Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira
Venue: Rose Garden
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
MAIN CARD
* Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira def. Randy Couture via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
* Thiago Silva def. Keith Jardine via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 1:35
* Jake Rosholt def. Chris Leben via technical submission (arm-triangle choke) - Round 3, 1:30
* Nate Marquardt def. Demian Maia via knockout (punch) - Round 1, 0:21
* Brandon Vera def. Krzysztof Soszynski via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD
* Aaron Simpson def. Ed Herman via TKO (injury) - Round 2, 0:17
* Gabriel Gonzaga def. Chris Tuchscherer via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 4:27
* Mike Russow def. Justin McCully via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26, 30-27)
* Todd Duffee def. Tim Hague via knockout (punches) - Round 1, 0:07
* Mark Munoz def. Nick Catone via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
* Evan Dunham def. Marcus Aurelio via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
WEC 43: Cerrone vs. Henderson... postponed!
scheduled to take place on Sept 2 in Youngtown, Ohio. However now it has
been pushed back to October 10 and moved to an undisclosed venue.
There were some "physical issues" according to Ben Henderson's manager,
Jason Genet and they wanted to make sure that he was 100%. He did not want
to comment on the specifics of the injury.
For more info click here
Spike TV vs Pay Per View?
be competition. We saw this last week with the Carano vs Santos fight and
now this includes pay-per-view boxing as well. September 19th marks the
comeback of the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. UFC 103 and the
Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez boxing match are on pay-per-view on Sept. 19.
However the Ultimate Fighting Championship is airing preliminary fights from
UFC 103 at American Airlines Arena in Dallas on Spike TV. Prior to UFC's
main event scheduled for 10 p.m. ET pay-per-view broadcast, Spike (9 pm EST)
will broadcast an hour of preliminary fights without commercial
interruption.
"Providing an action-packed UFC pay-per-view, live and commercial free, to
our viewers on both coasts, further illustrates Spike TV and the UFC's
commitment to its fans," Spike TV president Kevin Kay said in a statement.
UFC's main event of the pay-per-view portion of the card is former UFC light
heavweight champion Vitor Belfort against former middleweight champ Rich
Franklin.
The Mayweather-Marquez promoters have added to the pay-per-view undercard a
rematch between Chris John and Rocky Juarez and appearances by Michael
Katsidis and Zab Judah.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Frank Fertitta Jr dies
Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta, died Friday following heart surgery
in Los Angeles, the Las Vegas Sun newspaper reported.
Fertitta, 70, died at Cesars-Sinai Hospital, the newspaper reported.
At UFC 101, Lorenzo Fertitta was supposed to appear for a fan
question-and-answer session before the weigh-in on Aug. 7. He did not appear
and UFC president Dana White announced he'd had to return to Las Vegas for a
personal matter.
Fertitta is survived by his wife of 51 years, Victoria; his sons, Frank III
and Lorenzo; a daughter, Delise Sartini; nine grandchildren and sisters
Olivia Deppe and Linda Ramirez.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tito Ortiz vs. Mark Coleman at UFC 106
While Ortiz has hinted at a possible fight with Mark Coleman in recent interviews, Fighters Only Magazine is now reporting that Coleman agreed to the bout earlier today. The two former UFC champions have reportedly agreed to fight at the currently unannounced UFC 106, which is rumored to take place on November 21 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Much like Ortiz, Coleman made huge news himself last year when he announced his return to the UFC after a ten-year absence from the company. He went on to face Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 93 and lost via third-round TKO in a fight that saw “The Hammer” come close to defeating him numerous times. Then the UFC hall-of-famer followed that performance up with a very impressive unanimous-decision victory over Stephan Bonnar at UFC 100 this past July.
Ortiz last saw action at UFC 84 in a losing effort against current UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. Ortiz managed to take Machida to the distance and even came close to finishing him off during the fight. It’s widely believed that Ortiz is the one fighter who has come the closest to defeating Machida and it will be very interesting to see if he can earn a rematch with “The Dragon” in the near future.
UFC 106: Lesnar vs Carwin?
MMA Madness and Fighters Only are both reporting that Shane Carwin has been pulled from his UFC 104 bout against Cain Velasquez, and will instead take on Brock Lesnar at UFC 106 (November 21, Las Vegas). Velasquez may remain on the UFC 104 card against a different opponent.
Lots of talk going around right now. It seems to stem from a twitter post out of MN. I can't confirm or deny anything I can just tell you guys that I am training harder then ever and your support and loyalty will carry me through any fight they send my way. With you guys on my side I am ready for whatever happens. Stay tuned to the site or UFC.com for any official news about me.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Kimbo Killa!!!!!!!!!
Art of Fighting will be presenting its fourth event night of professionalmixed martial arts competition for the growing regional promotion at the USF
Sundome this Saturday, August 22.
The two headlining matches include:
*Seth "Kimbo Killa" Petruzelli vs Chris Baten
*Marcio "Pe de Pano" Cruz against Tom Sauer.
Critics and fans alike will be watching this event to see if Petruzelli
(10-4) can build his name as a great fighter after a surprising victory over
the favored Kimbo Slice. This would be his first time fighting in 10 months
since conquering Ferguson. He was booked for a bout in March bout against
former WEC champion Doug Marshall at a event promoted by boxer Roy Jones Jr.
but was forced off the card when he tore his MCL.
Chris Baten (5-4), Tampa police officer and one-time IFL fighter, will be
entering this fight with much more to gain if he takes this opportunity to
make a name for himself. This will mark a chance of a lifetime for him to
show the world his skills.
Before accepting this fight Petruzelli was negotiating a deal with
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker when Art of Fighting made an offer to compete in
an event only minutes from his Orlando home. Sources say that the UFC has
remained open to giving Petruzelli a second chance despite their past
together.
For more info on this event click here
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Cyborg Pounds Carano in First Round
Another suprising win was Mousasi over Babalu. This was Mousasi's first fight in the US. In the words of Smoke Dog, "You got knocked the #$@* out!"
Friday, August 14, 2009
Carano vs. Cyborg
The biggest fight in women's MMA is taking place this Saturday at San Jose's HP Pavilion. Some may even argue this is one of the biggest fights in MMA history. Headlining the event promoted by StrikeForce will be Gina Carano (7-0) vs Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (7-1). If you can't tell by the major sports media outlets, Carano is the favorite in this match up. She is one of the most recognizable faces in the sport of MMA. While Elite XC sheltered their cash cow, StrikeForce plans on capitalizing on her marketability with this event. StrikeForce has recently received much media attention with their recent signing of Fedor Emelianenko.Very little is known about Santos thanks to the major media. She currently
trains with Chute Boxe Academy which is one of the most agressive camps.
They boast such fighters as Wanderlei Silva, Anderson Silva, Kazushi
Sakuraba, Evan Tanner and her husband Evangelista Santos.
Though Carano is a tough fighter who should not be underestimated, I believe
her past struggles with making weight will give her problems if she goes
past the first round. Santos is a very powerful and agressive fighter known
for her ground and pound technique. In the end this will overwhelm Carano
who has never fought anyone of this caliber. If it isn't obvious to you yet
my prediction is a Santos victory by TKO. I got a wager with Marc on this
one and Chute Boxe has never let me down!
Jae's picks:
- Women's Title: Gina Carano vs. Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos
- LW Title: Gilbert Melendez vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida
- LH Title: Renato "Babalu" Sobral vs. Gegard Mousasi
- WW Title: Nick Diaz vs. Jay Hieron
- HW Title: Mike Kyle vs. Fabricio Werdum
-Vale Tudo!
Will St. Pierre vs Silva Ever Happen?
Will it ever happen? With Silva moving up to Light Heavyweight and planning on retiring after his UFC contract is up…it’s not looking to good. After his domination or Forrest Griffin at UFC 101, its looking like Silva will be making the 205 lbs division his permanent home.
St. Pierre has dominated the 170 lbs division since joining the UFC. There is really not too much left for him there. He dominated the number one contender for the Welterweight title and his toughest competition to date against Thiago Alves at UFC 100, in which he scored 10 take downs and a unanimous decision win. St. Pierre suffered a severe groin injury in the 3rd round and still was able to take Alves down and pass his guard at will. His best competition is going to be in the Middleweight division now. It will take him some time to put on the weight and he has said that if/when he does it, he will not rush it and do it the right way.
The chance of the fight ever happening may have ended with Griffin hitting the floor from a Silva backpedaling right cross, but the ultimate fight, in my opinion, would still be St. Pierre vs Silva for the Middleweight title.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
UFC on Spike TV Saturday, August 15th
The UFC's recent strategy of counter-programming its competitors willcontinue, as Spike TV today announced some of UFC 100's "most exciting
bouts" will air during Showtime's Saturday night broadcast of "Carano vs.
Cyborg."
Featuring six bouts from July's UFC 100 event, Spike TV's broadcast is
scheduled for 10 p.m. ET/PT on Saturday night.
Strikeforce's "Carano vs. Cyborg" event, which takes place Saturday night at
HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., airs at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.
While UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre's five-round unanimous
decision win over Thiago Alves will not make it on the re-packaged UFC 100
broadcast, the evening's other two featured bouts Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir
and Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping will be shown. The main-card bout
between middleweights Alan Belcher and Yoshihiro Akiyama will also be
broadcast.
In addition to those previously aired contests, Spike TV's broadcast will
feature three bouts that did not make on to the original pay-per-view event.
Stephan Bonnar vs. Mark Coleman, Shannon Gugerty vs. Matt Grice and Jon
Jones vs. Jake O'Brien will round out the six-fight broadcast.
The UFC 100 broadcast on Spike TV isn't the first time the UFC will go
head-to-head with Strikeforce. April's Showtime debut for Strikeforce,
"Shamrock vs. Diaz," was countered by a re-airing of January's "UFC 94: St.
Pierre vs. Penn II." The UFC and Spike TV also partnered to air UFC-related
programming on the same night as each of the now-defunct Affliction's two
fight cards.
UFC 100 took place on July 11 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and
originally aired live on pay per view.
Despite an astounding amount of card shuffling, "Strikeforce: Carano vs.
Cyborg" will feature three world title fights, including the organization's
first-ever women's title bout between main-event competitors Gina Carano and
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
UFC 101: At the weigh-in, B.J. Penn gets booed
UFC weigh-ins were held at the Wachovia Center today at 4 p.m. The event was open to the public and everyone was excited to be there. According to reports everyone made their weigh ins. I am really excited about this event considering the news about Affliction last month.Tito Ortiz wants to train with George St. Pierre
Source
Yes, you heard it right the once great Tito Ortiz wants to train with the currently great George St. Pierre. So how exactly will that work out with the low key GSP welcoming "The Hungtington Beach Bad Boy" to his Canadian training camp? Will Hollywood Ortiz fit in with Old Canada GSP? I think they will get along fabulously and it will help Ortiz a lot more than GSP, but he still might learn a few things from Ortiz.
34 year old Ortiz is just getting back into shape and said,
"It feels nice to train with no soreness," Ortiz said outside the gym. "For the first month now I'll be doing two-a-days."
And his famed trainer of Manny Pacquia, Freddie Roach said,
"He's a hard worker," said the famed trainer of boxer Manny Pacquiao. "The first time I did that 30-minute drill with Oscar De La Hoya, he only made it two. Tito finished, so I was happy about that."
Ortiz is schedule to fight former champion Mark Coleman, who is also making a comeback in November in Las Vegas, where Tito should feel quite at home.
Dana White has finally made up with Ortiz after years of feuding and name calling and said the fight is scheduled to go at UFC 106. It will be a great time for all to watch these two legends go at each other, and the winner is sure of a huge payday with Chuck Liddell in their next fight, assuming White lets Chuck go again.
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Thursday, August 6, 2009
Meet the UFC’s New Enemy: ‘Strikefarce’
The gloves came off a couple of days early on Thursday when UFC President Dana White took aim at fellow promotion Strikeforce following the UFC 101 news conference.
Previously White had been respectful toward Strikeforce despite frequently criticizing other shows. This week, though, Strikeforce signed Fedor Emelianenko, the No. 1-ranked heavyweight in the world and one of the few elite fighters whom the UFC has failed to secure.
“They should have stayed the way they were,” White said of the move, apparently seeing the signing of Fedor as Strikeforce’s attempt to compete with the UFC.
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has downplayed a UFC-Strikeforce rivalry. Whether he wants to fight with the UFC or not, however, White is swinging. At one point White referred to the promotion as “Strikefarce.” The UFC president also said Thursday that Strikeforce signing Fedor was a major mistake.
“He’ll put them out of business,” White said. “They have no money. These guys have no money and they have no distribution. Four f---king people watch Showtime.”
White wouldn’t say specifically what a battle with Strikeforce could include, be it counter-programming or otherwise, but he issued several warnings.
“We’ll see what happens,” White said. “If they want to fight me, we’re gonna fight. We know how that goes, and we know how it ends.”
UFC 101:A focus on efficiency for Anderson Silva
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
MMA game is a sales knockout
The battle for mixed martial arts fans is spilling out of the ring and into the video-game arena.
UFC 2009 Undisputed ($60, rated T for ages 13-up), based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship— the largest organization in mixed martial arts — has become the surprise hit of a slumping summer. It has sold more than 1.5 million copies since its release May 19, according to market tracking firm The NPD Group.
Publisher THQ has shipped nearly 3 million copies worldwide, and a Nintendo Wii version is in the works; so far, the game has been available only for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
"We knew this was a strong brand, but this has actually surpassed our expectations," says THQ president Brian Farrell.
A challenger, EA Sports MMA, is already emerging. Due next year, the game will include the top-rated mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter in the world, Fedor Emelianenko. As the No. 1 heavyweight in
MMA, he says, "is very quickly becoming a very legitimate sport."
The sport began as underground, no-rules competitions so vicious that Sen. John McCain described them in 1998 as "on the level of cockfighting." But in 2001, the UFC adopted rules that led to its acceptance by state sports commissions and venues and subsequent viral success. "What was once a sporting oddity ... is now something you are seeing on mainstream major network TV," says Scott Steinberg, publisher of tech website DigitalTrends.com and an MMA follower.
UFC matches are contested in an eight-sided ring called the Octagon. Fighters employ a variety of styles, from judo and karate to kickboxing and wrestling, and come from diverse backgrounds. Current UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar is an ex-World Wrestling Entertainment title holder.
A sign of the sport's popularity: Last month's UFC 100 event, headlined in
As in the real fights, a few blows to the head in UFC 2009 Undisputed causes blood to flow and stain the canvas. And the resulting gashes can be seen in replays — much more realistic than the Mature-rated Mortal Kombat video-game violence that led to congressional hearings in the 1990s.
Back then, however, Mortal Kombat "was hardly indicative of what most would consider acceptable mainstream entertainment," Steinberg says. "Likewise, mixed martial arts was once regarded by many as pure blood sport. It's only a relatively recent development that it's become a prime-time staple, as acceptable as boxing or professional wrestling in its own right."
The video-game showdown is even generating smack talk. UFC president Dana White has stated that any fighter who signs on to EA Sports' game can't compete in the UFC.
With two top game publishers fighting for turf, "you've got quite a battle brewing," Steinberg says. "It's going to be as exciting as, if not more than, any championship fight."
Women's MMA readies for reality TV with "Ultimate Women Challenge"
"Ultimate Women Challenge" recently began production and will bring together 16 MMA fighters in September to compete for contracts with a yet-to-determined promotion. The show will put the women through three weeks of intense training and, Howry hopes, deliver the same jolt for women's MMA that "TUF" produced for the sport as a whole.
"That's the only reason I'm doing it," Howry, who's been producing traditional martial-arts programming for a decade. "This has been a passion of mine for numerous years. I just love watching women fight. They seem to just give a great fight. It's a great live fight to watch. I would love to have these girls have the recognition that the UFC has, and I think the way that I've got it structured, they will."
In spite of the success of "TUF," Howry believes it would be a mistake to produce a women's knockoff of the show's format. To be sure, there will be similarities. The women will share a house during taping, and each episode will end with an elimination bout. However, in a departure from "TUF," Howry intends to take viewers into the lives of the competitors beyond the ring and weight room.
"The show is different than 'The Ultimate Fighter.' If anything, it's more targeted toward 'The Contender'-type but even more developed, and (it's) deeper into the women's lives," Howry said. "They will be training daily, but they will be doing other things than just fighting in the show. They will be getting involved in community efforts and things of that nature. It makes the show more interesting. There's a whole storyline behind the show, which makes it unlike most of the shows that have been done."
The concept was originally hatched as "Ultimate Women's Combat," but that working title was dialed down to be more television-friendly. Howry has signed a distribution deal with the Momentum Entertainment and Sports Network that has the show airing for two 13-episode seasons in syndication on NBC affiliates, reaching more than 60 million households in the U.S.
"We'll show more than women who are going to go out there and try to beat each other up," said Howry. "People will see that there's depth to these women. They're everyday women. They are very educated. They have kids. They are single moms. There's much more to these women than people realize."
"Challenge" is scheduled to begin airing in January 2010 with two half-hour shows each weekend during afternoon programming.
Assembling the fighter roster has proved to be Howry's biggest challenge thus far. Half of the initial group of 16 fighters has dropped out for various reasons, including pending nuptials and business obligations. The current line-up includes Lisa Higo, Alexis Davis, Patricia Hall, Angela Magana, Felice Herrig, Angela Hayes, Melissa Steele, Heather Clark, Christy Tada, Lacy Shuckman, Jessica Aguilar, Martha Benavides, Julie Kedzie, Casey Noland and Michelle Vera.
The most recognizable names on the list are Kedzie and Herrig. Kedzie (10-8) is already well-established in the sport. The 26-year-old is a five-year veteran of the sport and has fought the likes of Tara LaRosa, Shayna Baszler and Gina Carano. Herrig (0-2) was one of the cast members of "Fight Girls," a Muay Thai-themed reality show that aired on the Oxygen channel in 2007. Vera is the sister of UFC light heavyweight, Brandon Vera.
Those 15 fighters will compete in 125- and 135-pound weight classes and train under the tutelage of LaRosa, Cesar Gracie, Rosi Sexton and Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos at an undisclosed location in Florida.
Howry is holding the last roster spot in hopes of including a fighter from the organization he signs to promote the winners of the two tournaments. He is in negotiations with "a few promotions" regarding a partnership with the show. Strikeforce would seem to be the obvious choice. It's the highest-profile organization that's embraced women's MMA, but Howry indicates that he's had only cursory discussions with Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker and no deal is imminent.
The omnipresent Bas Rutten and supermodel Joanna Krupa will host the show, and other celebrity-types will serve as fight judges.
"Some are big-name fighters that you guys know from the UFC and some known actors," Howry said. "That's another great hook in the show. We'll also have a different celebrity coach coming in all the time to help out."
And while the look of a TV show is just as important as its substance, Howry wasn't looking to cast "The Bold and Beautiful" when assembling his fighter roster.
"I have pretty much every different look," he said. "But that has nothing to do with the way we cast it. I went on fighters. I went on personality, and I think that's all we need to do. I'm not looking for a beauty-queen show. I'm looking for a great sports show with talented athletes."
Five years ago, this show wouldn't have made cable, let alone syndicated broadcast TV. However, "TUF" and primetime MMA on CBS have paved the way for "Ultimate Women Challenge" to show audiences what it takes to, well, fight like a girl.
"It will be hugely successful, and I think people will totally relate because of the way we're going to do it," Howry said. "If we structure it right, and we make these girls look right and be true to who they are, and put it across to the everyday person, then we'll be successful."
In addition to his current syndication agreement, Howry is negotiating a second distribution deal that has the potential to land the program in primetime for a third airing each week.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Fedor to Strikeforce; UFC Responds
Fedor Emelianenko has signed a multi-fight agreement that will see the world’s No. 1-ranked heavyweight compete for Strikeforce, the promotion announced Monday.Emelianenko, who became a free agent after Affliction Entertainment canceled its Aug. 1 event two weeks ago, will make his debut on Showtime under a co-promoted Strikeforce/M-1 Global production this fall. Emelianenko was to have faced Josh Barnett at Affliction “Trilogy” on Aug. 1, but Barnett failed a pre-fight test for an anabolic steroid and was refused licensure by the California State Athletic Commission.
"Strikeforce is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world," said Emelianenko in a press release. "I am prepared to fight any of them."
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told Sherdog.com last week that he plans to match the stoic Russian against the likes of Brett Rogers, Fabricio Werdum and the promotion’s heavyweight champion, Alistair Overeem.
“I feel pretty confident that we could give him four or five opponents that would make sense for him,” Coker told Sherdog.com in an exclusive video interview.
Emelianenko, along with his promoters and management team at M-1 Global, had negotiated with the UFC last week, but could not come to an agreement over co-promotion.
"Fedor is a f---ing joke," UFC President Dana White responded Monday after learning that Emelianenko had signed with Strikeforce. “He turns down a huge deal and the opportunity to face the best in the world to fight nobodies for no money!"
M-1 and Fedor officially join forces with Strikeforce
After a week of intense negotiations and speculation, the hottest topic of discussion in the professional fight world has come to a head as the world’s number one heavyweight and most sought after mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko has signed a historic, multi-fight agreement that will see him headline mega-events co-promoted by world championship promotions STRIKEFORCE and M-1 Global.
Emelianenko, known globally as Fedor, will make his premium television debut this Fall when his first fight under the new agreement airs live on SHOWTIME®. Up until now, Emelianenko’s live fights have aired exclusively on pay-per-view in the
“I am looking forward to going back to work and fighting at the highest level,” said the 33-year-old Emelianenko. During his nine year professional fight career, which included a four and a half year stay with the world’s former top MMA promotion, the now defunct PRIDE Fighting Championship, the Russian native has faced and defeated all comers.
In his last effort, the 6-foot, 235-pound Emelianenko decimated the number two ranked heavyweight at the time Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski with a single punch in the first round (3:14) of the main event of Affliction: “Day of Reckoning” at
“STRIKEFORCE is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world,” continued Emelianenko. “I am prepared to fight any of them.”
“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with M-1 Global and Fedor,” said STRIKEFORCE Founder and CEO Scott Coker, a martial arts fight promoter of over 25 years. “Fedor has been the reigning king of MMA’s heavyweight division for quite some time now so being able to work with M-1 and Fedor will substantially increase the level of competition amongst the athletes in this weight class.”
“With the addition of Fedor and STRIKEFORCE’s new relationship with M-1 Global, SHOWTIME is now the home of the best pound-for-pound male and female fighters in the world,” said Ken Hershman, Senior VP and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports®. “The Aug. 15 Carano-Cyborg matchup on SHOWTIME will clearly determine the best female mixed martial artist on the planet. Then, come this Fall, our subscribers again will witness history when the universally recognized best male fighter-Fedor Emelianenko-joins the already long list of world-class athletes on the STRIKEFORCE roster, and for the first time ever plies his skills live on SHOWTIME.”
Hershman continued: “We are better positioned now than ever before to deliver on our promise to televise the top fighters in mixed martial arts today.”
“I am very happy and excited about the upcoming collaboration with Strikeforce,” said Vadim Finkelchtein, President of M-1 Global. “We are very pleased that we found a reliable partner and I feel that Strikeforce and M-1 can support each other on many things. This will create big opportunities for both parties to test their fighters against worthy opponents.”
Though his official professional record is 30-1, Emelianenko is considered undefeated. The only blemish on his record is a December 22, 2000 fight that was stopped after 17 seconds and declared a TKO in favor of his opponent, Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, due to a cut Emelianenko sustained in the opening seconds of the matchup in
Amongst those on Emelianenko’s list of impressive conquests are former PRIDE Heavyweight Champions Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mark “The Hammer” Coleman, and Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic as well as former UFC Heavyweight Champions Kevin “The Monster” Randleman and Tim Sylvia, whom Emelianenko submitted with a rear naked choke only 36 seconds into their main event showdown at Affliction: “Banned” on July 19, 2008.
Despite his extensive experience, Emelianenko’s debut under the new STRIKEFORCE-M-1 venture will, interestingly enough, mark his first start in a cage. To date, all of his bouts have taken place in a ring.
After co-promoting two events live on SHOWTIME in 2007 and 2008, STRIKEFORCE in March 2009 signed a multi-year agreement to stage live MMA events on the premium cable television network.
