Author: Roland Riso

Bellator Plans to Broadcast MMA Reality Series in 2013

After seven successful years televising the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Spike TV will continue as a mixed martial arts staple, as it will begin broadcasting fights with the tournament-format promotion, Bellator Fighting Championship. Thoug…

After seven successful years televising the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Spike TV will continue as a mixed martial arts staple, as it will begin broadcasting fights with the tournament-format promotion, Bellator Fighting Championship.

Though Bjorn Rebney’s MMA company won’t air events until 2013, Spike TV has already started featuring fights on their Web site.

As Zuffa, LLC, UFC’s parent company, recently announced in August their plans to move to Fox Sports Media starting next year, Spike’s parent company, Viacom, comprehending the success of MMA programming, quickly purchased a majority stake in Bellator.

Though Spike has the rights to air UFC’s extensive back catalog of fights through 2012, the television company felt displaying such shows is insufficient.

In an interview on SportsIllustrated.com by Loretta Hunt, Spike TV’s president, Kevin Kay, is extremely excited about airing live, tournament-style, MMA events:

“We really liked Bellator. We liked (Bellator CEO) Bjorn (Rebney) and loved the talent development people, (matchmaker) Sam Caplan particularly and we loved the tournament format,” declares Kay.

“One of the things we’ve seen with the UFC over time is that the library tends to wear down (in terms of ratings). What continues to work are live fights. The tournaments give us live fights every week.”

Throughout the seven-year partnership, one of the most successful shows was The Ultimate Fighter, a reality program that housed up-and-coming fighters, with an opportunity to earn a lucrative contract with the world’s top mixed martial arts promotion.

Though Spike’s and Bellator’s pairing is in its infancy, a new, reality-based MMA show is in the works, unlike The Ultimate Fighter.

“One thing we won’t do is duplicate The Ultimate Fighter. It’s a great franchise and it’s going to go on to another network,” states Kevin.  “There’s different kinds of reality ideas that we’re starting to kick around.  We’re hearing lots of good ideas for reality programming around Bellator. But it won’t be 16 guys in a house. We’re not doing that show over again.”

With over a year to prepare and create new MMA TV shows and events, Spike TV’s president is looking forward in building Bellator’s fighters into stars and increasing their popularity.

“I think we’re really good at marketing and promoting,” proclaims Kay.  “That’s the value we brought to the UFC and the value we’ll bring to Bellator.”

Though one may consider the break-up of Spike and UFC to be bittersweet, the TV head feels the time spent was an invaluable experience.

“I sat on the sidelines watching the guys that do it best in the world—(UFC owners) Dana, Lorenzo and Frank (Fertitta)—and soak up every experience,” discusses Kevin.  “We paid a lot, but I learned a lot and hopefully we can bring all of that learning from myself and my team, and bring it to the party for Bellator.”

Bellator’s event highlights and previews are viewable at Spike.com.

Roland Riso is a contributing writer for Bleacher Report.  All quotes were obtained from SI.com (link). Check out more of his work at MMAIdiot.com.

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UFC 131: Herb Dean Speaks on Refereeing and Dos Santos vs Carwin

Winner of Referee of the Year in the World MMA Awards in 2010, Herb Dean is one of the most respected refs in mixed martial arts, overseeing more than 4700 professional fights in his 12-year career. Plus, he’s been highly touted as the best in th…

Winner of Referee of the Year in the World MMA Awards in 2010, Herb Dean is one of the most respected refs in mixed martial arts, overseeing more than 4700 professional fights in his 12-year career. Plus, he’s been highly touted as the best in the game by Ultimate Fighting Championship’s President, Dana White.

Regarding the UFC 131 main event between Junior Dos Santos and Shane Carwin to determine the number one contender in the heavyweight division, some believed that the fight should’ve been stopped in the opening round.

As a former fighter himself, the Pasadena born ref was extremely close in ending the match, as Carwin was being controlled and punched incessantly by Junior.  However, Dean felt that Shane still had the means to continue.

According to an MMAJunkie article by Steve Marrocco, “I was definitely very close to stopping the fight,” said the 40-year old ref. “Maybe one more unblocked punch I would have, but I’m always looking for a reason to allow a fight to continue.”

As told to interviewer Mike Straka on Tapout’s Youtube channel, “He was moving to better his position, and eventually he was able to get to a place where he was defending the blows and was able to come back,” Dean said.

Martial arts and self defense has been a significant part of Herb Dean’s life, as he began training as a child. Prior to his professional MMA career, his training included kickboxing, submission wrestling and judo. With a great deal of knowledge of a variety of skills, he feels that competitive experience should be required for MMA referees and judges.

In an interview on TheOpenMat.com, Dean explained:

“I think you should at least know the techniques that the guys are doing. MMA is a new sport. There are some officials that have experience, but the competition is beyond their time. Their competitive age is over. A good martial artist might make a good official without necessarily having to have competed in MMA.”

Since refereeing his first event in 1999 at King of the Cage, Herb’s years of experience have given him the confidence to trust his instincts and to make firm, decisive choices. He has always stood by his instincts, without any regret.

“I’m well aware of the fact I’m the one who’s in there making the decisions and the choices and I’m the one who’s gonna have to live with them,” he told Mike Straka. “I definitely want to make the decisions that I want.”

Though considered “the best referee in the business” by Dana White, Dean has had his share of controversy. He was once booed in UFC 61, as he stopped a bout between Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock in the opening round, giving Tito the victory. 

As the officiating of MMA events continues to advance, judging versus refereeing seems to perpetually be in the spotlight. 

“I think there’s always going to be controversial decisions. Judging is pretty subjective. It’s someone’s opinion of who won the fight,” Dean told OpenMat.com. 

“I think that the biggest thing is making sure that athletic commissions are getting more qualified officials, and continue to review the problems we have and correct them. This is a growing sport and we haven’t seen everything that’s going to happen. There’s always something new that someone’s going to do.”

To remedy the persistent criticism received by MMA officiating, Herb feels that education is the best method to improve the quality, as he and fellow ref Big John McCarthy hold judging and refereeing classes in Southern California.

While guiding new students, Dean feels his teaching position has helped him in the octagon.

“You really have to be on your game when you’re teaching these people who want to get into the sport,” Dean told Mike Straka. “I have to be prepared when I do my class.”

“Teaching is definitely making me better.” 

-ROLAND RISO
MMAIDIOT.COM

Roland Riso is a contributing writer for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained from MMAJunkie.com, TheOpenMat.com and Mike Straka’s interview on Tapout’s Youtube.com channel.

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Actor Kevin James’ New MMA Film Has UFC’s Blessing

Hailing from the hit TV show, King of Queens, actor Kevin James’ latest venture is a film revolving around music and mixed martial arts.  To add support and credibility to the upcoming project, Ultimate Fighting Championship president, Dana …

Hailing from the hit TV show, King of Queens, actor Kevin James’ latest venture is a film revolving around music and mixed martial arts.  To add support and credibility to the upcoming project, Ultimate Fighting Championship president, Dana White, gave his consent to use the UFC brand in the movie, slated for release in 2012.

According to MMAWeekly’s Damon Martin, Here Comes The Boom is about James’ character, Scott Voss, a high school science teacher, who moonlights as an MMA fighter, in order to save the school’s financially struggling music program.

Along with the comedian, the movie also stars Salma Hayek and Henry Winkler.  Also casted for this comedy, as denoted on IMDB.com, are UFC notables:  commentator Joe Rogan, ring announcer Bruce Buffer, ring girl Arianny Celeste and former champion Bas Rutten.

Until now, Zuffa LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship promotion, has never given anyone the rights to use their trademarked name, since obtaining the UFC in 2001.  Kevin James, a longtime mixed martial arts fan, called White directly for permission when production began.

“I like Kevin and he called me up and he’s passionate about the sport, he wanted to do this movie. We haven’t given the rights to anybody,” White explains. “(In the movie) it’s UFC, we gave him the rights to it.”

Though Dana White was asked to have a role the film, the UFC president laughingly declined.

“They asked me.  I’m no actor.  No way in hell I would do that,” expressed Dana.

Here Comes The Boom is currently in production and scheduled to be released by summer of 2012.  The film was written by Kevin James, Rock Reuben and Allan Loeb, and directed by Frank Coraci.

 

ROLAND RISO
MMAIDIOT.COM

Roland Riso is a contributing writer for Bleacher Report.  All quotes were obtained from MMAWeekly.com.

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UFC’s Kurt Pellegrino Steps Away from MMA

After two defeats by decision, Ultimate Fighting Championship 155-pound fighter Kurt “Batman” Pellegrino has decided take time off from mixed martial arts and dedicate more time to his family. According to the 32-year-old’s website, K…

After two defeats by decision, Ultimate Fighting Championship 155-pound fighter Kurt “Batman” Pellegrino has decided take time off from mixed martial arts and dedicate more time to his family.

According to the 32-year-old’s website, KurtPellegrino.com, the New Jersey-born fighter feels he needs time off to rethink his future.

“Over my most recent fights, I have come to the realization that at this point, I no longer can, nor want to, make fighting my first priority,” he said. “Never in my career have I lost two fights in a row, and my last fight’s decision, in particular, was especially hard for me to swallow, to be honest.”

Prior to his two recent losses, Batman still considered stepping away from fighting, even while on a 19-month, undefeated streak in the world’s largest MMA promotion.

“Even last year when I was on a four-fight win streak, I still was questioning myself. This has made me reconsider what my next step will be competitively,” explains the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. “I have spoken at length with (UFC matchmaker) Joe Silva about my decision and have decided not to renew my contract with the UFC. I want to take the time to regroup, refocus, and rethink what it is that I want to do going forward.”

During his current hiatus from fighting in the octagon, Pellegrino is still willing to learn and better himself as a martial artist, and is considering competing in non-MMA sports.

“I want to concentrate on my BJJ game and improve it.  I want to work on my boxing game and improve that also,” claims the lightweight fighter.  “I’d like to compete in some grappling tournaments again like the old days, and maybe even try my hand at a pro boxing fight.  I want to have fun training again, bottom line.”

“Most importantly I want to spend more time with my family. My daughter is four years old and I can’t tell you how much of her life I’ve missed dedicating my life to training for fights.”

Whether Kurt Pellegrino decides to return or retire from MMA, he’s definitely built a solid career with a current record of 16-6, dating back to 2002, with notable wins over Mac Danzig, Thiago Tavares and Josh Neer.

Roland Riso is a contributing writer for Bleacher Report.  All quotes were obtained from KurtPellegrino.com.

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Ricco Rodriguez: Former UFC Champ Arrested in Arizona

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight Champion, Ricco Rodriguez, was recently apprehended for allegedly resisting arrest and assaulting a cab driver in an affluent Phoenix suburb. Rodriguez and his female companion hired taxicab servi…

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight Champion, Ricco Rodriguez, was recently apprehended for allegedly resisting arrest and assaulting a cab driver in an affluent Phoenix suburb.

Rodriguez and his female companion hired taxicab service to drive them to a popular sports bar in the area.  When the cab fare calculated to $75, the 33-year-old mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter was only willing to pay $20, as explained by Myfoxphoenix.com.

According to the Phoenix police, it wasn’t until Ricco’s companion was willing to pay the remainder, an argument ensued between the driver and the heavyweight fighter, in which the cab driver promptly called 911.  The former champ then proceeded to grab the man and throw him to the ground.

At 6’4” and over 220 pounds, it took three of Phoenix’s finest to subdue the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt, injuring one of them.

“It’s our policy to handcuff behind, that did not occur.  He was struggling with the officers, flailing his arms… one of the officers was pushed against the wall, and we believe at that point he sustained a minor injury or cut to his elbow,” says Sgt. Steve Martos.

The San Jose-born fighter is now facing charges of assault and resisting arrest.

Ricco has seen his share of problems in the past, as he once tested positive for marijuana and cocaine and was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). Plus, he appeared on season one of the VH1 reality television show, Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.

Rodriguez’ last MMA bout was a unanimous decision win over The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) contestant, James McSweeney, on February 26, 2011.  He is also currently on an 11-fight win streak.

 

ROLAND RISO
MMAIDIOT.COM

Roland Riso is a contributing writer for Bleacher Report.  All quotes were obtained from Myfoxphoenix.com.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Mighty Mouse Johnson: His Fight with Torres Is Like David and Goliath

With The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 130 scheduled for May 28, the speedy, 5’3″ Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, discusses his next bantamweight contest versus the much taller Miguel Torres, who stands six inches above his oppone…

With The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 130 scheduled for May 28, the speedy, 5’3″ Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, discusses his next bantamweight contest versus the much taller Miguel Torres, who stands six inches above his opponent.

Following a three-fight win streak, including a unanimous decision versus highly touted Japanese fighter Kid Yamamoto, the shorter Johnson welcomes the height difference as he prepares against the former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) 135-pound champion, as he explains to MMAMania’s Brian Hemminger:

“Being 5’3″ with him 5’9″, there’s a huge height difference,” states Johnson.  “If he wants to punch me, he has to punch down, which exposes his chin, and if I want to hit him, I have to reach up and my chin will always be protected.  It’s like David and Goliath.  David was a little guy and he had to throw up and Goliath had to break his posture to hit David with a good clean shot.”

Though “Mighty Mouse” wasn’t initially slated to fight Torres, as UFC bantamweight contender Brad Pickett had to withdraw due to injury, he’s definitely grateful for this fantastic opportunity to fight a former champion:

“I was very honored when the UFC gave me the call and asked me if I wanted to step up and take on Miguel Torres instead of Renan Barão,” says Demetrious. 

“Now I’m stepping up to take on Miguel Torres.  I trained really hard for this fight and it’s gonna go down in the Octagon on Spike TV,” exclaims the AMC Pankration fighter.

Though there are few 135-pounders to train with in his Washington state-based gym, Johnson feels that sparring with larger and stronger training partners is an advantage:

“This morning I worked out two hours with a guy who’s 205 and has very good knowledge of the mixed martial arts game.  It helps me because it makes my body get adapted to be pushed the whole time,” said the Kentucky bred wrestler. “You see guys go against guys their own size, and that’s good too, but when I’m rolling on the ground and I have a guy who’s 205 pounds on me, it makes my body work and it conditions every single part of my body. 

“Whether it’s my tendons, my wrists, whatever, it’s getting worked the whole time.  It’s a good benefit for me and when I get in there with guys my own size, like 5’3″ or whatever, it’s a piece of cake because I’m used to kicking guys in the head who are 5’10” or 5’11”.”

As “Mighty Mouse” takes on a former world champion in Torres, it will be exciting to see how Demetrious handles the sizable 10-inch reach difference, as he owns a 66-inch reach, while Torres possesses a 76-inch reach advantage.

Regardless, Johnson’s heart and dedication is unparalleled and a fight of this magnitude is well deserved.  As the UFC’s 135 pound weight class continues to bring energetic, fast-paced fights, this bantamweight match-up has the makings to be filled with non-stop action and be equally exciting as well.

 

-ROLAND RISO
MMAIDIOT.COM

Roland Riso is a contributing writer for Bleacher Report.  All quotes were obtained from MMAMania.com.

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