HDNET’S “FIGHTING WORDS WITH MIKE STRAKA” TO FEATURE GREG JACKSON
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STRIKEFORCE – Oct. 9: Nick Diaz vs. KJ Noons Rematch Video
BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR SHAQUILLE O’NEAL MAKES FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE IN BOSTON AT UFC® FAN EXPO™
SHAQ TO JOIN UFC COMMENTATOR MIKE GOLDBERG ON
MAIN STAGE TOMORROW AT 12PM ET FOR Q&A SESSION
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – He made a huge splash this summer by announcing that he had signed with the Boston Celtics, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. Now, 15-time All-Star Shaquille O’Neal will meet the loyal Boston sports fans for the first time at tomorrow’s UFC® FAN EXPO™ at the John B. Hynes Convention Center. The 7’1” superstar will appear on the main stage at 12pm ET alongside UFC commentator Mike Goldberg for a Q&A Session with fans.
O’Neal, who won NBA championships with Los Angeles and Miami, is a fan favorite thanks to his bright personality and dominant performances on the hardwood. A longtime supporter of the UFC, Shaq now joins UFC President Dana White’s favorite team, a fact that brings a smile to the face of White.
“Shaq has been a huge supporter of the UFC and we’re pumped that he’ll be making his first public appearance at the UFC Fan Expo,” UFC President Dana White said. “With Shaq becoming a Celtic and this being our first-ever event in Boston, the timing is perfect. This is just another reason why Boston sports fans can’t miss this event.”
This year’s UFC Fan Expo leads into UFC® 118: EDGAR vs. PENN 2 Presented by TAPOUT®, featuring the lightweight title rematch between champion Frankie Edgar and former division kingpin BJ Penn. For more UFC Fan Expo information and to purchase tickets, visit UFCfanexpo.com. For companies interested in reserving space at this premier event, contact Ed Gallo, Event Director at 1-203-840-5546 or email egallo@ufcfanexpo.com.
Ultimate Fighting Championship® – www.ufc.com
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve UFC live Pay-Per-View events annually and 30 live arena events around the world. UFC programming is distributed in the United States on Viacom, Inc.’s Spike TV and on Comcast, Inc.’s Versus network. UFC content is distributed commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. Globally, UFC programming is broadcast in over 130 countries, territories and jurisdictions, reaching 430 million homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. Ancillary businesses now include UFC.com with over 5 million unique visitors per month, the best-selling UFC “Undisputed” videogame franchise distributed by THQ, UFC Gym™, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo™ festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, articulated action figures and other media including best-selling DVDs and a U.S. bimonthly magazine.
Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa®, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, registered service marks, trademarks, trade dress and/or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC and licensed to its affiliated entities and other licensees in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC, its affiliates or other respective owners.
About Reed Exhibitions
The UFC Fan Expo is operated by Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading events organizer, with over 470 events in 37 countries. In 2008, Reed brought together over seven million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today, Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organized by 38 fully staffed offices.
Reed organizes a wide range of events, including exhibitions, conferences, congresses, and meetings. Its portfolio of over 470 events serves 44 industry sectors, including: Aerospace & aviation, automobiles, broadcasting, building & construction, electronics, energy, oil & gas, engineering, manufacturing, environment, food service & hospitality, gifts, healthcare, interior design, IT & telecoms, jewelry, life science & pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical education, printing & graphics, property & real estate, security & safety, sports & recreation, and travel. Working closely with professional bodies, trade associations, and government departments, Reed ensures that each and every event is targeted and relevant to industry needs. As a result, many Reed events are market leaders in their field.
HDNET’S “INSIDE MMA” BREAKS DOWN UFC 118 WITH TONEY, COUTURE, AND EDGAR; PLUS A REPLAY OF WHAT COULD BE THE FIGHT OF THE YEAR
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Couture and Toney trade verbal jabs; Edgar says he’s still the underdog; Santiago vs. Misaski – TONIGHT, Friday, August 27 at 9:00 p.m. ET on HDNet
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| DALLAS, TX (August 27, 2010) The showdown between MMA and boxing is finally here as James Toney and Randy Couture are ready to enter the octagon, but not before one final round of verbal sparring on HDNet’s “Inside MMA,” TONIGHT at 9:00 p.m. ET on HDNet.
Both fighters talk about the historic matchup of a boxing champion and a UFC legend, as the raw, unfiltered James Toney tells Kenny Rice in an exclusive interview “ain’t no MMA guy ever taken an ass whopping’” and encourages Couture to not “fight like a girl.” A cool Couture laughs at the trash talk and plans to teach Toney about the all-around fight game saying, “he underestimates the ground game.” Frankie Edgar joins the panel via satellite from Boston as he prepares for his rematch with BJ Penn. Even though he’s the champion, Edgar says he doesn’t feel any different four months into his reign. “I’m still the underdog,” says Edgar but “my quickness is still a strength.” A preview clip with comments from Toney, Couture, and Edgar is available at: Plus, UFC Welterweight Mike Swick and Sherdog’s Greg Savage join Kenny and Bas on the panel, and in the news, Jon Jones tells Ron Kruck when he is going to fight for the UFC Light Heavyweight title and its stop number one on the Inside America’s Gyms tour…Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. Immediately following “Inside MMA” at 10:00 p.m. ET will be the primetime debut of “HDNet Fights: Sengoku Raiden Championship 14.” In the main event, Kazuo Misaki challenges Jorge Santiago for the SRC Middleweight Title. The back and forth, five round battle is being hailed by journalists and fans as a candidate for the fight of the year. “Forget Sonnen-Silva or Jung-Garcia, it is Santiago-Misaki that will go down as the fight of 2010 and ranks up there alongside Gomi-Diaz and Nogueira-Cro Cop as one of the greatest MMA fights of all time,” said HDNet Fights commentator Michael Schiavello who called the fight live from Tokyo with former UFC star Frank Trigg. “It had everything an epic MMA fight should have: knockdowns from the stand up, near match-ending ground and pound, crazy submissions and escapes, an energized and vocal crowd and drama from the start to the controversial finish that will leave you speechless.” Don’t miss a minute of TONIGHT’S full slate of MMA action – only on HDNet! |
| About HDNet HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and thought-provoking content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition. HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report,” and the Emmy Award winning “Dan Rather Reports,” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence. HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. “NASA on HDNet” presents all live shuttle launches through 2010. HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, “HDNet Fights” (www.hdnetfights.com). “HDNet Fights” works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, King of the Cage, XFC, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet’s “Inside MMA” is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA, while “Fighting Words with Mike Straka,” goes one-on-one with some of the biggest names in the sport. HDNet also features live coverage of regular season games from the second season of the United Football League. HDNet also delivers the world’s largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Nickelback and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring “Art Mann Presents,” “Girls Gone Wild,” “Deadline” and “Get Out!” Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger. In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films. HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network. Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, and Verizon FiOS. The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies. |
Toney-Couture should be among The Expendables
By Norm Frauenheim
A couple of pretty good actors are scheduled for a fight that will match them Saturday night in Boston in a mixed mess of boxing, wrestling, checkers, chess, apples and oranges. I’m not exactly sure what all Randy Couture and James Toney will be doing. I just wish they weren’t doing it.
The Expendables, with a cast that includes Couture in a major role, is a hit, an entertaining few hours of fiction during a long summer when Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. is still just a fantasy. But it would have been a relief if the film turned into reality and Toney-Couture was made expendable long before it ever happened. This is no knock on the movie or Couture or Toney, a former middleweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight champion who was convincing as Joe Frazier in the 2001 film Ali.
In some corners, this so-called fight– Toney the boxer versus Couture the UFC legend — is being portrayed as a final judgment on whether the art in the martial mix is sweeter than anything in boxing’s traditional science. Please, Toney is 42 and Couture is 47. Give the winner an AARP belt or a shot at Evander Holyfield, but don’t take this more seriously than anything you might see in a parking lot after last call.
Other than Toney, everybody thinks Couture wins easily because he has the home-cage advantage. He knows his way around the chain-link fence, unlike Toney, who knows all about clinching, but won’t be able to trash-talk his way out of Couture’s Greco-Roman education. Toney figures to have his feet taken out from under him and find himself flat on his back not long after the circus begins.
So what?
This mismatch of mixed skill has never been known to go far or prove much. On the scale of significance, it belongs right there, alongside Mayweather-versus-Big Show.
Three years ago, former heavyweight Tommy Morrison tried a version of mixed martial arts in a show with rules written to favor his punching power. Against an unknown, Morrison was allowed to wear shoes against his bare-footed opponent in at a casino on Apache land in Northern Arizona. Like Toney, Morrison bragged about how dangerous his punches would be in the four-ounce gloves worn by MMA fighters.
But Morrison never got much of a chance to land the power that made him a dangerous heavyweight. He got shoved around the cage, looking trapped and panicked. He was declared the winner, although it was hard to tell. He needed those shoes to run out of the cage and into a waiting van, never heard from again.
The crowd, MMA partisans, booed Morrison and a show without winners.
Expendable then. Expendable now.
NOTES, ANECDOTES
· Jose Sulaiman, president of the Mexico City-based World Boxing Council, threatened to suspend lightweight Genaro Trazancos and featherweight Adolfo Landeros for fighting last Friday in Tucson in defiance of a declaration that the WBC would not authorize Mexicans to box in Arizona because of the state’s tough new immigration law. Trazancos and Landeros said they were in Arizona only to make a living. If Sulaiman is serious and not just grandstanding, he would pay the fighters the purses that they would forfeit if they didn’t fight in Arizona. The WBC has been taking money in the form of sanction fees out of fighters’ pockets for years.
· Despite Sulaiman’s threats, Don Chargin, last Friday’s promoter at Casino Del Sol, plans to stage another card on Tucson property on Sept 24 or Oct. 1. Despite controversy over the immigration legislation, Chargin says that Arizona will continue to be an important boxing market. He points out that Roger Mtagwa’s dramatic 10th-round stoppage of Tomas Villa in a featherweight bout at Casino Del Sol was a contender for Fight-of-the-Year honors in 2008
STEPHAN BONNAR FEATURED ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE OF “FIGHTING WORDS WITH MIKE STRAKA” ON HDNET
| DALLAS (August 26, 2010) Stephan Bonnar will always be remembered for his epic battle with Forrest Griffin on the live finale of the first season of the Ultimate Fighter. The fight launched the sport of MMA and Bonnar’s career, but that doesn’t mean the veteran isn’t tired of hearing about it.
“Forrest, Forrest, Forrest! Do I get sick of hearing Forrest Griffin’s name? Yeah real sick of hearing Forrest Griffin’s name,” Bonnar tells Mike Straka on this week’s episode of “Fighting Words.” “You know, it’s great being known for a great fight, but God, I get called Forrest so many times, you know?” A preview of the show can be seen at the following link: http://blog.hdnetfights.com/post/1010925010/fighting-words-stephan-bonnar Bonnar also opens up to Straka about facing criticism and the negatives that come with fame. “You know when you get emails ‘I hate your guts,’” he said. “Some people really passionately hate me. And I’m just gonna try to provide some entertainment but you know you… some people hate my guts and let me know it.” All this and more when Bonnar sits down with Mike on “Fighting Words with Mike Straka” this Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET only on HDNet. |
| About HDNet HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and thought-provoking content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition. HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report,” and the Emmy Award winning “Dan Rather Reports,” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence. HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. “NASA on HDNet” presents all live shuttle launches through 2010. HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, “HDNet Fights” (www.hdnetfights.com). “HDNet Fights” works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, King of the Cage, XFC, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet’s “Inside MMA” is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA, while “Fighting Words with Mike Straka,” goes one-on-one with some of the biggest names in the sport. HDNet also features live coverage of regular season games from the second season of the United Football League. HDNet also delivers the world’s largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Nickelback and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring “Art Mann Presents,” “Girls Gone Wild,” “Deadline” and “Get Out!” Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger. In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films. HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network. Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, and Verizon FiOS. The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies. |
High Times for Jordan Mein – one step from UFC – Watch Live Tonight
WATCH THIS EVENT LIVE -CLICK HERE
Growing up with Lee Mein as a father, it is no wonder that Jordan Mein is one of the toughest twenty-year olds in Canada. Not only is Lee Mein a Heavyweight MMA fighter, Jordan’s dad has also been teaching him martial arts before he was even enrolled in Kindergarten. ”It was awesome growing up with a father who fights and been in the cage. I have learned everything from him,” says the younger Mein.
Jordan Mein (17-6) is truly a fighter from the new generation that cross trains many martial arts disciplines from a very young age. ”Jordan started coming to the gym for for Kempo Karate when he was three year’s old,” states Lee from his Canadian Martial Arts Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta. ”He has been at the gym his whole life.” As he grew older, Jordan added Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling to his ever improving striking game.
Jordan attempted other sports like football, basketball, and lacrosse, but it was fighting that he excelled in. ”Young Guns” Mein entered every competition available as he grew up. Jordan slowly advanced through Kempo Karate and Jiu-Jitsu tournaments to grappling and Kickboxing events to having his first amateur MMA fight at 14 years old.
Ironically, it was another MMA wunderkind from Western Canada that Jordan debuted as a pro fighter when he was 16 years old. Future UFCer Rory MacDonald was the first fight and also the first loss of young Jordan’s career. The two grew up in MMA in similar fashions but many feel that MacDonald’s team was a little more selective on who Rory would fight, while Jordan would fight anyone at anytime and anywhere.
“Jordan has always wanted to fight the toughest guys,” says his father. Incredibly, the 16 year old Jordan fought six times in his first six months of professional fighting. He went 3-3 while taking on stiff competitors like MacDonald, Kevin Manderson and Tim Jenson. Since those first six months of fighting, Mein has shown drastic improvement going 14-2 in the cage. ”I have fought all around around Canada,” states Jordan, “and I have kept getting stronger and when I have had a few losses I have learned from them.”
His last loss was against Montreal’s Mike Ricci who ended up going to Bellator. ”Ricci took me down and held me there. By the third round he was tired and I was feeling good. He got the win because he had good position but I was not hurt.” Since that fight, Mein has focused on getting up off his back and he has incorporated more wrestling into his game. Since that loss, Mein has been unstoppable – tearing through good opposition like Andrew Buckland, Victor Bachmann, and George Belanger.
Andrew Buckland is another recent victim of “Young Guns” (photo by Jason Bouwmeester|pixelens.com)The loss to Ricci was an important lesson for Jordan as he now prepares to fight Jason High (9-3) on Thursday, August 26 at Rumble in the Cage in Taber, Alberta. High is a strong wrestler who also made the Grand Prix finals in DREAM in 2009 before losing his last two fights and being released by the UFC.
“Jason High will come hard at me, but I will do the same to him. With his wrestling background, he will try to take me down and sometimes he might get it. I will put a lot of pressure on him and take him down as well,” explains Jordan. ”He may be good at wrestling, but I am good at everything combined. I have high confidence in my stand up and if I have to work off my back.”
A win against the recently released High is just what Mein needs to get noticed by the UFC. “I have fought for a long time and beaten everyone around here. This fight is exactly what I want at this point in my career.”
Tickets are still available for RITC 40 in Taber. As well, fans can watch the online PPV.
Friday Night: ROF SUMMERBRAWL: “the Bobcat” takes on “the Black Widow”
WATCH THIS EVENT LIVE -CLICK HERE
INTRODUCING MARCIEA THE BLACK WIDOW ALLEN 
What do you think are the keys to victory in this match up?
What is the importance of this fight to you?
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What are your thoughts on thoughts on your opponent Eliot Marshall?
This is a great fight. I am very excited for the opportunity to face an opponent of Eliot’s caliber. This is one of those style match ups that is very dependent on who can impose their game and dictate the flow of the fight. I have been on a bit of a break from the game and this is a hell of a fight to come back to. Eliot is a legit fighter who has had a fair amount of success. He offers a challenge in his fighting style that I am very interested in figuring out.
I have respect for the man and when it is all over I’ll be the first to buy him a drink. I think he would agree though, when that cage door closes it’s time to whoop some ass, and it just so happens that whooping ass is something I’m pretty good at.
What do you think are the keys to victory in this match up?
Work hard, sweat a lot, bleed some, give up all your free time and embrace the process. Victory is a decision! It is an absolute refusal to quit, to fail! My biggest fear isn’t the fight, it’s not the man, it’s the fear of losing. I use that motivation to drive me to train harder. Victory is earned, it is never given, it will not be any different in this fight.
What is the importance of this fight to you?
This fight is extremely important. Every fight is! I want this fight and I want this win. I am looking forward to this chance to get back into the game. If I make things happen as I plan this is just the first step in my climb back to the UFC. I appreciate Ring Of Fire and Eliot Marshal giving me this opportunity, I fully intend to make the most of it!
How do you feel about fighting on a RING OF FIRE event?
Ring Of Fire is giving me a great opportunity. There I a solid stable of fighters associated with ROF an a lot of potential for some great fights. I am looking to find an organization that I can stay with for a bit and this may be a great fit.
Do you have a message to the fans?
My only message is this. I hope to put on a great show for the fans. I appreciate the fact that you would take time out of your schedule to spend a night with us fighters and the ROF organization. I can assure you that my coach, Shawn Tompkins and my training partners at Tapout Training Center will have me ready to go. I expect no less from Eliot Marshal an his camp.
This will be a war and I fully intend to be standing when it I over. Just don’t blink, it might be that fast.
ROF Summerbrawl 2: Live this Friday Night
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(above: Eliot Marshal, photo courtesy fightnews)
MARSHALL AND HAYNES RETURN TO CAGE AT ROF EVENT
Denver,CO -
RING OF FIRE MMA is the longest running promotion in the Rocky Mountain region. On Friday August 27th they return with the second annual SUMMERBRAWL event. Headlining the event will be a clash of two former TUF and UFC veterans as Eliot THE FIRE Marshall faces off against Josh BRING THE PAIN Haynes.
Marshall, who’s career was launched at Ring Of Fire, is happy about the return. “I’m really excited to be getting back in the cage and the Ring of Fire is a great step for me to get back in the UFC. I started my career here so I feel real comfortable fighting for the organization, and my hometown fans” said Marshall.
After going 5-1 in matches on ROF, promoter Sven Bean submitted Marshall as an applicant to the SPIKE Season 8 Ultimate Fighter. The BJJ Black Belt was picked up a cast member on the show. Following the show’s production, Eliot defeated cast mate Jules Bruchez at the TUF 8 Finale. He then faced Vinicius Magalhães at UFC 97, whom he defeated by unanimous decision. In September of ‘09 he fought Jason Brilz at UFC 103, winning a split decision. Earlier this year Marshall faced former IFL Light Heavyweight Champion Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC LIVE: Vera vs. Jones. Marshall lost a split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27). Following the loss to Matyushenko, Marshall was released from the UFC.
Eliot makes no bones about wanting to return to the UFC, but hasn’t overlooked his upcoming opponent at SUMMERBRAWL. “Josh Haynes is a tough opponent. He is very durable and aggressive so it should make for an exciting fight! This is a very important fight for me. My goal is to get back to the UFC so this is the first step. I also want to show my fans and the MMA community a different and more aggressive style of fighting.”
(above Josh Haynes)
If Marshall is looking for an “agressive” match up then he has to look no further than Josh BRING THE PAIN Haynes. Out of Hayne’s 17 victories, 15 opponents were finished by either KO, TKO or Submission.
Haynes, was a cast member of the Season 3 of the Ultimate Fighter, fighting for Tito Ortiz’s team. After defeating both Tait Fletcher, and Jesse Forbes on the show, he would face future superstar Michael Bisping in the finals. After nearly 2 rounds of back and forth action, referee John McCarthy stopped the action with only :46 seconds left in the second round. Surviving multiple submission attempts and striking flurries, Haynes never stopped trying to stay in the fight, as commentator Joe Rogan repeatedly said “There in no QUIT in Josh Haynes”. Haynes was later released from the UFC after going 0-2 in single matches. Haynes next appeared as a contestant on Ty Murray’s Celeberity Bull Riding Challenge along with NFL great Raghib “Rocket” Ismail, freestyle motocross champ Kenny Bartram, actor Stephen Baldwin and rapper Vanilla Ice.
After the completion of the show Haynes continued his MMA career racking up 5-2 record, and is currently on a 2 fight win streak. Haynes, like Marshall, has aspirations of returning to the UFC. But this veteran knows full well that it is a process.
” This fight is extremely important. Every fight is! I want this fight and I want this win. I am looking forward to this chance to get back into the game. If I make things happen as I plan, this is just the first step in my climb back to the UFC. I appreciate Ring Of Fire and Eliot giving me this opportunity, I fully intend to make the most of it! I can assure you that my coach, Shawn Tompkins and my training partners at Tapout Training Center will have me ready to go. I expect no less from Eliot and his camp. This will be a war and I fully intend to be standing when it I over. Just don’t blink, it might be that fast.”
(above Brandon Thatch)
At welterweight, Brandon RUCKUS Thatch will finally return to the cage. Ruckus last appeared at ROF 33 where he won the 170 lb Young Guns Championship with a devastating head kick to Mark Arrant in just :18 seconds of the first round. Thatch seemed like he was on the fast track to stardom appearing on 4 ROF events and also on the Strikeforce Playboy Mansion broadcast. A neck injury de-railed the young star, and after a 20 month absence he is 100% healthy and 100% ready to return. Thatch was originally scheduled to defend his title against ROF 38 victor Chris Holland, but Holland declined the title shot wanting more time to prepare. Thatch will now face Danny DEE-1 Davis in a non title bout. Thatch and Davis are virtually the same type of fighter style wise, both being proficient muay thai strikers. They also have the same long and lean body style at 6′ 3″ tall. Potentially this could be the shootout of the year.
(above Michelle Blalock)
It just wouldn’t be a ROF event without at least one women’s match on the card. Fresh off her Young Guns Championship victory at ROF 38, Michelle THE BOBCAT Blalock returns to competition. Blalocks skill set improves with each outing, and at ROF 38 she controlled her opponent for all 3 rounds. No small task considering her opponent was a world class wrestler. Now holding a 5-0 record in MMA, she is a force to be reckoned with. Michelle will be facing Marciea THE BLACK WIDOW Allen from Watertown, SD. Marciea is a freestyle fighter training out of the MMA Factory. She has a 3-1 record with 2 KO’s and is an incredibly conditioned athelete. Sometimes training three times a day, her natural athletic ability makes her a nightmare for opposing fighters. This non title fight will be contested at 130 lbs.
Stay tuned for the full fight card to be released early next week!
VENUE AND TICKET INFO:
SUMMERBRAWL will be held at the historic Fillmore Auditorium.
The Fillmore Auditorium, previously known as the Mammoth Event Center, is a popular live music venue located in Denver, Colorado. The Fillmore Auditorium Denver was founded in 1999 and is named after The Fillmore San Francisco. The Fillmore Auditorium Denver underwent a name change when its current owner, Live Nation, decided to make The Fillmore name into a venue brand. The Fillmore Auditorium is by far Denver’s biggest indoor general admission live music venue. The Fillmore Auditorium building originally opened in 1907 as a skating rink. After decades of name and operation changes, the Fillmore Auditorium Denver was finally converted to its current function in 1969.
The Fillmore Auditorium schedule features some of the best events and concerts in the city. From musical performances to private parties, the Fillmore Auditorium schedule features it all.
GOLDBERG, ROGAN, AND LIDDELL FEATURED IN Q&A SESSIONS AT UFC® FAN EXPO™
GOLDBERG AND ROGAN Q&A – FRIDAY, AUG. 27 AT 12PM ET
LIDDELL Q&A – SATURDAY, AUG. 28 AT 1PM ET
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – Three of the most recognizable faces in Ultimate Fighting Championship® history will take part in Question and Answer sessions at the UFC® FAN EXPO™ at the John B. Hynes Convention Center in Boston on Aug. 27 and 28th.
On Friday, Aug. 27 at 12pm ET, UFC broadcasters Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan field questions from fans, while UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell talks about his illustrious career on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 1pm ET. Both Q&A sessions will be held at the UFC® FAN EXPO™ main stage.
“This is a great opportunity for fans to fire away with questions they’ve always wanted to ask,” UFC President Dana White said. “Goldberg and Rogan have called some of the greatest fights in UFC history and Chuck has fought in some of the most memorable bouts we’ve ever seen. Both sessions should be very cool.”
This year’s UFC Fan Expo leads into UFC® 118: EDGAR vs. PENN 2 Presented by TAPOUT®, featuring the lightweight title rematch between champion Frankie Edgar and former division kingpin BJ Penn. For more UFC Fan Expo information and to purchase tickets, visit UFCfanexpo.com. For companies interested in reserving space at this premier event, contact Ed Gallo, Event Director at 1-203-840-5546 or email egallo@ufcfanexpo.com.
Ultimate Fighting Championship® – www.ufc.com
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve UFC live Pay-Per-View events annually and 30 live arena events around the world. UFC programming is distributed in the United States on Viacom, Inc.’s Spike TV and on Comcast, Inc.’s Versus network. UFC content is distributed commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. Globally, UFC programming is broadcast in over 130 countries, territories and jurisdictions, reaching 430 million homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. Ancillary businesses now include UFC.com with over 5 million unique visitors per month, the best-selling UFC “Undisputed” videogame franchise distributed by THQ, UFC Gym™, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo™ festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, articulated action figures and other media including best-selling DVDs and a U.S. bimonthly magazine.
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About Reed Exhibitions
The UFC Fan Expo is operated by Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading events organizer, with over 470 events in 37 countries. In 2008, Reed brought together over seven million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today, Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organized by 38 fully staffed offices.
Reed organizes a wide range of events, including exhibitions, conferences, congresses, and meetings. Its portfolio of over 470 events serves 44 industry sectors, including: Aerospace & aviation, automobiles, broadcasting, building & construction, electronics, energy, oil & gas, engineering, manufacturing, environment, food service & hospitality, gifts, healthcare, interior design, IT & telecoms, jewelry, life science & pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical education, printing & graphics, property & real estate, security & safety, sports & recreation, and travel. Working closely with professional bodies, trade associations, and government departments, Reed ensures that each and every event is targeted and relevant to industry needs. As a result, many Reed events are market leaders in their field.
MAMMA Online News- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? (Part 2) September 1, 2010Yesterday I talked about why this October’s Bellator is different from other shows going on down here in Philly. Today I’m going to talk about the challenge in promoting this show. As we mentioned yesterday, Eddie Alvarez will fight in Philly for the first time in October against Roger Huerta. This fight could mark the [...] No related posts. […]Paul Miles
- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? August 31, 2010I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about the quality of fight cards in the Philly/Atlantic City game recently and for some reason I’ve had an impossible time expressing in words my thoughts. Some of that is because the path of least resistance in that sort of post would stomp on toes of promoters [...] No related posts. […]Paul Miles
- Its Official: Alvarez vs Huerta Goes Down in Philly August 30, 2010After weeks of speculation, MMA Junkie has confirmed that Bellator 33 will happen in Philadelphia. The hot mustard on that awesome sandwich is the main event: Philadelphia’s own Eddie Alvarez faces internet sensation, and notorious football hater Roger Huerta in a three round non-title fight. Expect some familiar faces on the undercard. Bellator has traditio […]Paul Miles
- “Rematch” is the Word of the Day for December Locked in the Cage August 28, 2010I spoke with Fran Evans of Locked in the Cage, and he confirmed for me that Bo Coleman and Brian Jackson will get a do-over from their aborted main event from August 21st. This time the dance is at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia on December 3rd for Locked in the Cage 6. Fran [...] Related posts:Unusual End to Good Night of Fights for Locked in t […]Paul Miles
- Brendan Barrett & Randy Smith Cold War About to Go Nuclear August 28, 2010For months the war of words between IFL and ROC veteran Brendan Barrett and Randy Smith finally has a venue to be turned physical. Lou Neglia and Brendan both confirmed yesterday that Barrett/Smith will finally go down at Ring of Combat 32 at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. The first volley of this battle [...] Related posts:Another Interview with Brendan […]Paul Miles
- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? (Part 2) September 1, 2010
- ESPN News
- Zab Judah-Lucas Matthysse fight in the works for November at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. September 2, 2010Zab Judah has not fought on HBO in more than two years, but that could change if plans in the works are finalized. […]Dan Rafael
- Juan Manuel Marquez has deal to fight Michael Katsidis September 2, 2010Lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez has agreed to fight Michael Katsidis at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on Nov. 27. […]Associated Press
- Manny Pacquiao: Antonio Margarito knew what was in hand wraps September 2, 2010Manny Pacquiao says he wants a representative observing Antonio Margarito's hand wraps before their meeting in Texas. […]Associated Press
- Antonio Margarito was licensed to box by Texas regulators September 2, 2010Disgraced former welterweight titlist Antonio Margarito was licensed to box by Texas regulators on Thursday, paving the way for him to meet pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao for a vacant junior middleweight belt. […]Dan Rafael
- Backpack of Bob Arum's son John Arum found by search party September 2, 2010Searchers in the rugged North Cascades have found a backpack belonging to the son of Hall of Fame boxing promoter Bob Arum, but they are still looking for the missing climber. […]ESPN.com news services
- Manny Pacquiao on a Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout: 'He needs me' September 1, 2010Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach said Wednesday that they agreed to every demand put forward by Floyd Mayweather for what could have been the richest fight in boxing history. […]Associated Press
- Fana regains IBF junior lightweight title September 1, 2010Mzonke Fana has earned an impressive unanimous decision over Cassius Baloyi to win the vacant IBF junior lightweight title in a matchup of South Africans. […]Associated Press
- Bernard Hopkins to fight light heavyweight champ Jean Pascal on Dec. 18 September 1, 2010Bernard Hopkins is slated to meet newly crowned light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal Dec. 18 in Quebec City, both sides told ESPN.com on Tuesday. […]Dan Rafael
- Antonio Tarver ready for heavyweight debut against Nagy Aguilera August 30, 2010Antonio Tarver will make his heavyweight debut Oct. 15 against Nagy Aguilera in a scheduled 10-rounder either in Memphis or Southern California. […]Dan Rafael
- Fight between Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez rescheduled for Nov. 6 August 30, 2010The postponed fight between featherweight titlist Juan Manuel Lopez and former two-division champion Rafael Marquez has been rescheduled. […]Dan Rafael
- Zab Judah-Lucas Matthysse fight in the works for November at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. September 2, 2010
