The EvilMaster Report

An Interview With Georges St Pierre - 27 Oct 2007 02:21:41pm

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 09:21 AM CDT

MMA: Congratulations on your big win at UFC 74 over Josh Koscheck, how did you feel about the fight?
GSP: It was the fight that I was the most well-prepared for and I'm glad that I'm back for a title shot.

MMA: You had fire in your eyes, something we didn't see against Matt Serra, what was different this time?
GSP: I changed a lot of things in my training & also in my personal life and it paid off.

MMA: Koscheck said you couldn't take him down, you did easily within 30 seconds of the fight, was that something you were looking for?
GSP: My strategy was to put him out of his comfort zone and I knew he was not very acclimated to fight from his back.

MMA: Do you think he was surprised at how easily you were taking him down?
GSP: I think he probably underestimated my wrestling, but that's his mistake and during the fight I tried to focus on what I was doing to him, not on what he was doing to me.

MMA: You were trying for a Kimura in the second round and looked like you almost had it, how close were you?
GSP: I made a little technical mistake. Greg Jackson showed me what I did wrong after the fight; and if I'm in the same position next time I'll be able to finish him.

MMA: You looked so comfortable in this fight, tell us about your training for this fight?
GSP: I train with the best guys in every discipline - boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu and muay thai, and I have a sports psychologist, Brian Cain, who helped me to get through a lot of stuff in my life.

MMA: In your interview after the fight, you said your loss was the best thing that ever happened to you for your career, what did you mean?
GSP: When things go well in your career, you don't fix something that's not broken. Even though I knew I was doing a lot of things wrong, I didn't fix them. This taught me a big life lesson and allowed me to fix a lot of those things.

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Kang, Akiyama Collide at K-1 HERO'S - 27 Oct 2007 01:35:11pm

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 08:35 AM CDT

By John Lee

SEOUL -- The anticipated K-1 HERO'S Korea main event on Sunday between Denis Kang and Yoshihiro Akiyama should be a barn burner.

Kang began his career as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylist, but he is now a well-rounded fighter with lethal striking. In preparation for his HERO'S debut, he trained at Revolution Fight Team in Canada with HERO'S lightweight standout "Black Mamba" Kultar Gill, Bibiano Fernandez -- who recently dropped a hard-fought decision to "Kid" Norifumi Yamamoto and MMA veteran Jose "Pele" Landi-Jons.

At a pre-fight news conference, Kang called his opponent exceptional in all facets of the game, particularly holding Akiyama's athleticism in high regard, and said he is the top fighter in the HERO'S light heavyweight division.

Although Kang did not prepare a "personalized game plan," he did hint at how he thinks the fight will play out.

"A fight always begins standing up," he said. "There's no choice but to strike -- it's inevitable."

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'Marvelous' Melvin Racks Up Knockouts - 27 Oct 2007 01:14:59pm

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 08:14 AM CDT

By Tim Leidecker

The K-1 HERO'S show in Seoul, South Korea, on Sunday will be the promotion's first event this year in which Melvin Manhoef is not fighting. The Dutch kickboxer was featured on seven of the last nine HERO'S cards and has emerged as one of the top foreign stars in Japan.

His attitude toward fighting is best summed up in his own phrase: "I live for this s---!"

What Manhoef lacks in size, he makes up in aggression. What he lacks in technique, he makes up in intensity. And what he lacks in skills, he more than makes up in dedication.

The 31-year-old knockout artist from Mike's Gym in Amsterdam, Holland, always gives his most -- even in training. Before his fight against Yoshiki Takahashi in March, a Japanese TV station aired footage of Manhoef sparring. He knocked out the unfortunate soul he was training with and gained a reputation as a monster even in the gym.

This is an approach to the sport Manhoef has kept throughout his 12-year professional fighting career. Despite his years of experience, at times he is still a little rough around the edges. But that roughness is also his recipe for success: 17 of his 18 wins have come by way of knockout, and only once in his career has he gone the distance -- a record unparalleled in mixed martial arts.

"When I go into that ring," Manhoef says. "I am willing to die."

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Dennis Kang Signs Endorsement Deal with Billionairio.com - 27 Oct 2007 01:02:21pm

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 08:02 AM CDT

Today www.Billionairio.com and Denis Kang are pleased to announce a new endorsement partnership giving this global raffle style game its first exposure to the very popular Asian Sport Entertainment market.

Denis Kang is a career athlete who has consistently improved his skills and earned the wins to prove it. He currently competes in the highly acclaimed K1 Series of the Asian fighting circuit. Chris Strongman, Managing Director of Unimint Ltd – operator of Billionairio said "We are very happy to welcome Denis onboard. While Mixed Martial Arts is certainly not a sport for the faint of heart, we see Denis as a very positive role model and living proof that hard work, training and dedication can earn you a spot at the top. Denis is very popular in a region where Billionairio is just starting to gain momentum." Strongman continued, "We are certain that Denis's popularity and the positive image he is lending to his sport will help our game to succeed."

When asked why he chose to endorse an online game Denis responded, "Today many athletes endorse online gaming companies. The reason I chose to lend my name to Billionairio is, it is a clean game in every aspect. Ticket prices are reasonable and most importantly, it is a simple game with great prizes, poker or other casino style games. I am confident Billionairio will be a great success."

Denis Kang will be competing on October 28, 2007 in Seoul, Korea and again on New Year's in Japan. Upon departing for Seoul Denis was confident that his training regiment and conditioning would lead to victory.

About UniMint - UniMint Ltd, the operator of www.Billionairio.com, is based in Malta, an EU member state since 2004. UniMint operates under a Class 1 Gaming license from the LGA Malta. The Republic of Malta has emerged as a major hub of the global gaming industry.

For more information please contact - info@unimint.com

UniMint Ltd
Chris Strongman
+44 (0) 20-710-60727
info@unimint.com
http://www.billionairio.com

Chael Sonnen Rides High Into SPORTFIGHT - 27 Oct 2007 12:50:37pm

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 07:50 AM CDT

By Mick Hammond

For years it seemed that the knock on Team Quest's Chael Sonnen was that he wasn't aggressive enough and, despite his extensive wrestling credentials heading into mixed martial arts, he could not sustain continued winning streaks.

How things have changed.

Since joining the BodogFight promotion late last year, Sonnen has been on a tear, winning four in a row, finishing three of four opponents, and quickly rising to the top contender's spot in the organization's middleweight division.

Never one to bank on past achievements, he looks to continue his winning ways at Saturday's Sportfight event in Portland, Ore., where he will be locking up with the always dangerous Kyacey Uscola in the evening's main event.

During final preparations for his first hometown fight in two years, Sonnen spoke to MMAWeekly to discuss the fight, the state of MMA in Oregon, and the legend he wants to fight next.

MMAWeekly: First off Chael, how you feeling coming back to your hometown for the Sportfight show?
Chael Sonnen: I'm pretty excited to be fighting at home. There are some real benefits of that, the main of which is cutting weight. It's always like a little obstacle when you're on the road, so it's nice to be here and know where everything is. The whole show in general is looking real good. Bodog (which is sponsoring the Sportfight event) had an interest in coming to Portland and putting me in as the headliner is a real complement.

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Tito Ortiz Puts On Charity Grappling Tournament - 27 Oct 2007 12:42:47pm

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 07:42 AM CDT

Tito Ortiz' Team Punishment and West Texas Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) will present a 'Fight for Heroes' grappling tournament at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Midland Christian Game Gym. The event will benefit the families of the three officers killed on September 8 in Odessa.

West Texas MMA head instructor, and Midland Police Officer, Brad Barnes said several within the local community and the MMA world will be volunteering to make the event a success.

"Everybody's been real supportive. The Odessa Police Department and the Midland Police Department will have some guys competing," Barnes said. "Our guys Jack Burcham, K.C. Windham and Jaime Lara will be competing. Those guys have competed at an international level."

Also scheduled to appear are UFC fighters Justin McCully, Jake O'Brien and WEC Lightweight Champion "Razor" Rob McCullough.

To help raise funds for the families of officers Scott Gardner, Arlie Jones and Abel Marquez the entry fee will be $30 and admission will be a $5 donation.

Registration for the event will run through the morning of the tournament. For more information go to www.myspace.com/fightforheroes, e-mail wtxmma@yahoo.com, or call Barnes at 432-296-0860.

Sizing up the Middleweight Division - Part I - 27 Oct 2007 12:15:58pm

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 07:15 AM CDT

By Michael DiSanto

No fighter is unbeatable. That much we know for sure.

Nevertheless, reigning UFC middleweight ruler Anderson Silva certainly seems poised, at least for the short term, to challenge that truism. It is hard to imagine anyone knocking off the champion if he remains focused on preparing himself for every fight.

During Silva's short reign, he has beaten two world-class jiu jitsu practitioners and twice dominated the well-rounded Rich Franklin, one of the top fighters in the world, pound for pound. From a style perspective, he has yet to face a dominant wrestler or a truly crushing striker inside the Octagon. Those remain his only unanswered questions.

Dan Henderson, the reigning PRIDE 183-lb champion, would want to ask those very questions sometime in the near future, assuming he chooses to drop back to his more natural weight class following his recent loss to Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at light heavy; something that is not a certainty given 'Hendo's desire to remain at 205 pounds.

Is there anyone out there other than "Dangerous" Dan that poses a threat to Silva? It's time for a full survey of the UFC middleweight division.

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Victorious Vazquez Retires - 27 Oct 2007 11:56:16am

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 06:56 AM CDT

By Jack Encarnacao

Javier Vazquez, shelved for years by persistent knee problems, made a statement in the cage that turned out to be his last Friday night, as he floored opponent J.C. Pennington with a double leg takedown and finished him briskly with a rear naked choke as part of ShoXC's "Elite Challenger Series," emanating from Santa Ynez, California.

After the win, Vazquez stunned interviewer Stephen Quadros and fight observers by announcing his retirement, just as it seemed he was getting back on the horse in his tumultuous mixed martial arts career.

"I've had my ups and downs in this sport," the 31-year-old said. "Unfortunately this will be my last fight in an octagon. I am officially retiring tonight. I have a family now, I have a wife. We're going to be building the most successful school in Southern California. I'm better suited right now as a coach than I am as a fighter . . . It's just that time. When this sport feels like it's your job, like you're clocking in, it's time to go."

The announcement came just before the main event of the third ShowXC, which pitted Tito Ortiz-backed Aaron Rosa against Jared Hamman, coming off a knockout win over UFC veteran over Travis Wiuff. The San Bernardino-based Hamman looked strong, pressuring Rosa, scoring multiple takedowns and sinking a rear-naked choke in the middle of the second stanza after dishing out punishment from side mount. It was Rosa's first loss. Hamman remains undefeated.

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Frank Trigg vs Paulo Filho Unlikely - 27 Oct 2007 09:04:34am

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 04:04 AM CDT

Rumors have begun circulating about a possible title fight between the WEC's 185-pound champion and PRIDE veteran, Paulo Filho and former UFC and PRIDE veteran Frank Trigg. The bout was in fact offered, but it is unlikely to happen due to a stipulation in the contract presented to Trigg.

As part of the deal, WEC management want Trigg to cut ties with TAGG Radio, which of course he does not feel is in his best interest. Nokaut learned and confirmed with someone in Filho's camp that he was offered the fight originally.

Filho holds a perfect record of 15-0 with wins over Joe Doerkson, Ryo Chonan, Kazuo Misaki, Murilo "Ninja" Rua, Amar Suloev, Ikuhisa Minowa, and Yuki Kondo. He won the WEC title when he TKO'd Doerkson at WEC 29 in August.

It is unclear who Filho will fight next.

Like Filho, the 15-6 fighter has faced some of the best including former UFC welterweight champions Georges St. Pierre and Matt Hughes, and current WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit

Trigg last fought in March when he lost defended his ICON Sport title to current Elite XC middleweight champion "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler by knockout. Prior to dropping the Lawler bout, Trigg was on a two-fight win streak with a decision over PRIDE Welterweight Grand Prix runner-up Kazuo Misaki, and a TKO over Jason "Mayhem" Miller to claim ICON Sport's middleweight title.

It is also unclear where and when Trigg will return to fighting.

Source: www.nokaut.com

SHOXC Quick Results - 27 Oct 2007 08:46:09am

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 03:46 AM CDT

ShoXC - Elite Challenger Series
Saturday, Oct. 26
Chumash Casino

Jared Hamman def. Aaron Rosa - Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) 1:46 R2
Javier Vazquez def. J.C. Pennington - Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) 1:15 R1
Malaipet def. Kaleo Kwan - Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Shayna Baszler def. Jennifer Tate - Tapout (Armbar) 0:44 R1
Muhsin Corbbrey def. Bobby McMaster - Tapout (Guillotine) 4:59 R1
Shane Del Rosario def. Amedeo Viola - Tapout (Triangle Choke) 2:27 R1
Giva Santana def. Jaime Fletcher - Tapout (Armbar) 2:46 R1
Chris Cariaso def. Rick McCorkell - Unanimous Decision (30-27 all)

Event Note: After winning his match, Javier Vazquez announced that he is retiring from MMA.

Matt Serra To Present Couture-Donated Gifts To TW Accident Victims - 27 Oct 2007 02:08:00am

Posted: 26 Oct 2007 09:08 PM CDT

'Tap or Snap 29' will honor Trevor Carron and Nikko Landeros
Nov. 3, 2007 at Douglas County Event Center

UFC Champions show the soft side of the toughest sport in the world.

Colorado Springs, Colorado - October 26, 2007 -- The Douglas County Event Center will be host to some of the toughest men in the world who also have the softest hearts, on Saturday November 3, 2007.

During "Tap or Snap" mixed martial arts event, Matt Serra, the current UFC Welterweight Champion, will be presenting Trevor Carron and Nikko Landeros gifts that were sent by the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, Randy Couture.

Trevor and Nikko both lost their legs in a terrible accident in January of this year. Both Trevor and Nikko are fans of MMA and the UFC. Local promoter, Brian Lee, hopes this event will raise significant funds to continue providing the financial support needed for Carron and Landeros.

There will be T-shirts and other merchandise sold of which 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the fund benefitting the young men. Fans, friends and anyone else who desires can also make cash donations in designated areas during the show.

Doors open at 7 p.m.

For more information or to donate, call 303-646-6500, 719-339-5026 or visit www.coloradomma.com.

Fans, opponents rushin’ to see Emelianenko - 27 Oct 2007 02:03:20am

Posted: 26 Oct 2007 09:03 PM CDT

By David Avila

Unless you're an ardent fan of mixed martial arts Russia's Fedor Emelianenko might seem like a name ripe for abbreviation. That would be a rude mistake rivaling the Berlin Wall.

Emelianenko is considered the greatest MMA fighter in the world by many experts and recently signed a contract to fight with a new organization based in the United States. It gives Americans an upfront look at the Russian marvel.

People now realize he's also a gentleman.

The group, called M-1 Global is headed by Mitchell Maxwell, is a partner with Emelianenko's Russian management. The alliance has the tint of Cold War intricacies and has sparked an international explosion of interest.

"I will be able to meet with different champions and stronger fighters," Emelianenko said Monday during a conference call.

In recent years Emelianenko has emerged as one of the world's most intriguing fighters with amazing physical tools. He won the heavyweight championship in 2003 with the now-defunct Pride Fighting Championship.

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One-On-One with Monte Cox - 27 Oct 2007 01:51:21am

Posted: 26 Oct 2007 08:51 PM CDT

By Crystal Hudson

MMA Madness writer Crystal Hudson spoke with President and CEO of M-1 Global Monte Cox at Monday's press conference. Cox explained the 'six degrees' of MMA that brought him to M-1 Global. He also discussed working with other promotions and being competitive in the industry.

MMA Madness: How did you become involved with M-1 Global?
Monte Cox: One of [Maxwell's] backers is Russian and is friends with Fedor's manager and said, 'Hey, do you know anyone who knows MMA?' And Mitchell said, 'You know, I've worked with SFX [Media and Events] before and I think they're doing something with MMA.' And they [SFX] were working with Elite. So he [the Russian backer] called them [SFX] and they were working with Brian Patton. Brian Patton does endorsements for Matt Hughes. And Brian goes, 'Well I'm in MMA but the guy you want to talk to is Monte Cox.' So that's the way it came around. That's how they called me. In the beginning you're like, 'I'm not sure how this is going to go.' It was just amazing and things just started clicking. I went out to Amsterdam. I met all the guys and they seemed knowledgeable and sincere. Then they signed Fedor and I'm like, 'I'm in. Let's do it.'

MMA Madness: What will this mean for the fighters you currently manage?
Cox: Well, we're going to make a deal where, if a guy wants to fight in M-1, that I manage, the M-1 board will negotiate an offer for him. If the fighter accepts the offer then I'm going to have to place him with somebody else. I'll pick a promoter. I'll pick someone that I trust who will do a good job for him. Anyone that's going to come over – I just can't do anything. I hate it because these guys are all my friends. But that's fine. We'll do that for them. On the other guys, we just don't know yet. I leave it up to the fighters. I don't know if you know – I do no contracts for my guys. So they're free to go any time they want.

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MMA Goes Hollywood: Tapout Signs With CAA - 27 Oct 2007 01:47:31am

Posted: 26 Oct 2007 08:47 PM CDT

By Adam Swift

This week's Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal reports, in a front page story, that Creative Artists Agency (CAA), one of the leading Hollywood agencies, recently reached a deal to represent TapoutT in areas including licensing and entertainment. Co-President of CAA Sports Howard Nuchow said, "TapouT has done an amazing job becoming the premier lifestyle brand synonymous with MMA." CAA Sports represents many star athletes and recently signed a deal to represent the New York Yankees.

In addition to CAA, other Hollywood firms have recently entered the MMA industry. Endeavor represents the UFC and negotiated the company's recently announced extension with Spike TV, while the William Morris Agency represents the IFL.

TapouT is expected to produce $25 million in revenue this year, up from $6 million in 2006, as it expands into 6,000 retail stores including Tilly's, Hibbett Sports, Hot Topic, Champs, Pac Sun and No Fear among others. In addition to fight gear, it's product line now includes men's and women's apparel, bottled water, and TapouT magazine which has 32,000 paid subscribers. The article states that the company sponsors more than 100 fighters.

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HERO's Korea 2007 Press Conference - 27 Oct 2007 01:38:32am

Posted: 26 Oct 2007 08:38 PM CDT

By Monte DiPietro

SEOUL, October 26, 2007 -- The Main Event in this weekend's HERO'S Korea 2007 has captured the attention of fightsport fans in Korea and Japan. Sports media in both countries have undertaken exhaustive analysis of the matchup, even as larger-than-life images of fighters Dennis Kang and Yoshihiro Akiyama assault Seoul motorists from countless billboards erected over the city's expressways.

Akiyama, the 2006 HERO'S Light Middleweight Champion, is returning to action after serving a suspension for over-oiling his body at the HERO'S Dynamite event last New Year's Eve. The slippery 32 year-old Japanese judoka faces a formidable opponent in Kang, 30, an accomplished Canadian mixed martial arts fighter making his HERO'S debut. The bout will be contested with an 85kg/187lbs weight contract.

Akiyama and Kang appeared in a press conference today at the Millennium Hilton Hotel to share their thoughts with the media in advance of this Sunday's showdown.

"Akiyama is the HERO'S champ from last year, he is definitely worthy," said a relaxed Kang. "But I'm very well prepared for my first time in HERO'S, so you will not be disappointed. I know we will put on a great performance, I am expecting a lot from this match!"

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Andrei Arlovski Waiting On The Sidelines - 27 Oct 2007 01:27:13am

Posted: 26 Oct 2007 08:27 PM CDT

By MMA Junkie

A full six months have passed since former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski defeated Fabricio Werdum at UFC 70. Arlovski hasn't fought since then, and he's not scheduled to fight again anytime soon.

So what's the deal?

Or, more precisely, where's the deal? Arlovski has one fight left on his current contract, and if there's anything history tells us, it's that the UFC won't schedule a fighter of Arlovski's stature for that last fight until a contract renewal in place.
However, neither UFC President Dana White nor Arlovski's camp sound especially confident about a deal getting done soon. In fact, neither side really talked about a deal at all. That can't possibly be a good sign for fans hoping to see the Chicago-based fighter back in action soon.

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Yoshihiro Akiyama's Comeback Story - 27 Oct 2007 01:11:58am

Posted: 26 Oct 2007 08:11 PM CDT

By Shu Hirata

Finally Yoshihiro Akiyama is making a comeback to the MMA front. "For the adversity I created from the fight on New Year's Eve, I sincerely would like to apologize to everyone involved, the TV stations, sponsors, fans, and finally Mr. Sakuraba." Akiyama was extremely apologetic at the press conference held on October 4th in Tokyo. For the man who violated the rules by applying Oren's lotion all over his body prior to the fight against Kazushi Sakuraba this type of manner, attitude was expected, and also, very appropriate.

This last nine months must have been a living hell for Akiyama. In Japan this was way more than the violation of the rules, it was perhaps trampling on the code of conduct, indeed the code of the Samurai. On top of this Akiyama is a fourth-generation Korean, not a Japanese citizen. In a country like Japan where genealogy matters more than the place of birth, Akiyama's life went from a celebrity status all the way down to a complete coward, liar, cheater, the man who hurt the reputation of the entire Japanese MMA. If this was the 70's he probably would have been treated in the same manner as those nine ball players in 1919 Chicago White Sox. I mean, right up to that fight on New Year's Eve, this man was flashing his 100,000 dollar watch on a TV variety show, judging on a culinary TV show, and getting caught entering the apartment of a Japanese super model at late hours by a Tabloid.

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Monson Addresses Fedor Fight Rumor - 27 Oct 2007 12:55:14am

Posted: 26 Oct 2007 07:55 PM CDT

By Boa Athu

In the warm yet windy climes of an Auckland spring, the man rumored to be stepping into a cage with Fedor Emelianenko, arguably the best MMA fighter at present, on a M-1 Global card come next February; melted to the reception he received on New Zealand soil.

The "Snowman" Jeff Monson, full of praise during in an interview with Roguemag.com, cited the "very good possibility of fighting the Russian" and also said he is "in the process of working through things with M-1."

Monson, visiting Auckland as the special guest for Hextreme events promotion "Carnage in the Cage," sounded excited about the prospect of having a crack at a fighter he called "the best guy in the world."

Hextreme, which will have taken a major step in promoting MMA in New Zealand -- its most notable product being Mark Hunt, who is presently in training for a return to the ring -- have indicated that Monson will be back next year, possibly to do battle in the hexagon.

Being the legendary special guest, the Snowman will hold several seminars and impart crucial Octagon experience to some of the local MMA coaches and trainers. He was very humbled at the hospitality and friendly nature of the New Zealand community and the media as a whole. "It's been really great to be here in New Zealand and the people are great. I would love to be back no doubt," he said.

The clean shaven and soft spoken Snowman has indeed brought an early Christmas to Kiwi martial arts fans, and even though there is no snow or a white Christmas in Auckland, Monson's presence will make it feel otherwise.

Vazquez Overcomes Three Career-Threatening Knee Injures - 27 Oct 2007 12:49:46am

Posted: 26 Oct 2007 07:49 PM CDT

By Brian Knapp

Pain courses through Javier Vazquez's surgically repaired right knee with the most subtle shifts in temperature, a reminder of the physical and mental hurdles the 31-year-old has cleared in order to remain relevant in mixed martial arts. Three times the Cuban-born lightweight has torn the anterior-cruciate ligament. Three times he has persevered to fight another day.

Vazquez authors the latest chapter in his remarkable comeback story at 11 PM ET tonight when he challenges JC Pennington in the co-main event at ShoXC "Elite Challenger Sries" at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. On the middle fight of a three-fight deal with EliteXC, Vazquez hungers to return to the position of prominence he once held.

"I don't want to be one of those guys nobody remembers," Vazquez says. "I'm 31 now. I don't know how many fights I have left. It's not like I'm 20, when I was fighting every other week or every other month."

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has been on the MMA radar for nearly a decade, Vazquez (11-2) has twice had to pass up opportunities to compete in the UFC, first against Hermes Franca at UFC 43 in 2003 and again against current UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra at UFC 46 in 2004. Injuries kept him out of both events.

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