Pre-fight At Ufc 34
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Pre-fight at UFC 34 By Jim Genia Take a stroll through the lobby of the MGM Grand right now and you’ll run into a veritable beehive of fans and fighters. Welterweight champ Carlos Newton can’t walk more than a dozen feet without being approached for an autograph. Randy Couture and Matt Lindland look calm and relaxed, shaking the occasional hand. UFC veteran Brad Kohler mingles with fans from the Internet. Rookie Frank Mir is more serious, although no less friendly. Joe Silva, Zuffa’s matchmaker, is all smiles. Is there any anxiousness? Any pressure on the people behind the action to make this show better than the last? "Look for a good stand-up fight," says Carlos, promising to deliver. "Tell the fans to be ready." Opponent Matt Hughes assures the same — a stand-up war — and with 25 people here from his hometown, including his father, brother, and two sisters, Matt has every reason to give it his all.  "Everything’s very smooth," says Joe, when asked about the UFC’s state of affairs a few short hours before show time. "Everything’s looking good. I’m feeling very positive." With a grin he adds: "Nobody’s gone through a window. Nobody’s fallen off the top of the MGM." Everyone has taken their fight seriously, as evidenced by their overall conditioning at the weigh-in, and Joe is thankful for that. He describes the rules meeting and how the fighters seemed "pumped." If you were to come up to him after the last show, you would’ve clearly seen his disappointment. Today, however, his outlook has vastly improved. His faith in his fighters keeps him optimistic. And while the matchmaker may have much at stake tonight, no one has more to lose than the fans. Do they seem wary, in light of a previous show riddled with overly-cautious competitors taking the matches to decisions? That’s hard to say. As they flock to the fighters, pens and UFC posters in hand, they seem too preoccupied to care. |
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Eddie Goldman NHB News Special Eddie Goldman returns to the airwaves with a "no holds barred news" special on WBAI’s "Lightshow" late Friday/early Saturday Nov. 3. He will preview the Tszyu-Judah fight that will be held Saturday night and review UFC 34 held Friday night. "Lightshow" airs weekly late Friday night/early Saturday morning, 3-5 AM Eastern Time. The special "No Holds Barred News" segment will go on at approximately 3:15 AM and run to 3:45 AM EST, early Saturday morning, November 3. WBAI broadcasts in New York on 99.5 FM. For those not in the New York area, WBAI can also be heard live on the Internet. There are two sites that stream the signal: http://www.wbai.org/ and http://www.2600.com/wbai. |
 UFC 34: High Voltage Tickets available from: Ticket Master: 702-474-4000 & MGM Grand: 877-880-0880 LINE-UP:* Main card: Prelims: *Card subject to change |
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A Family Man Renzo Gracie explains how defending his wife and children led to legal woes By Aaron Crecy  In recent weeks, the mixed martial arts community has been awash with rumors about Renzo Gracie’s brush with the law. One of the most well-respected fighters in the business, Gracie was arrested and charged with simple assault when he struck a gas station owner who had cursed at his wife and child. In Tokyo for Pride 17, where he will face Japanese pro wrestler Michiyoshi Ohara, Renzo was eager to set the record straight and explain the series of events that led to his arrest. FCF: I’d like to talk to you talk to you about two things — first, the situation that happened before you came here, and secondly, about your upcoming fight. FCF: Well, there have been a lot of rumors going around and I would like to get the real story. FCF: For driving through his station? FCF: Did he take her license plate to try to get her a ticket for cutting through his station? FCF: But basically, nothing ever happened with the ticket. FCF: But you also filed a simple assault charge, didn’t you? FCF: Does he have a court date, too? FCF: So basically, you’re going to testify against each other. FCF: So then it was really no problem coming to Pride. FCF: It seems as if it was more of a matter of defending yourself and your family. FCF: You’re known as one of the classiest fighters in MMA, so this is a situation that a lot of people were curious about.
FCF: And you seem pretty excited about it. FCF: Your opponent comes from New Japan Professional Wrestling? FCF: You’re never afraid to take on bigger guys. FCF: You seem as though you have put on a little muscle since your last appearance in Pride. FCF: In addition to practicing your striking against dudes at gas stations, have you been working on your standup? FCF: Thank you for sitting down to talk with me. |
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WFA Pre-fight Look By Abel Pulver  John Lewis makes his debut as a promoter when, on November third, his WFA takes over The Hard Rock Cafe for an evening of MMA at it’s finest. For the freshman promoter, things just couldn’t be better. " I have a pretty good understanding of match ups," admits Lewis. "I thought about who could fight who and it just fell into place from there. I feel very lucky because I was able to acquire all of my first choices and they are all ‘A’ level fighters." When asked if this is what fans should expect from his future show in February, Lewis responded, "I am open to all camps everywhere. I will take chances with both up and coming fighters and established ones as well. I want to be helpful to fighters because I want the sport to move ahead. I’ve been in the game a long time, and with the respect I’ve earned I can now give something back." And on paper this is sure one great debut. Ask Marvin Eastman what to expect against Rich Franklin on Saturday night and he’ll tell you, "I am a more complete fighter who is ready to go 100% full boar the entire fight. My greatest asset is my ability to adapt to situations and not let adversity throw me off. The way I see it is that I didn’t get into this to lose. However, whatever I have to do to get my W, I will. If an opening comes for a knockout I’ll take it, but I’m ready to go all three rounds and dominate every one of them." In the 155-pound class, Brazilian, Joao Roque fills in for Alfonso Alcarez, against Stephen Paling. Roque took the fight on short notice and admits, "this isn’t ideal for me because I didn’t have as much time as I would’ve liked. But I’m ready, I’ve improved my stand up skills a lot and I wouldn’t fight if I wasn’t going in to win. It should be an aggressive fight that I for sure should win." Ronald Jhun makes his mainland debut against the physical specimen Jermaine "Bam Bam" Andre. "I’m ready," said Jhun. "I’ve gone over everything not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well. He (Andre) looks like a good striker who keeps it coming so this should be a good test. I’m very motivated for this fight because it is a huge step up for me and a great chance to showcase my ability." In a match up that puts together a strong wrestler versus a good boxer, Frank Trigg and LaVerne Clark will take center stage. Trigg says, "I’m just excited to be back home in my back yard. I haven’t fought here in two years so I hope to put on a good show for John Lewis and hopefully be invited back. I’m not going to make predictions but I will say that I only fight to be victorious." For Clark it is much the same. "I’ve worked very hard for this fight," said Clark, "I’ve been at M.F.S. a lot more than usual working on my wrestling defense and sharpening up my punches. Some say he [Trigg] has a suspect chin, so I’m gonna test him. If we’re on our feet, I’m going to test him. When we hit the ground I’m going to test him as well. Whoever controls the position and where the fight takes place will win." It may be a night after the UFC but this show and the caliber of fighters there within takes second seat to no one. For Lewis it is a culmination of years of hard work. For us, the fans, it is another great show to watch and keep an eye out for in the future. |
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Super Brawl XXII "United We Stand!" Press Conference/Weigh-In November 1, 2001 By Michael Onzuka – Mike@onzuka.com The weigh-in was held at its normal home, 24 Hour Fitness, at 11:00 am today. The card stayed intact and we have not heard of any last minute changes — which is a change in itself in the fight game. Everyone seems to be happy, healthy, and ready to put on a good show for the Hawaii fans. MMA veterans Lance Gibson was present to support Ryan Diaz and Enson Inoue was there to support his older brother Egan. Also in attendance was Shark Tank leader, Eddie Millis to corner his pocket dynamite, Jose Lopez who is facing local fighter Lincoln Tyler. For three of the fighters, this will be their debut fight and leaves the fight fans guessing as to what they will bring to the ring tomorrow night at Neil Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii. Of these three fighters, the one that has been generating the most talk by far is the monster from Ewa (pronounced Eva) Beach and semi-main event fighter, Miles Tynanes. Tynanes is known as a heavy hitter by the locals in a tough area of Oahu. He trains out of Marcelo Tigre’s gym so his animal instincts are probably being well encouraged and enhanced. During the interview session of the press conference, Tynanes did not seem to respect Cabbage Correira’s punching power, nor his grappling ability. He claims to be comfortable in all positions, both on the ground and standing. Cabbage is a man of hard left hooks, but little words and just encouraged everyone to be there to see two big guys throwing some big punches and to watch a great fight. With the expansion of mixed martial arts, it is only a matter of time before we see more women competing. This card includes a special rematch of local fighter, Betta Yeung trained by HMC instructor Haru Shimanishi trying to avenge her debut loss against Shimanishi’s partner Matt Hume’s (of AMC) Sarah "The Finisher" Finaseth. The fans are in for a treat because both women look fit and mean (kind of the same face I get when I deny shopping to my wife and believe me, that’s mean!). Local favorite and University of Hawaii football standout, Falaniko Vitale returns to the ring at a lighter weight of 190 lbs against the veteran, John "The Saint" Renken. The fight was originally set at 185 lbs, but both fighters exceeded the weight limit and a newly constructed weight was agreed upon. Vitale looks ready for the big time and Renken may just be a stepping stone until Vitale gets his hands on a ranked opponent. "The Saint" will utilize his experience and try to upset the local fighter and show him that he is not ready for huge fights, not just yet. Hawaii’s Egan Inoue has his eyes set for a birth in the UFC, but he first has to beat some ranked fighters to prove to Zuffa that he is UFC material. Canada’s Joe Doerkson brings a 19-2 record, most if not all by submission, to Hawaii to try to push Egan aside and enter the Octagon himself. This could be a make or break fight for both fighters. Super Brawl has a very extensive history of catapulting fighters to the highest level of competition such as Vitor Belfort, Heath Herring, Rico Rodriguez, Josh Barnet, Bobby Hoffman, to name a few and these two could be the next. With Inoue being a two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and submission grappling medalist, Doerkson’s submission based fight game will be put to the test, but they don’t hand out number 10 rankings if he cannot handle himself. This fight looks to be a technical ground battle, but it may be determined by the fighter that dominates the stand up part of the game. A couple high intensity and fast paced light weight matches featuring some exciting fighters will lead the way to the four fights previewed above. The card looks solid enough to pull fans away from pay-per-view and the UFC on the same night to see some live action. With the fighters weighed in and the cards confirmed, each fighter will try to steal the limelight of the fight hungry Hawaii fans. The fans here are getting educated about MMA extremely fast and will see a good mix of good old fashion brawling and a lot of technique. With the recent addition of local television replays of the event, Super Brawl is expected to grow in attendance and spread MMA to a wider fan base. Super Brawl XXII "United We Stand!" November 2, 2001 Neil Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii 1. 155lbs 2×5 minute rounds 2. 170lbs 2×5 minute rounds 3. 145lbs 3×5 minute rounds 4. 135lbs 3×5 minute rounds 5. Special Female Match 120lbs 2×5 minute rounds 6. 185lbs 3×5 minute rounds 7. 265lbs+ 3×5 minute rounds 8. Super Brawl Middleweight Championship 3×5 minute rounds |
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From the event’s promoter: Return of "Meat Truck" highlights Extreme Fights in Cincinnati  After taking a few months off to nurse an injured knee, Kerry "Meat Truck" Schall will make a return to the ring in his hometown of Cincinnati. Schall, a veteran of Extreme Challenge, WEF, Rings USA and Rings Japan, will take on Len Walker in the heavyweight main event of Extreme Fights on Nov. 10 at the Electra nightclub. Tickets for the event start at $20 and are available at Excaliber Fitness and at Electra. Doors open at 4 p.m. with the first bout at 5 p.m. Approximately 10 fights are scheduled with some of the top amateurs in the Cincinnati area scheduled to compete. The 6-foot-3 Schall has trimmed to 265 pounds (down from 300) as the result of some strict training. Walker, who has previous bouts against Dan Severn and Greg Wikan, is 5-10 and 240. For more information, contact promoter Monte Cox at 563 332-2075 or by email at Fiteiowa@aol.com. |
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From the event’s promoter: KFIVE Announces Additional Super Brawl 21 Air Dates "PANCRASE 2001 PROOF TOUR" Tuesday, October 30, 2001 Korakuen Hall(Tokyo, Japan) doors open: 5:30PM/ fights start: 6:30PM live gate: 2,300 sold out
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