Robbie Lawler Throws Out First Pitch at Cardinals Game

Posted on | June 5, 2009 | No Comments

“LAWLER vs. SHIELDS” — June 6, Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri,

Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT; First Non-Televised Fight: 6:45 P.M. CT

PHOTO GALLERY:

ST. LOUIS (June 4, 2009) – “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler showed off his right arm Thursday night as he and Scott Smith attended the St. Louis Cardinals-Cincinnati Reds game with Lawler throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

Strikeforce will present the biggest, most significant mixed martial arts event in the history of the Gateway City in the eagerly awaited Saturday, June 6, “Lawler vs. Shields” card live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. Lawler and (middleweight) and Jake Shields (welterweight) will square off at a catch weight of 182 pounds in the main event.

Andrei “Pitbull’’ Arlovski meets Brett “The Grim’’ Rogers; Smith takes on Nick Diaz; knockout artist Phil Baroni faces Joe Riggs in a welterweight scrap and ex-UFC belt-holder and two-time NCAA Division I national wrestling champion Kevin Randleman will battle Mike Whitehead in a light heavyweight matchup as part of the five-fight telecast.

Fast-rising St. Louis-based fighters such as Jesse Finney and Tyron Woodley will head up an excellent six-fight undercard that features nine fighters from the St. Louis area. Doors at the Scottrade Center will open at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, June 6. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale at the Scottrade Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

TAKEDOWN RADIO REPORT

Posted on | June 4, 2009 | No Comments

Hello again wrestling fans. It’s another special week in wrestling as Johnnie Johnson and I head to Stillwater, Ok and the Inductions and Honors Weekend at the Hall of Fame.

Saturday June 6th we take the Brute adidas studios of TDR back on the road and we’ll air LIVE from the Hall of Fame Library. From 9 to 11 AM CST we’ll do our best to present to you what this special weekend is all about.

Our scheduled Guests include-
Steve Garland of Virginia
Chris Ayres of Princeton
BJ Thomas of Undefeated Sports Nutrition and many many more

Thanks for listening to America’s Wrestling Radio Talk Show. Takedown Wrestling Radio. Tune in to Takedownradio.com from 9 to 11 AM CST on a computer near you or a radio station near you. You can also order the podcast of TDR on Itunes.

Ruiz ready for Klitschko if WBA rules against his petition to fight Valuev

Posted on | June 4, 2009 | No Comments

LAS VEGAS (June 4, 2009) – If the WBA doesn’t rule in favor of a petition filed for two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs) to fight WBA heavyweight champion Nicolai Valuev for the title, Ruiz is prepared to replace injured David Haye as IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko’s opponent June 20 in Germany.

“I am committed to fighting for the WBA title again because I am the mandatory challenger,” Ruiz explained. “I was robbed twice and I want to knockout ‘The Giant’ this time and take the fight out of the hands of the judges. If the WBA doesn’t stand by its rules and mandate a fight between me and Valuev, I am fully prepared to fight Klitschko, even on short notice.”

Ruiz’ attorney/advisor, Tony Cardinale, has called Klitschko’s manager, Shelly Finkel, to let him know that if the WBA fails to mandate Valuev-Ruiz III that Ruiz will be ready, willing and able to fight Klitschko.

Go on line to www.johnthequietmanruiz.com for more information about Ruiz.

-JR-

AFFLICTION M-1 GLOBAL’S “TRILOGY” PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Posted on | June 4, 2009 | No Comments

(Wednesday, June 3, 2009 – Trump Tower, New York, NY)

FEDOR EMELIANENKO:

“I’d like to thank the organizers of the event – Mr. Trump, Affliction, Mr. Cuban and Vadim. I want to thank Josh, a true friend, who I’ll meet in the ring. This won’t be the last show we are all involved in. Thanks for the support.

“Everyday I fight with my friend in training. It’s a sport. We’re athletes in the ring to compete. I’m confident our friendship (Barnett) will continue after the fight.”

JOSH BARNETT:

“This is a fight a lot of people were expecting for a long time – press and fans, and even fighters. Make no bones about it; this is going to be a very serious endeavor. I think because of the nature of this bout between the two of us it heightens our status as professionals.

“Just because we’re friends doesn’t take away from us being fighters. Because of our status, mutual respect and visions in mixed martial arts, this fight needs to live-up to expectations greater than any other heavyweight championship. I’ll do my part to make it historical.

“Friendship has nothing to do with the result of this fight. We’re just competing against each other. Being a good friend, I should bring my best into the ring, out of respect (for Fedor). We don’t need personal grudges to fight. We want to be the best and show our best.

“Fedor can take Brock; I’ll take Mir, either way. We do what we do and the rest will drop like flies.

“If I am in shape, I can beat anybody in the world.

“I haven’t been in a street fight in a very long time, but I was born a fighter. I love to hit and get hit. There is no other way to describe it.

“If I was born in another time, I might be a Viking. That is just the way I am built.

“Fedor is a great thinker in the ring. And he always keeps control of the other fighter. It is all within his control. If he wants to take a break he can. If he wants to push the pace he can. He is in complete control.”

RENATO “BABALU” SOBRAL:

“Once more I’m part of this show. I am happy to be part of this family.

“I’m looking forward to my fight and Barnett and Fedor’s. I welcome Mr. Mousasi, and I look forward to seeing all of us together at the same time.”

GEGARD “YOUNG VAGABON” MOUSASI:

“This will be my first time fighting in America. I’m looking forward to it.

“I was supposed to fight ‘Feijao’ (Rafael Cavalcante)but I’m fighting ‘Babalu.’ I will give my best.”

TOM ATENCIO (Vice President of Affliction Entertainment):

“We are back and stronger than ever. This card is stacked from top to bottom and I truly believe this is the biggest card, even for is. I’m up here with ‘The Baddest Man in the World,’ Fedor, and the No. 1 contender, Josh. I believe this will be the Fight of the Century.

“We’ve built a great base there (Anaheim). It’s in our backyard and California is definitely the Mecca of mixed martial arts. It makes sense for us.

“First and foremost, myself and our partners are fans. It’s the fastest growing sport in the world. We want to help move the sport along and it should be legal (in New York).

“We want the best fighters fighting each other. We work with M-1 Global, Strikeforce and Manny Fox from Adrenalin to get cards stacked from top to bottom like this. If people are spending money on a pay-per-event they should buy this and get their money’s worth.

“We’re building more talent. This is only our third event. The public acts like it’s our tenth or fifteenth show. Everyone else knows it’s only our third. It’s been a natural progression. After this show we’ll announce our next show.

“M-1 and Affliction have sat down with them (UFC). We want to let their top fighters like Mir and Lesnar fight ours fighters. We won’t get in the way, but they aren’t willing. I don’t know if it’s out of fear or what. As a fan I want to see it.”

VADIM FINKELSTEIN (President, M-1 Global):

“We’re here for the third time in Trump Tower. I hope this tradition continues a very long time.

“This fight between Fedor and Josh will entertain people all over the world. I believe it will be the most memorable fights in the history of sports.”

JOOST RAIMOND (CEO, M-1 Global):

“You’re looking at a tremendously exciting event with the best fighters in the world. With our partnership with Affliction and The Trump Organization, we have a truly global set-up as promoters.

“You may not be aware, but together with HDNet we have been running shows – M-1 Affliction Challenge – all over the world. It’s been exciting and HDNet is doing a wonderful job broadcasting in the United States. It’s being shown in 100 countries around the world.

“We have had numerous discussions with UFC about the Randy Couture deal last year. We want to choose the best fighters to fight. They (UFC) choose to keep their fighters among themselves. We’re calling them out — Affliction, Global M-1 and our partners. If UFC thinks it has the best fighters, bring ’em on.

“UFC has had 15 (heavyweights) champions. Fedor, in seven fights, has beaten five of those champions. With the exception of Mr. Nogueira, Fedor didn’t spend more than 50 minutes total in the ring. I’d like to invite Dana White, Frank Mir and Brock Lesnar to the show so they can see real champions fight, Josh Barnett and Fedor.”

DONALD J. TRUMP (Chairman and CEO of The Trump Organization):

“This is going to be another amazing fight show. The last one was even greater than the first. I love working with Mark Cuban. HDNet is showing great fights.

“Many people said the last show was one of the greatest sporting events they had ever seen. If this one can come close it will go down as a great event. It’s going to be a really exciting show.

“The first two fights were an amazing couple of evenings. This one is going to be a great event if it can even match the last two. Regardless it is going to be a really exciting evening in sports.”

MARK CUBAN (Owner of the Dallas Mavericks & Chairman of HDNet):

“It’s an honor for HDNet and me to be working with Affliction and Donald Trump.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for HDNet and it’s our goal to dominate mixed martial arts. Anything internationally dealing with mixed martial arts is going to be on HDNet.

“We’re excited to be showing an undercard that’s good enough to be on pay-per-view. It’s going to be an amazing event to see Fedor and Josh.

“This is getting bigger and bigger. The ground swell from people all over the world is great. That’s why you see UFC trying to get out to the rest of the world because M-1 Global is already there. They’re (UFC) losing that talent.

“What we’ve done is phenomenal and the best is yet to come. Josh and Fedor are fighting on a great card.”

DONALD TRUMP JR. (Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization):

“It’s great to see the progressive build-up of media here covering this sport. Some people thought we’d never be back after Affliction 1. Affliction 2 was amazing and we’re back again. I agree with Mark that the undercard could be a pay-per-view event.

“We love the California crowd and I’m looking forward to seeing you there.”

# # #

Affliction M-1 Global “Trilogy,” promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and presented by Affliction and M-1 Global in association with Donald J. Trump, features many premier MMA fighters, including the former undisputed PRIDE® Heavyweight Champion, Fedor Emelianenko(30-1-0), the star of Affliction’s first two shows.

The monster card has been separated into two live broadcasts in the same night. A one-hour special will air on HDNet starting at 7:30 PM/ET (4:30 PM/PT), followed by the sensational Pay-Per-View event, “Trilogy,” commencing at 9 PM/ET (6 PM/PT).

TRILOGY: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Josh Barnett Set For August 1

Posted on | June 4, 2009 | 2 Comments

WAMMA Heavyweight Championship

Pay Per View Event-9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT
Honda Center · Anaheim, California ·
Saturday, August 1, 2009

Fedor defends heavyweight title

vs. Barnett in Affliction M-1 Global’s “Trilogy”

August 1 PPV Extravaganza in Anaheim

SEAL BEACH, California (June 3, 2009) – Russian combat fighting legend Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko defends his WAMMA heavyweight title against No. 1 contender Josh “The Baby faced Assassin” Barnett, when Affliction M-1Global presents its third major mixed martial arts show, “Trilogy,” Saturday night, August 1 live on Pay-Per-View from Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

The monster card has been separated into two live broadcasts in the same night. A one-hour special will air on HDNet starting at 7:30 PM/ET (4:30 PM/PT), followed by the sensational Pay-Per-View event, “Trilogy,” commencing at 9 PM/ET (6 PM/PT).

Affliction M-1 “Trilogy,” promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and presented by Affliction and M-1 Global in association with Donald J. Trump, features many premier MMA fighters, including the former undisputed PRIDE® Heavyweight Champion, Fedor Emelianenko(30-1-0), the star of Affliction’s first two shows.

Fedor defeated a pair of former UFC® heavyweight title-holders, Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (SUB1) in “Affliction Banned,” and Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (KO1) in “Day Of Reckoning,” at Honda Center. Emelianenko is undisputedly the most lethal man in MMA and the definitive heavyweight mixed martial arts fighter in the world. His only loss came in 2000, the result of an illegal elbow thrown by Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, which caused a cut so severe that officials had to stop the fight out of concern for the safety of the fighter.

In addition to being the best heavyweight fighter in the world, Fedor is also its most popular performer and a genuine Russian icon. He is the darling of the Kremlin and a favorite of former Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who has regularly attended his fights. Beyond the previously mentioned defeats of Sylvia and Arlovski, Emelianenko’s resume includes impressive triumphs over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (twice), Mirko Filipovic and Heath Herring.

Emelianenko’s stiffest career challenge, however, lies ahead at Affliction M-1 “Trilogy,” against another former UFC® Heavyweight Champion, Josh Barnett (24-5-0), who has the size (6-3, 250-pounds), strength, conditioning and experience to present real problems for any fighter, even Fedor. Barnett’s punching power forced Gilbert “The Hurricane” Yvel to submit at “Day Of Reckoning” and Josh stopped Pedro Rizzo in the second round of their fight on “Affliction Banned.”

Barnett’s victims also include Randy Couture, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Jeff Monson and Dan Severn. “The Babyfaced Assassin” has already defeated one Emelianenko-Fedor’s brother Aleksander-back in 2006 by second-round submission (keylock).

In the co-main event, wildly popular Brazilian light heavyweight Renato “Babalu” Sobral (32-8-0) takes on Armenian kick-boxing specialist Gegard “Young Vagabond” Mousasi (25-2-1), fighting out of The Netherlands, in his American debut.

Also on the PPV card is Brazilian knockout artist Victor “The Phenom” Belfort (18-8-0), former UFC® light heavyweight champion, against an opponent to be determined; Sylvia (24-5-0) faces heavyweight Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello (27-10-0). Former IFL® heavyweight titlist “Big” Ben Rothwell (30-6-0) meets unbeaten prospect Chase Gormley (6-0-0).

The undercard on HDNet features two young light weights prospects, Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki vs. Dan “The Upgrade” Lauzon; exciting welterweights Jay “The Thoroughbred” Hieron (17-4-0) and Paul “Semtex” Daley (21-8-2); former IFL lightweight challenger Deividas Taurosevicius (10-3-0) and welterweight fan-favorite Brett Cooper (9-4-0).

Tickets for Affliction M-1 “Trilogy,” ranging between $50.00 and $600.00, go on sale June 8 at Honda Center Box Office (1.714.704.2500) and also online at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticket Master outlets (1.714.740.2000).

Affliction

Already a mainstay for the most elite athletes, heaviest bands, A-listers and the fashion conscious, Affliction Clothing’s ability to set the bar high in fashion is evident in its collection’s indulgence of style and design, focus on quality, and its trademark series of divinely executed, dark and powerful themes. (www.afflictionclothing.com)

M-1 Global and M-1 Challenge

M-1 Global has been one of the leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organizations in the world for over a decade. International MMA stars who have fought under the M-1 banner have included Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Aleksander Emelianenko, Keith Jardine, Alistair Overeem, Yushin Okami, Ben Rothwell, Mike Pyle, Melvin Manhoef, Roman Zenstov, Denis Kang, MartinKampmann, Omar Suloev, and Chalid Arrab, to name a few. (www.m1mixfight.com)
The Trump Organization

The Trump Organization encompasses global real estate development and global licensing, sales and marketing, property management, golf course development, entertainment, entertainment and product licensing, brand development as well as restaurants and event planning. Donald J. Trump is the Chairman and President of the Trump Organization, a privately held company in New York. (www.Trump.com)

Golden Boy Promotions

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by Oscar de la Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions currently has over 60 fighters under contract, from future hall of famers Bernard Hopkins, Sugar Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez to current world champions Ricky Hatton, David Haye, Joel Casamayor, Israel Vazquez and Gerry Peñalosa. Also included on the company’s roster are top contenders Jeff Lacy, Juan Diaz, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Jhonny Gonzalez, Librado Andrade, Rocky Juarez and Rey Bautista; 2004 Olympians Abner Mares, Vicente Escobedo and Rock Allen; and highly regarded prospects Danny Garcia, Jermell Charlo, Hylon Williams and Carlos and Juan Velasquez. (www.goldenboypromotions.com)

THE GRACIE FAMILY TO APPEAR ON HDNET’S “INSIDE MMA”

Posted on | June 4, 2009 | 1 Comment

Royce, Royler, and Ralek of the famous Gracie family appear as panelists on “INSIDE MMA” Friday, June 5 at 9:00 p.m. ET

DALLAS (June 4, 2009) Three members of the famous family who founded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and helped found the UFC will join “Inside MMA” this week as guest panelists on the program.

On the panel is Royce Gracie, a member of the UFC Hall of Fame and the tournament winner at UFC 1, UFC 2 and UFC 4. Royce was chosen to compete in the UFC when the organization started in 1993 and won his first eight fights of his career.

Royce will be joined by his brother Royler Gracie, a 3-time Abu Dhabi Champion and 4-time World Jiu-Jitsu Champion, and by his nephew Ralek Gracie, who is 2-0 in his young MMA career.

In Friday’s episode, the Gracies talk about their family legacy and the state of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu today. And, in a special feature, Ron Kruck pays a visit to the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA for a Gracie family history lesson.

Rodrigo Gracie, an MMA veteran who has fought in both K-1 and Pride, also makes a surprise appearance.

HDNet’s INSIDE MMA is the first and only one of its kind – an original, weekly television program devoted completely to news and highlights from the world of Mixed Martial Arts.
Hosts Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten are joined by the sport’s top fighters and news-makers every week to discuss and analyze the latest in MMA. The program also includes event highlights, viewer mail, and Ron Kruck providing up-to-the-minute news and features with Kruck’s Korner. INSIDE MMA has become the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving fans their weekly fix of everything MMA.

Since the program’s inception in September of 2007, INSIDE MMA has covered some of the biggest stories in the business, presenting interviews with the biggest names involved. From Randy Couture’s legal battles with the UFC to Seth Petruzelli’s upset win over Kimbo – and the Florida State Athletic Commission’s investigation of that fight, to the fall of EliteXC, INSIDE MMA has covered it all.

INSIDE MMA, HDNet’s weekly series covering the latest news, rankings, stats and highlights from the world of Mixed Martial Arts airs every Friday at 9:00 p.m. ET.
About HDNet
HDNet (www.hd.net, twitter.com/hdnet) is a network that is original, thinks independently and delivers unique content and provocative, authentic programming that appeals to men of all ages, delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report,” and the Emmy Award winning “Dan Rather Reports,” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant – telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts through HDNet Fights(www.hdnetfights.com, twitter.com/hdnetfights). HDNet Fights partners with leading MMA promoters including Affliction, DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet’s “Inside MMA” is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.

HDNet also delivers the world’s largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring “Art Mann Presents,” “Vegas Confessions,” “Deadline” and “Get Out!” HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. “NASA on HDNet” presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com, twitter.com/hdnetmovies) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, and Emily Blunt.

Upcoming Sneak Previews include “Surveillance” starring Bill Pullman and Julia Ormond.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies presents viewers with over one hundred films and an average of twenty-five “HD Premieres” each month. HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. To receive HDNet information via email simply go to www.hd.net/listpage.

Outdoor professional boxing show at Ulvila, Finland on the 8th August 2009

Posted on | June 4, 2009 | 1 Comment

Vaasa, Finland based Caramelito Promotions –stable is promoting its second professional boxing show on the 8th August 2009 at Ulvila, Finland about 250 kilometres to northwest from Finnish capital Helsinki. The Caramelito Promotions –stable is led by Petro “El Caramelito” Koskimies who is also known as the personal coach for the reigning Finnish and Baltic (BBU) heavyweight champion Juho Haapoja.

It will be the first professional boxing show for about 5 years arranged at Satakunta –region and the biggest speciality of the show is that it will be the first official open air pro boxing show arranged at Finland for over 14 years!

The show will be arranged at the baseball stadion of the city of Ulvila. The card will contain three professional boxing fights and a couple of amateur fights with local fighter. On the first pro-fight there will be a pro debut for Roope Puumalainen (FIN) who earlier this year won the silver medal at Finnish national amateur championships at 64kg´s division. On the second fight Helsinki-based Pekka Eskelinen (FIN), who made his debut back on February, is targeting for his first pro-victory. Both of these two fights will be fought at Light Welterweight (63,5kg) division.

In the main event there will be a debut for heavyweight boxer (+90,7kg) Janne Katajisto (FIN) who is known as former two-time national amateur champion at Super Heavyweight division. Among other achievements Katajisto has as amateur won both Robert Helenius and Juho Haapoja who are currently known as TOP level Finnish professional fighters at heavyweight division. In addition to these Katajisto is having some experience for international fights and tournaments. All pro-fights on the card are scheduled for four (4) rounds and the opponents are still TBA.

For more information and contacts:

manager and promoter Petro Koskimies
+358-40-7776849
manager@caramelitopromotions.com
http://caramelitopromotions.com/

STRIKEFORCE OPEN WORKOUT AT FINNEY’S GYM A BIG HIT WITH ST. LOUIS MEDIA AND FANS

Posted on | June 3, 2009 | No Comments

PHOTOS (CLICK ON IMAGES TO SEE FULL SIZE):

STRIKEFORCE: Lawler vs. Shields Takes Place Saturday, June 6,

At Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri;
Airs Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

ST. LOUIS (June 3, 2009) – Undefeated heavyweight monster Brett “The Grim” Rogers (9-0) and welterweight (170 pound) powerhouse Joe “Diesel” Riggs (29-10) joined local stars Jesse Finney (3-0) and Pat Benson (2-5-2) for an open workout at Finney’s MMA/St. Louis Workout where they entertained a host of local media and fans yesterday/Wednesday, June 3, three days before their respective bouts on the star-studded Strikeforce: “Lawler vs. Shields” mixed martial arts (MMA) mega-card at Scottrade Center.

Four-time world champion and MMA legend Frank Shamrock was also on hand to field questions from the press during the special pre-fight event.

All four fighters participating in the open workout demonstrated their wide array of combat skills while punching and kicking boxing mitts and Muay Thai pads and while grappling with training partners on the gym’s mats.

What the fighters said:

Brett Rogers:

“Back home, I’ve got family that is dependent on me and fans that are pulling for me. I’ve also got to represent Ambition MMA so I just got to go out there and do work. I’m not in this game for fun.”

On Andrei Arlovski, his opponent Saturday: “I used to watch him when I was in school, but I have to push that to the side and say, ‘You know what, I’m not a fan of Arlovski anymore. I can fight this guy. His chin is definitely getting weak. He kind of exposes himself. He likes to lead first and then come with the punch.’’

Joe Riggs:

“This is going to be a great fight for me. I’ve said it before – I’m in the best shape of my life.

“This is a fight that everyone around me has wanted for me for a long time. It never happened because we were always fighting for different promotions or in different weight classes. Now, we are both fighting for Strikeforce, so it’s on.”

Jesse Finney:

“I come from a boxing and kickboxing background so, for the last three to four months, I’ve been doing straight wrestling and grappling to work on my weaknesses. A part of me almost wants to be put on my back so I can show what I’ve got as far as Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.

“My opponent is 7-0 and supposed to be very athletic. I wanted to step things up in my hometown. This is probably going to be the biggest fight of my pro career.

“I feel better than I have ever felt in years. My body is really healthy and I was supposed to fight on April 17, but we pushed the show back because Strikeforce announced that it was coming to town. So, I’ve been really training since the first of the year.

“People don’t realize how big I am. I’m almost 6 foot 1 and walk around at around 200 pounds and I cut to 175.

“I feel like Strikeforce has a second home in St. Louis. The fans are getting their money’s worth 10 times over. What we have going on here with all these fighters – when do you really get all guys of this caliber on a fight card? This is the first time these guys have come to St. Louis and once they make their mark on Saturday, I think Strikeforce will be here to stay.

“Of the undercard fights, I think that every one of those fights could go the distance because they are good matchups.”

Frank Shamrock:

“We had a lot of educated, hardcore MMA fans out there today. One dude busted out a 20-year-old magazine with me in it so that was pretty cool to see.

“It’s definitely an “A” level card – blow out material. Everyone I’ve talked to is super-excited for it.’’

The highly anticipated Lawler-Shields matchup will highlight an 11-fight card in the biggest, most significant MMA event in the history of the Gateway City.

Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale at the Scottrade Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com). Doors at the Scottrade Center will open at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 6:45 p.m.

A six-bout undercard featuring a top match between Rafael Feijao and Mike Kyle will also include a number of local stars including Finney and Tyron Woodley. It will precede a five-fight telecast on SHOWTIME (10 p.m., ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

In televised fights on SHOWTIME, top ranked middleweight (185 pounds) “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler will square off with top rated welterweight (170 pounds) Jake Shields in a 182 pound catch weight main event. Trash-talking, knockout artist Phil “The New York Bad Ass’’ Baroni will face crowd-pleasing, aggressive-minded Joe “ Diesel” Riggs in a welterweight scrap, exciting, power-punching Scott “Hands Of Steel’’ Smith will meet talented, Cesar Gracie black belt Nick Diaz and two-time NCAA Division I national wrestling champion Kevin Randleman will thrown down with Mike Whitehead in a light heavyweight matchup. Rogers will face Arlovski in an Affliction sponsored bout.

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