Your MMA News, My Views 7.20.07
Posted by Larry Csonka on 07.20.2007
I am proud to announce that I have joined Randy Couture's gym for the sole purpose of watching Stephan Bonnar get beat down on a daily basis. Also, unlike Sherk and Franca, I passed my Steroid Test. The Natural wouldn’t accept anything less.
INTRODUCTION~!
Welcome once again to another edition of Your MMA News, My Views! I thought we would have a pretty slow week this time around, but we actually have a lot of stuff to talk about, shows to hype and a possibly HUGE story as far as the battle for MMA supremacy goes in the US. Let's hit up some links from the MMA zone, and then we'll get to work!
MMA LINKZ~!
Tons of great stuff to read this week from the 411 MMA crew!
ZUFFA (UFC/WEC/PRIDE) stories, scuttlebutt and rumors:
Your News: The CSAC just released a statement regarding UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk testing positive for "Nandrolone Metabolite". He has been fined and will be suspended until July 6th, 2008. No word on how UFC will address the championship situation. The athletic commission's official statement reads as follows:
Sean Sherk, the reigning UFC World Lightweight Champion, who last competed on July 7, 2007 in Sacramento, has tested positive for Nandrolone Metabolite. He has been fined $2,500. His suspension period runs from the conclusion of his bout on July 7, 2007 through the remainder of his licensing year, which is June 26, 2008. Furthermore, he has been assessed an additional 10 days in order to fulfill the terms of his suspension (365 total days). The additional days will be added at the beginning of his next licensing year when he reapplies.
Normal levels of Nandrolone range from 2 ng/mL (average person) to 6 ng/mL (athlete engaged in rigorous activity). Mr. Sherk's reported level certified by the Director of Science and Technology from the laboratory that conducted the tests was 12 ng/mL. Both the "A" sample and "B" sample were tested and confirmed as positive.
My Views: First of all, Sherk plans to challenge the test, and has 30 days to request a hearing. If he fails to successfully appeal the test result, most figure UFC will have no choice but to strip him of the title since he would be suspended for one-year, and if he fought anywhere else, the term would become longer. Also, for those asking, since the fight was in the fight was in California, the commission doesn't have the power to overturn the result of the match but obviously UFC could. Secondly, this looks really bad. They did the All Access special on him and he trained like a maniac, took his 2,000-supplements and talked about eating for health and his body, stuff he hated. I guess nobody told him that bison was high is testosterone. Maybe it IS a "fluke" but if he says one of his supplements is at fault, then it IS his fault because he should know everything he puts into his body. So now what does the UFC do? Many figure BJ Penn should fit into this, and then there is a lot of speculation. Do we go with Stevenson, Pellegrino, bring Pulver back, KEN FLO? What about Nate Diaz, Joe L, Manny from the latest TUF? DO they do a tournament, which UFC seems to be against? I don't know, but this is drama and interesting and I will be paying attention because they could do something very interesting here. I for one am all for a tournament.
Your News: The California State Athletic Commission released a statement moments ago stating UFC fighter Hermes Franca tested positive for "Drostanolone" and will be suspended for twelve months. His suspension will be lifted July 5th, 2008.
Franca's test comes on the heels of his fight at UFC 73 against Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk.
My Views: Hermes released a statement, and here it is:
"I would like to apologize to my fans, the UFC, my students and family. I offer only an explanation and not an excuse. I made a decision during a difficult time in my training for the fight that I regret.
About 8 weeks out from the fight, I badly injured my ankle during a training session. For the following week I had rested it, rehabbed it and tried to work around the injury. It was obvious that I could not train as required.
I contacted the UFC and explained my injury and how I could not possibly train to the level I thought I would need in order to be properly prepared for my fight. I asked the UFC if we could push the fight out to the following UFC with the chance that it could happen. They explained that they could not do that and that the card had been set and it isnt as easy as just moving around a fight. I totally understood their position. They asked me to keep them informed should I not be able to fight.
I had not fought for 5 months. Fighting is literally how I put food on my wife and child's table and how I pay my bills. As a fighter though, even at this level, I live a simple life and I literally live from fight to fight. Not getting a paycheck for another few months and losing my chance to fight Sean for the title was overpowering. Fighting is the life I chose and I love it.
As a lightweight fighter, our purses are comparatively small. The public sees the payouts. As lightweights, we do not pull down the money anything near the bigger guys. It's just the way it is. I think Sean fought and defended his title for less than $30,000. Its no ones fault, its just the market. I love the sport, I love the people in the sport.
At this point I was desperate and needed anything I could to get my injury as close to healing as possible and be able to recover from the daily training regimen I was going through. I made the shortsighted choice to hopefully accelerate the healing process and allow me to keep training. Under the pressure of literally not being able to pay next months bills I made a choice. I had to fight and did whatever I could to do so.
I hope my fans, students, the UFC and the public accept my sincere apology. Whatever punishment is dictated by the California Athletic Commission I will understand. I would like to get through this very difficult time and the times ahead and get back to fighting. All the best to my fans and much thanks to my family and friends that continue to support me during these times.
- Hermes Franca "
So let me sum this up for you, "I fucked up, I'm sorry, don't hate me. I did the crime and will do the crime. Also pity me and my family as I fucked up putting dinner on the table for them." I have no pity for you, good day to you and the Muscle Sherk. I SAID GOOD DAY!
Your News: Xtreme Couture has announced that Ultimate Fighter Season 1 star Stephan Bonnar has moved to Las Vegas to join Randy Couture's gym. Previously Bonnar had been training at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Chicago, IL.
The announcement goes on to state, "Stephan says he's tired of the Chicago winters and that he enjoys getting his butt kicked by Randy."
My Views: This is a good move for Bonnar. He came back from the Steroid deal and got a win, which he needed. Now he needs to prove he is what some thought he was and needs to improve to get to that next level. A smart movie feel for Bonnar.
Your News: It looks as though the likes of Jeff Monson, Din Thomas, Cole Miller, Dennis Kang, Marcus Aurelio, Wilson Gouveia, Benji Radach and Thiago Alves have a new training partner. American Top Team, one of the premeire training groups in the United States, announced today that Ultimate Fighter III alumnus Kalib Starnes (8-1-1) has joined their ranks.
My Views: And American Top Team continues to grow, adding a good addition in Starnes. Starnes had recently trained with the group out of Florida while preparing for his fight against Chris Leben at UFC 71, a match he ultimately won via a well-earned decision. He will travel between ATT and his home/family in British Columbia, continuing to train with Revolution Fight Team while "North of the Border." A smart move for him as he looks to keep moving up the ranks.
Your News: As expected, former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver will make his debut at the September 5th World Extreme Cage-Fighting event at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pulver will fight at 145lbs and face 23-year old Cub Swanson. Swanson is 11-1 and trains with coach Eric Paulson as well as trains at the Orange County Muay Thai facility in Santa Ana California.
My Views: I think this is a great move adding him to the WEC. He is a name and shows continued faith in the WEC project, with has August and September shows coming up. I will have more on WEC below.
Your News: Earlier this week on his website (lukecummo.com), the TUF 2 Finalist and father-to-be announced he had been granted permission by UFC matchmaker Joe Silva to enter the Octagon on the upcoming Fight Night XI show scheduled for Wednesday, September 19th. Cummo stated the match was being put together on the heels of his request to fight before his child is born in October.
My Views: I like wacky Luke Cummo. He's a fun fighter, he's weird to boot and always does well on Fight Nights. He has a child on the way and is prioritizing, which is nice to see. Hopefully after this we'll see Cummo make an impact ion UFC PPV, providing he wins his upcoming match against the dreaded TBA!
Your News: Spike TV has just sent out a press release confirming UFC 75 will be broadcast on Spike TV on September 8 at 9:00pm EST.
Other featured bouts include Mirko "Cro Cop" vs. Cheick Kongo and Michael Bisping vs. Matt Hamill.
"We are pleased that Spike TV will bring UFC 75 live from London to millions of UFC fans in the U.S. and Canada," said Dana White, UFC President. "UFC 75 will be the UFC and PRIDE's first ever unification match – this fight between Rampage Jackson and Dan Henderson will decide who is the best 205-pound fighter in the two organizations. This is the mega-fight that sports fans have always wanted, and after waiting almost a decade not only do they finally get it, they get to watch it for free on Spike TV."
"Spike TV is thrilled to present such a monumental bout between these two great champions, said Kevin Kay, General Manager, Spike TV. "Not only will this be the first ever unification bout but it is Spike TV's first ever UFC title fight."
My Views: Nothing but awesome here. Free MMA is AWESOME MMA. I am very excited for this show.
Your News: Once slated to face off against Ryoto Machida at the PPV event on September 22nd, it appears as though charismatic MMA star Mauricio "Shogun" Rua may actually be fighting none other than TUF Season One Winner Forrest Griffin...at least according to a significant source inside Rua's training camp. The following was just reported by Brazilian MMA news outlet Tatame:
Master Rudimar Fedrigo confirmed us that Mauricio Shogun will face Forrest Griffin at UFC 76, that is schedule for September 22nd. "We went specially to Las Vegas to sign the contract for four fights and to record the videos for before the fight", said Rudimar, that arrive at Curitiba today.
The Wrestling Observer has also reported this.
My Views: I think that this is a good fight to have. Griffin is a name and an exciting guy. Even if he loses, he will be fine because of that. A much better fight than the rumored Machida bout to be sure, in my opinion anyway.
Your News: Pack your swimsuit and five-ounce gloves, because the premiere name in Mixed Martial Arts is planning on making its outdoor debut next year in Hawaii. This news comes on the heels of an interview Dana White gave with the Honolulu Star Bulletin. When the possibility of the UFC coming to Hawaii was raised, the UFC President stated the following:
"I'm working on that right now as a matter of fact...I've wanted to bring one there for a long time and now that we have acquired PRIDE, I think it's the perfect time to do that big stadium because it would pull a lot of Americans and a lot of Japanese fans....Next year, believe me...It will be our first outdoor fight. We've never done it before because it has always scared the (expletive) out of me."
Hawaii has long been a haven for MMA, as it's home to a handful of local promotions and has shown there is enough interest to make a major show worthwhile from a financial standpoint. For example, a non-UFC card headlined by BJ Penn drew 12,000 fans to Aloha Stadium in 2005.
My Views: Well, these days we take anything Dana says with a grain of salt, but this would be a cool deal. The spectacle of an outdoor show, presumably featuring Penn would be a nice addition to ride of UFC.
WEC Anticipation Station~!:
I am quickly becoming a huge fan and supporter of the WEC. I watched the last show in June and really enjoyed it. Coming up on August 5th, they will be presenting their next special on VERSES and I will be around to cover the card for you fine people. The main reason I like WEC is that even though Zuffa owns it, to me, they aren't treating it like a total joke or feeder. Sure the goal would be to take anyone that exploded huge and that was gaining popularity and move them to the main UFC stage, but to me they are really doing a good job of building this promotion up.
To use a wrestling analogy, WEC is to UFC exactly what WCW could and should have been for WWE. WEC plays small venues and such, but the production is top notch and looks great. They use a smaller version of the Octagon, but it is a WEC designed one with the colors and all, and doesn't look like a hand me down or anything ghetto like that. They have good fighters and as stated above Pulver is going there to make it his permanent fight home. And that's another thing, WEC offers something UFC doesn't, the 145-division. They are actually using their "minor league" promotion and developing and perfecting a new division, which could one day be a part of the regular UFC if they wished.
The upcoming August 5th card is featuring two title bouts. The first is the Welterweight Title match with champion Carlos Condit Vs. challenger Brock Larson. Condit is a 20-4-1 fighter and is 8-2 since the beginning of 2006. The challenger Larson is a 20-1 fighter, with his last loss in 2005 at the Ultimate Fight Night 2 against Jon Fitch via Unanimous Decision. Larson favors the submission game while Condit could work either way in what looks to be an interesting bout.
The second title bout will to create a new middleweight champion as Paulo Filho battles Joe Doerksen. Paulo Filho is a 14-0 fighter and has 8-fights worth of experience in PRIDE. He has 1 TKO win, 6 via submission and 7 via decision. Joe Doerksen is a 39-9 fighter, with 31 submissions. He'll be looking to take it to the ground, get the back and rear naked choke his way to victory.
Free MMA people, you know you want to check it out. I will have a recap of the event as well as a follow up with my thoughts. Remember, August 5th on VERSES at 9pm EST!
Other MMA News…
Your News: The California State Athletic Commission released the following statement in regards to Royce Gracie's yearlong suspension from competition for performance enhancing drugs. The positive test came in lieu of Gracie's decision win over Sakuraba at this past June's Dynamite USA event:
"Royce Gracie's timeframe to appeal his suspension has expired. A formal appeal hearing request was not received in our office therefore the suspension and fine are final."
My Views: Some people have asked why he didn't appeal it. Well, I would guess because he is guilty of having enough steroids in him to kill and horse and break the test. That's just a guess on my behalf though. Have a good year off Royce, if you were even planning on coming back after that sweet payday you got.
Your News: Los Angeles Anacondas lightweight Chris Horodecki has been forced to pull out of his August 2nd bout against Bart Palaszewski due to a broken hand. The last time these two-fought Horodecki won a close split decision. No replacement has been named as yet for the Anacondas lightweight.
-Jay Hieron has been forced to pull out of his August 2nd bout with Rory Markham due to a rib injury suffered in training yesterday (Monday July 16th)
My Views: Adam DiSabato is replacing Chris Horodecki and Chris Clements (Anacondas) is replacing Jay Hieron. It will be rough on the Anacondas, they make the semifinals and then they lose two team members. Clements and DiSabato now have the chance to step up and help this team into the finals. Question is this now. If they do well for the team and they make the finals, and Horodecki and Hieron make it back from injury, what does the team do then? It's that damned if you do damned if you don't deal like when an NFL QB goes down. This will sound odd, but I am VERY interested in the IFL Semi's now with these changes and what drama could happen. I shall have to watch if I get the chance.
Your News: Pro Elite, promoter of EliteXC-branded mixed martial arts events broadcast via Showtime television, is negotiating to purchase ICON Sport and King of the Cage, two of mixed martial arts longest-running and successful North American organizations.
My Views: To wrap up with today, we have a very interesting story to discuss. This follows up on what I was saying weeks ago when Strikeforce and XC worked together, and said that a partnership would be mutually beneficial and help them become, in essence, a #2 MMA company in North America. And the fans are who would earn the rewards.
But now, it appears if XC doesn't have designs on a partnership but rather building up themselves, and themselves alone as a #2 company and possible rival to UFC. They are looking to pull a WWE buying up WCW and ECW, talent and video libraries. The July 27th date and venue for their ShoXC show was registered to KOTC and Gary Shaw basically bought it from them on short notice, which looks to add more steam to this. Also add in that Robbie Lawler (ICON's MW Champ) is scheduled to fight Ninja Rua (EliteXC's Middleweight Champ) sometime in September, in what could become a unification bout and this looks to be a huge story.
There are names out there to secure as well for them to make this push to become a legit #2. Ken Shamrock, Matt Lindland, Frank Trigg and Josh Barnett are all names people in MMA know and that aren't under any kind of Zuffa contract. Here is a list of their fighters they have right now. Add some of those names, Robbie Lawler and anyone else they get if they purchase it, and with ICON and XC's collecting middleweight's, you have a good place to build your promotion off of. This is a very interesting news article and if it continues to gain steam and happens, then the landscape of MMA will change a bit with a solidified competitor to UFC and I am all for that, because it is good for fight fans.
For more interesting information on wrestling and MMA, check out Bryan Alvarez and Figure Four Weekly Online!
