Posts from — January 2008

Shawn Tompkins after running a practice. Photo property of Xtreme Couture.

In a recent interview with The Fight Network, MMA trainer extraordinaire, Shawn Tompkins, hinted that he’d be making a return to active MMA competition at some point during the coming year.

“The end of the year turned out to be such a busy time for me; I didn’t have time to fight,” he said. “I’m still training and still keeping myself in top shape, and we’re really going to see where things stand by about March. If all goes well, I’m hoping June will have something for me. It will be in Vegas at a show out here, and they’re looking at a couple guys from the Midwest area.”

Surprisingly Tompkins possesses a mixed martial arts record of 0-4. With that being said, Tompkins last fought seven years ago and at the time he was predominantly a striker with little to no ground skills. All of Tompkins bouts came in Montreal with the Universal Combat Challenge which is now known as TKO Championship Fighting. He was stopped by UFC veterans David Losieau and Steve Vigneault as well as Joel Leblanc and Matt Rocca.

Though it’s been seven years since he last fought, Tompkins has solidified himself as one of the top instructors in the sport. Honing his craft at his gym, Team Tompkins, in London, Ontario, Tompkins guided Sam Stout, Krzysztof Soszynski and Mark Hominick to TKO Championship Fighting gold while providing an excellent base for fighters like Chris Horodecki, Chris Clements, and Rob MacDonald.

Things really began to change for Tompkins in 2006 when he made the trek to Temecula, California to help Dan Henderson prepare for bouts with Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva. After his stint at Team Quest, Henderson accepted an offer to become the head instructor at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada. Not only was this a significant notch on Tompkins’ resume but it also presented the opportunity for guys like Sam Stout, Mark Hominick, and Chris Horodecki to train with a wide array of world class fighters.

Since joining Xtreme Couture, Tompkins has worked extensively with Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva, Forrest Griffin, Mike Pyle, Tyson Griffin, Jay Heiron, Joe Stevenson, and Phil Baroni. While training the various fighters, Tompkins has spent a great deal of time working on both his wrestling and grappling. When it comes time to step in the cage again, expect a different Shawn Tompkins, one who is dangerous both standing and on the canvas.

The Maximum Fighting Championship has announced that Jason Kuchera will face Allan Hope in a light heavyweight affair at MFC 15: Rags to Riches.

Jason Kuchera (2-0) made his mixed martial arts debut in August 2007 at MFC 13: Lucky 13 where he stopped Steve Dubeck in under 30 seconds. Three months later, Kuchera appeared in MFC again stopping David Lainoff in 23 seconds.

MFC 15: Rags to Riches will mark Allan Hope’s professional mixed martial arts debut.

MFC 15: Rags to Riches is scheduled for February 22, 2008 at the River Cree Casino in Edmonton, Alberta and will be broadcast live on HDNet. Check out our rumors section for the latest MFC 15 card.

Icho Larenas squaring off with Tom Murphy at UFC 58. Photo property of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

TKO Xtreme has received word that Icho Larenas vs. Lance Evans has been pulled from TKO 32: Ultimatum after Larenas was forced to withdraw due to some personal issues.

Icho Larenas (4-3) is coming off an impressive stoppage victory over TKO heavyweight prospect Steve “The Boss” Bosse at TKO 31: Young Guns. Lance Evans (2-2), much like Larenas, scored a stoppage victory over his foe, Bob Landry, at TKO 31.

Replacing the Larenas vs. Evans bout will be a heavyweight showdown slating “Big” Ben Gallant against MMA newcomer Jeff Lundberg. Gallant made his MMA and TKO debut in December submitting Adil Ayoudi.

TKO 32: Ultimatum is scheduled for February 28, 2008 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Check out our rumors section for the latest TKO 32 card.

Bocek trading with Frankie Edgar at UFC 73. Photo property of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

MMACanada.net is reporting that UFC veteran Mark Bocek has joined the ranks at Xtreme Couture in Toronto, Ontario.

“We’re pleased to have a fighter of Mark’s stature working out of our 33,000 square foot mixed martial arts and fitness training facility,” said Doug Urch, Director and Co-owner of the Xtreme Couture Gym. “He promises to be one of the best instructors and his work with some of the most prominent organizations across the world won’t go unnoticed by our clientele.”

Bocek will be joining the likes of Chris Horodecki, Mark Hominick, Jeff Joslin, Shawn Geris, and others as an instructor at the 33,000 square foot facility. The report also noted that Throwdown Industries will be installing both a ring and cage in the gym.

Bocek, a native of Toronto, Ontario, will be in action April 19, 2008 at UFC 83 when he takes on Mac Danzig at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.

The Fight Network is reporting that UFC veteran Jesse Forbes will face Steve Steinbeiss at MFC 15: Rags to Riches.

Jesse Forbes (5-2) made his UFC debut in June 2006 losing to Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale. After the loss, Forbes left the UFC and racked up victories over Michael Gonzalez, Tim Peacock, and Jesse Taylor before getting the call to appear at WEC 30 against Bryan Baker. Unfortunately Forbes fell victim to the hands of Baker at 4:15 of the first stanza. Forbes last appearance came at LGIT where he defeated Victor Moreno (24-11) early in the first.

Steve Steinbeiss (3-1) made his mixed martial arts debut in December 2006 defeating Jeff Ford at Bodog Fight: St. Petersburg. Five months later, Steinbeiss suffered his first professional loss dropping a unanimous decision to Canadian Bill “The Butcher” Mahood. Since the loss to Mahood, Steinbeiss has won two straight including a victory at LGIT, the same show Forbes last fought at.

MFC 15: Rags to Riches is scheduled for February 22, 2008 at the River Cree Casino in Edmonton, Alberta and will air live on HDNet. Check out our rumors section for the latest MFC 15 card.

Today the Ultimate Fighting Championship officially announced that the promotion would be heading north of the border on April 19, 2008 to host UFC 83 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.

The announcement was made via UFC.com’s newsletter and in it they stated that the UFC Fight Club presale begins at 12 PM EST on February 3.

Check out our rumors section for the latest UFC 83 card.

In a recent interview with Sherdog.com, Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos stated that he’ll be fighting David “The Crow” Loiseau at HCF: Crow’s Nest.

Santos: I’ll face Makoto Takimoto , who defeated Murilo Bustamante last year. I’m focused on this fight in Canada, but on March 5, I will fight against him. And March 29, I will fight in Canada again, facing David Loiseau. I have a lot of will to fight. I have eight fights signed; I’m starting this year with a full schedule. I love to fight, to feel the adrenaline backstage, to be in touch with the crowd. I miss it all when I’m not fighting.

Originally when Loiseau first signed with HCF, it was announced that he would be fighting UFC veteran Solomon Hutcherson. Santos, a veteran of PRIDE Fighting Championship, boasts victories over the likes of Yosuke Nishijima, Mark Epstein, Kassim Annan, and Francis Carmont. Santos has also stepped into the ring with the likes of Kazuhiro Nakamura, Melvin Manhoef, Yuki Kondo, Mauricio Rua, and Antony Rea though in a losing effort. For those of you who haven’t seen Santos vs. Manhoef, go watch it!

HCF: Crow’s Nest is scheduled for March 29, 2008 at the Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau, Quebec. Check out our rumors section for the latest HCF: Crow’s Nest card.

TKO 32: Ultimatum
February 28, 2008
Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec

Brian Gassaway vs. Jose Landi-Jons
T.J. Grant vs. Jesse Bongfeldt
Derek Gauthier vs. Yannick Galipeau
Scott Wright vs. Steve Bosse
Damacio Page vs. Justin Tavernini
Jordan Mein vs. Samuel Guillet
Daniel Ferguson vs.Stephane Vigneault
Syd Barnier vs. Adrian Wooley
Johan Croes vs. Mark Fraser
Tim Wadsworth vs. Guillaume Lamarche
Josh Bitner vs. Christopher Hulme
Jeff Lundberg vs. Ben Gallant

Tickets can be purchased online at Admission.com or by phone at Admission Network 514-790-1245 or 1-800-361-4595.

Update: 8:00 PM: Icho Larenas vs. Lance Evans has been removed from the card. More information coming soon.

Pete Spratt travels to Canada to take on Ryan Ford - “HDNet Fights Presents: Maximum Fighting Championship: Rags to Riches”

DALLAS (January 30, 2008) - HDNet Fights announced today that it has partnered with Maximum Fighting Championship to present a LIVE event from Canada on February 22. It will be the first of three events in 2008 between the two partners.

“We’re excited to head to Canada to cover this event,” said Mark Cuban, president and co-founder of HDNet. “Bringing this live MMA action to our fans in Canada is a great way for us to reward all of our viewers north of the border.”

“This partnership with MFC helps to expand HDNet Fights outside the U.S., and to bring new fighters into the fold,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “We’re looking forward to traveling to Canada to bring our viewers this exciting event.”

Mark Pavelich, Owner and President of Maximum Fighting Championship, said the relationship formed between his organization and HDNet was exceptional and a perfect fit.

“Going into 2008, the MFC was determined to find a strong television arrangement to showcase our product,” he said. ”

“The MFC has long been one of the best live shows anywhere with an energetic and entertaining atmosphere bolstered by the most loyal fans in mixed martial arts. Now with our partnership with HDNet Fights, more fans can realize that experience.”

Spratt, known for his vicious knockouts - enters the contest after two consecutive wins. The most recent was a TKO of Tristan Yunker at “HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon”, and prior to that was a KO of TJ Waldburger at “HDNet Fights: Initiation Night”

“I fully expect to rip him a new one,” Spratt said. “I want to finish his career before it starts.”

The UFC veteran said he’s been training hard for this event - and since Ford is new to MMA, he doesn’t have an established style so, Spratt doesn’t know what to expect. In addition, returning to Canada doesn’t bring pleasant memories for Spratt. On previous trips, he’s been bogged down with paperwork, and experienced visa and border entry troubles. Not to mention, a loss to UFC Interim Welterweight Champion George St. Pierre in November 2003 in Canada.

Spratt said there is no comparison between his bout with St. Pierre and his upcoming match.

“George St. Pierre was good,” he said. “Ryan Ford ain’t no good.”

Ford carries an unblemished record into the ring. He most recently fought at MFC 14 where he finished off Mike Sorenson via TKO in the first minute of the second round.

TKO Championship Fighting has announced that “Big” Ben Gallant will fight at TKO 32: Ultimatum. Gallant’s opponent is currently unknown.

Gallant made his professional mixed martial arts debut in December at TKO 31: Young Guns submitting Adil Ayoudi (0-1) early in the first round.

TKO 32: Ultimatum
February 28, 2008
Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec

Jose Landi-Jons vs. Brian Gassaway
Icho Larenas vs. Lance Evans
Steve Bosse vs. Scott Wright
Jesse Bongfeldt vs. T.J. Grant - TKO Welterweight Title
Johan Croes vs. Mark Fraser
Yannick Galipeau vs. Derek Gauthier
Adrian Wooley vs. Syd Barnier
Damacio Page vs. Justin Tavernini
Jordan Mein vs. Samuel Guillet
Stephane Vigneault vs. Daniel Ferguson
Josh Bitner vs. Chris Hulme
Ben Gallant vs. TBA

TKO 32: Ultimatum is scheduled for February 28, 2008 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Check out our rumors section for the latest TKO 32 card.