2012/11/30

Ten Glorious Years - URCC 22 Dekada

Colt 45 URCC 22  Dekada

Universal Reality Combat Championship

Asia's Longest Running And One Of It's Most Respected MMA Organisations Celebrates 10 Years in Style



There are many reasons we here at Rear Naked News love the URCC. 
Not the least is the fact that they started the whole dam MMA thing ten years ago when many people in Asia had no idea what was going on.

They built a great following and more importantly they build a great group of fighters.

The Philippine MMA events play to probably the most knowledgable MMA fans in Asia, MMA is on TV everyday somewhere in the Philippines, they love the sport.

Because of that love they produce some real kick ass fighters, Team Lakey is probably the most successful MMA gym in Asia in real terms. 

But of course there are many other MMA gyms around the Philippines providing competition and that is why the Philippines is such a hot bed of quality young fighters.

Ten years ago when Alvin Aquilar started the URCC I am sure he had no idea of the influence they would have over Asian MMA.

Whilst newer organisations for the main part are using Cages the URCC are very much traditionalists and like the once big Japanese organisations who they have outlasted they still fight in a Ring. Personally, I have no preference I am much more concerned about the quality of the bouts.

The quality of the bouts depends on matchmaking and the URCC have probably Asia's best matchmaker in Will Carlos.
These lead to very exciting events and of course being in the MMA crazy Philippines the crowds pour into these events.

And to celebrate ten years as one of Asia's best MMA organisations the URCC present  the Colt 45 URCC 22 - Dekada.

Some of the top names in Asian MMA will be fighting including Eric "The Natural" Kelly and Eduard Folayang.

At the SM Arena on December 1st starting at 8:00pm.

Here's the fight card:

Flyweight:

Janel Lanusa  vs Ramie Crisostomo (0-1-0) 

Roy Doliguez (2-0-0)  vs Dennis Salazar (2-3-0) 

Pinweight:

Spartan Sumogat vs Alvin Ramirez (5-5-0)

Featherweight:

Reydon Romero (4-3-0) vs Sulpiano Laurio Jr. (1-1-1)

Catchweight:

Ray Estrada (0-1-0) vs Coloy Baduria (7-4-1) 

Middleweight:

Froilan Sarenas (3-1-0) vs Rodrigo Praxedes (1-1-0)

Bantamweight:

Jessi Raffols vs Keiff Mangusan (3-1-0)

Reysaldo Transmonte (2-2-0) vs Hideo Morikawa (4-1-0) 

Featherweight:

Eric Kelly (8-0-0) vs Brad Terry (0-1-0) 

Superfight:

Lowens Tynanes (1-0-0) vs Eduard Folayang (12-2-0)



If you are outside of the Philippines you can watch a live stream of this event at URCCMMA.COM



2012/11/28

King of the Cage Announce Another TV Deal

King of the Cage ~ It's all the rage!




The world of MMA continues to break into the mainstream worldwide hot on the heels of yesterdays news of the KOTC deal with MAYTV in North America come this news of KOTC in Eastern Europe.

Press Release:



King of the Cage the worldwide leader in live MMA events announces a large scale television deal in south Eastern Europe with “The Fight Network”. KOTC president Terry Trebilcock Jr states “With an already heavy presence on North American television we are pleased continue our expansion in the European and Asian markets and you can expect further announcements from KOTC regarding additional European markets. As several deals are presently pending.” The deal consists of the following arrangements. King of the Cage will provide weekly 2 hour shows over the span of 3 years. The agreement Includes options for live broadcast events at the end of, 2013.  The shows will broadcast in the following markets: Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

For more information please visit www.kingofthecage.com

2012/11/27

Congratulations to Melvin Yeoh

Melvin Yeoh - Signs for ONE FC

Congratulations


There are major celebrations in a corner of Johor Bahru as homeboy Melvin Yeoh, Owner and Head Coach of Ultimate MMA Academy at Mount Austen has signed to fight for Asian MMA organisation ONE Fighting Championship.

 Melvin started Ultimate MMA Academy before the present interest in MMA had started and he has worked away quietly in Johor Bahru building up a superb reputation as a coach and also being behind his own regional MMA Organisation Ultimate Beatdown.

The Ultimate MMA Academy is Malaysia's only Gracie Garage and is regarded as a fighters gym, there is not room for rich kids and poseurs everybody comes to fight and the fighters he turns out often prove themselves against those from much better funded gyms. He often brings disadvantaged kids in from the streets and teaches them.

Melvin has much Muay Thai experience and is often called on by other Malaysian MMA organisations to help them put fight cards together such is his influence in the industry.

To be signed for ONE FC is the pinnacle of a long career for this School Teacher who runs the gym in his spare time and who takes classes almost everyday.

His gym is open daily and if you wish to train MMA and you are in the Johor Area why not come along and see how you get on.
To be the best you have to train with the best!

ADRESS=
9,Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19,
Taman Mount Austin,
81100, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.


电邮,电话 Contact

任何疑问请电邮 Call or Email For Any Inquires

电话 Office Tel 07-3500729

电邮 E-mail -> Ultimate06_gym@yahoo.com.my
      
         Fax: 07-3500729

Online Fight Gear Shop: www.ultproducts.blogspot.com







Ultimate MMA from Idée Blanc on Vimeo.

“KING OF THE CAGE AND MAV TV STRIKE MULTI-YEAR EXCLUSIVE DEAL”

 KING OF THE CAGE AND MAV TV STRIKE MULTI-YEAR EXCLUSIVE DEAL






King of the Cage, Inc. (KOTC), a worldwide mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion performing over 400+ Live Events since its inception in 1999 announces a Multi-Year North American Weekly Television Deal with MAVTV.

The exclusive television deal gives MAVTV the rights to broadcast a new event every Wednesday night (7pm PST, 10pm EST) for the next five (5) years on its network.  Each show will be 2 hours long and feature a new KOTC event.

KOTC’s founder, Terry Trebilcock, states “It’s an honor to be associated with MAVTV.  A 260 event, weekly deal, is unheard of in a sport this new.  It not only will accelerate the progress of KOTC, but MMA as a whole.”

The deal is not only to include the 260, 2 hour, new KOTC shows, but some of the library of KOTC.
This will include a 1 hour weekly broadcast from its new series, “Greatest Knock Outs” which features 8-10 amazing Knock Outs.  KOTC’s “Classic Series”, which is comprised of the 100 greatest fights in the history of KOTC, featuring present KOTC Champions, but also, other recognizable names like,
Quinton Jackson, Urijah Faber, Diego Sanchez, Forrest Griffin, and Rashad Evans, just to name a few.
In addition, KOTC’s programming will include a minimum of four Live Broadcasts yearly along with a monthly MMA talk show.  The First Live Broadcast took place Friday, September 21st from the River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The next live broadcast will be Thursday, December 20th from the San Manuel Casino in Highland, California.

MAVTV was recently purchased by auto racing giant, Lucas Oil Motorsports. Jason Patison from Lucas Oil, now presently the Programming Director for MAVTV, states "We are heavily committed to making both, KOTC and MAVTV, household names."

2012/11/26

F3 Championship

F3 Combat Championship



This weekend in Kuala Lumpur is an event that I have been very critical of. Not because of the fights but because of the way it is promoted, the way it is run. That being said it is something a bit different in the Malaysian MMA scene as it is a hybrid event, often mixing Muay Thai, Boxing and MMA bouts.

The biggest problem I have with the event is it is really aimed at Malays, the last of these events I attended in Johor Bahru all announcements were made in BM, which would be fine if somebody was also doing an English or even Chinese announcement as many of the fighters were foreigners who did not even realise they were being called.

Also the organisation around the event was terrible with posters being delivered a week before the event and not being displayed anywhere meaningful. Putting up loads of posters inside the venue the event is being held at is just pointless.

To then not have any refreshments on sale at the event even though the sports hall is not air conditioned really was a poor showing and frankly the turn out reflected that. There was no sign that this was an event for everybody.

You can read my reviews of that event Here and Here.

However, it's a new event back in Kuala Lumpur and so our hopes are renewed that this event has improved.

Lets look at the card, well at least that which we have, for although we are only a few days away from the event there are still gaps which makes talking about them very difficult.

Day 1" 1st Decemeber

Bout 1: - MMA

Isaac Yap (Ultimate MMA Academy) vs Mohd Faizal Bin Fozi (Malacca MMA) 

Yap does not fight much, he works in Singapore and finds getting time to train difficult but he is an accomplished martial artist and it will be interesting to see how he does against Faizal (1-6) - Faizal while not having a great record is always a willing participent in these events. It should not be forgotten their is no MMA gym in Malacca, so these guys are at a tremendous disadvantage.

Bout 2: - Womens Muay Thai

Ella Tang (TNT Kickboxing) vs Rodiah Bt Nordin (Cobra)

Bout 3: - MMA

Khairul Izhar (0-1) vs Kenny Yap (Wuji)

Izhar (Azhar?) (0-1) made his debut in the Malaysian Fighting Championship bout in October, sadly it lasted just 38 seconds. Yap (2-1) is fast improving after a difficult first fight back in September 2011 against top Malaysian prospect Halsten Ng he has recorded two second round wins. He must be favorite in this bout.

Bout 4: - Boxing

Hashim B Abdullah vs ?

Bout 5: Co Main Event - Muay Thai

Mohammad Sotounzadeh (Global Elite Gym) vs Yodphed (Impakt Gym)

Bout 6: - Main Event MMA Championship Title Match

Alex Lim (TNT Kickboxing) vs Will Chope (Phuket Top Team/Team Buffet)

Chope is defending champion and is one of the busiest fighters in Asia, he fights MMA, K1 and Muay Thai events anything to keep him busy. He also has a great height and reach advantage.
Sadly I cannot tell you anything about Lim except I don't have any details on him and he is not listed on Sherdog, I don't even know how he got in a position to fight for the title. I understand though that he is a talented fighter with much K1 experience.


Day 2: 2nd December

Bout 1: - Boxing

James Goyder (MMA Mania) vs Wan Ridzuan B Wan Aziz

Bout 2: - Womens Mauy Thai

Germaine (Kambiz Warrior) vs Sudatip Wiloedram (SS Fighters Muay Thai Gym) 

Bout 3: - MMA

Mohd Fouzien Mohd Fozi (Malacca MMA) vs ? TBA

Fouzien is the brother of Faizal and has a decent (3-3) record, he last loss was at the F3 event in Kuala Lumpur where he broke his leg, he took his time repairing and since then has two wins to his name.

Bout 4: - MMA

Chan Man Kong (Street Fight Wing Chun) vs Nik Harris (Muayfit)

Kong (1-3) just secured his first win at the Legionnaire event in October but really Harris (2-2) better win this if he wants to consider he has any future in MMA.

Bout 5: Co-Main Event - Muay Thai

Singapura (30THN) vs Damnern Pesantha (Impakt Singapore)

Bout 6: Main Event - Muay Thai Championship Title Fight

Amer Naseri (Kambiz Warrior) vs Chim Wiloetram (SS Fighters Muay Thai Gym)


And there you go.

Apparently the undercard fights start at 9:00am and the main event starts at 2:30pm. Which frankly seems a crazy time to run an event, but hey it's not my country.




2012/11/25

MMA Inspiration - Frank Mir


MMA Inspiration: Frank Mir




         In June of 2004, Frank Mir submitted Tim Sylvia to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion. He shattered Sylvia’s arm, breaking it in four different places. He would later be awarded with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Ricardo Pires.

         Three months later, Frank Mir was knocked off his motorcycle by a car in an accident, which broke his femur and messed up the ligaments in his knee. It was a career-threatening injury, and the UFC had to create an interim belt which Andrei Arlovski would go on to win. Eventually, the UFC learned that Mir would be sidelined a little while longer, and he was stripped of his title completely.

         With the support of his family and his team, Frank Mir worked his way back into his fight career, and while his comeback fights are relatively forgettable, he eventually worked his way back into title contention with spectacular wins over Roy Nelson and Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera.

         He is a reminder to us all that in spite of major setbacks, one can make the most of it and come back in spectacular fashion with hard work and determination. Check out footage on Frank Mir and his comeback after his motorcycle accident.





2012/11/23

TuneTalk to sponsor MMA in Malaysia?

TuneTalk to Sponsor Malaysian MMA?


The rumours have been going around for a while now and those rumours keep getting louder and TuneTalk is the name we keep hearing. So where are we with these rumours?

The thing we can be pretty sure of is the fact that TuneTalk representatives have been talking to MMA faces around Asia collecting advice and information on the state of MMA in the area and particularly in Malaysia.

It is pretty much confirmed that there is to be a Malaysian championship starting in 2013 and initially we heard it was to be for Malaysians and PR's only, which would have been interesting as it would give a chance for the Malaysians to shine, but rumours are going around that this may change. I guess some gyms want to protect their investments in foreign talent.

Of course this step between the smaller regional MMA organisations in Malaysia and the big step up that is the bigger Asian Organisations like Legend where all too often the Malaysians fail to impress.
Is that due to experience or nerves due to the bright lights of a bigger show or are they just not ready?

Either way this should provide a helpful step towards these fighters gaining useful experience. However, this totally depends on the match making because the quality of match making in Malaysia often leaves much to be desired.

Anyway, the rumours are TuneTalk are going to be providing sponsorship for these events. Fingers crossed for that.

Further to that we understand that representatives from other Asian MMA organisations may have been in touch with TuneTalk, nothing confirmed but rumours persist.

The important point about all of this if it should turn out to be true is that TuneTalk will provide the sport some legitimacy which may encourage other big brands to get involved and if that happens it could snowball.

Sadly, however the weakness in this whole plan is the Malaysian public who remain blissfully ignorant of the sport. The TV coverage in the country does not help as the sport is heavily censored, certain moves or too much blood and the fight moves mysteriously on a few seconds or gets blurred out. I actually saw one fight where the winning move was not shown, needless to say I no longer bother watching MMA on Malaysian TV.

The thing is, this will damage the sport before it takes off, with big brands like TuneTalk there is required a return, it might not be financial but it would be in recognition and I am sure the TV figures for MMA in Malaysia are pathetic at best.

Maybe TuneTalk can flex some muscle and get the censors to look at their actions, maybe they can manage to get more paying customers through the doors at events. Although some of the rumours I am hearing do not sound like that is an issue.

Of course certain MMA organisations have much bigger TV deals that take the audience far beyond the local fan base. Legend for example have signed an impressive international TV deal, PXC in the Philippines have just reported figures locally (Philippines) of 700,000 viewers for the last live event on AKTV plus of course they streamed the event outside of the Philippines via Sherdog to a passionate international audience.

Nothing in Malaysia of course is of that calibre at present, the three main events are F3 a hybrid show that plays to half empty sports halls. Malaysian Fighting Championship and Ultimate Beatdown that whilst popular amongst the gyms that support them don't exactly make a ripple on the street outside.
The newest show was Legionnaire and it remains to be seen how that progresses.
*80% of the crowd are the same people at all the shows.

The MMA fansites in the area may delude themselves that what they write is important and is read widely beyond fans of the sport but it isn't and they are not (and yes I include our site in that).

MMA is a tiny business in Malaysia with the gyms almost perpetually bitching at each other over members and trainers gained and lost. Until the whole Malaysian industry grows up it won't have any meaningful growth.

TuneTalk is the best hope of Malaysian MMA to break out of the swirl of mediocrity that it at present sits in. Don't believe the talk of sold out arenas, rabid fans at shopping malls or anything like that. It's all built on smoke and mirrors. Without business people giving big heaps of financial support Malaysian MMA would sink without trace.

We understand that tomorrow night there will be a chance to meet the CEO of TuneTalk Jason Lo at a bar in KL go along if you can.

There has been a long slow slog to get MMA in Malaysia to this position, lets hope that 2013 can truly be the year that Malaysian MMA breaks through into the mainstream.

The Malaysain Invasion 2013 is a good first step but people the only way to make it happen is to take along a non MMA fan friend to events to introduce them to the sport.

*obviously that figure is a guess!