Here is the ending to perhaps the biggest upset in MMA history in a fight that pitted Benji Radach against Dan Lafever in the Ultimate Ring Challenge 6 which took place on 10/25/03 in the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds Arena in Longview, Washington.
Legend has it that Radach, 15-1 at the time, hit on the girlfriend of Lafever, who was in the crowd preparing to watch the fights. Lafever supposedly had only a couple amateur boxing bouts to his name before the fight.
Showing posts with label Benji Radach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benji Radach. Show all posts
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Friday, February 6, 2009
Strikeforce Buys Pro-Elite
According to the Strikeforce website, they have purchased certain fighter contracts and the entire Pro-Elite video library. Pro-Elite's biggest promotion was Elite XC, which made a run at the UFC, but spent too much on overhead and ended up in the hole for over 55 million dollars.
In addition, Strikeforce will take over Pro-Elite's television deal on Showtime. As Showtime is owned by CBS, there is the possibility for 3-4 shows on the major network.
While no fighters were individually named as new to Strikeforce, it can be inferred that Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler, Gina Carano and Kimbo Slice will be some of the ones moving. Former Elite XC and UFC veterans Benji Radach and Scott Smith are already set to fight in an upcoming Strikeforce show.
Former Elite XC Heavyweight champ Junior Silva tested positive for a banned substance in his last appearance in Elite XC and subsequently fought in Japan. He is unlikely to fight again in the USA for a long time. Undefeated HW prospect Brett Rogers has yet to fight since Elite XC closed its doors. HW prospect Dave "Pee Wee" Herman has fought twice since Elite XC folded, beating Chris Guillen and losing to Mu Bae Choi in Japan.
The Strikeforce organization was originally run as a kickboxing promotion. With the explosion of MMA, the organization has shifted gears and been quite profitable in the California area. The stars of Strikeforce include Josh Thomson, Cung Le, Phil Baroni, Kazuo Misaki and Duane Ludwig. Alistair Overeem is still the HW champ of Strikeforce despite fighting in K-1 and Dream since winning the title.
(Cung Le pictured)
In addition, Strikeforce will take over Pro-Elite's television deal on Showtime. As Showtime is owned by CBS, there is the possibility for 3-4 shows on the major network.
While no fighters were individually named as new to Strikeforce, it can be inferred that Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler, Gina Carano and Kimbo Slice will be some of the ones moving. Former Elite XC and UFC veterans Benji Radach and Scott Smith are already set to fight in an upcoming Strikeforce show.
Former Elite XC Heavyweight champ Junior Silva tested positive for a banned substance in his last appearance in Elite XC and subsequently fought in Japan. He is unlikely to fight again in the USA for a long time. Undefeated HW prospect Brett Rogers has yet to fight since Elite XC closed its doors. HW prospect Dave "Pee Wee" Herman has fought twice since Elite XC folded, beating Chris Guillen and losing to Mu Bae Choi in Japan.
The Strikeforce organization was originally run as a kickboxing promotion. With the explosion of MMA, the organization has shifted gears and been quite profitable in the California area. The stars of Strikeforce include Josh Thomson, Cung Le, Phil Baroni, Kazuo Misaki and Duane Ludwig. Alistair Overeem is still the HW champ of Strikeforce despite fighting in K-1 and Dream since winning the title.
(Cung Le pictured)
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Elite XC - Kimbo Goes Down
Elite XC: Heat proved to be a very entertaining card from top to bottom. Like every single Elite XC event broadcast so far, they had a ridiculously long and drawn out opening. Once the fights started, there were sparks a plenty as every fight was entertaining. A constant of the night was the over the top announcing from Elite XC broadcaster Mauro Ranallo. Rua, Nelson and Daley all came very close to seizing victory, but came up short. The second round losses were much closer than it looks on paper.
Benji Radach def. Murilo Rua via TKO (Punches) R2, 2:31- Benji Radach started the fight with agressively pursuing Rua with a punch cominations. Radach had the edge for most of the round landing punches until the fight went to the ground. From their, Rua was almost able to get a knee-bar and heal hooks, but was just a step behind. Rua also nearly got a kimura.
In the second round, Radach became stunned from blocking kicks and punches. However, an ill-fated muay thai kick left Rua on his back. He didn't cover quick enough as Radach landed a massive punch to a grounded Rua, that was followed by more punishment. Luckily, Rua was ok, and Radach left with his hand raised.
Gina Carano def. Kelly Kobold via Decision (Unanimous)- Kobold had a pretty clear game plan, push Carano to the fence and try to get a takedown. Unfortunately, Carano didn't give up that easy. Carano landed the majority of punches and all the kicks to get the victory. Kobold fought with heart, with her closest shot at victory when she took Carano down in the second landing some strikes. Once Carano faces an elite grappler with superior strength and submission skills, she will be in trouble.
Andrei Arlovski def. Roy Nelson via KO (Punch) R2, 3:14- This was not the stand-up slugfest that it was thought to be, but Nelson did have a chance at beating the former UFC superstar Arlovski. When Arlovski looked to have a takedown from the body-lock in the first, he was quickly reversed by Nelson. Nelson maintained top position, looking for a submission from sidemount and north south position, which was unsuccessful. When there was a lull in action, it was stood up where Arlovski held an advantage.
In the second, Arlovski dominated the stand-up and was able to land a devasting uppercut followed up by a punch or two. After Nelson hit the canvas, the ref called the fight. Maybe a little pre-mature, but Arlovski was landing everything in the second.
Jake Shields def. Paul Daley via Submission (Armbar) R2, 3:47- After this fight, Shields has got to know that his stand-up skills still need some work. Daley, an excellent muay thai practioner, punished Shields on occasion, making him pay for takedown attempts. Once Shields had Daley down, he was in obvious trouble and mounted easy. However, at the end of the first, Shields botched an arm bar and Daley was able to land some good elbows.
In the second, Daley was again able to punish Shields, however Shields got the takedown, mount and the armbar. In the post-fight interview, Shields indicated that he was interested in moving to 185 to challenge for the title and get two belts. For that to happen, Shields would have to vastly improve his stand-up skills as Daley was clearly better on his feet. Shields, a BJJ black belt is an excellent fighter, however he has to minimize punishment taken on takedown attempts.
Seth Petruzelli def. Kevin Ferguson via TKO (Punches) R1, 0:14- Petruzelli landed a couple karate style front kicks before connecting flush on a right hand. This punch sent Kimbo to his knees, where Petruzelli landed a couple more punches before it was called. If experienced, Kimbo would have attempted to roll to his guard, but he obviously still needs much work.
Elite XC broadcaster Mauro Ranallo or Gus Johnson called it, "the biggest upset in mma history." "The biggest fight in mma history." Guys, that is NOT correct. Have you ever seen Matt Serra v. Georges St. Pierre? It was really not even an upset, as any mma expert would put the former UFC veteran over Kimbo in a heartbeat.
*Smart MMA Blaster readers had Kimbo losing to Ken Shamrock 6-7.
Undercard
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos def. Yoko Takahashi via Dec(Unanimous)- There were some highlights of this fight shown. They featured Cyborg pushing the action and landing highkicks.
Nicolae Cury def. Jorge Bouchat via Sub(Reverse Triangle Choke) R1, 1:35
Bryan Hamade def. David Gomez via Sub (Guillotine) R1, 2:03
Mikey Gomez def. Lorenzo Borgomeo via Sub (Armbar) R2, 4:06
Conor Heun def. James Edson Berto via TKO (Punches/Elbows) R2, 2:18
Benji Radach def. Murilo Rua via TKO (Punches) R2, 2:31- Benji Radach started the fight with agressively pursuing Rua with a punch cominations. Radach had the edge for most of the round landing punches until the fight went to the ground. From their, Rua was almost able to get a knee-bar and heal hooks, but was just a step behind. Rua also nearly got a kimura.
In the second round, Radach became stunned from blocking kicks and punches. However, an ill-fated muay thai kick left Rua on his back. He didn't cover quick enough as Radach landed a massive punch to a grounded Rua, that was followed by more punishment. Luckily, Rua was ok, and Radach left with his hand raised.
Gina Carano def. Kelly Kobold via Decision (Unanimous)- Kobold had a pretty clear game plan, push Carano to the fence and try to get a takedown. Unfortunately, Carano didn't give up that easy. Carano landed the majority of punches and all the kicks to get the victory. Kobold fought with heart, with her closest shot at victory when she took Carano down in the second landing some strikes. Once Carano faces an elite grappler with superior strength and submission skills, she will be in trouble.
Andrei Arlovski def. Roy Nelson via KO (Punch) R2, 3:14- This was not the stand-up slugfest that it was thought to be, but Nelson did have a chance at beating the former UFC superstar Arlovski. When Arlovski looked to have a takedown from the body-lock in the first, he was quickly reversed by Nelson. Nelson maintained top position, looking for a submission from sidemount and north south position, which was unsuccessful. When there was a lull in action, it was stood up where Arlovski held an advantage.
In the second, Arlovski dominated the stand-up and was able to land a devasting uppercut followed up by a punch or two. After Nelson hit the canvas, the ref called the fight. Maybe a little pre-mature, but Arlovski was landing everything in the second.
Jake Shields def. Paul Daley via Submission (Armbar) R2, 3:47- After this fight, Shields has got to know that his stand-up skills still need some work. Daley, an excellent muay thai practioner, punished Shields on occasion, making him pay for takedown attempts. Once Shields had Daley down, he was in obvious trouble and mounted easy. However, at the end of the first, Shields botched an arm bar and Daley was able to land some good elbows.
In the second, Daley was again able to punish Shields, however Shields got the takedown, mount and the armbar. In the post-fight interview, Shields indicated that he was interested in moving to 185 to challenge for the title and get two belts. For that to happen, Shields would have to vastly improve his stand-up skills as Daley was clearly better on his feet. Shields, a BJJ black belt is an excellent fighter, however he has to minimize punishment taken on takedown attempts.
Seth Petruzelli def. Kevin Ferguson via TKO (Punches) R1, 0:14- Petruzelli landed a couple karate style front kicks before connecting flush on a right hand. This punch sent Kimbo to his knees, where Petruzelli landed a couple more punches before it was called. If experienced, Kimbo would have attempted to roll to his guard, but he obviously still needs much work.
Elite XC broadcaster Mauro Ranallo or Gus Johnson called it, "the biggest upset in mma history." "The biggest fight in mma history." Guys, that is NOT correct. Have you ever seen Matt Serra v. Georges St. Pierre? It was really not even an upset, as any mma expert would put the former UFC veteran over Kimbo in a heartbeat.
*Smart MMA Blaster readers had Kimbo losing to Ken Shamrock 6-7.
Undercard
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos def. Yoko Takahashi via Dec(Unanimous)- There were some highlights of this fight shown. They featured Cyborg pushing the action and landing highkicks.
Nicolae Cury def. Jorge Bouchat via Sub(Reverse Triangle Choke) R1, 1:35
Bryan Hamade def. David Gomez via Sub (Guillotine) R1, 2:03
Mikey Gomez def. Lorenzo Borgomeo via Sub (Armbar) R2, 4:06
Conor Heun def. James Edson Berto via TKO (Punches/Elbows) R2, 2:18
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Elite XC - Heat Preview
Elite XC - Heat will take place this Saturday, October 4th in Sunrise, Florida. I applaud the recent addition of hard hitting heavyweights Andrei Arlovski and Roy Nelson. This show will be broadcast on CBS.
Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson vs. Ken Shamrock- This match-up pits UFC Hall of Famer and MMA Legend Ken Shamrock against the ever popular Kimbo Slice. Kimbo has proven that he has power in his three fights, which have all ended in KO or TKO. However, Kimbo looked bad giving up take-downs to James Thompson, who is not known for his wrestling.
Ken Shamrock is an MMA Legend with wins over Bas Rutten twice, KOP Champ Masakatsu Funaki twice, UFC Champ Dan Severn, UFC HW Champ Maurice Smith, Pancrase vet Yoshiki Takahashi twice, Kimo Leopoldo twice, Patrick Smith and Ryushi Yanagisawa. Ken has not looked good since his return to action in 2000, going 3-8.
Ken will have to get Kimbo against the fence using the clinch and go for a body lock takedown. From there he has to try to get a submission of some sort. Ken has said he will break Kimbo's leg, we will see if he can do it.
Andrei Arlovski vs. Roy Nelson- Former UFC Heavyweight Champ Arlovski (13-5) comes to the fight on a four fight wins streak, last defeating Ben Rothwell via 3rd TKO. After standing and trading with Rothwell, Arlovski will likely stand and brawl with the robust Roy Nelson.
The reigning IFL Champ Nelson last defended his belt in a nasty KO over Brad Imes during his five fight win streak. Nelson at (13-2) is an accomplished grappler in addition to being a devastating striker. I wouldn't be surprised to see Nelson go for a take-down in this fight with ground and pound.
Jake Shields vs. Paul Daley- EliteXC WW Title- 170 Pound Champ Jake Shields will defend his belt for the first time since his first round destruction of Nick Thompson. Daley has explosive hands and dominated the English Cage Rage circuit. Shields, the BJJ Blackbelt, will get a submission quick if he can geta takedown. Daley will have to defend the takedown and land as many strikes as possible.
Gina Carano vs. Kelly Kobold- Carano comes in at 6-0, looking crisp in his last two victories over Kaitlin Young and Tonya Evinger. Carano, the former American Gladiator, has a superb muay thai and boxing backround and will likely look to keep the fight standing. Kobold has lost her last two fights, but sports a record of 16-2 with a victories over Shayna Baszler and Adrienna Jenkins. Kobald has 8 submission victories, and may look to get the fight to the ground.
*Gina Carano on photobucket
Benji Radach vs. Murilo "Ninja" Rua- Former IFL MW Champ Radach (18-4) will look to bounce back since a KO loss to Matt Horwich. Ninja Rua, brother of Shogun Rua, has two wins in a row over Tony Bonello and Xavier "Professor X" Foupa-Pokam.
Undercard
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Yoko Takahashi- May broadcast.
Edson Berto vs. Connor Heun
Seth Petruzelli vs. Aaron Rosa
Lorenzo Borgomeo vs. Mikey Gomez
Jorge Bouchat vs. Nicolae Cury
David Gomez vs. Brett Jackowski
Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson vs. Ken Shamrock- This match-up pits UFC Hall of Famer and MMA Legend Ken Shamrock against the ever popular Kimbo Slice. Kimbo has proven that he has power in his three fights, which have all ended in KO or TKO. However, Kimbo looked bad giving up take-downs to James Thompson, who is not known for his wrestling.
Ken Shamrock is an MMA Legend with wins over Bas Rutten twice, KOP Champ Masakatsu Funaki twice, UFC Champ Dan Severn, UFC HW Champ Maurice Smith, Pancrase vet Yoshiki Takahashi twice, Kimo Leopoldo twice, Patrick Smith and Ryushi Yanagisawa. Ken has not looked good since his return to action in 2000, going 3-8.
Ken will have to get Kimbo against the fence using the clinch and go for a body lock takedown. From there he has to try to get a submission of some sort. Ken has said he will break Kimbo's leg, we will see if he can do it.
Andrei Arlovski vs. Roy Nelson- Former UFC Heavyweight Champ Arlovski (13-5) comes to the fight on a four fight wins streak, last defeating Ben Rothwell via 3rd TKO. After standing and trading with Rothwell, Arlovski will likely stand and brawl with the robust Roy Nelson.
The reigning IFL Champ Nelson last defended his belt in a nasty KO over Brad Imes during his five fight win streak. Nelson at (13-2) is an accomplished grappler in addition to being a devastating striker. I wouldn't be surprised to see Nelson go for a take-down in this fight with ground and pound.
Jake Shields vs. Paul Daley- EliteXC WW Title- 170 Pound Champ Jake Shields will defend his belt for the first time since his first round destruction of Nick Thompson. Daley has explosive hands and dominated the English Cage Rage circuit. Shields, the BJJ Blackbelt, will get a submission quick if he can geta takedown. Daley will have to defend the takedown and land as many strikes as possible.
Gina Carano vs. Kelly Kobold- Carano comes in at 6-0, looking crisp in his last two victories over Kaitlin Young and Tonya Evinger. Carano, the former American Gladiator, has a superb muay thai and boxing backround and will likely look to keep the fight standing. Kobold has lost her last two fights, but sports a record of 16-2 with a victories over Shayna Baszler and Adrienna Jenkins. Kobald has 8 submission victories, and may look to get the fight to the ground.
*Gina Carano on photobucket
Benji Radach vs. Murilo "Ninja" Rua- Former IFL MW Champ Radach (18-4) will look to bounce back since a KO loss to Matt Horwich. Ninja Rua, brother of Shogun Rua, has two wins in a row over Tony Bonello and Xavier "Professor X" Foupa-Pokam.
Undercard
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Yoko Takahashi- May broadcast.
Edson Berto vs. Connor Heun
Seth Petruzelli vs. Aaron Rosa
Lorenzo Borgomeo vs. Mikey Gomez
Jorge Bouchat vs. Nicolae Cury
David Gomez vs. Brett Jackowski
Monday, February 11, 2008
Video of the Day - Beauparlant vs. Radach
Here is Brent Beauparlant vs. Benji Radach in the IFL World Grand Prix first round which took place on 11/3/07. Radach recently won of Ninja Rua in Elite XC.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Video of the Day - Schultz v. Horodecki II
This video shows the second fight between Chris Horodecki and Ryan Schultz, this one for the IFL GP 155 pound title. The first encounter left Schultz unconscious and taken out in a stretcher. The IFL posted this video on youtube.
Rest of the results:
Marcello Salazar def. Alex Cook via unanimous decision, round three
Brett Cooper def. Rory Markham via TKO (strikes) at 1:15 of round two - Brett Cooper (7-4, 3 wins in a row) is a great young prospect, this was a slugfest.
Tim Kennedy def. Elias Rivera via KO (punch) at 2:30 of round one - Tim Kennedy overmatched Rivera from start to finish. He next takes on Horwich for the MW title on 2/29/08.
-Belts-
Roy Nelson def. Antoine Jaoude via TKO at 0:20 of round two - Roy Nelson (IFL HW Champ) is (11-2, 3 wins in a row) now and looks to be the new Ben Rothwell of the IFL.
Wagnney Fabiano def. L.C. Davis via submission (armbar) at 3:38 of round one - Fabiano (FW champ)(9-1, 5 wins in a row) is the face of the IFL's new featherweight class.
Jay Hieron def. Delson Heleno via TKO (injury due to strikes) at 4:00 of round one - big upset, ex-UFC WW Jay Hieron (14-4) is now the IFL welterweight champ.
Matt Horwich def. Benji Radach via TKO (strikes) at 1:58 of round two - Horwich (MW champ)(21-9, 3 wins in a row) is certainly an interesting character, but his intense, non-stop fighting style is great to watch.
Vladimir Matyushenko (20-3, 7 wins in a row) won the LHW belt in the first round of the grand prix. Vladdy's has had an excellent MMA career with wins over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (12-3, Lil Nog), Pedro Rizzo (16-7), Travis Wiuff (49-11), Yuki Kondo (48-20-6), Alex Schoenauer (12-9) for IFL belt, Anthony Ruiz (21-10) and Travis Fulton (182-44).
Rest of the results:
Marcello Salazar def. Alex Cook via unanimous decision, round three
Brett Cooper def. Rory Markham via TKO (strikes) at 1:15 of round two - Brett Cooper (7-4, 3 wins in a row) is a great young prospect, this was a slugfest.
Tim Kennedy def. Elias Rivera via KO (punch) at 2:30 of round one - Tim Kennedy overmatched Rivera from start to finish. He next takes on Horwich for the MW title on 2/29/08.
-Belts-
Roy Nelson def. Antoine Jaoude via TKO at 0:20 of round two - Roy Nelson (IFL HW Champ) is (11-2, 3 wins in a row) now and looks to be the new Ben Rothwell of the IFL.
Wagnney Fabiano def. L.C. Davis via submission (armbar) at 3:38 of round one - Fabiano (FW champ)(9-1, 5 wins in a row) is the face of the IFL's new featherweight class.
Jay Hieron def. Delson Heleno via TKO (injury due to strikes) at 4:00 of round one - big upset, ex-UFC WW Jay Hieron (14-4) is now the IFL welterweight champ.
Matt Horwich def. Benji Radach via TKO (strikes) at 1:58 of round two - Horwich (MW champ)(21-9, 3 wins in a row) is certainly an interesting character, but his intense, non-stop fighting style is great to watch.
Vladimir Matyushenko (20-3, 7 wins in a row) won the LHW belt in the first round of the grand prix. Vladdy's has had an excellent MMA career with wins over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (12-3, Lil Nog), Pedro Rizzo (16-7), Travis Wiuff (49-11), Yuki Kondo (48-20-6), Alex Schoenauer (12-9) for IFL belt, Anthony Ruiz (21-10) and Travis Fulton (182-44).
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