It’s been a crazy weekend but it’s been worth it! Some forty or so volunteers from the gym have been working the whole weekend to get our new HQ up and running. We’re pleased to say, that training at the new place has begun!

Thanks to EVERYONE that made this possible. We’ll post alot more info and photos shortly coverinng the build and the opening nights.

Jonny Origan of Kokoro was matched with Dave Brown of Cobra MMA and it was to be a gruelling wrestling match for both. Dave’s intentions were clear from the start; this one was going going to be a ground war! A solid rugby tackle brought Jonny to the mat and Dave put his awesome size and strength advantage to good use. This was what Jonny had expected and he was well prepared. Working the guard to a well timed reversal saw Jonny on top and working the body. On went the ever active wrestling match and at the end of RD1 we were looking at a stalemate. RD2 and the size, strength, skill and some solid cornering of Dave Brown came into play. Relentless pursuit of Jonny’s back saw Origan fighting to hold out before tapping to a rear naked choke in the final seconds of RD2. Fantasic match!

Kokoro’s Thomas Nolan was matched with Tony Deane of Evolve and Nolan wasted no time in piling on the workrate. At the onset, Tony was clearly up for a standup match but swiftly changed his mind as Thomas landed a solid 1-2. Deane now wanted no part of Thomas’ standup game and had been rocked in the first few seconds. Deane wisely headed for the ground with very solid takedown skills.

Sensing he could have the standup advantage, Thomas brought Deane back to his feet within seconds. Thomas quickly landed a big right to the chin as Deane was sent backwards toward the corner. Nolan headed in for a finishing strike but Deane recovered well enough to go in for the takedown. It was a good lift but the neck was out there and Nolan was waiting. Nolan landed a few shots during the clinch, secured the neck and began sinking the guillotine on the way down to the mat. Calm and composed, Thomas ensured he established a solid closed guard before finalising the choke early in RD1. Great debut win for Thomas!

Congratulations gents!

Here goes with the press release text:

CAGE TALK – “When the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) first debuted many people criticised the brutality presented by having two men engage in no holds barred fist fighting. The UFC sparked a revolution in combat sports and has become a worldwide phenomenon to the point where it’s pushed Boxing out as the top fighting sport in the U.S. In the U.S and Japan Cage fighting has climbed to celestial heights because of regular crowd attendance in excess of 20, 000 to 100,000.

In the U.K without even scratching the surface of the English market and without even naming who is on the fight card, the UFC is outselling events headlined by Amir Khan, and cards that feature both Hatton and Calzaghe- all this with higher ticket prices and less time for marketing. UFC 75 held at the O2 arena in London on September 2007 became the most watched UFC/MMA event anywhere. On 30th December 2006 the UFC broke the pay per-view industry records and garnered 1 million 50 000 buys surpassing both WWE wrestling and Boxing. With over 3OO million fans in over 170 countries with its abundance of high profile fighters there are no signs that Cage Fighting will slow its meteoric rise.

In this fascinating new and gripping book the author delves not only the glory of this fast growing and dangerous sport but all the chaos that goes behind the scenes and the life styles of the herculean super star fighters. Included are gritting insider accounts of some of the legendary major fights. You will discover the type of mental and physical commitment it takes to survive in the Cage. Using EXCLUSIVE interviews conducted specifically for this book, the author has produced a very real look at the U.K and U.S MMA scene.

The sport has now been endorsed by the media and government bodies, thus endorsing the sporting prowess of the artistic mixed martial arts and of its gladiatorial warriors. This book takes you inside the toughest and fastest growing sport in the world.”

ULTIMATE CONVERSATIONS – “A unique and fascinating look at the greatest UFCand MMA champions and super stars of the fastest growing sport in the world.

In less than a decade, the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) went from a novelty spectacle to a worldwide phenomenon. The sport of mixed martial arts has penetrated the defence of the mainstream media where it’s outselling boxing, pro wrestling and any other combat sport.

This riveting and fascinating book explores the lives and careers of the toughest fighters ever to have stepped into the Ultimate Fighting Championship arena. Within the pages of this tome for the first time is a compilation of exclusive interviews with the greatest UFC champions and superstars. In their own words the hardest athletes in the world tell their stories, the obstacles and hardships they have had to endure, giving us a rare insight into the lives and careers of the titans who have propelled the sport into the big time, making it the fastest growing sport in the world.

The UFC broke the pay-per-view industry’s all time records for a single year’s business. What the UFC is doing – and what the WWE and boxing haven’t done – is create new stars. Major MMA shows attract a galaxy of celebrities from the Film, T.V and sports world. In U.SA and Japan MMA has climbed to celestial heights with regular attendances in excess of 20,000 to 100,000. In the U.K the UFC is outselling fights headlined by the most popular boxers in the country.

This book charts the radically diverse backgrounds of the fighters, from the legendary pioneers and UFC Hall of Famers Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Mark Coleman, to iconic fighters and champions Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Matt Hughes and the controversial charismatic star “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz, finally moving on to rising stars Michael Bisping and Georges St Pierre. Ultimate Conversations gives you an incredible glimpse into just what it takes to survive in the world’s most brutal arena in the most popular and exciting combat sport on the planet.”

Available in bookshops and at Amazon.

Having the guys from Team Quest with us has been an honour and a privilege.

Dan’s an all time MMA hero of mine and watching him prepare, then spending some mat time rolling with Carlos and Krzystof, has been an experience that I won’t be forgetting in a hurry! What a way to set the tone for this weekend!

Dan is in AWESOME shape and is well set for a superb show.

Full story and picture set HERE.

Thanks to Tracy Lee at CombatLifestyle.com for permission to use these shots.

Thanks to Dan Henderson, Krzystzof, Carlos and Tarec of Team Quest for choosing Kokoro and for taking time out to roll with us.

Thanks to Ronan for making the arrangements and Derek for managing the gym.

Kokoro couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2009!

“I think the fight for Silva is one against Liddell on Jan. 31 at UFC 94 in Las Vegas. UFC president Dana White has been lukewarm on it so far, but it would be a fun battle and it certainly would be a fight that would have Silva motivated…. [White] didn’t seem all that interested. I had talked with him about it in a private phone conversation about 10 days earlier and he was no more interested in it then. I’m not saying it won’t happen, just that Dana doesn’t seem enthused by the idea”

Source: www.mmanews.com

This fight has been talked about a lot. What do you reckon? Is it a fight we want to see at this stage?

-Ryo Chonan def. Roan Carneiro via Split Decision after 3 Rounds.
-Jason MacDonald def. Jason Lambert via Submission (rear naked choke) at 1:20 of Round 2.
-Tim Boetsch def. Michael Patt via TKO (strikes) at 2:03 of Round 1.
-Kurt Pellegrino def. Thiago Tavares via Unanimous Decision after 3 Rounds.
-Dong Hyun Kim def. Matt Brown via Split Decision after 3 Rounds.
-Nate Marquardt def. Martin Kampmann via KO (strikes) at 1:22 of Round 1.
-Dan Henderson def. Rousimar Palhares via Unanimous Decision after 3 Rounds.
-Rich Franklin def. Matt Hamill via KO (body kick) at 0:39 of Round 3.
-Rashad Evans def. Chuck Liddell via KO (punch) at 1:49 of Round 1.

Source:

http://www.mmafighting.com/news/2008/09/02/couture-return-ufc-91-against-lesnar

Randy Couture will fight Brock Lesnar at UFC 91 on November 15 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Couture has signed a new deal with the UFC for three fights. His first will be against Lesnar, with the winner taking on the winner between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Frank Mir.

All good news! But Lesnar, who earned respect from many a die hard fan after his performance against Herring, has been quoted as saying, “Who gives a shit about Fedor?”

Has Lesnar, in one foul swoop, destroyed the credibility he’s fought for?

Source:

http://www.mmafighting.com/news/2008/09/02/live-blogging-ufcs-major-announcement

4:51: Lesnar says fighting Couture was something he couldn’t turn down. “I’m very excited. Not a lot of people get this opportunity, and not a lot of people are me either.”

4:52: Lesnar goes on a long rant about Fedor: “I don’t give a s–t about Fedor. I’m sick about people talking about Fedor…You want that fight? Fine, but I don’t give a damn.”

So to recap…

Couture is back, Lesnar is already up for the title and Fedor is ’shit’. Been a busy week really!

Strange fight for Chuck to take after beating Wandy Silva, considering that a victory over Rashad would do very little to fuel his effort to regain the light-heavyweight title, and losing would mean he’d have to start seriously considering retirement, but there you go. I’m expecting a few Liddell R1 KO predictions for that one.

The Rich Franklin v Matt Hamill fight poses a similar set of circumstances for Franklin – winning won’t do much to enhance his reputation, but losing could be a big setback. And Hamill is a tough hombre.

So, predictions please, ladies and gents. Rules stay the same; 5 points for picking the winner, an additional 3 for the finishing method and 1 for the round.

Wes is still miles ahead on the leaderboard, Leo is in second place and Derek in third.

The event can be seen live on Setanta Sports 1 at 3am on Sunday morning, and is repeated at 10pm Sunday on Setanta Sports 2.

Main Card
Chuck Liddell Vs. Rashad Evans
Rich Franklin Vs. Matt Hamill
Karo Parisyan Vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Dan Henderson Vs. Rousimar Palhares
Martin Kampmann Vs. Nate Marquardt

Source: MMA News

The following are quick match results for UFC 87: Seek And Destory:

- Ben Saunders def. Ryan Thomas Submission (Armbar) Round 2 at 2:28
- Chris Wilson def. Steve Bruno Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
- Jon Jones Andre def. Gusmao Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
- Cheick Kongo def. Dan Evensen TKO (Strikes) Round 1 at 4:55
- Tamdan McCrory def. Luke Cummo Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
- Demian Maia def. Jason MacDonald Submission (Rear-naked Choke) Round 3 at 2:44
- Kenny Florian def. Roger Huerta Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
- Robert Emerson def. Manvel Gamburyan KO (Punches) Round 1 at 0:12
- Brock Lesnar def. Heath Herring Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
- Georges St. Pierre def. Jon Fitch Decision (Unanimous) 5 5:00

There are some great fights scheduled though. Everyone’s favourite Canuck, Georges St.Pierre is going to beat Jon Fitch, Brock Lesnar and Heath Herring go at it crazy style, and KenFlo has a bash at Roger Huerta. Good stuff.

Predictions please. You know the drill; 5 points for picking the winner, an additional 3 for the finishing method and 1 for the round.

Wes is way out ahead on the leaderboard after his one-horse-race win on the Affliction card, with Zoolander, Leo and Ronan following.

The event can be seen live on Setanta Sports 1 on Saturday night, and is repeated at 22:00 Sunday on Setanta Sports 2.

Main Card
Georges St-Pierre Vs. Jon Fitch
Brock Lesnar Vs. Heath Herring
Kenny Florian Vs. Roger Huerta
Manny Gamburyan Vs. Rob Emerson
Jason MacDonald Vs. Demian Maia

Results:

1. Justin Buchholz def. Corey Hill via submission (RNC) – R2 (3:57)
2. Melvin Guillard def. Dennis Siver via TKO (strikes) – R1 (0:36)
3. Cole Miller def. Jorge Gurgel via submission (triangle choke) – R3 (4:48)
4. Gabriel Gonzaga def. Justin McCully via submission (kimura) – R1 (1:57)
5. Tyson Griffin def. Marcus Aurelio via unanimous decision
6. Josh Koscheck def. Chris Lytle via unanimous decision
7. Joe Stevenson def. Gleison Tibau via submission (guillotine choke) – R2 (2:57)
8. Patrick Cote def. Ricardo Almeida via split decision
9. Forrest Griffin def. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson via unanimous decision

Not many more big names on the card, but Tyson Griffin always gives good sport and, on a personal note, I’d love to see Chris Lytle put the hurt on Josh Koscheck. The show starts at 3am on Saturday night on Setanta Sports 1.

It’s late notice, but I still want your predictions for the fights. Rules are the same as always – 5 points for picking the winner of each fight, plus bonus points for predicting the finishing method (3) and round (1).

Josh leads the way so far with 47 points, with Wes and Ronan following with 36 and 30 points respectively. Not a clue what the prize for the overall leader at the end of the year will be, but you can bet it’ll be amazing.

Main Card

Quinton Jackson Vs. Forrest Griffin
Patrick Cote Vs. Ricardo Almeida
Joe Stevenson Vs. Gleison Tibau
Josh Koscheck Vs. Chris Lytle
Tyson Griffin Vs. Marcus Aurelio

Will the UFC Game be a hit… …or will it vanish into obscurity and be laid to rest with the PrideFC game?

THQ Press Release:

June 20, 2008: THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that UFC® 2009 Undisputed, the company’s debut videogame based on the renowned Ultimate Fighting Championship® mixed martial arts organization, is in development for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and mobile devices. Featuring an authentic and comprehensive UFC atmosphere, including an extensive roster of the best mixed martial arts fighters in the world, UFC 2009 Undisputed is expected to begin shipping to retail outlets worldwide in spring 2009.

“As the leading fighting videogame publisher*, we feel the rising popularity of the UFC brand and its incredible mixed martial arts experience make UFC 2009 Undisputed the perfect addition to our expanding portfolio,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “UFC 2009 Undisputed is certain to be the most realistic fighting game to date, including advanced collision detection and AI systems that incorporate individual fighter styles.”

“UFC offers the fighting videogame genre a fresh and innovative look inside today’s most exciting live sporting event in the world,” said Dana White, president, UFC. “UFC 2009 Undisputed represents a significant opportunity for us to expand our growing, global audience and allow fans to step into the virtual Octagon™ to compete against the world’s most prominent mixed martial arts fighters.”

About UFC 2009 Undisputed:

UFC 2009 Undisputed is an explosive fighting game that will detail the action, intensity and attitude of a UFC live event. Players will explore a deep roster of more than 80 top fighters in UFC competition across all five weight classes. In addition, they will enter the Octagon surrounded by the sport’s popular commentators, announcers, referees, trainers, Octagon girls and more. Photorealistic models are at the forefront, as players will view amazing ripple effects across the faces and bodies of their fighters from the impact of devastating punches and kicks.

A brand new fighting game engine designed specifically for next generation systems will deliver innovative, responsive and easy-to-play controls that give unparalleled command of fighters, as players take down opponents with a variety of mixed martial arts disciplines like Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In addition, the game’s Create-A-Fighter system will jumpstart the careers of future champions through character customization and training management, while a robust Career Mode will develop a fighter’s attributes and skill sets while fighting to enter the UFC Hall of Fame through a series of dynamic storylines. Furthermore, players will be able to enhance their UFC 2009 Undisputed gameplay experience through online support, including downloadable content.

MMANEWS.COM

Bisping v Leben tops UFC 89 Birmingham bill

Michael Bisping against Chris Leben will be the main event at UFC 89 on Saturday 18 October at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham , UFC UK Division President Marshall Zelaznik revealed last night.

In an exclusive interview with Setanta Sports News Zelaznik described the Bisping / Leben bout as the ‘fight-fan’s fight’.

He said: “It’s a fight that the fans want to see.”

“Everyone knows about Chris Leben and his knockout power and his strong jaw and Michael with his striking and great aggression.”

“I think the fight will, no question, sell out.”

UFC 89 is the sixth UFC event to be held in the UK in just over a year and will be Michael Bisping’s first headline fight on home soil. Bisping beat Michael Day at the last UFC event at the O2 Arena in London at the start of June.

Speaking to Setanta Sports News about headlining the event, Bisping said:

“To say I’m happy would be a massive understatement. To be headlining the UFC twice within a year is incredible.

“To be fighting in Birmingham , the centre of the country means a lot of fans will get to see me fight, that means a lot to me.”

Bisping described his opponent, Chris Leben, as his ‘toughest opponent to date.’

MMANEWS.COM

As was reported earlier this week, ousted TUF 7 finalist Jesse Taylor will get a rare second chance in the UFC when he takes on CB Dolloway on July 19th at UFC Fight Night 14 live on SpikeTV.

Taylor was kicked off of the show after a series of drunken escapades came to a head and video tape footage showed Taylor kicking the window from a limo. After the incident, Dana White sent Taylor packing and CB Dolloway fought Tim Creduer to decide who would be the replacement to fight Amir Sadollah in the finals.

Sadollah would go on to win the TUF 7 contract by beating Dolloway for a second time at the June Finale.

This will be the first time anybody who has been kicked off of the show for whatever reason gets another chance to fight in the UFC.

Marcus Davis always puts on a great show, and personally I’m looking forward to seeing if Bisping looks as good as he did in his last bout.

So I want your predictions please, ladies and gentlemen. Rules are the same as last time: 5 points for picking the winner of each fight, plus bonus points for predicting the finishing method (3) and round (1).

The scores from the last event will be carried over, with the overall Super-Predictor-Lad at the end of the year winning… something. Leo’s out ahead with 25 points, followed by Josh with 23 and Ronan with 22.

Main card

Matt Hughes Vs. Thiago Alves
Michael Bisping Vs. Jason Day
Marcus Davis Vs. Mike Swick
Nate Marquardt Vs. Thales Leites
Fabricio Werdum Vs. Brandon Vera

Just to make things a little more interesting, we’re hosting a little compo to see who can pick the winners this weekend.

Rules are simple: leave a comment detailing who you think will win each of the fights on the main card, the winning method (TKO, submission, decision etc) and which round the fight will finish in. You get 5 points for picking the winner plus bonus points for the method (3) and for the round (1). Bonus points are only picked up if the winner is correct.

The person who scores the most points overall wins a lovely t-shirt, and the pride of knowing that they’re smarter than everyone else.

Main card fights:

BJ Penn Vs. Sean Sherk
Wanderlei Silva Vs. Keith Jardine
Wilson Gouveia Vs. Goran Reljic
Tito Ortiz Vs. Lyoto Machida
Thiago Silva Vs. Antonio Mendes

The Ultimate Fighting Revolution (UFR) is Ireland’s Top Home Grown Promotion. The UFR Gym, based in Belfast, boasts multiple title holders and two fighters contracted to the UFC. Great testimony to the hard work and effort that Davy Patterson and our friends at the UFR Gym put into to the Irish & British MMA scene.

Good Luck Colin! Kokoro are behind “Ireland’s Own Randy Couture” all the way!

Fight Card: http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=eventDetail.FightCard&eid=1001

The UFC finally credits George’s standup game to Kyokushin. Something that George has been doing for years.

His MMA record is impeccable.

His “kickboxing” game is pure Kyokushin. GSP consistently puts himself forward as “Kyokushin Karate to the Core”. Arriving to the cage wearing his Kyokushin Black Belt.

GSP directly attributes his clinch, takedown and ground game to training with the Canadian National Wrestling team. Wrestlers are the dominant ground players/grapplers in the UFC.

Mixed Martial Arts Perfection.

Congratulations to GSP!

I’m one of many fans walking around with a huge smile on my face today.

A couple of years ago (hell – around 3 years ago!) I would have chomped at the bit to see this fight. Now, with both fighters coming off a losing streak and Wanderlei looking more out of shape as each day passes without a matchup, is this fight as big a deal as it could have been?

I’m a big fan of Pride. For me, Wanderlei was a machine. But, it would seem that he’s long since past his prime, he was on a losing streak and going out of shape long BEFORE the demise of Pride. In his defence, he started fighting heavy weights (Hunt, Crocop) just to get some decent competition and he started to wear down from there.

Chuck has since lost his crown and failed to bounce back. Back in the day, I’ve a feeling that his “unorthodox” style would have been of no benefit when facing Wand in his prime (any more than it was a threat to Rampage then, to a lesser extent, Jardine more recently). Rampage himself took terrible beatings from Wand – he was unstoppable.

Two years ago, the prospect of Silva vs. Liddell was every bit the dream. Just as the present day prospect of Fedor vs. Couture is a dream fight we’d all want to see. Two years ago, both fighters were enjoying the rewards of their consistent successes.

Sure, we’ll get to see them fight now. But, the question we had in our minds back then will remain unanswered since neither fighter is even close to their prime. Neither fighther is at the pinnacle of a virtually unbeaten record. I’ve a feeling that, following the fight, we’ll be left feeling empty. Even if Randy and Fedor manage to find themselves on the same canvass one year from now; the same problem will apply then (just without the losing streak!).

At this stage, I’m far more interested in the Hughes v Serra matchup than I am in Chuck ‘n Wand.

Source: MMA News
ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® ANNOUNCES CHUCK LIDDELL vs. WANDERLEI SILVA
UFC 79: NEMESIS

SATURDAY, DEC. 29
LIVE FROM MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER

Las Vegas, NV (USA);
For years, UFC® fight fans have speculated about the outcome of a historic dream matchup between two legendary figures in the sport of mixed martial arts, Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva. Tonight, on Spike TV’s 2007 Scream Awards, UFC President Dana White announced that this dream will finally become a reality when UFC and PRIDE former champions Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell and “The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva face each other at UFC 79: NEMESIS live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, December 29, 2007.

“Chuck and Wanderlei ” two legends in the sport ” will face off in the most important match of their careers at UFC 79,” said Dana White, UFC President. “Chuck and Wanderlei have both wanted this fight for as long as they can remember, and this is definitely the fight that fans have waited for years to see. Finally, PRIDE’s most dangerous striker will face the UFC’s most dangerous striker, and the world will know after years of speculation who will win and who will lose this fight.”

Liddell (20-5), considered by many to be the greatest light heavyweight fighter of all time, reigned as the 205-pound UFC champion for over three years. He knocked out seven opponents in seven consecutive fights, including Randy Couture (twice), Vernon White, Jeremy Horn, Renato “Babalu” Sobral and Tito Ortiz (twice), before he was defeated by Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 71 in May. Chuck now returns to the Octagon to face the fighter he has wanted to fight for years – Wanderlei Silva.

“I’m excited this fight with Wanderlei is finally happening,” said Liddell. “I’ve been saying for a long time that, given the chance, I would knock Wanderlei Silva out. I think this will be a great fight for the fans, and one that lives up to their expectations, because I’m going to hit him until he falls down and stays down.”

The 31-year old Silva (31-7-1), known by fight fans as “The Axe Murderer” for his ultra-aggressive style and finishing ability, began his career almost 11 years ago in his native Brazil, fighting in Vale Tudo bouts that pushed him to the limit as he honed the skills that would soon make him one of the most feared fighters on the planet. He met great success by winning the PRIDE organization’s middleweight championship and defeating the likes of current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson (twice), Dan Henderson, Kazushi Sakuraba (three times), Ricardo Arona, Hidehiko Yoshida, and Kazuyuki Fujita, while engaging in some of the most memorable fights in MMA history. Well-rested after his February PRIDE fight against Dan Henderson, Silva is ready to take on Liddell and secure the most important victory of his mixed martial arts career.

“I’ve wanted to fight Chuck for a long time,” said Silva. “I think about this fight a lot, our styles are very similar” we are both great strikers. I’m training very hard, because I want to give my next victory to my fans. After I beat Chuck, then I want to fight the champion.”

In addition to Liddell vs. Silva, UFC 79 features the main event welterweight championship matchup between UFC champion Matt Serra (16-4) and former UFC champion Matt Hughes (43-5).

Current UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra, fresh off his knockout victory over Georges St-Pierre in April, looks to defend his title for the first time against the legendary Hughes and secure his own legacy in the UFC 170-pound division. Hughes, a two-time UFC champion with seven combined title defenses to his name, has a deadly ground game that has earned him wins over St-Pierre, BJ Penn, Chris Lytle, Royce Gracie, and Frank Trigg (twice).