DarK_RaideR

RSC 17: Burgess vs dos Santos Sunday, Week 2, March 2003 – Midlands, UK Attendance: 189 Preliminary Card Women’s Flyweight: Tae Kasuga (CR#21, 7-5, 0-0 RSC) def. Mio Mochizuki (CR#22, 5-6, 0-0 RSC) via Unanimous Decision – 29:28, 30:27, 30:27 [Decent] [Mio Mochizuki announced her retirement after the fight] Women’s Bantamweight: Vicki Summers (WR#20, CR#6, 9-4, 0-0 RSC) def. Kaoru Nanami (CR#10, 6-4, 0-0 RSC) via Submission (Guillotine) – Round 1, 1:17 [Good] Middleweight: Wenderson de Oliveira (CR#7, 10-1, 0-0 RSC) def. Noppanon On-Mo (CR#13, 5-0, 0-0 RSC) via Submission (Armbar) – Round 1, 1:39 [Good] Women’s Flyweight: Kata Mallasz (CR#23, 3-2, 1-2 RSC def. Viktorija Yakovlev (CR#25, 0-3, 0-3 RSC) via Unanimous Decision – 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Fantastic] Lightweight: Antanas Jankovic (CR#12, 1-1, 1-1 RSC) def. Jean-Jacques Levasseur via Knock Out (Punch) – Round 1, 3:07 [Great] Main Card Featherweight: Dovydas Novak (CR#15, 0-3, 0-3 RSC) def. Anton Mazur (CR#16, 0-2, 0-2 RSC) via Submission (Armbar) – Round 1, 4:44 [Good] Heavyweight: Hanif Hussain (CR#12, 7-2, 1-0 RSC) def. Manny Van Post (CR#14, 4-1, 1-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision – 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Decent] Heavyweight: Aljur Paras (CR#16, 4-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Raimundo Pinheiro (CR#7, 10-6, 0-0 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) – Round 2, 0:42 [Decent] Women’s Featherweight: Vasya Kaczmarek (CR#4, 8-1, 2-1 RSC) def. Johanna Lagerholm (CR#14, 3-0, 2-0 RSC) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1, 2:48 [Great] Heavyweight: Percy Catcher (CR#3, 12-6, 0-0 RSC) def. Vittorio Pescatelli (CR#9, 7-1, 1-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision – 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Good] RSC Light Heavyweight Championship: Carlos dos Santos (CR#2, 16-6, 1-0 RSC) def. Frankie Burgess (CR#1, 7-1, 2-0 RSC) via Submission (Neck Crank) – Round 3, 1:29 [Great] - Killer one-two combo from Brazil’s Carlos dos Santos, who won his debut to climb at #2 in the Rankings and converted the title match he got from that into a Championship win, cutting the reign of Frankie Burgess short. The former title holder did his best to keep his challenger at bay with a dangerous striking game, but dos Santos found a way by the third round, utilizing a rarely seen Neck Crank to get the submission victory. - Return to victories for former RSC Women’s Featherweight champion Vasya Kaczmarek, following her title loss to Portugal’s Regina de Avila in November. Using her usual gameplan of taking her opponent to the mat and sliding in the Rear Naked Choke, Kaczmarek forced Johanna Lagerholm to submit and got back on track in just the opening round of their fight. - Aljur Paras continued his undefeated streak, taking down Pinheiro to ruin his RSC debut. The rising star from the Phillipines continues his climb up the rankings, looking more and more dangerous with each fight. - Another gem hidden in the pre-show, Kata Mallasz and Viktorija Yakovlev stole the show and got away with the Fight of the Night award, despite their match going to the judges. Both women came into the fight desperate for a win and it showed inside the cage, treating fans to three exciting, intense rounds of action. Bonus Fight of the Night Mallasz vs Yakovlev KO of the Night: Jankovic vs Levasseur Submission of the Night: Kaczmarek vs Lagerholm Post-Fight Carlos dos Santos: ”Burgess was a tough opponent and I had trouble closing in, but in the end I was able to take the match where it suited me best.” Vasya Kaczmarek: ”I want the biggest, baddest opponent there is on the roster. Give me Lynda Epsom and I’ll choke her out!” Aljur Paras: ”I want Bast Moulke next!” Dovydas Novak: ”Matas Vidmar better get prepared, because I’m coming for him!”

To my understanding, yes, racoons do that in the U.S. while foxes in the U.K. and maybe mainland Europe. I wouldn't know by experience, sadly where I'm from it's mainly people digging through trash There

BCG World Championship: ©Bunrakuken Torii vs. Tasuka Iesada Comments: Torii's where it's at in this match BCG World Tag Team Championship: ©American Demolition (Big Bruiser Findlay & Bulldozer Brandon Smith) vs Miura & Yoshizawa (Inejiro Yoshizawa & Noritoshi Miura) Comments: Not sure if they've made a defence yet, but M&Y still are not the ones to take them down. AmDem continue to be monster gaijin heels BCG Junior Heavyweight Championship Tournament Final: Frankie Perez vs. Razan Okamoto Comments: I love Perez, but have many reasons yo go with Razan in this Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix Qualification Match: Naozane Goto vs. Rokuemon Matsushita Comments: Goto's probably still a young lion and certainly the worse wrestler, thus not GP material yet Azumamaro Shimizu Seven Match Trial Series - Match #7: Funakoshi vs. Azumamaro Shimizu Comments: If Shimizu was winning even a single match on his series, this wouldn't be it Bonus Question: What outsider(s) will be announced as competitors for the Yoshifusa Meada Grand Prix? (Any name right gets a point, limit of 3 names) Comments: Takayuki 2000, Munemitsu Senmatsu and Tatsukitchi Schichirobei

I applaud the splendid taste in music picks, which is exactly where all good taste should end in OWC. Also, if Urban Fox keeps up that gimmick, he's gonna need a repackaging and a racoon mask soon. Kudos to you, sir. Keep it up, please.

RSC 16: Nouri vs Hayashi Sunday, Week 4 February 2003 - Moscow, Russia Attendance: 362 Preliminary Card Women's Featherweight: Zofia Ivanov (CR#13, 1-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Ophelia Touchstone (CR#12, 3-0, 0-0 RSC) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 2, 1:35 [Decent] Super Heavyweight: Zsolt Hargitay (CR#5 8-3, 0-0 RSC) def. Daugvinas Blekaitis (CR#8, 3-1, 1-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 1:48 [Good] Main Card Middleweight: Osvald Kikkas (CR#8, 8-2, 1-2 RSC) def. Andre Passos (CR#13, 5-1, 0-0 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Average] Women's Bantamweight: Agnieszka Hajek (CR#14, 0-2, 0-2 RSC) def. Evelina Kovacic (CR#13, 1-2, 1-2 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Fantastic] Heavyweight: Bast Moulke (CR#15, 4-1, 1-1 RSC) def. Libor Pudil (CR#10, 7-3, 1-2 RSC) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 2, 4:14 [Average] Middleweight: Mariusz Nowak (CR#12, 5-0, 2-0 RSC) def. Jemaine McKenzie (CR#7, 10-5, 1-2 RSC) via Submission [Rear Naked Choke] - Round 3, 4:55 [Decent] Light Heavyweight: Andoni Olano (CR#9, 9-3, 1-1 RSC) def. Allen LeFleur (CR#6, 11-0, 0-0 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, s:32 [Decent] Light Heavyweight: Leandro Piquet (CR#3, 21-11, 0-0 RSC) def. Nestor Morozov (CR#8, 27-16, 2-2 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Decent] RSC Lightweight Championship: Georges Nouri (WR#13, CR#1, 15-3, 0-0 RSC) def. Fumiaki Hayashi (WR#22, CR#2, 20-9, 0-0 RSC) via Submission (Guillotine) - Round 4, 4:58 [Great] - The vacated RSC Lightweight Championship ended in the hands of Greek grappler Georges Nouri after a thrilling fight against Japanese striker Fumiaki Hayashi. Nouri came into the fight having done his homework and repeatedly took his opponent to the ground but it took until almost the end of round 4 before he could get the former ALPHA-1 champion to submit. - Another loss and once again on the scorecards for former RSC Light Heavyweight champion Nestor Morozov. Piquet, who seeks to rebuild his reputation got the win, albeit not in the decisive fashion he may have hoped for as he failed to put away the Russian, meaning that neither man was particularly excited about how their fight went. - Big win against the odds for Spain's Andoni Olano, who lured his opponent into a takedown attempt only to knock him down with a vicious uppercut. Though not enough to knock the Canadian grappler out, it was still enough of an opening for Olano to mount the fallen LeFleur and rain down the strikes for a TKO victory. - Jaw dropping match in the Women's Bantamweight division between Agnieszka Hajek and Evelina Kovacic with three action packed rounds between the Russian fighters. Hajek showed a diverse gameplan with punches, kicks, knees, elbows and takedowns that was enough to give her the edge over her more one-dimensional opposition, though both ladies certainly raised their stock by the end of that fight. Bonus Fight of the Night: Hajek vs Kovacic KO of the Night: Olano vs LeFleur Submission of the Night: Nouri vs Hayashi Post-Fight Georges Nouri: "I got a heavy schedule between this and SIGMA, but holding the Championship makes me very motivated to hold on to it for a long time." Fumiaki Hayashi: "He beat me alright, but I haven't said my final word yet!" Andoni Olano: "I'd be happy to take a fight and answer the challenge of Tomasz Petrov, he is a challenging opponent and I think it will be exciting for the fans too." Bast Moulke: "Libor Pudil was a tough opponent, but I came out on top. I'd be interested to face Hanif Hussein next."

RSC 15: Jankovic vs Hirano Sunday, Week 2 February 2003 - London, UK Attendance: 235 Preliminary Card Featherweight: Matas Vidmar (CR#12, 1-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Kyril Alyabyev (CR#8, 7-4, 0-0 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 1:33 [Good] Women's Flyweight: Toni Dietrich (CR#15, 8-2, 0-1 RSC) def. Maria Ferraz (WR#18, CR#9, 8-1, 0-0 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Good] 146-157lb: Sebastian Fernandez (9-2, 0-0 RSC) def. Dovydas Kaminski (1-1, 1-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Good] [Originally a Lightweight fight until Sebastian Fernandez failed to make weight] [Dovydas Kaminski broke his nose during the fight] Women's Featherweight: Laia Leele (CR#12, 1-2, 0-2 RSC) def. Rosamaria Correa (CR#6, 6-0, 0-0 RSC) via Split Decision - 30:27, 28:29, 30:27 [Decent] Lightweight: Chakrit Mamanee (CR#7, 2-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Maurice Braudel (CR#4, 10-5, 0-0 RS) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Good] Featherweight: Ronaldo Freitas (CR#5, 7-0, 0-0 RSC) def. Vytautas Smirnov (CR#11, 1-0, 1-0 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 29:28, 30:27 [Decent] Main Card Women's Bantamweight: Katarzyna Wojciechoska (WR#18, CR#5, 8-1, 1-0 RSC) def. Henrietta Stein (WR#13, CR#4, 9-2, 1-0 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 1:29 [Good] [Henrietta Stein announced her retirement after the fight] Lightweight: Petrov Bodjukan (CR#13, 0-2, 0-2 RSC) def. Adam Horvat (CR#12, 1-1, 1-1 RSC) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 1, 1:46 [Good] Welterweight: Hamilton Fonseca Jr. (CR#11, 9-3, 0-0 RSC) def. Willem Van Ommen (CR#12, 12-6, 0-2 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 1:02 [Good] Women's Flyweight: Shannon Palmer (WR#7, CR#5, 10-2, 1-0 RSC) def. Lora Hayes (CR#13, 8-3, 1-1 RSC) via Submission (Kimura) - Round 1, 1:31 [Good] Welterweight: Vjekoslav Sarich (CR#10, 8-1, 1-1 RSC) def. Procopio Golias (CR#4, 19-6, 0-0 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 0:34 [Great] RSC Welterweight Championship: Fukusaburu Hirano (CR#2, 15-3-1, 0-0 RSC) def. Dominykas Jankovic (CR#1, 14-5, 1-0 RSC) via Split Decision - 47:48, 48:47, 49:46 [Average] - A controversial main event as the debuting Fukusaburu Hirano won the RSC Welterweight Championship via split decision from Bulgaria's Dominykas Jankovic. The former champion had a 100% takedown success rate with 4/4 but it was Hirano that kept going for the submission, even if none of his 5 total attempts were successful. - Enormous upset in the semi main event, with "Cro Con" Sarich defying the odds to defeat the debuting Golias in the fight of the night. Sarich survived the nasty dirty boxing of his opponent and as soon as he got an opening, his killer instict did the rest to earn him a big TKO victory. - They call Shannon Palmer "The Rash" for a reason and she showed just that, staying on top of Lora Hayes until she was able to squeeze a submission out of her. This makes it 2 out of 2 for Palmer in RSC and she will be a favourite to compete for the RSC Flyweight Championship soon. - Easy debut victory for Hamilton Fonseca Jr, third loss in a row for Willem Van Ommen who joins Jean Jacques-Levasseur in RSC fans' "list of shame" with zero wins yet. Bonus Fight of the Night: Sarich vs Golias KO of the Night: Bodjukan vs Horvat Submission of the Night: Palmer vs Hayes Post-Fight Fukusaburu Hirano: "Not the way I wanted this to go, but I won the Championship regardless." Dominykas Jankovic: "I did my best, but couldn't get the win. Hirano was tough opposition, I know neither of us wanted to be champion through a split decision." Vjekoslav Sarich: "Golias was a tough opponent, but I was tougher. I think a fight against Rich Robinson next would be amazing." Katarzyna Wojciechoska: "Maya Komagata better be prepared to take her first loss or even retire like my opponent tonight, because I'm planning on fighting her next"

RSC 14: Dico vs Ripley Sunday, Week 4 January 2003 - St. Petersburg, Russia Attendance: 309 Preliminary Card Super Heavyweight: Colin J. L. Capes (CR#4, 5-0, 0-0 RSC) def. Tarmo Lurich (CR#9, 3-2, 1-2 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 4:30 [Good] Heavyweight: Otto Renner (CR#5, 10-4, 1-1 RSC) def. Olu Yolo (CR#10, 4-0, 0-0 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 30:27, 30:27 [Average] Main Card Middleweight: Carl Ratcliffe (CR#3, 23-7, 0-0 RSC) def. Chaim Alexievich (CR#10, 7-1, 0-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 30:27 [Average] Women's Bantamweight: Maya Komagata (WR#10, CR#3, 9-0, 0-0 RSC) def. Carmen Routhwaite (WR#12, CR#5, 8-0, 1-0 RSC) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 1, 1:17 [Good] Light Heavyweight: Gavriil Sviridov (CR#8, 8-5, 0-0 RSC) def. Mahak Kirakosyan (CR#10, 7-2, 0-2 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 4:13 [Great] RSC Women's Bantamweight Championship: Stella Massey (WR#4, CR#1, 12-1, 2-0 RSC) def. Tiiu Kass (WR#8, CR#2, 10-0, 0-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 1, 2:56 [Great] RSC Middleweight Championship: Sutton Ripley (WR#16, CR#2, 19-5-1, 1-0 RSC) def. Shaun Dico (CR#1, 10-0, 3-0 RSC) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 5, 1:02 [Good] - What an absolutely insane main event! The Tenacious One, Denmark's Shaun Dico took his challenger all the way to the fifth round but just as he seemed to get complacent and count on a scorecard victory, Ripley caught him out of nowhere with a killer right hand for a shocking knock out to end the fight, as well as both Dico's championship reign and undefeated streak! Ripley's uncanny balance meant that only 3 out of 12 total takedown attempts were successful and even then, Dico had to settle for a ground and pound approach as Ripley never let his guard down to allow for a submission attempt. Spectacular fight and a hard fought victory for a well deserving champion. - Stella Massey just won't let go of that title belt, making her second defense defense at the expense of the Estonian Tigress, Tiiu Kass. The challenger only managed to land a single jab before the champion unceremoniously took her down and slipped in the Rear Naked Choke for the tap out! - A rough standing battle for the former SIGMA fighter Gavriil Sviridov, who took down "Thunder" Kirakosyan for a victorious RSC debut. This now makes it 0-3 for the Armenian boxer, who will certainly be looking for ways to improve his game and score a much needed victory. - Muay Thai fans had something to celebrate as former GAMMA fighter Carl Ratcliffe opened the main show with a debut victory over former title contender Chaim Alexievich, even if the fight had to go to the judges. With Ratcliffe already at #3 in the company rankings at the start of the night, all signs point to a future title match between him and newly crowned champion Sutton Ripley. Bonus Fight of the Night: Massey vs Kass KO of the Night: Komagata vs Routhwaite Submission of the Night: Massey vs Kass Post-Fight Sutton Ripley: "I'm thrilled to be champion." Shaun Dico: "Ripley simply got lucky before he ran out of time. I'll be reclaiming my title soon and I'll make him pay for giving me the first loss of my career!" Carl Ratcliffe: "Hey Ripley, win or lose tonight, I'm coming to knock you out, boy!" Gavriil Sviridov: "I'd be willing to accept Michael Dali's challenge, if Red Star Combat would offer me a fight against him."

RSC 13: Cheng vs Peltonen Sunday, Week 2 January 2003 - Germany Attendance: 259 Preliminary Card Women's Featherweight: Janey McDwyre (CR#5, 4-0, 0-0 RC) def. Aldona Dvorak (CR#8, 1-1, 1-1 RSC) via Submission (Armbar) - Round 1, 2:34 [Great] Featherweight: Foggy Lee (CR#4, 12-3, 0-0 RSC) def. Anton Mazur (CR#15, 0-1, 0-1 RSC) via Submission (Armbar) - Round 1, 0:54 [Good] Light Heavyweight: Michael Dali (CR#10, 2-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Lukas Markovic (CR#11, 0-1, 0-1 RSC) via Knockout (Punch) - Round 2, 4:55 [Great] Main Card Women's Flyweight: Carina Costa (CR#15, 6-4, 0-1 RSC) def. Viktorija Yakovlev (CR#18, 0-2, 0-2 RSC) via Submission (Armbar) - Round 2, 2:12 [Fantastic] Light Heavyweight: Tomasz Petrov (CR#13, 0-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Tomasz Smirnov (CR#12, 0-1, 0-1 RSC) via Submission (Armbar) - Round 1, 3:51 [Great] Women's Flyweight: Manami Ken (WR#15, CR#7, 10-2, 0-0 RSC) def. Kata Mallasz (CR#16, 1-1, 1-1 RSC) via Submission (Kimura) - Round 1, 3:54 [Great] Women's Flyweight: Rennaya Rives (WR#12, CR#6, 10-0, 0-0 RSC) def. Dianne Ellis (CR#14, 6-4, 1-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 3:29 [Good] Weltereight: Jack Humphreys (CR#3, 26-11, 0-0 RSC) def. Maxime Giresse (CR#7, 9-1, 2-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 29:28, 30:27 [Average] RSC Heavyweight Championship: Pai Cheng (CR#1, 11-0, 2-0 RSC) def. Ari Peltonen (WR#18, CR #2, 28-11, 0-0 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 49:46, 49:46, 49:46 [Decent] [Pai Cheng broke his jaw during the fight] [Ari Peltonen announced his retirement after the fight] - Second successful title defense for the Chinese champion Pai Cheng and although not spectacular in action, the fight was packed with drama as he survived most of it with a broken jaw. Cheng tried to take the fight to the mat more than once, but Peltonen's notorious "anti-JJ" style didn't give the champion much to work with. Still, Cheng was dominant for most of the match and retained by unanimous decision, with Peltonen congratulating him after the fight and announcing he won't be stepping into the cage again. - Not the way Jack Humphreys would like to debut in RSC, but he still got the win, even if former title holder Maxime Giresse made him work really hard for it. - Easy wins in the first round for world ranked female fighters Rennaya Rives and Manami Ken in their respective RSC debuts. Both women are expected to eventually challenge for the Flyweight title, although Rives is already booked to face the ever dangerous Daljit Samir in RSC 18: Tavares vs Dorridge, while the champion has explicitly stated she wants to fight Helena Broderick first. - Carina Costa and Viktorija Yakovlev opened the show looking to get back on the winning side of things but it was the Brazilian BJJ specialist who got it by the middle of the second round. This puts Yakovlev at a 0-4 losing streak, although given her young age and consistently great performances, she may be yet escaping the cut. Bonus Fight of the Night: Costa vs Yakovlev KO of the Night: Dali vs Markovic Submission of the Night: Lee vs Mazur Post-Fight Ari Peltonen: "Cheng is a great champion, he kept coming at me and never went down, even with a broken jaw. I am happy that this was my last fight." Jack Humphreys: "I hope Jankovic retains next month so I can knock him out and become champion!" Tomasz Petrov: "Odds were against me, but I proved everyone wrong. Give me Olano and I'll do the same!" Michael Dali: "Sviridov! Your face will be the canvas for the next masterpiece I'm making with these hands..."

Oh yeah, I've shamelessly ripped it off your Bushido one Though I can't get the flags to look as good. P.S. Thanks

Red Star Combat hits the road with double the shows Russia's Red Star Combat announced their show schedule for the first quarter of 2003 and it not only features two shows per month now, it will also see them expand past their homebase of Russia to mainland Europe and the UK.

Recap: 2002 2002 was a good year for Red Star Combat, its first year of operation with one show per month and already turning in a profit as it grows its fanbase. It's roster quickly expanded to include talent from overseas and so far, the wide array of weight categories allows for a pretty diverse product. Reportedly, RSC will be seeking aggressive expansion towards mainland Europe and the UK within 2003, bringing its live shows to audience that so far have only seen them on television. Super Heavyweight: A pioneer division for the European continent, RSC's Super Heavyweight division was plagued by talent raids that caused it to vacate the title twice due to the champions signing exclusive deals elsewhere. With Dwight Witherspoon holding the belt as 2003 begins, there are signs the division could return to a competitive stage of athletic competitors once more. Heavyweight: Though not the most spectacular, the Heavyweight division has been consistent and no man exemplifies that better than Pai Cheng, the man who won the title and has yet to let go. Light Heavyweight: Traditionally a very competitive category in Europe, RSC's Light Heavyweight division has indeed produced several quality matches. Most of 2002 was about the ongoing title feud between Nestor Morozov and Adrian Swall, with the latter losing the strap to Frankie Burgess in the final show of the year. With the likes of Carlos dos Santos and the hot prospect Michael Dali, the future looks bright. Middleweight: Shaun Dico remains undefeated on top of the mountain holding the gold, but newcomers like Sutton Ripley and Reed Howlett are bound to try and take it from him, while fighters like Oswald Kikkas, Ramin Rostami, Jemaine McKenzie and others guarantee great fights in the race to get ahead of the pack. Welterweight: Bulgaria's Dominykas Jankovic sits on top of RSC's Welterweight division, but that's a precarious spot when he's got the likes of Maxime Giresse, Piotr Dabrowski and Mily Golovanov underneath him. New additions such as Mando Romero have only made things more exciting and 2003 should be an interesting year. Lightweight: It's been a hit and miss year for the Lightweight division with many inexperienced fighters, but 2002 ended with Dieter Kolzig as champion. It is expected that RSC will sign some more veterans to strengthen the division going ahead. Featherweight: Another division full of young, unproven rookies, this one ended the year with Rafael Tavares as champion and a hot triangular feud between Ilya Fedorov, Saul Cervantes and Nathan Zachary. Another division that RSC should consider strengthening with more established fighters in 2003. Women's Featherweight: Vasya Kaczmarek dominated her division for most of 2002, until Regina de Avila knocked her off the throne. Annika Sjolin remains an ever present threat, blue prospect Maja Krawczyk did a perfect 2-0 throughout the year and the recent influx of overseas talent is expected to fire things up in 2003. Women's Bantamweight: Traditionally the most populated and most competitive division for women in MMA, RSC's Bantamweight division has been all about its champion, Stella Massey. There's plenty of good competitors beneath her and many more coming in, but so far no one has managed to make Massey sweat. The champion held onto her belt even with a broken wrist, although given that her opponent was suspended afterwards when she tested positive for PEDs, officials probably would rather you didn't remember that fight that much. Women's Flyweight: Trish Biel ended 2002 as champion, having taken the belt from Dianne Ellis, but Helena Broderick showcased trademark German efficiency in climbing the ranks for her eventual title match. Tatjana Vinick is another one who impressed this year and despite her recent misfortune, Daljit Samir should not be counted out just yet.

RSC 12: Swall vs Burgess Sunday, Week 4, December 2002 - Moscow, Russia Attendance: 260 Preliminary Card Heavyweight: Bast Moulke (3-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Bienvenido Romulo (4-1, 0-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Average] Super Heavyweight: Jarno Ziljstra (3-2, 0-2 RSC) def. Hans Gorner (2-2, 0-2 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Good] Women's Flyweight: Natasha Mellow (8-2, 0-2) def. Evelina Pospisil (1-0, 1-0 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Good] Featherweight: Piotr Egorov (0-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Dovydas Novak (0-2, 0-2 RSC) via Split Decision - 28:29, 29:28, 29:28 [Good] Women's Bantamweight: Lily Hickman (7-3, 0-0) def. Evelina Kovacic (1-1, 1-1 RSC) via Submission (Kimura) - Round 1, 4:32 [Great] Main Card Women's Featherweight: Maja Krawczyk (1-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Ana Natalia Pinto (5-1, 0-1) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 1;13 [Good] Women's Flyweight: Tatjana Vinick (8-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Kyoko Junna (9-2, 0-1 RSC) via Submission (Armbar) - Round 1, 4:08 [Great] Middleweight: Ramin Rostami (5-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Vlad Kogan (2-0, 1-0 RSC) via Submision (Guillotine) - Round 3, 0:44 [Decent] Welterweight: Mily Golovanov (8-1, 1-0 RSC) def. Nojus Potocnik (1-0, 1-0 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 3:22 [Great] RSC Featherweight Championship: Rafael Tavares (16-5, 0-0) def. Ilya Fedorov (10-0, 1-0 RSC) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 1, 3:40 [Great] RSC Light Heavyweight Championship: Frankie Burgess (6-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Adrian Swall (11-2, 2-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 0:34 [Decent] [Adrian Swall broke his nose during the fight] - The hour of reckoning finally came for Adrian Swall in the form of the -still- undefeated Frankie Burgess. The Dutch Muay Thai fighter got a lucky break when one of his strikes broke the defending champions nose and it was simply a matter of time and killer instinct until he could finish it to claim the title. - XCC regular Rafael Tavares made a big splash upon arrival in RSC by defeating Ilya Fedorov to become the first ever RSC Featherweight champion. Fedorov showed some great fighting in defeat and with both Cervantes and Zachary out to beat him, he is certain to be kept around for some more big matches in RSC. - Amazing action in the RSC Women's Flyweight division as Tatjana Vinick trampled another opponent on her path, retaining her undefeated streak against Japan's Kyoko Juuna in an thrilling match. Juuna's strikes kept the Croatian at bay, but as soon as she was able to take things to the mat, Juuna's weakness showed and she fell to Vinick's armbar. - Maja Krawczyk made her main show debut and once again impressed, winning her second ever professional fight against the much more experienced Brazilian Ana Natalia Pinto. Bonus Fight of the Night: Vinick v Juuna KO of the Night: Krawczyk vs Pinto Submission of the Night: Tavares vs Fedorov Post-Fight Frankie Burgess: "I see you on social media, Pardo. How about you leave the keyboard and step in the cage with me instead?" Ramin Rostami: "Vlad Kogan needs to learn respect. That was one way to shut his mouth." Tatjana Vinick: "Kyoko Juuna gave me a great fight. She deserves that Fight of the Night award as much as I do."

RSC 11: Kaczmarek vs de Avila Sunday, Week 4, November 2002 - St. Petersburg, Russia Attendance: 244 Preliminary Card Women's Featherweight: Ewa Kranjic (0-1, 0-1) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 2:04 [Good] Welterweight: Mando Romero (10-0, 0-0) def. Matej Grabowski (0-1, 0-1 RSC) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 2, 1:02 [Decent] Lightweight: Folke Dalen (7-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Nshan Ramazyan (8-7, 0-2 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 1:44 [Good] Main Card Welterweight: Marko Prochazka (22-17, 0-1 RSC) def. Jean-Jacques Levasseur (9-4, 0-2 RSC) via Submission (Kimura) - Round 1, 1:19 [Good] [Marko Prochazka announced his retirement following the end of the fight] Middleweight: Mariusz Nowak (4-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Franz Ludwig (14-11, 0-2 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 3, 4:19 [Good] Light Heavyweight: Nestor Morozov (26-16, 1-2 RSC) def. Jan Bodjukyan (0-1, 0-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 3:15 [Decent] Women's Flyweight: Helena Broderick (8-1, 1-0 RSC) def. Daljit Samir (11-0, 1-0 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 3, 1:54 [Great] RSC Super Heavyweight Championship: Dwight Witherspoon (7-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Bob Dozier (19-10, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 49:46, 49:46, 50:44 [Decent] RSC Women's Featherweight Championship: Regina de Avila (3-1, 1-1 RSC) def. Vasya Kaczmarek (8-0, 2-0 RSC) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 1, 1:26 [Good] - Regina de Avila did the unthinkable and defeated Vasya Kaczmarek! "The Spectre" was true to her name and lured in her opponent to slide in the Rear Naked Choke, ending Kaczmarek's undefeated streak and championship reign! - With GAMMA signing away Gunnar Rasmussen, the vacated RSC Super Heavyweight title was up for grabs in the semi main event and Dwight Witherspoon had to work real hard to get it. Bob Dozier never really was in control of the fight, but neither did he give much way, leading the bout to the full five rounds and the judges' scorecards. - Another long undefeated streak in the Women's division ended, this time at the hands of Germany's Helena Broderick, who destroyed India's Daljit Samir and her streak of eleven victories. Samir, who was regarded as a future title contender, will now have to recover while Broderick has her eyes on gold. - Another defeat for France's Jean-Jacques Levasseur and the final contest of Croatian favourite Marko Prochazka, who retired on a high note after winning his last fight. Bonus Fight of the Night: Broderick vs Samir KO of the Night: Romero vs Grabowski Submission of the Night: de Avila vs Kaczmarek Post-Fight Regina de Avila: "I did my very best to lure Kaczmarek into a false sense of security. I'm best on my back and you saw that in action." Dwight Witherspoon: "New champ, baby! It's time you saw a real fighter in this division instead of all these flesh blobs!" Helena Broderick: "I don't know about a title shot, but I'm picking up momentum and defeating Daljit was a major step forward." Marko Prochazka: "It's been a hell of a ride. I can retire happy now."

RSC 10: Jankovic vs Kolzig Sunday, Week 4, October 2002 - Moscow, Russia Attendance: 281 Preliminary Card Women's Flyweight: Shannon Palmer (9-2, 0-0) def. Toni Dietrich (8-1, 0-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 1, 3:09 [Great] Women's Bantamweight: Katy-Jayne Paulson (8-1, 0-0) def. Angelina Keiff (6-4, 0-2 RSC) via Submission (Americana) - Round 1, 2:47 [Great] Super Heavyweight: Tarmo Lurich (2-2, 0-2 RSC) def. Vasily Klyushev (3-1, 1-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 30:27, 29:28 [Decent] Main Card Women's Featherweight: Annika Sjolin (3-1, 1-1 RSC) def. Haley Lovebond (3-1, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 3, 1:31 [Decent] Middleweight: Reed Howlett (9-0, 0-0) def. Budiman Lie (4-1, 0-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 2;33 [Great] Lightweight: Adam Mlakar (0-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Petrov Bodjukyan (0-1, 0-1 RSC) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 1, 2:10 [Great] Welterweight: Piotr Dabrowski (20-7, 1-0 RSC) def. Oleksandro Hlushko (6-1, 0-0) via Submission (Guillotine) - Round 2, 0:49 [Good] Featherweight: Henry Zachary (3-1, 1-1 RSC) def. Adam Kucera (1-0, 1-0 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 3, 3:26 [Great] RSC Lightweight Championship: Dieter Kolzig (8-2, 2-0 RSC) def. Antanas Jankovic (1-0, 1-0 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 1:15 [Good] - In the only title match of the show, Dieter Kolzig continued his winning ways and managed to beat the young Antanas Jankovic to take the Lightweight title off him. - Big win for Poland' Piotr Dabrowski too, as he managed to survive the hard hitting Ukrainian Oleksandro Hlushko long enough to scout his weaknesses and take him down at the start of the second round for a submission. - Following Sutton Ripley's arrival last month, another dangerous Canadian in Reed Howlett joined RSC and marked his debut with a big win, at the expense of Thailand's Budiman Lie. - Plenty of new arrivals from the United States in the Women's divisions and while the Americans dominated the preliminary fights, Haley Lovebond lost to a fired-up Annika Sjolin. "The Iron Chef" seems hellbent to climb back on top and earn another title shot for herself. Bonus: Fight of the Night: Zachary vs Kucera KO of the Night: Mlakar vs Bodjukan Submission of the Night: Dabrowski vs Hlushko Post-Fight Henry Zachary: "I'm pretty sure I can knock out Ilya Fedorov next, make it happen, RSC!" Adam Mlakar: "Knockout after knockout, I'll punch my way back to a title match!" Reed Howlett: "No, your eyes don't deceive you. I am certainly NOT Sutton Ripley. We're different people, him and me. Totally separate persons." Annika Sjolin: "You haven't seen the last of me, Vasya!"

RSC 9: Giresse vs Jankovic Sunday, Week 4, September 2002 - St. Petersburg, Russia Attendance: 286 Preliminary Card Women's Featherweight: Aldona Dvorak (0-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Zofia Kaczmarek (0-1, 0-1 RSC) via Submission (Arm Triangle) - Round 1, 2:48 [Great] Women's Flyweight: Park Seong (7-5, 0-1 RSC) def. Carina Costa (6-3, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Great] Main Card Super Heavyweight: Fred Goggins (5-0, 0-0) def. Veeti Kuqi (34-20, 0-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 29:28, 30:27 [Good] [Veeti Kuqi announced his retirement after the fight was over] Women's Featherweight: Johana Lagerholm (2-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Ana Natalia Pinto (5-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Good] Women's Bantamweight: Carmen Routhwaite (7-0, 0-0) def. Agnieszka Hajek (0-1, 0-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 1:32 [Decent] Heavyweight: Vittorio Pescatelli (6-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Libor Pudil (7-2, 1-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27,30:27, 30:27 [Average] Middleweight: Sutton Ripley (18-5-1) def. Jemaine McKenzie (10-4, 1-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 3, 0:53 [Good] RSC Light Heavyweight Championship: Adrian Swall (10-2, 1-1 RSC) def. Lukas Markovic (0-0, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 0:41 [Good] RSC Welterweight Championship: Dominykas Jankovic (13-5, 0-0) def. Maxime Giresse (9-0, 2-0 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 50:45, 50:45, 48:47 [Poor] - A disappointing fight in the main event but an interesting result as former SIGMA fighter Dominykas "Slamkovic" Jankovic ended Maxime Giresse's undefeated streak and took the RSC Welterweight title from him. - Adrian Swall had it easy in the semi main event, knocking out rookie Lukas Markovic in the first round. Swall is still under scrutiny as champion and unless he can beat a worthy opponent clean, this will most likely continue to tarnish his reign. - Sutton Ripley, #24 in the world rankings joined RSC to bring an air of legitimacy to the company and sealed his debut with a big victory over New Zealand's Jemain McKenzie. - A touching fight to open the main card, newcomer Fred Goggins scored a victory over beloved veteran Veeti Kuqi, the latter announcing his retirement once the fight was over. Bonus: Fight of the Night: Ripley vs McKenzie KO of the Night: Swall vs Markovic Submission of the Night: Dvorak vs Kaczmarek Post-Fight Dominykas Jankovic: "I'm sad we couldn't give the fans a fight to remember, but I'm happy I won the title. It's a mixed bag." Maxime Giresse: "Hey, I barely won that title, give it back!" Fred Goggins: "I was honoured to even step in the cage with a man like Mr. Kuqi, let alone defeat him and be the one to end his career!" Park Seong: "Yeah, I had my hand rebuilt and reinforced for some extra punching power, can you tell? Ha ha ha..."

RSC 8: Dico vs Kikkas Sunday, Week 4, August 2002 - Moscow, Russia Attendance: 277 Preliminary Card Women's Bantamweight: Cindy Dumas (7-1, 0-0) def. Maja Ukraden (7-5, 0-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Good] [both fighters announced their retirement after the fight was over] Heavyweight: Manny Van Post (3-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Bast Moulke (3-0, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 1:04 [Good] Middleweight: Ramin Rostami (4-0, 0-0) def. Konrad Bueller (4-1, 0-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 30:27, 30:27 [Very Poor] Main Card Super Heavyweight: Daugvinas Blekaitis (2-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Hans Gorner (2-1, 0-1 RSC) via Submission (Guillotine) - Round 2, 4:07 [Decent] Featherweight: Ilya Fedorov (9-0, 0-0)def. Anton Mazur (0-0, 0-0) via Split Decision - 28:29, 29:28, 29:28 [Decent] Women's Flyweight: Lora Hayes (7-3, 0-1 RSC) def. Viktorija Yakovlev (0-1, 0-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 1:07 [Great] Light Heavyweight: Carlos dos Santos (15-6, 0-0) def. Mahak Kirakosyan (7-1, 0-1 RSC) via Split Decision - 28:29, 29:28, 29:28 [Good] RSC Heavyweight Championship: Pai Cheng (10-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Otto Renner (10-3, 1-0 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 3, 0:37 [Good] RSC Middleweight Championship: Shaun Dico (9-0, 2-0 RSC) def. Osvald Kikkas (8-1, 1-0 RSC) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 4, 2:45 [Great] - Estonia's Osvald Kikkas finally made Dico work for a victory, but ultimately couldn't convert it into a win as he tapped out by the middle of round 4. Dico remains undefeated and confident as ever. - Big fight for Pai Cheng against Austria's Otto Renner in the semi main event. "The Emperor" fought hard for two rounds, but a big right hand from Cheng knocked him out early in the third, marking Cheng's first successful title defense. - Former FLB fighter Carlos dos Santos made his RSC debut, although Kirakosyan deprived him of the big victory he was hoping for. Instead, dos Santos had to settle for a split decision, a finish that further fuelled the questions over whether he truly has what it takes to get in the cage with the best of them. - A touching fight in the preliminary show, Cindy Dumas and Maja Ukraden both announced their retirement after their fight war over, an emotional moment as the two hugged and waved goodbye to the fans. Bonus Fight of the Night: Dico vs Kikkas KO of the Night: Cheng vs Renner Submission of the Night: Dico vs Kikkas Post-Fight Shaun Dico: "Well, at least this was more exciting than that deadbeat Alexievich. Still, I have yet to be beat by anyone, anywhere." Osvald Kikkas: "Of course I'm sad I lost, but that's how it goes, you win some, you lose some. It was a great match, win or lose." Carlos dos Santos: "I have nothing but respect for Mahak Kirakosyan. He gave me a rough welcome and that's got me motivated to do better." Ilya Fedorov: "Saul Cervantes! I'll knock that attitude straight out your stupid face!"

RSC 7: Kaczmarek vs Sjolin Sunday, Week 4, July 2002 - St. Petersburg, Russia Attendance: 248 Preliminary Card Super Heavyweight: Melvin Yeo (3-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Jarno Ziljstra (3-1, 0-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 29:28, 30:27 [Good] Women's Bantamweight: Evelina Kovacic (0-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Angelina Keiff (6-3, 0-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Great] Light Heavyweight: Datsakong Pratoomwong (5-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Tomasz Petrov (0-0, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 4:40 [Great] Main Card Featherweight: Saul Cervantes (3-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Dovydas Novak (0-1, 0-1 RSC) via Knock Out (Kick) - Round 2, 2:57 [Fantastic] Lightweight: Dovydas Kaminski (0-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Nshan Ramazyan (8-6, 0-1 RSC) via Split Decision - 29:28, 27:29, 29:28 [Average] Welterweight: Vjekoslav Sarich (7-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Willem Van Ommen (12-5, 0-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 3:37 [Good] Heavyweight: Hanif Hussain (6-1, 0-0) def. Amir Ahmed (3-0, 2-0 RSC) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 2, 1:40 [Fantastic] [Amir Ahmed broke his wrist during the fight] Light Heavyweight: Andoni Olano (8-3, 0-1 RSC) def. Nestor Morozov (26-15, 1-1 RSC) via Split Decision - 29:28, 28:29, 29:28 [Decent] RSC Women's Flyweight Championship: Trish Biel (8-0, 0-0) def. Dianne Ellis (6-3, 1-0 RSC) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 1, 0:58 [Good] RSC Women's Featherweight Championship: Vasya Kaczmarek (7-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Annika Sjolin (3-0, 1-0 RSC) via Submission (Kimura) - Round 2, 2:39 [Good] - First ever double women's main event and two solid bouts as Vasya Kaczmarek tapped out "The Iron Chef" Annika Sjolin for her first defense, while the devastating Trish Biel knocked out the champion in under a minute to climb on top of the RSC Women's Flyweight division! - Nestor Morozov's misfortune continues, as he suffered another loss on the cards, a split decision L to Spain's Andoni Olano. Likewise, Van Ommen and Ramazyan may be getting released if they continue their losing streak and series of disappointing performances. - Amir Ahmed's undefeated streak finally ended at the hands of former SIGMA talent Hanif Hussain. The Indian made an impact upon arrival and put all of RSC's Heavyweight division on notice. - Amazing win for Saul Cervantes after his RSC debut loss, a spectacular kick to the head of Dovydas Novak to end a fantastic opening fight in the main card. Bonus: Fight of the Night: Cervantes vs Novak KO of the Night: Biel vs Ellis Submission of the Night: Kaczmarek vs Sjollin Post-Fight Vasya Kaczmarek: "I told you what would happen, you stupid bimbo! Tap out or pass out, no one can beat me for this title!" Trish Biel: "Yeah, I'm that good. I'll knock out any challengers RSC puts in my way, easy." Hanif Hussain: "Amir Ahmed gave me and the fans a wonderful fight. He deserves a lot of praise for his toughness." Saul Cervantes: "Ilya Fedorov, I'll make you regret joining RSC! Your head is the next one I'll be claiming!"

RSC 6: Klyushev vs Rasmussen Sunday, Week 4, June 2002 - Moscow, Russia Attendance: 244 Preliminary Card Women's Flyweight: Daljit Samir (10-0, 0-0) def. Kyoko Junna (9-1, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 3, 1:18 [Decent] Women's Flyweight: Kata Mallasz (0-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Natasha Mellow (8-1, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Decent] Super Heavyweight: Dwight Witherspoon (6-0, 0-0) def. Tarmo Lurich (2-1, 0-1 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Decent] Main Card Women's Featherweight: Regina de Avila (2-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Laia Leele (1-1, 0-1 RSC) via Submission (Armbar) - Round 1, 4:23 [Good] Heavyweight: Libor Pudil (6-2, 0-1 RSC) def. Bienvenido Romulo (4-0, 0-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 2, 3:20 [Great] Featherweight: Matas Vidmar (0-0, 0-0) def. Antanas Jelinek (0-0, 0-0) via Knock Out (Kick) - Round 1, 4:42 [Great] [Antanas Jelinek broke his jaw during the fight] Light Heavyweight: Michael Dali (1-0, 0-0) def. Tomasz Smirnov (0-0, 0-0) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 2, 4:14 [Great] Lightweight: Dieter Kolzig (7-2, 1-0 RSC) def. Adam Horvat (1-0, 1-0 RSC) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Great] [Adam Horvat broke his jaw during the fight] RSC Women's Bantamweight Championship: Stella Massey (11-1, 1-0 RSC) def. Lucia Pessoa (7-1, 1-0 RSC) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 1, 2:10 [Great] [stella Massey Broke her Wrist During the fight] RSC Super Heavyweight Championship: Gunnar Rasmussen (3-0, 1-0 RC) def. Vasily Klyushev (3-0, 1-0 RSC) via Submission (Kimura) - Round 1, 3:49 [Decent] - With Matas Fialkowska off to GAMMA, Rasmussen and Klyushev clashed for the vacated RSC Super Heavyweight Championship and it was the Danish karateka who came out on top, in unusual fashion too: what seemed like a standing, striking battle on paper quickly went to the mat and Rasmussen was able to apply the Kimura for a win in the first round. - What a dramatic semi main event for the RSC Women's Bantamweight Championship! Stella Massey began at a disadvantage when a punch landed the wrong way and clearly damaged her wrist, but she quickly adapted and pulled off a spectacular submission win before a longer fight would take its toll. Pessoa would later test positive for PED and get suspended, adding even more drama and causing a social media outrage after the match. - The intimidating Michael Dali made his RSC debut and promptly knocked out Tomasz Smirnov in the second round. From his fighting skills to his looks and personality, Dali seems poised to be a breakout star and big hit with the fans. - Matas Vidmar was one of the best kick boxers in Russia before dabbling into MMA and he proved just that, connecting with a killer head kick before the finish of the first round to knock out his opponent and start his MMA career in impressive fashion. Bonus: Fight of the Night: Massey vs Pessoa KO of the Night: Vidmar vs Jelinek Submission of the Night: Pudil vs Romulo Post-Fight Gunnar Rasmussen: "It's great to be the champion. I'll do my best to hold onto this title" Stella Massey: "Lucia Pessoa is a great fighter, but this just wasn't her night." Michael Dali: "I'll fookin' knock out every wanker that stands in my way!" Matas Vidmar: "Antanas was a great opponent, I loved our fight and of course the finish!"

RSC 5: Dico vs Alexievich Sunday, Week 4, May 2002 - Moscow, Russia Attendance: 251 Preliminary Card Lightweight: Chakrit Mamanee (1-0, 0-0) def. Folke Dalen (7-0, 0-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 3, 3:15 [Great] Women's Featherweight: Zofia Ivanov(0-0, 0-0) def. Zofia Kaczmarek (0-0, 0-0) via Submission (Armbar) - Round 1, 4:22 [Good] Women's Featherweight: Maja Krawczyk (0-0, 0-0) def. Aldona Dvorak (0-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Average] Heavyweight: Aljur Paras (3-0, 0-0) def. Massimiliano Locatelli (6-1, 0-1 RSC) via Split Decision - 30:27, 28:29, 29:28 [Average] Super Heavyweight: Zydrunas Sigauskas (2-0, 0-0) def. Daugvinas Blekaitis (2-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 30:27, 30:27 [Very Poor] Main Card Middleweight: Jemaine McKenzie (9-4, 0-1 RSC) def. Franz Ludwig (14-10, 0-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 3:19 [Decent] Women's Bantamweight: Henrietta Stein (8-2, 0-0) def. Evelina Kovacic (0-0, 0-0) via Split Decision - 29:28, 28:29, 29:28 [Decent] Featherweight: Henry Zachary (2-1, 0-1 RSC) def. Piotr Egorov (0-0, 0-0) via Submission (Triangle with Armbar) - Round 1, 2:44 [Great] Lightweight: Antanas Kucera (0-0, 0-0) def. Petrov Bodjukyan (0-0, 0-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle) - Round 1, 1:58 [Good] Light Heavyweight: Lukas Markovic (0-0, 0-0) def. Jan Bodjukyan (0-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Average] RSC Welterweight Championship: Maxime Giresse (8-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Matej Grabowski (0-0, 0-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 2, 3:40 [Great] RSC Middleweight title: Shaun Dico (8-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Chaim Alexievich (7-0, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 1:24 [Good] - Dico did it again! After a victorious debut for RSC, the Tenacious one from Denmark maintained his undefeated streak and took down the Belarussian Alexievich for a solid victory in the second round. - Maxime Giresse was the favourite in the semi main event against Grabowski who was barely making his pro MMA debut and the French grappler went home with the title and two awards by the time this was over. - Big comebacks from Henry Zachary and Jemaine McKenzie to get back on the winners' column. Zachary made short work of his rookie opponent, showing off with an unusual submission while McKenzie gave his German opponent another loss and if Ludwig doesn't break that streak soon, he may be facing the chopping block. - A promising RSC debut from Thailand's Chakrit Mamanee in the preliminary show, he took the more experienced Dalen to the third round and still managed a clean submission victory after a very exciting match. Bonus Fight of the Night: Giresse vs Grabowski KO of the Night: Dico vs Alexievich Submission of the Night: Giresse vs Grabowski Post-Fight Shaun Dico: "I told you this would happen! Alexievich is a loser and he got exactly what he deserved!" Maxime Giresse: "Who knew, a Frenchman who didn't surrender, eh?" Matej Grabowski: "Maxime is a tremendous competitor. It's been an honour to get in the cage with him, congratulations for his title win." Henrietta Stein: "I've been in the game since 1995. I want to win the title before I retire."

RSC 4: Mlakar vs Jankovic Sunday, Week 4, April 2002 - St. Petersburg, Russia Attendance: 260 Preliminary Card Super Heavyweight: Melvin Yeo (2-0, 0-0) def. Hans Gorner (2-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Average] Women's Featherweight: Johana Lagerholm (1-0, 0-0) def. Ewa Kranjic (0-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Great] Middleweight: Vlad Kogan (1-0, 0-0) def. Budiman Lee (4-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:26 [Decent] Main Card Featherweight: Adam Kucera (0-0, 0-0) def. Saul Cervantes (3-0, 0-0) via Submission (Kimura) - Round 2, 2:58 [Great] Women's Bantamweight: Tiiu Kass (10-0, 0-0) def. Agnieszka Hajek (0-0, 0-0) via Knockout (Punch) - Round 1, 0:31 [Good] Women's Flyweight: Tatjana Vinick (7-0, 0-0) def. Viktorija Yakovlev (0-0, 0-0) via Submission (Triangle) - Round 1, 2:05 [Great] Heavyweight: Amir Ahmed (2-0, 1-0 RSC) def. Manny Van Post (3-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Decent] Welterweight: Nojus Potocnik (0-0, 0-0) def. Jean-Jacques Levasser (9-3, 0-1 RSC) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 1:27 [Good] RSC Light Heavyweight Championship: Adrian Swall (9-2, 0-1 RSC) def. Nestor Morozov (26-14, 1-0 RSC) via Split Decision - 47:47, 48:27, 48:47 [Average] RSC Lightweight Championship: Antanas Jankovic (0-0, 0-0) def. Adam Mlakar (0-0, 0-0) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 1, 0:11 [Good] - Shortest main event ever? Certainly so for RSC so far, as Adam Mlakar literally walked into a big right hand from Antanas Jankovic and that was it, just eleven seconds into the match. Professional MMA debut, RSC debut, Main Card debut, Show Headliner, First Title match and First Ever RSC Lightweight Champion, all check for Antanas Jankovic! - Swall vs Morozov II was not the decisive finish everyone wanted, going from the original's Unanimous to a Split Decision finish and the belt changing hands. Nothing feels settled yet between these two and a third match is bound to happen sooner or later. - The losing streak continues for French Muay Thai fighter Jean-Jacques Levasser, as after his debut loss to fellow countryman Maxime Giresse, Levasser lost to the debuting Nojus Potocnik in the latter's first ever professional MMA fight. - The future looks bright for RSC's female division as both Tatjana Vinick and Tiiu Kass scored decisive victories in the main part of the show. We could be seeing some very interesting title matches in those divisinos pretty soon. Bonus Fight of the Night: Kucera vs Cervantes KO of the Night: Jankovic vs Mlakar Submission of the Night: Vinick vs Yakovlev Post-Fight Antanas Jankovic: "I don't know what to say. This is unbelievable!" Adrian Swall: "Didn't win the way I wanted to, but I still got the title." Nestor Morozov: "Still not over between me and Swall. I'll get my Championship back." Amir Ahmed: "Two fights, two wins. I'm climbing the rankings, watch out for me!"

RSC 3: Cheng vs Pescatelli Sunday, Week 4, March 2002 - St. Petersburg, Russia Attendance: 202 Preliminary Card Women's Flyweight: Evelina Pospisil (0-0, 0-0) def. Kata Mallasz (0-0, 0-0) via Majority Decision - 29:28, 29:28, 29:28 [Good] Featherweight: Vytautas Smirnov (0-0, 0-0) def. Dovydas Novak (0-0, 0-0) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 1, 0:40 [Good] Lightweight: Adam Horvat (0-0, 0-0) def. Dovydas Kaminski (0-0, 0-0) via Split Decision - 28:29, 29:28, 30:27 [Decent] Middleweight: Mariusz Novak (3-0, 0-0) def. Konrad Bueller (4-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Average] Super Heavyweight: Vasily Klyushev (2-0, 0-0) def. Jarno Zijlstra (3-0, 0-0) via Knock Out (Punch) - Round 1, 0:21 [Good] Main Card Welterweight: Oleksandro Hlushko (6-1, 0-0) def. Vjekoslav Sarich (7-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 29:28, 29:28 [Average] Women's Bantamweight: Katarzyna Wojciechoska (7-1, 0-0) def. Maja Ukraden (7-4, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:28, 30:27, 30:27 [Decent] Light Heavyweight: Frankie Burgess (5-0, 0-0) def. Mahak Kirakosyan (7-0, 0-0) via Knock Out (Elbow) - Round 1, 2:27 [Great] Welterweight: Piotr Dabrowski (19-7, 0-0) def. Marko Prochazka (22-16, 0-0) via Split Decision - 28:29, 29:28, 29:28 [Decent] RSC Women's Featherweight Championship: Vasya Kaczmarek (6-0, 0-0) def. Laia Leele (1-0, 0-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) Round 1, 3:23 [Good] RSC Heavyweight Championship: Pai Cheng (9-0, 0-0) def. Vittorio Pescatelli (6-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 49:46, 49:46, 49:46 [Average] - Two hidden gems in the preliminary card this time, both ending clean via a big knockout punch in less than a minute into the opening round. Fighters Smirnov and Klyushev certainly boosted their stock with the company and won over a good share of their compatriots in the audience. - Spectacular win for Dutch fighter Frankie Burgess in his RSC debut. Everyone expected a striking battle between him and former boxer Mahak Kirakosyan, but Burgess made the best of his Muay Thai background to surprise his opponent with a devastating knockout elbow to the bridge of his nose! - The only fighter with more than just a couple of matches under her belt in the RSC Women's Featherweight division, Vasya Kaczmarek was the clear favourite in the semi main event and took her opponent down fast, depriving Leele of her Kung Fu based striking offense to slip in a Rear Naked Choke for the win. - With both fighters coming from a wrestling background, the main event was not shaping to be anything close to a fast paced match, but Cheng and Pescatelli still chased a submission over simply smothering their way to a scorecard victory. It took five gruelling rounds, but Cheng never really lost control of this and took the win to become champion. Bonus Fight of the Night: Burgess vs Kirakosyan KO of the Night: Burgess vs Kirakosyan Submission of the Night: Kaczmarek vs Leele Post-Fight Pai Cheng: "This title belongs to everyone in the Pai Sheng Men Society, thank you for helping prepare for this fight" Pescatelli: "Sheng was the better man tonight. He took everything I threw at him and survived, he deserves to be champion." Vasya Kaczmarek: "I will take on all comers and leave them broken, just like I did with my opponent tonight!" Frankie Burgess: "It was a great fight, I loved it."

RSC 2: Kuqi vs Fialkowska Sunday, Week 4, February 2002 - Moscow, Russia Attendance: 213 Preliminary Card Women's Bantamweight: Lucia Pessoa (6-1, 0-0) def. Natassia Potocnik (4-2, 0-0) via TKO (Cut) - Round 1, 4:35 [Average] Light Heavyweight: Datsakong Pratoomwong (4-0, 0-0) def. Andoni Olano (8-2, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Decent] Main Card Middleweight: Osvald Kikkas (7-1, 0-0) def. Jemaine McKenzie (9-3, 0-0) via Submission (Kimura) - Round 2, 4:11 [Great] Welterweight: Mily Golovanov (7-1, 0-0) def. Willem Van Ommen (12-4, 0-0) via Submission (Kimura) - Round 1, 2:31 [Great] Women's Featherweight: Annika Sjolin (2-0, 0-0) def. Regina de Avila (2-0, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Average] Heavyweight: Otto Renner (9-3, 0-0) def. Libor Pudil (6-1, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 30:27, 30:27, 30:27 [Poor] RSC Women's Flyweight Championship: Dianne Ellis (5-3, 0-0) def. Park Seong (7-4, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 4, 4:32 [Great] [Park Seong broke her wrist] RSC Super Heavyweight Championship: Matas Fialkowska (3-0, 0-0) def. Veeti Kuqi (34-19, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 1:05 [Good] - Spectacular debut win in dominant fashion for Mily Golovanov in front of a home crowd. The youngster took veteran Willem Van Ommen down and slapped on the Kimura for a quick submission victory in the very first round. - Renner and Pudil got some audible boos from the crowd, the two big men producing a long and unspectacular bout as they tried to grind their way to a scorecard victory. - It was a long night for the women in both main card matches, with Sjolin going all the way to the judges for a victory and Park Seong pushing Dianne Ellis almost to the end of Round 4 in a great match for the RSC Women's Flyweight Championship. - Finnish veteran Veeti Kuqi was hit by a train in the form of Poland's Matas Fialkowska, hitting the mat quick as "The Beard" mounted him to drop the bombs and end the match barely a minute into the first round. Bonus Fight of the Night: Golovanov vs Van Ommen KO of the Night: Fialkowska vs Kuqi Submission of the Night: Golovanov vs Van Ommen Post-Fight Veeti Kuqi: "Fialkowska took me by storm. He deserves to hold that championship." Dianne Ellis: "I fought very hard to win the title, so anyone hoping to fight me for it better be prepared for war!" Annika Sjolin: "Not the kind of victory I was hoping for, but a victory nonetheless. I have my sights set on that title!" Mily Golovanov: "There is no doubt about it, tonight I stole the show. Expect more performances like that in the future."

RSC 1: Swall vs Morozov RSC 1: Swall vs Morozov Sunday, Week 4, January 2002 - Moscow, Russia Attendance: 226 Preliminary Card Heavyweight: Amir Ahmed (1-0, 0-0) def. Massimiliano Locatelli (6-0, 0-0) via Submission (Kimura) - Round 2, 1:34 [Great] Featherweight: Jurg Lewandowski (1-0, 0-0) def. Henry Zachary (2-0, 0-0) via Split Decision - 29:28, 28:29, 29:28 [Good] Super Heavyweight: Gunnar Rasmussen (2-0, 0-0) def. Tarmo Lurich (2-0, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 3:23 [Average] Main Card Lightweight: Dieter Kolzig (6-2, 0-0) def. Nshan Ramazyan (8-5, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 2, 1:55 [Good] Women's Flyweight: Helena Broderick (7-1, 0-0) def. Lora Hayes (7-2, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) - Round 1, 1:34 [Good] Welterweight: Maxime Giresse (7-0, 0-0) def. Jean-Jacques Levasser (9-2, 0-0) via Submission (Americana) in Round 2, 1:38 [Good] Middleweight: Shaun Dico (7-0, 0-0) def. Franz Ludwig (14-9, 0-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in Round 1, 4:01 [Great] RSC Women's Bantamweight Championship: Stella Massey (10-1, 0-0) def. Angelina Keiff (6-2, 0-0) via TKO (Strikes) in Round 4, 1:44 [Decent] RSC Light Heavyweight Championship: Nestor Morozov (25-14, 0-0) def. Adrian Swall (9-1, 0-0) via Unanimous Decision - 48:47, 48:47, 48:47 [Average] - Impressive debut win in the undercard for "The Pride of Pakistan" over the more experienced Locatelli. What seemed on paper like a big man slugfest saw a surprise submission finish with the Kimura. - A dominant start for Helena Broderick, she went into this fight determined to get a quick win and that's exactly what she did, demolishing her Danish opponent. - Shawn Dico not only won his debut fight, he made it look easy too as he quickly took Ludwig to the mat where he's most comfortable. The German boxer seemed lost and soon enough found himself trapped in a Rear Naked Choke that had him tapping out. - An all-Dutch showdown in the semi main event, with Massey and Keiff pushing each other past the third round. It came down to resilience and Massey got away with the belt after Keiff collapsed and found herself under a hailstorm of blows she couldn't defend herself against. - Nestor Morozov turned the tables in the main event, coming in as the underdog but giving the Russian crowd what they wanted to see, a big win over the Australian import after a gruelling 5 round battle. Bonus Fight of the Night: Dico vs Ludwig KO of the Night: Broderick vs Hayes Submission of the Night: Dico vs Ludwig Post-Fight Helena Broderick: "I intend to win the title and hold on to it for a long, long time!" Shaun Dico: "Piece of cake... Get me an opponent that can give me an actual challenge or better even, get me a match for a title!" Angelina Keiff: "Massey gave me one hell of a fight, she'll make a great champion but I'll regroup and return for another shot!" Nestor Morozov: "Thank you God for this victory. I am happy to win and make my fellow Russians proud."

Red Star Combat is a company created by Greek MMA fighter Konstantinos Choropas in January of 2002. It is meant to fill the geographical gap between SIGMA and KDM FC, thus based in Moscow, Russia. In terms of product, RSC is also the first promotion in Europe to promote Super Heavyweight fights and a Women's Division. Whether this diversity will help it reach a new audience or stretch everything a bit too far, remains to be seen. Champions RSC Super Heavyweight Hector Jimenez Previous Champions: Colin J L Capes (Dec. 03 - Mar. 04, 0 defenses) Dwight Witherspoon (Nov. 02 - Dec. 03, 1 defense) Gunnar Rasmussen (Jun. 02 - Jul. 02, 0 defenses, Stripped after leaving company) Matas Fialkowska (Feb. 02 - Apr. 02, 0 defenses, Stripped after leaving company) RSC Heavyweight Pai Cheng RSC Light Heavyweight Hyun-Shik Lim Previous Champions: Carlos dos Santos (Mar. 03 - Nov. 03, 1 defense) Frankie Burgess Dec. 02 - Mar. 03, 0 defenses) Adrian Swall (Apr. 02 - Dec. 02, 1 defense) Nestor Morozov (Jan. 02 - Apr. 02, 0 defenses) RSC Middleweight Vacant Previous Champions: Reed Howlett (Sep. 03 - Feb. 04, 1 defense, Stripped after leaving company) Sutton Ripley (Jan. 03 - Sep. 03, 1 defense) Shaun Dico (May 02 - Jan. 03, 1 defense) RSC Welterweight Simon Vine Previous Champions: Fukusaburu Hirano (Feb. 03 - Oct. 03, 2 defenses, Stripped after leaving company) Dominykas Jankovic (Sep. 02 - Feb. 03, 0 defenses) Maxime Giresse (May 02 - Sep. 02, 0 defenses) RSC Lightweight Motoki Hojo Previous Champions: Georges Nouri (Feb. 03 - Feb. 04, 2 defenses) Dieter Kolzig (Oct. 02 - Jan. 03, 0 defenses, Stripped after leaving company) Antanas Jankovic (Apr. 02 - Oct. 02, 0 defenses) RSC Featherweight Foggy Lee Previous Champions: Francesco Marazzina (Jul. 03 - Mar. 04, 0 defenses) Rafael Tavares (Dec. 02 - Jul. 03, 1 defense) RSC Women's Featherweight Nora Bethlen Previous Champions: Rachel McGuiness (Sep. 03 - Apr. 04, 1 defense) Regina de Avila (Nov. 02 - Sep. 03, 1 defense) Vasya Kaczmarek (Mar. 02 - Nov. 02, 1 defense) RSC Women's Bantamweight Maya Komagata Previous Champions: Stella Massey (Jan. 02 - May 03, 2 defenses) RSC Women's Flyweight Daljit Samir Previous Champions: Trish Biel (Jul. 02 - Jan. 04, 2 defenses) Dianne Ellis (Feb. 02 - Jul. 02, 0 defenses) Show Index 2002 RSC 1: Swall vs Morozov RSC 2: Kuqi vs Fialkowska RSC 3: Cheng vs Pescatelli RSC 4: Mlakar vs Jankovic RSC 5: Dico vs Alexievich RSC 6: Kluyshev vs Rasmussen RSC 7: Kaczmarek vs Sjolin RSC 8: Dico vs Kikkas RSC 9: Giresse vs Jankovic RSC 10: Jankovic vs Kolzig RSC 11: Kaczmarek vs de Avila RSC 12: Swall vs Burgess 2003 RSC 13: Cheng vs Peltonen RSC 14: Dico vs Ripley RSC 15: Jankovic vs Hirano RSC 16: Nouri vs Hayashi RSC 17: Burgess vs dos Santos RSC 18: Tavares vs Dorridge RSC 19: Biel vs Broderick RSC 20: de Avila vs McDwyre RSC 21: Massey vs Komagata RSC 22: Ripley vs Ratcliffe RSC 23: Hirano vs Humphreys RSC 24: Nouri vs Hayashi II RSC 25: Biel vs Rives RSC 26: dos Santos vs Piquet RSC 27: Cheng vs Boc RSC 28: de Avila vs McGuiness RSC 29: Ripley vs Howlett RSC30: Hirano vs Jankovic II RSC 31: Nouri vs Hayashi III RSC 32: dos Santos vs Lim RSC 33: Komagata vs Wojchiechowska RSC 34: Witherspoon vs Capes RSC 35: McGuiness vs Epsom 2004 RSC 36: Cheng vs Catcher RSC 37: Biel vs Samir RSC 38: Vine vs Rossi RSC 39: Nouri vs Hojo RSC 40: Marazzina vs Lee RSC 41:Capes vs Jimenez RSC 42: Komagata vs Paulson

Annnnnnnd it's back