FightZone TV is proud to announce that they will once again be providing national television coverage for World Fighting Championships “Battle of the Bay 8,” an action-packed Mixed Martial Arts extravaganza at Tampa’s USF Sundome to be held on Friday, July 10, 2009.

The taped event, featuring cageside commentary by Fight Zone’s Jay Adams, will be aired nationally at a later date by FightZone TV to over 21 million homes on Fox Sport Net’s (FSN) affiliates SunSports, SportSouth, and nationally on DIRECTV, The Dish Network and AT&T U-verse, reaching over 20% of US homes with cable TV.

Famed music promoter Ted Lucas of Slip-N-Slide Records and fight promoter and WFC President, Tom Crowther have joined forces to present “Battle of the Bay 8 which will will feature a main event showdown with former UFC Champion and “Celebrity Rehab” star Ricco Rodriguez and Mario “Big Hurt” Rinaldi along with thrilling bouts from some of the top mixed martial artists in the country. To make the evening even more exciting, it will be hosted by special guest cage girl Amber Smith, star of VH-1 TV’S two hit reality series, “Celebrity Rehab” and “Sober House.” With Ricco and Amber Smith, both stars on “Celebrity Rehab,” the July 10th event will aim on creating anti-drug awareness and promote a world free of both recreational and sports-related drugs.

Tickets priced from $25 -$75 are on sale now and available at www.ticketmaster.com or www.mmawfc.com. VIP tables are also available starting at $1,000. Showroom doors open at 7pm, preliminaries start at 8pm, and main event commences at 11:30pm. The USF Sundome is located at 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620. Phone is (813) 974-3002. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, or CADCA whose mission is to create and maintain safe, healthy and drug-free communities.

The main bout of the evening features former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight and “Celebrity Rehab” star Ricco Rodriguez (29-10-0) against Mario “Big Hurt” Rinaldi (8-02-01). This is Rodriguez’s first fight since becoming clean and sober and losing his UFC belt. “After recovery comes redemption,” says Ricco. “I’m in great shape and ready for the ultimate comeback.”

Ricco Rodriquez is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion. He has also competed in PRIDE Fighting Championship, EliteXC, International Fight League, World Extreme Cagefighting and King of the Cage and holds notable wins over Andrei Arlovski, Jeff Monson and Randy Couture.

Rodriguez wrestled in high school while living in New York. He later moved to California and began training in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Rigan and Jean Jacques Machado. He competed and won many Jiu Jitsu tournaments before moving on to MMA. In 1997, Ricco Rodriguez became the first American to win a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship. He won the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship in the Absolute (open weight) division in 1998. In the following year Rodriguez began his MMA career with a win against Rocky Batastini. He won several of his first matches before losing to Bobby Hoffman at the Superbrawl 13 event in Hawaii. He later fought in the PRIDE Fighting Championship before moving on to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Rodriguez’s first UFC match was at UFC 32 against Andrei Arlovski which he won by TKO. Rodriguez went on to beat Williams, Jeff Monson (UFC 35) and Tsuyoshi Kohsaka (UFC 37) to earn a title shot against heavyweight champion Randy Couture at UFC 39. Rodriguez was losing on the scorecard in the initial rounds. In the fifth round Rodriguez was able to achieve a ground-and-pound victory with a stoppage by verbal tapout.

Voted “One of the Sexiest Women in the World” by Maxim Magazine, Tampa- native Amber Smith will be the special guest cage girl. Amber has graced the covers of over 300 magazines worldwide, including Playboy, Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire and Maxim, with her initial fame concurrent with her appearances in two Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues. An internationally recognized supermodel and actress for almost 20 years, today Amber Smith is perhaps even more recognizable as one of the top reality TV stars in America for her participation in the VH-1 TV series “Celebrity Rehab” and its sequel “Sober House.” For more information on Amber, go to www.ambersmith.com.

“Battle of the Bay 8” will feature some of the most talented MMA fighters to step into the ring including Regino Pena vs. Dustin Winterhalt, Frankhad Sharapov vs. Chris Manuel, Brian Eckstein vs. Ralph Acosta, Zack Light vs. Patrick Mikesz, Alex Caceres vs. Matt McCook, Erik “War Face” Covik vs. Caleb Archer, James Wynn vs. Giovani Moljo, Joe Ricart vs. Malachy Freidman, Gino Tutera vs. Andrew Parker and James Powell vs. TBA.

The official “Battle of the Bay 8” WEIGH-INS will be held on Thursday, July 9 at 6pm at the Embassy Suites on USF campus, next to the Sundome and are OPEN to the public. The weigh-ins will include a meet and greet with the fighters as well as on-on-one interviews with the press, available upon request.

A portion of the proceeds Go To Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.

ABOUT CADCA
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, or CADCA, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions in their effort to create and maintain safe, healthy and drug-free communities. CADCA supports its members with training and technical assistance, public policy advocacy, media strategies and marketing programs, conferences and special events. For more information, go to www.cadca.org.

Well, I just started this event with Gilbert Yvel vs. Pedro Rizzo, which I’m watching right now. I really hope Pedro kicks the crap out of Gilbert Yvel. Damn, that sucks, I might have just jinxed Pedro Rizzo. He had Yvel on the ground, but let him get back up, and Yvel started landing strikes, Pedro fell to the mat and took several unanswered punches, he’s out cold. Pedro has been on the mat now for a few minutes, I hope he’s OK. Pedro Rizzo has been victim to some gnarly KO’s in his career, damn. I’m glad to see Gilbert Yvel trying to act like a nicer guy these days, also (even though this picture seems to indicate otherwise). He’s over by Rizzo showing some concern. Thankfully, Pedro is back to his feet now, but his brain has sure taken some damage over the years.

Yes, I’m rooting for Bob Sapp. I don’t really know why, except that Sapp has provided me entertainment for several years now, and I don’t know Bobby Lashley, because I haven’t followed pro-wrestling in years.

Well that turned out to be a shitty fight. Bobby Lashley had been saying he was going to stand up and trade punches with Bob Sapp, but he lied, he immediately shot for a takedown and didn’t let Bob Sapp back to his feet. Bobby Lashley wins via GNP TKO in round 1, Bob Sapp tapped out due to strikes.

Discovery Channel’s show Time Warp just did a couple of really cool segments on MMA. The premise of the show is to slow things down using a high speed camera, so we can see the slow motion effects. In tonights episode, they had Kenny Florian, Erin Toughill, Dave and Dan Camarillo. I don’t know when they’ll show a re-run, so check your TV listings, but it was really cool to see everything done in super slow motion.

Overall, a great show. Chris Lytle is a bad man. He’s never been knocked out in 49 fights, but came damn close to being KTFO in round 1 after an uppercut from Kevin Burns made his legs like jello for a second, but was relieved when the bell sounded to end the round. Lytle looked around to gather his senses for a couple of seconds, went to his corner and came back out in the 2nd round ready for more war. Dude was slinging haymakers from both sides, landing gnarly body shots with his right. Both dudes continued to slug it out, with Lytle being the aggressor for the rest of the fight, constantly moving forward and cutting Kevin Burns open for a bloody mess.

Clay Guida seriously needs to cut his hair, as much as it is awesome. I know it gives him character and makes him look like a Geico Caveman, but still, it has to mess up his peripheral vision. I would even say there is a chance he could’ve seen that kick coming at his head in round 1 that knocked him on his ass, but maybe not. Anyway, great fight, and Diego is gonna be a top contender for a long time.

Congratulations to the Ultimate Fighter season 9 lightweight and welterweight winners, Ross Pearson and James Wilks, both from Team UK on the show. Pearson won a decision against his teammate Andre Winner, and James Wilks looked very impressive in his 1st round submission victory against Team USA favorite DeMarques Johnson.

Frank Lester fought on the undercard, and I had $10 on him to win. He got submitted by Nick Osipczak, and they didn’t show it on air.

Now I’m looking forward to TUF Season 10 with Kimbo. And who the hell is the 7′ footer in the commercials standing behind Rampage and Rashad?

FightZone Media, consisting of FightZone TV, Magazine, Radio and Internet, has joined UFC Fan Expo as an Official Sponsor.

In support of the event. FightZone TV will air over 100 TV commercials nationwide on over 30 of their airings from now until the day of the event.

The first-ever UFC Fan Expo being held in Las Vegas in celebration of UFC 100 is a two-day fan exposition of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) activities starting Friday, July 10th and leading right up to the start of the historic fights on Saturday, July 11th.

UFC Fan Expo will take place inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and will be the first event of its kind for UFC fans.

Among the UFC Fan Expo two-day roster of activities will be meet and greets with legendary UFC and WEC fighters, MMA demonstrations, fan-inspired special events, training and development sessions, a grappling tournament and other exciting opportunities and entertainment such as Limp Bizkit. All the UFC Fan Expo activities will be planned in conjunction with UFC 100, including the free-to-the-public weigh-in event on Friday, July 10th.

Expected to attract over 130 companies and brands, UFC Fan Expo will span more than 200,000 gross square feet of space exhibiting apparel, electronic gaming, food & beverages, fight gear and fitness equipment, MMA training and development, nutritional supplements, lifestyle products, and much more.

Currently seen on television in over 120 countries and territories in 17 different languages, UFC is the world’s largest pay-per-view content provider, and is the fastest-growing sports franchise in history. UFC programs are often the highest-rated television sports shows among the coveted male 18-34 and 18-42 demographic. UFC Fan Expo and UFC 100 are expected to attract tens of thousands of sports fans from throughout North America and abroad.

The event is produced for UFC through Reed Exhibitions, the largest global producer of high-profile and highly targeted events, Ed Gallo, event director of the UFC Fan Expo. says “Drawing on our experience in pop-culture inspired events such as New York Comic Con and New York Anime Festival, the UFC Fan Expo will deliver an unprecedented all-access pass to loyal UFC fans, and new fans discovering their passion for mixed martial arts.”

“We are pleased to work with Reed Exhibitions to present UFC Fan Expo in conjunction with UFC 100,” said UFC President Dana White. “The UFC 100 event is a milestone for us, for the sport of mixed martial arts, and for fight fans around the world, this will be an amazing weekend for UFC fans.”

For more UFC Fan Expo information and to purchase tickets, visit UFCfanexpo.com.

About Fight Zone Media
FightZone TV is now available up to 6 times weekly to over 21 million homes in over 127 cities on Fox Sport Net’s (FSN) affiliates SunSports, SportSouth, and nationally on DIRECTV, The Dish Network and AT&T U-verse, reaching over 20% of US homes with cable TV.

Presentations include FightZone Presents and Jay Adams’ Brawl Call.

The actor and star of the 1970’s television show Kung Fu, was found dead in his hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand. The death is being called an apparent suicide. RIP David Carradine

Kid Yamamoto loses for the first time in seven years to newcomer Joe Warren in a split decision. Yamamoto now 17-2 and Joe Warren now 1-0.

Jason “Mayhem” Miller vs. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza ended in a NO CONTEST result after Mayhem tripped Souza to the mat and then illegally soccer kicked him in the head opening up a gnarly gash. The fight continued, but was soon stopped because of bleeding from the cut. Mayhem said “It’s because I’m a fool, I got too excited. Honestly, it was an accident. I do the same technique in training, where I grab a guy’s leg and kick him as he’s falling, but he was already on the ground. And so, here we are.”

Gegard Mousasi submitted Mark Hunt  in 1:19 of round one.

Tatsuya Kawajiri got a unanimous decision victory over Gesias Cavalcante.

In the fight I was most looking forward to, Hong Man Choi vs Jose Canseco, it actually lasted longer than I expected. I was hoping for Canseco to win..seriously..although I knew it probably wouldn’t happen. Canseco threw some big hooks and kicks at Choi, but to no avail.. Canseco fell after throwing a kick, and Choi pounced on him delivering some ground-and-pound, forcing Canseco to tap out at 1:17 of round one. I feel kinda bad for Canseco, considering it was said that nobody wanted to help train him.

Sokoudjou defeated Jan Nortje by TKO at 2:29 of round one, but Sokoudjou kept on punching Nortje for a few seconds after the referee had called for a stop.

Minowa submitted Bob Sapp with an Achilles Lock.

Just got back from Nowhere, Georgia…but in time to catch UFC 98.

Sherk vs. Edgar goes to a decision…who would’ve guessed? Ummm, I think it was almost guaranteed to go a decision, I wouldn’t have guessed anything else. Frankie Edgar wins via decision. According to Dana White’s twitter, “Sean sherk ran out of the ring and out the doors and down the street in his fight shorts and no shirt”.. LOL.

Chael Sonnen vs. Dan Miller…Sonnen says he’s gonna punch a hole in Millers face. So far, it’s looking like he’s right. Round three and Sonnen is pretty much dominating the fight, except for a couple of good, but unsuccessful guillotine attempts by Miller. Chael Sonnen wins via judges decision.

Drew McFedries vs. Xavier Foupa-Pokam “Professor X”.. the audience boos when Referee Yves Lavigne isi ntroduced.. and shortly thereafter, Drew McFedries KO’s Xavier Foupa-Pokam, knocks him down, Xavier recovers, back to his feat momentarily, then KO’d again by McFedries, knocked around some more before the referee stops the fight. Foupa-Pokam protests the stoppage, but it was fair, in my opinion. Drew McFedries wins by KO at 37 seconds of round one.

Hey, there’s Holly Madison from Girls Next Door and Dancing With The Stars…but I want to know who the other blonde chick is beside her.

btw: WAR Machida.

Krysztof Soszynski vs Andre Gusmao – Gnarly knockout win for Krysztof Soszynski in round one. Gusmao took some good shots without seeming hurt, but finally dropped unconscious from a right cross.

IRON MIKE TYSON IN THE HOUSE.

Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra! -  I kinda want Hughes to win this, but I also like seeing underdogs win, and I think Serra is the underdog here. I just hope it’s an entertaining fight. Holy shit, Matt Serra using the Rocky entrance music. Awesome. I think I want him to win now…but of course, it’s hard to beat Bocephus music. Above average staredown between Hughes and Serra.

Round One: WOW Serra hurts Hughes badly! Has him rocked bad, but Joe Rogan says it was from a head-collision. Matt Hughes has Serra’s back now, this might be bad for Serra, Hughes has his hooks in, just under one minute left in round one. Serra escapes and their both back to their feet. Great fight so far. Round Two starts, and it’s spent mostly with Hughes in Serra’s half guard. Not much ground and pound from Hughes, and Serra was rolling his eyes at the lack of action. ROUND THREE, last round. Hughes takes Serra down, controls him, but Serra gets some good sub attempts, tries a triangle, omaplata, referee starts them back on their feet. SERRA THROWS HUGHES,  lands some good shots, controls, round over. Will it be enough for the win? Nope, judges give it a 29-28 unanimous decision victory for Matt Hughes.

Joe Rogan interviews Hughes after the fight, and Hughes mentions he is now a free agent and has no fights left with the UFC… he says he and Dana White will talk it over and see about one more fight in his hometown. Hughes also clearly says he won’t be fighting for any other organization.

LYOTO MACHIDA vs. RASHAD EVANS – I 100% want Machida to win this fight. I also hope the fight is entertaining, I hope Rashad brings it and doesn’t try to counter Machida’s counter.

Round One: How long will it take before they actually tough eachother? Machida throws the first strike, with a low leg kick that doesn’t land. So far one minute into the fight and nothing yet. There’s a kick from Rashad, it doesn’t land. Still no contact. I already hear boos in the audience. Machida is southpaw, and Evans is orthodox right now. NICE head kickfrom Machida, lands, but not enough to hurt Rashad yet. MACHIDA knocks Rashad down with a kick to the body. MACHIDA wins round one easily.

Round Two: THAT WAS AWESOME. Machida is unstoppable. He just left Rashad Evans unconscious laying against the fence. He probably broke Rashad’s nose, also.

I think I just heard Rogan say “Mixed Mortal Arts”..

BTW: Rashad Evans seems like a genuinely good dude. Good post-fight interview with Rogan, even under such disappointing circumstances for him.

PRELIM FIGHT RESULTS:

George Roop defeats Dave Kaplan via judges decision
Yoshiyuki Yoshida defeats Brandon Wolff via guillotine, round one
Kyle Bradley defeats Phillipe Nover by TKO, round one
Tim Hague defeats Pat Barry by Guillotine, round one
Brock Larson defeats Mike Pyle by arm-triangle choke, round one

**Rumor has it that two of the fighters’ mothers got into a fight in the audience? I need to hear more about this entertainment.

Evidently this was some kind of Wrestling vs. Judo grappling match featuring Frank Trigg vs. Bill Simpson. This was a first time seeing this video for me. Thought it was interesting, felt like posting it here. The description of the video says the match took place at Dale Cook’s 1995 ACE World Series of Martial Arts.

Man this has the makings of the best MMA fight card in the history of ever. Especially if they actually get Jose Canseco vs. Hong Man Choi on the card. There is no way in hell I would miss a fight like that.

Also awesome, is Minowa vs. Bob Sapp (I can’t believe they haven’t fought before). Gegard Mousasi vs. Mark Hunt, Jan Nortje vs Sokoudjou, and a re-match between Jason Mayhem Miller and Ronaldo Jacare Souza. Should be a fun night!

Jason “Mayhem” Miller dominated Kala Hose, taking him down, administering some gnarly hammerfist-style ground and pound, forcing Hose to give up his back, where Mayhem proceeded to sink a rear-naked choke causing Kala Hose to tap out a little more than 2 minutes into the fight (round one).