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Feb 7, 2006
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Fight Order Announced! Main Event Is The Battle Of Kings

The fight order for SENGOKU VII, which takes place on March 20th, has been announced on SENGOKU’s Official Website. The main event will be the Light Heavyweight fight between King Mo and LHW King Of Pancrase Ryo Kawamura. Hatsu Hioki and Chris Manuel got the semi main event spot for their Featherweight GP fight.

SENGOKU VII
Date: March 20th, 2009
Place: National Yoyogi Stadium 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan

LHW: 10. King Mo vs. Ryo Kawamura
FWGP: 9. Hatsu Hioki vs. Chris Manuel
FWGP: 8. Nam Phan vs. Hideki Kadowaki
HW: 7. James Thompson vs. Big Jim York
FWGP: 6. Michihiro Omigawa vs. L.C. Davis
FWGP: 5. Marlon Sandro vs. Matt Jaggers
FWGP: 4. Kim Jong Man vs. Masanori Kanehara
FWGP: 3. Chan Sung Jung vs. Shintaro Ishiwatari
FWGP: 2. Ronnie Ushiwaka vs. Tetsuya Yamada
FWGP: 1. Seiya Kawahara vs. Nick Denis
 
Feb 7, 2006
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Nightmare TV! Machida And Ishii

Satoshi Ishii is in Brazil right now where he was invited by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Lyoto Machida. Here is a clip from Brazilian TV showing Ishii training with Lyoto and his team.
 
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Frank Shamrock: ‘Don’t Call it a Comeback’
videolink: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/recent/Frank-Shamrock-Dont-Call-it-a-Comeback-1951
Nearly 12 months have passed since a Cung Le kick fractured the right forearm of Frank Shamrock, but the former UFC middleweight champion doesn’t consider his bout with Nick Diaz a comeback fight.

Stating that the bitter defeat gave him a new respect for the sport, Shamrock is eager to take to the cage against his younger, but seasoned opponent.

Shamrock and Diaz spoke Thursday at a press conference to promote their April 11 Strikeforce bout, which will air live on Showtime.
 
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Rebuilt and refocused, Hermes Franca ready to return to winning ways

When Hermes Franca (19-7 MMA, 6-4 UFC) was forced to withdraw from the main event of February's UFN 17, the Brazilian lightweight was sorely disappointed.

Compounding the frustration was learning that he would be out for several months after undergoing intense surgical procedures.

But as Franca recently told TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), he has already rebuilt himself one time before -- so how hard could it be to rebuild a knee?

"I lost focus on my fights and on my career," Franca said. "I was doing really well, and I lost focus."

In early 2007, Franca had won eight-straight bouts, including five consecutive bouts for Zuffa-owned organizations (three in the UFC, two in the WEC). But two-straight losses to Frankie Edgar and Sean Sherk left the personable grappler fighting for his spot in the UFC in an emotionally charged October 2008 bout with Marcus Aurelio.

"I'm not going to lie," Franca said. "I was partying too much. I forgot about a lot of things to do in my life. I lost focus. People who were by my side were the wrong people.

"Before my fight against Marcus Aurelio, I said, 'You know what? I want to bring the old Hermes Franca.' And I started to train real hard."

Franca won that bout, and hoped to build upon that success with a win over Joe Lauzon in the February UFC card. Unfortunately for Franca, the knee injury forced him to withdraw from the contest.

"It was a lot of work on my knee," Franca said. "It was like ACL and meniscus, and I was losing cartilage on my knee. It was a lot of work."

Franca also had to wait several weeks to have the procedure completed while he financed the necessary $13,000 for the work. Luckily for the Brazilian, the UFC was willing to assist.

"In that situation, I was hurt before my fight," Franca explained. "You guys know the UFC, they really take care of the fighters. (UFC President) Mr. Dana White, he helped me. He helped me a lot. He really helped me, and was a great help. (UFC co-owners) the Fertittas, they take care of the fighters."

With the organization's help, Franca said the operation was a success.

"The doctor did a great job on my knee, so now I am doing the physical therapy," Franca said. "I can't wait to come back to the octagon and fight.

"I'm going to do the rehab every single day to feel better. The doctors say in four weeks I'm going to be able to train. In two weeks, three weeks, I'm going to be able to do light jogging. In four months, I'll be ready to go."

So the eight-plus year veteran will wait to try and follow up his win over Aurelio with another successful endeavor. But mentally focused and physically repaired, Franca vows to come back even better.

"Unfortunately, I got hurt in my knee," Franca said. "But what can I do? I just want to fix it and know I'm going to come back stronger than ever."
 
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Report: Jason Guida in for suspended Ken Shamrock at "March Badness"

With Ken Shamrock's recent suspension by the California State Athletic Commission for a failed drug test, the hybrid boxing/MMA event "March Badness" was left with a hole in the evening's MMA main event.

According to a new report from VERSUS.com, that void has been filled by former "TUF" cast member Jason Guida (17-19), who will now take on Bobby Lashley (1-0).

The event, promoted by the event's boxing headliner Roy Jones Jr. and his Square Ring Promotions company, takes place at the Pensacola Civic Center in Florida on March 21 and airs on pay-per-view.

Brother of UFC lightweight Clay Guida, heavyweight Jason Guida is perhaps best known for his short-lived stint on "The Ultimate Fighter 8." Guida was unable to make weight for his preliminary bout and was replaced for ever fighting on the program.

Guida dropped all three of his 2008 contests, and is just 3-7 in his past 10 bouts.

Lashley, a two-time NAIA national wrestling champion who wrestled with the WWE from 2005 to 2008, made his MMA debut in December. There, the American Top Team product scored a swift 41-second TKO of Joshua Franklin.

In the only other formally announced MMA contest, former top UFC heavyweight contender Jeff Monson (27-8) takes on IFL heavyweight champion Roy "Big Country" Nelson (13-3).

On the boxing portion of the card, Jones Jr. (52-5), an eight-time world champion and former Olympian, takes on Omar Sheika (27-8) in a light-heavyweight contest.
 
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Strikeforce still hopes to sign "Kimbo," Carano; in talks with Randleman

While Strikeforce put on an impressive display of in-cage talent at the "Shamrock vs. Diaz" pre-fight press conference on Thursday in Hollywood, Calif., two faces were noticeably missing.

Among the 40-plus contacts acquired by Strikeforce in the recent acquisition of several ProElite assets, the contracts of the ill-fated company's biggest stars -- Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson (3-1) and Gina Carano (7-0) -- remain unsecured.

On Thursday, Strikeforce founder and CEO Scott Coker said he still hopes to bring the two fighters aboard.

Coker was first asked about the enigmatic YouTube-star turned mixed martial artist "Kimbo Slice."

"Kimbo is a very popular star in North America," Coker said. "He's very recognizable, and he did a good job packing the stadiums when he fought.

"Right now there is ongoing dialogue with Kimbo. We'll see how that goes. I could probably answer that better in 14 days."

Slice fought four times for EliteXC in just under one year's time. The former street fighter headlined all but one of the events in which he appeared, though his marketability took a major blow in his 14-second loss to last-second replacement Set Petruzelli in October 2008.

The Strikeforce head was next asked about the status of WAMMA's co-No. 1 female fighter at 145 pounds, Carano.

"With Gina, I think you can equate it to a hold out at camp, so to speak," Coker said. "Camp's started, the game's on, and she's the hold-out."

Coker went on to state he felt positive that the undefeated "Conviction" would ultimately sign with the growing organization.

"These things happen in this business from time to time," Coker said. "We're in dialogue with Matt Walker, [Carano's] agent. I think things are moving forward, and there is good dialogue. We're hoping for the best."

Carano's fellow top-ranked fighter Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (6-1) has already signed with Strikeforce and is scheduled to meet Hitomi Akano at the April 11 "Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz."

Coker told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) he is hopeful Carano will be signed in time for the organization's still-unofficial May event.

"We're going to invite Gina to fight (in May) if we can put it together," Coker said.

Coker also clarified the current status of Strikeforce's negotiations with MMA legend Kevin Randleman (17-12), recently rumored to have signed with the organization.

"There's nothing signed," Coker said. "Obviously he's got to get licensed.

"We are talking to him, and we're hoping that we can get something done with him and get him back in the cage. But, he's got some licensing issues that he's got to take care of. Our hands are tied."

Randleman has not fought in the U.S. since an October 2006 loss to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Following the bout, the Nevada State Athletic Commission found Randleman's urine sample to be missing any human hormones, suggesting the sample came from either a deceased human or non-human donor.

"The Monster" later admitted to submitting a fake sample and was suspended by the NSAC.
 
Feb 7, 2006
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UFC 100 officially announced for July 11 in Las Vegas

As first reported by Yahoo! Sports' Kevin Iole in January, the Ultimate Fighting Championships' landmark "UFC 100" event has been officially announced for July 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

The UFC made the announcement on its official website Friday morning.

The organization did not release any information regarding potential bouts or ticketing information in the post.

The event is expected to be headlined by a rescheduled rematch between current heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and interim champ Frank Mir. That unification bout had been set for UFC 98 on May 23, but a recent knee surgery by Mir forced a delay in the plans.

During this past Saturday's UFC 96 pay-per-view broadcast, Mir announced the bout would be held at UFC 100. Following the event, UFC President Dana White was less committed to the appointment.

"Off the top of my head, I don't know, but it'll be the summer," White said in the evening's post-event press conference.

UFC 100 will mark the UFC's return to the Mandalay Bay Events Center for the first time in one year. The UFC has recently opted for the venue's sister property, the 14,700-capacity MGM Grand Garden Arena, for major Las Vegas events.

Mandalay Bay, which accommodates approximately 11,000 spectators, last hosted an event in July 2008 when then-UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson and Forrest Griffin headlined UFC 86. Since then, the MGM Grand Garden Arena has hosted UFC 91 and UFC 92 in late 2008, UFC 94 in January and will host UFC 98 on May 23.

While the UFC did not offer many details regarding the festivities, the announcement promised "a night no fight fan will ever forget."

An excerpt from the announcement is printed below.


Featuring the premier athletes in the sport of MMA today, the UFC 100 fight card will be stacked with fighters who have carried on the legacy established by the greats of the UFC such as Royce Gracie, Dan Severn, and Mark Coleman, while building a foundation for the future warriors of the octagon.

And though the past 15 years have seen mixed martial arts evolve from spectacle to sport, one constant remains: UFC is As Real As It Gets.

On July 11, UFC 100 kicks off MMA's next era.

The rumored fight card at this time currently includes:

* Champ Brock Lesnar vs. interim champ Frank Mir (heavyweight title unification)
* Champ Georges St. Pierre vs. Thiago Alves (for welterweight title)
* Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson
* Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Alan Belcher
 
Feb 7, 2006
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AOKI VS. SAKURAI TO HEAD DREAM WELTERWEIGHTS

Dream appears ready to kick off its first Welterweight Grand Prix in a big way, pitting No. 1 ranked lightweight Shinya Aoki – who has several past welterweight bouts to his credit – against former Top 10 ranked Hayato "Mach" Sakurai. MMAWeekly.com sources confirmed the planned bout on Friday.

The bout is the first known match-up of the opening round of the tournament and should be a popular choice for the fans in Japan. Both fighters are popular, successful fighters with strong followings in their home country.

Aoki enters the April 5 bout less than a month removed from his most recent victory. He submitted American David Gardner in the first round of their March 8 bout at Dream 7, which also served as the launching pad for the opening round of the promotion's Featherweight Grand Prix.

Having bounced back and forth between lightweight and welterweight in recent years, Sakurai most recently saw action on New Year's Eve. He TKO'd Katsuyori Shibata in the first round of their K-1 Dynamite!! bout at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

The April 5 bout, at Dream 8, will take place at Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya, Japan.
 
Feb 7, 2006
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WEC 40 FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR CHICAGO

World Extreme Cagefighting recently confirmed the remaining bouts for WEC 40: Torres vs. Mizugaki, live from the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill., on Sunday, April 5. WEC 40 will be televised live nationally on VERSUS beginning at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT.

In addition to the electric main event between WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Angel Torres (35-1) and Japanese striker Takeya Mizugaki (11-2-2), and the 135-pound co-feature clash between Joseph Benavidez (9-0) and Jeff Curran (31-10-1), nine more exciting bouts fill out WEC’s inaugural trip to the Windy City.

Before the co-main events get underway, lightweights Ben Henderson (fighting out of Glendale, AZ) and Shane Roller (fighting out of Las Vegas, NV) lock horns in a battle between two accomplished wrestlers. After making his WEC debut in January with a submission win over Anthony Njokuani, Henderson looks to continue his rise in the 155-pound division by defeating Roller. Defeating Roller will be no easy task though. The Tulsa, OK native is a three-time Division I All-American wrestler and currently riding a five-fight winning streak. Roller, undefeated in the WEC with wins over Todd Moore and Mike Budnik, is rapidly climbing the lightweight ladder and looks to get one step closer to the title with a win over Henderson.

Brazilian Raphael Assuncao (fighting out of Marietta, GA) makes his long-awaited WEC debut when he tackles the well-rounded Jameel Massouh (fighting out of Milwaukee, WI). Touting a 12-1 record, Assuncao is a feared 145-pound competitor whose arrival spells trouble for the featherweight elite. Known for his slick groundwork, Assuncao will have his hands full with former Pancrase star Massouh. A winner of 21 of 25 bouts since launching his professional career in 2005, Massouh is a well-rounded fighter with a unique blend of knockout power and submissions.

Undefeated lightweight Anthony Pettis (fighting out of Milwaukee, WI) makes his WEC debut against Nigerian-born striker Anthony Njokuani (fighting out of Las Vegas, NV). Pettis, 6-0 in his two-year professional career, will face a stern test in the Muay Thai savvy Njokuani. With a record of 22-0 as a professional kickboxer, the 6’0” Njokuani is in search of his first WEC win and hopes to use his potent leg kicks to derail Pettis.

With three straight victories since losing to then-featherweight champion Urijah Faber in 2007, the supremely-conditioned Dominick Cruz (fighting out of San Diego, CA) hopes to entrench himself in the bantamweight division with a win over newcomer Ivan Lopez (fighting out of San Diego, CA). Since moving to the 135-pound weight class in 2008, Cruz has pounded out unanimous decision wins over Charlie Valencia and Ian McCall. Undefeated at 9-0, Lopez has taken the bantamweight scene by storm with superior kickboxing and submission skills. Born in Tijuana, Mexico and now fighting out of the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, CA, Lopez is looking to make a name for himself in the WEC with a win over Cruz.

Cub Swanson (fighting out of Orange County, CA) has stopped 10 opponents in 15 professional fights with an array of knockouts and submissions. The 25-year-old looks to continue that impressive streak when he takes on the precision-punching Diego Nunes (fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Nunes, a former professional soccer player and Brazilian Muay Thai champion, looks to extend a streak of his own, as the 26-year-old seeks score his second consecutive WEC win in Chicago. Nunes earned a unanimous decision victory over Cole Province in December.

Fighters who have had the misfortune of going to the ground with decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu artist Wagnney Fabiano (fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) have had a difficult time avoiding the black belt’s submission attempts. The grappler has won six of his last seven bouts by submission, including a victory over Akitoshi Tamura in December. The 33-year-old featherweight contender will look to earn his eighth straight victory when he battles similarly gifted grappler Fredson Paixao (fighting out of Las Vegas, NV). A fellow Brazilian, Paixao is dangerous on the ground and has won eight of 10 professional bouts.

An intriguing bantamweight bout pits local product Eddie Wineland (fighting out of Highland, IN) against submission ace Rani Yahya (fighting out of San Diego, CA). The 24-year-old Wineland is a former WEC bantamweight titleholder who boasts competent wrestling and striking. Those skills will be put on display against Yahya, who is coming off an impressive first round submission victory over Yoshiro Maeda last November.

Rugged 135-pound contender Manny Tapia (fighting out of Chino, CA) looks to rebound from a December loss to champion Miguel Torres when he takes on Osaka, Japan’s Akitoshi Tamura. Tamura, who is coming off a hard-fought three rounder with Wagnney Fabiano, is hungry to gain his first WEC win and will look to use his submissions and kickboxing to stymie Tapia.

An intelligent ground and pound specialist, featherweight Cole Province (fighting out of Edmond, OK) hopes that his collegiate wrestling background will allow him to outmuscle American Top Team product Rafael Dias (fighting out of Coconut Creek, FL). Dias, a former law student who trains at one of the top gyms in the country, will almost certainly match Province’s ground attack with a solid grappling game of his own. With both fighters searching for their first WEC wins, the Province-Dias clash has the potential to be a war.
 
Feb 7, 2006
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Dong Hyun Kim vs. Jonathan Goulet signed for UFC 100

A welterweight matchup between Korean sensation Dong Hyun Kim and veteran Canadian fighter Jonathan Goulet is set for UFC 100 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on July 11.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com was informed on Friday afternoon by sources close to one of the fighters that the rumored fight has now been signed. The two fighters will be looking to rebound from losses sustained in their most recent fights.

Kim, 11-1-1, suffered the first loss of his career at UFC 94 in January when Karo Parisyan was declared the victory in their bout via split decision. The South Korean fighter had won his previous two contests in the UFC against Jason Tan at UFC 84 and Matt Brown at UFC 88.

Meanwhile, Goulet, 22-10, TKO’d just 33 seconds of round 1 against Mike Swick during the UFC’s “Fight for the Troops” event in Fayetteville, North Carolina this past December. The defeat reduced Goulet’s lifetime record in the UFC to 4-4.
 
Feb 7, 2006
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Report: Paulo Thiago’s next fight could be against Jon Fitch at UFC 100

Coming off a resounding upset of welterweight contender Josh Koshcheck, Paulo Thiago will look to add another American Kickboxing Academy welterweight to his list of victims.

According to a report from the Brazilian website Tatame, a welterweight clash between Koshcheck teammate Jon Fitch and Thiago is being discussed for UFC 100, which will take place July 11 in Las Vegas.

Fitch rebounded nicely against Japanese import Akihiro Gono at UFC 94 in January after losing a welterweight title match vs. Georges St. Pierre this past August at UFC 87. Before the loss to St. Pierre, Fitch was riding an amazing 15 fight win streak with eight of those wins coming inside the Octagon.

Fitch’s resume of victories reads as a who’s who of UFC superstars. Since joining the organization in 2005, he has defeated the likes of Brock Larson, Josh Burkman, Thiago Alves and Diego Sanchez.

Thiago (11-0) made his debut at UFC 95 taking on top five welterweight Josh Koshcheck in what many thought was a tuneup fight for The Ultimate Fighter season 1 veteran. Koshcheck,was coming off a brutal knockout of Yoshiyuki Yoshida at the UFC’s special “Fight for the Troops” event in Fayetteville, North Carolina this past December.

The former NCAA All-American wrestler was in control of the fight vs. Thiago pretty until getting caught with an uppercut-left hook combination that sent him sprawling to the canvas. Thiago went in for the finish but the referee called a stop to the contest before he could inflict additional damage. Koshcheck stated afterward that he felt the fight was stopped prematurely.
 
Feb 7, 2006
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Regulate MMA Show by Audience Size? Bad Idea

The good folks in the state of Indiana are moving forward with plans to regulate mixed martial arts as part of the purview of the State Athletic commission/Boxing Commission, but the rules they have proposed are something of a head scratcher at this point. In a move not seen in the MMA regulatory environment thus far, the sponsor of the bill has sought to only regulate those shows that exceed a certain audience total:

An amendment to Senate Bill 160, which passed in the Senate and is under review in the House Public Policy Committee, stipulates that shows with crowds of 5,000 or more would be subject to regulation by the Indiana State Athletic Commission.

While the move may be a concession to make sure that smaller shows aren’t regulated out of business, it is a misguided notion. Boxing Commission member John McCane and Indiana native Chris Lytle makes the case why all shows should be under the government’s watch:

“The number is a crazy way to look at it,” said Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Chris Lytle, a 34-year-old Indianapolis firefighter who has competed around the world. “The small shows are the ones you really need protection over.”

Indiana Boxing Commission members John McCane and Jake Hall went to a recent show in New Castle and said they were surprised by the setup.

“They didn’t have an ambulance, a doctor or EMTs, no insurance for participants, no pregnancy tests for women, no HIV testing and there were mismatches in weight,” Hall said.

These smaller shows are the ones more apt to cut the corners that would endanger the fighter’s wellbeing, and are there fore the one that need regulating the most. Those that champion the sport often hail MMA as safe, but this isn’t a view I’d particularly subscribe to. MMA is a sport that for the most part has done an excellent job in managing the inherit risk and violent nature of the sport so that the minimum of participants are adversely affected. That is all that can really be asked and that is also what is needed at all levels of the sport, even the small shows in Indiana.

From a financial perespective, these smaller shows that are now unregulated are more apt to to stiff the fighters on pay and not have the . If these shows are put under regulation, the fighters will have some protection in this respect, as normally the promoter will have to put up the fighters purses in abond prior to the fights being able to get the greenlight to go forward.
 
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Fight Order Announced! Main Event Is The Battle Of Kings

he fight order for SENGOKU VII, which takes place on March 20th, has been announced on SENGOKU’s Official Website. The main event will be the Light Heavyweight fight between King Mo and LHW King Of Pancrase Ryo Kawamura. Hatsu Hioki and Chris Manuel got the semi main event spot for their Featherweight GP fight.

SENGOKU VII
Date: March 20th, 2009
Place: National Yoyogi Stadium 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan

LHW: 10. King Mo vs. Ryo Kawamura
FWGP: 9. Hatsu Hioki vs. Chris Manuel
FWGP: 8. Nam Phan vs. Hideki Kadowaki
HW: 7. James Thompson vs. Big Jim York
FWGP: 6. Michihiro Omigawa vs. L.C. Davis
FWGP: 5. Marlon Sandro vs. Matt Jaggers
FWGP: 4. Kim Jong Man vs. Masanori Kanehara
FWGP: 3. Chan Sung Jung vs. Shintaro Ishiwatari
FWGP: 2. Ronnie Ushiwaka vs. Tetsuya Yamada
FWGP: 1. Seiya Kawahara vs. Nick Denis
 
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K-1 MAX FINAL16! Buakaw Vs. Dida

Four fights have been announced for the K-1 WORLD MAX 2009 FINAL16 event on April 21st. Yoshihiro Sato will take on Armenian DRAGO, Buakaw Por.Pramuk will face DREAM veteran Andre Dida, Albert Kraus will battle cosplayer YOUICHIRO☆JIENOTSU☆NAGASHIMA, and in a non-GP opening fight TATSUJI will return to take on RYUJI.

FieLDS K-1 WORLD MAX 2009 World Championship Tournament -FINAL16-
Date: April 21st, 2009
Place: Marinemesse Fukuoka in Fukuoka, Japan

FINAL16 Fights:
Yoshihiro Sato (13-8) vs. DRAGO (5-4)
Buakaw Por.Pramuk (22-4) vs. Andre Dida (1-0)
Albert Kraus (22-9-1) vs. YOUICHIRO☆JIENOTSU☆NAGASHIMA (1-1)

Opening Fight:
TATSUJI (8-5) vs. RYUJI (0-1)
 
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Roy Jones Jr., Evans, Marquardt and ‘King Mo’ on HDNet ‘Inside MMA’

videolink: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/recen...arquardt-and-King-Mo-on-HDNet-Inside-MMA-1952
On this week's HDNet "Inside MMA," Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten take a look back at UFC 96 with the help from two of the UFC's best: light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans and middleweight contender Nate Marquardt.

Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal also sits in to help preview his upcoming fight in Japan. As always, Ron Kruck offers the latest in MMA news.
 
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Strikeforce's new vision goes well beyond contract acquisitions

International expansion. Pay-per-view. Network television. Strikeforce?

The new Strikeforce conglomerate, casually referred to as "MMA 2.0" by its new leaders at Thursday's "Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz" press conference, isn't planning on stopping with the simple acquisition of ProElite assets.

Strikeforce founder and CEO Scott Coker has a master plan in place that might pleasantly surprise even the most skeptical of MMA fans -- and he's not the only one eyeing major growth.

"For me personally, I think a lot of people that know me know that we work really hard," Coker told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "But our workload just got quadrupled -- a lot of details, a lot of fighters to manage now. So we're building up our inner structure to handle that now.

"But I think we'll be fine. It's been a lot of fun."

Showtime Senior Vice President Ken Hershman, the man responsible for the "2.0" tag, realizes the potential benefit of a firm commitment to MMA programming. And while the network had been openly critical of the performance of ProElite's brass, Hershman no longer has those concerns.

"We've been in boxing for 20-plus years and MMA really has become a really good counterpart for that," Hershman said. "There's a lot of crossover in the fan base, believe it or not, and we think that each one will cultivate the other.

"This also speaks to the demographics of the sport. It's younger, it's very consistent with the new subscribers we have on Showtime. It's important to us. That's our business. We don't sell ads, so we need those subscribers."

A qualified leader, a firm commitment from a broadcast partner. But for the traditionally California-based Strikeforce to succeed in the U.S., surely the brand must prepare a plan to expand across the nation.

In steps Strikeforce partner and Senior Vice President of Silicon Valley Sports and Entertainment Jim Goddard.

"We belong to an organization of 50 arenas across North America -- most of the biggest and best arenas in the biggest and best markets across North America," Goddard said. "And we're in communication, regular communication, with all those venues discussing dates and interest in promoting events in those markets across the country.

"It includes a majority of the NBA and NHL arenas across the country. They're all candidates for us right now. We expect to do events in all time zones in all areas of the U.S. in the coming year or 18 months."

Multiple brands, multiple platforms

Strikeforce plans on promoting a number of shows under their flagship brand, as well for is developmental brand, currently under the working title of "First Strike," which would be similar to the organization's past "Young Guns" series, or ProElite's "ShoXC."

But while a premium cable channel like Showtime is an attractive broadcast platform, the more profitable option is undoubtedly a combination of pay-per-view and network television. Coker and Strikeforce, are currently working on both avenues.

"We've had meetings with everybody," Coker said. "What I can say is that there's a contract in place for CBS. Obviously it has a confidentiality agreement, so I really can't talk about the deal. But we're hopeful for maybe something in the fall."

The organization said there have been no talks in regards to continuing Strikeforce's deal with NBC to air late-night historic fights, which would seem to clear the way for the CBS broadcast.

And as for pay-per-view?

"You do the fights on pay-per-view when the fights are relevant and the fans want to see the fight," Coker said. "Now we have a platform to build stars, to make the fights that we want to build relevant, and then go into that business.

"I would say it would probably be something that would take us another 10 or 12 months to get to that point. There is a gameplan in place, already mapped out, but it might take up to a year to get into that business."

Coker and Strikeforce have continuously operated seemingly under the industry giant UFC's radar. With the recent rapid growth of Strikeforce, that has immediately changed. The UFC recently announced plans to counter-program Strikeforce's April 11 "Shamrock vs. Diaz" with a replay of UFC 94 on Spike TV.

Coker said he understands the UFC's position and wouldn't expect anything less, despite the long-standing respect between the two groups.

"I look at it like this: That's been [the UFC's] business model," Coker said. "They're consistent with that counter-programming for their business model. To me, that's a business decision they had to make.

"I don't take it personally at all. Those guys were the industry leaders that led the way. They should have that respect. We're going to go do our thing, and I think we'll do it well."

And while Coker is taking a cautious, steady approach, should "their thing" meet their expectations, Strikeforce is already considering to follow the UFC's lead and expand across the globe.

"As far as doing shows internationally, we have had opportunities to do shows in different countries: Macau, Hong Kong, and recently we got a contact from a promoter in Dubai," Coker said. "And I think there will be a point where we do go international, but I think we have our hands full trying to do what we're going to do for the next 16 fights.

"So we're going to focus on doing a North American tour, then maybe in the next 18 months, we'll reevaluate."

A complete vision

While the ProElite brand has become a part of the new Strikeforce, gone are the brash promises, the wasteful spending and the traveling circus. In its place is a fully developed plan based on years of success in the industry.

And should Coker's once-small San Jose, Calif.-based brand deliver on its potential, "MMA 2.0" could develop an entirely different meaning.

"With the combined rosters that we have today, we are going to be able to put on the best fights in the history of Strikeforce," Coker said. "I really believe this is a new era that has begun for us with the support of Showtime. We will be able to put on fights that will go down in history.

"I believe we've already had some great fights up in the Bay area. We'll now be able to take those fights all over the country. I really feel at this point there is no better company in the world to do this than our company. We are built for this. We are suited for this, and we're going to get the job done."
 
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K.J. Noons steps up in boxing, looks to step back into MMA

Former EliteXC lightweight champion K.J. Noons (7-2 MMA, 8-1 Boxing) hasn't seen mixed martial arts action in more than nine months.

But as the 26-year-old recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), that doesn't mean he's not staying busy.

In fact, with two boxing matches scheduled in the next 30 days – against increasingly tougher opposition – Noons said he's primed to make a run at the big time.

"I'm looking to move quick," Noons said. "I want to fight some top contenders, and then hopefully the doors open. These are definitely not 'build-up' fights."

Noons will first face James Countryman (13-1) on Saturday night at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati then follows that match up with an April 18 contest against Matt Vanda (39-9) at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

The level of those two opponents represents a significant step up from his first nine opponents, who held a combined record at the time of their bouts of 27-40-5.

"I'm just ready to be taken seriously," Noons said. "I think that these two bouts will really let me know where I stand at boxing. If I can't beat guys like this, then I can't be the best in boxing. These are top-notch guys that you've got to beat to be the best.

"I'll definitely know where I'm at after these tough fights."

In addition to continuing his pursuit of a boxing title, Noons is also looking to drop down in weight.

"I'm fighting at 160 pounds with James Countryman," Noons said. "Then I'm going to move down to 155 or 156 (pounds) against Matt Vanda. After that I want to move down and do some catchweights at 152 (pounds) and then eventually 147 (pounds).

"I'd be 5-foot-10, 147 pounds. That's a good size if I want to be taken serious."

Noons said he is transforming his body slowly into a frame suitable for an elite-level boxer.

"I'm just slowly working down there and testing my body to see how it feels," Noons said. "I think your body is definitely a little bit bulkier for the MMA. I don't think I could fight at anything less than 155 pounds in MMA. But it's like a science project, really.

"You just have to be taking in the right things and get your weight down but still feel strong. I think I punch hard at 160 pounds. At 147 pounds, I'd be as tall as somebody like (boxing welterweight Antonio) Margarito.

"I've only been down to 154 (pounds) at my lowest. But I think if I put my mind to it and with the right dieting and the right training, I can do it."

Like several other mixed martial artists including Anderson Silva and Andrei Arlovski, Noons is working with famed trainer Freddy Roach as his boxing career progresses.

But a return to MMA is also a constant in Noons' mind.

"I'm actually up at Freddy Roach's every week getting some really good sparring," Noons said. "I'm just trying to move up until I get a really good offer in MMA. I want to be back in MMA later this year."

Noons was carrying a three-fight win streak in MMA when a conflict with ProElite management resulted in the former EliteXC 160-pound champion being stripped of the title.

While frustrated with the experience, Noons said the events didn't sour his attitude about future MMA competition.

"I would love to be back in MMA and give the fans some good fights," Noons said. "I've already set my goals on the boxing. I'm taking these fights (with Countryman and Vanda), and then eventually down the road – as long as I can get my boxing up to par with my MMA – I would love to come back."

Several former ProElite fighers have found a home with the quickly growing Strikeforce brand. While Noons was briefly mentioned as a possible addition to the organization's April 11 event, Noons said he wants to continue to leave his options open.

"I can see myself in any organization," Noons said. "I think Strikeforce is a great organization. (Strikeforce founder and CEO) Scott Coker is a great guy. I used to fight for him when I was 16 (years old), when he first started doing Strikeforce. I used to fight on his kickboxing cards.

"So I have a great relationship with him, but I want to keep my relationship open with everybody. I can see myself fighting anywhere. I'm just concentrating on the boxing right now, and if anything comes up that makes sense, I definitely want to do it. I'm just trying to fight more and just be active and be out there."

So for now, Noons wants to use his boxing bouts with Countryman and Vanda as a measuring stick for where his development as a professional boxer stands. But if the phone rings from an interested MMA promoter, Noons will certainly answer.

"I'm still interested in MMA," Noons said. "I love MMA. I love fighting. My focus is just on something else right now, but I'll definitely be coming back."
 
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First-ever "UFC Fan Expo" to coincide with UFC 100

The UFC will hold its first-ever two-day MMA exposition in conjunction with July's UFC 100 event, the organization today announced.

"UFC Fan Expo" will be held Friday and Saturday, July 10-11, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas with meet-and-greet sessions with UFC and WEC fighters, MMA demonstrations, fan-inspired special events, training and development sessions, and other activities.

UFC 100 takes place July 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

UFC Fan Expo will coincide with the pay-per-view event, which is expected to be one of the biggest UFC events in the company's history. The event is expected to include two title fights (in both the heavyweight and welterweight divisions), a bout between the two "The Ultimate Fighter 9" coaches and other marquee attractions.

The UFC teamed up with Reed Exhibitions for the expo.

"We are pleased to work with Reed Exhibitions to present UFC Fan Expo in conjunction with UFC 100," UFC President Dana White stated on UFC.com. "The UFC 100 event is a milestone for us, for the sport of mixed martial arts, and for fight fans around the world. This will be an amazing weekend for UFC fans."

The UFC put serious consideration into the idea of a UFC Fan Expo last year and began soliciting feedback from fans in December.

The organization expects to attract more than 100 companies and brands for the first UFC Fan Expo, which will span more than 200,000 square feet. The businesses will range from apparel to electronic gaming to sports equipment to nutritional supplements and other MMA-related companies.

"Reed Exhibitions is the largest global producer of high-profile and highly targeted events," stated Ed Gallo, event director of the UFC Fan Expo. "Drawing on our experience in pop-culture inspired events such as New York Comic Con and New York Anime Festival, the UFC Fan Expo will deliver an unprecedented all-access pass to loyal UFC fans around the world and new fans discovering their passion for mixed martial arts."

For more about the UFC Fan Expo and to purchase tickets, visit UFCfanexpo.com.

Companies interested in reserving space for the event should contact Ed Gallo, event director, at (203) 840-5546 or email egallo [AT] ufcfanexpo.com.
 
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GSP TRAINER GREG JACKSON TALKS GREASEGATE

World-renowned trainer Greg Jackson is Vegas-bound on Tuesday, ready to make his case to the Nevada State Athletic Commission when they review the controversial fight between St. Pierre vs. Penn at UFC 94.

The Jan. 31 main event turned into a lightning rod for debate when commission officials caught St. Pierre cornerman Phil Nurse applying Vaseline to the welterweight champion’s chest and back during the fight. Nurse had the lubricant on his hands when he performed a procedure culled from holistic doctor Steven Friend, affectionately called the “witch doctor” by Jackson when the controversy broke out.

Since then, the two camps have dissected the intent of Nurse’s behavior in documents submitted to the NSAC. Last week, Penn made his grievances formal, filing a twenty-page document with the commission that outlined his allegations on the incident, including new points on St. Pierre’s actions before the fight.

The March 17 meeting promises no resolution to the matter, but it will be the first public review of the polarizing situation.

Jackson hasn’t been summoned to speak by St. Pierre or his representatives – though St. Pierre’s camp plans on giving a “presentation” for the committee – but he’s going anyway. As a trainer to MMA stars, reputation is everything, and he intends on defending his camp.

“Just say what I’ve always said, basically,” he told MMAWeekly.com of his plan. “There was no intent there to cheat. I’ve never cheated on a fight in my life.

“I work really hard. I’m not too smart, so I’ve really got to work hard at it. Put game plans together, get these guys prepared, work with these other coaches. Do all this other stuff, and just to say I’m going to throw all that out the window and grease somebody is not right.”

The trainer still doesn’t have any ill will towards Penn, despite accusations levied at Jackson, Nurse, and St. Pierre that they conspired to “grease” St. Pierre in the much-hyped rematch.

“I really like BJ Penn, I think he’s an amazing fighter,” Jackson continued. “I’m sorry it’s come to a formal complaint, but I’ll just defend myself the way I will. But I have nothing against BJ or his camp.”

Looking back at the incident, Jackson says he doesn’t have any regrets about what happened that night.

“It is what it is,” he said. “You can’t really regret something you didn’t do.”

He will, however, do his part to speak his truth when the regulatory body meets.