Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003
Curran’s Comeback Highlights Extreme Challenge 55 In Chicago
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From the event’s promoter: Curran’s Comeback Highlights Extreme Challenge 55 in Chicago  You can understand why Jeff Curran is excited to get back in the ring. The Pedro Sauer black belt had moved up quickly in the world rankings at 145 pounds. Four back-to-back wins over notables Bao Quach, Ryan Ackerman, Todd Lally and Baret Yoshida got him up to the world’s No. 6 fighter and a 15-minute battle — that he lost by decision — with Japanese superstar Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto did nothing to slow Curran’s momentum. However, a kick to the forearm in a tag-team match at ZST in Japan put him on the sidelines. A plate and six screws later, Curran cannot wait to get back into the ring and start where he left off. "I want to get my career going again… I’m excited about it," Curran said of his upcoming bout at Extreme Challenge 55 in Lakemoor, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. "My manager (Monte Cox) is telling me to take it slow and work back into a groove… but I’m really anxious to fight the top guys out there." Facing Curran at EC 55 will be Iowa’s Tim Gorman, a strong wrestler with a ground-and-pound attack. Extreme Challenge 55 is scheduled for Dec. 5 at the Lakemoor Banquet Facility in Lakemoor, Ill. Doors will open at 7 p.m. with the 10-bout card beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available by calling Curran Martial Arts at 815 356-0454 or Dan Lardy at 815 245-2066. For more information, check out the event website at extremechallenge.tv. Also making a comeback on the show is Jason Reinhardt (7-0) of Decatur, Ill., who has been sidelined for more than 2 years with a neck injury. It is an especially big day for Reinhardt, who was told by doctors he would never train, let alone fight again. His opponent has not yet been determined. In one of the feature bouts, MMA veteran Henry Matamoros (14-7) will take on Jason Medina (10-3) of Miletich Fighting Systems. It will be the first EC bout for Matamoros in almost 6 years, while Medina will be making his 10th appearance. Also, UFC, Deep and RINGS veteran Brad Kohler will take on Damien Decorah in a heavyweight contest. The muscular Kohler, who replaces an injured Kerry Schall, is starting a comeback after taking time off to promote events in Minneapolis. Decorah has won 4 of his last 5 bouts and is looking for the upset. Local favorite Bart Palaszewski will go for his 5th straight victory, while two other local standouts — Jay Estrada and Jason Bender — will battle each other. Former University of Iowa wrestling star Ben Uker, who trains with Miletich Fighting Systems, will also compete, taking on fellow Iowan Nwanda Bell. Complete lineup: Extreme Challenge 55- Line-Up
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posted by Full Contact Fighter @ 8:00 pm
