The Ultimate Fighting Championships

[Janpei]

The Ultimate Fighter Lands in Denver

 

 

Are we looking at the next evolution of live sports? UFC brand ambassador Ed Healy seems to think so.

 

“The UFC is going to be the sporting event that people will be talking about for a long long time.”

 

The UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championships, is - as Healy described it - a single night ironman full contact fighting tournament. What exactly does that mean? Well, Healy describes it as.

 

“Full Contact Fighting is allowing all forms of traditional hand to hand combat. It’s a marriage of traditional martial arts and modern sports. The team’s vision is to make the UFC a brand with the equity of other major sports leagues.”

 

And how does the UFC plan to do that?

 

“There’s literally nothing like what we’re introducing to Denver. Imagine the very best fighters in the world. We’re talking some of the toughest men walking on this planet and now they’re competing in a single night tournament for a chance to become The Ultimate Fighter?

 

And what’s The Ultimate Fighter?

 

“The format for The Ultimate Fighting Championship is what we call an eight man ironman tournament. What that means is the fighter that wins their fight, will go on to fight later that same night in the next round, and this continues all the way until the finals. Two fighters will end up fighting three times in the same night. The man to survive all three fights becomes The Ultimate Fighter. The Ultimate Fighter walks away with a $15,000 grand prize with the runner up, receiving $5,000.”

 

Ironman indeed. As of this article, we’ve learned that the tournament fights will be fought with a thirty minute time limit and in the event of a time limit, three judges will be stationed around ringside to assess a winner.

 

This tournament will not be for the faint of heart. Fights can be won by knockout, submission, the aforementioned time limit expires, or a referee stoppage.

 

For my own clarification, I asked and yes, if a fighter can get a hold of a limb, he is allowed to manipulate it in such a way that his opponent forfeits. Without question, the Ultimate Fighter tournament will be one hell of a spectacle.

[Janpei]

Who Will Be the Ultimate Fighter?

 

Bas Rutten

Eindhoven, Holland

28 Years Old

Dutch Kickboxing

 

 

Known as “El Guapo”, or “The Handsome”, don’t let the nickname or his colorful personality fool you, Bas Rutten is one man not to mess with.

 

Bas Rutten has been an active kickboxer since the age of twenty. In the sport of kickboxing, he was known to pick opponents apart with a combination of low scything kicks, picking apart the calf to decrease his opponents mobility, followed by attacking the body to to attain victory.

 

Bas Rutten has taken up residence in Japan and from what we’ve been able to discern, he’s been living in the country for the last few years. In preparation for this tournament, Bas Rutten has partnered with longtime friendly rival, Japanese grappling wizard, Masakatsu Funaki.

 

Opponents of Bas Rutten in The Ultimate Fighter should expect a high volume of kicks from this lively and colorful kickboxer.

 

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Gerard Gordeau

Den Haag, Netherlands

38 Years Old

Savate

 

 

The first thing people will take notice of is the tattoos that adorn the body of this European fighter. Gerard Gordeau is a quiet, methodical savate fighter. Savate, traditionally a French form of close quarters combat, combines English boxing with a variety of kickboxing techniques.

 

With an official record of 27-4, Gordeau is by far one of the most accomplished competitors in The Ultimate Fighter. We’ve learned that since signing up to compete in The Ultimate Fighter, Gerard Gordeau has been incorporating judo and some amateur wrestling into his training in an effort to become a more well rounded, more complete martial artist.

 

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James Mathews

Compton, California

24 Years Old

Kung Fu

 

 

James Mathews has no lack of experience in an environment like The Ultimate Fighter having spent the last three years competing in submission fighting tournaments in Japan.

 

Mathews is a junior college wrestler who transitioned into karate and taekwondo as a way to stay active and fit after graduating college. He has competed in multiple martial arts tournaments all over the world and will look to use his experience to give him an edge against his Ultimate Fighter opponents.

 

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Ken Shamrock

Susanville, California

29 Years Old

Shoot Fighting

 

 

Ken Shamrock is perhaps one of the most intriguing men to enter The Ultimate Fighter tournament. His story is definitely one that is specifically unique to full contact fighting. Shamrock was a bouncer at a Las Vegas club who wanted to be a professional wrestler like Hulk Hogan of the WWF.

 

On his journey to be a professional wrestler, Ken Shamrock relocated to Japan and soon discovered shoot fighting. Ken Shamrock also has familiarity with James Matthews as the two have competed in the same submission fighting tournaments in the past.

 

Shamrock believes that overall, he will be the most well rounded fighter in the tournament. He was quoted as saying that full contact fighting existed way before the UFC. This will not be new territory for Shamrock.

 

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Marco Ruas

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

32 Years Old

Ruas Vale Tudo

 

 

In his home country of Brazil, Marco Ruas is a legend in the martial arts scene. In vale tudo, a Brazilian full contact sport, Ruas earned the moniker as “The King of the Street” with Ruas very often defeating his opponents by way of knockout as well as submission.

 

Ruas is also the founder of the martial arts, Ruas Vale Tudo, which is a hybrid of mixed martial arts and kickboxing. “The King of the Street” is looking to become The Ultimate Fighter. To do that, he will need to utilize his hybrid martial arts style.

 

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Masakatsu Funaki

Aomori, Japan

24 Years Old

Catch Wrestling

 

 

In Japan, Masakatsu Funaki has earned the reputation of being a grappling wizard. An established name in the Japanese submission fighter world, it’s widely known that once Funaki grabs hold of an opponent, there’s nothing they can do to fight him off.

 

Funaki is lightning quick and freakishly strong. To survive Funaki, martial artists competing in the Ultimate Fighter will have to make sure that they keep Funaki at a distance. If he can get within reach and take an opponent off their feet, it won’t be long before they’re on the receiving end of a leglock.

 

Masakatsu Funaki and Bas Rutten have developed a friendly rivalry in Japan. Over the past year, the two have become close friends, often training with each other. Despite both competing in The Ultimate Fighter, Funaki and Rutten have been training together in preparation for the tournament.

 

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Maurice Smith

Seattle, Washington

31 Years Old

Kickboxing

 

 

Maurice Smith is one of, if not the, most accomplished kickboxers in the world. Among his accolades, Smith is a former World Kickboxing Council World Light Heavyweight Champion, International Sport Karate Association World Heavyweight Champion, and World Kickboxing Association World Heavyweight Champion.

 

Smith is a volume striker who loves to batter his opponents leg kick after leg kick. Smith has limited knowledge in regards to fighting against grapplers and other forms of hand to hand martial arts, but a world class kickboxer the calibre of Smith will spell a major problem for the other competitors.

 

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Royce Gracie

Torrance, California

26 Years Old

Gracie Jiu Jitsu

 

 

You wouldn’t need to look much further than the Gracie family name to find the closest thing to a royal family in the world of martial arts. Helio Gracie, the patriarch of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Gracie Jiu Jitsu, passed the art on to his sons. While many consider older brother Rickson to be the most proficient in the art, the family considers Royce Gracie to be the future of the family martial art.

 

Royce Gracie doesn’t just see this as an opportunity at $15,000 (though more money never hurts) for Royce, and even the entire Gracie family, this is an opportunity to show to an audience that Gracie Jiu Jitsu is the strongest martial art.

 

To help prepare for the tournament, Royce has enlisted the help of older brother Rickson. As mentioned earlier, Rickson is considered by many within the family as being the best Gracie Jiu Jitsu practitioner of the entire family. With that kind of help in his corner, Royce will prove to be a formidable foe.

[Janpei]

Initial Rules & Format

 

No weight classes. Ultimate Fighting Championship fights will be contested in an openweight format.

 

Fights will be contested under a thirty minute time limit.

 

A fighter can win by knockout, verbal forfeit, forfeit from corner, referee stoppage, or if the time expires.

 

In the event of an expired time limit, there will be three judges presiding over the fights. They will then assess what they witnessed before declaring a winner.

 

Strikes to a downed opponent are legal

 

Fighters are allowed to fight for grappling positioning without being pressured by interference from an official. There are no resets for inactivity.

 

Closing guard is legal

 

Knees to the head of a grounded opponent are legal

 

Elbow strikes to the head - be it standing or on the ground - are legal

 

Stomps and soccer kicks to the head and body are legal

 

Foot stomps are legal

[Janpei]

I'll leave this with the hopes that we get a predictions game going. I'll run a leaderboard and whoever has the most prediction points after 10 UFC events gets to make one decision, be it a signing, a fight, a title contender (as long as it makes sense), an event idea, etc.

 

 

UFC: The Ultimate Fighter

Live From Denver, Colorado

September 18th, 1993

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Final

Winner of Semi Final Fight A vs. Winner of Semi Final Fight B

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final Fight A

Winner of Quarter Final Fight C vs. Winner of Quarter Final Fight D

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final Fight B

Winner of Quarter Final Fight A vs. Winner of Quarter Final Fight B

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final Fight D

Royce Gracie vs. Gerard Gordeau

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final Fight C

Ken Shamrock vs. Maurice Smith

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quater Final Fight B

Masakatsu Funaki vs. James Mathews

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final Fight A

Bas Rutten vs. Marco Ruas

[McDojoDelux]

UFC: The Ultimate Fighter

Live From Denver, Colorado

September 18th, 1993

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Final

Winner of Semi Final Fight A vs. Winner of Semi Final Fight B

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final Fight A

Winner of Quarter Final Fight C vs. Winner of Quarter Final Fight D

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final Fight B

Winner of Quarter Final Fight A vs. Winner of Quarter Final Fight B

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final Fight D

Royce Gracie vs. Gerard Gordeau

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final Fight C

Ken Shamrock vs. Maurice Smith

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quater Final Fight B

Masakatsu Funaki vs. James Mathews

 

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final Fight A

Bas Rutten vs. Marco Ruas

[Janpei]

The Ultimate Fighter Pay Per View Distribution

 

 

We have learned that The Ultimate Fighter, a single night full contact fighting tournament, will be distributed on PPV. The broadcast, which will be on tape delay, will air exactly one week after the live event. Some cable companies are even adding the event as part of their FITE TV package, which historically has included boxing, kickboxing, and some professional wrestling as part of its programming block.

 

---

 

Introducing the Voice of the UFC

 

 

As part of its Pay Per View production, Ultimate Fighting Championships has introduced Jeff Blatnick as their on-site analyst, who will call the action of The Ultimate Fighter tournament for the home viewers watching via Pay Per View.

 

Jeff Blatnick, a former Division II heavyweight wrestler and Olympic gold medalist in Greco-Roman, is just one of many names behind the formation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Blatnick, who was also instrumental in attracting some of the martial arts talent to the tournament, will be offering his professional analysis on what the fans at home will see on their television screens.

[Janpei]

Masakatsu Funaki Is the Ultimate Fighter

 

 

Denver, Colorado saw 1300 fans crowd into a small municipal auditorium to witness The Ultimate Fighter ironman tournament hosted by the Ultimate Fighting Championships. On September 18th, Masakatsu Funaki survived three fights, submitted one opponent, and fought for a total time of one hour, three minutes, and twenty-three seconds to become the Ultimate Fighter.

 

We’d be doing you, the reader, a major disservice if the article skipped ahead to discussing the tournament final as The Ultimate Fighter tournament itself provided a spectacle that American sports fans, particularly those who’d call themselves boxing fans, had never seen before.

 

Bas Rutten and Marco Ruas had the unenviable task of introducing the Denver, Colorado crowd to their first ever full contact fight. Rutten and Ruas were not only able to successfully set the tone for what the crowd could expect to see on tonight’s show, they dazzled and wowed the crowd with a contest that no one would soon forget.

 

Bas Rutten threw the very first strike in the UFC by cutting into the calf of Marco Ruas with a scything low kick. The impact of the kick echoed throughout the auditorium and the crowd gasped upon bearing witness to Rutten’s offense. Ruas, a fighter who certainly seems to have a way with the crowd, simply smiled upon receiving the kick and invited Rutten to do it again. Rutten delivered another kick upon request but this time Marco Ruas caught it. With Bas Rutten bouncing on one foot, Marco Ruas seized the opportunity to close the distance between himself and Rutten and once in arms reach, Ruas began to fire away on Bas with a series of vicious uppercuts. Rutten covered as best he could and once he was able to weather Marco’s initial volley of punches, Rutten responded in kind with a series of punches of his own.

 

Bas Rutten and Marco Ruas would engage in combat for the entire thirty minute time limit duration. While initial expectations suggested that the live audience wouldn’t be able to sit through a thirty minute fight, Rutten and Ruas were able to prove the skeptics wrong. Ruas and Rutten spent the entire half hour frame throwing vicious punch after vicious punch at each other and the audience was on edge the entire time, believing that they were seconds away from watching one of the two men become victim to a vicious knockout.

 

Ultimately, the judges awarded the fight in favor of Marco Ruas. During the final seven minutes of the contest, Marco Ruas was able to trip a tiring Bas Rutten to the canvas of the chain linked octagon designed fighting ring. Rutten displayed his very best defense wildly kicking up at Ruas. Ruas withstood the kicks and spent the remainder of the round raining down punches on Rutten who did his very best to cover up. Referee Bill Davies hovered over both fighters in the event that he needed to call the match. The bell sounded however and Marco Ruas was announced as the victor and first semi finalist.

 

In the second semifinal of the night, Masakatsu Funaki showed Denver, Colorado why he’s gained notoriety in the martial arts world for being a dangerous grappler. During his bout with James Matthews, Funaki stuck close to the California Kung Fu artist, firing away palm strikes that kept Matthews guessing.

 

Matthews, who fully expected Masakatsu to keep the fight standing with his palm strike offense, was caught by surprise when Funaki faked a right palm strike and then secured a body lock. From there, Matthews stepped over his own feet after being muscled around by Funaki, and the two men found themselves fighting on the canvas.

 

Matthews expected the situation to be as simple as popping back up to his feet to avoid the grappling exchange. As a result, Matthews threw a kick at Funaki, who was postured over the downed fighter, and thought the kick would give him the time he needed to explode back onto his feet. However, Funaki simply grabbed the ankle firmly and laid himself flat on the canvas. The crowd wasn’t sure what was going on but then an audible groan could be heard from James Matthews who waved at the referee to call off the fight. When Funaki grabbed Matthews’ ankle, he had apparently placed the Kung Fu fighter in some kind of leg/knee hold. The pain Matthews went through couldn’t even begin to be described. He clutched at his knee while Funaki and a ringside physician checked on his wellbeing.

 

The excitement slowed down a little during the third quarterfinal bout between Maurice Smith and Ken Shamrock. Both men seemed to have an awareness of each other’s skill sets and both showed respect for the other’s craftsmanship. Ken Shamrock wasn’t looking to get in an unnecessary kickboxing battle with Smith. Maurice, meanwhile, wasn’t too keen on letting Shamrock close the distance.

 

The first ten minutes of the fight saw both fighters trepidatiously engage each other. Smith would look to go for the body and legs with a variety of kicks. Shamrock would alternate between palm strikes and punches to put some damage on Smith. The respect that the two had for each other’s abilities didn’t produce a fight as exciting as the first two. However, Shamrock was able to pick Maurice Smith’s ankle 16 minutes into the contest and after a brief ground battle, Shamrock was able to secure a leg lock of his own earning a place in the semi finals at eighteen minutes and twenty-eight seconds.

 

Nothing better exemplifies saving the best for last than the final quarter final fight of the night. Royce Gracie and Gerard Gordeau without question had the most entertaining fight of the show. There was drama before the bell even sounded when Gordeau refused to shake hands with Gracie, a pre-fight tradition that every fighter had observed during the tournament up until this match. Royce Gracie wasn’t fazed in the slightest looking at Gordeau with an icy gaze as John McCarthy admonished the savate fighter for his lack of sportsmanship.

 

Despite this being Denver’s first exposure to Royce Gracie, he was given a hero’s reception in the auditorium thanks to the antics of Gerard Gordeau, who was well on his way to becoming the UFC’s first villain. Karma would ultimately set its sights on Gordeau who made the mistake of immediately pressing the attack, coming at Gracie with a series of wild punches. At just two minutes half minutes, Royce Gracie didn’t back down from Gordeau’s charge and instead met the Dutch martial artist head on, initiating a grapple by securing a bodylock.

 

Gordeau simply wasn’t prepared for it. He bucked and moved haphazardly around the octagon hoping to break free of Gracie’s grasp but it was to no avail. Gordeau’s means of defense proved to do more harm than good as all the wild flailing tired him out. Three and a half minutes into the fight, referee John McCarthy put an end to the fight after Gerard Gordeau had been choked out by Gracie.

 

Masakatsu Funaki and Marco Ruas returned to the octagon for the first semi final of the night and they left the fans buzzing with another thirty minute high octane spectacle. Marco Ruas proved to be a little tougher for Funaki to get his hands on and Funaki was more than willing to adjust. Funaki showed to both the Denver audience and Marco Ruas that he too had no problems engaging in a brawl and Funaki and Marco Ruas spent the first twenty-five minutes of the fight teeing off on each other with an array of strikes.

 

Ruas mistakenly showed just how much The Ultimate Fighter took out of him by placing his hands on his knees during a small lull in the fight to catch his breath. The moment Funaki saw Ruas in recovery mode, he knew it was time to look for a finish. Funaki went low and was able to trip Ruas off of his feet by picking at an ankle followed by tackling Ruas to the ground.

 

Funaki fought valiantly with Ruas, wrestling for another leglock attempt but Ruas refused to leave himself exposed. Keeping his limbs tight and securing a body lock around Funaki to keep the Japanese fighter close. Once again, Funaki changed up his game plan and spent the remaining time left in the round peppering Ruas with sharp punches to the side of the face. When the bell sounded to end the fight, all three judges ruled the fight in Funaki’s favor.

 

The second semi final bout between Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock unfortunately left a pretty sour taste in the mouths of the Denver, Colorado audience. Both Shamrock and Gracie were spent and it showed in their contest. The two men circled around the ring, both breathing ragged. Gracie would lead with a kick to Shamrock’s legs but every single kick lacked any real power. On Gracie’s opponent’s end of things, Shamrock kept his hands up but never really let any punches fly.

 

The audience showed their disapproval of the fight, booing while the two competitors circled each other, neither one taking any strong initiative one way or another. Even when the circling shifted to grappling, Shamrock nor Gracie could help make things more exciting as even the grappling resulted in a stalemate, neither fighter able to make the most of it.

 

When the bell sounded to signify the end of the fight, the booing got louder. Shamrock and Gracie didn’t seem to let the audience affect them too much. The two men shook hands and praised each other for putting on a tough fight. The judges would ultimately score the fight in favor of Royce Gracie much to Shamrock’s disappointment.

 

After the dismal semi final contest between Gracie and Shamrock, the audience was looking for Masakatsu Funaki to reignite the fire and give The Ultimate Fighter finale the exciting closing fight that the tournament deserved. Excitement turned to disappointment, however, as the audience witnessed even more inactivity between Funaki and Royce Gracie.

 

Unlike his semi final fight, Royce Gracie did try to press the attack, looking to initiate with Masakatsu Funaki by way of turning the fight into a grappling exhibition. Funaki however, would throw a 1-2 defensive palm strike combo and it would prove to keep Gracie out of range. For the first twenty three minutes of the fight, the bout would follow that exact pattern. To the surprise of no one, Funaki and Gracie were jeered by the audience for their lack of activity.

 

With the time limit dwindling down to just a mere few minutes, Funaki changed strategies and began to work at Royce Gracie with kicks designed for the knee and thigh. Funaki threw them at such a volume that the already exhausted Gracie could do nothing but absorb the strikes. Despite Funaki’s efforts to bring life back into the fight, the fans were already treated to a poor match up in the fight prior that short of a knockout, there was nothing that either Gracie or Funaki could do to bring the audience back into this one.

 

With the bell sounding, the night’s fighting was finally over and we would soon crown The Ultimate Fighter. Bryan Borgomeo, Alvin Browning, Clinton Leon the three judges presiding over the action moved into the octagon and shook hands with both Gracie and Funaki. Funaki and Gracie graciously thanked the judges before displaying mutual respect to each other by shaking hands and bowing. They then faced the judges and awaited a victor to be declared.

 

Judges Byran Borgomeo, Alvin Browning, and Clinton Leon all agreed that due to a stronger volume of offensive pressure, the winner of the fight and thus the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Ultimate Fighter was Masakatsu Funaki!

 

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[Janpei]

 

Ultimate Fighting Championships: The Ultimate Fighter

Live Gate: $167,875

Earnings from Pay Per View Broadcast: $26,346

Critical Rating: 65%

Commercial Rating: 29%

 

The Ultimate Fighter Final

Masakatsu Funaki defeated Royce Gracie via Judges’ Decision to become The Ultimate Fighter (30:00) (Poor)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final

Royce Gracie defeated Ken Shamrock via Judges’ Decision (30:00) (Awful)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final

Masakatsu Funaki defeated Marco Ruas via Judges’ Decision (30:00) (Good)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Royce Gracie defeated Gerard Gordeau via submission (Rear naked choke) (3:29) (Great)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Ken Shamrock defeated Maurice Smith via submission (Kneebar) (18:28) (Average)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Masakatsu Funaki defeated James Matthews via submission (Kneebar) (3:23) (Good)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Marco Ruas defeated Bas Rutten via Judges’ Decision (30:00) (Good)

[Janpei]

Pick'Em Leaderboard

 

McDojoDelux - 3/7 - Picking Bas Rutten to win the whole thing really hurt your overall score. Thankfully you’re in a league of your own so even though you only net three points this round, you’re still #1 in my books. Although it won’t be difficult for other readers to catch up.

[Janpei]

The Ultimate Fighting Championships Returns to Denver on New Year's Day

 

 

Fans of The Ultimate Fighting Championships will be glad to hear that the Ultimate Fighting Championships will return to Denver, Colorado on New Year’s Day 1994 with a second Ultimate Fighter tournament.

 

Eight new martial artists from all over the world will step up to the plate on New Year’s Day for an opportunity to win a $15,000 grand prize. The second Ultimate Fighting Championships event, titled The New Warriors, will emanate from Denver, Colorado with a Pay Per View broadcast being offered a week later for those who are wanting to catch the action at home.

 

In the following weeks, we will learn more about the new martial artists entering into The Ultimate Fighter ironman tournament. We’ve also learned that the rules and formatting for the second tournament will remain unchanged from how it premiered.

[Janpei]

The New Warriors

 

Fabio Gurgel

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

23 Years Old

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

 

 

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grappler, Fabio Gurgel, has established a name for himself in the Japanese fighting circuit. Prior to agreeing to compete in the Ultimate Fighter tournament, Fabio Gurgel usurped the #2 ranked fighter in the Japanese fighting circuit, Katsuomi Inagaki, to become the King of Pancrase.

 

Fabio Gurgel is an accomplished grappler who brings a strong coaching team to support him in his corner. His primary trainer is none other than “The Kings of the Street” himself, Marco Ruas. Expect Gurgel to mix his world class grappling with kickboxing to keep his opponents guessing throughout the Ultimate Fighter tournament.

 

Minoru Suzuki

Yokohama, Japan

25 Years Old

Catch Wrestling

 

 

Fans might be able to recognize this catch wrestler as he was spotted at the first Ultimate Fighting event assisting both Masakatsu Funaki and Bas Rutten in their fights. A disciple of Ultimate Fighter, Masakatsu Funaki, Minoru Suzuki made his debut in the Japanese fighting circuit by defeating his first opponent by submission in under two minutes.

 

Suzuki jumped at the chance to participate in the second Ultimate Fighter. With both Bas Rutten and Masakatsu Funaki in his corner, Suzuki will be quite the challenge for any of the martial artists participating in this tournament to undertake.

 

Oleg Taktarov

Sarov, Russia

26 Years Old

Sambo

 

 

With a nickname like “The Russian Bear”, Oleg Taktarov will certainly be the martial artist to pay attention to in this tournament. Standing at six feet tall and weighing in at 215lbs of lean muscle, Oleg Taktarov will perhaps be one of the strongest competitors in the entire tournament.

 

Make no mistake about it, Oleg Taktarov is a frightening, imposing man. A former hand to hand instructor for the Soviet Union agency KGB and a four time winner of the Jujutsu Full Contact, Oleg Taktarov will look to use all of his knowledge in hand to hand combat and sambo to best his opponents.

 

Wallid Ismail

Rio de Janeiro

29 Years Old

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

 

 

Lebanese Brazilian, Wallid Ismail, is no stranger to the world of full contact fighting. In his home country of Brazil, Wallid Ismail has successfully organized, promoted, and participated in dozens of luta livre, or Brazilian freestyle fighting, events.

 

Wallid is an extremely dangerous grappler who never gives up and fights with such ferociousness and tenacity that many in the fighting circuit refer to him as a pitbull. Wallid Ismail has legitimately grappling credentials, earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from the famous Gracie family.

 

Prior to entering the second Ultimate Fighter tournament, Wallid Ismail has most recently competed in the Japanese submission fighting circuit. In his last fight, Ismail was able to choke out top Japanese competitor Kenji Kawaguchi and he looks to do the same to the competition in the Ultimate Fighter tournament.

 

Patrick Smith

Denver, Colorado

30 Years Old

Tae Kwon Do

 

 

Expect Patrick Smith to receive a hero’s welcome in his hometown of Denver, Colorado as he looks to take home the crown of The Ultimate Fighter. Smith is a very charismatic, very exciting Tae Kwon Do practitioner who traditionally likes to start aggressive, going right after his opponents with power strikes to the body and head.

 

Patrick Smith, however, has taken a different approach when entering the sport of full contact fighting. As of this writing, Smith has taken up residence with Rorion Gracie and is the first disciple in a brand new American based Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy. Patrick has not been shy in displaying the new techniques he’s learned, having won two Japanese submission fights with a choke and a joint manipulation.

 

Jason Delucia

Boston, Massachusetts

24 Years Old

Kung Fu

 

 

Perhaps no one is entering the tournament with the variety of styles under the belt like Jason Delucia has. Although Delucia claims kung fu as his primary martial arts background, he also has a belt in Aikido, Judo, and Tae Kwon Do.

 

Delucia will look to mix up his different martial arts to keep his opponents guessing with a dynamic array of strikes. If his last kickboxing bout in California is anything to go off of, Delucia will look to press the attack and keep his opponent close in the pocket where he will be allowed to fire off an offensive flurry of punches and kicks without receiving any significant punishment in return.

 

Murilo Bustamante

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

27 Years Old

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

 

 

Murilo Bustamante is viewed by many to be the future of Brazilian martial arts. Bustamante has perhaps had some of the best instructors in the world of martial arts to shape and influence him. He earned his first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Gracie family instructor, Carlson Gracie. From there, he met Marco Ruas at a vale tudo event, and has since been one of Marco Ruas’ brightest and best students.

 

There’s no secret in Murilo’s game plan. He’s going to look to immediately take his opponents to the ground where he has a library of submission attacks to choose from. One would think Murilo Bustamante is setting himself up to be spoiled, by being a one trick pony. However, Bustamante is so quick and has an unfathomably strong grip that it’s not really a matter of if he takes you down, but when.

 

Rickson Gracie

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

35 Years Old

Gracie Jiu Jitsu

 

 

Rickson is a man on a mission. For the Gracie Jiu Jitsu wunderkind, it’s not just about winning The Ultimate Fighter tournament. Rickson, above all else, is looking to avenge his little brother Royce, who came up short against Masakatsu Funaki in the finals of the first fight. Rickson Gracie has already even given out his first edict: upon winning the Ultimate Fighter, Rickson wants to fight previous tournament winner Masakatsu Funaki. To Rickson, doing so will both make things right with Royce and will prove that Gracie Jiu Jitsu is the undisputed king of martial arts.

 

By many in the international fight circuit, Rickson Gracie is considered to be the very best full contact fighter. There’s a wide belief that no one is on the same skill level as Rickson Gracie when it comes to grappling, wrestling, and submission fighting. Rickson Gracie is also looking to add a new dimension to his whole game. He’s most recently been spotted training with Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion, Art Jimmerson. If he’s able to combine hand speed and knockout power with his already tremendous grappling skills, we could very well be looking at the next Ultimate Fighter.

 

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[Janpei]

UFC: The New Warriors

Live From Denver, Colorado

January 1st, 1994

 

The Ultimate Fighter Final

Gracie, Suzuki, Bustamante, or Ismail vs. Taktarov, Smith, Delucia, or Gurgel

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final A

Winner of Gracie/Suzuki vs. Winner of Bustamante/Ismail

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final B

Winner of Taktarov/Smith vs. Winner of Delucia/Gurgel

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final A

Rickson Gracie vs. Minoru Suzuki

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final B

Murilo Bustamante vs. Wallid Ismail

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final C

Oleg Taktarov vs. Patrick Smith

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final D

Jason Delucia vs. Fabio Gurgel

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC: The New Warriors

Live From Denver, Colorado

January 1st, 1994

 

The Ultimate Fighter Final

Gracie, Suzuki, Taktarov, or Smith vs. Bustamante, Ismail, Delucia, or Gurgel

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final A

Winner of Gracie/Suzuki vs. Winner of Bustamante/Ismail

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final B

Winner of Taktarov/Smith vs. Winner of Delucia/Gurgel

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final A

Rickson Gracie vs. Minoru Suzuki

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final B

Murilo Bustamante vs. Wallid Ismail

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final C

Oleg Taktarov vs. Patrick Smith

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final D

Jason Delucia vs. Fabio Gurgel

[CageRage]

UFC: The New Warriors

Live From Denver, Colorado

January 1st, 1994

 

The Ultimate Fighter Final

Gracie, Suzuki, Taktarov, or Smith vs. Bustamante, Ismail, Delucia, or Gurgel

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final A

Winner of Gracie/Suzuki vs. Winner of Bustamante/Ismail

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final B

Winner of Taktarov/Smith vs. Winner of Delucia/Gurgel

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final A

Rickson Gracie vs. Minoru Suzuki

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final B

Murilo Bustamante vs. Wallid Ismail

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final C

Oleg Taktarov vs. Patrick Smith

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final D

Jason Delucia vs. Fabio Gurgel

[Janpei]

Rickson Gracie Is the New Ultimate Fighter

 

 

At UFC: The New Warriors, Rickson Gracie became the personification of an ironman having defeated three opponents over the course of an hour and twenty minutes to become The Ultimate Fighter!

 

In his first fight of the night, Rickson Gracie met with Minoru Suzuki in the final quarter final of the night. Despite the notoriety surrounding the name of Rickson Gracie, Minoru Suzuki showed no signs of being mentally rattled and was calm and composed during the opening frames of the fight. Thirteen minutes into the fight, Rickson was able to close in on Suzuki, pinning him against the cage. Suzuki threw short uppercuts and short punches to the ribcage of Rickson that were designed to frustrate the Gracie Jiu Jitsu progeny. Despite Suzuki’s offense, Rickson dug in and took Suzuki to the ground. This is where Minoru Suzuki’s inexperience really stuck out. Suzuki had no idea what to do off his back and began to throw punches and kicks up toward Rickson. Suzuki then tried to combat roll back to his feet but during the action, Rickson saw an opportunity and seized the back of Suzuki. Seconds later, Suzuki fell victim to a choke and was left with no choice but to forfeit.

 

In his second fight of the night, Rickson Gracie was taken to his limit in a thirty minute battle with Murilo Bustamante that the fans really enjoyed. Many expected the two to take things to the ground as soon as the bell sounded, but instead the Denver, Colorado audience was treated to a boxing match in the opening frames where Rickson and Murilo swung wildly at one another, tagging each other with some pretty big punches. Eventually, Murilo and Rickson transitioned to a grappling based exhibition and while Rickson did control the initial stages of the exchange, Murilo was able to fake an ankle pick to take control of Rickson. This created a moment no one would expect as to date, Murilo Bustamante has been the only fighter to put Rickson Gracie on his back in a submission fighting/full contact fighting environment.

 

Bustamante tried to use his Jiu Jitsu Gi to choke Rickson, but Rickson kept hold of Bustamante’s wrist to prevent Murilo from getting a good grip. The two continued to fight it out on the ground, blood adorning the gis of both Bustamante and Rickson. A brief scramble eventually led to the two returning to their feet and almost immediately they were right back to throwing heavy handed punches at each other.

 

The fight eventually met its time limit and referee Kenneth Newton wasted no time in stepping in between both fighters to put an end to the action. The crowd applauded the efforts of both Brazilian martial artists while the two competitors hugged in the center of the octagon. Judges Joel Bennett, Clinton Leon, and Bryan Borgomeo moved into the octagon to declare that they ruled the contest in favor of Rickson.

 

In The Ultimate Fighter finals, Rickson met his toughest opponent of the night, Oleg Taktarov. In his prior two fights, Taktarov had displayed a cold, calculated, viciousness having defeated Patrick Smith by way of TKO and then absolutely dominating Fabio Gurgel in a poorly received thirty minute bout. When Rickson Gracie and Oleg Taktarov met in the center of the octagon, the tension was thick. Would Rickson have the stamina to fight such an aggressive fighter like Oleg? Would Oleg engage Rickson in a grapple?

 

The aforementioned questions would be answered the second the bell sounded to commence the match. Gracie wasted no time in shooting in for an ankle, but Taktarov was able to sprawl and force Gracie into a turtled position. With Gracie seemingly compromised, Oleg got back on his feet and began to throw kicks to the body of Rickson. Rickson weathered the punishment, however, and sprung back to his feet as well, pushing Oleg into the cage.

 

In essence, that’s pretty much how the rest of the fight played out: Rickson and Oleg would push each other into the cage and around the octagon in a Greco Roman clinch. Then they would break away and Oleg would try to tackle Rickson to the canvas. Rickson would level himself to it, causing Taktarov to instead push Rickson against the cage. Rickson would attempt to initiate takedowns of his own and Taktarov displayed his strength by keeping Rickson clinched up.

 

While not the most electric fight to happen in the UFC’s two event history, the fight wasn’t as poorly received as the Ultimate Fighter Final bout between Royce Gracie and Masakatsu Funaki from the first show. Rickson and Oleg had battle scars to show that they weren’t stalling to run the clock down. Instead, Rickson and Oleg were just too evenly matched to deliver a finish that would stun the crowd. With the bell sounding to signify the end of the fight. Rickson helped Oleg back to his feet as they awaited to hear the judges’ official decision.

 

Joel Bennett, Clinton Leon, and Bryan Borgomeo moved into the octagon once more for the night and declared that Rickson Gracie was The Ultimate Fighter of the UFC’s second tournament.

 

Other highlights included Fabio Gurgel choking out Jason Delucia in three minutes and thirty-three seconds. Oleg Taktarov also set a record for fastest finish in the UFC, when he was able to earn a stoppage win in a minute and twelve seconds over Patrick Smith. Patrick Smith came into the octagon with the Denver crowd on his side. He proudly waved the American flag and got the Denver, Colorado audience to happily participate in a USA chant over the Russian Taktarov. After Taktarov was able to get Smith on his back with minimal issue, though, crowd support began to swing in the way of Taktarov who devastated Smith with a barrage of elbows.

 

Murilo Bustamante vs. Wallid Ismail will be remembered for what happened between the two teams more so than what transpired in the cage. There seems to be some bad blood between the Ruas Vale Tudo and Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu teams. Neither Bustamante nor Ismail wanted to touch gloves before the bout. Then when the fight wrapped up, Carlson Gracie and Marco Ruas could be heard throwing insults at each other in their native Portuguese. This animosity seems to have existed long before the Ultimate Fighting Championships and can reportedly be traced back to the Brazilian fight circuit.

 

---

[Janpei]

UFC Introduces Championship Belt

 

 

While a date hasn’t been confirmed for the Ultimate Fighting Championships’ next event, that hasn’t thwarted the full contact fighting sports franchise from moving forward with their next phase of business decisions.

 

Among those business decisions is the UFC SuperFight Championship. The SuperFight Championship has been introduced to the company with the intent to be the flagship trophy within the full contact fighting sports world. As spokesperson Ed Healy describes, it’s a Superbowl Ring married to the WWF World Championship. Ed Healy along with the rest of the braintrust behind the UFC want the SuperFight Championship to be the prize that the top fighters in the world vie for.

 

This new addition will not change the format of how the UFC works. The company still plans to center its events around The Ultimate Fighter ironman tournament format. How does a fighter earn a chance at the SuperFight Championship? We’re not privy to that information as of yet. Things will certainly be interesting within the full contact fighting promotion’s office doors to say the least.

[Janpei]

<p><strong>Pick'Em Leaderboard</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>rodrigoviolim</strong> - 7 - <em>Clean sweep of The New Warriors. Immediately in the #1 spot. Nice job</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>CageRage</strong> - 5 - <em>I'd give you bonus points for being an Oleg Taktarov fan. I thought he was such a badass when I was younger. Unfortunately, he couldn't fight his way through to that #1 spot for you. Good job getting second though!</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>McDojoDelux</strong> - 3 - <em>Picking Bas Rutten to win the whole thing really hurt your overall score. Thankfully you’re in a league of your own so even though you only net three points this round, you’re still #1 in my books. Although it won’t be difficult for other readers to catch up. </em></p>

[Janpei]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">UFC Eyes April Return</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">

Funaki to Meet Gracie in a SuperFight</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="2dvo6Ep.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2dvo6Ep.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="SFJt7Sd.gif" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SFJt7Sd.gif" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5ojAE1m.gif" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5ojAE1m.gif" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<em>Rickson Gracie will not have to wait long to avenge little brother, Royce Gracie. UFC returns to Denver, Colorado on April 23rd with an event titled SuperFight. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

SuperFight will deviate from the structure of the first two events as the headlining fight for the third Ultimate Fighting Championships sporting event will see Ultimate Fighter 2 tournament winner Rickson Gracie fighting the first Ultimate Fighter tournament winner Masakatsu Funaki. The fight is being billed as a SuperFight and will be contested under SuperFight Rules. Head UFC analyst, Jeff Blatnick, has stated that SuperFight rules will be contested with an hour long time limit. In addition, Funaki and Gracie can be subjected to penalties for stalling and inactivity. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

“The SuperFight is the contest of champions. Funaki and Gracie survived the tournament. Everyone knows how tough they are. Now the question is who’s the better full contact athlete? That’s why the SuperFight exists. We know that they’re The Ultimate Fighters. Can they survive the SuperFight? Sixty minute time limit, Funaki and Gracie must press the attack. Only one man can be the SuperFight Champion”</em></p></div><p></p><p></p>

[Janpei]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53412" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Ultimate Fighter Trilogy</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53412" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Returning to the Ultimate Fighter</strong></p><p> </p><p> <em>Ken Shamrock</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Royce Gracie</em></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53412" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Art Jimmerson</strong></p><p><strong> Los Angeles, California</strong></p><p><strong> 30 Years Old</strong></p><p><strong> Boxing</strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="AMoyVOH.gif" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AMoyVOH.gif" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <em>Art Jimmerson is a 1983 National Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion who took an interest in full contact fighting upon working with Rickson Gracie to help him improve in the striking department. Jimmerson got in contact with one of the UFC representatives and requested to participate in the third tournament in the series.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Prior to attaching himself to The Ultimate Fighter tournament, Art Jimmerson took a fight in Japan where he demonstrated his destructive knock out power when he knocked out of his opponent in four minutes with a right hook.</em></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53412" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Vernon White</strong></p><p><strong> Palo Alto, California</strong></p><p><strong> 22 Years Old</strong></p><p><strong> Submission Fighting</strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="JVaSC8v.gif" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JVaSC8v.gif" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <em>Known as “The Tiger”, Vernon White is an American full contact fighter who has been cutting his teeth in the Japanese and European fight circuits. Expect Vernon White to present a crowd pleasing fighting style. He’s aggressive, loves to push the pace, and favors a right roundhouse kick having knocked out two of his past opponents with it.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Vernon White is also a very accomplished grappler. While not known for his submission game, Vernon has proficient knowledge in how to defend against joint manipulations and chokes. In the past, this has allowed Vernon White to keep the fight standing, where he can utilize his diverse assortment of palm strikes, punches, and kicks to secure a knockout.</em></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53412" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Orlando Wiet</strong></p><p><strong> Paris, France</strong></p><p><strong> 26 Years Old</strong></p><p><strong> Muay Thai</strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="44LO0Wl.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/44LO0Wl.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <em>Orlando Wiet is a Surinamese-French world champion kickboxer making his debut in the sport of full contact fighting. Very little is known about his experience with ground and grappling based combat. However, make no mistake about it, Wiet is dangerous on the feet. Known to employ punches, kicks, palm strikes, knees, and even elbows into his striking, Wiet could very well knock out all of his competition enroute to becoming The Ultimate Fighter.</em></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53412" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>George Weingeroff</strong></p><p><strong> Belgium</strong></p><p><strong> 35 Years Old</strong></p><p><strong> Freestyle</strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="6LalFUH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6LalFUH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <em>Belgian George Weingeroff caught the attention of UFC officials after he was able to knock out a former sumo champion, a man who had more than 200lbs on Weingeroff, by stoppage. In the fight, Weingeroff displayed a ton of heart and tenacity despite being at such a size disadvantage and was able to best the heavier opponent.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Weingeroff had previously had an encounter with Ultimate Fighter winner Rickson Gracie in a 1990 jiu jitsu tournament. With more experience now under his belt, Weingeroff is looking past the tournament and aiming for a future fight with Rickson where Weingeroff can prove that he is the better martial artist.</em></p><p><em> </em></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53412" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Johnny Rhodes</strong></p><p><strong> Las Vegas, Nevada</strong></p><p><strong> 30 Years Old</strong></p><p><strong> Karate</strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="CR2Rze5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CR2Rze5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <em>Karate practitioner, Johnny Rhodes, makes his full contact fighting debut in April. Rhodes has multiple regional and national karate championships. Not unlike Orlando Wiet, it remains to be seen how Rhodes prepared in the event that the fight finds itself on the ground. What is known, however, is that Rhodes is a dynamic and lethal striker who isn’t uncomfortable with trading punches in the pocket.</em></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53412" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Jack McLaughlin</strong></p><p><strong> Piqua, Ohio</strong></p><p><strong> 32 Years Old</strong></p><p><strong> Freestyle</strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="f9CK0Og.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/f9CK0Og.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <em>Jack McLaughlin is a freestyle fighter who primarily competes in the Japanese submission fighting circuit. He likes to tire his opponents out by forcing them into grappling exchanges and then spends the rest of the fight battering an already worn down opponent with what seems like an endless stream of punches.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> McLaughlin is looking to make a statement with his debut in the American full contact fighting circuit. If his opponents expect to stand a chance, they’ll have to be wary of McGlauglhin’s wrestling while also looking out for that powerful right hand. A task that’s easier said than done.</em></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> ---</p>

[Janpei]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><em><strong>UFC: SuperFight</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>

Live From Denver, Colorado</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>

April 23rd, 1994</strong></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

</em><em><strong>SuperFight Championship</strong></em></p><p><em>

Rickson Gracie vs. Masakatsu Funaki</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

</em><em><strong>The Ultimate Fighter Final</strong></em></p><p><em>

McGlaughlin, Jimmerson, Wiet, or Weingeroff vs. Rhodes, Shamrock, Gracie, or White</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

</em><em><strong>The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final</strong></em></p><p><em>

Gracie or White vs. Shamrock or Rhodes</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

</em><em><strong>The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final</strong></em></p><p><em>

Wiet or Weingeroff vs. McGlaughlin or Jimmerson</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

</em><em><strong>The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final</strong></em></p><p><em>

Royce Gracie vs. Vernon White</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

</em><em><strong>The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final</strong></em></p><p><em>

Johnny Rhodes vs. Ken Shamrock</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

</em><em><strong>The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final</strong></em></p><p><em>

Orlando Wiet vs. George Weingeroff</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>

</em><em><strong>The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final</strong></em></p><p><em>

Jack McGlaughlin vs. Art Jimmerson</em></p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p></p>

[CageRage]

<p>UFC: SuperFight</p><p>

Live From Denver, Colorado</p><p>

April 23rd, 1994</p><p> </p><p>

SuperFight Championship</p><p>

<strong>Rickson Gracie</strong> vs. Masakatsu Funaki</p><p> </p><p>

The Ultimate Fighter Final</p><p>

McGlaughlin, Jimmerson, Wiet, or Weingeroff vs. Rhodes, Shamrock, <strong>Gracie</strong>, or White</p><p> </p><p>

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final</p><p>

<strong>Gracie</strong> or White vs. Shamrock or Rhodes</p><p> </p><p>

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final</p><p>

Wiet or Weingeroff vs. <strong>McGlaughlin</strong> or Jimmerson</p><p> </p><p>

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final</p><p>

<strong>Royce Gracie</strong> vs. Vernon White</p><p> </p><p>

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final</p><p>

Johnny Rhodes vs. <strong>Ken Shamrock</strong></p><p> </p><p>

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final</p><p>

Orlando Wiet vs. <strong>George Weingeroff</strong></p><p> </p><p>

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final</p><p>

<strong>Jack McGlaughlin</strong> vs. Art Jimmerson</p>

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC: SuperFight

Live From Denver, Colorado

April 23rd, 1994

 

SuperFight Championship

Rickson Gracie vs. Masakatsu Funaki

 

The Ultimate Fighter Final

McGlaughlin, Jimmerson, Wiet, or Weingeroff vs. Rhodes, Shamrock, Gracie, or White

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final

Gracie or White vs. Shamrock or Rhodes

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final

Wiet or Weingeroff vs. McGlaughlin or Jimmerson

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Royce Gracie vs. Vernon White

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Johnny Rhodes vs. Ken Shamrock

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Orlando Wiet vs. George Weingeroff

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Jack McGlaughlin vs. Art Jimmerson

[Janpei]

UFC SuperFight

Saturday April 23rd, 1994

 

 

Having survived the toughest tournament in the martial arts world, Masakatsu Funaki and Rickson Gracie, have established themselves as two of the very best martial artists in the sport of full contact fighting. Tonight, these two titans of martial arts will meet one on one to determine who truly is the best martial artist on the planet.

 

Welcome to the SuperFight. Two men enter. Only one may leave. With an hour on the clock, Funaki and Gracie will show the world who the best martial artist is on the planet.

 

This is the SuperFight.

It starts now!

 

 

“Hello and welcome. I’m Jeff Blatnick and for the past two shows, I’ve been the voice of the UFC. Tonight, I’d like to welcome my new broadcast colleague, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Bryant Serrano. Serrano are you ready for tonight?”

 

 

“Jeff, am I ever!? Tonight the two top fighters in the entire full contact fighting world will face each other for the SuperFight Championship. And Jeff, I just have to say I’m honored to call the action with you.”

 

“Bryant, it’s going to be one heck of a show, I’ll tell you that much. Masakatsu Funaki is an unorthodox grappler. The way he moves, the way he attacks from angles, you can just never predict what he’s going to do. Royce Gracie struggled with maintaining a hold on Funaki in their fight for the Ultimate Fighter distinction at the first UFC. No one has been able to figure him out.

 

Then there’s Rickson Gracie who is considered by many to be the greatest martial artist alive. Before the second Ultimate Fighter tournament, he boldly claimed that he would beat everyone put in front of him, because beating Funaki was important. Well, at the second UFC event, he did just that, beating Minoru Suzuki, Murilo Bustamante, and Oleg Taktarov to become the second ever Ultimate Fighter. Now here we are. Funaki vs. Rickson.”

 

“And Jeff, you just mentioned a major story beat. Rickson Gracie beat Minoru Suzuki with a choke. Suzuki is a training partner of Funaki. Funaki is extra motivated tonight because he wants to do it for Suzuki.”

 

“And that’s really how this all began, Bryant. When Funaki beat Royce Gracie, Rickson contacted UFC management and asked how he could get a fight with Funaki . At the time, UFC was looking to just promote The Ultimate Fighter tournaments. They asked if he would be willing to participate in an Ultimate Fighter tournament, they could set it up there. Funaki couldn’t make the date of the tournament. Rickson said ‘Don’t worry about it, I’ve already trained, I’m ready for the tournament. When I win, give me what I want.’ Rickson has had his sights set on Funaki since the first event and tonight it’s happening for the UFC SuperFight Championship?

 

Bryant, are you ready to get started”

 

“Without a doubt Jeff. Let’s take it over to Rich Goins as we get started with the first quarter final bout in the third Ultimate Fighter tournament.”

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Art Jimmerson vs. Jack McGlaughlin

 

vs.

 

Art Jimmerson relaxes his shoulders and pumps a jab. The jab hits nothing but air and Jack McGlaughlin closes the space between himself and Jimmerson. When McGlaughlin inches closer, he’s met with a straight right from Jimmerson and the punch was just enough to get the freestyle fighter McGlaughlin to back off.

 

Blatnick

“McGlaughlin didn’t like that punch one bit.”

 

Serrano

“Art Jimmerson is going to be a problem in this tournament, Jeff. Rickson Gracie has taken him under his wing. I’ve seen this guy do Jiu Jitsu drills. He’s impressive. McGlaughlin knows he needs to get this fight to the ground but Jimmerson has learned how to keep it standing. That’s going to spell trouble.”

 

Art Jimmerson pops McGlaughlin with a right jab and then a left hand finds the mark, as well. Jimmerson offers up a right hand as the third and final punch in the combination, but McGlaughlin deflects it by throwing his right arm up to absorb the punch. McGlaughlin then charges at the Golden Gloves winning Jimmerson, and presses Jimmerson against the cage. Jimmerson breathes in a deep breath and relaxes. He then widens his stance. McGlaughlin however, secures a body lock and eventually wrestles Jimmerson off of his feet.

 

Blatnick

“Jimmerson taken down but man did he show an understanding of how to defend that. He widened his base, he made it difficult for McGlaughlin to scoop the legs for a takedown. McGlaughlin instead had to wrestle him down with a body lock and I can tell you now, that can wear you out quick.”

 

McGlaughlin throws punches from Jimmerson's side but the punches mainly land on the shoulder of Jimmerson. McGlaughlin realizes he needs to create space between himself and Jimmerson. Doing so will allow McGlaughlin to put some power into his punches. McGlaughlin tries to break free of Jimmerson’s grip but during the struggle, McGlaughlin loses his balance and Jimmerson is able to lock his arms around the waist of McGlaughlin, placing the freestyle fighter in a turtled position.

 

McGlaughlin tries to keep his grip on the wrist of Jimmerson, keeping the boxer’s hand pinned to the canvas. Undeterred by McGlaughlin’s attempt, Jimmerson is able to get the hand free and he begins to tag big shots to McGlaughlin’s body. McGlaughlin, not liking the punches, tries to break away but pretty soon he starts eating big right hands to the side of the head, and McGlaughlin ceases all movement and buries his head into his arms, his hands absorbing the punches from Jimmerson, who continues to rain them down anyway.

 

Serrano

“McGlaughlin is in trouble. Jimmerson has him hurt!”

 

Blatnick

“McGlaughlin’s covering up. Kenneth Newton might want to think about stopping this if Jimmerson keeps it up.”

 

McGlaughlin is able to take hold of Jimmerson’s right hand after grabbing a punch. With Jimmerson in McGlaughlin’s grip, McGlaughlin is able to pull Jimmerson in tight, where he’s able to shift his positioning now grabbing Jimmerson’s left ankle, looking to take the boxer down. Jimmerson displays his defensive grappling by wrapping his left arm tightly around McGlaughlin’s neck. McGlaughlin drops to his knee and Jimmerson uses his momentum to roll McGlaughlin on his back. During the roll, Jimmerson loses grip of the choke but is now on top of McGlaughlin where he tries to fire down punches, but McGlaughlin keeps his hands up to deflect them.

 

Blatnick

“How good does Art Jimmerson look tonight? McGlaughlin just hasn’t had an answer.”

 

Serrano

“That’s the power of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Art Jimmerson became a believer and look at what he’s doing in there now. He’s overwhelming McGlaughlin.”

 

With only a few minutes left in the round, Jimmerson spent the rest of the bout with ground control over McGlaughlin. Jimmerson would tag McGlaughlin all over the body with hard rights and lefts and the second McGlaughlin would try to get away, he exposed himself to punches to the face. The bell sounded to end the fight and Kenneth Newton stepped in to separate the two. Jimmerson showed respect for the tough McGlaughlin by helping him get to his feet.

 

The two men then stood center of the ring as they waited for the judges to announce the winner.

 

Judges Dustin Patterson, Clifford Cope, and Clinton Leon all agreed that Art Jimmerson will move on to the next round of The Ultimate Fighter.

 

Art Jimmerson advances to the semi final round of The Ultimate Fighter

 

Blatnick

“Impressive. That’s the only way to describe that, Bryant. A boxer with that kind of grappling ability. You’re absolutely right. He’s going to be a big problem!”

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Orlando Wiet vs. George Weinegeroff

 

vs.

 

George Weinegeroff goes low but quickly backs off when he sees Orlando respond with a left uppercut. Wiet lands the first strike with a chopping kick to the right leg of Weingeroff. Weingeroff responds in kind with a right hand but Wiet blocks the punch and tags Weingeroff in the leg with another kick. Weingeroff grimaces at the second kick and noticing the facial expression, Wiet lands a third. Weingeroff knows that he can’t leave his leg exposed to the kick so he dives in with a tackle but Wiet is able to pancake Weingeroff.

 

Serrano

“That’s not good!”

 

Blatnick

“Weingeroff telegraphed that whole thing. He showed his cards when he winced at that kick. When Wiet saw that face, he knew Weingeroff was done getting kicked so his next plan was to do the only thing that would stop Wiet from landing those kicks: get the fight to the ground. Wiet saw the level change and made himself equal to it. Very smart move.”

 

Wiet starts to fire away on Weingeroff with elbows to Weingeroff’s head, shoulders, and body. Wiet then pivots away from the sprawled position and is now angled to Weingeroff’s right where he tags Weingeroff with a right hand. Wiet doesn’t keep the position for long and instead locks himself around the waist of Weingeroff with a body triangle.

 

Blatnick

“Weingeroff is grapevined. With Wiet that tight around him, he ain’t getting out of there.”

 

Serrano

“We call that a body triangle. Having Weingeroff’s back like that opens up a lot of possibilities for Orland Wiet. I can’t wait to see what he does with it.”

 

Wiet tags Weingeroff with a wild series of rights and lefts. Weingeroff throws both of his hands up to the side of his head, hoping to deflect any future punches but as a result exposes his neck to Wiet. Wiet gets his left arm under Weingeroff’s chin. Wiet then locks his right arm by clamping it over his left hand. Weingeroff is now fighting for air. He tries to punch back and up at Wiet but that just allows Wiet to make the choke tighter. Weingeroff eventually waves his hand in the air signaling to referee John McCarthy that he gives up.

 

Blatnick

“That’s it! That choke was in tight and Weingeroff showed his lack of ground fighting experience. One thing you do not want to do when in a position like that is to just flail wildly. You just expose yourself even more.”

 

Serrano

“Orlando Wiet’s capabilities on the ground were in question leading up to tonight. I think we all know now that Wiet’s the real deal!”

 

Orlando Wiet advances to the semi final round of The Ultimate Fighter

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Ken Shamrock vs. Johnny Rhodes

 

vs.

 

Ken Shamrock has no trouble tripping up Johnny Rhodes to get the fight to the ground. Unfortunately for the karate practitioner, all he could show for the night was how truly out of his element he was in The Ultimate Fighter tournament. Shamrock had relatively little trouble grabbing the ankle of Rhodes. With the ankle in his grip, Shamrock then began to manipulate the ankle and foot, and bend Rhodes in such a way that he had no choice but to rapidly slam his hand on the mat to tell the referee he gives up

 

Ken Shamrock advances to the semi final round of The Ultimate Fighter

 

Blatnick

“No wasted movement! Rhodes just didn’t have an answer.”

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Royce Gracie vs. Vernon White

 

vs.

 

Royce Gracie eats a right hand but places his right foot behind Vernon. Vernon trips over Royce’s leg and White finds himself on his back with Gracie on top. Vernon throws a kick that catches Royce in the body. Vernon throws a second one that catches Gracie on the shoulder. Royce grabs Vernon’s ankle and keeps them pressed low preventing Vernon from throwing further kicks.

 

Serrano

“I think Royce got stung by one of those kicks, Jeff.”

 

Blatnick

“Royce recognized that the kicks were becoming a problem.”

 

Royce attempts to throw a punch from up top and it catches White on the shoulder. White widely kicks his legs attempting to break free from Gracie and Gracie responds by throwing White’s ankles over his head. With rolls backward due to the momentum from Royce’s throw and Royce seizes a choke on Vernon mid roll.

 

Blatnick

“That’s tight, Bryant! Vernon’s in trouble!”

 

Royce pulls back on the choke and his arm is deep under White’s chin. White can’t offer any kind of resistance. His arm goes limp and referee Kenneth Newton motions for the bell. Newton then pulls Royce away from Vernon and checks on the incapacitated fighter.

 

Royce Gracie advances to the semi final round of The Ultimate Fighter

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final

Art Jimmerson vs. Orlando Wiet

 

vs.

 

Wiet sets up for a low right kick and Art Jimmerson catches Parisian Muay Thai martial artist with a right hook. Wiet collapses to the canvas and Art Jimmerson raises his hand in the air confidently walking back to his corner.

 

Serrano

“A ONE PUNCH KNOCKOUT. ORLANDO WAS OUT ON CONTACT!”

 

Art Jimmerson advances to the final round of The Ultimate Fighter

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final

Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock

 

vs.

 

After a series of exciting quarterfinal fights and a big knock out in the last fight, Shamrock and Royce Gracie would once again disappoint the audience. Both fighters started the fight slowly circling around the octagon. Gracie would throw a single punch. Shamrock would return with one of his own. In response, Gracie would throw another punch. Shamrock would block it and throw a punch that hit nothing but air. The two fighters would then return to slowly circling around the cage and the crowd would follow in kind with boos.

 

Blatnick

“I know the crowd doesn’t approve of what they’re seeing but Shamrock and Gracie just respect each other’s abilities. Both men understand just how dangerous the other is.”

 

Serrano

“Knockouts and submissions are great but what a lot of people don’t understand is that martial arts at the end of the day is a chess match. You stay one step ahead of your opponent. You wait for them to expose a weakness. Then you capitalize.”

 

While Shamrock and Gracie continued circling around the ring, only throwing a handful of punches between them, the Denver, Colorado audience found other ways to entertain themselves. For instance, a wave broke out in the audience at one point. At another point in the fight, the crowd even started a “boring” chant.

 

Serrano

“I understand the crowd’s frustration but Shamrock and Gracie still have another fight to think about.”

 

Blatnick

“Self preservation, Bryant. That’s an important aspect of the Ultimate Fighter tournament. You’re absolutely right. Shamrock and Gracie could be reckless and put on a spectacle for this crowd but there’s still $15,000 at the end of the road.”

 

Shamrock throws a kick and Gracie tries to catch it. Gracie uses the opportunity to try to move in for a body lock but Shamrock pushes Gracie away and circles out. Shamrock manages to throw a low kick on the way out but it doesn’t land. When Shamrock gets turned around during the kick, Gracie closes the space between them and shoves Shamrock into the cage. Gracie hits Shamrock with an uppercut but Shamrock breaks free from Gracie. The two return to circling around the octagon.

 

Serrano

“We know what Gracie and Shamrock are capable of. They’ve finished every opponent they’ve fought in the tournament. It’s just when they fight each other that things slow down.”

 

Blatnick

“Styles makes fights, Bryant. That’s exactly what we’re seeing with Shamrock and Gracie. They’re equally skilled grapplers. Both men are excellent with their submission fighting. They’re unwilling to put themselves in a disadvantageous position.”

 

Royce throws a light kick that doesn’t go anywhere but does slap Shamrock with a palm strike. Shamrock eats the slap and tries to respond with an inside kick to the leg. Royce steps away from the kick and catches Shamrock with a punch. Gracie then manages to seize control of Shamrock with a body lock but the bell sounds and the fight is over.

 

Shamrock and Gracie show each other respect, the two men embracing in a hug and then both raising their arms in the air in celebration. They stand at opposite sides of referee Bill Davies. The judges then award the fight to Royce Gracie.

 

Royce Gracie advances to the final round of The Ultimate Fighter

 

The Ultimate Fighter Final

Royce Gracie vs. Art Jimmerson

 

vs.

 

Despite a thirty minute bout, Royce Gracie explodes in a burst of energy and tackles Art Jimmerson to the ground. Much like in his fight with Jack McGlaughlin, Art Jimmerson secures a choke on the way down as a way of defending the takedown. Royce Gracie, however, shows his expert knowledge in submission fighting by moving to the side of Jimmerson. From the side position, Gracie then presses his shoulder into the neck of Jimmerson. Gracie then moves his right arm around the back of Jimmerson’s neck.

 

Serrano

“Oh wow! What we’re seeing Jeff, is the primary way to counter what’s called a guillotine choke which is what Art Jimmerson has on Royce. Royce moved to Jimmerson’s side. And watch this - he’s going to his shoulder to choke Art Jimmerson from that side position.”

 

Almost as if Bryant Serrano directed the scene, Royce locked his arm tight around the back of Jimmerson’s neck, his shoulder pressing into the throat of Jimmerson. Upon Gracie applying the choke, Jimmerson relinquishes the guillotine choke and then taps his arm on Gracie’s shoulder to give up.

 

Blatnick

“Royce Gracie is our new Ultimate Fighter! After a disappointing final in the first tournament, Royce Gracie can say he was able to survive the ironman and become the Ultimate Fighter! What an incredible moment.”

 

Royce Gracie is The Ultimate Fighter!

 

SuperFight Championship

Rickson Gracie vs. Masakatsu Funaki

 

 

vs.

 

The crowd erupts when the bell rings at the sight of Masakatsu Funaki who charges at Rickson Gracie, shoving the Gracie Jiu Jitsu prodigy into the cage. Funaki then starts lighting up Rickson Gracie with palm strikes and Rickson covers up, absorbing the barrage. Proving to be a dynamic martial artist, Funaki changes it up and grabs Rickson Gracie’s legs tackling him to the ground.

 

Blatnick

“Masakatsu Funaki is on a mission tonight, Bryant!”

 

Serrano

“Gracie wasn’t expecting that!”

 

Funaki grabs Rickson’s right ankle and tries to advance his position but Rickson locks his leg around Funaki’s shoulder, driving the shoulder to the mat. Funaki tries to pull his arm free and Rickson moves out from underneath Funaki, and takes Funaki’s side. Rickson hits Funaki with right and left palm strikes and the flurry of strikes flattens Funaki out. From above, Rickson lowers in and wraps his left arm around Masakatu’s throat.

 

Serrano

“Funaki’s flattened out! What you’re seeing right there is a rear naked choke. In a traditional jiu jitsu environment, you position your feet on the thighs of your opponent effectively controlling them. That’s called getting the hooks in. With the hooks in, you can flatten your opponent out and secure the choke. Instead of using the hooks with his feet, Rickson took to punching Funaki and Funaki mistakenly flattened himself out to defend. Let’s see what Rickson can do here.”

 

Blatnick

“The strength of Gracie. This is not a position you want to be in. Gracie has full control of Funaki’s actions. If you’re right and he goes for that choke like you’ve indicated, we’re looking at the first SuperFight Champion!”

 

Rickson lifts his left arm up, causing Funaki’s head to bob up with it. Gracie then lifts his right arm and links it up with his left by wrapping his left hand around his right wrist. Funaki’s face tightens and he grips at Rickson’s hands trying to break free. In response, Rickson tightens the choke and Funaki has no choice but to tap his hand on the canvas.

 

Blatnick

“RICKSON GRACIE IS THE SUPERFIGHT CHAMPION! HE WEATHERED THE EARLY STORM FROM FUNAKI AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE SUBMISSION!”

 

Rickson Gracie becomes the SuperFight Champion!

 

 

---

[Janpei]

 

Ultimate Fighting Championships: SuperFight

Live Gate: $179,500

Earnings from Pay Per View Broadcast: $60,841

Critical Rating: 77%

Commercial Rating: 45%

 

SuperFight Championship

Rickson Gracie defeated Masakatsu Funaki via submission to become the UFC SuperFight Champion (Rear naked choke) (3:27) (Great)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Final

Royce Gracie defeated Art Jimmerson via submission to become The Ultimate Fighter (Shoulder choke) (1:30) (Good)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final

Royce Gracie defeated Ken Shamrock via Judges’ Decision (30:00) (Very Poor)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Semi Final

Art Jimmerson defeated Orlando Wiet via knockout (Punch) (:20) (Good)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Royce Gracie defeated Vernon White via submission (Rear naked choke) (8:33) (Great)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Ken Shamrock defeated Johnny Rhodes via submission (Toe hold) (2:43) (Great)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Orlando Wiet defeated George Weingeriff via submission (Rear naked choke) (11:20) (Good)

 

The Ultimate Fighter Quarter Final

Art Jimmerson defeated Jack McGlaughlin via Judges’ Decision (30:00) (Great)

[Janpei]

Ultimate Fighting Championships Moves to Texas

 

 

The Ultimate Fighting Championships has announced that its fourth event will move from Denver, Colorado to Dallas, Texas on Saturday July 2nd. The show has been officially titled as ‘The Return’ and will see four martial artists who had previously competed in The Ultimate Fighter ironman tournament. As of now, the four returning fighters have not been announced. They will, however, be joined by four new martial artists making their debut in the tournament.

 

There is no word on whether or not SuperFight Champion Rickson Gracie will be on the show.

Rickson has gone on record to indicate that he has no plans to fight his little brother, Ultimate Fighter 3 tournament winner, Royce Gracie.