MMA News and Notes

BoneCrusher · 11-30-2007, 03:45 PM

ReproBro ... I'm watching youooo

DOMS · 11-30-2007, 03:47 PM

I fucking hate clowns.

bigss75 · 12-02-2007, 01:45 AM

TEXAS FIGHTER DIES

Sammy Vasquez, 35, Becomes MMA’s First Documented Fatality

By Anthony Armstrong

The Harris County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed today that Samuel Vasquez, a 35-year-old mixed martial artist from Houston, Texas, died on Friday, Nov. 30. A representative for the Joseph A. Jachimczyk Forensics Center verified the time of death at 8:15 p.m. CST. Vasquez’s death appears to be the first documented fatality resulting from a regulated MMA fight.

Vasquez (1-2) suffered a third-round knockout loss to Vince Libardi (4-3) during a Renegades Extreme Fighting bout on Oct. 20 at Houston’s Toyota Center. After the fight, Vasquez was taken to Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Critical Care Unit, where he began a 47-day struggle.

The official cause of Vasquez’s death has not been released, pending a determination from the medical examiner.

During his hospitalization, Vasquez’s wife, Sandra, is believed to have documented his status on a public comment board at TXMMA.com. She reportedly wrote that Vasquez underwent surgery to remove a blood clot that was not a result of the initial injury. This has led to speculation that Vasquez may have had a pre-existing condition.

According to the comments posted, Vasquez then suffered a second blood clot, fluid on his brain, brain swelling and a massive stroke that induced a coma.

The Vasquez family has not spoken directly to the press.

According to a report by Sherdog.com, Vasquez had been released to an area hospice on Nov. 29. Hospice care is traditionally provided for patients who have been given six months or less to live.

Paul Erickson, owner of TXMMA.com, photographed the event in which Vasquez was injured.

“There was nothing out of the ordinary,” Erickson said. “They scrambled and hit the cage. Sammy stood up and looked a little wobbly. Then he when down again and the referee called the doctor in. It didn’t seem like any was out of the ordinary. Sammy was winded and looked exhausted, but he wasn’t unconscious when they carried him out [on a stretcher]. Everyone was puzzled at the time because no one could tell when or where he was injured.”

Erickson, who has trained in and covered Texas MMA since 1997, also observed that “the cage was properly padded and reinforced, everything was inspected before the fights started, and there were no illegal moves or strikes. This is the frustrating part, in that there’s no easy explanation.”

In the sport’s 14-year history in the United States, there had been no serious life-threatening injuries. The only reported death occurred internationally at a non-regulated event in the Ukraine in 1998 after American Doug Dedge passed out shortly following his bout. Following his death, unsubstantiated reports claimed Dedge had a pre-existing medical condition.

In a previous interview, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation representative Greg Alvarez said the TDLR was monitoring Vasquez’s condition closely. “If Sammy’s condition takes a turn for the worse,” Alvarez said, “we will investigate [the incident] further.”

Alvarez had also stated that TDLR ensured all of the regulations, licensing and safety checklists were adhered to but had been reluctant to talk about the night Vasquez was critically injured.

Renegades Extreme Fighting is owned and promoted by Saul Soliz, a longtime striking coach to Tito Ortiz and Ricco Rodriguez and well respected figure in the MMA community. Renegades has held 23 events to date. Soliz has not returned repeated calls for comment.

In her last purported TXMMA.com posting on Nov. 17, Vasquez’s wife stated, “I do not hold anyone responsible for what has happened, and I know in my heart that Sammy doesn’t either ... Please do not speculate as to what, when, where, who or how. It’s part of life, things happen.”

Vasquez is survived by his wife, Sandra, and 7-year-old son.

POSTED -- 12/01/07

AKIRA · 12-02-2007, 10:00 AM

I was wondering if this has happened. Aw well. Happens in all sports.

DOMS · 12-02-2007, 10:12 AM

Fatalities
MMA: 1 (maybe 2)
Football: Most people have stopped counting

bigss75 · 12-02-2007, 11:01 AM

They said the blood clot in his brain may have been pre existing so it sounds like a freak occurence

ReproMan · 12-05-2007, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Sean Sherk’s Steroid Suspension Reduced, Eligible to Fight in January.

Posted by Performify on December 4, 2007 at 3:33 pm ET

As MMAjunkie.com previously reported (see: Sean Sherk’s Fate Decided Tuesday) today the California State Athletic Commission held the appeal for UFC Fighter Sean Sherk’s suspension from a failed steroid test.

According to information received from the CSAC, Sherk’s suspension has been reduced to six months, from one year. As is standard in suspensions, Sherk receives credit for time already served, which means he is eligible to return to mixed martial arts competition in January.

Read more...

BoneCrusher · 12-05-2007, 06:42 AM

So then fuck the interim belt ... let 'em put the real one up.

fufu · 12-05-2007, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneCrusher

So then fuck the interim belt ... let 'em put the real one up.

Regardless, I would rather see BJ and Stevenson fight than any of the two against Sherk.

BoneCrusher · 12-05-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fufu

Regardless, I would rather see BJ and Stevenson fight than any of the two against Sherk.

I agree that will be a good fight, but seeing Sherk spank Hughes would be good too.

fufu · 12-05-2007, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneCrusher

I agree that will be a good fight, but seeing Sherk spank Hughes would be good too.

Which Hughes are you talking about?

BoneCrusher · 12-05-2007, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fufu

Which Hughes are you talking about?

Fufucious I know they aren't the same devision, I just intended to say I would like to see everyone kick Hughes' ass on his way out.

fufu · 12-05-2007, 02:14 PM

I am taking it you're not a fan of Hughes.

I am not a fan of Sherk or Hughes.

AKIRA · 12-05-2007, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneCrusher

Fufucious I know they aren't the same devision, I just intended to say I would like to see everyone kick Hughes' ass on his way out.

Damn, now that is some great ranting!

bigss75 · 12-05-2007, 05:26 PM

Didnt hughes already kick sherks ass?

ReproMan · 12-06-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigss75

Didnt hughes already kick sherks ass?

Yeah, Hughes bullied him around for a 3-2, 5 round decision.

ReproMan · 12-06-2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Rampage trainer: ‘Our plan is to get vengeance’ against Wanderlei Silva and Shogun Rua

Props: FightHype.com
Quoteworthy:

“I’ve always said that our plan is to get vengeance, you know? Our plan is to get everyone that beat us and our plan is to get Wanderlei Silva or Shogun next. That’s just on my desire list, but I don’t know if those kids are ready or if they even want to fight Rampage so we’ll have to see. We’ll make a choice collectively with the matchmaker Joe and the promoter Dana and see what the choice is.”

Juanito Ibarra — the trainer for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson — wants to go after former Pride FC stars Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Both Brazilian fighters have crushed Rampage when all three competed in Japan. In fact, Silva has done it twice. For that to happen anytime soon, however, Silva would have to get passed Chuck Liddell at UFC 79: “Nemesis” on December 29. Shogun, on the other hand, would have to put together a few more wins after his upset loss to Forrest Griffin at UFC 76: “Knockout” in September.

ReproMan · 12-06-2007, 05:29 PM

Report: “Big” John to Announce Retirement - MMA on Tap

Quote:

Report: “Big” John to Announce Retirement

Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that longtime MMA referee “Big” John McCarthy will announce his retirement shortly after working the main event between Roger Huerta and Clay Guida at this weekend’s The Ultimate Fighter 6 Finale:

The best known referee in mixed martial arts will step down after Saturday’s UFC card at the Palms Hotel.
“Big” John McCarthy, who has been a referee since UFC 2 in 1994, will work the main event of The Ultimate Fighter finale on Saturday between Roger Huerta and Clay Guida and then announce his retirement.
McCarthy, 45, will take a job as an MMA analyst with The Fight Network.

It’s sad to see McCarthy go, especially since he’s arguably the best referee out there at a time where the sport has reached it’s highest level of popularity to date and along with it comes more criticism on officials, but he’ll be well off with his gym in California and his new job as an analyst with The Fight Network.
One of my goals going into covering the world of MMA was to interview McCarthy at some point. For whatever reason I think it’d make for an amazing piece and it would be fun to get some stories from a completely different aspect of the game. Hopefully we’ll be able to do that in the future.

This sucks. Now we have to rely on BC's buddy Steve Mazzagatti.

ReproMan · 12-06-2007, 05:34 PM

MMA WEEKLY - Your #1 Source for Daily MMA News, Interviews, Multimedia, and More

Quote:

- NINJA & ANTONIO SILVA EXTEND ELITEXC CONTRACTS

EliteXC on Thursday announced that it recently signed Antonio “Big Foot” Silva and Murilo “Ninja” Rua to long-term contract extensions. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The re-signing of Silva and Rua brings to five the number of well-known fighters who have re-signed or signed with EliteXC in the past several weeks. The others include Jake Shields, Nick Diaz, and Kimbo Slice.

“We’ve always said there is more than one brand out there,’’ EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. “The fact that so many fighters stay with us speaks volumes and is testament to what we are all about.’’

Silva dominated Jonathan Wiezorek in his last start, registering an impressive 3:12, first-round submission (rear naked choke) on the Nov. 10 “Renegade” event in Corpus Christi, Texas.

“I believe Silva is the No. 1 heavyweight in the world, which is why I wanted to make sure he stayed with us,’’ Shaw said. “If there is a UFC heavyweight or, for that matter, any heavyweight out there that feels they are the best then lets make a match.

“We can do the fight in an Octagon, in the EliteXC cage or any venue. I truly believe ‘Big Foot’ will kick any heavyweight’s butt and look forward to giving him the opportunity to do it.’’

Rua overcame a slow start to regain his winning ways with a second-round submission (rear naked choke) over France’s willing Xavier Foupa-Pokam on “EliteXC Presents: Cage Rage 24’’ in London.

“Ninja is an exciting fighter who is coming off a great victory in Cage Rage,’’ Shaw said. “Ninja will forever be remembered for being the first EliteXC world champion, but we all know he wants more and another shot at the world belt.’’

“EliteXC has treated me very well and I am excited to be able to remain part of their family,’’ Rua said. “I am looking forward to getting back in the cage again and regaining my title.

“A lot of other organizations give up on their fighters, but not EliteXC and I appreciate that very much.’’

AKIRA · 12-06-2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReproMan

Report: “Big” John to Announce Retirement - MMA on Tap

This sucks. Now we have to rely on BC's buddy Steve Mazzagatti.

Im not too shook up on it. Did anyone notice how HUGE the ref was during the last UFC PPV? That fucker was jacked.

ReproMan · 12-06-2007, 08:05 PM

The Ultimate Fighter 6 Finale

MAIN CARD

Clay Guida vs. Roger Huerta
Mac Danzig vs. Tommy Speer
Jon Koppenhaver vs. Jared Rollins
Billy Miles vs. George Sotiropoulous
Dan Barrera vs. Ben Saunders

PRELIMINARY CARD

Matt Arroyo vs. John Kolosci
Richie Hightower vs. Troy Mandaloniz
Roman Mitichyan vs. Dorian Price
Paul Georgieff vs. Jonathan Goulet

My picks in bold.

BoneCrusher · 12-06-2007, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fufu

I am taking it you're not a fan of Hughes.

I am not a fan of Sherk or Hughes.

I used to like Hughes. This season of TUF changed that. He's just been such a selfish self possessed dick to the fighters. I mean, really I think it was rigged for Danzig anyway but still ... he seemed like he is just an asshole in real life.

Gary Shaw: “I believe Silva is the No. 1 heavyweight in the world, which is why I wanted to make sure he stayed with us,’’ ... “If there is a UFC heavyweight or, for that matter, any heavyweight out there that feels they are the best then lets make a match."

See, this is what helps boxing be so huge. The WBC doesn't control WBC belt holders like UFC does UFC belt holders. There are mandatory fights, but it vs the next top contender regardless of where the fighter came from. As long as he holds that WBC belt he has to fight or get the belt taken from him ... like Tyson did with Lenox Lewis. Tyson was afraid of Lewis and lost belt unification because of it. IMHO MMA should be the same way.

Okay I'm done sniveling now.

fufu · 12-06-2007, 10:05 PM

Quote:

“I’ve always said that our plan is to get vengeance, you know? Our plan is to get everyone that beat us and our plan is to get Wanderlei Silva or Shogun next. That’s just on my desire list, but I don’t know if those kids are ready or if they even want to fight Rampage so we’ll have to see. We’ll make a choice collectively with the matchmaker Joe and the promoter Dana and see what the choice is.”

Who the fuck does this guy think he is? Calling Wanderlei and Shogun "kids" is just disrespectful. Look how he describes them! Shit, Wanderlei beat Rampage once, DESTROYED him once more and Shogun exposed him completely as well. The Shogun v. Rampage was one of the most one-sided fights I have ever seen.

What the fuck.

BoneCrusher · 12-08-2007, 07:11 AM

My TUF6 picks:

Paul Georgieff vs. Jonathan Goulet
Roman Mitichyan vs. Dorian Price
Troy Mandaloniz vs. Richie Hightower
Jared Rollins vs. John Koppenhaver
Billy Miles vs. George Sotiropoulos
Matt Arroyo vs. John Kolosci
Ben Saunders vs. Dan Barrera
Tommy Speer vs. Mac Danzi

11-30-2007, 03:45 PM	#721
BoneCrusher Lift or Die Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 8,311	BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENTS High Quality Supplements For Bodybuilders and Athletes. www.ironmaglabs.com ReproBro ... I'm watching youooo

12-02-2007, 10:00 AM	#724
AKIRA I am Rollo Tomassee.. Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Outside the box Posts: 7,494 Photos: 3	I was wondering if this has happened. Aw well. Happens in all sports.
	6' 209lbs (8/16) Bench 360 (11/29) Weighted Pullups 80lbs 3x3 (3/19) Squat 370 Deadlift after herniation 385lbs 3x3 (3/17) NASM certified 2/06 Journal

12-05-2007, 02:14 PM	#733
fufu fiendish thingy Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 15,703 Photos: 4	I am taking it you're not a fan of Hughes. I am not a fan of Sherk or Hughes.
	fufu's 1337 Journal Your diet will set you free.

12-06-2007, 08:05 PM	#741
ReproMan SeÃ±or Member Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Stuart, FL Posts: 6,365	The Ultimate Fighter 6 Finale MAIN CARD Clay Guida vs. Roger Huerta Mac Danzig vs. Tommy Speer Jon Koppenhaver vs. Jared Rollins Billy Miles vs. George Sotiropoulous Dan Barrera vs. Ben Saunders PRELIMINARY CARD Matt Arroyo vs. John Kolosci Richie Hightower vs. Troy Mandaloniz Roman Mitichyan vs. Dorian Price Paul Georgieff vs. Jonathan Goulet My picks in bold.

12-02-2007, 01:45 AM	#723
bigss75 Let Me See Yo Grill Elite Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 5,123	TEXAS FIGHTER DIES Sammy Vasquez, 35, Becomes MMA’s First Documented Fatality By Anthony Armstrong The Harris County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed today that Samuel Vasquez, a 35-year-old mixed martial artist from Houston, Texas, died on Friday, Nov. 30. A representative for the Joseph A. Jachimczyk Forensics Center verified the time of death at 8:15 p.m. CST. Vasquez’s death appears to be the first documented fatality resulting from a regulated MMA fight. Vasquez (1-2) suffered a third-round knockout loss to Vince Libardi (4-3) during a Renegades Extreme Fighting bout on Oct. 20 at Houston’s Toyota Center. After the fight, Vasquez was taken to Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Critical Care Unit, where he began a 47-day struggle. The official cause of Vasquez’s death has not been released, pending a determination from the medical examiner. During his hospitalization, Vasquez’s wife, Sandra, is believed to have documented his status on a public comment board at TXMMA.com. She reportedly wrote that Vasquez underwent surgery to remove a blood clot that was not a result of the initial injury. This has led to speculation that Vasquez may have had a pre-existing condition. According to the comments posted, Vasquez then suffered a second blood clot, fluid on his brain, brain swelling and a massive stroke that induced a coma. The Vasquez family has not spoken directly to the press. According to a report by Sherdog.com, Vasquez had been released to an area hospice on Nov. 29. Hospice care is traditionally provided for patients who have been given six months or less to live. Paul Erickson, owner of TXMMA.com, photographed the event in which Vasquez was injured. “There was nothing out of the ordinary,” Erickson said. “They scrambled and hit the cage. Sammy stood up and looked a little wobbly. Then he when down again and the referee called the doctor in. It didn’t seem like any was out of the ordinary. Sammy was winded and looked exhausted, but he wasn’t unconscious when they carried him out [on a stretcher]. Everyone was puzzled at the time because no one could tell when or where he was injured.” Erickson, who has trained in and covered Texas MMA since 1997, also observed that “the cage was properly padded and reinforced, everything was inspected before the fights started, and there were no illegal moves or strikes. This is the frustrating part, in that there’s no easy explanation.” In the sport’s 14-year history in the United States, there had been no serious life-threatening injuries. The only reported death occurred internationally at a non-regulated event in the Ukraine in 1998 after American Doug Dedge passed out shortly following his bout. Following his death, unsubstantiated reports claimed Dedge had a pre-existing medical condition. In a previous interview, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation representative Greg Alvarez said the TDLR was monitoring Vasquez’s condition closely. “If Sammy’s condition takes a turn for the worse,” Alvarez said, “we will investigate [the incident] further.” Alvarez had also stated that TDLR ensured all of the regulations, licensing and safety checklists were adhered to but had been reluctant to talk about the night Vasquez was critically injured. Renegades Extreme Fighting is owned and promoted by Saul Soliz, a longtime striking coach to Tito Ortiz and Ricco Rodriguez and well respected figure in the MMA community. Renegades has held 23 events to date. Soliz has not returned repeated calls for comment. In her last purported TXMMA.com posting on Nov. 17, Vasquez’s wife stated, “I do not hold anyone responsible for what has happened, and I know in my heart that Sammy doesn’t either ... Please do not speculate as to what, when, where, who or how. It’s part of life, things happen.” Vasquez is survived by his wife, Sandra, and 7-year-old son. POSTED -- 12/01/07

12-02-2007, 11:01 AM	#726
bigss75 Let Me See Yo Grill Elite Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 5,123	They said the blood clot in his brain may have been pre existing so it sounds like a freak occurence

12-05-2007, 06:42 AM	#728
BoneCrusher Lift or Die Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 8,311	So then fuck the interim belt ... let 'em put the real one up.

12-05-2007, 05:26 PM	#735
bigss75 Let Me See Yo Grill Elite Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 5,123	Didnt hughes already kick sherks ass?

12-08-2007, 07:11 AM	#744
BoneCrusher Lift or Die Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 8,311	My TUF6 picks: Paul Georgieff vs. Jonathan Goulet Roman Mitichyan vs. Dorian Price Troy Mandaloniz vs. Richie Hightower Jared Rollins vs. John Koppenhaver Billy Miles vs. George Sotiropoulos Matt Arroyo vs. John Kolosci Ben Saunders vs. Dan Barrera Tommy Speer vs. Mac Danzi