Excitement is our Signature [WMMA3]

[DeToxRox]

This dynasty takes plays five years into the future using the Adam Ryland created Default database that comes with WMMA. I will be doing it partly in character, partly out. The next few posts will update the MMA world after simming five years.

[DeToxRox]

AMERICA

1. Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA)

CEO: Lance Decker
Opened: April 1994
Gender: Male
Weight Classes: 5 Division (Lightweight - Heavyweight)

World Ranking: #1
Size: High Level National
Momentum: 61.3%

GAMMA is the premier MMA company in the world, though ALPHA-1 has been gaining steam over the past five years. GAMMA currently features a star studded roster that holds six of the Blurcat top 25 pound for pound fighters. While they do not oversaturate the market by running a ton of shows, they still held 11 PPV's and 2 TV events in 2002. Folks who watch GAMMA shows get it all as the company employs every style of fighter and rarely do crowds go home disappointed.

Key Fighters:

1. "Spanish Silk" Julio Reguerio (30-0) [LW]
- Current GAMMA Lightweight Champion
- 1x GAMMA Welterweight Champion
- #2 Pound for Pound
- #1 Lightweight
- 9 Submissions of the Night
- 1 KO of the Night

At 32 years old Rgeuerio is in the prime of his career. After dominating the GAMMA Welterweight Division he vacated his title and dropped down to Lightweight for a bigger challenge. The slick BJJ practitioner has not found the challenge he craves yet however, as he continues to be a class above all his competitors.

2. John "The Ripper" Rivero (25-2) [LHW]
- Current GAMMA Light Heavyweight Champion
- #4 Pound for Pound
- #2 Heavyweight
- 2000 Fight of the Year vs Ken Peters

A natural heavyweight, Rivero has been fighting at 205 for over five years despite his tendency to sometimes miss weight. The Sambo master has reeled off 13 straight wins, dating back to 1998, and in 2000 his first round submission victory over Ken Peters was voted Blurcat's Fight of the Year. At 32 Rivero, much like Reguerio is in the prime of his career and he should continue to be a force within GAMMA for years to come.

3. "The Islander" Neil Napier (25-2) [MW]
- Current GAMMA Middleweight Champion
- #10 Pound for Pound
- #2 Middleweight
- 2002 Submission of the Year vs Osmosis Benn

Napier, ironically like Reguerio and Rivero, is 32 years old. Talk about a good birth year for elite fighters. Napier is one of the most cerebral fighters in all of MMA as he brings detailed game plans into every fight. This attention to detail has paid off for "The Islander" as he won the GAMMA Middleweight Title in his last fight when he made Osmosis Benn tap to a Triangle choke which ultimately was picked as Blurcats top submission for 2002.


2. Xtreme Cage Combat (XCC)

CEO: Vince Whiteman
Opened: March 1997
Gender: Male and Female
Weight Classes: 3 Divisions (Women - Lightweight)

World Ranking: #8
Size: High Level Regional
Momentum: 70.2%

XCC is a niche company that focuses squarely on Featherweights and Lightweights. It allows for the company to provide action packed fights but it lacks the star power that comes with the bigger weight classes. Still, XCC is able to run roughly six times a year and make a profit in the process. They will never become a major player in MMA but they should always have a spot in the sport.

Key Fighters:

1. Easton "Small" Frye (21-6) [FW]
- #1 Featherweight

Frye is considered the top Featherweight in MMA but has yet to taste gold. Riding a two fight win streak, the 28 year old Frye seems to finally be hitting his stride and a title bout with the champ Frank Romita seems likely in 2003.

2. Philip "Kid" Ziskie (24-2-1) [FW]
- Former XCC Featherweight Champion [7 Defenses]
- 2001 Fighter of the Year

At 31, Philip Ziskie is in the prime of his career, and some may argue he is still the top Featherweight in the world. In fact he holds a win over Easton Frye but a loss to Rafael Tavares two fights ago caused his fall. Ziskie is a staple of the XCC roster and still feels he has one more title run in him.

3. "The Banker" Frank Romita (17-3) [FW]
- Current XCC Featherweight Champion

Romita is the disrespected king of the XCC FW division. At 28 he is a young fighter who has already been through some wars, but he still has yet to earn respect as is noted by being the 3rd ranked Featherweight in the World despite being the XCC champion. Romita is riding a three fight win streak, but he has a loss on his record to Philip Ziskie he will have to avenge if he ever wants to properly earn his place as the best FW in the world.

[DeToxRox]

JAPAN

1. ALPHA-1: Japanese Mixed Martial Arts (APLHA-1)

CEO: Meiji Nishimura
Opened: September 1992
Gender: Male
Weight Classes: 5 Division (Lightweight - Heavyweight)

World Ranking: #2
Size: High Level National
Momentum: 49.4%

ALPHA-1 is the second biggest company in the world, though MMA purists will say it is clearly the best promotion on the planet. Putting on between 8-10 PPV's a year to go along with 2-3 television shows, ALPHA-1 usually has some incredibly entertaining fights littered up and down their cards. Of course, the biggest thing going for the company is that is is home to the best fighter in the world, "The Big Bad" Hassan Fezzik. Though Fezzik is nearing the end of his career, there are other stars waiting in the wings to continue the tradition of amazing fighters in the company. With eight of the top 25 pound for pound fighters on the roster, ALPHA-1 can easily make the case it has the best talent roster in the World.

Key Fighters:

1. "The Big Bad" Hassan Fezzik (33-0) [HW]
- Current ALPHA-1 Heavyweight Champion
- #1 Pound for Pound Fighter
- #1 Heavyweight
- 1998 Submission of the Year vs Kunimichi Kikuchi
- 2000 Submission of the Year vs Ari Peltonen
- 2001 Knockout of the Year vs Armen Sarkisian

Everyone has always wondered when, but now the question is if Fezzik will ever lose. At 37 "The Big Bad" is nearing the end of his career but no one has come close to touching him yet. With the end of his career in sights both MMA fans and pundits alike are wondering if the big Sambo champ can ever be overthrown.

2. Manoel "Colagem" Cabral (13-0) [LW]
- Current ALPHA-1 Lightweight Champion
- #5 Pound for Pound
- #2 Lightweight
- 1999 Rise of the Year
- 1999 Upset of the Year vs Go Yamamoto
- 2001 Suvmission of the Year vs Sukarno

Cabral debuted in ALPHA-1 with an Armbar submission victory over Go Yamamoto. Since then he has been on a tear with 10 straight wins, nine of them coming via submission. MMA fans all over the world dream of the day when maybe, just maybe, Cabral can face off with Julio Reguerio to determine who truly is the best LW in the world.

3. "The Bad Element" Curt Kitson (15-0) [LHW]
- 1x BCF Light Heavyweight Champion
- #7 Pound for Pound
- #2 Light Heavyweight

After dominating the BCF Kiston decided it was time to ply his trade with the big boys which is when he signed a deal with ALPHA-1. Since signing with ALPHA the Scot is 4-0 including a huge win in his debut over Rafael van der Moot. Kitson's mixture of Judo and Boxing makes him an exciting fighter that the fans line up to see.


2. Japanese EMERALD Fight (EMERALD)

CEO: Eiasku Higashikuni
Opened: August 2001
Gender: Male
Weight Classes: 4 Division (Lightweight - Light Heavyweight)

World Ranking: #10
Size: Mid Level Regional
Momentum: 52.1%

EMERALD is an exciting brand of MMA that created rules aimed at encouraging exciting, fast paced fights. Despite being a new company the company has already had six shows and are slowly cultivating a following.

Top Fighters:

1. "Dangerous" Darin Blood (15-6) [WW]

Blood hasn't had any achievements to speak of, but the Hawaiian is an exciting fighter who mixes brawling with Muay Thai to have exciting fights. He hasn't fought since 2000 in GAMMA but now he is back in EMERALD ready to make a name for himself.

2. Seiho Nanami (8-0) [LW]
- Current EMERALD Lightweight Champion

Nanami is another exciting fighter who specializes in Muay Thai. He spent two years on the local circuit beating up cans but now he has stepped up his game in EMERALD where he is 2-0 in the company and putting on exciting fights.

3. "The Spartan" Davis Spyrou (21-7) [MW]
- 1x BCF Middleweight Champion

Spyrou is a Kickboxer who hails from London. He has lethal KO power in his legs but his chin is on the outs as was evident by a three fight losing streak in BCF, all by KO. After fighting a local fight and picking up a much needed win he signed with EMERALD where he won his debut fight. Spyrou now hopes he can parlay this new found confidence into a title run.

[DeToxRox]

PLACEHOLDER2

[DeToxRox]

EUROPE

1. Signature Martial Arts (SIGMA)

CEO: Jan de Mol
Opened: October 1996
Gender: Male
Weight Classes: 6 Division (Featherweight - Heavyweight)

World Ranking: #3
Size: High Level Regional
Momentum: 67.4%

SIGMA is the biggest MMA company in Europe. Unlike GAMMA and ALPHA-1 which has had a lot of entertainment aspects to their promotions, SIGMA has been a very serious company, expelling the entertainment side of MMA altogether. With a strong roster to build upon, SIGMA must lock up their current stars and build new ones to compete with the likes of GAMMA and ALPHA-1.

Top Fighters:

1. "The Great Bear" Aleksander Ivanov (11-0) [HW}
- Current SIGMA Heavyweight Champion
- #12 Pound for Pound
- #3 Heavyweight
- 1999 Main Event of the Year vs Lefter Oktay

As is the case with the top HW's in the world, Ivanov is a Sambo expert. Where Ivanov is a step above most is his excellent stand up credited mostly to his incredibly strength. He has KO power in both hands and when he gets on top of an opponent his GNP is scary. At 26 he is just about ready to enter his prime.

2. "The Ice Cold Swede" Lukas Mellberg (19-3) [LW]
- #16 Pound for Pound
- #3 Lightweight

Mellberg is an enigma in the MMA game. He has only 3 fights in SIGMA since 1998 and won all three. It has been two years since his last fight but he is expected to see more action soon as he has a renewed focus on the fight game.

3. Fiyero Lermontov (13-0) [LW]
- #17 Pound for Pound
- #4 Lightweight

Lermontov is perhaps the scariest fighter in MMA. He is a former Russian Special Forcers operative who possesses excellent boxing, world class Sambo and most important perhaps the biggest heart in MMA. He is nearly impossible to be stopped as is evident by his undefeated record.


2. British Cage Fighting (BCF)

CEO: Robyn Bleasdale
Opened: November 1995
Gender: Male
Weight Classes: 5 Division (Lightweight - Heavyweight)

World Ranking: #4
Size: High Level Regional
Momentum: 60.3%

BCF is a standard MMA promotion based out of London. They have been a solid, though unspectacular promotion that will most likely never be one of the elite companies but they should also never lose their place in the market.

Top Fighters

1. Vikram "Punishment" Sithalayn (20-2) [WW]
- Current BCF Welterweight Champion
- #9 Pound for Pound
- #2 Welterweight

Sithalayn is a dangerous submission expert from Pakistan. He is riding a win streak and is currently untouchable in the BCF. Sithalayn may never reach his potential if he doesn't end up in one of the major promotions where he can truly test himself against the best.

2. David "Spider Man" Webb (19-4) [WW]
- 1x BCF Welterweight Champion
- #20 Pound for Pound
- #3 Welterweight

Webb is a tremendous Catch Wrestler who has an incredible ability to pass guard, even against the best BJJ practioneers. He would be the top Welterweight in BCF if not for Sithalayn who made Webb tap in the 3rd round in their one fight. Webb is on a win streak since then but he will have to beat "Punishment" to reclaim his spot as the best.

3. "The Beast of Birmingham" Rav Kapur (12-1) [HW]
- Current BCF Heavyweight Champion
- 2x BCF Heavyweight Champion
- #24 Pound for ound
- #7 Heavyweight

Kapur is a dangerous Kickboxer who might also be the most angry fighter in all of MMA. He doesn't go out looking to win a fight; he goes out looking to maim his opponent. With a series of highlight reel knockouts to his credit the 30 year old Kapur has a chance to be a star.

[DeToxRox]

MEXICO

1. OMEGA Fighting Championships (OMEGA)

CEO: Dean Guest
Opened: January 1999
Gender: Male
Weight Classes: 5 Division (Lightweight - Heavyweight)

World Ranking: #5
Size: High Level Regional
Momentum: 59.8%

OMEGA is an interesting fixture in the MMA world. It has a big boxing influence; fights are 12 rounds and fighters have a ten count if they are knocked down. For MMA purists OMEGA isn't highly regarded but it has a high crossover with boxing fans in Mexico.

Key Fighters:

1. Leonard de Costa (15-6) [MW]
- #5 Middleweight

de Costa, a world class BJJ fighter and also a respected teacher, has all the skills in the world to be a top tier fighter. Unfortunately he cannot stick to a gameplan and ends up in wild brawls that fit in nicely with OMEGA but are not conducive to him ever being a more highly regarded fighter. He is easily the most talented fither in OMEGA which is enough to dominate the promotion.

2. Gyokusho "Fujizilla" Fujimoto (14-4) [HW]
- Current OMEGA Heavyweight Champion
- #10 Heavyweight

Fujimoto at 27 is entering his prime. He is a big time HW prospect thanks mostly to his awesome Kickboxing. After being cut from ALPA-1 prematurely he has dominated OMEGA. Expect Fujimoto to end up back in one of the big promotions soon.

3. "The Flying V" Esteban Vega (12-2) [MW]
- 1x OMEGA Middleweight Champion

At 23 Vega hasn't even scratched the surface with how good he can be. He has a nice mix of wrestling and boxing that makes him a promising contender in the future. As Vega hones his skills in Mexico he is going to become a highly sought after Free Agent when he hits the open market.

[DeToxRox]

BRAZIL

1. Fight League Brazil (FLB)

CEO: Clodomil Dualib
Opened: December 1995
Gender: Male
Weight Classes: 5 Division (Lightweight - Heavyweight)

World Ranking: #6
Size: High Level Regional
Momentum: 63.7%

FLB is one of the most exciting promotions in the World as it is the breeding ground for the best Brazil has to offer. Unfortunately for FLB GAMMA and ALPHA-1 are always waiting in the wings to give big money to the stars of the promotion but they find a way to easily restock their ranks.

Key Fighters:

1. Affonso "The Cyborg" Villar (27-2) [LHW]
- Current FLB Light Heavyweight Champion
- #3 Pound for Pound
- #1 Light Heavyweight
- 1997 Rise of the Year

The Cyborg is the most dangerous Muay Thai fighter in the World. That is not even debatable. At 27 he is also just entering his prime and can be counted on as an absoulte force in the near future.

2. Thais Antonio Taffarel (23-3) [MW]
- Current FLB Middleweight Champion
- 2x FLB Middleweight Champion
- #6 Pound for Pound
- #1 Middleweight

Taffarel is another excellent Muay Thai fighter though he has a superb all around game that has made him worthy of his status as the top Middleweight in the world. At only 30 years old Taffarel still has his best days ahead of him, but one has to wonder what would happen if he ended up in a bigger promotion.

3. Joaquim "Assassino Silencioso" Fontes (26-5) [MW]
- 1x FLB Middleweight Champion
- #21 Pound for Pound
- #4 Middleweight

Fontes is a dangerous ground fighter who unfortunately is in the same division as Taffarel. He is still someone who can beat anyone on any given day because of his BJJ skills. At 32 he is getting closer to the end of his career than he is the beginning but he still has plenty of good fights left.

[DeToxRox]

RUSSIA

1. Tap Out Promotions (TOP)

CEO: Jerome T. McCallum
Opened: January 2000
Gender: Male
Weight Classes: 4 Division (Welterweight - Heavyweight)

World Ranking: #9
Size: Mid Level Regional
Momentum: 58.1%

TOP is a promotion with a massive financial backing that looks to capitalize on the popularity of Sambo in Russia. Though they are a relatively new company they are not afaid to pay for talent which will bode well for them in the future.

Key Fighters:

1. Wenderson de Oliveria (11-0) [MW]
- #8 Middleweight

de Oliveria is a solid BJJ fighter who has already won five fights since TOP formed. He is the best fighter currently on their roster at any weight, but he has yet to fight for the TOP Middleweight Title. Once he does he is sure to become champion.

2. "Blood Spirit" Hyun-Shik Lim (16-3) [LHW]
- Current TOP Lightweight Champion
- #13 Light Heavyweight

- Lim is one of the most exciting fighters in the world and is the pride of South Korea. After being cut from ALPHA-1 he came to TOP where he has been on a roll and is sure to be earning interest from bigger promotions.

3. Valdo Calamari (10-0) [WW]
- Current TOP Welterweright Champion
- #6 Welterweight

Calamri is only 25 and has a long ways to go but so far so good. He has been winning fights on his feet but he has a decent ground game that can evolve over time. Calamri is expected to be a solid contender in any Welterweight Division but until he faces stiff competition no one knows how great he can be.

[DeToxRox]

TO: Jan de Mol ([email protected])
FROM: Jamaal Stone ([email protected])
SUBJECT: Re: Job Offer

Mr. de Mol,

I apologize I have yet to meet with you in person to formally discuss your job offer but I would like you to know I am not only interested in the position, but I would like to accept your offer. I have one last fight to finish promotion on and then I would available to start come January 1st, 2003.

I believe all the contractual details can be hammered on over the upcoming weekend, but one thing I must have authority on is using some of my promotional background to help create a more "big fight" feel around our events. It is something SIGMA has avoided in the past but it is absolutely necessary if we are to ever compete with GAMMA and ALPHA-1.

We will catch up more later but I look forward to working with you in the future!

Thanks,
Jamaal Stone
C.E.O Big Fight Promotions

[DeToxRox]

TO: Jan de Mol ([email protected])
FROM: Jamaal Stone ([email protected])
SUBJECT: Re: Re: Job Offer

Jan,

I appreciate you allowing me to address you so formally! I am excited that we share a similar vision on moving forward with SIGMA and in fact I have already had a few of my closest confidants that I will bring along with me to SIGMA work up a couple of ideas to promote the card your previous match maker had already booked before he was let go.

I will be looking forward to moving to Germany in the upcoming weeks and getting started with SIGMA.

Thank you again!

Jamaal Stone
SIGMA President of Talent Relations/Matchmaker

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA Roster

Heavyweight Division Rankings

SIGMA Heavyweight Champion: "The Great Bear" Aleksander Ivanov (11-0)

1. "The Baddest Man in MMA" Terron Cabal (17-1)
2. Lefter "The Beast" Oktay (16-1)
3. "Polish Power" Grzegorz Boniek (34-5)
4. Stratos "Atlas" Papaioannou (28-6)
5. "The African Dream" Souleymane Ya Konan (10-2)

[DeToxRox]

Light Heavyweight Division Rankings

SIGMA Light Heavyweight Champion: Matti "The Hammer" Kurri (14-1-1)

1. "The Hand Grenade" Valentin Taneyev (10-1)
2. "The Scourge of Europe" Nicolai Mickiewicz (25-6)
3. Volker Herzog (8-2)
4. Adrian "The Nut" Majoram (8-3)
5. Hardy Tristan (8-3)

[DeToxRox]

Middleweight Division Rankings

SIGMA Middleweight Champion: Vacant

1. "Brickhouse" Thorbjorn Rekdal (10-1)
2. Fernando "The Traveler" Amaro (54-14-4-2 NC)
3. Edgar van den Hoogenband (7-2)
4. "Ice Cold" Stephan de Winter (7-1)
5. Hans-Peter Schneider (16-8)

[DeToxRox]

Welterweight Division Rankings

SIGMA Welterweight Champion: Heikichi Shimizu (7-1)

1. "The Super Animal" Noach Van Der Capellen (28-5)
2. Jens "Battery" Halle (18-4)
3. Dominykas "Slamkovic" Jankovic (12-4)
4. Roland Furtwanger (9-0)
5. Filip Hristov (6-1)

[DeToxRox]

Lightweight Division Rankings

SIGMA Lightweight Champion: "El Diablo" Luis Basora (19-3)

1. "The Ice Cold Swede" Lukas Mellberg (19-3)
2. Fiyero Lermontov (13-0)
3. "The Sharpshooter" Georges Nouri (14-1)
4. Lubos "The Experiment" Plasil (7-0)
5. Harald "Hammer" Hubner (9-2)

[DeToxRox]

Featherweight Division Rankings

SIGMA Featherweight Champion: "Samurai Spirit" Tomohiro Takeuchi (21-2)

1. "The Peragon of Virtue" Fernando Peragon (12-4)
2. Hans Christian Boch (9-0)
3. "Kid Britain" Manish Khan (15-2)
4. Nuno "The Idol" Valentino (8-0)
5. "Mighty Mouse" Heiko Pander (7-0)

[DeToxRox]

Credit to BYU14 who's card layout I blatantly swiped.

Signature Martial Arts Presents
SIGMA: Hajek vs van den Hoogenband, January 2003

Main Event

SIGMA Middleweight Title Fight

"Filthy" Luka Hajej (7-1) vs Edgar van den Hoogenband
(7-2)

Co-Main Event

Lightweight Division
Grigory Kabalevsky (8-1) vs Fiyero Lermontov (13-0)

Middleweight Division
Tore Herlovsen (7-3) vs Konstantinos "Tapper" Chorophas (10-5)

Welterweight Division
Jean-Jacques Levasseur (4-2) vs Dominykas "Slamkovic" Jankovic (12-4)

Lightweight Division
Xavi Castillejo (5-1) vs Folke Dalen (6-0)

Featherweight Division
Alvaro "The Hornet" Negredo (20-10) vs Marco "The Bomb" Bernacci (6-2)

Heavyweight Division
Kurt "Chopper" McDonald (5-1) vs "The Count" Jean-Pierre Richelleau (24-9)

Featherweight Division
Pedro "The Wolverine" Alves (14-6) vs Jan "Thunderbolt" Illic (6-2)

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Hajek vs van den Hoogenband Before the Bell

"In just a weeks time SIGMA will hold their first show of 2003. It is a truly historic show as not only is it last show ever booked by outgoing matchmaker Frederik Rouse, but finally after nearly two years SIGMA will crown a Middleweight Champion! Tonight we look ahead to the main bouts on the show and at the conclusion of our broadcast the new SIGMA Head of Talent Relations Jamaal Stone will announce the Main Event for the next SIGMA show!"

Main Event
SIGMA Middleweight Title Fight
"Filthy" Luka Hajej (7-1) vs Edgar van den Hoogenband (7-2)

"In our Main Event two men who many feel may not be ready to fight for a title will get a chance to prove those skeptics wrong, as "Filthy" Luka Hajej takes on Edgar van den Hoogenband!"

"Luka Hajek is a young man who has had to fight for everything he's ever gotten. Coming out of Belgrade, Serbia, Hajek has have to overcome many obstacles that would have stopped most men. This upbringing can be seen in his wild brawling style. Despite being a solid boxer, Hajek would rather throw them fast and loose rather then use strategy. Despite not having any major wins to name Hajek is coming into this fight confident that he will walk out of the cage as SIGMA Middleweight Champion!"

"They say styles make match ups, well in this case the styles could make for a damn exciting fight. Edgar van den Hoogenband, a prolific Kickboxer, spent much of his career with rival British Cage Fighting, but after failing to come to terms on a new deal Edgar came to SIGMA where he immediately made his presence known, scoring a devastating 3rd round KO of Drazen Gabelich. Now van den Hoogenband is a week away from the biggest fight of his career and he has promised the world he will make quick work of Hajek."

Co-Main Event
Lightweight Division
Grigory Kabalevsky (8-1) vs Fiyero Lermontov (13-0)

"Generally it is at 18 when a kid becomes a man. In MMA the age varies for when a rookie becomes a veteran. In our Co-Main Event, a rookie meets a legend, and for the legend a title shot is on the line!"

"After debuting in SIGMA with a loss, Grigory Kabalevsky has come on strong with three straight wins. The Judo expert has grown as a fighter since losing to Maurice Braudel, ending his last three fights on the ground through stoppages. Pundits have questioned how good he really is, and now he will get to show the World when he faces his fellow countrymen Fiyero Lermontov!"

"For only having 13 fights, Fiyero Lermontov may be the most inexperienced legend in MMA history. Yet no one can question his heart, his will and most importantly, his skill. Lermontov is a monster who has hardly any flaws in his game, and maybe one of the most menacing fighters in the world. The former Special Ops soldier is on a two year layoff from the sport, but he is back and he is ready to show the youngster how much he still has to learn!"

"Unfortunately we are running out of time and cannot preview all the other fights on the show, but we felt it was necessary to bring Mr. Jamaal Stone on so he could let everyone know what to expect at the second SIGMA event of 2003!"

"SIGMA fans, I am so excited to be a part of this amazing fighting organization and I am here tonight to briefly introduce myself, and to let you know that in March SIGMA will present its next event, and it will be headlined by a rematch for the SIGMA Heavyweight Title, as "The Great Bear" Aleksander Ivanov defends his title against the man he won it from, "The Baddest Man in MMA" Terron Cabal! So everyone we will see you in a week with more exciting SIGMA action!"

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Hajek vs van Hoogenband
Monday, Week 2, January 2003
Live from Germany

Main Event
SIGMA Middleweight Title Fight
"Filthy" Luka Hajek (7-1) vs Edgar van den Hoogenband (7-2)

Round 1: It's a solid first round that showcases both men's striking ability. van den Hoogenband takes the round though after a beautiful right cross drops Hajek but Hajek is able to recover before he loses it on the ground.

Round 2: Boring round here as neither man does anything. Very discouraging to see after a fun first round.

Round 3: Dominating third round by van den Hoogenband. He just lays into Hajek with vicious leg kicks that are leaving Hajek with a noticeable limp. At one point Hajek gets caught low but he is able to continue on.

Round 4: With Hajek worried about taking more punishment to his legs, he leaves himself open up top. He ends up eating a right foot and goes down. van den Hoogenband mounts Hajek and ends the fight with brutal ground and pound.

Edgar van den Hoogenband d. Luka Hajek (TKO - Strikes) at 4:14 of the 4th round to win the SIGMA Middleweight Title [Poor]

Co-Main Event/Lightweight Division
Grigory Kabalevsky (8-1) vs Fiyero Lermontov (13-0)

Round 1: Lermontov comes in and gets a hold of Kabalevsky. He promptly scoops him up and slams him down. Lermontov can't pass guard however so he spends the round on top, fending off a bunch of submission attempts from Kabalevsky. Still, it's an easy round for Lermontov.

Round 2: Late in the round with both men on the cage Lermontov executes a Judo throw but he cannot capitalize and again ends the round in top control. Kavalevsky is getting abused but he is showing some good heart and solid guard.

Round 3: With Lermontov looking gassed, Kavalesky attempts a takedown, but he is stuffed and instead Lermontov uses his momentum to wrestle Kavalesky to the ground. From there he is able to end up behind Kavalesky and he locks both hooks in. Lermontov's strength is too much for Kavalesky and he ends up in a Rear Naked Choke which he taps out to.

Fiyero Lermontov d. Grigory Kabalevsky (Submission - Rear Naked Choke) at 2:50 of the 3rd round [Average]

Middleweight Division
Tore Herlovsen (7-3) vs Konstantinos "Tapper" Chorophas (10-5)

Round 1: It is a terrible round as neither man wants to engage. When either fighter does take a shot it is a half hearted effort that is more done to do something rather then to land something. Hard to give either guy this round.

Round 2: It's a more exciting second round as both men engage in a nice exchange. The exchange leads to both men ending up in a messy clinch which allows Chorophas to shoot a takedown. It takes him a bit but he ends up in side control where he locks on an Armbar and Herlovsen has to tap!

Konstantinos Chorophas d. Tore Herlovsen (Submission - Armbar) at 4:10 of the 2nd round [Average]

Welterweight Division
Jean-Jacques Levasseur (4-2) vs Dominykas "Slamkovic" Jankovic (12-4)

Round 1: Janokvic shows why he is named Slamkovic when he takes Levasseur down a big slam. Jankovic attempts to get into mount but by the time he does the round ends. Still, an easy round for Slamkovic.

Round 2: Levasseur goes on the offensive this round. moving around the cage, hitting Jankovic with solid shots and not getting caught himself. Near the end of the round Jankovic does get a takedown but it shouldn't be enough steal the round.

Round 3: Jankovic stalks Levasseur to start the third and after a nice feint Jankovic shoots a takedown and easily passes guard into side control. Once in position he slaps on an Armbar and it is tight. Levasseur has no choice but to tap!

Dominykas "Slamkovic" Jankovic d. Jean-Jacques Levasseur (Submission - Armbar) at 2:34 of the 3rd round (Decent)

Lightweight Division
Xavi Castillejo (5-1) vs Folke Dalen (6-0)

Round 1: A slow round as both young fighters feel one another out. The highlight of the round comes with Castillejo hits Dalen with a flying knee that rocks him but Dalen stays on his feet. Castillejo easily takes the round.

Round 2: It's another slow round between the two fighters. Castillejo is using his jab to keep Dalen at bay. With Dalen stymied he begins to get frustrated but he refuses to commit giving Catillejo another round.

Round 3: Sadly it is more of the same as Castillejo frustrates Dalen and Dalen refuses to attack. Mercifully the fight ends.

Xavi Catillejo d. Folke Dalen (Unanimous Decision) [Poor]

Featherweight Division
Alvaro "The Hornet" Negredo (20-10) vs Marco "The Bomb" Bernacci (6-2)

Marco Bernacci d. Alvaro Negredo (TKO -Strikes) at 2:59 of the 3rd round [Average]

Heavyweight Division
Kurt "Chopper" McDonald (5-1) vs "The Count" Jean-Pierre Richelleau (24-9)

Kurt McDonald d. Jean-Pierre Richelleau (Unanimous Decision) [Poor]

Featherweight Division
Pedro "The Wolverine" Alves (14-6) vs Jan "Thunderbolt" Illic (6-2)

Jan "Thunderbolt" Ilic d. Pedro "The Wolverine" Alves (KO - Punch) at 4:54 of the 1st round [Average]

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Hajek vs van Hoogenband

Post Fight Press Conference

Attendance: 3,599
Gate: $179,950
PPV Buys: 136,547 buys for $819,282
Critical Rating: Poor
Commercial Rating: Good

Fight of the Night: Dominykas Jankovic vs Jean-Jacques Levasseur
KO of the Night: Jan Ilic
Submission of the Night: Fiyero Lermontov

Medical Suspensions

- Grigory Kabalevsky: 2 months
- Luka Hajek: 3 months
- Pedro Alves: 3 months

Cuts

- Alvaro Negredo
- Tore Herlovsen
- Jean-Jacques Levasseu

[DeToxRox]

Signature Martial Arts Presents
SIGMA: Ivanov vs Cabal II, March 2003

Main Event


SIGMA Heavyweight Title Fight

"The Great Bear" Aleksander Ivanov (c) [11-0] vs "The Baddest Man in MMA" Terron Cabal (17-1)

Co-Main Event


Welterweight Division

"The Super Animal" Noach Van Der Capellen (28-5) vs Roland Furtwangler (9-0)

Lightweight Division
Franak Pavilchenko (13-7) vs "The Wrecking Ball" Lucas Mueller (11-4)

Light Heavyweight Division
"Mr. Fruity Shorts" Joseph King (10-9) vs Volker Herzog (8-2)

Featherweight Division
Nuno "The Idol" Valentino (8-0) vs "The Serbian Psycho" Milovan Ajetovic (9-2)

Middleweight Division
Branko Alilovic (8-2) vs Henning "The Terminator" Olsen (17-8)

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA Touts New Signings

SIGMA signed several new fighters over the course of the last several weeks. We can now confirm the following signings:

Louie Sullivan: Louie "The Featherweight Phenom" Sullivan (12-0) is a Featherweight that hails from Sunderland, England. At just 25 he has had 12 professional fights, though all of them have been on the local level. He is a striker who has great cardio, and he specializes in counter striking specifically. He has the makings of a future star.

Bobby Castillo: Bobby Castillo (13-0) is yet another Featherweight signing for SIGMA. Castillo hails from Agunascalientes, Mexico. He is a Kick Boxer that possesses pinpoint accuracy with his kicks, but isn't a big threat to KO people. He has yet to face stiff competition and many question if he can ever become an all around fighter. He will get that chance in SIGMA.

Martin Cupples: Martin "The Crippler" Cupples (12-2) is a 26 year old boxer from Dartmouth, England. After starting his career in BCF, he was cut after a 1-2 stretch but since reeled off nine wins on the local level. He is a KO artist who has developed solid takedown defense as well as some decent ground skills.

Iain Fussell: Iain "The Elite" Fussell (9-2) is a 28 year old Welterweight from Newcastle, England. He mixes BJJ and Striking to give him a solid all around game. He is coming off a stint in GAMMA where he went 1-2 but he developed his skills.

Wally Bryant: Wally "The Giant" Bryant (5-2) is a 27 year old Heavyweight who hails from Mobile, Alabama. He is one of the most unpleasant looking fighters in the world, but he has power in both hands and an iron chin. He is also so big he is nearly impossible to grapple with. He is coming off two wins on American indy shows following a 1-2 stint with GAMMA.

[DeToxRox]

MMA Report: January 2003

EMERALD: Emerald held the first show of 2003 when they held EMERALD 7: Nanami vs Sugita. The show drew 423 fans and a $17,000 gate and was headlined by Shigemori Sguita defeating Seiho Nanami by Knock Out to win the EMERALD Lightweight Title (Decent).

ALPHA-1: ALPHA-1 held their first show of the year when they held ALPHA-1: Cabral vs Wai, a show that drew 11,183 people for a $1.3 million gate and also did 273k buys. The show was headlined by Manoel Cabral retaining his ALPHA-1 Lightweight Title by beating Masato Wai with an Americana (Average).

XCC: XCC's first effort of 2003 was XCC: Steven vs Milissis II. The show drew 2,852 fans for a gate of $142,600 and saw Elvis Milissis defeat Bruce Steven by Knock Out to win the XCC Lightweight Title (Average).

GAMMA: GAMMA held GAMMA 77: Napier vs Ripley in front of 16,377 fans for a gate of $1,965,240. The show also did 411,00 PPV buys. It was headlined by Neil Napier retaining his GAMMA Middleweight Title over Sutton Ripley after submitting Ripley with an Armbar.

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Ivanov vs Cabal II Preview

Main Event
SIGMA World Title Fight
"The Great Bear" Aleksandor Ivanov [c] (11-0) vs "The Baddest Man in MMA" Terron Cabal (17-1)

It's a rematch four years in the making, and it's a fight that MMA fans around the world have been chomping at the bit to see one more time.

Aleksander Ivanov, at only 26 years old, reminds many people of the current #1 pound for pound fighter in the world, Hassan Fezzik. He has done nothing to dispel the comparison, reeling off 11 wins, with the last five all coming from submissions. The Sambo star has come into his own on the ground, showcasing submission ability that is rare in the heavyweight division. Once he gets his mits on you, you are going to have just moments to get out alive.

Terron Cabal's nickname of "The Baddest Man in MMA" is apt; the big Frenchman is a boxer who has KO power in both hands and is always putting on exciting fights. Now he is out for revenge on the one man who beat him. The last go around saw Ivanov take the fight down and lock in an armbar. Cabal plans to not let it get to that point this time around, promising to beat the big Russian in highlight reel fashion!

Co-Main Event
Welterweight Division
"The Super Animal" Noach Van Der Capellen (28-5) vs Roland Furtwangler (9-0)

Noach Van Der Capellen finds himself in an unfamiliar situation: he is coming off of a loss. After four defenses of the SIGMA Welterweight Title he ran into a buzzsaw in Heikichi Shimizu. Now he tries to rebound in an effort to get his title back. The Dutch Kickboxing champion plans to let his fists and his feet fly once he gets back in the cage, but life won't be easy.

Roland Furtwangler is 9-0. He is 2-0 in SIGMA. With that said many believe he is not nearly as good as his record. The Sambo fighter has been under the radar his entire career, but that all ends in March. He knows he a win over the former champ puts him in the top five in the division, but a loss sends him back to square one. Expect the best Furtwangler has to offer because he may never get a chance like this again.

Lightweight Division
Franak Pavilchenko (13-7) vs "The Wrecking Ball" Lucas Mueller (11-4)

Franak Pavilchenko and Lucas Mueller are nearly identical in every way. Both men came to SIGMA and were cut after losing their first two matches. Then both destroyed the European local scene before coming back to SIGMA. Both men are Ground and Pound specialists and both men desperately need a win to prove their forth. They will get that chance at SIGMA: Ivanov vs Cabal II.

Light Heavyweight Division
"Mr. Fruity Shorts" Joseph King (10-9) vs Volker Herzog (8-2)

For the 33 year old Joseph King, his career is at a crossroads. He has lost his last three fights in major organizations, but at the same time all of his fights have been exciting. Unfortunately his kickboxing hasn't proven effective enough to win these battles. With a loss all but securing his release from SIGMA, he is fighting for his career in March.

Volker Herzog is a fan favorite because of his self anointed Street Fighting style. He will make people hurt, and he will take a lot of damage, but that's where his strengths end. With that said, he is 2-0 in SIGMA and is out to prove you can win in this sport while being one dimensional. When he and King take to the cage you can expect fireworks because neither man would like it any other way.

Featherweight Division
Nuno "The Idol" Valentino (8-0) vs "The Serbian Psycho" Milovan Ajetovic (9-2)

Nuno Valentino is a 24 year old BJJ prodigy. He has worked his way up the ranks by subbing his last six opponents in a variety of different ways. As his stand up game improves he has a chance to be one of the stars of the Featherweight division.

Milovan Ajetovic is coming off a stint on the Russian local scene where he KO'd five straight opponents. He is a Muay Thai specialist who is vicious in the clinch. Unfortunately his ground game still needs a lot of work. The biggest thing at Ajetovic's disposal is that he is one of the biggest Featherweights in the world so he is hard to take down. If he can keep Valentino standing up, he can win the fight, but if it gets to the ground, it may be good night sweet prince for the Serb.

Middleweight Division
Branko Alilovic (8-2) vs Henning "The Terminator" Olsen (17-8)

In the opener it's a proverbial loser leaves town fight, as two guys riding losing streaks will battle it out with a spot in SIGMA on the line. It's two big strikers going head to head, so expect to see someone end up face down on the mat when all is said and done. And when that person who does lose gets up they can expect to find their walking papers.

[DeToxRox]

MMA Report: February 2003

ALPHA-1: ALPHA-1 holds a PPV that draws 11,667 and does 356 buys. The show was headlined by Toby Sorkin beating Jin Katou by Submission (Triangle with Armbar) to retain the ALPHA-1 Light Heavyweight Title (Great)

FLB: FLB Held FLB 35: Liberation, which drew 3,319 fans. The show was headlined by Thais Antonio Taffarel retaining his FLB Middleweight Title after a brutal KO with a Knee over Joaquim Fontes (Good)

OMEGA: OMEGA holds Gutierrez vs Vega II, drawing 3,695 fans. The show was headlined by Esteban Vega beating Julio Gutierrez after ground and pound to retain the OMEGA Middleweight Title (Average)

EMERALD: EMERALD held their show, EMERALD 8 which drew 497 fans. The show saw Kadonomaro Deguchi beat Hidehira Hideyoshi by Submission with an Armbar to retain the EMERALD Middleweight Title (Great)

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA Touts New Signings

SIGMA signed several new fighters over the course of the last several weeks. We can now confirm the following signings:

Hyun-Shik Lim: Hyun-Shik Lim (16-3) is currently rated the #10 Light Heavyweight in the World. We couldn't get him to an Exclusive deal but he did sign an Associate contract so we will compete with TOP for his bookings. Lim is currently TOP's Light Heavyweight Champion and is riding a 3 fight win streak. He is an exciting fighter who adds tons of credibility to our 205 division.

Reed Howlett: Reed "Night Crawler" Howlett (10-2) is a 25 year old striker from Alberta, Canada. He has been fighting on the Canadian local circuit for the last few years after a 1-2 stint in ALPHA-1, but he feels like he is ready to show how much he has developed since his time in Japan.

Aleski Chekov: Aleksi Chekov (24-6) is a 33 year old power Kickboxer from Russia. He has amazing takedown defense which he uses to cover up his weaknesses on the ground. We opened up our pockets to steal him away from ALPHA-1 where he was 4-1 over his last 5 fights. He currently rates as the #16 Light Heavyweight, further strengthening that division.

Joaquim Fontes: Joaquim "Assassino Silencioso" Fontes (26-6) is a BJJ ace who is currently rated as the #22 ranked Middleweight. Despite coming off of a loss at the most recent FLB show, he is still a coup for SIGMA because he has the ability to end any fight with a violent submission. He should come in and right himself right away following his loss in FLB.

[DeToxRox]

Signature Martial Arts Presents
SIGMA: Ivanov vs Cabal II, March 2003

Middleweight Division
Branko Alilovic (8-2) vs Henning "The Terminator" Olsen (17-8)

Round 1: Both men are feeling each other out in the first round. They begin to throw some hands a bit but Olsen decides to wrestler Branko. He holds Alilovic against the cage for much of the latter half of the round, inflicting some damage with dirty boxing.

Round 2: A little change of pace this round as Alilovic is now the one pushing Olsen against the fence. Olsen is able to reverse his position later in the round and lands some big shots that may steal him the round.

Round 3: Olsen pushes the pace in the third as he wants to end the fight. Alilovic, fighting for his job, doesn't back down but he is outclassed totally. Olsen pins him against the cage and lands big shots but Branko doesn't go down. Finally the round ends.

Henning "The Terminator" Olsen d. Branko Alilovic (Unanimous Decision) [Good]

Featherweight Division
Nuno "The Idol" Valentino (8-0) vs "The Serbian Psycho" Milovan Ajetovic (9-2)

Round 1: Ajetovic comes at Valentino with a wild kick and Valentino grabs his leg and easily takes him down. Ajetovic scrambles wildly trying to get back up but Valentino easily takes his back. He gets both hooks in and locks a Rear Naked Choke in deep. Ajetovic has no choice but to tap.

Nuno Valentino d. Milovan Ajetovic (Submission - Rear Naked Choke) at 1:47 of the 1st round

Light Heavyweight Division
"Mr. Fruity Shorts" Joseph King (10-9) vs Volker Herzog (8-2)

Round 1: King attempts to push the pace on Herzog, narrowly avoiding being KO'd several times in the process. King attempts a remarkable flying heel hook near the end of the round but Herzog defends it well. He ends up getting in mount but the round ends before he gets any damage.

Round 2: King spends much of the round muscling Herzog against the cage, trying to wear him down. The plan succeeds for much of the round but Herzog is able to reverse King and drills him with a short uppercut that knocks King down. Herzog is gassed as he tries to lock in an Armbar. He manages to get it in tight but the bell rings, saving King.

Round 3: King starts the round going for another flying heel hook but again Herzog is up to the task. He does end up taking Herzog down but can't make anything happen and lets Herzog stand up. They both begin to trade shots which ends up being a terrible move for King as Herzog hits a counter right and knocks King out cold!

Volker Herzog d. Joseph King (KO - Punch) at 3:15 of the 3rd round [Good]

Lightweight Division
Franak Pavilchenko (13-7) vs "The Wrecking Ball" Lucas Mueller (11-4)

Round 1: It's a slow first round as Mueller secures a takedown off the bat. He can't pass guard at first, but after two minutes he ends up getting Pavilchenko's back. Unfortunately Mueller can't make anything come of it but he easily takes the round.

Round 2: Mueller dominates the round again. He secures a takedown from the clinch and passes guard but once again ends up stopped by the bell.

Round 3: Both guys are gassed this round and almost nothing happens. Round could go either way but the fight is Mueller's.

Lucas Mueller d. Franak Pavilchenko (Unanimous Decision) [Very Poor]

Co-Main Event


Welterweight Division

"The Super Animal" Noach Van Der Capellen (28-5) vs Roland Furtwangler (9-0)

Round 1: Furtwangler shows his plan early, as he gets Van Der Capellen against the cage and keeps him there for over a minute, mixing up big knees and dirty boxing. Finally though the action stalls and the two men are stood up. That ends up being a disaster for Furtwangler as Van Der Capellen catches him unexpectedly with a beautiful flying knee and Furtwangler is out cold!

Noach Van Der Capellen d. Roland Furtwanger (KO - Knee) at 2:59 of the 1st round [Good]

Main Event


SIGMA Heavyweight Title Fight

"The Great Bear" Aleksander Ivanov (c) [11-0] vs "The Baddest Man in MMA" Terron Cabal (17-1)

Round 1: The fight has a big fight feel to it as the arena is buzzing. Ivanov tries to catch Cabal with a barrage of big punches but Cabal counters with a big right kick to the head and Ivanov drops. Cabal tries to finish Ivanov but he regains hits wits and Cabal smartly lets Ivanov up. Both men engage and Ivanov is able to get into a clinch where he ends up slamming Cabal down but he can't do much in Cabal's guard. The round ends in favor of Cabal.

Round 2: It's another close round as Cabal is pushing the pace, landing the bigger shots but Ivanov is landing a lot more punches as he is showcasing a beautiful counter game. The round ends with Cabal stuck in a clinch but Ivanov can't do any damage.

Round 3: Both men are gassing now as they are each giving it their all. Ivanov is in control this round, pushing Cabal against the fence and hitting him with big knees. He then trips Cabal and ends up in mount but once again the bell saves Cabal.

Round 4: Ivanov dominates the 4th round after he catches a Cabal kick and sends him down. Cabal's excellent submission defense keeps him alive, but he did give up his back and get stuck in a Rear Naked Choke. But as has been the case most of the fight, the bell rings before Ivanov can finish him off.

Round 5: Ivanov gives one last burst to start the round and he secures a big takedown of Cabal. He moves into side control but Cabal attempts to shake loose and scramble to safety. It proves to be a bad idea as on the way out he gives up his knee. Ivanov gets a kneebar locked in and Cabal has no choice but to submit.

Aleksander Ivanov d. Terron Cabal (Submission - Kneebar) at 2:25 of the 5th round to retain the SIGMA Heavyweight Title [Decent]

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Ivanov vs Cabal II

Post Fight Press Conference

Attendance: 3,684
Gate: $184,200
PPV Buys: 136,547 buys for $819,282
Critical Rating: Average
Commercial Rating: Great

Fight of the Night: Nuno Valentino vs Milovan Ajetovic
KO of the Night: Noach Van Der Capellen
Submission of the Night: Aleksander Ivanov

Medical Suspensions

- Terron Cabal: 3 months
- Roland Furtwanger: 1 month
- Volker Herzog: 1 month

Cuts

- Joseph King
- Branko Alilovic

[DeToxRox]

Signature Martial Arts Presents
SIGMA: Takeuchi vs Bloch, April 2003

Main Event



SIGMA Featherweight Title Fight
"Samurai Spirit" Tomohiro Takeuchi [c] (21-2) vs Hans Christian Bloch (9-0)

Co-Main Event



Featherweight Division
"Little Dragon" Li-Kong Ho (20-1) vs Bobby Castillo (13-0)

Welterweight Division
"Red Fury" Pavel Radulov (9-1) vs Ragnar "Rock" Gunnlaugsson (8-1)

Lightweight Division
Pentti "Finnish Vampire" Rovanpera (9-1) vs "The Sharpshooter" Georges Nouri (14-1)

Heavyweight Division
Sahan Ozbek (5-0) vs Stratos "Atlas" Papaioannou (28-6)

Middleweight Division
Fernando "The Traveler" Amaro (54-14-4-2 NC) vs Uwe "Max" Maier (12-5)

[DeToxRox]

MMA Report: March 2003

TOP: TOP held their show, TOP: Lim vs. Fantoni, drawing a crowd of 617 people. The Main Event saw Hyun-Shik Lim KO Nilton Fantoni (Average).

GAMMA: GAMMA held GAMMA 78: Rivero vs LaFleur which drew a crowd of 14,959 and did 400K buys. The show was headlined by a huge upset, where Allen LeFleur beat John Rivero by Unanimous Decision to win the GAMMA Light Heavyweight Title.

BCF: BCF held BCF: Sithalayan vs Khan, which drew 3,194 fans. The Main Event saw Vikram Sithalayan make Javid Khan tap to an Armbar to retain the BCF Welterweight Title (Decent)

ALPHA-1: ALPHA-1 held their show ALPHA-1: Obinata vs Huang, drawing a crowd of 10,918 and doing 281 buys. The show was headlined by Jonathan Huang submitting Sorai Obinata with an Americana to win the ALPHA-1 Middleweight Title (Good)

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Takeuchi vs Bloch Preview

Main Event
SIGMA Featherweight Title Fight
"Samurai Spirit" Tomohiro Takeuchi (21-2) [c] vs Hans Christian Bloch (9-0)

SIGMA returns to PPV in April and the Main Event is a Featherweight Title Fight between two of the best grapplers in the division!

Tomohiro Takeuchi is slow cultivating a resume that is Hall of Fame worthy. The Japanese wrestler has reeled over over ten straight wins and continues to improve his game every time out. He is relentless in his attack and once he has an opponent down he can win in a myriad of ways. This time around though, he may not have that luxury.

Hans Christian Bloch is 27 years old and spots a spotless 9-0 record. He is a Catch Wrestler who will walk through hell to score a takedown. Once he has his opponent down he loves to unleash a hellacious GNP on his over matched opponent. Will the youngster be able to out wrestle the legend? We'll see soon.

Co-Main Event
Featherweight Division
"Little Dragon" Li-Kong Ho (20-1) vs Bobby Castillo (13-0)

It's been almost three years since Li-King Ho has been inside the cage. During that fight he was shockingly submitted by Pedro Alves, and just like that his twenty fight win streak was over. Now he is back and he is ready to prove he is the best Featherweight in the world, but he has to overcome another young competitor in the process.

Bobby Castillo has never fought for a major organization. He has never faced a legit competitor. He has never been tested. All three of these things will change when he faces the Little Dragon. Castillo is known for his awesome Kickboxing, but no one knows what he can do on the floor. Chances are Ho will make sure the world finds out. Can the rookie pull off the upset?

Welterweight Division
"Red Fury" Pavel Radulov (9-1) vs Ragnar "Rock" Gunnlaugsson (8-1)

Some call Pavel Radulov a gatekeeper; he's only 28 but people wonder how far he can go. He isn't flashy, and he isn't very athletic but he is riding a three fight win streak in SIGMA based on the strength of his excellent Sambo game. He hopes to keep it up when he steps into the cage in April.

Ragnar Gunnlaugsson is coming off one of the best fights in the world in 2002 when he lost to Jens Halle after being locked in an Armbar. Now the man from Iceland is back, ready to show why he is considered the best technical striker in the SIGMA Welterweight Division.

Lightweight Division
Pentti Rovanpera (9-1) vs "The Sharpshooter" Georges Nouri (11-1)

Pentti Rovanpera is ready to make his debut after winning 9 straight fights on the European indy scene. The ghastly looking Fin is a brawler through and through and is promising an exciting fight, but he is facing his stiffest test yet.

Georges Nouri has won his last 5 fights in SIGMA and is squarely in the mix in a loaded Lightweight division. He is strong in every facet of his game but he is extremely deadly on the ground where he can make a man tap from any position. He plans on providing a rude awakening for the debuting Fin.

Heavyweight Division
Sahan Ozbek (5-0) vs Stratos "Atlas" Papaionnaou (28-6)

Sahan Ozbek is a young fighter but he is already making a name for himself in SIGMA. The 27 year old Turk is a great wrestler who loves to grind his opponents out before finishing the fight. The Atlas though is not the kind of guy who just gets grinded out easily.

Stratos Papaioannou is a veteran of the sport. He had a win streak ended in last fight against Terron Cabal but he is ready to bounce back and ruin a young prospects record in the process. As is the theme with much of the card, it's the young vs the old in an effort to see exactly who is better.

Middleweight Division
Fernando "The Traveler" Amaro (54-14-4-2 NC) vs Uwe "Max" Maier (12-5)

In our opener, it's a legend getting a chance to shine one more time. Fernando Amaro competes in his 75th MMA fight and wants to put on one hell of a show. With a loss it may be the end of a SIGMA career, but a win just may keep him around for a few more go around's.

Uwe Maier is back in SIGMA after a 5-0 stint on the European local scene. Previously he had went 0-3 in SIGMA but he says he is ready to show that the first time around was a fluke. He is a solid Kickboxer who has had to adapt his game to get better all around. Every facet of his game will be tested against the Traveler.

[DeToxRox]

Signature Martial Arts Presents
SIGMA: Takeuchi vs Bloch, April 2003

Middleweight Division
Fernando "The Traveler" Amaro (54-14-4-2 NC) vs Uwe "Max" Maier (12-5)

Round 1: Slow first round. Maier is pushing the pace but he can't connect as much as he would like. Still he lands a couple nice kicks to the legs of Amaro and gets the round.

Round 2: The round starts slow and finishes in a flurry as both men engage in an all our slugfest in the center of the cage. Maier manages to knock down Amaro but the bell rings before he can follow it up. Still, Maier should be up 2-0.

Round 3: Boring round as Amaro decides not to engage despite obviously losing the fight. Maier just lets him circle knowing the fight is in the bag.

Uwe Maier d. Fernando Amaro (Unanimous Decision [Poor]


Heavyweight Division
Sahan Ozbek (5-0) vs Stratos "Atlas" Papaionnaou (28-6)

Round 1: Stratos attempts secure two takedowns but Ozbek won't allow it. Then, with Ozbek against the cage, Stratos ends up allowing Ozbek to push down for leverage and to take his back where he brings Stratos down. He lays on Stratos to end the round.

Round 2: It's a boring second round as both men are going for takedowns but neither man will allow the other to get them down. Ozbek most likely wins it based on the better striking.

Round 3: Much of the same as round two. Ozbek doesn't even go for takedowns this round as he is fine with stuffing Stratos over and over. The round ends and Ozbek is gonna' take it.

Sahan Ozbek d. Stratos Papaioannou (Unanimous Decision) [Average]


Lightweight Division
Pentti Rovanpera (9-1) vs "The Sharpshooter" Georges Nouri (11-1)

Round 1: Rovanpera spends most of the round avoiding takedowns, doing a good job at it. Eventually though Nouri secures a trip but before he can get mount the round ends.

Round 2: Rovanpera comes out trying to overwhelm Nouri but the plan backfires. After a slowly thrown kick Nouri grabs the Fins leg and takes him down. Nouri then easily passes guard and gets mount. He then locks in Armbar and ends the fight.

Georges Nouri d. Pentti Rovanpera (Submission - Armbar) at 4:24 of the 2nd round


Welterweight Division
"Red Fury" Pavel Radulov (9-1) vs Ragnar "Rock" Gunnlaugsson (8-1)

Round 1: It's an incredible round of action as Gunnlaugsson rocks Radulov early on with two big punches, the second of which knocks Radulov down. Radulov gets his wits though and later on takes Ragnar down. Twice he locks on Armbars and each time they're tight but the Rock won't give up and is able to pop free. It's a close round as each man dominated half of it.

Round 2: Radulov gets a takedown and secures an Armbar for the third time but once again Radulov just refuses to quit and finds a way to pop himself free. Radulov wins the round but is frustrated he can't finish the fight.

Round 3: It's a boring third round as Radulov gets a takedown and just lays on Gunnlaugsson. The round ends and it'll go to Radulov.

Pavel Radulov d. Ragnar Gunnlaugsson (Unanimous Decision) [Poor]


Co-Main Event
Featherweight Division
"Little Dragon" Li-Kong Ho (20-1) vs Bobby Castillo (13-0)

Round 1: It's a slow first round as Ho stalks Castillo for most of the round. The nerves are obviously getting to Castillo as he is just too tight to throw any kicks. The round ends with a Ho takedown and him getting mount but the bell saves Castillo.

Round 2: Ho shows why he is so damn good in the second round as he wrestles Castillo against the fence and takes him down. He then easily moves around the ground and gets Castillo's back. He gets the hooks in and has a Rear Naked Choke locked in deep. Castillo has to tap.

Li-Kong Ho d. Bobby Castillio (Submission - Rear Naked Choke) at 4:11 of the 2nd round [Great]


Main Event
SIGMA Featherweight Title Fight
"Samurai Spirit" Tomohiro Takeuchi (21-2) [c] vs Hans Christian Bloch (9-0)

Round 1: Takeuchi takes control early, getting clinched up with Bloch against the fence. He busts open with an elbow and then adds two more big shots for good measure. Bloch is able to reverse Takeuchi but can't get the takedown. Bloch begins to walk throw some solid punches as he tries to take Takeuchi down but he can't do it. The round ends in favor of Takeuchi.

Round 2: It's a solid round, all on the ground. Bloch managed a takedown and eventually got Takeuchi's back but the vet didn't panic and was able to defend against the choke. He then swept and got on top and went for an Armbar but was stopped. They trade submission attempts as the round ends.

Round 3: The fight moves back against the fence as Takeuchi tries to re-open Bloch's cut. Bloch reverses Takeuchi and goes low for a takedown. Bloch makes a rookie mistake though and loses his wits for one second and it's all it takes for Takeuchi to lock on a deep Standing Guillotine and Bloch has to tap!

Tomohiro Takeuchi d. Hans Christian Block (Submission - Standing Guillotine) at 2:17 of the 3rd to retain the SIGMA Featherweight Title

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Takeuchi vs Bloch

Post Fight Press Conference

Attendance: 3,541
Gate: $177,050
PPV Buys: 138,495 buys for $830,970
Critical Rating: Average
Commercial Rating: Good

Fight of the Night: Li-Kong Ho vs Bobby Castillo
KO of the Night: -
Submission of the Night: Tomohiro Takeuchi

Medical Suspensions

- Hans Christian Bloch: 2 months
- Bobby Castillo: 2 months
- Pentti Rovanperra: 1 month

Cuts

- Fernando Amero

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA Touts New Signings

Wederson de Oliveira: Wederson de Oliveira (12-0) was a major coup for SIGMA. Currently he is ranked #21 Pound for Pound and #4 Middleweight. He went 6-0 fighting in TOP before becoming a free agent and signing with SIGMA. He is a BJJ specialist but lacks a good standing game. Still, he is so deadly on the ground that if the fight makes it to the floor it could end in an instant.

Matt Pyle: "The Main Event" Matt Pyle (2-0) is a Jiu Jitsu fighter who is very young but full of promise. GAMMA made inquiries for Pyle but SIGMA offered more money to lure him into their very solid lightweight division.

Zsolt Hargitay: "The Hungry Hungarian" Zsolt Hargitay (7-2) is a heavyweight wrestler who projects as a solid gatekeeper in the SIGMA HW division. He went 1-2 in his stint in GAMMA but the big wrestler can win on any given night, he is that talented, he just has not been able to put it all together.

Zuenir Merquior: Zuenir Merquior (12-0) is an undefeated featherweight who has yet to face a test in his MMA career. No one knows how good he really is, but coming into a solid SIGMA Featherweight division everyone will find out soon enough.

Ethan LeGrange: Ethan LeGrange (14-0) is a 26 year old Kickboxer out of Canada. He features elite stand up and not so elite ground fighting. He can win any fight before it gets on the ground but if it does chances are he isn't getting back up.

Rhys Buck: Rhys "Fast" Buck (6-2) is another dangerous striker who features a below average ground game. No one can argue he is exciting though. He will enter a SIGMA Middleweight Division that truly is anyone's for the taking.

Lucas Costa: "The Legendary" Lucas Costa (5-0) is only 21. He is coming off a 3-0 stint in GAMMA fighting some of the best Lightweights in the world. He is a solid Kickboxer with an equally solid all around game. At only 21 the future is very bright for Costa.

Roope Kuqi: Roope "The Second Generation Star" Kuqi (9-1) was the center of a big bidding war between SIGMA and GAMMA. SIGMA broke the bank, offering up $17,500 a fight to get the son of the legendary Finnish fighter Veeti Kuqi. Kuqi is just 22 but held an 8-1 record in the stacked GAMMA Heavyweight Division. He hopes to get a crack at Aleksander Ivanov before all is said and done.

Foggy Lee: Foggy Lee (17-1) is a Featherweight out of Quebec. He is a technical fighter who relies on smarts rather then strength. He has not fought anyone worth their salt yet, so he will be tested right away.

Keaton Spratt: Keaton Spratt (9-7) was hired because he is exciting. He is a brawler who has fought in GAMMA's Heavyweight Division despite being a natural 205. He will fight at his normal weight in SIGMA as he tries to revitalize his career.

Fabio Santoro: Fabio Santoro (7-0) is a Muay Thai fighter who will be fighting in the Welterweight division. He has yet to face any tough competition but will get the chance when he debuts in SIGMA.

[DeToxRox]

Signature Martial Arts Presents
SIGMA: Basora vs Lermontov May 2003

Main Event

SIGMA Lightweight Title Fight

Fiyero Lermontov (14-0) vs "El Diablo" Luis Basora [c] (19-3)

Co-Main Event

Featherweight Division

"The Peragon of Virtue" Fernando Peragon (12-4) vs Marco "The Bomb" Bernacci (7-2)

Heavyweight Division
Wally "The Giant" Bryant (5-2) vs Lefter "The Beast" Oktay (16-1)

Light Heavyweight Division
Eoghan Behan (8-3) vs Hardy Tristan (8-3)

Welterweight Division
Templeton "The Body" Crumb (22-5) vs Jens "Battery" Halle (18-4)

Middleweight Division
"Brickhouse" Thorbjorn Rekdal (10-1) vs Conrad "The Radical" Bueller (6-0)

[DeToxRox]

MMA Report: April 2003

XCC: XCC: Milissis vs Curry takes place, drawing 3,188 fans. The show saw Clifton Curry beat Elvis Milissis via Unanimous Decision to win the XCC Lightweight Title (Average)

ALPHA-1: ALPHA-1: Miyagi vs Masuko took place, drawing 11,479 fans and doing 354k buys. The Main Event saw Ichisake Miyagi beat Eiji Masuko with an Armbar to retain the ALPHA-1 Welterweight Title (Good)

GAMMA: GAMMA 79: Napier vs Hersch took place, drawing 17,451 fans and doing 499k buys. The Main Event saw Neil Napier beat Wes Hersch via a Triangle with an Armbar to retain the GAMMA Middleweight Title (Good)

FLB: FLB: Civil War took place, drawing 3,885 fans and doing 81k buys. The Main Event saw Elzo Alves Moura beat Vitor de Melo via Guillotine to retain the FLB Heavyweight Title (Decent)

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Basora vs Lermontov Preview

Main Event
SIGMA Lightweight Title Fight
"El Diablo" Luis Basora (19-3) vs Fiyero Lermontov (14-0)

The SIGMA Lightweight Division is perhaps the most stacked in the world, and now the two best in the division finally take to the cage to determine just who is the best.

Luis Basora has been the SIGMA Lightweight Champion over five years, but the old people in charge of SIGMA never had him fight. He has not fought in over five years and no one knows why. Now he is ready to come back, ready to show why he is one of the best Judo men in the game. Can "El Diablo" shake off the ring rust and retain his title?

Fiyero Lermontov fought only three months ago after a layoff and looked rusty. Now he has a full camp behind him and is ready to be champion. Will he be able to bully the champ? No one is sure how this one will go as both men are so even it's a coin flip at best.

Co-Main Event
Featherweight Division
"The Peragon of Virtue" Fernando Peragon (12-4) vs Marco "The Bomb" Bernacci (7-2)

Fernando Peragon doesn't believe in boring fights; he comes at you over and over and over again, every time swinging for the fences. He is one of the best Featherweights in the world, but he needs a marquee win to get back in the title picture. Now is his chance against The Bomb.

Marco Bernacci is a great Kickboxer with a decent ground game. Thankfully he possesses a good sprawl that keeps him off of his back. Against Peragon he isn't planning on needing the sprawl because both men would prefer to end the fight with a highlight reel KO. This is a fight that could end up determining the next contender for the Featherweight title, so expect a war.

Heavyeight Division
Wally "The Giant" Bryant (5-2) vs Lefter "The Beast" Oktay (16-1)

Wally Bryant makes his SIGMA debut hoping to play spoiler. Lefter Oktay has a title shot on the line but first he has to get through the big Alabamian. Bryant likes to brawl, but he has a solid ground game that keeps opponents on their feet. He is also incredibly hard to knock out. After a 1-2 stint in GAMMA, Wally Bryant is ready to show he is ready to be a star in MMA.

Lefter Oktay is a freak of nature. He is a cardio machine despite being nearly 250 lbs and he has elite speed for a Heavyweight. Add all of that to his impressive talent and you have an elite HW contender. He needs to beat Bryant to get a shot to redeem himself vs Aleksander Ivanov and he is focused on doing just that.

Light Heavyweight Division
Eoghan Behan (8-3) vs Hardy Tristan (8-3)

Two guys with the same record and the same fight style should mean a lot of fun. Eoghan Behan and Hardy Tristan are both European fighters who just want to brawl and now they each get their chance against one another. This is the dark horse for Fight of the Night!

Middleweight Division
Templeton "The Body" Crumb (22-5) vs Jens "Battery" Halle (18-4)

It's two vets of the cage taking a shot against each other as Templeton Crumb and Jens Halle face off. Both men are strikers and both men are competent on the ground. SIGMA wants fans to see exciting wars and this is a fight that meets that criteria. For Templeton Crumb, his career in SIGMA just may be on the line in this fight!

Middleweight Division
"Brickhouse" Thorbjorn Rekdal (10-1) vs Conrad "The Radical" Bueller (6-0)

Our opener will set the stage for the night as two kickboxing contenders battle in an elimination style fight in the SIGMA Welterweight Division. Both men have a lot to lose in this fight as a shot to crack the divisions top 10 is no doubt on the line.

[DeToxRox]

Signature Martial Arts Presents
SIGMA: Basora vs Lermontov May 2003

Middleweight Division
"Brickhouse" Thorbjorn Rekdal (10-1) vs Conrad "The Radical" Bueller (6-0)

Round 1: Both men circle to start the round. Neither man wants to initiate but finally at the crowds urging Bueller comes in swinging. He is too wild though and ends up missing most of his punches. Rekdal throws him against the cage and drops bomb after bomb, knocking Bueller down. He finishes him off on the ground and the ref steps in.

Thorbjorn Rekdal d. Conrad Bueller (TKO - Strikes) at 3:08 of the 1st round [Decent]

Middleweight Division
Templeton "The Body" Crumb (22-5) vs Jens "Battery" Halle (18-4)

Round 1: It's a terribly dull round as neither man connects with much. Crumb is trying to push the pace but he is a step slow on much of his offense and he ends up missing most of what he throws.

Round 2: Crumb shakes off a low blow in the middle of the round and ends up knocking Halle down. He can't finishes Halle off despite his big shots but he gets mount and throws more punches. Thankfully for Halle the bell rings and the round ends.

Round 3: Halle is counter striking this round, picking up points as he is efficient and precise. Crumb is flustered and makes mistakes allowing him to be hit hard. The round ends and this fight could go either way.

Jens Halle d. Templeton Crumb (Unanimous Decision) [Average]

Light Heavyweight Division
Eoghan Behan (8-3) vs Hardy Tristan (8-3)

Round 1: Before the fight we learn Hardy Tristan had a bad camp. Sadly for him it shows as he is sluggish with a big right to start the fight which Behan counters and he drops Tristan. He then quickly jumps on Behan and after several big shots the ref has to stop the fight.

Eoghan Behan d. Hardy Tristan (TKO - Strikes) at 1:17 of the 1st round [Good]

Heavyweight Division
Wally "The Giant" Bryant (5-2) vs Lefter "The Beast" Oktay (16-1)

Round 1: Oktay shows his superior speed advantage in the first as he is just untouchable. He is hitting Bryant from all angles and then backing up so Bryant can't land his own shots. It's a clinic from Oktay early.

Round 2: Bryant smartly pushes Oktay against the fence this round and keeps him there for most of the round. The ref finally breaks it up due to a lack of action but Bryant is able to control the round and tie it up.

Round 3: Bryant is gassed now and it is making the Oktay speed advantage even worse. Bryant can't get a hold of him to grapple against the cage and because of that he is virtually out of options. Oktay keeps peppering Bryant, ensuring the round and in turn, the fight.

Lefter Oktay d. Wally Bryant (Unanimous Decision) [Poor]

Co-Main Event

Featherweight Division

"The Peragon of Virtue" Fernando Peragon (12-4) vs Marco "The Bomb" Bernacci (7-2)

Round 1: It's a fun first round as both men deliver on their promises to try and end the fight standing. Peragon gets the first big shot when he counters a Bernacci jab and sends him down with a right hook. Bernacci is able to get his bearings and doesn't allow himself to be finished off however. Still, it's 1-0 Peragon.

Round 2: Peragon wants this fight over with and he begins to force Bernacci back against the cage. Bernacci is stuck with nowhere to go and Peragon starts unloading with shots. Bernacci slumps against the fence and is soon on the ground. The ref has no choice but to stop the fight.

Fernando Peragon d. Marco Bernacci (TKO - Strikes) at 2:23 of the 2nd round [Decent]

Main Event

SIGMA Lightweight Title Fight

Fiyero Lermontov (14-0) vs "El Diablo" Luis Basora [c] (19-3)

Round 1: Basora catches a kick early and takes Lermontov down. Both men trade submission attempts but neither man allows themselves to be trapped. Finally they are stood up. The round ends with Basora getting another takedown to solidify the round in his favor.

Round 2: Basora comes in for a takedown to start the round for Lermontov backs away. Basora throws a speculative jab but he is slower then he intended and Lermontov counters with a barrage of big shots knocking Basora down. Lermontov quickly jumps on El Diablo and punches him out!

Fiyero Lermontov d. Luis Basora (TKO - Strikes) at 1:04 of the 2nd round to win the SIGMA Lightweight Title [Decent]

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Basora vs Lermontov

Post Fight Press Conference

Attendance: 4,145
Gate: $331,600
PPV Buys: 127,547 buys for $763,800
Critical Rating: Decent
Commercial Rating: Good

Fight of the Night: Eoghan Behan vs Hardy Tristan
KO of the Night: Fiyero Lermontov
Submission of the Night: -

Medical Suspensions

- Luis Basora: 2 months
- Marco Bernacci: 2 months
- Wally Bryant: 2 months
- Conrad Bueller: 2 months

Cuts

- Templton Crumb
- Hardy Tristan

[DeToxRox]

MMA Report: May 2003

OMEGA: OMEGA: Morales vs Tracey drew 3,730 fans. The Main Event saw Kendall Tracey submit Guillermo Morales with a Triangle Choke to win the OMEGA Light Heavyweight Title (Decent)

TOP: TOP: Lim vs Kreuger took place, drawing 629 fans. The Main Event saw Dag Kreuger pull off a stunning upset of Hyun-Shik Lim via Arm Triangle to win the TOP Light Heavyweight Title (Poor)

EMERALD: EMERALD 9: Deguchi vs Akera took place drawing 499 fans. The Main Event saw Kadonomaro Deguchi beat Asutane Akera via Rear Naked Choke to retain the EMERALD Middleweight Title (Good)

BCF: BCF: Oakley vs Baines took place drawing 3,481 fans. The Main Event saw Rob Baines beat Charlie Oakley via Guillotine to win the BCF Middleweight Title (Great)

ALPHA-1: ALPHA-1: Sorkin vs Kitson took place in front of 11,746 fans and doing 281k buys. The Main Event saw Curt Kitson submit Toby Sorkin with a Rear Naked Choke to win the ALPHA-1 Light Heavyweight Title (Average)

GAMMA: GAMMA 80: Robinson vs Aldarisio took place in front of 15,211 fans doing 402k buys. The Main Event saw Rich Robinson beat Josh Adarisio by TKO - Strikes to retain the GAMMA Welterweight Title (Good)

XCC: XCC: Romita vs Frye took place in front of 3,176 fans. The Main Event saw Easton Frye beat Frank Romita via TKO - Strikes to win the XCC Featherweight Title (Good)

[DeToxRox]

Signature Martial Arts Presents
SIGMA: Kurri vs Taneyev, June 2003

Main Event

SIGMA Light Heavyweight Title Fight

Matti "The Hammer" Kurri [c] (14-1-1) vs ""The Hand Grenade" Valentin Taneyev (10-1)

Co-Main Event

Heavyweight Division

"Polish Power" Grzegorz Boniek (34-5) vs Iancu Trailescu (7-1)

Lightweight Division
"The Ice Cold Swede" Lukas Mellberg (19-3) vs Harald "Hammer" Hubner (9-2)

Featherweight Division
"Kid Britain" Manish Khan (15-2) vs Louie "The Featherweight Phenom" Sullivan (12-0)

Lightweight Division
"The Slovenian Rocket" Milenko Rudonja (20-6) vs Xavi Castillejo (6-1)

Middleweight Division
"Ice Cold" Stephen de Winter (7-1) vs Osvald Kikkas (7-1)

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Kurri vs Taneyev Preview

Main Event
SIGMA Light Heavyweight Title Fight
Matti "The Hammer" Kurri [c] (14-1-1) vs ""The Hand Grenade" Valentin Taneyev (10-1)

The SIGMA Light Heavyweight Title has seen the most champions of any SIGMA title. Six different times the belt has been around a man's waist, but only one of those men have successfully defended the title more then once. Matti Kurri hopes to change that this month by beating "The Hand Grenade" but it'll be easier said then done. Valentin Tanyev is 10-1 and his 1 loss was a controversial split decision loss. At 28 he is entering his prime which is a scary thought for the rest of the 205 division. This one is no doubt a coin flip.

Co-Main Event
Heavyweight Division
"Polish Power" Grzegorz Boniek (34-5) vs Iancu Trailescu (7-1)

Grzegorz Boniek took time off after his last fight. That time off ended up being nearly four years out of the ring. Now the Sambo fighter is back for one last run but for that to happen he has to beat the tallest man in MMA, the 6'10 Iancu Trailescu. Trailescu is a vicious Kickboxer who has some of the best kicks in MMA. His hands lack power and he has virtually no ground game, but if he hits a head kick the fight is over. Expect a fun fight when these two hit the cage.

Lightweight Division
"The Ice Cold Swede" Lukas Mellberg (19-3) vs Harald "Hammer" Hubner (9-2)

Lukas Mellberg currently ranks as the 14th best Pound for Pound fighter in the world. He has a reputation of being a master of the Guillotine Choke which is well earned. With that said, he has been fighting infrequently the last few years and he is being pushed by Jamaal Stone to fight more, so now he is back, ready to prove his worth vs the up and coming Harald Hubner. Hubner is a nuisance in the cage; he doesn't seem that great but he just wins. He now has a chance to earn his first marquee win vs the Ice Cold Swede.

Featherweight Division
"Kid Britain" Manish Khan (15-2) vs Louie "The Featherweight Phenom" Sullivan (12-0)

Do not miss this fight. That is all that needs to be said. It's two great strikers who love to end their fights with one punch. Khan is the more experienced fighter but Sullivan wants to prove he belongs in the conversation for most elite Featherweight. Expect some blood to be shed in this one.

Lightweight Division
"The Slovenian Rocket" Milenko Rudonja (20-6) vs Xavi Castillejo (6-1)

It's Karate vs Brawling in this one. Rudonja is old and disciplined while Castillejo is young and wild. Opposites will attract when these two take to the cage, and the fans ought to benefit from it.

Middleweight Division
"Ice Cold" Stephen de Winter (7-1) vs Osvald Kikkas (7-1)

Our opener will set the stage for the night as get a wrestler vs a counter striker. With both men coming off losses and the Middleweight division adding talent, this could be a loser leaves town affair.

[DeToxRox]

Signature Martial Arts Presents
SIGMA: Kurri vs Taneyev, June 2003


Middleweight Division
"Ice Cold" Stephen de Winter (7-1) vs Osvald Kikkas (7-1)

Round 1: It's a relatively slow first round as de Winter stands back, choosing to let Kikkas attack. It works for de Winter as he lands two big shots during the round, one of which knocks Kikkas down but de Winter lets him back up. The round ends clearly de Winter's.

Round 2: A very slow round here as Kikkas gets a take down and spends much of the rest of the round laying and praying.

Round 3: Kikkas keeps his wrestling going strong this round. He gets another take down and lays on de Winter for most of the round. de Winter throws a flurry late but it isn't enough to steal it.

Osvald Kikkas d. Stephen de Winter (Unanimous Decision) [Decent]


Lightweight Division
"The Slovenian Rocket" Milenko Rudonja (20-6) vs Xavi Castillejo (6-1)

Round 1: Rudonja uses his size to his advantage this round as he plants Castillejo against the cage and grinds him down with dirty boxing. It's a sound strategy that gives Milenko the round.

Round 2: Both guys come out and decide to swing it out. Castillejo hits a big shot that rocks Rudonja but he gets saved by the bell before Castillejo can finish the fight.

Round 3: It's another good round for Castillejo as he sticks and moves and then counter punches effectively when the chance arises. It'll be a huge blunder if the decision isn't in his favor.

Xavi Castillejo d. Milenko Rudonja (Unanimous Decision) [Decent]


Featherweight Division
"Kid Britain" Manish Khan (15-2) vs Louie "The Featherweight Phenom" Sullivan (12-0)

Round 1: Sullivan comes out throwing leg kicks trying to keep Khan off guard. He manages to connect with one, but his second one is telegraphed from a mile away and Khan easily avoids it and then jumps at Sullivan with a big right. Sullivan drops down and Khan mounts Sullivan, finishing him off with vicious GNP!

Manish Khan d. Louis Sullivan (TKO - Strikes) at 1:42 of the 1st round [Good]


Lightweight Division
"The Ice Cold Swede" Lukas Mellberg (19-3) vs Harald "Hammer" Hubner (9-2)

Round 1: It's a slow first round as both guys try to out wrestle each other. Mellberg takes a take down but Hubner gets up quickly and lands some decent strikes to make the round hard to judge.

Round 2: Another boring round. Mellberg gets another take down and handles Hubner on the ground. Hubner won't let him pass guard however. Most likely it's 1-1 but it's hard to say.

Round 3: A boring round here. Hubner gets a take down and lays and prays as time slip away. Mellberg is stuck with nowhere to go. The round ends and the fans are livid at the lack of action.

Harald Habner d. Lukas Mellberg (Unanimous Decision [Very Poor]

Co-Main Event

Heavyweight Division

"Polish Power" Grzegorz Boniek (34-5) vs Iancu Trailescu (7-1)

Round 1: It's a slow first round, a sad theme on this night, but Trailescu shows his development by using a newly developed wrestling game to get Boniek against the fence where he throws big elbows and knees. It's a good way to gain points with the judges.

Round 2: A lot of action this round but it is still fairly slow. Trailescu continues to out grapple Boniek which is an absolute stunner. It's easily 2-0 now.

Round 3: Yawn. Another snoozer as the crowd on edge. Trailescu continues to dominate against the fence and he takes this one with ease.

[b][Iancu Trailescu d. Grzegorz Boniek (Unanimous Decision) [Very Poor]/B]


Main Event

SIGMA Light Heavyweight Title Fight

Matti "The Hammer" Kurri [c] (14-1-1) vs ""The Hand Grenade" Valentin Taneyev (10-1)

Round 1: A little more action then most on the night in the opening round but it isn't that great either. Kurri gets a take down but cannot pass guard and eventually Taneyev scrambles free. Near the end of the round Kurri picks up Taneyev and slams him down hard but the round ends before he can get mount.

Round 2: Kurri comes out looking for another take down so he can slow the fight down but Taneyev is too quick for him. Kurri throws a couple of punches but Taneyev dips away and throws a counter right that connects flush and knocks Kurri out!

Valentin Taneyev d. Matti Kurri (KO - Punch) at 1:00 of the 2nd round to win the SIGMA Light Heavyweight Title [Average]

[DeToxRox]

SIGMA: Kurri vs Taneyev

Post Fight Press Conference

Attendance: 3,416
Gate: $273,280
PPV Buys: 113,613 buys for $681,678
Critical Rating: Average
Commercial Rating: Decent

Fight of the Night: Manish Khan vs Louis Sullivan
KO of the Night: Valentin Taneyev
Submission of the Night: -

Medical Suspensions

- Matti Kurri: 4 months
- Louis Sullivan: 2 months

Cuts

- Grzegorz Boniek