Underground Fighting Circuit

[Rebby]

Hello there everybody! I'm a long-time lurker but I'm extremely new to diary writing, so please bare with me as I attempt to do what I've wanted to attempt with this game. Using WMMA 3, my goal is to create an in-depth look into the World of Martial Arts; this is more about the fighting: I also want to focus on bringing personality to the characters within the game. In the interest of realism, I'll be allowing companies that are 2 levels higher then me and up to 'poach' fighters, and will attempt to throw in my own curve balls to keep myself on my toes. So, please read and enjoy. Comments and predictions are certainly appreciated.

 

It's worth noting that I am using the 'Redone' mod, which features 9 male weight classes and 3 female weight classes. It's a CornellVerse mod. I try not to over-do it with images, as cropping and editing pictures is the fastest way to get me to turn 'fun' into 'work' in my head, but I'll try to illustrate as many people as I can for those not familiar with the fighters.

 

 

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As is tradition when a new promotion opens that seems to have wings, Blurcat has opened up a new section of our site, dedicated to the newly founded UFC: Underground Fighting Circuit! The promotion is based out of the high altitude Denver, Colorado. The CEO, former boxer Victoria Essex, has been quoted as promising a rapid expansion of weight classes, diverse fighters and a fair level of competition. The question of course remains the same for all small, regional companies: can they expand fast enough to be relevant, or will all of their fighters stick around just long enough to get noticed?

 

[Rebby]

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UFC looking at 10-15 man roster; One Weight Class?

 

The Denver-based Underground Fighting Circuit is well on their way to establishing it's roster. UFC CEO Victoria Essex has states she is working closely with newly hired officials in the regional promotion, as well as her hand-picked matchmaker, Jennifer Avatar. "Right now we're looking at just one weight class to worry about right now," Essex said to Blurcat Colorado, "We want growth, size and exposure but right now we're just a small no-name company out of Denver. That's where we are now, so we can't get ahead of ourselves."

 

That weight class, by the way, is a Featherweight division that Essex has stated will feature between 10 and 15 fighters. "We wanted to go with 145 pounds because it's a middle-area. We can go higher or lower from there with fighters crossing over to help build more divisions. The short term goal to have at least one more, preferably two, divisions by the end of the year."

 

It's clear that Essex has a long term vision for the company, but is she counting her chickens before they hatch? Hopefully we'll have names to put on a potential card in a couple weeks, and we can see if this new promotion out of Colorado has any life to it.

 

 

Underground's Roster Takes Shape; Tournament Schedule Planned

 

Blurcat can officially confirm that UFC 1: Turmoil is scheduled for the second weekend of February and will feature a tournament format not unlike the intial years of the Global Association of Martial Arts (GAMMA). The actual card has yet to be confirmed, just the location in Denver, Colorado and the date. As of yet, there are plans to introduce a championship to the event.

 

Some of the names that are being associated with the UFC have been surprisingly international. Of the dozen or so fighters rumored to have signed on with the regional circuit, only half are Americans. Some of the international fighters looking to sign include veteran Brazilian fighter Delma de Brito (18-6, #12 FW), Japanese kick boxer Mikio Inouye (7-2, #22 FW) and English brawler Paul Duffell (19-11, #24 FW).

 

Of the American names, the most notable is Daniel Ortiz (4-0), who is noted as being the protege of Jiu Jitsu master Ross Bradley. This will be his first promotion signed on with outside of the local one-off fights.

 

More on UFC: Turmoil as it becomes available.

 

UFC 1: Turmoil announced

 

A press conference today featured Underground Fighting Circuit CEO Victoria Essex, matchmaker Jennifer Avatar and eight fighters signed on to compete in the inaugural tournament of the promotion. The tournament was previously assumed to be a one-night event, but it was confirmed that not only is it planned to span over the first three UFC events, it will crown the first ever UFC Featherweight champion.

 

As previously reported by Blurcat, the event features a surprisingly international cast of fighters for such a small event. "Our goal is not to become popular overnight," says Essex, "But we want to have a strong reputation in this industry. Not such as a potential big name, but as a company that breeds talent and gets it exposed. Some of the biggest names in MMA, like Bradley Jiu Jitsu and Blurcat, are getting behind us and helping us scout talent all over the world. Some of these fighters on this card here picked exclusively because of Blurcat rankings or features."

 

Of the eight competitors in the tournament, three are ranked featherweights: Delma de Brito (12), Mikio Inouye (22) and Paul Duffell (24). Another veteran comes in the form of Louisiana native Lee Bould (16-9), someone who had been rumored to be picked up XCC and was a surprise to find at the press conference.

 

But despite the familiar names of these ranked fighters, the real fireworks came when the media questioned the lesser known fighters. The remaining four fighters include one Mexican striker, Frankie Geddon (3-0) and three Americans: Daniel Ortiz (4-0), David James Diggle (3-0), and Bosco Curbeam (1-0). Curbeam and Diggle both became very vocal when asked to size up their competition, both feeling they had more to offer.

 

"When I look up at the people I'm on this stage with, I just don't see anyone that honestly really scares me," said the former college wrestler, Bosco 'Bad Attitude' Curbeam.

 

"I don't understand how someone can say that with one fight on their record. How old are you, like 16?" asked Muay Thai specialist, David James Diggle.

 

"Look me up in a wrestling match, and then we'll talk." Curbeam retorted. The banter continued back and forth, with the remaining six fighters just laughing as they argued comparisons to MMA and wrestling.

 

The running favorite in the tournament is very likely going to be the likes of Daniel Ortiz, a graduate student of Wizard's Jiu Jitsu and personal protege of GAMMA veteran Ross Bradley. He remained quiet during the press conference, aside to answer questions. "I don't pretend like I'm a better fighter then these guys," he said, "I think I can be, but right now...I'm still green. I have to prove myself before I start saying things like 'best ever.'"

 

Also on the card will be a non-tournament fight between Nigerian kick boxer Jefferson Mndawe (1-0) and Idaho-native Zac Bacall (1-0). Despite growing up and training in Africa, Mndawe has had his only fight in MMA here in the States.

 

The full card is below:

 

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UFC Featherweight Championship Tournament

Quarter Finals

 

Paul Duffell (19-11, #24) vs Daniel Ortiz (4-0)

Lee Bould (16-9) vs David James Diggle (3-0)

Delma de Brito (18-6, #12) vs Bosco Curbeam (1-0)

Mikio Inouye (7-2, #22) vs Frankie Geddon (3-0)

 

Non-Tournament

 

Jefferson Mndawe (1-0) vs Zac Bacall (1-0)

 

 

 

 

Looking to do one more 'news post' featuring some fighter interviews, Blurcat predictions and spotlights. Please let me know if you like the format!

[Rebby]

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Spotlight On: Delma de Brito

 

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Despite coming into the first Underground Fighting Circuit event as the highest Blurcat ranked fighter (at #12 Featherweight), Brazilian Muay Thai fighter Delma de Brito is not a high favorite to even get past the first round, much less win the tournament.

 

Hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Delma de Brito (18-6) has consistantly managed to rely on lucky, creative strikes to land knock outs or lead him towards decisions. A veteran at 29 years old, de Brito has always been considered a good gatekeeper for the Featherweight division.

 

"Being mediocre just isn't acceptable to me," said de Brito at the event announcement press conference, through a translator. "I'm at a point in my life where I'm not willing to accept being 'almost good enough'"

 

de Brito has won 8 of his last 9 fights between the local circuit and Fight League Brazil's lightweight division. That explains how he managed to climb so high in the Blurcat rankings, but he's going to need to make a statement at UFC 1 to keep that spot. His opponent in the first round of the tournament is the trash talking wrestler in Bosco Curbeam, who shows an impressive college resume, but not much in the way of MMA.

 

"Delma has done a lot for the lighter weight classes getting put on the map," Curbeam said about his opponent, to Blurcat. "But now that generation needs to step aside for mine."

 

"Bosco will be a good opponent for me, and a good test of my ground game," de Brito said in Portugese. "He is untested in MMA, and I intend to test him everywhere."

 

Whether Curbeam will steal the show at his second MMA fight (and his first at featherweight) or Delma de Brito will silence critics, remains to be seen.

 

 

Future Plans of the Underground

 

With UFC 1: Turmoil just a couple weeks away, Blurcat managed to track down Present Victoria Essex to discuss her vision for the regional promotion. Ranked at 15% regional on the Blurcat Company Sizes Report, Underground Fighting Circuit is larger then a typical opening promotion, but it also has more backing. "Between Blurcat and other major MMA sponsers, we also have serious investors in the actual industry helping us build from the ground up," Essex explained. "Everybody wants to see us succeed."

 

Victoria Essex opened up on a number of topics, including her future plans for the opening of more divisions. "The featherweight division is our test run. Our target number is about 10-15ish fighters at any given time, with that number growing as we do. I'd like to see us opening up at least a couple more weight classes by the end of the year, but definetly not until this tournament is over with. At that point, we can kind of see where we're at."

 

With only one weight class and using the entire 10-15 man division, UFC will only be able to run a promotion every couple months. After each event, fighters have submit to medical tests and recieve a mandatory rest period depending on their match results. Without a larger roster, UFC has no choice but to wait for everybody to be cleared medically. "I'm okay with a slow start," said Miss Essex, "We have to feel it out. Once the tournament is over and we have an idea of which direction we want to take weight classes - be it higher, lower or across gender lines - we'll be able to pump more shows out with more talent."

 

UFC 1: Turmoil is scheduled for later this month, headlined by four quarter-final matches in the tournament to crown the first UFC Featherweight champion.

 

 

Next up is Fight Week, which will feature the weigh-ins/press conference, fight results, and post-show announcements. I'm still trying to find my 'rhythm', so bare with me as I find my learning curve.

[Blackman]

What an awkward name there. Hope to see this remain 'underground'. Too many diaries forcus on the top level. It'd be cool to follow up how 'alumni' do in the top leagues too. Love how there'll be a lot of personality touches.

 

Have fun with it.

[Rebby]

Yea, we're starting at Low Level Regional. I'll probably put a cap in the future, either High Reg or Low Nat. But that's way far off in the future. Plus my personal rule is any company that is two levels higher can poach from me automatically (and the game caps a fighter from re-signing with you if they are two levels higher or something).

 

I'm a "lots of weight classes" kinda guy so regardless of not so much exposure, I'm probably looking at a large roster. That's just how I roll ;x

[javier_83]

ill be reading this!! good luck!!

[Rebby]

@javier: Thanks!

 

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Essex: "The time for talking is over."

 

That was the message that Underground Fighting Circuit's CEO Victoria Essex wanted to ensure she got out to the fighters. During the pre-fight press conference on Thursday, the media managed to rile up another bickering match between rookies Bosco Curbeam and David James Diggle. Now, with a month and a half gone from the time the company announced it's presence, it would be time to put up or shut up, in more ways then one.

 

Curbeam was by far the most vocal of the eight fighters, making various statements to putting himself on the MMA map with this event by taking out the #11 ranked fighter in the division, Delma de Brito. David James Diggle and Paul Duffell (ranked #24) took the most exception to the boasts and went back and forth arguing creditials, which finally brought Victoria Essex to muttering the phrase.

 

The focus on the press conference was certainly on the creditials of some of the more inexperienced fighters in the tournament, namely Diggle and Curbeam and their more notable opponents: the polite Brazilian Delma de Brito and the Lousiana native Lee Bould. The media also took time to ask questions to the main eventers of the tournament: the kick boxer Paul Duffell and the Bradley Jiu Jitsu student, Daniel Ortiz.

 

"I have a lot of respect for Ross Bradley, his school and what he's done for this organization getting it's start," Duffell stated in his English accent, "But I've been doing this for years. I have more fights then anyone up here. He's just a baby to me."

 

When asked to respond, Ortiz simply said: "We'll see."

 

The quietest members of the tournament line-up was the Mexican Frankie Geddon and the Japanese Mikio Inouye, both of whose language barriers caused them to be avoided by most media members. When they did get a chance to speak, but were cordial and seemed to be all business; perhaps ready to 'get on with it.'

 

The press conference ended with the four tournament match-ups in stare downs, with only Bosco Curbeam showing toughness by getting in the face of the stoic de Brito.

First Weigh-Ins Go Smoothly; Whose the best Featherweight?

 

Though it won't be aired anywhere except perhaps on the dark corners of the internet, UFC 1 is an important event that any hardcore MMA fan should keep updated on through Blurcat. The weigh-ins were completed mid-afternoon Friday, with all fighters making fight. The only hiccup came in the form of Bosco Curbeam, a natural lightweight, coming in a little over, but eventually managed to make weight after the proceedings concluded.

 

The results are below:

 

Paul Duffell (145.5) vs Daniel Ortiz (145)

Lee Bould (146) vs David James Diggle (146)

Delma de Brito (145) vs Bosco Curbeam (146)*

Mikio Inouye (144) vs Frankie Geddon (145.5)

Jefferson Mndawe (146) vs Zac Bacall (145)

 

*Bosco Curbeam initially came in at 147, but shaved a pound off after being given 2 hours by the Colorado State Athletic Commission.

The Rookies Show Up; Knockouts Galore at UFC 1!

 

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When you have four out of five fights end up in first round stoppages (knockouts, no less), then you know you found some great featherweights. 159 fight fans crammed into the small training hall to watch the featherweights battle it out. The show opened up with the Nigerian Jefferson 'The Hitman' Mndawe dominating fellow opened Zac Bacall for three minutes until he was finally granted the stoppage, and it only got more exciting from there. With that win, Mndawe is currently the best-placed to challenge for the title when a champion is crowned, but he can except to fight at least one more time before that being official. Still, with a performance like that, you have to assume he's got dibs.

 

The four tournament matches all ended with the winning side being the least experienced: Mexican strike Frankie Geddon slugged it out with Mikio Inouye for almost three minutes, with obvious intentions to see who was going to go down first. Geddon looked very comfortable in the striking battle and put Mikio Inouye away, though the Japanese fighter has nothing to be ashamed of with his performance.

 

This was followed by the bonus winners showing their craft. Sparked by his cocky words, Delma de Brito came out swinging against rookie wrestler Bosco Curbeam, but ended up getting more then he bargained for. The two fought all over the Underground's Cage, until an uppercut rocked de Brito and Curbeam finished him. David James Diggle, the other 'trash talker' hit the most decisive knock out of the night, putting Lee Bould away in two minutes with a single straight punch.

 

The main event was by far the least exciting, but the hardcore MMA fan will appreciate the grappling clinic put on by 'The Wizard's Apprentice' Daniel Ortiz. For all of his submission attempts (including kimura, armbars and kneebars), he was unable to finish the stubborn Paul Duffell. A great submission defense couldn't get him to avoid being taken down for three rounds, and the Walish kick boxer was humbled by the young Jiu Jitsu student.

 

The four fighters moving on in the championship tournament are Frankie Geddon, Bosco Curbeam, David James Diggle and Daniel Ortiz. The brackets are expected to be announced at the post-fight press conference.

 

'The Wizard's Apprentice' Daniel Ortiz (5-0) def. 'The Surprise Packge' Paul Duffell (19-12) via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3) (Poor)

David James Diggle (4-0) def. 'The Prince of Darkness' Lee Bould (16-10) via KO in 1:55 of R1) (Decent) - Knockout of the Night

Bosco 'Bad Attitude' Curbeam (2-0) def. Delma de Brito (18-7) via TKO in 2:36 of R1) (Great) - Fight of the Night

Frankie 'Arma' Geddon (4-0) def. Mikio Inouye (7-3) via TKO in 2:51 of R1) (Great)

 

Jefferson 'The Hitman' Mndawe (2-0) def. Zac 'All Attack' Bacall (1-1) via TKO in 3:22 of R1) (Good)

Semi-finals set; Final Four will battle it out in early April

 

UFC President Victoria Essex announced at the press conference after UFC 1 concluded that the next event is looking to be the first weekend of April, and will be headlined by the semi-finals of the tournament. The matches had been decided only a few minutes prior. "Basically Jennifer Avatar and myself took the four winners into a room, and we all laid out what would be best for the semi-finals. They were entirely selected by the four of them."

 

As it turns out, it had been very easy to reach a decision. Bosco Curbeam (2-0) will take on unofficial rival David James Diggle (4-0) in the main event, and Daniel Ortiz (5-0) will challenge Frankie Geddon (4-0) in a Jiu Jitsu vs Striker match.

 

Essex highlighted the importance of the smaller weight classes, the heart that all of the fighters showed, and how youth should continully have a place like the Underground to breed into talent.

 

In addition, the following announcements were made:

 

*Following the event, Zac Bacall was the only fighter confirmed to be released. While certainly not official by any means, Essex stated she intends to bring all nine other fighters back for UFC 2

 

*Mikio Inouye vs Paul Duffell is the only other match confirmed for UFC 2. Essex doesn't expect an official fight card to be revealed until all fighters clear their medical requirements in March.

[Rebby]

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Underground adding 3 more Featherweights

 

If you were starting to enjoy the idea of a tiny promotion with an even tinier division, then we bad news for you. It was confirmed at the post-fight press conference last week that the Underground Fighting Circuit, while intending to keep it's 'regional' roots through growth, it still intends to bring in more talent. UFC Matchmaker Jennifer Avatar has revealed one of three fighters, all American, that will be entering the octagon when the promotion re-opens it's event doors in April.

 

Hugo Cruz (2-0), a Mexican Jiu Jitsu fighter, was referred to Denver by championship quarter-finalist and fellow countrymen Frankie Geddon. Avatar mentioned that Cruz, who will make his debut at UFC 2, is one of three new fighters being brought in to expand the roster and give the company more room for 'talent growth.' "The bottom line is, no matter how many knockouts we see on a card, we need to fill the roster out to provide new challengers to the pack. This is pretty much going to be the plan all year: bring in a weight class, and slowly build it, card by card, until we're at an acceptable level." While Avatar hasn't mentioned what she thinks is an acceptable number for a roster, UFC CEO Victoria Essex has been quoting at targeting numbers like 10-15 fighters.

 

In related news, Blurcar has confirmed the release of Zac 'All Attack' Bacall (1-1). With his release and the incoming three bodies, the Featherweight division will have 12 competitors.

UFC Rankings Update

 

With UFC 1 officially in the books, we'll be opening a new rankings system to track the fighters currently signed to the promotion. This works in conjunction with the Blurcat World Rankings, which features fighters from all over the globe.

 

After impressive wins this past weekend, Blurcat has added David James Diggle and Daniel Ortiz to the Top 25 Featherweights list. After losses, Mikio Inouye and Paul Duffell have been dropped, but are rumored to be competing against each other at UFC 2 and will probably be fighting for a spot back on the list. Delma de Brito, formally #11, has fallen to the bottom (but not off) of the list.

 

Without further ado, here is your first official UFC rankings:

 

UFC Featherweight Rankings

 

01. David James Diggle (4-0, #17)

02. Daniel Ortiz (5-0, #18)

03. Delma de Brito (18-7, #24)

04. Frankie Geddon (4-0)

05. Bosco Curbeam (2-0)

 

06. Paul Duffell (19-12)

07. Mikio Inouye (7-3)

08. Jefferson Mndawe (2-0)

09. Lee Bould (16-10)

UFC 2 expected to 'Settle the Score'

 

In three weeks, the Colorado-based Underground Fighting Circuit is expected to open it's doors once again. The fight announcement press conference today involved CEO Victoria Essex and the four semi-finalists for the featherweight championship tournament.

 

Frankie Geddon (4-0), fresh off of a TKO victory of Mikio Inouye, is looking to lock horns with Daniel Ortiz (5-0, #18). Ortiz went three rounds with Paul Duffell to advance past the opening round via unanimous decision. Both fighters were respectful to each other, and seemed open to training together in the future (both training in the New Mexico area).

 

"I can't look past Frankie," Ortiz said when asked what he thought about his opponent, "Frankie looked so shy and nervous when we were all hyping the last card, and then he came out and throw bombs with Inouye. He's going to be tough."

 

The other tournament match featured Bosco Curbeam (2-0) going against tournament rival David James Diggle (4-0). During the initial media interviews in the quarter finals, Diggle responded negatively to the comments that Curbeam had mentioned, including comments about they (the fighters') lack of competitive backgrounds.

 

"All I know is that Bosco has been talking a big game so far, and he hasn't accomplished enough to be so cocky," said Diggle, who is a Muay Thai specialist. Both he and Curbeam are coming off of a knockout stoppages in the first round.

 

Curbeam, who recently started training with the large, well-known team American Cage Fighters, has gone back on some of his comments. "I still think that I'm the better fighter up here," he said, "But the first round was a lot closer then I thought. Between Dan almost getting a submission and the rest of getting knock outs, I was really impressed with how everyone looked."

 

Diggle and Curbeam both promise to settle the score and bury the hatchet after finding out which one is the better fighter. The winner of their fight will ultimate fight Frankie Geddon or Daniel Ortiz to determine the first ever UFC Featherweight champion.

 

Also on the card is a clash of two veteran kick boxers; Mikio Inouye and Paul Duffell, and the debuts of three fighters.

 

The full card is below:

 

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UFC 2: Settling the Score

 

UFC Featherweight Title Tournament; Semi-Finals

 

David James Diggle (4-0, #17) vs Bosco Curbeam (2-0)

Daniel Ortiz (5-0, #18) vs Frankie Geddon (4-0)

 

Non-Tournament Fights; Featherweight

 

Mikio Inouye (7-3) vs Paul Duffell (19-12)

Jefferson Mndare (2-0) vs Hugo Cruz (2-0)

Alejandro Laguera (1-0) vs Lucky Lyman (2-0)

 

[MJoseph]

I am not a big fan of making the predicitions, but just wanted to say that I really enjoy this idea and will be following.

[Rebby]

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Curbeam barely makes weight; Tournament at jeopardy?

 

 

After having trouble with the weight cut in the quarter-finals, Bosco Curbeam went on to use a huge size advantage to beat Delma de Brito is a half-round war. This time, Curbeam once again got on the scale overweight, coming in at 147.5. Though he managed to get down to that troublesome 146, UFC officials have to be concerned about the direction the tournament is heading: should Curbeam beat Diggle and fight for the title, he'll need to be 145 pounds on the dot; a number he has yet to reach.

 

Curbeam seemed happy about his weight cut the previous day during the press conference. Blurcat got a statement from Curbeam's American Cage Fighters teammate Osmosis Benn: "Bosco is going to make the weight limit next time, I guarantee it. He's a big guy; he has to cut at least almost twenty pounds to get down to 145. But now he knows where he struggles, and it won't be an issue."

 

All other fighters on the card made weight, and the tournament will proceed tomorrow evening.

 

 

The Scores are Settled and the Finals are Set at UFC 2

 

 

 

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The judges have rendered their verdict, and despite scoring three knockdowns over his opponent, Bosco Curbeam could not out-strike the Muay Thai specialist David James Diggle and was given the first loss on his small record. Surprisingly, the wrestler Curbeam came out and did not attempt a single takedown in the fight, relying on his striking. While both fighters got in offense, Diggle was able to keep his composure despite being knocked down and looked strong coming out of every round. Curbeam was notable upset with the judges' decision.

 

The other semi-final match ended up more decisively, as Frankie Geddon could not stop any takedowns of Daniel Ortiz, and finally tapped out to a kneebar at the very end of the first round, literally three seconds before the buzzer. Ortiz showed good striking and patience with his takedowns, simply outclassing Geddon with grappling.

 

After being 'called out' specifically by Mikio Inouye, Paul Duffell went out and banged with the fellow kick boxer for a good minute, coming out on top in a dramatic Fight and Knockout of the Night finish.

 

Hugo Cruz put a stop to any title rumors coming Jefferson Mndawe's ways with a last second submission victory, making his UFC debut with a fight night bonus. He joins the likes of Duffell and fellow debut fighter Alejandro Laguerra on the road to the first title shot.

 

168 people attended the event, up by about 20 people from a couple months prior.

 

 

*David James Diggle (5-0) def. Bosco 'Bad Attitude' Curbeam (2-1) via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x2, 29-28) (Average)

 

*'The Wizard's Apprentice' Daniel Ortiz (6-0) def. Frankie 'Arma' Geddon (4-1) via Submission (Kneebar) in 4:44 of R1 (Decent)

 

*'The Surprise Package' Paul Duffell (20-12) def. Mikio Inouye (7-4) via KO (Punch) in 4:45 of R1 (Great) -- Knockout and Fight of the Night

 

*Hugo 'Cruz Control' Cruz (3-0) def. Jefferson 'The Hitman' Mndawe (2-1) via Submission (RNC) in 4:57 of R1 (Good) -- Submission of the Night

 

*Alejandro 'Lobo' Laguera (2-0) def. Lucky Lyman (2-1) via TKO in 3:10 of R1 (Average)

 

 

 

Diggle vs Ortiz set for championship fight; New division to be announced soon

 

 

At the post-fight press conference, Victoria Essex debuted the look of the Underground Fighting Circuit's Featherweight title, and officially announced David James Diggle vs Daniel Ortiz for the title, at UFC 3.

 

"I've never felt more pumped for a fight in my entire life," said Diggle, who had just come off a three round striking battle with Bosco Curbeam, "Daniel's a good guy, but I would hate to be him right now. I'm a dangerous person to fight right about now."

 

"It's gonna be a good fight," promised Ortiz, who had just made Frankie Geddon tap to a kneebar. "I want that title, and unfortunately for David, he's in the way of me getting it." The two seem fine with talking the fight up, and find respectful ways to jab at each other.

 

Also touched upon was the intent to increase the roster size by adding a new division. Victoria Essex stated they are still trying to hash out if they are going to move down to 135, up to 155, or open a female equiviliant to their 145 pound division. With UFC 3 probably not happening until June, Essex was confident that UFC 4 would not only happen with a smaller layoff between fights, but it would introduce whatever that new weight class will be. "The purpose is to give more fights, more often, to the fans here in Denver and over the internet," said the CEO. "We don't like taking two months off because we've used our entire roster. So it's time to break it up."

 

Post-fight interview notes included:

 

*Mikio Inouye, having asked for and lost a bonus-winning fight with Paul Duffel, mentioned to Blurcat that he wants Delma de Brito. Duffell vs de Brito would make more sense from our eyes, but we'll see if Essex gives it to him.

 

*Frankie Geddon doesn't expect to have to take too much time off, but he was suspended for an elbow injury he sustained while getting out of an armbar from Ortiz.

 

*Following an underwhelming beating, Lucky Lyman is expected to be released. Mikio Inouye is also eliglbe for release, but his manager seemed confident the bonus-winning performance would keep him on board.

[Rebby]

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Ortiz, Diggle knock on the door to Top 10

 

 

 

With the new rankings coming out for May, the finalists of the Underground Fighting Circuit's Featherweight tournament is well represented on the list, coming in at #10 and #11 respectively. As of the first of May, here are the current Featherweight rankings on Blurcat.com.

 

 

01. Brandon Rush (KDM FC)

02. Masahiro Meano (KDM FC)

03. Snorri Gunnarsson (EMMA)

04. Templeton Crumb (EMMA)

05. Easton Frye (XCC)

06. Sammy Gaffigan (XCC)

07. Alvaro Negredy (EMMA)

08. Taufik Wijaya (KDM FC)

09. Maurice Braduel (EMM)

10. Daniel Ortiz (UFC)

 

Other Ranked UFC Fighters

11. David James Diggle (UFC)

24. Paul Duffell (UFC)

25. Delma de Brito (UFC)

 

 

 

UFC to add 155 pound division, Curbeam quickly moves up

 

 

 

The official Underground Fight Circuit website put out an official announcement that the UFC will be implementing a Lightweight division (146 lbs to 155 lbs). They are expected to run a tournament similar to how the featherweights worked, from UFC 4 to 6 and crowning a champion on the latter show. This will allow the UFC to put fights more often, moving from potentially a 7-8 week layoff to 4-5 weeks. They expect to run between 5 and 10 matches a night, depending on medical suspensions at the time.

 

Following this news, Bosco 'Bad Attitude' Curbeam took to twitter and promised his transition back to his natural weight class of lightweight, and his intention to compete in the tournament. Considering he's coming off of a loss, it is unsure if he will get his wish to compete in the tournament, but regardless he will be a threat to anyone in the division.

 

The statement included a message from CEO Victoria Essex: "The lightweight division is simply more stacked right now then the alternative divisions (Bantamweight and Women's Featherweight). We still have intentions of moving in those directions in the future, but right now we don't have the strength to maintain more then one division growth at a time. The lightweight division has a good balance of big, strong guys and the lighter, faster fighters for an interesting combination."

 

UFC 3: Diggle vs Ortiz fight card announced; UFC 4 scheduled

 

 

The official card has been announced for UFC 3: Diggle vs Ortiz. The main event features tournament finalists David James Diggle (5-0, #10) and 'The Wizard's Apprentice' Daniel Ortiz (6-0, #11) fighting for the UFC Featherweight championship. Both men have one decision and one stoppage on their road to the finals, and it all boils down to one final clash.

 

"It Muay Thai vs Jiu Jitsi," Diggle said via a statement on undergroundfightcircuit.com, "But if he thinks I'm going to just grapple and throw knees, then he's going to be in long night. Maybe I'll just submit the Jiu Jitsu master."

 

Ortiz, not phased, responded back: "He's not going to get in my head and get me off my gameplan. If he wants to try and submit me, that's fine. But I can handle myself in his world just fine; if he wants to strike then let's strike." Having recently got his black belt from Wizard Jiu Jitsu, Ortiz left the camp. This is his first fight without an official fight camp behind him.

 

The co-main event features the return of Delma de Brito (18-7, #25) taking on Walish kick boxer Paul Duffell (20-12, #24) in what is expected to have title implications. Duffell got back to his winning ways at UFC 2 with a TKO over Mikio Inouye, but de Brito hasn't fought since being stopped by Bosco Curbeam last February. Management will also be watching Hugo Cruz (3-0) vs Alejandro Laguera (2-0) closely as that winner will also be in the title mix. If Blurcat predictios are to be believed, Paul Duffell is probably fighting for a title shot, and the other three are fighting for a #1 contendership match.

 

Also booked is Mikio Inouye in a mis-match against Lee Bould that he should win easily, and Jefferson Mndawe taking on promotionl newcomer Beau LuPone. The opening match is the first ever lightweight match between two fighters who didn't qualify for the tournament.

 

Also announced at the same time is the date for UFC 4: The Baddest Man, in the second week of June (3 weeks after UFC 3). While the official card and brackets have not been released yet, Bosco Curbeam is heavily suspected to be in the opening round of the lightweight tournament.

 

UFC 3 Fight Card below.

 

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UFC 3: Diggle vs Ortiz

 

UFC Featherweight Championship

David James Diggle (5-0, #10 FW) vs Daniel Ortiz (6-0, #11 FW)

 

FW: Paul Duffell (20-12, #24 FW) vs Delma de Brito (18-7, #25 FW)

FW: Hugo Cruz (3-0) vs Alejandro Laguera (2-0)

FW: Mikio Inouye (7-4) vs Lee Bould (16-10)

FW: Beau LuPone (2-0) vs Jefferson Mndawe (2-1)

LW: Javid Khan (3-1) vs Mauricio de Terreros (1-0)

 

 

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Spotlight On: David James Diggle vs Daniel Ortiz

 

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In June, the Underground Fighting Circuit will host it's most significant event yet, when the finals of the Featherweight Championship tournament put 'The Wizard's Apprentice' Daniel Ortiz against David James Diggle. In a class match up of Jiu Jitsu against Muay Thai, the two American-born fighters will put their undefeated records on the line to determine who will be the first ever UFC Featherweight champion. Both men have one stoppage and one decision on their UFC records.

 

David James Diggle is 5-0 and ranked as the #10 featherweight in the world according to Blurcat. Daniel Ortiz is 6-0, and currently ranked #11 - but what is interesting is that for the last three weeks since UFC 2, the two have swapped places twice, signifying how close the two are currently ranked. The winner of their fight no doubt enter the top 10 without fear of dropping out week by week.

 

Ortiz is known as 'The Wizard's Apprentice' - the hand-picked protege of Jiu Jitsu master Ross Bradley, a former GAMMA fighter and title contender. However, following his kneebar victory over Frankie Geddon in the semi-finals, he announced his intention to leave the camp to train on his own. "I have nothing against Wizard Jiu Jitsu - I just feel like I have a handle on my Jiu Jitsi game," Ortiz said, "I'm at a local gym right now with some other lighter guys, and eventually I'm going to move into a camp with a striking base to improve my stand-up."

 

Stand-up, however, is where Diggle is best. While it might be rare to see a pure Muay Thai fighter coming out of Cleveland, Ohio, Diggle has placed high in several nationally ranked striking competitions - namely kick boxing. "It's all knees and elbows," he told us, "Grab somebody, pull 'em in the pocket and knock 'em down. It's no secret what my gameplan is. I want to knock you out."

 

Out of the cage, Diggle and Ortiz have showed a confident but tried not to excuse cockiness. Thus far, Diggle's UFC career has consisted of arguments with fellow semi-finalists Bosco Curbeam, but now can focus all of his energy on a different opponent. "Dan is the kind of guy that thinks he's better then you, but he tries to be polite about it. He's cocky, and he thinks he can beat me, but he doesn't want to be rude and tell me that. But I'm just like that - I can knock Daniel Ortiz out, and I will."

 

"It's not about David Diggle to me," Daniel Ortiz told us when asked to talk about his match, "It's about the belt, and the legacy. We're fighting to be the first ever Underground Featherweight champion. This company is going to be big one day, and I want to be the first person to say he held a belt."

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UFC Introduces the 'Grand Prix' title; Duffell wants to steal the show

 

In addition to competing for the UFC Featherweight championship tomorrow night, David Diggle and Daniel Ortiz will be fighting for the first ever UFC Grand Prix trophy. Earlier this afternoon during the press conference, CEO Victoria Essex showed off the trophy and allowed the competitors to see what they were fighting for. "As an organization, we constantly want to find the best fighter in each weight class, and a big part of that is arranging multi-fighter competitions. We want to ensure the Grand Prix winners are remembered and acknowledged for years to come - which is why we've introduced this 'title' to the record books."

 

Forgotten Walish kick boxer Paul Duffell is fighting in the co-main event tomorrow, and wanted to make sure everybody knew it. "I'm going to tear this guy apart," he promised, "He's going to wish he never left Brazil. Fact." Delma de Brito, his opponent, did not respond directly to the various taunts that Duffell threw out. "I'm going to prove this weekend that nobody can make me tap out. Not de Brito, not Ortiz - nobody." Duffell had lost to Daniel Ortiz in the quarter finals of the tournament, having escaped many submission holds.

 

When asked to comment, Ortiz said he wasn't thinking about Duffell. "He's just trying to get himself in line for the first title show. I beat him once, I can do it again."

 

At the weigh-ins, it was once again Paul Duffell that sparked controversy. He made a lot of comments to de Brito in the stare down, though recieved no response except a smile from the Jiu Jitsu fighter. Jennifer Avatar, who monitored the stare downs, had to separate Duffell who was approaching too closely to his opponent.

 

All fighters made weight - ten at approximately 145 pounds, and both lightweight fighters coming in right on 155.

UFC 3 Results: Ortiz and Diggle put on a show; de Brito shuts Duffell up

 

UFC 3: Diggle vs Ortiz has ended and approximately 150 fans have left happy after a great night of fights. After Mauricio de Terroros got a quick, hard stoppage of Javid Khan in thirty seconds, in the first ever Lightweight fight in the Underground...you could just tell, the night was going to be magical.

 

It was topped off with Daniel Ortiz, the Wizard's Apprentice, coming out on top in one of the most competitive rounds in the three events of the UFC. David James Diggle opened up with great striking, forcing Ortiz to rely on what he does best; the takedowns. Having one stuffed right off the bat, Ortiz had to recover from the second one being stuffed and almost taking a Muay Thai knee to the face. He caught the knee, and as if it was straight out of a motion picture, tackles Diggle and took mount. Within seconds, Ortiz had expertly transitioned from mount to an armbar, securing the Grand Prix trophy and the Featherweight championship belt.

 

"I just feel like all of my hard work has built up to this one moment...this one accomplishment," he said in his post-fight interview, "Every thing that I accomplish after this fight is going to be because I was able to do what I did tonight."

 

By the time Ortiz had won the title, the fans had already seen Jefferson Mndawe score the first ever Knee-causing knockout of Beau LuPone in 26 seconds, beating the first fights TKO (which meant the first two fights went a total of 56 seconds. If the fans were mad about that, then they were pleased by the close decision that came next: Lee Bould beat Mikio Inouye in a 28-29 unanimous decision that saw real heart and guts from both fighters. With it being Inouye's third loss in as many fights, one has to question if his performance will matter when compared to the win-loss record.

 

In two fights with title implications, Alejandro Laguera made Hugo Cruz look soft by dominating him quickly, and Delma de Brito made Paul Duffell eat his own words. Duffell managed to put some hurt on de Brito in the first round and got out of three submission attempts in the second, but the third round came and Delma de Brito showed he was tired of all of the Kick Boxing vs Jiu Jitsu talk. He won Knockout of the Knee with a flying knee that caused Duffell to be walked out by medical after the fight. de Brito promised in his post-fight interview that "The good guys will always win in the end!"

 

*'The Wizard's Apprentice' Daniel Ortiz (7-0) def. David James Diggle (5-1) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:19 of R1 (Great) to win the UFC Featherweight Championship and Grand Prix Trophy --- Submission and Fight of the Night

 

*Delma de Brito (19-7) def. 'The Surprise Package' Paul Duffell (20-13) via KO (Knee) in 2:21 of R3 (Great) --- Knockout of the Night

 

*Alejandro 'Lobo' Laguera (3-0) def. Hugo 'Cruz Control' Cruz (3-1) via TKO (Strikes) in 1:08 of R1 (Good)

 

*'The Prince of Darkness' Lee Bould (17-10) def. Mikio Inouye (7-5) via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3) (Great)

 

*Jefferson 'The Hitman' Mndawe (3-1) def. 'The Dark Lord' Beau LuPone (2-1) via KO (Kick) in :26 of R1 (Good)

 

*Mauricio de Terroros (2-0) def. Javid Khan (3-2) via TKO in :30 of R1 (Good)

 

'The Apprentice No More'; de Brito vs Laguera booked

 

At the press conference after UFC 3 concluded, company CEO Victoria Essex and match maker Jennifer Avatar met the press with some of the fighters in tow: David James Diggle, Delma de Brito, Alejandro Laguera, and Jefferson Mndawe.

 

Now that the Underground can boast a champion and a solid ending to their tournament, they are looking more and more like a normal, every day promotion. CEO Victoria Essex sounded excited that the UFC was getting into a more regular schedule of champion vs contender, especially as the featherweight division is shaping up. Moving forward, Essex has already declared the company's first steps towards finding a suitable challenger for their first champion.

 

"Ortiz has earned a vacation," Essex explained, "So he's going to sit on the sidelines and we're going to put Delma de Brito against Alejandro Laguera for the title shot."

 

Other news coming out of the press conference was less fight-related. "I'm changing my nickname" Daniel Ortiz announced. "I told everyone, even Sensei Bradley that if I won this title, I wouldn't call myself the Apprentice anymore. So now it's the Sorcerer." Ortiz, who is a graduate of Wizard Jiu Jitsu, had been going by 'The Wizard's Apprentice' until this announcement.

 

Interviews with fighters and management included:

 

*Though he was offered a vacation as well, David James Diggle does not intend on taking any time off.

 

*Following a 30 second TKO less, Javid Khan was considered to be a quick firing. But news from matchmaker Jennifer Avatar changed that: "Javid's father passed away last week, and he still stayed on the card and fought. We didn't find out about it until the weigh-ins yesterday. I'm not saying Mauricio won because of that, but you have to award loyalty like that regardless. If my dad died last week, I would not be here right now at this press conference."

 

*Jefferson Mndawe, following a knock out kick of Beau LuPone, declared intentions of fighting Diggle next.

 

*After his words about knocking out Delma de Brito, Paul Duffell did not attend the press conference due to an immediate hospital visit.

 

*Beau LuPone will be released, according to his manager.

 

*Mikio Inouye, despite three losses, is not being released according to CEO Victoria Essex. "He's come out three times and every time, it's been a fight of the night contender. I don't think anyone will argue him staying around."

 

I feel like this event was the real 'opening' to the game for me. Like the prologue is over, now I can just book things, write up fun little storylines and enjoy myself. If anyone has a specific company, fighter, event or anything they'd like to see written about or reported on, just let me know. I hope anyone reading it enjoying it, as I'm finding this to be a refreshing way to play the game.

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UFC Rankings Update - Laguera is the Sleeper Agent

 

There has been no shortage of personality in the five short months of the Underground Fighting Circuit's life: Daniel Ortiz with his apprentice-turned-master storyline, Delma de Brito as a quiet underdog veteran and David James Diggle as the brash 'trash talker.' Nobody has paid much attention to 'Lobo'; Alejandro Laguera is a 22 year old Sprawl and Brawl fighter who has been stopped twice in the UFC, both in the first round. He has slowly snuck up the rankings, and is now in a position to gain a title shot.

 

Other action on the rankings include a lot of "middle-card" spots up for grabs as everyone begins to plant their own seeds for a future title shot after the first defense is done and over with.

 

Here is your UFC Top 10!

 

UFC Featherweight Rankings

 

01. Daniel Ortiz © (7-0, #7)

02. Delma de Brito (19-7, #15)

03. David James Diggle (5-1, #23)

04. Alejandro Laguera (3-0), #24)

05. Lee Bould (17-10)

06. Paul Duffell (20-13)

07. Jefferson Mndawe (3-1)

08. Frankie Geddon (4-1)

09. Hugo Cruz (3-1)

10. Mikio Inouye (7-5)

 

*Fighters must have debuted in order to make the list.

UFC 4 Tournament Brackets; 'Bad Attitude' Bosco is Back

 

If there is one thing to take away from the first round of the Featherweight tournament, it was that all four of the veterans going in were eliminated quickly and decisively by four young rookies. The management in the Underground might have taken that lesson a little too literally, as every competitor in the Lightweight tournament has 3 fights or less. It looks good for the youth factor of UFC, but it's hard to compare a champion like Daniel Ortiz to the likes of newly crowned KDM FC Featherweight champ, Brandon 'Sugar' Rush (Who has almost 30 fights).

 

Personality wise, the lightweight tournament featured Bosco Curbeam (2-1), fresh off of a semi-final loss in the 145 pound division against David James Diggle. He came into the press conference very confident, as always: "I still think that I beat David Diggle, and if this division didn't open then I'd be fighting for that rematch. But 155 pounds is my natural weight class...so all seven of these guys should be very, very scared."

 

Bosco Curbeam's first round draw, Julian Beals (1-0) from New Mexico, didn't join much in the trash talking. But there was some personality shown: Louie Sullivan (2-0) from England and Floyd Haywood (2-0) from California both declard Bosco to be overrated. "He's only in this tournament because of his mouth," said Sullivan, a boxer, "He talks trash and it looks good for the internet. But I guarantee you that nobody here in Colorado will cheer his name on fight night."

 

Also in the tournament is Watson Viana (2-0) from Brazil, Alain Saul (3-0) from France, Edwin Ascher (2-0) from South Carolina and Chuck 'The Joker Thug' Brown (1-0) from Nevada. "I don't really pay attention to the other fighters," the Joker Thug said when asked about his opponents, "They're just stupid names and funny faces to me. Haywood looks like a puppy dog and it's hard for me to take someone named 'Bosco' seriously to begin with."

 

Despite their lack of experience in MMA, all fighters come from a competitive sporting background and Victoria Essex was confident the fights would deliver. "These eight were chosen for the tournament because they deserve it and will put on exciting fights. But the entire division is going to shine in the coming months. Just wait."

 

If the thirty second TKO win by Mauricio de Terreros at UFC 3 is any indication, she very well might be right.

 

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UFC 4: The Baddest Man

 

Lightweight Grand Prix Quarter Finals

Bosco Curbeam (2-1) vs Julian Beals (1-0)

Watson Viana (2-0) vs Chuck Brown (1-0)

Floyd Haywood (2-0) vs Alain Saul (3-0)

Louie Sullivan (2-0) vs Edwin Ascher (2-0)

 

FW: Frankie Geddon (4-1) vs Braxton Pryce (3-1)

LW: Randy Carsley (2-0) vs Tadakuni Fumihiko (16-9)

 

 

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Viana and the Thug steal the show; Curbeam falls from grace

 

The quarter finals of the UFC Lightweight tournament has come and gone, and we here at Blurcat are here the pick up the pieces - the good and the bad.

 

The Good

 

*Watson Viana and Chuck 'The Joker Thug' Brown came out to show exactly the lightweights are all about; hard hitting and unwilling to give up. It looked like Viana, a rare striker to come out of Brazil, was going to finish the witty Brown in the first round, but the Thug perservered to dominate in round 2, almost finished Viana twice (in a round that Blurcat scored 10-8. In the third round, Viana and Brown threw all of their chips on the table and fought through blood in their eyes until Viana almost finished Brown with 20 seconds left in the clock. As Blurcat expected to hear a draw, the crowd cheered both men as Watson Viana was declared the winner by unanimous decision.

 

*Frankie Geddon recoiled from a semi-final loss against the eventual champion Daniel Ortiz by tearing apart Braxton Pryce in less then a minute, reminding us why the featherweight division looks so good.

 

*Louie Sullivan picked apart Edwin Ascher, who showed good defense but not good enough to look like he was doing any damage against a technically trained English boxer.

 

*Randy Carsley and Tadakuni Fumihiko looked good - not great - in the opening match of the night, which saw decent offense but not much in the way of 'killer instinct.' Carsley won by unanimous decision.

 

The Bad

 

*Regardless of how good Louie Sullivan looked, the referee (Gregory Brown) didn't give Edwin Ascher a whole lot of time to recover before declaring Sullivan the winner. You have to think that Sullivan would have won anyway, but Ascher certainly didn't seem like he cared. An early stoppage is an early stoppage.

 

*Floyd Haywood beat out Alain Saul to advance to the semi finals, but he did so by laying on top of a frustrated Saul for almost the entire fifteen minutes. It's one thing to dominate with wrestling position, and a whole different matter when you're not putting in any offense and are just content to let your opponent squirm. But Haywood won, through a booing crowd, and is moving closer towards being champion.

 

*Julian Beals made Bosco Curbeam look like he had never fought an MMA match in his life; and he did so in all three levels of MMA in less then five minutes. Beals beat Curbeam back to the cage with strikes, slammed him to the ground in the clinch, and expected held down the already-gassed 'Bad Attitude' to beat him until the referree stopped the fight. Beals looked great - but this was bad for the UFC because of how Curbeam has been portrayed. The Underground put a lot of emphasis on a trash talker that was simply unable to back it up.

 

*Julian Beals (2-0) def. Bosco 'Bad Attitude' Curbeam (2-2) via TKO in 4:21 of R1 (Average) -- Knockout of the Night

 

*Watson Viana (3-0) def. Chuck 'The Joker Thug' Brown (1-1) via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3) (Fantastic) -- Fight of the Night

 

*'The Coyote Kid' Floyd Haywood (3-0) def. Alain Saul (3-1) via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x2, 30-27) (Poor)

 

*Louie Sullivan (3-0) def. 'The Control Freak' Edwin Ascher (2-1) via TKO in 1:47 of R3 (Good)

 

*Frankie 'Arma' Geddon (5-1) def. Braxton Pryce (3-2) via TKO in :56 of R1 (Good)

 

*Randy 'Super Snake' Carsley (3-0) def. Tadakuni Fumihiko (16-10) via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3) (Decent)

 

Semi-finals booked; UFC to take break

 

With five events in six months, the Underground Fighting Circuit has to be proud of what it has accomplished in a short period of time. Victoria Essex, the company CEO, certainly seemed to be and was excited to have a vacation. "The Underground is taking a couple weeks off," she declared, which would mean we wouldn't see any action until July. "UFC 5 and 6 should be coming in late July and probably mid-August. But starting tonight, we're sending all staff and fighters home to celebrate a good half a year of work and let them spend time with their families."

 

At the press conference was, as always, Essex and her matchmaker, Jennifer Avatar. They were joined by the four lightweight semi-finalists, and Avatar was happy to announce the next match-ups. "Just like last time, we brought all four fighters into a room and we let them bounce off each other who wanted who. In the end, it was decided that Louie Sullivan will take on Floyd Haywood, and Julian Beals will fight Watson Viana." The choices are interesting, though none of the fighters shared their individual choices given that the fights had just ended.

 

Other notes from various interviews and scrums:

 

*Jennifer Avatar shared in an interview that UFC 5 is expected to be headlined by Alejandro Laguera and Delma de Brito for the Featherweight #1 Contendership, and UFC 6 will likely hold the lightweight semi-finals.

 

*Victoria Essex stated that after performance reviews, two lightweights were being released. Bosco Curbeam confirmed later that he was not being fired, and so Blurcat had deduced the two to be Alain Saul and Tadakuni Fumihiko.

 

*Bosco Curbeam intends to focus more on training, as his coachs at American Cage Fighters are concerned he is letting his media work overshadow his cage work. He intends to stay at lightweight.

 

*Following an exciting win, Frankie Geddon's brother and trainer was quoted as saying "we're in no rush to go for a Daniel Ortiz rematch. Frankie wants to string wins together and just make some money before rushing a title shot."

 

*Finally, with UFC taking a break, we leave you a look at the semi-finals: Louie Sullivan, a striker from England (3-0) taking on Floyd Haywood, a Jiu Jitsu fighter out of California. Also, Watson Viana (3-0), an exciting boxer from Brazil taking on the technically gifted submission fighter from New Mexico, Julian Beals (2-0).

 

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Daniel Ortiz returns to Wizard Jiu Jitsu as Featherweight Champion

 

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Having barely just left the nationally reknowned Wizard Jiu Jitsu for a more personal approach to training, the Underground Fighting Circuit's Featherweight champion has returned to his roots and opted to join the camp full time. The news seems strange, given that Ortiz had made just big news about leaving Ross Bradley's gym in order to 'find [his] own training style,' as well as generating buzz from stripping himself of 'The Wizard's Apprentice' nickname and becoming 'The Sorcerer.'

 

"I just discovered that I was doing all of the same stuff I did when I was with WJJ," said Ortiz in a statement to the Underground staff, "So it just made sense to do my training with people that support me."

 

"Dan has really come out on his own," Ross Bradley said to Blurcat, "He was just at a point where he felt like he could do anything on his own, but the truth is that any fighter - including champions - need to have a support base and a team that is looking out for you. This is his home here, and we're his family."

 

As for whether or not Bradley considers himself Ortiz's teacher, he has stated he doesn't see things that way. Rather, Ortiz is now just another person training at Wizard Jiu Jitsu, and can make his own decisions. But one has to ask the question - how long will Daniel Ortiz remain at Wizard Jiu Jitsu this time?

 

Ortiz is currently 7-0, still fresh and young as an MMA fighter, and is the reigning UFC Featherweight champion. He is currently waiting on the results of UFC 5's #1 contender match between Alejandro Laguera and Delma de Brito.

 

Ranked Brazilian Bantamweights Coming to Colorado

 

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The Underground Fighting Circuit announced earlier today that they've brought in two fighters from Brazil. While it's interesting enough that the UFC has good connections in Brazil and managed to secure two highly ranked fighters, it's becomes more interesting when you consider these two fighters are both ranked Batamweights.

 

Adenor Togni (12-4, #11 BW) and Orlando de Carvalho (6-1, #18 BW) were referred to Jennifer Avatar's way by manager Kalo Silva, who manages other Brazilian fighters in the Underground.

 

Right now, there is no immediate plan for the two fighters; though it seems both fighters are entering the slowly growing featherweight division. CEO Victoria Essex has stated her intentions of expanding the promotion, so maybe the inclusion of these two ranked fighters is a hint towards a future 135 pound division.

Watson Viana injured until mid-September; Terreros to fill in

 

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Following a three round war in which both Watson Viana and Chuck 'The Joker Thug' Brown left in a bloody mess, both fighters were given medical suspensions. While the details of the injury are sketchy, it appears that Watson Viana has injured his hand and has been suspended further until September at the earlier - citing physical therapy as the main reason he won't be cleared to fight. "He's really upset," said Mauricio Contoza, Viana's friend and manager. "He really felt like he had a shot to win this thing, but unfortunately the tournament isn't going to wait for him as it probably should."

 

Following the injury announcement, CEO Victoria Essex issued a statement on the Underground's website: "Unfortunately we've scheduled the semi-finals to happen in August, and Watson Viana will not be cleared to compete. So we're bringing in Mauricio de Terreros, who will take Watson's place against Julian Beals in the semi-finals."

 

de Terreros (2-0) is a Mexican boxer who impressed in his debut by taking only thirty seconds to dismantle his opponent by TKO. His inclusion promises for an exciting fight against a technical Julian Beals (2-0) who defeated Bosco Curbeam in the quarter finals of the Grand Prix.

 

The decision to keep the tournament moving on the previous schedule is interesting, considering the fights would have only been postponed a month. "We have the next three events scheduled, and unfortunately Viana's injury will keep out for all three. We hope that he has a speedy recovery and comes back ready to start fighting towards the belt."

 

Watson Viana is reportedly not happy with the decision to keep the tournament moving. You can't blame the Underground for wanting to push forward and get a champion crowned as soon as possible, but at the same time you have to think that waiting a month or so wouldn't have hurt any plans significantly. Hopefully Viana comes back strong and makes a good case for getting at the newly minted champion to make up for his lost opportunity.

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Spotlight On: Alejandro Laguera

 

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Alejandro 'Lobo' Laguera (3-0, 2-0 UFC, #24 FW) has thus kept to himself. A 22 year old Sprawl and Brawl fighter from Mexico, Lobo has managed to push himself up the rankings with two strong first-round TKO victories against the likes of Lucky Lyman and Hugo Cruz. But he faces his toughest challenge yet when he takes on Delma de Brito (19-7, 1-1 UFC, #16 FW) for the right to challenge for the UFC Featherweight champion.

 

"I am not very good when it comes to...stuff like this," says Laguera when asked to comment on his avoidace of cameras. He speaks broken English, sometimes through a Spanish translator. "I prefer to train and fight. All this talking...hype. It's not fun."

 

Laguera prefers to just see his opponent in the cage and let that be the first time he meets them. Instead, the further up the card he goes, the more exposure he gets and has to do more work with the media and the fans. If he beats de Brito at UFC 5, he will very likely be one of the top stars in the company coming into the title fight.

 

Though Alejandro did not get a spot in the tournament to crown the champion, he did enter at UFC 2 and has won both non-tournament fights to climb his ways towards this opportunity. "I think it's better to do it this way," he told us, "The Grand Prix title is nice, but now I was able to watch all of the division fighting in the tournament. It's given me the advantage."

 

It has been interesting to watch the steady rise of 'Lobo' Laguera, especially as he gears up for the biggest fight of his short career. Beating a veteran like Delma de Brito will boost him up the rankings, and whether or not he beats Ortiz, he'll be a dangerous man in the division either way.

UFC 5: de Brito vs Laguera booked

 

The Underground Fighting Circuit returns to Denver after a well-deserved vacation during the third weekend of July. It has a compact three-event schedule from July to September that was planned so far in advance that it caused a hiccup in the lightweight tournament. The trio of events starts with this one, headlined by a #1 contendership match between Alejandro Laguera and Delma de Brito.

 

The winner of Laguera vs de Brito will take on champion Daniel Ortiz (7-0, #7 FW), probably preferably in September should the winner come out unscathed.

 

The rest of the card is filled with debuting fighters in the two division of the UFC: the co-main event features a ranked Bantamweight fighter, Adenor Togni, taking on prospect Frankie Geddon in a Featherweight match. Togni is likely positioning himself for a good seed in the inevitable Bantamweight tournament that is rumored to be taking place towards the end of the year, while Geddon knows a potential title opportunity could be waiting for him after Ortiz fights either de Brito or Laguera.

 

We also see the return of Hugo Cruz following his devastating loss to Laguera, and Javid Khan after he showed loyalty by continuing the fight despite the recent death of his father.

 

The new fighters entering the UFC is Caragh Green, an Irish all-rounding fighter; Jakuchu Abe, a tradition Jiu Jitsu fighter from Japan; Ramon da Silva Ramos, a Brazilian kick boxer; Scott Gillespie, a boxer from Scotland; and finally Roger 'Jumpin' Bean and Foggy Lee from up in Canada.

 

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UFC 5: Laguera vs de Brito

 

UFC Featherweight #1 Contendership

Alejandro Laguera (3-0, #24 FW) vs Delma de Brito (19-7, #16 FW)

 

FW: Adenor Togni (12-4, #11 BW) vs Frankie Geddon (5-1)

LW: Caragh Green (4-0) vs Jakuchu Abe (2-0)

LW: Ramon da Silva Ramos (3-0) vs Javid Khan (3-2)

FW: Scott Gillespie (3-1) vs Roger Bean (2-0)

FW: Hugo Cruz (3-1) vs Foggy Lee (5-1)

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UFC 5 delivers; 'Lobo' impresses in contender fight

 

In a night filled with new talent looking to dethrone the old, it was Alejandro 'Lobo' Laguera who came out victorious in his #1 contendership battle against Jiu Jitsu veteran Delma de Brito. It was amazing that Laguera didn't manage to stop de Brito sooner, as he got a total of four knockdowns and stuffed all but one takedown defense. There was a lot said for the stubbornness of Delma de Brito, who refused to give up even after being outclassed through-out the hexagon cage. Assuming he's made it out uninjured, Lobo is now looking to challenge champion Daniel Ortiz in September.

 

In the co-main event, ranked Bantamweight Adenor Togni took a trip to the featherweight division to defeat prospect Frankie Geddon. 'Arma' Geddon looked impressive with his head movement and footwork early, but soon found himself unable to match the technique of Togni once he put on the ground through a cage-enabled takedown. It's hard to say that Togni's future holds without knowing whether a Bantamweight division is coming, but it's safe to say his future looks bright regardless.

 

Newcomers Ramon da Silva Ramos and Jakuchi Abe both impressed over Javid Khan and Caragh Green respectively: Ramon and Javid fought a great fight through-out two rounds, but it never looked as if Ramos was in any serious danger. In the third round, he managed to finally knock Khan down and get the stoppage victory. For Abe, he showed why he believes Tradition Jiu Jitsu is superior to any other form, using judo throws to bring Green down and submit him with an armbar.

 

Also on the car, Roger Bean was knocked down in the first round by the Scottish Scott Gillespie, and Hugo Cruz was forced to tap out with only a second left in the first round, via rear naked choke to an impressire looking Foggy Lee.

 

*Alejandro 'Lobo' Laguera (4-0) def. Delma de Brito (19-8) via TKO in 2:36 of R3 (Decent)

 

*Adenor Togni (13-4) def Frankie Geddon (5-2) via Submission (RNC) in 2:30 of R1 (Great)

 

*Jakuchu Abe (3-0) def. Caragh Green (4-1) via Submission (Armbar) in 2:15 of R2 (Decent)

 

*Ramon da Silva Ramos (4-0) def. Javid Khan (3-3) via TKO in :59 of R3 (Great) --- Fight of the Night

 

*'Glasgow's Finest' Scott Gillespie (4-1) def. Roger 'Jumpin' Bean (2-1) via KO (Punch) in 3:59 of R1 (Decent) --- Knockout of the Night

 

*Foggy Lee (6-1) def. Hugo 'Cruz Control' Cruz (3-2) via Submission (RNC) in 4:59 of R1 (Good) --- Submission of the Night

 

Lobo vs Sorcerer set; Essex quells division rumors; Togni challenges fellow 135er

 

About a half an hour after UFC 5 was done streaming online, UFC CEO Victoria Essex was joined with newly introduced co-matchmaker Scott Avatar (brother to Jennifer) and some fighters from the event: Alejandro Laguera, Adenor Togni, Jakuchu Abe, and Delma de Brito.

 

The biggest news came from Essex, who was just assured that Alejandro Laguera recieved no medical suspension and would be ready to fight champion Daniel Ortiz at UFC 7 in early September. "I'm glad that I got to fight Delma before I challenge Ortiz," he said through a translator, "Delma was a tough match-up and he was difficult to finish, but I'm a better fighter because I went through with it."

 

Matchmaker Scott Avatar said that he expected some form of #1 contendership to happen on that same card, and Adenor Togni seemed very happy to offer his opinion on what the match should be.

 

"I want Orlando de Carvalho next," said Togni in surprisingly fluent English. "I've been listening to everybody for the last two weeks telling me that I'm just messing up the featherweight division because I'm going to leave for the bantamweight division later. Like I'm only here to screw up rankings." When asked to clarify, Togni said he knows Frankie Geddon's manager complained about having to fight a fighter who wasn't staying in the division. "I'm staying a featherweight right now," he said, "If I lose, and I think I can fight better at 135, I will, but as long as I'm winning then I'm going to take a shot at that belt."

 

When asked why Togni wanted de Carvalho next, he said: "Orlando and I fought about a year ago and he beat me in a judges' decision. We're both getting over this same 'Bantamweight to Featherweight' curse the media is throwing around, so I say let us slug it out. Loser can go float around 135 pounds if they want."

 

While Adenor stole the show at the press conference, Victoria Essex took the microphone quite a bit to dispell any rumors. "We didn't bring in Togni and Carvalho to start up a Bantamweight division. We brought them because they're highly ranked and very talented. Right now, there is no plan to do a Bantamweight division. We're going to wait and see what the landscape of the company is after Ortiz and Laguera fight, and if we feel it's the right time to bring in another division. As far as I'm concerned everybody is a Featherweight or a Lightweight. There are no Bantamweights."

 

Though she didn't deny that if either fighter wanted to move down, they wouldn't be hindered. She explained that there is never a situation where she would force someone to fight in a particular weight class; they could flip-flop all they wanted. The only exception was champions would have to vacate a belt to move up or down.

 

Other highlights from the press conference, media scrums and interviews:

 

*Despite a fight of the night performance, Javid Khan was released following two TKO losses in a row. Roger Bean and Hugo Cruz were both confirmed to be sent back to the local circuit.

 

*Jakuchu Abe may have had to utilize a translator to get through the Japanese-English language barrier, but there was nothing lost in translation: he felt like he was best in the division and was working for an immediate title shot after the lightweight tournament conclude.

 

*In an interview with Scott and Jennifer avatar, the confirmed they were working on the details to book Togni vs da Carvalho at UFC 7, but were both hesitant to call it "for-sure" #1 contendership match.

 

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Togni tops contendership rankings; Ortiz prepares for battle

 

The newest UFC Featherweight rankings are officially out, leading into the first ever title defense. Champion Daniel Ortiz tops the list, but what's interesting is that #1 contender Alejandro Laguera only comes up at #3. Adenor Togni, who moved up to featherweight, currently sits at #2. Should he win his next match, he's the next likely contender.

 

UFC Featherweight Rankings

01. Daniel Ortiz © (7-0, # 7 FW)

02. Adenor Togni (13-4, #8 BW)

03. Alejandro Laguera (4-0, #13 FW)

04. David James Diggle (5-1), #23 FW)

05. Delma de Brito (19-8)

06. Foggy Lee (6-1)

07. Lee Boul (17-10)

08. Paul Duffell (20-13)

09. Scott Gillespie (4-1)

10. Jeffferson Mndawe (3-1)

 

*Must have competed at least once in UFC

 

UFC 6 Card announced; Lightweights set to battle it out

 

UFC 6: Battle Lines has officially been announced, set for mid-month August. It will be headlined by the semi-finals of the UFC Lightweight Championship Grand Prix. Sunderland, England's Louie Sullivan will look to strike against California's Jiu Jitsu expert Floyd Haywood. The other semi-final match features another grappler vs striker match: Julian Beals from New Mexico will look for a submission victory over late entrant Mauricio de Terreros, a boxer out of Mexico.

 

Beals takes his new opponent on slightly short notice, as previous semi-finalist Watson Viana had to pull out due to an injury. The winner of the two semi-finals match will compete to crown to first ever Lightweight champion.

 

Lee Bould will once again take on an opponent that he doesn't match up against well, this time in former featherweight title contender David James Diggle. Bould managed to upset Mikio Inouye in his previous match; another upset would likely put Bould in 'the mix' as far as title contention is concerned.

 

Other matches include a kick boxing battle between Jefferson Mndawe vs Paul Duffell, a wrestling match-up with Randy Carlsley and debuting Suezo Takasugi and a lightweight fight between Edwin Ascher and the witty Chuck Brown.

 

UFC 6: Battle Lines

 

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UFC Lightweight Grand Prix Semi-Finals

Louie Sullivan (3-0) vs Floyd Haywood (3-0)

Julian Beals (2-0) vs Mauricio de Terreros (2-0)

 

David James Diggle (5-1, #23 FW) vs Lee Bould (17-10)

Jefferson Mndawe (3-1) vs Paul Duffell (20-13)

Edwin Ascher (2-1) vs Chuck Brown (1-1)

Randy Carlsley (3-0) vs Suezo Takasugo (6-1)

 

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Finals set for Lightweight title; DJ Diggle comes back with a vengeance

 

While the semi-finals of the Lightweight Grand Prix couldn't come up with any awe-inducing moments, it did answer a very important question: who would be facing off for the GP Trophy and the gold title belt. Julian Beals was able to score 2 out of 3 takedowns on his way to submitting Mauricio de Terreros with an arm trianglo. Louie Sullivan had a more difficult time, as getting through the 'Coyote Kid's' takedowns proved to be a challenge. In the end, Sullivan was able to secure the win with a last-minute flurry of punches, leading into a knockdown.

 

The main event matches were decent but not exciting; that came earlier. The fight of the night was brought in by the opening match where Randy Carsley increased his UFC streak to 2-0 by locking in a submission on Suezo Takasugi, who put up a legitimate fight before having to tap out.

 

David James Diggle announced his return to action by doing what he does best: knocking people down. Lee Bould was dominated on the feet from the get-go and Diggle moved himself in the right direction as he attempts to recover from a title loss a couple months ago.

 

The other matches include Jefferson Mndawe easily overcoming Paul Duffell, but was unable to stop the notoriously tough Walish kickboxer. Duffell looked fairly slow and was unable to match the pace that the African fighter dished out. Lastly, Chuck Brown found himself in another controversial decision, but this time on the winning end. He almost got a stoppage off a surprising right hand against Edwin Ascher, but Ascher managed to recover and control the rest of the fight. Even still, Brown secured the fight in the eyes of the judges and took the victory.

 

*Louis Sullivan def. 'The Coyote Kid' Floyd Haywood via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3) (Decent)

 

*Julian Beals def. Mauricio de Terreros via Submission (Arm Triangle) in 3:12 of R2 (Poor)

 

*'DJD' David James Diggle def. 'The Prince of Darkness' Lee Bould via TKO in 1:06 of R1 (Good) --- Knockout of the Night

 

*Jefferson 'The Hitman' Mndawe def. 'The Surprise Package' Paul Duffell via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3) (Average)

 

*Chuck 'The Joker Thug' Brown def. 'The Control Freak' Edwin Ascher via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3) (Average)

 

*Randy 'Super Snake' Carsley def. Suezo Takasugi via Submission (Arm Triangle) in 3:35 of R1 (Great) --- Submission and Fight of the Night

 

Beals vs Sullivan set to fight for title; Carsley potential #1 contender?

 

CEO Victoria Essex was strangely absent from the post-fight press conference, and in her place was the matchmaking siblings of UFC; Scott leading the conference and Jennifer at a table. Also on hand was finalists Julian Beals and Louie Sullivan, with a victorious Randy Carsley.

 

Scott Avatar confirmed came out unscathed and were likely looking at their title fight sometime towards the end of October. Both of them commented, doing their best to hype up the fight. "I don't think that Julian Beals is as good as he thinks he is," Sullivan said simply, "He puts you on the ground and he lays on you until you fall asleep. That's not a fight for me. I'm going in with the intention of knocking him out and taking the title."

 

"I can't even understand what he just said," Beals laughed while making fun of Sullivan's English accent. "Louie Sullivan is a boxer. He's good. But I'm a dang MMA fighter. If he thinks all I have is a ground game then he's in for a painfully short fight."

 

Also announced was the intentions of the first challenger for the UFC title. "We're planning on putting Randy Carsley in against Jakuchu Abe on the same card as the title fight. The winner of that, plus Watson Viana, will be in the mix for a potential title shot."

 

Carsley secured two bonuses during his fight, which turned into a brawl against fellow opener Suezo Takasugi and ended with a submission. Abe, his next opponent, looked very impressive last month against Caragh Green and declared his intentions of getting an immediate re-match. Watson Viana was scheduled to face Julian Beals but had to pull out due to injury, so will likely be an important factor in the title race.

 

Other tidbits from the press conference, interviews and news pieces:

 

*Despite a close decision and almost upsetting Chuck Brown in a comeback, Edwin Ascher is scheduled to be released. Also leaving UFC is kickboxer Paul Duffell. Lee Bould was reportedly given the option to be paid the rest of his contract and move on, which he seems to be leaning towards. "I think that I'm probably knocking on the door to hanging the gloves up after tonight," said Bould to Blurcat, "So I'm probably gonna take my money and run."

 

*'DJD' David James Diggle doesn't plan on a rematch with Daniel Ortiz anytime soon because of his quick loss last time, but he's planning on dominating the featherweight division in the meantime. "I'm going to run through so many people that Ortiz will have no choice but to take me on again."

 

*UFC is planning on one more event before another vacation. That event will feature Ortiz vs Laguera and the officially announced Togni vs de Carvalho.

 

I'll be officially bringing in a third division and that will likely be the last division I add for awhile. I'd really like some suggestions on which of these three weight classes to bring in: Bantamweight, Women's Featherweight, or Welterweight. Thanks for reading =)

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Bantamweight.

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First UFC LW rankings announced

 

When you look at the below list of the various fighters across the Top 10 of the Underground Fighting Circuit's Lightweight division, don't be alarmed if you arn't particularly impressed. All but one of the fighters has four or less fights, including the two finalists preparing to battle for the lightweight championship. According to company sources, the contenders vying for a title shot include Randy Carsley, Jakuchu Abe and Watson Viana: which leaves #4 Ramon da Silva Ramos out of the hunt for now, but certainly close to making a name for himself.

 

UFC Lightweight Rankings

 

01. Julian Beals (3-0)

02. Louie Sullivan (4-0)

03. Randy Carsley (4-0)

04. Ramon da Silva Ramos (4-0)

05. Jakuchu Abe (3-0)

06. Watson Viana (3-0)

07. Floyd Haywood (3-1)

08. Suezo Takasugi (6-2)

09. Chuck Brown (2-1)

10. Mauricio de Terreros (2-1)

 

The Difference Between Divisions and How to Fix It

 

The Underground Fighting Circuit has done a good job of making both of their current division relevant and competitive, but there is a clear line of talent and fame dividing the two existing weight classes. The two groups of fighters: The 145 pound featherweights and 155 pound lightweights, are too far apart in talent and it's very evident when looking at rankings and popularity level.

 

The featherweight division is stacked, both in terms of Blurcat rankings and popularity. The champion, Daniel Ortiz, is ranked in the top 10 and his top contender, Alejandro Laguera, isn't very far behind. Two of the other three ranked fighters are in the top 20 on the Bantamweight side of the fence. In addition to these decent numbers for a small regional promotion, many of these names have decent popularity (Ortiz being the protege of cage legend Ross Bradley) and media personalities. It's not exactly the most stacked division in the world, but for a promotion only about 10 months old, it's not bad. Even if you erase all of that, you still have decent experience in Delma de Brito and Mikio Inouye to back everything up.

 

On the other hand, the lightweight division's biggest star is Bosco Curbeam, a good trash talker but ultimately a mediocre performer in the cage. The two finalists for the championship are Louie Sullivan, a passive boxer who plays for points over knockouts, and Julian Beals, a submission fighter who has shown little else to his gameplan then a good top position. There are no Top 25 fighters, but that could be excused by the fact the lightweight division is way more stacked then featherweights. Even still, the line separating the two is very bold and obvious.

 

What the UFC needs right now is more balance between their two divisions - this is even more important given the strong rumors of a third division coming in. The lightweight division would benefit from one of these points happening:

 

-A talented featherweight moving up in weight that wouldn't be too under-sized

-More experience added to the lightweight division; the tournament to crown the first champ consisted of all fighters with less then 3 fights to their names.

-Bigger names. Though this is easier said then done for a well-respected, but not well-known regional promotion out of high-altitude Denver, Colorado. Especially when talking about the competitive 155 pound division.

-More camera time for the current fighters. If nothing can be added or changed, then simply allow the lightweights to get more exposure. Give the fans a reason to care who wins the belt, because as of now, it's a miracle this journalist can even remember the finalists in the tournament.

 

With all that said...the lightweight division is far from terrible. When put next to the featherweight division, it looks bland, but for a brand new division in a brand new promotion, it's certainly not awful. It's a slow build...but it IS building.

 

The lightweight championship fight is tentatively scheduled for an event in October-November, which will be between striker Louie Sullivan and submissionst Julian Beals. Also expected is contenders Jakuchu Abe and Randy Carsley, and possibly the return of previously injured Watson Viana. It may lack star power, but the division keeps trucking forward with intriguing match-ups.

 

 

Spotlight On: Adenor Togni vs Orlando de Carvalho

 

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Officially announced for UFC 7 is an All-Brazil match-up between two ranked fighters looking to put themselves higher up in a young division. Adenor Togi (13-4, #8 BW) takes on Orlando de Carvalho (6-1, #18 BW). de Carvalho is looking to make his debut, having waited specifically because he was called out by Togni during UFC 5.

 

Adenor Togni came to the UFC via his manager, who also manages featherweight Delma de Brito. Orlando de Carvalho was recruited because of his placement on the Blurcat rankings. So never mind the coincidence that both were Bantamweights now fighting at Featherweight, and the fact both are ranked Brazilians: how about the fact they've already fought?

 

"When Adenor called me out, I was shocked," said Orlando, who heard about the call-out from UFC Matchmaker Jennifer Avatar. "I was getting ready to fight at UFC 6 but they pulled me out so fight Adenor again. I just thought...didn't I already beat him?"

 

When the two fought in a Brazilian local match, back in Orlando's second professional fight, it was a close majority decision that could have very easily been a draw. Adenor Togni regrets the way he fought the match and doesn't plan to do so again. "I fought a striking battle," Togi says, "I figured the guy is only 1-0, I could get my first knock out win, and I didn't take it to the ground at all. So he beat me, even though I think it could have gone either way. We're here now, we're both up there in the rankings so...yea, I want to avenge the loss and send him back to 135 pound division."

 

Orlando de Carvalho is making his debut after post-poning his initial fight to take this one. He's a Muay Thai fighter with a predictable strength in striking but not so much on the ground; which is the opposite skill set of Jiu Jitsu black belt Adenor Togni.

 

It's difficult to say where the two are resting in terms of stealing a title shot against the winner of Ortiz vs Laguera, but it's safe to say that the winner is the most logical choice. Togni already has one win in the UFC and de Carvalho has the most hype of any other Featherweight.

 

"I don't plan on coming into this division just to leave and go back to 135 pounds," says Togni, "If I start something, I finish it to the end. I'm going to fight for the title, and I will be the best in this company. It all starts by proving to Orlando that he never should have beat me to begin with."

 

"Togni just believes his own hype," says a more mild-mannered Carvalho, "In September I'm going to make him believe mine."

 

 

UFC's First Title Defense Announced

 

The featherweight division makes it's first real showing as a legitimate weight class, complete with a champion, challenger and a #1 contendership clash. 'The Sorcerer' Daniel Ortiz defends the title against Alejandro 'Lobo' Laguera after. Ortiz won the title through an eight-man Grand Prix that Laguera did not participate in, instead taking the long way to gain the title shot by besting three opponents. Ortiz, primarily a Jiu Jitsu fighter, will going in expecting a striking battle from Alejandro Laguera. Laguera relies on ground and pound, but would be smart to avoid putting Ortiz on his back.

 

The co-main event is a grudge match between two Brazilians who had fought before on the local circuit. Adenor Togni looks to avenge that loss, but Orlando de Carvalho wants to squash Togni's title dreams with a win in his debut match. It is a classic Muay Thai vs Jiu Jitsu battle, and the winner is going to be whoever manages to force their particular style fight.

 

In the remaining matches, we see Foggy Lee and Scott Gillespie returning after dual wins at UFC 5; veteran Brazilian Delma de Brito looking to get back to his winning ways against Argentina's karate fighter, Helvecio Babenco; and finally the exciting Mikio Inouye fights for his job against equally in danger Braxton Pryce.

 

UFC 7: The Sorcerer Returns

 

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UFC Featherweight Championship

'The Sorcerer' Daniel Ortiz (7-0, #7) vs Alejandro 'Lobo' Laguera (4-0, #13)

 

FW: Adenor Togni (13-4, #8 BW) vs Orlando de Carvalho (6-1, #18 BW)

LW: Foggy Lee (6-1) vs 'Glasgow's Finest' Scott Gillespie (4-1)

FW: Delma de Brito (19-8) vs Helvecio 'Hell-Boy' Babenco (9-3)

FW: Braxton Pryce (3-2) vs Mikio Inouye (7-5)

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Fireworks ignite at UFC 7 Press Conference

 

The local Denver media, plus some MMA journalists from websites such as your own Blurcat, got one last chance to talk to four of the ten fighters competing at UFC 7: The Sorcerer Returns, named for Daniel Ortiz.

 

"I think the title is silly," Laguera said, kicking off what turned out to be a long forty-five minutes of trash talking. "There's a lot of hype from the brass on Daniel Ortiz, and I think a lot of people just expect me to get my ass kicked. I'm less excited about the title, and more psyched up to destroy the hype train that Dan is riding on."

 

"I don't like to act like I'm better then anyone," said Ortiz in response, "I like to prove it. Alejandro is mad that I'm in this position and he's not. I don't know where the jealousy came from. But come Saturday, I'm going to beat him where it counts: in the cage."

 

The media questioned why Alejandro suddenly felt this way towards Daniel, considering that 'Lobo' had thus far showed a professional attitude going into fights. "I think the fact that this event is named for one guy, when both of us are headlining it is what tipped me over," he answered, "I've earned my spot up here in the main event. Daniel is good but he's not the only guy fighting on Saturday."

 

Of course, CEO Victoria Essex was asked to comment, but didn't have as much to add as hoped. "Daniel has the hype because he's the champion. It wasn't our intention to slight Alejandro when we named the event."

 

The co-main event fighters were more direct in their trash talk, bickering over each other's fighting styles and their talent as opposed to what management may or may not be doing.

 

"When I fought him the first time, I knew that he wasn't that good," said Adenor Togni, "If I had followed my gameplan the first time, I'd have choked him out a minute in. I know exactly where his weaknesses are."

 

Orlando de Carvalho, making his UFC debut, just chuckled his way through the comments. "I can't tell if he's really this ignorant or if it's just an act," he responded.

 

Both matches are looking to be full of personal fire, as both ended up in intense stare-downs after both sets of fighters made weight. Daniel Ortiz and Alejandro Laguera both came in at 145 on the dot and neither raised their fist, instead staring each other down nose-to-nose. Togni came in at 143, and Carvalho at 145; Togni talked enough in the midst of the stare-down that Carvalho laughed in his face, causing a mild confrontation to be separated by matchmaker Scott Avatar.

 

Believe the Hype: The Sorcerer Steals the Show (UFC 7 Results)

 

'The Sorcerer' Daniel Ortiz didn't need any magic to prove that he's the undisputed UFC featherweight champion. Ortiz came out as if a brand new fighter, taunting Laguera to strike with him and managing to dodge almost twenty punches with head movement, all without throwing a single one. The crowd, topped out around 150, couldn't decide whether to like or not hate the fact that Ortiz was openly taunting Laguera, who only managed to graze Ortiz a few times. Towards the end of the round, when the Sorcerer seemed done playing games, he easily took Laguera to the ground with a clinch tackle, and a scramble gave him the back. It took some patience once he had position, but Daniel Ortiz made Alejandro Laguera tap out to a Rear Naked Choke in a steller performance to defend his championship.

 

In the co-main event, one fighter did exactly what they said they would do, while the other under-performed. Adenor Togni scored one takedown per round and used those to control Carvalho for the entire fight; almost hitting a rear naked choke at the end of the first, and actually securing an armbar as the buzzer hit in the second. Orlando de Carvalho, a Muay Thai fighter, only scored 3 out of almost 30 attempts strikes, looking very much like a rookie against the Jiu Jitsu fighter. Adenor Togni finished the fight where he kept it: in top control, with a boring, but well-deserved, unanimous decision.

 

Foggy Lee scored his second win in as many UFC fights, this time by dominating Scott Gillespie with clean wrestling. Lee is turning out to be quite the wild card in the featherweight division, showing good stand-up in order to set up his shots, literally scoring 3 out of 3 for 100% completion of takedowns. Gillespie showed good submission defense, managing to stop several attempts at isolating his arm for a kimura, but finally in the third round after almost fifteen minutes of controlling Gillespie, Foggy Lee got an armbar and the referee pulled him off.

 

Delma de Brito returned to action against newcomer Helvecio Babenco, who looked immediately uncomfortable against his Brazilian opponent. The two kept it standing, with de Brito focusing on clinching and throwing knees, and Babenco wanting to keep a distance with jabs and kicks. Babenco won the first round with his gameplan, but the second round was less decisive, with a lot of hesitation from both sides. In the third round, Delma de Brito finally looked as if he might finish Babenco, putting him down with a surprising right cross. But the Argentinian Karate fighter persevered by pulling guard and outlasting the submission attempts. The crowd didn't seem to agree when the judges gave the split decision nod to Helvecio Babenco, given de Brito's close finish in the third. It was a dull fight, none the less, as neither fighter seemed willing to commit to offense.

 

The opening fight saw the 'return' of Mikio Inouye to the winning ways, though return is a heavy word considering this is Inouye first win in four fights. Regardless, Inouye came out like a man that knew his job was on the line and put Baxton into the fence with an early takedown attempt. When that didn't work, the Japanese kick boxer found a much easier time just unloading the thunder against an overwhelmed Braxton Pryce, and got the early TKO victory.

 

*'The Sorcerer' Daniel Ortiz (8-0) def. Alejandro 'Lobo' Laguera (4-1)via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:26 of R1 to retain the UFC Featherweight Championship (Great) --- Fight and Submission of the Night

 

*Adenor Togni (14-4) def. Orlando de Carvalho (6-2) via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3) (Very Poor)

 

*Foggy Lee (7-1) def. 'Glasgow's Finest' Scott Gillespie (4-2) via Submission (Armbar) in 3:48 of R3 (Good)

 

*Helvecio 'Hell-Boy' Babenco (10-3) def. Delma de Brito (19-9) via Split Decision (29-28 Babenco x2, 29-28 de Brito) (Very Poor)

 

*Mikio Inouye (8-5) def. Braxton Pryce (3-3) via TKO at 1:12 of R1 (Good) --- Knockout of the Night

 

 

Ortiz vs Togni up next; Essex outlines rest of '98's schedule

 

Victoria Essex, CEO of the Underground Fighting Circuit, took to the podium during the post-fight press conference to announce that 'The Sorcerer' Daniel Ortiz, following an impressive title defense, would next go up against Adenor Togni, who had just defeated his second opponent in a row. "Both Dan and Adenor are highly ranked, and are two of the best featherweights in the world today. Their clash is going to be great."

 

When speaking of his victory, Ortiz didn't make an attempt to be humble. "I expected a much tougher fight he gave me," said the Sorcerer, "But right when we started swinging I just felt like I had his number. I just had a comfort level I've never felt before. It was the best I'd ever felt inside the cage." He was also asked to comment on his taunting, which he explained wasn't planned. "I don't know, man," he laughed, "I didn't mean to start shouting, but I just really felt like he was getting flustered and I was just pushing his buttons a little bit. Getting him wound up for the takedown."

 

Adenor Togni felt similiar against his opponent, Orlando de Carvalho. "I just outclassed him. I did what I do best, and that's Jiu Jitsu, and he had no answer for it. I just wish I had got the finish, to be honest, but I'll take an obvious decision over a loss any day."

 

Neither fight spent much time on the other when asked about their pending championship match. "I'm gonna beat him," said Ortiz, and Togni said something similiar, but trash talking was passed over.

 

The only other fighter at the press conference was Foggy Lee, who felt like he was finally ready to get a tougher match-up. "I feel like I'm probably close to being in that 'title talk,'" said Lee, "So I'm hoping I draw one of the higher ranked guys next." He didn't want to name anybody specifically, however.

 

Victoria Essex ended on a business note, explaining that the UFC intended to finish the year with monthly events at even intervals: all on the last Saturday of the month (for October, November, December) before returning to their regular schedule in January (Which has, thus far, consisted of three events all close together, followed by a month or two off). This announcement will at least give the roster a couple months off before the end of October show.

 

Other tid-bits from the post-fight scrums:

 

*Braxton Pryce will be, predictably, cut from the roster. Victoria Essex also confirmed that UFC and Delma de Brito's management had come to an agreement post-fight, and he would be leaving as well. He leaves with a UFC record of 1-3, but the latest match was a close split decision.

 

*Jennifer Avatar hinted at the possibility of Foggy Lee vs David James Diggle after Lee asked for a tougher opponent.

 

[Rebby]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v324/Rebnik/XCC/UFC-B.jpg

 

Victoria Essex Outlines UFC Plans; Next Three Events and a new Weight Class

 

Blurcat got a chance to sit down with the CEO of the Underground Fighting Circuit to discuss the plans for the next three months leading into the new year. "Usually we try to do several events in a row and then a nice vacation," she explained, "But for the end of the year, we're doing monthly events, all a month apart, to lead us into 1999."

 

"Our first big project is to bring in our third weight class," Essex said, "Our intention was always to have three weight classes going into 1999, and that's probably going to be the last one we add for awhile. The weight class is going to a 145 pound female division. When we do expand in the future, this division will lead us into bringing more females into the company. I've always admired women that fight for a living, so I'm glad to get to showcase some great female talent."

 

When asked about any potential competition with fellow regional companies, Essex didn't seem too concerned, "Q-Cage and WEFF are great companies. I'm not looking for a fight, but we are looking for the best female fighters in the world, so if it comes down to offering contracts out, that's what we're prepared to do. The fighters will ultimately decide where they want to fight. We won't be strong-arming any other organizations or fighters; we'll scout talent and if we get it, we get it."

 

The final topic discussed was all about the plan for the next three events. "We have to cover October to the end of the year. We're planning on the finals of the Lightweight tournament to be in October, then the quarter-finals of the weight class, which we're calling the Vixen weight class," she laughs at the name, "Eventually it'll be Vixen Heavyweight, but right now since it's the only female class it's just Vixen. Then in December we're going to do Daniel Ortiz and Adenor Togni."

 

With the addition of the Vixen weight class, the UFC roster will consist of approximately 30-40 fighters, making it easier to fill up the fight cards. The UFC continues to gain a cult following in the Denver area, and a good respect level in the MMA community, but it's not exactly a GAMMA, SIGMA or ALPHA-1 counter-part in terms of roster strength. It will interesting to see how UFC looks going into 1999, following three cards designed for strength.

 

[adamsb72]

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