I say hell no, and I’d like to see him added to the UFC heavyweight division, but according to a report, an episode of Taggradio.com with Roy Nelson, he said in an interview that UFC matchmaker Joe Silva told him he needed to lose weight and gain muscle, and that he doesn’t have the “UFC look”. Ridiculous. Regardless of looks, Nelson easily deserves to be in the UFC heavyweight division.

IFL Decides Against August 15 Event in New Jersey

Organization Working On Financial Situation

NEW YORK, June 10, 2008: The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI ) today announced that it has canceled its scheduled August 15 event at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in light of the company’s current financial condition. IFL continues to explore options for maximizing shareholder value. However, if the IFL is unable to successfully leverage any of those options, the company may seek protection from its creditors through a court proceeding.

The IFL is working with other top MMA organizations to keep its top fighters active in the sport and showcase their talent, while it pursues options that may enable it to continue its MMA operations. Several IFL athletes will compete on the Adrenaline MMA card in Chicago on June 14, and announcements with other promoters working with IFL athletes are expected in the near future. The IFL will also continue to downsize its staff to reduce costs.

New York — Fans unable to attend the first Adrenaline MMA event on June 14 at the Sears Center Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill., will be able to watch the event live on HDNet.

Adrenaline CEO Monte Cox has announced a deal for the Mark Cuban-owned HDNet to carry the event’s first three shows live. “We want to be considered one of the top events in the country,” Cox said. “In order to compete at that level, we have to have a television deal. This enables us to build a following not only in the cities we hold events, but also with fans around the country.”

Among the first fighters signed to Adrenaline MMA contracts are former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia, former IFL heavyweight standout Ben Rothwell and former Bodog champion Ed Alvarez.
Adrenaline MMA’s first show features UFC and Pride veteran Jeff Monson against Chicago police officer and Pride veteran Mike Russow. For the complete card, check out adrenaline-mma.com.

Brad Imes vs. Roy Nelson

5/16/2008

Nelson, Schultz Defend, Miller Submits McGivern For First Belt

NEW YORK, May 16, 2008 – Heavyweight Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) and lightweight Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) defended their respective International Fight League titles while Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) scored a victory over defending middleweight champion Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) before 4,530 tonight at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Nelson capped the evening with a victory over Brad Imes (Kansas City, Mo.), after Schultz defeated fellow lightweight Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) to retain his belt.

Nelson started with a blitz of punches right at the start of the first round which Imes was able to recover briefly. Nelson finished the bout with a crunching series of blows for the quick KO.

Schultz and Taurosevicius battled hard, with both surviving near-submissions and solid strikes. Ultimately, Schultz claimed the unanimous decision.

Miller’s was a quick finish, after an exciting first three minutes of the first round in which both competitors maintained a high-energy pace. Miller caught McGivern in a kneebar to win his first title.

The preliminary bouts featured athletes from four MMA camps, including Team Quest, Team Bombsquad, World Class Fight Center and Team Prodigy. Lightweight John Franchi (Cortland, N.Y.) of Bombsquad got the night off to an exciting start with a first-round submission victory over Frank Latina (Middletown, Conn.). Team Quest’s Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.) then scored a unanimous decision over Bombsquad’s Lamont Lister (Philadelphia) in a light heavyweight bout. John Howard (Boston) then knocked out Nick Calandrino (Emerson, N.J.) of Bombsquad with a third-round flurry of strikes in an entertaining matchup of welterweights.

The second set of preliminary bouts began with Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) of Team Quest recording a unanimous decision over Joey Guel (Oregon) in a middleweight matchup. Josh Souder (Mason, Ohio) of Team Prodigy then wrapped up a quick TKO over Team Quest’s Zac George (Norman, Okla.), before World Class Fight Center’s Danillo Villefort (Pompano Beach, Fla.) scored a first-round submission victory via kneebar over Mike Massenzio (Paterson, N.J.) of Bombsquad.

The IFL’s next scheduled event is set for August 15 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., when it will unveil its new six-sided ring surface, dubbed “The Hex.”

IFL Mohegan Sun
Friday, May 16, 2008

Preliminary Bouts
155 lbs.: John Franchi (Cortland, N.Y.) def. Frank Latina (Middletown, Conn.) via submission (rear naked choke), 2:19, 1st
205 lbs.: Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.) def. Lamont Lister (Philadelphia) via decision (unanimous) after three rounds
170 lbs.: John Howard (Boston) def. Nick Calandrino (Emerson, N.J.) via TKO (strikes), 2:24, 3rd
185 lbs.: Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) def. Joey Guel (Oregon) via decision (unanimous) after three rounds
155 lbs.: Josh Souder (Mason, Ohio) def. Zac George (Norman, Okla.) via TKO (strikes), 0:47, 1st
185 lbs.: Danillo Villefort (Pompano Beach, Fla.) def. Mike Massenzio (Paterson, N.J.) via submission (kneebar) 3:44, 1st

Championship Bouts
185 lbs.: Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) def. *Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) via submission (kneebar), 3:36, 1st
155 lbs.: *Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) def. Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) via decision (unanimous) after five rounds
265 lbs.: *Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) def. Brad Imes (Sacramento, Calif.), via TKO (strikes), 2:55, 1st
*Defending Titleholder

5/8/2008

Imes Challenges Roy Nelson For Heavyweight Belt; Conn. Native Latina, New York’s Franchi Match Up in Lightweight Bout as Jim Miller Withdraws

NEW YORK, May 9, 2008 –Mixed martial arts veteran Brad Imes (Sacramento, Calif.) will challenge Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) for the heavyweight championship as part of the nine-bout card as the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Friday, May 16. Imes replaces Branden Lee Hinkle (Weirton, W. Va.), who was injured in training.

A training injury to Fabricio Camoes of Brazil also necessitated a change in a non-championship lightweight bout. Frank Latina (Middletown, Conn.) will battle John Franchi (Cortland, N.Y.). Jim Miller (Sparta, N.J.), originally slated to face Camoes, withdrew from the bout following the injury to Camoes.

Imes, known as “The Hillbilly Heartthrob,” trains with Miletich Fighting Systems in Iowa. He has competed in several MMA organizations, and was notably a finalist in the second season of The Ultimate Fighter television series. Imes is 11-4 in his MMA career and will be making his IFL debut. May 16 will also mark the first IFL bouts for Latina (4-1 overall) and Franchi (3-0).

As previously announced, two other IFL Champions will put their respective titles on the line to headline the card, as Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) takes on Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) at middleweight and Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) defends against Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) at lightweight. HDNet will televise all three championship bouts, plus three preliminary matchups.

The preliminary bouts feature athletes from four MMA camps, including Team Quest, Team Bombsquad, World Class Fight Center and Team Prodigy.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.com, the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office, and by telephone at 860-886-0070.

IFL Mohegan Sun
Friday, May 16, 2008 (order TBD)

Preliminary Bouts
155 lbs.: Frank Latina (Middletown, Conn.) (0-0 IFL, 4-1 overall MMA) vs. John Franchi (Cortland, N.Y.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 3-0)
205 lbs.: Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.) (Team Quest) (2-2, 5-4) vs. Lamont Lister (Philadelphia) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 5-3)
170 lbs.: John Howard (Boston) (0-0 IFL, 8-3 overall MMA) vs. Nick Calandrino (Emerson, N.J.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 5-0)
155 lbs.: Zac George (Norman, Okla.) (Team Quest) (1-1, 12-2) vs. Josh Souder (Mason, Ohio) (Team Prodigy) (0-0, 10-6)
185 lbs.: Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) (Team Quest) (6-4, 21-10-1) vs. Joey Guel (Oregon) (0-0, 12-5)
185 lbs.: Danillo Villefort (Pompano Beach, Fla.) (World Class Fight Center) (0-0, 6-2) vs. Mike Massenzio (Paterson, N.J.) (Team Bombsquad) (0-0, 10-1)

Championship Bouts
185 lbs.: *Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) (Miletich Fighting Systems) (6-4, 12-5) vs. Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) (AMA Fight Club) (1-0, 7-1)
265 lbs.: *Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) (Lion’s Den) (5-1, 12-2) vs. Brad Imes (Sacramento, Calif.) (Miletich Fighting Systems) (0-0, 11-4)
155 lbs.: *Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) (Team Quest) (6-2, 19-9-1) vs. Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) (Renzo Gracie) (3-0, 9-2)

*Current Titleholder

IFL, Throwdown Energy Drink Put “The Hex” on MMA with New Six-Sided Ring
5/8/2008

Unique Fight Surface Developed by IFL, Throwdown Industries Will Debut August 15 in New Jersey

NEW YORK, May 8, 2008 –The International Fight League (IFLI: OTC.BB) today announced it is in the process of developing a hexagon-shaped mixed martial arts ring, to be used in future IFL competitions. The new ring, created in conjunction with Throwdown Industries, the makers of Throwdown Energy Drink, will debut when the IFL holds its event on Friday, August 15, at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J. The fight card for that event will be announced in June.

Dubbed “The Hex,” the six-sided surface will measure 24 feet across (27’ 8 ½” end-to-end) and will be enclosed by five ropes. The use of The Hex maintains the viewing advantage for fans in attendance as well as the television audience that the ring provides, while also allowing for the strategic benefits of a hexagonal surface.

“From a production and live event standpoint, the ring has proven to be the most fan and media friendly environment, as well as providing the safest possible environment for our athletes,” said Jay Larkin, IFL CEO. “The Hex allows for the larger surface that is utilized in other MMA organizations while still retaining the advantages we have enjoyed with the ring.”

A prototype of The Hex is currently being constructed and will be housed in Las Vegas. Throwdown, the leader in MMA Gyms and Training centers, has built training centers and personal gyms for the top MMA athletes in the world. Athletes and coaches will have the opportunity to work out in it prior to the August 15 New Jersey event.

“‘The Hex’ is quite different from the other world-class MMA facilities we have built,” said Throwdown President Mike McIntyre. “We are excited to be putting our expertise to work in developing what we feel will be an optimal surface for the sport as it continues to grow.”

Tickets for the East Rutherford, N.J. event will be available at the IZOD Center Box Office (located at the Meadowlands), www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (201) 507-8900.

About Throwdown

Throwdown Industries, Inc. specializes in premium impact and action sports goods and services. Their current product portfolio includes a full line of MMA fight gear: cages, rings, racks, bags, gloves accessories, performance apparel, media and Training Centers under the THROWDOWN brand name.

Throwdown Energy Drinks: Classic and Rampage Punch – both available in regular and sugar-free formats — are scientifically designed for those who want to “Throwdown” by providing double the energy than the average drink in this category.

About the IFL

International Fight Leagueâ„¢ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.

Russow eyes biggest test in debut of Adrenaline MMA

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — As a Chicago policeman, Mike Russow has become accustomed to dangerous situations.

So, it is understandable when Russow only smiles and refers to fighting veteran Jeff Monson in a professional mixed martial arts bout as a “great opportunity.” Russow, 9-1 in his pro career, takes on Monson, 23-7, in the heavyweight main event of Adrenaline MMA on June 14 at the Sears Centre.

A total of 13 pro bouts are scheduled in the inaugural Adrenaline event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and fights begin at 6 p.m.

“Monson is far more than just a veteran,” said Adrenaline CEO Monte Cox. “He has fought in every major event in the world and competed for countless titles, including the UFC heavyweight title. He comes into the event having won 18 of his last 20 bouts and is looking to prove Russow is not yet ready for the big time.

“Russow, on the other hand, has been crushing opposition and has been tested twice in major events… losing to then No. 6 ranked Sergei Kharitonov in Pride, then crushing Roman Zentzov in Japan’s Yarennoka event last New Years Eve. He’s ready to show he should be considered among the world’s best.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Sears Centre Box Office, online at www.searscentre.com or by calling 1-888-SEARSTIX.

A foursome of UFC veterans make up the two feature bouts. Chicago’s Terry Martin (16-4) will face Japan’s Daiju Takase (7-11) while Chicago’s Brian Gassaway (25-17) takes on Las Vegas’ Tony Fryklund (14-9).

Martin is a knockout artist, but will need to be cautious of the submission ability of Takase, who owns wins over UFC champion Anderson Silva and former UFC champ Carlos Newton.

Gassaway and Fryklund are two of the sport’s true veterans and both prefer the standup game, which should make for an exciting bout.

The International Fight League has allowed two of its standouts with Chicago ties — Bart Palaszewski and Mark Miller — to compete on the card as well as Zac George. And EliteXC provided striker Aaron Rosa and all-around standout Hector Urbina.

Other Chicago area fighters include Rory Markham, Herc Hayes, Kerry Schall, Clay French, Mike Stumpf, Ryan Williams and John Hosman.

For more about Adrenaline MMA, check out their website at: www.adrenaline-mma.com.

That’s right, former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia, as well as former IFL heavyweight Ben Rothwell have both signed with the new Adrenaline MMA company (formerly M-1 Global). Here is the official press release from Adrenaline MMA:

Adrenaline signs MMA heavyweight standouts Sylvia and Rothwell

NEW YORK — Adrenaline MMA announced today that heavyweight stars Tim Sylvia and Ben Rothwell have signed multi-fight contracts with the newly-formed promotion.

Sylvia (24-4) is a former 2-time UFC heavyweight champion, while Rothwell (31-5) was undefeated in the IFL for the champion Quad Cities Silverbacks.

Sylvia, 6-foot-8 and 265 pounds, has fought 13 times in the UFC and defeated top performers like Jeff Monson, Andre Arlovski (twice), Brandon Vera, Ricco Rodriguez and Assuerio Silva.

“Adrenaline is a new promotion, but it allows fighters to fight for other organizations… that’s huge,” Sylvia said. “I’ve got 3 to 4 years left and want to fight as much as possible, so this is the perfect choice for me at this time.”

Rothwell, 6-5 and 265, has won 13 straight bouts, including all 9 of his IFL fights.

“Adrenaline will give me the chance to take things to the next level,” Rothwell said. “I’m ready to see how I fare against the best heavyweights in the world.”

Sylvia and Rothwell both train at Miletich Fighting Systems in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Not really. I just waited and read about the fights. The IFL has the most screwed up process of airing their shows. Was tonights show on Pay-Per-View or anything? Anywhere?  Bah, who cares. They (the IFL) are obviously happy with their place as a little league team in comparison with the UFC.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070611/20070611005875.html?.v=1

International Fight League Enters into Strategic Partnership and Licensing Agreement with The Topps Company
Monday June 11, 11:22 am ET
World’s Number One Team-Based Mixed Martial Arts League Joins With The World’s Preeminent Brand in Collectible Trading Cards

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The International Fight League, the world’s number one team-based professional mixed martial arts league, today announced a multi-year strategic partnership and licensing agreement with The Topps Company, one of the most storied brands in sports collectibles. The partnership will include the first-ever line of cards featuring IFL coaches and athletes, and will capture the league’s action and personalities in a collectible, consumer friendly, and high-quality format.

“We are very excited to begin this relationship with Topps, one of the most storied brands in the card business,” said Gareb Shamus, IFL co-founder and CEO. “This partnership is the latest in a series of moves by the sport of MMA and the IFL brand that shows how the sport will be able to reach a larger audience with compelling and unique content. It will be great way to showcase our stars through a combination of traditional trading cards, unique collectibles and new media projects.”

“The sport of Mixed Martial Arts is exciting and rapidly growing, and we are proud to partner with the IFL, their world class coaches and rising stars to make our entry in the sport,” said Ira Friedman, Topps’ vice president of publishing and licensing. “We have looked for the right entry point for the MMA category from a collectible standpoint, and feel that the IFL model is the best fit for both now and for the long term.”

The first Topps IFL branded product is currently in development. The card marketer plans its initial presentations to customers during the fourth quarter of 2007, with an expanded program in 2008 and beyond.

Topps joins an ever-growing group of IFL partners that include Microsoft Xbox, Brothers Apparel, Headline Headgear, Sandals Resorts, Warner Home Video, Dale and Thomas Popcorn, Fairtex Equipment and HeadBlade shaving products.

IFL events are televised weekly on FSN (Fridays at 11 p.m.) and Mondays at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific/7 p.m. Central on MyNetworkTV “IFL Battleground.”

About Topps

Topps is an international marketer of entertainment products, principally collectible trading cards, confections, sticker collections, and collectible strategy games. The Topps Company was founded in 1938 as Topps Chewing Gum, and in its early years produced a popular penny “Topps Gum” from a factory in Brooklyn, N.Y. After World War II, the company developed Bazooka Bubble Gum, and in 1950, added trading cards to its product line. Baseball cards appeared in 1951 and quickly became a vital part of pop culture, a tradition that continues to this day, and includes football (both American and European) and basketball, in addition to entertainment cards and stickers and albums, Topps also manufactures the popular lollipop brands marketed as Ring Pops, Push Pops, Baby Bottle Pops and other novelty candy and gum products.

About the IFL

International Fight League(TM) (IFL) is the world’s number one professional mixed martial arts sports league. IFL has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv

Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and IFL’s management’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future financial condition, and results of operations. There can be no assurance that future developments actually affecting IFL will be those anticipated.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ (favorably or unfavorably) from the expectations stated in this release include the risks and uncertainties such as the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and market competition.. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements.

IFL undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. This press release may include the opinions of IFL and does not necessarily include the views of any other person or entity.

The names of all International Fight League, Inc. televised and live programming, teams, images, and logos are trademarks, which are the exclusive property of International Fight League, Inc. All other trademarks and tradenames mentioned in this release are the property of their respective owners, and are not affiliated with IFL in any way.

Contact:
The International Fight League
Jerry Milani
212/356-4009 (o)
917/797-5663 (c)
jmilani@ifl.tv

Yep, I’m excited about this fight, even though both guys are in their 40′s. They first fought back in 1999, but Marco Ruas lost due to a knee injury. Marco Ruas helped educated me on the sport, but destroying Paul Varelans with a bunch of leg kicks, chopping down the 6’8″ tree.

In tonights fight, I think I’m gonna hope for Maurice Smith to win, although I’m really just excited to see the fight, and in my opinion they are both MMA legends.

IFL Confirms Passing of Condors’ Jeremy Williams
5/6/2007

NEW YORK, May 6, 2007 – The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI), the world’s first team-based professional mixed martial arts league, is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Southern California Condors middleweight Jeremy Williams, 27, of Laguna Niguel, Calif.  The Orange County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department – Coroner Division confirmed that Williams died Saturday and that an autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death.

“This is a very sad day for the Williams family, Jeremy’s teammates and all of the Mixed Martial Arts community,” IFL Co-founder and Commissioner Kurt Otto said.  “Jeremy was a tremendous competitor and teammate, as well as being a very strong person who lifted the spirits of everyone around him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeremy’s wife, Lauren, their young daughter and the rest of his family, as well as his coaches Marco Ruas and Debi Purcell and all his teammates.  Everyone at the IFL, as well as the entire MMA community, will do everything we can to support them in their hour of need.” 

Williams owned a professional record of 7-2 and was undefeated in his first two IFL fights, last competing at the Forum in Los Angeles on March 17, when he defeated the Tokyo Sabres’ Kazuhiro Hamanaka.  One of the rising stars of the first-year league, Williams was going to miss the Condors’ next matchup at the Sears Centre in Chicago on May 19, due to a recent recurrence of a sternum injury.

Memorial details will be announced as they become available.

About The IFL

International Fight League™ (IFL) is the world’s first professional mixed martial arts sports league. IFL has its headquarters in New York, NY and offices in Las Vegas, NV.  For more information about IFL, please see:  www.ifl.tv.