IFL - MMA League

[Sfelk]

http://i.imgur.com/GN6Ee6v.jpg

 

The IFL is back! The world's first MMA League, now led by the legendary Bas Rutten, is already signing fighters for it's first season, scheduled to kick off in 2017.

 

This season will feature 12 Teams from twelve cities in the USA, each one of them competing in 5 matches of 3 fighters along the year, with the 4 best teams going to the playoffs.

 

More news about the Teams, Schedule and Draft will be released soon. Don't blink!

[CGN91]

Cool idea, looking forward to this one!

[Sfelk]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i.imgur.com/zL0gzNU.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

As promised, the IFL held a press conference to reveal more information about it's upcoming season. Bas Rutten said: " I felt this was the right time to try this format again, fans want to see something new, and that's what we are going to give them. [...] We've decided that, for this inaugural draft, the picks will be made by weight class, not by round. So, every team will feature a HW, a LHW, a MW, a WW, a LW and a FW, plus 2 reserves in any division."</p><p> </p><p>

The IFL also released the team names and the draft order:</p><p> </p><p>

1.San Jose Razorclaws</p><p>

2.Southern California Condors</p><p>

3.Quad City Silverbacks</p><p>

4.Portland Wolfpack</p><p>

5.Los Angeles Anacondas</p><p>

6.Nevada Lions</p><p>

7.Chicago Red Bears</p><p>

8.Tucson Scorpions</p><p>

9.Miami Pirates</p><p>

10.Seattle Tiger Sharks</p><p>

11.Texas Bulls</p><p>

12.New York Pitbulls</p>

[Sfelk]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i.imgur.com/g3FO08q.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">"Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2017 IFL Draft is officially open, so let's get it on. The San Jose Razorclaws are now on the clock."</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p>

So, here we go! The IFL is here, and it's time for the Heavyweights! Soon, we'll be hearing not only the first Heavyweight selected, but the first selection ever in the new IFL.</p><p> </p><p>

And, the pick is in. Bas Rutten makes his way to the podium, let's hear it.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>"With the first pick in the Heavyweight division, the San Jose Razorclaws select:</p><p>

<strong>Jared Rosholt!</strong></p><p>

The Southern California Condors are now on the clock!"</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/GluMbjr.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Great pick! While not the most entertaining fighter, Rosholt puts them in a position to win it now, and that's what you expect in a first pick. Fighters like East or Verhoeven have the potential, but i expect them to struggle a little bit in their first season. Right now, Rosholt is a safer bet.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>"I'm here with the first pick in the draft; Jared, what do you think about being the first fighter chosen tonight?</p><p> </p><p>

Jared: It's an honor, really. I'm the best Heavyweight in the IFL and this proved it. I'll do my best for the Razorclaws, and I hope to win the championship soon."</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Here's all the picks in the Heavyweight Round:</p><p>

1. San Jose Razorclaws - <strong>Jared Rosholt</strong></p><p>

2. Southern California Condors - <strong>Magomed Malikov</strong></p><p>

3. Quad City Silverbacks - <strong>Tyler East</strong></p><p>

4. Portland Wolfpack - <strong>Dave Herman</strong></p><p>

5. Los Angeles Anacondas - <strong>Rico Verhoeven</strong></p><p>

6. Nevada Lions - <strong>Brice Ritani-Coe</strong></p><p>

7. Chicago Red Bears - <strong>Brandon Griffin</strong></p><p>

8. Tucson Scorpions - <strong>Kinny Spotwood</strong></p><p>

9. Miami Pirates - <strong>Chris Birchler</strong></p><p>

10. Seattle Tiger Sharks - <strong>Gabriel Salinas-Jones</strong></p><p>

11. Texas Bulls - <strong>Justin Frazier</strong></p><p>

12. New York Pitbulls - <strong>Jan Jorgensen</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>"Now, we begin the second part of the Draft.</p><p>

With the first pick in the Light Heavyweight division, the New York Pitbulls select:</p><p>

<strong>Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou!</strong></p><p>

The Texas Bulls are now on the clock!"</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/gKPVsAy.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

The Light Heavyweight Division is, probably, the most talented division in this draft. Particularly on the ground, with such grapplers as Robert Drysdale, Rodolfo Vieira and Vinny Magalhães. But, only one elite striker: Sokoudjou. The Pitbulls will be counting on his Takedown defense and wrestling ability to stay on his feet and help them bring a championship home.</p><p> </p><p>

Here's all the picks in the Light Heavyweight Round:</p><p>

1. New York Pitbulls - <strong>Rameau Sokoudjou</strong></p><p>

2. Texas Bulls - <strong>Rodolfo Vieira</strong></p><p>

3. Seattle Tiger Sharks - <strong>Vinny Magalhaes</strong></p><p>

4. Miami Pirates - <strong>Robert Drysdale</strong></p><p>

5. Tucson Scorpions - <strong>Anton Berzin</strong></p><p>

6. Chicago Red Bears - <strong>Aaron Rosa</strong></p><p>

7. Nevada Lions - <strong>Myron Dennis</strong></p><p>

8. Los Angeles Anacondas - <strong>Mike Mucitelli</strong></p><p>

9. Portland Wolfpack - <strong>Todd Monaghan</strong></p><p>

10. Quad City Silverbacks - <strong>Norman Paraisy</strong></p><p>

11. Southern California Condors - <strong>Jake Heun</strong></p><p>

12. San Jose Razorclaws - <strong>Jeremy Osheim</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>"This is the third part of our Draft.</p><p>

With the first pick in the Middleweight division, the San Jose Razorclaws select:</p><p>

<strong>Danillo Villefort!</strong></p><p>

The Southern California Condors are now on the clock!"</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/svQEfki.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Nothing surprising here, the Razorclaws got the most technical and experienced fighter in the Middleweight Division, considering that Danillo has fought for the UFC, WEC, WSOF, Jungle Fight, Strikeforce and even for the IFL in 2008. The only downside here is his age, meaning that they will have to find a replacement soon.</p><p> </p><p>

Here's all the picks in the Middleweight Round:</p><p>

1. San Jose Razorclaws - <strong>Danillo Villefort</strong></p><p>

2. Southern California Condors - <strong>Justin Jones</strong></p><p>

3. Quad City Silverbacks - <strong>Clint Hester</strong></p><p>

4. Portland Wolfpack - <strong>Andrew Craig</strong></p><p>

5. Los Angeles Anacondas - <strong>Andy Enz</strong></p><p>

6. Nevada Lions - <strong>Keith Barry</strong></p><p>

7. Chicago Red Bears - <strong>Jacob Ortiz</strong></p><p>

8. Tucson Scorpions - <strong>Angel de Anda</strong></p><p>

9. Miami Pirates - <strong>Brett Cooper</strong></p><p>

10. Seattle Tiger Sharks - <strong>Ben Fodor</strong></p><p>

11. Texas Bulls - <strong>Bubba Bush</strong></p><p>

12. New York Pitbulls - <strong>Jason Zentgraf</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>"The fourth part of the 2017 IFL Draft starts now.</p><p>

With the first pick in the Welterweight division, the New York Pitbulls select:</p><p>

<strong>Neiman Gracie!</strong></p><p>

The Texas Bulls are now on the clock!"</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/N1Uey5r.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Considering that most of the fighters in the welterweight division are strikers, you can understand their decision to go with a Gracie black belt with this pick. However, Neiman's inexperience in MMA can be a problem against more experienced opponents like Bryan Baker or Cody McKenzie.</p><p> </p><p>

Here's all the picks in the Welterweight Round:</p><p>

1. New York Pitbulls - <strong>Neiman Gracie</strong></p><p>

2. Texas Bulls - <strong>T.J. Waldburger</strong></p><p>

3. Seattle Tiger Sharks - <strong>Cody McKenzie</strong></p><p>

4. Miami Pirates - <strong>Bryan Baker</strong></p><p>

5. Tucson Scorpions - <strong>Jonavin Webb</strong></p><p>

6. Chicago Red Bears - <strong>Andrew Todhunter</strong></p><p>

7. Nevada Lions - <strong>Matt Dwyer</strong></p><p>

8. Los Angeles Anacondas - <strong>Matt Riddle</strong></p><p>

9. Portland Wolfpack - <strong>Cameron Diffley</strong></p><p>

10. Quad City Silverbacks - <strong>Nah-Shon Burrel</strong></p><p>

11. Southern California Condors - <strong>Gavin Neil</strong></p><p>

12. San Jose Razorclaws - <strong>James Head</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>"The fifth part of the 2017 IFL Draft will begin now,</p><p>

with the first pick in the Lightweight division, the San Jose Razorclaws select:</p><p>

<strong>Efrain Escudero!</strong></p><p>

The Southern California Condors are now on the clock."</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/ssNFqdC.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

There are three well rounded fighters in the Lightweight division, Roger Huerta, Efrain Escudero and Brian Foster. Of those three, Escudero is the younger. I'd be shocked if the next two picks aren't the other two fighters.</p><p> </p><p>

Here's all the picks in the Lightweight Round:</p><p>

1. San Jose Razorclaws - <strong>Efrain Escudero</strong></p><p>

2. Southern California Condors - <strong>Roger Huerta</strong></p><p>

3. Quad City Silverbacks - <strong>Brian Foster</strong></p><p>

4. Portland Wolfpack - <strong>Lowen Tynanes</strong></p><p>

5. Los Angeles Anacondas - <strong>Roger Bowling</strong></p><p>

6. Nevada Lions - <strong>Gregor Gillespie</strong></p><p>

7. Chicago Red Bears - <strong>Bekzod Abdurakhmonov</strong></p><p>

8. Tucson Scorpions - <strong>Tyson Griffin</strong></p><p>

9. Miami Pirates - <strong>Dakota Cochrane</strong></p><p>

10. Seattle Tiger Sharks - <strong>Karen Darabedyan</strong></p><p>

11. Texas Bulls - <strong>Jason Fischer</strong></p><p>

12. New York Pitbulls - <strong>Dustin Akbari</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>"We start now the sixth, and final part of the IFL draft.</p><p>

With the first pick in the Featherweight division, the New York Pitbulls select:</p><p>

<strong>Steven Siler!</strong></p><p>

The Texas Bulls are now on the clock."</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/MAdSWEx.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Since the beginning i said it would be either Steven Siler or Pat Curran. The Pitbulls probably felt Siler's striking is more complete than Curran's and that's why they made this choice. But i really want to see a fight between these two.</p><p> </p><p>

Here's all the picks in the Featherweight Round:</p><p>

1. New York Pitbulls - <strong>Steven Siler</strong></p><p>

2. Texas Bulls - <strong>Pat Curran</strong></p><p>

3. Seattle Tiger Sharks - <strong>Josh Grispi</strong></p><p>

4. Miami Pirates - <strong>Ramiro Hernandez</strong></p><p>

5. Tucson Scorpions - <strong>Diego Brandão</strong></p><p>

6. Chicago Red Bears - <strong>Hakeem Dawodu</strong></p><p>

7. Nevada Lions - <strong>Matt Bessette</strong></p><p>

8. Los Angeles Anacondas - <strong>Jamal Parks</strong></p><p>

9. Portland Wolfpack - <strong>Sean Soriano</strong></p><p>

10. Quad City Silverbacks - <strong>James Jenkins</strong></p><p>

11. Southern California Condors - <strong>Kenny Jordan</strong></p><p>

12. San Jose Razorclaws - <strong>Artur Rofi</strong></p><p> </p><p>

The Official 2017 IFL Rosters are here: <a href="http://pastebin.com/u08CS1p2" rel="external nofollow">http://pastebin.com/u08CS1p2</a></p>

[Sfelk]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-size:24px;">IFL 2017 Schedule and Standings</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/GN6Ee6v.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>North Conference </strong></p><div style="text-align:right;"><p><strong>South Conference</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

Seattle (0-0) </strong></p><div style="text-align:right;"><p><strong>(0-0) San Jose</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong>

Portland (0-0) </strong></p><div style="text-align:right;"><p><strong>(0-0) Southern Cal</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong>

Quad City (0-0) </strong></p><div style="text-align:right;"><p><strong>(0-0) Los Angeles</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong>

Chicago (0-0) </strong></p><div style="text-align:right;"><p><strong>(0-0) Tucson</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong>

New York (0-0) </strong></p><div style="text-align:right;"><p><strong>(0-0) Miami</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong>

Nevada (0-0) </strong></p><div style="text-align:right;"><p><strong>(0-0) Texas</strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>

<strong>January (HW, LHW, MW)</strong></p><p>

Seattle vs. Portland</p><p>

Quad City vs. Chicago</p><p>

New York vs. Nevada</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>February (HW, LHW, MW)</strong></p><p>

San Jose vs. Southern Cal</p><p>

Los Angeles vs. Tucson</p><p>

Miami vs. Texas</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>March (WW, LW, FW)</strong></p><p>

Seattle vs. Southern Cal</p><p>

Quad City vs. Tucson</p><p>

New York vs. Texas</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>April (WW, LW, FW)</strong></p><p>

Portland vs. San Jose</p><p>

Chicago vs. Los Angeles</p><p>

Nevada vs. Miami</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>May (HW, LHW, MW)</strong></p><p>

Seattle vs. Chicago</p><p>

Portland vs Nevada</p><p>

New York vs Quad City</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>June (HW, LHW, MW)</strong></p><p>

San Jose vs. Tucson</p><p>

Los Angeles vs. Miami</p><p>

Texas vs. Southern Cal</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>July (WW, LW, FW)</strong></p><p>

Seattle vs. Tucson</p><p>

Portland vs. Miami</p><p>

New York vs. Southern Cal</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>August (WW, LW, FW)</strong></p><p>

Chicago vs. Texas</p><p>

Nevada vs. Los Angeles</p><p>

Quad City vs. San Jose</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>September (HW, LHW, MW)</strong></p><p>

Seattle vs. Nevada</p><p>

Portland vs. Quad City</p><p>

New York vs. Chicago</p><p>

San Jose vs. Los Angeles</p><p>

Miami vs. Southern Cal</p><p>

Tucson vs. Texas</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>November (WW, LW, FW)</strong></p><p>

Playoffs</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>December (HW, LHW, MW)</strong></p><p>

Super Brawl</p></div><p></p><p></p>

[Sfelk]

IFL Round 1 and 2 set

 

The 2017 IFL Season is getting closer and the teams have already announced their fighters for the first divisional matchups. Most of the teams had no problem setting up their lineups, but due to some contract issues, a few fighters won't be able to fight in this first event.

Unfortunately for Seattle, one of them is Vinny Magalhães, the third Light Heavyweight selected in the draft. He will be replaced by their Middleweight Ben Fodor, who, in turn, will have his spot filled by the reserve Felipe Portela.

For New York, Jason Zentgraf will be replaced by the welterweight Neiman Gracie, who said:

"I intend to finish this fight quickly and leave without an injury, so that I can be on the March card and help my team in my original division."

In the same matchup, another change was needed. In Nevada's Heavyweight division, reserve fighter Cody Griffin will be replacing Brice Ritani-Coe.

 

IFL Season 1: Round 1

 

Seattle vs. Portland

Gabriel Salinas-Jones vs. Dave Herman

Ben Fodor vs. Todd Monaghan

Felipe Portela vs. Andrew Craig

 

Quad City vs. Chicago

Tyler East vs. Brandon Griffin

Norman Paraisy vs. Aaron Rosa

Clint Hester vs. Jacob Ortiz

 

New York vs. Nevada

Jan Jorgensen vs. Cody Griffin

Rameau Sokoudjou vs. Myron Dennis

Neiman Gracie vs. Keith Barry

 

IFL Season 1: Round 2

 

San Jose vs. Southern Cal

Jared Rosholt vs. Magomed Malikov

Jeremy Osheim vs. Jake Heun

Danillo Villefort vs. Justin Jones

 

Los Angeles vs. Tucson

Rico Verhoeven vs. Kinny Spotwood

Mike Mucitelli vs. Anton Berzin

Andy Enz vs. Angel De Anda

 

Miami vs. Texas

Chris Birchler vs. Justin Frazier

Robert Drysdale vs. Rodolfo Vieira

Brett Cooper vs. Bubba Bush

[Judoku1819]

Such a cool idea. Interested to see where this goes.

[Sfelk]

IFL Season 1: Round 1

Saturday, Week 3, January 2017

Chicago, Illinois

 

Seattle (1) vs. (2) Portland

Gabriel Salinas-Jones def. Dave Herman by Unanimous Decision

Todd Monaghan def. Ben Fodor by Unanimous Decision

Andrew Craig def. Felipe Portela by Unanimous Decision

 

The first fight in this matchup saw Andrew Craig going up against Seattle's reserve Felipe Portela, with the Portland Middleweight being the favorite by a huge margin. The first round saw a lot of striking until, with 9 seconds remaining, Craig managed to Knock Down the brazilian, leaving no doubt he was the best striker. The second round started with another Knock Down by Craig, Portela survived and even managed to get a takedown. But that wasn't enough to win the round nor the fight, as he got dominated in the standup again in the third round. Portland 1-0 Seattle.

 

The second fight was similar with the first one, with the Portland Fighter Todd Monaghan dominating the exchanges, getting two Knock Downs and even receiving a 10-8 round over Ben Fodor. Portland 2-0 Seattle.

 

With the matchup already decided, we headed to the Heavyweight clash between Seattle's Gabriel Salinas-Jones and Portland's Dave Herman. And that was the Robbery of the Night.

The first round was even, until Herman got two takedowns in the end. In the second, the Illinois native Salinas-Jones got the best of the striking to even things out. In the third, Salinas-Jones conditioning started to betray him as he had to clinch with Herman to recover, and with 4 minutes left in the clock Herman got the takedown. Salinas-Jones got dominated so badly that when the judges declared him the winner, not even the Chicago crowd could do other thing than boo the decision. Portland 2-1 Seattle.

 

 

Quad City (2) vs. (1) Chicago

Tyler East def. Brandon Griffin by Unanimous Decision

Aaron Rosa def. Norman Paraisy by Knock Out (Punch) in 3:40 of Round 2

Clint Hester def. Jacob Ortiz by Unanimous Decision

 

The Fight of the Night kicked off the matchup between Quad City and the home towners Chicago. In a fantastic display, Quad City's Norman Paraisy's decision to not touch gloves might have given an extra motivation for Aaron Rosa, who won the war that was the first round and landed a powerful right hook to put Paraisy to sleep. Chicago 1-0 Quad City.

 

If the first fight was one of those you show a friend to make him like MMA, the second one is the one you hide from him. In a Very Poor fight, Heavyweights Tyler East and Brandon Griffin put everyone in the building to sleep. Of course, Griffin tried to use his striking but East's grappling was so boringly dominant that the crowd went crazy after the fight came to an ending. Quad City 1-1 Chicago.

 

The decision of this matchup came in the Co-Main Event, when Clint Hester faced Jacob Ortiz. And boy, that was a good one.

Right of the bat, Ortiz drew some heat from the crowd for don't touching gloves with his opponent. Not sure if it had anything to do with it, but 30 seconds later Hester nailed a vicious right cross and dropped Ortiz to the mat. He quickly started to rain down punches on the Chicago Middleweight but couldn't finish it. Hester, then, decided to move to the mount, just to see Ortiz scramble and come on top of him. Good for him that Ortiz was unable to get his ground and pound going. The beginning of the second round saw the outstanding wrestler Jacob Ortiz quickly taking Hester to ground. But, once again, he wasn't really active and did just enough to prevent the referee from standing them up. In the third round, once again Clint Hester connected with a punch to knock down Jacob Ortiz with 3 minutes left. As if they were reenacting the first round, Hester tried to improve his position on the ground and Ortiz once again initiated a scramble. This time, however, the scramble resulted in Ortiz having to turtle beneath Hester, who unloaded heavy punches on him. With the fight going for the judges decision, they all felt Clint Hester had won two rounds. Quad City 2-1 Chicago.

 

New York (2) vs. (1) Nevada

Cody Griffin def. Jan Jorgensen by Split Decision

Rameau Sokoudjou def. Myron Dennis by Knock Out (Punch) in 0:23 of Round 2

Neiman Gracie def. Keith Barry by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 2:08 of Round 1

 

The first fight of this matchup was also the first fight of the night. And there's not really a lot to talk about it. As it was expected Neiman Gracie, a BJJ Black Belt, waited only 10 seconds to take the fight to ground against the "KO Kid" Keith Barry. Once there, the brazilian passed to side control, moved to the back, applied the body triangle, threw a few punches and sinked the Rear-Naked Choke to win the Submission of the Night award. New York 1-0 Nevada.

 

The second match was all about the Heavyweights. Another Illinois native, Nevada's Cody Griffin faced Jan Jorgensen. The slugfest saw a lot of punches connecting in all three rounds. But, to everyone's surprise, there was only one knockdown after 62 punches and 11 kicks, when Jorgensen landed a powerful right hook to send Griffin to the ground with 24 seconds left in the fight. Unfortunatly, it wasn't enough to garantee him the win, and Griffin had his hand raised after the judges scored the fight a split decision. Nevada 1-1 New York.

 

The third face off came in the Main Event of the evening, when the Kickboxer Myron Dennis went toe-to-toe with MMA Veteran Sokoudjou. Once again, like most of the fights in this card, the fighters put on a show. In the first round, Dennis held his own against the more experienced fighter, proving that his strinking is to be respected, until Sokoudjou's strategy to punish the legs paid off. In the end of the first round and for the rest of the fight Dennis was limping, and it didn't help that, in the second round, Sokoudjou quickly connected with a head kick that sent him to the mat. The third round went just like the second when Sokoudjou landed a wicked right uppercut to knock Dennis out and win the Knockout of the Night award. New York 2-1 Nevada.

 

Post-Show

 

Unfortunatly, Keith Barry (2 months, 3 weeks), Norman Paraisy (5 months, 3 weeks), Felipe Portela (3 months, 3 weeks), Ben Fodor (3 months, 3 weeks), Dave Herman (2 months, 1 week), Jacob Ortiz (3 months, 3 weeks) and Myron Dennis (5 months, 3 weeks) received Medical Suspension.

 

Also, the IFL announced their newest signings: Sam Sicilia, Nate Marquardt and Stefan Struve. The fighters signed standard contracts with the IFL and will be available for the 2018 IFL Draft (Probably).

 

http://i.imgur.com/hjT3jQc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/jlTCGBk.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/rlaCbEc.jpg