Video Round Up UFC 159 Previews and More, Legend FC, M1 Global, Cage Warriors, Valor Fight
Showing posts with label Legend Fighting Championship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Legend Fighting Championship. Show all posts
2013/04/26
2013/04/23
Legend FC Warrior Damien Brown
Damien Brown Legend Fighting Championship
Damien Brown (9-3-0) is busy preparing for his fight this weekend but was kind enough to talk to us.Legend Fighting Championship 11 at Chin Woo Stadium, Kuala Lumpur 27th April 2013
A) I don't change my prep for each fight, however, I do have a look at what I think my opponents weakness's are and try to counter it a little sometimes through training. Overall I just train hard for each fight the same and do what I do on the night. My conditioning training is once again on point.
A) I know my opponent is from Japan and that he's the shooto rookie champion but that's about it. I've only seen one of his fights so we'll see what happens on the night. He's very good on the ground and has a reasonable stand up game so makes for a FOTN style match up.
Q) Are you expecting many fans from "Home" to be at this event?
A) Given the event is in Kuala Lumpur I'm not expecting many fans to travel there but I am expecting some Aussies in the crowd as there was when I fought in China last time.
Q) What will be different from your last fight at Legend? (Damien won a unanimous decision against Haotian Wu (11-4-1) at Legend FC 9)
Q) What is your long term aim in the sport?
Q) Who do you most admire in Asian Pacific MMA and Why?
A) I don't think anything will be different. Last time I out wrestled my opponent and got the win. I think this time it will be much the same I need to be careful on the ground cause that's where he's strongest.
A). My aim is the same as most in the sport I want to be able to support and provide for my family through fighting fulltime. I would not only like to make a little but enough to provide and set myself up while doing what I love. I want to be a champ as many times as possible.
A) Kind of sounds funny but my coach and training partner Adrian Pang he's in the same weight class, he'd fight anyone at LW I'm sure and his skills both on the feet and the ground are world class. He fights till he has nothing left in the tank and he's an aggressive go forward fighter. Everything in my opinion a crowd wants to see. He's also the former Legend FC LW champion.
A) I don't really have one favourite but I like the way Chael Sonnen fights cause he's relentless in his pace and while he lacks compared to others in striking he certainly makes up for it in heart and determination. I'm just a fan of the sport and wouldn't say I have a favourite of all time just enjoy watching entertaining fights when oppnents come to fight.
A) My sponsors are Australian Sports Nutrition, ProdigyFit, Rocktape Australia, Temper Fightwear, MMA Apparel Australia and Again Faster equipment.
Most importantly thanks to my coaches Dan Higgins, Adrian Pang and Steve Compton. My manager Tony Green and my training partners at Integrated MMA they all make fighting possible. Thanks to my lovely wife and family for there support in chasing the dream.
2013/04/22
Legend FC Warrior Kaiwhare "Kai" Kara France
Kai Kara France Legend Fighting Championship
Our thanks to Kai Kara France (2-2) for taking the time to speak to us in fight weekLegend Fighting Championship 11 at Chin Woo Stadium, Kuala Lumpur 27th April 2013
Q) What have been your preparations been for this fight?
A) My preparation for this fight started in Thailand at Tiger Muay Thai training with Roger Huerta for a month, Then I ended my fight camp at my home gym at Strikeforce Auckland. I had some great sparring partners who have helped me prepare for this fight, such as Dan Hooker, Gareth Ealey, Ev Ting and head coach Aaron Boyes.
A) My opponent is Dana Batgerel (2-0) from Mongolia, I know he is a well rounded tough fighter from a good gym training with the light weight champ for Legend (Jadamba). He's taller than me but I'm used to fighting with the height disadvantage.
Q) Given the number os NZ fighters on the card are you expecting many fans from "home" at the event?
Q) What will be different from you last fight at Legend? (Kai defeated Malaysian Sam Chan via a first round Guillotine Choke at Legend 10)
A) A lot of support from back home is expected if not at the fight live. Hopefully NZ fight fans can enjoy the show with a live stream.
A) The difference from my last fight will be experience. Since my last fight at Legend, i have travelled to Thailand twice to sharpen weapons in my toolbox. I have learned to adapt with adversity and to be more patient. You will see a more measured Kai but still put on a show for the Legend fans.
Q) What is your long term aim in this sport?
Q) Who do you most admire in Asian MMA and why?
A). My long term goal is to climb the ranks in Asia and then hopefully get signed by the UFC.
A) The person I most admire in Asian MMA is UFC fighter James Tehuna. Because he is a real humble guy, great work ethic and is a good role model for young MMA fighters. I had a chance to train along side him at Tiger Muay Thai.
A) Fav Fighter's are Urijah Faber and Anthony "showtime" Petis''
A) Thanks to Tiger Muay Thai, Strikeforce, Hyrid Fighter, Proactive Nutrition, Fitness Supreme Solutions.
2013/04/21
Legend FC 11 Warrior Muhammad Hanif Bin Zainal
Muhammad Hanif Bin Zainal / Legend Fighting Championship
Muhammad Hanif Bin Zainal (6-2-1) kindly took time out of his final preparations to speak to us World MMA News Digest
Legend Fighting Championship 11 at Chin Woo Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. 27th April 2013
A) I don't really prepare for just one fight. Im always prepared to fight. Just that when it is near a fight, I will train in different ways and increase the pace of training. So, I would say my preparation for this fight is that I'm doing more wrestling now. It has always been my weak spot, but I do think I'm improving on it.
Q) What do you know about your opponent (Rocky Lee 1-0)
A) My opponent is a blue/purple belt in BJJ. SOme say he is the best in Taiwan. I've only watched a few of his BJJ tournaments and one MMA fight. But, as all the video was from 2011 I'm sure he has improved a lot.
Q) How excited are you to be fighting on home ground in Kuala Lumpur?
A) I'm really excited, I feel really honoured and proud. Malaysia is my country and Kuala Lumpur my hometown and I'm very confident fighting in my hometown.
Q) What will be different from your last fight at Legend? (Hanif lost in the first Round via Rear Naked Choke to Diego Cuenca)
A) This time I'll be going in there less nervous than before, so hopefullyI'll do better.
Q) What is your long term aim in this sport?
A) I want my name to be at the top in Asia. I'll open up a really good MMA gym, train young boys to chase their dreams, it will have more facilities world class trainers and be affordable.
Q) Who do you most admire in Malaysian MMA and Why?
A) Peter Davis, Arnaud LePont and Melvin Yeoh. Peter inspires me in a way that even good looking Mr Nice Guy can fight. I'm not always a fan of Arnaud if I'm honest, but something in him that I overlooked: His spirit and will to fight changed my perspective on him. For Melvin, he's the godfather of MMA in Malaysia and I really respect him.
Q) Who is your all time favorite MMA fighter?
A) Benson Henderson and Carlos Condit, I don't really watch much UFC but I like watching these two guys.
Q) Want to mention your sponsors?
A) Currently Jaded and Collision they sponsor my team Titans Fight Team.
2013/04/20
Legend FC 11 Warrior Sam Chan Speaks to MMA World News Digest
Sam Chan / Legend Fighting Championship 11
Sam Chan (4-2) kindly took some time out of his final preparations for his upcoming bout to speak to World MMA News Digest.
Legend Fighting Championship 11 at Chin Woo Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. 27th April 2013
Q) What have been your preparations for this fight?
A) I have been doing a lot of strength training I dont wish to repeat my same mistake.
Q) What do you know about your opponent? (Gungan Gusman)
Q) How excited are you to be fighting in Malaysia?
A) I saw his video. I cant see much of his skills because the fight is too short... I only know he is a brawler with a wrestling base.
A) Super excited, this is what i have been dreaming of.
Q) What will be different from you last fight at Legend? (Kai Kara France defeated Sam by Guillotine choke in Rd 1)
A) Different from my last legend fight is because this is in my home country.
Q) What is your long term aim in this sport?
A) For the legend belt to be in my room, it will be sick :)
Q) Who do you most admire in Malaysian MMA and why?
A) My coaches, Mat Pellino, Yeow Chet, Melvin Yeoh and Dennis Ethan, there are the ones who brought me in to this world.
A) My coaches, Mat Pellino, Yeow Chet, Melvin Yeoh and Dennis Ethan, there are the ones who brought me in to this world.
Q) Who is your all time favorite MMA fighter?
A) Jon jones and Anderson Silva
Q) Who are you sponsors?
A) H.I.T Fitness & Martial Arts, Synergy Fitness Malaysia and Jaded.
Legend FC 11 Warrior Ev Ting Speaks to World MMA News Digest
Ev Ting / Legend Fighting Championship 11
Ev Ting (5-1) kindly took some time out of his final preparations for his upcoming bout to speak to World MMA News Digest.
Legend Fighting Championship 11 at Chin Woo Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. 27th April 2013
Q) What have been your preparations been for this fight?
A) Preparation wise I've been meeting up to spar with other top Kiwi fighters such as Dan Hooker, Kai France once a week as well as that I have been sharpening up my specific techniques at Auckland MMA with coach Hamish Robertson & Kamikaze Power conditioner Makoto Endo.
Q) What do you know about your opponent? (Choi Yeong Gwang (6-6))
A) Choi is a very game & tough opponent, well rounded & physically strong.
Q) You are part Malaysian although you fight out of NZ, Do you still have family here and are they coming to watch you? (Ting was born in Malaysia of Chinese ancestry)
A) I still consider myself a proud Malaysian Chinese here in NZ although I am long lost with my roots/history and own a Kiwi passport. I never really formally invite family to my competitions as I try to keep business and family separate. I will be in KL for a couple weeks afterwards where I will be catching up with them instead & fit in some training. Rest of my other family is spread out by Sarawak and Singapore.
Q) What will be different from you last fight at Legend? (Rolando Gabriel Dy Navarette at Legend 10. Ting got a Unanimous Decision)
A) My last fight at Legend's with Dy, I was playing it safe to get the W to redeem my performance from my first battle at Legend FC. This fight we can expect a more explosive & hungry me.
Q) What is your long term aim in this sport?
A) Long term goals in sport is to be happy & content with my career with no regrets.
Q) Who do you most admire in Malaysian MMA and why?
A) Malaysian MMA. I feel the wave of fighters is still somewhat young. But it will have to be Sam Chan or otherwise Will Chope if he can be considered from Malaysian MMA.
Q) Who is your all time favorite MMA fighter?
A) Fedor
Q) Who are you sponsors?
A) NZMMA, Nutratech. Auckland MMA, BODI Transformation Studio, Faze Authentics, Jackson & Co.
2013/04/19
Mike Haskamp Legends Head Honcho Speaks To World MMA News Digest
Legend Fighting Championships Mike Haskamp Speaks
On Saturday 27th April at Kuala Lumpurs, Chin Woo Stadium, Legend Fighting Championship makes their long awaited debut outside of China with Legend FC 11.
We got a chance to speak to the king pin behind Legend: Mike Haskamp.
Q) This is Legend FC's first step outside of China, why did you choose Malaysia?
A) Following the AXN deal we closed late last year, we turned our attention to Southeast Asia in partnership with our friends at Sony. There is a lot of potential for the sport in this region, but of course, every country poses its own unique challenges as well.
We ultimately selected Malaysia for a couple of reasons. First, it's one of AXN's strongest markets. They're part of the basic package on Astro, which covers about half of all Malaysian households. And they're the number one pay-TV entertainment channel throughout the entire region, including Malaysia. And second, there is strong grassroots growth in the sport in Malaysia due to a surge in the number of gyms, local fighters, and local shows.
I think MMA as a sport still has a way to go before it achieves mainstream status in Malaysia, but it's certainly taking some steps in the right direction, and we hope we can do our part.
A) Yes, we are. We've established a strong base in Hong Kong and Macau, and in order to continue to drive the sport, local engagement is key. Different markets in the region are at different stages of MMA development, both talent-wise and commercially. The AXN and ESPN deals have opened up a lot of great new opportunities for us, but we've always believed in being smart about how we grow.
A) This is an interesting one both in general and in light of your earlier question regarding more events outside Hong Kong and Macau.
While the raw athletic talent is certainly present here in Asia, lack of adequate coaching and training facilities combined with heretofore limited opportunities to compete has resulted in a relatively small pool of high-level talent. But I think that's changing fast. You're seeing a lot more high quality instructors make their way to Asia, and share what they know not just with fighters but also with local coaches. And there are a lot more gyms coming online. Most of those are more fitness-based and not focused on producing fighters, but they are growing the next generation of MMA fans, which is also important. And there are a good number of legitimate fighter-focused gyms that have sprung up over the last couple of years.
While the raw athletic talent is certainly present here in Asia, lack of adequate coaching and training facilities combined with heretofore limited opportunities to compete has resulted in a relatively small pool of high-level talent. But I think that's changing fast. You're seeing a lot more high quality instructors make their way to Asia, and share what they know not just with fighters but also with local coaches. And there are a lot more gyms coming online. Most of those are more fitness-based and not focused on producing fighters, but they are growing the next generation of MMA fans, which is also important. And there are a good number of legitimate fighter-focused gyms that have sprung up over the last couple of years.
We've never struggled to find great fighters for our cards since we've always taken a very selective approach regarding who we sign, and we also prefer to keep guys already on our roster as busy as possible rather than developing a massive pool. For example, Legend 11 features 24 fighters. 20 of those fighters have previously fought at Legend, most of them a couple of times. We think it's an important commitment for us to make to them to keep them active, and it also goes toward our aim of developing the sport by giving fighters recurring opportunities to compete against evenly matched opponents.
At the same time, as we continue our expansion, it will be important to give local fighters in new markets the chance to fight. But even then, I think you need to be selective, focused, and cognizant of how developed the sport is. Using Legend 11 again as an example, we've got two Malaysians - Hanif and Sam - fighting on the undercard. They're still early in their development, but they have a lot of heart and potential, and as they progress in their skills and career, they'll eventually make their way onto the main card, and hopefully serve as inspiration for the next generation of Malaysian MMA fighters.
At the same time, as we continue our expansion, it will be important to give local fighters in new markets the chance to fight. But even then, I think you need to be selective, focused, and cognizant of how developed the sport is. Using Legend 11 again as an example, we've got two Malaysians - Hanif and Sam - fighting on the undercard. They're still early in their development, but they have a lot of heart and potential, and as they progress in their skills and career, they'll eventually make their way onto the main card, and hopefully serve as inspiration for the next generation of Malaysian MMA fighters.
A) I don't think the long-term plan has changed for us over the past four years. The goal has always been to develop MMA into a mainstream sport here in the Asia-Pacific, and to have a lot of fun in the process. The Asian MMA press tends to make a disproportionate amount of noise and loves hyperbole, and many of them project the idea that MMA is already the biggest sport in the region and is rapidly approaching the popularity of white rice. While I agree with the idea that MMA certainly has that potential, we're still a few years away from that becoming a reality, although I certainly hope to be around when it does.
Q) Where do you see the most interest in MMA in the Asian Pacific area?
6) There are a lot of markets where interest in MMA is already significant and continues to grow: Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand have strong fan bases. But frankly, I think China demonstrates the greatest interest in MMA. I think that's sometimes hard for people to appreciate because in spite of its large size, China is pretty opaque. But when you look at the numbers, there's just no denying the interest in the sport. In 2012, the number of TV sports programming hours for combat sports came third, behind only football (soccer) and basketball. And the viewership numbers for Legend are equally telling. People always like to talk about reach, potential audience, etc., but the numbers we should all really care about are actual ratings. We retain an agency called CSM that provides us ratings for all our shows. Our first show of 2012, Legend 7, was viewed by 12 million people in Mainland China, including re-runs and repeats. Our fourth show of the year was Legend 10, and that show had an audience of 18 million people. That's 50% growth in our rated, independently verified audience in just six months. The appetite is enormous for MMA in China.
A) I would like to thank my wife - who also works at Legend - for her seemingly infinite support, patience, and love as she's stayed on this wild ride with me over the past four years.
You can find the Fight Card HERE
Our thanks to Mike for his time - It's going to be a great show, we will be there and so should you!
You can find the Fight Card HERE
Our thanks to Mike for his time - It's going to be a great show, we will be there and so should you!
Look out for interviews with some of the fighters on the Legend FC card coming over the next few days.
2013/04/16
MMA Video Round-Up - Vinny Magalhaes, Legend FC, Wanderlei Silva, Cage Warriors and Much More
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2013/04/11
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