SIGMA - Rise of European MMA

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 Top 10 ranked Lightweights 1. Felix Mudd, BCF 2. Sean Morrison, GAMMA 3. Helio, FLB 4. Jonathon Rice, BCF 5. Brandon Sugar, GAMMA 6. Atep of Indonesia, KDMFC 7. Go Yamamoto, ALPHA-1 8. Naizen Hamacho, ALPHA-1 9. Fiyero Lermontov, SIGMA 10. Seth O'Breen, BCF/SIGMA</div></blockquote>

batsnumbereleven · November 29, 2013

Tuesday 2nd 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>Press Release Signature Martial Arts presents SIGMA 17: Baskov v Plasil, the latest Event from Europe's leading MMA promoter, on Friday 26th January. The card will hail from the Alsterdorfer Sporthall in Hamburg, Headlining this event will be a fight between two promising Lightweights. Vladimir Baskov (6-1), a strong submissions fighter from Yekaterinberg, Russia, will take on Czech Sambo artist Lubos Plasil (6-0). Both fighters have won their last two bouts, and no doubt will be looking at a shot at the SIGMA Lightweight title should they pick up the victory here. In the co-headliner, #21 ranked veteran Light Heavyweight wrestler Faas Smit (35-14) will look to build on his shock victory over Aleksei Chekhov at SIGMA 7 by taking down Australia's Shane Gilchrist (13-5), who beat Gavriil Sviridov last time out. At Heavyweight, Greek wrestler Stratos Papaioannou (26-7) will be looking to bounce back from successive defeats when he takes on 21-year-old Czech Libor Pudil (1-1). In the Middleweight division, two SIGMA newcomers will face off – France's Antoine Corvoisier (4-0) takes on Swedish boxer Isaac Jacobsen (4-1) – and Hamburg's own Heiko Pander (2-0) will be pitted against a third Czech on the card, judoka Vaclav Reitsma (6-2) in the Featherweight division. Finally, a second Light Heavyweight bout will open the card, with Russian Daniil Skala (19-6) fighting Frankfurt's Lothar Weissman (16-13-1-1NC)</div></blockquote> Card for Picks SIGMA 17 Vladimir Baskov v Lubos Plasil Faas Smit v Shane Gilchrist Stratos Papaioannou v Libor Pudil Antoine Corvoisier v Isaac Jacobsen Heiko Pander v Vaclav Reitsma Daniil Skala v Lothar Weissman

CageRage · November 29, 2013

SIGMA 17

Vladimir Baskov v Lubos Plasil

Faas Smit v Shane Gilchrist

Stratos Papaioannou v Libor Pudil

Antoine Corvoisier v Isaac Jacobsen

Heiko Pander v Vaclav Reitsma

Daniil Skala v Lothar Weissman

cymru96 · November 29, 2013

Vladimir Baskov v Lubos Plasil

Faas Smit v Shane Gilchrist

Stratos Papaioannou v Libor Pudil

Antoine Corvoisier v Isaac Jacobsen

Heiko Pander v Vaclav Reitsma

Daniil Skala v Lothar Weissman

Jingo · November 30, 2013

SIGMA 17

Vladimir Baskov v Lubos Plasil

Faas Smit v Shane Gilchrist

Stratos Papaioannou v Libor Pudil

Antoine Corvoisier v Isaac Jacobsen

Heiko Pander v Vaclav Reitsma

Daniil Skala v Lothar Weissman

batsnumbereleven · November 30, 2013

News and Notes from around the MMA world: January 1999

Signings

ALPHA-1:

GAMMA: Rupert Dreck, Joshua Hope, Nate MacReary, William Harrison, Sylvester Collins, Gustavo Spagnol, Terry Catt, AJ Dockery, Christopher Sharp,

BCF:

FLB:

XCC:

WEFF:

KDMFC: Angor Salvador, Michael Ballantine, Rashad Kimmons, Robin Van der Linde, Vasily Garbo,

Events

Tuesday 9th January saw FLB12: Kick Start, in which FLB Lightweight Champion Helio (#3, 19-1) successfully defended his title over Adenor Togni (13-4) by 4th round knockout. At Heavyweight, Murilo Satinho (9-0) continued his unbeaten run with a 2nd round KO of Ilson de Lima.

WEFF 9, on Thursday 18th January, was headlined by a WEFF Lightweight title match in which challenger Gina Dixon (#8, 6-0) took the title from Karen Curtis (#2, 8-1) by Unanimous decision at the end of the five rounds. Elsewhere #4 Womens Bantamweight Michelle Addams (10-1) defeated #15 Pamela O'Neill (3-1), also by Decision.

ALPHA-1's latest event saw Heiji Endo (#10, 14-1) successfully defend his ALPHA-1 Middleweight title over Shuncho Sakurai (11-4) by first round TKO in the main event and #13 Welterweight Ikku Funaki (18-4) knock out Keita Oshima (18-8), also in the first round.

GAMMA 32: Dean v Mack took place on Sunday 28th January, and was headlined by Canadian Petey Mack (#9, 12-2) surprising many by taking the GAMMA Middleweight title from long-time holder Matthew Dean (#1, 34-6) by first round TKO. A stacked card saw a highly anticipated Heavyweight contest turn into something of a damp squib, as veterans Raul Hughes (#7, 15-2) and Jeff Carlton (#11, 32-8) put on a poor performance that ended with a TKO victory for Carlton. In a third featured bout, Patrick Thomas (#20, 18-4) defeated Ashley Ballard (#21, 10-1) by Unanimous decision.

Other Notable news

GAMMA moved up to Mid Level National, spurring a rash of new signings.

Sunday 28th January saw the birth of a new MMA organisation. OMEGA Fighting Championships will take advantage of the newly-regulated Mexican scene. They will be based in Northern Mexico and will hold their fights in a ring, with rules heavily boxing-influenced.

batsnumbereleven · November 30, 2013

Event report

SIGMA 17: Baskov v Plasil

Friday 26th January 1999

Alsterdorfer Sporthall, Hamburg, Germany.

Attendance: xxx for a gate of $xxxxx

PPV Buys: N/A

Daniil Skala (19-6) v Lothar Weissman (16-13-1-1NC)

>Moving on to the next match, in which Daniil 'Skull Crusher' Skala will take on Lothar 'The Sage' Weissman in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.

>We are underway!
>Skala counters a left jab with a stinging left jab.
>A tidy combination doesn't find a home, giving Weissman the opportunity to counter with a sharp kick just above the hip.
>Weissman moves out of range of a tidy combination of punches.
>Weissman avoids a nice combination.
>Skala slams a crisp right into the gloves of Weissman, but can't follow up.
>Weissman doesn't press the issue, allowing Skala to circle.
>A straight left fails to land and Weissman is able to fire back with a barrage of hard punches!
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.
>Slipping past a left jab, Weissman hits a kick to the ribs.
>Skala lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a quick series of punches.
>Skala throws a flurry of rights and lefts, but Weissman covers up well.
>Checking a leg kick, Skala counters back immediately with a thudding right hook to the body.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Skala snaps off a nice left jab from the pocket.
>Weissman covers up to safely defend against a flurry of rights and lefts.
>A left jab misses, Weissman counters with a scything low kick to the legs.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That round goes to Weissman, 10-9 on my card.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>They come together and throw strikes, both miss.
>Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either.
>There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits.
>Skala throws a flurry of punches but Weissman covers up and takes them easily.
>Weissman circles away, creating some distance between them.
>A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Skala to fire back with a clever combination ending in a big right hook.
>Skala feints going high, but Weissman doesn't buy it.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage.
>They wind up in a tight clinch.
>Weissman uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Skala.
>Weissman uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Skala as they grapple.
>Weissman and Skala separate and we're back to a stand-off.
>Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Stepping back, Weissman creates a bit of distance.
>Moving in closer, Skala looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.
>Skala moves into the pocket.
>Skala snaps off a nice left jab from the pocket.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That round goes to Skala, 10-9 on my card.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Judging from what we heard from his corner, Skala is looking to let his hands go in this round.
>Skala slips past a left jab and counters with a thudding right hook to the body.
>Weissman moves away from a right high kick and counters with a solid left.
>Weissman avoids a flurry of punches.
>Both fighters exchange strikes, but neither hits anything significant.
>Weissman slams a crisp right into the gloves of Skala, but can't follow up.
>Skala doesn't let Weissman settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Skala looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Weissman.
>Weissman now has Skala standing in the pocket.
>Seeing a low kick coming, Skala strikes first with a quick series of punches.
>Using good head movement, Weissman slips past a punch and hits a stinging jab.
>Daniil Skala is looking really tired.
>Slipping past a flurry of punches, Weissman counters with a crisp left.
>Weissman slips past a superman punch and fires back with a punch.
>Weissman ducks under a huge right hand and returns fire with a clean punch.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Working from in the pocket, Weissman scores with a series of quick jabs.
>Dodging to one side, Weissman counters an attempted knock out punch with a solid left jab.
>They come together and strike, but neither can land a clean shot.
>Daniil Skala looks very, very tired.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>That round goes to Weissman, 10-9 on my card.

>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>All three judges give a score of 29-28.
>Lothar Weissman wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Lothar 'The Sage' Weissman defeats Daniil 'Skull Crusher' Skala (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average

Comments: This never really got going. The decision could have gone either way here, and both guys will be disappointed with their performance.

Heiko Pander (2-0) v Vaclav Reitsma (6-2)

>Moving on to the next match, in which 'Mighty Mouse' Heiko Pander squares off with 'Violent' Vaclav Reitsma in the SIGMA Featherweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.
>They wind up in a tight clinch.
>Reitsma attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Pander to the ground.
>Pander is taken down by a quick inside leg trip, he can do nothing but pull guard!
>Reitsma attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>Pander is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Reitsma firmly in guard.
>Pander attempts to lock on a triangle choke.
>Reitsma pulls free before the triangle can be locked in.
>Reitsma is trying to pass guard.
>Reitsma passes to half guard.
>Reitsma tries to lock Pander into an arm triangle.
>Pander stops Reitsma from applying it.
>Pander tries to transition to full guard, but can't manage it.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Reitsma tries to pass the half guard.
>Reitsma struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in half guard.
>Reitsma blocks Pander as he tries to get enough separation to scramble up.
>Reitsma 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.
>Pander works some separation, then tries to quickly scramble his way into a better position.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Neither fighter manages to impose himself in the scramble, and they both end up standing.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I think Reitsma took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Reitsma throws a left jab but Pander avoids it.
>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.
>Pander steps in, feints a kick, then darts back out.
>Pander steps in, faking as if going for a shot, but Reitsma is alive to the deception.
>Pander shoots in for a takedown.
>He has the takedown! It's a single leg, and Reitsma has to pull guard.
>Pander attempts to pass guard.
>He passes guard fairly easily, getting to side control.
>Pander attempts to roll Reitsma slightly and take his back.
>Pander takes the back, Reitsma couldn't stop it.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Pander increases his control by getting both hooks in.
>Pander, with both hooks in, attempts to get a rear naked choke fully applied.
>Reitsma doesn't allow the rear naked choke to be applied.
>Pander maintains his hooks, despite Reitsma trying to break them.
>With both hooks in, Pander tries to flatten Reitsma out for the rear naked choke.
>Reitsma fights off the rear naked choke attempt.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Pander pounds away on Reitsma, landing several great shots that threaten to knock him out!
>With Reitsma taking a beating, the referee has to stop the match!

>'Mighty Mouse' Heiko Pander takes the win by TKO!

>Official Result: 'Mighty Mouse' Heiko Pander defeats 'Violent' Vaclav Reitsma (TKO (Strikes) in 4:46 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Good effort here by Pander – tight guard when he got taken down that kept himself safe, then made good use of getting a takedown himself to impose control and force the victory. Tough SIGMA debut for Reitsma, but he'll have to improve. He says he wants to face Benedikt Streit next, but that ain't happening as Streit's near a title shot.

Antoine Corvoisier v Isaac Jacobsen (4-1)

>Moving on to the next match, in which Antoine 'Le Grand Chien' Corvoisier squares off with 'Ice Cold' Isaac Jacobsen in the SIGMA Middleweight division.

>And here we go!
>Jacobsen counters a left jab with a sudden huge right hand that knocks Corvoisier out cold!
>Isaac Jacobsen takes the victory by way of Knock Out!

>Official Result: 'Ice Cold' Isaac Jacobsen defeats Antoine 'Le Grand Chien' Corvoisier (Knock Out (Punch) in 0:27 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: And that's how to make your debut! One punch power, thank you very much! Jacobsen says in the post-fight interview that he's like to take on Guilherme Faure next, which is a possibility.

Stratos Papaioannou (26-7) v Libor Pudil (1-1)

>Next up is a match in which Stratos 'Atlas' Papaioannou competes against 'The Destroyer' Libor Pudil in the SIGMA Heavyweight division.

>The fight begins!
>Papaioannou counters a left jab with a barrage of big right hands, forcing Pudil back!
>Pudil covers up to safely defend against a flurry of rights and lefts.
>Slipping past a left jab, Pudil hits a stinging jab.
>Slipping past a left jab, Papaioannou hits a sequence of quick punches.
>Papaioannou uses head movement to dodge a jab, and counters with a sequence of quick punches.
>Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Pudil hits a nice jab.
>Pudil lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a left jab to the cheek.
>Papaioannou shows good head movement to avoid getting caught with a jab.
>Standing in the pocket, Papaioannou chooses to shoot in for a double leg on Pudil.
>Pudil sprawls, stopping the takedown and forcing Papaioannou down to the ground into a type of turtle position.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Pudil looks to unload with some big right hands, but Papaioannou gets back to his feet before too many land.
>Pudil slips past a left jab and fires back with a clean left.
>Papaioannou tries for a left jab but Pudil moves out of range.
>Papaioannou throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Papaioannou doesn't get the takedown, Pudil was equal to it and pulls them into a clinch.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Pudil is trying to muscle Papaioannou up against the cage.
>Pudil achieves it, pinning Papaioannou to the cage.
>Papaioannou takes a hard foot stomp.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Pudil.

>We are back underway!
>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.
>The grappling doesn't go anywhere, and they break apart.
>Papaioannou uses a flurry of lefts and rights to get Pudil to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>Papaioannou doesn't get the takedown, Pudil was equal to it and pulls them into a clinch.
>Pudil is looking to muscle Papaioannou back against the cage.
>Pudil does it, Papaioannou is stuck with his back to the cage.
>Pudil shows his grappling ability by pinning Papaioannou up against the cage and keeps him there for well over sixty seconds.
>Libor Pudil looks very tired out there.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Pudil tries to hit Papaioannou with an elbow, but Papaioannou takes the opportunity to switch it around so that he is in control and Pudil is the one backed against the cage.
>With Pudil stuck against the cage, Papaioannou gets the underhooks and looks for a takedown.
>Pudil will not go down, he blocks the takedown despite the best efforts of Papaioannou.
>Pudil tries to get clear of the grapple, but Papaioannou holds him in place.
>Papaioannou has gotten underhooks in and is looking to take Pudil to the ground.
>Pudil shows stubborn resistance and Papaioannou cannot complete the takedown.
>Libor Pudil looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give.
>Pudil tries to get free of the clinch, but is stuck.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>With the cage trapping Pudil, Papaioannou gets the underhooks in and looks for a takedown.
>Papaioannou tries hard but cannot get Pudil off of his feet, and has to settle for slipping behind him instead.
>Stratos Papaioannou is looking really tired.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>Not much happened in that round, hopefully the fighters will pick up the pace a bit when we restart.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Pudil.

>Round three begins!
>Judging from what we heard from his corner, Papaioannou is looking to get the fight to the ground ASAP.
>Papaioannou steps back to avoid a left jab.
>A couple of ragged punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from a visibly tired Papaioannou.
>Papaioannou is stopped by a good sprawl, and is pulled down to the ground in a loose front facelock until he is on his knees.
>Pudil looks to unload with some big right hands, but Papaioannou gets back to his feet before too many land.
>Libor Pudil looks exhausted.
>Papaioannou catches Pudil with a flurry of small strikes.
>Papaioannou hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening.
>Pudil seems to be waiting for Papaioannou to make a move.
>Papaioannou, who is visibly tired, looks like he might want to get in close and wrestle with Pudil.
>Papaioannou can't get close enough to grapple, Pudil makes sure to keep out of range.
>Stratos Papaioannou looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Pudil fakes a lunge.
>Papaioannou presses in closer to attack.
>There's a ragged-looking takedown attempt from a visibly tired Papaioannou.
>Papaioannou is stopped by a good sprawl, and is pulled down to the ground in a loose front facelock until he is on his knees.
>Papaioannou takes a few punches on the way, but manages to get back to standing.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>A jab misses, allowing Papaioannou to counter-strike with a crisp jab.
>Papaioannou throws a couple of jabs, a set up for a tired-looking takedown attempt on Pudil.
>Pudil sees the takedown coming and tries to move.
>Papaioannou doesn't get the takedown, Pudil avoided it.
>Stratos Papaioannou looks exhausted.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>That was a very close round, but I think Papaioannou just about edged it.

>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>The judges give 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27.
>Making 'The Destroyer' Libor Pudil the winner by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: 'The Destroyer' Libor Pudil defeats Stratos 'Atlas' Papaioannou (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: Hmmm, Pudil's good sprawl was extremely effective in stopping Papaioannou's takedown attempts, and he did enough in the stand up to get the decision here, without being particularly impressive. Papaioannou has dropped three straight now, and would be very vulnerable if his contract were due.

Co-main

Faas Smit (#21, 35-14) v Shane Gilchrist (13-5)

>The co-main event is up next. Faas 'Evolution' Smit competes against Shane 'The Butcher' Gilchrist in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.
>Gilchrist is trying to push Smit so that his back is up against the cage.
>Smit ends up backed against the cage.
>Gilchrist tries to use his dirty boxing skills, but Smit uses wrestling to prevent any strikes from being launched.
>Smothered against the cage, Smit is trapped there, unable to do anything but take the occasional nasty short punch to the ribs, for about a minute.
>Smit waits for Gilchrist to throw a knee strike, then uses wrestling to turn him around so that Gilchrist now has his back to the cage.
>Gilchrist is controlled up against the cage and eats a sharp right to the ear.
>Smit looks for a trip takedown.
>Gilchrist keeps his composure, and Smit cannot get past his takedown defence.
>Gilchrist uses a whizzer to half turn Smit, creating enough space for him to break away from the grapple and return to the center.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Smit looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Gilchrist.
>Seeing an opportunity, Gilchrist goes straight for a takedown, but Smit is equal to it.
>Smit counters a wayward left jab with a series of quick jabs.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Smit sneaks a glance at his corner.
>Not letting up, Gilchrist quickly steps in closer to attack Smit.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to Smit 10-9.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Judging from what we heard from his corner, Smit is looking to avoid strikes and take it to the ground in this round.
>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.
>They wind up in a tight clinch.
>With control of the clinch, Smit tries to complete a takedown.
>It looks like Gilchrist is trying to grab a guillotine.
>Smit gets the takedown! Gilchrist pulls guard.
>Smit throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move.
>Smit lies on top of Gilchrist, basically smothering him.
>Smit looks to pass guard and get side control.
>He passes to side control.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Smit attempts an armbar.
>Gilchrist gets caught by the armbar, and it's deep enough that he has to tap!
>The winner, by submission; Faas Smit!

>Official Result: Faas 'Evolution' Smit defeats Shane 'The Butcher' Gilchrist (Submission (Armbar) in 3:10 of round 2). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: Smit shows he's good enough at this level without putting on a performance. I'm not convinced he has it at a higher level, but he may get the chance to test himself anyway. Gilchrist will need a win next time out and may have to face some of the newcomers

Main Event

Vladimir Baskov (6-1) v Lubos Plasil (6-0)

>It's time for the main event of the evening! Vladimir 'The Impaler' Baskov fights Lubos 'The Experiment' Plasil in the SIGMA Lightweight division.

>And here we go!
>Plasil fakes as if going for a single leg, causing Baskov to drop his hands and prepare to sprawl.
>Unbalanced and unprepared, Baskov is only just able to cover up in time to absorb a nice one-two combination.
>There's a takedown attempt from Plasil.
>The takedown is completed, Baskov is on his back and pulls guard.
>Plasil attempts to pass guard.
>Baskov comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Plasil in guard.
>Baskov tries to catch Plasil with a punch, but it is not on target.
>Plasil throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can catch his breath.
>Plasil looks to get past the guard.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Baskov tries a sweep from the bottom of the guard, but doesn't budge Plasil.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Plasil begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Baskov tries to pull Plasil in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>In guard, Plasil begins working to pass to side control.
>He can't get free of the guard.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>Hopefully the fighters will do a little more in the next round, as that was deathly dull.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Plasil.

>Round two begins!
>Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage.
>Plasil tries for a left jab but Baskov uses head movement to avoid it.
>Moving in closer, Plasil looks like he may want to wrestle Baskov.
>Plasil can't get close enough to grapple, Baskov makes sure to keep out of range.
>Plasil comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Plasil cannot get close enough to the elusive Baskov.
>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.
>Baskov fakes a lunge.
>Plasil doesn't press the issue, allowing Baskov to circle.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Baskov gets Plasil with a punch to the ribs, but it lacked power.
>Plasil seems to be waiting for Baskov to make a move.
>Plasil chooses to shoot in on Baskov.
>He has the takedown! It's a single leg, and Baskov has to pull guard.
>Time slips away as Plasil successfully keeps Baskov stuck against the ground.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Plasil smothers Baskov with his body by pushing forward and down.
>In guard, Plasil begins working to pass to side control.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Plasil.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>A left hand misses, allowing Plasil to counter with a left jab to the cheek.
>Plasil steps back to avoid a left jab.
>Baskov tries for a left jab but Plasil moves out of range.
>Baskov sneaks a glance at his corner.
>Time slips away as Plasil doesn't press Baskov, allowing him to circle.
>Baskov swiftly avoids a barrage of big punches.
>Baskov keeps out of range, assessing the situation.
>Plasil seems to be waiting for Baskov to make a move.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Advancing, Plasil counters a left jab by using a solid left jab.
>Plasil goes to the body and then to the head with a tidy combination to get Baskov to cover up, then shoots in.
>He has the takedown! Baskov pulls guard.
>Baskov is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Plasil off of him.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Plasil is trying to pass guard.
>Baskov comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Plasil in guard.
>Plasil leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Baskov.
>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 Plasil.

>Here come the official scores.
>All three judges give 30-27.
>Lubos Plasil wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Lubos 'The Experiment' Plasil defeats Vladimir 'The Impaler' Baskov (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Awful.

Comments: Well that was a mistake, putting these two in the Main Event. Plasil did what he had to to get the victory, but it wasn't pretty. Baskov seemingly had no answer to the takedowns or the ground control, and Plasil never looked like attempting to finish it from guard when he couldn't pass.

Show summary

Critical rating: Average

Commercial success: Average

Fight of the Night: Heiko Pander v Vaclav Reitsma

Knockout of the Night: Isaac Jacobsen

Submission of the Night: Faas Smit

Comments: We got away with that one a bit. The bad Main Event was partially compensated for by a couple of good openers, but leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Plasil had been tagged as a future championship contender, but on that evidence he needs to show me more.

batsnumbereleven · November 30, 2013

Prediction results

cymru96 4/6 (46/68)

Jingo 3/6 (20/32)

CageRage 3/6 (65/91)

cymru edged this one by picking the Main Event correctly.

Injury report

Daniil Skala has picked up a hand injury and will miss a month, which is matched by the month that the athletic commission have suspended him for. Also picking up precautionary bans are Antoine Corvoisier (3 months) and Shane Gilchrist and Vaclav Reitsma (2 months each).

End of month finances

January saw a profit of just over $28k

SIGMA signings

The scouts have been out and about in the UK this month and have signed up the following:

Charlie Oakley (Middleweight), Christopher Drew (Heavyweight), Graeme Spark (Featherweight) and Iain Fussell (Welterweight).

batsnumbereleven · November 30, 2013

Wednesday 3rd February 1999 <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 Terron Cabal (#13, 12-0) will make his first defence of the SIGMA Heavyweight Championship on Sunday 14th February at the AWD Hall, Hanover, against former champion Gunnar Nilsson (#9, 44-11). Cabal won the title from Grzegorz Boniek at SIGMA 8. SIGMA 18: Cabal v Nilsson will be co-headlined by a fight between two veteran Featherweights, as former champion Lars Bohlin (#16, 48-7) takes on Icelandic grappler Snorri Gunnarsson (#12, 21-5-1NC). In Light-Heavyweight action, Dutch kick boxer Rafael van der Moot (8-0) will face Hamburg's Michael Klaughnschue (4-0) in a battle of undefeateds. Erstwhile SIGMA Lightweight champion Lukas Mellberg (17-4) looks to get back to winning ways with a bout against hometown boxer Jochen Bellof (3-2), whilst 19-year-old Polish kickboxer Krzysztof Bujnicki (1-0) takes on Sweden's Ruben Ericsson (8-2-1) in a second Featherweight contest as both make their SIGMA debuts. In the opener, we'll see an all-French affair, as Welterweight kick boxers Benni Peyroux (1-1) and MMA virgin Andre Coton (0-0) face off.</div></blockquote> Card for Picks: SIGMA 18 Terron Cabal © v Gunnar Nilsson Lars Bohlin v Snorri Gunnarsson Rafael van der Moot v Michael Klaughnschue Lukas Mellberg v Jochen Bellof Krzysztof Bujnicki v Ruben Ericsson Benni Peyroux v Andre Coton

cymru96 · November 30, 2013

Terron Cabal © v Gunnar Nilsson

Lars Bohlin v Snorri Gunnarsson

Rafael van der Moot v Michael Klaughnschue

Lukas Mellberg v Jochen Bellof

Krzysztof Bujnicki v Ruben Ericsson

Benni Peyroux v Andre Coton

LoNdOn · November 30, 2013

Terron Cabal © v Gunnar Nilsson

Lars Bohlin v Snorri Gunnarsson

Rafael van der Moot v Michael Klaughnschue

Lukas Mellberg v Jochen Bellof

Krzysztof Bujnicki v Ruben Ericsson

Benni Peyroux v Andre Coton

batsnumbereleven · November 30, 2013

Umm, cymru96, you haven't made a pick for the Bujnicki-Ericsson match-up. Do you want to edit your post?

CageRage · November 30, 2013

SIGMA 18

Terron Cabal © v Gunnar Nilsson

Lars Bohlin v Snorri Gunnarsson

Rafael van der Moot v Michael Klaughnschue

Lukas Mellberg v Jochen Bellof

Krzysztof Bujnicki v Ruben Ericsson

Benni Peyroux v Andre Coton

Jingo · November 30, 2013

SIGMA 18

Terron Cabal © v Gunnar Nilsson

Lars Bohlin v Snorri Gunnarsson

Rafael van der Moot v Michael Klaughnschue

Lukas Mellberg v Jochen Bellof

Krzysztof Bujnicki v Ruben Ericsson

Benni Peyroux v Andre Coton

batsnumbereleven · December 1, 2013

News and Notes from around the MMA world: 1st - 14th February 1999

Signings

ALPHA-1: -

GAMMA: Chuck Dooley, Toby Sorkin, Allen LeFleur,

OMEGA: Jared Mooney, Guillermo Morales, Axel Guerrera, Frankie Geddon, Joey Valdez, Louis De La Torre, Oscar Gomez, Agustin Gonzalez, Sebastian Fernandez,

BCF: -

FLB: -

XCC: -

WEFF: -

KDMFC: Morten Toksvig,

Events

None.

batsnumbereleven · December 1, 2013

Event report SIGMA 18 Sunday 14th February 1999 AWD Hall, Hanover, Germany. Attendance: 1889 for a gate of $94,450 PPV Buys: N/A Benni Peyroux (1-1) v Andre Coton (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 Benni 'The X Man' Peyroux goes head to head with Andre Coton in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >There's the opening bell! >Coton counters a left kick to the legs with a crisp left hand punch. >Coton counters a flurry of punches by hitting a clean jab. >Coton slips out of the way of a jab. >Coton darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Peyroux to commit to throwing a strike. >Peyroux is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Coton now has Peyroux standing in the pocket. >Coton slips past a straight punch and hits a solid left jab. >Coton slips past a straight punch and hits a punch. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >A left jab misses the mark and allows Peyroux to counter with a left hook to the body. >Slipping past a left jab, Peyroux hits a sharp kick to the shin. >Peyroux throws a leg kick but Coton checks it easily. >Coton backs away to create some more space. >Peyroux comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Peyroux is now standing in the pocket. >We're into the final minute of the round. >A right jab misses the mark and allows Coton to counter with a clean left jab. >Using head movement to slip past a right jab, Coton hits a straight left. >Slipping past a powerful straight left, Coton counters with a straight left. >Round one ends as time expires. >Great round, very exciting. >That round goes to Coton, 10-9 on my card. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >Between rounds, his corner told Peyroux to be aggressive and really let his hands go. >Coton avoids a barrage of big left hands. >Coton feints rushing in, but withdraws. >Coton counters a left kick to the body by hitting a crisp jab. >Peyroux comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Strikes from Coton keep Peyroux from stepping in too close. >Coton uses a right hook to the body, but misses. >Not letting Coton settle at all, Peyroux comes in closer. >Peyroux is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Peyroux moves into the pocket. >Coton slips past a flurry of rights and lefts and hits a left jab to the cheek. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Using good head movement, Coton ducks under a punch and scores with a left jab to the cheek. >Breathing very hard, Benni Peyroux is looking ragged. >A big left misses, giving Coton the chance to counter with a solid punch. >Peyroux lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a big left that knocks Coton out! >By Knock Out, the winner is Benni Peyroux! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Benni 'The X Man' Peyroux defeats Andre Coton (Knock Out (Punch) in 3:34 of round 2). The match was rated as being Fantastic. Comments: Whoa! Way to start the evening! Coton was looking good until he got caught, and that was that! Krzysztof Bujnicki (1-0) v Ruben Ericsson (8-2-1) <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, Krzysztof 'The Pole Cat' Bujnicki fights Ruben Ericsson in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >The fight begins! >Ericsson steps back to avoid a leg kick. >Bujnicki slips out of the way of a flurry of punches. >Bujnicki slips past a right jab and counters with a kick to the inside of the right leg. >Advancing, Ericsson counters a left jab by using a crisp right hand punch. >A leg kick misses badly, giving Ericsson an opening to score with a flurry of small strikes. >Ericsson uses a left hook to the body, but misses. >Bujnicki doesn't let Ericsson settle, stepping in closer to impose himself. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Bujnicki drops his shoulder and feints to step in, but Ericsson isn't buying it. >Ericsson counters an attempted body kick with a barrage of big left hands, forcing Bujnicki back! >That last shot may have done some damage, Bujnicki is backing off and looks totally dazed! >Ericsson throws a vicious left uppercut to try and finish Bujnicki, but he is just able to avoid it. >A leg kick misses badly, giving Ericsson an opening to score with a crisp right hand punch. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Ericsson slams a crisp left into the gloves of Bujnicki, but can't follow up. >Bujnicki comes in closer to press the issue. >Bujnicki feints left, then right. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >Hopefully the next round will produce a little more in the way of action. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Ericsson. >Round two begins! >Between rounds, his corner told Ericsson to try and use counter striking in this round. >Bujnicki counters a flurry of punches with a kick to the ribs. >Bujnicki drops a shoulder, trying to sucker Ericsson in with a feint. >An attempted inside leg kick misses, giving Ericsson the opportunity to counter with a jab. >A flurry of punches fail to land, giving Bujnicki the opportunity to counter with a straight left. >Ericsson steps back to avoid a flurry of punches after falling for a clever feint. >Bujnicki drops his shoulder as a feint, trying to draw a strike. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Moving in closer, Bujnicki looks like he wants to strike from the pocket. >He gets into range. >A powerful straight left goes wide and Bujnicki is able to counter with a nice left. >Using head movement, Bujnicki slips past a right jab and counters with a kick to the ribs. >Ericsson sees a right kick coming and strikes first with a punch. >Slipping past a right jab, Bujnicki hits a jab. >We're into the final minute of the round. >A left jab misses, giving Ericsson the chance to hit back with a barrage of punches, eventually putting Bujnicki down! >Ericsson moves in quickly, kneeling beside Bujnicki and starting to hammer down with punches! >Ericsson pounds away with punches and Bujnicki is having trouble doing anything about it! >The referee jumps in and saves Bujnicki from taking any more shots! >By TKO, the winner is Ruben Ericsson! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Ruben Ericsson defeats Krzysztof 'The Pole Cat' Bujnicki (TKO (Strikes) in 4:33 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Excellent performance on debut from Ericsson, who looked the better striker all through and nearly got a knock down in the first. Lukas Mellberg (17-4) v Jochen Bellof (3-2) <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 Ice Cold Swede' Lukas Mellberg will take on Jochen 'The Barrage' Bellof in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >Round one begins! >Mellberg slips out of the way of a combination of short sharp punches. >Mellberg slips out of the way of a combination of short sharp punches. >A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate. >Bellof moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a lightning fast couple of jabs and a right cross. >Mellberg comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Bellof attempts to avoid Mellberg as he shoots in. >Mellberg doesn't get the takedown, Bellof avoided it. >Mellberg circles as he plans his next move. >Not letting Mellberg settle, Bellof moves in closer. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Bellof feints to the right, trying to draw Mellberg into throwing a strike. >Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done. >Mellberg avoids a tight combination. >Mellberg avoids a tight combination. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >An errant jab sets Bellof up to counter-strike with a couple of tight angled jabs and a scorching right hook to the body. >Bellof slips past a left jab and counters with a left. >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >That round goes to Bellof, 10-9 on my card. >We are back underway! >It sounded like his corner told Bellof to stand with Mellberg, but to be careful not to get caught. >Moving forward, Bellof counters a left jab with a scorchingly fast combination. >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >A left jab misses, Bellof counters with a stinging jab. >A left jab misses, giving Bellof the chance to hit back with some heavy right hands...Mellberg tries to cover up but is knocked down! >Bellof quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Mellberg! >Mellberg survives then onslaught and manages to pull half guard. >Mellberg keeps Bellof, who looked to be trying to stand up, in half guard. >Mellberg attempts to grab an arm of Bellof from the bottom of half guard. >An armbar is applied, and as soon as the arm is pulled straight Bellof has to tap out! >Lukas Mellberg takes the victory by way of submission! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Ice Cold Swede' Lukas Mellberg defeats Jochen 'The Barrage' Bellof (Submission (Armbar) in 2:29 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Disappointing from Bellof, just when he looked like he was going to upset the former champ. Mellberg looked okay in the first round but his chin does seem to be a bit suspect these days. He did well to recover and take the sub from his back. Rafael van der Moot (8-0) v Michael Klaughnschue (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>>Moving on, Rafael van der Moot goes up against Michael Klaughnschue in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >The fight begins! >van der Moot tries for a right body kick but Klaughnschue moves out of range. >A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate. >From the missed strikes they clinch. >With underhooks giving him solid control over van der Moot, Klaughnschue looks for a takedown. >Klaughnschue can't get the takedown, van der Moot defended it well. >Klaughnschue loses control of van der Moot, who breaks free from the grapple and backs off. >Klaughnschue shoots in for a takedown. >van der Moot sprawls well, and Klaughnschue is forced down to his knees, almost turtled up. >van der Moot pounds away, the turtled up Klaughnschue is in serious trouble! >The referee jumps in to save Klaughnschue from taking any more shots! >That has to be called a controversial finish as Klaughnschue may have been in trouble but he was still clearly active and trying to defend himself! >The winner, by TKO; Rafael van der Moot! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Rafael van der Moot defeats Michael Klaughnschue (TKO (Strikes) in 1:58 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Got to agree with the commentators here, this one was definitely stopped too soon. Klaughnschue will get some leeway for this, even though he was in trouble. For his part, van der Moot did what he needed to and will progress from this as expected. Co-main Lars Bohlin (#16, 48-7) v Snorri Gunnarsson (#12, 21-5-1NC) <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. 'Ice Cold' Lars Bohlin will take on Snorri Gunnarsson in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >There's the opening bell! >A flurry of punches fail to land, giving Bohlin the opportunity to counter with a nice jab. >Advancing, Gunnarsson counters a left jab by using a quick series of punches. >Bohlin uses a flurry of lefts and rights to get Gunnarsson to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown. >The takedown is successful, it's a single leg that leaves Gunnarsson pulling guard. >In guard, Bohlin begins working to pass to side control. >He passes to half guard. >Bohlin attempts to pass half guard and gain a better position. >Bohlin isn't able to pass from half guard thanks to the tenacious defence of Gunnarsson. >Gunnarsson tries to sweep Bohlin but can't do it. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Bohlin looks to pass half guard and get side control. >Gunnarsson keeps Bohlin in half guard. >Gunnarsson tries to sweep Bohlin but doesn't get anywhere. >Bohlin looks to get past the half guard. >Bohlin struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in half guard. >Bohlin blocks an attempted sweep. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Bohlin attempts to pass half guard. >Bohlin isn't able to pass from half guard thanks to the tenacious defence of Gunnarsson. >Bohlin blocks Gunnarsson as he tries a sweep from half guard. >Time expires and we come to the end of round one. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Bohlin. >Round two begins! >Bohlin slips out of the way of a flurry of punches. >Gunnarsson slips past a left jab and counters with a nice left hand. >Bohlin shoots in for a takedown. >Gunnarsson attempts to snare Bohlin in a guillotine off the takedown. >The takedown is too good, the attempted guillotine is lost. >He has the takedown! Gunnarsson pulls guard. >Time slips away as Bohlin successfully keeps Gunnarsson stuck against the ground. >Bohlin lies on top of Gunnarsson, basically smothering him. >Bohlin begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. >Gunnarsson comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Bohlin in guard. >Gunnarsson tries to ensnare Bohlin in a triangle. >Bohlin pulls free of the triangle and brilliantly spins to side control. >We move into the second half of this round. >Bohlin looks to get a mount. >Bohlin mounts Gunnarsson. >Bohlin fires away with punches, Gunnarsson is getting pounded. >There's lots of strikes landing, Gunnarsson needs to find a way out of this position quickly! >The referee gives Gunnarsson time to do something, but eventually has to come in and stop the fight! >By TKO, the winner is Lars Bohlin! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Ice Cold' Lars Bohlin defeats Snorri Gunnarsson (TKO (Strikes) in 3:59 of round 2). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Solid professional job by Bohlin, getting the takedown in each round and wearing Gunnarsson down so that he could pass guard. Gunnarsson looked ok holding guard in the first round, but perhaps paid for trying to take the arm from the bottom and allowing Bohlin to pass. Gunnarsson says in private after the night is over that he'd like a lesser-ranked challenge next, perhaps Vaclav Reitsma, which is possible, depending on who and what is available when both are ready to fight again. Main Event SIGMA Heavyweight Championship Terron Cabal (#13, 12-0) © v Gunnar Nilsson (#9, 44-11) <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 Baddest Man In MMA' Terron Cabal goes head to head with 'Swedish Superman' Gunnar Nilsson in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >This match is for the SIGMA Heavyweight title. >There's the opening bell! >Cabal feints one way to put Nilsson off balance, then comes in with a barrage of big right hands, forcing Nilsson back up against the cage! >Nilsson collapses, hurt, and Cabal looks to finish by unleashing a barrage of strikes to his downed opponent! >With Nilsson taking a lot of big punches, the referee has to stop the match! >The winner, by TKO, is 'The Baddest Man In MMA' Terron Cabal! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Baddest Man In MMA' Terron Cabal defeats 'Swedish Superman' Gunnar Nilsson (TKO (Strikes) in 0:25 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Top performance from the champ. Nilsson is past his best and unlikely to challenge again. Show summary Critical rating: Great Commercial success: Good Fight of the Night: Benni Peyroux v Andre Coton Knockout of the Night: Benni Peyroux Submission of the Night: Lukas Mellberg Comments: A top suite of fights tonight – very pleased with the performances in general.

batsnumbereleven · December 1, 2013

Prediction results

London 4/6

cymru96 3/5 (49/73)

CageRage 3/6 (68/97)

Jingo 3/6 (23/38)

London was the only one to pick Lars Bohlin over Snorri Gunnarsson here, which made the difference. The first two matches stumped everyone.

Injury report

No injuries are reported by the locker-room staff, but the athletic commission have slapped suspensions of 1 month on Bujnicki, Klaughnschue and Gunnarsson and 2 months on Coton, Bellof and Nilsson.

Other news

Gunnar Nilsson's contract is up and we'll offer an extension, but it may be shorter than standard given that he's now 38 years old.

batsnumbereleven · December 1, 2013

Monday 15th February 1999 <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 proud to announce that SIGMA 19 will see Featherweight champion Manish Khan (#5, 10-1) defend his title against Spanish brawler Fernando Peragon (#7, 10-2). SIGMA 19: Khan v Peragon, which will take place at the Lipperlandhalle in Lemgo, Germany on Friday 26th February, will be co-headlined by a Light-Heavyweight fight between former champ Nicolai Mickiewicz (20-5), and Belgian Koenraad Belien (9-3) who are both coming off a tough loss. At Heavyweight, we have two contests - another former champ, Poland's Grzegorz Boniek (34-5) faces off against French kickboxer Jean-Pierre Richelleau (23-8) and the undefeated Russian Sambo artist Aleksander Ivanov (#25, 8-0) will be pitted against Polish wrestler Stanislaw Lipnicki (14-6). Also on the card, Norwegian Middleweight Thorbjorn Rekdal (7-1) takes on Serbian newcomer Luka Hajek (1-0), and undefeated Lightweight youngsters Alan Saul (3-0) from France and Xavi Castillejo (2-0) from Spain will put the 100% records head-to-head.</div></blockquote> Card for picks: SIGMA 19 Manish Khan © v Fernando Peragon Nicolai Mickiewicz v Koenraad Belien Grzegorz Boniek v Jean-Pierre Richelleau Aleksander Ivanov v Stanislaw Lipnicki Thorbjorn Rekdal v Luka Hajek Alan Saul v Xavi Castillejo

CageRage · December 2, 2013

SIGMA 19

Nicolai Mickiewicz v Koenraad Belien

Grzegorz Boniek v Jean-Pierre Richelleau

Aleksander Ivanov v Stanislaw Lipnicki

Thorbjorn Rekdal v Luka Hajek

Alan Saul v Xavi Castillejo

Jingo · December 2, 2013

SIGMA 19

Nicolai Mickiewicz v Koenraad Belien

Grzegorz Boniek v Jean-Pierre Richelleau

Aleksander Ivanov v Stanislaw Lipnicki

Thorbjorn Rekdal v Luka Hajek

Alan Saul v Xavi Castillejo

batsnumbereleven · December 2, 2013

News and Notes from around the MMA world: 15th-28th February 1999

Signings

ALPHA-1: -

GAMMA:-

OMEGA: Bratislaw Boldar, Solomon Salas, Julio Gutierrez, Lamberto Mendieta, Gaby Ayala, Esteban Vega, Jose Gonzales, Abdul Nsikan, Tomoji Takaoka, Norman Pike, Rogelio Quesada, Ion Dimitrescu, Diego Arteta, Juan Havana

BCF: -

FLB: -

XCC: -

WEFF: -

KDMFC: -

Events

Friday 19th February saw KDMFC 10: Ho v Akita in Eastern Asia. In the main event, #1 Featherweight Li-Kong Ho extended his perfect record to 21 victories as he retained his KDMFC Featherweight crown with a submission victory over Kenji Akita (#11, 10-2) in the third round. Also at Featherweight, former champ Tomohiro Takeuchi (#6, 18-3) beat Sophon Sastrowardoya (3-1) by TKO in the second round.

BCF: Chuckle v Oppenheimer took place on Monday 22nd February. In the main event, the vacant BCF Lightweight title was up for grabs, and it was taken by Ron Chuckle (4-0), who defeated Dominik Oppenheimer (3-1) by unanimous decision.

In XCC's latest event in California on Wednesday 24th February, #2 Featherweight Philip Ziskie (20-1-1) retained his XCC Featherweight title and inflicted a first professional defeat on Wallace Everett (#8, 10-1), winning by TKO in the second round. On the undercard, Rafael Tavares (#11, 13-2) defeated Ivan Bokhour (4-2) by guillotine submission in the third round.

Again, ALPHA-1 and GAMMA both held cards on the same evening, Saturday 27th February. ALPHA-1: Fezzik v Arai saw legendary Heavyweight Hassan Fezzik (#1, 28-0) continue his rampage, defeating Hiro Arai (#13, 16-6) by submission in just over six minutes of their fight. At GAMMA 33: Morrison v Sugar, around 9000 were in attendance in Nevada for challenger Brandon Sugar's (#5, 27-4) third round guillotine victory over GAMMA Lightweight champion Sean Morrison (#2, 29-4). In the co-headliner, #3 Heavyweight Tim Boyer (26-3-2) staked his claim to a title shot against champion James Foster (#2, 32-4-1) who fights next month, with a third round TKO victory over Rick Stanley (#25, 28-15).

LoNdOn · December 2, 2013

Nicolai Mickiewicz v Koenraad Belien

Grzegorz Boniek v Jean-Pierre Richelleau

Aleksander Ivanov v Stanislaw Lipnicki

Thorbjorn Rekdal v Luka Hajek

Alan Saul v Xavi Castillejo

batsnumbereleven · December 2, 2013

Event report SIGMA 19: Khan v Peragon Friday 26th February 1999 Lipperlandhalle, Lemgo, Germany. Attendance: 1882 for a gate of $94,100 PPV Buys: N/A Alan Saul (3-0) v Xavi Castillejo (2-0) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Another match is about to begin; Alain Saul battles Xavi Castillejo in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >There's the opening bell! >They come together and strike, but neither can land a clean shot. >Castillejo looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Saul finds himself pulled into a grappling contest. >Saul tries to wriggle free, but Castillejo controls him well and gets in a few close-range punches too. >Saul tries to wriggle free, but Castillejo controls him well and gets in a few close-range punches too. >Saul tries to wriggle free, but Castillejo controls him well and gets in a few close-range punches too. >Saul gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Castillejo uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment. >Saul gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Castillejo uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment. >Saul tries to wriggle free, but Castillejo controls him well and gets in a few close-range punches too. >We move into the second half of this round. >Castillejo uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Saul as they grapple. >Castillejo and Saul break the grapple and are apart again, circling. >A nice combination fails to land, allowing Saul to hit back with a stinging left jab. >Saul fakes a lunge. >Not letting Saul settle at all, Castillejo comes in closer. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Castillejo is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Saul now has Castillejo standing in the pocket. >Castillejo throws a kick to the body but Saul dodges it. >Moving in closer, Saul looks like he may want to wrestle Castillejo. >Saul can't get near enough to engage, Castillejo uses strikes to keep him out of range. >The time runs out on round one. >That round goes to Castillejo, 10-9 on my card. >We are back underway! >Judging from what we heard from his corner, Saul is looking to push the pace with strikes in this round. >An errant jab sets Castillejo up to counter-strike with a clever combination that finishes with a nice right cross. >Saul avoids a tight combination. >A wild spinning back fist misses and allows Castillejo to counter with a pair of nice shots to the body. >Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done. >From the missed strikes they clinch. >Castillejo uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Saul as they grapple. >Saul tries to wriggle free, but Castillejo controls him well and gets in a few close-range punches too. >Saul is trying to push Castillejo so that his back is up against the cage. >He does so, and now has Castillejo pinned to the cage. >Alain Saul is breathing very hard. >Castillejo gets caught with a knee to the inside of the thigh. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Saul steps back from Castillejo and looks to unleash some strikes. >A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate. >Stepping back, Saul creates a bit of distance. >Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything. >Neither fighter backs away, instead they both choose to start swinging! >Saul hits a right hook to the body. >Saul misses with an attempted right hook to the body. >Castillejo comes in closer to press the issue. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Castillejo is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Saul. >Saul is pulled into a grapple. >Saul gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Castillejo uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment. >From the looks of things, I don't think Alain Saul has much energy left. >Round two is brought to an end as time runs out. >That round goes to Castillejo, 10-9 on my card. >We are back underway! >Saul tries for a left jab but Castillejo moves out of range. >A jab misses, allowing Castillejo to counter-strike with a flurry of jabs and straight punches. >Saul slips out of the way of a leg kick. >Castillejo throws three punches in quick succession, but Saul was out of range. >Not letting up, Saul quickly steps in closer to attack Castillejo. >Castillejo avoids a quick jab and hits a couple of hard right hands! >Castillejo comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Saul. >Saul finds himself pulled into a grappling contest. >Castillejo uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Saul. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Using his wrestling skills, Castillejo is trying to push Saul up against the cage. >Castillejo does it, Saul is stuck with his back to the cage. >Breathing very hard, Xavi Castillejo is looking ragged. >Castillejo pins Saul up against the cage and hits a couple of nice right hands to the side of the head. >Alain Saul looks like he is completely out of gas. >Castillejo hits Saul, who is pressed up against the cage, with a nice short uppercut. >Saul is trapped against the cage and Castillejo hits him with a short left uppercut. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Saul eats a short right uppercut that rocks him. >Castillejo breaks the grapple and prepares to launch some strikes at Saul. >Showing good head movement, Saul weaves out of the way of a wild right hand. >Not comfortable in the pocket, Saul steps back and creates some space. >Saul throws a speculative right, but it is nowhere near hitting. >It seems that Castillejo is happy to let Saul circle for the moment. >Xavi Castillejo looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion. >We reach the time limit and this fight is over. >I have to give that round to Castillejo, but only a 10-9. >The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced. >All three judges give 30-27. >Xavi Castillejo wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Xavi Castillejo defeats Alain Saul (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Good bout, and a good result for Castillejo. Saul can't be too disappointed, but he doesn't look to be in the top class on this evidence. Thorbjorn Rekdal (7-1) v Luka Hajek (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, 'Brickhouse' Thorbjorn Rekdal goes head to head with 'Filthy' Luka Hajek in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >We are underway! >Hajek feints stepping in. >Rekdal covers up to absorb a tidy combination of punches and then hits a hard leg kick. >A jab misses, allowing Rekdal to counter-strike with several big right hands, putting Hajek down, dazed! >Hajek shakes off the blow almost immediately though, and waits for Rekdal to make a move. >On his back, Hajek eats a stomp to the chest! >On his back, Hajek watches as Rekdal comes in looking to get a dominant ground position. >Hajek is unable to prevent Rekdal from getting side control. >Rekdal hits a knee strike to the ribs. >Hajek takes a knee strike to the ribs from under side control. >Hajek takes a crunching knee strike to the ribs from under side control! >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Rekdal pounds away on Hajek, landing several great shots that rock Hajek! >Rekdal throws a few strikes, but they are without venom. >Hajek tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. >Looking to catch his breath, Rekdal is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Rekdal throws a few right hands, but is mainly trying to catch his breath. >Rekdal fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. >Hajek tries to move to guard, but Rekdal doesn't allow it. >The time runs out on round one. >That round goes to Rekdal, 10-9 on my card. >And here we go, round two! >Hajek steps in, feints a kick, then darts back out. >Hajek feints stepping in. >A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning. >Hajek backs away to create some more space. >Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike. >Neither fighter backs away, instead they both choose to start swinging! >Hajek hits a great right hand, snapping back his opponent's head. >Rekdal is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Hajek. >Rekdal cannot get close enough to the elusive Hajek to grapple. >A straight left from Hajek fails to land. >The fight slows as Rekdal sits back and allows Hajek to circle. >We move into the second half of this round. >Hajek glances a strike off the side of the shoulder. >It seems that Rekdal is happy to let Hajek circle for the moment. >Rekdal throws a looping punch, but Hajek avoids it. >Not letting Rekdal settle at all, Hajek comes in closer. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage. >Neither fighter backs away, instead they both choose to start swinging! >Rekdal hits the best punch of the exchange, a solid right hand to the jaw. >Hajek glances a strike off the side of the shoulder. >Rekdal doesn't press the issue, allowing Hajek to circle. >Time expires and we come to the end of round two. >That was a close round, but I'm giving it to Rekdal, 10-9. >Round three begins! >Rekdal avoids a quick jab and hits several big right hands, putting Hajek down, dazed! >Rekdal starts pounding away on Hajek, looking to finish him off! >Rekdal fires away with punches, Hajek is taking powerful shot after powerful shot! >The referee is forced to jump in and stop the match! >By TKO, the winner is Thorbjorn Rekdal! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Brickhouse' Thorbjorn Rekdal defeats 'Filthy' Luka Hajek (TKO (Strikes) in 0:43 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Not sure why Rekdal didn't do this in the first round instead of the third – he seemed to have the same position but gave Hajek time to recover. Rekdal wants Isaac Jacobsen next, but it's likely that Jacobsen will fight before Rekdal is ready to go again. One for down the road, perhaps. Aleksander Ivanov (#25, 8-0) v Stanislaw Lipnicki (14-6) <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 Great Bear' Aleksander Ivanov will battle Stanislaw 'Big Daddy' Lipnicki in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >And here we go! >Lipnicki avoids a flurry of punches. >Ivanov shoots in, looking for a takedown. >The takedown is completed, Ivanov came in hard and fast and was too much for Lipnicki. >The takedown leaves Lipnicki seated with his back pressed against the cage. >Ivanov attempts a guillotine. >Ivanov gets a guillotine but cannot get Lipnicki to tap out! >It looks like Lipnicki must have been able to stop the choke from being fully sunk in. >The hold is released, Ivanov realised that he was gassing his arms on an attempt that wasn't going to finish the fight. >Ivanov punches down at Lipnicki, but they are easily taken on the gloves. >Ivanov throws a few strikes, but they are without venom. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >In guard, Ivanov throws a couple of punches designed to keep Lipnicki guessing. >Lipnicki tries to catch Ivanov with a punch, but it is not on target. >Ivanov attempts to pass guard. >Ivanov passes to side control with ease. >Ivanov tries to ensnare Lipnicki in an armbar. >Ivanov gets the armbar fully applied and Lipnicki has to tap out! >Aleksander Ivanov takes the victory by way of submission! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Great Bear' Aleksander Ivanov defeats Stanislaw 'Big Daddy' Lipnicki (Submission (Armbar) in 4:26 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: And another notch on the belt for Ivanov, who looks ready to move up in class. Lipnicki probably deserves an easier fight next time out given his slate over the last fifteen months. Grzegorz Boniek (34-5) v Jean-Pierre Richelleau (23-8) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>Another match is about to begin; 'Polish Power' Grzegorz Boniek goes up against 'The Count' Jean-Pierre Richelleau in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >The fight begins! >A right kick to the legs misses and Boniek fires back with a left jab to the cheek. >Boniek avoids a nice combination. >Boniek looks to be trying to close the distance between them. >Boniek cannot get close enough to the elusive Richelleau to grapple. >Boniek comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in. >The takedown is successful, it's a single leg that leaves Richelleau pulling guard. >Boniek begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. >Richelleau can't do anything about the pass, and is left under side control. >Boniek uses side control to hit a knee just above the hip. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >Boniek tries to ensnare Richelleau in an armbar. >An armbar is applied, Richelleau is trapped! >No! Richelleau manages to get his arm free. Clearly the hold couldn't have been as tight as it looked. >Richelleau tries to pull guard on Boniek but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. >Boniek attempts to americana Richelleau from side control. >The americana is locked in, deep enough that Richelleau has to tap out! >The winner, by submission; Grzegorz Boniek! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Polish Power' Grzegorz Boniek defeats 'The Count' Jean-Pierre Richelleau (Submission (Americana) in 3:31 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Boniek shows his class on the ground, and will get a tougher test next time. Richelleau has faced two toughies since his last win and is another one who might deserve a lesser class of opponent in his next bout. Co-main Nicolai Mickiewicz (20-5) v Koenraad Belien (9-3) <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 Scourge Of Europe' Nicolai Mickiewicz battles Koenraad Belien in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >Round one begins! >An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage. >From the missed strikes they clinch. >Using his wrestling skills, Mickiewicz is trying to push Belien up against the cage. >Belien ends up backed against the cage. >With Belien stuck against the cage, Mickiewicz gets the underhooks and looks for a takedown. >The underhooks are used to set up a trip, Belien is left on his back and has to pull guard. >Belien is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Mickiewicz off of him. >Mickiewicz throws a few strikes, but they are without venom. >Mickiewicz throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. >Mickiewicz pounds away from the guard with elbows, but Belien isn't troubled by them. >Mickiewicz leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Belien. >We move into the second half of this round. >Mickiewicz smothers Belien with his body by pushing forward and down. >In guard, Mickiewicz begins working to pass to side control. >Mickiewicz gets past the guard with a certain degree of ease and gains side control. >Mickiewicz looks to get a mount. >He mounts Belien. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Mickiewicz pounds away on Belien. >Belien had better start defending himself, or this will be over! >The referee pulls Mickiewicz away, stopping the match! >The winner, by TKO, is 'The Scourge Of Europe' Nicolai Mickiewicz! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Scourge Of Europe' Nicolai Mickiewicz defeats Koenraad Belien (TKO (Strikes) in 4:54 of round 1). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: The expected result here, even with Mickiewicz coming off a defeat. We need to find more competitive match-ups for both guys as we go forward. Main Event SIGMA Featherweight Championship Manish Khan (#5, 10-1) © v Fernando Peragon (#7, 10-2) <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! 'Kid Britain' Manish Khan goes up against 'The Peragon Of Virtue' Fernando Peragon in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >This contest is for the SIGMA Featherweight title. >And here we go! >Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage. >Going toe-to-toe, both fighters start exchanging close range strikes! >The exchange is ended by Khan hitting a beauty of a right hand to the body. >Peragon steps back to avoid a barrage of big punches. >Khan looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Peragon. >Khan cannot get close enough to the elusive Peragon. >A straight left from Peragon fails to land. >Khan steps in to put some pressure on. >Khan throws a left jab but Peragon avoids it. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Khan counters an errant left jab with a superb combination of three quick punches to the body and a great right cross. >Peragon looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >Peragon eats a stiff counter right cross and almost goes down! >Khan comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket. >Keen to keep space between them, Peragon backs away. >Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage. >Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up grappling. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Khan tries to wrestle Peragon backward and up against the cage. >Peragon isn't going anywhere though, and manages to slip out of the grapple entirely. >Khan is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket. >Khan moves into the pocket. >Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either. >Neither fighter backs away, instead they both choose to start swinging! >A huge right hook sends Khan down hard! >Round one ends as time expires. >Incredibly close round, but Peragon came out just ahead on my score card. >Round two begins! >Khan avoids a quick jab and hits a crunching right hook to the body. >Peragon feints going high, but Khan doesn't buy it. >Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage. >Khan counters a left jab by hitting a couple of hard rights! >Khan lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a series of quick, sharp punches. >Peragon uses head movement to avoid a combination of punches, then counters with a right hand that is perfectly placed, Khan hits the ground...and is out! >By Knock Out, the winner is Fernando Peragon! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Peragon Of Virtue' Fernando Peragon defeats 'Kid Britain' Manish Khan (Knock Out (Punch) in 2:23 of round 2). The match was rated as being Fantastic. Comments: Peragon makes a virtue of swinging for the fences and with his power and movement maybe he just deserves to be Champion for the sheer audacity of it. To be fair, I don't mind in the least if it's going to mean fights as exciting as this one. It almost tempts me to avoid putting a wrestler up against him! Show summary Critical rating: Great Commercial success: Decent Fight of the Night: Manish Khan v Fernando Peragon Knockout of the Night: Fernando Peragon Submission of the Night: Aleksander Ivanov Comments: Good set of fights, topped by the main event. The belts are changing hands fairly regularly at the moment, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not, but when you get a fight like this one you can't really complain.

batsnumbereleven · December 3, 2013

Prediction results

All three of you picked the same slate of winners, so a good result of 5/6 for all of you, with only Fernando Peragon fooling everyone (me included!)

Cumulative scores:

CageRage 73/103

Jingo 28/44

London 9/12

Injury report

The trainers haven't notified us of any injuries, which is always good to hear, but the athletic commission have imposed precautionary suspensions of 1 month on Koenraad Belien and Manish Khan, 2 months on Jean-Pierre Richelleau and Luka Hajek and a staggering 4 months on Stanislaw Lipnicki – which is interesting when he shipped no damage and was stopped via armbar that didn't result in any injury!

End of month finances

A profit of over $37k made this month. With the swathe of new contracts we had to issue (with commensurate demands for increased pay!), we're now paying around $50k per card out in fighter fees. Of course, some $20k of that now comes from the increased bonus payouts, which we definitely do not begrudge when we get main events like the last one.

SIGMA signings

We're raiding the UK again this month, and pick up the following fighters:

Gregory O'Hara (Lightweight), Jay Dorridge (Featherweight), Matthew Michael Kirby (Light-Heavyweight), and Ozzy Bintley (Heavyweight), all of whom look like they have a bright future.

batsnumbereleven · December 3, 2013

Monday 1st March 1999 Press Release <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Signature Martial Arts is proud to announce its return to Berlin, at the Hohenschonhausen for SIGMA 20: Kanchelskis v Grygera on Friday 26th March. The main event of the evening will be a Championship bout for the SIGMA Middleweight title between defending champion, Fjodor Kanchelskis (#16, 11-0) from Moscow and challenger Jaromir Grygera (#7, 19-5) from Teplice in the Czech Republic. Kanchelskis last defended the title at SIGMA 5 against Fernando Amaro, whilst Grygera has had TKO victories over Spiridon Domazas (at SIGMA 4) and Casim Yenkini (at SIGMA 12) in his recent resume to earn his shot. In the co-main, Poland's Piotr Dabrowski (18-5) will take on Norwegian Jens Halle (#23, 15-2). Both men have picked up two victories in the last year and will be looking to make a statement to stand clear in the Welterweight division as a potential challenger to Noach Van Der Capellen. At Heavyweight, unbeaten Moldovan wrestler Mugur Boc (7-0) will be the first opponent for highly touted debutant Wolfgang Taktarov, who hails from Moscow, whilst two talented jiu-jitsu experts from Lisbon, Portugal will meet on another in the Featherweight division: the prodigy Nuno Valentino (4-0) fighting the experienced Pedro Alves (11-5) for national bragging rights and a step up the SIGMA ladder. In the Light-Heavyweight division, we will see two fighters who have both lost to the impressive newcomer Emil Karlsson recently take one another on – 29-year-old Greek wrestler Alekos Karabatsos (12-5) matches up against 23-year-old Spanish kick boxer Andoni Olano (2-1) – and Stuttgart's Dieter Kolzig (3-1) will fight SIGMA debutant Patrik Pedersen (2-0) from Sweden in Lightweight action.</div></blockquote> Card for picks: SIGMA 20 Fjodor Kanchelskis © v Jaromir Grygera Piotr Dabrowski v Jens Halle Mugur Boc v Wolfgang Taktarov Nuno Valentino v Pedro Alves Alekos Karabatsos v Andoni Olano Dieter Kolzig v Patrik Pedersen

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