Sunday, July 31, 2011
Windy springtime in Austria
Working in MMA: Bernie Profato, Ohio Athletic Commission
On the way to becoming the head of the Ohio Athletic Commission, Bernie Profato served as a police officer, Marine, softball umpire, basketball official, and boxing referee. In his seven years at the head of the commission that oversees every MMA event, Ohio has grown from hosting four events a year to 144. He gave Cagewriter a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into preparing for events.
Cagewriter: Bernie, I want to give readers a look behind-the-scenes at what state commissions do.
Bernie Profato: Our first concern is always safety. The safety of fighter comes first, then the rules. There's a lot of issues that go around making that safe environment, not just the rules, but everything going up to the rules. I have to make sure we get the three Ws: the fighters and promoters win, the sport wins, and that means the state of Ohio wins. There's a lot involved.
CW: What kind of preparation goes into overseeing an MMA event, especially some of the bigger UFC, WEC and Strikeforce cards that Ohio has hosted?
BP: Every event is really treated the same as far as what we do to make sure we're consistent. We have to make sure they have a promoter's license. The first thing we want them to do is go to our website and look at the list of the 40-something things that are the promoter's responsibility. Somebody can't just say, 'I saw something on TV, I want to promote something tomorrow.' It just doesn't happen that way. There's a lot we're going to expect of you so that you can be successful, and the sport can be successful.
Once you get the permit OKed, you have to list your planned bouts on the MMA LLC website. Every one of those fights is approved or denied by me. If I deny the fight, I put why it's denied, whether that it's not competitive or if there is a need for a medical clearance. Every fight is scrutinized.
It's also our job to see if these guys are licensed in the state of Ohio, or they have to turn in their medical paperwork. If they're over 35, they have more medicals, and if they're over 39, they have to get even more medicals. We have to check FightFax to make sure this person isn't a boxer under suspension. At event time, my inspectors cover the events. They'll issue a license and a national ID, they conduct weigh-ins, doctors do the pre-fight exams. The inspectors will then send in the results, and notify us of any suspensions, whether it's medical or administrative. (For example, unsportsmanlike conduct.)
CW: So it's your job to oversee all that?
BP: I get involved. I'm a hands-on person. I'm not the type of director who just sits at a desk and delegates. I'm part of a team, and we've got a great team.
CW: How do you keep track of so many fights?
BP: We use a database that shows if a fighter is suspended and his name comes up in bright yellow. It tells us everything. In Ohio, a fighter can't turn pro unless he's had five fights. I've had to deny guy's pro fights because they were just 2-0. Are we being too nitpicky? Maybe, but you know what, I don't know who this guy fought. We're going to err on the side of the safety.
Once you've had four losses in a row, we have to note it, and it doubles your suspension. If they lose seven fights in a row, we tell them, maybe you should try bowling or golf. I had a fighter call me from out-of-state who had 16 losses in a row. He had never even seen a ring girl. He had never gotten out of the first round. I told him that there's no way he'll get licensed in the state of Ohio. You want to go steal a paycheck? Do it somewhere else. I'm not even blaming him. I'm blaming the commissions who licensed him.
Am I ever going to deny a fight that shouldn't be denied, or approve a fight that shouldn't be approved? Absolutely. We're going to be 97 or 98 percent correct, and I don't think you can ask any better than that.
BP: Just meeting the fighters, and getting involved with all of them. The mutual respect we have for each other. They respect us in Ohio because they know we respect them. You can't go in and think these people are just a commodity and think they'll come back. We tell the promotions coming in that our goal is that they'll want to go come back to Ohio, and we always listen to their suggestions. Because the day you think you know everything? You pack it in.
In Ohio, we treat MMA as it goes back to the ancient, Oriental martial arts. In that, we feel that are four qualities that are a part of it in the martial arts tradition. A) Self-respect. B) Respect for your opponent, C) Respect for the sport and those who regulate it, and D) Self discipline. If you can't bring all four of those to the state of Ohio, don't come here.
CW: Is there much communication between you and the other states?
BP: Definitely. Someone will send out an email, "How do you handle this situation?" and we'll respond. They don't have to take our advice, but you look at the people who are successful, and try it on and see what works for you. We have the opportunity to share that knowledge with each other.
One person I've learned so much from is (New Jersey State Athletic Commission head) Nick Lembo. He is just so knowledgeable, and I'll tell you something, he saved Thiago Alves' life. Thank God he was fighting in New Jersey, because they found that issue with his brain.
I denied the Sims-Sylvia fight here because it wasn't competitive, and I took a little bit of a beating by some blogs. But then the next thing you know, the poll on TV says that people are 95 to 5 on denying that fight. You've got to keep these guys safe.
Randy Couture told me, "All other commissions should come to Ohio to see how Ohio does it." These are the top professionals in the world, and we want to treat them like professionals.
Read more from Profato's interview here. Profato has another big event to oversee, as he Ohio will host Strikeforce for the semifinals of the heavyweight Grand Prix.
How Do You Convince a Seasoned Skier to Try Snowboarding?
Source: http://snowboardaction.net/convince-seasoned-skier-snowboarding/
Secret Hikes in the Canadian Rockies
Source: http://www.hikingcamping.com/blog/2011/07/secret-hikes-in-the-canadian-rockies/
Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody ? Lilac
Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-relax-mix-typed-hoody-lilac/
Bad Karma Outdoor Gear
Source: http://www.hikingcamping.com/blog/2011/05/bad-karma-outdoor-gear/
The next events are getting closer
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Overeem out of Strikeforce HWT GP, but still fighting for Zuffa
Zuffa, looking to speed things along, scheduled the semifinals for Sept. 10. Alistair Overeem says he can't fight in September, so now in a surprising move, Zuffa has dumped him from the tournament.
It's a shocking development, involving the guy who most still felt was the favorite to win the whole thing and eventually secure a fight with UFC champion Cain Velasquez down the road.
Instead, it'll be Daniel Cormier who steps up and faces Antonio "Big Foot" Silva.
The story picked up steam this afternoon when Overeem appeared on AOL.com's MMA Hour.
"What's going to happen next? I don't know. I've had some threats of cutting me out of the tournament if I don't participate. I don't know if they're going to do it. Personally, I don't like to be threatened. If people start talking like that then?be my guest, but then I'm really not going to sing to their tune," Overeem said.
"For them to unilaterally declare, okay, [September 10] is going to be the second round, which I never agreed on, and then threaten me if I don't want it, it?doesn't really show a lot of respect,"
It was more than "a lack of respect," there were actions behind the words. Overeem is out, but that doesn't mean he's getting booted from the Strikeforce roster. He's the Strikeforce heavyweight champ and UFC president Dana White pointed out that Overeem's still with the company.
"Sept. 10 was the date Showtime wants us to go, so it's the date we've got to go. It's unfortunate that Alistair is unavailable, but situations like this are why there are alternates in the tournament," White told MMAjunkie. "Overeem is under contract, and when his pinky toe heals up, we'll get him another fight," White said.
Strikeforce done with Overeem, heavyweight champ reportedly dropped by Zuffa
There's a new sheriff in town and he's not messing around. Strikeforce fighters were sent a message tonight by their new boss Zuffa - play the game or play it elsewhere.
Back on July 18, the promotion's heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem got in a public beef over a fight date. Overeem said he wasn't available to fight on Sept. 10 on Showtime. It took less than 12 hours for Zuffa to pull him from the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix. Now less than two weeks later, he's a free agent as Zuffa released Overeem from his contract according to HDNet's "Inside MMA."
Sources close to the situation have told "Inside MMA's" Ron Kruck that Strikeforce has exercised its right to eliminate the one remaining fight on Overeem's contract effective July 22nd.
Also according to the source, Overeem has been dealing with more serious injuries than originally reported, including a broken toe and rib and elbow problems. Overeem will fight next in October in Russia for the promotion United Glory. �No word on who his opponent will be.
This is a terrible blow for MMA fans. Overeem is certainly one of the top five heavyweights in mixed martial arts. Fights against the likes of Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, Josh Barnett, Antonio Silva or even Brock Lesnar would've been big sellers. It seems unlikely Overeem will be fighting under the Zuffa umbrella anytime soon.
Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC, purchased Strikeforce back in March. The organization immediately got an overhaul in the front office and with some of the support staff.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? The worst contracts in sports history
? Kobe to play in soccer benefit game
? MLB teammates argue in front of 30,000 fans
In Memoriam: Aaron Robinson
I first met Aaron Robinson in Farellones, Chile in 2009—we were down there for a catalog shoot with K2, and it was the first day of two weeks on the road. We spent the afternoon shaking off jet lag and searching La Parva for something to ride with a crew 10-deep, but it was pretty bleak—the infamous Andean wind had scoured the mountain to sketchy hard pack and rocks. Still, we rode until 4pm to get our legs back and get to know each other, jibbing a little gully ‘til the pomas closed.
Upon returning to the hostel for dinner, Aaron was missing. Former K2 Team Manager Kevin Winkel set to stressing out about his whereabouts for several hours before Aaron appeared out of the alpenglow, a huge grin on his face. He had hiked the imposing chute of McConkeys, and returned with point-and-shoots of amber-hued powder spray, evidence of his first real turns in Chile. It was indicative of Aaron’s approach to life—always finding a reason to smile, always making the most of the day. Throughout that trip, he stayed positive despite sometimes suspect conditions, approaching every day eager to make most of it, learning how to talk to the senoritas in their native tongue, throwing himself into local culture with genuine interest and enthusiasm. With a positive outlook comes positive experiences—Aaron knew, more than anything, how to enjoy his place in the present, and it rubbed off on everyone around him.
Through the past several years, I was lucky enougn to ride and travel with Aaron in his home state of Montana, the Cascades and beyond. The positive energy never waned—with an innate sense of speed and terrain, his effortless flow on the mountain matched his effortless flow in life. Indeed, Aaron was a great ambassador for snowboarding, for freeriding, and for humanity as a whole.
The news of Aaron’s passing today while snowboarding in Chile, in the land he had grown to love, weighs heavy on us all. Snowboarding has lost one of its most genuine, talented individuals—the world at large has lost one of its most kind hearted souls. Today, our thoughts are with the Robinson family and everyone whose lives he touched around the globe.
Send in peace, A-Rob. We’ll miss you.
Great October sessions
Lombard to Marquardt: ?Let?s make it happen, brother?
Nate Marquardt's suspension has been officially lifted by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission. Earlier this week, Bellator middleweight Hector Lombard doubted that a fight between him and the maligned former UFC star would happen, but now he has another message for Marquardt:
That's right, Lombard would like to welcome Marquardt to Bellator as well as "whoop him up."
It's a fight that makes sense for both men, as Lombard's biggest problem in Bellator has been a lack of challenges. For Marquardt, it's the best fight available after being cut publicly from the UFC just after his suspension messed up the main event for UFC on Versus 4.
Fertitta interview Part 2: Expanding the schedule and big television deal on the horizon
This is a huge year for the UFC. Unlike 2004 and 2005, when the promotion was basically begging television executives to work with its product, the UFC's in a position of strength.
Back then, the UFC would run events every few months. The schedule has expanded to the point where its approaching 30 events each year. Another five years from now, there may only may only be a few weeks a year without an event.
"I could definitely see potentially a fight a week. There's only so much we can push on the pay-per-view side of it. there's only so many big fights we can ask the public to pay for, " UFC president Lorenzo Fertitta told ESPNRadio1100's "The MMA Insiders" show. "But if you're getting it on free TV, I don't see why people wouldn't want to watch."
If the UFC has that many fight cards, it'll be looking for more outlets. or control of its own network.
"The reality is as the sport continues to grow, not just here in North America, but around the globe ... there's going to need to be dates to cultivate that talent as well," said Fertitta.
Fertitta joined Kevin Iole and myself on ESPNRadio1100 on Friday. In Part one of the interview, Fertitta was critical of the Culinary Union for blocking MMA's legalization in New York.
Adventure Life: The Belize Black Hole Drop
Source: http://www.prana.com/blog/2011/07/28/adventure-life-the-belize-black-hole-drop/
Friday, July 29, 2011
Roxy Genius LS T-Shirt ? Deep Ultramarine
Source: http://snowboardaction.net/roxy-genius-ls-t-shirt-deep-ultramarine-2/
Don?t pick against Jackson: Couture called a ?fake [expletive] has-been? for doing so
We saw a great example of that when he threatened to quit MMA in late 2009 claiming he was being mistreated and used by the UFC. That came roughly 14 months after UFC management bailed him out and stuck with him after a bizarre driving rampage in Southern California.
This week, in between dropping some epic trash talk on young Jon Jones, Jackson flipped out on Randy Couture. What did Couture do? The retired UFC legend had the nerve to pick against Jackson in his last fight!
A Twitter war unfolded between the 33-year-old Jackson and Couture, 48.
Here's the video where Couture hurt Jackson's feelings:
Jackson wore Xtreme Couture/Affliction gear during his walkout at UFC 114x in May of 2010. It sounds like he's suggesting Couture's "anti-Jackson" picks are motivated by Rampage changing apparel providers.
Twitter graphic via USA Today
High Cascade Session 4 Recap Video
Looks like it got sunny for Session 4 at High Cascade. Here's the wrap-up video--Bode Merrill goes off.
HCSC 2011: Session 4 Recap from High Cascade Snowboard Camp on Vimeo.
River Paddling 101
Jump for Diabetes at Skydive Chicago
Source: http://skydivechick.com/2011/06/jump-for-diabetes-at-skydive-chicago/
Video analysis: Iole and Meltzer with inside scoop on how Ortiz-Evans II was made for UFC 133
Who saw this one coming? Less than two weeks ago, many folks thought Tito Ortiz would be struggling as newly retired fighter right now. Instead, he's just been booked at UFC 133 for a main event fight against Rashad Evans, the No. 1 contender in the UFC light heavyweight division. What a turnaround!
Ortiz shocked the MMA world by taking out Ryan Bader at UFC 132. The quick win� and an injury to Phil Davis, provided a crazy opportunity to fight in the main event at UFC 133. Tito turned down the offer at first, but when Lyoto Machida asked for a big payday, the UFC asked Ortiz again and he accepted.
Dave Meltzer and Kevin Iole joined Cagewriter to discuss Tito's wild ride, the impact Ortiz's insertion onto the card will have on PPV and gate sales and if Machida just buried himself when it comes to getting a title shot.
Fertitta interview Part 2: Expanding the schedule and big television deal on the horizon
This is a huge year for the UFC. Unlike 2004 and 2005, when the promotion was basically begging television executives to work with its product, the UFC's in a position of strength.
Back then, the UFC would run events every few months. The schedule has expanded to the point where its approaching 30 events each year. Another five years from now, there may only may only be a few weeks a year without an event.
"I could definitely see potentially a fight a week. There's only so much we can push on the pay-per-view side of it. there's only so many big fights we can ask the public to pay for, " UFC president Lorenzo Fertitta told ESPNRadio1100's "The MMA Insiders" show. "But if you're getting it on free TV, I don't see why people wouldn't want to watch."
If the UFC has that many fight cards, it'll be looking for more outlets. or control of its own network.
"The reality is as the sport continues to grow, not just here in North America, but around the globe ... there's going to need to be dates to cultivate that talent as well," said Fertitta.
Fertitta joined Kevin Iole and myself on ESPNRadio1100 on Friday. In Part one of the interview, Fertitta was critical of the Culinary Union for blocking MMA's legalization in New York.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Goose Attacks Pro Kayak Angler Drew Gregory
Source: http://www.ireneskayakingblog.com/videos/goose-attacks-pro-kayak-angler-drew-gregory/
Rosholt moves one step closer to UFC return with win over Horwich
Rosholt (12-3, 1 NC) got a unanimous decision victory, 30-27 on all cards. He mixed takedowns with some solid body work on the feet. The former three-time NCAA Div. 1 national champion wrestler at Oklahoma State scored five takedowns in all, but never went to the ground with Horwich, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt fighting under Eddie Bravo.
"I'm just glad to get out here and get a win against him. It was a scrap. I knew it would be 15 minutes of scrapping," Rosholt told HDNet's Ron Kruck. "I was going to land some strikes, land some to his body and wear him out a little bit. I don't see very many people end Matt Horwich .
Following a loss against Kendall Grove at UFC 106, Rosholt was dropped by the UFC. He's only been a pro in MMA since July of 2007. He entered the WEC as a green fighter and got just one fight with Zuffa's smaller promotion before it phased out the middleweight division. Rosholt was probably thrown to the wolves a little too early in UFC. He went 1-2 with a win over Chris Leben and losses to Grove and Dan Miller. Clearly, his goal is to get back to the UFC.
"I just want to keep fighting and keep getting better all the time. Sooner or later I'll get there. That's where I deserve to be. That's where the best fighters are. That's where I want to fight," said Rosholt.
The takedowns always score with the judges and Horwich stayed on his back too long. On the feet, Horwich's charging flurries confused Rosholt a bit in the first, but it was the wrestler who did more damage in the long run. In the final round, he tried an unorthodox flying knee that missed, but followed it up with a left hook that opened a cut over Horwich's right eye. Horwich also had significant swelling under the eye by the end of the fight.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez was also on the card. He ran through a very overmatched Doug Williams and won via rear-naked choke at 2:16 of the first round. Williams (5-13-1) was a late replacement after a wacky weigh-in day where Rodriguez's original opponent missed the catchweight by 23 pounds. This is a career rebirth for Rodriguez (47-11), who's fighting back from a well-publicized battle against drug addiction. The UFC champ back in 2002 ballooned to 300-plus pounds. Last night, he was 227 pounds and still looks like he should eventually fight down at 205 with some more conditioning work. Rodriguez's previous two fights were at a 215-pound catchweight.
The most dramatic moment of the night came when Alan Jouban crushed and finished Andrew Goldthwaite with a left hook (3:25 mark).
Video tip via Bloody Elbow's Mike Fagan
Marquardt not heading to Bellator as he fights off criticism from B.J. Penn
Apparently the "Nate Marquardt's a nice guy" stuff is long gone. The former UFC middleweight contender, who had run ins with both Pennsylvania and New Jersey over his testosterone replacement therapy use, is getting battered from all sides. Bellator's Hector Lombard called him a cheater earlier this week and now B.J. Penn has jumped on board the "Slam Nate Express."
@BJPenndontcom and @NathanMarquardt engaged in a little Twitter throw down yesterday.
MMA fans on Twitter are choosing sides. A newly combative Marquardt is getting blasted by some followers and spoke with MMAjunkie to defend himself.
"Some of the fighters that think they're so cool and tough by kicking a guy when he's down ? as far as my career, this has been one of the worst times of my life, and these guys are calling me a cheater and talking crap ? I've taken note as to who those guys are, and I'm going to come for them. Eventually, I'll get them. I don't care if it's in a superfight or if they want to come down to my gym. I'll beat them up for free," Marquardt said.
"I think you know who these guys are ? Ben Askren, B.J. Penn, Paul Daley, Hector Lombard, cowards talking crap about a guy when he's in such a situation. They're trying to take advantage of the situation. They're bullies. Those are the guys I want to beat up."
Not everyone is slamming Marquardt. Others on Twitter have started a #bringnateback hash tag. They're including UFC president Dana White on many of those tweets.
Marquardt and his management team must be banking on White eventually softening his stance. Bellator made an offer to Marquardt, but the two sides couldn't come to terms. It sounds like Marquardt wanted an immediate title shot against Lombard, but Bellator wouldn't back off it's standard tournament format. All new fighters are usually put into a tournament and have to earn a title shot against the reigning champ.
"The reality is that it's not often that a top-10 guy is available... especially when he's coming off a win. Nate's situation was pretty unique. It's an anomaly for a guy like that to become available, so we had discussions. But it just became pretty clear it wasn't the right fit," Rebney told MMAjunkie.
Who's making the mistake in that case? Wouldn't it benefit Bellator to steal away a high profile fighter? Or is it Marquardt, for not taking the only major opportunity that may come his way?
Video: Kayaker Beatdown (and Many Other Things Going Badly at the Same Time)
Source: http://www.ireneskayakingblog.com/videos/video-kayaker-beatdown/
Grove wallops Jensen and calls out Konrad at Bellator 47 opener
Grove (11-3-1) showed he's tough. From the opening bell, the bulky big guys threw like wild men and Jensen clipped Grove with a right hand that dropped him. In the past, the South African fighting out of England with no formal wrestling training when he entered the sport, may have panicked and bailed mentally. With better training under his belt, Grove grabbed a leg and eventually flipped to work for a kneebar or heel hook.
Then both fighters sat up on the rear ends and wailed away at each other. Jensen couldn't keep pace and dropped back where Grove jumped into his guard. The 6-foot-6, 264 pounder got off six hammerfists and referee Yves Lavigne jumped in to save the American.
"He hit me with a couple of hard shots. I'm happy that I took them and because I've been spending so much time in America training some wrestling, I've been learning what to do when I'm on the ground. I made use of it," Grove told Bellator's Jimmy Smith. "When I was on the ground I just knew I had to let my hands go. The man can take a punch!"
Grove, 40, has been working on his grappling and ground work. It's always been the big hole is his game. It was exploited during Bellator's Season 3 Heavyweight tournament by former Div. 1 NCAA wrestling champion Cole Konrad. Konrad scored an early takedown and eventually got a first round win via keylock at Bellator 32 back in October.
"My loss against Cole Konrad is something of the past. I've been training everyday since that fight to get back into the heavyweight tournament," Grove said as he held up his fists. "And Cole you're going to say hello to goodnight and sleep tight when we meet next."
This was the ninth first round KO of Grove's brief career. The loss was the third in four fight for Jensen, a Season 10 "Ultimate Fighter" alum.
Dana White on music heartthrobs: Thumbs up on Bieber, big thumbs down on Timberlake
When you meet the fans, you have to always have on your game face. At least, that's what we hear. That 15 second brush with the average Joe can leave an impression for a lifetime.
It might be the motivation behind the way Dana White treats his fans at autograph signings, ticket giveaways and most importantly live events. But it's not easy to be on your game at all times, that's why White was super-impressed with teenage Justin Bieber when he came to UFC 132.
"I love Justin Bieber. He's such a good kid," White said on XM's Opie and Anthony Show (7:00 mark - NSFW video). "The kid deserves everything he's got."
White talked about first meeting Bieber a few months back and the teen superstar was down to earth and attentive. Justin Timberlake was last generation's Bieber, according to White, now he's not such a great guy.
"He couldn't have been a more arrogant prick," White said of the 30-year-old singer. "So you want to hate somebody, hate Justin Timberlake, not Bieber."
White described the encounter with the former lead singer of N'Sync.
"I know how I am with people who love the UFC ... listen I'm not buying any [expletive] Justin Timberlake records, you know what I mean? The kids are.� When you see people treat kids like that and I've met them all. [Expletive] Justin Timberlake, he's a douchebag."
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Form of Happiness
The Guy With The prAna Tattoo
Source: http://www.prana.com/blog/2011/07/20/the-guy-with-the-prana-tattoo/
Working in MMA: Agent Malki Kawa talks about the business
Today, we look at Malki Kawa, the president of First Round Management, an athlete representation agency that has on its roster of fighters UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, Chris Leben, Carlos Condit and Thiago Alves, among other fighters.
Cagewriter: What is your job title?
Malki Kawa: Sometimes I'm called an agent, sometimes I'm called a manager.
CW: What's the difference?
MK: An agent's job is to put their guy in a position to capitalize on every opportunity they can, whether it's off a fight, a movie, or whatever. A manager is supposed to guide a fighter's career. I help guys reach their financial and their career goals. In the NFL, I was an agent, but in boxing and MMA, it's more manager. I like to think I'm a great manager, where I help guide their careers, and an even better agent, where I help them secure the financial and career goals.
CW: What's an average day like for you?
MK: I like to be in control and in the know, so when I wake up, I start checking everything out to see what happened overnight and catch up anything I missed. When I get to the office, I catch up on emails and create any proposals for any East Coast sponsors, or Joe Silva [the UFC matchmaker], because he's on the East Coast. At 12:00, the West Coast starts to happen.
From 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., my phone is ringing nonstop. I check in with most fighters, I look to see what's out there, and view a lot of different information. I look into what people are being paid, I compile a lot of data, I do a lot of market research. One of the reasons I've been successful in getting guys sponsorships is that I have a better handle on what's out there.
CW: Do you talk to your fighters everyday?
MK: No. I like to check in with every fighter at least once a week. If I don't have something to talk them about, I don't call them. There might be a fighter I don't talk to for a week. That doesn't mean I'm not thinking about them. It just means that there's not anything going on right then.
CW: What's a fight week like for you?
MK: We basically mirror them the entire time. If I have a fighter fighting on Saturday, I'll land with them either Tuesday or Wednesday. It's my job to make sure that everything is very comfortable and very easy for them. My week becomes a week to service the fighter. I'm there to be an extra hand for his team. That's when I take care of their shorts and their banner, and I make sure their corner knows what they have to wear. I don't really get a chance to rest until the night of the fight and their fight is done. If I have a main event guy, that's when I get to stop, unless they have an after-party, and then I make sure they get there, that they're safe and that they get paid.
CW: What's the best part of this job?
MK: The fighters themselves. Just going through the motions with the fighters everyday, and watching them grow. Like, watching Jon Bones grow from being a potential great fighter to being a champion. Watching Carlos Condit go through the ranks, and watching Thiago Alves try to make himself a little better. I also like watching when I come up with ideas that help change a fighter's life.
Look at Kenny Florian. It was my idea for him to drop to 145. Watching guys have faith in you, and then coming up with ideas of how they can get to certain places. I think that's why guys sign with me. Beside the fact that I make them money, and I am going to do the best I can for them. I think I'm intelligent, I think I know what people want and I think I know what the UFC wants, and I'm going to fight for my fighter.
CW: But no job is perfect. What's the worst part?
MK: Watching other managers who aren't good at what they do, who undercut their fighter's careers, they'll take a guy from you and mess things up, or fighters who become disrespectful. But honestly? I can't complain. I have the best job in the world. I think the traveling sucks. After a while, you want to be home with your family.
CW: What advice do you have for someone who wants to become an agent?
MK: If there's a guy or girl who wanted to get in this business, my best advice would be to set your mind to a goal of what you want your life to be at certain points. Set timelines. Let nothing stand in the way of that goal, and don't ever be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to go after what you want to get. Look around the room at my peers, and they come from all different backgrounds, but the one thing that they lack is the desire and drive I have. That's the reason I'm at the top of this game.
Working in MMA: Agent Malki Kawa talks about the business
Today, we look at Malki Kawa, the president of First Round Management, an athlete representation agency that has on its roster of fighters UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, Chris Leben, Carlos Condit and Thiago Alves, among other fighters.
Cagewriter: What is your job title?
Malki Kawa: Sometimes I'm called an agent, sometimes I'm called a manager.
CW: What's the difference?
MK: An agent's job is to put their guy in a position to capitalize on every opportunity they can, whether it's off a fight, a movie, or whatever. A manager is supposed to guide a fighter's career. I help guys reach their financial and their career goals. In the NFL, I was an agent, but in boxing and MMA, it's more manager. I like to think I'm a great manager, where I help guide their careers, and an even better agent, where I help them secure the financial and career goals.
CW: What's an average day like for you?
MK: I like to be in control and in the know, so when I wake up, I start checking everything out to see what happened overnight and catch up anything I missed. When I get to the office, I catch up on emails and create any proposals for any East Coast sponsors, or Joe Silva [the UFC matchmaker], because he's on the East Coast. At 12:00, the West Coast starts to happen.
From 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., my phone is ringing nonstop. I check in with most fighters, I look to see what's out there, and view a lot of different information. I look into what people are being paid, I compile a lot of data, I do a lot of market research. One of the reasons I've been successful in getting guys sponsorships is that I have a better handle on what's out there.
CW: Do you talk to your fighters everyday?
MK: No. I like to check in with every fighter at least once a week. If I don't have something to talk them about, I don't call them. There might be a fighter I don't talk to for a week. That doesn't mean I'm not thinking about them. It just means that there's not anything going on right then.
CW: What's a fight week like for you?
MK: We basically mirror them the entire time. If I have a fighter fighting on Saturday, I'll land with them either Tuesday or Wednesday. It's my job to make sure that everything is very comfortable and very easy for them. My week becomes a week to service the fighter. I'm there to be an extra hand for his team. That's when I take care of their shorts and their banner, and I make sure their corner knows what they have to wear. I don't really get a chance to rest until the night of the fight and their fight is done. If I have a main event guy, that's when I get to stop, unless they have an after-party, and then I make sure they get there, that they're safe and that they get paid.
CW: What's the best part of this job?
MK: The fighters themselves. Just going through the motions with the fighters everyday, and watching them grow. Like, watching Jon Bones grow from being a potential great fighter to being a champion. Watching Carlos Condit go through the ranks, and watching Thiago Alves try to make himself a little better. I also like watching when I come up with ideas that help change a fighter's life.
Look at Kenny Florian. It was my idea for him to drop to 145. Watching guys have faith in you, and then coming up with ideas of how they can get to certain places. I think that's why guys sign with me. Beside the fact that I make them money, and I am going to do the best I can for them. I think I'm intelligent, I think I know what people want and I think I know what the UFC wants, and I'm going to fight for my fighter.
CW: But no job is perfect. What's the worst part?
MK: Watching other managers who aren't good at what they do, who undercut their fighter's careers, they'll take a guy from you and mess things up, or fighters who become disrespectful. But honestly? I can't complain. I have the best job in the world. I think the traveling sucks. After a while, you want to be home with your family.
CW: What advice do you have for someone who wants to become an agent?
MK: If there's a guy or girl who wanted to get in this business, my best advice would be to set your mind to a goal of what you want your life to be at certain points. Set timelines. Let nothing stand in the way of that goal, and don't ever be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to go after what you want to get. Look around the room at my peers, and they come from all different backgrounds, but the one thing that they lack is the desire and drive I have. That's the reason I'm at the top of this game.
?Cro Cop? returns for another UFC fight against Roy Nelson
Dana White is trying to allow the legends of MMA to walk away gracefully, but some won't cooperate. After UFC 132, White said "I think that's it." We're still waiting on an answer from Silva. He did the same after UFC 128 with Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, but it looks like the former PRIDE star wants to continue to eran a few bucks.
Cro Cop wants to fight on and is owed another bout on his contract. So coming off an ugly third round knockout loss to Brendan Schaub, Cro Cop announced he'll be facing Roy Nelson at UFC 137 in October.
"I've had no contact with Dana White and have not re-negotiated with the UFC. I agreed to my next fight and that's it," Filipovic explained. "I can now exclusively confirm that I will fight my last UFC fight October 29 in Las Vegas against Roy Nelson."
Cro Cop, 36, has been battling a nasty knee injury over the last few years, but says he's good to go now.
"We will see in the next fight. I am happy that I managed to rehabilitate my injury. I received a few injections to the knee. It is an unpleasant procedure. They take your blood and separate parts of it using a a centrifuge and�then inject [the plasma rich platelets] into the knee to stimulate cartilage regeneration," Cro Cop said. "This knee was destroyed, but I managed to repair it. I felt terrible pain, and now twice a week I'm doing exercises with physiotherapy. "
Cage Potato calls this a win or go home fight for both fighters. Do you agree? Nelson's lost two straight, but against Junior dos Santos and Frank Mir.
Bariloche Pows with SASS Global Travel
Despite the recent foot of ash that fell on the Argentine city of Bariloche, pows are in session up high on Cerro Catedral--this footage from SASS featuring Skylar Holgate, Andrew Burns and Jon Conway should give you an idea of how things are filling in down south.
Advice from 30,000 miles on the Trail
Source: http://www.hikingcamping.com/blog/2011/07/advice-from-30000-miles-on-the-trail-3/
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tito wrecks his Rolls and cries; UFC breathes sigh of relief
It's a good thing Tito Ortiz is rich and likes to drive a $300,000 tank. The main eventer at UFC 133 got into a minor fender bender in Costa Mesa, Calif.
According to TMZ.com, Ortiz was involved in a three-car accident in his Rolls Royce. The former UFC light heavyweight champ got emotional over his smashed grill.
[Ortiz said,] "I cried a little because it's my favorite car but it will be new in no time."
Ortiz was a late fill-in at UFC 133. After Lyoto Machida asked for a bigger payday, Ortiz was seemingly the only remaining high-profile option to face Rashad Evans. Ortiz is safe and the UFC caught a huge break when he came away from this accident unscathed.
Fertitta interview Part 2: Expanding the schedule and big television deal on the horizon
This is a huge year for the UFC. Unlike 2004 and 2005, when the promotion was basically begging television executives to work with its product, the UFC's in a position of strength.
Back then, the UFC would run events every few months. The schedule has expanded to the point where its approaching 30 events each year. Another five years from now, there may only may only be a few weeks a year without an event.
"I could definitely see potentially a fight a week. There's only so much we can push on the pay-per-view side of it. there's only so many big fights we can ask the public to pay for, " UFC president Lorenzo Fertitta told ESPNRadio1100's "The MMA Insiders" show. "But if you're getting it on free TV, I don't see why people wouldn't want to watch."
If the UFC has that many fight cards, it'll be looking for more outlets. or control of its own network.
"The reality is as the sport continues to grow, not just here in North America, but around the globe ... there's going to need to be dates to cultivate that talent as well," said Fertitta.
Fertitta joined Kevin Iole and myself on ESPNRadio1100 on Friday. In Part one of the interview, Fertitta was critical of the Culinary Union for blocking MMA's legalization in New York.
A ?Fantastic? Day on the Kaweah River!
Backpacking Washington State?s Inland Fiord
Source: http://www.hikingcamping.com/blog/2011/06/backpacking-washington-state%e2%80%99s-inland-fiord/
Working in MMA: Bernie Profato, Ohio Athletic Commission
On the way to becoming the head of the Ohio Athletic Commission, Bernie Profato served as a police officer, Marine, softball umpire, basketball official, and boxing referee. In his seven years at the head of the commission that oversees every MMA event, Ohio has grown from hosting four events a year to 144. He gave Cagewriter a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into preparing for events.
Cagewriter: Bernie, I want to give readers a look behind-the-scenes at what state commissions do.
Bernie Profato: Our first concern is always safety. The safety of fighter comes first, then the rules. There's a lot of issues that go around making that safe environment, not just the rules, but everything going up to the rules. I have to make sure we get the three Ws: the fighters and promoters win, the sport wins, and that means the state of Ohio wins. There's a lot involved.
CW: What kind of preparation goes into overseeing an MMA event, especially some of the bigger UFC, WEC and Strikeforce cards that Ohio has hosted?
BP: Every event is really treated the same as far as what we do to make sure we're consistent. We have to make sure they have a promoter's license. The first thing we want them to do is go to our website and look at the list of the 40-something things that are the promoter's responsibility. Somebody can't just say, 'I saw something on TV, I want to promote something tomorrow.' It just doesn't happen that way. There's a lot we're going to expect of you so that you can be successful, and the sport can be successful.
Once you get the permit OKed, you have to list your planned bouts on the MMA LLC website. Every one of those fights is approved or denied by me. If I deny the fight, I put why it's denied, whether that it's not competitive or if there is a need for a medical clearance. Every fight is scrutinized.
It's also our job to see if these guys are licensed in the state of Ohio, or they have to turn in their medical paperwork. If they're over 35, they have more medicals, and if they're over 39, they have to get even more medicals. We have to check FightFax to make sure this person isn't a boxer under suspension. At event time, my inspectors cover the events. They'll issue a license and a national ID, they conduct weigh-ins, doctors do the pre-fight exams. The inspectors will then send in the results, and notify us of any suspensions, whether it's medical or administrative. (For example, unsportsmanlike conduct.)
CW: So it's your job to oversee all that?
BP: I get involved. I'm a hands-on person. I'm not the type of director who just sits at a desk and delegates. I'm part of a team, and we've got a great team.
CW: How do you keep track of so many fights?
BP: We use a database that shows if a fighter is suspended and his name comes up in bright yellow. It tells us everything. In Ohio, a fighter can't turn pro unless he's had five fights. I've had to deny guy's pro fights because they were just 2-0. Are we being too nitpicky? Maybe, but you know what, I don't know who this guy fought. We're going to err on the side of the safety.
Once you've had four losses in a row, we have to note it, and it doubles your suspension. If they lose seven fights in a row, we tell them, maybe you should try bowling or golf. I had a fighter call me from out-of-state who had 16 losses in a row. He had never even seen a ring girl. He had never gotten out of the first round. I told him that there's no way he'll get licensed in the state of Ohio. You want to go steal a paycheck? Do it somewhere else. I'm not even blaming him. I'm blaming the commissions who licensed him.
Am I ever going to deny a fight that shouldn't be denied, or approve a fight that shouldn't be approved? Absolutely. We're going to be 97 or 98 percent correct, and I don't think you can ask any better than that.
BP: Just meeting the fighters, and getting involved with all of them. The mutual respect we have for each other. They respect us in Ohio because they know we respect them. You can't go in and think these people are just a commodity and think they'll come back. We tell the promotions coming in that our goal is that they'll want to go come back to Ohio, and we always listen to their suggestions. Because the day you think you know everything? You pack it in.
In Ohio, we treat MMA as it goes back to the ancient, Oriental martial arts. In that, we feel that are four qualities that are a part of it in the martial arts tradition. A) Self-respect. B) Respect for your opponent, C) Respect for the sport and those who regulate it, and D) Self discipline. If you can't bring all four of those to the state of Ohio, don't come here.
CW: Is there much communication between you and the other states?
BP: Definitely. Someone will send out an email, "How do you handle this situation?" and we'll respond. They don't have to take our advice, but you look at the people who are successful, and try it on and see what works for you. We have the opportunity to share that knowledge with each other.
One person I've learned so much from is (New Jersey State Athletic Commission head) Nick Lembo. He is just so knowledgeable, and I'll tell you something, he saved Thiago Alves' life. Thank God he was fighting in New Jersey, because they found that issue with his brain.
I denied the Sims-Sylvia fight here because it wasn't competitive, and I took a little bit of a beating by some blogs. But then the next thing you know, the poll on TV says that people are 95 to 5 on denying that fight. You've got to keep these guys safe.
Randy Couture told me, "All other commissions should come to Ohio to see how Ohio does it." These are the top professionals in the world, and we want to treat them like professionals.
Read more from Profato's interview here. Profato has another big event to oversee, as he Ohio will host Strikeforce for the semifinals of the heavyweight Grand Prix.
Do?s and Don?ts for river trip packing
What does ?Anderson Silva-money? get you? A nice new mansion
"I opted not to pay him Anderson Silva money and told him when he accomplished all the things that Anderson Silva has accomplished, then maybe he'll make Anderson Silva-type money," an incredulous White told reporters.
Silva is on a 14-fight win streak and lives atop the Yahoo! Sports pound-for-pound rankings. For that, he made $200,000 in his UFC 126 knockout of Vitor Belfort, but that figure doesn't include any bonuses or cuts of pay-per-view buys, which may be a part of his contract. His sponsorship money also isn't included into that figure, and Kevin Iole estimated that he pulls seven figures for a fight.
In fact, he just used that money to buy a new million-dollar home in southern California. The Los Angeles Times reported that Silva bought a $1.76 million home in Palos Verdes Estates to be closer to his training homes. The house has an ocean view, four bedrooms, three and a half baths, a pool and sits on a half-acre lot.
Maybe this gives a clue behind Machida's motivation. Who doesn't want a home with an ocean view?
Monday, July 25, 2011
Cormier talks about Silva, the Grand Prix and his future
Daniel Cormer was helping teammates Mo Lawal and Luke Rockhold prepare for their Sept. 10 bouts when he was given the opportunity of a lifetime. Alistair Overeem had dropped out of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, and Cormier was being asked to step in and fight Antonio Silva. For Cormier, taking the fight with Silva was a no-brainer.
"Obviously, I had no reservations. I'm a person who thinks things through, and when I weighed out the positives and negatives, there was no reason for me to not take the fight," Cormier told Cagewriter.
It's a leap up in competition for the undefeated Cormier. His last bout was a unanimous decision over journeyman heavyweight Jeff Monson. With Overeem's withdrawal, the tournament has lost one of its biggest names, but that doesn't bother Cormier.
"People are saying that the tournament means nothing because Overeem is out, it's the biggest thing in my life. When I first saw the tournament started, I thought it was the greatest collection of heavyweights in one bracket. I still get to fight some of the best heavyweights in the world, and if I string this together, I think it validates me as a mixed martial artist."
Though Silva has Cormier beat on size -- "Big Foot" is six inches taller -- Cormier says that he has other advantages to neutralize Silva's size.
"I'm faster than he is, I'm more athletic and a better wrestler, and I think I'm a pretty decent mixed martial artist. I've gotten better to the point that I think I'm ready to compete with the best guys in the world. I won't know how far I am in this journey until I do test myself with someone like that."
The tournament concept is nothing new to Cormier. As a two-time Olympic wrestler, tournaments have ruled his athletic career.
"In wrestling, everything was tournament-based. It's not like I haven't had to set my mind for a tournament before. I'll just draw back on my wrestling experience, the Olympics, U.S. Nationals, world team trials, every other tournament I've been in my whole life. I've been going to tournaments since I was seven."
Because of that Olympic pedigree, it's hard to think of Cormier as anything but a wrestler. Two years into his MMA career, he does believe he is on the right path.
"I'm on my way to becoming a full-fledged mixed martial artist. I spend a lot of times covering all disciplines of MMA. With the Monson fight, I was fighting someone much more experienced than me, and I was able to outstrike him. At the same time, I don't ever want the Olympic tag to be lifted from my name. I worked my whole life for that. No matter what I do in my life, I will always be an Olympian."
Beyond beating Silva, he still has plenty of goals to meet as a fighter.
"At some point, I'm going to be considered one of the best fighters in the world. My drive and determination are going to push me in that direction."
North Stan Having the Season of its Life!
Windy springtime in Austria
Openly gay Carmouche fighting for plenty of causes this weekend
Liz Carmouche is like most people who fear something they're unfamiliar with; the former Marine hated MMA when she first saw it. Once she learned about the sport and began training, she quickly gained an understanding. Carmouche (on the left) would probably like to see people be as open-minded when it comes to someone's sexual preference.
According to Ben Fowlkes from MMAFighting, Carmouche will be the first openly gay fighter to fight under the Zuffa banner when she steps into the cage on Friday at Strikeforce Challengers 17. Carmouche faces a former champion in Sarah Kaufman (Showtime 11 p.m. ET/PT)
After years of having to hide her identity while an active Marine, Carmouche feels liberated. Said Carmouche:
"It was really difficult. I wouldn't say I came out so much as I came into my own. I really discovered what my sexuality meant to me and what that meant to me as a person. I was able to come out to my family, but other than that I couldn't come out to co-workers or to friends because of what that would mean for my military life and my career. That made my life difficult, because I felt like I was constantly conflicted and at war with myself every day that I faced people."
Carmouche's sexual preference flew under the radar in MMA, but she knows that wouldn't be the case if a male fighter announced he was gay.
"When [men] look at two women, it's 'lesbian action,'" she said. "That's attractive to them. Two men doesn't have that same appeal to them. Two women is just much more appealing to them, because they find it attractive."
Carmouche first felt acceptance in the gym.
"It's pretty funny, because it was obvious to all of us [that she was gay], I think," chuckled Carmouche's coach,�Manny Hernandez. [...]
"At our school we look at it like, she's an athlete," Hernandez said. "She can definitely [expletive] you up. That is something that happens. There are male fighters in the lighter weight classes who will high-tail it out of here, because they didn't sign up to get beat up by a chick. But it happens."
Carmouche (5-1) has been successful in carrying those beatings over to the Strikeforce cage. Back in March, she shocked many by pounding Strikeforce's 135-pound champion Marloes Coenen for three-plus rounds before making a silly mistake and getting caught in a triangle choke. Keep in mind, Carmouche accepted the fight on 10 days notice and has only been a pro since last May. Coenen's been a pro since 2000.
Against Kaufman on Friday, Carmouche gets a chance�to prove the Coenen fight wasn't a fluke�and more importantly break some new barriers.