SIGMA - Rise of European MMA

CageRage · December 24, 2013

SIGMA 30

Fernando Amaro v Tore Herlovsen

Nicolai Mickiewicz v Dag Kreuger

Francesco Marazzina v Ruben Ericsson

Bastian Neske v Heinz Schroder

Alain Saul v Vladimir Baskov

Jayden Karp v Stian Agdenstein

Alekos Karabatsos v Andranik Paletilolu

Jingo · December 24, 2013

SIGMA 30

Fernando Amaro v Tore Herlovsen

Nicolai Mickiewicz v Dag Kreuger

Francesco Marazzina v Ruben Ericsson

Bastian Neske v Heinz Schroder

Alain Saul v Vladimir Baskov

Jayden Karp v Stian Agdenstein

Alekos Karabatsos v Andranik Paletilolu

batsnumbereleven · December 27, 2013

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

Signings

ALPHA-1: Eiji Masuko, Masato Wai, Ren Akai,

GAMMA: Nazario Pessao (after 3-0 in FLB, 11-0 career)

OMEGA: -

BCF: Dennis Gallagher, Charlie Warren,

FLB: -

XCC: -

WEFF: -

KDMFC: Angel Masvidal, Eizan Ijichi,

Events

WEFF 13 took place on Thursday 4th October, with Emma Birch (#4WFW, 6-0) retaining her WEFF Heavyweight title with a Unanimous decision victory over Kelly Andrews (#7, 4-1). Elsewhere on the card, Natalie Rodgers (5-1) surprised #9 ranked Womens Bantamweight Rachel McGuinness (5-1) with a KO kick in the second round of their bout.

Saturday 13th October saw ALPHA-1: da Guia v Funaki, with two of the world's top Welterweights going head-to-head for da Guia's ALPHA-1 Welterweight title. The champion took his perfect record to 18 victories with a first round knock out of #9 ranked Funaki (19-5). In the co-main, Sho Kitabatake (15-1) took a submission victory over previously undefeated Ranieri Fernando (5-1).

batsnumbereleven · December 27, 2013

Event report

SIGMA 30: Amaro v Herlovsen

Sunday 14th October 1999

Rundsporthalle, Ludwigsberg, Germany.

Attendance: 2029 for a gate of $101,450

PPV Buys: N/A

Alekos Karabatsos (12-6) v Andranik Paletilolu (15-7)

>Moving on to the next match, in which Alekos 'Killer' Karabatsos goes head to head with 'The Battering Ram' Andranik Paletilolu in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Karabatsos slips out of the way of a jab.
>They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage.
>From the missed strikes they clinch.
>Karabatsos has worked in the underhooks and looks to take Paletilolu down.
>A sweep of the legs is successful, Paletilolu has to pull guard.
>Karabatsos lies on top of Paletilolu, basically smothering him.
>Time slips away as Karabatsos successfully keeps Paletilolu stuck against the ground.
>Karabatsos unloads with big right hands from the guard, but Paletilolu is able to deal with most of them.
>Karabatsos deflects a couple of punches that Paletilolu threw from below.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Karabatsos tries to pound on Paletilolu with elbow strikes, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Paletilolu throws out some punches, but Karabatsos leans back to avoid them.
>Paletilolu is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Karabatsos off of him.
>Karabatsos tries to pass the guard.
>He manages to pass, but only to half guard.
>Alekos Karabatsos is looking really tired.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Karabatsos begins trying to get his leg free of half guard and get a better position.
>Getting his leg free with ease, he gets to side control.
>Karabatsos punches down at Paletilolu, but they are easily taken on the gloves.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>That was a yawner of a round, and I think both fighters are now a bit frustrated.
>That round goes to Karabatsos, 10-9 on my card.

>We are back underway!
>Paletilolu avoids a quick jab and hits a left jab to the cheek.
>Karabatsos avoids a nice combination.
>Karabatsos avoids a body kick.
>Karabatsos avoids a jab.
>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.
>Paletilolu slams a crisp right into the gloves of Karabatsos, but can't follow up.
>Karabatsos steps in to put some pressure on.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Paletilolu slips out of the way of a jab.
>Paletilolu throws a left jab but Karabatsos avoids it.
>Karabatsos throws a couple of jabs, a set up for a tired-looking takedown attempt on Paletilolu.
>Karabatsos can't get past the sprawl of Paletilolu, and finds himself pushed face-down to the ground.
>Alekos Karabatsos looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give.
>The weight cut that he did for this fight may be a factor in his fatigue.
>Paletilolu pounds away on the body and side of the head, Karabatsos struggles to deal with them.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Paletilolu pounds away with right hands, but Karabatsos absorbs them and manages to stand back up.
>Karabatsos slips out of the way of a jab.
>Round two ends as time expires.
>I have to give that round to Paletilolu, but only a 10-9.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Paletilolu throws a leg kick but Karabatsos avoids it.
>An errant jab sets Paletilolu up to counter-strike with a vicious leg kick.
>There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits.
>In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch.
>Karabatsos is trying to push Paletilolu so that his back is up against the cage.
>He does so, and now has Paletilolu pinned to the cage.
>Paletilolu is controlled up against the cage and eats a sharp right to the ear.
>With Paletilolu stuck against the cage, Karabatsos gets the underhooks and looks for a takedown.
>Paletilolu digs in and manages to defend the takedown, but Karabatsos does manage to get behind him.
>Alekos Karabatsos looks like he is completely out of gas.
>Paletilolu turns Karabatsos slightly, but can't create enough space to get free of the clinch.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Grappling from behind, Karabatsos attempts to wrestle Paletilolu to the ground.
>Paletilolu digs in and manages to defend the takedown.
>Andranik Paletilolu looks very tired out there.
>Grappling from behind, Karabatsos tries to get up onto the back of Paletilolu to apply a choke.
>Karabatsos cannot get the choke applied, Paletilolu fought him off.
>Karabatsos looks to clamber up Paletilolu from behind and apply a choke of some kind.
>Paletilolu realises that Karabatsos has gone too high on the choke, and sends him to the ground with a throw.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Paletilolu hits a kick to the knee.
>On his back, Karabatsos watches as Paletilolu comes in looking to get a dominant ground position.
>Karabatsos scoots backward as soon as Paletilolu comes in, initiating a scramble for position.
>Neither fighter manages to impose himself in the scramble, and they both end up standing.
>Andranik Paletilolu looks very, very tired.
>The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight.
>Incredibly close round, but Paletilolu came out just ahead on my score card.

>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>All three judges have scored it 29-28.
>Andranik Paletilolu wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: 'The Battering Ram' Andranik Paletilolu defeats Alekos 'Killer' Karabatsos (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent.

Comments: Very tight contest and the third round could have been given either way in my book, but no complaints about the result. Karabatsos had a chance to finish it in the first round, but spent far too long in guard before he tried improving position, and that cost him it, as he didn't appear to have the energy in the second and third to successfully take Paletilolu down. Decent defence from Paletilolu, but he didn't give us much offense at all, so both guys are likely to remain in the lower reaches of the Light-Heavyweight division for the foreseeable future. Karabatsos tells me after the press conference that he sees Shane Gilchrist as a possible next opponent.

Jayden Karp (4-0) v Stian Agdenstein (3-0)

>Moving on, Jayden Karp squares off with Stian Agdestein in the SIGMA Welterweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Agdestein counters a tight combination by hitting a stinging left jab.
>There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits.
>Karp avoids a quick jab and hits a left jab to the cheek.
>Karp uses a clever feint to set up a right high kick, but Agdestein is able to duck under it.
>Agdestein throws three punches in quick succession, but Karp was out of range.
>Karp comes in closer to press the issue.
>Karp goes to the body and then to the head with a tidy combination to get Agdestein to cover up, then shoots in.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Agdestein blocked Karp.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Karp steps back to avoid a left jab.
>Karp is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.
>Karp moves into the pocket.
>Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done.
>Karp slips past a jab and scores with a sequence of quick punches.
>Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.
>Agdestein gets caught with a stiff jab.
>Agdestein uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>I have to give that round to Karp, but only a 10-9.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Both fighters exchange strikes, but neither hits anything significant.
>A left jab misses and Karp counters with a clean left.
>A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate.
>Karp uses a smart combination to get Agdestein to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>A counter right cross is too slow to catch Karp.
>The takedown is successful, Agdestein couldn't quite stay on his feet.
>Agdestein winds up seated, his back to the cage, with Karp pressing onto him.
>Karp attempts to guillotine Agdestein, who is stuck against the cage.
>Karp gets the guillotine fully applied and Agdestein has to tap out!
>The winner, by submission, is Jayden Karp!

>Post-Fight: In an interview, Agdestein confirms that he was not happy with how his training went, and that he feels that it seriously affected his performance.

>Official Result: Jayden Karp defeats Stian Agdestein (Submission (Guillotine) in 2:20 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Poor excuse from Agdenstein – shows a lack of preparation and in getting your camp right before you start training – it looked more like he got himself in a poor position and his opponent took advantage. Karp looked decent out there.

Alan Saul (3-1) v Vladimir Baskov (6-2)

>Moving on to the next match, in which Alain Saul goes up against Vladimir 'The Impaler' Baskov in the SIGMA Lightweight division.

>And here we go!
>A left jab misses and Saul counters with a barrage of big right hands!
>Baskov staggers backward, looking dazed...that last blow must have really rocked him!
>Saul catches Baskov with a dazzling flying knee, knocking him off his feet!
>Baskov shakes off the blow almost immediately though, and waits for Saul to make a move.
>Baskov gets back up after making Saul step back to avoid an up-kick.
>A jab misses, allowing Baskov to counter-strike with a crisp left hand punch.
>Baskov avoids a right kick to the body and hits a straight left.
>Baskov throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Saul tries to time a counter right hand, but can't get it.
>The takedown is completed, it was a single leg and Saul is left on his back pulling guard.
>The clock runs down as Saul is being smothered against the ground by Baskov.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Baskov looks to get past the guard.
>He passes guard fairly easily, getting to side control.
>In side control, Baskov begins working to get a mount.
>Saul can't stop it and gets mounted.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Baskov attempts to set up an americana on Saul from the mount.
>Saul stops Baskov from applying it.
>Baskov counters an attempt by Saul to move him from mount by taking his back!
>Baskov tries to hook Saul in a rear naked choke.
>Baskov flattens Saul out with the rear naked choke, but took too long because the round ends!
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>I have to give that round to Baskov, but only a 10-9.

>Round two begins!
>Baskov counters a weak right kick with a nice jab.
>Baskov steps back to avoid a left jab.
>Baskov doesn't get drawn in as Saul feints a kick.
>Baskov comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Saul tries to avoid the takedown.
>Saul avoids the takedown attempt.
>Saul misses with an attempted right hook to the body.
>Time slips away as Baskov doesn't press Saul, allowing him to circle.
>Baskov slips out of the way of a flurry of punches.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Baskov counters a flurry of punches by hitting a jab.
>Saul counters an errant left jab with a stinging left jab.
>Baskov comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Saul tries to avoid Baskov.
>Saul avoids the takedown attempt.
>A flicked jab from Baskov only finds gloves.
>Saul presses in closer to attack.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Baskov avoids a low kick.
>Saul narrowly misses Baskov with a right uppercut.
>Baskov doesn't press the issue, allowing Saul to circle.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round two.
>There was very little to separate them in that round, but I'll give that one 10-9 to Saul.

>We are back underway!
>An attempted body kick misses and Baskov fires back with a solid left.
>A weak body kick is countered by Baskov with a crisp left hand punch.
>Alain Saul looks very tired out there.
>Baskov uses a flurry of lefts and rights to get Saul to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>Saul tries to time a counter right hand, but can't get it.
>The takedown is successful, Saul pulls guard.
>Baskov tries to pass the guard.
>Baskov is too much for Saul, passing guard and gaining side control.
>Baskov holds Saul in position with side control and hits a knee into the ribs.
>In side control, Baskov begins working to get a mount.
>Saul can't stop it and gets mounted.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Baskov attempts to set up an americana on Saul from the mount.
>Saul gets caught by the americana, and once Baskov moves to side control for leverage he has to tap!
>Vladimir 'The Impaler' Baskov takes the win by submission!

>Official Result: Vladimir 'The Impaler' Baskov defeats Alain Saul (Submission (Americana) in 3:11 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: I thought Saul had it won in the very first minute, but Baskov recovered well, and Saul never really looked as much of a threat again, and had no answer to Baskov's guard passing, which was immense.

Bastian Neske (3-1) v Heinz Schroder (1-2)

>Moving on to the next match, in which Bastian Neske will take on Heinz Schroder in the SIGMA Heavyweight division.

>The fight begins!
>A jab misses, allowing Neske to counter-strike with a series of big right hands, trapping Schroder against the cage!
>Schroder collapses, hurt, and Neske looks to finish by unleashing a barrage of strikes to his downed opponent!
>The referee is forced to jump in and stop the match!
>The winner, by TKO; Bastian Neske!

>Official Result: Bastian Neske defeats Heinz Schroder (TKO (Strikes) in 0:28 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: That's a third straight first round TKO loss for Schroder, and I can't see his contract getting renewed when it comes up after his next fight unless there is a significant improvement. Neske's one of those guys where you're never quite sure what you're going to get, because he is so dependent on his heavy punching, but he took Lefter Oktay the distance last time, and he seems to be doing plenty to keep expectation levels high.

Francesco Marazzina (#16, 21-6) v Ruben Ericsson (9-2-1)

>Next up, Francesco Marazzina battles Ruben Ericsson in the SIGMA Featherweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits.
>Ericsson tries for a right jab but Marazzina moves out of range.
>Ericsson counters a left jab with a couple of hard left hands!
>Ericsson tries for a left jab but Marazzina uses head movement to avoid it.
>An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage.
>Ericsson throws a barrage of big punches but Marazzina covers up and is no danger.
>A right cross misses, giving Ericsson the perfect angle to counter-strike with a solid punch.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Slipping past a flurry of punches, Marazzina has the angle to counter with a jab.
>A left jab misses, giving Ericsson the chance to hit back with a flurry of jabs and straight punches.
>Ericsson throws rights and lefts, but Marazzina covers up well and none of the shots find a home.
>Ericsson backs away to create some more space.
>Ericsson narrowly misses Marazzina with a left uppercut.
>The fight slows as Marazzina sits back and allows Ericsson to circle.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Marazzina is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.
>Strikes from Ericsson keep Marazzina from stepping in too close.
>Marazzina throws a left jab but Ericsson avoids it.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>You can hear some boos from the audience, they weren't impressed with that round at all.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Ericsson.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Ericsson avoids a quick jab and hits a clean jab.
>Marazzina steps back to avoid a flurry of punches after falling for a clever feint.
>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.
>Using his wrestling skills, Marazzina is trying to push Ericsson up against the cage.
>Marazzina does it, Ericsson is stuck with his back to the cage.
>Marazzina attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Ericsson to the ground.
>An outside leg trip sweeps Ericsson down to the ground, where he is left on his back pulling half guard!
>Marazzina fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force.
>Ericsson tries a sweep from the bottom of half guard, but doesn't budge Marazzina.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Marazzina attempts an arm triangle.
>Marazzina gets the arm triangle fully applied and Ericsson has to tap out!
>The winner, by submission; Francesco Marazzina!

>Official Result: Francesco Marazzina defeats Ruben Ericsson (Submission (Arm Triangle) in 3:05 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Marazzina is fast developing a deserved reputation for being a dangerous submissions fighter, and did well here to stand with a more striking-focused opponent. Ericsson looked fine until he got taken down, but whether the quick submission was a result of Marazzina's excellent work or his own poor submission defence will bear discovering in future fights.

Co-main

Nicolai Mickiewicz (#16, 21-5) v Dag Kreuger (5-1)

>The co-main event is up next. 'The Scourge Of Europe' Nicolai Mickiewicz fights Dag 'The Viking' Kreuger in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.

>We are underway!
>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.
>Using his wrestling skills, Kreuger is trying to push Mickiewicz up against the cage.
>Kreuger can't do it though, and ends up being out-wrestled in the grapple.
>Mickiewicz uses underhooks to gain solid control, and is looking for a takedown.
>A sweep of the legs is successful, Kreuger has to pull guard.
>Mickiewicz lies on top of Kreuger, basically smothering him.
>Mickiewicz attempts to pass guard.
>Kreuger can't fend off the effort, and can only stop Mickiewicz at half guard.
>Mickiewicz begins trying to get his leg free of the half guard.
>Mickiewicz is too skilled for Kreuger, passing half guard and gaining side control.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Mickiewicz fires off a few punches as he catches his breath.
>Mickiewicz feels Kreuger prepare to scramble for position and makes sure it doesn't happen.
>Mickiewicz tries to get into the mount position.
>Advancing his position, he gets mount.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Mickiewicz pounds away from the mount with elbows, but is unable to land many clean shots on Kreuger.
>Kreuger has been cut under his eye.
>Mickiewicz unloads with some big punches, but Kreuger deals with them comfortably.
>Kreuger tries to move Mickiewicz enough to get half guard, but can't get enough space.
>The time runs out on round one.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Mickiewicz.
>The cut man goes to work between rounds trying to patch up Kreuger.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Both fighters exchange strikes, but neither hits anything significant.
>Kreuger throws a left jab but Mickiewicz uses good head movement to make sure it slips by.
>Mickiewicz uses head movement to dodge a punch, then strikes back with a jab.
>A left jab misses the mark and allows Kreuger to counter with a nice jab.
>Slipping past a left jab, Kreuger hits a right hook to the body.
>Mickiewicz gets tagged with a crisp jab.
>Mickiewicz uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.
>From the pocket, Kreuger shoots in for a double leg.
>It looks like Mickiewicz is trying to grab a guillotine.
>Mickiewicz is unable to apply the guillotine choke.
>Mickiewicz gets taken down by a single leg, and has to pull guard.
>Kreuger throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Kreuger smothers Mickiewicz with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Kreuger keeps Mickiewicz guessing with a few quick strikes.
>Mickiewicz is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Kreuger off of him.
>Kreuger attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>He can't find a way past the guard.
>Mickiewicz throws out some punches, but Kreuger leans back to avoid them.
>Round two ends as time expires.
>I think Kreuger took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>We are back underway!
>Mickiewicz steps back to avoid a flurry of punches.
>Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage.
>Mickiewicz throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>The takedown doesn't work, Kreuger stuffed it.
>They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage.
>Kreuger throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Mickiewicz.
>Mickiewicz gets taken down by a single leg, and has to pull guard.
>Kreuger attempts to pass guard.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Mickiewicz throws out some punches, but Kreuger leans back to avoid them.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Time slips away as Kreuger successfully keeps Mickiewicz stuck against the ground.
>Mickiewicz is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Kreuger off of him.
>Kreuger smothers Mickiewicz with his body by pushing forward and down.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Kreuger tries to pound on Mickiewicz with elbow strikes, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Kreuger leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Mickiewicz.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>That round goes to Kreuger, 10-9 on my card.

>The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced.
>All three judges score the contest as 29-28.
>Making Dag 'The Viking' Kreuger the winner by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Dag 'The Viking' Kreuger defeats 'The Scourge Of Europe' Nicolai Mickiewicz (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: A big scalp here for Kreuger, but his top game wasn't especially inspiring, and he was a bit lucky in the first round to get out of there without taking more damage from being mounted, which shows well in his defense. Mickiewicz will be very disappointed not to have finished the fight from mount, and to have done insufficient in the second and third rounds to even take it on the scorecards. This definitely drops him down the Light-Heavyweight pecking order and we may have to seek out “interesting” rather than “challenging” opponents for him in future.

Main Event

Fernando Amaro (53-13-4-2NC) v Tore Herlovsen (7-0)

>It's time for the main event of the evening! Fernando 'The Traveller' Amaro will battle 'The Ice Man' Tore Herlovsen in the SIGMA Middleweight division.

>Round one begins!
>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.
>There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes, but neither scores.
>Standing in the pocket, Amaro chooses to shoot in for a double leg on Herlovsen.
>A counter right cross is too slow to catch Amaro.
>The takedown is successful, it's a single leg that leaves Herlovsen pulling guard.
>Amaro lies on top of Herlovsen, basically smothering him.
>Amaro looks to pass guard and get side control.
>Amaro is too much for Herlovsen, passing guard and gaining side control.
>Amaro looks to get a mount.
>Advancing his position, he gets mount.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Amaro pounds away with elbows from the mount, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage.
>Amaro unloads with big elbows from the mount, but Herlovsen is able to deal with most of them.
>Amaro starts hammering away at Herlovsen with punches.
>Herlovsen had better start defending himself, or this will be over!
>The referee pulls Amaro away, stopping the match!
>The winner, by TKO, is Fernando 'The Traveller' Amaro!

>Official Result: Fernando 'The Traveller' Amaro defeats 'The Ice Man' Tore Herlovsen (TKO (Strikes) in 3:52 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Good professional job by Amaro here, but despite his previously unblemished record Herlovsen really didn't have any answers once he was on his back, often the case with the more one-dimensional strikers in MMA. Next stop for Amaro looks like it will be as a test for one of the promising young Russians that are starting to make the Middleweight division look a little more interesting.

Show summary

Critical rating: Good

Commercial success: Good

Fight of the Night: Jayden Karp v Stian Agdenstein

Knockout of the Night: Fernando Amaro

Submission of the Night: Jayden Karp

Comments: Generally a good suite of fights, with nothing worse than “average”, and pleased also to see takings above $100k again, which helps maintain the bottom line. Kreuger's win seems to signal that Mickiewicz is on the down-spiral from here, rather than a test for the better Light-Heavyweights, whilst Amaro put an end to any hopes that the Middleweight division would get much clearer – Herlovsen had been primed for a title shot if he won impressively, but he needed to show ground skills that simply weren't in evidence tonight, and that he would desperately need against Fjodor Kanchelskis.

batsnumbereleven · December 27, 2013

Prediction results

CageRage 5/7 (119/170)

Jingo 4/7 (75/111)

Injury report

No injuries needed to be reported after the show, but the athletic commission have imposed precautionary suspensions of a month on Heinz Schroder, Ruben Ericsson and Stian Agdenstein, and laid off Alain Saul, Alekos Karabatsos and Tore Herlovsen for two months each.

batsnumbereleven · December 27, 2013

Monday 15th October 1999

Press Release

Signature Martial Arts is proud to announce that they will be bringing MMA to yet another new location, with the confirmation that SIGMA 31: Kurri v Soldo will emanate from Eisstadion im Sahnpark, in Crimmitschau, Saxony, on Friday 26th October.

The main event on the evening will see two Top 10 Light-Heavyweights in action, as SIGMA Light-Heavyweight champion Matti Kurri (#9, 10-0-1) puts his title on the line against former champion Niko Soldo (#6, 17-2-1) from Croatia. Kurri defeated Nicolai Mickiewicz to win the title and has since defended against Valentin Taneyev. Soldo originally lost the title to Mickiewicz back at SIGMA 2, last February, but has since racked up victories against Lothar Weissman, Dag Kreuger, and Faas Smit.

The co-headliner will demonstrate the range of experience on show in SIGMA, as veteran Heavyweight Gunnar Nilsson (45-12) takes on German-born Russian phenomenon Wolfgang Taktarov in just his second MMA appearance. Nilsson defeated Iancu Trailescu in his last bout, but didn't look all that impressive, whilst Taktarov punched out Mugur Boc back at SIGMA 20.

Two unbeaten fighters will go head-to-head in the Lightweight division, as 24-year-old Scotsman Irving Braun (4-0) makes his SIGMA debut against Sweden's Patrik Pedersen ((3-0), whilst at Featherweight, English wrestler Graeme Spark (6-0) will fight 20-year-old Polish kick boxer Krzysztof Bujnicki (1-1).

Veteran Middleweights Jaromir Grygera (19-6) and Guilherme Faure (16-6) will face off, and a second Light-heavyweight contest will pit 35-year -old Russian Dmytro Dargomyzhsky (19-10) against Hamburg's Michael Klaughnschue (4-1). Finally, to open affairs, kick boxers Andre Coton (0-1) from France and Dutchman Christijan van Belkum (2-2) will entertain us in the Welterweight division.

Card for picks:

SIGMA 31

Matti Kurri © v Niko Soldo

Gunnar Nilsson v Wolfgang Taktarov

Irving Braud v Patrik Pedersen

Graeme Spark v Krzysztof Bujnicki

Jaromir Grygera v Guilherme Faure

Dmytro Dargomyzhsky v Michael Klaughnschue

Andre Coton v Christijan van Belkum

CageRage · December 28, 2013

SIGMA 31

Matti Kurri © v Niko Soldo

Gunnar Nilsson v Wolfgang Taktarov

Irving Braud v Patrik Pedersen

Graeme Spark v Krzysztof Bujnicki

Jaromir Grygera v Guilherme Faure

Dmytro Dargomyzhsky v Michael Klaughnschue

Andre Coton v Christijan van Belkum

Jingo · December 28, 2013

SIGMA 31

Matti Kurri © v Niko Soldo

Gunnar Nilsson v Wolfgang Taktarov

Irving Braud v Patrik Pedersen

Graeme Spark v Krzysztof Bujnicki

Jaromir Grygera v Guilherme Faure

Dmytro Dargomyzhsky v Michael Klaughnschue

Andre Coton v Christijan van Belkum

batsnumbereleven · December 28, 2013

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

Signings

ALPHA-1: Konosuke Shirahata,

GAMMA: Walter Carpenter, Vittorio Pescatelli,

OMEGA: -

BCF: Hugh Whitworth,

FLB: Juan Pablo Rique, Drauzio Simaan,

XCC: -

WEFF: Eiko Shiokawa, Laura Adair,

KDMFC: Eijiro Yanagita, Shiko Taka,

Events

Saturday 20th October saw GAMMA 40: Stephens v Carpenter where Rufus Stephens (#5, 20-1) retained his GAMMA Welterweight title with a first round TKO victory over Jim Carpenter (#13, 52-11-2) in front of a crown of 9300 in Ohio. In the co-main, a long awaited battle between Lightweights was a bit of a disappointment as Sean Morrison (#13, 30-4) took a split decision victory over Sukarno (23-2).

XCC: Southall v Milissis took place on Sunday 28th October, with unbeaten Darren Southall (#18, 8-0) retaining his XCC Lightweight title with a fifth round submission win over Elvis Milissis (#15, 7-1). Also on the card, #21 Featherweight Shuler Eigenberg (11-3) defeated David James Diggle (#23, 4-1) by TKO in the third round.

funkyzafara · December 28, 2013

SIGMA 31

Matti Kurri © v Niko Soldo

Gunnar Nilsson v Wolfgang Taktarov

Irving Braud v Patrik Pedersen

Graeme Spark v Krzysztof Bujnicki

Jaromir Grygera v Guilherme Faure

Dmytro Dargomyzhsky v Michael Klaughnschue

Andre Coton v Christijan van Belkum

I've always loved SIGMA, so this diary looks interesting. Just wondering what mod this is, or if it's the Default, as there are some names that I don't recognize.

batsnumbereleven · December 28, 2013

Hi funkyzafara. It's the default data but with a load of additional fighters (of all capabilities) that I've created to flesh the data out a bit further, but are drawn from renders that have been posted on the boards.

batsnumbereleven · December 28, 2013

Event report

SIGMA 31: Kurri v Soldo

Friday 26th October 1999

Eisstadion im Sahnpark, Crimmitschau, Germany.

Attendance: 2180 for a gate of $109,000

PPV Buys: N/A

Andre Coton (0-1) v Christijan van Belkum (2-2)

>Moving on to the next match, in which Andre Coton squares off with Christijan van Belkum in the SIGMA Welterweight division.

>And here we go!
>Coton avoids a kick to the leg and hits a solid left jab.
>van Belkum feints left, then right.
>van Belkum avoids a quick jab and hits a hard leg kick.
>Coton avoids a flurry of punches and hits a left.
>A left jab misses and van Belkum strikes back with a kick to the inside of the left thigh.
>Andre Coton won't want to take too many unchecked strikes to the legs like that.
>van Belkum looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Coton.
>van Belkum moves into the pocket.
>van Belkum looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Coton ends up grappling for supremacy with van Belkum.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>van Belkum and Coton separate and we're back to a stand-off.
>Coton comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Coton can't get near enough to engage, van Belkum uses strikes to keep him out of range.
>Backing out of range, van Belkum circles tentatively.
>Coton quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>A jab misses and van Belkum counters with a right kick to the thigh.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Coton is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.
>van Belkum tries to counter Coton with a big right cross, but it doesn't hit the target.
>Coton comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Coton moves into the pocket.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>That round goes to van Belkum, 10-9 on my card.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>van Belkum slips past a left jab and fires back with a sharp kick just above the hip.
>A wayward right kick to the body allows Coton to hit a crisp jab.
>A jab misses and van Belkum counters with a crisp left hand punch.
>van Belkum avoids a quick jab and hits a hard leg kick.
>Andre Coton is limping, he clearly has a damaged leg.
>After a flurry of punches miss, Coton is able to strike back with a vicious head kick, knocking van Belkum down to the ground!
>Coton doesn't have time to capitalise though, as van Belkum recovers his wits quickly.
>Coton looks to get on top of van Belkum.
>Coton can't hold van Belkum down and a scramble starts.
>Neither fighter manages to impose himself in the scramble, and they both end up standing.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>van Belkum counters an errant left jab with a nice left hand.
>Coton is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.
>A counter left catches Coton above the eye.
>van Belkum counters an attempted knock out punch with a right kick to the thigh.
>Coton looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with van Belkum.
>van Belkum uses his strikes to stop Coton from getting too close.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Coton looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with van Belkum.
>He gets into range.
>Using head movement, van Belkum slips past a left jab and counters with a kick to the outside of the knee.
>van Belkum throws a barrage of big punches but Coton covers up safely.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to van Belkum 10-9.

>Round three begins!
>van Belkum steps back to avoid a head kick.
>Coton slips due to the missed kick, and falls to the ground.
>On his back, Coton watches as van Belkum comes in looking to get a dominant ground position.
>van Belkum can't hold Coton down and a scramble starts.
>van Belkum is left turtled up, facing Coton.
>Coton unloads with big punches, van Belkum is struggling to cope!
>Coton fires away with big right hands, but can't stop van Belkum getting to his feet.
>van Belkum slips out of the way of a jab.
>Coton comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Coton can't close the distance, van Belkum keeps him away with strikes.
>van Belkum nails Coton with a series of quick jabs.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Coton comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>Strikes from van Belkum keep Coton from stepping in too close.
>Coton looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>To counter, van Belkum throws a huge right hand which doesn't miss by much.
>Coton circles as he plans his next move.
>Not letting up, van Belkum quickly steps in closer to attack Coton.
>Christijan van Belkum looks very tired out there.
>Moving in closer, a tired-looking van Belkum apparently wants to strike from the pocket.
>Coton keeps himself moving out of range.
>Andre Coton is breathing very hard.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Moving in closer, a tired-looking Coton apparently wants to strike from the pocket.
>van Belkum uses his strikes to stop Coton from getting too close.
>van Belkum side-steps an attempted knock out right and hits a kick to the inside of the left thigh.
>There was an audible groan from the crowd there, as Andre Coton took yet another shot to the leg.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>That was a very close round, but I think Coton just about edged it.

>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>Judge #1 has scored it 30-27 van Belkum.
>Judge #2 scores the contest as 29-28 to Coton.
>Judge #3 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of van Belkum.
>So the winner, by split decision, is Christijan van Belkum!

>Official Result: Christijan van Belkum defeats Andre Coton (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Plenty of back and forth in this one, but not a lot of definitive action. Van Belkum certainly did more damage, particularly with his leg kicks, but it was a very difficult contest to score, as the cards from the judges showed.

Dmytro Dargomyzhsky (19-10) v Michael Klaughnschue (4-1)

>Moving on, Dmytro Dargomyzhsky squares off with Michael Klaughnschue in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.

>We are underway!
>Dargomyzhsky uses a stiff right jab to stop Klaughnschue from advancing.
>There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits.
>Dargomyzhsky looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Klaughnschue seems happy to grapple with Dargomyzhsky.
>Getting underhooks, Klaughnschue looks for a takedown.
>Klaughnschue gets the takedown by using the underhooks for control and working a trip! Dargomyzhsky pulls guard.
>The clock runs down as Dargomyzhsky is being smothered against the ground by Klaughnschue.
>Klaughnschue lies on top of Dargomyzhsky, basically smothering him.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Dargomyzhsky is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Klaughnschue off of him.
>Klaughnschue lies on top of Dargomyzhsky, basically smothering him.
>Klaughnschue smothers Dargomyzhsky with his body by pushing forward and down.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Time slips away as Klaughnschue successfully keeps Dargomyzhsky stuck against the ground.
>The clock runs down as Dargomyzhsky is being smothered against the ground by Klaughnschue.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Klaughnschue.

>Round two begins!
>Dargomyzhsky throws a right jab but Klaughnschue avoids it.
>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.
>Dargomyzhsky throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>The takedown is blocked, and the sprawl allows Klaughnschue to wrestle Dargomyzhsky down to the ground instead! Dargomyzhsky pulls half guard.
>Klaughnschue starts trying to work to get out of half guard and into a better position.
>He can't find a way past half guard.
>Dargomyzhsky works some separation, then tries to quickly scramble his way into a better position.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Dargomyzhsky manages to come out on top with side control.
>Stuck under side control, Klaughnschue takes a knee to the ribs.
>Dargomyzhsky begins trying to get himself into a mount.
>Klaughnschue can't stop it and gets mounted.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Dargomyzhsky pounds away with elbows from the mount, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage.
>Dargomyzhsky unloads with big elbows from the mount, but Klaughnschue is able to deal with most of them.
>Klaughnschue has been cut above his eye, blood is trickling down.
>Dargomyzhsky pounds away from the mount, but is unable to land many clean shots on Klaughnschue.
>Dargomyzhsky tries to pound on Klaughnschue, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Klaughnschue tries to roll Dargomyzhsky, but only succeeds in giving up his back!
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>I think Dargomyzhsky took that round, 10-9 on my score card.
>The corner goes to work between rounds trying to close the cut on Klaughnschue.

>And here we go, round three!
>Klaughnschue gets hit with a crisp right jab.
>A left hand misses, allowing Dargomyzhsky to counter with a clean right.
>Moving in closer, Dargomyzhsky looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.
>Klaughnschue tries to catch him by surprise with a takedown attempt, but it is blocked.
>Michael Klaughnschue doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>Dargomyzhsky looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Klaughnschue tries to take down Dargomyzhsky as he steps in, but he blocks it.
>Dargomyzhsky throws a looping punch, but Klaughnschue avoids it.
>Klaughnschue presses in closer to attack.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>A tired-looking Klaughnschue approaches, looking for a takedown.
>The takedown doesn't work, Dargomyzhsky sprawled to defend it and then works into a clinch position.
>Michael Klaughnschue seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>Dargomyzhsky is looking to muscle Klaughnschue back against the cage.
>Dargomyzhsky manages it, and controls Klaughnschue up against the cage.
>Dmytro Dargomyzhsky looks very tired out there.
>Dargomyzhsky tries to hit Klaughnschue with a knee strike, but Klaughnschue takes the opportunity to switch it around so that he is in control and Dargomyzhsky is the one backed against the cage.
>Klaughnschue has worked in the underhooks and looks to take Dargomyzhsky down.
>Dargomyzhsky shows stubborn resistance and Klaughnschue cannot complete the takedown.
>Dargomyzhsky uses a whizzer to half turn Klaughnschue, creating enough space for him to break away from the grapple and return to the center.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Klaughnschue fakes a lunge.
>Dargomyzhsky quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight.
>That round goes to Dargomyzhsky, 10-9 on my card.

>The official scores are being reported now.
>All three judges have given 29-28.
>So the winner, by unanimous decision, is Dmytro Dargomyzhsky!

>Official Result: Dmytro Dargomyzhsky defeats Michael Klaughnschue (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: Not the most exciting contest. Klaugnschue did nothing with his top position in round one and was lucky that his defense against Dargomyzhsky's ground strikes was solid, otherwise I think he would have been ended in the second. Bit of a disappointing result for Klaughnschue, as I think if he was going to do much in SIGMA this was the sort of fight he would have to win.

Jaromir Grygera (19-6) v Guilherme Faure (16-6)

>Moving on, Jaromir Grygera takes on Guilherme 'The Panther' Faure in the SIGMA Middleweight division.

>And here we go!
>A feint sets up a kick to the body, but Grygera manages to just avoid it.
>An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage.
>Faure throws a leg kick but Grygera avoids it.
>Grygera comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Faure tries to strike first with a solid right hook, but isn't quick enough.
>The takedown is successful, Faure pulls guard.
>Grygera is trying to pass guard.
>Grygera gets past the guard with a certain degree of ease and gains side control.
>Grygera attempts an armbar.
>Faure gets caught by the armbar, and it's deep enough that he has to tap!
>By submission, the winner is Jaromir Grygera!

>Official Result: Jaromir Grygera defeats Guilherme 'The Panther' Faure (Submission (Armbar) in 2:37 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.

Comments: First fight for Grygera since losing in his shot at the title, and he did everything right here, and will warrant a tougher opponent next time, perhaps a Medvedev or Amaro. Not much you can say about Faure here, other than he was outclassed. Faure says later that he's like to face fellow Frenchman Antoine Corvoisier next time out, but when you lose, you don't get to make the decisions about it!

Graeme Spark (6-0) v Krzysztof Bujnicki (1-1)

>Next up, Graeme 'Sparky' Spark will take on Krzysztof 'The Pole Cat' Bujnicki in the SIGMA Featherweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Spark counters a leg kick by grabbing it and attempting a takedown, but Bujnicki stuffs it.
>A feint sets up a body kick from Bujnicki, but Spark is able to move out of range in time.
>Spark steps back to avoid a flurry of punches.
>An exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>Bujnicki throws a swift jab but doesn't do any damage.
>Spark comes in closer to press the issue.
>Spark comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Bujnicki attempts to avoid Spark as he shoots in.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Bujnicki avoided Spark.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Spark comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>A counter left hand catches Spark above the eye.
>Spark avoids a jab.
>A straight left by Bujnicki keeps Spark from advancing.
>Spark presses in closer to attack.
>Spark shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>A counter right cross is too slow to catch Spark.
>Spark has the takedown! Bujnicki pulls guard.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Spark looks to pass guard and get side control.
>He manages to pass, but only to half guard.
>Spark tries to ensnare Bujnicki in an arm triangle.
>Bujnicki blocks it.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>That round goes to Spark, 10-9 on my card.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Spark counters a left jab with a clean jab.
>Bujnicki counters a left jab by using a quick series of punches.
>Spark avoids a flurry of punches.
>Bujnicki looks to move in and stand in the pocket.
>Spark catches the advancing Bujnicki by surprise with a takedown.
>Spark unloads with some big elbows, but Bujnicki deals with them comfortably.
>Spark deflects a couple of punches that Bujnicki threw from below.
>Spark begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>Bujnicki finds his opponent too skilled, and Spark passes guard into side control.
>Spark attempts to move to mount.
>Spark mounts Bujnicki.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Spark pounds away on Bujnicki with elbow strikes, landing several great shots that threaten to knock him out!
>The referee jumps in and saves Bujnicki from taking any more shots!
>The winner, by TKO; Graeme Spark!

>Official Result: Graeme 'Sparky' Spark defeats Krzysztof 'The Pole Cat' Bujnicki (TKO (Strikes) in 3:18 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good.

Comments: Good work from Spark persisting with the takedowns and then finishing the fight once he got it to the ground. A little more time in the first might have seen an earlier finish. Bujnicki initially managed to defend against the takedowns, but could continue to do so, and didn't have the ground game to stop Spark.

Irving Braun (4-0) v Patrik Pedersen (3-0)

>Moving on to the next match, in which Irving Braun competes against Patrik 'The Troll' Pedersen in the SIGMA Lightweight division.

>The fight begins!
>Braun avoids a jab.
>Pedersen avoids a quick jab and hits a quick series of punches.
>Braun counters a left jab by hitting a clean left.
>Pedersen counters a left jab by using a nice left hand.
>A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Pedersen to fire back with a crisp left hand punch.
>Braun throws a speculative right, but it is nowhere near hitting.
>Pedersen presses in closer to attack.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Pedersen.
>Braun attempts to avoid Pedersen as he shoots in.
>Braun avoids the takedown attempt.
>Pedersen throws a looping punch, but Braun avoids it.
>It seems that Braun is happy to let Pedersen circle for the moment.
>Pedersen tries for a left jab but Braun moves out of range.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Pedersen counters a left jab by using a flurry of quick punches to sting Braun.
>Pedersen comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Braun.
>Braun tries to take down Pedersen as he steps in, but he blocks it.
>The time runs out on round one.
>I think Pedersen took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>And here we go, round two!
>Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage.
>Pedersen chooses to shoot in on Braun.
>Braun tries to avoid the takedown.
>Pedersen can't get the takedown, Braun was too quick to back away.
>Braun narrowly misses Pedersen with a right uppercut.
>It seems that Pedersen is happy to let Braun circle for the moment.
>Moving forward, Braun counters a left jab with a crisp jab.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Pedersen comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Braun tries to avoid the takedown.
>Pedersen can't get the takedown, Braun was too quick to back away.
>An exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>Pedersen slips past a left jab and fires back with a flurry of jabs and straight punches.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Pedersen throws out a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Braun attempts to avoid Pedersen as he shoots in.
>Pedersen can't get the takedown, Braun was too quick to back away.
>Pedersen is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.
>Braun uses movement to keep out reach, frustrating Pedersen.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>Not much happened in that round, hopefully the fighters will pick up the pace a bit when we restart.
>Incredibly close round, but Pedersen came out just ahead on my score card.

>We are back underway!
>Between rounds, his corner told Braun to take it to Pedersen in this round.
>Braun slips past a left jab and counters with a crisp jab.
>Braun throws a left jab but Pedersen avoids it.
>An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage.
>From the missed strikes they clinch.
>Pedersen is trying to push Braun so that his back is up against the cage.
>He does so, and now has Braun pinned to the cage.
>Pedersen hits Braun with a short, sharp right uppercut, knocking him down!
>Pedersen senses victory and starts to unload with punches!
>Pedersen pounds away with punches and Braun is having trouble doing anything about it!
>The referee is forced to jump in and stop the match!
>Patrik 'The Troll' Pedersen takes the win by TKO!

>Official Result: Patrik 'The Troll' Pedersen defeats Irving Braun (TKO (Strikes) in 1:47 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

Comments: Bit of a shot from left field here, as Pedersen hadn't really looked like hitting with a big shot all fight. Braun's takedown defense was good, but he didn't really show us very much else, which meant this one wasn't the most exciting of contests.

Co-main

Gunnar Nilsson (45-12) v Wolfgang Taktarov (1-0)

>The co-main event is up next. 'Swedish Superman' Gunnar Nilsson squares off with Wolfgang 'Tik-Tok' Taktarov in the SIGMA Heavyweight division.

>We are underway!
>Taktarov slips out of the way of a jab.
>There is an exchange of strikes, but neither fighter does any damage.
>Moving in closer, Nilsson looks like he may want to wrestle Taktarov.
>Nilsson gets caught with a right though, and he is momentarily wobbly!
>Taktarov looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Nilsson.
>Taktarov and Nilsson get closer, both looking eager to engage at close range.
>A left jab misses, giving Taktarov the chance to hit back with a crisp left hook to the body.
>Taktarov gets Nilsson to cover up with a pair of jabs, then nails a crunching right hook to the body.
>Taktarov hits a heavy-handed right cross from the pocket, Nilsson is knocked down! He is out!
>The winner, by Knock Out, is Wolfgang 'Tik-Tok' Taktarov!

>Official Result: Wolfgang 'Tik-Tok' Taktarov defeats 'Swedish Superman' Gunnar Nilsson (Knock Out (Punch) in 2:13 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.

Comments: Another great victory for the young Russian, really using his heavy hands well to put the former SIGMA champion away and showing that he seems to be all he was touted as. Expect to see him in the frame for a contender's match soon, even with only 2 MMA fights under his belt. Nilsson isn't what he once was, and after the fight he tells the interviewer that this was his last match, as he is retiring, and thanks all the SIGMA fans who've supported him through what was an astonishing career, including an eight month reign as SIGMA Heavyweight champion in 1997.

Main Event

SIGMA Light-Heavyweight Championship

Matti Kurri (#9, 10-0-1) © v Niko Soldo (#6, 17-2-1)

>It's time for the main event of the evening! Matti 'The Hammer' Kurri battles 'The Gladiator' Niko Soldo in the SIGMA Light Heavyweight division.
>This match is for the SIGMA Light Heavyweight title.

>We are underway!
>A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate.
>Kurri catches an attempted body kick and goes for a takedown, and gets it, into half guard.
>Kurri pounds away with rights from half guard and Soldo is in big trouble!
>Kurri attempts to pass half guard and gain a better position.
>Soldo doesn't let Kurri get his leg free, and so half guard remains in place.
>Soldo attempts a guillotine choke from the bottom of half guard.
>Kurri pulls free before the guillotine can be applied.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Kurri punches down at Soldo, but they are easily taken on the gloves.
>Soldo reaches over and tries to lock Kurri in a guillotine.
>Kurri defends it well.
>Kurri pounds away from half guard, and Soldo is in serious trouble!
>Kurri attempts to pass half guard.
>Soldo doesn't let Kurri get his leg free, and so half guard remains in place.
>Soldo tries to ensnare Kurri in a guillotine.
>Kurri pulls his head free before the hold can be applied properly.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Kurri throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move.
>Soldo tries to lock onto an arm from the bottom of half guard.
>Kurri fends off Soldo, and doesn't give up an arm.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Kurri.

>We are back underway!
>Kurri slips out of the way of a combination of short sharp punches.
>Soldo tries for a spinning back fist but Kurri moves out of range.
>A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Soldo to fire back with a crunching right hook to the body.
>Soldo comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.
>The two fighters move closer, ready to strike.
>Not comfortable in the pocket, Soldo steps back and creates some space.
>A jab misses and Soldo counters with a barrage of huge rights, knocking Kurri down!
>Kurri shakes off the blow almost immediately though, and waits for Soldo to make a move.
>Kurri takes a kick to the legs.
>Soldo hurdles over Kurri, looking to land a diving punch!
>It hits! Kurri is knocked unconscious by the flying punch!
>The winner, by Knock Out, is 'The Gladiator' Niko Soldo!

>Official Result: 'The Gladiator' Niko Soldo defeats Matti 'The Hammer' Kurri (Knock Out (Punch) in 2:33 of round 2). The match was rated as being Fantastic.

Comments: Big and dangerous hands from Soldo to regain the Light-Heavyweight title, and a great match to end the night with. Kurri will be disappointed he didn't finish the fight when he had the opportunity in the first round, but he's bound to come back from this. The next challenger is still up in the air at this point, with some options open to us.

Show summary

Critical rating: Great

Commercial success: Great

Fight of the Night: Matti Kurri v Niko Soldo

Knockout of the Night: Niko Soldo

Submission of the Night: Jaromir Grygera

Comments: Big night all round, with excellent numbers at the door and good reports from the media, which is always nice to see. A top match-up drew the fans in, and then gave them exactly what they paid for. Light-Heavyweight is starting to settle down a little with the likes of Mickiewicz and Andreyev starting their slide, but is still very interesting.

batsnumbereleven · December 28, 2013

Prediction results

Jingo 7/7 (82/118) – congratulations on a full house!

Funkyzafara 5/7

CageRage 3/7 (122/177)

Injury report

No serious injuries resulting for this event, but the athletic commission have benched Guilherme Faure, Irving Braun and Krzysztof Bujnicki for a month each, Matti Kurri for 2 months and Andrew Coton for three.

End of month finances

Two good events this month saw us make a profit of $15k.

SIGMA signings

New 5-fight contracts were offered to Dag Kreuger and Alain Saul.

batsnumbereleven · December 28, 2013

Saturday 27th October 1999

Press release

Signature Martial Arts would like to thank former SIGMA Heavyweight champion Gunnar Nilsson for his efforts for the company, as he chooses to step away from the business. Gunnar joined SIGMA in 1990, and had more than 20 fights for the company. He has been a stalwart of the Heavyweight division over the past few years, including his 8-month reign on top, and was a key part of the re-launch of the company last January, headlining three events in the last two years even after he dropped the title.

Gunnar has been an exceptional athlete for a big man, and his wrestling skills confounded many opponents, but his abiding legacy with SIGMA will be as a man who enjoyed his fighting and was up for any challenge, even as he moved into his late thirties. All at SIGMA management would like to pass on their respects to Gunnar and hope we see him soon in some form or another, and we wish him a long and healthy retirement.

batsnumbereleven · December 28, 2013

Monday 1st November 1999

Blurcat.com

Top 10 ranked Lightweights

1. Felix Mudd, BCF
2. Santiago Perez-Sala, ALPHA-1
3. Brandon Sugar, GAMMA
4. Helio, FLB
5. Go Yamamoto, ALPHA-1
6. Seth O'Breen, SIGMA
7. Atep of Indonesia, KDMFC
8. Sean Morrison, GAMMA
9. Jake Keane, BCF
10. Lukas Mellberg, SIGMA

batsnumbereleven · December 28, 2013

Tuesday 2nd November 1999

Press Release

SIGMA Gefecht TV debuts!

Signature Martial Arts welcomes viewers to the new experience of MMA on cable television in Europe with it's first edition of SIGMA Gefecht TV on Saturday 13th November!

The card itself emanates from the Trier Arena, and is headlined by a Featherweight bout between two top contenders, as Portuguese jiu-jitsu sensation Nuno Valentino (#17, 6-0) faces Icelandic grappler Snorri Gunnarsson (#15, 22-6-1NC). Danish wrestler Bjarne Bjerre (5-3) takes on 22-year-old French kick boxer Jules Dupuit (4-1) in a Welterweight battle, with both men looking to build upon their respective victories last time out, and to open up proceedings, England's Ozzy Bintley (3-0) faces veteran French kick boxer Jean-Pierre Richelleau (24-9) at Heavyweight.

Don't forget to tune in at 0100 CET on Euro Cable Sports 4 if you can't make it to the Trier Arena!

Card for picks

Gefecht TV

Nuno Valentino v Snorri Gunnarsson

Bjarne Bjerre v Jules Dupuit

Ozzy Bintley v Jean-Pierre Richelleau

CageRage · December 29, 2013

Gefecht TV

Nuno Valentino v Snorri Gunnarsson

Bjarne Bjerre v Jules Dupuit

Ozzy Bintley v Jean-Pierre Richelleau

funkyzafara · December 29, 2013

Gefecht TV

Nuno Valentino v Snorri Gunnarsson

Bjarne Bjerre v Jules Dupuit

Ozzy Bintley v Jean-Pierre Richelleau

Seems like I agree with CageRage ^^

Scotland · December 29, 2013

Nuno Valentino v Snorri Gunnarsson

Bjarne Bjerre v Jules Dupuit

Ozzy Bintley v Jean-Pierre Richelleau

Jingo · December 29, 2013

Gefecht TV

Nuno Valentino v Snorri Gunnarsson

Bjarne Bjerre v Jules Dupuit - Just to be a little different than two others...

Ozzy Bintley v Jean-Pierre Richelleau

batsnumbereleven · December 29, 2013

Event report SIGMA Gefecht TV As-live from the Trier Arena, Germany. Attendance: 882 for a gate of $44,100 Ozzy Bintley (3-0) v Jean-Pierre Richelleau (24-9) <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, Ozzy Bintley takes on 'The Count' Jean-Pierre Richelleau in the SIGMA Heavyweight division. >Round one begins! >A wayward low right kick allows Bintley to hit a couple of shots to the body and a nice right uppercut. >Bintley feints left, then right. >Bintley moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a crisp left hand punch. >Bintley throws a barrage of big right hands after using a feint to trick Richelleau into committing to a strike, but he moves out of range just in time. >Bintley avoids a kick to the leg and hits a solid left jab. >Richelleau circles, looking for an opening. >Bintley doesn't let Richelleau settle, stepping in closer to impose himself. >We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. >Richelleau steps back to avoid a leg kick, having been suckered in with a feinted high kick. >Bintley steps back to avoid a left jab. >There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes, but neither scores. >A nice combination fails to land, allowing Richelleau to hit back with a scything low kick to the legs. >We have one minute of the round remaining. >There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits. >Using head movement, Bintley slips past a left jab and counters with a crisp left jab. >Round one is brought to an end as time runs out. >Not much happened in that round, hopefully the fighters will pick up the pace a bit when we restart. >That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Bintley. >Round two begins! >Judging from what we heard from his corner, Bintley is looking to hit Richelleau on the counter. >Richelleau keeps his cool as Bintley throws a feint to the left. >Bintley uses a feint to get Richelleau off balance, but the nice sequence of punches that follow don't find their mark. >Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss. >Neither fighter backs away, instead they both choose to start swinging! >Winning the exchange, Bintley hits a right hand that puts Richelleau down! >Bintley quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Richelleau! >Bintley pounds away on Richelleau, landing several great shots that threaten to knock him out! >The referee is forced to jump in and stop the match! >The winner, by TKO; Ozzy Bintley! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Ozzy Bintley defeats 'The Count' Jean-Pierre Richelleau (TKO (Strikes) in 1:43 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good. Comments: The change up in pace clearly suited Bintley here, with the more accurate and bigger strikes that were enough to put Richelleau down. The Englishman will probably get a higher ranked opponent next time, but Richelleau will be disappointed, as he looked to be on the up after his win over Mugur Boc. Bjarne Bjerre (5-3) v Jules Dupuit (4-1) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>>The co-main event is up next. Bjarne Bjerre fights Jules Dupuit in the SIGMA Welterweight division. >Round one begins! >Bjerre gets suckered in by a feint, and is lucky to avoid a flurry of rights and lefts. >Bjerre slips out of the way of a leg kick. >Dupuit comes in quick and hits a quick series of punches. >Bjerre comes in swinging wildly, using the strikes as cover so that he can shoot in. >Dupuit tries to counter with a right hand, but is too slow. >Bjerre has the takedown! It's a single leg, and Dupuit has to pull guard. >Bjerre pounds away from the guard, but Dupuit isn't troubled by the strikes. >Dupuit tries to catch Bjerre with a punch, but it is not on target. >Bjerre attempts to pass guard and gain a better position. >He passes the guard well, gaining side control. >We are now at the halfway point of the round. >Bjerre begins trying to get himself into a mount. >Advancing his position, he gets mount. >Bjerre pounds away with elbows from the mount, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage. >Bjerre has solid control over Dupuit, and starts pounding away with strikes. >There's lots of strikes landing, Dupuit needs to find a way out of this position quickly! >The referee pulls Bjerre away, stopping the match! >Bjarne Bjerre takes the victory by way of TKO! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Bjarne Bjerre defeats Jules Dupuit (TKO (Strikes) in 3:50 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Not really convinced that Dupuit was at all hurt here, and he seemed to be coping with the strikes and covering up, so not sure that the ref was right to jump in so quickly. Dupuit would like a fight with Jean-Jacques Levasseur next, but we'll have to wait and see on that one. Main Event Nuno Valentino (#17, 6-0) v Snorri Gunnarsson (#15, 22-6) <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! Nuno 'The Idol' Valentino competes against Snorri Gunnarsson in the SIGMA Featherweight division. >There's the opening bell! >An attempted inside leg kick misses, giving Gunnarsson the opportunity to counter with a solid left. >Gunnarsson looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Valentino. >Valentino seems happy to grapple with Gunnarsson. >Valentino gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Gunnarsson uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment. >Gunnarsson is looking to muscle Valentino back against the cage. >Gunnarsson manages it, and controls Valentino up against the cage. >Unable to break free, Valentino is smothered up against the cage, taking short blows to the body, for about sixty seconds. >Valentino is trapped against the cage and Gunnarsson hits him with a short left uppercut. >We go past the halfway point of this round. >Smothered against the cage, Valentino is trapped there, unable to do anything but take the occasional nasty short punch to the ribs, for about a minute. >Valentino is trapped against the cage and Gunnarsson hits him with a short left uppercut. >Gunnarsson drives a knee to the thigh area. >Gunnarsson hits Valentino, who is pressed up against the cage, with a nice short uppercut. >The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. >Valentino takes a sharp stomp to the foot. >Gunnarsson pins Valentino up against the cage and works him over with small punches to the body for the remainder of the round. >The time runs out on round one. >I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Gunnarsson. >We are back underway! >A tight combination narrowly misses Valentino and allow him to counter-strike with a kick to the inside of the left thigh. >Gunnarsson is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Valentino. >Seeing an opportunity, Valentino avoids the grapple and goes straight for a takedown, but Gunnarsson is equal to it. >Gunnarsson looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Valentino. >The two fighters start grappling for control. >Valentino tries to take Gunnarsson down. >Gunnarsson doesn't even try to stop the takedown, he simply takes it and pulls guard. >Valentino tries to get out of guard and stand up, but Gunnarsson doesn't allow it. >Valentino looks to get past the guard. >Valentino is too much for Gunnarsson, passing guard and gaining side control. >We move into the second half of this round. >Valentino attempts a kimura. >Valentino gets the kimura, twists the arm backwards, and Gunnarsson has to tap! >The winner, by submission; Nuno Valentino! </div></blockquote> >Official Result: Nuno 'The Idol' Valentino defeats Snorri Gunnarsson (Submission (Kimura) in 3:30 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great. Comments: Gunnarsson might well have made a mistake in allowing this to go the ground without a fight, as he seemed well in control in the stand-up grappling, and had a decided advantage there. I had thought he might be looking to set up a submission from the bottom, but he was easily passed, and had no defense. He tells me afterwards that he'd like to face Francesco Marazzina next, which is certainly one option. Valentino took his opportunity well here, and there might be a title match for him in the near future. Show summary Critical rating: Great Commercial success: Good Fight of the Night: Bjarne Bjerre v Jules Dupuit Knockout of the Night: Ozzy Bintley Submission of the Night: Nuno Valentino Comments: Well, if ever we wanted a top event to showcase the talents of our roster on our TV debut we certainly got it tonight. Three clean finishes and a demonstration of both stand-up and ground games, with all three fights rated at least “Good”. Plenty of bonuses shared around here, but they deserved them tonight.

batsnumbereleven · December 29, 2013

Prediction results

CageRage 3/3 (125/180)

funkyzafara 3/3 (8/10)

Jingo 2/3 (84/121)

Scotland 2/3

Well done to the two of you who called all three fights.

Injury report

No injuries tonight, but each of the three losers has been been given a precautionary suspension of two months.

batsnumbereleven · December 29, 2013

Sunday 14th November 1999 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36914" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Press Release Signature Martial Arts is pleased to announce a return to the Anhalt Arena in Dessau, Germany on Friday 26th November, where SIGMA 32: Cabal v Oktay will see two unbeaten behemoths go face-to-face as 27-year-old Frenchman Terron Cabal (#9, 13-0) puts his SIGMA Heavyweight title on the line against Turkish kick boxer Lefter Oktay (#12, 15-0) on Friday 26th November. The champion took his title from Grzegorz Boniek at SIGMA 8 by fourth round TKO and successfully defended against Gunnar Nilsson with a first round TKO at SIGMA 18 back in February, whilst Oktay has run through Murray Darby, Kurt McDonald and Bastian Neske on his way to the title shot. Russian Middleweight sensation Andrey Kizilashvili (#3, 3-2-1-1NC) will stake a claim for a title shot against Fjodor Kanchelskis with a match in the co-main against Croatian submissions expert Drazen Gabelich (8-2), and former SIGMA Featherweight champion Fernando Peragon (#10, 11-3) will look to bounce back from his title loss to Benedikt Streit with a tough bout against Scotland's Jason Dalglish (18-7). There will be two fights in the Light-Heavyweight division, as veteran Sambo fighter Mantas Andreyev (38-13) takes on 23-year-old Spanish kick boxer Andoni Olano (3-1) and Norwegian Emil Karlsson (4-0) goes head-to-head with highly-touted Russian boxer Mikel Tupolov (1-0). Karlsson's compatriot from Telemark, Jens Halle (15-3) will take on Hamburg's Roland Furtwangler (1-2) in a Welterweight contest, and to kick proceedings off, two more Germans, 25-year-old boxer Dieter Kolzig (3-2) from Stuttgart will clash with Bremen's 23-year-old grappler Harald Hubner (6-3) in the Lightweight division.</div></blockquote> Card for picks SIGMA 32: Terron Cabal © v Lefter Oktay Andrey Kizilashvili v Drazen Gabelich Fernando Peragon v Jason Dalglish Mantas Andreyev v Andoni Olano Emil Karlsson v Mikel Tupolov Jens Halle v Roland Furtwangler Dieter Kolzig v Harald Hubner

funkyzafara · December 30, 2013

SIGMA 32:

Andrey Kizilashvili v Drazen Gabelich

Fernando Peragon v Jason Dalglish

Mantas Andreyev v Andoni Olano

Emil Karlsson v Mikel Tupolov

Jens Halle v Roland Furtwangler

Dieter Kolzig v Harald Hubner

It's pretty hard to do predictions on people you don't know anything about <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

CageRage · December 30, 2013

SIGMA 32:

Andrey Kizilashvili v Drazen Gabelich

Fernando Peragon v Jason Dalglish

Mantas Andreyev v Andoni Olano

Emil Karlsson v Mikel Tupolov

Jens Halle v Roland Furtwangler

Dieter Kolzig v Harald Hubner

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