Joint Proposal Between Barnett And Nevada Commission Fails; Hearing Scheduled For July 26
 Joint Proposal Between Barnett and Nevada Commission Fails; Hearing Scheduled for July 26 The Nevada State Athletic Commission met today with Josh Barnett, who was present via conference call while in London for Saturday’s UFC. No ruling was made regarding the allegations that Barnett used steroids. The Nevada Commission did not have a "full hearing," said Chief Deputy Attorney General Keith Kizer, who represents the Commission. Instead, a joint proposal, which Kizer described as "kind of a settlement of the complaint," was the topic of the meeting. "We were hoping to alleviate the need for a hearing by trying to work out a joint proposal between Marc Ratner, the Commission’s executive director, and Josh Barnett as the licensee," Kizer said.
"We tried our best, both sides, but we just couldn’t reach a final version of what both sides could live with," Kizer said. The discussed proposal had "nothing to do with a suspension," Kizer told FCF. "It would not have included any type of suspension to it. We couldn’t agree on the language, basically." Since the joint proposal failed, the Nevada Commission will go forward with the hearing on July 26. Barnett has already been sent a notice that he must attend in-person on that date. At the July 26 hearing, Kizer said the Commission will present the evidence they have that Barnett used steroids and should be disciplined for it. Barnett has the right to defend himself by any legitimate means, which may include presenting evidence, calling witnesses, and testifying. As far as what to expect from the hearing, Kizer stated, "Our main goal here is really education. We just had this happen not too long ago, and the main goal is to get these guys some sort of counseling as well as provide proof that they no longer have steroids in their system. That’s what we’ll be asking for on this case as well." Kizer continued, "We’re not looking to just merely punish somebody. Unfortunately, we’ve found out, at least through the allegations in major league baseball, that steroid use is more rampant in that sport than people once thought. I think the same thing may be true here as well. We want the fighters to realize that even though this may give you an unfair advantage in the short term, it could give you long-term health problems including death. We want to make sure that Mr. Barnett understands that." |
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From Josh Hedges/Zuffa:  Frank Warren, where are you? UFC President Dana White upped his wager again to British Boxing promoter Frank Warren. In June, Warren made some derogatory remarks about MMA fighters. White offered $50,000 US and challenged Warren to step up and put his money where his mouth is. Since making his initial comments, Warren has been in hiding. At the UFC 38 pre-event press conference today in London, Dana White unveiled $250,000 US and told the British media any of the UFC fighters would be more than happy to fight any of Warren’s boxers. Will Warren respond this time? |
 Sperry and Nogueira Brothers Ready for UFO The Brazilian Top Team continues has been marking its presence in Japan with memorable fights at PRIDE, and the new UFO event scheduled for August will be no different. Three of the Top Team’s fighters, including PRIDE heavyweight champion Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira, will be fighting in the new Japanese event. PRIDE and Extreme fighting veteran Mario Sperry is already training for his upcoming fight at UFO, despite the knee surgery he underwent after PRIDE 20. Sperry is almost 100% recovered from his injury and will be fighting a yet to be named opponent. Mario’s opponent will probably be announced next week, but his participation in the even is certain unless he gets injured. The Nogueira brothers, Rogerio and Rodrigo, are coming back today from a trip to Holland, where they trained Muay Thai in order to improve their game and while Rodrigo was recovering from a back injury that prevented his participation at PRIDE 21 and limited his ground training for a while. Minotauro will be facing Sanae Kikuta at UFO. Although the match hasn’t been announced yet, it’s already considered certain within the NHB circles in Brazil. Rodrigo Minotauro won’t be the only Nogueira fighting in the event, his twin brother Rogerio Minotoro will also be fighting against an opponent to be named in the future. With the presence of three Brazilian Top Team members, the UFO card continues to develop as a strong one. FCF was also told that Marco Ruas’ possible opponent, Murakami Kazunari, is in Brazil training with the Brazilian Top Team for his upcoming bout in the UFO against Ruas, therefore even though the match hasn’t been announced yet, it’s bound to happen. |
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From Josh Hedges/Zuffa:  UFC SIGNS EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT WITH MODERN SPORTS & EVENTS TO TELEVISE FIGHT SHOWS ON PAY-PER-VIEW IN SCANDANAVIA Brawl At Royal Albert Hall From London To Be Telecast In 4 Countries, July 13 LONDON, ENGLAND, July 10, 2002… The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s leading mixed martial arts sports company, today announced it has signed an exclusive agreement with Modern Sports & Entertainment, a subsidiary of Modern Times Group, to telecast its fight shows on Viasat Ticket pay-per-view television in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark starting Saturday, July 13, with the Brawl At Royal Albert Hall in London. The fight will be telecast live at 8 p.m. Central European Time (CET) in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and 9 p.m. CET in Finland. The suggested retail price is approximately 129 Krona ($13 U.S.), depending on exchange rates. "We are excited about signing this agreement before the London show because it expands our brand in Europe immediately. We look forward bringing more shows to Scandanavian fight fans in the future," said Dana White, UFC president. The main event of the eight-fight card will be the long-awaited welterweight championship re-match between Champion Matt Hughes (26-3-0 in Mixed Martial Arts) of Hillsboro, Ill., (U.S.A) and former champion Carlos Newton (11-5-0) of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Hughes captured the title from Newton November 2 with a controversial knockout in Las Vegas, Nev. |
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Official IFC press release: Women’s Fight added to IFC Warrior’s Challenge 17 July 12th, Eagle Mtn. Casino, Porterville, CA The International Fighting Championships ("IFC") is proud to announce the addition of a women’s fight to its Warriors Challenge XVII card. Debbie Purcell will put her undefeated record on the line against dangerous Malanie Dumont, who comes into the fight with a MMA record of 1-0 herself. The WARRIORS CHALLENGE XVII show will be storming into Eagle Mountain in Porterville, CA on July 12th. "This is the first event of this nature at Eagle Mountain, and the casino really wants to do it right – in a brand new outdoor arena! The fighters and fans will be the first to use this new state of the art outdoor amphitheatre. Commissioner Paul Smith anticipates an action packed show. The card features K-1 Veteran Carter Williams, Paul Buentello, Gary Marshall, Debbie Purcell, Chris Lytle, Steve Heath, Jake Shields. One thing is sure – with a line up like this, the leather will be flying. Make Sure To Get Tickets Now – Before They Sell Out! Tickets are available at www.vallitix.com, or by calling Eagle Mountain Casino at 1-888-825-5484. For more information about Eagle Mountain Casino you can check out its website at www.eaglemtncasino.com, or call them at 1-800-903-3353.All tickets already sold for the May 22nd show will be honored. Women’s Middleweight Contender Fight Malanie Dumont IFC WARRIORS CHALLENGE XVII FIGHT CARD IFC United States Heavyweight Championship Mike Kyle Primal Tribe Fight Team vs. Paul Buentello IFC Super Fight Heavyweight Contender Carter Williams Team VOODOO vs. Gary Marshall Athletics Team (IFC Native American Super Heavyweight Champion) IFC Super Fight Welterweight Contender Jake Shields Cesar Gracie JJ vs. Chris Lytle Pancrase /UFC Veteran Womens middleWeight Contender Fight Malanie Dumonte Chinese Boxing vs. Debi Purcell Marco Ruas Vale Tudo Middleweight Contender Fight Steve Heath Cesar Gracie JJ vs. James "MadDog" Meals Team Pain Featherweight Challenge Fight Scott Bills Team Piranha vs. Nick Diaz Cesar Gracie JJ Light Heavyweight Challenge Fight Cory Hangos XMF vs. Jason Pratt The Pit Middleweight Challenge Fight Shrek Julian Victory Athletics Team vs. Bob Ostovich Jesus is Lord Welterweight Challenge Fight Eddy Ellis Victory Athletics vs. Jeramy Jackson Team Freedom Lightweight Preliminary Fight Rusty Simpson TeamGroundNPound vs. Jeff Hougland Team VOODOO Lightweight Challenge Fight Randy Spence Fusion Fight Team vs. Boukai Rami Next Generation Lightweight Challenge Fight Nick Ertl Jr .Cesar GracieJJ vs. Dax Bruce Victory Athletics Team (CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE) |
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From RITC Writer/Statistician John Petrilli: RITC 37 – Super Fights Announced Five excellent Super Fights have been announced to accompany the previously released outstanding Main Event match-up featuring two UFC veterans. Main Event: Super Fights: RITC rankings are from their respective weight divisions. The 3 listed fighters without rankings simply do not have the 2 RITC fight minimum required for eligibility. This represents only half the card. More fights will be announced in the weeks ahead. There will be 12 Fights total (the Arizona Commission Limit). The planned fight card for RITC 37 is the biggest and best ever offered in RITC history and a sellout is a virtual certainty. Don’t be disappointed. Have the Celebrity Theatre Box Office (602-267-1600) hold your tickets at will-call. All it takes is a single phone call, or stop by the Box Office in person if paying by cash for advanced ticket pick-ups. The only $5 discounts for RITC 37 will be with existing RITC red cards or KUPD red cards. Please visit www.rageinthecage.com or call 480-446-8127 for more information. Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona |
