Clash at the Casino,” SportFight has produced more than 30 live MMA events in Oregon, Nevada and Colorado.
SportFight was Oregon’s first sanctioned mixed martial arts promotion and has served as a showcase for many of the sport’s emerging stars and best-known veterans, such as Sean Sherk, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Jeff Monson, Chris Leben, Ed Herman, Gesias “JZ” Calvancanti, Paul Daley, Chael Sonnen and Dennis Hallman. Furthermore, SportFight has graduated fighters to every major MMA organization, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pride FC, K-1, the International Fight League, BodogFIGHT and Elite XC.
Check out SportFight TV every Saturday at 10 pm on Comcast SportsNet. SportFight has an extensive library of event footage and highlight compilations that are available on DVD at Wal-Mart, Hollywood Video and many other retail locations. For more information, visit www.sportfight.tv.
Fractious feud finished – Ford returns to MFC: Popular welterweight right in the mix with new deal
Posted on | July 8, 2010 | No Comments
In a move that an overwhelming majority in the mixed martial arts world believed would never happen, Canadian welterweight sensation Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford has signed a new multi-fight contract with the Maximum Fighting Championship.
A former two-time challenger for the MFC’s 170-pound title, Ford and the MFC bitterly parted ways in early 2009 and the acrimonious split resulted in a rift that most insiders considered impossible to repair. But out of nowhere, there has been a mending of fences and Ford (12-2) is back in the MFC looking to rejuvenate a career that had dramatically stalled in his year-long absence from the organization.
“It’s unfortunate and a shame what happened the first time around, but I think everyone has grown since then,” offered MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “This time around I hope that Ryan reaches the goals he set for himself – the goals he started with in the MFC right from the beginning.
“I hope that he lives up to his abilities that we all know he has. He’s going to be fighting top-notch talent so we will certainly see what he truly has.”
Now fighting out of the ZUMA training centre in Victoria, British Columbia, Ford is expected to make his return to the ring at MFC 26 on Friday, September 10. An official announcement on the host city and lineup for that card is forthcoming.
“I think this is very exciting for the fans,” said Adam Zugec, Ford’s trainer at ZUMA. “There’s been a lot of drama … just like a reality show, and I think the fans really love that.
“I’m expecting great things from Ryan. He’s made to be on TV, his persona is perfect for the MFC’s shows on HDNet, and Mark and the MFC is so good at marketing its fighters on television.
“I always knew that eventually both parties would be back working together. Both sides needed some time to clear their heads and start a new plan. As everyone started to mature they’ve become more willing to work with each other and that’s good for both sides.”
Ford made his MFC and professional mixed martial arts debut back in August 2007, instantly becoming a fan favorite as he rattled off six straight wins including three inside the opening round. His biggest victory in that initial phase of his career came via a second-round submission of veteran Pete Spratt – an outcome that while marred by strikes coming after the bell to end Round 1 also drew Ford favorable comparisons to Georges St. Pierre at the same time of their respective careers.
Following his sixth win, Ford earned a shot at the vacant MFC welterweight title, and although he dominated much of the fight with his takedowns, the Edmonton, Alberta, native was caught in an armbar and forced to tap out to veteran Pat Healy midway through the third round. Two victories followed for Ford which garnered him a rematch with Healy but the reigning champ held onto his belt with a tight five-round, split-decision outcome in his favor.
Unable to agree on the terms of a new contract, Ford and the MFC parted ways soon after the Healy rematch. But at long last, Ford has returned to where his blossoming career began.
“I think the best thing to happen to Ryan was to go to a smaller organization, get some experience and work on some things, and now return to the big show,” added Pavelich, who expects to quickly have a list of opponents lined up to face Ford.
“Ryan is eager to fight anybody,” noted Zugec. “Everybody knows that Ryan is a fighter at heart and he wants to test his talents against the best fighters at 170.”
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