SIGMA - Rise of European MMA

batsnumbereleven · November 19, 2013

Monday 15th October 1998 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Press Release Signature Martial Arts is pleased to announce that it will be returning to the Rheinlandhalle in Krefeld, Germany on Friday 26th October for SIGMA 13: Crumb v Halle. The main event will be a Welterweight contest between 27-year-old South African Templeton Crumb (#17-3) and Norwegian striker Jens Halle (14-2) with a possible Welterweight title shot for a convincing winner. A Middleweight bout between Croatian wrestler Drazen Gabelilch and Russian jiu jitsu expert Oleg Tariverdiev, both sporting a record of 7-1, will co-headline the event. The Ivorian Souleyman Ya Konan (8-1) will look to redeem himself after his recent defeat and will face Croatian Heavyweight veteran Stjepan Andric (12-6), whilst at Featherweight 23-year-old Marco Bernacci (4-2) will look to get back to winning ways against Portugal's Pedro Alves (10-5). Norwegian striker Emil Karlsson (2-0) looks to back up his dominant performance at SIGMA 6 will a similar outing, but Spain's Andoni Olano (2-0) will hope to put up a better fight than Alekos Karabatsos did on that occasion. Finally, Alan Saul (2-0) and Egidijus Fomenka (1-0) will square off at Lightweight, both looking to extend their undefeated record.</div></blockquote> Card for picks: SIGMA 13 Templeton Crumb v Jens Halle Drazen Gabelich v Oleg Tariverdiev Souleyman Ya Konan v Stjepan Andric Marco Bernacci v Pedro Alves Emil Karlsson v Andoni Olano Alan Saul v Egidijus Fomenka

CageRage · November 20, 2013

SIGMA 13

Templeton Crumb v Jens Halle

Drazen Gabelich v Oleg Tariverdiev

Souleyman Ya Konan v Stjepan Andric

Marco Bernacci v Pedro Alves

Emil Karlsson v Andoni Olano

Alan Saul v Egidijus Fomenka

cymru96 · November 20, 2013

Templeton Crumb v Jens Halle

Drazen Gabelich v Oleg Tariverdiev

Souleyman Ya Konan v Stjepan Andric

Marco Bernacci v Pedro Alves

Emil Karlsson v Andoni Olano

Alan Saul v Egidijus Fomenka

batsnumbereleven · November 20, 2013

News and Notes from around the MMA world: 15th -28th October 1998

Signings

ALPHA-1: -

GAMMA: Rich Robinson

BCF: -

FLB: -

XCC: -

WEFF: -

KDMFC: -

Events

XCC: Hewitt v Southall took place on Tuesday 16th October, with Darren Southall (6-0) defeating the champion Jamie Hewitt (9-3) by Unanimous Decision to win the XCC Lightweight Championship. Elsewhere, #10 ranked Featherweight Wallace Everett (9-0) defeated Stefan Champion (4-1) by first round KO to stake a claim to the Featherweight belt.

ALPHA-1 and GAMMA again held events on the same evening, with over 13,000 turning up in Kyushu to see two of the world's top three Light-Heavyweights face off. Defending ALPHA-1 Light Heavyweight champion Tadamasa Yamada (#1, 22-1) came out on top with a fourth round Rear naked choke submission victory over #3 Jin Katou (17-1). GAMMA 29: Patinkin v John also took place on Saturday 20th October, in Hawaii, and saw Light Heavyweight phenom Marlon John (World ranked #7) take his fourteenth victory from fourteen fights against Junior Patinkin (#5, 17-2) and the GAMMA Light Heavyweight title along with it, with a 1st round TKO.

BCF: Kitson v Hornsby took place on Saturday 27th October, and Daniel Hornsby (14-4) inflicted the first defeat of his career on BCF Light Heavyweight champion Curt Kitson (#16, 10-1) to take the title from the Scotsman by 4th round TKO. In Welterweight action, Doug Hansen (#24, 16-4) beat Gordon Idle (9-3) by Unanimous decision.

batsnumbereleven · November 21, 2013

Event report

SIGMA 13: Crumb v Halle

Friday 26th October 1998

Rheinlandhalle, Krefeld, Germany.

Attendance: 606 for a gate of $24,240

PPV Buys: N/A

Alan Saul (2-0) v Egidijus Fomenka (1-0)

>Next up is a match in which Alain Saul will take on Egidijus Fomenka in the SIGMA Lightweight division.

>And here we go!
>They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage.
>In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch.
>Fomenka has gotten underhooks in and is looking to take Saul to the ground.
>A sweep of the legs is successful, Saul has to pull guard.
>Fomenka begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>Fomenka isn't able to pass guard on this attempt.
>Saul attempts to lock on a triangle choke.
>Fomenka blocks the attempt.
>Fomenka fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves.
>Fomenka blocks an attempted sweep.
>Fomenka is trying to pass guard.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Saul attempts to lock on a triangle choke.
>Fomenka blocks the attempt.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Fomenka lies on top of Saul, basically smothering him.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>The clock runs down as Saul is being smothered against the ground by Fomenka.
>Fomenka fires away with big punches, but Saul keeps the guard secure and doesn't take any undue damage.
>Saul tries to ensnare an arm.
>Fomenka defends it.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>That round was pretty dire, and the fans are letting the fighters know it.
>I think Fomenka took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>We are back underway!
>From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Saul has been instructed to vary his angles of approach a bit more.
>Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either.
>Saul scores cleanly with three big right hands in quick succession.
>Fomenka backs off, looking extremely dazed...that last shot may have knocked him loopy!
>Instincts take over, and the groggy Fomenka immediately shoots in for a takedown to try and get time to recover.
>Saul attempts to avoid Fomenka as he shoots in.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Saul avoided Fomenka.
>Advancing, Saul counters a left jab by using a solid left.
>Fomenka steps back to avoid a flurry of punches.
>A straight left from Fomenka fails to land.
>Saul quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Both fighters exchange strikes, but neither hits anything significant.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Saul avoids a quick jab and hits a teep.
>Fomenka comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Saul sees the takedown coming and tries to move.
>Fomenka can't get the takedown, Saul was too quick to back away.
>Fomenka counters a leg kick by grabbing it and attempting a takedown, getting it! Saul pulls guard.
>Fomenka lies on top of Saul, basically smothering him.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Fomenka attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>Saul can't block the pass, and is left pulling half guard.
>Round two ends as time expires.
>I think Saul took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>A jab misses and Saul counters with a sharp kick to the shin.
>Saul counters a left jab with a nice jab.
>Fomenka avoids a jab.
>A jab misses and Saul counters with a left jab to the cheek.
>Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage.
>Fomenka swings with a couple of wild punches, then chooses to shoot in on Saul.
>Saul tries to avoid the takedown.
>Fomenka doesn't get the takedown, Saul avoided it.
>Alain Saul is breathing very hard.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Stepping in, Saul hits Fomenka with a flurry of jabs and straight punches.
>A speculative right hand from Fomenka doesn't find a home.
>The fight slows as Saul sits back and allows Fomenka to circle.
>Saul hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening.
>Fomenka quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>There's a takedown attempt from Fomenka.
>Saul tries to avoid the takedown.
>Fomenka can't get the takedown, Saul was too quick to back away.
>Egidijus Fomenka looks very tired out there.
>A drained-looking Fomenka tries to close the distance between them.
>Saul is too quick, and manages to hit Fomenka with a good clean left jab.
>An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>I think Saul took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>All three judges have given 29-28.
>The winner, by unanimous decision, is Alain Saul!

>Official Result: Alain Saul defeats Egidijus Fomenka (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.

Comments: This became a bit of a stalemate with Fomenka outclassed on the feet, but unable to consistently take the game to the ground where he was more comfortable. Saul's takedown defense was good enough to win here, though he didn't seem inclined to make a big statement shot to try and win it. More needed from both fighters if they are going to progress in SIGMA. Fomenka has asked to face Maurice Braudel next time out, which sounds like a reasonable option.

Emil Karlsson (2-0) v Andoni Olano (2-0)

>Moving on to the next match, in which 'The Midnight Killer' Emil Karlsson fights Andoni Olano in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.

>We are underway!
>Olano feints high before throwing a kick to the body, but Karlsson avoids it.
>Olano feints throwing a jab.
>Karlsson grabs a slow leg kick and goes straight for a takedown, down goes Olano! He pulls guard though.
>Karlsson unloads with big right hands from the guard, landing several that clearly hurt Olano.
>Karlsson unloads with big right hands from the guard, but Olano is able to deal with most of them.
>Olano tries to pull Karlsson in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't.
>Karlsson tries to pass the guard.
>Karlsson struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard.
>Karlsson deflects a couple of punches that Olano threw from below.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Karlsson smothers Olano with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Karlsson keeps Olano guessing with a few quick strikes.
>Olano throws out some punches, but Karlsson leans back to avoid them.
>Karlsson pounds away from the guard with elbows, but Olano isn't troubled by them.
>Olano tries to catch Karlsson with a punch, but it is not on target.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Karlsson throws some small strikes, but is clearly just taking a moment to try and catch his breath.
>Olano throws out some punches, but Karlsson leans back to avoid them.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Karlsson.

>We are back underway!
>Karlsson sees a right body kick coming, grabs it, shoots in for a takedown, and gets it, Karlsson is in half guard.
>Karlsson pounds away with elbow strikes on Olano, but few of the shots lands clean.
>Olano tries a sweep from the bottom of half guard, but doesn't budge Karlsson.
>Karlsson pounds away with punches from half guard, hitting several big shots.
>Karlsson unloads with big right hands from half guard, but Olano is able to deal with most of them.
>Karlsson blocks Olano as he tries a sweep from half guard.
>Karlsson attempts to pass half guard.
>He finds himself unable to get past the half guard on this attempt.
>Emil Karlsson is breathing very hard.
>Olano tries a sweep from the bottom of half guard, but doesn't budge Karlsson.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Karlsson pounds away on Olano, but few of the shots lands clean.
>Olano tries a sweep from the bottom of half guard, but doesn't budge Karlsson.
>Karlsson throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Karlsson begins trying to get his leg free of half guard and get a better position.
>He finds himself unable to get past the half guard on this attempt.
>Olano tries a sweep from the bottom of half guard, but doesn't budge Karlsson.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>That was a bit of a snoozer, hopefully the next round brings a little more action.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Karlsson.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage.
>A barrage of punches miss and Olano strikes back with a series of quick lefts.
>Emil Karlsson seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>An exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>Having ended up close together from the strikes they threw, a wild exchange of punches begins!
>Karlsson hits the best punch of the exchange, a solid right hand to the jaw.
>Backing off, Olano looks very wobbly, I think he may be hurt!
>Olano regains his wits just in time to duck under the head kick that would have surely ended the fight.
>There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits.
>They wind up in a tight clinch.
>Karlsson tries to throw some close-range strikes as they grapple, but the attempts are smothered by Olano.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Karlsson gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Olano uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment.
>Olano hits Karlsson with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling.
>Olano uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Karlsson as they grapple.
>Emil Karlsson looks like he is almost out on his feet with exhaustion.
>Olano tries to use his dirty boxing skills, but Karlsson uses wrestling to smother the attacks.
>Olano gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Karlsson uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment.
>Karlsson uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Olano.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>From the grapple, Olano tries to work in some close-range strikes, but Karlsson is alert and smothers them quickly.
>The grappling doesn't go anywhere, and they break apart.
>Moving in closer, Olano looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.
>Karlsson now has Olano standing in the pocket.
>The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight.
>There was very little to separate them in that round, but I'll give that one 10-9 to Olano.

>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>The judges give 29-28, 30-27 and 29-28.
>So the winner, by unanimous decision, is 'The Midnight Killer' Emil Karlsson!

>Official Result: 'The Midnight Killer' Emil Karlsson defeats Andoni Olano (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: Karlsson wasn't quite as impressive this time out, though he rocked Olano a couple of time. Olano did well to smother the attacks though, even though he was seemingly outclassed. I had all three rounds to Karlsson. Olano would like to have a match with Andrik Paletilolu, which may be possible.

Marco Bernacci (4-2) v Pedro Alves (10-5)

>Another match is about to begin; Marco 'The Bomb' Bernacci goes head to head with Pedro 'The Wolverine' Alves in the SIGMA Featherweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up grappling.
>Clinched with Bernacci, Alves looks to try and take him down.
>Bernacci blocks the takedown attempt.
>Bernacci tries to get clear of the grapple, but Alves holds him in place.
>Alves tries to suck Bernacci to the ground by wrapping his legs around the waist and pulling guard.
>The attempt is successful, Bernacci is sucked down into his guard.
>Alves reaches up and tries to lock Bernacci in a guillotine.
>Alves uses the guillotine hold to sweep into side control.
>Alves starts trying to work to use side control as a way to get behind Bernacci.
>He rolls Bernacci over a little...and slips behind to take the back!
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Bernacci is in huge trouble now, as Alves successfully gets both hooks in.
>With both hooks in and therefore great control of the body, Alves tries to finish Bernacci off with a rear naked choke.
>Alves gets the rear naked choke fully applied and Bernacci has to tap out!
>Pedro Alves takes the victory by way of submission!

>Official Result: Pedro 'The Wolverine' Alves defeats Marco 'The Bomb' Bernacci (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:26 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.

Comments: Good work here from Alves, showing off his ground skills. Bernacci was disappointing and may be at risk of being cut after two first round losses.

Souleyman Ya Konan (8-1) v Stjepan Andric (12-6)

>Moving on to the next match, in which 'The African Dream' Souleymane Ya Konan battles Stjepan 'The Mammoth' Andric in the SIGMA Heavyweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Andric counters a wayward low right kick with a clean left.
>There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits.
>Andric throws a left jab but Ya Konan avoids it.
>Andric throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Ya Konan strikes first and manages to rock Andric with a solid right hand, sending him down to the ground, stunned!
>Ya Konan knows that this is a golden opportunity, and quickly pounces on Andric, looking to finish him off by raining down punches!
>Ya Konan fires away with punches, Andric is getting pounded.
>Andric is barely able to do anything at all, he is getting destroyed!
>The referee has seen enough, he pulls Ya Konan off!
>Souleymane Ya Konan takes the victory by way of TKO!

>Official Result: 'The African Dream' Souleymane Ya Konan defeats Stjepan 'The Mammoth' Andric (TKO (Strikes) in 1:57 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Andric is another one whose renewal is in doubt after two first round losses. Ya Konan got the big shot in first and made it count to get back on track.

Co-main

Drazen Gabelich (7-1) v Oleg Tariverdiev (7-1)

>The co-main event is up next. Drazen Gabelich competes against Oleg Tariverdiev in the SIGMA Middleweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Tariverdiev slips out of the way of a jab.
>An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.
>With control of the clinch, Tariverdiev tries to complete a takedown.
>Gabelich cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard.
>Tariverdiev begins trying to pass the guard.
>Gabelich allows the pass, but it's just a ploy to allow him to try and scramble.
>Gabelich ends up in half guard.
>Gabelich tries to pass the half guard.
>Gabelich struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in half guard.
>Tariverdiev tries to ensnare Gabelich in a guillotine.
>Gabelich blocks it.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Gabelich begins trying to get his leg free of the half guard.
>Tariverdiev doesn't let Gabelich get his leg free, and so half guard remains in place.
>Tariverdiev tries to ensnare an arm.
>Gabelich defends it.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Gabelich tries to stand up, but Tariverdiev keeps him firmly in half guard.
>Tariverdiev tries to pull Gabelich into a guillotine choke from the bottom of half guard.
>Gabelich blocks it.
>Gabelich tries to stand up, but can't get free of half guard.
>Tariverdiev tries to lock onto an arm from the bottom of half guard.
>Gabelich doesn't let his arm get taken.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>I have to give that round to Tariverdiev, but only a 10-9.

>And here we go, round two!
>A weak right kick is countered by Gabelich with a clean jab.
>Gabelich throws a left jab but Tariverdiev avoids it.
>Tariverdiev chooses to shoot in on Gabelich.
>Gabelich tries to step away from the takedown.
>The takedown doesn't work, Gabelich saw it coming and got out of range.
>Moving in closer, Tariverdiev looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.
>Standing his ground, Gabelich looks happy to engage Tariverdiev in the pocket.
>Checking a leg kick, Gabelich counters back immediately with a solid punch.
>Gabelich throws a left jab but Tariverdiev uses good head movement to make sure it slips by.
>Gabelich comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Tariverdiev.
>He pulls Tariverdiev into a grapple.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Gabelich is looking to muscle Tariverdiev back against the cage.
>Gabelich achieves it, pinning Tariverdiev to the cage.
>Gabelich moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike.
>Tariverdiev uses head movement to avoid a left jab.
>Gabelich is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Tariverdiev.
>Gabelich grapples with Tariverdiev, who made no attempt to escape.
>Gabelich is trying to muscle Tariverdiev up against the cage.
>Gabelich manages it, and controls Tariverdiev up against the cage.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Tariverdiev is trapped against the cage and takes a sharp stomp to the foot.
>Gabelich moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike.
>Tariverdiev uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.
>Gabelich circles away, creating some distance between them.
>Gabelich looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Tariverdiev.
>Tariverdiev seems happy to grapple with Gabelich.
>Round two ends as time expires.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Gabelich.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Judging from what we heard from his corner, Gabelich is looking to avoid takedowns as much as possible in this round.
>Tariverdiev steps back to avoid a left jab.
>They come together and strike, but neither can land a clean shot.
>In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch.
>Gabelich and Tariverdiev break the grapple and are apart again, circling.
>Tariverdiev uses a jab to sting Gabelich.
>Tariverdiev steps back to avoid a left jab.
>Gabelich tries for a left jab but Tariverdiev moves out of range.
>Tariverdiev comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Gabelich sees the takedown coming and tries to move.
>Tariverdiev can't get the takedown, Gabelich was too quick to back away.
>Drazen Gabelich looks very tired out there.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Tariverdiev looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Gabelich.
>Tariverdiev grabs Gabelich and pulls him into a grapple.
>Tariverdiev tries to wrestle Gabelich backward and up against the cage.
>Tariverdiev manages it, and controls Gabelich up against the cage.
>With Gabelich stuck against the cage, Tariverdiev tries to complete a takedown.
>Gabelich cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard.
>Oleg Tariverdiev doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>Tariverdiev begins trying to pass the guard.
>Gabelich can't block the pass, and is left pulling half guard.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>In half guard, Tariverdiev catches his breath, content just to throw a couple of punches to the body.
>Tariverdiev keeps Gabelich guessing with a few quick strikes.
>The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Tariverdiev.

>The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced.
>All three judges give a score of 29-28.
>Oleg Tariverdiev wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Oleg Tariverdiev defeats Drazen Gabelich (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: Scrappy contest that could have gone either way. Gabelich doesn't appear to have been given much credit for sweeping into top position in the first round, but then neither guy managed much on the ground any more than they did on their feet. A fairly weak division may see Tariverdiev getting a #1 contender's match next time out, but he'll have to perform better than this if he wants to be taken seriously as a title contender.

Main Event

Templeton Crumb (#17, 17-3) v Jens Halle (14-2)

>It's time for the main event of the evening! Templeton 'The Body' Crumb competes against Jens 'Battery' Halle in the SIGMA Welterweight division.

>The fight begins!
>Crumb avoids a jab.
>Halle steps in, feints a kick, then darts back out.
>Crumb feints going high and then throws a barrage of big lefts, with Halle only just able to evade them.
>Halle feints stepping in.
>Halle looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Crumb.
>Keen to maintain some distance, Crumb uses strikes to keep Halle away.
>Halle misses with an attempted right hook to the body.
>Not letting up, Crumb steps in closer to pressure Halle into action.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>A feint sets Crumb up for an inside leg kick, but Halle evades it.
>A left hand misses, allowing Crumb to counter with two big left hands!
>Slipping past a left jab, Crumb hits a barrage of punches, eventually putting Halle down!
>Halle shakes off the cobwebs quickly though, and is alert.
>Crumb throws a big punch, but it isn't on target and Halle pulls him into guard.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Crumb punches down at Halle, but they are easily taken on the gloves.
>Halle uses his legs to push Crumb back, and tries to scramble for position.
>The scramble leaves Crumb on his back pulling half guard.
>Halle tries to pass the half guard.
>He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Crumb.

>And here we go, round two!
>Crumb stings Halle with a pair of jabs and a big left hook.
>Those strikes can't dampen the competitive spirit of Halle who keeps coming forward.
>Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done.
>Halle feints stepping in.
>An errant jab sets Crumb up to counter-strike with a barrage of big punches on Halle!
>Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage.
>They wind up in a tight clinch.
>Crumb tries to wriggle free, but Halle controls him well and gets in a few close-range punches too.
>Halle uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Crumb.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Halle hits Crumb with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling.
>Crumb gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Halle uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment.
>Halle uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Crumb.
>Halle uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Crumb as they grapple.
>Halle uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Crumb.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Halle uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Crumb.
>Halle uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Crumb as they grapple.
>Templeton Crumb looks very tired out there.
>Halle uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Crumb as they grapple.
>Crumb gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Halle uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>I think Halle took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Halle slips out of the way of a jab.
>Moving forward, Crumb counters a series of wayward big punches with a solid right jab.
>A right jab misses and Halle strikes back with a series of big punches, putting Crumb down on the ground!
>Halle senses victory and starts to unload with punches!
>Halle fires away with punches, Crumb is taking powerful shot after powerful shot!
>The referee jumps in and saves Crumb from taking any more shots!
>The winner, by TKO; Jens Halle!

>Official Result: Jens 'Battery' Halle defeats Templeton 'The Body' Crumb (TKO (Strikes) in 1:28 of round 3). The match was rated as being Great.

Comments: Really good comeback from Halle after getting knocked down in the first round. I'd like to see him win again before getting a title shot, but I may not have the luxury of that given the shallowness of the Welterweight division.

Show summary

Critical rating: Good

Commercial success: Good

Fight of the Night: Templeton Crumb v Jens Halle

Knockout of the Night: Jens Halle

Submission of the Night: Pedro Alves

Comments: The Main event made up for a couple of poor fights on the undercard. Some thinking to do about the matchmaking going forward as well for a number of the winners. I would have loved to have seen Karlsson be more impressive, but he may need a carefully picked opponent next time.

batsnumbereleven · November 21, 2013

Prediction results

CageRage 4/6 (49/67)

cymru96 3/6 (30/44)

Injury report

No injuries identified by the trainers, but the athletic commission have imposed precautionary suspensions of 1 month on Marco Bernacci and 2 months on Templeton Crumb and Stjepan Andric.

End of month finances

A loss of around $11k, but nothing too worrying. $25k went on contracts this month, which ate into a potential profit.

At the moment, we're spending around $20k per show on Fighter payments and recouping around $25k per show in takings on the door.

SIGMA signings

Souleyman Ya Konan, Pedro Alves, Oleg Tariverdies, Jens Halle and DrazenGabelich have all been offered contract renewals. Marco Bernacci and Stjepan Andric have not.

batsnumbereleven · November 21, 2013

Monday 1st November 1998

Press release

Signature Martial Arts is proud to announce SIGMA 14: Andreyev v Taneyev, which will take place at Eishalle, Rostock on Friday 26th November 1998.

The main event will be an all-Russian Light Heavyweight affair, pitting veteran Mantas Andreyev (37-12) from Yekaterinberg against unbeaten 23-year-old Valentin Taneyev (6-0), who hails from St. Petersberg. Co-headlining will be a Lightweight clash between two world ranked fighters who will be looking for a title shot in the near future: Slovenian Milenka Rudonja (#17, 17-4) and Pankration expert Georges Nouri (#22, 10-1).

New Zealand's Murray Darby (11-5) looks to get back to winning ways in the Heavyweight division as he fights debutant Roope Kuqi (0-0), son of recently retired Finnish MMA legend Veeti Kuqi. In the Featherweight division, Francesco Marazzina (#22, 19-6), fresh from victory over Colm Dee at SIGMA 6, will take on 21-year-old Dutch kickboxer Gerrit Dudok (4-0), and Middleweight Tore Herlovsen (5-0) has recovered sufficiently from his foot injury and will face Croatian newcomer Branko Alilovic (1-0).

Finally, a second Featherweight bout will see a Muay Thai battle of the Balkans between Croatian Ivano Ancic (1-0) and Serbian Milovan Ajetovic (4-1). Ajetovic will be looking to recover from his reverse to Benedikt Streit at SIGMA 3.

Card for Picks:

SIGMA 14

Mantas Andreyev v Valentin Taneyev

Milenka Rudonja v Georges Nouri

Murray Darby v Roope Kuqi

Francesco Marazzina v Gerrit Dudok

Tore Herlovsen v Branko Alilovic

Ivano Ancic v Milovan Ajetovic

CageRage · November 22, 2013

SIGMA 14

Mantas Andreyev v Valentin Taneyev

Milenka Rudonja v Georges Nouri

Murray Darby v Roope Kuqi

Francesco Marazzina v Gerrit Dudok

Tore Herlovsen v Branko Alilovic

Ivano Ancic v Milovan Ajetovic

cymru96 · November 22, 2013

Mantas Andreyev v Valentin Taneyev As much as I like Mantas, can't overlook Taneyev in this...

Milenka Rudonja v Georges Nouri

Murray Darby v Roope Kuqi

Francesco Marazzina v Gerrit Dudok

Tore Herlovsen v Branko Alilovic

Ivano Ancic v Milovan Ajetovic

batsnumbereleven · November 22, 2013

Tuesday 2nd November <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Blurcat.com Welterweight rankings 1. Carlos da Guia, ALPHA-1 2. Noach Van Der Capellen, SIGMA 3. Manuel Silva, FLB 4. Vikram Sithalayan, BCF 5. Rufus Stephens, GAMMA 6. Claudio Palacios, FLB 7. Xie Ming, ALPHA-1 8. Nathan Chambers, GAMMA 9. Josh Aldarisio, GAMMA 10. Alan Kendall, GAMMA</div></blockquote> News and Notes from around the MMA world: November 1998 Signings ALPHA-1: - GAMMA: Roy Bradley BCF: - FLB: - XCC: - WEFF: - KDMFC: - Events Monday 8th November saw FLB hold their latest event, FLB 11: Honor. In the Main event, Helio (#3, 18-1) retained his FLB Lightweight title by Knocking out Edson Edmilson (23-12) in the first round. Elsewhere, #6 Light-Heavyweight Filipe Silva (14-2) was upset by Magno Peres Arruda (9-2) by Unanimous decision. The weight-ins for GAMMA 30: Dean v Darling proved particularly controversial, with John Rivero missing weight yet again, and Kendall Tracey and Bill Cumming coming to blows. In the event itself, on Saturday 20th November, #1 Middleweight Matthew Dean (34-5) retained his GAMMA Middleweight title with a first round TKO of #2 Dexter Darling (19-3-1). Also in the Middleweight division, #6 Buddy Garner extended his undefeated streak to 15 fights with a second round submission victory over Thomas Smith (#24, 11-2) and must surely be next in line to take on Dean. WEFF 8 took place on Monday 22nd November, and saw Haley Croft (#5, 7-0) retain her WEFF Heavyweight championship with a third round knock out of 28-year-old brawler Lula Baker (#4, 9-4). Other Notable news SIGMA has now hit High Level Regional, which should ease the financial losses, and enables us to sign Russian and British/Irish fighters to the roster.

batsnumbereleven · November 23, 2013

Event report SIGMA 14 Friday 26th November 1998 Eishalle Rostock, Germany. Attendance: 2163 for a gate of $108,150 PPV Buys: N/A Ivano Ancic (1-0) v Milovan Ajetovic (4-1) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up is a match in which Ivano 'Ace' Ancic goes head to head with 'The Serbian Psycho' Milovan Ajetovic in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >The fight begins! >Ajetovic slips past a left jab and counters with a left jab to the cheek. >A straight left fails to land and Ajetovic is able to fire back with a body kick. >A weak right kick is countered by Ancic with a crisp left hand punch. >Ajetovic avoids a flurry of rights and lefts and hits a body kick. >Ancic throws a feint. >Ajetovic goes to a traditional stance. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Ajetovic counters a wayward left jab with a picture-perfect left roundhouse kick to the side of the ribs. >Ancic uses a feint to get Ajetovic off balance, but the flurry of rights and lefts that follow don't find their mark. >Ancic bobs and weaves. >Ajetovic comes in closer to press the issue. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Ajetovic looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Ancic is pulled into a Muay Thai clinch. >From the clinch, Ajetovic drives a knee into the face of Ancic...and knocks him out! >Milovan Ajetovic takes the victory by way of Knock Out! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Serbian Psycho' Milovan Ajetovic defeats Ivano 'Ace' Ancic (Knock Out (Knee) in 4:27 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Vicious knee to finish it – not sure if it was that brilliant or if Ancic's chin is weak, and I guess we'll have to wait and see on that. Brutal debut for Ancic. Ajetovic fancies a crack at Pedro Alves in his next fight, which is certainly a possibility. Tore Herlovsen (5-0) v Branko Alilovic (1-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, 'The Ice Man' Tore Herlovsen takes on Branko Alilovic in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >Round one begins! >They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage. >Alilovic steps back to avoid a flurry of punches. >Alilovic tries for a left jab but Herlovsen moves out of range. >Alilovic looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Herlovsen. >Alilovic gets caught out and eats a stiff left jab. >Herlovsen uses a feint to get Alilovic off balance, but the flurry of rights and lefts that follow don't find their mark. >A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Herlovsen to fire back with a crisp jab. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Alilovic looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Herlovsen. >Alilovic gets caught out and eats a stiff left jab. >Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything. >They wind up in a tight clinch. >Herlovsen hits Alilovic with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling. >Herlovsen hits Alilovic with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling. >Herlovsen hits Alilovic with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Herlovsen uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Alilovic as they grapple. >Herlovsen uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Alilovic as they grapple. >Herlovsen uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Alilovic as they grapple. >Alilovic tries to wriggle free, but Herlovsen controls him well and gets in a few close-range punches too. >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Herlovsen. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Alilovic has been instructed to push the pace and try to overwhelm Herlovsen in this round. >Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either. >Alilovic throws a left jab but Herlovsen avoids it. >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch. >Alilovic gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Herlovsen uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment. >Herlovsen and Alilovic break the grapple and are apart again, circling. >Alilovic steps back to avoid a flurry of punches after falling for a clever feint. >Herlovsen counters a left jab by hitting a series of quick jabs. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Alilovic is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Herlovsen now has Alilovic standing in the pocket. >Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Alilovic hits a clean punch. >Good head movement allows Alilovic to go under a vicious right hand and immediately counter with a punch. >Alilovic slips past a jab and scores with a crisp left jab. >Herlovsen dodges a jab, and fires back with a clean left jab. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Alilovic uses head movement to slip past a punch, then hits a nice jab. >Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Herlovsen hits a crisp left. >Alilovic covers up to safely defend against a flurry of rights and lefts. >Alilovic backs away from Herlovsen, creating some space between them. >Round two ends as time expires. >There was very little to separate them in that round, but I'll give that one 10-9 to Herlovsen. >We are back underway! >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits. >Herlovsen lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a straight left. >A left jab misses the mark and allows Herlovsen to counter with a flurry of jabs and straight punches. >Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Herlovsen hits a quick series of punches. >Alilovic uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by. >A left jab misses the mark and allows Herlovsen to counter with a crisp left hook to the body. >Alilovic shows good head movement to avoid getting caught with a jab. >Herlovsen slips past a jab and scores with a barrage of big rights! >Tore Herlovsen looks very tired out there. >Alilovic backs off quickly, I think that last shot really shook him! >Herlovsen steps in and tries to finish with a scorching right hand, but Alilovic narrowly avoids it. >We move into the second half of this round. >Alilovic avoids a flurry of rights and lefts. >There is an exchange of strikes, but neither fighter does any damage. >Moving in closer, Alilovic looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Herlovsen tries to counter Alilovic with a big right hook, but it doesn't hit the target. >Alilovic comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Strikes from Herlovsen keep Alilovic from stepping in too close. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Moving in closer, Alilovic looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Herlovsen throws a big right hand as a counter, but it only finds the gloves. >Tore Herlovsen looks very, very tired. >Alilovic steps back to avoid a left jab. >An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage. >We reach the time limit and this fight is over. >I think Herlovsen took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >The ring announcer is now giving the official scores. >All three judges have given 30-27. >'The Ice Man' Tore Herlovsen wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Ice Man' Tore Herlovsen defeats Branko Alilovic (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Herlovsen might have finshed this in the third, but it looked like he'd run out of steam by then. Alilovic will have better days. Francesco Marazzina (#22, 19-6) v Gerrit Dudok (4-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up is a match in which Francesco Marazzina competes against 'The Dutch Master' Gerrit Dudok in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >The fight begins! >Marazzina gets suckered in by a feint, and is lucky to avoid a flurry of rights and lefts. >Marazzina catches a weak right kick to the legs and shows his judo roots by going straight for a trip, but it is blocked. >Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt. >Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either. >Showing good head movement, Marazzina weaves out of the way of a wild right hand. >Dudok works from the pocket and hits Marazzina with a flurry of jabs and straight punches. >We move into the second half of this round. >Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either. >Dudok throws a barrage of big punches but Marazzina covers up and is no danger. >Showing good head movement, Marazzina weaves out of the way of a wild right hand. >Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage. >Marazzina, standing in the pocket, has to check a leg kick. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Dudok throws a wild right but Marazzina avoids it. >There's a double leg attempt from Marazzina, from the pocket. >Dudok strikes first and manages to rock Marazzina with a solid right! >Marazzina catches a right leg kick and goes for a judo-style trip but Dudok is able to block it. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >I have to give that round to Dudok, but only a 10-9. >Round two begins! >A left jab misses and Dudok strikes back with a vicious leg kick. >Dudok counters a left jab by using a series of quick jabs. >Moving forward, Dudok counters a left jab with a wicked flying knee strike, but Marazzina stays on his feet! >Marazzina backs off but does not look at all steady on his feet, he has clearly been rocked by that last blow! >Dudok hits a brutal flying knee to the face, Marazzina is sent tumbling to the mat! >Dudok starts pounding away on Marazzina, looking to finish him off! >Marazzina survives then onslaught and manages to pull half guard. >Dudok wants to stand up, but cannot get out of half guard. >Marazzina tries to pull Dudok into a guillotine choke from the bottom of half guard. >The choke is applied, Dudok has no option but to tap out! >Francesco Marazzina takes the victory by way of submission!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: Francesco Marazzina defeats 'The Dutch Master' Gerrit Dudok (Submission (Guillotine) in 2:41 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Oh boy – great work from Marazzina to stay in the fight and then pull off the submission, but Dudok must really be kicking himself. He looked great with some quality strikes, but gave it all away on the ground in an instant. Still, I'll look forward to see his next fight! Murray Darby (11-5) v Roope Kuqi (0-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up is a match in which Murray Darby will take on Roope 'The Second Generation Star' Kuqi in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >Round one begins! >Kuqi tries for a left jab but Darby moves out of range. >Darby bobs and weaves, trying to get Kuqi to commit. >A jab misses and Kuqi counters with a barrage of big right hands! >Darby gets knocked down and Kuqi keeps up the pressure with punch after punch! >The referee pulls Kuqi away, stopping the match! >By TKO, the winner is Roope Kuqi!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: Roope 'The Second Generation Star' Kuqi defeats Murray Darby (TKO (Strikes) in 1:13 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Big win on debut for Kuqi, but Darby could be on the way out of the organisation after two quick TKO defeats. Co-main Milenka Rudonja (#17, 17-4) v Georges Nouri (#22, 10-1) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>The co-main event is up next. 'The Slovenian Rocket' Milenko Rudonja will battle 'The Sharpshooter' Georges Nouri in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >Round one begins! >Nouri counters an attempted body kick by scoring with a nice right hand. >Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage. >Always alert, Nouri uses good head movement to avoid a barrage of big left hands. >Good head movement allows Nouri to slip past a vicious left hand, and he counters with a solid punch. >A right jab misses, Nouri counters with a solid punch. >Rudonja uses head movement to dodge a jab, and counters with a series of quick jabs. >Nouri, standing in the pocket, has to check a leg kick. >Rudonja circles away, creating some distance between them. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Nouri shoots in for a takedown. >Rudonja tries to step away from the takedown. >Nouri can't get the takedown, Rudonja was too quick to back away. >Nouri keeps his cool as Rudonja throws a feint to the left. >Rudonja throws a right jab but Nouri avoids it. >Moving in closer, Nouri looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Rudonja keeps himself moving out of range. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Rudonja misses with an attempted left hook to the body. >Nouri presses in closer to attack. >Nouri looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Nouri is in the pocket, ready to attack Rudonja. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >That round goes to Nouri, 10-9 on my card. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Rudonja has been instructed to push the pace and try to overwhelm Nouri in this round. >Nouri feints rushing in, but Rudonja doesn't fall for it. >Nouri darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Rudonja to commit to throwing a strike. >Nouri avoids a flurry of rights and lefts. >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >Nouri covers up in the face of a barrage of big left hands, none of the punches find their way through. >They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage. >Stepping back, Rudonja creates a bit of distance. >Rudonja darts in, feints a jab, darts back out. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Rudonja looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Nouri. >Rudonja is in the pocket, ready to attack Nouri. >Showing good head movement, Nouri slips past a flurry of strikes. >From the pocket, Nouri shoots in for a double leg. >Nouri gets a single leg takedown! Rudonja pulls guard off it. >Nouri tries to loosen the guard, possibly thinking about a leglock. >Rudonja defends himself well by keeping the guard tight. >Rudonja tries to get double underhooks on Nouri so that he can get some control, but can't get them. >Nouri looks to get past the guard. >He passes to side control. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Nouri tries to slip behind and take the back. >He takes the back! >Nouri successfully gets both hooks in, and seems primed to finish. >Time expires and we come to the end of round two. >That round goes to Nouri, 10-9 on my card. >Round three begins! >Rudonja tries for a left high kick but Nouri moves out of range. >Nouri feints going high, but Rudonja doesn't buy it. >Nouri counters a wayward left head kick by shooting in for the takedown, getting it! Rudonja manages to pull guard. >Nouri begins trying to pass the guard. >Advancing his position fairly easily, he passes to side control. >Rudonja takes a knee strike to the ribs from under side control. >Nouri attempts to roll Rudonja slightly and take his back. >He rolls Rudonja over a little...and slips behind to take the back! >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Nouri attempts an armbar. >The armbar is locked in, tight enough that Rudonja has to tap out! >'The Sharpshooter' Georges Nouri takes the win by submission! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Sharpshooter' Georges Nouri defeats 'The Slovenian Rocket' Milenko Rudonja (Submission (Armbar) in 3:22 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent Comments: Rudonja never really looked like he would get into the fight – his ealry work on the feet met with little success, and once Nouri took things to the mat, he was very much in charge. Main Event Mantas Andreyev (#23, 37-12) v Valentin Taneyev (6-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>It's time for the main event of the evening! Mantas Andreyev will battle 'The Hand Grenade' Valentin Taneyev in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >We are underway! >Taneyev feints rushing in, but Andreyev doesn't fall for it. >Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt. >Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up grappling. >Using his wrestling skills, Andreyev is trying to push Taneyev up against the cage. >Andreyev can't manage it, and Taneyev gets out of the grapple entirely. >A nicely executed one-two combination sets up a takedown attempt from Taneyev. >Andreyev tries to strike first with a solid right hook, but isn't quick enough. >Taneyev gets a single leg takedown! Andreyev pulls guard off it. >Taneyev tries to pass the guard. >Taneyev passes to half guard. >Taneyev begins trying to get his leg free of half guard and get a better position. >He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt. >Taneyev blocks an attempted sweep. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Taneyev attempts to pass half guard. >He can't find a way past half guard. >Andreyev tries a sweep from the bottom of half guard, but doesn't budge Taneyev. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Taneyev looks to get past the half guard. >Andreyev doesn't let Taneyev get his leg free, and so half guard remains in place. >Andreyev tries to sweep Taneyev but doesn't get anywhere. >The time runs out on round one. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Taneyev. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >A feint sets up a kick to the body, but Andreyev manages to just avoid it. >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >A nicely executed one-two combination sets up a takedown attempt from Taneyev. >The takedown doesn't work, Andreyev sprawled to defend it and then works into a clinch position. >Using his wrestling skills, Andreyev is trying to push Taneyev up against the cage. >Andreyev can't move Taneyev at all though, and finds himself being out-wrestled. >Taneyev is trying to push Andreyev so that his back is up against the cage. >He does so, and now has Andreyev pinned to the cage. >Taneyev uses underhooks to gain solid control, and is looking for a takedown. >Taneyev sweeps the legs and takes Andreyev down, hard. >Andreyev winds up seated, his back to the cage, with Taneyev pressing onto him. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Time slips away as Taneyev successfully keeps Andreyev stuck against the cage wall. >Taneyev tries to put Andreyev into a guillotine choke. >Andreyev gets caught by the guillotine, and it's tight enough that he has to tap! >The winner, by submission; Valentin Taneyev! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Hand Grenade' Valentin Taneyev defeats Mantas Andreyev (Submission (Guillotine) in 3:43 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Solid, professional performance from Taneyev, who can look forward to bigger things, I reckon. Andreyev looks like he's almost done at this level, though he may get a couple of gatekeeper fights before he finally retires. Show summary Critical rating: Good Commercial success: Average Fight of the Night: Francesco Marazzina v Gerrit Dudok Knockout of the Night: Milovan Ajetovic Submission of the Night: Valentin Taneyev Comments: Got to be pleased overall. First card at HLR (and booked whilst still at MLR) and we picked up an Average commercial rating, so should hold our own. Particularly pleased with the critical rating, bolstered by the Marazzina/Dudok snap finish. Nouri looks set for a shot at the Lightweight title next, but will have to wait on Fiyero Lermontov's recovery from injury, which is set to be another 3-4 months away.

batsnumbereleven · November 23, 2013

Prediction results

cymru96 – 6/6 (36/50) – congratulations, a full slate this time!

CageRage – 4/6 (53/73)

Injury report

No specific injuries to report, but the athletic commission have imposed precautionary suspensions of 1 month on Milenko Rudonja, 2 months on Mantas Andreyev and Gerrit Dudok and were obviously concerned by the knee to the face that Ivano Ancic took from Milan Ajetovic, as he's been given a 4 month suspension.

Murray Darby was given a three month ban by the commission, but given that his contract is up and I don't intend on renewing it, he may well find himself in alternative employment before his ban expires.

End of month finances

The rise to High Level Regional means a huge rise in gates at our events, and although the pressure on finances is not completely relaxed, it is certainly eased to a large degree. For November we put up a profit for the first time, making over $41k for the month. As a result, Fight Night bonuses are being increased tenfold to $5000.

SIGMA signings

A large number of contracts are coming towards their end.

Valentin Taneyev, Tore Herlovsen, Milovan Ajetovic, Mantas Andreyev, Georges Nouri and Francesco Marazzina have all been offered contract extensions, as have Middleweight champion Fjodor Kanchelskis, Fernando Amaro, Dmytro Dargomyzhsky, Jacob Matthaus, Mugur Boc, Jason Dalglish, Alberto Basora and Alekos Karabatsos.

Also awarded extensions to their existing contracts were Spiridon Domazos, Aleksei Chekhov, Milenko Rudonja, Franak Pavlichenko, Dominykas Jankovic

Our scouts have been scouring Russia for possible signings and have identified four fighters we just have to have on the roster. All four have been offered SIGMA-exclusive 5 match contracts. They are: Andrei Kizilashvili (Middleweight), Wolfgang Taktarov (Heavyweight), Vladoslav Medvedev (Middleweight), Mikel Tupolov (Light Heavyweight).

In addition, current BCF Lightweight champion Seth O'Breen has become available, and SIGMA will be putting in a bid for his services to add to our already strong Lightweight class.

batsnumbereleven · November 23, 2013

Monday 1st December 1998 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Press Release Signature Martial Arts brings you SIGMA 15: Toadspew v Basora on Sunday 14th December from Sportforum Hohenschonhausen, Berlin, which will see a match-up between two judoka in the Main Event, Australian Kenneth Toadspew (11-2) and Spaniard Alberto Basora (#25, 18-7). It's a fight that has all the hallmarks of a title eliminator, as both men posted victories in their most recent fights but need a statement win to justify a title shot. Turkey's Lefter Oktay (#19, 13-0) puts his unbeaten record on the line in the co-headlining contest, as he takes on New Zealander Kurt McDonald (4-1) at Heavyweight, fresh from a victory over former title contender Stratos Papaioannou. Russian Aleksei Chekhov (19-4) faces a tough task as he looks to get back on track, as he will fight compatriot Dmytro Dargomyzhsky (19-8) in a Light Heavyweight bout, and 20-year old Lightweight Folke Dalen (1-1) will face Dresden's Klaus Greis (1-1). The undercard will also see former Welterweight champion Evgeni Medtner (20-6) take on Denmark's Bjarne Bjerre (4-2), and Berlin's own Uwe Maier (9-3) face off against veteran French taekwondo expert Guilherme Faure (15-5) at Middleweight.</div></blockquote> Card for picks: SIGMA 15 Kenneth Toadspew v Alberto Basora Lefter Oktay v Kurt McDonald Aleksei Chekhov v Dmytro Dargomyzhsky Folke Dalen v Klaus Greis Evgeni Medtner v Bjarne Bjerre Uwe Maier v Guilherme Faure

CageRage · November 23, 2013

SIGMA 15

Kenneth Toadspew v Alberto Basora

Lefter Oktay v Kurt McDonald

Aleksei Chekhov v Dmytro Dargomyzhsky

Folke Dalen v Klaus Greis

Evgeni Medtner v Bjarne Bjerre

Uwe Maier v Guilherme Faure

cymru96 · November 23, 2013

6/6 tidy!

Kenneth Toadspew v Alberto Basora

Lefter Oktay v Kurt McDonald

Aleksei Chekhov v Dmytro Dargomyzhsky

Folke Dalen v Klaus Greis

Evgeni Medtner v Bjarne Bjerre

Uwe Maier v Guilherme Faure

batsnumbereleven · November 24, 2013

News and Notes from around the MMA world: December 1st-14th 1998

Signings

None.

Events

The latest “Warriors of the Ring” from ALPHA-1 aired on Friday 5th December, and featured #15 Middleweight Tadao Miyazaki entending his winning run to 11 fights with a first round TKO of Tetsuji Myojin (4-1).

ALPHA-1 were in action again on Saturday 13th December, with Naizen Hamacho (#14, 10-0) successfully defending his ALPHA-1 Lightweight championship against Shizuka Nakae (#21, 24-12) with a TKO victory in the second round. In Heavyweight action Hiro Arai (#21, 16-5) beat Palmer Lette (#16, 19-6-2-2NC) by Unanimous decision after Lette had come into the contest over the 265lb limit.

batsnumbereleven · November 24, 2013

Event report SIGMA 15: Toadspew v Basora Sunday 14th December 1998 Sportforum Hohenschonhausen, Berlin, Germany. Attendance: 2222 for a gate of $111,100 PPV Buys: N/A Uwe Maier (9-3) v Guilherme Faure (15-5) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, Uwe 'Max' Maier will take on Guilherme 'The Panther' Faure in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >There's the opening bell! >Maier feints rushing in, but Faure doesn't fall for it. >Maier drops his shoulder and feints to step in, but Faure isn't buying it. >There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits. >Maier steps back to avoid a kick to the body. >Maier looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Faure uses his strikes to stop Maier from getting too close. >Maier looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Faure. >A counter left catches Maier above the eye. >Moving forward, Faure counters a left jab with a leg kick. >Faure narrowly misses Maier with a right uppercut. >Not letting up, Maier quickly steps in closer to attack Faure. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Moving in closer, Maier looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >He gets into range. >Maier looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Maier cannot get close enough to the elusive Faure to grapple. >A weak right kick is countered by Faure with a clean left. >A left jab misses and Faure strikes back with a crisp left hand punch. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Maier is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Backing off, Faure makes sure to keep out of range. >Maier looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >He gets into range. >The time runs out on round one. >That wasn't the most exciting round we've ever seen, hopefully things will pick up in the next one. >I have to give that round to Faure, but only a 10-9. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >Faure counters a left jab with a flurry of jabs and straight punches. >Maier feints throwing a jab. >Faure counters an attempted body kick with a quick series of punches. >Maier comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Maier is now standing in the pocket. >Maier slips past a straight punch and then hits a sharp kick just above the hip. >Guilherme Faure doesn't look like he has much left in the tank. >Maier tries for a left jab but Faure uses head movement to avoid it. >A right cross misses, giving Maier the perfect angle to counter-strike with a solid left jab. >Slipping past a left jab, Faure hits an enormous right hook, Maier goes down to the ground, dazed! >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Faure moves in quickly, kneeling beside Maier and starting to hammer down with punches! >Faure unloads with big punches, landing several that clearly hurt Maier. >Maier pulls Faure into side control to stop the attack. >Guilherme Faure looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give. >Faure throws some small strikes, but is clearly just taking a moment to try and catch his breath. >In side control, Faure catches his breath, content just to throw a couple of punches to the body. >Maier transitions to half guard. >Faure attempts to pass half guard and gain a better position. >Maier keeps Faure in half guard. >Maier tries to sweep Faure but can't do it. >Round two ends as time expires. >I think Faure took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Between rounds, his corner told Faure to try and use counter striking in this round. >Maier slips past a left jab and fires back with a series of quick lefts. >Maier avoids a quick jab and hits a barrage of big right hands, forcing Faure back! >Slipping past a flurry of punches, Faure counters with a solid punch. >Faure throws a left jab but Maier uses good head movement to make sure it slips by. >Good head movement allows Faure to go under a vicious right hand and immediately counter with a nice jab. >There is an exchange of strikes, but neither fighter does any damage. >Maier backs away to create some more space. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >A jab misses and Maier counters with a series of quick lefts. >Faure circles around Maier. >Maier doesn't let Faure settle, stepping in closer to impose himself. >A wayward right kick to the body allows Faure to hit a vicious head kick, knocking Maier down to the ground! >Maier recovers his wits quickly, and waits for Faure to make a move. >Faure hits a kick to the knee. >On his back, Maier watches as Faure comes in looking to get a dominant ground position. >Maier moves quickly, scrambling for position before Faure can get a hold. >Guilherme Faure looks exhausted. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >The scramble ends with both fighters back on their feet, facing each other. >Faure comes in closer, despite his tiredness, looking to attack from the pocket. >Faure can't get near enough to engage, Maier uses strikes to keep him out of range. >The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight. >I think Faure took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >The judges' scores are now being announced. >All three judges give a score of 30-27. >Guilherme 'The Panther' Faure wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Guilherme 'The Panther' Faure defeats Uwe 'Max' Maier (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: More exciting than this got credit for, in my view. The second round in particular was a good one. I thought Faure might finish the fight there, but it was a good performance from the Frenchman on his SIGMA debut. Maier will need to rebound quickly and will need to show more than he did here. Evgeni Medtner (20-6) v Bjarne Bjerre (4-2) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up is a match in which Evgeni Medtner goes up against Bjarne Bjerre in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >We are underway! >Medtner catches Bjerre with a barrage of punches, although only a couple landed properly. >Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either. >They wind up in a tight clinch. >Bjerre is trying to push Medtner so that his back is up against the cage. >Bjerre doesn't manage it though, as Medtner slips out of the grapple and gets away. >Medtner waits for Bjerre to step in, then hits a nice left jab. >Bjerre steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere. >Medtner steps in closer to force the issue. >Medtner feints to get Bjerre off balance, then shows great hand speed to score with a nice three-punch combination. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Medtner unloads with a quick series of shots to the body, showing great hand speed. >Medtner avoids a quick jab and hits a nice jab. >A left jab misses and Medtner counters with a stinging leg kick. >Moving in closer, Bjerre looks like he may want to wrestle Medtner. >Medtner counters with a right hand that catches Bjerre flush, rocking him! >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either. >A straight left by Bjerre keeps Medtner from advancing. >Medtner steps in closer to force the issue. >The time runs out on round one. >I have to give that round to Medtner, but only a 10-9. >And here we go, round two! >Bjerre tries for a left jab but Medtner moves out of range. >A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate. >Medtner fires off a stinging kick to the left thigh. >Bjarne Bjerre won't want to take too many unchecked strikes to the legs like that. >Medtner fires off a barrage of big punches from the pocket, knocking Bjerre down! >Bjerre shakes it off quickly though, and is ready for any potential follow-up attack. >Medtner tries to secure a ground position. >Medtner attains side control. >Medtner uses side control to hit a knee just above the hip. >Medtner attempts to roll Bjerre slightly and take his back. >Bjerre is in big trouble as he is forced to give up his back! >We move into the second half of this round. >Bjerre is in increasing trouble, as Medtner gets both hooks in. >With both hooks in, Medtner tries to flatten Bjerre out for the rear naked choke. >Medtner gets the rear naked choke fully applied and Bjerre has to tap out! >Evgeni Medtner takes the win by submission!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: Evgeni Medtner defeats Bjarne Bjerre (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:25 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Good, efficient fight by Medtner, showing why he made it to the top of the Welterweight division. Bjerre needs to be matched up against a lesser opponent next time. Folke Dalen (1-1) v Klaus Greis (1-1) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Moving on to the next match, in which Folke Dalen battles Klaus Greis in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >The fight begins! >Greis avoids a low kick. >A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Dalen to fire back with a flurry of small strikes. >Dalen throws a barrage of big lefts but Greis is quick to move out of range. >Greis avoids a jab. >Greis avoids a body kick. >Greis catches a weak left kick to the legs and uses it to go for a takedown, down goes Dalen! He pulls guard though. >Greis begins trying to pass the guard. >He does excellently, getting past the guard and into side control. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Greis looks to get a mount. >Greis shows his ground skills and slips to mount. >Greis unloads with big elbows from the mount, but Dalen is able to deal with most of them. >Blood is visible on Dalen, that strike looks to have opened up a cut under his eye. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Greis starts hammering away at Dalen with punches. >Dalen had better start defending himself, or this will be over! >The referee pulls Greis away, stopping the match! >By TKO, the winner is Klaus Greis! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Klaus Greis defeats Folke Dalen (TKO (Strikes) in 4:30 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Disappointed with the outing by Dalen here, as I thought this was a contest he had a good chance in. Not sure where we go next with the Swede. Credit to Greis for taking his opportunity though, rebounding from a tough loss to Lubos Plasil. Aleksei Chekhov (19-4) v Dmytro Dargomyzhsky (19-4) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Moving on to the next match, in which Aleksei 'Fists Of Death' Chekhov takes on Dmytro Dargomyzhsky in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >We are underway! >Moving forward, Chekhov counters a right jab with a clean jab. >Moving in closer, Dargomyzhsky looks like he may want to wrestle Chekhov. >Chekhov strikes first and manages to rock Dargomyzhsky with a solid right! >An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage. >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike. >Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage. >Moving in closer, Dargomyzhsky looks like he may want to wrestle Chekhov. >Chekhov is pulled into a grapple. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Using his wrestling skills, Dargomyzhsky is trying to push Chekhov up against the cage. >He does so, and now has Chekhov pinned to the cage. >Dargomyzhsky pins Chekhov up against the cage and uses dirty boxing to inflict some damage. >Chekhov takes a hard knee strike to the inside of his own knee. >Dargomyzhsky pins Chekhov up against the cage and hits a couple of nice left hands to the side of the head. >Dargomyzhsky attempts to use some close-range elbow strikes but Chekhov pulls the clinch tighter, making it impossible to launch them. >Chekhov is pressed up against the cage and held there, taking the occasional short punch to the ribs and stomach, for roughly a minute. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Chekhov is trapped against the cage and Dargomyzhsky punishes him with some dirty boxing. >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Dargomyzhsky. >We are back underway! >Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything. >Dargomyzhsky is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Chekhov. >He pulls Chekhov into a grapple. >Dargomyzhsky tries to wrestle Chekhov backward and up against the cage. >Dargomyzhsky achieves it, pinning Chekhov to the cage. >Dargomyzhsky shows great control, keeping Chekhov pressed against the cage while punishing him with sharp strikes to the body for roughly a minute. >Dargomyzhsky exerts total control, keeping Chekhov smothered against the cage for sixty seconds or so. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Dargomyzhsky pins Chekhov up against the cage and works him over with small punches to the body for roughly sixty seconds. >Chekhov waits for Dargomyzhsky to throw an elbow, then uses wrestling to turn him around so that Dargomyzhsky now has his back to the cage. >Dargomyzhsky gets caught with a knee to the inside of the thigh. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Chekhov breaks the grapple and prepares to launch some strikes at Dargomyzhsky. >Dargomyzhsky gets caught with a huge close range right hand and is knocked clean out! >The winner, by Knock Out; Aleksei Chekhov!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: Aleksei 'Fists Of Death' Chekhov defeats Dmytro Dargomyzhsky (Knock Out (Punch) in 4:28 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: This was a much-needed win for Chekhov, who was very disappointing last time out against Faas Smit, but it came out of the blue after Dargomyzhsky had controlled most of the fight to that point. Chekhov will need to prove himself again, in my mind before getting bumped up the ladder, and Dargomyzhsky deserves a chance to show that this was a fluke KO – even though it's his second straight loss, it has been against upper tier opposition in theory. Co-main Lefter Oktay (#19, 13-0) v Kurt McDonald (4-1) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>The co-main event is up next. Lefter 'The Beast' Oktay will battle Kurt 'Chopper' McDonald in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >Round one begins! >McDonald covers up to absorb a tidy combination of punches and then hits a body kick. >McDonald avoids a jab and scores with a clean jab. >A nicely executed one-two combination sets up a takedown attempt from Oktay. >McDonald sprawls, stopping the takedown and forcing Oktay down to the ground into a type of turtle position. >McDonald fires away with left hands, and Oktay is stung by several big shots to the side of the head. >McDonald fires away with left hands, and Oktay is stung by several big shots to the side of the head. >McDonald pounds away on Oktay, landing several good shots to the side of the head in the process. >McDonald rolls the turtled Oktay over and secures side control. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Oktay takes a knee strike to the ribs from under side control. >McDonald fires away with big elbows, but Oktay covers up and doesn't take any undue damage. >McDonald blocks Oktay as he tries a transition to guard. >In side control, McDonald throws a couple of punches designed to keep Oktay guessing. >McDonald unloads with some big elbows, but Oktay deals with them comfortably. >Oktay tries to pull guard on McDonald but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. >We're into the final minute of the round. >McDonald uses side control to hit a knee just above the hip. >Stuck under side control, Oktay takes a knee to the ribs. >In side control, McDonald begins working to get a mount. >McDonald struggles but cannot mount Oktay. >Round one ends as time expires. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to McDonald. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits. >Advancing, Oktay counters a right jab by using a clean left. >Oktay shoots in for a takedown. >Oktay can't get past the sprawl of McDonald, and finds himself pushed face-down to the ground. >McDonald pounds away on Oktay, landing several good shots to the side of the head in the process. >McDonald pounds away on Oktay, landing several good shots to the side of the head in the process. >Kurt McDonald looks very tired out there. >McDonald fires away with big left hands, but can't stop Oktay getting to his feet. >A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Oktay to fire back with a clean left. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Oktay goes to the body and then to the head with a tidy combination to get McDonald to cover up, then shoots in. >He has the takedown! McDonald pulls guard. >Oktay tries to pass the guard. >Oktay passes to side control with ease. >Oktay begins trying to get himself behind McDonald. >He shows excellent control to move McDonald over and take his back. >Oktay has good control, and starts pounding away on McDonald. >Unless he finds a way out of this position soon, McDonald is going to lose this fight! >With McDonald stuck and taking a pounding, the referee has to stop the match! >The winner, by TKO, is Lefter 'The Beast' Oktay! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Lefter 'The Beast' Oktay defeats Kurt 'Chopper' McDonald (TKO (Strikes) in 4:09 of round 2). The match was rated as being Fantastic. Comments: McDonald controlled much of the fight, but paid the price for not finishing it whilst he had top position and for letting Okaty get past his sprawl at the third attempt. Kudos to Oktay for persisting with his takedown attempts despite having the first two stuffed and ending up in a bad position. Main Event Kenneth Toadspew (11-2) v Alberto Basora (#25, 18-7) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>It's time for the main event of the evening! 'The Spew Monkey' Kenneth Toadspew competes against Alberto Basora in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >We are underway! >Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage. >Toadspew moves out of range of a flurry of punches. >A jab misses, allowing Basora to counter-strike with a left. >Basora looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >The two fighters move closer, ready to strike. >Basora avoids a scorching uppercut and come back with a crisp left jab. >Basora throws a left jab but Toadspew uses good head movement to make sure it slips by. >Not comfortable in the pocket, Basora steps back and creates some space. >Moving in closer, Toadspew looks like he may want to wrestle Basora. >He pulls Basora into a grapple. >Toadspew is trying to push Basora so that his back is up against the cage. >Toadspew manages it, and controls Basora up against the cage. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Toadspew tries to maintain control, but Basora isn't letting himself get bullied like that. >Basora wrestles back against Toadspew, turning him around so that he now has his back to the cage. >Basora looks to set up a judo throw. >Toadspew blocks the attempted throw and turns Basora around so that he has his back to the cage. >Toadspew steps back from Basora and looks to unleash some strikes. >Toadspew throws a left jab but Basora uses good head movement to make sure it slips by. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Toadspew looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Toadspew is forced to use his gloves to deflect a sudden counter right. >Toadspew avoids a flurry of punches. >Toadspew looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Basora. >The two fighters start grappling for control. >The time is up, and that's the end of round one. >Not much happened in that round, hopefully the fighters will pick up the pace a bit when we restart. >That was a very close round, but I think Basora just about edged it. >And here we go, round two! >Between rounds, his corner told Basora to watch for strikes but to be aware of takedown opportunities. >Basora avoids a jab. >Moving in closer, Toadspew looks like he may want to wrestle Basora. >Basora fires off a right hand first, but the impact is taken by the gloves of Toadspew. >Basora throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown. >Toadspew first stuffs the takedown attempt, then manages to wrestle Basora the the floor! Basora has to pull guard. >Toadspew lies on top of Basora, basically smothering him. >The clock runs down as Basora is being smothered against the ground by Toadspew. >Toadspew looks to get past the guard. >Toadspew isn't able to pass guard on this attempt. >Basora attempts a triangle choke on Toadspew from the bottom of the guard. >Toadspew doesn't let Basora get it. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Toadspew attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >Basora keeps Toadspew in guard. >Basora brings his legs up and tries to lock Toadspew in a triangle choke. >Toadspew pulls free before the triangle can be locked in. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >In guard, Toadspew begins working to pass to side control. >Basora is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Toadspew firmly in guard. >Grabbing an arm, Basora attempts to lock on a triangle choke. >Toadspew pulls his arm free before the triangle can be locked in. >Round two ends as time expires. >Not a lot happened in that round and the fans are getting a bit restless as a result. >I have to give that round to Toadspew, but only a 10-9. >And here we go, round three! >A straight left fails to land and Basora is able to fire back with a series of quick punches. >Toadspew counters a wayward left jab with a straight left. >A jab misses and Toadspew counters with some big right hands! >Toadspew looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Basora is pulled into a grapple. >Toadspew is looking to muscle Basora back against the cage. >Toadspew does it, Basora is stuck with his back to the cage. >Toadspew looks to set up a judo throw. >He executes an outside leg trip, sweeping Basora to the mat where he pulls guard! >Breathing very hard, Kenneth Toadspew is looking ragged. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Toadspew begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. >Basora keeps his guard secure. >Basora tries to lock onto an arm from the bottom of the guard. >Basora uses the threat of a kimura to turn Toadspew and get side control. >Alberto Basora looks very tired out there. >Basora tries to ensnare Toadspew in an armbar. >Toadspew blocks it. >Basora blocks Toadspew as he tries a sweep from side control. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Basora starts trying to work to use side control as a way to get behind Toadspew. >Toadspew is in big trouble as he is forced to give up his back! >The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Toadspew. >The official scores are being reported now. >Judge #1 scores the contest as 29-28 to Toadspew. >Judge #2 scores the contest as 29-28 to Basora. >Judge #3 has given 29-28 to Toadspew. >'The Spew Monkey' Kenneth Toadspew wins by split decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Spew Monkey' Kenneth Toadspew defeats Alberto Basora (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor. Comments: Not at all sure I agree with the judges' verdict here – Although Toadspew definitely controlled the second round, I gave Basora the other two and he certainly worked harder to get the result, whilst the Australian was content to smother when he had top control. I think it was a better fight than it was credited with, but was badly affected by the middle round, where Toadspew had control. The result does little for either fighter, as the winner was unconvincing, and the loser will have to rebound. After the fight, Kenneth Toadspew announces that he'd like to take on Jens Halle next, which is certainly one of the options I'm considering for him. Show summary Critical rating: Good Commercial success: Average Fight of the Night: Lefter Oktay v Kurt McDonald Knockout of the Night: Aleksei Chekhov Submission of the Night: Evgeni Medtner Comments: The Welterweight division continues to be a mess, with nobody looking like a decent challenger for Noach Van Der Capellen's title. We might have to go another round of eliminators before we can see another title defence. Elsewhere, Guilherme Faure made a good impression on debut.

batsnumbereleven · November 28, 2013

Prediction results

CageRage – 4/6 (57/79)

cymru96 – 3/6 (39/56)

Injury report

No injuries reported, but the athletic commission have imposed precautionary suspensions of 1 month on Uwe Maier and Kurt McDonald, 2 months on Folke Dalen, and 3 months on Dmytro Dargomyzhsky.

Andrik Paletilolu was offered a new contract.

batsnumbereleven · November 28, 2013

Monday 15th December 1998 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Press release Signature Martial Arts are pleased to announce their next MMA Event, SIGMA 16. The Event will will take place on Saturday 27th December 1998 and will be held at Eissporthalle Kessel. The feature bout of the evening will be a Featherweight contest between ranked fighters, as Scotland's Jason Dalglish (#20, 18-5) puts his jiu jitsu to the test against Germany's Benedikt Streit #21, 20-5). In the co-main, Croatian kickboxer Niko Soldo (#13, 15-2-1) provides a stiff test for unbeaten Swede Dag Kreuger (4-0). This could be a fiery encounter, as each Light Heavyweight knocked their opponent out in their last fight. The undercard sees the SIGMA debut of former ALPHA-1 all-rounder Ari Peltonen (#21, 24-8) in a Heavyweight bout with 23-year-old Romanian kick boxer Iancu Trailescu (4-1). Peltonen will be heavily favoured to win this, but he'll need to be careful not to underestimate Trailescu, who put up a decent showing in his last outing, a defeat to Aleksander Ivanov. At Lightweight, former champion Luis Basora (#24, 19-4) aims to return to victory, and he has been handed a seemingly soft opponent in Rodolphe Gygax (21-14) who will be leaving SIGMA after the fight. A Middleweight match-up between Italy's Ezio Gnocchi (5-1) and Greek boxer Spiridon Domazos (4-2) will be an interesting encounter. In their last bouts neither man had much answer to their opponent's wrestling skill,, so the two strikers will probably both feel more in their comfort zone in this bout. Finally, Bulgarian judoka Filip Hristov (1-0) will make his SIGMA debut against another new face, French kick boxer Jules Dupuit (3-0) in the Welterweight division.</div></blockquote> Card for picks: SIGMA 16 Jason Dalglish v Benedikt Streit Niko Soldo v Dag Kreuger Ari Peltonen v Iancu Trailescu Luis Basora v Rodolphe Gygax Ezio Gnocchi v Spiridon Domazos Filip Hristov v Jules Dupuit

cymru96 · November 28, 2013

Jason Dalglish v Benedikt Streit

Niko Soldo v Dag Kreuger

Ari Peltonen v Iancu Trailescu

Luis Basora v Rodolphe Gygax

Ezio Gnocchi v Spiridon Domazos

Filip Hristov v Jules Dupuit

CageRage · November 28, 2013

SIGMA 16

Jason Dalglish v Benedikt Streit

Niko Soldo v Dag Kreuger

Ari Peltonen v Iancu Trailescu

Luis Basora v Rodolphe Gygax

Ezio Gnocchi v Spiridon Domazos

Filip Hristov v Jules Dupuit

batsnumbereleven · November 29, 2013

News and Notes from around the MMA world: 15th-28th December 1998

Signings

None.

Events

Friday 19th December saw KDMFC 9: Atep v Wijaya where KDMFC Lightweight champion Atep of Indonesia (#10, 10-0) successfully defended his title against Taufik Wijaya (#21, 46-17-1) with a first round TKO stoppage. Also, #1 Womens Featherweight Hanako Shimuzu took her record to 10-0 by beating Echiko Watanabe (#21, 4-1) by Unanimous decision.

GAMMA 31: John v Watson took place in Ohio on Saturday 20th December, and GAMMA Light-Heavyweight champion Marlon John (#3, 15-0) extended his undefeated record and retained his title by knocking out Mike Watson (#15, 10-1) in the third round. Elsewhere, Brandon Sugar (#6 Lightweight, 26-4) beat Luke Hilton (7-1) by armbar submission and #14 Lightweight Bruce Steven (18-7) defeated Nicholas Bretton (10-4) by Unanimous decision.

The XCC Womens championship was on the line on Thursday 25th December (Merry Christmas!) at XCC: Vaughan v Fox. Sarah Vaughan (#4, 10-0) retained her title with a guillotine submission victory over Helen Fox (#7, 5-1). #9 Featherweight Wallace Everett extended his own perfect record to 10-0 with a second round TKO victory over Jimmy Schott (3-1) in a very poor contest.

BCF: Kane v Sithalayan took place in London on Sunday 28th December, and was headlined by Vikram Sithalayan (#4, 19-2) taking the BCF Welterweight championship from Will Kane (#13, 14-4) by second round submission (armbar). On the undercard, Jake Keane (#13, 25-5) beat Rupert Lennox (1-1) by 1st round armbar in the Lightweight division and #21 Heavyweight Stafford Alois (28-9) defeated Ukrainian Thomas Kiriyakin (19-6) by third round TKO.

Other Notable news

Mexico becomes regulated. Nobody is currently running any major shows in the country, but it may not be long before they do.

batsnumbereleven · November 29, 2013

Event report SIGMA 16: Dalglish v Streit Saturday 27th December 1998 Eissporthalle Kessel, Germany. Attendance: 2257 for a gate of $112,850 PPV Buys: N/A Filip Hristov (1-0) v Jules Dupuit (3-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Moving on, Filip Hristov takes on Jules Dupuit in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >And here we go! >Dupuit counters a right jab by hitting a series of lefts. >Hristov counters a left jab with a solid right jab. >A jab misses, allowing Dupuit to counter-strike with two hard right hands! >Good head movement allows Hristov to go under a vicious right hand and immediately counter with a solid punch. >A right jab misses, Dupuit counters with a left jab to the cheek. >Standing in the pocket, Dupuit throws an inside leg kick but Hristov shows good footwork to avoid it. >Hristov dodges a body kick and returns fire with a nice right. >We move into the second half of this round. >Slipping past a left jab, Hristov hits a nice right. >Using head movement, Dupuit slips past a right jab and counters with a series of quick, sharp punches. >From the pocket, Hristov hits a stiff jab. >Hristov slips past a flurry of rights and lefts and hits a clean punch. >Hristov works the jab. >Slipping past a left jab, Hristov hits a clean right jab. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Using head movement, Hristov slips past a left jab and counters with a solid punch. >Dupuit shows good head movement to avoid getting caught with a jab. >Stepping back, Dupuit creates a bit of distance. >Round one ends as time expires. >I think Hristov took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >Hristov avoids a quick jab and hits a nice right hand. >Hristov catches a weak right kick to the legs and shows his judo roots by going straight for a trip, getting it! Dupuit manages to pull guard. >Hristov begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. >He passes to side control. >Hristov tries to lock Dupuit into an armbar. >Hristov gets an armbar and applies pressure to the arm, Dupuit is in huge trouble! >Hristov loses the hold! Somehow Dupuit got his arm free. That was incredibly close to a finish though. >Dupuit tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. >Hristov looks to roll Dupuit slightly and slip behind. >He does it, getting behind Dupuit. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Hristov successfully gets both hooks in, and seems primed to finish. >Hristov attempts to complete a rear naked choke, having both hooks fully in. >Dupuit doesn't allow the rear naked choke to be applied. >Hristov, with both hooks in, attempts to get a rear naked choke fully applied. >Dupuit fights off the rear naked choke attempt. >Dupuit struggles against Hristov but cannot get himself free from the hooks. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Hristov pounds away on Dupuit. >Unless he finds a way out of this position soon, Dupuit is going to lose this fight! >The referee has seen enough, he pulls Hristov off! >Filip Hristov takes the win by TKO! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Filip Hristov defeats Jules Dupuit (TKO (Strikes) in 4:45 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Good win for Hristov. They looked closely matched in the stand-up, but he managed to take it to the ground where he was definitely the stronger man. Dupuit will probably have to work on this ground game if he wants to progress, because from this showing he doesn't have the power to dominate with his kick boxing. Ezio Gnocchi (5-1) v Spiridon Domazos (4-2) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up is a match in which 'The Centurion' Ezio Gnocchi battles Spiridon 'Bang' Domazos in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >Round one begins! >Gnocchi darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Domazos to commit to throwing a strike. >Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done. >Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched. >Gnocchi tries to wriggle free, but Domazos controls him well and gets in a few close-range punches too. >Domazos uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Gnocchi as they grapple. >Domazos uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Gnocchi as they grapple. >Gnocchi gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Domazos uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment. >Domazos uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Gnocchi. >Domazos uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Gnocchi as they grapple. >The grapple breaks up after a short struggle, and the two fighters step apart. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Domazos looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Gnocchi. >He gets into range. >Domazos throws a left jab but Gnocchi uses good head movement to make sure it slips by. >Not comfortable in the pocket, Gnocchi steps back and creates some space. >Gnocchi avoids a quick jab and hits a nice jab. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Domazos throws a looping punch, but Gnocchi avoids it. >Gnocchi presses in closer to attack. >Gnocchi feints throwing a jab. >Domazos looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Gnocchi. >Gnocchi now has Domazos standing in the pocket. >Round one ends as time expires. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Domazos. >Round two begins! >A straight right fails to land and Gnocchi is able to fire back with a series of hard rights! >They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage. >Having ended up close together from the strikes they threw, a wild exchange of punches begins! >Domazos hits the best punch of the exchange, a solid left hand to the jaw. >Gnocchi uses head movement to avoid a left jab. >Domazos slips past a big right and hits a thudding left hook to the body. >From the pocket, Domazos hits a stiff jab. >From the pocket, Domazos catches Gnocchi with a crisp jab. >Showing good head movement, Gnocchi weaves out of the way of a wild right hand. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Gnocchi uses head movement to avoid a combination of punches, then counters with a barrage of big punches on Domazos! >Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either. >Gnocchi uses head movement to avoid a left jab. >Domazos throws a left jab but Gnocchi uses good head movement to make sure it slips by. >Domazos circles away, creating some distance between them. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Gnocchi feints stepping in. >Moving in closer, Gnocchi looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >Domazos is too quick, and manages to hit Gnocchi with a good clean right jab. >The time is up, and that's the end of round two. >Fantastic round, the fans have been out of their seats the entire time. >That round goes to Domazos, 10-9 on my card. >Round three begins! >They come together and throw strikes, both miss. >A straight left fails to land and Domazos is able to fire back with a thudding left hook to the body. >Domazos counters a left jab with a right. >Gnocchi feints stepping in. >They come together and throw strikes, both miss. >Not comfortable in the pocket, Gnocchi steps back and creates some space. >Gnocchi throws a feint. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Domazos to fire back with a right. >A straight left fails to land and Domazos is able to fire back with a series of hard lefts! >Domazos scores with a couple of nice shots to the body. >Working from in the pocket, Domazos catches Gnocchi with a solid right jab. >Using head movement, Gnocchi slips past a right jab and counters with a crisp left. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Domazos hits a thudding left hook to the body. >Gnocchi steps back just in time to avoid a wild swing. >Gnocchi backs away to create some more space. >A big right hand doesn't find its intended target, allowing Domazos to fire back with a pair of nice shots to the body. >The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight. >I think Domazos took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >The judges' scores are now being announced. >All three judges have given 30-27. >Spiridon Domazos wins by unanimous decision!</div></blockquote> >Official Result: Spiridon 'Bang' Domazos defeats 'The Centurion' Ezio Gnocchi (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Exciting fight from these two, and that might be enough to save Gnocchi, who has dropped two straight. Domazos was noticably the better striker here, but needs to put away this class of opponent if he is going to progress. Luis Basora (#24, 19-4) v Rodolphe Gygax (21-14) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Next up, 'El Diablo' Luis Basora squares off with 'G-Force' Rodolphe Gygax in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >The fight begins! >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >A straight left fails to land and Gygax is able to fire back with a barrage of hard right hands, enough to put Basora down! >Gygax doesn't have time to capitalise though, as Basora recovers his wits quickly. >Gygax steps back and allows Basora to stand back up. >Basora comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in. >Gygax cannot stop the takedown, and only catches Basora in half guard. >In half guard, Basora throws a couple of punches designed to keep Gygax guessing. >Gygax tries to sweep Basora but can't do it. >Basora tries to lock Gygax into a kimura. >A kimura is fully applied, Gygax is in huge trouble! >No! Gygax manages to get his arm free. Clearly the hold couldn't have been as tight as it looked. >Gygax tries to sweep Basora but doesn't get anywhere. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Basora attempts to americana Gygax from the top of half guard. >Basora gets the americana fully applied and Gygax has to tap out! >Luis Basora takes the victory by way of submission! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'El Diablo' Luis Basora defeats 'G-Force' Rodolphe Gygax (Submission (Americana) in 3:46 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: No surprises here, but a great deal of relief, as Basora picks up the W and Gygax shows again that his takedown and submission defenses are just not good enough for SIGMA and justify him being released. Ari Peltonen (#21, 24-8) v Iancu Trailescu (4-1) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Moving on to the next match, in which Ari 'The Finnisher' Peltonen takes on Iancu Trailescu in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >The fight begins! >Peltonen avoids a jab. >Trailescu keeps his cool as Peltonen throws a feint to the left. >Peltonen chooses to shoot in on Trailescu. >Trailescu tries to avoid the takedown. >Peltonen doesn't get the takedown, Trailescu avoided it. >Trailescu comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Peltonen lets Trailescu get closer. >Trailescu backs away to create some more space. >Peltonen comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Peltonen moves into the pocket. >Peltonen comes in, looking for a quick double leg takedown from close range. >Peltonen can't get past the sprawl of Trailescu, and finds himself pushed face-down to the ground. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Trailescu finds his efforts to roll the turtled Peltonen over and secure side control fruitless. >Peltonen gets back to his feet. >Trailescu looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Peltonen now has Trailescu standing in the pocket. >Peltonen sees a left kick coming and strikes first with a solid punch. >A left jab misses, Trailescu counters with a quick series of punches. >Good head movement allows Peltonen to avoid a combination. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Peltonen uses head movement to dodge a jab, and counters with a straight left. >Slipping past a one-two combination, Peltonen has the angle to counter with a nice jab. >The time is up, and that's the end of round one. >That was a close round, but I'm giving it to Trailescu, 10-9. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >Peltonen doesn't get drawn in as Trailescu feints a kick. >A jab misses and Trailescu counters with a lightning fast couple of jabs and a left cross. >Trailescu avoids a quick jab and hits a nice jab. >Peltonen avoids a jab. >Peltonen uses a smart combination to get Trailescu to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown. >Trailescu counters with a right jab that catches Peltonen hard. >Peltonen moves out of range of a tidy combination of punches. >Trailescu looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Peltonen. >To counter, Peltonen fires off a strike which doesn't miss by much. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Peltonen avoids a jab. >Peltonen feints an attack, keeping Trailescu on his toes. >A right jab misses and Peltonen counters with a left. >Peltonen looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Peltonen moves into the pocket. >There's a double leg attempt from Peltonen, from the pocket. >Trailescu not only stops the takedown, he manages to wrestle Peltonen to the floor! Peltonen pulls half guard. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Trailescu tries to get out of half guard and stand up, but Peltonen doesn't allow it. >Peltonen attempts to guillotine Trailescu from the bottom of half guard. >The guillotine is locked in, tight enough that Trailescu has to tap out! >Ari 'The Finnisher' Peltonen takes the win by submission! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Ari 'The Finnisher' Peltonen defeats Iancu Trailescu (Submission (Guillotine) in 4:50 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Good job here by Peltonen in a fight that he looked like he was losing. Trailescu will be disappointed that he took the risk of wrestling with the Finn, but otherwise it was a good performance from him. Peltonen won't have won any fans with his lacklustre stand-up, and can't rely on an opponent doing the takedown work for him, so must do better, despite winning. Co-main Niko Soldo (#13, 15-2-1) v Dag Kreuger (4-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>The co-main event is up next. 'The Gladiator' Niko Soldo will battle Dag 'The Viking' Kreuger in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >Round one begins! >Kreuger moves out of range of a tidy combination of punches. >Soldo steps back to avoid a right jab. >Kreuger swiftly avoids a barrage of big punches. >Kreuger comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in. >The takedown is completed, Soldo is on his back and pulls guard. >Kreuger attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >Soldo is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Kreuger firmly in guard. >Soldo attempts a triangle choke on Kreuger from the bottom of the guard. >Kreuger counters the triangle attempt superbly by twisting out of it and gaining side control. >Kreuger throws a few left hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. >Soldo reaches over and tries to lock up an arm. >Kreuger blocks it. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Kreuger uses side control to hit a knee just above the hip. >Kreuger throws a few left hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. >Kreuger blocks Soldo as he tries a sweep from side control. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >In side control, Kreuger catches his breath, content just to throw a couple of punches to the body. >Kreuger pounds away with lefts from side control and Soldo is in big trouble! >Kreuger throws a few strikes, but they are without venom. >Soldo tries to move to guard, but Kreuger doesn't allow it. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >I think Kreuger took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >Round two begins! >Kreuger gets suckered in by a feint, and is lucky to avoid the combination that follows. >Kreuger steps back to avoid a head kick. >Kreuger avoids a high kick and goes for the takedown, down goes Soldo! He pulls guard though. >Kreuger attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >He can't find a way past the guard. >Soldo tries to ensnare Kreuger in a triangle. >Kreuger shows great skill by twisting out of the triangle attempt and getting side control over Soldo. >Kreuger attempts to move to mount. >Soldo doesn't let Kreuger get the mount, and so he remains at side control. >Soldo looks like he is thinking about an arm-in guillotine attempt. >Kreuger defends it easily. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Kreuger begins trying to get himself into mount. >He can't quite manage to get to mount on this attempt. >Soldo attempts to secure an arm-in guillotine. >Soldo cannot get it applied. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Stuck under side control, Soldo takes a knee to the ribs. >The time is up, and that's the end of round two. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Kreuger. >Round three begins! >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >Kreuger shows good head movement to avoid getting caught with a jab. >Soldo slips past a jab and scores with a quick series of punches. >Kreuger uses head movement to avoid a combination of punches, then counters with a stinging jab. >A right jab misses, Soldo counters with a barrage of rights, putting Kreuger down! >Soldo senses victory and starts to unload with punches! >Soldo pounds away with punches and Kreuger is having trouble doing anything about it! >The referee pulls Soldo away, stopping the match! >By TKO, the winner is Niko Soldo! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Gladiator' Niko Soldo defeats Dag 'The Viking' Kreuger (TKO (Strikes) in 2:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Kreuger made Soldo look ordinary for two rounds, but couldn't put him away and paid for it. Soldo is always dangerous, yet doesn't always seem to be putting his best efforts in. He'll get a main event in all likelihood next time, against a highly ranked opponent if it can be arranged. Kreuger will come back from this, but will have a step down in class first. Main Event Jason Dalglish (#20, 18-5) v Benedikt Streit (#21, 20-5) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>It's time for the main event of the evening! 'The Miniature Killer' Jason Dalglish goes head to head with 'Bulldozer' Benedikt Streit in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >And here we go! >An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage. >A left jab misses and Dalglish strikes back with a crisp left hand punch. >A left jab misses and Dalglish counters with a left jab to the cheek. >Dalglish steps back to avoid a left jab. >There's a takedown attempt from Dalglish. >The takedown doesn't work, Streit stuffed it. >Streit tries for a left jab but Dalglish moves out of range. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Dalglish looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Streit. >Streit uses movement to keep out reach, frustrating Dalglish. >There's a takedown attempt from Dalglish. >Dalglish doesn't get the takedown, Streit was equal to it and pulls them into a clinch. >Streit is trying to push Dalglish so that his back is up against the cage. >Streit achieves it, pinning Dalglish to the cage. >Streit moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike. >Streit throws a left jab but Dalglish uses good head movement to make sure it slips by. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Not comfortable in the pocket, Dalglish steps back and creates some space. >Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything. >Dalglish chooses to shoot in on Streit. >Streit sprawls, stopping the takedown and forcing Dalglish down to the ground into a type of turtle position. >Round one ends as time expires. >I have to give that round to Streit, but only a 10-9. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Dalglish counters an errant left jab with a clean jab. >Dalglish slips out of the way of a jab. >Streit is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Dalglish. >Streit can't get close enough to grapple, Dalglish keeps him away with strikes. >A speculative right hand from Streit doesn't find a home. >Dalglish presses in closer to attack. >Dalglish comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Dalglish can't get the takedown, Streit defended it well. >Dalglish looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Keen to keep space between them, Streit backs away. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Dalglish keeps out of range, assessing the situation. >Streit seems to be waiting for Dalglish to make a move. >Dalglish throws a looping punch, but Streit avoids it. >The fight slows as Streit sits back and allows Dalglish to circle. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >They come together and throw strikes, both miss. >Streit fakes a lunge. >Not letting Streit settle at all, Dalglish comes in closer. >The time is up, and that's the end of round two. >That was a close round, but I'm giving it to Dalglish, 10-9. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >It sounded like his corner told Dalglish to attempt to get Streit to the floor in this round. >Dalglish steps back to avoid a left jab. >Streit is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Dalglish. >Dalglish finds himself pulled into a grappling contest. >Streit is trying to muscle Dalglish up against the cage. >Dalglish ends up backed against the cage. >Streit uses a vicious foot stomp. >Streit takes a short step back and prepares to strike. >A left jab misses, Dalglish counters with a solid left jab. >Dalglish scores with a solid left jab from in the pocket. >A left jab misses, Dalglish counters with a straight left. >A left jab misses, Dalglish counters with a quick series of punches. >Dalglish snaps off a nice left jab from the pocket. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike. >Streit circles away, creating some distance between them. >Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss. >From the missed strikes they clinch. >Using his wrestling skills, Streit is trying to push Dalglish up against the cage. >Streit does it, Dalglish is stuck with his back to the cage. >Dalglish takes a sharp stomp to the foot. >Dalglish is controlled up against the cage and takes a hard foot stomp. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Dalglish takes a sharp stomp to the foot. >Streit pins Dalglish up against the cage and stomps down hard on his foot. >Benedikt Streit looks very tired out there. >Streit attempts to hit a knee strike, but Dalglish tightens the clinch, preventing the blow from being launched. >Showing his ability to control opponents, Streit simply smothers Dalglish against the cage for the remainder of the round. >The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight. >I think Dalglish took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced. >Judge #1 has scored it 29-28 Dalglish. >Judge #2 has scored it 30-27 Streit. >Judge #3 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Streit. >'Bulldozer' Benedikt Streit wins by split decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Bulldozer' Benedikt Streit defeats 'The Miniature Killer' Jason Dalglish (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Very tight fight, but the right result to me – I had the fight 29-28 for Streit, who controlled very well, stuffing takedowns and probably deserved the victory in what was a bit if a disappointing fight. Dalglish was reputed to be better than this, and the loss hurts him worse because of his underperformance. Streit may be rewarded with an eliminator bout, but it's difficult to justify him going straight into a title match on this result. Show summary Critical rating: Good Commercial success: Average Fight of the Night: Filip Hristov v Jules Dupuit Knockout of the Night: Niko Soldo Submission of the Night: Ari Peltonen Comments: Not a night that cleared up a heck of a lot. Outside of the Main Event, those favoured to win did so, but not especially convincingly.

batsnumbereleven · November 29, 2013

Prediction results

CageRage 5/6 (62/85)

cymru96 3/6 (42/62)

Injury report

Filip Hristov has reportedly picked up a knee injury during his fight, and will be absent for around 4 weeks.

The athletic commission have imposed precautionary suspensions of 1 month on Dag Kreuger and Iancu Trailescu and 3 months on Jules Dupuit.

End of month finances

We had around $60k of expenditure related to renewing contracts in the last month, but still made a profit of around $15k, which is great!

SIGMA signings

Ezio Gnocchi has been offered a new contract.

batsnumbereleven · November 29, 2013

Monday 1st January 1999 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Blurcat.com End of year awards Fighter of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;">Marlon John, GAMMA</div> Promotion of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;">KDMFC</div> Rookie of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;">not awarded</div> Show of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;">GAMMA 26: Rubenstein v Patinkin</div> Female Fighter of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;">Hanako Shimizu, KDMFC</div> Team of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;"> Slaughterhouse</div> Rise of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;">Wallace Everett, XCC</div> Fall of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;">Bill Cumming, GAMMA</div> Fight of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;">Duke Aiona v Randall Donnelly, GAMMA 23</div> Worst fight of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;"> Benedikt Streit v Milovan Ajetovic, SIGMA 3</div> Knockout of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;"> Hassan Fezzik v Mason Archer, ALPHA-1: Fezzik v Archer </div> Submission of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;"> Hassan Fezzik v Kunimichi Kikuchi, ALPHA-1: Fezzik v Kikuchi </div> Main Event of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;">Junior Patinkin v Spencer Rubenstein, GAMMA 26 </div> Upset of the Year: <div style="text-align:center;"> Magno Peres Arruda v Filipe Silva, FLB 11: Honor</div></div></blockquote>

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