Soar To The Limit: The Story of Rickard Patterson and the Canadian Tough Team

White Dolphin · March 21, 2018

Sunday Week 2 February, 2003

-Post-fight medical exam was fine as usual due to no damage, doctor recommended me the traditonal one week caution period. Fun fact: I've never been hit in my 4 pro fights (I was hit as an amateur and took many shots as an amateur boxer though). Every strike has been dodged or hit gloves. I've technically been taken down, but I submitted Nate Dawes off that takedown.

-Took home $3300 from my fight against Ed Burridge after Aidan's cut. I didn't get KO of the night, that went to a 19 second drubbing of Beau LuPone by Dule Bayliffe. Still a good night out though. The card drew 430, which is below what my last main event did, but better than Mercurial v Babish and about as much as the Weatherly v Brewer fight did.

-Christine Jameson's been booked for a local show in March, she'll be facing 5-0 Flyweight Kickboxer Kata Mallasz. Mallasz is a super aggressive striker that throws high volumes of punches with reckless abandon. She lacks defense against takedowns and submissions, however, and also lacks knockout power. If Jameson's as on point as shes been lately, she should be able to secure the takedown and get the submission win.

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Wednesday Week 3 February, 2003

-GAMMA's sent an offer to Tom Essy. This is huge because if he wins his upcoming fight, he won't be able to fight for the title. Which means this is a potential opportunity for me to get into the title picture! I was ranked #7 after CCC 14, Howlett might fall behind me after a loss, and they may not want to give Ripley or Babish a rematch after they got thoroughly thrashed by Mercurial. This might mean Ashley Ballard gets the shot but he hasn't been booked yet.

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Saturday Week 4 February, 2003

-Richie Stiller is booked for CCC 17 in April, hes facing 11-3 boxer Wallace Everett. Everett has most MMA fighters, let alone Richie, completely outclassed in terms of boxing skill and has terrific cardio to boot. Stiller's only hope is to land enough leg and body kicks to shut down Everett's movement, then throw hurting bombs and hope for the best.

-Everett, as it turns out, was a recent hire for CCC and a victim of GAMMA cut syndrome, as he was dropped from the XCC roster in December after a split decision loss. Which was preceded by two straight wins. No idea why promoters do stuff like this. At any rate Everett is stupidly good and will do fine in CCC unless Richie pulls off the massive upset.

-Notable Middleweight fights at CCC 17: Ashley Ballard vs Tuck Durdell, Nate Dawes vs Eric Dartmouth, and Mortimer Greenfell vs newcomer Nick Janvrin, a 2-0 Judoka with average boxing. Winners of those matches seem fairly obvious and I'll be keeping an eye out for all of them.

-This card is pretty stacked: Main event has Chuck Dooley and John Fitzwallace for the vacant Heavyweight title, and theres also Kendall Tracey and H.M. Menzel making their CCC debuts.

-Aidan is saying my next fight is for sure against Ronnie Allen Teller, and it'll be on either the May card or sometime in the summer. CCC is having issues with XCC possibly booking Duane Weatherly, the current CCC Lightweight champ, and they don't want me main eventing over a title match, or opening up for a title match. So I'm basically waiting to see how the whole Weatherly thing shakes down before taking my next fight.

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Monday Week 1 March, 2003

-Tom Essy accepted the GAMMA contract after all and will be gone after the fight with Howlett, win or lose.

-ALPHA-1's going after James Foster now. Hoo boy, thats a shot across the bow I'm betting Matt Tripp won't tolerate. Surprised GAMMA isn't counter-offering for Go Yamamoto or something. I wager this war will come to a head soon enough.

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Saturday Week 1 March, 2003

-CCC 15 was tonight in Calgary, and it had a lot going on........

-Royal Carrier took a majority decision over Moe Muschin. It should've been unanimous, Carrier took rounds 2 and 3 with takedowns. Tough fight for Muschin and he'll be heading back tot he regional scene to rebuild.

-Ethan LeGrange took on Alec Owlett. It was a bit of a tentative striking battle to start, and LeGrange took two close rounds. Third round Owlett went in early for a takedown, LeGrange sprawled to defend, and got position for a brutal knee strike that knocked Owlett backwards. LeGrange followed up with strikes, and took the big TKO in Round 3! Good fight against the hometown boy, who crumbled a bit under the pressure and never got going.

Official Result: Ethan LeGrange defeats Alec Owlett (TKO (Strikes) in 0:41 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Good.

-Tyler Lass made his CCC debut and looked good, smacking Blaze Micheau around with big power punches and getting two knockdowns. Lass followed up on the second one and got the TKO early in Round 3.

-Tom Essy was sent packing to GAMMA in humiliating fashion, as Reed Howlett knocked him out in 41 seconds, countering a left hook with a full body right and following up with punches to take the win. Howlett's for sure getting Mercurial after this, and the two have built up a big rivalry over the past few months online based on an earlier callout.

-Sutton Ripley cast aside Bernard Blue with a TKO in a little over two minutes. Ripley cut him open early and almost stopped the fight that way, but the ref let it continue and Ripley kept throwing one-twos until he backed Blue against hte fence, and then slugged him with right hooks against the fence until he got the stoppage. Ripley looked good here but Aidan doesn't think he'll get a shot until he wins 2 in a row.

-The double title main event went well: Dwight Witherspoon sent Jerry Benderoth to GAMMA with a loss via unanimous decision, claiming the CCC Super Heavyweight title. In the main event Azor Portela Nunes scored a knee strike knockout in a fierce striking battle with Shuler Eigenberg.

-Show drew 438, which is pretty good, and was a critical success.

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Sunday Week 1 March, 2002

-Another pro fighter joins the Tough Team! Manami Ken is an 11-2 Flyweight Jiu Jitsu fighter from Japan who moved here recently like many other women to chase a WEFF contract. Shes a very competent submission fighter, but is very uncomfortable striking. She's staying short-term to work on that weakness a bit. She does not have a fight booked right now on the regional scene, although she has won 4 over the past 15 months, 1 in Canada and the rest in Japan.

-Callum Henson and Stuart Strange were cut from GAMMA in the typical absurd fashion and are headed for CCC. Both are pretty solid signings, and I'll be keeping an eye out for Stuart Strange, a high quality wrestler who hasn't found as much success as he should have in MMA. He'll be a dangerous matchup.

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Wednesday Week 2 March, 2002

-Catherine Jameson had her fight in Ottawa against Kata Mallasz. Mallasz threw flurries early on, but Jameson moved through it and got into the clinch. An inside trip got her in half guard, and Jameson fought her way into side control and got the Kimura lock in for the tapout with just 18 seconds left. Big win for Jameson and this should get her a second chance with WEFF.

Official Result: Christine 'Miss Kimura' Jameson defeats Kata Mallasz (Submission (Kimura) in 4:42 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Great.

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Friday Week 2 March, 2002

-Duane Weatherly got booked in XCC in a rematch against Ross Smith, who he lost to in a title match via split decision close to 2 years ago. Since that happened, theres no title fights planned for the May card, which means........

-I've got a fight booked against "The Sewer Rat" Ronnie Allen Teller (8-3, Wrestler) for the main event of CCC 18 in mid-May. Ever since he called me out I've been studying tapes, and I don't think hes much better if any than Ed Burridge or Moe Muschin, nor does he have the wrestling threat of Nate Dawes. It would be a mistake to underestimate him, but still, he does like to operate primarily out of the clinch, which is my strongest area, and I can beat him on the feet and probably take him down and tap him. I'm guessing the only reason this fight was booked was because Teller built up a feud to try and make a name for himself.

-Also booked at XCC is Roger Bean, he'll be facing 2-1 Kickboxer Geoff Taggart. Bean's got good defense and movement, and he'll need it against Taggart who is arguably the better kickboxer right now despite the disparity in records. However, a good camp can fix that. If Bean plays this perfectly he can win on points.

-Finally, Trish Biel and Natassia Potocnik have been approached with contract offers by WEFF. Aidan's helping them work out the details for free. Both are over 30 so hopefully they get a few big payoffs and maybe even title shots out of this.

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Monday Week 3 March, 2003

-Hiro Arai got turfed from ALPHA-1 after being filmed doing cocaine and having sex with several prostitutes. Not only that, but the prostitutes were working at an underground brothel owned by a Yakuza faction. A faction that Arai and ALPHA-1 were long rumoured to be sponsored by. Oooooooooof. ALPHA-1 took quite the beating from this scandal, but Arai wasn't known enough in America for it be a big story, and the press vultures here couldn't figure out a way to make GAMMA look bad for it. I think North American MMA will be fine. Japan takes this kind of thing super seriously though, so this could end Arai's career.

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Saturday Week 3 March, 2003

-Roy Arnett is booked for a prelim fight in CCC 18 against 7-3 Mixed Martial Artist Hinton Grey. Grey is mediocre at best in every aspect of fighting. He could steal some rounds if he gets a takedown on Arnett, but Arnett might have enough to fend him off and outstrike him for a decision win.

-Piper's also booked in May in the co-main of a WEFF card, she'll be taking on 11-3 Boxer Rachel McGuinness as she requested. It'll be a boxing match between a slugger in Piper against a hybrid swarmer/outboxer in McGuinness. McGuinness will outland Piper for sure due to her highly active style, and has scored knock outs simply by built up damage from all the flurries. Piper needs to look for power punches when the fight enters her preferred short range distance. Rachel does not have a great chin, so Piper does have the puncher's chance in the final round. Lets hope all our fights that month go well...........

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CANADIAN TOUGH TEAM CURRENT ROSTER

Leaders:

Aidan Ryland (trainer/owner/agent)

Rickard Patterson (4-0)

Special Long-Term Members:

Piper Evergood (10-2)

Long-Term Members:

Aljur Paras (7-0)

Buster East (6-1)

Christine Jameson (7-3)

French Dancer (7-6)

Richie Stiller (8-3)

Roger Bean (8-1)

Roy Arnett (7-3)

Visitors:

Chad Zoff (8-1)

Chisaki Gojo (9-2)

Ethan LeGrange (10-1)

Manami Ken (11-2)

Natassia Potocnik (7-3)

Rose Nessa (9-1)

Suzanne Elder (8-2)

Trish Biel (12-0)

Tyler Aldi (9-1)

Vicki Summers (10-4)

Upcoming Fights:

Tyler Aldi vs Clifton Curry (CCC 16, March 2003)

Chad Zoff vs Urlington Rogers (CCC 16, March 2003)

Richie Stiller vs Wallace Everett (CCC 17, April 2003)

Roger Bean vs Geoff Taggart (XCC event, April 2003)

Piper Evergood vs Rachel McGuinness (WEFF 33, May 2003)

Rickard Patterson vs Ronnie Allen Teller (CCC 18, May 2003)

Roy Arnett vs Hinton Grey (CCC 18, May 2003)

White Dolphin · March 24, 2018

Friday Week 4 March, 2003

-CCC 16 took place and had a pair of Tough Team members on the card.....

-Tyler Aldi beat Clifton Curry in a Featherweight tilt. Aldi worked hard on boxing during his camp, and while it wasn't pretty, it somehow worked. Aldi landed two big power punches to take round 1, despite being taken down, dominated round 2, then held on in round 3 for the decision win, 29-28 on all cards. I personally would've given it to Curry for Round 1 but judging is weird.

Official Result: Tyler 'Black Ops' Aidi defeats 'Hot And Spicy' Clifton Curry (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Good.

-Chad Zoff got an easy win on Urlington Rogers. After an early striking exchange, Rogers shot for a takedown, Zoff sprawled perfectly to defend, then took Rogers back and submitted him with a Rear Naked Choke in 2 and a half minutes. Excellent work by Zoff, who actually had a productive camp leading into this fight and seems to be fixing his weaknesses.

Official Result: Chad 'Easy Z' Zoff defeats Urlington Rogers (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:25 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Great.

-The main event saw the much-hyped debut of former ALPHA-1 fighter Simon Vine, who gave a sanctioned beating to Zachary Gilbert. Vine took Gilbert down twice in the first two rounds and then knocked him down twice in the last 2 with big power punches. Somehow Gilbert survived to decision, despite taking something like 20 serious elbows to the dome from mount. He even gave up his back once but Vine couldn't sink in the rear naked choke.

-Overall a good card that drew a CCC record 488! Tough Team went 2 for 2 and had a good victory party afterwards.

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Saturday Week 1 April, 2003

-Manuel Silva is taking a lengthy hiatus from the sport, after having beaten Julio Reguerio and Bobby Brubaker to become the undisputed GAMMA Welterweight kingpin. He's just entering his prime and didn't seem to have major injuries, so I'm not sure why he'd back off now. Iss not even like hes had a grinding schedule either: 4 fights in 3 years. Maybe its some hidden damage?

-Same day as Silva's hiatus GAMMA announces a Featherweight division addition and thats gonna make things stressful for CCC and XCC. XCC was hurt badly by the raids ALPHA-1 made, so they might decide to pick through CCC. Luckily CCC's in a great position as a variety of regional and national names from various martial arts disciplines have come into MMA recently, and a few even have potential to be world rankers.

-Roger Bean cracked a rib during a sparring session with Richie Stiller, but he should be ok for his fight.

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Saturday Week 2 April, 2003

-Buster East is booked for a prelim Welterweight bout at CCC 19, and he'll be taking on 6-1 Jiu Jitsu fighter Craig Hulme. Hulme is a talented grappler, better than Marcus Rimmer, so I'm not too optimistic. If East can somehow defend the takedowns he should win the striking battle but Hulme will likely want to take down East as early as possible to secure the win.

-My buddy Allen LeFleur is fighting Dean Capers in a prelim bout. Allen's been training casually with coaches in Quebec and working at a warehouse. I talk to him on the phone every now and then and hes feeling good about a comeback and getting to the top of the rankings, although I get the feeling he really misses training with us.

-Theres a really strong double main event for the top of the card: Rich Robinson defending his CCC Welterweight title against Tyler Lass in the main, and a co-main of MacGregor Dare vs Joshua Hope for the CCC Light Heavyweight title. Should be an excellent card!

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Monday Week 3 April, 2003

-4 Tough Team fighters are booked for an event in May! It'll be in Kamloops, BC, and will be an interesting event for sure....

-French Dancer is taking on 2-2 Greco-Roman Wrestler Jason Pilgrim in a Middleweight bout. Dancer's improved a fair bit since joining our team, but Pilgrim might be a tough matchup for him because he lacks a superior clinch game or strikes that can shut out Pilgrim's constant approaches to clinch. If Dancer has a good camp he might be able to outwork Pilgrim and take a decision with striking and better clinchwork.

-Vicki Summers is booked against 7-3 Bantamweight Wrestler Machiko Fujii. Fujii got cut from KDM FC last year, and headed to Canada to rebuild her career like many others from Japan. Fujii is a solid basic wrestler, but lacks serious offensive threat with either strikes or submissions. Summers might have a hard time taking her down, and vice versa. Summers could win an ugly standing battle but its not her style. I've felt since this beginning that Summers has needed to get better offense standing and in top control, as the big weakness of Lay and Pray is in fights where a successful takedown is rare. You need to maximise your advantage when in a dominant position, and this fight could expose Vicki's biggest weakness.

-Chisaki Gojo is fighting 7-4 Ground and Pound fighter Dianne Ellis in a Flyweight tilt. Ellis is a decent enough wrestler, but luckily for us has not shown great takedown defense or ability off her back. Gojo can win this fight with ease once she gets the takedown, so hopefully it doesn't take too long to do so. Even if Ellis gets the takedown Gojo has submission threat from the bottom.

-Manami Ken will fight 10-2 Flyweight Sambo practitioner Tatjana Vinick. Vinick lost to Biel earlier so we know her well, but I have my doubts Ken can win this one as easily. The submission game is key, because if Vinick can defend well enough from top or bottom position, Ken really doesn't have any way to win the fight, as she can't grind out decision wins against an opponent of this caliber from top position. Ken's strikes are still awful so that aspect of the fight is completely out the window. This could get ugly.

-Honestly we'd do well to get 3 out of 4 here. Me and the rest of the staff will do what we can but these are some awkward matchups with the fighters we've got on our side.

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Wednesday Week 3 April, 2003

-Daniela Sadorra got injured preparing for her fight in WEFF against Layla Holmes and the bout was scrapped. This is relevant to us because it moves Piper into the main event! If Piper can win this she may very well get a title shot against the undefeated champion Hope Lehane.

-GAMMA's signed 7 of the 20 fighters in the CCC Featherweight division. Richie Stiller and Tyler Aldi were unfortunately not amongst the signings, but they get to leapfrog some people in the rankings at least. Curiously GAMMA avoided signing Azor Portela Nunes, Rafael Tavares, and Wallace Everett.

-Speaking of signings, Christine Jameson's been offered a deal to come back with WEFF. Shes won 5 fights in 16 months to get here, so hopefully we can get her a couple more paydays before time runs out on her.

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Friday Week 3 April, 2003

-CCC 17 took place, and a lot of important fights were had......

-The Middleweight prelim fights went to plan. Mortimer Greenfell won as expected against Nick Janvrin, scoring a takedown in round 1 and a one-two in Round 2 that knocked Janvrin out cold. Janvrin landed a few punches throughout but couldn't use his Judo to its fullest against the sturdy wrestler. Greenfell looks dangerous against middling competition, but we'll see how he handles the inevitable step up.

-Nate Dawes got an easy win over Eric Dartmouth. He ducked under a one-two, got into the clinch, slammed Dartmouth to the canvas, then threw BOMBS until the ref had seen enough and stopped it at the 2 and a half minute mark. Dawes has some real quality but needs some more seasoning before being able to step into the business end of the rankings.

-Richie Stiller faced Wallace Everett to open the main card. He tried, but couldn't get the kickboxing game going and was jabbed to a decision. Everett didn't risk overextending himself for a KO because he likely knew Stiller was a tough fighter who could seize on a slow power punch and score a KO of his own. Everett cinch the fight for good by opening up a cut which caused Richie to throw wildly and pray because he couldn't see properly. Good effort by Richie to go the distance but this was always an uphill battle for him. He'll be back.

Official Result: Wallace 'All Night Long' Everett defeats Richie 'The Killer' Stiller (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Decent.

-Nik Minear scored a stunning split decision win over H.M. Menzel. Minear had earlier beaten Henry Baldwin, making him 2 for 2 on ex-GAMMA fighters. It wasn't the usual controverisal split either, Minear won rounds 1 and 3 in my eyes with takedowns, although one judge gave a 10-8 and a 10-9 round to Menzel for no adequately explained reason, making it 29-28, 29-28, 27-29 on the cards. Minear started rough with the loss against Urlington Rogers but this unlikely journeyman is now in a contendership spot.

-Poor Tuck Durdell was sent in on short notice after a medical suspension to be fed to Ashley Ballard, who scored a TKO after stunning Durdell with a gorgeous head kick, knocking him down with a chopping right, then following up with ground and pound for the finish in 72 seconds. Quite the statement on debut from Ballard.

-Kendall Tracey had a tough debut against Logan Bluffer but got the win, losing rounds 1 and 2 before getting a takedown in round 3, somehow obtaining the back after a failed sweep by Bluffer, and sinking in a rear naked choke for the tapout win. With a better game off his back Bluffer could have rode it out for a decision.

-Chuck Dooley won the vacant CCC Heavyweight title in the main event with a TKO due to ground and pound on John Fitzwallace. Fitzwallace won 2 pretty bad fights to get the shot but couldn't grind out a third stinker against Dooley.

-Not the most entertaining card, but there was a lot going on and it drew 461, which is a good number. Middleweight division looks even more threatening with Ballard announcing his presence as a knockout artist instead of a prospect bust looking for a payday. Things are getting interesting.......

White Dolphin · March 26, 2018

Sunday Week 3 April, 2003

-Matthew Dean beat Tora Mizwar last night in title defense number 11, via Rear Naked Choke, which was ironically how Mizwar won his last fight. He may very well retire undefeated in GAMMA except for that one loss to de Vries. In a later interview, Dean said he was going on hiatus, but would return, and that this wasn't a retirement. Heavy blow to GAMMA's drawing power there.

-Tyler Aldi got a contract offer with XCC, meaning he has more chances to get booked and ruin a planned CCC fight. Aldi was not picked up by GAMMA when the Featherweight division opened, yet Clifton Curry, who he beat, was. I can't wrap my head around some of these GAMMA decisions.......

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Saturday Week 4 April, 2003

-Some staff flew down to San Jose with Roger Bean for his fight against Geoff Taggart. Bean outlanded Taggart throughout and showed real skill, but was undone by a powerful left cross counter that nailed him clean in round 3 and knocked him down. Taggart followed up with strikes and got the big win before heading to GAMMA as part of their Featherweight division. Tough on Bean, who had an excellent camp leading up to this and was en route to winning the fight had it not been for one mistake.

Official Result: Geoff 'Hard Case' Taggart defeats Roger 'Jumpin'' Bean (TKO (Strikes) in 4:18 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Good.

-The staff also reported on the co-main, which had Ross Smith guillotine choking the CCC Lightweight champion Duane Weatherly. Duane will be out of commission for a while, so we're not sure if Zoff will be able to get his rematch this year. Main event saw a farewell match for Lamont Banner and David James Diggle, won by Banner via TKO before he headed to GAMMA, where hes likely getting the first title shot. XCC's lost a ton of drawing power and if ALPHA-1 or GAMMA try a Bantamweight division next I have no idea how the company could even keep a full roster.

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Friday Week 1 May, 2003

-The local show in Kamloops with 4 bookings took place tonight. I was in Montreal with Aidan for Piper's fight, and we had our staff and a couple fighters that weren't booked handle them.

-French Dancer lost a fairly close fight to Jason Pilgrim. Dancer won at middle range, but couldn't stop the clinches and got worked over pretty good along the fence. Dancer's coming along fairly well though and just needs a bit more to be a decent all-around fighter.

Official Result: 'Progression' Jason Pilgrim defeats French 'Private' Dancer (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Decent.

-Manami Ken managed to get a takedown on Tatjana Vinick and eventually managed to pass to mount, securing an armbar for the tapout. Vinick made a strong effort to prevent the passes after getting taken down easily by Ken, but luckily for us she got taken down too early to hold out. Good win for Ken and this might get her an offer.

Official Result: Manami Ken defeats Tatjana Vinick (Submission (Armbar) in 4:19 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Great.

-Chisaki Gojo exploited the subpar takedown defense of Dianne Ellis in the co-main and got a beautiful hip throw into side control, followed by a Kimura lock for the tapout in under 2 minutes. Solid win for Gojo.

Official Result: Chisaki Gojo defeats Dianne Ellis (Submission (Kimura) in 1:50 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good.

-Vicki Summers faced Machiko Fujii in the main event and won a tough decision. Summers got some serious ground and pound in Rounds 1 and 2, eased off the pedal in round 3, then almost lost the fight in round 4 after Fujii stuffed a takedown and teed off on Summers while she was turtled up. Ref did not stop it though, and Summers won Round 5 with a takedown and almost submitted Fujii with a RNC attempt late in the round. 49-46 on all cards for Summers. This was a solid win and Summers is starting to incorporate some serious offensive threat on the ground into her skillset. She'll also be in line for an offer, I hope.

Official Result: Vicki 'The Heart Breaker' Summers defeats Machiko 'Blaze' Fujii (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 5). The fight was rated as being Good.

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Saturday Week 1 May, 2003

-Piper had her fight against Rachel McGuinness! Round 1 was as we expected, Rachel throwing flurries, Piper throwing bombs. Piper won the round due to landing a couple vicious left crosses that clearly hurt McGuinness. Round 2 saw Piper clobber Rachel with a left hook that staggered her, a Gazelle Punch that knocked her against the cage, then threw a left overhand that knocked her out cold to end the fight. Impressive win by Piper, the power was too much and she didn't let Rachel steal one by decision. Surely this gets her the next crack at Hope Lehane.

Official Result: 'The Sniper' Piper Evergood defeats 'Yellow Peril' Rachel McGuiness (Knock Out (Punch) in 0:50 of round 2). The fight was rated as being Great.

-Piper was classy in the interview afterwards and praised McGuinness for a tough fight, and got the Canadian Tough Team plug in on live TV! No word from the interviewer on a title challenge, which is disappointing.

-Overall the card drew okay by WEFF standards and was a critical success.

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Sunday Week 1 May, 2003

-Richie Stiller got an offer from XCC, which again increases his possible bookings. Aidan's pulling up a lot of XCC tape now in case Aldi and Stiller do get booked there.

-CCC's booked their milestone 20th event for the Canada Day long weekend, and its going to be a good one. No Tough Teamers on the card, but there is a title match between Pip Mercurial and Reed Howlett and two excellent prospect showcases underneath.

-Aidan has said the next event is going to be in BC, probably in Vancouver, and they're going all-in with that card to make it a success.

-Now that I'm back home its time to finish off this camp and cut the last couple of pounds necessary to make weight for the Teller fight. This sewer rat's in for a world of hurt........

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CANADIAN TOUGH TEAM CURRENT ROSTER

Leaders:

Aidan Ryland (trainer/owner/agent)

Rickard Patterson (4-0)

Special Long-Term Members:

Piper Evergood (11-2)

Long-Term Members:

Aljur Paras (7-0)

Buster East (6-1)

Christine Jameson (7-3)

French Dancer (7-7)

Richie Stiller (8-4)

Roger Bean (8-2)

Roy Arnett (7-3)

Visitors:

Chad Zoff (9-1)

Chisaki Gojo (10-2)

Ethan LeGrange (10-1)

Manami Ken (12-2)

Natassia Potocnik (7-3)

Rose Nessa (9-1)

Suzanne Elder (8-2)

Trish Biel (12-0)

Tyler Aldi (10-1)

Vicki Summers (11-4)

Upcoming Fights:

Rickard Patterson vs Ronnie Allen Teller (CCC 18, May 2003)

Roy Arnett vs Hinton Grey (CCC 18, May 2003)

Buster East vs Craig Hulme (CCC 19, June 2003)

White Dolphin · March 27, 2018

Friday Week 2 May, 2003

CCC 18: Patterson vs Teller

"Shows about to start Ricky, you watching the Middleweight fights?"

"Yeah sure. And don't call me Ricky please."

"Why not?"

"Why not put you on taking leg kick duty? I dunno, sounds like a good idea to me "Teddy", so you'll start next week?"

Everyone chuckled a bit at that one. Ted was one of our trainers brought in whenever we needed a generic guy to fill in the plot. He was the head cornerman whenever we were double booked and Aidan was somewhere else. He was an ok guy and a hell of a trainer, except he kept calling me Ricky. I didn't like that. Call me Rickard. Its classy and elegant, like a nobleman. Lord Rickard the Red, Ruler of Regina. Nice ring to it.

Just then, Piper came in.

"Hey Ricky, good luck tonight."

Oh god please keep calling me Ricky baby.

Eventually I turned my attention away from Piper and to the monitor for the Middleweight bouts (it wasn't easy though), while Roy Arnett was getting his fists taped and some strategy advice from Ted. Aidan was watching the monitor with me as we saw Jackson Goode step in the cage to face Derren Barton.

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It wasn't a pretty fight, but Goode got the decision over Barton due to 5 takedowns and suffocating top control. Not much in the way of offense from Goode in top position, but none was needed as Barton didn't get anything serious going the whole fight. For some reason two judges gave Barton a round, although it was still clean in my book, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28.

The other prelim Middleweight bout saw a seesaw battle between newcomers Ojay Houghley and Brendon Nicol. Houghley won round 1 and 3 with striking, but lost round 2 to a takedown. The judges saw the fight properly and Houghley got the 29-28 on all card. Nicol's gameplanning was pretty poor, he should've gone for more takedowns against the inferior wrestler. Houghley looked like a decent prospect but he still had a ways to go.

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"Roy Arnett, you're up in 5 minutes."

Aidan and Ted finished the advice check while I stretched out on a couch this time instead of the usual bench. Turvey Centre upgraded their backstage area recently and the amenities were pretty decent. Everyone else left the room and muted the monitor while I closed my eyes and went over the fight plan, like I had 4 times before........

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Roy's fight went to plan. He landed a power punch to take Round 1, outlanded Grey in a bizarre Round 2 which saw both of them try bad judo takedowns against the fence that didn't work, then ended it in Round 3 with a head kick that staggered Grey and a right hand that knocked him down. Arnett followed up with ground and pound and that was that. Arnett moved to 2-1 in the company and had a Top 10 ranking within reach.

Official Result: Roy 'Trigger' Arnett defeats 'The Earl' Hinton Grey (TKO (Strikes) in 2:20 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Good.

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As the co-main ended, Aidan went to wake up Rickard.

"Rickard, you're up in 5 minutes."

"Alright.......how did Roy do?"

"TKO, 3rd round."

"That seems about right. Lets go boys!"

Rickard got up to head out the door. Another main event, another chance to shine. Aidan knew Rickard could put this guy down. If there was no slip-up, the next fight could be big. A match with an ex-GAMMA fighter could follow. After that, it'd be a title shot, or maybe.......

.......The world would come calling.......

Piper stood up from the monitor.

"Good luck Ricky, show em whos boss!"

"I will."

Aidan raised an eyebrow at that one. Rickard really WAS ready to go for this. Normally he wouldn't talk to Piper like this unless it was about Piper fighting. Instead of being hyped up and overly excited that Piper said something to him, he was focused and serious.

Aidan turned to Piper.

"Think I should be worried?"

Piper smiled.

"I think Ronnie should be worried......."

---

Rickard's Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbQyqX9iu_M

Ronnie's Music:

---

"Ladies and gentlemen.......this is the MAIN EVENT of the evening! This fight is officially sanctioned by the Athletics Commission of Saskatchewan, with ringside judges Ian Rivers, Millhouse Twain, and Johnny Beerbohm! When the action begins the referee in charge..... Leo Behan! This fight is sponsored by the Canadian Tough Team MMA gym, at 2142 Broad Street right here in Regina, Saskatchewan, and by Cory and Trevor's Moving Company: We'll take it upstairs and downstairs....... Now, for all the fight fans here in attendance here at the Turvey Convention Center in Regina, its the moment you've all been waiting for..... IIIIIIIIIITS TIIIIIIIMMMMMMEEEEEE! 5 5-minute rounds of fighting in the Classic Cage Combat Middleweight Division!"

"Introducing first.....fighting out of the red corner! This man is a Wrestler, holding a professional record of 8 wins, 3 losses! He stands 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing in at 185 pounds. Fighting out of New York City, USA! He is........ THE SEWER RAT! RONNIE! ALLEN! TELLEEEEERRRRRRR!!!!!!"

Teller was playing the bad guy. Or maybe he was a bad guy, hell if I knew. He played to the crowd and shot a nice double bird my way and got some deafening boos for that. I just shook my head and laughed.

"And now introducing his opponent, fighting out of the blue corner! This man is a Freestyle fighter, holding a professional record of 4 wins, no losses! He stands 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighed in at 185 pounds. Fighting out of REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN! He is......"THE DRAGOOOOOONNNNN"....RICKAAAAAAAAARRRD PATTERSOOOONNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!"

I waved to the crowd and gave a mocking fake bow to Teller. They were red hot for this fight and red hot all night long it seemed, so I guess it was time to give them something good.

Ref gave us our instructions and went to the center.

"You ready? Are you ready? Lets do this, come on!"

---

Round 1

We didn't touch gloves, obviously. After some feinting and circling Teller came in to clinch and I met him in the center. I tried to hook the Thai plum and he roughly shoved me away and showboated.

"That won't work on me kid! Try again!"

Okay, enough of this.

I hit him with a quick one-two, before shooting in for a power double leg. He could not stop it, and I drove him right into the bottom of the cage. I then yanked him away from the fence roughly and went into mount position.

"Now you're gonna get it Ronnie!"

I pounded away with shots, he turned away and stupidly gave up his back. I tried a choke, and he frantically pushed the arm away from his throat. He tried a sweep, and I blocked it. I hooked in a body triangle slowly but surely, and eventually turned him over into a Rear Naked Choke! He fought it for a while but eventually tapped out! Win number 5!

Official Result: 'The Dragoon' Rickard Patterson defeats 'The Sewer Rat' Ronnie Allen Teller (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:04 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good.

---

After the celebrations, (which went on a little longer than normal because I had an ample supply of salt to rub into his wounds), I got read the decision and went into the interview with Chris Penn.

"Back again with the hometown boy Rickard Patterson! Now Rickard, there was a lot of talk leading up to this, a lot of trash talk during the fight, and a lot of celebration after the fight. What was going on? What exactly happened between you two to set this off so badly?"

"He called me out, remember? I said I'll fight anyone, then I guess he took that as his cue to start trash talking online to make a name for himself. I mean, I'm cool with that if you can back it up, but he couldn't, right? So now I've put him down, thats the end of the rivalry, and he can go make a name for himself somewhere else. I'm sure one of the New York 7-Elevens are hiring buddy!"

"Well you got past it with a submission this time instead of the KOes you've become known for, was that the plan all along?"

"The plan was to win. I don't care where the fight ends up, I plan to win. I wasn't aiming to choke him out, but he gave me his back, so why pass that up? Took a little while to get it, but I wanted to be sure after the first one didn't work so I had to work for a while to hook a body triangle and all that. Sorry to anyone who wanted to see a KO, but thats how I fight. Thats my style."

"It was a good fight though, and a good win over a decent competitor, so now I've gotta ask, whats next? I know you'll probably say party at Bushwakker's again, I heard people in the back making plans for the victory party, but what are your plans for your next fight? Anyone you want?"

"A contender would be nice! But for real, I'll fight anyone you want me to, but I'd like to fight someone in the Top 5 because I want that title shot soon. Teller isn't there yet, so I know I've got one more step to climb to get a shot at that belt. I'm ready for it, and when I win I'm coming for that belt!"

Crowd approved of that one.

"Alright, I'll certainly get you that kind of fight. Now before we go for the night, is there anyone you'd like to give a shoutout to?"

"I'd like to thank all the usual suspects. First of all I'd like to thank the Tough Team for getting me ready with a good camp these past few weeks. No one does it better baby! Next I'd like to thank all my sponsors, and I'd like to thank Big Green Threads for the fight gear. Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who came out tonight for being the best crowd I've fought in front of yet! You guys were red hot tonight, and I'll see you all at Bushwakker's!"

"Alright then, Rickard Patterson ladies and gentlemen!"

---

It was the usual post-game with the usual shenanigans and debauchery. Rickard got a victory kiss on the cheek from Piper and invented a new color of red on his face, before casually becoming the confident life of the party amongst everyone else. People took Rickard's drinks, he took their appetizers, the usual.

Another succesful night for the Tough Team, and the future looked bright.........

White Dolphin · March 29, 2018

(OOC: Fixed the appearance of previous entries to look a bit better and easier to read and will use that style from now on. Also, as you'll notice by the end of this post, things are gonna be picking up for Rickard......)

---

Sunday Week 2 May, 2003

-Made close to $5000 for my fight that became $3600 or so after Aidan's cut. My contract has come up for renegotiations, and they've offered 4 fights, $4000 a fight, 5% win scaling, double win pay, and 13% bonuses. Sounds good to me! Also sounds good to Aidan, so we're signing.

-Aidan's confirmed that my next fight is a contender fight, and says it'll be either August or September. I'll be ready for it.

-Post-fight medical was the usual take a week off result. I know I'll be clean for the drug tests, so everything should be fine for the next fight.

-I'm ranked #7 out of 22 in the company rankings. Ahead of me from 6 to 1 are Chaz Babish, Stuart Strange, Reed Howlett, Sutton Ripley, Ashley Ballard, and then the champ Pip Mercurial.

-WEFF offered contracts to Chisaki Gojo and Manami Ken, and they've accepted. We'll see how far their careers go.

---

Wednesday Week 3 May, 2003

-WEFF is running a card in early July and 3 Tough Team gals are booked......

-Prelims will see Suzanne Elder vs 4-0 kickboxer KT McManamara in the Bantamweight division. Striker vs Grappler, and KT has some real threat standing compared to the average striker in this matchup. Elder needs to secure the takedowns in a couple rounds and stay active enough to win points.

-Another Bantamweight prelim has Natassia Potocnik vs 3-1 Muay Thai striker Diana England. England is merely average at middle range, but is dangerous when she hooks the Thai plum and lands elbows. The TDD and ground game just isn't there however so Potocnik shouldn't have too much trouble here.

-The main card opener has Christine Jameson doing battle with 10-3 striker Nina Belle in a Flyweight tilt. Striker v grappler again, but Belle has devestating KO power in her high kick, and crisp striking in general as a result of her Taekwondo background. Jameson needs to get the takedown and work quickly before getting clobbered.

---

Saturday Week 4 May, 2003

-CCC 21 is booked. The British Columbia debut of CCC won't have any Tough Team fighters on the card, but I'll still be there watching two key Middleweight bouts: Sutton Ripley takes on Chaz Babish, and Stuart Strange takes on Bernard Blue. The ex-GAMMA fighters are the obvious favourites against the journeymen, but things can change in a hurry inside that cage. I think Babish in particular has an excellent chance if he drags Ripley into the clinch.

-Main event is two Light Heavyweight prospects from Vancouver going at it in front of a hometown crowd named Mandel Belan and Mayhew Ragot. That card may draw some serious money, as BC is a bigger market for MMA than Saskatchewan is.

---

Saturday Week 1 June, 2003

-CCC 19 took place in Edmonton and we had Buster East on the card. First though, my old friend and sparring partner Allen LeFleur took on Dean Capers in a Light Heavyweight tilt. It was an ugly, ugly split decision win for Allen, in what was mostly a battle of dirty boxing against the fence. Allen won Round 1 via a power punch, round 2 via clinch control, and I think he just edged round 3 but it was close, as both guys got takedowns but didn't do much with them. Two judges gave a 30-27 to LeFleur, and one a 29-28 to Capers. At least my buddy managed to get out with a win.

-Prelim Middleweight bout of interest saw Roy Mouzon score a KO win over Royal Carrier. Both fighters are pretty green but have a bit of potential, Mouzon in particular has a background in a strike and a ground based martial art, which is more than a lot of people can say even in today's world of cross training.

-Buster East gave a game effort agaisnt Craig Hulme, but the ground game proved too strong. Hulme got a takedown in Round 1 but Buster fended off the submission attempts and survived. Round 2 however saw Hulme secure an armbar from side control and East had no choice but to tap. Tough loss for East, but we'll keep working on his skillset until it clicks for him, and hes not being cut from CCC just yet.

Official Result: Craig Hulme defeats Buster East (Submission (Armbar) in 1:53 of round 2). The fight was rated as being Good.

-Callum Henson won a battle of GAMMA veterans against Dana Delaney in a clutch finish. Henson lost the first two rounds, but came back for the KO after Delaney stupidly lunged in with a right cross and got destroyed by a head kick that jelly-legged him. Henson then charged in with a right cross and knocked him down. Henson pounded away and got the TKO with just 3 seconds left on the clock. The ref gave Delaney every chance to get saved by the bell but Delaney was out of it after the head kick. Fabulous win for Henson, who got a rough break in GAMMA, getting cut after a loss to Julio Reguerio despite winning his previous fight.

-The double title main event saw Light Heavyweight champ MacGregor Dare knock out hometown challenger Joshua Hope in Round 2 of a fierce slugfest in the co-main. Tyler Lass then sent the provincial crowd home disappointed, getting a Rear Naked Choke submission win over Rich Robinson in Round 3 for the Welterweight belt. Americans went 2 for 2 in the title matches, and the hometown crowd was not pleased. Hopefully this doesn't kill Alberta as a market for them.

-Crowd was a record high 509 and the card was a critical success despite a couple poor fights.

-I congratulated LeFleur, but we didn't do a victory party because Buster wasn't up for it after the loss. I told LeFleur I'd see him at his next fight and promised to call.

---

Monday Week 2 June, 2003

-For various reasons I hadn't gotten the chance to check in on the MMA world as of late, and theres some interesting stuff developing in the Middleweight divisions in the Big Two.

-In GAMMA theres an interim title tilt between Buddy Garner and Osmosis Benn. Why Garner isn't in ALPHA-1 after losing 3 times to Dean is beyond me, cause there shouldn't have been a future for him here. If Benn wins he can regroup for a 3rd shot of his own that will probably be unsuccessful, but giving Garner a 4th sounds stupid.

-Braulio Moura got knocked out of contention with a split decision loss to Isaiah Monroe, a very underrated wrestler with solid boxing. Dwayne Alleyne, Adam White, and Thorbjorn Rekdal are on winning streaks and on the cusp of contention it seems, while Tora Mizwar lost to Dean in his last fight and needs to rebuild.

-Bizarrely enough, JJ Reid and Neil Napier have both gone 2 years without a fight. I remember hearing they may have had something booked but gotten injured, although honestly Matt Tripp and his matchmaking crew are losing their groove a little bit so they may have just gotten lost in the shuffle. Gotta say, CCC makes much more sense in that regard, but then its a regional promotion running shows every 3-4 weeks that churns through prospects in showcase bouts. I do feel GAMMA's got enough drawing power to run shows more often with more logic, though.

-Meanwhile ALPHA-1's Middleweight champ is Fjodor Kanchelskis, who beat Joaquim Fontes in a TV bout. Carlos da Guia is out of the picture there due to a concussion, and Heiji Endo is facing Thais Antonio Taffarel in whats likely a title eliminator. They've got talented prospects on the come-up in Tadao Miyazaki and Kadonomaro Deguchi as well. Haranobu Oshiro worked his way back into ALPHA-1 after a 4 fight winning streak in regional shows and he'll be looking to get into contention for one last shot. Mal Phe Roby retired before being able to attempt a comeback to ALPHA-1.

-Speaking of ALPHA-1, as I was checking Blurcat I noticed they had an event tonight, so I watched it with Aidan in his office. The main event featured Terron Cabal administering the lethal injection to the career of Hassan Fezzik with a KO win in under 5 minutes. Fezzik hasn't formally retired yet but the commission hit him with the 6 month KO suspension at the press conference, and at 37 you gotta figure he might be done.

-Terron Cabal as the champ right now is interesting. Cabal still does have vulnerabilities off his back against elite-level talent, and he may also be weak to technical strikers as he lost to Mason Archer last year in a tactical, drawn-out affair. Cabal's lucky to be in the Heavyweight division to be honest, as I feel a fighter with his skillset in a Welterweight body or a Middleweight body wouldn't be able to get past the fighters there with the ability to exploit his weaknesses. Hes good at what he does, but how much longer can he hold on to this title?

---

Wednesday Week 3 June, 2003

-Suzanne Elder and Natassia Potocnik have become friends it seems. The two actually fought one another at a local show before and then ended up at this gym together around the same time. I'd be a bit weirded out at first if a former opponent came into the Tough Team to train, but they seemed to get on like peas in a pod.

-Allen LeFleur called me to chat tonight and let me know he hooked up with the Strike Force gym in Quebec for training. I hope he does well there, he looked really off against an inferior opponent in Dean Capers, and he needed a full-time group to train with.

---

Saturday Week 3 June, 2003

-Its here, the biggest match of my MMA career! Saturday Week 2 August, 2003, in my hometown, I face the world-ranked 15-3 Kickboxer Ashley "The Tiger" Ballard in the main event of CCC 22 in Regina!!!!!!

-Me and Aidan have watched a lot of tape in advance, cause we suspected this would be the match when the rest of the top Middleweights were booked. We know for sure I shouldn't be standing with him. Even if I am the better striker, theres no sense wasting a lot of time at middle range. His takedown defense and submission defense is solid enough, and he stymied Thomas Smith, but not Tora Mizwar. His boxing is actually slightly above his kicks and he has great physical power, but he seems to be unsure in close-quarters and doesn't like to box from the clinch.

-Overall I think we have a solid plan. Clinch him, take him down, but stay out of middle range to avoid the knockout threat, and avoid a lengthy battle of leg and body kicks. The ideal win would be via submission because he has a decent chin and I may not be able to breach it. I can win this if I'm careful and stick to the plan.

-3 other Tough Team fighters are booked. Chad Zoff is in the co-main event against 9-1 Muay Thai striker Malcolm O'Hearn in a Lightweight title eliminator. O'Hearn's got a decent striking attack, particularly the kicks, and has thrown deadly knees from the clinch in the past. His ground game is a weakness however, as he was completely shut down by Brock Youdale via decision and even lost one of the rounds 10-8. Zoff should take this with a superior ground game and might even be able to hold his own striking if he doesn't have mental lapses.

-Aljur Paras is booked against 15-7 boxer Collins Lundie at Heavyweight. Lundie is certainly the better boxer, but Paras has kicks and a clinch game to possibly turn the tide. Lundie is highly ranked despite being 1-2 in the company so this is a big fight for Paras, who could angle for a title shot if he wins.

-Richie Stiller is headlining the prelims against 9-4 boxer Dule Bayliffe. Bayliffe is a decent boxer with some KO power, but hes nowhere near the level of Wallace Everett. Stiller should be able to hold his own here boxing and can work kicks to give him an advantage.

-This is the biggest event in the history of our gym, and we have a real chance of going 4 for 4. These next seven weeks are going to be important.......

White Dolphin · March 31, 2018

Saturday Week 4 June, 2003

-CCC 20 took place, as the company is trying to make a tradition out of big Canada Day weekend events. The undercard was flush with depth and talent, and several matches there would've made acceptable main events, but I was here for one match: The main event.

-Pip Mercurial took on Reed Howlett for the CCC Middleweight title. If I won my next bout I'd get the next shot at the winner, and it became obvious right away that the winner would be Howlett. Mercurial's gameplan against Ripley of get close to the boxer, then outwrestle and outwork him in the clinch did not work in the first two rounds, as Howlett perfectly controlled the range. Round 1 was a 10-8 and a one-sided beating, and Round 2 Howlett scored a knockdown, but Mercurial hung in there and survived a sustained flurry of ground and pound for 4 minutes until the round ended. Round 3 Mercurial finally got some clinch game going, but the referee separated them with 30 seconds left, enough time for Howlett to throw a vicious one-two that knocked Mercurial out cold with 3 seconds left in Round 3.

-Howlett looked every bit the dangerous prospect he was hyped to be here, although I do question his ability against wrestlers. Mercurial and Tom Essy didn't get the chance to take him down, but Tuck Durdell did and landed some decent ground and pound. In a pure standing war, I might be outclassed, but MMA is only a pure standing war when both parties want it. I've got what it takes to put Howlett to the test and take that belt, if I get past a world ranker first........

-Crowd was 517 for this match, a new record, and the event was a critical success.

---

Monday Week 1 July, 2003

-GAMMA recently poached CCC Heavyweight champ Chuck Dooley, so CCC signed recent GAMMA cut Fatuma Roy to make up for it.

-GAMMA's also put together a big money offer for ALPHA-1 Light Heavyweight champ Jin Katou, as his contract has come up recently. The battle continues.....

---

Saturday Week 1 July, 2003

-WEFF 34 took place in Montreal with 3 Tough Team gals on the card....

-Suzanne Elder had a subpar performance against KT McManamara and lost via decision. Elder got outstruck in Rounds 1 and 2 despite the corner screaming at her to clinch or do something related to wrestling instead of trading strikes with a kickboxer. Round 3 Elder went for a takedown right away but couldn't get it, although she did work over KT against the fence with strikes. Eventually the ref separated them, and Elder landed a successful takedown with over a minute left, but couldn't pass guard or throw any strikes threatening enough to stop the fight. 29-28 on all cards for KT and a disappointing debut for Elder.

Official Result: KT 'The Flash' McManamara defeats Suzanne Elder (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Great.

-Natassia Potocnik fought Diana England and it was a reversed version of the Elder fight. Potocnik won Rounds 1 and 2 with takedowns and good strikes from top position. Round 2 had a few submission attempts from Potocnik to end the fight, but no dice. Round 3 saw Potocnik decide to just stand for some reason, but England could not steal the fight despite opening up a cut early in the round. 29-28 on all cards for Potocnik, and at least she got the debut win......

Official Result: Natassia Potocnik defeats Diana 'Texas Strong' England (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Decent.

-Christine Jameson fought Nina Belle, but couldn't get anything going, Belle blitzed her with strikes from the bell but didn't leave any real openings for a takedown, and eventually scored the TKO win in Round 2 of a rough fight for Jameson, whos now 0-4 in the WEFF.

Official Result: Nina 'Liberty' Belle defeats Christine 'Miss Kimura' Jameson (TKO (Strikes) in 1:01 of round 2). The fight was rated as being Decent.

-1 for 3 on a night that could've been 3 for 3.

---

Saturday Week 2 July, 2003

-Tyler Aldi is booked for CCC 23, hes facing 3-0 wrestler Cort Wack on the main card. Wack became a pro mixed martial artist in 2002 after a decent but unspectacular university wrestling career. He picked up some basic boxing training rather quickly and got signed to CCC as a fill-in, where hes won 3 straight. His style seems to be straight forward takedowns into ground and pound, but he hasn't faced a submission threat like Aldi yet. If Aldi gets taken down the plan should be to work submissions, and maybe try to sweep him and test his ability off his back. This fight is tough, but winnable.

-CCC 23 will have a double main event, with Duane Weatherly defending his Lightweight title against Brock Youdale, and Azor Portela Nunes defending the Featherweight title against Rafael Tavares. There are also two Middleweight bouts in the prelims: Nate Dawes taking on Roy Mouzon in an interesting matchup, and Ojay Houghley taking on a college champion wrestler in Michel Tourville.

-I'm having a good camp so far, Aidan somehow pulled some strings and flew over Gabriel Gallego to do a couple days sparring, focusing in particular on the form and speed of Ballard's kicks. Ballard may not risk kickboxing against a grappler due to the risk of me catching a leg and getting takedown, but I'll be ready if he does.

---

Wednesday Week 3 July, 2003

-WEFF 35 is happening in Montreal in early September and we've got 3 Tough Team gals on the card!

-Piper Evergood is facing 10-0 Jiu Jitsu ace Hope Lehane for the WEFF Featherweight title! We've had a feeling this fight was happening for a while, and now its here. Striker vs grappler, but Piper has rock-solid takedown defense and Hope has on occasion taken quite a while to get the fight to the floor. If Piper keeps it standing long enough shes got shots at a victory. Hope's only getting older, and that chin could have deteriorated enough for Piper to score the KO. Plus we've got a six week camp to work with and I'm sure the Tough Team is a better camp than Lady Shiva's, no offense. I wanted to be the first person in the gym to become a champion........ but I'm happy Piper's got this chance.

-On the main card Chisaki Gojo faces 14-1 Submission Wrestler Sandy Oliver in the Flyweight division. Unfortunately for us I think Oliver's got Gojo beat on the ground, shes a fearsome submission ace even if shes slowing down a bit. I don't see what Gojo can do aside from get top control and hope for the best, but we'll see how this camp goes. If Gojo had striking threat it'd be easier: Oliver lost her last fight via KO to April Watson.

-In a prelim Bantamweight bout, we've got Rose Nessa taking on 9-3 Judoka Marion Reynolds. Nessa hasn't been able to get adequate TDD or submission defense during her time here, so her only hope is blitzing Reynolds with punches and scoring a KO before Reynolds secures the takedown.

---

Sunday Week 3 July, 2003

-CCC 21 took place yesterday in Vancouver. Didn't go to the card, but one of the staff members did and got tape from the CCC production truck of the whole card.....

-Stuart Strange had an excellent debut for CCC, beating Bernard Blue via submission in a one-sided fight. Strange got 2 takedowns in the 1st round and shut out Blue in the standing battles. Strange got another takedown in Round 2, and eventually worked his way into a straight armbar for the tapout halfway through the round. Blue was really thrown to the wolves after an initial win over Ronnie Allen Teller but was kept around after this card, surprisingly. Strange, on the other hand, is on the up and up, and called out Sutton Ripley in his post-fight interview. I can't see that going too well for Ripley.

-Sutton Ripley faced Chaz Babish and went head-hunting right away, eventually landing a right cross that knocked Babish down halfway through the first round and followed up with strikes for the TKO. Ripley answered the callout from Strange so we'll see if thats the next fight. Babish didn't get the chance to work the clinch against Ripley and has gone from champion to borderline cut.

-Main event was a good one between two red-hot Vancouver prospects in the Light Heavyweight division, and it was the Wrestler Mayhew Ragot defeating dangerous Taekwondo striker Mandel Belan in Round 1 with the rear naked choke.

-Attendance however was a disappointing 444. Crowd seemed loud enough on tape and ready for the event but CCC was expecting 600 or so and got disappointed. Card was really solid though, with short but entertaining fights.

---

Tuesday Week 4 July, 2003

-Suzanne Elder has left the Canadian Tough Team to train elsewhere, said it was nothing personal but it was always a short-term stay and she wanted to move elsewhere to thake things up. We wished her well.

-Coming into the homestretch of my camp, and the weight cut is starting soon. This has been the hardest one yet, and the team's pulling out all the stops to get me ready for the biggest fight of my career.

---

Sunday Week 4 July, 2003

-GAMMA held a double title card on free TV, both interim belts existing becaue of hiatus. Buddy Garner tapped Osmosis Benn with a Kimura lock for the interim Middleweight belt, and Rufus Stephens beat Julio Regueiro for the interim Welterweight belt.

-We got a newcomer to the Canadian Tough Team, the 10-3 Flyweight Boxer Helena Broderick. Broderick's coming in short term to work on her ground game and get in a position for a couple WEFF paydays. She has no booking just yet but has had 5 fights over the past year and a half so she should get the call soon.

---

Tuesday Week 1 August, 2003

-CCC Light Heavyweight fighter Cal Hillson failed a drug test and got fired. It was for recreational drugs, I'm guessing marijuana, and hes suspended for a year. Honestly thats really harsh, for steroids and PEDs I get it, but for weed? Does being high before a fight actually help? I don't get this. It all makes about as much sense as modern MMA cutting policies..........

-GAMMA is pursuing Zvonimir Asanovic. Once the first poaching actually happens, all hell will break loose, bet on it.

---

Friday Week 2 August, 2003

-Made weight successfully, as did all my teammates. The big event we've trained for is here.......

White Dolphin · March 31, 2018

ACT I COMPLETE.......I guess?

And so it begins. This is a major turning point in the diary, a lot of these matchups set the gym on a completely different course and change things in the Tough Team forever. Rickard and Piper have their biggest fights yet, as some of the best in the world aim to test them........

Will they rise to the challenge?

Will they go down in flames?

Will Rickard pick better entrance music?

Will Aidan successfully pay his light bill for the 21st consecutive month?

PLACE YOUR BETS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

---

CANADIAN TOUGH TEAM CURRENT ROSTER

Leaders:

Aidan Ryland (trainer/owner/agent)

Rickard Patterson (5-0)

Also A Main Character:

Piper Evergood (11-2)

Long-Term Members:

Aljur Paras (7-0)

Buster East (6-2)

Christine Jameson (7-4)

French Dancer (7-7)

Richie Stiller (8-4)

Roger Bean (8-2)

Roy Arnett (8-3)

Visitors:

Chad Zoff (9-1)

Chisaki Gojo (10-2)

Ethan LeGrange (10-1)

Helena Broderick (10-3)

Manami Ken (12-2)

Natassia Potocnik (8-3)

Rose Nessa (9-1)

Trish Biel (12-0)

Tyler Aldi (10-1)

Vicki Summers (11-4)

Upcoming Fights:

Rickard Patterson vs Ashley Ballard (CCC 22, August 2003)

Chad Zoff vs Malcolm O'Hearn (CCC 22, August 2003)

Aljur Paras vs Collins Lundie (CCC 22, August 2003)

Richie Stiller vs Dule Bayliffe (CCC 22, August 2003)

Piper Evergood vs Hope Lehane (WEFF 35, September 2003, Featherweight title match)

Chisaki Gojo vs Sandy Oliver (WEFF 35, September 2003)

Rose Nessa vs Marion Reynolds (WEFF 35, September 2003)

Tyler Aldi vs Cort Wack (CCC 23, September 2003)

White Dolphin · April 1, 2018

Saturday Week 2 August, 2003

CCC 22: Ballard vs. Patterson

If an entire career could be defined by one fight, this was it.

After just 20 months as a professional, Aidan's first client was in a fight against a world ranker. If Rickard won, it would open up doors for him, get him a title shot against Reed Howlett, maybe even send him to the world stage. Fighting in front of thousands, not hundreds. Becoming a world class fighter right as the sport steps into the mainstream spotlight for good.

If Rickard lost was the worry Aidan had been grappling with. Over the past few months, however, he was certain it'd be alright. The first loss tends to be a psychological death blow to ambitious fighters, sapping their motivation to keep going and making them question their commitment. But Rickard, unlike many rookies in his position, had the responsibility of helping teammates get ready to fight. He had seen a couple take their first loss, and question their commitment, only to help them come back afterwards. He was more mature in his role, and had advantages that others in his part of the career arc lacked. If he did lose to Ballard, his life experience could make it the turning point for him to improve even further, instead of the point of career freefall.

As the camp went on though, Aidan had become more confident the loss scenario wouldn't even happen. It wasn't money in the bank, but Ballard was not invincible just because he was world ranked and a former fighter for GAMMA. Ballard had good kickboxing, decent takedown defense and submission defense, and was an excellent, powerful athlete, but Rickard had an arguably equal striking game and a ground game good enough to ask questions of the Tiger's abilities. Not to mention Rickard's clinch game was sublime, all 4 martial arts were flowing neatly into his skillset and he had too much threat to be ignored in close quarters.

The spars with Gabriel Gallego made Aidan even more confident. Weight difference aside, Rickard showed during those spars that he had skills appropriate for the world level. This would be the fight that makes that statement true. Aidan knew it.

Aidan turned his attention to the monitors, watching the Middleweight fights while Rickard stretched out on the couch in his usual routine. Ted and a few other staff would handle the 3 Tough Team fights, so Aidan could stay in the room with Rickard and ensure no one disturbed him unless he was ready to be disturbed.......

---

Ronnie Allen Teller took on Derren Barton and won in Round 2 via Rear Naked Choke. Round 1 was mostly dirty boxing against the fence, before Teller got a successful takedown in Round 2, worked for position, and eventually got the back after a scramble before choking Barton out. Teller looked good, but Barton was still flawed on the ground, and didn't get to cut loose with his superior striking game.

Post-match Teller called out Rickard. Aidan had no idea why, one would think he'd learn from the first one, but if Teller ever got into position for the fight, Aidan was sure Rickard would be happy to choke him out again for another win.

---

Not long after, Mortimer Greenfell took on Jackson Goode in another Middleweight prelim, and Mortimer made short work of Goode, scoring a takedown early, pounding away with elbows until Goode gave up his back, sunk both hooks in, then got a straightforward RNC for a submission win. Greenfell's wrestling looked overpowering and he was surely due for a top-level fight soon. Aidan tried not to let on but he was worried about Greenfell coming up the rankings.

---

The prelims were headlined by Tough Team Featherweight Richie Stiller taking on Dule Bayliffe. Stiller won Round 1 with sheer volume, but lost Round 2 after Bayliffe landed a flush right hook late in the round. With everything to fight for in the final round, Bayliffe lunged in for a right cross in Round 3, only to be countered perfectly by a head kick that dropped him to the canvas. Stiller followed up on the ground with strikes and won the fight!

Official Result: Richie 'The Killer' Stiller defeats Dule 'Bam Bam' Bayliffe (TKO (Strikes) in 1:49 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Great.

---

It was an ugly fight, but Aljur Paras got the big decision win over the veteran Collins Lundie. Round 1 Lundie outlanded Paras, despite his reputation as a slow starter, but Paras took Round 2 with a desperate late takedown out of nowhere that surprised both corners. Round 3 Lundie gassed himself and got clinched by Paras, who hooked a Thai plum and threw enough strikes to take the round and a 29-28 decision on all cards. Not what was expected, but a win is a win.

Official Result: Aljur Paras defeats Collins Lundie (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Average.

---

Chad Zoff took on Malcolm O'Hearn and won via a flash KO in Round 1. O'Hearn went for an overhand fight in an exchange, leaving himself open to be destroyed by a right hook from Zoff that knocked O'Hearn down. Zoff followed up with a flurry of ground and pound before getting the stoppage inside one minute. A statement win for Zoff and he'd surely be the next challenger for the Lightweight title.

Official Result: Chad 'Easy Z' Zoff defeats Malcolm 'Zodiac' O'Hearn (TKO (Strikes) in 0:59 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good.

---

"Rickard, we're up in 5."

"......How did everyone do?"

"3 for 3, Chad won in 60 seconds, Aljur won a decision, Richie won in Round 3."

"Nice! Time to make it 4 for 4!"

Rickard and Aidan headed out the door, and were shocked to get a big round of applause and cheering from a gathering outside the hallway. It was all the fighters in the Tough Team!

Rickard was surprised to say the least.

"YOU GOT THIS BOSS, KNOCK EM OUT!"

Everyone gave Rickard some fistbumps on the way out. Aljur, Chad, and Richie were at the end of the line, smiling and happy after their wins.

"We opened up the show for you boss, finish it off!"

"I will boys!"

---

Rickard's music:

Ashley's music:

---

"Ladies and gentlemen.......this is the MAIN EVENT of the evening! This fight is officially sanctioned by the Athletics Commission of Saskatchewan, with ringside judges Ian Rivers, Reginald Wodehouse, and Edward Wilde! When the action begins the referee in charge..... Harry A. Bierce! This fight is sponsored by the Canadian Tough Team MMA gym, at 2142 Broad Street right here in Regina, Saskatchewan, and by Cory and Trevor's Heavy-Duty Hauling Service: No matter how big or small, we'll take your load........ Now, for all the fight fans here in attendance here at the Turvey Convention Center in Regina, its the moment you've all been waiting for..... IIIIIIIIIITS TIIIIIIIMMMMMMEEEEEE! 5 5-minute rounds of fighting in the Classic Cage Combat Middleweight Division!"

"Introducing first.....fighting out of the blue corner! This man is a Kick Boxer, holding a professional record of 15 wins, 3 losses! He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing in at 185 pounds. Fighting out of Houston, Texas! He is the number 20 ranked Middleweight in the World by the Blurcat World Rankings! THE TIGER........ ASHLEEEEEYYYYYYY BALLARRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDD!!!!!"

Ballard looked calm in front of a hostile crowd. No doubt in my mind he'd been in situations like this before. The composure of a veteran.

"And now introducing his opponent, fighting out of the red corner! This man is a Freestyle fighter, holding a professional record of 5 wins, no losses! He stands 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing in at 185 pounds. Fighting out of REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN! He is......"THE DRAGOOOOOONNNNN"....RICKAAAAAAAAARRRD PATTERSOOOONNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!"

I revved up the crowd, who were as molten as ever for this one. Everyone knew what this fight meant, and I had to step up and deliver, right here.

Ref gave us our instructions and went to the center.

"You ready? Are you ready? Lets get it on, c'mon!"

---

Round 1

We touched gloves. Ballard tried to close the distance, weaving his head and moving around a lot. I scored an early jab. He threw a wide hook to the body, but I stepped back to avoid it, then entered his range quickly and popped him with another jab. Ballard fired a jab, then made a motion for a spinning back kick and I backed out just as he threw it. I started my footwork to get my rythym back, but he came in and we had a quick-fire exchange of jabs that were blocked or dodged. I fired a jab to body blow combination but he dodged the right way and didn't go into the power hand like some people do against southpaws. He fired some jabs and one got through, then he scored with a right cross. I backed away, wiped my mouth off, and clapped my fists together before switching into an orthodox stance. Ballard waved me on to fight, but I didn't take the bait. So he came in and I met him at the center of the cage with a right hook to the body. He didn't even seem to feel it though, and popped me with a quick jab followed by a powerful leg kick that missed. I moved him with some feints, got him slightly off-balance, then drove in with a single leg and got it! He pulled guard. I tried to pass, but only got half guard, as he did every trick he knew of to stop the pass and keep me working to do anything from top position. I got free from wrist control and fired off a few big rights, but he shrugged them off. I did manage to get my leg free and passed to side control, then hit a strong knee above the hip, then one to the ribs. I knew he felt that! I fired away with hammerfists to the face, but he held out and defended well until time expired for the end of Round 1.

---

I waved my arms around pumping up the crowd as I sat on the stool to prepare for Round 2.

"Don't talk, don't waste your energy! Just breathe lad, in and out! Now, did you punch yourself out?"

I shook my head no.

"Gas tank's still full? Alright, that was a good first round, nice feints to set up the takedown! He can't stop you, but you've gotta come in a different way next time and keep him guessing. I want to see some more head movement from you, he hit you with a few good punches, so stick and move, dance around him, look for openings, then move in for the takedown again or clinch him, got it?"

I nodded.

"Good! Stick to the plan and we'll take home that W!"

The gong rang and the seconds got out for Round 2.

---

Round 2

I came out early with a feint leading into a leg kick, but he checked the kick and caught me clean with a right hook. I backed off, went into my footwork, then caught him off guard with a quick movement into a single leg takedown! He pulled guard. I threw a nice flurry of ground and pound to draw his attention away from a pass. Eventually I made my move and got into half guard. Ballard worked very hard off his back to stymie me, but eventually I manged to get a second pass into side control. I threw a few punches and a knee to keep busy, before trying to get a crucifix position to remove his defenses completely. He blocked the pass, but I managed to float over, grab his arm, and cinch in an Americana! He fought it, but eventually tapped out! Win number 6!

Official Result: 'The Dragoon' Rickard Patterson defeats Ashley 'The Tiger' Ballard (Submission (Americana) in 4:29 of round 2). The fight was rated as being Good.

---

I went wild and over the top with my celebration, and why not? I DID IT! I BEAT A WORLD RANKED FIGHTER! THIS IS INSANE! I was a rookie 20 months ago, and I've come this far, beating someone who by all rights should still be employed with GAMMA, and beating him decisively at that. Sure, he outlanded me a bit standing, but I showed superiority on the ground, and I must've landed 20 or 30 shots on him there. He worked hard to fend me off, but not hard enough.

I achieved my biggest goal just having my first pro fight. Now I've had 6 and I'm a shooting star on the come-up. Now what?

The world, thats what.

Post-fight interview was a blur, so was the party afterwards. The only thing I remember is staring at my ceiling knowing I had a clear goal now, and the means to achieve it.

Go to the world!

White Dolphin · April 3, 2018

Sunday Week 2 August, 2002

-Last night was said to be pretty wild, even though I barely remember most of it. It wasn't due to drinking, because I didn't do any, but the whole night after the end of the fight felt like bits and pieces of a dream to me. The Tough Team members were thrilled at going 4 for 4 and tore it up, from what I've been told, and everyone except me and Aidan are hungover. This is good for us, cause it gives us time to deal with all the stuff happening today, and I do mean ALL THE STUFF is happening today

-First of all, I made $8240 off of last night's fight! Which went down to $6180 after Aidan's take, but honestly Aidan deserves all of it, he put together a hell of a camp and a hell of a gameplan for me to get the win. My bank account is looking almost as good as this 6-0 record I have! Unfortunately CCC only drew 454 for my fight, a low number by recent standards.

-After dispensing with the pleasantries, we got down to business. Chris Penn leaked the CCC 24 bookings to us (including the fact the show was the debut for the Ontario market!), and we had a Tough Team member on the card. We also had 2 booked at a Canadian regional show, so we had some tapes to look at.

-Ethan LeGrange is fighting 7-1 Jiu Jitsu fighter Craig Hulme in a Welterweight bout that both fighters have been wanting for months. Ethan's made huge strides in his ground game since joining us and should have enough defense off his back to thwart the submission threat of Hulme. The worry is that LeGrange still isn't great at stopping takedowns. Hulme could win via decision from top position if hes smart about it. Ethan does have knockout threat though, as Hulme did lose to Evan Pizzarro in Round 1 and has a questionable chin. It'll be a tough fight, but I think LeGrange will get enough chances over 3 rounds to KO Hulme before Hulme's superior wrestling steals the fight.

-Meanwhile in the local event, we've got 2 Tough Team gals on that card. Helena Broderick takes on 3-0 prospect Albina Durant in a Flyweight battle. Durant debuted in 2002 and has racked up three straight KO wins. This is weird as she was considered a Jiu Jitsu fighter, but has won the fights standing and has only tried one takedown. It could be Durant wanting to showcase her striking skills and cross-training, but Aidan suspects she has poor fight IQ. If thats the case, Broderick wins this one easily, as Durant is a fairly sloppy boxer and will get picked apart by the superior Broderick. Regardless we will prepare for a ground battle, which is a major weak point of Broderick's.

-The other fight is Vicki Summers taking on 9-2 Muay Thai striker Setsuko Henmi at Bantamweight. Henmi is solid enough standing up and has a decent clinch game, but is weak on the ground. Summers has been good about showing more offensive spark on the ground instead of the ugly lay and pray tactics she was known for, and I feel she'll want to finish this fight quickly to avoid Henmi getting a lucky blow in.

-Aidan let me know Ronnie Allen Teller called me out for a rematch, which made no sense on his part. He also showed me a Blurcat interview done recently where Stuart Strange called me out. He was respectful about it though, just saying it was a match he'd be interested in. I'm ready to fight either guy, but Aidan's said my next fight is probably against the champion. Whether or not they give Howlett a defense before letting the winner of that face me isn't known yet though.

-Finally, Aidan let me know theres a camera crew coming by to film with on the Tough Team in general, and me in particular. Its a big interview with the Maple Leaf Sports TV channel, who are covering the recent rise of MMA in the region for a half-hour special program. Big opportunity for us to spread the word about our gym!

---

Friday Week 3 August, 2003

-Chad Zoff let us know he was leaving the Tough Team. He explained it was meant to be a short-term thing and he needed to get back to Ontario. We wished him well, he made some strides while training here and is starting to fix his inconsistency and lacksadaisical approach to training somewhat. I was hoping he'd stick around for his title shot, but thems the breaks.

-Allen LeFleur called me late to congratulate me for my win over Ballard, and let slip that he had left Strike Force after getting into a fight with Marmaduke Chuffnell. Allen was really heated over it, and left the team rather than continue to share the same space with him. I really hope he comes back to the Tough Team, but hes happy at home in Quebec otherwise it seems.

-Focus of our gym right now is on Piper, and we're working on a secret weapon to use against Hope Lehane based on the tape I've watched.

---

Saturday Week 3 August, 2003

-Went in for a medical checkup. The doctor backstage at CCC events told me to take it easy for a week after the Ballard fight because he landed a few punches on me, and then I was to come in for a checkup to see if there was any lingering damage. There wasn't, so I'm cleared to train again.

-Turned out to be good timing, as me being cleared meant I could film the TV segment with Maple Leaf Sports, looking at my gym and the current state of MMA in Canada. I sparred for the cameras, did some lifting, hit the sandbags hard, taught a few of our more casual students the finer points of a submission hold, and did a few interviews. They let me know the segment would air Wednesday and would even be out online! I'm actually interested to see how this turns out, they weren't the usual jerkoff media types looking to tear MMA down and smear it as "human cockfighting", and seemed honestly interested in what we were doing here.

-Aidan also let it slip that I was being looked at by big promotions during his part of the interview, and they also filmed Piper training hard for her title shot against Hope Lehane.

---

Wednesday Week 4 August, 2003

-Our TV spot for the Tough Team aired! It went over really well, it featured the current up-and-comers in our camp, but focused mostly on my backstory and my career up to this point. They made sure to really emphasize the bit where Aidan mentioned I was getting offers from big promotions, which I found interesting as Aidan hadn't mentioned anything yet to me and just shrugged when I asked him about it. Blurcat picked up the piece as well and I got some people talking about it. I've become known a bit there after winning rookie of the year, and also after being talked up as a future threat by people attending CCC events. Its good to see the reputation building.......

(OOC: This was done to reflect the fact Rickard is Low Level National in terms of Canadian popularity.)

---

Thursday Week 4 August, 2003

-ITS HAPPENING! Aidan took off yesterday evening without anyone knowing it, and called to let me know he was in Japan discussing a CONTRACT OFFER FROM ALPHA-1! He told me they were offering 5 fights, 2 guaranteed, with a base pay of 8700, double win bonus, 15% bonuses across the board, 5% scaling for a win, and 2175 as a signing bonus up front. I told him to accept and he will do so soon. Both of us know I would've fought for pennies if I had to, just to get there, but its good that Aidan got some juice out of them. Aidan says he'll confirm the deal in a week or so, as GAMMA might also be sending me an offer!

-Chris Penn of CCC called later to congratulate me on the contract and on the TV special. He said he couldn't match wallets with ALPHA-1 unfortunately, but wished me good luck and told me to take their offer. I thanked him for the opportunity and told him I'd still be training guys for his cards regardless of how this all went down.

---

Friday Week 1 September, 2003

-Piper made weight successfully for her fight against Hope Lehane, as did Chisaki and Rose for their fights. Piper had a pretty good camp and knocked out 3 sparring partners in the lead up. Me, Aidan, a cutman, and a couple of the girls are with them in Montreal.

-Meanwhile in Saskatoon, CCC 23 had their weigh-ins and Tyler Aldi is good to go against Cort Wack. Tyler's got Ted the generic corner/cutman and several other staff with him so he should be fine, I hope. This is the first time in a while we've been double booked like this, so everyones got cell phones at the ready to keep the other group updated on whats going on.

-Aidan pulled me aside after the weigh-in and let me know the ALPHA-1 contract was official! He gave me the faxed documents and I signed them. Aidan said he'd look to get me a fight before the year was out. Everything is coming together now........

Paatero · April 5, 2018

Really good stuff with the dynasty! I've been following intensely for a while but forgot to post before now, I'm totally invested in your writing and find myself traversing to your world every time I read a post. Wish there was more!

(just kidding, I think your pacing is very good, there's enough content to leave me longing for more, which is a good thing.)

White Dolphin · April 6, 2018

(OOC: Thanks for the kind words Paatero!

So guys.......for this fight I'm doing a character piece with Piper. I'm not sure how it'll turn out for other readers, but its something I've wanted to do for a while, so we'll see how it goes.)

---

Saturday Week 1 September, 2003

WEFF 35: Lehane vs Evergood

Finally, Piper had her shot. Hope Lehane was the legendary undefeated Featherweight in North America, the unstoppable submission ace that had won every fight by tapout. She was widely considered the best Featherweight in the world, depending on what you thought of the Kadena de Mano ladies, and one of the top 5 female fighters in the world, which was no easy task as the quality of womens MMA talent was only going up.

But Piper did something that Hope didn't. She trained for over a year with two of the best trainers in North America to prepare for this opportunity.

Aidan Ryland.

Rickard Patterson.

Both of them helped polish her skillset and Piper knew she was so much better than when she first came in. She was not the same person who lost to Alyson Arroway. If she followed the gameplan and landed that Sunday punch clean.........she could beat Hope and take the title.

"Take it easy Piper. No need to pace around so much, the prelims have barely even started. Have a seat and relax."

Aidan pointed to the couch, and Piper laid down, closed her eyes, and tried to relax. Hey, it worked for Rickard, and look where that got him: All the way to ALPHA-1. If Piper was the golden girl in this team, he was the diamond.

Sure, his crush on Piper was getting borderline ridiculous. 20 months and Rickard still couldn't ask her out on a date, or talk to her normally unless it was about fighting. She even kissed him on the cheek a few times to as a joke, or to get a reaction, and all she got was him blushing. It was cute and all, but good grief, just ask me out already!

.......Come to think of it, what the hell did Rickard see in her anyways? Piper never looked in the mirror and thought she was anything special compared to any other woman. What does he see in me?

And what do I see in him that makes me keep thinking about him?

Then it hit Piper.

In some ways Rickard was the person she wanted to be.

Piper had a mentality of never thinking she was anything special. That was the decisive factor in why she lost to Alyson Arroway. She saw Arroway as a legend, the first to win a main event fight in WEFF, the sexy icon who helped woman's MMA grow in the early days. Piper didn't see herself as anyone special like that, worshipped Arroway, and that cost her with a KO loss.

Rickard, on the other hand, had the self-confidence to succeed. Oh sure, he was humble on the surface and respected all of his opponents, even that sewer rat Teller. But everyone on the Touch Team knew Rickard was going to win the instant he started his camp. Gym activity still stopped sometimes whenever he'd do shadowboxing or sparring, showing off that perfect form of his. He was looked up to by everyone at the gym, and for good reason. As a fighter, you just had to see him cut air with his punches to know he had the qualities of an elite. Everyone was gobsmacked when he was sparring Gabriel Gallego and defending himself with ease. Gallego had probably seen and been in violent fights in South America that would made normal MMA look like a picnic. Yet there he was, sparring with Rickard and having to work hard just to get in offense.

Rickard had that swagger, that self-belief, and he probably knew he was going to win same as his teammates did. Hell, he probably knew he was going to beat Buster at that video fighting game thing they played together sometimes, and Rickard was using some lameo in a pink judo outfit every time. He acted nervous, he joked around, but he knew the end result.

If Rickard faced a Middleweight guy that fought like Hope, Rickard would win easily. No debate. He'd avoid the takedowns, land a knee to the jaw in the clinch, and send them to the hospital. He and Aidan would pretend to be worried about the outcome and prepare really hard for a ground battle, sure, but the end result would be a KO win and everyone knew it.

What Piper wanted wasn't the mask of humility he wore, but that self-confidence underneath. That ability to look in a mirror and say: I am someone special. Piper was only just starting to get that as a fighter. She may not be an all-around elite, but she had the skillset to win the title in WEFF. She knew she could beat Hope if she landed clean. Rickard though she could beat Hope too, and Rickard thought that she was someone special. Even when there were girls like Rennaya Rives and Kristen Page around, Rickard only got tongue-tied for her.

Piper realized she had to stop thinking of herself as just your average girl. She was the goddamn Sniper. She was the KO artist with the best left hand in womens MMA. She had a guy who thought she was a goddess.

It was time to live up to all that....... and take the crown from the queen of her division.

Piper smiled.

---

"Piper, we're heading out for Rose's fight, you can watch on the monitor if you like, but try to relax and get ready, okay?"

Piper nodded, so Aidan and Rickard left to join with the staff, who were getting ready for Rose Nessa vs Marion Reynolds.

"Think she'll be alright?"

"Its Piper we're talking about Aidan. Piper! She'll put Hope down with that new Sunday punch we taught her and take the belt. You better add her as a client after this man."

Aidan smiled. He was pretty sure Rickard had more confidence in her than anyone else did, including Piper. Ah, young love. Rickard had worked with her a lot in the camp though, and they had a pretty good plan put together when it was presented to Aidan. This could be winnable.

That was interesting idea by Rickard though: Piper as a client.........

At that moment, Aidan considered making some phonecalls to his new contact in ALPHA-1. But that would have to wait until after this card. Three fights tonight and one back at the home base. Right now, the focus was on getting the Tough Team to go 4 for 4.......

---

Unfortunately, it went pear-shaped from the start. Rose Nessa fought well against Marion Reynolds and landed some solid punches. Marion got a takedown Round 1, but Nessa survived til the bell.

Round 2 was the real deal-breaker. Rose knocked down Marion with a one-two and went in to finish. Aidan and Rickard screamed for the ref stoppage as Rose pounded away, but it turned out Marion was playing possum and fooled everyone in the building, except the ref. Marion slipped out from Nessa's ground and pound, took her back, and sunk a Rear Naked Choke for the submission win. Aidan and Rickard were furious with themselves for not seeing that one coming. Harsh loss for Rose Nessa, who fought as well as a striker could in these kinds of matches, but overcommitted and lost.

Official Result: Marion Reynolds defeats Rose Nessa (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:31 of round 2). The fight was rated as being Good.

---

Unfortunately it didn't get better. Chisaki Gojo was picked apart by Sandy Oliver on the feet and felt too threatened to try a takedown. Round 3 saw Oliver complete a takedown and look for a finish, but time ran out on her. Not that it mattered, as Oliver took a 30-27 judges decision on all cards.

Official Result: 'The Lady Of 1,000 Submissions' Sandy Oliver defeats Chisaki Gojo (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Average.

---

"Well that sucked."

"It can't be helped, they were both underdogs."

"Yeah.......goddamn that Marion Reynolds though! That was a win right there and she was playing possum! How did we not see that?"

Aidan shook his head. Maybe it wasn't even Marion playing possum so much as having the self-awareness to get out of an impossible situation, but still, they should've known and told Rose to not go after her or something.

That likely meant another fighter leaving the camp. Rose was on a short-term stay, and so was Chisaki. Hopefully they could keep the new recruits coming to keep the cash flow from memberships. Aidan's position was fine, but the Tough Team was becoming a bit of a money sink and he wanted to turn that around.

Aidan decided to call Ted and see how things were going with Tyler Aldi......

---

Not much better. Wack's top control was too good and Aldi couldn't get in any submission attempts. Aldi won round 2 in debatable fashion with a power right cross that hurt his hand. Round 3 Wack just kept his distance and jabbed Aldi en route to a decision: 29-28, 30-27, 29-28. A bad loss for Aldi, who was out of sorts the whole fight and couldn't implement a gameplan.

Official Result: Cort Wack defeats Tyler 'Black Ops' Aidi (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Average.

---

"0 for 3 tonight! This is ridiculous!"

"We're fine Aidan. We have Piper."

"I know, but now we're going to lose 3 people from the Team and its our fault. How are we going to get through that?"

"Whats happened every time someone leaves the group?"

"......"

"We hand out business cards and get new people, right? Besides, we'll have two champions in the camp soon enough, and that TV bit already maxed our our casual classes for the winter. We're fine man! Take it easy."

Rickard was right. Still though, it was frustrating as hell. If Aidan was back home Aldi might've snapped out of it and won his fight. Now Piper had to win to salvage the night.

Aidan knocked on the door and let Piper know it was 5 minutes til she was up. They completed the prep, got the ice buckets, and walked out to their destiny, good or bad.

"Piper, remember the plan. Open her up for that Sunday punch we've been working on, and do it early."

"Sunday punch?"

"That move we've been working on for the past few weeks!"

"Oh right, that......yeah, I'll try for that first thing."

"You ok Piper?"

".......I'm fine........just fine......."

---

Piper was just fine.

She had her focus solely on the fight now. Rickard had reminded her on the way out about the punch she could use to open up Lehane's guard. Lehane was likely looking to defend the strikes until she got in close for the takedown, so Rickard came up with a punch to beat it. It was a huge risk, but Piper knew she had the skill and the power to pull it off successfully.

Stick to the plan.

Piper barely heard the ring intros, she just kept a casual pose with her fists pressed together, staring daggers into Hope Lehane.

The ref went over the rules, then went to the center and started the fight.

Hope offered her fist. Piper touched it.

Fight on.

---

Aidan had his mouth open in stunned disbelief, while Rickard was laughing like a hyena.

Exactly two people knew what was going to happen, in a building that contained maybe 1300 fans and staff.

And then it happened.

Hope came out with her hands up, looking to block and wade through punches to get close. Piper hit a right swing punch around her guard that sent her off to one side. They stood at middle range for a few seconds, then Piper made a deep feint. Hope bit on the feint, opened up her guard, and tried to clinch.

The result nearly destroyed her.

Piper's feint was in reality setting up the motion of the devestating boxing power punch known as the Smash. The three-quarters uppercut went right between Hope's arms and damn near broke her jaw, sending her crashing to the canvas. Piper went to follow up with strikes and it was over in 28 seconds. Hope was flopping like a fish before eventually snapping out of it, and made it back to her feet with assistance from her corner. Meanwhile Piper was atop the cage celebrating with Rickard mugging for the camera in the background, making several faces that would be used as reaction images on the Blurcat forums for years to come.

Official Result: 'The Sniper' Piper Evergood defeats Hope 'Scythe' Lehane (TKO (Strikes) in 0:28 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good. 'The Sniper' Piper Evergood wins the WEFF Featherweight title!

---

After the interview, where Piper got the plug in for the Tough Team and thanked Rickard for teaching her the winning shot (and what a shot it was), the team headed out. A few teammates went with Piper, Aidan, and Rickard for a subdued victory celebration at a late-night diner in Montreal (with half off poutine). It wasn't great, but who cared. Piper and Rickard were amped but everyone else on the team was a bit down after a rough night. A better victory party for the new champ would happen back home in Regina.

Eventualy Piper head back to her hotel room. She stripped down, picked up the WEFF Featherweight title, stepped in front of a mirror, and posed.

"I deserve this."

Silence.

"I am special, I am the best woman in MMA. I deserve this!"

Silence.

"I DESERVE THIS!!!!!!!"

Piper smiled.

White Dolphin · April 8, 2018

Sunday Week 1 September, 2003

-Pretty wild victory party back home for Piper, although it didn't have the same edge due to all the other Tough Team losses. Its always weird to me to be happy around a teammate that lost, but then they just tell me to get over it and enjoy my party. Its hard for me to do that though. As a trainer here, its not just my career I'm responsible for, its their careers too. I'm in their corner more often than not, I watch the tapes, I know some of their opponents better than my own. To see them down while I'm so fired up over my success just seems.....wrong.

-Regardless, its a big moment for the Tough Team. Most of us had a good time and we got some nice pictures of our champion to hang on the wall.

-Before that party started though, me and Aidan went over some Tough Team business.......

-A new fighter joined the Tough Team, just as I thought. Her name was Rennaya Rives, an 11-1 Flyweight Taekwondo striker from Brazil currently employed by WEFF. Rives lost her most recent fight to Layla Holmes via a Kimura lock, and has come to work on her ground game temporarily. Shes an electrifying striker with a good deal of potential and we'll see what we can do with her.

-CCC 24 is booked but no one from our gym is on the card. However, my buddy Allen LeFleur is booked against Toby Dingleberry in a title eliminator, and due to several incoming departures we could end up getting a fighter or two coming in to train.

-XCC is running an event, and they've booked our boy Roger Bean against 13-7 Wrestler Noah Smithee in a Featherweight bout. Smithee is a top control-oriented fighter who aims to get takedowns and win on points. He lacks a striking game and a sturdy chin however, which are two flaws Bean can exploit if we gameplan correctly.

-Aidan has it on good authority that Rafael Tavares is headed for ALPHA-1. Tavares won the CCC Featherweight title last night, so this means if hes signed it will be left vacant. This is important for us, because it could put our boy Richie Stiller into a title eliminator.

-Aidan's not sure what will happen with any booking in CCC though, as hes found out Chris Penn may be stepping down from CCC matchmaker duties. This would change the usual flow of how fights are booked.

-ALPHA-1's on a big signing spree, and Aidan's working his contacts seeing if he can get a few guys from the Tough Team in. Apparently they're bringing back Bambang Sriyanto and Tadamasa Yamada. Theres also raiding being done of worthy free agents and fighters in the regional promotions. Petey Mack is rumoured to be among them, whihc would be big for the Middleweight division.

-We're buying an extra ring to help me get ready for the first fight in ALPHA-1, and Aidan's laid out a plan changing up my training for their rules. I need to get used to that weird 10 minute first round ALPHA-1 runs in their fights.

---

Tuesday Week 2 September, 2003

-There was a local show in Brandon, Manitoba today, and we had two Tough Team members on the card!

-Helena Broderick defeated Albina Durant easily in the prelims. Durant tried to get in close to do some grappling, and Helena just clobbered her with one-twos every time she approached. After a few of those Durant ended up rocked back against the cage, and Broderick put her down with a right hook to end the fight. Good stuff from Broderick, and hopefully another win gets her the inside track to WEFF.

Official Result: Helena Broderick defeats Albina Durant (Knock Out (Punch) in 1:26 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good.

-Vicki Summers overpowered Setsuko Henmi in her main card fight. Summers got 4 takedowns in the first 2 rounds and brutalized Henmi with ground and pound, almost getting the stoppage a couple times. Round 3 Summers completed her 5th takedown and just ended it by pounding Henmi until she gave up her back, then sunk in a Rear Naked Choke for the tapout. Summers has made some serious progress with her offensive threat and is no longer just a lay and pray specialist. Her last 3 wins have been pretty decisive, even if they were against middling competition, and she's in position for a final WEFF run.

Official Result: Vicki 'The Heart Breaker' Summers defeats Setsuko Henmi (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:26 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Good.

---

Saturday Week 2 September, 2003

-My first fight in ALPHA-1 is booked! I'll be taking on 6-0 Submission Wrestler Kei Sakakibara in a prelim bout in November at ALPHA-1: Atep vs Hojo. Sakakibara came to ALPHA-1 after 5 straight wins on the local scene, and beat Akihiro Jippensha via Kimura in his ALPHA-1 debut fight in June. His style seems to be based around takedowns from the clinch and working for submissions, regardless of whether he gets top position or pulls guard. Hes said to have an excellent chin, so while I'm probably able to outland him at middle range, I may have to play his game and clinch him or get the fight to the ground. One weak point I've noticed is his lack of cardio, so I have the option to grind out a decision. Even though he seems to be full of holes, his chin and submission game actually make this a slightly awkward matchup for me, but I'm sure I can take him.

---

Monday Week 3 September, 2003

-Another Tough Team booking! At a regional show in Quebec City, we've got French Dancer returning to action against 4-0 Boxer Raimond Noyer in the Middleweight division. I've actually met Noyer: We were at the same event once, a Canadian amateur boxing tourney, and he won his division in the age group. Hes a skilled boxer for sure, and was a judges decision loss away from representing Canada at the Olympics at one point. However, instead of turning pro he went into the world of MMA for some unknown reason. He doesn't seem to be much for cross-training, so hopefully Dancer can take him down and exploit that before Noyer scores a KO.

-Vicki Summers left the Tough Team. She thanked us for our help in training her but said she needed to shake things up and move elsewhere. We wished her well. I thought she did a terrific job in our camp and improved dramatically in terms of offense, and the fact she hasn't gotten an offer from WEFF to come back is absurd.

---

Wednesday Week 3 September, 2003

-WEFF is running a TV special card in October and three Tough Team gals are booked!

-Manami Ken is in the main event against 10-2 BJJ ace Layla Holmes. Ken is completely overmatched here: Holmes has her beat standing, on the ground, can submit her, can defend the takedowns, and even has more physical power and stamina. Ken would do well just to see a decision here, and this seems to be a fight set up for Holmes to get a title shot more than anything.

-Rennaya Rives is taking on 11-3 Taekwondo striker Nina Belle in a Flyweight fight. Rives is good but this is a bad matchup for her against a superior striker. There is the chance of a KO for us: Belle's defense is sloppy sometimes and she could walk into a head kick. The defense may also give us an opening to win on points, but Belle has superior offensive firepower to possibly nullify that advantage. We'll do what we can in camp but this is an uphill battle for our new teammate.

-Trish Biel makes her WEFF debut against 7-2 Jiu Jitsu fighter Leslie Myers in the prelims. Myers has good submission abilities, but lacks the physical power necessary to have a good clinch game or top control. Biel should have opportunities to get a takedown and go to work, or use her improving boxing to outland Myers on the feet. The submissions are something to be wary of so she'll work on defending against that during her camp.

-Chisaki Gojo left the Tough Team after her loss, and we're expecting a couple more people to be out the door soon. We've got enough of a reputation that new teammates should come flooding in soon, though.

---

Friday Week 3 September, 2003

-Chris Penn has stepped down as CCC matchmaker due to personal reasons. He'll still be involved with running the company according to Aidan but for now the matchmaking job is up in the air. This might change some of the Tough Team's bookings with CCC going forward depending on the style of the person coming in.

(OOC: This is my way of saying I'm no longer booking CCC in-game. I needed a few weeks to finish up booking other fights and getting contracts in order and now I'm leaving the company in the AI's hands and booking ALPHA-1 in full now instead.)

-Before he left though, he did manage to change a fight Allen LeFleur had coming up. He was facing Toby Dingleberry, but Dingleberry got injured so now Allen's against Brett Krakowski.

-Tyler Aldi and Rose Nessa left the Tough Team after their losses. We wished both of them well. Hopefully more people come into the team soon........

---

CANADIAN TOUGH TEAM ROSTER

Leaders:

Aidan Ryland (owner/trainer/agent)

Rickard Patterson (6-0)

Special Long-Term Members:

Piper Evergood (6-0)

Long-Term Members:

Aljur Paras (8-0)

Buster East (6-2)

Christine Jameson (7-4)

French Dancer (7-7)

Richie Stiller (9-4)

Roger Bean (8-2)

Roy Arnett (8-3)

Visitors:

Ethan LeGrange (10-1)

Helena Broderick (11-3)

Manami Ken (12-2)

Natassia Potocnik (8-3)

Rennaya Rives (11-1)

Trish Biel (12-0)

Upcoming Fights:

Ethan LeGrange vs Craig Hulme (CCC 24, October 2003)

French Dancer vs Raimond Noyer (Canadian Local Show, October 2003)

Manami Ken vs Layla Holmes (WEFF Unmissable 3, October 2003)

REnnaya Rives vs Nina Belle (WEFF Unmissable 3, October 2003)

Trish Biel vs Leslie Myers (WEFF Unmissable 3, October 2003)

Roger Bean vs Noah Smithee (XCC event, October 2003)

Rickard Patterson vs Kei Sakakibara (ALPHA-1 event, November 2003)

White Dolphin · April 10, 2018

Sunday Week 3 September, 2003

-Watched the ALPHA-1 show tonight with Aidan. The only Middleweight bout of note was Jiu Jitsu fighter Atsutane Akera vs Sambo fighter Tetsuji Myojin. Akera improved to 5-1 in the company with a submission win in 8 and a half minutes. Akera looked really impressive on the ground, from what I've heard and seen so far hes an excellent submission threat, and he is someone to be dealt with in the Middleweight division.

-Main event saw a successful Super Heavyweight title defense by Palmer Lette in a rematch against Jutaro Honma. I think Honma broke his hand trying to pound out Lette after a Round 1 takedown and it really affected him throughout the fight, as Lette took control in the later rounds and got a standing stoppage in Round 4. Overall this was a pretty good card.

---

Friday Week 4 September, 2003

-CCC 26 is taking place in Regina in mid-November and theres two Tough Team fighters on the card......

-Roy Arnett takes on 3-0 Greco-Roman Wrestler Leon Payer in the prelim opener. Payer debuted in 2002 and won two straight on local shows to get a CCC offer. His wrestling may be too much for Arnett to handle, but if Arnett can keep it standing he wins easily, as Payer is only a decent boxer on the feet.

-Aljur Paras will fight 4-2 Wrestler Deverill Butt. Deverill's gameplan seems to be smothering his opponent via clinch or top control, so Paras has to use his strength and improve his takedown defense here. Deverill has little to offer on the feet so Paras will need to keep the fight there to get the win.

-GAMMA's getting very aggressive in raiding the regional scenes and they've taken a number of fighters from CCC, including champion Tyler Lass for a GAMMA return, and our former teammate Chad Zoff. ALPHA-1 might be bringing back Simon Vine if he defeats Lass, so hopefully CCC can unearth more diamonds from the regional scene to compensate.

---

Friday Week 1 October, 2003

-CCC 24 held the big Ontario event it had planned in Hamilton, while a local show happened in Quebec City. Both had Tough Team fighters, so Aidan sent a few staff down to both cities and stayed home while we focused on my camp for Kei Sakakibara.

-French Dancer's fight with Raimond Noyer went horribly wrong as he got nailed with a one-two right as he went for a takedown and was knocked out in 39 seconds. Right idea, wrong result. Dancer's rapidly reaching tomato can status after his 4th straight loss, poor guy.

Official Result: 'Captain Hook' Raimond Noyer defeats French 'Private' Dancer (TKO (Strikes) in 0:39 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good.

-Luckily, at CCC 24 Ethan LeGrange did well on his own versus Craig Hulme, winning a striking battle in Round 1 and getting a big knockdown in Round 2. Round 3 Hulme got a takedown late and tried to ground and pound for the finish, but LeGrange held him off for the 29-28 win on all cards! Good win for Ethan, who has made the most progress of anyone in the Tough Team so far since joining up.

Official Result: Ethan LeGrange defeats Craig Hulme (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Decent.

-The double main event saw Nate MacReary claim his second Heavyweight title with a decision win on Taye Burnett, and Teddy Glossop scoring a huge upset over Super Heavyweight champ Dwight Witherspoon to win the CCC title. ALPHA-1 sent him an offer right after the match ended, because such is the life of a regional company.

---

Saturday Week 1 October, 2003

-A new fighter joined the Tough Team for a visit: Toshie Nishina, a 10-4 Wrestler in the Flyweight division. Her entire career until now was spent on the Japanese local scene before she moved here to chase a contract with WEFF, a common story in our gym. Shes a clinch-oriented fighter who prefers dirty boxing against the fence and winning points, and has a decent ground game if the fight goes there. We'll work with her and see if she can get an offer.

-ALPHA-1's booked an event for early December I'm keeping an eye on. Theres two Middleweight fights: Kojuro Kudo vs Thais Antonio Taffarel and Motoyuki Matsumara vs Hiroshige Shiga. Main event is Zvonimir Asanovic vs Rafael Van Der Moot and I'll be keeping an eye on that one.

-At the press conference to announce that event, ALPHA-1 also announced the creation of a Bantamweight division that is sure to ruffle some feathers at GAMMA, although they'll be missing Willy Bassett and several other high ranked fighters due to contract obligations.

---

Friday Week 2 October, 2003

-Sadly Ethan LeGrange left the Tough Team to head back home to Quebec for training. He had an excellent 18 months or so with us and made some serious strides as a fighter. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets picked up by one of the Big 2 if he keeps up his winning streak. We threw him a nice party before he packed his bags and headed to Quebec, and we'll miss him.

-Got interviewed by Blurcat later that night for their radio show. This ALPHA-1 signing and the popularity I've gotten since that win over Ballard and the TV spot just hits me in different ways. It still feels weird to be important enough to be interviewed by a journalist. Nonetheless I had a good interview, and got the plug in for the Tough Team, to Aidan's approval

---

Saturday Week 3 October, 2003

-WEFF's TV card was today and Aidan sent the staff and a couple of the girls down again so he could stay with me. We're working really, really hard on this camp for Sakakibara and Aidan doesn't want to ruin the momentum.

-Trish Biel won her prelim fight against Leslie Myers. Biel scored two takedowns, opened up a cut, and landed a few power punches across 3 rounds to take a clean 30-27 win on all cards. Biel moves to 13-0 and is heading towards a title shot with speed.

Official Result: 'The Real Deal' Trish Biel defeats Leslie Myers (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Good.

-Rennaya Rives scored a minor upset on Nina Belle! Rives worked hard on her striking technique and her defense for this bout and it paid off, she outlanded Belle across all 3 rounds and avoided taking any serious shots. Belle got a round from the judges regardless, but Rives got 2 to take a 29-28 decision on all cards. Rives was rewarded for her hard work with a good win that puts her into title contention, and hopefully we'll be in her corner if she does get the shot.

Official Result: Rennaya Rives defeats Nina 'Liberty' Belle (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Good.

-Manami Ken faced Layla Holmes in the main event. Unfortunately, she could not pull off the upset, so we had to settle for 2 out of 3 on the evening. Ken got a takedown early and threatened with ground and pound, but Holmes calmly swept her and got an armbar for the submission win over the submission fighter. Big loss for Ken, but her whole strategy to fight meant a loss like this was inevitable. That style only works if you are literally the best submission artist and best wrestler in the division, and Ken is neither.

Official Result: Layla Holmes defeats Manami Ken (Submission (Armbar) in 3:25 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Great.

-Aidan's getting anxious about our membership numbers, but I think we'll find a few more talented fighters like Rives looking for polish and a short-term stay, so we'll be fine.

---

Friday Week 4 October, 2003

-Two Tough Team bookings are on tap for CCC 27 in Regina!

-Buster East will take on 12-5 Kickboxer Joshua Ziegler in a prelim Welterweight bout. In a pure striking battle Ziegler's got some quality, and is a crafty veteran with solid defense. Buster's been improving, however, and has got some excellent boxing at his disposal now. He might have the skill to cope with the defense and head movement of Ziegler, and still has his considerable talents as a kickboxer in play too. With both fighters on two fight losing streaks under a new matchmaker, this is probably a must-win for both of them to stay employed in CCC. I'll do what I can to help my friend win this one.

-Richie Stiller takes on 4-0 Wrestler Cort Wack in the main card opener. Our only real hope in this one is Wack leaving himself open for power shots, as Wack's takedowns and wrestling ability will be too much for Stiller to cope with at this stage of his career. Stiller can hang in there through some punishment, but if Wack gets mount and starts teeing off theres not much Stiller can really do about it. The flash KO is our only hope unless Stiller makes the same sort of breakthrough in ground ability that Ethan LeGrange made.

-Helena Broderick got a contract offer with WEFF. At age 32 this is her last shot at glory and a couple more paydays, so we'll try to make it count.

---

Saturday Week 4 October, 2003

-Roger Bean took on Noah Smithee at an XCC event in California. Aidan sent the staff to handle things, but they might as well have stayed in Saskatchewan: Bean destroyed Smithee, who could not find a takedown opening all nght long and got utterly destroyed by Bean at middle range. Eventually two head kicks from Bean put Smithee down on the canvas and the ref waved it off to give Bean the win. With XCC's Featherweight division depleted by raids, now's the best time to win, as it helps ensure either a title shot or that you'll be the next one raided.....

Official Result: Roger 'Jumpin'' Bean defeats Noah 'The Genius' Smithee (Knock Out (Kick) in 1:31 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Good.

---

Monday Week 1 November, 2003

-My 20th birthday! I celebrated it in rather subdued fashion due to starting my weight cut and being in a camp, so we just had a small party in the gym. It involved a lot of beating people at Street Fighter Alpha 3 with Dan, and a lot of toasts to a succesful fight with Kei Sakakibara.

-As for that, my camp is going pretty well. I'm training exclusively in a ring now, and I'm working hard on my stamina to prepare for the weird 10 minute Round 1 ALPHA-1 runs, and also to prepare for a possible grind to decision.

---

Friday Week 1 November, 2003

-CCC 25 took place and my buddy Allen LeFleur mauled Brett Krakowski, eventually getting the TKO win after Krakowski got downed by a great leg kick. Main event saw Tyler Lass score a KO win over Simon Vine before departing to GAMMA, and that probably cost Vine a job with ALPHA-1 for the moment.

-ALPHA-1's announced a TV special called "Dynamite! 2003" for New Years Eve weekend. It'll be headlined by Terron Cabal taking on Mason Archer, and the notable Middleweight bout in the prelims is Petey Mack taking on Juro Fukazawa in his debut. Theres also a 195 lb catchweight bout between the returning Tadamasa Yamada and Bambang Sriyanto, and a loaded Featherweight Grand Prix: Li-Kong Ho, Yagi Jokichi, Kenji Akita, Yoshiro Makamori, Tomohiro Takeuchi, Masahiro Maeno, Rafael Tavares, and Lars Bohlin. DAMN! Winner of that will get a shot against Phillip Ziskie. This card is stacked and I sorta wish I was on it.

---

Sunday Week 1 November, 2003

-Two new Tough Team members!

-Colin J L Capes is a 9-0 Super Heavyweight Kickboxer from Scotland, who moved to Canada to try to chase a job with CCC. Strangely he didn't get an offer from them, but his 9 fight KO streak against local cans did land him a world ranking, which led to the increasingly aggressive ALPHA-1 giving him a contract offer. Hes very one-dimensional as a fighter, but we'll work on his takedown and submission defense to get it to acceptable standards.

-Tuck Durdell is a 9-2 Ground and Pound specialist in the CCC Middleweight division. Hes had an up-and-down tenure in CCC, winning his debut against French Dancer, losing two fights in a row to KO kings in Reed Howlett and Ashley Ballard, then rebounded for a decision win over Ed Burridge at CCC 25. Hes here short term to work on his stand-up game.

---

Saturday Week 2 November, 2003

-Finally, after a long camp and a pretty hard weight cut, my debut ALPHA-1 fight is here. Kei Sakakibara also made weight and looked good. Two years in the MMA game, all the training I did as a kid, for this moment. I need to make a strong impression on my debut, but I'm ready for a decision if it comes to that. Its time to go to the world stage!

MMAManiac · April 11, 2018

Excited to see how things go in ALPHA.

White Dolphin · April 13, 2018

Sunday Week 2 November, 2003

ALPHA-1: Atep vs Hojo

The instant Aidan walked into the building he knew this wasn't going to be a normal fight.

In CCC, Rickard was used to getting somewhat preferential treatment. He had his own dressing room in each fight, in a building he knew well, packed with fans supporting the hometown boy. He could relax before each fight, get into his zone and do his little routine, then come out for war with a crowd behind his every move.

Here, he was sharing a dressing room with a few other fighters, he was on the preliminary card, and all Japanese fight fans would know about him was that he was a prospect from the same country as Mason Archer. No one except the ALPHA-1 brass expected anything from him, and even then Aidan suspected he only got the offer as a preemptive strike against GAMMA. Rickard looked nervous and couldn't get into his routine liked he wanted.

"Remember your debut fight?"

"Yeah."

"Then you remember its good to be nervous about this?"

"Yeah, I know. I just want to get into my routine man, I need to relax."

Piper Evergood was with the two, and she decided to tease Rickard a little.

"Oh come on Ricky, a godlike fighter like you, being nervous about some tomato can from Kawasaki? You're better than that, aren't you?"

Aidan could almost see Rickard's eyes turn into red cartoon hearts. He rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the monitor. Piper had come along on this trip to meet the ALPHA-1 brass and provide another sane voice in the corner. Aidan had taken Piper on as a client on Rickard's suggestion, and was trying to get her an ALPHA-1 contract offer by convincing the company to start a Women's division. They said they'd take it under consideration. Aidan knew they would seriously consider it, because anything to cut GAMMA off at the knees was necessary in this promotional war brewing. ALPHA-1 recently poached Evan Pizzarro, and Matt Tripp had his nose out of joint about that. GAMMA firing back by starting a Women's Division and signing all the talent would be a good way to go about doing things if they wanted to escalate.

Eventually, the Middleweight prelim fight Aidan was curious about was on his screen, and he watched for future info on potential oppponents.

---

Marinho Gomes and Katsunouki Nakata had a short, but fierce striking battle, both sides throwing leather with bad intentions and refusing to step down. Gomes turned the tide once he started working kicks in, and he caught Nakata with a beauty of a head kick to stagger him, then another to knock him down. Good win for Gomes, but Aidan was confident that Rickard could take him due to his lacking ground game.

---

Eventually the schedule worked over to Rickard's fight. Aidan fetched Rickard from a bathroom, where he eventually went to get some peace and quiet, and they all got ready for the big debut......

---

Rickard's music:

Kei's music:

---

Crowd reacted to Rickard's music with a few cheers and some laughter, which was more than Aidan expected. Aidan was starting to get accustomed to some of the video game music Rickard would play around the gym as his pump-up themes, and he used a couple for entrance music. Hey, it worked, didn't it?

There was a bit more of a response for Kei's intro. He was fighting in front of some supportive fans, a large group of whom had a giant banner held up with a cartoon drawing of Kei on it. Aidan guessed they must've made the trip from Kawasaki.

After the ring announcer finished the intros, Aidan went to give Rickard some last minute advice, telling him to stay at middle range and watch for the takedowns and clinch attempts, but Aidan wasn't sure Rickard heard him. He was intent and focussed entirely on Kei, and was taking a lot of deep breaths.

"I hope he'll be alright...."

---

Round 1

They touched gloves. Kei threw an early one-two, and Rickard casually parried it. Kei stepped into the pocket and landed a right, slipping Rickard's left. Rickard hit a leg kick and somehow swayed back to avoid a right hook from Kei. After an exchange of strikes that were either blocked or dodged, Rickard moved in and secured a clinch, jeckying for position untill he eventually got the Thai plum hooked in. Kei blocked a knee strike and pushed him away, however, and they were back to middle range. Rickard popped him with a couple jabs and dodged a one-two, coming in behind the two for a takedown. It was a beautiful double leg, and he picked up Kei and slammed him into side control! After a knee to the ribs, Rickard tried to hook a D'Arce Choke, but Kei got out of it. Rickard fired a few punches and a knee strike but was content to keep control until the ref stood them up, then resumed the fight.

Kei hit a couple jabs, Rickard hit a nice right jab into left liver blow combo. After an exchange, Rickard came in under a right hook and got a double leg into half guard. Rickard tried to pass, Kei tried to scramble, and Rickard ended up on his back pulling guard after missing a grab at Kei's leg. Kei clipped Rickard's jaw with his shoulder. Rickard tried to bring his legs up for a triangle and almost got it in, but Kei slipped out of it. Kei fired a barrage of light ground and pound, but Rickard grabbed Kei close and hit a few short punches to the head. Kei broke free from that and postured up, and right then Rickard swept Kei, got his leg, and hooked a brilliant kneebar! Kei tapped and the crowd roared with approval as Rickard got up and started celebrating! Win number 7!

Official Result: 'The Dragoon' Rickard Patterson defeats Kei Sakakibara (Submission (Kneebar) in 9:17 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Decent.

---

"What the HELL was that?"

"I don't know, I'm just glad it worked! LETS GO BOYS! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"

Rickard climbed up on the ropes and posed to some scattered applause from the prelim crowd. Aidan wasn't expecting Rickard to do a submission battle, but sometime's Rickard's instincts surprised everyone, even Rickard himself. Just as long as he didn't try that against a guy like Joaquim Fontes.

After the decision was read, Rickard and friends were sent back to reality, as they were quickly ushered from the ring to make way for the next fight. Rickard did a post-fight hallway interview with a reporter through an interpreter, where he just talked about being excited to win his debut, and how he was ready to take on anyone in the Middleweight division. Rickard also mentioned he wanted to be on the New Year's card and would take a fight on short notice. Aidan did pitch that his client would fight on short notice to the ALPHA-1 brass, so it'd be interesting to see if they'd take him up on it.

Everyone then settled down and watched the monitors for the main card. Joaquim Fontes took on Haranobu Oshiro in a back and forth fight. Oshiro got a knockdown early and Fontes got a takedown late in Round 1, Round 2 was humdrum, and then in Round 3 the finish came out of nowhere: Fontes shot for a takedown and ran headlong into a knee strike counter that knocked him out cold. An excellent comeback win for Oshiro, who was cut unfairly after the disastrous Middleweight Grand Prix and had rebuilt his career on the local scene to get this chance.

Main event saw Atep of Indonesia defend his Heavyweight title succesfully against Motoki Hojo via a head kick KO followed up by strikes. Hojo was building up some momentum after winning the Lightweight GP but it got undone inside 8 minutes of the first round.

After the card, Aidan took Rickard, Piper, and the staff to have some of the famous Yakuniku they'd heard about, and some sake for the drinkers. Everyone was thrilled, but the real party would come on the return home to Regina.

Aidan was satisfied with the debut, and with the newfound rise of the veteran Haranobu Oshiro, things were getting interesting in the Middleweight division......

White Dolphin · April 15, 2018

Wednesday Week 3 November, 2003

-What a debut. I just had a feeling while watching tapes that, despite Kei's submission threat, he'd be actually weak to submissions. That can happen with some fighters: You train the offense of your specialty more than your defense and it costs you. So instead of a long decision fight where I'd be failing to crack that iron jaw of his, it was better to go to the ground and test him there.

-The kneebar finish got photgraphed in some magazines, alongside an interview I did. I got extra copies of the magazine and thats going in my collection of personal memorabilia for sure.

-The party last night was nuts, the Tough Team was hyped up for my debut and they gave me a hero's welcome when I stepped into the gym. Whats even more nuts though is my cheque for the fight. I made $42400! $8700 to show, $8700 to win, $25000 for submission of the night! Aidan made 10 grand, I kept the rest. "The rest" is comparable to what I made over the entire last year. Wow.

-I don't intend to spend a lot of it. I'm keeping my bank account as large as possible in case any lean months or sudden expenses crop up. Some fighters would go buy a car, buy fancy clothes, and splash the cash...... but I'm not wanting to end up near-destitute like some of the foster parents I had. I can't let all this get to my head, because then that 7-0 record becomes 7-3, and I go from shooting star to fizzled dud. I'll take my money, and train harder to get more money. Maybe I'll add to it with a KO of the Night bonus next time.........

-I debuted at #12 on the ALPHA-1 rankings going into the fight, and I moved up to #11 after the victory. Theres some real strong fighters atop the rankings, and I'm looking forward to stepping up to them soon.

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Thursday Week 3 November, 2003

-Natassia Potocnik is booked for WEFF 36, she'll be facing 2-1 Wrestler Honor O'Neill. Honor seems to be a grinding wrestler who is good enough to knock out or choke out cans but too green to stand up to real competition. Potocnik should be able to secure the takedown and pound away for the win eventually.

-Trish Biel left the Tough Team, she was here short-term to work on striking but is now heading out to freshen things up a bit. We wished her well.

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Friday Week 3 November, 2003

-CCC 26 took place today and we had two Tough Teamers on the card......

-Roy Arnett faced Leon Payer. He tried, but the wrestling ability proved just too much for him to handle, and despite winning Round 2 with some spirited striking, Arnett took a 29-28 decision loss on all scorecards. If we could get Arnett's takedown defense to acceptable levels he'd be a contender, but its a slow process.

Official Result: 'The Wild Dog' Leon Payer defeats Roy 'Trigger' Arnett (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Decent.

-Aljur Paras took on Deverill Butt, and after about 20 seconds of circling, he flash KOed him with a jab to head kick combo that left Deverill unconscious. Thats a statement win right there for Paras, and we'll see where this KO takes him in the rankings.

Official Result: Aljur Paras defeats 'The Ass Man' Deverill Butt (Knock Out (Kick) in 0:21 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good.

-Main event saw Reed Howlett beat Sutton Ripley to defend his Middleweight title. Howlett did it in style with a right hook knock out inside 90 seconds. I was in line for the shot before being signed by ALPHA-1, so Ripley was slotted in instead and looked past his prime against the dangerous Howlett. Howlett looked good but he still hasn't had his ground game seriously tested in 12 fights.

-Card drew a company record 674, but CCC's roster is just getting raided left and right. Aidan told me the winner of the main event is likely headed to ALPHA-1, meaning Reed Howlett gets his first taste of the big time.

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Sunday Week 3 November, 2003

-Manami Ken left the Tough Team after her loss. It was a shame, but her style is not suited to modern MMA so it was inevitable anyways.

-Reed Howlett did indeed get a contract offer and is en route to ALPHA-1.

-Passed my medical checkup today so I'm cleared to resume training tomorrow.

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Sunday Week 4 November, 2003

-ALPHA-1's booked their January card, I'm not on it, but......

-Colin J L Capes is booked to fight against 2-1 Boxer Nariakira Okayama in a prelim Super Heavyweight bout. Okayama debuted in 2002 with two straight wins on the local scene before being signed to ALPHA-1 and losing his debut fight. He is a fat slugger who looks for big one punch KOs, but lacks cardio (and a ground game, but we can't exploit that). He should be a decent test for Capes and it'll be a hard-hitting striking battle for sure.

-Notable Middleweight tilt on the card is Kadonomaro Deguchi vs Jakuchu Abe. Deguchi beat Heiji Endo in a shock in February, but lost to Tadao Miyazaki and is trying to climb back into the contender's spots. Abe also lost to Miyazaki, but regrouped with a couple wins right afterwards and is also in the hunt. These two have real quality and aren't even Top 10 in the division, which is amazing.

-Main event is Go Yamamoto vs Caca de Andrade, but the real big match is the co-main: Hassan Fezzik returns to fight Affonso Villar at a Catchweight in a dream bout. I'm shocked Fezzik is making the comeback, but he'll be in tough against a super dangerous KO artist in Villar, who is gunning for a title rematch against Jin Katou.

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Friday Week 1 December, 2003

-CCC 27 took place, and we had two Tough Team members on the card.

-Buster East faced Joshua Ziegler in a Welterweight tilt. Buster outlanded Ziegler to win Round 1, but Round 2 was a bit closer as Ziegler started to press. Buster broke it wide open though with a clever feint that baited Ziegler into throwing a right, which Buster countered with a BEAUTIFUL jumping front kick to the face and Ziegler went down hard. East followed up with punches and that was that. Good win from Buster to save his job for the moment.

Official Result: Buster East defeats Joshua Ziegler (TKO (Strikes) in 3:18 of round 2). The fight was rated as being Decent.

-Richie Stiller faced Cort Wack, and it was a tough back-and-forth. Round 1 Wack went for a takedown, but Stiller somehow stayed upright. Wack simply drove Richie against the fence and fired short punches to the body until they separated. Richie won the striking exchange at middle range afterwards, but it was a close round. Round 2 Wack got a takedown and took Richie's back, but Richie fended off the fight ending rear naked choke attempts and a late barrage of punches. That was a clear-cut 10-9 for Wack and could've been a 10-8. Round 3 Richie stuffed an early takedown and almost won the fight with some vicious strikes to a turtled Wack, but Wack escaped and landed a successful takedown later in the round. Richie got up from it, and the end of the fight was a fatigued exchange of punches near the fence with Wack in control. It was a decision that could've gone either way, but Aidan was confident Richie took Round 3. The judges decision...... 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 for Richie! Close decision, but Richie edged it for a big win and potentially has the vacant Featherweight belt within his reach.

Official Result: Richie 'The Killer' Stiller defeats Cort Wack (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Good.

-We stuck around for the main events, which saw Brock Youdale choke out Robbie Lynn to defend the Lightweight title before leaving to fight in GAMMA, and a Featherweight title eliminator that had Shoot Wrestler Fabrice Marcil score a comeback submission winner on Kickboxer Aubrey Pellegrin, after getting knocked down in Rounds 2 and 3. Aidan found out afterwards that Marcil's getting an offer from ALPHA-1. The bright side for CCC is that with the amount of poaching going on lately, their fed is the place to be to get noticed by a top org and will attract more talent to fill the gaps.

-2 for 2 for the Tough Team tonight and we had a good party to celebrate, Buster in particular was happy to save his job with his awesome KO. Hopefully we'll have another party like this after my next fight......

White Dolphin · April 17, 2018

Monday Week 2 December, 2003

-New Canadian Tough Team member! The newest addition to our camp is 5-0 Featherweight Shoot Wrestler Fabrice Marcil! Aidan heard he was getting an offer from ALPHA-1 last week and invited him to train with us, which he will short term. Marcil's background is pretty interesting stuff. He actually started as a pro wrestler, working the Canadian independent scene when he was 16, and got hired in his rookie year by North of the Border Pro Wrestling for a couple one-off events, where he lost to other guys in the dark matches (what pro wrestling calls the prelims) to make them look good. He then got into MMA in 2002, just to make a few extra bucks on the side. After winning his first 2 fights, he was hired by CCC in April to fill some roster gaps. He won 3 CCC fights in 6 months, and apparently got on the radar of ALPHA-1 because of his undefeated record and pro wrestling background. Hes got a decent striking game, solid submission ability, and is great off his back. His striking game could use an upgrade from decent, though, and he lacks top-end skill in his clinch game, top control, and striking defense. We'll be happy to work with him and see if he gets better.

-ALPHA-1 had a card yesterday, and Aidan got tapes of the Middleweight fights.

-Motoyuki Matsumara beat Hiroshige Shiga by majority decision in a striking battle. Shiga actually outlanded Matsumara and was more active, trying a few takedowns that didn't work, but Matsumara landed the power shots the judges love so much to get the win. Matsumara is a solid striker but his ground abilities could be a weakness to exploit, if he hasn't improved from a prior loss to Zaco.

-Thais Antonio Taffarel scored a unanimous decision win on Kojuro Kudo, thanks in part to a key takedown and some bombs from top control that swung the judges. Both men look dangerous, and good on Kudo for making it back to ALPHA-1 after being cut following the disastrous Middleweight GP last year.

-Main event saw Rafael Van Der Moot knock out Zvonimir Asanovic in under 4 minutes to likely get a title shot at Jin Katou. I don't think this is the end of the line for Asanovic, he just got caught perfectly by a right hook and went down. It happens to the best of us. I do think hes firmly entrenched in the role of gatekeeper now, though. 2 losses for the title against Katou and 1 against Yamada, plus this loss, and that should be the last of him as a top guy.

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Saturday Week 2 December, 2003

-XCC had a card with a Bantamweight title clash between Brian Claremont and Willy Bassett. Claremont won the fight and wen't to ALPHA-1, who signed him earlier. Claremont is now rumoured to be facing the former KDM FC Bantamweight champ Lito Alcala to determine the first ALPHA-1 Bantamweight champion.

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Saturday Week 3 December, 2003

-GAMMA gave out an excellent Christmas present, cutting Osmosis Benn after a loss to Maarten de Vries. This was loss number 2 in a row, but still, Benn has drawing power. If hes really so far gone he doesn't deserve to be on the world stage, have a few prospects run him down for easy popularity! Also, why cut guys like this in the first place when ALPHA-1's relentless poaching of talent as of late will be leaving you fewer and fewer options to choose from?

-ALPHA-1 is rumoured to be giving GAMMA a Christmas gift of its own, by going after their former Super Heavyweight champ Davey Rushton.

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Monday Week 4 December, 2003

-Two Tough Team fighters are booked on a CCC card at the end of January, and one of the fights is big.......

-Aljur Paras is taking on 11-1 Wrestler Nate MacReary in the main event for the CCC Heavyweight Championship! MacReary is probably too strong of an opponent for Paras at this stage of his career due to his excellent wrestling, but theres some hope: MacReary did get knocked out before, by Sly Twinge at CCC 6. If Paras blitzes MacReary out of the gate we have a chance, otherwise MacReary can likely take down Paras often enough to control the fight. We'll work with Paras over the next month but its an uphill battle against a fighter as good as MacReary is.

-Roy Arnett is booked as well, for a prelim bout again 10-7 Kickboxer Cory Brewer. Arnett is clearly the better striker, and Brewer has bad cardio, a declining chin, and no ground game. This should be a stroll for Arnett, hopefully this springs him into title contention.

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Saturday Week 4 December, 2003

-WEFF held a big New Year's Eve weekend event with one of our girls on the card......

-Natassia Potocnik lost to Honor O'Neill in a bad, bad fight. Aidan was furious with Potocnik for not trying to go for a takedown and instead going for a standup fight. This played right into O'Neill's hands, as she won at middle range and did significant work from the clinch, taking down Potocnik twice and landing over a dozen shots to the ribs. Two judges gave Potocnik Round 3 for some reason, but it was a unanimous 30-27, 29-28, 29-28 decision for O'Neill in all cards. Bitter end to the year for us.

Official Result: Honor 'Glory' O'Neill defeats Natassia Potocnik (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Average.

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Sunday Week 4 December, 2003

-Had a bit of a subdued New Year's party this year due to the loss. Nonetheless, we got our spirits up by the end and Aidan got us a tape of the ALPHA-1 Dynamite TV special that aired yesterday for us to watch.

-Prelim Middleweight bout of interest saw Petey Mack take on veteran Juro Fukazawa. Mack didn't mess around and simply took Fukazawa down, passed whatever guard he tried, and cinched in a Kimura for the tapout in under 3 minutes. Excellent stuff from Mack in his return to the world stage.

-The finals of the ALPHA-1 Featherweight Challengers GP boiled down to Tomohiro Takeuchi and Li-Kong Ho. Bit of a shock, I was expecting my dark horse pick of Yagi Jokichi to come around, and Kenji Akita was another one tipped for success. Li-Kong Ho had lost twice to Takeuchi in the past, but unleashed a career-best performance to take the 3rd fight and put himself in line for a rematch with Philip Ziskie, winning via unanimous decision after 4 takedowns and a particularly dominant Round 2.

-Sukarno faced Heikichi Shimizu in a big Lightweight title eliminator and Shimizu got the shock win via Rear Naked Choke in under 5 minutes. Sukarno seemed an invincible Lightweight kingpin but now after two losses he's really shattered and needs to regroup.

-Bambang Sriyanto faced Tadamasa Yamada in a catchweight bout at 195, and Yamada survived an early knockdown, before securing a takedown after scrambling away from some finishing stomps. Yamada passed the guard a couple times, but ended up losing the position and ending up on his back. Yamada managed to calmly move to full guard from the bottom, however, then got a clutch armbar from the bottom for a win with just 27 seconds left in Round 1. Great fight, and Yamada looks back and ready for the big leagues.

-Terron Cabal beat Mason Archer in the main event for the Heavyweight title, avenging an earlier loss via decision. The usual Round 1 blitz proved too much for Archer this time and the eternal gatekeeper of ALPHA-1's Heavyweight division fell in 44 seconds. I stand by my opinion of Cabal, and at the rate ALPHA-1 is acquiring talent, I feel its only a matter of time before he loses that Heavyweight belt.

-Story broke over new year's that Matthew Dean's GAMMA contract has expired, and Buddy Garner is now the official champion. When Matthew Dean comes back from hiatus, theres gonna be a bidding war the likes of which MMA has never seen before for his services......

-No Blurcat awards for any of us this year, sadly. Next year will be different though!

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Monday Week 1 January, 2004

-The New Year kicked off in a big way for us, as I've got my next fight! I'll be opening the card for ALPHA-1's Warriors of the Ring 5 TV event at the end of February. My opponent is 5-0 Boxer Toshiaki Ukiyo. Ukiyo has good skill in his hands, and likes to throw flurries to stay active and win decisions, although he has won 3 out of 5 by KO so far. His sprawl is pretty solid, he has good head movement and strike defense, and hes rumoured to have an excellent chin. His weakness seems to be in the clinch, and I suspect hes bad off his back as well even though hes never been taken down. I should aim to outpoint him in the clinch and see if he has good takedown defense against judo trips and throws. Pulling guard is also an option.

-So far the other Middleweight fights on the card are Reed Howlett making his debut in the prelims against a brawler named Tadakuni Fumihiko, and the main event of Haranobu Oshiro vs former BCF Middleweight champ Davis Spyrou. Sounds fun!

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CANADIAN TOUGH TEAM ROSTER

Leaders:

Aidan Ryland (owner/agent/journal hacker)

Rickard Patterson (7-0)

Also A Main Character:

Piper Evergood (12-2)

Long-Term Members:

Aljur Paras (9-0)

Buster East (7-2)

Christine Jameson (7-4)

Colin J L Capes (9-0)

French Dancer (7-8)

Richie Stiller (10-4)

Roger Bean (9-2)

Roy Arnett (8-4)

Visitors:

Fabrice Marcil (5-0)

Helena Broderick (11-3)

Natassia Potocnik (8-4)

Rennaya Rives (12-1)

Toshie Nishina (10-4)

Tuck Durdell (9-2)

Upcoming Fights:

Aljur Paras vs Nate MacReary (CCC 30, Jan 2004, title match)

Roy Arnett vs Cory Brewer (CCC 30, Jan 2004)

Colin J L Capes vs Nariakira Okayama (ALPHA-1 event, Jan 2004)

Rickard Patterson vs Toshiaki Ukiyo (ALPHA-1 TV event, Feb 2004)

White Dolphin · April 20, 2018

Saturday Week 1 January, 2004

-Another Tough Team booking! Buster East will be taking on 3-1 Submission Wrestler Blaze Micheau in a Welterweight battle at CCC 31. Micheau is a really promising talent who debuted in 2002, and has decent striking (particularly leg kicks) to back up his solid ground game. Buster still doesn't have takedown defense or a game off his back, so the hope is for a flash KO. Micheau did lose to Tyler Lass via KO, but it was in Round 3. If Buster can't get it done earlier he'll be sent back down the ladder with another loss.

-Natassia Potocnik left the Tough Team today, she'll be training elsewhere to shake things up after the loss. We wished her well.

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Monday Week 2 January, 2004

-As one departs, another arrives for the Tough Team! The new arrival today is 4-0 Super Heavyweight Jiu Jitsu fighter Leverett Chez. Chez was a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion in Ontario that made the natural step towards MMA in 2002. After winning a debut fight on the local scene, he got signed to CCC along with a couple others to fill roster gaps. He won 3 more fights, and is now close to a world ranking and a shot at the now vacant CCC Super Heavyweight title. His submission game is world class, particularly his leglocks. He's got good overall abilities on the ground, although I think theres room for improvement in his clinch game, ground and pound attack, and top control. His standup is also very basic and needs work. Still, the depth in Super Heavyweight means he has a very real shot at becoming the best in the world in that division, depending on how he progresses.

-Rumour on Blurcat is that ALPHA-1 is revving up for another line of raids, particular focus being on any remaining world rankers not under contract to a big company, and are rumoured to be bringing in KDM FC Featherweight champ Tan Su, SIGMA champs Oleg Tariverdiev and Aleksander Ivanov, and SAMA Heavyweight champ Vitor de Melo. ALPHA-1 did in fact sign Davey Rushton away from GAMMA as well, which is a decent coup.

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Wednesday Week 2 January, 2004

-Carlos da Guia opened his own training camp, called the Burning Hammer Dojo after a wrestling group hes a huge fan of. He'll get a good following for sure. I actually forgot that he wasn't with a team anymore, as 6 months ago he fell out with Thais Antonio Taffarel and left the Estrela Academy in disgust. I'm wondering if fellow exile Braulio Moura will join him there. That'd be a hell of a duo for lead trainers..........

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Friday Week 2 January, 2004

-Ashley Ballard lost to Ronnie Allen Teller last night at CCC 29. Just typing that feels ridiculous. It was a split decision though, and from what I read online it was a debatable one: Ballard landed a few wicked power shots, but got outlanded overall and taken down once.

-It feels like CCC is in disarray since Chris Penn stepped down from matchmaking, a lot of cards aren't flowing correctly and right now CCC actually has 6 vacant titles out of 7 with no events on the horizon that plan to fill those vacancies. To be fair though given the way things are going lately any champions they make would just get poached again. CCC is also still drawing okay crowds anyways: close to 700 for Howlett vs Ripley and 500 for the other cards since Penn stepped down.

-ALPHA-1 made another GAMMA raid by swiping Isaiah Monroe for the Middleweight division. I'll be keeping an eye out for him, he shows a ton of promise and is a threatening fighter for sure, having beaten Braulio Moura in a huge upset in 2002.

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Wednesday Week 3 January, 2004

-WEFF is holding an event, and we've got two Tough Team gals on the card!

-Piper's defending her WEFF Featherweight title in the main event against 10-3 Kick Boxer Anna Thompson. Thompson has excellent leg kicks and shows some quality standing up. Ground game won't matter because neither fighter has one, so its a matter of how long Piper can take the leg kicks before landing her shot. Thompson does have high quality wins over Tabitha Cameron and Alyson Arroway, but lost via KO to Rachel McGuiness, which put her out for over a year before she won her comeback fight against Temperance McCoy. I'm sure Piper could win due to Thompson's average defense and declining chin. However, I am worried that Thompson stops her legs to take out the base of Piper's punches. If Piper loses that base before getting a KO she could take a decision loss. We'll train to avoid that happening.

-Christine Jameson has a prelim fight against 8-2 Submission Wrestler Jessica Herbig. Jameson is superior on the ground, but might struggle to get the takedown and loses out slightly in the striking department. Not to mention Jameson's famous mental lapses mean she could lose a ground battle anyways. This could be her last fight, so we'll do what we can with this camp, and try to send her off with a final payday.

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Sunday Week 3 January, 2004

-ALPHA-1 is running another big tournament in March: The Welterweight Grand Prix. First round is Noach Van Der Capellen vs Xie Ming, Chew Chua vs Ikku Funaki, Fukusaburu Hirano vs Lucas, and Eiji Masuko vs Jin Yamane. High-level stuff! Its also on free TV with a couple big Middleweight fights also on the card: Heiji Endo vs Petey Mack, and Carlos da Guia's comeback fight after a concussion, as he'll be taking on Tadao Miyazaki. Prelims also have Isaiah Monroe and SIGMA Middleweight champ Oleg Tariverdiev debuting.

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Tuesday Week 4 January, 2004

-ALPHA-1 took a blow as Hassan Fezzik suffered a minor injury and isn't able to make it for his fight against Affonso Villar in Osaka this week. ALPHA-1 is making it up to its customers though, with a last minute change to make the event free on TV instead of on Pay-per-view. Aidan said he already offered me up as a last-minute replacement for Fezzik, but they turned it down and told me to focus on Toshiaki Ukiyo. Would've been a nice opportunity, fighting Villar, but its out of my hands. The card should be fine even with that huge loss though, as the main event has the hometown boy Go Yamamoto.

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Friday Week 4 January, 2004

-Made the drive up to Saskatoon for CCC 30, which had two of our boys on the card in big fights. Meanwhile Ted the generic cornerman led a few other staff down to Japan for the card in Osaka with our man Colin J L Capes debuting in the prelims.....

-Roy Arnett faced Cory Brewer in a Lightweight bout. Brewer won Round 1 with a power punch halfway through, but his poor cardio let him down in the later rounds as Arnett opened up and took control. Arnett got a knockdown in Round 2 and opened a cut in Round 3, and ultimately landed enough power punches to take a decision. One judge even gave a 10-8 round: 29-28, 29-28, 29-27. Good win for Roy!

Official Result: Roy 'Trigger' Arnett defeats 'The Diamondback' Cory Brewer (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Great.

-Aljur Paras fought Nate MacReary for the Heavyweight title but it didn't work out for us unfortunately. MacReary scored a takedown in every round, landed strong ground and pound in Round 2, and surprisingly even managed to outbox Paras on the feet. Paras held out until Round 4, when he gave up his back after some ground and pound despite us screaming at him not to do that, and eventually MacReary sank the Rear Naked Choke for the submission win. Bad error by Paras, but he was just overmatched against the champ and will have to regroup.

Official Result: Nate 'Big Mac' MacReary defeats Aljur Paras (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:14 of round 4). The fight was rated as being Decent. Nate MacReary makes his first defence of the CCC Heavyweight title.

-The night was salvaged a bit by news from our team over in Japan that Colin J L Capes won his ALPHA-1 debut against Nariakira Okayama! It was a slugfest from the outset, and eventually Capes turned out the lights with a brutal head kick KO just after the 3 minute mark in Round 1. Good stuff from Capes in his debut!

Official Result: Colin J L Capes defeats Nariakira Okayama (Knock Out (Kick) in 3:02 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Decent.

-Also heard from the crew there that the Middleweight fight between Kadonomaro Deguchi and Jakuchu Abe ended with a decision win for Deguchi, who got six takedowns and gave the dangerous Abe nothing to work with for submissions. Main event saw Go Yamamoto win via KO with a leaping switch kick to the head, said to be straight out of a Karate film. Yamamoto followed up with strikes and won in 2 minutes to the delight of the hometown crowd.

-2 for 3 for the Tough Team today. About what we expected, but the Paras loss still put a damper on things.

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Sunday Week 4 January, 2004

-2 Tough Team bookings for an upcoming CCC card in late February! We've got another member of our group competing for a title and another importan fight, so we got the footage and went into it......

-Main event is Leverett Chez competing for the vacant CCC Super Heavyweight title against the veteran 23-14 Grappler Frank Sheedy! This could be tricky due to Sheedy's superior physical power and lay and pray tactics, but I think Chez can win this easily, due to this being a 5 round title fight instead of a 3 rounder. Cardio is a bit of a weakness for Sheedy even with his decision wins, and Chez can try to work submissions from the bottom as Sheedy tires. Better yet Chez could even get the takedown himself as Sheedy doesn't have a great base despite his strength. Its a tricky fight but I think our young gun can beat the veteran.

-In the prelims we have a possible title eliminator as Tuck Durdell takes on 14-7 journeyman Wrestler Chaz Babish. Babish was the second CCC champ but lost 2 in a row and put himself out of the title picture.....until talent raids put him back into the title picture by default, as quite a few people have left CCC for either ALPHA-1 or GAMMA. Stuart Strange is rumoured to be the next one out the door, and Ashley Ballard and Sutton Ripley are coming off a loss. With Babish 4th in the rankings below those three, a win here could be huge for Durdell, and its possible too. It all comes down to who can get the takedowns. Babish has superior standup but is a decent wrestler in his own right and may try a takedown or two, and Durdell needs to get the takedown to unleash his best facet, his ground and pound. This could really go either way, and we'll be working Durdell hard in camp to try to get a result.

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CANADIAN TOUGH TEAM ROSTER

Main Characters:

Aidan Ryland (Owner/Head Trainer/Agent)

Rickard Patterson (7-0)

Piper Evergood (12-2)

And Also Starring:

Buster East (7-2)

Minor Characters:

Aljur Paras (9-1)

Christine Jameson (7-4)

Colin J L Capes (10-0)

French Dancer (7-8)

Richie Stiller (10-4)

Roger Bean (9-2)

Roy Arnett (9-4)

Gone After 3 Wins or a Loss Because Reasons:

Fabrice Marcil (5-0)

Helena Broderick (11-3)

Leverett Chez (4-0)

Rennaya Rives (12-1)

Toshie Nishina (10-4)

Tuck Durdell (9-2)

Upcoming Fights:

Buster East vs Blaze Micheau (CCC 31, Feb 2004)

Piper Evergood vs Anna Thompson (WEFF 37, Feb 2004, title defense)

Christine Jameson vs Jessica Herbig (WEFF 37, Feb 2004)

Leverett Chez vs Frank Sheedy (CCC 32, Feb 2004, title match)

Tuck Durdell vs Chaz Babish (CCC 32, Feb 2004)

Rickard Patterson vs Toshiaki Ukiyo (ALPHA-1 event, Feb 2004)

White Dolphin · April 21, 2018

Thursday Week 1 February, 2004

-Wallace Everett got signed to ALPHA-1, removing another person ahead of Richie Stiller in the Featherweight rankings. Hopefully we can get our boy a title shot.

-Found out my old pal Allen LeFleur is booked, hes facing a 5-0 prospect named Armino Landes at the same card Chez and Durdell are on. Hopefully he can win!

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Sunday Week 1 February, 2004

-The Tough Team gained another new member, as 11-4 Flyweight Jiu Jitsu fighter Shannon Palmer steps in. We've seen Palmer in action before, against our former teammate Chisaki Gojo. Palmer's game leans more towards top control, although she will go for submissions against fighters who are bad on the ground. She still lacks standup ability and honestly needs some improvement in her stronger areas as well. We'll see what we can do with her over these next couple weeks.......

-......Because she has a fight booked at a local show in Brandon. She'll be taking on 9-0 Wrestler Clare Peyton. Peyton is out for blood after getting a lowball contract offer from WEFF and walking away, so she'll be looking to re-establish herself with a big win here. This is a rough fight for Palmer, as Peyton is the superior wrestler and striker. If Peyton doesn't go for a takedown I really don't see how this fight gets to the floor.

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Wednesday Week 2 February, 2004

-The raids from ALPHA-1 continue: Niko Soldo was swiped away from BCF. He lost to Tikhon Diev in a bit of a surprise, but is still highly ranked and has a lot of potential opponents. Will Kane also returns to the fold. He had a rough first go of it in ALPHA-1 and was released, but won 2 fights to get his momentum back and looks set for a big run. Ricky Heath also got signed after a winning streak on the local scene following a GAMMA release. Hopefully they give the Tough Team a look for prospective fighters at some point!

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Friday Week 2 February, 2004

-Buster East took on Blaze Micheau at CCC 31 in Regina. It was a Fight of the Year candidate for sure, and Buster put on a career-best performance. Sadly it wasn't enough. Round 1 Buster opened up a cut with an early striking flurry, but got taken down. Micheau sliced open Buster in return with a nice elbow from half guard, but couldn't finish. We worked hard to try to close the cut, but couldn't get it closed all the way, it was nasty. Buster fired a good one-two to start Round 2 that re-opened Micheau's cut, and we had the ref stop for a doctor check. Both were still fine, so the fight resumed. Buster landed some hurting one-twos before getting taken down again. Micheau fired away with strikes, and got Buster's back, but couldn't finish. Round 3 Buster came out swinging again and landed some more bombs, but took the 3rd takedown and that proved to be the bad one, as Micheau managed to take Buster's back after a scramble and cinched in a fight-ending Rear Naked Choke for the win halfway through the round. Brave effort by Buster, but not enough for the win.

Official Result: 'The Nomad' Blaze Micheau defeats Buster East (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:15 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Excellent.

-Post-fight, Buster was cut from the CCC roster, and we were furious. He had the best fight on the card and won his last fight going into this. Sure, he got a stay of execution after losing 2 in a row before, but I'm still convinced he would've been kept if Chris Penn were still around. Buster at least got paid the fight of the night and performance bonuses, but now hes exiled to the local scene. We'll get him going again though. He still has obvious flaws in his takedown defense and submission defense, but his striking is excellent, hes here for the long haul, and we can eventually make him a contender if we keep working with him.

-Aidan said afterwards that CCC is falling apart at the seams. They're losing money on this, one of the original investors pulled out around the same time Chris Penn stepped down, and the matchmaking's lost a bit of its direction. To be fair a lot of it isn't CCC's fault, as the talent raids have really ramped up since I've left, but things could and should be better there right now.

---

Sunday Week 2 February, 2004

-ALPHA-1's announced a show for April called Bantamweight Blast-Off. Every single fight except the main event is the debut for most of the Bantamweight fighters, with a main event of Hassan Fezzik vs Affonso Villar at Catchweight. That fight was supposed to happen a few weeks ago but got cancelled due to injury and is now moved to this card. The co-main is a Bantamweight title match between KDM FC champ Lito Alcala and Brian Claremont. Should be a very entertaining card.

-Azor Portela Nunes is the likely the next departure from CCC, as hes gotten an offer from ALPHA-1. ALPHA-1's also gone after GAMMA veteran David Allen, whos had his contract come up for renewal.

-Another hot tidbit of MMA news is Philip Ziskie getting a small part in a movie. Good for him! He has the charisma and look for sure to come off good on the silver screen.

-Me and Piper are going into the homestretch of our camps, and we're doing good. Piper's knocked out several sparring partners and is in fine form as always.

---

Monday Week 3 February, 2004

-We've got a Tough team member booked for a March show in Winnipeg: French Dancer is taking on 12-3 Wrestler Ethan Sutton. Dancer's got no real shot, Sutton is a solid fighter who was part of the GAMMA roster at one point until some rough matchups against top talent got him cut. Sutton's won two in a row since and is rebuilding his career, and he has Dancer beat in every area of the fight. Dancer would do well just to see a decision to be honest.

---

Tuesday Week 3 February, 2004

-Shannon Palmer faced Clare Peyton tonight and it didn't go well. Peyton outboxed Palmer in Round 1, got a late takedown in Round 2, then got a knockdown in Round 3. Palmer couldn't get anything going and Peyton took an easy 30-27 on all cards. Might've helped if me or Aidan were there, but we've been prepping for my fight as well as Piper's fight. At least we got Palmer's money up front....?

Official Result: Clare Peyton defeats Shannon 'The Rash' Palmer (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Decent.

---

Saturday Week 3 February, 2004

-WEFF 37 in Montreal today. Two Tough Teamers on the card and the first title defense in the history of our camp!

-It started poorly with Catherine Jameson vs Jessica Herbig. Jameson could not get it together and lost a standing battle to Herbig over three rounds. Herbig didn't really do well at all standing, but easily kept the even worse Jameson at arm's length. Every time Jameson approached she was swatted away, and despite us screaming at her to really go for the takedown she wouldn't do it. Herbig got the easy 30-27 on all cards, and Jameson was despondent in the dressing room afterwards.

Official Result: Jessica 'Angel Eyes' Herbig defeats Christine 'Miss Kimura' Jameson (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Decent.

-Piper Evergood faced Anna Thompson to defend her title, and matched her 28 second KO of Hope Lehane in fine style, popping Thompson with a one-two early that rocked her, then Piper moved in and threw her trademark overhand left, which landed clean and knocked Thompson unconscious. Doesn't get much better than that!

Official Result: 'The Sniper' Piper Evergood defeats 'Quick Silver' Anna Thompson (Knock Out (Punch) in 0:28 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good. Piper Evergood makes her first defence of the WEFF Featherweight title!

-Surprisingly, Jameson wasn't cut after the 2nd straight loss, probably because she still has some name value left. Jameson says she not retiring either, as she wants to go out on a higher note than......whatever that was. We'll keep her on, but she really needs to fix the inconsistency thats plauged her career at key moments. Shes gaining quite a reputation as a bottler who can't do anything right on the big stage.

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Sunday Week 3 February, 2004

-Its been a bit up-and-down with the Tough Team as of late, so me and Leverett Chez are doing our best to rally the troops with a strong camp. The weight cut has begun and I'm in good form going into it for this fight against Toshiaki Ukiyo. Leverett Chez's had a strong camp leading into his match with Frank Sheedy. Time to show the real might of the Canadian Tough Team!

---

Tuesday Week 4 February, 2004

-David Allen has been poached by ALPHA-1 from GAMMA. This isn't a big loss to GAMMA really, but I feel its important cause ALPHA-1 is showing its serious about this war. GAMMA may hold the advantage of being based in North America and feel secure in its might, but if ALPHA-1 keeps raiding the talent and getting all this TV and PPV money, they can strip GAMMA right down to bare bones eventually. ALPHA-1 also signed 3 more Bantamweights from XCC/KDM FC cause why not.

-Shannon Palmer left. Good bye Miss Palmer, we hardly knew ye.

---

Friday Week 4 February, 2004

-CCC 32 in Regina today. Big night for the Tough Team!

-Tuck Durdell cast aside Chaz Babish in surprisingly easy fashion in their prelim bout. It was a striking exchange early until Babish went too hard with a right cross that missed, and got destroyed by a right hook from Durdell. Babish went down and Durdell followed up with strikes until he got the win in a little over 3 minutes. Good stuff!

Official Result: Tuck 'The Everlasting' Durdell defeats Chaz Babish (TKO (Strikes) in 3:16 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good.

-My friend and former teammate Allen LeFleur did well in his fight against undefeated prospect Armino Landes. He hurt his hand badly early in the fight, but it didn't matter as he got two takedowns and a knockdown with the other hand. Eventually he sank in an Americana late in Round 2 and forced the tapout. Good work by Allen.

-All this was merely an appetizer before the main event. Leverett Chez vs Frank Sheedy for the vacant CCC Super Heavyweight championship. Chez started strong, getting a takedown after 10 seconds. Chez passed to half guard then side control with ease. Chez tried to get Sheedy in the crucifix position, but Sheedy defended it well. After a couple strikes and some stalling, Chez eventually hooked a leg from side control and got a surprise kneebar out of nowhere on Sheedy, who did not see it coming and tapped out fast! Leverett Chez becomes our second champion!

Official Result: Leverett 'Stylin'' Chez defeats Frank 'The Baby Bull' Sheedy (Submission (Kneebar) in 3:25 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Great. Leverett Chez wins the CCC Super Heavyweight title!

-Post-fight Frank Sheedy retired. Despite the beating his record took towards the end, the man was still a decent fighter and a legend of sorts.

-There was a good-sized after party, but I didn't stick around long, as I was still cutting weight and didn't want to fatten up on the usual appetizers. Not to mention I was adjusting my sleep schedule so I wouldn't be jet lagged going into the fight. It was a good start to the weekend for the Tough Team, time to finish it off strong with a win.......

White Dolphin · April 23, 2018

Sunday Week 4 February, 2004

ALPHA-1 Warriors of the Ring 5

By now, Rickard had his routine he could settle into with ease before the fights started. Aidan knew better than to mess with it, especially since he pulled a couple strings and got a dressing room with a monitor to themselves. If he wanted to see the monitor with his opponents, he'd see it. If not, Aidan needed to watch to get a feel for how any future opponents fought.

The only thing Aidan wasn't sure about with Rickard was tonight's entrance. It was a video game thing Aidan saw him play a bunch with Buster. However, if it kept his client happy, thats what mattered, even if he'd look ridiculous.

The card finally opened up after a delay with the first Middleweight tilt of note, right as Rickard settled into his pre-match nap. Aidan went to the monitors......

---

Saemon Endo and Akihiro Jippensha opened the show at Middleweight, and it was a battle of two people trying to stay alive in the company. It was expected to be a fierce striking match, but Endo threw a wrench into the works by going for a takedown, throwing mean elbows until Jippensha gave him his back, then after a couple tries sunk a Rear Naked Choke for the tapout win to save his job. Aidan made a mental note of those abilities for later.

---

Reed Howlett made his debut against the veteran brawler Tadakuni Fumihiko. It was a solid debut for Reed, who continually backed the veteran into a corner and countered his wild swings in cool, composed fashion with body shots. Eventually a right hook to the solar plexus put Fumihiko down and out, and Howlett picked up the win after five and a half minutes. It would be interesting to see Howlett's progression in the division going forward, and Aidan was ready if Howlett came knocking for Rickard's next fight.

---

Eventually, the prelims finished and a flunky let Rickard know it was time for his fight.

Rickard had the plan in mind. Clinch him, look for a takedown if you can, if not go to the Thai plum or dirty box him. He'd had a good camp, and he was opening the televised portion of the card. Time to put on a world-class show!

"Rickard.......are your sure about this entrance thing?"

"Damn right! Look at this outfit! I'm ready to show off the glory of Saikyo!"

"........What the hell is Saikyo?"

"The strongest style!"

".......Well at least thats the right mindset. Lets go!"

As they went out in the hallway, they came upon the ALPHA-1 brass, specifically the two big boys Ietsuna Hishamatsu and Meiji Nishimura. Both of them had a nice laugh when they saw the costume Rickard had planned.

"Dan Hibiki?"

"DAN HIBIKI!"

"Subarashii!"

The two gave a quick round of golf clap applause, and Aidan wasn't sure if they were being sarcastic or not.......

---

Rickard's theme:

Toshiaki's theme:

---

Crowd had a nice laugh at Rickard hamming it up with his pink gi during his intro, paying tribute to Dan Hibiki of Street Fighter fame (obviously). It was a good show opening act, thats for sure. Rickard kept the gi bottoms on, an interesting choice, but ALPHA-1's attire rules were pretty relaxed compared to GAMMA or CCC, and Ukiyo wasn't a grappler who could use them for leverage.

After the intro, the bell rang, the two fighters touched gloves, and it was on........

Round 1

After some circling, Rickard went in with a strong dash to get a clinch. Ukiyo read ahead and stopped him with a jab, although he missed a big right cross behind it. Rickard bobbed and weaved through more punches and eventually got in to clinch Ukiyo. Rickard hooked the Thai plum and went to work. He got a knee in, but it was partially blocked. Rickard went to the body with the knee, but that was blocked more solidly that time. Rickard hit a weak knee to the chest as Ukiyo tried to shake free from the plum. Rickard hit an elbow clean, but Ukiyo withstood it and finally got free from the plum and back to middle range. Rickard threw a jab that missed, and a body kick that didn't, but Ukiyo shook it off and landed a nice flurry. Rickard hit a nice spinning back kick to the body to interrupt an Ukiyo combo, but he shook it off, landed a couple jabs, then missed a right straight. Rickard hit a jab, Ukiyo landed a flurry, then the two backed off as Rickard started his footwork and moved his head around a bit. Ukiyo charged in with a couple flurries, but missed a right hook each time at the end of them.

Ukiyo slowly backed Rickard into a corner and looked completely relaxed, and Aidan was worried. Rickard hit a jab, but Ukiyo came in with a nice five punch combo finished by a body blow. Ukiyo fired a one-two with venom, but Rickard came in under it and got into the clinch again. Rickard hit a knee strike, then hooked the Thai plum. Rickard hit a knee, then an elbow, but neither landed flush. Ukiyo blocked a knee to the body and tried to force his way out of the plum, but couldn't manage it. While he was trying to get out Rickard finally managed to slip a knee to the face clean through his block, and Ukiyo went down and out! The ref pulled Rickard away before he could follow up and that was that! Win number eight!

Official Result: 'The Dragoon' Rickard Patterson defeats Toshiaki Ukiyo (Knock Out (Knee) in 7:31 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good.

---

"Took you long enough!"

"Come on Aidan, he was tough. Best boxer I've faced for sure!"

Aidan laughed in relief as Rickard continued his celebrations, striking some poses on the turnbuckles, before eventually getting his hand raised as the decision was read. It was a tough fight, and Ukiyo actually outlanded Rickard, but Rickard did score with a number of power shots and controlled Ukiyo for a while in the clinch when he wasn't hitting strikes. Aidan was glad to get the win, but worried about the fact Ukiyo pushed him around a bit.

Rickard gave an interview to a journalist in a hallway later, where he gave a show of respect to Ukiyo by praising his skill, talked about his ridiculous outfit a bit, and said he was ready for any and all comers in the Middleweight division, or any division. Aidan knew he was referring to the Villar fight that Aidan volunteered himself for. In truth, Aidan was glad he didn't take a freakshow fight against that monster, although Rickard winning via grappling wasn't totally out of the question.........

Afterwards the team stuck around to watch the rest of the card. The pick of the fights on the main show saw Naizen Hamacho win a spirited battle against Korekiyo Anzai. The two threw leather and kicks and refused to back down for 9 minutes, until Anzai was physically forced to back down by a strong leg kick that hurt his knee and forced the referee stoppage.

The main event saw Davis Spyrou debuting against the veteran Haranobu Oshiro in a Middleweight clash. It did not go well for Oshiro, who was outlanded by the former BCF champion and fell to a southpaw one-two after 5 and a half minutes. Spyrou followed up with strikes to take the win. Aidan had Oshiro pegged to win, but Spyrou certainly looked the part of a world ranker in this fight and fully deserved the result. He'd be one to watch for Rickard's next fights.

Eventually, the team found a Sapporo diner willing to serve degenerate gaijin, and had the traditional post-fight party. Sake and local beer was consumed by most, and it was a good evening for all. Even with a few difficulties doing so, Rickard passed a stern test and looked ready for more. The future continued to shine bright for the Canadian Tough Team and its star prospect......

White Dolphin · April 27, 2018

Tuesday Week 1 March, 2004

-Tough fight against Toshiaki Ukiyo but I pulled it out. He really was the best boxer I had faced in some time, his flurries are dangerous and a couple of the body shots were effective. He was good at changing levels and had nice hand speed. Had the fight gone on longer I would've tried a takedown I think, but the KO is good to make a strong impression on the Japanese audience.

-The Team got quite a laugh out of my entrance when they saw the tape, but we all know they're just jealous of how cool I looked.

-I got a nice cheque for the fight of $31010. It was inflated a bit by a "performance bonus". Aidan tells me that its probably because of the good KO win that just lsot out to Reed Howlett's body shot. I actually think it was the outfit that got the bonus, but whatever works. Aidan took his usual cut and I got left with 23 grand and change. Aidan's slowly starting to make actual money off of me, which is good to hear. I've got a couple more sponsorships in the pipeline too, and soon my money off of fighting will be a sustainable income. Not bad for some punk kid from Regina!

-While divvying up the loot, Aidan also let me know that the latest ALPHA-1 talent raid is Leverett Chez! Chez was officially world-ranked after retiring Frank Sheedy, and is now #15 according to Blurcat. We'll be in his corner for at least his debut fight, as hes just here short-term like several others.

-I'm unfortunately not world-ranked yet, and I'm #13 in the company rankings just behind the world-ranked Tadao Miyazaki. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the Middleweight division going forward!

---

Sunday Week 1 March, 2004

-We've got a new member for the Tough Team! Today's newcomer is 4-0 CCC Welterweight prospect Leo Maisonneuve, a Wrestler from Toronto. Leo's got exceptional wrestling ability, particularly in the clinch, and has good top control, ground and pound, and even a bit of a submission game. Leo also has decent kicks, but in standup prefers to use his punches, which are less effective. He'll be a valued addition to the team and has loads of quality, not to mention hes a nice guy with a lot of charisma. With a couple big wins an ALPHA-1 contract is not out of the question.

-Got two doctor checkups just to be sure, but I've been cleared to resume training again. I'm still waiting on my drug test to come back clean though, so I can't be booked just yet. Aidan has no idea when my next fight will be and is awaiting details.

-Manuel Silva's contract has expired, and he is a free agent, even though he isn't yet back from hiatus. When Dean and Silva return to MMA, the mother of all bidding wars will take place. Get the popcorn.

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Monday Week 2 March, 2004

-ALPHA-1's booked an event for May with a member of the Tough Team on the card! Fabrice Marcil will be debuting against 9-3 Boxer Baiko Asuhara in a Featherweight prelim bout. Asuhara favours swarming tactics, with some footwork and outboxing at his disposal as well. He has some moderate ability at defending takedowns and submissions, but nothing special. The big weakness of his skillset is the clinch, as he doesn't seem to be capable of a lot in close quarters. I think Marcil's best bet is clinching and going for the takedown to test his ability off his back.

-This PPV is absolutely loaded on second glance. Double title main event of Jin Katou vs Rafael Van Der Moot looks super interesting, Philip Ziskie is in a rematch defending against Li-Kong Ho, Curt Kitson faces Hyun-Shik Lim in a title eliminator, Sukarno is trying to get his career back on track against Chinese Boxer and former KDM FC champ Tan Su in a 150 lb catchweight fight, and Niko Soldo makes his debut. Excellent lineup of fights right there!

-Only Middleweight bout on the card is former OMEGA champ Esteban Vega debuting against Katsunosuki Nakata in the prelims. Vega is right behind me in the updated rankings at #14, so I'll be keeping an eye on this fight.

-In other news, Affonso Villar is without a camp for his upcoming fight against Hassan Fezzik, as he quit the group after a confrontation with Azor Portela Nunes. Seems to be a lot of camp drama in Brazil with top fighters over these past couple years......

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Tuesday Week 2 March, 2004

-French Dancer fought Ethan Sutton at a local show in Winnipeg. It was a win in second gear for Sutton, who took Dancer down, waited for Dancer to try a sweep from guard, then took his back and choked him out for the win in 2 and a half minutes. At least it wasn't via KO.......

Official Result: Ethan 'The Terror' Sutton defeats French 'Private' Dancer (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:31 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Great.

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Wednesday Week 2 March, 2004

-Our teammate Roger Bean is booked for a match, he'll be facing 4-0 Kick Boxer Burrell Biringer in a prelim Featherweight battle at an April XCC card in San Diego. Biringer debuted in 2002, and is a solid striker who's racked up 4 straight KOs to start his MMA career. However, they've all been against cans and hes not rumoured to be a cross-trainer. He also never seems motivated in his fights and seems to coast on decent skills and a good head kick. Bean might be able to take him down and tap him even though its not his strong suit, although a standup battle isn't terrible for Bean either. Biringer is also rumoured to have a questionable chin and took a few big losses as a competitive kickboxer. Bean should be able to pull this out, but it could be a tough fight against the skilled striker if he shows up motivated to perform.

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Saturday Week 2 March, 2004

-GAMMA held a PPV with a defense of the Middleweight title, and it ended with Buddy Garner defending his title successfully against the undefeated Adam White in under three and a half minutes with an armbar. It was a pretty strong card that drew close to 10000, but GAMMA's starting to see its luster disappear in the MMA world, due to ALPHA-1 raiding the ranked fighters and hosting some excellent shows.

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Wednesday Week 3 March, 2004

-WEFF is holding an event in Quebec City with two Tough Team gals on the card.....

-Rennaya Rives opens the prelims against 5-0 Wrestler Siggy Angers. Angers is really not a good fighter at all, and has basically coasted on crushing local cans with no skill. Rives still doesn't have great takedown defense or submission defense but may not need it in this fight because of the lack of high-end wrestling threat. Angers has also shown a lack of power and cardio in her fights. Rives should win easily to progress to a possible title eliminator.

-Helena Broderick is taking on a former teammate of ours as she fights 12-3 Jiu Jitsu fighter Manami Ken. We know Ken's skillset well and unfortunately its a bad matchup for Broderick, who lacks the necessary takedown defense. Broderick's only hope is a flash KO win.

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Saturday Week 3 March, 2004

-ALPHA-1's Welterweight Grand Prix happened today. It was a card loaded with high-end talent and had a bunch of important Middleweight bouts as well.....

-Isaish Monroe made a strong ALPHA-1 debut by KOing Suketsune Okuma in 4 minutes. Monroe eschewed his normal wrestling tactics and just mauled Okuma with power punches until he fell. Monroe looks very dangerous and will continue to make some waves in the Middleweight scene.

-Oleg Tariverdiev also debuted and took a submission win over Meiji Hagiwara. Oleg got the takedown early, worked to get Hagiwara's back, and eventually locked in a rear naked choke just before the 5 minute mark. Solid debut win for Oleg, although it turns out he hurt his hand throwing punches from the top and he'll be out for a while.

-Atsutane Akera continued his rise with a win over Marinho Gomes. Akera got a takedown early and went to work, but overdid it on a kneebar attempt and ended up on his back. Gomes tried to pound away from guard, but Akera calmly worked from the bottom and got an armbar for the submission win in three minutes. Akera showed real class and I'll be looking out for him as a future opponent.

-Carlos da Guia won an entertaining striking battle over Tadao Miyazaki. Miyazaki looked for counter-striking against da Guia at middle range, but was undone by his own tactic as da Guia ducked under a missed jab and hit a spin kick to the ribcage that knocked Miyazaki down and out just before the end of Round 1. Miyazaki had to be helped to his feet and given oxygen afterwards, while da Guia celebrated a comeback from a serious concussion that almost derailed his career. Good win for da Guia and hes firmly back in the title picture here.

-Meanwhile, the Welterweight Grand Prix boiled down to a rematch between Ikku Funaki and Fukusaburu Hirano, and Funaki ultimately came out on top via decision. I felt it was a pretty controversial one, as Funaki was outclassed for 2 rounds before getting a big knockdown in the 3rd and landing something like 35 shots to Hirano before he was saved by the bell. Yes, it was impressive and a borderline 10-8 round on a 10 point must, but it doesn't nullify the two takedowns, control, and power shots that Hirano got.

-Regardless, Funaki deserves a ton of credit for his performance tonight: In the semifinals he knocked out Noach Van Der Capellen, and there are very, very few fighters capable of doing that. This was a stacked GP and anyone who won it had to have earned it. Funaki seems set now for a rematch with the champion Ichisake Miyagi.

-Finally, the main event featured Heiji Endo taking on the dangerous Petey Mack. Endo took some shots, but ultimately got the win late in round 3. It came when Endo's 4th successful takedown of the fight somehow got Mack's back, and Endo pounded away with hammerfists until the ref stoppage. Endo's bounced back after two losses (to Joaquim Fontes and Kadonomaro Deguchi) with two wins and is likely the next one up for a title shot.

-Overall, an entertaining card that drew a record high TV rating for ALPHA-1, and also sold out an 11000 seat Tokyo arena they normally use for the big sumo fights. Can't ask for much more than that out of an event!

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Wednesday Week 4 March, 2004

-I've earned a world ranking! After the update to the world rankings following the most recent big events, I'm now ranked #24 in the world, ahead of Esteban Vega but behind Petey Mack. I'll just have to keep building on that ranking going forward!

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Saturday Week 4 March, 2004

-GAMMA did it again with another atrocious cutting decision, sending Maarten de Vries packing after a loss to Braulio Moura, his first in 3 fights. The man is a legend and deserved better. Bright side for Maarten is that if he heals from the KO loss to Moura and gets a win on the local scene, he'll be hired by ALPHA-1 for sure, who have always coveted him.

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Sunday Week 4 March, 2004

-My next fight is booked! I'll be taking on 17-9 Kenpo Karate striker Shuncho "Samurai" Sakurai in late May, opening the main card in Fukuoka. Sakurai was one of the cuts during the ill-fated Middleweight GP in 2002. He fought on the local scene for 2 years and had mixed results, but won 2 in a row to get the call back to ALPHA-1. Hes starting to slow down a bit, but still has a threatening head kick and a decent striking game. His TDD and submission defense are passable at best, and his clinch game is subpar, so those are the weaknesses to attack. This should be a win, but hes the most experienced fighter I've fought so far so I will not underestimate him.

-Another Tough Team fighter is booked, as Leverett Chez takes on 17-18 freakshow fighter Takafumi Ando. Ando is nowhere near as good as Frank Sheedy and relies purely on his size and power to win. He's lost 2 straight in brutal fashion and is on the verge of getting cut again, so this should be just an easy debut for Chez to establish himself.

-Main event of the card is a title defence for Palmer Lette against the big Japanese hope Kiyomori Sanda. The card is weak underneath though, so opening the show is a good chance to steal the spotlight and make a name for myself. Hopefully I can get a strong, decisive win over the veteran to move even higher up the world ladder!

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CANADIAN TOUGH TEAM ROSTER

Our Hero:

Rickard Patterson (8-0)

And Also Starring:

Piper Evergood (13-2)

Aidan Ryland (owner/agent/trainer/plot explainer)

Guest Starring:

Buster East (7-3)

Minor Characters:

Aljur Paras (9-1)

Christine Jameson (7-5)

Colin J L Capes (10-0)

French Dancer (7-9)

Richie Stiller (10-4)

Roger Bean (9-2)

Roy Arnett (9-4)

Short-Term Arc Characters:

Fabrice Marcil (5-0)

Helena Broderick (11-3)

Leo Maisonneuve (4-0)

Leverett Chez (5-0)

Rennaya Rives (12-1)

Toshie Nishina (10-4)

Tuck Durdell (10-2)

Upcoming Fights:

Roger Bean vs Burrell Biringer (XCC event, April 2004)

Fabrice Marcil vs Baiko Asuhara (ALPHA-1 event, May 2004)

Rennaya Rives vs Siggy Angers (WEFF event, May 2004)

Helena Broderick vs Manami Ken (WEFF event, May 2004)

Rickard Patterson vs Shuncho Sakurai (ALPHA-1 event, May 2004)

Leverett Chez vs Takafumi Ando (ALPHA-1 event, May 2004)

White Dolphin · April 30, 2018

Sunday Week 1 April, 2004

-The Tough Team got another new member! 9-1 Flyweight Thai Boxer Kyoko Junna steps in. Junna's another Japanese fighter who came into Canada looking for a big break, but has found it hard to get any bookings since moving. Shes joined our gym to try to change that and get a few actual paydays in the local scene. Her striking is fairly skillful but lacks power, and she has no grappling game to speak of. We'll see if she progresses any during her time here.

-Rafael Van Der Moot revealed in an interview that hes set up his own team in Europe to train with him since getting the title shot against Jin Katou. Its starting to get a few members, with a big acquisition in the form of Jacco Landerweed.

-Also, Braulio Moura returned to the Brazilian Estrela Academy after the departure of Affonso Villar, whom he had been feuding with. This might mean Villar either goes to rivals Escola de Luta or hits up Carlos da Guia's Burning Hammer Dojo. The drama in Brazil continues.......

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Saturday Week 2 April, 2004

-ALPHA-1 had their Bantamweight Blast-Off show and it was an entertaining one for sure, with the bantamweights getting the chance to show their stuff on the world stage. Co-main saw a fantastic fight between Lito Alcala and Brain Claremont to determine the first Bantamweight champ. The KDM FC champ proved victorious over the XCC champ, as Alcala knocked down Claremont twice and took him down once before finally securing a Kimura lock for the tapout late in Round 4. Claremont threw leather and refused to back down, but couldn't land anything troubling and was kept largely at arm's length by the Filipino ace.

-Main event saw the anticipated catchweight fight between Affonso Villar and Hassan Fezzik, and Villar knocked out the legend just before the end of the first round. Villar got the better of a striking battle as Fezzik was unable to get a good opening to try a takedown.

-Overall this was one of the best shows of the year, but surprisingly didn't do much for the Japanese fanbase, who felt the main event wasn't strong enough even though it was on free TV. Ticket sales were also a little disappointing, the event drew just under 8500 paid and was rumoured to be heavily papered on Blurcat.

---

Sunday Week 3 April, 2004

-ALPHA-1's booked a June event in Osaka, but theres no fight for our boy Colin J L Capes or a fight in the Middleweight division. Main event is certainly intriguing though: Go Yamamoto is fighting whats rumoured to be his retirement match against Atep of Indonesia for the ALPHA-1 Lightweight title. Co-main is Sho Kitabatake taking on GAMMA veteran Ricky Heath.

---

Friday Week 4 April, 2004

-We flew down to Oakland for the XCC event with Roger Bean on the card against Burrell Biringer. Biringer won Round 1 thanks to his reach and some surprisingly good striking. We told Bean to start going to the ground since Biringer was up for this in a standing battle, and Bean got an ugly takedown into half guard. Bean passed to side control, tried an arm triangle that didn't work, then locked in an armbar, only for Biringer to pop his arm free! Bean luckily regained side control though and secured an arm triangle for the tapout halfway through Round 2. Ugly win for Bean but at least it was a win!

Official Result: Roger 'Jumpin'' Bean defeats Burrell Biringer (Submission (Arm Triangle) in 3:09 of round 2). The fight was rated as being Good.

---

Thursday Week 1 May, 2004

-Unfortunately Leverett Chez partially tore his pectoral muscle during training and is out for 7 weeks. According to Aidan he'll still be in line to fight Takafumi Ando once he recovers.

---

Saturday Week 1 May, 2004

-Tough Team was double booked tonight, with Fabrice Marcil fighting in ALPHA-1 and a couple girls fighting for WEFF. Me, Aidan, and a couple staff handled Fabrice's fight while Ted and a few of the girls handled the WEFF card.

-Fabrice Marcil's match against Baiko Asuhara was a bizzare comedy of errors. Marcil got three takedowns in the first round but couldn't do anything with them, as Asuhara scrambled to a great position every time Marcil tried to pass guard, and even managed to stack Marcil off an armbar attempt and gain side control. Marcil survived various flurries of ground and pound and even an armbar attempt, all from a variety of ground positions, and Round 1 ended with no clear idea of where the hell we stood. Asuhara came ready to battle today, thats for sure. Round 2 went smoother..... Marcil went for a single leg which Asuhara blocked, so Marcil pushed him against the ropes and suplexed him hard into the mat, getting his back in the process! After working to get the hooks in and trying an RNC that didn't work, Marcil just decided to unleash punches wherever he could until the ref stopped the fight after Asuhara failed to respond. It was an ugly bout, but Marcil won and thats what mattered.

Official Result: 'The Shooter' Fabrice Marcil defeats Baiko 'Monkey' Asuhara (TKO (Strikes) in 4:03 of round 2). The fight was rated as being Good.

-We stuck around to see the rest of the card. The prelim Middleweight bout had the dangerous newcomer Esteban Vega fighting veteran striker Katsunouki Nakata. Vega knocked Nakata down with two uppercuts followed by a nice head kick, then went to the ground and got a Rear Naked Choke for the submission win. Good debut for Vega.

-The loaded main card went down well: Niko Soldo tapped out Inejiro Chiba with ease. Sukarno got back on track with a big win over Tan Su at a catchweight. Curt Kitson won a title eliminator against Hyun-Shik Lim via Rear Naked Choke. Li-Kong Ho won a rematch in stunning fashion against Philip Ziskie for the Featherweight title, dominating him and taking the win via armbar in Round 6. The main event was the big fight though, and Rafael Van Der Moot announced his arrival amongst the very best in the world by destroying the legendary Jin Katou in 2 minutes. Overall a great event!

-We eventually got a hold of the WEFF crew and got the update there.

-Rennaya Rives dealt with Siggy Angers as expected. Rives won Round 1 and 2 easily, outlanding Angers, and held off a late comeback by Angers in Round 3 to take a unanimous decision: 29-28, 29-28, 30-27. Unfortunately Rives hurt her wrist in Round 3 and will be out for several months......

Official Result: Rennaya Rives defeats 'The Angry Wolf' Siggy Angers (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The fight was rated as being Decent.

-Helena Broderick did indeed get the flash KO against Manami Ken, blitzing her right off the bell and landing a one-two that KOed Ken at the 49 second mark. Excellent win for Broderick!

Official Result: Helena Broderick defeats Manami Ken (Knock Out (Punch) in 0:49 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Good.

-3 for 3 tonight! Haven't had a successful night all-around like this in a while, and its always good for morale.

---

Monday Week 2 May, 2004

-So after that wild week, all the team's focus is on getting me ready for Shuncho Sakurai. Its been a bit of an unfocused camp for me, and I need to step it up over these last few weeks.

-I have more motivation to do so, as the World Rankings on Blurcat were updated...... and I was left out in the cold in the Middleweight rankings, passed by Esteban Vega and GAMMA contender Wes Hersch. I'm #12 in ALPHA-1 between Petey Mack and Tadao Miyazaki, just on the fringes of title contention. Time to step up and prove myself!

---

Friday Week 2 May, 2004

-Blurcat's abuzz with a story from their Japanese correspondents that Manuel Silva's found a place to live in Japan and has been spotted in several gyms talking to staff. Its rumoured that hes coming back soon, and I'm guessing he's coming back for ALPHA-1. Matt Tripp will not be pleased........

---

Sunday Week 2 May, 2004

-ALPHA-1's booked an event in Nagoya for July with a Tough Team fighter on the card!

-Colin J L Capes steps up to the main card and he'll be fighting 6-2 Sumo Wrestler Tomoji Takaoka in a Super Heavyweight showdown. Takaoka is a nationally renowned figure for his accomplishments in Sumo, and has managed to translate some of it to the world of MMA. His striking is surprisingly not terrible, and his ground game is based around suffocating top control with occasional ground and pound. He does own a couple KO wins, but for the most part he likes to lay and pray. This is good for us, because Capes does not have a ground game up to acceptable standards yet. The key here is for Capes to hold out until he can get an opportunity to score the KO with his deadly head kicks. If he concedes the takedown, its no big deal as long as he doesn't gas and can hold on until the standup. Or Capes could score a flash KO if Takaoka doesn't just start with the takedown. Its a rough fight and Capes is the underdog, but we've got outs.

-There are a couple notable Middleweight bouts on the card: Davis Spyrou takes on Reed Howlett in a title eliminator. Howlett seems to always be a couple steps ahead of me so far in our careers, but I know if we fight I can take him, dangerous as his boxing can be. Spyrou doesn't really have the grappling ability to exploit Howlett's weaknesses so this should be a fierce striking battle between the boxer and the kickboxer. Kadonomaro Deguchi is also on the card against Joaquim Fontes, and that'll be the classic top control vs submission battle. Main event is Terron Cabal facing a tough title defense against Gyokusho Fujimoto, and that should be a good one.

-Latest news on the MMA front is that Matthew Dean and Moses Amokachi have set up a gym together in LA called Project Chaos MMA. Dean is the head trainer right now, and is said to be focusing on coaching until the time is right to resume his MMA career. With Dean's guidance that'll be a hell of a gym depending on what kind of fighters they attract......

-Ronnie Allen Teller is en route to GAMMA. I wish this on very few fighters, but I hope he gets cut after the first loss.

---

Wednesday Week 3 May, 2004

-3 Tough Team bookings this week for a variety of groups!

-Piper Evergood is booked for her second defense of the WEFF Featherweight title, against 12-4 Boxer Rachel McGuinness in a rematch from an earlier fight. Not much has changed on Rachel's end since the last fight from the looks of her most recent fight against Johanna Lagerholm, so if Piper keeps a level head and waits for her opening she can annihilate her for a second victory.

-Richie Stiller is booked for CCC 35 against 2-2 Greco-Roman Wrestler Blaze Brossette. Brossette is a decent grappler who has been really unlucky in two CCC bouts thus far, getting finished in under a minute in both via KO and then submission. He isn't a terrible fighter like his record might indicate, but I think Richie can win this via KO if he gets the right opening.

-Buster East is booked for his comeback fight, hes on a local show in 3 weeks, facing the 6-0 Welterweight Wrestler Nevio Marlette. Marlette debuted in 2002 and has shown some quality in his first 6 bouts, but they were all against woeful opposition. He's won 5 by submission against local guys but couldn't submit Deacon Stawford, so I don't think East has to be too worried about being finished on the ground. Marlette could take a decision, but something from watching his tapes makes me think he really lacks fight IQ, he does some weird things in the cage and doesn't seem to plan properly. I think if East can somehow keep it standing, we've got a shot at Marlette doing something dumb and getting caught.

---

Friday Week 4 May, 2002

-Made weight for my fight with Shuncho Sakurai. The veteran looked good in the weigh-in and eager for this chance but I won't let him have it! Once again, its my time to shine on the world stage!

White Dolphin · May 1, 2018

Saturday Week 4 May, 2004

ALPHA-1: Lette vs Sanda

Aidan was worried.

Rickard did not have the best camp going into this, it was filled with distractions and the belief amongst everyone that Sakurai was just another stepping stone. Aidan did what he could to get it together and Rickard finished it strongly, submitting several sparring partners. Still, Aidan couldn't shake the feeling that Sakurai could take advantage of any weakness Rickard showed. A KO loss was unlikely, but Sakurai taking a decision could happen.

Sakurai wasn't better than Ashley Ballard in any ways sans experience, but that experience was important. He was a veteran who had been in tight spots before, and had the pressure of a fight you absolutely must win. Rickard only had that with the Ballard fight, and even then a loss wouldn't have been a big deal, it would've just set them back a year or so.

This was a must-win for Rickard, because any fight at this stage was a must win. Rickard was on the cusp of a permanent world ranking, and on the cusp of fighting some contenders. Rickard's contract was also coming due in 2 fights and there was a chance of a serious pay raise, or an offer from GAMMA. This was important.

Still, everyone in the camp seemed to believe Rickard had an easy matchup and would win. Maybe they knew more than he did.

Maybe.

Aidan turned his attention to the monitors while Rickard stretched out and bantered with the staff who came out with him. The middleweight prelims were starting.....

---

Motoyuki Matusmara faced Ashihei Takimoto in a hyped up grudge match. the two fighters had been at odds for some time and finally got their chance to battle here. Matsumara scored a knockdown in Round 2 and landed several power shots, and that was enough to overcome Takimoto's two takedowns and get the unanimous decision. Could've gone either way. Both fighters had promise, but some flaws: Matsumara was weak in the clinch, Takimoto was weak in the standup battles and could use more abilities on the ground too.

---

Up next was Hayato Koga vs undefeated prospect Sojuro Iriye. Iriye dominated the fight, winning the standup and getting two takedowns. The second one was decisive, setting up a D'Arce Choke for the submission win in 1:14 of Round 3. Iriye looked pretty good, and at 8-0 was a potential future star in the making for the company.

---

Eventually, the last of the prelims finished up, and a flunky let them know it was time. Everyone got ready to go, and Rickard got up off his couch and.......looked ready for war. Everyone in the room could just sense the focus and fierce determination radiating from the kid.

Aidan smiled.

"Looks like we have nothing to worry about lads!"

The team cheered behind Rickard as they went out the door. Now Aidan was no longer worried. He had seen this before from Rickard, when he beat Ronnie Allen Teller. Like that fight before, Aidan knew that he shouldn't be worried. The one who should be worried...... was Shuncho Sakurai........

---

Rickard's music:

Shuncho's music: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6FdHp3L-YU" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6FdHp3L-YU</a>

---

No special costume entrance for Rickard this time, although he was probably saving those ideas for later. Rickard got a decent response from the crowd though, who were starting to take a shine to the talented gaijin.

After the introductions, Rickard touched gloves and bowed to his opponent, showing the respect to the Kenpo Karate man, and then the bell rang for Round 1. Fight on.......

Round 1

Both fighters started tenatively, circling and feinting for a bit, before Sakurai fired a one-two. Rickard slipped under it and shot in with a nice double leg, getting the takedown! Sakurai pulled guard. Rickard fired away some elbows, but Sakurai intelligently defended himself and took minimal damage. Rickard tried to pass the guard, so Sakurai took the opportunity to try to scramble away. Didn't work though, as Rickard reacted quickly and took his back! Rickard pounded away with some shots that Sakurai somehow blocked with his hands, before sinking in both hooks, working his arm under the chin, and securing a Rear Naked Choke! Sakurai fought it, fought it and....... passed out! Ref waved the fight off and got Rickard to let go quickly, and it was over! Win number 9!

Official Result: 'The Dragoon' Rickard Patterson defeats Shuncho 'Samurai' Sakurai (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:06 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Great.

---

After the fight Rickard didn't ham it up like usual, and instead showed the respect, bowing to the crowd and checking to see if Sakurai was alright. He was, thanks to the aid of some smelling salts, and Rickard shook his hand after the victory.

Post-fight Rickard was interviewed by a few journalists and praised Sakurai's spirit, and (very modestly) said he was lucky to get a quick finish and was thankful he didn't have to have a long battle with a dangerous veteran.

Everyone stuck around to watch the rest of the card, and it saw a shocking main event as Kiyomori Sanda KOed the icon Palmer Lette in 2 minutes with a head kick followed up by strikes. At the post-fight press conference Lette's handler announced his retirement from the sport following the loss. Lette had been rumoured to be transitioning into some TV gigs and also maybe even professional wrestling, and he was 39 years old, but this was still a shock to everyone involved. Sanda looked set to become a big-time star though.

Eventually the team had the post-match celebration, eating ramen in the Fukuoka red-light district and taking in the sights before heading back to the hotel. Another successful fight for Rickard and the Tough Team, and the future still looked bright.......

White Dolphin · May 5, 2018

Tuesday Week 1 June, 2004

-Big party on my return after a strong win. I got a bit lucky against the veteran Sakurai, had he not given up his back in the scramble it could've been a long-drawn out fight. I had a rough camp going in and Aidan was really worried, but we made it work.

-I made $47060 off the fight! More than half was due to my second submission of the night bonus. Hell of a paycheque, and Aidan got a nice cut of 11 grand or so that will keep him from complaining about the gym fees for a while.

-I've gone up in the rankings to #10 in ALPHA-1 and #19 in the world! I might go down depending on upcoming fights, but I'm within sight of the top contenders!

-Aidan has told me my next fight will be against another middle-of-the-pack fighter. If I end up at 10-0 after that and stay healthy, they'll give me a better contract and set up a contenders fight for me on the New Year's Eve TV supercard!

-While everyone was nursing their hangovers, a bunch of stuff happened in the world of MMA thats pertinent to us, and things are really heating up.

-First of all, America has two new MMA promotions. The first one is Rumble at the Palms, a regional fed in Florida doing an opposite deal to XCC, holding fights for Welterweight and up. They're rumoured to be looking at signing guys like Osmosis Benn and Dexter Darling so they can be the early draws, win a couple fights, then get poached by GAMMA or ALPHA-1. Ok, the last part wasn't said, but its pretty much certain to happen. This fed could be relevant to us if they decide to hire Buster East on a lark, or it could be a fall-back point for me if things go south in ALPHA-1. Interesting to see how it'll all go down.

-The second new MMA promotion is Girl Fights Entertainment. This promotion is running shows out of New Jersey for all three female weight classes and is rumoured to have recruited some decent talent from across the world that haven't gotten the break with KDM or WEFF. Among those two could be Kyoko Junna and Toshie Nishina, who are having a hard time getting booked in the flooded Canadian scene. Aidan is working to get them both offers with GFE. We'll keep an eye out for this group.

(OOC: Added these myself because the local scenes are overstocked with talent and a few fighters are going years without fights. Junna and Nishina getting no bookings while being in the Tough Team seemed unrealistic, so I made a couple new feds to change things up a bit.)

-Next up, ALPHA-1 are trying to make several raids on GAMMA, who held a show on the same day (but different time) as ALPHA-1. Lars-Gunnar Ekberg and Josh Aldarisio have been tendered offers, but the big one for me is Tora Mizwar. If he gets poached, I could end up facing him at some point. He'd be a tough opponent for sure, so we'll see what happens.......

-Among the other rumoured ALPHA-1 newcomers are free agent Anthony LeToussier, former BCF and SIGMA champ Luis Basora, and world ranked Hanif Hussain. A lot going on in the MMA world!

---

Wednesday Week 1 June, 2004

-We've got two Tough Team fights booked for a CCC card at the end of July. Time to watch the tapes.....

-Aljur Paras takes on 5-0 Kickboxer Vandel Savel in a Heavyweight bout on the main card. Savel is a mediocre striker who crushed 4 local cans and one washed-up veteran can (Don Norman) to get a CCC contract, plugging in another gap caused by talent raids. He doesn't seem to have much in the way of a ground game so Paras could actually take him down and go to work there. Really though, striking against Savel isn't a scary proposition, even against local cans hes looked lazy and off-form regularly, and seems like he'll be the kind of fighter later in his career who will turn up to tap out. Paras should win with some ease, but we'll train hard for the worst-case scenario of a sustained striking battle.

-Roy Arnett fights in the prelims, facing 6-3 Wrestler Tony Ibsen in a Lightweight clash. Ibsen started his career strong, going 4-0, but had it undone via two losses in CCC, including a humiliating submission defeat to non-grappler Robbie Lynn. Ibsen won a fight in America to get back into CCC after talent raids, but took another bad submission loss to a subpar figher in Urlington Rogers. Finally Ibsen won a fight in CCC on his 4th try against Owen Oggleberry-Pipp via submission. I'm not sure what to make of him, he seems to look like an ok fighter at times but bottles it in actual matches. Arnett's worked hard on improving his takedown defense, so if he can shut down the low-risk grinder strategy of Ibsen and waits for him to screw it all up, hes got a real chance.

-Rumble at the Palms approached Allen LeFleur with a contract offer. Whatever happens, I just hope he gets more opportunities to show what he can do.

---

Thursday Week 1 June, 2004

-Buster East fought Nevio Marlette at a local show. Unfortunately Buster's comeback fight didn't work out, as Marlette got 3 takedowns in 2 rounds and finished late in Round 2 with a rear naked choke after Buster gave up his back trying to sweep Marlette. I love Buster like a brother but its so frustrating to see him have no aptitude for the ground game like he does for striking. His kick boxing is such high quality but he can't adequately defend takedowns or submissions and he'll be stuck in places like this until he does learn.

Official Result: 'Macabre' Nevio Marlette defeats Buster East (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:55 of round 2). The fight was rated as being Decent.

---

Saturday Week 1 June, 2004

-Passed my medical with ease, as I took no damage from Shuncho Sakurai in our fight. As soon as I pass the drug test I'll be ready for the next fight, which Aidan has told me is likely late August or September.

-In the meantime, ALPHA-1 has booked Warriors of the Ring 6 for early August, with a compelling double main event at Lightweight: Motoki Hojo vs Heikichi Shimizu and Naizen Hamacho vs Sukarno. Three middleweight fights grace the prelims: Kojuro Kudo vs Marinho Gomes, Tetsuji Myojin vs Kei Sakakibara, and Isaiah Monroe vs Juro Fukazawa.

-A stunning upset took place at an American local show as my old opponent Ed Burridge KOed Osmosis Benn with a lucky right uppercut. Wouldn't have bet on that happening in a million years. Benn's cut from GAMMA actually looks slightly justified now, and he needs to get things together in a hurry, as his career is falling apart at the seams.

---

Saturday Week 2 June, 2004

-Toshie Nishina and Kyoko Junna did sign with GFE after all. No word on their first card yet, but they're grateful to be back in the swings of things and are training hard for their upcoming bouts, whenever they may be.

-ALPHA-1 completed their harvest of three fighters from GAMMA. Tora Mizwar, Josh Aldarisio, and Lars-Gunnar Ekberg. Tora Mizwar's signing bumped me down to #11 in the company rankings.

---

Saturday Week 3 June, 2004

-Piper's second title defense against Rachel McGuinness went down tonight, and we flew over to Ontario for it. Rachel came out with the usual flurries, and Piper answered them with a couple comboes of her own. It was a fast-paced striking battle, until Rachel overcommitted to a left straight and got clipped by a right cross counter. Piper said later she was sure she broke Rachel's nose with that. Didn't stop Piper from clipping her with a left hook on the way down, and Rachel was out cold. Second successful defense for Piper, and it'll be interesting to see where her and WEFF end up. Piper signed an exclusive deal with WEFF when it was made clear that ALPHA-1 wasn't going to start a women's division due to a bloated roster, and she looks set to be a headlining champion for them for years to come.

Official Result: 'The Sniper' Piper Evergood defeats 'Yellow Peril' Rachel McGuiness (Knock Out (Punch) in 3:07 of round 1). The fight was rated as being Great.

---

Sunday Week 3 June, 2004

-We had the usual party at home after a big Tough Team win. This time though, it was in the Tough Team's new upstairs lounge, which has good furniture, pool tables, and a fully stocked bar. Well, it wasn't fully stocked for long. Piper danced on the bar and looked like a goddess. Rennaya Rives danced on the bar and I suppose she was ok too, a lot of the guys seem to like her cause shes flirty and a bit wild, but I'm accounted for girlfriend-wise, thank you very much.

(Aidan sez: Rickard still has not asked out Piper yet and I'm pretty sure people are going broke in the "Will he ask her out?" betting pool.)

-Goddamnit Aidan, isn't a man entitled to his cyber privacy? Anyways, it was a fun time for all and I'm looking forward to my blowout party upstairs after a big win soon.

-ALPHA-1 had their big card last night in Osaka, but it didn't have any Middleweight bouts of note. I did decide to watch back the co-main and main event though: Sho Kitabatake choked out Ricky Heath in 3 minutes, and Atep of Indonesia defended his Lightweight title successfully against the legendary Go Yamamoto, knocking him out in his hometown via a liver blow in Round 3. Yamamoto got in a few licks, but was outclassed by the Indonesian star and tearfully announced his retirement afterwards. The event drew 13149, a near record crowd for MMA.

-GAMMA also held an event last night. It was a mediocre card entertainment wise and was capped off by a boring fight between Buddy Garner and Dwayne Alleyne for the Middleweight title, won by Alleyne via split decision to become the new champ. I could see Garner winning it, he had more takedowns and felt more active, but Alleyne won on the feet and landed some decent ground and pound in Rounds 2 and 4. A rematch seems likely and no one is thrilled by the prospect, as GAMMA continues to waver in the face of the ALPHA-1 rise. Oh, and they cut Big Magic after he went 1-1 in his last two fights, because of course they would.

---

Monday Week 4 June, 2004

-Oh my good lord, its going down this week. ALPHA-1 has gone after Dwayne Alleyne with a big money offer. Adam White was also targeted, but Alleyne is the big one. Even if he isn't a huge draw to GAMMA, losing him would look very bad for GAMMA, and it seems likely, as ALPHA-1's finances are huge and every signing has gone their way recently, as opposed to 2002 when this all started.

-ALPHA-1 is also in line for big TV deals across the globe, thus becoming the first MMA company with worldwide TV coverage. I'm thrilled for this, since it'll give all the fighters more exposure. Its interesting that ALPHA-1 is the one doing this, as you'd think a North American group will win every battle for worldwide credibility because USA is the center of the world, but ALPHA-1 is stealing their thunder big-time. A TV contract on GNN in particular is a big, big deal, and if ALPHA-1 gets a foothold and drives GAMMA out it changes EVERYTHING in MMA. It'll be fascinating to see how this shakes down.......

(OOC: This is reflecting the rise of ALPHA-1 to Low Level International.)

Blake Trask · May 6, 2018

I don't actually play WMMA but I've been having fun reading along with this

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Soar To The Limit: The Story of Rickard Patterson and the Canadian Tough Team

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