LEGACY
MMA Lifestyle
Publisher Mick Maynard Business Manager Andrea Maynard Editor in Chief Chris Shepperd Design/Layout Justin Trapp, Fighter Portraits
writers
Mike Calimbas AJ Hoffman Barry Laminack Brandon Nowalk Chris Zebo
G’day, It’s that time yet again, even as we come off our busiest and most successful period so far. Legacy FC made its Live television debut on HDNet for the first time on July 22ndand the whole country was able to see some of the best fighters Texas has to offer. Many of our local fighters have continued to move up the national and world rankings as they continue to post impressive victories all over the world. Here is a quick list courtesy of thecagedoor.net listing our Texas fighters. Keep in mind we are still missing a lot of Texas fighters from this list but it should give you an idea of our talent level. September 16th is our next Legacy FC pro show at the Houston Arena Theatre, get your tickets now at www.LegacyFights.tv Best Wishes, Mick Maynard
LET US KNOW
What do you think of the magazine? Send us an e-mail to mick@LegacyFights.tv
Fyweight Will Campuzano Jimmy Flick Bantamweight Johnny Bedford Steve Garcia Jonathan Mackles Featherweight Daniel Pineda Chas Skelly Frank Gomez Adam Schindler
Lightweight Carlo Prater Cameron Dollar Levi Forrest Jose Santibanez Justin Reiswerg
Middleweight Jake Rosholt Johnny Hendricks Artenas Young Andrew Craig Eric Schambari
Welterweight Pete Spratt Todd Moore Mike Bronzoulis Brian Melancon Joe Christopher Alex Cisne Derrick Krantz
Light Heavyweight Ike Villanueva
Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editor, publisher or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not liable for omissions, misprints to typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher. 1st copy is FREE, additional copies are $0.50 each Legacy - MMA Lifestyle 216 W. 26th Street ste 29 Bryan, Texas 77803 ph: 979.696.3971 | fax: 281.312.5160 © Copyright 2010 Legacy Media Inc.
Heavyweight Sam Hoger
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adamant about test himself against the toughest fighters possible. And he’s ready to do that all over again when he steps in against another young prospect in Evert Gutierrez at Legacy FC 8 on September 16th.
FIGHTER PROFILE
Alex Morono prepares for Gutierrez fight Morono talks about upcoming fight and how he got to this point in his career.
Story and Photos by
Mike Calimbas
When it comes to up-and-coming fighters from the Houston area, one of the main talents to pay close attention to at Legacy Fighting Championship 8 is a young fighter by the name of Alex Morono. It wasn’t too long ago that this young man was an overweight high school student before being exposed to mixed martial arts. Life changed after he was introduced to the sport and immediately fell in love with it. Five years later and he’s now a Muay Thai expert with a brown belt and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt teaching a new crop of students. Equally adept at high kicking an opponent as he is holding the rubber guard, the once-chubby high school kid is now considered one of the fastest risers amongst Houston’s next generation of pro fighters. Speaking to Morono, one can tell he’s far ahead of the game not only in what he’s conditioned himself to do physically, but also where he is mentally as well. Simply put, he doesn’t think like a twenty-one year old and he doesn’t have the same priorities either. We’re talking about a kid who recently went to Las Vegas for his 21st birthday and spent just as much time in the gym as he did the casinos.
Currently in the midst of his eight-week training camp at the time of this writing, Alex is working like an animal to rebound from his first professional loss. Both in Las Vegas and at his home gym in North Houston (Gracie Barra Woodlands), the young fighter is working harder than ever at building new skill sets in preparation for what he considers another important challenge in the form of his next opponent. “I have seen him fight before and watched quite a few videos on his jiu jitsu game,” Alex said about Evert Gutierrez. “He’s a very game opponent and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I have a solid game plan already and feel comfortable everywhere. I’ve never felt this well rounded in the sport.” Looking ahead, Alex Morono is looking forward to a bright future in martial arts, even if it doesn’t include the UFC. “Anyone who knows me knows break everything down into percentages and look at probability. It would be amazing if I can make it on the national circuit and I’ll take every advantage and opportunity I can but if I can make a comfortable living teaching and fighting I’ll do that happily,” he said.
As far as what he’s done in the cage up to this point, this prospect has been mightily impressive. As an amateur, he went undefeated against the likes of some very tough competition, including the likes of 3-1 fighter Justin Murray. Turning professional in December of 2010, he went on to win his first two bouts before dropping a tough decision to supercop Jeff Rexroad in a fight that many people thought he took too soon. Despite those opinions and the fact that loss still stings for him, Alex remains undaunted. He’s still
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FIGHTER PROFILE
Spratt is handling spotlight
Pete Spratt is no stranger to a tough matchup. His next fight is no different. But that doesn’t deter Spratt who is preparing for his FC8 fight.s
By Mike Calimbas
Anybody who was present at the Arena Theater or watching LIVE on HDNet on July 22nd can tell you that it can take as little as twenty-five seconds and one punch for “The Secret Weapon” Pete Spratt to finish a fight. That’s exactly how long and how much it took for him to dispatch of Antonio Flores to earn his upcoming main event fight against Jorge “Macaco” Patino for the vacant Legacy FC welterweight title. Now set to serve as one-half of the main event for Legacy Fighting Championship 8 on September 16th, Spratt will now be part of perhaps the most legendary Houston MMA bout ever. Heading into this fight, fans and pundits alike will undoubtedly bill this main event as a battle of “legend vs. legend.” Macaco’s storied career originated back in the vale tudo days of the mid-90’s back in his native Brazil and has taken him through epic battles with Pele, Pat Miletech, and many others. Meanwhile here in Texas, Spratt was busy making a name for himself on local shows in Houston and around the state before eventually making his way towards the upper echelons of the sport and ultimately taking on men like Robbie Lawler and Georges St. Pierre in the UFC. Because of his own pedigree and lengthy experience in the fight game, Pete won’t stand in awe of his legendary opponent. He’s not going to care that Macaco’s been involved in some of the most legendary feuds in MMA history (Pele, Godoi, Ryan Gracie) or that he was the first man to beat current Strikeforce champ Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza in MMA competition and knock him out in the process. He probably won’t even care that Patino is a multiple-stripe Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with the title of ‘champion’ on his resume or that he was one of the longtime members of the famed Chute Boxe team. And he most certainly won’t care that this fight will take place in front of his opponent’s adopted hometown where he runs the Gold Team Gym and coaches the likes of fighters such as the UFC’s Charles “do Bronx” Oliviera. All Pete Spratt will care about when that Legacy cage door slams shut is that there will be a man in front of him to try and knock out. With two wins in his last three fights and self-described as “feeling better than he’s felt in a very long time,” the MMA world could be looking at a renaissance period for “The Secret Weapon” should he get past his most experienced opponent ever at Legacy Fighting Championship 8.
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Mike Calimbas photo by
photo by Justin Trapp
They do say that forty is the new thirty and even at this age, Spratt still feels like he has a lot to learn and is improving as a mixed martial artist. With a potential title belt around his waist and a training camp that includes UFC fighter Aaron Rosa, Rodrigo Pinheiro, and many others down in San Antonio, a motivated Pete Spratt could be very tough to handle for all comers should he win the title this September. Be that as it may though, he’s still just taking his career one fight at a time with Jorge “Macaco” Patino up next. I’ve been fighting a long time and at this point, “a fight’s a fight,” Pete says. “I’ve been in this game so long that I don’t get caught up in who my opponent is or what his reputation is and this and that. It doesn’t matter who is across from me, I’m trying to knock them out. That’s always my prediction on how I’ll finish.” Based on the result of his last Legacy fight, we’re inclined to believe him. Now let’s see if he can pull it off against Jorge “Macaco” Patino.
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Legacy: Around the cage
FIGHTER PROFILE
Reiswerg poised for next bout
Looking back at Legacy’s debut on HDNet, one of the main highlights of the show was the opening bout performance put on by Justin Reiswerg. Taking on another top prospect in Marc “The Mongoose Ramirez, that bout was billed by many in the area as a showcase of future contenders in Legacy’s lightweight division. That estimation was proved correct through a three round slugfest that saw both fighters give their all for the crowd in attendance and those watching the event on television. In the end, it was Reiswerg’s performance that stood out and now have many billing him as a future star. The native Galvestonian originally started training in the sport of MMA after seeing a flier in his dorm hall while attending school in College Station. “We trained hard, we liked to hit hard, and put everything on the line at the gym and in the cage,” he recalls about those first days in training. Eventually moving to Houston for a change of scenery and in pursuit of a more technical gym to round out his skill set, Justin eventually found himself at Bam Bam Martial Arts, where’s been refining his skills with Brett Boyce, Fadi Khouri, Cody Phillips, and crew.
Justin Reiswerg impressed everyone with his last fight. He is looking to keep fans on their toes as he prepares Kenneth Battle at FC8 on Septemeber 16th.
Taking a few years off from active competition, Justin recently made his return to active competition at Legacy this past January – where he found himself facing former 155 champion Rey Trujillo. At the time, the recently deposed champion was known for exciting Legacy performances over Lane Yarbrough and Jesus Rivera. Known as a knockout artist, Trujillo was an opponent few, if any, expected the young fighter to win.
Story and Photos by
All future expectations changed for Justin Reiswerg after he convincingly put away the former champion with a third round armbar submission. He was now a fighter to watch out for.
Mike Calimbas
After that bout with Trujillo, Justin would go to expand his skill set through sessions with famed striking coaches Kru Bob Perez and Jeremy Mahon at 4OZ in preparation for the aforementioned bout with Ramirez. Adding boxing and closed door training sessions with his teammates at Made to Win, Justin has had an eye on improving and getting even better as fighter. So far, it has worked. “I have a very quick and explosive game,” Justin said when asked about his strengths in competition. “I am very mobile on my feet, throw from crazy angles, and have speed and power in both my hands. I use every piece of my body as a weapon. On the ground I am the same way. I’m hard to control, scramble till I find a spot I like then usually finish from there with a sub or a good ol’ fashion pounding. The best weapon I bring in is my unpredictability. I can attack from anywhere.” With a description like that and a glowing letter of reference from all the trainers he’s worked with, it’s no wonder Justin is fast becoming a fan favorite. Look for him to try and showcase some of those skills again when he takes on seasoned veteran Kenneth Battle at Legacy Fighting Championship 8 on September 16th at Houston’s Arena Theater.
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FIGHTER PROFILE
Craig puts undefeated record on the line
Andrew Craig laying 5-0 record on the line against Eric Schambari at FC8 on Sept. 16
By Mike Calimbas
When it comes to Houston MMA fighters poised to break out on the national scene, few are as close to the tipping point as Legacy Fighting Championship middleweight champion Andrew Craig. Heading into his next fight on September 16th, the Team Tooke fighter is now undefeated at 5-0 and ready to make the next step of his evolution as he takes on his toughest challenge yet in Eric Schambari. Is Andrew ready for this latest test? The truth is that he’s been honing himself for moments like this ever since he got into MMA. The twenty-six year old Texas Longhorn got his start in the sport courtesy of his cousin and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Travis Tooke back in 2005. Instantly taking a liking to the sport, Andrew became a sponge in order to get better, learning as much as he could by religiously spending time in the gym. Not long after he started grappling, Andrew supplemented his training by apprenticing under well-respected striking coaches Lewis Wood and Robby Rabadi. In addition, he’s traveled to train with prominent fighters such as UFC veteran James Head and Strikeforce top contender Tim Kennedy. As he’s told us about his training environment and the partners who he surrounds himself with, “there’s never a lack of people to get beat up by.” All that hard work has added up to a fighter that’s well-rounded enough to give anybody fits and continuously getting better. It’s no wonder that he’s fared well against opponents much more seasoned than himself while steadily raising the bar for his own performance. Heading into his September fight at Legacy Fighting Championship 8, Andrew has faced a murderers row of opponents that include some of the toughest 185 fighters in the state of Texas – men like BJJ black belt Rodrigo Pinheiro, hard-hitting legend Jon Kirk, and all-world wrestler Bubba Bush. Despite the level of the difficulty, Andrew has gone through every gauntlet and come out a winner on the other end so far. In his last fight with Bush at Legacy Fighting Championship 6, Andrew Craig went into the fight knowing he’d be facing a tough takedown artist and very strong fighter. Staying resilient and surviving an initial flurry over the first few rounds, Craig ultimately adapted well enough to get his own takedowns while displaying many other attributes that all added up to a fifth-round TKO win and a championship belt.
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Mike Calimbas
Long story short, Schambari will be no walk in the park for Andrew Craig. But have any of his opponents? To Andrew, it doesn’t really matter how good his opponent is. He’s just ready for the test.
photo by
photo by Justin Trapp
Now undefeated at 5-0 and having passed all those tests, Craig will be facing yet another stiff challenge in Las Vegas-based fighter Eric Schambari – a seasoned WEC and Bellator veteran with a 15-3 pro record. Fighting five years longer than Andrew, Schambari has likewise tested himself against top level fighters and come out aces, boasting a win over UFC-vet Matt Horwich amongst many others.
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Fight Night
PREVIEW By Barry Laminack (TheCageDoor.net) Legacy Fighting Championship returns to the Arena Theatre on September 16, 2011 for Legacy FC 8. Most of the so called experts didn’t think that the Legacy crew would be able to outdo the LFC 7 card, but as you’ll see this LFC 8 card is top to bottom the most evenly matched card to date. It has a great mix of young rising stars and solid savvy veterans. Many of the fighters on this card have the skills and ability to make it on the nation level (it’s just a matter of time), and if Legacy keeps putting together cards like this it’s only a matter of time before Legacy is considered part of that “national level”. Enjoy the preview and I’ll see you at the fights! Rashon Lewis vs. Ricardo Talavera Both of these guys bring a lot of energy to the cage. Both bring a lot of muscle to the cage too. Talavera is coming off an absolute war against Jeff Rexroad where he proved he’s not only a really good fighter; he’s tough as nails. Lewis is still very young in his career, and even though he’s coming off a loss to the always-tough Justin Murray, he’s got a really bright future. Talavera is probably going to want to take this to the ground where he’ll have the advantage. Lewis is probably going to look for the KO, but that’s easier said than done against Talavera, just ask Jeff Rexroad. Nate Garza vs. Cody Williams Look for this one to go the distance. Both of these guys are crazy tough. Garza might be one of the toughest guys to finish under 155 and with 7 fights under his belt (3-4) he’ll have
the experience advantage over the 1-0 Williams. Williams burst on the scene with a dynamic first fight, defeating the very tough Gerzan Chaw. Garza is a slugger who wants to stand and bang. Williams can do that, but will probably try and get this to the ground where his wrestling and BJJ can take over. Evert Gutierrez vs. Alex Morono This is your sleeper pick for fight of the night. If you were making a list of the best young fighters in Houston, there is no doubt that these two guys would be on said list…and probably near the top. Gutierrez is a BJJ phenom who has yet to showcase his outstanding hands in the cage. People that know and train Gutierrez says he has “it”. Morono is as tough as they come so don’t let the baby face fool you. He’s a well-rounded fighter who continues to improve in all facets of his game and has turned the heads of both fighters and fans in Texas. The sky is the limit for both of these fighters, it’s a shame one of them has to take a loss this early in their career. John Malbrough vs. Jeff Rexroad What a great matchup! These guys are two of the nicest guys in MMA…outside of the cage. Always respectful in the cage, they are no doubt going to be looking to finish each other early. Rexroad is quickly becoming a fan favorite as this BJJ brown belt showed in the Talavera fight that his hands are not to be underestimated. Malbrough is looking to right the ship and get back to his winning ways that earned him TheCageDoor.net Houston MMA Amateur fighter of the year in 2010. Malbrough is another guy that’s very tough to finish, so look for this one to go the distance.
Bubba Bush vs. Josh Foster Bush is coming off a loss in his title fight agains Andrew Craig, but don’t think he’s dwelling on that. In fact, he’s been working like crazy on his BJJ with Jarrod Clontz. Foster is taking on all comers as he slowly climbs his way up the rankings in Houston MMA. Even though Foster is skilled on the ground I think he’s going to want to keep this fight on the feet, but with Bush’s skills at wrestling and his phenomenal takedowns, that’s going to be easier said than done. I this this fight happening on the ground. I don’t see it going the distance. Larry Crowe vs. Ike Villanueva Slug fest. I could stop there bet let me tell you about each of these monsters. “Hurricane” Ike has serious KO power, and the rumor is he’s been working on his BJJ under black belt instructor Travis Tooke. Crowe finished his last fight at LFC 7 in quick and dynamic fashion, TKOing fellow striker Jermain Anugwom early in the first round. Crowe is VERY tough to finish, as most of his fights go the distance, but if anybody in the division has enough power to stop the streaking Crowe it’s Villanueva. Your KO of the night could come from this fight. Steve Garcia vs. Steven Peterson Peterson is a Dallas fighter so he’s probably flying under the radar in Houston, but make no mistake this XKO champion is tough as nails. It’s a good thing because he’s facing one of the toughest and nastiest 135lb fighters in Texas in Garcia. Garcia is a guy who has the skills, toughness and desire to make it on the next level,
but he’s going to have to get past Peterson if he hopes to make it on the national stage. Garcia will no doubt look to bang this one out, but I expect Peterson to try to get this one to the ground. That’s easier said than done as Garcia trains with two outstanding wrestlers in Bellator fighter Adam Schindler and Legacy dual title holder Daniel Pineda. Andrew Craig vs Eric Schambari Craig is one of the best fighters in Texas regardless of weigh class. He continues to take tough fights as he makes his way to the national scene, and Schambari is no doubt the toughest. Craig is still young and at 5-0 he’s still maturing as a pro fighter. Schambari is 15-3 and a WEC and Bellator veteran. 60% of Schambari’s wins have come via submission, but Craig has proven to be very tough to submit, just ask World Champion BJJ black belt Rodrigo Pinheiro. A win here no doubt puts Craig on the radar of the national promotions. Jorge Patino vs. Pete Spratt This fight alone is going to be worth the full ticket price. Both of these veterans are looking to finish quick. Spratt made national news with his 1 punch KO of Antonio “King Kong” Flores at Legacy FC 7. Patino is hungry for a belt and is looking to prove that he’s a force once again in MMA. I don’t see this fight going the distance. Patino is a BJJ black belt stud, but one only needs to view a few of his MMA highlight reels to realize he loves the KO as well. Spratt proved he can still end the fight with one punch. Don’t blink folks, this one could end quickly!
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Some time ago, the United States Amateur Combat Association (USACA) started an MMA scholarship fund for at-risk children in around the Houston area. The ongoing goal of this community-based program is to engage kids and teens from troubled backgrounds and give them a chance at a better future by providing tuition for accessible mixed martial arts training. By removing at-risk youth from their negative environment and placing them in a positive training center with a stable support group, it is the organization’s belief that these children will have a fighting chance for a better future. The latest recipient of the USACA MMA scholarship is Kenny Herrera of Elite MMA.
USACA creates Fund for MMA scholarships
By Mike Calimbas
“I would never pay attention in school,” said Kenny about his life before he started training. “I would get into fights all the time and also skip school for a week at a time. I had super bad grades and was flunking all my classes. I was a member of a gang for many years. My friends were very violent. They wanted me to do bad things with them like drugs, robbing, and hurting people. I didn’t have any other friends besides my gang crew. I was also into drugs for over two years. I was very addicted and would use drugs almost every day. I went to jail 3 times before I started training. A total of 230 days spent in jail…” Ever since he enrolled at Elite, Kenny says he’s started to see a difference in his life. “My relationships with everyone are changing. I get along with people better and respect them now. . I try my best to avoid fights and I don’t skip school anymore. If I try hard enough, I might get a chance to graduate as a junior. I’m trying to become a better person. I have good friends now and am learning to trust the people around me. Since I started, I’ve gotten away and am no longer part of the gang. I try to avoid them and avoid everything they were involved in so I can stay out of trouble and keep training. Because of training I don’t do drugs anymore either. It’s really bad for my health and I can’t get better doing that stuff. Also I haven’t been in jail since I started. I’ve even been helping teach some of the other kids in BJJ class so I think my life is getting a lot of better.” USACA is proud to sponsor Kenny’s continuing growth and development as both a person and as a martial artist by providing his tuition for one-year of training. For more on the USACA MMA scholarship, visit www.amateurcombat.com.
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FIVE MINUTE Q&A
“The voice” talks fc8 By Mike Calimbas Known the world over as “The Voice,” award-winning author and sports commentator Michael Schiavello has fast become one of the preeminent ambassadors of Mixed Martial Arts today. Working primarily with HDNet, the outspoken and quick-witted Australian has covered the entire landscape of the sport worldwide – providing on-air commentary for promotions like K-1, Dream, and most recently, The Legacy Fighting Championship. Through his show, “The Voice Vs,” a flagship program for HDNet Fights, Michael has taken fans deeper into the world of MMA than most have ever experienced through some of the most in-depth interviews ever televised about MMA. To date, his guests have included names like Tito Ortiz, Alistair Overeem, Wanderlei Silva, and Badr Hari. On September 16th, Michael will be back in Houston for the second time ever since he first made his way to the city for Legacy Fighting Championship 7 this past July. Through this interview, we wanted to get his insight on that experience, what he thought of the city’s Tex-Mex cuisine, and what he’s looking forward to when he comes back this time around for Legacy Fighting Championship 8 on HDNet. Michael, thanks for taking the time to talk to Legacy Magazine. It was a pleasure to see at the LFC7 show as well. What were thoughts on Legacy’s first appearance for the network? To be honest when I heard we were broadcasting Legacy FC I didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t heard too much about Legacy FC and I thought it’d be a small show without much starch. I was proven wrong in a big way. The show blew my mind. It was outstanding from top to bottom without one dull moment. Every fight could have been fight of the night and the submission of Robichaux and Spratt’s 20 second KO were true highlights. Honestly, I was amazed how great the show was. It’s rare to get a show in which every single fight is riveting. That marked your first time in Houston as well, is that right? Any highlights from that trip? Yes it was my first time in Houston. I was excited to see a different part of the United States and when myself and my fiancée, who was with me, caught a cab from
the airport to our hotel our first thoughts were: wow, this place looks so lovely and green. Then we drove past down town and we thought: this is really pretty, the buildings look lovely. Then we kept driving... and driving... and arrived at our hotel in South West Houston and we realized that we weren’t in the best part of town. We went to a BBQ restaurant over the highway and decided to walk back to our hotel at 11pm -- I’m told we’re lucky we didn’t get mugged! It just felt scary! We won’t be staying in the same hotel next time I’m assured so hopefully I will get a chance to have a better look at Houston. Oh and Mick Maynard took us to this fantastic Mexican restaurant, it was the best Mexican food I have ever had! Your time spent covering MMA has taken you all over the world at this point. As “The Voice,” you’re known as someone that’s extremely passionate about MMA. Why do you love it? What’s not to love! Legalized violence, high skill level, tremendous characters, a ton of adrenaline, fantastic technique. MMA has it all. I’ve covered a lot of sports for a very long time, as you say, all over the world. Few sports if any produce as many heart-pounding moments of excitement as MMA consistently does.
Who impressed you most at Legacy FC 7? Everyone did. The most impressive was Peter Spratt. I called it on the commentary that Spratt would get the KO with his left hand and he did. I remember when he knocked down K-1 MAX star Mike Zambidis in a kickboxing fight in Melbourne, Australia back ten years or so. You put your chin up in the air against Pete and he will knock you into next week. That lead hand is super quick and accurate. What are you expecting at when you guys come back to town for Legacy FC 8 in September? Another glass of Boner beer! That stuff is great! Oh and of course more fantastic fights. Mick Maynard is a great match-maker and I’m so excited to come back again. Is there anything specific you’d like to see next time back in Houston? Food? Attractions? Anything else? The Space Museum! Pulled Pork barbecue. And Trey Songz. He was in the lobby of our hotel on the final night and Frank Trigg spoke to him and apparently he is a fan of mine and of HDNET fights. I’d like to meet him and shake his hand and touch his bling.
Do you have any favorite fighters (or fights) from all that you’ve covered?
What can fans expect from your own career in the near future? Any exciting guests upcoming on “The Voice” on HDNet?
I sure do! Badr Hari is my favorite fighter. He’s a K-1 kickboxing star and just the finest knockout artist in the world who never ever has a dull fight. In MMA I love Minowaman, Nick Diaz, Sakuraba, Fedor Emelianenko, Alistair Overeem, Cain Velasquez, Dominic Cruz, and Cyborg Santos. In boxing I’m a fan of Manny Pacquiao, Bernard Hopkins, and Floyd Mayweather Junior.
We have some big ideas for The Voice Versus series. I just did The Voice vs. Sugar Ray Leonard at Ray’s house in Los Angeles and it was superb. As you know I did the Voice vs. Hulk Hogan in Florida and The Voice vs. Badr Hari in Holland and The Voice vs. Wanderlei Silva in Las Vegas -- all this year. I have my sights set on some very exciting guests!
More specific to some of our HDNET MMA broadcasts, I’m a fan of Pete Spratt, James Krause, Ryan Jimmo, Anthony Gutierrez, Carlo Prater... so many. As for particular fights, the K-1 World Grand Prix in 2008 was a favorite of mine, so too Dynamite 2009 and Dream 9. I also had the time of my life commentating the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the final episode of The Contender Asia in Singapore.
Any parting words for your Texas fans Michael? You’ve got a lot of them... I really love Texas. Texans are the nicest of all Americans I have met. I love Dallas and I want to get to love Houston. Thank you Texas for your hospitality. I love your accents and the way you say “y’all”. Plus your women are hot -- but don’t tell my fiancée I said that!! www.legacyfights.tv JULY-AUGUST LEGACY MAGAZINE | 21
Last month, the band released their sixth studio album, Gold Cobra. The 13-track recording was a resurrection that wasn't anticipated nor was it even thought to have a chance on the charts. But within the first two weeks of the release, the album secured the #1 Hard Rock Album on Billboard's charts and #16 on the Billboard 200. Not bad for a band that had taken a 6-year break and had returned to the music industry completely revolutionized. Of course, critics were mostly divided down the middle; they either loved Gold Cobra or hated it. Those that loved it were enthused for atypical reasons. They liked, almost continued from pgof 40a return of the genre against what they call today's cheap and nostalgically, the idea for places in the country--don’t seem to fatigued sentiment of road weariness, of the minute. But these songs just amble easy pop. Those that hated it all had easy reasons: Durst is a jerk and his music (lyrics) capture any real essence of the places they’re mundane transactions of checking in and out along listlessly from one place to was compelling the genre was out of touchrooms, and didn't need and a revival, etc., etc. named after.evidence, No cows mooing in “Amarillo”, of hotel of unpacking repacking another. Gorillaz have humored the Without at the new release through and just listening to pass it, you'll a of a physical release of The no looking rusting factories rotting away in “Detroit”,those yourlenses bags, of watching the world by inhear idea no wind or verticality in “Shy Town” (a lesser-thean immaterial blurfirst through the14 caryears window. Fall in coming months. But why solid album from Limp Bizkit that resembles energy of their release ago. The like the“Bring streaming blur ”out window, bother with the repackaging albumknown opensnickname with its for firstChicago). real song (track 1 is aAnd prelude), It Back, andthewastes no time nothing on this album really captures your re-establishing the sound that they helped make famous in the late '90s. As the title of of thea mediocre album when Only “California and the Slipping of the attention. You almost wish they would have people can download it for song suggests, a song about bringing Limp Bizkit back--and Durst doesn't beg you Sun”, in itsit's wistful atmosphere of lethargic pulled over long enough to reflect fortake a him free? back, he tells you back, whether organs and he's Albarn’s droning you like it or not. voice drowning in a synthesized
suggests Golden State “Sharksmog Attack” opensthe with a synthesized allusion to the Jaws theme and then kicks in with a sun drop setting. hardcore beat and Durst swinging his verbal fists at anyone that stands in his way. It's a great song to turn up while you're beating someone's face in or pretending your punching bag The road Gorillaz traveled on is yourthis nemesis. title song, Gold Cobra, has a similar “punch” to it and it's heavy Bizkit the album The is certainly inward, way fans it. “90.2.20” a darker, edgier song with industrial roots reaching back to Ministry, notlike outward. The islandscapes and cities America the and Durst even of sounds likeare Al in Jourgensen in this one. “Loser,” a song about a lost love affair, this road trip album. bringsbackseat guitaristofWes Borland back It into the spotlight and truly shows that, musically, Borland seems another affect of being on songwriting days. DJ Lethal's samples and synthesizers was also a frontman in Bizkit's better the road takes the wheel in this add depth and gritty intensity to the song's backdrop, as he does in almost every track on this conceptual voyage. new release. It’s that feeling of fogginess
you thing get from passingthis through The only stopping album from staying on top of the charts (it fell quickly and numerous places without miserably after two weeks) is...a ever time machine. Maybe the time has passed for the genre, but stopping long enough to figure for fans of Limp Bizkit that want one last go at it, Gold Cobra brings it back. them clearly in your mind; the
Limp Bizkit Brings Rapcore Back for Swan Song By Chris Zebo
Rapcore had its glory days in the early 2000s. Thinking back to that “era,” it's shocking to consider that it hasn't even been a decade since bands like Limp Bizkit were trendsetters and captains of the music industry. Nowadays, it isn't rare for a whole generation of musical taste to stale and be replaced with a new sound in a matter of 5 years or less. Think about bands like Guns 'n' Roses, like Pearl Jam, and even The Strokes and how their sounds defined the moment. Think about how those moments have passed. Rapcore and nu metal, the innovative sound once made famous by Rage Against the Machine, the Beastie Boys and Cypress Hill, fell victim to the same disposable tendencies of the music biz and the easily jaded tongues of consumer taste. It also didn't help the genre when Fred Durst's dynasty of public controversy went from throwing punches at other mainstream stars, like Eminem, to uppercutting his own fanbase. He was always known to be an unapologetic jerk, and that was part of his draw. But the line in the sand was crossed for many when Durst berated fans at shows. It's one thing to call out Eminem; it's another to call out your people. Following the release of 2005's The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1), Durst and Bizkit took a break. Durst went into another limelight, directing films, while guitarist Wes Borland continued his musical odyssey and formed Black Light Burns. At the time of the “break,” Limp Bizkit wasn't exactly missed. For some, it was apparent that their time had passed; and for some others--die hard fans--it was not so much the loss of the band but the confusion of the musical era changing that left many homeless musically. In 2009, amidst rumors that Limp Bizkit would reunite and reignite, Durst and Borland released a joint statement to the press stating that they were unhappy with the current state of the music industry. In a last ditch effort, the two frontmen decided that bringing the band back to life would not only be good for them but that it would be good for everyone: “We decided we were more disgusted and bored with the state of heavy popular music than we were with each other. Regardless of where our separate paths have taken us, we recognize there is a powerful and unique energy with this particular group of people we have not found anywhere else. This is why Limp Bizkit is back.”
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Now set to bring his career full-circle, Eric will make his return to the state where he got his fighting start by taking on undefeated up-and-comer Andrew Craig at Legacy Fighting Championship 8 in Houston.
FIGHTER PROFILE
legacy is bringing las vegas to houston
Eric Schambari prepares to step up to fight in FC8 on September 16th.
By Mike Calimbas Photos by Justin Trapp
As the latest out of town import set to debut for the Legacy Fighting Championship on September 16, Las Vegas resident Eric Schambari will most certainly be a stranger to most of the Houston crowd in attendance when he takes on hometown favorite Andrew Craig in one of the featured bouts of the evening. The ironic thing is that Schambari actually has a longer affiliation with the Texas MMA scene than anyone else on this card not named Pete Spratt. As a longtime veteran of the sport, Eric began training mixed martial arts in 2003 but got serious with the sport in 2005. It was then that he left quit his day job as a Cabana Host with the Bellagio Hotel and left Las Vegas in order to move to Texas to train with UFC-veterans Guy Mezger, Travis Lutter, and Alex Andrade. He never broke ties with original coach Marc Laimon and went back frequently to train with him and guys like Joe “Daddy” Stevenson at Cobra Kai but it was Texas where he first laid his roots in the fight game. Fighting his first five bouts in Plano, Fort Worth, and elsewhere around the state, Schambari went undefeated in the state’s early MMA scene, ending all but one of his fights in the first round before moving back to Las Vegas in order to expand on his burgeoning MMA career. Finding himself at the right place during the right time, Eric signed with the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), going 2-1 in the organization before sustaining a serious injury that would sideline him for all of 2008 while the organization folded its middleweight division after being purchased by Zuffa and ultimately folded into the UFC altogether. Making his own return to MMA two years after his last WEC bout, Schambari would go on to win eight of his next ten fights including a win over UFC veteran Matt Horwich en route to present day.
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As the hometown favorite and labeled as one of the strongest up-and-coming fighters out of the Houston area, Eric’s opponent will no doubt be the crowd favorite in this fight. The younger and less experienced of the two, Andrew Craig has faced some stiff competition en route to a 5-0 record. Many are calling him a blue chip fighter and say he’s a win or two away from ending up in the UFC himself. Despite those opinions, his opponent’s developing reputation likely won’t bother Schambari, who’s taken on similarly highly touted opponents in the past. “Eric’s very strong willed,” Marc Laimon said about his pupil in a Las Vegas Sun interview. “If he wants something he will work hard enough and do what he can to achieve his goals.” Coming off a loss, Schambari will more than likely be as motivated as ever heading into his first fight for Legacy. What he’ll want this time around is a win. After all, he’s never lost twice in a row in his entire career and doesn’t plan on starting now. As a matter of fact, the skilled submission fighter will probably be looking to fly out of George Bush Airport and back to Vegas with one of Andrew Craig’s limbs in his luggage. Does Eric Schambari have what it takes to make this happen? Find out at Legacy Fighting Championship 8 on September 16th.
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Captain america:
the first avenger
By Brandon Nowalk
What makes Captain America: The First Avenger the blockbuster of summer— over Harry Potter, Transformers, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes all—is its acrobatics. Where even brothers-in-costumed-arms Thor and X-Men drown in all that swampy topical drama and heavy personal melodrama, Captain America is light on its feet, always aware of what it is: a comic book for kids. Director Joe Johnston smartly sidesteps the trap of its geopolitical premise and the lure of mythic parallels and even coopts the push-pull of the irony/sincerity spectrum to craft a pulp adventure serial. At last, an underemployed audience screams toward the hills, a blockbuster that just wants to be fun.
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Because it’s been years since we’ve had a popcorn flick that wasn’t bloated by critical pretension, you may have forgotten, but the best pulp achieves its own resonance. Captain America had me choking up in the first ten minutes without one speech or tear. Johnston employs the shortcuts of comic conventions to get there without all the histrionics, and as soon as scrawny Steve Rodgers (Chris Evans) is saying goodbye to best friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), leaving for the European theater of WWII, we feel the weight of their friendship, a testament to the power of restraint in both the screenplay and performances. The romance, too, is surprisingly affecting, and Captain America has two endings—one to end the film, and the second for Samuel L. Jackson to tease The Avengers—both of which are tonally gutsy—and moving—if perhaps inappropriate to such a gung ho film.
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What Captain America isn’t, as its detractors suggest, is an ooh ra, support our troops, propaganda vehicle. This is a film so devoid of politics that the bad guy isn’t even a Nazi but an ex-Nazi who’s gone rogue (and is also a superpowered demon type played deliciously by Hugo Weaving by way of Christoph Waltz). The most disquieting element of the film is this weird ethical argument underlying the steroid serum that turns skinny Steve into a lotiony beefcake pinup. As Steve’s doctor/father figure Stanley Tucci explains it, “Good becomes great, bad becomes worse.” Which wouldn’t even make sense to the twelve year-old audience, as if the body is divisible into discrete components of good and evil, but it’s as quickly shoved back into the subtext never to be brought up again. The rest of the film—Captain America saving the allies, Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull mad with evil—plays accidental defense for this stupidity, but you could also chalk it up to the fantasy mysticism that charges the pulp, because everything else is a rip-roaring, allusion machine: a Kiss Me Deadly-style macguffin, an Alpine train heist, a mountainside palace straight out of Bond, a motorcycle chase that may as well be through Endor, a Frankenstein castle prologue, the list goes on. It’s saddled by clumsy franchise moments, absurd ethics, and blunt direction, but that hardly detracts from the surprising resonance of a film content to be fun. www.legacyfights.tv JULY-AUGUST LEGACY MAGAZINE | 29
photos courtesy of
Tiffany Saint Legacy Ring Girl Q- How did you get your start as a ring girl? A- Working for Hooters has opened many doors for me and being a ring card girl is one of them. My first ring card girl event was about two years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since! Q- Which one of your jobs has required the least amount of clothes? A- I would have to say that bartending in the nightclub industry in Houston has left me pretty scantily clad from time to time. Most of my bartending jobs over the last 6 years have left the outfit picking up to me...but I have found that a little less clothing=a little more money Q- What are your workouts like? A- I actually just started doing Crossfit. I have now officially made it through a couple of work outs and I LOVE it! Its quick and afterward i always feel like I worked really hard. Q- What are the biggest stereotype people have about ring girls? A- I think that people think we all just want to be closer to the fighters... but to be honest I don’t know if I could ever date a fighter, its way too scary!! Q- So what do you look for in a guy? A- Oh this is a loaded question. I guess the better question is what do I try to avoid. Ive learned over the years that trying to make a list of what qualities a guy should possess is pointless, but that having a list of qualities to avoid is crucial. That being said, I avoid guys who are immature and way too caught up in themselves. If they disrespect me in any way I run for the hills. Lastly I HATE jealousy I think it is a bad color on everyone, so if a guy instantly gets jealous he is not the guy for me. Q- Men yelling things at you from the crowd-does that make you want to go out with a guy? A- Absolutely not! although don’t get me wrong I find it rather flattering. Through working at Hooters for 3 years now I have built up this wall that empty compliments bounce right back off of. I feel like in order to be worth dating you have to get to know someone. Me walking around a ring in a bikini does not put my personality on display so boys...in order to catch my eye and keep me interested its probably better to find me and have a conversation with me rather than screaming that I’m hot from the audience. Q- What surprises people about you once they get to know you? A- Probably that I have an education. I graduated pretty high up in my class and I have always had a passion for learning new things. People will approach me at work and think they are about to have a conversation with a dumb blond waitress that just wants a tip, when really I can hold my own and can be pretty entertaining at the same time. 30 | LEGACY MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST www.legacyfights.tv
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