Tag: News

Sadaharu Tanigawa: The Current Course Is That FEG Will Die

Filed under: DREAM, K1, News, JapanAs we wait for K-1 and DREAM promoter Fighting Entertainment Group to emerge from its winter hibernation with news of its future, FEG President Sadaharu Tanigawa spoke to Japanese outlet Sports Graphic Number about th…

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As we wait for K-1 and DREAM promoter Fighting Entertainment Group to emerge from its winter hibernation with news of its future, FEG President Sadaharu Tanigawa spoke to Japanese outlet Sports Graphic Number about the current state of affairs.

“The current course is that FEG will die. There are probably staff members that will leave as well. The event name will be left but the promotion will change,” Tanigawa explained. “If the current structure remains as it is it will be impossible to continue. If many investments from companies overseas do not come in we can’t survive.”

FEG USA’s Mike Kogan spoke to MMA Fighting and added, “Well it’s basically what I have been saying. That unless the money comes now, meaning the investors that have been talking commit and we start to move forward, the company will die. There is no way for it to survive, we have exhausted all good will.”

It is easy to focus on the drama of these statements but in reality, the fact that Tanigawa and Kogan are admitting this says good things about the future of the leading fight sports promoter in Japan.

Vitor Belfort Parts Ways With Trainer Shawn Tompkins Ahead of UFC 126

Filed under: UFC, NewsVitor Belfort has worked with striking coach Shawn Tompkins since mid-2008, when Belfort first walked into the gym of longtime rival Randy Couture in hopes of training with him.

The union between coach and fighter has been produc…

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Vitor Belfort has worked with striking coach Shawn Tompkins since mid-2008, when Belfort first walked into the gym of longtime rival Randy Couture in hopes of training with him.

The union between coach and fighter has been productive. Belfort earned three knockouts in three fights while under Tompkins’ watch. But with Belfort in the midst of preparation for the biggest match of his career — a UFC 126 title shot against champ Anderson Silva — the partnership is apparently over.

Ryan Couture to Face Lee Higgins at Strikeforce Challengers 14

Filed under: Strikeforce, FanHouse Exclusive, NewsRyan Couture will face Lee Higgins in the upcoming Strikeforce Challengers 14 event, MMA Fighting has learned.

The fight’s booking was confirmed by Strikeforce director of communications Mike Afromowitz.

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Ryan Couture will face Lee Higgins in the upcoming Strikeforce Challengers 14 event, MMA Fighting has learned.

The fight’s booking was confirmed by Strikeforce director of communications Mike Afromowitz.

M-1 Global in Favor of ‘Strict Drug Testing’ Throughout Strikeforce GP

Filed under: Strikeforce, M-1 Global, NewsM-1 Global held a press conference in Moscow on Tuesday to hype the upcoming M-1 Challenge XXIII on March 5. In attendance were M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein and Fedor Emelianenko, who also discussed …

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M-1 Global held a press conference in Moscow on Tuesday to hype the upcoming M-1 Challenge XXIII on March 5. In attendance were M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein and Fedor Emelianenko, who also discussed the upcoming Strikeforce heavyweight tournament.

When Finkelchtein was asked about drug testing in the tournament, he said that he was in favor of “a strict drug testing” considering the history of some of the participants.

“Two out of eight fighters in the tournament previously failed a drug test,” Finkelchtein said (as translated by LowKick.com). Obviously, I’m talking about Josh Barnett and Antonio Silva. We want fair competition for everyone, so that’s why I will ask the commission to perform a strict drug testing. Fedor is not using any kind of substance to enhance his performance, and will be ready for any kind of testing. So if the commission decides to follow our suggestion, we’ll be ready.

Rafael Natal Replaces Maiquel Falcao Against Alessio Sakara at UFC on Versus

Filed under: UFC, NewsRafael Natal will step in on short notice to fight Alessio Sakara at UFC on Versus 3. “Sapo,” which means toad in Portuguese, replaces the injured middleweight Maiquel Falcao.

MMA Weekly first reported the news, and MMA Fighting …

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Rafael Natal will step in on short notice to fight Alessio Sakara at UFC on Versus 3. “Sapo,” which means toad in Portuguese, replaces the injured middleweight Maiquel Falcao.

MMA Weekly first reported the news, and MMA Fighting confirmed the switch with sources close to the fight. According to sources, the fight will remain on the televised portion of the card.

Efrain Escudero Returns at Rage in the Cage 148

Filed under: Fighting, NewsEfrain Escudero (14-2) will look to go 2-0 since his release from the UFC when he faces Jeremy Larsen (6-1) in the main event of Rage in the Cage 148 on Jan. 29. The fight will be contested at 165 pounds.

RITC 148 is schedul…

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Efrain Escudero (14-2) will look to go 2-0 since his release from the UFC when he faces Jeremy Larsen (6-1) in the main event of Rage in the Cage 148 on Jan. 29. The fight will be contested at 165 pounds.

RITC 148 is scheduled to take place at the Wild Horse Pas Casino in Chandler, AZ. The co-main event will feature Danny Martinez vs. Aldo Escudero in a 125-pound bout.

Escudero defeated Alfredo Martinez Jr. at Desert Rage VII via first-round submission in November.