Vanderlei Silva Already Training Again!
|
Vanderlei Silva Already Training Again! By Eduardo Alonso On this Thursday, May 2nd, FCF spoke with the "Axe Murderer" to hear what he had to say about his fight against "Cro Cop" at PRIDE 20, as well as his future plans. PRIDE’s Middleweight Champion, who just got back to Brazil on Wednesday, told FCF he is just fine and didn’t break any ribs as some thought. In fact, he is already back in training! "I’m going to train right after this phone call! I’m fine and pumped to train even harder for the next one now!" Vanderlei Silva is eager to fight again hoping he will also be a part of PRIDE 21. Silva told FCF that he was surprised by the quick stand-ups during his fight against "Cro Cop", and he was even more surprised by Filipovic’s lack of aggression during the fight. "When you’re pressing the stand-up action in a fight, going right at the guy, you always have the risk of eating a bomb in the process and it’s all over! It’s much safer to fight counter-striking… he didn’t try to engage and I had to pursue the fight standing up the whole time! He was supposed to be the one initiating the stand-up fight." Because of "Cro Cop’s" lack of aggression during the fight, the "Axe Murderer" feels he won the fight, and he was very happy to know the fans found a new respect for him for standing up and trading with the K-1 fighter. "It’s great! I’m not afraid of losing. I want to fight, and I want it to be exciting and entertaining for the fans, so I’m very happy to know they liked my attitude." With Vanderlei Silva already training again, and looking for a fight at PRIDE 21, the question is: Who will be in line for the next shot at the "Axe Murderer"? |
|
 Murilo to Fight While there was some talk of UFC World Middleweight Champion Murilo Bustamante not being able to fight at UFC 37, Murilo’s management has released a letter assuring all that Murilo will indeed be defending his title against Matt Lindland on May 10th. Here is the letter from Marcello Tetel: |
|
On behalf of Ultimate Fighting Middleweight Champion Murilo Bustamante, I came to clarify the facts regarding the finger injury the champion has: Murilo Bustamante unfortunately got a finger infection caused by a danger bacteria which made Bustamante stay away of training during some days. Due to the serious status of this situation we really considered the possibility of postpone the Title bout against Matt Lindland scheduled for the Upcoming UFC 37 – High Impact where they would fight for the Middleweight belt as main event. Murilo’s biggest concern was regarding his performance since in our understanding the MMA needs not only to grow up as a sport but as a entertainment as well. We need exciting matches to entertain and conquer the general public and to keep the fans. Murilo was very concerned he might fail in giving to the audience and fans the fight he’s planning and the show the UFC fans deserve. After consulting 5 doctors, 3 of which advising him to not fight, Murilo started to win his first fight – against the infection, called "GRANULLOMA" [sp]. After massive antibiotics treatment Murilo decided for fighting although he’s aware the best condition for this fight might not be his standard performance. It’s time to support the organization who trusted in his skills and gave him the opportunity of being a world champion, his dream. UFC is, out of question, the partner Murilo supports and sometimes we got to to more than only to fight for a show. As a UFC champion, Bustamante believes his behavior as a professional fighter and entertainer got to be an example for the upcoming generation and hopes the fans enjoy the UFC 37. We came here just to clarify and give to the fans the right explanation regarding this issue since the Internet rumors were becoming very far from accurate. Just to give you an example i got a phone call asking if was true Murilo lost one finger!!! Murilo would like to thank all fans for the support and is looking forward to pay back the trust Zuffa deposited on him putting an extreme exciting match defending his belt next week. Best Regards |
|
Official IFC press release:  INTERNATIONAL FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS WARRIOR’S CHALLENGE IFC FIGHTING CALIFORNIA IFC ANNOUNCES SHOWS AT EAGLE MTN. CASINO  The International Fighting Championships ("IFC") is moving down – to the Southern California Area. The IFC is proud to announce its affiliation with Eagle Mtn. Casino in Porterville, California (approximately 50 miles north of Bakersfield). The IFC and Eagle Mtn. Casino have already planned a Great Show, so Southern California fight fans should get ready for real fighting action. The action will begin on May 22, 2002, at 8:00PM when the IFC presents Warrior’s Challenge 17. IFC will keep all California fight fans happy. Two heavy hitting heavyweights will swing the leather in the cage. Both of these tough combatants are known for their knockout power and this is a matchup that isn’t expected to go the distance. Also, the women will go toe-to-toe in the cage. Make sure to get your tickets for the IFC Warrior’s Challenge 17, The house will rock! For Tickets: www.vallitix.com or 1-888-825-5484 ask for Eagle Mtn. Casino for Warrior’s Challenge 17. See web site for locations. For more information about Eagle Mtn. Casino you can check out its website at www.eaglemtncasino.com, or call them at 1-800-903-3353. |
