KO Dynasty gets mentioned in one of the Top MMA Website MMAJunkie.com.
KO Babe
Model: Jennifer
MMA News | |
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in “Midnight Meat Train” Movie Clip
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Shaw's Reaction to Kimbo's loss
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"The greatest victory in mixed martial arts history!"
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StrikeForce Results
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Fighter of the Month: Mo Lawal
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Tito Ortiz Talks About Possible Singing With EliteXC (Video)
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EliteXC: Heat Fighter Payouts
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MMA in TN still needs your help!
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World Championship Fighitng returns November 14th
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ufc 93 to open up 2009 will have franklin vs henderson in main event
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goin to boot camp 2morrow...see ya in 2 months
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MMASpecialForces.com Military Mixed Martial Arts/MMA Names
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The Reinvention of Kalib Starnes
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Randy Couture Responds To The Kimbo Slice Fight at Elite XC “Heat ...
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Anthony Ruiz is Now fighting Trevor Prangley Sept 20th, 2008 at the Play Boy Mansion
Anthony Ruiz was going to face Babalu at the Playboy Mansion, but a injury forced Babalu to pull out of the fight. We were just notified that Anthony will be fighting a very tough Trevor Prangley on Sept 20th at the Play Boy Mansion. The fight will be streamlined FREE on Sherdog and will re air on NBC. We will keep everyone posted on the results..
Spencer Fisher Will Take On Shannon Gugerty at UFC 90, Chicago Il, October 25, 2008
Spencer Fisher (21-4) will take on Shannon Gugerty (11-2) - not Melvin Guillard as originally planned - at UFC 90: "Silva vs. Cote" at the Allstate Arena in Chicago,
Ill., on October 25, according to the CEO of KO Dynasty Sports Mgt., Mickey Dubberly.
No reason is known at this time for the opponent switch, but it appears on the surface to be a much safer fight for "The King."
Then again ... who really knows in this sport.
Fisher is fresh off a unanimous decision win over Jeremy Stephens at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 7 Finale in June. The Miletich Fighting Systems veteran has won two
of his last four bouts, including a rematch against Sam Stout at UFC Fight Night 10 more than one year ago.
He is a former 155-pound contender. And he'll need to put together back-to-back wins to prove that he still belongs among the division's elite.
Gugerty made his Octagon debut at UFC Fight Night 14: "Silva vs. Irvin," submitting fellow newcomer Dale Hartt with a rear naked choke in round one. It marked the
eighth straight win for the Total Combat promotion veteran who has finished more than 70 percent of his professional fights by way of submission.
In fact, Gugerty has not lost a bout since meeting up with Cub Swanson back in 2006.
For the latest UFC 90 fight card and rumors, which features the main event between 185-pound world beater Anderson Silva and Patrick Cote, click
here.
Kyle Dietz joins KO Dynasty and signs a 4 fight deal with MFC!
Up and coming Kyle Dietz from Iowa joins the K.O. Dynasty family, and in 1 day signs a mega 4 fight deal with the MFC. Kyle will fight in the 145lb division in November vs Mike Bruno.
We are very pleased to welcome Kyle Dietz to the family. He is 13-0, and we expect big things from him. Kyle from Iowa trains with the likes of super star UFC stud and KO Dynasty
client Spencer Fisher.
The MFC 145 lb division better watch out! Kyle is going to be eyeing the belt. The MFC is Canada's largest MMA Organization, and has sold out 10 straight times,
and will be putting on their 19th show in November at the River Cree Resort in Edmonton Canada. The MFC is broadcasted ALL over the world on 5 different TV networks including HDnet.
We will keep everyone posted on Kyle's success!!!!!
KO-Dynasty client Spencer "The King" Fisher signs endorsement deal with Toe 2 Toe
New KO Dynasty client and UFC Fighter Spencer "The King" Fisher (22 -4) signs endorsement deal with Toe 2 Toe.
Spencer's next fight is on October 25th, 2008 in Chicago on UFC PPV. We expect Spencer to be fighting for the lightweight belt
in 2009 with the UFC. You can check out more on Spencer at www.KODynasty.com.
Check out Toe 2 Toe at www.Toe2Toe.tv.
Left Hook Presents Warriors Collide 6
Left Hook Productions LLC presents: Warriors Collide 6! Amateur kickboxing and grappling at the War Memorial Auditorium
September 13, 2008. Fighters from camps like, American Top Team, Freestyle Fighting Academy, Elite Muay Thai, and
Inferno MMA will showcase the local up-and-coming talent. Fifteen matches are set to take place, men and women showing
off their Muay Thai skills and grapplers work to tap out their opponents.
ISKA Florida State Cruiser Weight Belt is up for grabs between undefeated Joe Ray (5-0) and Andrew Johnson (5-1). Three
ladies match ups will definitely get the crowd crazy. USABBC Melissa Haley makes her debut against Inferno MMA Alaina
Morris 1-1. Tecia Torres of Punch Fitness gets her chance against Alysia Afonso 0-2 from EMK Fight Team and debuters;
Luz Guiterrez and Shani Frazier complete this femme fatale trio. With all these great competitors come some very well
recognized coaches and guests. David Avellan, WEC fighter, is coach to Joe Ray and Denis Hernandez. EliteXC/ UFC/WCL
competitor Crafton "Blaze" Wallace will be coaching two of his students and he was the last to hold the amateur
cruiserweight belt! Kickboxing Champions Eric Costanos and Shihan Moti Horenstein bring in fighters from their schools
as well. Past guests have included Florida Panther Hockey Players; Richard Zednik, Radek Dvorak and Branislav Mezei.
UFC alum Charles McCarthy, UFC fighter Cole Miller, UFC fighter Steve 'Hollywood' Bruno and other local celebrities
can be found in attendance at Warriors Collide!
Tickets are on sale now at www.lefthookpro.com. Prices start at just $20 and there isn't a bad space in the place. Doors
open at 5:30pm on Saturday September 13, first bout starts at 6:30. For more information contact Coop@lefthookpro.com,
www.ticketmaster.com or the War Memorial Box Office 954-828-5380. The War Memorial Auditorium is located at
800 NE 8th ST. Fort Lauderdale. See you at the fights!
Anthony Ruiz fighting Sept 20th, 2008 at the Play Boy Mansion
Anthony will be fighting Sept 20th at the PlayBoy Mansion for StrikeForce an against Babalu. We should here what TV network will be airing this event Soon.
Laverne Clark signs 3 fight deal with the MFC, and fights Ryan Ford
KO Dynasty and Former UFC fighter Laverne Clark signs 3 fight deal with the MFC, and fights Ryan Ford.
Winner of this fight will more than likely fight for the MFC 170 Belt against Pat Healy.
Maximum Fighting Championship broadened the field of welterweight fighters vying for current champion
Pat Healy's belt with the announcement today that the promotion has signed LaVerne Clark to a
three-fight deal. Clark (25-16-1) will make his promotional debut against welterweight rising star
Ryan "The Real Deal" Ford (6-1) at MFC 18: Famous on Friday, September 26 at the River Cree Resort
and Casino in Enoch, Alberta.
A longtime fixture of Miletich Fighting Systems, Clark has over 40 fights to his name. Clark's catalog
of former opponents reads like a list of past and present UFC stars including such names as Matt
Hughes, Frank Trigg, Mac Danzig, Jorge Rivera, Chris Lytle, Dave Menne and Shonie Carter among others.
7-3 in his last ten outings, the 35-year-old Davenport, Iowa native has proven that he poses an equal
threat on the ground as he does standing. 12 of his 25 career wins were tallied as a result of
strikes with seven by way of submission and the remainder coming by decision.
Despite having over 11 years of MMA experience, Clark takes exception to being labeled a "veteran"
due to the connotations surrounding the name.
"Call me 'experienced', don't call me a 'veteran'. When people call someone a veteran it means they're
old and at the end of their career. I'm not old and I'm far from being at the end of my career,"
Clark explains. "I'm getting ready to fight Ryan Ford and if I lose people are going to say I'm
passing the torch to him. I'm not passing my torch to anyone - I'm just relighting it. This is my
comeback."
MFC vice president Dave Pavelich says that Clark has a similar style and attitude as the brash
25-year-old Canadian counterpart, which will make the match up between the two that much more
explosive.
"These guys are very similar in style in that they both like to stand and bang. LaVerne has been
around and he's not the type of guy that will be intimidated by Ford. That's what we needed. With
the exception of Pat Healey, we had a hard time finding someone to fight Ryan who wasn't
intimidated by him," Pavelich says. "Ryan Ford wins fights by intimidating and overpowering his
opponents and LaVerne Clark isn't going to let that happen. Both of these guys grew up in the hood
where attitude and confidence get you far so neither guy is going to fall for any mind games. This
fight is going to be a brawl."
Clark says if Ford plans on using a win over him as a ticket to a shot at Healy's belt, that would
be a huge rookie mistake, noting that, at 35 this could be his last kick at the can in terms of
rejuvenating his MMA career.
"I'm going to win the MFC belt and get back on track. I have three fights with them to showcase what
I'm capable of and that's what I'm going to do. I've always been a believer that if you work hard,
the money will follow. I've been working hard and now is my time to get rewarded," Clark says. "I
fought a lot of big name fighters in my career but for years I just relied on my natural talent
and strength. Now I have actual [MMA] skills from training with guys like Pat [Miletich] and Matt
[Hughes] for years, so I'm a lot better than I was back then. Ryan Ford is going to be in trouble
September 26."
Joey Gorczynski Fighting July 26th 2008, in Tulsa, OK, Putting Belt on The Line
Joey Gorczynski will be fighting July 26th in Tulsa, OK at the Million dollar elm casino, and the fight will be on FCF ON DEMAND. Joey is bumping up to 185lbs. their are many reasons he is bumping up to 185: One the guy called Joey out after he won the title. Joey is undefeated at 185. The website for the fight is www.freestylecagefighting.com.
Anthony "A Train" Ruiz Fighting July 26th 2008, CBS/Showtime -EliteXC
Ko Dynasty fighter Anthony "A Train" Ruiz will be fighting on CBS/Showtime on July 26th, 2008. Check the EliteXC website for info on time showing. he'll be fighting Jeremy Fretag. We are very excited for Anthony as he is starting to climb up the ranks in MMA.
KO Dynasty Partners Up With Pool Poker And Pain
Ko Dynasty teams up with the new reality show Pool Poker and pain. This concept is going to blow the doors and make sports reality show HISTORY. Some of the KO Dynasty Fighters will be competing in this show as it will be Fighters competing against pool, and poker players for cash prizes. For more about the show stay tuned and visit www.poolpokerandpain.com. We will release the Ko Dynasty fighters in a press release very soon. That will be on the show. Any corporate sponsors interested in sponsoring the show please give me a call or email on our contact page.
KO Dynasty Signs 7 New Fighters- MMA News
Ko Dynasty finishes the week with 7 New Fighters added to the Dynasty. This is History in the making as this was the largest signing in the companies short history! Looks like we are on our way to 40 fighters in only 5 months. When you put your clients first and fight as hard as they do in the cage/ring great things happen. We want to thank all of our loyal fighters for being a part of Ko Dynasty and making this company GREAT. We have a lot of doors opening, and opportunities happing each day and we look forward to the future with all of our fighters..
John Mahlow Wins First Ever Belt in XFC - Tampa Bay, Florida (June 28, 2008) - MMA News
John Mahlow wins the first belt EVER in XFC history on Saturday night June 28th against Ebin Oriz. John DOMINATED every round and won a unanimous decision to bring home another belt to the KO DYNASTY FAMILY. It was also Johns Birthday that night, and what a Birthday present it was. Ko Dynasty was at the event where there was over 8,000 people at the St. Pete times Forum to see John win the 155lb belt. Congrats to John and bringing home the belt where it belongs to South Florida.
John Mahlow Fighting in XFC - Tampa Bay, Florida (June 28, 2008) - MMA News
John Mahlow is fighting in the XFC event in Tampa Florida on June 28th in the MAIN EVENT. John will be fighting for the 155lb belt on June 28th in Tampa Florida. John has made the move to South Florida to elevate his game by joining the prestigious camp of American Top Team. We look forward to many big things in the future with John.
Chris Guillen versus Former UFC Champion Ricco Rodriguez at Utlimate Combat Experience (June 28, 2008)
KO Dynasty Heavyweight Chris Guillen agrees to participate in a Mixed Martial Arts competition to be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at the E Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Guillen will be participating in the heavyweight division, and will be competing against former UFC Champion, and reality star Ricco Rodriguez. This event will be promoted by Ultimate Combat Experience aka UCE Inc. of Salt Lake City, Utah. The competition will consist of 3 rounds of five minutes each, and will follow the Unified Rules of MMA. This is a very big fight for Chris, and we are looking forward to Chris walking away with a win against Ricco.
Mad Maxwell won't be pushed around
New deal with MFC for action-packed lightweight
By MFC Staff
Jason Maxwell wants to be the kind of fighter that fans love to watch.
A new multi-fight deal with the Maximum Fighting Championship will allow that to happen. The fresh contract gets the power-punching Texas
lightweight on track after he was nearly tossed aside from the sport through no fault of his own.
"I'm really excited to get this deal done. I was really down there for a while after I thought I had signed a deal with another organization
(hcf). I went from celebrating that new deal to being totally jerked around," explained Maxwell from his home in Wichita Falls.
"Then I got a call from the MFC and it really lifted me back up. I was pretty much in a depression and this opportunity saved my career. I
thought I might have to stop fighting and just train some younger guys and get them their shot, but now I'm excited again and really ready
to go."
And the MFC is just as excited to have the 28-year-old striker get into the 155-pound mix which features some of the most-exciting fighters
in the organization who are all eyeing their shot at the first lightweight title bout.
"Jason will definitely put the heat on anyone he faces in the MFC ring and he is definitely a threat to all the contenders vying for our
championship," said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich.
Maxwell will make his debut at MFC 17: Hostile Takeover on July 25 at the River Cree Resort and Casino when he faces Santino Defranco.
Expectations all around are for plenty of crowd-pleasing fireworks.
"I like to stand up and fight and make the fight exciting for the fans," said Maxwell. "I like to stand and bang and if it goes to the ground,
I love to ground and pound and then get back to my feet and bang some more."
"I'm a fan of Vanderlei Silva and I like Quinton Jackson a lot. Those are the kind of guys that fans love to see fight because they just go in
and fight. That's what I like to see and what the fans like to see so I like to fight the same way. I don't want anyone controlling me in
there - I want to keep it exciting."
With excitement comes results for Maxwell. When he's on fire, he's dangerous. Just ask Jens Pulver. The former UFC champ had his world rocked
by Maxwell with a first-round knockout back in 2004 and he's currently riding a four-fight winning streak coming into the MFC. The success
hasn't equaled an abundance of notoriety or respect yet for Maxwell but that doesn't bother him a bit.
"I'm always the darkhorse or the underdog for sure and that's fine with me," he said. "I was a huge underdog against Pulver but I knew what I
could do because his style was perfect for me. I knew I could out-punch him.
"I felt really good after beating Thomas Schulte because I dominated every round. I look back at my losses but I don't have any regrets because
I fight so much differently now. All of my losses, I felt I held back a little bit. Now I don't hold back. No one's going to dictate the pace
on me and no one's going to push me around.
"I think maybe it's time for me to open some eyes and I want to do that in the MFC and being able to fight on HDNet is very exciting. I want to
let people know I can fight and that I'm up for the toughest competition. As far as the best lightweights go, B.J. Penn is on another level but
I can bang with anybody."
Kit Cope chosen for second "MTV True Life" show
John Morgan, MMAjunkie.com Jun 1, 3:33 pm EDT
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - With MTV film crews on hand to document the final scenes
of "True Life: I'm an MMA Fighter," documentary subject and relative MMA
newcomer Kit Cope (2-4) took another big step toward being just that.
In the main event of "WFC: Lockdown," the former UFC fighter submitted opponent
Dave Cochran (14-18) with a triangle choke at three minutes and 14 seconds of
the first round.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) was among the approximately 1,200 attendees who
attended the eight-fight event at the Tropicana Atlantic City Casino and Resort.
With UFC veteran and new training partner Nate Diaz in his corner, Cope pressed
the action early. After a straight right staggered Cochran, Cope moved in quickly
and secured a solid Thai plumb while pushing Cochran's back to the cage. Cope's
world champion Muay Thai pedigree was evident as the 31-year-old landed several
devastating knees and elbows to Cochran's midsection and face.
Obviously overmatched in the position, Cochran was able to wrestle free from the
clinch, but a slip by the California native allowed Cope to take the fight to
the ground-a place where Cope would seemingly be out of his element.
After a brief scramble allowed Cochran to gain top position, Cope settled quickly
into guard. The Las Vegas native then slowly inched his guard higher as he
attempted a triangle choke. While the submission was applied properly, it was not
without great struggle to lock it in, and it was not applied with any real degree
of speed.
Eventually, however, with Diaz yelling out orders just a few feet away, Cope was
finally able to secure the hold and force the tap-out.
"It was awesome to be a part of the WFC (World Fighting Championships)," Cope said.
"It's a really fast-growing organization. All the guys in charge definitely know
what they're doing, and they're going in a great direction."
Cope said he also plans to fight again in the organization, and he had a message
for potential opponents.
"I really don't care who I fight next," Cope said. "I just had to shake that ring
rust off... I don't care who's in front of me. I'll slice them up and choke them
out."
In 2004 Cope was featured in the MTV "True Life" documentary "I'm a Muay Thai
Fighter." Of the nearly 150 total episodes in the series' history, Cope's has
been the most popular-and it still remains in regular rotation on the cable channel.
A film crew from MTV attended Friday's event to film Cope's main-event bout as
part of the follow-up episode, "True Life: I'm an MMA Fighter." The documentary
debuts in July.
Mike "Dozer" Cardosa, Tyler Brooks, & Andre Garcia Fighting in Las Vegas Combat Championships
(June 14, 2008)
Fast Rising Ko Dynasty MMA fighters Mike "Dozer" Cardosa, Andre Garcia, and Tyler Brooks will be fighting in Las Vegas in the Combat Championships June 14th. This is going to be a few very exciting fights, and we are looking forward to this fight June 14th in Las Vegas. We will have 3 Ko Dynasty fighters on the card that night , and we are looking forward to going 3-0.
Vernon 'Tiger' White Earns 2 Victories In One Night
VERNON "TIGER" WHITE EARNS 2 VICTORIES IN ONE NIGHT - CONGRATS TO VERNON
Vernon "Tiger" White almost didn't make it to work on Saturday night. Earlier in
the morning, his wife went into labor and the grizzled mixed martial arts
veteran remained in the hospital for the vast majority of the day. After the
birth of his son, White made a mad dash across town to punch his time card.
White headlined the Xtreme Fighting Association's second card, which utilized
standard K-1 rules, against local kickboxer Anthony Brown. However, as frantic
as White's afternoon was, his duel with counterpart Brown was the exact
antithesis. White wound up winning a three-round unanimous decision .
Neither fighter was ever in danger of being dropped or stopped, though White did
press the issue a bit more than Brown. "Tiger" also landed the lion's share of
punches and leg kicks and said activity allowed him to garner the victory. He
won it via tallies of 30-27 and 29-28 (twice).
Jason Maxwell Inks Deal With Canada's Largest MMA organization Maximum Fighting Championship
Jason Maxwell inks a 3 fight deal with Canada's largest MMA organization Maximum
Fighting Championship. All of Jason's 3 fights will be aired LIVE on HD NET as
Jason will be on the Main Events. From a fighter's standpoint, the MFC is a
top-notch organization which treats its athletes in first-class style. And the
fighters who succeed climb the ladder in rapid fashion.
Homegrown talent, Jason "The Athlete" MacDonald, honed his skills in the MFC and
has become a top-10 fighter in the UFC. Patrick Cote captured the MFC
middleweight title and returned to the UFC by appearing on the Ultimate Fighter
reality show. Hawaiian heavyweight Scott Junk earned a fight in the UFC after
winning the MFC heavyweight title and former MFC light heavyweight champion
Victor Valimaki was signed to fight twice in the UFC. We look forward to
Jason's success in the MFC and bringing another belt to the Ko Dynasty Family.
"Little Nog" meets veteran Vernon White at "Affliction: Banned"
(July 19, 2008)
Recently signed Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (13-3) will meet veteran fighter Vernon White
(26-32-2) at the July 19 "Affliction: Banned" event.
White's management team at KO Dynasty today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that
the bout has been finalized.
Nogueira, the twin brother of UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
and a longtime PRIDE fighter, was introduced as Affliction's latest signing during a
Tuesday press conference in New York City.
"Affliction: Banned," which features a main event between former PRIDE heavyweight champ
Fedor Emelianenko and former UFC title-holder Tim Sylvia, takes place at the Honda
Center in Anaheim, Calif. The night's main card airs on pay per view, and a portion of
the preliminary card, featuring a Paul Buentello vs. Aleksander Emelianenko bout, airs
live on FSN affiliates throughout the country.
Nogueira, 31, had posted an eight-fight win streak in PRIDE from September 2002 to April
2005 to emerge as one of the world's top light heavyweights. However, he's 2-2 in his
past four fights. He most recently defeated Canadian veteran Todd Gouwenberg via
second-round TKO at a February 2008 Hardcore Championship Fighting event.
White, 36, has fought for the UFC, PRIDE, Strikeforce, Pancrase, the WEC and other top
organizations during his 15-year career. He's struggled as of late and has lost five of
his past seven fights. However, he earned a victory via disqualification in his most
recent bout. Jeremiah Constant was disqualifed for illegal strikes to the back of
White's head at an April 5 Xtreme Cage Combat event.
The latest "Affliction" Banned" card now includes:
MAIN CARD (PAY PER VIEW)
- Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia
- Josh Barnett vs. Pedro Rizzo
- Ben Rothwell vs. TBA
- Matt Lindland vs. Fabio Nascimento
- Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Vernon White
- Renato "Babalu" Sobral vs. Mike Whitehead
- Paul Buentello vs. Aleksander Emelianenko
- Ray Lazama vs. Justin Levens
- Mark Hominick vs. Savant Young
- J.J. Ambrose vs. Patrick Speight
- Brett Cooper vs. Mike Pyle
Mike "Dozer" Cardosa & Andre Garcia Fighting at
JJ Mix out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas Combat Championships
(June 14, 2008)
Fast Rising Ko Dynasty MMA fighter Mike "Dozer" Cardosa will be fighting JJ Mix out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas Combat
Championships June 14th. This is going to be a very exciting fight at 155lb, and we are looking forward to this fight in June.
Also on the card will be KO Dynastys Andre Garcia fighting at 170lb pounds he will be fighting Eddie Skelero.
We thank all of the fans for your support of the Ko Dynasty FAMILY...
Kit Cope chosen for second "MTV True Life" show
MTV will feature Kit Cope, a champion Muay Thai veteran and one-time UFC fighter,
for a second time as part of its "MTV True Life" documentary series.
Cope was featured in "True Life: I'm a Muay Thai Fighter" four years ago, and the
program was one of the most popular episodes in series history.
Cope's management, KO Dynasty, recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that Cope has
been filming for the new episode during the past two months, and cameras will
catch his World Fighting Championships debut, which takes place May 30 in
Atlantic City.
Cope (1-4), who recently signed a three-fight deal with the organization, meets
Dave Cochran (14-17) in the night's main event. (NFL defensive tackle turned MMA
fighter Marcus Jones has also been booked for the event.)
Although he's excelled in Muay Thai and won a few titles, Cope's MMA career hasn't
been as successful. He debuted in 1999 and suffered two losses, but after a
three-year layoff, he claimed his first victory -- a TKO of Mike Lucero in Valor
Fighting. That performance earned him a ticket to the UFC, where he fought --
and lost to -- Kenny Florian in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale.
Cope will be a guest on today's edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), an
MMAjunkie.com content partner site, to discuss the MTV show.
Tune in at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT for Cope and fellow guests Jens Pulver, Josh
Thomson and Luke Zachrich.
Bobby Southworth Vs Anthony Ruiz at HP Pavilion (June 27 2008)
After 30 professional fights and more than five years of competition, veteran fighter Anthony Ruiz (20-10) has gotten the "big"
contract every seasoned veteran hopes to land.
The 30-year-old Ruiz and the California-based Strikeforce organization recently inked a six-fight deal that could be worth up
to nearly $150,000. It also promises Ruiz an immediate title shot and the possibility of fighting in a $100,000 four-man
light-heavyweight tournament later this year.
Ruiz spoke to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) earlier today about that contract, his upcoming title shot, why a rumored deal
with the UFC never panned out, and his recent string of success.
Ruiz, a Team Voodoo fighter, last fought for Strikeforce back in November and defeated world light heavyweight champion Bobby
Southworth with a second-round TKO. Unfortunately for Ruiz, it was a non-title fight.
"The last time we fought, the day of the fight, we made [Strikeforce officials] add that into the contract -- that I'd get a
title shot if I beat him," said Ruiz, who never got a clear answer on why the first bout wasn't for the belt.
Although the fight hasn't been announced and contracts haven't been signed, Ruiz said he and Southworth have agreed to meet at
Strikeforce's June 27 event, which takes place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. MMAjunkie.com first reported the
Southworth-Ruiz fight last week.
The contract that led to the upcoming title fight first came about in January, when Ruiz emerged as a possible opponent for
David Heath at UFC 81. Ruiz confirmed he was in negotiations with the UFC but ultimately was offered a better deal with
Strikeforce.
"(UFC matchmaker) Joe Silva called me, and he offered a four-fight contract, and that (deal) would only be worth about $80,000
at most," he said. "Sometimes the UFC -- they'll use you as a stepping stone, and if they want, they can cancel the contract
whenever they want to.
"We know the owners of Strikeforce and had fought for them, so we threw it out to them, and they came back with a better deal
for me."
Ruiz, who said he'd still like to fight for the UFC someday, said the Strikeforce offer was just too good to pass up. In addition
to the title fight with Southworth, Ruiz will also be able to compete outside the organization with EliteXC, Rumble on the Rock,
and other promotions that Strikeforce approves.
Additionally, if he wins the title in June, Ruiz said he could be a part of a possible four-man light heavyweight tournament.
"There's word that toward the end of the end of the year, there could be a tournament, and if I'm the champion, I put [the belt]
on the line," Ruiz said. "They're talking about getting Babalu (Renato Sobral), (Vitor) Belfort and Kevin Randleman. The winner
would get $100,000. I'd love to compete in that... but they're still just planning it right now."
Strikeforce hosted a four-man middleweight tournament back in November, and Strikeforce promoter Scott Coker has mentioned he'd
like to do another one this year.
Although he admitted it wouldn't be an easy feat, Ruiz said he's welcome the challenge of the tournament. Confidence has been
in abundant supply lately as Ruiz has pieced together a six-fight win streak -- with 11 victories in his past 13 fights. He most
recently defeated UFC veteran and "The Ultimate Fighter 2" runner-up Brad Imes at a January Palace Fighting Championships event.
Ruiz gave up 70 pounds in the fight but still managed a split-decision victory.
"It's all about experience," Ruiz said. "It's just that I've been in there so many times that I'm really able to think and use
my brain... Early in my career, I'd go on a rage. I'd come out there charging and swinging 100 percent when I should have been
playing a smart game. I know I just need to outsmart them now."
Ruiz, who also serves as an assistant high school wrestling coach and a seasonal fireman battling California wildfires, said he
ultimately wants to retire on top. Then, he'd like to either turn to broadcasting or running his own fight team.
"I really love the sport, and I want to remain a part of it," said Ruiz. "Luckily, my sponsors CagesideMMA.com, Respek Fightwear,
Toe2Toe and KO Dynasty keep me going for now.
"But I'd really like to run my own fight team with my own guys someday. I'd also like to be a commentator. I've known the sport
for a long time. I know just about every move you'll see, and I'm pretty good at being a people's person. If I grow out my hair,
I think I could look like a decent human being. I'm just going for the tough-guy look now."
For more on Ruiz and his upcoming bout, check out our story on the June 27 event, which features a main event between world
lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez and challenger Nick Thomson.
Nuri Shakir Scheduled to Fight Against Nick Agallar at Art of War - (April 19th 2008)
Nuri Shakir is geting ready for his Co-Main Event in the Art of War Gi vs Pros on April 19th at the Harahs Casino in Mississippi. Fox has picked up this event and will air in July on Fox Sports Network. Special Thanks to Hurt Clothing for sponosring Nuri for this event.
Chris Guillen Scheduled Fight
(April 5, 2008 King of Combat) (UPDATED on April 2, 2008)
Chris Guillen WON his fight against a very tough opponent in Matt Thompson in the King of Kombat (April 5th). Chris won by a unanimous decision!
Jason Maxwell Will be Fighting May 10th at HCF!
Hardcore Championship Fighting
Jason Maxwell will be fighting on the May 10th card which is the HCF most stacked card with very notable UFC veterans. Jason is rumored to be fighting a tough Myles Merola a native to Canada.
Chris Guillen Scheduled Fight
(April 5, 2008 King of Combat) (UPDATED on April 2, 2008)
Chris Guillen will be fighting April 5th in King of combat.
Chris Guillen will be fighting Matt Thompson April 5th in "King of Combat".
KO Dynasty signs Matt "The Devil" Page!
Scheduled to Fight March 29th 2008!
Hardcore Championship Fighting
Ko Dynasty signs Matt "The Devil" Page. "The Devil" is scheduled to fight for the HCF March 29th 2008!! Ko Dynasty is very pleased to add another MMA Legend to there roster. We will keep everyone posted on Kevins next up coming fight. Welcome to the Family Matt!!!
Jason Maxwell Signs Blockbuster 6 fight deal with HCF!
Hardcore Championship Fighting
Jason Maxwell signs Blockbuster 6 fight deal with the HCF. We are very pleased to announce that Ko Dynasty's Jason Maxwell has signed with the largest MMA organization in Canada the HCF. The HCF has a huge talent pool of UFC and Pride fighters, and is the fastest growing MMA Organization. Jason fights at 155lb, and he will be fighting for the Belt in his 2nd or 3rd fight. We will keep everyone posted on his success.
John Mahlow Versus Champ Aaron Weatherspoon
(March 27th 2008, at King of the Cage)
John Mahlow accepts fight against 170lb Champ Aaron Weatherspoon on March 27th in King of the Cage. John will be the MAIN event, and will be fighting for the 170lb belt. This is going to be Johns biggest fight in his career. John is coming off a first round win over IFL's Gabriel Castillas and is in the best shape of his life and is ready for a battle.
KO Dynasty signs Kevin Brooks!
Ko Dynasty signs Georgia's own Kevin Brooks a world class boxer and kick boxer who has fought the likes of UFC vets Rory Singer and Forrest Griifen. Ko Dynasty is very pleased to add another MMA Legend to there roster. Kevin fights at 205 , and also Heavyweight and all his wins have come by first round Knockout. We will keep everyone posted on Kevins next up coming fight. Welcome to the Family Kevin!!!!!
Nuri Shakir Scheduled to Fight Against Nick Agallar at Art of War - (April 19th 2008)
Ko Dynasty's Nuri Shakir just accepted a fight in the Art of War against a very tough Nick Agallar. The fight will take place April 19th in Harrah's Casino in Mississippi. Nuri will be the co-Main event, and we are looking forward to Nuri fighting at his preferred weight of 155lb. We will be doing an interview with Nuri before the fight if anyone has any questions for Nuri please email me (CEO@KODynasty.com) and we will be glad to address in his interview.
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KO Dynasty Signs Dozer
I recently graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and spent my five years there playing Division 1 Rugby and wrestling off and on in the pre and post wrestling seasons. I started training at SLO Kickboxing (San Luis Obispo) and The Pit (Arroyo Grande)
