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Vassily Jirov

K-1 will be putting on a 'K-1 vs. Boxing' card on June 6th, which will air on ESPN pay-per-view and Fuji TV.

The big news is that it appears that K-1 may have signed former IBF cruiserweight boxing champion Vassily Jirov to the show.

Here is the line-up that is being mentioned so far:

Ernesto Hoost vs. Ray Mercer
Peter Aerts vs. Francois Botha
Alexey Ignashov vs. Vassily Jirov

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Fujita after beating Sapp.

The Japanese media is reporting that Kazuyuki Fujita has now been thrown into the mix as a possible opponent for Mike Tyson. Fujita himself announced after yesterday's win over Bob Sapp that he would like to face Tyson.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

K-1 matchmake Sadaharu Tanigawa spoke with the Japanese media regarding Bob Sapp's loss to Kazuyuki Fujita yesterday night.

Tanigawa explained that Sapp is not able to train properly due to his heavy PR schedule, and now with offers from Hollywood as well, his career is at a turning point.

Meanwhile, the theme in the Japanese media is if this loss to Fujita will ruin Sapp's dream of facing Mike Tyson.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

K-1: 'Romanex'
May 22nd, 2004
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama, Japan


Kazuyuki Fujita defeats Bob Sapp by KO, RD 1.
Shinsuke Nakamura defeats Alexey Ignashov by guillotine choke at 1:51, RD 2.
Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Nakao declared a no contest.
B.J. Penn defeats Duane Ludwig by side choke at 1:45, RD 1.
Genki Sudo defeats Royler Gracie by KO at 3:40, RD 1.
Josh Barnett defeats Rene Rooze by KO, RD 1.
Gary Goodridge defeats Sylvester Terkay by KO, RD 1.
'Lyoto' Machida defeats Sam Greco by split decision.
'Blue Wolf' defeats Tom Howard by TKO at 4:44, RD 2.
'Gladiator' defeats Antni Hardonk by unanimous decision.

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WEC 10: Bragging Rights
Mat 21st, 2004
The Palace Indian Gaming Center
Lemoore, CA

Mike Serr defeats Rafael Real by submission at 2:19, RD 1.
Karo Parisyan defeats Shonie Carter by unanimous decision.
Gilbert Melendez defeats Olaf Alonzo by TKO at 4:54, RD 1.
Alex Stiebling defeats Tim McKenzie by choke at 2:25, RD 2.
Ryan Schultz defeats Gil Castillo by split decision.
Poppies Martinez defeats Gabriel Cruz by TKO at 0:30, RD 1.
Bert Bergmark defeats Daisuke Ishii by TKO at 4:49, RD 1.
Doug Marshal defeats Anthony Arria by armbar at 0:22, RD 1.
Amir Rahnavardi defeats Kengo Ura by TKO at 5:00, RD 1.
Richard Montoya defeats Bill Coffman by TKO at 0:47, RD 1.
Levar Johnson defeats Levi Thronbrue by TKO at 2:32, RD 1.
Steve Ramirez defeats Chino Esparza by rear naked choke at 0:47, RD 1.

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Fabricio Werdum

Brazilian magazine 'Tatame' recently interviewed Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom Fabricio Werdum. Here's what Werdum had to say (interview by Andre Araujo):


Tatame: A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt knocking out a striker? Many people were surprised. What do you think of this?

Fabricio: To be honest, I didn't expect to knock out Ebenezer. Everyone told me before the fight that it wouldn't be easy. The thing for me was to find my distance and take him to the ground. I took a lot of punches and knees to the head, in fact I was bleeding a lot from my nose. I ended up surprising him by feinting a leg attack and then going up top with a strike. I landed the shot right above his ears...it even ended up cutting him, for which he needed seven stiches. In the first edition of Jungle Fight I landed a Capoeira kick on Napao. Now I surprised everyone with another surprising move.

Tatame: Some people are saying your strike was a lucky shot...

Fabricio: In reality, in a fight like that, luck is fundamental and always welcome. But that's not what happened in this instance. I had already been training that move at the Hotel Trpoicana with my brother Felipe Werdum, who is also a Capoeira stylist. I remembered the move during the fight and it felt very natural when I did it.

Tatame: What's the story behind you joining Chute Boxe?

Fabricio: For me, Chute Boxe is the best vale tudo team in the world. In jiu-jitsu, the best is Behring, whoch is run by my teacher Sylvio Behring. I never mentioned at any moment that I was going to leave Behring. Once Behring, always Behring. What it is, is that training at Chute Boxe is a dream for me. I want to train vale tudo with the best. I want to represent Chute Boxe in vale tudo, and I want to represent Behring in grappling. To be honest, I was hoping it could be even bigger...who knows, maybe even integrating both teams.

Tatame: Another athlete who is negotiating with Chute Boxe is Gabriel Napao, who you already faced in the first edition of Jungle Fight. How would you deal with this?

Fabricio: For me, that would be great. Napao is a very tough fighter. We caught up behind the scenes of Jungle Fight and even talked about that fight. I'm certain that it would be great to train with him.

Tatame: How is the Brazilian jiu-jitsu scene in Spain nowadays?

Fabricio: I would realy like to make a Europa Top Team. Just like the US has American Top Team, Brazil has Brazilian Top Team, and Russia has Russian Top Team, I would like to put together a strong vale tudo team for Europe. Jiu-jitsu in Spain is getting better all the time. Spain now has five athletes who have graduated to black belt. We recently had the fourth Copa de Espanha jiu-jitsu championships, and many of my students did very well in that tournament, which was promoted by Robin Gracie. Actually, I teach from Monday to Friday in Madrid, and I visit other localities of Spain on Saturday and Sunday.

Tatame: How is your agenda now?

Fabricio: I'll be returning to Europe on May 20th, and I'll return to Brazil on July 10th for the Mundials. I think I'll be on tthe Jungle Fight 3 card, but before that I have a vale tudo tournament in Valencia (in Spain) on June 26th. It is called Espanha Vale Tudo, and I fill be facing French fighter Damien Riccio.

Tatame: Going back to grappling, will you be participating in the Mundial and World Cup?

Fabricio: I'm not sure at this point. I only know that I'll competing in the World Cup, but the Mundial depends on whether or not it's on the same day as another tournament that's being promoted by Hunter. It's called the Hunter Combat Submission MMA tournament, and I will most likely be fighting in this event. The date of the show coincides with the Mundial.

Tatame: You have an old rivalry with Marcio "Pe De Pano" at the jiu-jitsu tournaments. With the Mundials right around the corner, how is that history between you two now?

Fabricio: For me, he's the best in the world, he's the absolute champion after all. I really want to face him in one of the grappling tournaments, but in my opinion he will not win anything this year. At most, second or third place.

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UFC 48
June 19th, 2004
Las Vegas, NV


Here is the revised UFC 48, scheduled for June 19th:

Ken Shamrock vs. Kimo Leopoldo
Tim Sylvia vs. Frank Mir (Heavyweight title fight)
Phil Baroni vs. Evan Tanner
Dennis Hallman vs. Frank Trigg
Matt Hughes vs. Renato 'Charuto' Verissimo
Curtis Stout vs. Trevor Prangley
Georges St. Pierre vs. Jay Hieron
Ivan Menjivar vs. Matt Serra

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Trevor Prangley

Trevor Prangley has been added to the UFC 48 card on June 19th. He will be facing UFC veteran Curtis Stout.

It was believed that Lee Murray would be facing Stout, but Murray's appearance in UFC 48 has now been put into doubt.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Wes "Cabbage" Correira (left)

The Japanese media is reporting that K-1 is considering Wes 'Cabbage' Correira as a future opponent for Bob Sapp.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Sapp vs. Fujita in "Romanex".

The Japanese media is reporting that the Bob Sapp vs. Kazuyuki Fujita matchup on the K-1 'Romanex' card this weekend will be for the MMA heavyweight title of K-1.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Ryo Chonan (left)

Japanese magazine Kami No Puroresu recently interviewed Ryo Chonan. Here's what Chonan had to say (interview by Akira S.):


KNP: You're going to face Ricardo Almeida in the next PRIDE Bushido. He's really going be a tough opponent, isn't he?

Chonan: Yes he is. He is ranked number one in my own 80 kg (176 pounds) rankings.

KNP: He is number one in your ranking?! Where do you rate yourself in your ranking?

Chonan: Me? I guess I'm not in the ranking. I don't know if I deserve to be in it.

KNP: Do you really think so? (laughs)

Chonan: Yes. To see this bout objectively, they will bet bet on Almeida. Nobody has been able to beat him in Pancrase right now.

KNP: Hey, it's not like you. I expected you to say something like "I'm going to kill him!", "I will make a blood sacrifice!", or something like that...

Chonan: What kind of impression do you have of me? (laughs) I'm quite modest, not so scrappy (chuckles). Well of course I'm going to try to win, but from my point of view as a fan of MMA, (laughs) when I compare his record to mine, even if I say "I'll win for sure!!", I think it would only be just talk.

KNP: Almeida is doing anazingly well in Abu Dhabi submission wrestling too, correct?

Chonan: His rank is high in the open-weight class. I remember he was KO'ed by Semenov in the UFC, but he has now improved his skills and knowledge of BJJ. I know he's been doing some research on Semenov since then (laughs). By the way, do you know how old Ricardo is?

KNP: I think now he is 27 years old.

Chonan: I'm 27 too! (laughs) As for submissions, I guess his level is like a high school boy, and mine is just like a kindergartener.

KNP: What skills will you utilize to cover that difference? What is your weapon going to be?

Chonan: Offensive, which Jiu Jitsu theory does not have. It's difficult to defeat him by ground technique because he's been doing the ground game since he was a kid.

KNP: So, Striking might be the key to victory for you?

Chonan: I'm thinking about many ways to beat him. I still don't know how it will go until I fight. In fact, there is a possibility that I get knocked out. He is not my favorite type of fighter because he takes down without intending to do so.

KNP: How is your physical condition right now?

Chonan: My training has been good. I can feel the tension and determination to fight against him while I'm talking to you!!(laughs)

KNP: That's good (laughs). Are you satisfied to have Almeida as an opponent for your first match in PRIDE?

Chonan: I couldn't ask for a better chance. For me, I think he is number one in our weight class. Maybe facing a different fighter then Almeida would have been easier, but it doesn't matter to me. I want to beat the tough guys in the middleweight division. I don't want to fight easy opponents, as it means nothing if we already know the result will be an easy victory.

KNP: So Almeida can be the right opponent for you experience the international level.

Chonan: There are so many fighters in the middleweight division who are competent but not overrated. I have to go through them, and I dare to do so. I don't need to avoid it. I made such modest comments earlier, but I'm going to turn my switch on when it comes time to fight, and try to measure up to your expectations. Keep an eye on me!

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PRIDE english-language commentator Mauro Ranallo appeared on the Puroresu Power Hour internet radio show to preview this weekend's PRIDE Bushido 3 card.

To listen to Ranallo's preview, click here

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Gilbert Yvel

'It's Showtime'
May 20th, 2004
Amsterdam ArenA
Amsterdam, Holland


MMA matchups:
Rodney Faverus defeats Melvin Manhoef by KO.
Dennis de Rus defeats Perry Ubeda by choke, RD 2.
Fatih Kocamis defeats Dave Vader by submission at 0:36, RD 1.
Gilbert Yvel defeats Cheick Kongo by KO, RD 2.
Dave Dalgliesh defeats Barrington Patterson by KO, RD 2.
Irma Verhoeff defeats Yoko Takahashi by decision.

Muay Thai/Kickboxing matchups:
Alexey Ignashov defeats Semmy Schilt by KO, RD 1.
Rayen Simson defeats Leonard.
Badr Hari defeats Aziz Khattou.
Fikri Tijarti defeats Chris van Venrooy.
Pajunsuk defeats Joerie Mes.
Gago Drago defeats Stjepan Veselic.

Boxing matchups:
Lucia Rijker defeats Deborah Fettkether.
Regillo Aaron defeats Ismael Kerzazi.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Palalei (top) vs. Lucero.

'No Holds Barred'
May 20, 2004
Melbourne Convention Centre
Melbourne, Australia

Daniel Lima defeats Jamie Ballard by armbar, RD 1.
Soa Palalei defeats Vince Lucero by TKO, RD 1.
Sam Nest defeats Anthony Perosh by decision.
Travers Grubb defeats Andrew Divitt by decision.
Tosca Petridis defeats Peter Jones by TKO.
Jon Valuri defeats Andrew Specht by choke, RD 2.
Adrian Pang defeats Steven Gillinder by armbar, RD 1.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

SHOOTO Lithuania: 'Bushido King'
May 18, 2004
Lithuania


Kestutis Smirnovas defeats Petras Morkevicius by choke at 0:50, RD 1.
Mindaugas Smirnovas drew with Ramunas Komas.
Tadas Rinkevicius defeats Andrej Putinkov by TKO at 2:05, RD 1.
Vladimir Yushko drew with Valdas Pocevicius.
Nerijus Valiukevicius defeats Mamed Khalidov by TKO at 4:49, RD 1.
Irmantas Masiulevieius defeats Andrzej Kulig by KO at 0:30, RD 1.
Antanas Jazbutis defeats Jurij Boreiko by armbar at 4:41, RD 2.
Regimantas Bakas defeats Egidijus Petrushkevicius by armbar at 0:36, RD 1.
Evaldas Bunevieius defeats Marius Liaukevicius by armbar at 4:38, RD 1.
Deividas Petrauskas defeats Liudas Toleikis by decision.
Ramunas Paliunis defeats Remigijus Daugela by leglock at 4:04, RD 1.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

By Tape Lord

Tim Sylvia

Hello my friends, my postal connections in the K-1 organization are telling me that K-1 wants to sign the winner of the Tim Sylvia vs. Frank Mir heavyweight title fight, which is taking place in UFC 48 on June 19th.

K-1 basically wants to poach all of the UFC's champions from here on in.

The possibility also exists that K-1 will try to sign both Sylvia and Mir, regardless of who wins.

More info to come in the next few weeks.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

The UFC confirmed today what Fightsport.com first reported on May 5th, when Todd Atkins first reported that Jason Miller would be extradited back to Georgia to face charges, and that he would most likely miss his scheduled fight for UFC 48 on June 19th.

According to the UFC, Jason Miller is now officially off the UFC 48 card. His replacement will be Jay Hieron.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto (top)

Todd Atkins reports from Japan that K-1 officially announced that Norifumi 'Kid' Yamamoto's fight has been cancelled for this Saturday's 'Romanex' show.

A suitable opponent could not be found in time.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira

Brazilian magazine 'Tatame' reports that Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira (not to be confused with twin brother Rodrigo 'Minotauro') will face Alex Stiebling on the 'Gladiator' MMA show in South Korea on June 26th to 27th.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Gilbert Yvel

'It's Showtime'
May 20th, 2004
Amsterdam ArenA
Amsterdam, Holland


MMA matchups:
Gilbert Yvel vs. Cheick Kongo
Joop Kasteel vs. Dave Vader
Rodney Faverus vs. Melvin Manhoef
Stephan Tapilatu vs. Perry Ubeda
Dave Dalgliesh vs. Barrington Patterson
Irma Verhoeff vs. Yoko Takahashi

Muay Thai/Kickboxing matchups:
Alexey Ignashov vs. Semmy Schilt
Rayen Simson vs. Sahin Yakut
Badr Hari vs. Aziz Khattou
Fikri Tijarti vs. Chris van Venrooy
Joerie Mes vs. Pajunsuk
Gago Drago vs. Stjepan Veselic

Boxing matchups:
Lucia Rijker vs. Lisa Holewyne
Regillo Aaron vs. Francisco Mora

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

WEC 10: Bragging Rights
Mat 21st, 2004
The Palace Indian Gaming Center
Lemoore, CA

Rafael Real vs. Mike Serr
Shonie Carter vs. Karo Parisyan
Chris Leben vs. Steve Heath
Poppies Martines vs. Gabriel Cruz
Tim McKenzie vs. Alex Stiebling
Gil Castillo vs. Ryan Schultz
Olaf Alonzo vs. Gilbert Melendez
*Chris Lytle vs. J.T. Taylor
Bert Bergmark vs. Daisuke Ishii
Doug Marshal vs. Anthony Arria
Amir Rahnavardi vs. Kengo Ura
Richard Montoya vs. Bill Coffman
Levar Johnson vs. Levi Thronbrue
Steve Ramirez vs. Chino Esparza


*Chris Lytle is most likely off the card due to a bad cut he recieved in training.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

K-1: 'Romanex'
May 22nd, 2004
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama, Japan


Bob Sapp vs. Kazuyuki Fujita
Alexey Ignashov vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Nakao
Josh Barnett vs. Rene Rooze
Gary Goodridge vs. Sylvester Terkay
B.J. Penn vs. Duane Ludwig
Royler Gracie vs. Genki Sudo
Sam Greco vs. 'Lyoto' Machida
Tom Howard vs. 'Blue Wolf'
*Norifumi 'Kid' Yamamoto vs. TBA


*Norifumi 'Kid' Yamamoto is most likely off the card due to not finding a suitable opponent in time.

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Ring of Fire 12: 'Nemesis!'
Saturday, May 22nd, 2004
Douglas County Event Center
Castle Rock, CO


MMA matchups:
Jay Jack vs. John Cronk
Jake Hattan vs. Carlos Condit
Ali Abdelaziz vs. Chee Bates
Luke Caudillo vs. James Martinez
Gabe Beapurthey vs. Craig Zellner
Brock Jensen vs. Justin James
Brett Schafer vs. Brandon Melendez
Denis Acuna vs Steve Graniery
Tom Clemen vs. TBA

K-1 rules matchup:
Mike Baldwin vs. TBA

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EVT 3: 'Inferno'
May 22, 2004
Copenhagen, Denmark

Mario Stapel vs. Ronaldo Campos
Pierre Guillet vs. Julian Gonzalez
Thomas Hytten vs. Dennis Davis
Chris Wilson vs. Stale Nyang
Kenneth Rosfort vs. Raouf Omar
Daniel Weichel vs. Gaz Roriston
Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs. John Oskar Hammer
Marc Wisniewski vs. Tim Vinther
Jose Enrique Antón Ramos vs. Anders Eriksson
Alex Wiebe vs. Sonny Malmkvist Nielsen
Gjermund Larsen vs. Tchavdar Pavlov
Lars Besand vs. Bernardo Serrini

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

PRIDE Bushido 3
May 23rd 2004
Yokohama Arena
Yokohama, Japan


Single matchups:
Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic vs. Hiromitsu Kanehara
Carlos Newton vs. Daiju Takase
Jorge Patino 'Macaco' vs. Kazuo Misaki
Khallid Arab vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Tamakairiki vs. Akira Shoji
Yoshihisha Yamamoto vs. Choi Mu Bae

Gracies vs. Japan matchups:
Ralph Gracie vs. Takanori Gomi
Ryan Gracie vs. Ikuhisa Minowa
Ricardo Almeida vs. Ryo Chonan

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Cage Rage 6
May 23rd, 2004
Caesars Nightclub
London, England


Jean Silva vs. Gerald Strebendt
Sol Gilbert vs. Xavier Foupa-Pokam
Alex Evans vs. Jean Francois Lenogue
Sammy Schiavo vs. Dave Elliot
Paul Jenkins vs. Suley Muhmoud
Mark Epstein vs. Glen Appleby
Henrigue Santana vs. Mike Johnson
Kuljit Degum vs. Del Edwards
Danny Fletcher vs. Andy Walker
Ricky Moore vs. Alex Owen
Rickey Andrews vs. Ryan Norwood
Lance King vs. Ryan Robinson
Alvin Delimico vs. Peter Irvine
Marc Goddard vs. Andy Cosstello
Stuart Grant vs. Phil Labar

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Pancrase 2004 Brave Tour
Friday, May 28, 2004
Korakuen Hall
Tokyo, Japan

Open: 5:30 PM
Start: 6:30 PM


Ron Waterman vs. Keigo Takamori
Yuki Sasaki vs. Yukiya Naito
Keiichiro Yamamiya vs. Kozo Urita
Yoshiro Maeda vs. Isamu Sugiuchi
Takuya Wada vs. Hidetaka Monma
Hidehiko Hasegawa vs. Yuichi Nakanishi
Takahito Ida vs. Takaichi Hirayama
Satoru Kitaoka vs. Takaichi Hirayama

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By Jake R.

Chris Lytle (right)

Reliable sources in Las Vegas have informed this cyber reporter that Chris Lytle suffered a bad cut in training and has pulled out of this weekend's WEC 10 show, in which he was scheduled to face J.T. Taylor.

As usual, stick to Fightsport.com and the Jake R report for the latest in accurate breaking news that you won't read about on the other site until they read it here first.



*Must credit Jake R when discussing this story.

This Jake R Report was filed on Tuesday, May 18.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Kaoru Uno (left) at Susumu's photo exhibition.

World reknowned MMA photographer Susumu Nagao held an exhibition for his work on May 9th in Tokyo, Japan.

The public got to see Susumu's work, and also got to meet MMA stars such as Kaoru Uno.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Genki Sudo

Todd Atkins reports the following from Japan:

"Genki Sudo stated today to the Japanese media that if he beats Royler Gracie on May 22nd, he will ask K-1 to match him up against Rickson Gracie for his next fight.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Yuki Kondo

Yuki Kondo announced to the Japanese media that he will be participating on the Pancrase card on June 22nd.

Kondo added that his fight against Vanderlei Silva will happen on the PRIDE Heavyweight GP Finals card on August 15th at the Saitama Super Arena.

Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira

ADCombat.com recently interviewed Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira (not to be confused with twin brother Rodrigo 'Minotauro'). Here's what Minotoro had to say (interview by Rafael Werneck):


ADCC: How is your right arm?

Minotoro: It's fine. I'm back to my regular training program. I've been training Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and Muay Thai.

ADCC: When do you think you will be able to fight again?

Minotoro: I will be back on June 29th in an event called Gladiators, that will be held in South Korea. I don't know who I'm going to fight against but I think he's probably a Russian fighter.

ADCC: Tell us a litle bit more about this event in South Korea.

Minotoro: The Koreans are following the Japanese shows's steps. They are willing to recruit the best fighters in the world to their events. There will be other Brazilian fighters in Gladiators, such as Anderson Silva (former Chute Boxe athlete), Paulo Filho (Brazilian Top Team), and Claudio Godoy, all famous MMA names.

ADCC: You weren't able to join your brother Rodrigo "Minotauro" during his performance in the PRIDE GP. Have you seen Minotauro's fight against Hirotaka Yokoi?

Minotoro: Yes, I have. Some people may have found it a boring fight but I liked it. Rodrigo was very calm and focused. He knew he was going to win by submission or TKO. He didn't want to show too much aggression but he was very confident.

ADCC: Were you surprised by Kevin Randleman's KO victory over Mirko Cro Cop?

Minotoro: In a certain way, yes. He is a very good striker and the only way to beat him was supposed to be taking him to the ground. That was what Randleman did - threaten to ground him, so he let his defense down. Some people believe Cro Cop has a good ground game but I disagree. I've heard people saying that he even could defeat my brother fighting on the ground, but it would be impossible.

ADCC: What were your impressions about Murilo Ninja´s defeat to the Russian Sergei Kharitonov?

Minotoro: It didn't surprised me. Nowadays everybody is well prepared and anything could happen. Don't be surprised if the fighter you think is invincible now is TKO'ed at any moment. The Russian boxing school is the best that exists. The Cubans have learned from them and all the Russian fighters are very dangerous.

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Mix Fight Germany 3
May 15, 2004
Dusseldorf, Germany


MMA matchups:
Mario Stapel defeats Metin Kockaya by KO, RD 1.
Martin Zawada defeated Dennis by TKO, RD 1.
Steve Mensing defeated Harald Schieb by decision.
Malte Janssen submitted Cengiz Dana by choke, RD 1.
Ulas Aslan submitted Ali Selcuk Ayin by guillotine choke, RD 1.

Kickboxing matchup:
Roman Baum defeats Dogan Mustafa by decision.

Muay Thai matchup:
Yucel Alev defeats Ramon De Winter by TKO, RD 2.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Bu Todd Atkins

Matt Hughes

UFC president Dana White wants to have Matt Hughes vs. Dennis Hallman at UFC 50. This would be the third fight between the two fighters, Hallmann having won the first two fights by armbar.

Both fighters have to win at UFC 48, but Dana thinks they both will.

Matt Hughes is guaranteed a title shot if he wins his next fight. Dennis Hallman has also signed to a multi-fightdeal as well.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Our Zuffa informant Coffee Guy tells us the following news regarding a potential Phil Baroni vs. Lee Murray matchup:

"Dana White's plan right now is to have Phil Baroni vs. Lee Murray for the vacant middleweight belt.

Dana would like to have this fight take place at UFC 49 on August 21st, but there is the matter of both Baroni and Murray winning their fights at UFC 48 on June 19th first.

Regarding UFC 48, Dana seems to me to be very confident that Baroni will beat Evan Tanner, and that Murray will beat Curtis Stout.

Even if both fighters do win, the Baroni/Murray title fight might get pushed back to UFC 50 instead of UFC 49." -Coffee Guy

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Matt Lindland (left)

UFC 49
August 21st, 2004
Las Vegas, NV


Official and unofficial matchups:
Randy Couture vs. Vitor Belfort
Chuck Liddell vs. Vernon 'Tiger' White
Matt Lindland vs. Dave Terrell
Tito Ortiz vs. TBA
Ricco Rodriguez vs. Mike Kyle
Yves Edwards vs. Josh Thompson
Joe Doerksen vs. Joe Riggs
Robbie Lawler vs. Ron Jhun

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

UFC 48
June 19th, 2004
Las Vegas, NV


Ken Shamrock vs. Kimo Leopoldo
Tim Sylvia vs. Frank Mir (Heavyweight title fight)
Phil Baroni vs. Evan Tanner
Dennis Hallman vs. Frank Trigg
Matt Hughes vs. Renato 'Charuto' Verissimo
Lee Murray vs. Curtis Stout
Georges St. Pierre vs. Jason Miller
Ivan Menjivar vs. Matt Serra

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Our Zuffa informant 'Coffee Guy' tells us the following story about why KOTC heavyweight champion Paul Buentello has not been invited to participate in the UFC:


"Joe Silva (of Zuffa) told the following to Paul Buentello: 'You can't fight in the UFC because you dont have the right look. You aren't ripped with muscles'." -Coffe guy

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Chuck Liddell

John Hackelman, who is the trainer of Chuck Liddell, has confirmed what Fightsport.com first reported this morning, that Chuck Liddell vs. Vernon 'Tiger' White is officially signed for UFC 49.

When asked on the UG forum whether the fight was officially signed as Fightsport.com first reported, Hackelman replied the following statement:

"Official..." -John Hackelman

MMA Weekly, known among MMA fans for being consistently inaccurate, inaccurately stated that our scoop was wrong and that the fight was not signed. MMA Weekly was wrong as usual.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

By Jake R.

Vernon "Tiger" White

In another Fightsport.com exclusive, this cyber-reporter has learned of two signed matchups for UFC 49 in August.

As long term and reliable sources inside the Zuffa organization have informed me, matchups of both Chuck Liddell vs. Vernon 'Tiger' White and Matt Lindland vs. Dave Terrell are now done deals for UFC 49.

As usual, stick to Fightsport.com and the Jake R Report to find out exclusive MMA news the other sites are afraid to report.



*Must credit the Jake R Report when discussing this article

This Jake R Report was filed on May 17, 2004.

Discuss this at Fightsport.com

Vanderlei Silva (left)

PRIDE champion Vanderlei Silva was honored this week by his hometown of Curitiba, Brazil. The homage, called 'Vulto Emerito', is bestowed upon those who bring recognition and outstanding promotion to the city of Curitiba.

The ceremony took place in Rio Branco Palace, and the honor was presented by town councilor Luiz Felipe Braga Cortes. The Chute Boxe Team, as well as friends, family, and fans of Silva were in attendance.

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Wallid Ismael and Antonio Inoki.

Wallid Ismael announced to the Brazilian media that the third edition of the Jungle Fight show is tentatively scheduled for September 25th at the Hotel Tropicana in Manaus, Brazil.

Jungle Fight veterans such as Gabriel Napao and Ronaldo 'Jacare' are already scheduled for the show.

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Brazilian magazine 'Tatame' reports that Brazilian MMA veteran Gabriel Napao is set to join the Chute Boxe team.

Napao is part of the Macaco Gold Team, which was started by Jorge 'Macaco' Patino's, who is now with the Chute Boxe team. The Macaco Godl Team still exists mainly as a grappling tournament team.

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By Jake R

B.J. Penn

Reliable sources inside the Zuffa organization have informed me that as a result of B.J. Penn's decision to compete in K-1 MMA promotion, UFC president Dana White has decided to strip B.J. Penn of his UFC welterweight title.

As usual, stick to Fightsport.com and the Jake R report for the latest breaking news.



This Jake R Report was filed on May 17th, 2004.

*Must credit the Jake R Report when discussing this story.

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King of the Cage
May 15th, 2004
Sky City Casino
Albuquerque, NM


Alberto Crane defeats John Mahlow by choke at 2:41, RD 2.
Diego Sanchez defeats Ray Elbe by TKO at 1:07, RD 1.
Darryl Pridy defeats Jimmy Westfall by rear naked choke at 1:45, RD 1.
Javier Gil defeats Hector Escarte by TKO at 1:23, RD 1.
Raul Delgado defeats Benji Vasquez by KO at 0:27, RD 1.
Tom Pless defeats Leo Orquidez by triangle choke at 2:20, RD 1.
Johnathan Olivas defeats Damien Rippee by rear naked choke at 0:46, RD 1.
Jerome Martine defeats Paul Smiley by guillotine choke at 1:12, RD 1.
Ray Merino defeats Sean Bellamy by TKO at 3:16, RD 1.

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RITC 62: More Punishment
May 15, 2004
Casa Grande, AZ


Vince Lucero defeats Cory Timmerman by TKO at 1:52, RD 1.
Gilbert Aldano defeats Karl Perkins by KO at 1:55, RD 1.
Michael Perales defeats David Canvas by TKO at 1:42, RD 2.
Israel Juarez defeats Brett Schreiner by TKO at 2:29, RD 1.
Brandon Roberts defeats Jason Dehart by TKO at 1:25, RD 1.
Michael Grandinetti defeats Joe Bochenek by TKO at 0:26, RD 1.
Troy Tolbert defeats Cameron Mayer by armbar at 1:22, RD 1.
Matt Ver Halen defeats Brandon Oliver by choke at 0:44, RD 1.

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World Freestyle Fighting 6
May 14, 2004
Vancouver, Canada


Ulysses Castro defeats Jason Day by KO at 2:22, RD 1.
Drew Fickett defeats Fabio Holanda by rear naked choke at 0:37, RD 2.
Mike Adams defeats Shannon Rennie by KO at 3:04, RD 1.
Antonio Carvalho defeats John Louro by choke at 2:45, RD 1.
Jamie Varner defeats Garrett Davis by triangle choke at 3:52, RD 1.
Brad Cardinal defeats Jaime Renne by armbar at 0:29, RD 1.
Nick Perry defeats Trevor Schmidt by submission at 0:51, RD 1.
Tim Jensen defeats Ben Greer by armbar at 3:38, RD 1.

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By Jake R

B.J. Penn

In a Fightsport.com exclusive, this cyber reporter has learned from long term reliable sources that K-1 is now upping the stakes in the MMA game with huge salary increases over rival promotions.

In a step that is guaranteed to only further continued fighter crossover to K-1's new 'Romanex' MMA promotion, K-1 has begun paying fighters unprecedented amounts at 170 pounds.

While usually the smaller fighters do not make much in any event, this reporter has learned that K-1 is paying B.J. Penn a staggering USD$150,000 for his upcoming match against Duane Ludwig. This is a much higher amount than Penn makes for the UFC, explaining why Penn has risked having his title taken away by fighting in another event.

In addition, this cyber reporter has learned that Duane Ludwig is making over USD$70,000 for his fight with Penn!

With salaries this high, K-1 has made it clear that they are making a concentrated effort with their MMA promotion, and are willing and able to steal rival promotions fighters at what was once unthought of prices.

As usual, stick to Fightsport.com and Jake R for exclusive reporting you won't read anywhere else.




*Must credit the Jake R report when discussing this story.

This Jake R report was filed on May 15, 2004.

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Tarver (top) KO's Jones Jr.

May 15th, 2004
Mandalay Bay
Las Vegas, NV

Antonio Tarver scored the upset victory with a devastating knockout of Roy Jones Jr. at 1:41 of the second round yesterday at the Mandalay Bay.

The victory now gives Tarver the WBC and WBA light heavyweight belts.

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom Fabricio Werdum confirmed, after his knockout victory over Ebenezzer Braga at yesterdays Jungle Fight 2 event, that he will indeed train with the Chute Boxe team in Curitiba, Brazil.

Werdum said the following to Brazilian magazine 'NOCAUTE', "It's true, I'm going back to Spain to finish some stuff and then come back to Brazil to spend a month with Chute Boxe. It's all set".

Regarding Werdum's surprise knockout of Braga, Werdum said that he was also surprised by it, but also added that he had been training at the biggest kickboxing gym in Spain in preparation for this fight.

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Jungle Fight 2
May 15th, 2004
Center of Conventions
Manaus, Brazil


Travis Wiuff defeats Leopoldo Montenegro by KO, RD 1.
Assuerio Silva defeats Fabiano Scherer by guillotine choke, RD 2.
Carlos Barreto defeats Bobby Hoffman by TKO, RD 2.
Ronaldo 'Jacare' defeats Victor Babkir by TKO at 0:56, RD 1.
Katsuori Shibata defeats 'Ice Man' by side choke, RD 1.
Fabricio Werdum defeats Ebenezer Braga by KO, RD 2.
Daniel Acacio defeats Buck Greer by KO, RD 2.
Boris Jonstomp defeats Adriano Martins by judges decision.
Fredson Paixao defeats Rani Yahira by judges decision.
Gabriel Napao defeats Charlie Brown by TKO.

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Royler Gracie

Brazilian magazine Tatame recently interviewed Royler Gracie. Here's what Royler had to say:


Tatame: How will this comeback be after having spent three years outside the ring? You will be facing Genki Sudo, who has fought to a draw against Dede Pederneiras...

Royler: I always say that the lighter fighter in a fight has it harder. This time they're giving me a guy who is dangerous and also a clown. I say clown because he likes to clown around and do funny stuff during the fight to try and distract his opponent while he's moving around. He's a light guy, more or less around my weight. That is very good, considering that I've already faced Sakuraba, who weighed more then 90 kg (198 pounds). Facing guys who are heavier is always more complicated.

Tatame: How is your preparation for this matchup?

Royler: My preparation is very good. I'm suffering a lot during training so that I don't have to suffer during the fight. I've been training every day for the last two weeks, and as of now I will alternate boxing on one day and jiu-jitsu the next day. This is so I don't get injured right before the fight. On the ground, BJJ black belt Vinicius Aieda has been coordinating my training, with an emphasis on the clinch and positioning. Fabio Latini has been supervising my physical preparation. I have been sharpening up my boxing with Claudio Coelho.

Tatame: You've been training very hard in boxing. Do you plan on knocking out your opponent?

Royler: The boxing training is helping me to educate my reflexes, so that I know how to deal with he may throw at me. I know I'm not an excellent puncher, but I will knock him out if he leaves his face in front of me. In addition to the reflexes, I'm also strengthening my skill at the moment of clinching, practicing my jabs and coming in off the strikes. I can also say that I've improved my striking...my punch is much stronger then before.

Tatame: What will your strategy be?

Royler: I will not hurry the fight. I'm older and I will let the fight happen. I want to catch him off a mistake. I will surround him, take him to the ground, and submit him. I am confident for this fight, and I have a great chance to do well. Sudo is no fool...he tries to distract his adversaries so that he can hit them. I am prepared to do a fight that will lead it to my kind of game. I will put him on the track run the train right over him. I hope to do a good fight and beat down this Japanese lightweight. I want to bring the cup back to Brazil and Gracie Humaita.

Tatame: You have been away from three years and Sudo just won his last fight at UFC 47. Will this add to his confidence?

Royler: In reality, he has been fighting more then me. But I've never been away from the fighting these last three years. I've always lived in the fight world, so I consider myself still inside the circuit, even without having fought. I watch the fights of the fighters in my weight class, and during that time I've been improving up my game, sharpening up my knife. I will be sharp once I enter the ring.

Tatame: Is there a chance you will appear in a gi tournament this year?

Royler: It's not impossible, but it's difficult without a sponsor. Just to give you an idea, I had to re-schedule my seminars that I had planned for May in the United Staes. But I was able to make a new date for June, which worked out well for me. In regards to a "sponsor", the only sponsorship I have is the jiu-jitsu my father taught me, and that's all I need.

Tatame: How is your team for the Mundial and World Cup of jiu-jistu?

Royler: A lot of our major players will be going to hose events and the team will be strong. We are betting on Xande Ribeiro in the heavyweight division...He's been winning a lot of competitions and he will be ready to go at the Mundial. Another one os Fredson Alves. He's been training very well at the academy and will be ready to give it his best in the featherweight division.

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