SIGMA - Rise of European MMA

CageRage · December 9, 2013

SIGMA 23

Niko Soldo v Faas Smit

Lefter Oktay v Bastian Neske

Oleg Tariverdiev v Tore Herlovsen

Bjarne Bjerre v Roland Furtwangler

Vaclav Reitsma v Ivano Ancic

Seth O'Breen v Milenka Rudonja

batsnumbereleven · December 9, 2013

Event report

SIGMA 23: Soldo v Smit

Friday 26th May 1999

Wilhelm Doptaka Halle, Leverkusen, Germany.

Attendance: 2037 for a gate of $101,850

PPV Buys: N/A

Seth O'Breen (#10, 13-0) v Milenka Rudonja (17-5)

>Moving on to the next match, in which Seth 'Submission King' O'Breen takes on 'The Slovenian Rocket' Milenko Rudonja in the SIGMA Lightweight division.

>Round one begins!
>O'Breen keeps his cool as Rudonja throws a feint to the left.
>A jab misses and Rudonja counters with a kick to the body.
>Rudonja tries for a leg kick but O'Breen moves out of range.
>They come together and throw strikes, both miss.
>O'Breen darts in, feints a jab, darts back out.
>O'Breen looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>He gets into range.
>O'Breen sees a left kick coming and strikes first with a left jab to the cheek.
>An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>O'Breen slips past a jab and scores with a right hook to the body that puts Rudonja down!
>O'Breen doesn't have time to capitalise though, as Rudonja recovers his wits quickly.
>O'Breen looks to get on top of Rudonja.
>O'Breen is quick, Rudonja can't stop him getting side control.
>O'Breen holds Rudonja in position with side control and hits a knee into the ribs.
>O'Breen starts trying to work to use side control as a way to get behind Rudonja.
>Rudonja rolls to the side to try and escape, but gives up his back!
>O'Breen tries to hook Rudonja in a rear naked choke.
>O'Breen gets the rear naked choke fully applied and Rudonja has to tap out!
>Seth O'Breen takes the victory by way of submission!

>Official Result: Seth 'Submission King' O'Breen defeats 'The Slovenian Rocket' Milenko Rudonja (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:07 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.

Comments: Good performance on debut for the former BCF Lightweight champion, and looks like he'll be ready to be put into higher level competition straight away. Rudonja's suffered two tough losses against top tier guys, so probably deserves a step down in his next fight. O'Breen publicly calls out SIGMA Ligtweight champion Fiyero Lermontov in his post-fight interview, which might be jumping the gun a little, but we'll see.

Vaclav Reitsma (6-3) v Ivano Ancic (1-1)

>Another match is about to begin; 'Violent' Vaclav Reitsma will take on Ivano 'Ace' Ancic in the SIGMA Featherweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Ancic counters a left jab with a kick to the body.
>Reitsma avoids a low kick.
>Ancic catches Reitsma with a flurry of small strikes.
>Ancic keeps out of range, assessing the situation.
>Reitsma doesn't let Ancic settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.
>A crazy flying knee is completely off target, giving Ancic the chance to counter with a right body kick.
>Reitsma comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Ancic.
>Ancic finds himself pulled into a grappling contest.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Reitsma is looking to muscle Ancic back against the cage.
>He does so, and now has Ancic pinned to the cage.
>Reitsma goes to use some dirty boxing, but Ancic is aware of the danger and uses wrestling to prevent any damage from happening.
>Reitsma tries to keep him up against the cage with wrestling, but Ancic struggles and doesn't let himself get controlled.
>Reitsma looks to take Ancic down by setting up a judo throw.
>He executes an outside leg trip, sweeping Ancic to the mat where he pulls guard!
>Reitsma attempts to pass guard.
>He can't get free of the guard.
>Ancic tries to pull Reitsma in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Reitsma punches down at Ancic, but they are easily taken on the gloves.
>Ancic tries to catch Reitsma with a punch, but it is not on target.
>Reitsma smothers Ancic with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>Some fans are booing after a round that didn't feature much action.
>An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to Ancic 10-9.

>And here we go, round two!
>Reitsma counters a leg kick by grabbing it and attempting a judo-style trip takedown, down goes Ancic! He pulls guard though.
>Time slips away as Reitsma successfully keeps Ancic stuck against the ground.
>Reitsma begins trying to pass the guard.
>Reitsma isn't able to pass guard on this attempt.
>Ancic tries to catch Reitsma with a punch, but it is not on target.
>Reitsma begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>Ancic comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Reitsma in guard.
>Ancic tries to pull Reitsma in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Reitsma looks to pass guard and get side control.
>He can't find a way past the guard.
>Ancic tries to break free and scramble for position, but Reitsma keeps him trapped.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Reitsma tries to smother Ancic, but he squirms free.
>Ancic gets the double underhooks in and pulls Reitsma close, controlling him well.
>Reitsma lies on top of Ancic, basically smothering him.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round two.
>I think Reitsma took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>We are back underway!
>Judging from what we heard from his corner, Reitsma is looking to avoid strikes and take it to the ground in this round.
>Reitsma tries for a left jab but Ancic moves out of range.
>Vaclav Reitsma looks very tired out there.
>Ancic avoids a jab.
>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.
>In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch.
>Reitsma attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Ancic to the ground.
>An outside leg trip sweeps Ancic down to the ground, where he is left on his back pulling half guard!
>Reitsma throws a few strikes, but they are without venom.
>Reitsma reaches over and tries to lock Ancic in an arm triangle.
>Ancic doesn't allow the arm triangle to be applied.
>Ancic tries to break free and scramble for position, but Reitsma keeps him trapped.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Reitsma throws a few strikes, but they are without venom.
>Ancic uses an underhook to work some separation, then quickly scrambles.
>He doesn't get enough separation though, and is forced to turtle up in front of Reitsma.
>Reitsma floats over and takes the back.
>Reitsma attempts to flatten Ancic out for a rear naked choke.
>Ancic rolls sharply to one side, ending up on top of Reitsma, held in guard.
>Vaclav Reitsma seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Ancic stands up out of guard, but doesn't back off.
>Ancic hits a kick to the knee.
>Reitsma takes a kick to the legs.
>We reach the time limit and this fight is over.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Reitsma.

>The official scores are being reported now.
>The judges give 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.
>So the winner, by unanimous decision, is 'Violent' Vaclav Reitsma!

>Official Result: 'Violent' Vaclav Reitsma defeats Ivano 'Ace' Ancic (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.

Comments: Bit of a snoozer, as Ancic was unable to stop the takedowns or do much from the bottom, whilst his guard was good enough to keep Reitsma from making progress. I had Reitsma taking all three rounds.

Bjarne Bjerre (4-3) v Roland Furtwangler (1-1)

>Next up, Bjarne Bjerre will battle Roland Furtwangler in the SIGMA Welterweight division.

>And here we go!
>A left hand misses, allowing Furtwangler to counter with a nice jab.
>Moving in closer, Bjerre looks like he may want to wrestle Furtwangler.
>Furtwangler tries to counter by dropping down and going for a single leg, but Bjerre defended it well.
>Furtwangler throws a couple of wild punches as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Bjerre attempts to avoid Furtwangler as he shoots in.
>Bjerre avoids the takedown attempt.
>Furtwangler hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening.
>Not letting Furtwangler settle at all, Bjerre comes in closer.
>Furtwangler uses the jab.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Bjerre comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Furtwangler.
>Furtwangler tries to single leg Bjerre as he moves forward, but he is too quick to step away.
>Furtwangler comes in swinging wildly, using the strikes as cover so that he can shoot in.
>A counter right cross is too slow to catch Furtwangler.
>Furtwangler gets a single leg takedown! Bjerre pulls guard off it.
>Furtwangler throws some small strikes, but is clearly just taking a moment to try and catch his breath.
>Bjerre tries to sweep Furtwangler but doesn't get anywhere.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Furtwangler fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves.
>Furtwangler throws a few strikes, but they are without venom.
>Furtwangler fires off a few punches as he catches his breath.
>The time runs out on round one.
>I have to give that round to Furtwangler, but only a 10-9.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Furtwangler tries for a left jab but Bjerre moves out of range.
>Bjerre throws a barrage of big rights but Furtwangler is quick to move out of range.
>Furtwangler avoids a couple of wild swings.
>Bjerre looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>Bjerre is now standing in the pocket.
>Showing good head movement, Bjerre slips past a right hand and counters with an enormous right hook, Furtwangler is out before he hits the ground!
>The winner, by Knock Out; Bjarne Bjerre!

>Official Result: Bjarne Bjerre defeats Roland Furtwangler (Knock Out (Punch) in 2:03 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Good first round for the underdog, but Bjerre looked much more aggressive in the second and showed why he is always a dangerous opponent for anyone. Furtwangler may need to step down a level to pick up his first SIGMA win, but his two opponents to date haven't been in the very highest class, so it may be that he doesn't last too long in the organisation if this is the best he can do.

Oleg Tariverdiev (8-1) v Tore Herlovsen (6-0)

>Next up, Oleg Tariverdiev will battle 'The Ice Man' Tore Herlovsen in the SIGMA Middleweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Tariverdiev waits for a flurry of punches to stop, then hits a hard leg kick.
>Herlovsen throws a barrage of big right hands after using a feint to trick Tariverdiev into committing to a strike, but he moves out of range just in time.
>Tariverdiev looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Not keen on wrestling Tariverdiev, Herlovsen uses movement to keep out of reach.
>Moving in closer, Herlovsen looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.
>Herlovsen is in the pocket, ready to attack Tariverdiev.
>Herlovsen throws rights and lefts, but Tariverdiev covers up well and none of the shots find a home.
>Tariverdiev covers up, absorbing a flurry of punches.
>Tariverdiev covers up to absorb a barrage of big right hands.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Using good head movement, Tariverdiev slips past a punch and hits a nice left.
>Using head movement, Herlovsen slips past a left jab and counters with a clean punch.
>A left jab misses, Herlovsen counters with a straight left.
>Tariverdiev uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Herlovsen throws a flurry of punches but Tariverdiev covers up and takes them easily.
>Herlovsen checks a low kick and then steps forward to hit a great right hand, Tariverdiev took it full in the face and is knocked out!
>Tore Herlovsen takes the victory by way of Knock Out!

>Official Result: 'The Ice Man' Tore Herlovsen defeats Oleg Tariverdiev (Knock Out (Punch) in 4:30 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: The most impressive performance to date from Herlovsen, who takes his third straight win and must be considered as a potential opponent for the Middleweight champion. Tariverdiev takes his first loss in three, but will get the chance to make amends and re-establish himself.

Co-main

Lefter Oktay (#10, 14-0) v Bastian Neske (3-0)

>The co-main event is up next. Lefter 'The Beast' Oktay competes against Bastian Neske in the SIGMA Heavyweight division.

>Round one begins!
>A feint sets Oktay up for an inside leg kick, but Neske evades it.
>Oktay counters a left jab by using a kick to the body.
>Neske feints stepping in.
>Neske looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Oktay.
>Keen to maintain some distance, Oktay uses strikes to keep Neske away.
>Neske steps in, feints a kick, then darts back out.
>A nicely executed one-two combination sets up a takedown attempt from Oktay.
>Oktay gets a single leg takedown! Neske pulls guard off it.
>Oktay tries to pass the guard.
>He passes guard fairly easily, getting to side control.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Oktay attempts to move to mount.
>Advancing his position, he gets mount.
>Oktay fires away with elbows, but Neske deals with them fairly well.
>Oktay pounds away from the mount with elbows, but is unable to land many clean shots on Neske.
>Oktay unloads with big elbows from the mount, but Neske is able to deal with most of them.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Oktay pounds away with elbows from the mount, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage.
>Oktay fires away with elbows, but Neske deals with them fairly well.
>Oktay pounds away from the mount, but is unable to land many clean shots on Neske.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>That round certainly got the fans going.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Oktay.

>We are back underway!
>It sounded like his corner told Neske to stand and trade with Oktay in this round.
>Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt.
>Showing good head movement, Oktay slips past a tight combination and counter-strikes with a stinging inside leg kick.
>A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate.
>From the missed strikes they clinch.
>Oktay is looking to muscle Neske back against the cage.
>He does so, and now has Neske pinned to the cage.
>Oktay uses underhooks to gain solid control, and is looking for a takedown.
>A sweep of the legs is successful, Neske has to pull guard.
>Oktay lies on top of Neske, basically smothering him.
>Time slips away as Oktay successfully keeps Neske stuck against the ground.
>Time slips away as Oktay successfully keeps Neske stuck against the ground.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Oktay smothers Neske with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Oktay begins trying to pass the guard.
>He passes to side control.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Oktay attempts the mount.
>Neske can't stop it and gets mounted.
>Oktay fires away with punches, but Neske deals with them fairly well.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Oktay.

>Neske is already up and pacing around, psyching himself up for the final round.
>Round three begins!
>Oktay counters a superman punch with a stinging left jab.
>Oktay slips past a barrage of big punches and fires back with a clean left.
>Oktay comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Neske tries to avoid Oktay.
>Oktay can't get the takedown, Neske was too quick to back away.
>Oktay tries for a left jab but Neske moves out of range.
>Neske looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>Oktay uses his strikes to stop Neske from getting too close.
>Lefter Oktay is breathing very hard.
>Oktay, who is visibly tired, looks like he might want to get in close and wrestle with Neske.
>Not keen on wrestling Oktay, Neske uses movement to keep out of reach.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Oktay slips out of the way of a massive overhand right.
>Neske looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>Oktay snaps off a strong left jab as a counter, but it only finds the gloves.
>Oktay, who is visibly tired, looks like he might want to get in close and wrestle with Neske.
>Not wanting to grapple, Neske uses strikes to keep Oktay at a distance.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Neske counters a left jab by hitting a barrage of big right hands, knocking Oktay down!
>Neske quickly gets on top his stunned opponent, albeit only in half guard.
>Looking to catch his breath, Neske is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>I have to give that round to Neske, but only a 10-9.

>The official scores are being reported now.
>All three judges have scored it 29-27.
>Lefter 'The Beast' Oktay wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Lefter 'The Beast' Oktay defeats Bastian Neske (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent.

Comments: Good finish from Neske, but too little too late, and all three judges had given Oktay a 10-8 round (probably the first) and the Turk had mount twice without doing enough to finish the fight, which must be a little disappointing to his camp. A title shot could be forthcoming, but I'd hoped for a more impressive victory to seal it.

Main Event

Niko Soldo (#5, 16-2-1) v Faas Smit (#12, 36-14)

>It's time for the main event of the evening! 'The Gladiator' Niko Soldo fights Faas 'Evolution' Smit in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Soldo avoids a quick jab and hits a hard right kick to the legs.
>Smit avoids a jab.
>Soldo chooses to shoot in on Smit.
>Smit tries to counter with a right hand, but is too slow.
>Smit gets taken down by a single leg, and has to pull guard.
>Soldo fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force.
>Soldo attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Smit throws out some punches, but Soldo leans back to avoid them.
>In guard, Soldo throws a couple of punches designed to keep Smit guessing.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Soldo tries to pound on Smit, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Soldo leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Smit.
>Soldo attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>Soldo isn't able to pass guard on this attempt.
>Smit grabs hold of an arm and attempts a triangle choke on Soldo from the bottom of the guard.
>Soldo doesn't let Smit get it.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Soldo attempts to pass guard.
>Soldo passes to half guard.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That was a yawner of a round, and I think both fighters are now a bit frustrated.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Soldo.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Smit steps back to avoid a one-two combination.
>Smit slips out of the way of a body kick.
>Soldo looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Smit is pulled into a Muay Thai clinch.
>Smit manages to grapple his way out of trouble and into having double underhooks as he clinches with Soldo.
>Using his wrestling skills, Soldo is trying to push Smit up against the cage.
>Smit ends up backed against the cage.
>Soldo tries to keep him up against the cage with wrestling, but Smit reverses so that he is the one in control.
>Smit hits Soldo, who is pressed up against the cage, with a nice short uppercut.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Soldo is pinned up against the cage and takes two elbow strikes to the face from the clinch.
>Smit hits a knee strike to the thigh.
>Soldo is pinned up against the cage and takes two elbow strikes to the face from the clinch.
>Soldo has a large gash above his eye from that strike.
>With Soldo bleeding, the referee pauses the fight so that the cut can be checked.
>The doctor checks the cut, but seems happy that it does not present too much of a problem.
>The referee signals for the fight to continue!
>Soldo steps back to avoid a left jab.
>Smit feints throwing a jab.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Smit feints going high, but Soldo doesn't buy it.
>Smit circles as he plans his next move.
>Not letting Smit settle, Soldo moves in closer.
>Moving in closer, Soldo looks like he may want to wrestle Smit.
>Smit keeps himself moving out of range, not wanting to grapple.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>I have to give that round to Smit, but only a 10-9.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Smit steps back to avoid a head kick.
>Smit bobs and weaves, trying to get Soldo to commit.
>An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage.
>Smit darts in, feints a jab, darts back out.
>Smit fakes a lunge.
>Soldo quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Soldo slips past a left jab and counters with a pair of jabs and a big right hook.
>Niko Soldo is breathing very hard.
>Smit avoids a barrage of big right hands.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Smit steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>Not letting Smit settle at all, Soldo comes in closer.
>Slowed down by physical tiredness, Soldo still looks to get in close and strike from the pocket.
>Smit now has Soldo standing in the pocket.
>Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Soldo hits a great right hand, Smit took it full in the face and is knocked out!
>The winner, by Knock Out, is 'The Gladiator' Niko Soldo!

>Official Result: 'The Gladiator' Niko Soldo defeats Faas 'Evolution' Smit (Knock Out (Punch) in 3:43 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Just as well that Soldo finished this, as it would have been a very tight call for the judges to make, and Smit will continue to get good match-ups as a result. Soldo is looking towards a shot at regaining his SIGMA Light-Heavyweight title, but it might not be next time out, depending on how others also perform.

Show summary

Critical rating: Good

Commercial success: Good

Fight of the Night: Seth O'Breen v Milenko Rudonja

Knockout of the Night: Niko Soldo

Submission of the Night: Seth O'Breen

Comments: A good night for the favourites in the end, though Soldo and Oktay were probably given a closer fight than most punters expected. Outside of those two, I was pleased with Herlovsen looking good.

Paatero · December 10, 2013

Seth O'Breen is a MONSTER! Body shot knockdown into RNC! Definitely an inspiring dynasty, will follow <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

batsnumbereleven · December 10, 2013

Thanks, Paatero... not sure Rudonja was the most challenging of opponents for O'Breen, but hey, it was his debut and I was always going to give him a bit of a soft fight to open with. We'll see how he does against a better opponent next time!

MJoseph · December 11, 2013

Keep up the great work. My long running SIGMA dynasty is my favorite, so I enjoy reading this to see where you take it

batsnumbereleven · December 11, 2013

Thanks, MJoseph. Just a couple of days hiatus, hopefully, whilst I replace the power source for my PC!

batsnumbereleven · December 12, 2013

Aaaaaand we're back <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Prediction results

CageRage 5/6 (92/127)

Jingo 4/6 (44/68)

Injury report

A leg injury will keep Lefter Oktay out for around 7 weeks, though there's no indication that it contributed to his slightly lacklustre performance.

The athletic commission have imposed precautionary suspensions of 1 month on Faas Smit and Milenko Rudonja, 2 months on Roland Furtwangler and Vaclav Reitsma, and 3 months on Oleg Tariverdiev.

End of month finances

A profit of just over $9k.

SIGMA signings

Niko Soldo's contract came up and he has been offered a new 5-fight deal.

We've also added two more British fighters to the roster: Scottish Lightweight Irving Braun (4-0), a Ground & Pound specialist, and 23-year-old Welterweight Jayden Karp (4-0), a submission expert with decent striking.

batsnumbereleven · December 12, 2013

Monday 1st June 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 – Light-Heavyweight rankings 1. Tadamasa Yamada, ALPHA-1 2. Zvonimir Asanovic, ALPHA-1 3. Marlon John, GAMMA 4. Niko Soldo, SIGMA 5. Hyun-Shik Lim, ALPHA-1 6. Pedro Sousa, FLB 7. Matti Kurri, SIGMA 8. Roberto Alvez, FLB 9. Carlos dos Santos, FLB 10. Garry McSweegan, BCF</div></blockquote>

batsnumbereleven · December 12, 2013

Tuesday 2nd June 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 its first MMA Event in Garmisch, with SIGMA 24 to be held at the Garmisch Olympia Stadium on Sunday 14th June. Headlining the card will be a Lightweight clash between Spain's former SIGMA Lightweight champion Luis Basora (#16, 20-4) and undefeated Czech sambo artist Lubos Plasil (7-0). Two veteran Featherweights will share billing in the co-main, as another former SIGMA champion, Sweden's Lars Bohlin (#8, 49-7) takes on Scottish jiu jitsu fighter Jason Dalglish (18-6), and in Light Heavyweight action, experienced Russian Mantas Andreyev (37-13) pits his wits against German wrestler Jacob Matthaus (15-8). Guilherme Faure (16-5) will be the first SIGMA opponent for the highly rated 20-year-old Russian Middleweight Andrey Kizilashvili (#6, 2-2-1-1NC), and another 20-year-old debutant from Russia, Mikel Tupolov will face compatriot Dmytro Dangomyzhsky (19-9) in a second Light-Heavyweight encounter. Finally, two Welterweights kick boxers who were defeated in their SIGMA debuts will face off, as Dutchman Christijan van Belkum (2-1) takes on Jules Dupuit (3-1) from France in the evening's opener.</div></blockquote> Card for picks: SIGMA 24 Luis Basora v Lubos Plasil Lars Bohlin v Jason Dalglish Mantas Andreyev v Jacob Matthaus Guilherme Faure v Andrey Kizilashvili Mikel Tupolov v Dmytro Dargomyzhsky Christijan van Belkum v Jules Dupuit

batsnumbereleven · December 12, 2013

Wednesday 3rd June 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 Editorial The announcement by SIGMA that their next event will be headlined by a Lightweight bout between Luis Basora and Lubos Plasil smacks a bit of desperation. Plasil's last outing was as card-topper at SIGMA 17, where his match with Vladimir Baskov was such a boring affair that it was described as “awful”, and SIGMA CEO Scott Avatar was quoted afterwards as saying that “it would be a long while before either man headlines a card that [he] put together.” Well it seems that 5 months is a long time in the MMA world, and either Mr Avatar has forgotten how bad a performance it really was in the same way that the rest of us have tried to forget the match entirely, or he is counting on veteran judoka Basora to make the match-up entertaining. Given that Plasil has previously been tagged as a potential champion in the making, we can only hope that he is right, and that it was simply the circumstances and match-up with Baskov that was at fault in failing to generate any chemistry, because otherwise SIGMA could see itself with a flop of a Main Event on its hands again, and I'm not sure quite whether the fans will have the stomach to come back to them after that.</div></blockquote>

batsnumbereleven · December 13, 2013

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

Signings

ALPHA-1: Alex Cole, Guy Broom, Jonathan Huang,

GAMMA: -

OMEGA: -

BCF: -

FLB: -

XCC: -

WEFF: -

KDMFC: -

Events

None

CageRage · December 13, 2013

SIGMA 24

Luis Basora v Lubos Plasil

Lars Bohlin v Jason Dalglish

Mantas Andreyev v Jacob Matthaus

Guilherme Faure v Andrey Kizilashvili

Mikel Tupolov v Dmytro Dargomyzhsky

Christijan van Belkum v Jules Dupuit

Jingo · December 13, 2013

SIGMA 24

Luis Basora v Lubos Plasil

Lars Bohlin v Jason Dalglish

Mantas Andreyev v Jacob Matthaus

Guilherme Faure v Andrey Kizilashvili

Mikel Tupolov v Dmytro Dargomyzhsky

Christijan van Belkum v Jules Dupuit

batsnumbereleven · December 14, 2013

Event report SIGMA 24: Basora v Plasil Sunday 14th June 1999 Olympia Stadium, Garmisch, Germany. Attendance: 2160 for a gate of $108,000 PPV Buys: N/A Christijan van Belkum (2-1) v Jules Dupuit (3-1) <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 Christijan van Belkum takes on Jules Dupuit in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >Round one begins! >Dupuit counters a left jab by hitting a quick series of punches. >A jab misses and van Belkum counters with a crisp left hand punch. >Moving in closer, van Belkum looks like he may want to wrestle Dupuit. >van Belkum can't get close enough to grapple, Dupuit makes sure to keep out of range. >Dupuit avoids several big right hands and counters with a kick to the outside of the left leg. >Dupuit bobs and weaves. >van Belkum steps in to put some pressure on. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >van Belkum comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Dupuit. >Dupuit uses movement to keep out reach, meaning van Belkum cannot get close enough to grapple. >van Belkum counters an attempted body kick with a couple of hard rights! >van Belkum looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Dupuit. >van Belkum grabs Dupuit and pulls him into a grapple. >van Belkum finds his dirty boxing smothered, and Dupuit gains the dominant position in the grapple. >Dupuit is trying to muscle van Belkum up against the cage. >Dupuit manages it, and controls van Belkum up against the cage. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Dupuit breaks the grapple and prepares to launch some strikes at van Belkum. >Dupuit slips past a big right and hits a hard leg kick. >Christijan van Belkum won't want to take too many unchecked strikes to the legs like that. >A left jab misses, Dupuit counters with a kick to the outside of the left leg. >Christijan van Belkum is limping slightly. >Dupuit is doing the smart thing by targeting the legs. >It will clearly slow van Belkum down and weaken his striking. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >I think Dupuit took that round, 10-9 on my score card. >We are back underway! >Dupuit steps in, feints a kick, then darts back out. >van Belkum counters a left jab with a crisp left hand punch. >van Belkum moves out of range of a flurry of punches. >van Belkum looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >van Belkum moves into the pocket. >Dupuit uses head movement to avoid a vicious right hand and fire right back with a flurry of quick punches to sting van Belkum. >Slipping past a left jab, Dupuit hits a right body kick. >Using head movement, Dupuit slips past a left jab and counters with a stinging jab. >van Belkum sees a low kick being set up and strikes first with some big rights, putting Dupuit down! >We move into the second half of this round. >van Belkum quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Dupuit! >van Belkum pounds away, landing several good shots in the process. >Dupuit pulls van Belkum into side control to stop the attack. >van Belkum begins trying to get himself into a mount. >Dupuit doesn't let van Belkum get the mount, and so he remains at side control. >Dupuit struggles and gets half guard. >van Belkum is trying to get out of half guard and into a better position. >Dupuit keeps van Belkum in half guard. >Breathing very hard, Christijan van Belkum is looking ragged. >Dupuit takes the opportunity to transition from half guard to full guard. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >van Belkum is trying to pass guard. >Dupuit comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps van Belkum in guard. >Round two ends as time expires. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of van Belkum. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >A straight left fails to land and Dupuit is able to fire back with a series of lefts. >A left jab misses and Dupuit counters with a flurry of small strikes. >van Belkum steps back to avoid a left jab. >Jules Dupuit is breathing very hard. >Slowly moving in closer, a ragged-looking van Belkum wants to wrestle Dupuit. >Dupuit uses his strikes to stop van Belkum from getting close enough to grapple. >Looking tired, van Belkum comes in closer, attempting to wrestle with Dupuit. >Dupuit finds himself pulled into a grappling contest. >Using his wrestling skills, van Belkum is trying to push Dupuit up against the cage. >van Belkum achieves it, pinning Dupuit to the cage. >Christijan van Belkum looks very, very tired. >We pass the halfway mark of this round. >van Belkum tries to maintain control, but Dupuit isn't letting himself get bullied like that. >van Belkum tries dirty boxing, but Dupuit out-wrestles him and switches them around so that he is in the dominant position. >Dupuit looks for a foot stomp, but van Belkum is fighting too hard and it makes it impossible to balance properly to deliver the strike. >Jules Dupuit looks very, very tired. >Dupuit keeps van Belkum up against the cage with wrestling, then uses a hard foot stomp. >Dupuit catches van Belkum with an elbow to the face from the clinch while he is pressed up against the cage. >Dupuit knocks van Belkum down with a sharp right hook! >Christijan van Belkum looks like he is almost out on his feet with exhaustion. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Dupuit knows that this is a golden opportunity, and quickly pounces on van Belkum, looking to finish him off by raining down punches! >Dupuit unloads with big punches, van Belkum is struggling to cope! >The strikes are stopped when van Belkum manages to pull Dupuit down into side control. >Dupuit attempts to move to mount. >He can't mount van Belkum. >Jules Dupuit looks totally gassed. >van Belkum looks ready to try and scramble, but Dupuit is quick to move to prevent that. >Time runs out and that's the end of the fight. >I have to give that round to Dupuit, but only a 10-9. >Here come the official scores. >The judges score the contest as 29-27, 29-28 and 29-28. >Jules Dupuit wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Jules Dupuit defeats Christijan van Belkum (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Enjoyable match-up that went back and forth. Someone scored a round 10-8, which always makes for controversy, but to be fair, either fighter could have ended it if they hadn't been pulled into guard. Both men warrant further evaluation. Mikel Tupolov (0-0) v Dmytro Dargomyzhsky (19-9) <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 Grandmaster' Mikel Tupolov goes head to head with Dmytro Dargomyzhsky in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >Round one begins! >Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage. >Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either. >A straight right fails to land and Tupolov is able to fire back with a number of huge rights, Dargomyzhsky is trapped up against the cage with no way out! >Getting destroyed, Dargomyzhsky falls to the ground...but the blows keep on landing! >Dargomyzhsky is taking a lot of shots, the referee has no option but to leap in and stop the fight! >The winner, by TKO, is 'The Grandmaster' Mikel Tupolov! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'The Grandmaster' Mikel Tupolov defeats Dmytro Dargomyzhsky (TKO (Strikes) in 1:16 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: Big statement from the debutant, backing up his huge reputation coming in. It's tempting to push him into big fights straight away, but in a division as competitive as this, there's likely no need. Dargomyzhsky's dropped three straight, but he's not been given an easy schedule, hopefully something we can address next time out. Guilherme Faure (16-5) v Andrey Kizilashvili (#6, 2-2-1-1NC) <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, Guilherme 'The Panther' Faure takes on 'AK-47' Andrey Kizilashvili in the SIGMA Middleweight division. >We are underway! >Faure steps back to avoid a tight combination of punches after falling for a clever feint. >Kizilashvili counters a one-two combination with a solid left. >Kizilashvili looks like he might be trying to get in close to clinch with Faure. >Faure uses movement to keep out reach, meaning Kizilashvili cannot get close enough to clinch. >Kizilashvili uses a nice combination as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown. >The takedown is completed, it was a single leg and Faure is left on his back pulling guard. >Time slips away as Kizilashvili successfully keeps Faure stuck against the ground. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Kizilashvili attempts to pass guard. >Faure can't do anything about the pass, and is left under side control. >In side control, Kizilashvili throws a couple of punches designed to keep Faure guessing. >Kizilashvili blocks Faure as he tries a transition to guard. >Kizilashvili starts trying to work to use side control as a way to get behind Faure. >Faure is in big trouble as he is forced to give up his back! >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Faure is in huge trouble now, as Kizilashvili successfully gets both hooks in. >Kizilashvili pounds away, Faure is barely able to offer any defence at all! >The referee pulls Kizilashvili away, stopping the match! >'AK-47' Andrey Kizilashvili takes the win by TKO! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'AK-47' Andrey Kizilashvili defeats Guilherme 'The Panther' Faure (TKO (Strikes) in 4:56 of round 1). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Another big showing from a newcomer, and at Middleweight it's likely Kizilashvili'll get pushed up the ranks fairly quickly. Faure looked good last time against Uwe Maier, and was perhaps a little unlucky here that the ref jumped in with 4 seconds of the round left. Mantas Andreyev (37-13) v Jacob Matthaus (15-8) <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 Mantas Andreyev competes against 'The Hamburg Hammer' Jacob Matthaus in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division. >The fight begins! >An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything. >Andreyev counters a right jab with a series of quick punches. >Matthaus shoots in, looking for a takedown. >Andreyev attempts to snare Matthaus in a guillotine off the takedown. >Andreyev can't get the guillotine choke. >Matthaus drives forward and gets the takedown! Andreyev couldn't quite stop it. >The takedown leaves Andreyev seated with his back pressed against the cage. >Matthaus smothers Andreyev up against the cage wall. >Not liking his options, Matthaus looks to get a better position over Andreyev. >Andreyev keeps Matthaus close in, not letting the mount happen. >Andreyev hits some weak punches to the upper back, but they're more out of frustration than anything. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Matthaus tries to improve his position. >Matthaus isn't able to mount Andreyev this time around. >Andreyev, stuck up against the cage, hits several clubbing forearms to the back. >Matthaus tries to improve his position. >Andreyev keeps Matthaus close in, not letting the mount happen. >Andreyev hits Matthaus with a few weak strikes to the back. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Matthaus tries to ensnare Andreyev in a guillotine. >Andreyev doesn't allow the guillotine to be applied. >Andreyev, trapped against the cage, pummels Matthaus on the back with several small shots, although they're more out of frustration than anything. >Round one ends as time expires. >That was a close round, but I'm giving it to Matthaus, 10-9. >We are back underway! >Andreyev avoids a jab. >Andreyev comes in, looking for a quick takedown. >Matthaus stuffs the takedown attempt and then pulls Andreyev into a clinch. >Matthaus, controlling the grapple with Andreyev, tries to scoop him up for a slam. >He can't get it though, Andreyev slips out and takes his back instead! >Matthaus is in huge trouble now, as Andreyev successfully gets both hooks in. >With both hooks in and therefore great control of the body, Andreyev tries to finish Matthaus off with a rear naked choke. >Matthaus doesn't allow the rear naked choke to be applied. >Matthaus struggles against Andreyev but cannot get himself free from the hooks. >Andreyev attempts to complete a rear naked choke, having both hooks fully in. >Matthaus doesn't allow the rear naked choke to be applied. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Andreyev fires away with right hands, Matthaus is getting pounded. >Matthaus had better start defending himself, or this will be over! >The referee has seen enough, he pulls Andreyev off! >By TKO, the winner is Mantas Andreyev! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Mantas Andreyev defeats 'The Hamburg Hammer' Jacob Matthaus (TKO (Strikes) in 3:01 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: I thought Andreyev might have thrown it away in the first round, as he surely shouldn't be getting beaten by Matthaus if he has anything left to offer SIGMA. The second stanza was more like the expected routine though. Co-main Lars Bohlin (#8, 49-7) v Jason Dalglish (18-6) <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 competes against 'The Miniature Killer' Jason Dalglish in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >We are underway! >Bohlin steps back to avoid a flurry of punches after falling for a clever feint. >Dalglish drops a shoulder, trying to sucker Bohlin in with a feint. >Dalglish chooses to shoot in on Bohlin. >He has the takedown! Bohlin is too quick though, and as soon as he hits the ground he spins away, getting back to his feet. >Bohlin looks to move in and stand in the pocket. >The two fighters move closer, ready to strike. >Moving in closer, Bohlin looks like he may want to wrestle Dalglish. >Dalglish moves in too, and they start to grapple. >From the grapple, Dalglish tries to pick Bohlin up on his shoulder for a slam. >Bohlin doesn't allow himself to be lifted, and he gets away from Dalglish. >Bohlin is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Dalglish. >Bohlin grabs Dalglish and pulls him into a grapple. >We move into the second half of this round. >Using his wrestling skills, Bohlin is trying to push Dalglish up against the cage. >Bohlin does it, Dalglish is stuck with his back to the cage. >Bohlin shows great control, keeping Dalglish pressed against the cage while punishing him with sharp strikes to the body for roughly a minute. >Bohlin pins Dalglish up against the cage and stomps down hard on his foot. >Dalglish is trapped against the cage and Bohlin hits him with a short left uppercut. >We're into the final minute of the round. >Dalglish is controlled up against the cage and takes a hard foot stomp. >Bohlin drives a knee to the thigh area. >Bohlin moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike. >Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Dalglish hits a solid left jab. >Dalglish slips past a jab and scores with a jab. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Bohlin. >There's the bell and round number two begins! >Bohlin avoids a jab. >Bohlin is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Dalglish. >Bohlin grabs Dalglish and pulls him into a grapple. >Bohlin uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Dalglish as they grapple. >Bohlin is looking to muscle Dalglish back against the cage. >He does so, and now has Dalglish pinned to the cage. >Bohlin shows his grappling ability by pinning Dalglish up against the cage and keeps him there for about thirty seconds. >Dalglish is trapped against the cage and Bohlin hits him with a short left uppercut. >Dalglish is controlled up against the cage and takes a hard foot stomp. >Bohlin drives a knee to the thigh area. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Bohlin tries to smother Dalglish against the cage with wrestling, but he reverses it and pushes Bohlin against the cage instead. >Dalglish tries to take Bohlin down. >Bohlin tries to hook a guillotine as Dalglish goes for the takedown. >Dalglish gets the takedown! Bohlin pulls guard. >Dalglish smothers Bohlin with his body by pushing forward and down. >Dalglish starts trying to work to get past the guard. >Dalglish struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard. >Bohlin tries to pull Dalglish in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Dalglish attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >Bohlin keeps Dalglish in guard. >Bohlin tries to sweep Dalglish but doesn't get anywhere. >Dalglish begins trying to pass the guard. >Dalglish passes to half guard. >Round two ends as time expires. >That was a close round, but I'm giving it to Dalglish, 10-9. >His corner are pumping him up with encouragement, and Dalglish looks ready to come out and go for broke. >There's the bell for the start of the round! >Dalglish counters a wayward left jab with a flurry of jabs and straight punches. >Bohlin is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Dalglish. >Strikes from Dalglish keep Bohlin from stepping in too close, and he is forced to step back. >Dalglish shoots in, looking for a takedown. >Bohlin stuffs the takedown attempt and then pulls Dalglish into a clinch. >Breathing very hard, Lars Bohlin is looking ragged. >Breathing very hard, Jason Dalglish is looking ragged. >Dalglish gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Bohlin uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment. >Bohlin is trying to push Dalglish so that his back is up against the cage. >Dalglish ends up backed against the cage. >Bohlin pins Dalglish up against the cage and uses dirty boxing to inflict some damage. >Unable to break free, Dalglish is smothered up against the cage, taking short blows to the body, for about sixty seconds. >Lars Bohlin seems to be fighting against exhaustion. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Dalglish takes a sharp stomp to the foot. >Bohlin tries to keep him up against the cage with wrestling, but Dalglish reverses so that he is the one in control. >Jason Dalglish looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give. >With Bohlin stuck against the cage, Dalglish tries to complete a takedown. >The takedown is successful; Bohlin seemed happy to take it and pull guard. >In guard, Dalglish begins working to pass to side control. >He passes to side control. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >Dalglish uses side control to hit a knee just above the hip. >Dalglish tries to ensnare Bohlin in an americana. >Bohlin defends himself well. >Bohlin works some separation, then tries to quickly scramble his way into a better position. >Lars Bohlin looks like he is completely out of gas. >Jason Dalglish looks like he is completely out of gas. >Time runs out and that's the end of the fight. >An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to Bohlin 10-9. >The judges' scores are now being announced. >Judge #1 has given 30-27 to Bohlin. >Judge #2 scores the contest as 29-28 to Dalglish. >Judge #3 has scored it 29-28 Bohlin. >Making 'Ice Cold' Lars Bohlin the winner by split decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'Ice Cold' Lars Bohlin defeats 'The Miniature Killer' Jason Dalglish (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent. Comments: Tough one to call this, as I thought Dalglish had the better of the latter two rounds and got pivotal takedowns, but once in top position, Bohlin's tenacious guard prevented him from posing any further threat. Harsh on Dalglish from the judge who scored all three rounds to Bohlin, but a split decision is probably the right result, and I wouldn't argue with the overall outcome. A decisive winner would have been in line for a title shot, but not so sure now. Main Event Luis Basora (#16, 20-4) v Lubos Plasil (7-0) <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! 'El Diablo' Luis Basora takes on Lubos 'The Experiment' Plasil in the SIGMA Lightweight division. >Round one begins! >Plasil slips out of the way of a jab. >Basora drops a shoulder, trying to sucker Plasil in with a feint. >Basora avoids a jab. >Plasil is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Basora. >Plasil grabs Basora and pulls him into a grapple. >Plasil is trying to muscle Basora up against the cage. >Plasil can't move Basora at all though, and finds himself being out-wrestled. >Basora looks to take Plasil down by setting up a judo throw. >A great inside leg trip sees Plasil get thrown to the mat, and Basora is left in guard. >Basora begins trying to pass the guard. >Plasil is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Basora firmly in guard. >Plasil secures an arm and tries to ensnare Basora in a triangle. >Basora blocks the attempt. >We move into the second half of this round. >Basora attempts to pass guard. >Basora struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard. >Plasil tries to break free and scramble for position, but Basora keeps him trapped. >We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. >Basora throws some small strikes, but is clearly just taking a moment to try and catch his breath. >Securing an arm, Plasil then brings his legs up and tries to lock Basora in a triangle choke. >Basora doesn't let Plasil get it. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Basora. >Round two begins! >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes, but neither scores. >Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched. >Using his wrestling skills, Basora is trying to push Plasil up against the cage. >Basora achieves it, pinning Plasil to the cage. >Plasil is trapped against the cage and takes a sharp stomp to the foot. >Basora looks to set up a judo throw. >Basora uses a nice inside leg trip and Plasil is forced to pull guard! >Basora attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >Basora struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard. >Plasil tries to sweep Basora but doesn't get anywhere. >Basora is trying to pass guard. >Plasil comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Basora in guard. >Plasil grabs hold of an arm and attempts a triangle choke on Basora from the bottom of the guard. >Basora blocks the attempt. >We move into the second half of this round. >Basora is trying to pass guard. >He can't get free of the guard. >Securing an arm, Plasil then brings his legs up and tries to lock Basora in a triangle choke. >Basora doesn't let Plasil get it. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Basora is trying to pass guard. >Basora isn't able to pass guard on this attempt. >Basora leans back, preventing Plasil from throwing any elbows to the top of the head. >The time is up, and that's the end of round two. >I have to give that round to Basora, but only a 10-9. >And here we go, round three! >It sounded like his corner told Plasil to push for takedowns in this round. >Plasil avoids a kick to the leg and hits a left. >Plasil shoots in, looking for a takedown. >Plasil gets the takedown! Basora pulls guard. >Plasil looks to pass guard and get side control. >Basora comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Plasil in guard. >Basora tries to lock onto an arm from the bottom of the guard. >In a moment of sublime skill, Plasil not only defends the submission but uses it to get to side control. >Plasil attempts to roll Basora slightly and take his back. >Basora can't stop it and gives up his back! >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Plasil tries to get Basora locked in a rear naked choke. >Basora rolls to face up, and then manages to spin over so that he is in guard. >Plasil should have gotten hooks in first before attempting a rear naked choke, and Basora has capitalised on the mistake. >In guard, Basora begins working to pass to side control. >Basora struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard. >Luis Basora looks very tired out there. >Plasil smothers Basora with close control, stopping him from posturing up. >There's under a minute left in this round. >Basora lies on top of Plasil, basically smothering him. >In guard, Basora begins working to pass to side control. >Basora struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard. >The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Plasil. >Here come the official scores. >All three judges have scored it 29-28. >'El Diablo' Luis Basora wins by unanimous decision! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: 'El Diablo' Luis Basora defeats Lubos 'The Experiment' Plasil (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average. Comments: Well they did just enough to prove the nay-sayers in the media wrong, but it wasn't the most enthralling bout. Plasil's guard was too good for Basora to pass, despite his two takedowns and one reversal, but when the Czech got his own chance to finish the fight, he got sloppy and didn't get hooks in. Neither guy makes a compelling case for a title shot, but we'll see what the other options are – Basora indicates that he wants to face Seth O'Breen next, but it will be a while before we can see whether that will pan out. Show summary Critical rating: Good Commercial success: Good Fight of the Night: Mikel Tupolov v Dmytro Dargomyzhsky Knockout of the Night: Andrey Kizilashvili Submission of the Night: - Comments: Enough of a show to send folks home happy, but not one that will live long in the memory, unless you are a fan of either of the two debutants who made their marks tonight.

batsnumbereleven · December 14, 2013

Prediction results

Jingo 5/6 (49/74)

CageRage 4/6 (96/133)

Injury report

The big news coming out of SIGMA 24 is that Luis Basora will miss more than six months as he recovers from surgery to a groin injury. Also missing time will be Lubos Plasil (6 weeks with an elbow issue), Lars Bohlin, who has a shoulder injury that will see him absent for a month, and Jason Dalglish, who will miss around 4 weeks of training with a pelvic problem.

The athletic commission have also imposed precautionary suspensions of 2 months on the following fighters: Christijan van Belkum, Dmytro Dargomyzhsky, Guilherme Faure and Jacob Matthaus.

batsnumbereleven · December 14, 2013

Monday 15th June 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 confirm that its next event will take place on Friday 26th June, from the Rundsporthalle in Ludwigsberg, and will be headlined by a SIGMA Featherweight Championship fight between Spanish brawler and defending champion Fernando Peragon (#6, 11-2) and Munich Ground n' Pounder Benedikt Streit (#14, 21-5). Peragon won the title by knockout from Manish Khan at SIGMA 19 and will be looking to replicate that performance, whilst Streit has won three straight, including in the Main Event of SIGMA 16 where he surprised Scot Jason Dalglish in a split decision victory. As the co-main attraction, the extremely experienced Swede Gunnar Nilsson (44-12) will take on Romanian 23-year-old Kick boxer Iancu Trailescu (4-2) in a titanic Heavyweight clash. At Welterweight, Bulgarian wrestler Dominykas Jankovic (10-2) will face highly-touted British Jui jitsu fighter Iain Fussell (4-0). The dangerous Emil Karlsson (3-0) gets to take on the 29-year-old German brawler Lothar Weissman (17-13-1-1NC). Munich's Franz Ludwig (10-8) will be looking to turn his fortunes around after successive losses in his Middleweight bout with Croatian wrestler Drazen Gabelich (7-2) and in the opener, French kickboxer Maurice Braudel (6-3) and Lithuanian wrestler Egidijus Fomenka (1-1) will battle at Lightweight.</div></blockquote> Card for picks SIGMA 25 Fernando Peragon © v Benedikt Streit Gunnar Nilsson v Iancu Trailescu Dominykas Jankovic v Iain Fussell Emil Karlsson v Lothar Weissman Franz Ludwig v Drazen Gabelich Maurice Braudel v Egidijus Fomenka

CageRage · December 14, 2013

SIGMA 25

Fernando Peragon © v Benedikt Streit

Gunnar Nilsson v Iancu Trailescu

Dominykas Jankovic v Iain Fussell

Emil Karlsson v Lothar Weissman

Franz Ludwig v Drazen Gabelich

Maurice Braudel v Egidijus Fomenka

batsnumbereleven · December 14, 2013

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

Signings

ALPHA-1: Mochihito Yamazaki, Heath Kaladaris,

GAMMA: -

OMEGA: -

BCF: -

FLB: -

XCC: -

WEFF: -

KDMFC: -

Events

Tuesday 23rd June saw XCC: Ziskie v Romita take place in California with Philip Ziskie (#2, 21-1-1) retaining his XCC Featherweight championship with a 2nd round TKO victory over Boston's Frank Romita (#21, 9-3) in front of just over 600 people.

GAMMA's new TV show, “Decimation”, debuted on Wednesday 24th June, and was headlined by a Light-heavyweight contest between four fight undefeateds Toby Sorkin and Terry Catt. Sorkin won in the second round by Armbar submission to go to 5-0.

ALPHA-1: Hamacho v Hidaka took place on Saturday 27th June, with Naizen Hamacho (#9, 11-0) retaining his ALPHA-1 Lightweight title with a 1st round TKO victory over Fujimaro Hidaka (7-2). On the undercard #17 Heavyweight Mason Archer (18-5) from Ontario, Canada was upset by Gyokusho Fujimoto (9-1) in a bout that went to the judges.

KDMFC held their latest event on Sunday 28th June, and it saw Indonesian submissions expert Li-Kong Ho record his 22nd straight victory, with victory by Kimura over Chan Wan Wah (#14, 8-1) to retain his KDMFC Featherweight championship, and no doubt his ranking as the world's #1 Featherweight fighter. Rumour has it that Ho's contract with KDMFC has expired, so it will be interesting to see if a bidding war for his services develops.

Jingo · December 15, 2013

SIGMA 25

Fernando Peragon © v Benedikt Streit

Gunnar Nilsson v Iancu Trailescu

Dominykas Jankovic v Iain Fussell

Emil Karlsson v Lothar Weissman

Franz Ludwig v Drazen Gabelich

Maurice Braudel v Egidijus Fomenka

batsnumbereleven · December 15, 2013

Event report

SIGMA 25: Peragon v Streit

Friday 26th June 1999

Rundsporthalle, Ludwigsberg, Germany.

Attendance: 2004 for a gate of $100,200

PPV Buys: N/A

Maurice Braudel (6-3) v Egidijus Fomenka (1-1)

>Moving on to the next match, in which Maurice Braudel battles Egidijus Fomenka in the SIGMA Lightweight division.

>We are underway!
>A feint sets Braudel up for an inside leg kick, but Fomenka evades it.
>Fomenka avoids a jab.
>Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything.
>Fomenka has to cover up to absorb a nice one-two combination, having been off balance after falling for a feint.
>Braudel throws three punches in quick succession, but Fomenka was out of range.
>Not letting Braudel settle at all, Fomenka comes in closer.
>Fomenka throws a couple of wild punches as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Braudel stuffs the takedown attempt, but can't do anything about being pushed up against the cage.
>Showing his ability to control opponents, Fomenka simply smothers Braudel against the cage for about a minute.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>With Braudel stuck against the cage, Fomenka gets the underhooks and looks for a takedown.
>He lifts his opponent and drives him down with a Greco-Roman slam! Braudel pulls guard.
>Fomenka tries to smother Braudel but can't keep control long enough.
>Braudel bursts into life and tries to scramble into a better position.
>Fomenka is too quick though, and grabs side control before Braudel can get up.
>Fomenka tries to get into the mount position.
>Fomenka struggles but cannot mount Braudel.
>Braudel tries to break free and scramble for position, but Fomenka keeps him trapped.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Fomenka starts trying to work to use side control as a way to get behind Braudel.
>Braudel does well to keep Fomenka at side control.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Fomenka.

>Round two begins!
>Fomenka avoids a nice combination.
>A straight left fails to land and Braudel is able to fire back with a kick to the inside of the left thigh.
>Fomenka moves out of range of a tidy combination of punches.
>Braudel comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Fomenka tries to counter with a takedown, but Braudel defended it well.
>Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either.
>Braudel slams a crisp right into the gloves of Fomenka, but can't follow up.
>Not letting Braudel settle, Fomenka moves in closer.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Fomenka comes in swinging wildly, using the strikes as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Fomenka gets caught out and eats a stiff left jab.
>Moving in closer, Braudel looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.
>Seeing a takedown opportunity, Fomenka goes for a single leg, but Braudel is equal to it.
>Fomenka throws a swift jab but doesn't do any damage.
>Braudel comes in closer to press the issue.
>Egidijus Fomenka doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Fomenka waits for a flurry of punches to stop, then hits a stinging left jab.
>Braudel comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Standing his ground, Fomenka looks happy to engage Braudel in the pocket.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>That round goes to Braudel, 10-9 on my card.

>We are back underway!
>Braudel throws a barrage of big right hands but Fomenka moves out of range.
>Fomenka steps back to avoid a flurry of punches.
>Maurice Braudel looks very tired out there.
>Fomenka, who looks drained, comes forward looking for a takedown.
>Braudel sees the takedown coming and tries to move.
>Fomenka doesn't get the takedown, Braudel avoided it.
>Although visibly tired, Braudel looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>The two fighters move closer, ready to strike.
>Braudel works from the pocket and hits Fomenka with a flurry of jabs and straight punches.
>Good head movement allows Fomenka to avoid a wildly thrown right hand.
>Standing in the pocket, a visibly tired Fomenka chooses to shoot in for a double leg on Braudel.
>Braudel stuffs the takedown attempt.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Fomenka avoids a flurry of punches.
>Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike.
>Fomenka, who looks drained, comes forward looking for a takedown.
>Braudel tries to avoid Fomenka.
>Fomenka doesn't get the takedown, Braudel avoided it.
>Maurice Braudel seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up grappling.
>Fomenka looks to scoop his opponent up for a slam.
>There's the slam! Braudel is planted onto his back, and pulls guard.
>Egidijus Fomenka looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give.
>Fomenka smothers Braudel with his body by pushing forward and down.
>We reach the time limit and this fight is over.
>An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to Fomenka 10-9.

>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>Judge #1 has scored it 29-28 Braudel.
>Judge #2 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Fomenka.
>Judge #3 scores the contest as 29-28 to Braudel.
>So the winner, by split decision, is Maurice Braudel!

>Official Result: Maurice Braudel defeats Egidijus Fomenka (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: Very tight fight this, and difficult to fault the judges call on the result, even though I personally had this down 29-28 to Fomenka. Nice slams by Fomenka, but he didn't do enough when he was in top position to make it through, and Braudel's takedown defense and guard were otherwise decent, without being dominating.

Franz Ludwig (10-8) v Drazen Gabelich (7-2)

>Moving on, Franz Ludwig competes against Drazen Gabelich in the SIGMA Middleweight division.

>We are underway!
>Gabelich counters a left jab by using a solid left.
>An exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>Gabelich comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Ludwig attempts to avoid Gabelich as he shoots in.
>He gets a big takedown and he ends up in half guard.
>Gabelich starts trying to work to get out of half guard and into a better position.
>He passes straight to the mount.
>Gabelich attempts to set up an americana on Ludwig from the mount.
>Ludwig doesn't allow the americana to be applied.
>Gabelich counters an attempt by Ludwig to move him from mount by taking his back!
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Gabelich tries to set up Ludwig for an armbar.
>Ludwig stops Gabelich from applying it.
>Gabelich blocks Ludwig as he tries to roll over.
>Ludwig is in increasing trouble, as Gabelich gets both hooks in.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Gabelich, with both hooks fully in, tries to get the rear naked choke applied.
>The rear naked choke is fully applied, Gabelich has Ludwig flattened out completely, there is no option but to tap out!
>The winner, by submission; Drazen Gabelich!

>Official Result: Drazen Gabelich defeats Franz Ludwig (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:34 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.

Comments: Good win for Gabelich, showing off his submission skills as he did when he last won. Not much to say for Ludwig here, other than giving up the takedown so easily and early meant that he didn't get the chance to show any of his own arsenal.

Emil Karlsson (3-0) v Lothar Weissman (17-13-1-1NC)

>Moving on to the next match, in which 'The Midnight Killer' Emil Karlsson goes head to head with Lothar 'The Sage' Weissman in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.

>We are underway!
>An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything.
>They wind up in a tight clinch.
>Karlsson is looking to use his wrestling to take Weissman down.
>Karlsson doesn't get it, Weissman blocked any attempt to move him.
>A whizzer almost allows Weissman to create enough space to get free, but Karlsson shuts that opportunity down.
>Karlsson has worked in the underhooks and looks to take Weissman down.
>The underhooks are used to set up a trip, Weissman is left on his back and has to pull guard.
>Karlsson fires away with punches, and Weissman is stung by several big shots.
>Karlsson lies on top of Weissman, basically smothering him.
>Karlsson smothers Weissman with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Karlsson attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>Karlsson passes to half guard.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Karlsson reaches over and tries to lock Weissman in an arm triangle.
>Weissman doesn't allow the arm triangle to be applied.
>Karlsson blocks an attempted sweep.
>Karlsson starts trying to work to get out of half guard and into a better position.
>He can't find a way past half guard.
>Weissman tries to sweep Karlsson but can't do it.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>In half guard, Karlsson begins working to get side control.
>Weissman keeps his half guard secure.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>I think Karlsson took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Between rounds, his corner told Karlsson to watch for strikes but to be aware of takedown opportunities.
>Karlsson counters a left jab by using a left.
>Karlsson steps back to avoid a one-two combination.
>Karlsson avoids a tight combination.
>Weissman is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.
>Seeing a takedown opportunity, Karlsson drops down and uses a single leg, Weissman has to pull guard.
>Karlsson attempts to pass guard.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Weissman tries to pull Karlsson in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Karlsson starts trying to work to get past the guard.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Karlsson leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Weissman.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>In guard, Karlsson begins working to pass to side control.
>Weissman comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Karlsson in guard.
>Weissman tries to pull Karlsson in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't.
>Breathing very hard, Emil Karlsson is looking ragged.
>Time slips away as Karlsson successfully keeps Weissman stuck against the ground.
>The time runs out on round two.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Karlsson.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Judging from what we heard from his corner, Weissman is looking to push the pace with strikes in this round.
>A flurry of rights and lefts miss, allowing Karlsson to hit back with a barrage of hard punches!
>Weissman shows good head movement to avoid getting caught with a jab.
>Using good head movement, Karlsson slips past a punch and hits a series of big right hands, putting Weissman down on the ground!
>Karlsson senses victory and starts to unload with punches!
>Karlsson pounds away on Weissman, landing several great shots that threaten to knock him out!
>The referee jumps in and saves Weissman from taking any more shots!
>By TKO, the winner is Emil Karlsson!

>Official Result: 'The Midnight Killer' Emil Karlsson defeats Lothar 'The Sage' Weissman (TKO (Strikes) in 1:21 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent.

Comments: Professional performance from Karlsson. He controlled the first two rounds and then suckered Weissman into the big shots that were the key to finishing the fight. Weissman didn't really seem to have an answer to any aspect of Karlsson's game here, though his submission defense was adequate and took the fight into the final round. He calls Nicolai Mickiewicz out in the press conference later that evening, but he needs to win a few first before he gets the former Champ.

Dominykas Jankovic (10-2) v Iain Fussell (4-0)

>Next up, Dominykas 'Slamkovic' Jankovic goes up against Iain 'The Elite' Fussell in the SIGMA Welterweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Advancing, Jankovic counters a left jab by using a clean jab.
>Fussell comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Jankovic tries to avoid the takedown.
>The takedown doesn't work, Jankovic saw it coming and got out of range.
>Jankovic looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Fussell.
>They start grappling, Fussell looks happy to engage Jankovic at close quarters.
>Jankovic is trying to muscle Fussell up against the cage.
>Fussell ends up backed against the cage.
>Jankovic tries to smother him against the cage with wrestling, but can't keep control of Fussell who is fighting it.
>Jankovic tries to foot stomp Fussell, but misses.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Jankovic tries to dirty box Fussell, but finds himself out-wrestled and turned around so that he is the one against the cage.
>Fussell goes for a foot stomp, but Jankovic senses the shift in balance and reverses so that he is the one in control.
>Jankovic tries to throw an elbow, but Fussell takes the opportunity to turn his opponent around so that Jankovic ends up backed against the cage instead.
>Smothered against the cage, Jankovic is stuck there, unable to do anything, for roughly sixty seconds.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>With Jankovic stuck against the cage, Fussell tries to complete a takedown.
>Fussell tries hard but cannot get Jankovic off of his feet, and has to settle for slipping behind him instead.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>There was very little to separate them in that round, but I'll give that one 10-9 to Jankovic.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done.
>A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Jankovic to fire back with a clean left.
>Fussell fakes shooting in, and Jankovic reacts, tensing for a sprawl.
>Fussell throws an excellent combination but Jankovic is just able to cover up in time.
>A nicely executed one-two combination sets up a takedown attempt from Fussell.
>Jankovic sees the takedown coming and tries to move.
>Fussell doesn't get the takedown, Jankovic avoided it.
>Jankovic throws a speculative right, but it is nowhere near hitting.
>Not letting Jankovic settle at all, Fussell comes in closer.
>Moving in closer, Fussell looks like he may want to wrestle Jankovic.
>Fussell cannot get close enough to the elusive Jankovic to grapple.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Fussell uses a smart combination to get Jankovic to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>Jankovic tries to step away from the takedown.
>Fussell can't get the takedown, Jankovic was too quick to back away.
>Fussell looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Jankovic.
>He gets into range.
>Fussell comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Jankovic.
>Fussell grabs Jankovic and pulls him into a grapple.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Fussell is looking to muscle Jankovic back against the cage.
>Jankovic ends up backed against the cage.
>Fussell tries to foot stomp Jankovic, but misses.
>Fussell tries to dirty box Jankovic, but finds himself out-wrestled and turned around so that he is the one against the cage.
>Dominykas Jankovic is looking really tired.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round two.
>That wasn't the most exciting round we've ever seen, hopefully things will pick up in the next one.
>Incredibly close round, but Fussell came out just ahead on my score card.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Fussell slips past a left jab and fires back with a nice jab.
>Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything.
>Fussell shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>Jankovic attempts to avoid Fussell as he shoots in.
>Fussell can't get the takedown, Jankovic was too quick to back away.
>A straight left by Jankovic keeps Fussell from advancing.
>Fussell doesn't let Jankovic settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.
>Breathing very hard, Iain Fussell is looking ragged.
>Fussell comes in closer, despite his tiredness, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Backing off, Jankovic makes sure to keep out of range.
>Jankovic hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening.
>Not letting up, Fussell quickly steps in closer to attack Jankovic.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>A tired-looking Fussell throws a couple of ragged punches to get Jankovic to cover up, then tries a takedown.
>Jankovic stuffs the takedown, but gets pushed up against the cage instead.
>Fussell tries to keep him pressed up against the cage with wrestling, but Jankovic isn't allowing it.
>Jankovic finds room to apply a standing guillotine, and pulls Fussell to the ground to tighten it even further!
>The guillotine is applied, but Fussell stubbornly holds on and does not tap!
>Jankovic must not have it totally sunk in.
>Jankovic finally gives it up and lets go, but may have gassed his arms in the submission attempt.
>Dominykas Jankovic looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Looking to catch his breath, Fussell is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body.
>In guard, Fussell begins working to pass to side control.
>Jankovic finds his opponent too skilled, and Fussell passes guard into side control.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>That was a close round, but I'm giving it to Fussell, 10-9.

>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>Judge #1 has scored it 29-28 Fussell.
>Judge #2 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Jankovic.
>Judge #3 gives a score of 30-27 in favour of Fussell.
>Iain Fussell wins by split decision!

>Official Result: Iain 'The Elite' Fussell defeats Dominykas 'Slamkovic' Jankovic (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Very Poor.

Comments: Another difficult one for the judges to separate, and a bit of a snoozer, as most of the action seemed to be preventing takedowns. Fussell was more active, so I guess it's a fair call, but neither guy impressed me here, especially Jankovic, who I expected better things from after his last victory.

Co-main

Gunnar Nilsson (44-12) v Iancu Trailescu (4-2)

>The co-main event is up next. 'Swedish Superman' Gunnar Nilsson fights Iancu Trailescu in the SIGMA Heavyweight division.

>We are underway!
>Trailescu avoids a jab and scores with a nasty-looking kick to the inside of the left knee.
>Trailescu slips past a left jab and fires back with a tasty jab - left cross combination.
>Trailescu tries for a right jab but Nilsson moves out of range.
>Moving in closer, Nilsson looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.
>He gets into range.
>A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate.
>Slipping past a left jab, Trailescu hits a sequence of quick punches.
>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Trailescu hits a flurry of quick punches to sting Nilsson.
>Trailescu throws a leg kick but Nilsson checks it easily.
>Nilsson comes in, looking for a quick double leg takedown from close range.
>Nilsson walks into a big jab, landing right on the cheek.
>Nilsson slips out of the way of a leg kick.
>Nilsson slips out of the way of a combination of short sharp punches.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Trailescu slips past a left jab and counters with a couple of nice shots.
>Nilsson counters a right jab by hitting a clean left.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Trailescu.

>We are back underway!
>Both fighters exchange strikes, but neither hits anything significant.
>There's a takedown attempt from Nilsson.
>Trailescu sees the takedown coming and tries to move.
>The takedown doesn't work, Trailescu saw it coming and got out of range.
>An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage.
>Nilsson throws a speculative right, but it is nowhere near hitting.
>Trailescu doesn't press the issue, allowing Nilsson to circle.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Nilsson looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Trailescu.
>Trailescu uses his strikes to stop Nilsson from getting too close.
>Trailescu counters an errant left jab with a crisp right hand punch.
>There's a takedown attempt from Nilsson.
>Trailescu tries to time a counter left hand, but can't get it.
>Trailescu cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard.
>Nilsson tries to pound on Trailescu, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Trailescu tries to catch Nilsson with a punch, but it is not on target.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Nilsson smothers Trailescu with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Nilsson starts trying to work to get past the guard.
>He can't find a way past the guard.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round two.
>I think Nilsson took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>We are back underway!
>Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done.
>Nilsson backs away to create some more space.
>Nilsson steps back to avoid a one-two combination.
>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.
>Trailescu avoids a jab and scores with a nice right hand.
>Nilsson covers up to absorb a tidy combination of punches and then hits a nice jab.
>Nilsson throws a swift jab but doesn't do any damage.
>Trailescu quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Nilsson avoids a low kick.
>A jab misses, allowing Trailescu to counter-strike with a nice right hand.
>Trailescu drops a shoulder, trying to sucker Nilsson in with a feint.
>Nilsson comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Nilsson gets a single leg takedown! Trailescu pulls guard off it.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Time slips away as Nilsson successfully keeps Trailescu stuck against the ground.
>Nilsson smothers Trailescu with his body by pushing forward and down.
>The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.
>I have to give that round to Nilsson, but only a 10-9.

>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>All three judges give a score of 29-28.
>The winner, by unanimous decision, is Gunnar Nilsson!

>Official Result: 'Swedish Superman' Gunnar Nilsson defeats Iancu Trailescu (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.

Comments: Another pretty poor effort here. Nilsson did enough to get the fight won but nothing more, and if he thought a win would get him back into the title picture he needed to impress me more than he did in this fight. A possible match with exciting youngster Wolfgang Taktarov is rumoured to be his next stop; Nilsson tells me he wants Lefter Oktay next, but I'm not really feeling it. Trailescu doesn't look as though he has what it takes to reach the heights in this division, and is likely to spend the rest of his contract as a proving ground for other youngsters coming in.

Main Event

SIGMA Featherweight Championship

>It's time for the main event of the evening! 'The Peragon Of Virtue' Fernando Peragon squares off with 'Bulldozer' Benedikt Streit in the SIGMA Featherweight division.
>This contest is for the SIGMA Featherweight title.

>And here we go!
>Peragon throws a barrage of big right hands but Streit moves out of range.
>Streit slips out of the way of a flurry of punches.
>Peragon throws a left jab but Streit avoids it.
>Peragon looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>Standing his ground, Streit looks happy to engage Peragon in the pocket.
>Streit slips past a straight punch and hits a nice left.
>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.
>There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits.
>Not comfortable in the pocket, Peragon steps back and creates some space.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>A straight left fails to land and Peragon is able to fire back with a crisp left hand punch.
>Peragon is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.
>Peragon and Streit get closer, both looking eager to engage at close range.
>An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything.
>From the pocket, Streit shoots in for a double leg.
>The takedown is completed, Peragon is on his back and pulls half guard.
>Streit begins trying to get his leg free of the half guard.
>Streit isn't able to pass from half guard thanks to the tenacious defence of Peragon.
>Peragon works some separation, then tries to quickly scramble his way into a better position.
>There wasn't enough separation though, Streit is able to catch him and secure side control.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Streit pounds away on Peragon, but few of the shots lands clean.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Streit.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike.
>Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything.
>Streit just slips out of the way of a flurry of strikes, having been off balance after falling for a feint.
>Peragon throws a looping punch, but Streit avoids it.
>Streit steps in to put some pressure on.
>There's a takedown attempt from Streit.
>A counter right hook catches Streit hard, putting him down!
>Peragon quickly mounts the dazed Streit!
>Peragon pounds away from the mount with elbow strikes, and Streit struggles to deal with them.
>Streit has a gash under his eye from that strike.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Peragon fires away with elbows, but Streit deals with them fairly well.
>Peragon pounds away with punches from the mount, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage.
>Peragon fires away with big elbows, but Streit covers up and doesn't take any undue damage.
>Streit tries to move Peragon enough to get half guard, but can't get enough space.
>Peragon fires away with big elbows, but Streit covers up and doesn't take any undue damage.
>Streit tries to get enough space to pull half guard, but Peragon doesn't allow it.
>Peragon pounds away with elbows, but doesn't do much damage, if any, Streit covers up well.
>Streit tries to turn over and sweep Peragon, but rolls too far and gives up his back!
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Peragon successfully gets both hooks in, and seems primed to finish.
>With both hooks in and therefore great control of the body, Peragon tries to finish Streit off with a rear naked choke.
>Streit stops Peragon from getting his arm under the chin and completing the choke.
>Round two ends as time expires.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Peragon.

>Bleeding, Streit is attended to by the cut man between rounds.
>And here we go, round three!
>Streit slips out of the way of a flurry of punches.
>An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage.
>A left jab misses, giving Streit the chance to hit back with a stinging jab.
>Peragon uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.
>Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either.
>Peragon throws a wild right hand, but Streit covers up and absorbs the strike.
>Fernando Peragon looks very tired out there.
>Streit steps back just in time to avoid a wild swing.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Streit uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.
>Standing in the pocket, Streit chooses to shoot in for a double leg on Peragon.
>The takedown is successful, Peragon pulls guard.
>Streit pounds away on Peragon with elbow strikes, but few of the shots lands clean.
>Streit leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Peragon.
>Peragon is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Streit off of him.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Streit begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>Peragon is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Streit firmly in guard.
>Round three ends as time expires.
>You can hear some boos from the audience, they weren't impressed with that round at all.
>That round goes to Streit, 10-9 on my card.

>Round four begins!
>From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Streit has been instructed to try and get Peragon to the floor in this round.
>A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate.
>Peragon slips past a left jab and fires back with a crisp jab.
>Streit comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Peragon cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard.
>In guard, Streit begins working to pass to side control.
>Streit struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard.
>Streit deflects a couple of punches that Peragon threw from below.
>Streit tries to pass the guard.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Peragon tries to catch Streit with a punch, but it is not on target.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Streit begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Breathing very hard, Benedikt Streit is looking ragged.
>Streit deflects a couple of punches that Peragon threw from below.
>Fernando Peragon looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion.
>Streit tries to pound on Peragon with elbow strikes, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Streit deflects a couple of punches that Peragon threw from below.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Streit tries to pass the guard.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Streit leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Peragon.
>In guard, Streit begins working to pass to side control.
>Streit struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard.
>Benedikt Streit looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give.
>The time runs out on round four.
>That round goes to Streit, 10-9 on my card.

>Round five begins!
>From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Streit has been instructed to try and get Peragon to the floor in this round.
>Streit moves out of range of a flurry of punches.
>They come together and throw strikes, both miss.
>Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.
>Streit has worked in the underhooks and looks to take Peragon down.
>He lifts his opponent and drives him down with a Greco-Roman slam! Peragon pulls guard.
>Streit smothers Peragon with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Time slips away as Streit successfully keeps Peragon stuck against the ground.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Time slips away as Streit successfully keeps Peragon stuck against the ground.
>Streit lies on top of Peragon, basically smothering him.
>Time slips away as Streit successfully keeps Peragon stuck against the ground.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Streit throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move.
>Peragon tries to catch Streit with a punch, but it is not on target.
>Streit attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>Streit isn't able to pass guard on this attempt.
>Benedikt Streit looks like he is almost out on his feet with exhaustion.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Streit.

>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>All three judges have given 49-46.
>'Bulldozer' Benedikt Streit wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: 'Bulldozer' Benedikt Streit defeats 'The Peragon Of Virtue' Fernando Peragon (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 5). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: The defending champ was undone here by his inability to prevent Streit from taking him down, and, when he did have his one opportunity to finish the fight, was frustrated by the end of the round from completing. Streit clearly deserved the win (I had him taking it 48-46) and the challenger next time out will have to be able to live with the wrestling ability he brings. Peragon always had a puncher's chance, as he does in every fight, and will no doubt come back from this against a different style of opponent.

Show summary

Critical rating: Average

Commercial success: Average

Fight of the Night: Drazen Gabelich v Franz Ludwig

Knockout of the Night: Emil Karlsson

Submission of the Night: Drazen Gabelich

Comments: Not the best card we've ever produced, with four of the six fights being decided by the judges, and only Gabelich's submission exciting the crowd.

batsnumbereleven · December 15, 2013

Prediction results

Jingo 5/6 (54/80)

CageRage 4/6 (100/139)

Injury report

No notable injuries resulting from the night's fights, but the athletic commission have imposed precautionary suspensions of 2 months on Lothar Weissman and 3 months on Franz Ludwig.

End of month finances

A profit of more than $34,000 this month.

SIGMA signings

The SIGMA scouts have been out doing their jobs as usual, and have recommended the following, whom we have all signed to 5-fight SIGMA-exclusive deals:

Jacco Landeweerd, a 24-year-old Dutch kickboxer
Welterweight Muay Thai expert Jean-Jacques Levasseur
Icelandic striker Ragnar Gunnlaugsson
23-year-old English Middleweight Snuffy Fontana

batsnumbereleven · December 15, 2013

Monday 1st July 1999

Press Release

Signature Martial Arts is proud to announce that SIGMA 26: Chekhov v van der Moot will take place on Friday 26th July, and will be held at the Bremerhaven Stadthalle.

The main event of the evening will be a Light-Heavyweight showdown between two excellent kick boxers, as veteran Russian Aleksei Chekhov (#15, 20-4) takes on the undefeated Rafael van der Moot (9-0) from Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Both men will have their eyes on a shot at Light-Heavyweight champion Matti Kurri should they pick up the win here.

Manish Khan (#11, 10-2) may have lost his SIGMA Featherweight championship to Fernando Peragon, but he is still eager for top quality fights, and we are pleased to be able to grant that desire, as he takes on veteran Icelandic grappler Snorri Gunnarsson (21-6-1NC). Gunnarson also lost to the current champ, back at SIGMA 11 and they have another common opponent in Lars Bohlin, who Khan defeated but Gunnarsson lost against, and the Icelander will be keen to show that it means little when the cage door is closed.

On the undercard, New Zealander Kurt McDonald (4-2) will look to get back to winning ways against SIGMA debutant Ozzy Bintley (2-0) from Worcester, England, in the Heavyweight division, Bulgarian judoka Filip Hristov (2-0) takes on French Welterweight Benni Peyroux (2-1), and Belfast, Northern Ireland's Gregory O'Hara (4-0) makes his SIGMA debut against Dresden's Klaus Greis (2-1) who was last in action at SIGMA 15 in defeating Folke Dalen. Finally, the opener for the evening will be a Middleweight clash between two Balkan fighters with 1-1 records, as Serbian boxer Luka Hajek faces off against Croatian brawler Branko Alilovic.

Card for picks:

SIGMA 26

Aleksei Chekhov v Rafael van der Moot

Manish Khan v Snorri Gunnarsson

Kurt McDonald v Ozzy Bintley

Filip Hristov v Benni Peyroux

Gregory O'Hara v Klaus Greis

Luka Hajek v Branko Alilovic

batsnumbereleven · December 16, 2013

News and Notes from around the MMA world: July 1999

Tuesday 2nd July 1999

Blurcat.com

Big news today, with the signing by GAMMA of Indonesian MMA prodigy Sukarno (#20 LW, 23-1), whose contract with KDMFC had expired, and who was looking for a new challenge. The 25-year-old, whose unbeaten career streak of 23 fights was ended last year by Atep of Indonesia at KDMFC 4, has not fought since that defeat last February, and no doubt GAMMA fans will be salivating at the thought of the potential fight against long-time stalwart Sean Morrison (#17, 29-4) or his recent vanquisher, GAMMA Lightweight champion Brandon Sugar (#3, 28-4).

GAMMA CEO Lance Decker said to Blurcat.com that “this is an unprecedented and valuable signing for GAMMA, giving us new reach into the Asian market. Sukarno is destined to be in the Hall of Fame when he retires, and for him to fight in GAMMA is a privilege for us. He is looking forward to the new match-ups that we can promise him, and I'm sure he will bring out a new competitive edge amongst our fighters, as they aim to prove that GAMMA is the place where all the best fighters appear.”

GAMMA can be very pleased with the signing. Despite the end of Sukarno's unbeaten streak, he is a well known name, even in America, and they are certain to attract additional eyes as fans see some of their all-time dream fights brought over the next few years. At 25, and having an established reputation, Sukarno could be a main attraction in GAMMA for many years to come, if his performances in the far East translate to the GAMMA cage.

Signings

ALPHA-1: Ethan Sutton, Washi Shiganori, Marcos Maciel, Takesi Yanagimoto, Ryuji Ganaha, Ranieri Fernanda, Silvio Leite,

GAMMA: Sukarno,

OMEGA: -

BCF: -

FLB: -

XCC: -

WEFF: -

KDMFC: -

Events

GAMMA 37: Sugar v Gorshin took place on Saturday 6th July, with Brandon Sugar (#3, 28-4) retaining his GAMMA Lightweight Championship by 4th round Armbar over Beau Gorshin (#25, 38-10). A huge fight on the undercard saw Julio Regueiro (#12, 22-1) return to winning ways with submission victory (Rear naked choke) over Nathan Chambers (#17, 16-2) in the very first round.

On the same night, Stafford Alois (#12, 28-10) aimed to regain his BCF Heavyweight title from champion Carter Potter (#7, 18-4) in front of a crowd of around 850 in his hometown London, but came up short in a fantastic battle that was eventually stopped some 35 seconds into the fourth round with a TKO victory for Potter.

OMEGA: Correa v Pike took place on Friday 12th July, and the main event saw veteran Norman Pike (#21, 18-4) take victory by Americana over previously unbeaten vale tudo practitioner Julio Correa (9-1) in the third round of a fantastic contest to become the inaugural OMEGA Heavyweight champion.

Affonso Villar (#19, 23-2) retained his FLB Light-Heavyweight title on Tuesday 16th July at FLB 15: Hostile Territory, with a 2nd round TKO victory over Pedro Sousa (#7, 20-4). There were also submission victories for Carlos dos Santos (#9 LHW, 16-3) and Joaquin Fontes (#4MW, 24-3), and Light-Heavyweight Nazario Pessao extended his undefeated record to 10 fights with a 1st round Rear Naked Choke of Helton Nascimento (17-9).

At WEFF 12 on Thursday 25th July, Michelle Addams (#3, 12-1) retained her WEFF Lightweight title with a second round KO (knee to the head) victory over Ottawa's Rhonda Britton (#7, 6-2), and Piper Evergood (#20 WFW, 4-0) took a Unanimous decision victory over Lynda Epsom (#4, 6-1).

Jingo · December 16, 2013

SIGMA 26

Aleksei Chekhov v Rafael van der Moot

Manish Khan v Snorri Gunnarsson

Kurt McDonald v Ozzy Bintley

Filip Hristov v Benni Peyroux

Gregory O'Hara v Klaus Greis

Luka Hajek v Branko Alilovic

CageRage · December 16, 2013

SIGMA 26

Aleksei Chekhov v Rafael van der Moot

Manish Khan v Snorri Gunnarsson

Kurt McDonald v Ozzy Bintley

Filip Hristov v Benni Peyroux

Gregory O'Hara v Klaus Greis

Luka Hajek v Branko Alilovic

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