IT’S OFFICIAL: PHIL DAVIS VS. LITTLE NOG AT UFN
February 23, 2011 by Matt
The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced that unbeaten light heavyweight star Phil Davis will fight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in the main event of Fight Night Live on March 26 from KeyArena in Seattle. The 8-0 fighter from Harrisburg, Pa. replaces Tito Ortiz, who was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury.
UFC Fight Night Live will be broadcast on Spike TV at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. “Phil Davis is an absolute beast,” UFC President Dana White said. “He is undefeated at 8-0 and has gotten better every time he’s fought in the UFC. He jumped at this opportunity to take on a top 10 fighter and legend like Lil’ Nog. Phil is one of our best up-and-coming fighters and he’s excited to step up and take this fight.”
A feared Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt and former Pan American Games bronze medalist in boxing, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (fighting out of Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil/19-4) possesses one of the most dangerous arsenals in all of mixed martial arts. Since launching his career in Japan in 2001, “Lil Nog” has scored wins over Alistair Overeem, Dan Henderson and Vladimir Matyushenko. Nogueira, whose twin brother “Minotauro” is a top contender in the UFC heavyweight division, has since made an immediate impact in the UFC with wins over Luiz Cane and Jason Brilz.
He now takes on the dynamic Phil Davis(fighting out of San Diego, Calif. /8-0). Nicknamed “Mr. Wonderful,” the 26-year-old native Pennsylvanian has reeled off four consecutive wins to start his UFC career. The four-time All-American wrestler from Penn State University is coming off an impressive submission win over Tim Boetsch in his last fight in November. Considered one of the top rising stars in the UFC light heavyweight division, Davis faces the toughest test of his career when he meets Lil’ Nog in Seattle.
UFC Fight Night Live also features exciting welterweight battles pitting Dan Hardy vs. Anthony Johnson and Duane Ludwig vs. Amir Sadollah, as well as the highly-anticipated rematch between featherweights Leonard Garcia and Nam Phan.
RICK FAYE FLO MMA SEMINAR THIS WEEKEND
From Rick Faye’s Minnesota Kali Group:
Dedicated to the highest levels of training and individual improvement in the martial arts, MKG owner/head instructor, Rick Faye, is considered one of the top instructors in the JKD family world wide. Rick’s impressive reputation for seminars on the art, self-defense and law enforcement topics keep him in demand locally, nationally & internationally.
His credentials include 2 senior full instructorships under Dan Inosanto (Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do & the Filipino Martial Arts), a 5th level Maphilindo Silat instructorship under Guro Inosanto. Rick is a regional director for the Thai Boxing Association, U.S.A. and holds the level of Full Instructor under Ajarn Chai Sirisute. He also holds instructorships in Wing Chun Gung Fu, Sensei Erik Paulson’s C.S.W. curriculum (Combat Submission Wrestling) and numerous other arts.
Rick’s devotion to the art is evidenced by his belief in constant training of the basics and an impressive attention to detail. This enthusiasm is integral to his teaching and helps his students learn and maintain their excitement. The results of this work ethic are obvious in both his art and his teaching.
AFFLICTION FRANKIE EDGAR ANSWER TEE
February 21, 2011 by Matt
The highly anticipated Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard 3 bout at UFC 130 is still a few months away, but you can get Frankie’s new Affliction “Answer” tee now.
JORGE MASVIDAL WANTS STRIKEFORCE TITLE SHOT
February 21, 2011 by Matt
Jorge Masvidal made his MMA debut as a raw 19-year-old back in 2003. You have probably seen him fight, even if it wasn’t in the cage.
Masvidal made a name for himself fighting on the streets in Miami, taking on Kimbo Slice protégé “Ray” in a YouTube video that has garnered nearly three-quarters of a million views.
The name “GameBred” comes from his love of pitbulls, which are loyal and fierce. Masvidal feels his calling in life is to be a pitbull inside the ring, respecting the game but making sure that his opponents don’t want to face him again.
The Cuban American grew up on the mean streets of Miami, and fighting was a way of life. But Masvidal has done something that many of the other kids fighting on the streets would have never dreamed: he parlayed it into a career as a professional prize fighter, becoming a world-traveled and acclaimed fighter at just 26 years of age.
“I accept the notoriety my street fighting wins have brought me in my professional career but I’m even more thankful I’ve been able to prove myself in the professional cage in a way many other street fighters have failed to do,” said Masvidal.
The other fighting clip that has brought him notoriety is his Bellator fight with Toby Imada. Imada submitted Masvidal with an inverted triangle choke, a very rare submission that received a huge amount of national attention, and helped put Bellator on the MMA map. That YouTube video is also near one million views.
Besides Imada, “GameBred” has faced a whole host of notable fighters, making his 20-6 professional record even more impressive. One of his biggest early career wins was a victory over top prospect Joe Lauzon, who was 8-0 at the time. Masvidal has also earned victories over current American Top Team teammate and UFC fighter Yves Edwards, former IFL lightweight champion Ryan Schultz, and former Sengoku lightweight champion Satoru Kitaoka.
His matchup with undefeated prospect Billy Evangelista at “Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson” marks his return to Strikeforce for the first time since 2008, and he plans to keep his 2-0 Strikeforce record intact.
“Masvidal knows what it takes to be champion and I believe the world will be surprised by how quickly he proves that in Strikeforce. He knows what takes to win. He’s a dedicated fighter with a passion for fighting that combines natural raw talent and heart,” commented his manager, Tina Vidal.
His passion for fighting has kept him active and he is always willing to fight. A fact he proved, when the natural 155er took a two-week notice fight at 170 with Paul Daley at Shark Fights in September 2010.
As for his prior losses GameBred stays true to form. “I’ll fight any of the guys who ‘beat’ me again. I’ll fight them for free just to prove that I’m the best,” said Masvidal.
One thing that has eluded Masvidal in his career is a world championship and he has his sights set on 155-pound gold in his new Strikeforce home.
“I’m going to rise to the top spot in Strikeforce. While I have a lot of respect for the fighters above me there, I’m going to clean house and I don’t care who I have to go through to get there,” Masvidal said of his Strikeforce plans shortly after signing with the organization.
APFC: ULTIMATE BATTLEGROUND RESULTS
February 20, 2011 by Matt
Results from Body Lock and American Predator Fighting Championship’s “Ultimate Battleground” at the Melrose Park Civic Center on February 19th, 2011.
Anthony Desoson vs. Jay Jerman: Jerman def. Desoson, Sub-Triangle Choke, 1:30 rd.3
Jose Brizuela vs. Bek Teslovic: Teslovic def. Brizuela, Sub-Guillotine, :29 rd.1
Rob Lanum vs. Juan Grenco: Grenco def. Lanum, TKO, :48 rd.1
Bryan Lachica vs. Eric Thomas: Lachica def. Thomas, Sub-Guillotine, 1:28 rd.1
Scottie Fortner wins via Guillotine, rd.2
Josh Schirmer vs. Robbie Sandoval: Schirmer def. Sandoval, Sub-Guillotine, :33 rd.2
Justin Gary vs. Jose Levia: Gary def. Levia, Sub-Heel Hook, rd.1
Lucas Grabowski vs. Cory Hall: Grabowski def. Hall, Sub-RNC, 2:26 rd.2
Jason Belyew vs. CJ Herrell: Belyew def. Herrell, TKO-Strikes, 2:30 rd.1
Daniel Szwab vs. Kyle Harper: Szwab def. Harper, KO, rd.2
Nick Gaynor vs. Dimitrius Williams: Williams def. Gaynor, Sub-RNC, 2:40 rd.1
Jung Nguyen vs. Jared Karlen: Karlen def. Nguyen, Unanimous Decision
Pedro Velasco vs. Jordin Hinman: Hinman def. Velasco, Sub-Verbal Tap, Injury, 1:35 rd.1
Notes from the event:
- Submission of the Night went to Combat-Do’s Josh Schirmer. Right before his submission, Schirmer pushed Sandoval up against the cage and actually waved to someone in the crowd. Seconds later he had Sandoval tapping.
- KO of the Night went to another Combat-Do fighter, Juan “Shrek” Grenco. Shrek landed a vicious straight right that felled IFL fighter Rob Lanum.
- Jordin Hinman switched teams a few months ago and is now a member of American Pit Fighters. After his win Hinman announced he is going pro.
-UFC fighters Mikey Lullo and Ric Lamas were in the house. Lullo cheered on the MTC fighters while Lamas was seen cornering Top Notch fighters. Both are waiting for word on their next fights in the UFC.
- MTC fighters went 3-0 on the night. Daniel Szwab is an absolute beast.
- Team Top Notch’s Dimitrius Williams made a successful return to the cage after suffering a dislocated shoulder against Joey Diehl at Ruckus Invades Navy Pier. The injury caused Williams to weigh in at over 170 lbs. in December. He said he had no problem making 130 for this fight. Williams also told us he hopes to turn pro soon.
- Hackney’s Jason Belyew had little trouble with IFL’s CJ Herrell to record his first win.
- Eric Thomas was doing very well in his bout against Dragonz Lair’s Bryan Lachica until he unleashed a wild, spinning back fist that left him unbalanced. Lachica seized the opportunity and locked in a guillotine for the win. Overheard in the crowd: “Silly rabbit…spinning backfists are for kids.”
- Kudos to APFC, Body Lock, Combat Consulting and Kage Concepts. The event started right on-time and it was smooth sailing throughout the event.
DEFENDING AGAINST KNIFE ATTACKS WITH MMA TECHNIQUES
February 17, 2011 by searstapper
Joe Lozito is the man who helped New York Police catch a suspect accused of murdering four people during a stabbing spree. The longtime UFC and MMA fan used a double leg takedown against a knife wielding Maksim Gelman and kept him pinned on the ground till the authorities could arrive. Lozito doesn’t train MMA but says he learned to do the move through “osmosis.”
There are techniques from Mixed Martial Arts that can be applied in self-defense situations against a bladed attack. Chicago MMA’s L.J. Tabano talked with Paul Sharp from Sharp’s Martial Arts in Elgin about some of those applications. Sharp, a member of the Elgin SWAT Team, has fought in local promotions and also uses MMA techniques in a system he helped develop for police and civilians to deal with situations against bladed weapons.
TEAM USA VS. TEAM IRELAND II – MARCH 12
Top U.S. rising stars scheduled to compete against Team Ireland St. Charles – The Mixed Martial Arts Sport Federation today announced the 12 fighters, including three Chicagoans, who will represent the USA against Team Ireland March 12th at The DuPage Expo Center at 7:30 p.m.
Four Chicago-area fighters were selected to compete for Team USA: Andrew Krzeptowski of Bridgeview (Welterweight, 6-0), Josh Schirmer of Cicero (Lightweight, 7-2-0 record) and Pearl Gonzalez of Cicero (Lightweight 7-1).
Other Team USA standouts include Missouri’s Alex White (featherweight, 11-0-0) and Matt Paul of Elgin (light heavyweight, 6-0-0) and Eric Daigle (featherweight 12-2-1) . Team USA will take a 104-7 overall record into the bouts.
“These are simply some of the talented and fiercest rising stars of MMA in the country,” said Mick Doyle, Team USA coach and former International kickboxing organization world champion. “We scouted hundreds of fighters at dozens of fights all over the U.S. to select the 12 men who will proudly wear the stars and stripes March 12th against Team Ireland at The DuPage Expo Center-St. Charles.” The event is organized by the MMA Sport Federation, an organization that champions the highest ideals of international sportsmanship. The Federation provides an opportunity for the very best young fighters to train, build skills, and advance their reputations while competing against teams from around the world.
A weigh-in will be held March 11th at McNally’s Irish Pub-St. Charles, IL at 7pm and a fighter meet-and-greet will be hosted at Ballydoyles, Irish Pub-Aurora, IL at 7pm on Thursday-March 10th.
BEN ASKREN GETS “THE GOAT” AT BELLATOR 40
February 17, 2011 by Matt
Bellator World Welterweight Champion Ben “Funky” Askren returns to the cage for the first time since his impressive title win when he meets dangerous UFC veteran Nick “The Goat” Thompson at Bellator 40, which airs LIVE on MTV2, and takes place April 9th at the First Council Casino in Newkirk, Oklahoma.
“Ben’s been completely dominant in every fight he’s had under the Bellator banner and Nick has run the MMA gauntlet in his career, fighting everywhere and everyone,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “He will be a fantastic test for Ben.”
A 2008 Olympian and 2-time NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion, Askren has silenced any critics who doubted his ability to transition from collegiate wrestling to MMA since his professional debut just two years ago. After three straight impressive victories to win the Bellator Season 2 Welterweight Tournament – including a finals matchup where “Funky” completely dominated highly regarded welterweight Dan “The Handler” Hornbuckle with a non-stop barrage of takedowns and ground-and-pound – Askren prepared for his toughest test yet, a Championship meeting with Lyman Good at Bellator 33. The fight ultimately went the distance, spanning five grueling rounds before Askren was awarded a very deserving decision victory and the Bellator World Welterweight Championship.
Still undefeated (7-0) in his quickly developing MMA career, Askren is incredibly confident of his skills, even against a battle tested Thompson.
“I come to fight every single time. Whether you’re good or you’re bad, I still want to smash you, and it’s going to be the same thing when I fight Nick Thompson,” Askren said. “It doesn’t matter what his record is, I’m looking to kick his ass.”
A former Bodog Welterweight Champion, Thompson (38-13-1) enters the fight with more than 50 fights worth of professional experience over the course of his eight-year MMA career, which includes stops with UFC, Strikeforce, and Sengoku. Holding notable victories over current Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez, top Strikeforce welterweight Paul “Semtex” Daley, and UFC veteran Josh “The Dentist” Neer, “The Goat” is confident his experience will play a significant role during the fight.
“I think the biggest advantage for me in this fight with Ben is the fact that I’ve fought more than 50 fights,” said Thompson. “I’ve fought in every organization, I’ve fought against the best fighters in the world, and I’ve been ranked in the top ten. Ben hasn’t been there. I plan on hitting him like he’s never been hit before and I’m excited to find out how he’s going to react.”
APFC: ULTIMATE BATTLEGROUND, SATURDAY
February 16, 2011 by Matt
Body Lock and American Predator Fighting Championship present “Ultimate Battleground” at the Melrose Park Civic Center in Lemont on February 19th, 2011. Here is the latest fight card for the event.
Pedro Velassco (No Com) 10-6 155lbs vs. Jordin Hinman (APF) 12-5 155lbs
Jung Nguyen (HCA) 140lbs 2-0 vs. Jared Karlen (MTC) 140lbs 3-1
Nick Gaynor (DL) 130lbs 2-1 vs. Dimitrius Williams (TopN) 3-2 130lbs
Bryan Lachica (DL) 170, 0-0 vs. Eric Thomas 170 1-1 (APF)
Jason Belyew (HCA) HWT 0-0-1 vs. CJ Herrell 225lbs 1-0 (IFL)
Terry Brennen 103 lbs 0-3 vs. Scottie Forortner (IFL) 135 0-0
Justin Grey (DL) 145lbs 5-2 vs. Jose Levia (DSW) 3-2 145lbs
Michael Graham 3-0 135lbs (SSF) vs. Robbie Sandoval (Top N) 2-1 135lbs
Lucas Gubowski (MTC) 185lbs 3-3 vs. Cory Hall (DL) 4-1
Anthony Desoson (HCA)145lbs 0-0 vs. Jay Jerman(DL)145 1-0
Jose Brizuela (RNecks) 140lbs 0-0 vs. Bek Teslovic (DL) 140 1-0
Rob Lanum 265 SHWT 0-0(IFL) vs. Jaun Grenco (Combat Do) 285lbs 0-0
Daniel Szwab 205 1-0 (MTC) vs. Kyle Harper (Combat Do) 205lbs 0-0
NEW DETHRONE SHANE CARWIN TEAM CARWIN TEE
February 15, 2011 by Matt
We won’t get to see UFC heavyweight Shane Carwin until UFC 131 in June, but his new Dethrone Team Carwin shirt is now available.
