Published by Stephen Rhodes

Please welcome our newest contributor Phil Lanides aboard Octagon Buzz!!  For those of you who are not familiar with Phil, he is publicist for some of the best and upcoming MMA organizations nationally; in addition, he is owner of Fight Of Your Life Communications, a company specializing in sports, music, and religious public relations and marketing.

He also writes for San Jose MMA Examiner, a leading site for MMA news.  By all means check out his quality websites along with the fine work he will provide here at Octagon Buzz.

Post a comment . Jul 31, 2009
Filed under: Octagon Buzz Exclusive, Fight Of Your Life Communications, MMA Examiner, Octagon Buzz, Phil Lanides

Published by Stephen Rhodes

We knew about the rumors about Tito Ortiz possibly rejoining the UFC at some point in time.  Well folks, for those of you who are Ortiz fans, you got your wish.

Dana White has verified that Ortiz will return to the organization, adding:

“Tito will retire in the UFC.”

Ortiz, who was at the press conference along with White, added:

“Time cures everything. Dana apologized to me….It was about competition…financially I’m ok…Dana stuck by his word.”

He also stated that he is currently working with Freddie Roach and his next opponent would likely be Mark Coleman with a bout date estimated to be around November or December.

So let me understand clearly.  Tito Ortiz, the fighter who couldn’t beat Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell (twice) and Lyoto Machida?  It seems to me that the UFC isn’t that hard up for light heavyweights at this point in time.  Certainly, Dana did this for purely business reasons as there’s still a loyal Ortiz fanbase out there.

And what strikes me as almost comical is the fact that Ortiz’s next opponent is Mark Coleman.  It sure sounds like the Tito Ortiz Retirement Tour to me; sure, Tito may be as healthy as he has been in recent memory.  I’ll give Tito some props after his second consecutive win in his return to the UFC.  Beat Coleman then a decidedly tougher opponent, then I’ll quit ragging on you so much, ok?

Post a comment . Jul 31, 2009
Filed under: Octagon Buzz, Chuck Liddell, Dana White, Lyoto Machida, Mark Coleman, Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz, UFC

Published by Stephen Rhodes

Phil sent this in:

This past Saturday, July 25^th was the scene of the latest offering from rising fight promotion MMA Big Show, as “UNSTOPPABLE” hit the fight fans in Indiana . Included on this star-studded show was a main event featuring UFC veteran Johnny “The Hater Hurter” Rees taking on Jorge Gurgel Academy Brown Belt Chris Wells. The co-main event showcased shooting star “Relentless” Roger Bowling defending his MMA Big Show Welterweight strap, as well as his undefeated record, against Devon Plaisaince.  An over-capacity crowd of 1,681 jammed a venue that normally seats 1,500, and excitement generated by the fans only served to increase the intensity of the atmosphere. Heart-stopping rock band Lorenzo got the evening started off with some tremendous music, and The Clergy, members of 50 Cent’s G-Unit hip hop crew, were in attendance. The first eight fights of the card were amateur, followed by three pro fights. Here are the results of the event:

Amateur featherweights got the evening started off, as Bill Bauer tangled with Leando Banks. After dominating the action, Bauer secured the victory via armbar at 1:08 of the 1^st round.

Next up were amateur lightweights, with Zach Ward and John Platt entering the fray. After a great fight that left the crowd pumped, Platt got the split-decision win.

Michael Dave and Eric Wilfong stepped into the cage next in amateur middleweight action. Wilfong took the unanimous decision win.

Another fight ended at 1:08 of the 1^st round, with Joe Burnett ending Brad Barron’s night early in an amateur welterweight tilt.

In one of the fastest KO’s in Big Show history, amateur welterweight Brian Francisco turned out PJ Jackson’s lights with a straight right hand at 0:20 of the 1^st round.

Amateur lightweights stepped into the spotlight next, as Justin Wallace slapped a triangle on Craig Neal, earning the submission victory at 1:15 of the 1^st round.

Chris Cummins and Justin Unger, amateur middleweights, went toe to toe next, with Unger getting the TKO stoppage due to strikes on the ground at 1:00 of the 1^st round.

In a Big Show first, ladies faced each other, as amateur lightweights Erica Ellington and Marissa Caldwell went at it next. After a very tight armbar attempt, Ellington was forced to tap out to a triangle choke from Caldwell at 2:33 of the 1^st round.

In an amateur lightweight bout, Joe Miller earned the unanimous decision win over Jacob Larter.

In another Big Show first, bantamweights were featured in amateur action, as Brandon McMahon faced Marcus Lewis. In an action-packed tilt, McMahon snapped off a very quick triangle, getting the submission victory at 1:13 of the 2^nd round.

Big Show Amateur Welterweight Champ Colt Helton looked to defend his title against Tyler Johnson. One rear-naked choke later, Johnson is the new champion, courtesy of the submission victory at 1:12 of the 1^st round.

Rising star Chris Bennett, who holds the Big Show Amateur Lightweight strap, took on Scott Cornwell with the belt at stake. Cornwell started strongly, but Bennett weathered the storm, keeping his title with an armbar victory at 1:23 of the 1^st round.

Heavyweights got the professional portion of “UNSTOPPABLE” started, as big boys Steve Banks and Dave Hess engaged next. After some good action, including an accidental groin shot, Banks finished Hess with strikes on the ground, getting the TKO victory.

The power of undefeated Big Show Welterweight Champion “Relentless” Roger Bowling was on display as he made short work of Devon Plaisance, throwing bombs and getting the TKO win at 0:41 of the 1^st round.

In the main event, which was fought at a catch-weight of 177 lbs., Johnny “The Hater Hurter” Rees took on Chris Wells. After some good action, Rees choked Wells unconscious with a rear-naked choke at 1:19 of the 1^st round.

“UNSTOPPABLE” had it all: submissions, knockouts, and everything in between. The fights were great, the venue was sold out, and everyone involved had a great time. Special thanks to matchmaker Greg Hupp for creating great match-ups.

Announced at “UNSTOPPABLE” was a co-promotion between Big Show and Xtreme Fighting Championships that will take place on September 5^th. At that event, Bowling will take on UFC veteran bad boy War Machine in a fight originally scheduled for Big Show’s June 20^th “CONVICTION” show. Be sure to keep visiting Big Show’s website for details…

Post a comment . Jul 30, 2009
Filed under: Fight Results, Octagon Buzz Exclusive, MMA Big Show: Unstoppable

Published by Stephen Rhodes

Finally, Josh Barnett has addressed the allegations that he flunked a drug test administered by the California State Athletic Commission which subsequently cancelled an Affliction bout between Barnett and Fedor Emelianenko.  Actually, a representative for Barnett addressed the drug test issue – one Shannon Hooper of Excel Sports Management; below is the statement in its entirety:

“The media has reported that Mixed Martial Arts Heavyweight fighter Josh Barnett would not be eligible to fight Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction Trilogy as he was denied his California license due to an alleged positive test for 2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3a-ol-17-one, which is purportedly a metabolite of a banned substance. Mr. Barnett was shocked at these allegations and was extremely disappointed to learn that Affliction had made the hasty decision to cancel the August 1st event in its entirety. Mr. Barnett vehemently denies intentionally ingesting any banned substances in preparation for the August 1st fight and he is looking forward to presenting his case to the California State Athletic Commission.

“In the meantime, Mr. Barnett has yet to learn of the results of the B sample testing and he has not received any of the documentation that provides further details of the alleged positive sample despite numerous requests. In fact, the documentation that Mr. Barnett has received raises serious questions about the integrity of the sample and the validity of the results themselves.

“At this time Mr. Barnett would like to thank his fans and colleagues for their ongoing support and faith in him. He intends to vigorously defend himself against these allegations and hopes for a swift resolution to this matter so he can get back to what he does best — fighting!

“I would like to further add that Josh is as disappointed as all of his fans and supporters that he will not be fighting on August 1st. He also empathizes with all of the other fighters that were scheduled to appear on the card and shares their frustration and shock at the cancellation of the entire event.”

Take that for what it’s worth, but with CSAC’s track record on situations such as this, it is highly unlikely that Barnett will be able to fight in California any time soon.  Which means that there will be no fights involving Barnett and Strikeforce as the organization uses HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA to host some of their fights.  Stay tuned to Octagon Buzz for more developments as they become available.

Post a comment . Jul 30, 2009
Filed under: Octagon Buzz, Affliction, California State Athletic Commission, Excel Sports Management, Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett, Shannon Hooper

Published by Stephen Rhodes

I had earlier reported that it was looking very likely that heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko was going to sign with the UFC – perhaps as soon as this Friday.  Well folks, there’s been a change of plans.

Thanks to the fine folks over at M-1 Global – specifically M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein – Emelianenko’s plan to join the UFC has been put on ice for the foreseeable future; according to CBS Radio MMA host Carmichael Dave, the UFC offered Emelianenko a 6-fight, $30 million deal – easily the best deal in the MMA.

In addition, he was going to be given an immediate title shot against Brock Lesnar, with M-1 Global receiving a percentage of the Lesnar-Emelianenko PPV.  Not only that, but Emelianenko would have been able to wear the M-1 Global logo on any of his attire and would have been allowed to utilize combat sambo in the Octagon – a bone of contention in the past.

But as has been the custom with M-1, they insisted on co-promoting the event with the UFC – which you know isn’t going to happen under Dana White’s watch.  Finkelchtein added that progress could possibly be made, just not right now.  What Finklechtein is looking for in this scenario is to negotiate with other MMA organizations. including Strikeforce.  So as of this post, Fedor and the UFC realizing a partnership has been put on hold for right now, although in the crazy world of the UFC, anything is possible.

As always, stay tuned to Octagon Buzz on this everchanging situation involving Emelianenko, M-1 Global and the UFC.

Post a comment . Jul 30, 2009
Filed under: Octagon Buzz, Dana White, Fedor Emelianenko, M-1 Global, UFC, Vadim Finklechtein

Published by Stephen Rhodes

I suppose it depends on who your source is, but it is being floated out there – validly, I might add – that heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko is very close to signing a contractwith the UFC, perhaps as soon as this Friday.

How close are they?  According to the source close to the situation, negotiations between the UFC and Emelianenko have been civil, just days after Affliction cancelled the scheduled fight between Emelianenko and Josh Barnett; Affliction would subsequently fold and are now an official sponsor of the UFC.

Emelianenko (30-1) has beaten a Who’s Who of fighters within MMA.  Names such as Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira; woth the eventual signing of Emelianenko, he has to be considered to be the overwhelming favorite to get an immediate title shot against Brock Lesnar down the road.

Again, the announcement of the Fedor deal could come as early as this Friday, so stay tuned to Octagon Buzz for the latest on these developments.

Post a comment . Jul 30, 2009
Filed under: Octagon Buzz, Affliction, Fedor Emelianenko, UFC

Published by Stephen Rhodes

August 8-9^th 2009
Gi, No-Gi & Pankration Tournament
Long Beach International Martial Arts Festival and Expo
Long Beach Convention Center
300 Ocean Blvd
Long Beach Ca 90802 www.Longbeachikc.com For Registration and Tickets

August 22, 2009
Gi and Pankration Tournament
7401 Mesa College Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92111
September 19, 2009

Gi & No-Gi Tournament
18800 Adams Ct
Morgan Hill, Ca 95037
October 4^th 2009

Gi and No-Gi Tournament
Cibola High School
4100 W 20th St,
Yuma, Az 85364
October 11^th 2009

No-Gi & Gi Tournament
Clovis West High School
1070 E. Teague
Fresno, CA 93720

Post a comment . Jul 30, 2009
Filed under: MMA Calendar, Octagon Buzz Exclusive, Grappling X, mixed martial arts, tournament

Published by Stephen Rhodes

RITC 132 – Triple Main Event
Saturday August 1, 2009
Airport Tavern
Casa Grande, AZ
Doors Open: 6:00 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM1801 N Pinal Rd
520-836-5633 or 520-450-1191
Tickets available the day of the event at the venue.

Rage in the Cage tickets for this event are $30, $40 and $50.
Airport Tavern

Fight Card:

Vince Lucero ( 295 ) vs JoJo Thompson ( 270 )
Mike Ashford ( 190 ) vs Dano Moore ( 185 )
Carlos Ortega ( 155 ) vs Carl Jones ( 160 )

Danny Monarrez ( 325 ) vs Travis Scott ( 270 )
Scott Grunther ( 205 ) vs Mike Robinson ( 205 )
Pete Morales ( 160 ) vs Adam Pennington ( 155 )
Robert Principato ( 195 ) vs Jonathan Ploof ( 185 )
Curtis Washington ( 185 ) vs Josh Howland ( 180 )

Mark O’Conner ( 180 ) vs Brian Ingram ( 180 )
Dave Connant ( 200 ) vs Greg Nagy ( 205 )
Bobby Pompa ( 170 ) vs Raf Quiroz ( 165 )
Darin Kelly ( 165 ) vs Oscar Rodriguez ( 160 )
Ruben Salazar ( 155 ) vs Bo Biel ( 165 )

Desmond Squires ( 160 ) vs Jeff Fletcher ( 160 )
Manny Guajardo ( 170 ) vs Ruben Gonzales ( 170 )
Bobby Thak ( 150 ) vs Clyde Edwards ( 150 )
David Riveria ( 140 ) vs Ken Davis ( 140 )
Alan Decastro ( 135 ) vs Aldo Escudero ( 130 )

Alternate:  Robert Mendoza ( 135 ), John Sullivan ( 165 )
 
Fight Card subject to change

Post a comment . Jul 26, 2009
Filed under: MMA Calendar, Octagon Buzz Exclusive, Rage In The Cage 132

Published by Stephen Rhodes

It just had to be a matter of time before this had to happen; predictably it did.  Affliction Entertainment, despite putting together some critically acclaimed fights, has called it a day and are now a sponsor with Ultimate Fighting Championship.  According to Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports:

After promoting two critically acclaimed but financially disastrous mixed martial arts cards, Affliction on Friday first canceled its pay-per-view card scheduled for Aug. 1 and then opted to get out of the promotional business.

Affliction released a statement Friday evening in which it announced “a collaboration with the UFC.” It confirmed that it will cease operations as a fight promoter and that its clothing division will become a UFC sponsor.

“Our brand is synonymous with the ‘Live Fast’ approach to life and UFC is the perfect venue for us to market our brand. We have come to an agreement with the UFC which we feel will be the best for the sport and will help the UFC continue delivering the highest caliber of fights.” said Eric Foss, co-founder of Affliction.

Affliction had a card slated for Aug. 1 with a main event of Fedor Emelianenko, the No. 2 fighter in the Yahoo! Sports mixed martial arts rankings, against former UFC champion Josh Barnett at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

But Barnett tested positive for an anabolic steroid and on Tuesday was denied a license to fight by the California State Athletic Commission.

It will be interesting to see which fighters from Affliction will be absorbed into UFC.  Lots of talented fighters within the organization; however, the contract situations for said fighters is rather unclear right now.  I think Josh Barnett shot his wad with the positive drug test result; I’d like to see Jay Hieron get a chance to fight in the UFC along with Andrei Arlovski. 

Of course, you just know that Dana White will find a way to get Fedor Emelianenko into the fold, presumably to get a title shot against Brock Lesnar.  But regardless of who the UFC takes from the now-defunct Affliction, any who are not taken will probably find a fighting home somewhere.  As bad as Affliction was, I will give them this: they did have a stable of decent MMA talent – something that you can’t take away from them. 

I suspect that a shaky business model is what did in the MMA part of Affliction; fortunately for them, they found a home in UFC, where they’re now a sponsor.  Remember the old saying, “If you can’t beat’em, join’em”?  It turns out that definitely was the case with Affliction.  I wonder what kind of relationship Tom Atencio and White will now have since they have officially become business partners.  nonetheless, what went down with Affliction just proves that the UFC is the premier MMA organization out there today, bar none.

Post a comment . Jul 26, 2009
Filed under: Commentary, Octagon Buzz, Affliction, sponsor, UFC

Published by Stephen Rhodes

Mary sent this in:

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., July 22, 2009-It’s a hit business like no other, a violent and growing sport that’s attracted controversy, millions of fans, and some deep pockets.  The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has battled its way to the top of mixed martial arts, continuing to dominate the competition and thrive in a troubled economy when other sports are faltering. 

On Wednesday, July 29th at 10PM & 1AM ET, CNBC presents “Ultimate Fighting: Fistful of Dollars,” a CNBC special reported by CNBC’s Scott Wapner that takes a new behind-the-scenes look at Ultimate Fighting Championship- the biggest brand in mixed martial arts, one of the fastest growing sports in the world.  The documentary builds on earlier reporting, first aired in 2007, with new interviews and coverage throughout.

Wapner travels to Germany for the UFC’s first-ever event in mainland Europe, and goes inside the Octagon with Dana White, the controversial front man who’s helped raise the brand to new heights with a shrewd business sense and a style shaped more in the gym than the corporate suite.  CNBC also speaks with wealthy backers Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, and profiles a stable of standout fighters — including star Rich Frankin — who have helped the league grow from a dying franchise to a global sensation in less than a decade.

The program explores the early days of UFC, when it played to meager crowds and was banned from television.  Today, the UFC has established a formidable presence in the sporting world and on the landscape of popular culture, and Madison Avenue has taken notice.  In 2007, marquee brands were reluctant to advertise with a league that had a dubious, no-holds-barred past.  Though some controversy remains, the UFC has gone mainstream, and Fortune 500 companies like Budweiser and Harley-Davidson have become big-time backers.

With a reported $275 million in revenues last year, the UFC’s success has not gone unnoticed, and a number of would-be competitors have emerged.  Wapner interviews billionaires Mark Cuban and Donald Trump, who are working together to present mixed martial arts events, promising top fighters and revenues to match.  Dana White tells Wapner that they are just another in a long list of competitors he is ready to take to the mat.

CNBC also takes a look at the range of promotions, endorsements and movie deals tied to the sport, as well as at TapouT, the successful apparel company created by three hardcore fans who turned their passion for mixed martial arts into a $100 million dollar business.

Post a comment . Jul 24, 2009
Filed under: Octagon Buzz Exclusive, CNBC, mixed martial arts, UFC, Ultimate Fighting: Fistful of Dollars