Fighters v33i06

SPECIAL!!! 19 PAGES OF K-1 ACTION

See www.fightersmag.co.uk

“NO MORE UK FIGHTS FOR ME” JULIE KITCHEN ON WHY SHE’s HAD ENOUGH HOW TO GET INTO K-1 A Fighter ’s Guide

CAGE RAGE 24 “Feel The Pain”

KRU SANDY HOLT 30 Years in Muay Thai

UFC 80 NEWCASTLE Paul “Relentless” Taylor

PAIN ‘N’ GLORY ‘08 Leon Walters

MMA’S LATEST RISING STAR John Hathaway

01 9 770260 496080

JANUARY 2008 £3.50

K-1 SPECIAL - UFC 80 - CAGE RAGE 24 - KICK - THAI

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CONTENTS 10

NEWS ROUND-UP Domestic & International

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JULIE KITCHEN I Won’t Miss Fighting in The UK!

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CAGE RAGE 24 “Feel The Pain”

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PHIL PULLEN The Woking Warrior

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KRU SANDY HOLT Celebrating His 30 years in Muay Thai

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PAUL TAYLOR Relentless

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JOHN HATHAWAY MMA’s Newest Star

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LEON WALTERS “Back For More Pain & Glory!”

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HOW TO GET INTO K-1

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K-1 WORLD GP 2007 In With The Old & The New at The K-1 Final Elimination

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HERO’S KOREA 2007 Calvan Repeats as Hero’s Middleweight Champ

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K-1 WORLD MAX 2007 Sweet & Souwer K-1 World Max Final

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MULTI MEDIA ACTION Bringing You The Best Fight Based DVD’s & Books Every Month!!!

Julie Kitchen is one of UK Muay Thai’s crown jewels. Do we just want to see her fighting in foreign fields in the future? I certainly don’t. Watch this space!

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ARMAGGEDON Edinburgh

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ALL FIRED UP Thai & Kickboxing Show

Oh, and have a lovely Christmas too :)

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ANGRRR MANAGEMENT 13 Unlucky For Some

Marcus

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INDEPENDENT BRITISH THAI BOXING RANKINGS

P.S. If you have any light to shed on this story, drop me an email; Marcus.Haig@FightersMag.co.uk

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FIGHTERS BRITISH INDEPENDENT KICKBOXING RANKINGS

CONTENTS EDITORIAL I was saddened to hear the news that Julie Kitchen, cover star this month, had decided to call it a day in the domestic, British ringsport scene.

To cut a long story short, Julie believes that she has been deliberately shunned by domestic promoters; who match their cards not on ability or potential, but on ticket selling. Being from Cornwall, Julie struggles to sell many tickets for long, expensive trips to many British shows. Her outspoken opinion on this matter, she says, has resulted in the final nail being driven into her career’s coffin by the cartel of British fightsport promoters. If this is true, it is a sad day when one of Britain’s outstanding female fighters is forced to retire due to matters outside, rather than inside, the ring.

I believe that Julie’s husband and trainer, Nathan, has much more to say on the subject; given that Julie is now retired from the UK scene I hope he will be prepared to shed some more light on just what’s going on in the murky world of ringsport politics.

Fingers crossed, you’ll be able to read what he has to say in next month’s issue. If one thing’s for sure, there’s more to all this than meets the eye!

K-1 World Max 2007 page 64

WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK PUBLISHER/MANAGING DIRECTOR Paul Clifton EDITOR Marcus Haig SENIOR DESIGNER Mark John Davies GRAPHIC DESIGN Kevin Thompson Matthew Riches ADVERTISING/SALES Julie Davies UK THAI SUB EDITOR Dan Green UK MMA SUB EDITOR Rob Nutley UK BJJ SUB EDITOR Carl Fisher

CONTRIBUTORS THAI / KICKBOXING Tony Myers, Paul Hennessy, Shaun Boland, Neil Holden, Carl Sams, Colin Payne, Rob Cox, Charlie Joseph, Cris Janson-Piers, Dawn Whillock, Joe Holroyd HOW TO GET WORK PUBLISHED Drop us an email at fighters@martialartsinprint.com or give the editorial team a call on 0121 344 3737 NEWS ITEMS For all news related items, simply mark your envelope “FIGHTERS NEWSLINE” and together with a photograph (if required) and a covering letter, send it to: FIGHTERS, Head Office or E-Mail: fighters.news@btconnect.com HEAD OFFICE: FIGHTERS, 135 Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham. B42 2ET. Tel: 0121 344 3737 Fax: 0121 356 7300 E-Mail: fighters.magazine@btconnect.com ADVERTISING DETAILS If you would like to advertise in FIGHTERS email us at fighters@martialartsinprint.com to obtain details, deadline dates and costs.

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Page 12 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2008

JULIE KITC n I WO n ’ T m I S S F I G h T I n G I n

ornwall’s Julie Kitchen is currently ranked World No 1 under Thai boxing rules and UK No 1 in both Thai and Kickboxing. She recently scored a unanimous points win over Kerry Vera (wife of MMA star Brandon ‘the Truth’ Vera), in a 5 x 3 minute bout, at the Battle of Bournemouth. Despite Kerry’s continuing success in the ring, the Touchglove’s fighter has declared that that was probably her last fight in the UK. Tired of what both Julie and her trainer husband, Nathan, believe is a constant negative attitude towards her and the Touchglove camp, she has decided to hang up her gloves in this country and from now on and only take up offers to fight abroad.

We caught up with her to find out what makes this tireless Mom of two tick.

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For those who haven’t followed your career, what is your martial arts background, original style and length of time training?

JULIE KITCHEN: My martial arts background only consists of 5 years Thai boxing training How long have you been competing?

JULIE KITCHEN: I have been competing for 5 years and I had my first competition only 20 weeks into my training

What motivated you to get into the ring and how did you cope with your first fight?

JULIE KITCHEN: I always wanted to fight from day one, but my husband (and coach) wouldn’t let me, he had only one fighter at the time that was a British champion so I had to keep up with him to prove myself worthy. I remember sparring with him until I cried (mostly through frustration). When I finally competed I wore a head guard and two sets of shin guards but I enjoyed every second. I won the fight by a unanimous decision.

What advice would you give to other women wishing to start competing?

JULIE KITCHEN: My advice would be to always do more than you can imagine your opponent will be doing, this will drag you through the days when you are tired and keep you mentally strong.

Never underestimate your opponent despite what you have seen or heard, and lastly do some homework on your opponent. I recently found out that I had fought someone who had 11-0 record when mine was a 2 W 3 L record, I was told at the time her record was 6 fights and I could have been seriously injured. I can’t see how anyone gained from it!

Do you see yourself as a role model; do you mentor any other females?

JULIE KITCHEN: I hope some of the up-coming girls see me as a role model. I often receive very nice emails from both British and foreign female fighters. These emails mean a lot to me, as I know my admiration for three times world champion Karen Ousey has always driven me to achieve more. I think other fighters respect champions who defend titles. Some of the upcoming females come down to Cornwall for a holiday/training weekend, they are all made very welcome, I don’t charge them, as I am glad to help.

Have you found it difficult in a male dominated sport. How do you deal with the gender difference when training for a fight, do you train with men. If so does that give you an edge? And do you train full contact with them?

JULIE KITCHEN: I do train very hard sparring against men, I feel it does give me the edge, as I am never intimated by anyone in the ring. If I were to be scared of my opponent then it would affect my performance.

Do men hold back if you are training together, if so has anyone regretted doing so?

JULIE KITCHEN: I have 3 male sparring partners, one who is lighter (55kg) and very fast, he sharpens up my reflexes and move-

UNDISPUTED No 1 JULIE KITCHEN Page 13

HEN ThE UK!

Julie takes on Karen Lynch in one of her toughest fights to date

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I’ve had enough, no more UK fights!

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JULIE KITCHEN: My coach is also my husband, he always wants the best for me and makes me work harder as it would hurt him to see me get injured or knocked out.

He works hard to promote me and it has not been made easy for him.

You are renown for taking fights at short notice, so you obviously keep a high level of fitness; how then do you keep motivated between fights?

ments, one who is 86kg, he wears a belly pad and just pushes forward with hard hand boxing, allowing me to kick, punch and knee as hard as I can, we do 10 x 3 minute rounds twice a week. My 3rd and most beneficial partner is 67kg and is a brilliant all round fighter, we always go to war over 5 x 3 minutes. I don’t spar with Nathan (husband) he is very awkward with catches, takedowns and is a good boxer but we always fall out, so he has become my “No 1 pad man” instead.

Do you think as a generalisation that women should train with men or do you think that the ever-increasing trend for ‘ladies only’ classes is the way to go?

JULIE KITCHEN: I run ladies only classes and us girls seem to take more pride in perfecting our technique but as a fighter I believe training with the men works better for me.

What impact has your coach had on you or is your success mainly down to your own self-determination?

JULIE KITCHEN: I don’t usually stop training between bouts, as I love to keep busy. I like the excitement of taking a last minute bout; my record is 2 hours notice, whilst sitting in the audience! However, as a ranked No 1 fighter this is my biggest mistake as one fight can change everything you have worked for. There are so many girls who fight once or twice a year, only take fights at their ideal weight and only against opponents who have to strip/ or come up to their weight, that one fight will sometimes take them to the top of the rankings. It’s easy to win a fight if you have had 30 weeks to prepare for it, whilst your opponent has been working their backside off representing the country. Their managers deserve credit on a job well done, but I have no respect for those fighters as that is what I feel separates me from them.

If given time how do you prepare for a fight, give us an idea of your training schedule for the last two weeks. How do you mentally prepare for a fight?

JULIE KITCHEN: In the last 2 weeks, I would do lots of sprint work, cut out heavy sparring, do lots of pad work, and then taper down for the last 4 days to rest before the bout. Mentally I just read the forums, as there is always negative comments about me, this puts a bit of anger in my back boiler and drives me to prove everyone wrong. That said I also take a lot from positive comments, it’s always nice to know someone believes in me.

Do you keep your weight down easily (if so how do you do that) or do you have to drop pounds (If so how do you do that) for a fight. Do you have any tips on pre-fight eating etc.?

JULIE KITCHEN: I keep my weight down with long runs, sprints training/shadowboxing and a sweat suit. I am a vegetarian, so my diet is important. I have never weighed in heavy for a fight as I feel it throws away any professionalism before the fight even starts.

What do you think of the current domestic kickboxing scene? You come from a pro-active gym that often surrounds itself in controversy, is this something that you actively attempt to do, or is just frustration at the way the scene is run?

JULIE KITCHEN: I think we have a great sport and the current U.K fighters, both male and female are as good if not better than those in any other country, there unfortunately seems to be more competition and corruption in the money making and business side of the game. I say leave the fighting to the fighters...

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WEMBLEY, LONDON DECEMBER 1st he Wembley Arena is about to be brought to life by a host of musical talent ring girls and of course 11 fights that were quite simply exciting to watch.

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The show opened with its usual bevy of beautiful dancers and gymnasts and in true style Dave and Andy presented an extremely entertaining show for all the fans tuned in from around the World.

From the outset this proved to be one of the best solid fight cards put together this year and from the first to the last each fight was full of excitement.

Ronnie Mann Vs Jordan Miller Featherweight Bout Credit where credit is due, Jordan Miller a submission practitioner from Poole took this fight at very short notice, after Ronnie Mann’s original opponent Brad Picket broke his arm whilst training in the USA with American Top Team. Jordan accepted the fight with only two weeks notice and stepped in to the cage like he meant real

business. Unfortunately for Jordan, Ronnie Mann was on superb form as he dismantled Jordan with a couple of low kicks, followed by a takedown where he landed in side control. This sealed the end for Jordan as he tried to scramble for a better position only to be caught in a triangle choke. Ronnie adjusted and tightened it up which forced Jordan to tap in just 58 seconds Round 1 Winner Ronnie Mann 58 seconds Round 1 by Triangle Choke

Robert Pazkow Vs James “Machine” McSweeney Heavyweight Bout James McSweeney looked in great shape and gave the fans a treat as he walked to cage lead by up and coming artist Shizzy. This added to the excitement as both men stood head to head, the fight began with both men quickly moving forward towards one and other with McSweeney launching a few strikes punctuated with a superman punch that was stopped by the force of the 150kg former Polish Sumo wrestler charging him down. Pazkow then forced the fight to ground and it soon became obvious that

Ronnie Mann Vs Jordan Miller

Robert Pazkow Vs James McSweeney

McSweeney was in trouble as he seemed unable to shift the weight of the huge Sumo as he moved to a north, South position where he smothered while trapping an arm forcing McSweeney to tap at 2.09 of round 1.

Winner Robert Pazkow 2.09 Round 1 by arm choke

Robbie “The Flame” Olivier Vs Abdul Mohammed British Lightweight Title fight This was a superb technical fight between two great wrestlers as they locked together jostling for position And Robbie proved he was ready for a very tough test as he stepped up a weight category from his usual featherweight where he currently holds the British title, both fighters proved evenly matched as they jostled for the takedown.

This fight was fought at quick pace for three rounds, with both fighters winning takedowns throughout. This was a hard decision for the judges to make but it was split in favor of the current Lightweight Champion Abdul Mohammed.

Winner Abdul Mohammed Round 3 Split Decision

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An awesome display of striking from both men

CAGE RAGE 24 - “FEEL THE PAIN” Page 21

Marius Zaromskis Vs Ross Pointon

Footage of the main event: Murilo ‘Ninja’ Rua vs Xavier ‘Professor X’ Foupa Pokam

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Robbie Olivier Vs Abdul Mohammed

Ivan Serati VS Lee Hasdell

Ivan “The Terrible” Serati VS Lee Hasdell

Neil “Goliath” Grove Vs Robert “Buzz” Berry

Ivan “The Terrible” Serati proved that he is all about business as he charged his way in against UK MMA legend Lee Hasdell.

Serati wasted no time in asserting his position, taking the fight to ground almost instantly forcing his way into top position where he looked to rain down strikes on Hasdell. However, Hasdell did a great job of covering up, but Serati’s strength proved to much as he muscled his way into mount position where he began to throw heavy handed strikes that setting up an arm bar attempt. Hasdell was not ready to give in and managed to hold on until the bell, but Serati sensed victory and began the second round in the same manor in which he had finished the first, taking Hasdell to ground where he showed his dominance striking Hasdell until he rolled. Serati wasted no time and sunk the rear naked choke to take victory.

Winner Ivan “Terrible” Serati 1.34 Round 2 Rear Naked Choke

Heavyweight Bout This was to be a spectacular fight with an unfortunate ending both fighters came out with all guns blazing firing combinations of lefts and rights and it was the sting of Buzz that was to put the Goliath Neil Grove on his back for the first time in his MMA career.

Buzz quickly followed Goliath to the ground where he began to throw an onslaught of shots that had Goliath in trouble. Both men were soon back to their feet, trading shots with Buzz looking tired as the round went on. Unfortunately it was exhaustion that was to gain a victory in this fight as Buzz ruled himself unfit to continue in the second round after a furious first round.

Winner Neil “Goliath” Grove 5.00 Round 1 TKO

Neil Grove Vs Robert Berry

George “XXX” Castro Vs Mark “The Cannon” Buchanan Heavyweight Bout Mark Buchanan looked like a man possessed as he entered the cage looking com-

Spectacular! all guns blazing in this one

George Castro Vs Mark Buchanan

pletely focused on the job at hand. Mark stepped up as a late replacement for fellow team mate Dave Legeno after Legeno hurt his back in training. Mark opened the round with a barrage of low kicks that slammed hard into the thigh of his opponent. Mark looked sharper in his striking as he began to move in and out of range, chopping on the inside and outside of Castro’s leg. This continued for the first round with Castro having little to answer back. Second round and Buchanan seemed to raise the tempo this time, following the low kicks with single shots and it seemed timing would be the key to success as Buchanan threw a low kick followed by an awesome combination that saw Castro hit the canvas.

Buchanan wasted no time and followed up with a barrage of vicious strikes that forced the ref to step in and stop it.

Winner Mark “The Cannon” Buchanan 3.17 Round 2 by GnP Ref Stoppage

Mark “The Beast” Epstein Vs Tom “Kong” Watson Middleweight fight Tom Watson had the crowd in stitches as he came out to the Disney soundtrack of beauty and the beast.

Dressed in a full length dress with gorilla mask and blonde hair. But it was only his entrance that was to make the crowd laugh as it was all business when the cage door closed. Tom began firing low kicks trading one for one, as the beast turned it on in his new found weight making history as the only fighter to compete in three different weight categories...

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KRU GSHISA30NYEADRSYINHMUOAY LT THAI CELEBRATIN

“If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, Either write things worth reading Or do things worth the writing”

Interview by Kru Shaun Boland

in Muay Thai has many facets from International fighter (he was the European champion) to T.V fight commentator, from Guinness record attempts in push-ups to successful Muay Thai instructor.

KRU SANDY: I know this may sound corny to some and a little cliché’ but Bruce lee inspired me and being not much different in size and weight, I thought, wow! This is a way to beat the bullies.

I met with Kru Sandy to find out what his journey of 30 years has done for him and what his future plans are:

I started in Karate and Jiu-jitsu with a Bolton Instructor Jeff Whitehead, he’s a great bloke.

- Benjamin Franklin Anybody meeting with Kru Sandy Holt for the first time will be greeted with a beaming smile and firm hand shake. The first thing you will notice though is his flamboyant, if not gregarious, hair style!

Earning him the nick name Sandy ‘McMadman’ his hair is a rainbow of colours and, dependant upon the theme, a ‘Picasso-esq’ of designs.

This year Kru Sandy Holt celebrates 30 years in studying, training, fighting and teaching his beloved art of Muay Thai.

Kru Sandy holds the grade of red and Silver Prajit which he received from his mentor and teacher Arjarn Sken. Kru Sandy’s career

Sawatdee Khrup Kru Sandy, 30 years involved in Muay Thai a lifetime gone in a flash?

KRU SANDY: Hey, hey Sawatdee khrup and hello from Sunny Bolton by the Sea! Well, now you say it, it felt like a short time but also on reflection, it’s been a long time, a great time.

You have actually been involved in Martial arts since 1974, what got you started and how did you become involved in Muay Thai?

Arjarn Sken has played a very important role in your development in Muay Thai; your respect for him must be unprecedented?

KRU SANDY: Absolutely, after 3 years of Karate & jiu-jitsu and gaining my Brown belt, I met the now legendary Arjarn Sken Kaepadung, and basically my life took its biggest turn and that’s shaped my whole adult life, and the introduction to MuayThai-Boxing.

You have achieved so much over the years from your title fights, T.V work,

KRU SANDY HOLT - 30yrs IN THE MAKING Page 29

even as an extra in a Jackie Chan film!

Looking back over the last 30 years is there one single thing or event that really stands out for you, that you feel proud to have achieved?

KRU SANDY: Wow tough question! I’m quite honored and privileged to say too many to mention and not enough space to explain all the many good moments along the Muay Thai and Martial arts path. On a Physical level, probably my last and toughest European title fight against the tough Dutch and Euro champion, Tekin Donmez, and winning the title from him on home turf in Manchester (near Bolton). On a Spiritual level, the fact Muay Thai has made me a better person in so many ways and has led me to become a teacher of the art and sport.

I remember back in the 1980’s there was rarely a Martial arts magazine that did not mention your achievements as a Nak Muay, how many fights did you have and what titles did you hold?

KRU SANDY: Thank you Kru Shaun very kind of you and to notice too (laughs). Well, regarding my fights it felt that I was like some of the early greats in that I managed to try all different rules in the square ring! I had a Total of 21 Fights, my age now! (Laughs) which consisted of 17 Wins, 2 draws and only 2 losses, which were by split points. I fought Full Contact, Kick-Boxing, ThaiBoxing, and Muay-Thai (Full rules) I won the B.T.B.C. (British Thai-Boxing Council) which was, back then, the original and largest Thai-Boxing association in the UK. I was lightweight under 61 Kilos British Title holder and also held the same weight division title belt in the all styles British lightweight championships which allowed full throws and was well ahead of its time back then. My last fight was my toughest, as mentioned earlier, this was for the E.M.T.A (European Muay Thai Association) European Title belt and I fought a weight down from my usual fight weight of 60kg, fighting at the super featherweight division which was 58.5kg maximum.

One story that sticks out was that you fought with a broken arm in one fight, care to elaborate?

KRU SANDY: Yep, true story not an urban myth (Laughs)! It was the afore-mentioned bout of 5 x 3 min rounds against Holland’s champion from the then famous Thom Harrinck’s Chakuriki camp, Tekin Donmez, the hardest kicker I ever fought! So much so that he broke my arm with a knee in the

second round and then a bit further up the arm with a kick in the 4th: round, both clean breaks!

I’m no hero though or hard! I was trained by Master Sken to the highest level and this was tough, very tough, training. I was doing 7 days a week which included running and also doing my own stuff on most days. This was while holding down a full time 6 days a week job as a bread man! Fact is I was full of adrenaline and fired up to do my best and super, super fit (My specialty I guess) and the will to win, instilled in my belief in my trainer and master, this is crucial in my opinion!

From those early days, how much do you feel the sport has changed in the UK over the years?

KRU SANDY: Wow! You’re giving me a hard question in that it would take too long to give you all my answers! In brief though, I think like many things, Muay Thai has evolved and improved in more ways than it has not! However, like many, my only gripe is that it’s not in the mainstream, and, in my opinion, I firmly believe it’s a far more exciting sport than boxing. Boxing is good, I’m not knocking it, I had 3 amateur boxing fights, but there’s room for Muay Thai, look at MMA it’s pushed its way in and fair play to them! They have worked hard to get MMA noticed, just a shame we haven’t done the same.

Going back to your early days in school, you were a victim of bullying. I know this is something that you feel very strongly about; in fact you were recently on a T.V show called ‘small angry men’ and discussed this very subject. How do you feel that Muay Thai has helped you to put this behind you and how do you help your younger students who may also be bullied in school?

KRU SANDY: Very Important, as bullying not only starts at School it also carries on through life to adults in work, home and outside. It’s good to have the confidence to stand up and deal with it or even walk away and turn it into something positive by channeling it.

I’ve got a Children’s syllabus in my gym, as we have 4 kids’ classes a week and this is a great way for me to have an open outlet to inspire, help and promote all the above, re: Confidence, with the added bonus of selfdefence, fitness, co-ordination, balance, self control, respect etc, etc...

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Page 34 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2008

P AU L TA Y L Relentless tring theory, qarks, parallel universes. All things I thought least likely to find myself discussing in the life of a martial arts writer. But this, unbelievably, is where the conversation is at. I’ve been chatting to Paul Taylor for the best part of an hour at his Team Supreme base in Cannock, west Midlands, and the conversation has taken an unusual turn.

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The interview began with a discussion about Paul’s upcoming bout at UFC 80 in January with namesake Paul Kelly of Widnes’ Wolfslair academy, (home to Mike Bisping, Tom Blackledge, Mario Sukata to name a few of their fighters you may have heard of).

Paul Kelly is an aggressive, powerful fighter who just loves taking the fight to the ground and getting in the mixer so to speak.

Dispelling the publically held stereotypes of Mixed Martial Artists being illeducated, inarticulate and generally mentally unhinged, Paul is the anithesis of this portrayal in every sense possible. It is clear that this young man is widely read, calm under pressure, diligent in everything he does and a genuine role model to the millions of young UFC fans across the UK. As far as a global fan base goes, Paul jokes that his employers in the UFC, despite being everything a fighter could wish for in terms of treatment of him as a fighter, struggle with his West Midlands accent “I understand them, but they only understand Ozzie Osborne or Mike Bisping’s accent; they think I’m speaking a different language! It’s not a problem, just a silly thing”

Despite his outward friendliness, there is a steely determination about Taylor and he refuses to avoid discussion about upcoming bouts like many, “I’m gonna beat Paul. I expect him to try and ground and pound me, and he probably expects me to try and kick his head off.

Paul’s a nice fella though. It’s just another day at the office for both of us.”

Taylor, like the rest of us, was surprised to find an all British line up at UFC80. He was expecting a big name international fighter, “I’m surprised by the match up. There was talk of me getting a big name, not a UFC rookie. It will split the crowd, that’s for sure, a Brit vs another Brit. Make no mistake, I have got a lot of respect for him; the fight will be entertaining for crowd that’s for sure.”

“I’ve inadvertently seen Paul Kelly fighting, at shows up and down the country. His ground and pound and wrestling are very good.

Hopefully he’ll stand and trade with me. I’m training with a polish Olympic wrestler on an ongoing basis to improve my ground work so we should be more even in that department.

I’ve lost two fights now to two submissions and people will lock onto that and think “I’ll have a bit of that.””

Despite not wishing to look ahead, beyond UFC 80, Taylor is keen to test himself more and more against top level American talent.

The classic British striker taking on the American wrestler is a test Paul wants to put himself through. After Bisping’s defeat of Matt Hammill at UFC 75, is beating an American, wrestling-background fighter, the new acid test of a British combatant’s preparation for the big time?

“The Americans have a huge advantage when it comes to ground fighting. I’m on a ten year catch up from all the school and college wrestling most of these guys have experienced, I am catching up though! British guys have a high level of striking and have more heart and are more scrappy. Some nations are standoff-ish; we like to have a row. Our mma game as a whole is better than people think, the game’s progressing at an amazing rate in the UK right now. Before long we’ll be beating these guys consistently” Paul began his fight career at the age of 17 as a Kickboxer. It seems that some fans believe that all these UFC fighters have just appeared as if by magic, not realizing that most have been plying their trade in the Kickboxing, Muay Thai or grappling domestic scenes for years.

“I’ve Kickboxed since I was a kid. I started fighting competitively at 17 years old on a small Town Hall show. I was picked as cannon fodder for a home town 30-odd year old. Let’s just say he wasn’t exactly prepared for my kicks!...

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UFC 80 - PAUL “RELENTLESS” TAYLOR Page 35

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Photos copyright of Zuffa LLC

I’m gonna beat Paul & kick his head off

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Welcome to...

WAKO WORLD ASSOCIATION OF KICKBOXING ORGANISATIONS Founded in 1970 WAKO is the largest unified kickboxing organisation in the World with over 100 nations currently in membership. WAKO World H.Q. is based in Milan. ★ WAKO History ★ WAKO started its activity in Europe in 1976. The founder was Mr Georg Bruckner from Berlin, who promoted the first ever World Championships in semi and full contact karate (as it was called in those days) back in 1978 with 110 competitors representing 18 countries. WAKO immediately created the rules and regulations for the new fighting sports and acted, since the very beginning, as the authentic Kickboxing Federation of the world. In our Championships, only national teams are accepted. Each member country can present only 1 competitor in each weight class. The WAKO World Championships are NOT open competitions therefore each representative is the premier competitor in that category, from their country.

World Governing Body for Kickboxing World and European Amateur Championships Title Fights held continually both Amateur & Professional Regional Competitions are held throughout the year British Amateur Championships to choose British Teams Full-Contact, Light Continuous-Contact, Semi-Contact, Musical Forms Licence, Membership and Insurance available to all of U.K., Southern Ireland and Republic of Ireland Coaching courses, Referee Training, Seminars and Training Dan Gradings and WAKO certificates for all Members For upto the minute details of all forthcoming W.A.K.O events visit our website To see national ama/wako listings of over 13,000 instructors/clubs on the web, type: www.bt.com/thephonebook then in ‘business’ type: martial arts and town

Contact: WAKO, 66 Chaddesden Lane, Chaddesden, Derby, DE21 6LP Tel: 07973 507716 / 01332 663086 / 01628 784254 or Fax: 01332 280286 WAK001/11

www.wakogb.co.uk

Page 40 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2008

JOhn haThaW M MA’s Newest Star!

ohn Hathaway is certainly a star in ascendancy. With an impressive 7 w, 0-l track record he is making a big impact on the MMA scene. Having so quickly made the progression from contenders to the fight bill for Cage Rage 25, (8th March 2008) confirms him as one to watch.

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As a result of his meteoric success, leading sports nutrition company Reflex has decided to sponsor him, with the intention of making him a core part of their

advertising campaigns. Just like John, Reflex truly stands out from the crowd, as the only company of its kind in the whole of Europe to hold an ISO9001.

For over 10 years they have been producing products that are both consistent and test proven, not only in the lab but also in various sporting arenas. Now they are hoping to bring their nutritional expertise to MMA. John is one of a new breed of MMA fighters, who rather than coming fr4om

a martial arts background, went straight into MMA training. Having watched MMA on the television John set out to find someone to train him, that someone turned out to be Sol Gilbert. All it took was the first visit to Sol’s gym to get him hooked.

“I liked the completeness of mixed martial arts, I’m also very competitive and I like to compete on a one-to-one basis.

MMA is perfect for this.”

Despite being new to MMA, John certainly wasn’t a stranger to contact sports.

As a keen rugby player he found that the training was not as much of a shock as it could have been. “I was used to hard training, thanks to rugby; it prepared me well for the physicality of MMA.” Due to a mix of natural ability and his sporting background John was deemed by many to be ready for the cage, very early on is his training, but Sol, however, was determined to ensure that his man was fully prepared, when his first fight came, so they waited; his first fight coming roughly a year after he started training. From his current score card that wise decision, was fully justified.

Despite John admitting to having felt nervous entering the cage for the first time his enthusiasm to get his first fight under his belt, overcome any apprehension he may have felt.

“You always feel a little nervous, but I was really looking forward to doing it, so it didn’t bother me too much...”

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JOHN HATHAWAY - MMA’S RISING STAR! Page 41

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aY

Rugby is far more dangerous than MMA

John Hathaway with coach Sol Gilbert demonstrating some boxing techniques for MMA

Page 48 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2008

lEOn WalTE “Back for M o r e P a i n an d G lory!”

eon Walters has been a regular face in the martial arts press, especially ‘Traditional Karate’ as Leon took up the art at a very early age and excelled at it. Leon went on to become the face of a Karate generation, having won both the World title in 2002 and the prestigious 10K Karate challenge, taking home the cheque for £10,000 after narrowly losing out to Wayne Otto the year before. Charismatic and photogenic, Leon has forged a career off of the mats and turned his attention to wider challenges outside of the Karate World, taking himself out of his comfort zone as he pursues challenges in the worlds of film and full contact action, whilst never forgetting his roots as he continues to work with inner-city kids.

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Having achieved everything in the world of Karate Leon was keen to develop into new arenas and with his superb physique and natural good looks, it seemed only a matter of time before Leon moved into the movies and his film career was almost kickstarted at a 3 on 3 Karate tournament. Jean

Claude Van Damme was a guest of honour and was impressed not only by Leon’s crisp technique but also by his physical presence and charismatic demeanour. Van Damme had a role in mind for Leon but the film (as is often the case) failed to materialise. It was only a minor setback, however, as Leon was in front of the cameras shortly afterwards playing one of the lead villains in the British action movie ‘Sucker Punch’, where he not only featured in two stand-out fight scenes but also got to display a natural acting talent in a number of key dramatic scenes. Leon took to acting with the same dedication and enthusiasm that has made him such a success as a fighter and he has already gained notice for the energy and ‘presence’ conveyed by his performance. “I play a character not too far removed from myself, so the role was enjoyable and exciting.”

Leon is a fighter, it’s in his blood and although his first movie role was a success and he’d hung up the Karate gi, he certainly hadn’t hung up the gloves as his ambition desire and determination made him

want to test himself within the full contact fight arena. There are a number of formats available but Leon, being Leon, set his sights firmly on the most demanding and prestigious, K-1. Leon made his K-1 debut on the premier British fightsport show ‘Pain and Glory07’ and scored an impressive second round stoppage, achieved through devastating body punches rather than his trademark kicks, emphasising his versatility and ability to adapt rapidly. The transition from points fighting to full contact was smooth and assured, displaying precision kicking alongside heavy-handed boxing skills, all packaged within a Frank Bruno style physique.

With World Champion status in Karate and a successful film debut behind him, Leon has proven that he has a winner’s mentality and is already being talked of as a future International K-1 Superstar, which will come as no surprise to those that have seen him in action. Even though he has all the technical attributes it is the overall package, the fan following, the history, the physique, self-belief and knockout power that has emphasised the potential for him to gatecrash the K-1 International heavyweight scene. With this in mind Leon is having his second K-1 contest at ‘Pain & Glory’ at the Seni Show in April as he sets his sights on a K-1 career. A film career might be beckoning but at the moment Leon has unfinished business in the ring that will involve much more pain and glory!

Next month: Fighters talks to Leon Walters and Dillian White about their plans to break into the International K-1 circuit as our next big heavyweight hopes.

Pain & Glory Seni Show Excel London Saturday 26th April 2008. Tickets £30, £40, £80 (to include daytime entry to Seni) www.seni.tv or Ticketmaster: 0844 847 1699.

Pain & Glory07 DVD available through info@fightersinc.net

LEON WALTERS - BACK FOR MORE PAIN & GLORY Page 49

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Page 50 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2008

HOW ave you ever wanted to have a crack at the big time; fighting in front of 90000 at the Tokyo Dome, following in the footsteps of British K-1 legends Kirkwood Walker, Peter Crooke and others? UK K-1 supremo Paul Hennessy explains how K-1 works and how you go about taking the first step on the road to Japan:

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There are only 2 weight divisions in K1 middleweight (max 70kgs) and heavyweight (86 kgs and above).

Consequently, you really need your fighting weight to be at the top end of the categories to stand a chance of selection. This is unlikely to change despite the exclusion of some very good fighters as a result.

HOW TO GET INTO K-1 Page 51

TO GET I NTO K1 There are no female categories; in Japan K-1 is considered a man’s sport.

The K-1 matchmakers are not interested in anyone over 25; they want young men and would ideally like to sign fighters in their teens.

Guys in the Uk need to look at who they’re training with, which camp they’re signed to. Look to go to a gym that has already signed fighters to K-1.

Not only will they have the contacts to make it happen but also know how to prepare you for the rigours of the sport.

The level of competition in the UK is nowhere near the level of that in Japan so you need a serious camp with nutritionists and all the expertise you need to succeed. Fight in as many domestic Muay Thai shows as you can, but stay away from those purporting to be K-1 rules shows in the UK. There are a handful of referees qualified in the UK to referee K-1 rules but the majority of

these shows use bastardized interpretations of K-1 rules. Obviously this is not a good preparation for the real thing.....it’s like learning to drive....you choose an instructor who knows the testing criteria and can help you pass the test, not one who merely teaches you to drive.

K-1 rules don’t really allow clinching.

K-1’s a show designed to entertain, and they want action!

K-1 doesn’t allow elbows. K-1 is a tournament so they don’t want fighters not progressing due to cuts.

K-1 is scored on aggression. It doesn’t matter what techniques you use. You can simply box for the whole fight, or even just use your left knee, as long as you’re being aggressive and doing damage.

They don’t like counter attackers or those who fight off the back foot. It’s very simple, the guy that does the most

damage wins. That’s what makes K-1 so popular. There is no room for interpretation, like in Thai rules.

In the UK I manage 100% of the guys in K-1 and we will be holding middleweight and heavyweight trials in January 2008.

So keep an eye out in next month’s mag for the details 1 Get a trainer/ join a team with a good reputation in K-1 2 Fight Thai rules in mean time 3 Learn to fight without elbows 4 Develop your aggression and attacking strategies above all else 5 Make sure you attend the UK trials in January!

Page 52 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2008

Wor ld G P 20 07

In with the Old and the New at the K-1 Final Elimination tesy of FEG Written by Monty DiPietro. Article & Photo’s cour EOUL, September 29, 2007 -- The Europeans fared well as always, big Hong-Man Choi squeaked out a controversial win, and Japan's new wunderkind scored an upset tonight at the K-1 World Grand Prix Final Elimination in Seoul.

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Fightsport's most coveted crown, the K-1 WGP Championship is bestowed each year on a single warrior after a worldwide series of qualifying tournaments. On this early autumn evening, the top 16 stepped in for eight fights at the Seoul Olympic Complex, with the eight winners earning a spot at the WGP Final in December.

The Final Elimination is one of the GP season's highlights -- nowhere on the calendar is the talent pool deeper. Each fighter is fresh, has prepared for a specific opponent, and knows he must unleash his all in the door-die event. A very vocal crowd further Slowinski vs Schilt

pumped up the intensity for a tournament that was nothing short of terrific.

The first matchup featured Defending K-1 Heavyweight Champion, bad boy Badr Hari of Morocco, facing the surprise winner of August's Battle at the Bellagio tournament in Las Vegas, Doug Viney of New Zealand.

Viney took the early initiative, stepping in and scoring with the straight left, firing the low kicks, hooks and body blows. Hari took his shots from outside, connecting solidly to rattle Viney's jaw, but the Kiwi's superior positioning usually kept him one step ahead.

Hari however got the combinations going nicely in the second to force the fight. The lanky Moroccan then perfectly picked a chance, countering a Viney low kick with a devastating right cross to deposit his opponent on the canvas. Viney could not beat the count, and Hari was on his way to the December Final.

"Everything that I do is calculated," said Hari afterward. "He was very well prepared for my jab, after the first round I could see that. So after that I threw my jab, and set him up for the other punch."

The second bout was a clash of size and power versus raw determination, as the twotime and Defending WGP and Super Heavyweight Champion Semmy Schilt of Holland took on this year's Europe GP tournament winner Paul Slowinski of Australia.

Slowinski joked at the pre-event press conference that he had a "big job" ahead of him here, and that was no exaggeration. At 212cm/6'11" Schilt is one of the largest fighters in K-1, and has the technique and speed to boot. One has to go back more than a year to find a loss on Schilt's record.

Schilt closed to work the knees to start, but Slowinski showed good evasions, and challenged the Champ with some solid straight punches. For a time, that is. Scarcely midway through the first, as Slowinski was backed against the ropes, he briefly relaxed his guard and Schilt brought the left knee up hard, catching him on the right of the jaw and crumpling him to the canvas. Slowinski got to his feet, barely in time, but the referee didn't like the look of his bloodied face, and waved his arms to stop the fight, giving Schilt the KO win.

Schilt says his goal is to win the GP Final three times in a row. "I think tonight I've come a little bit closer to that goal," he said after the bout.

K-1 WORLD GRAND PRIX 2007 Page 53

Hari vs Viney

Page 54 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2008

Feitosa vs Chalid

A couple of quick and technical fighters went at it in the third bout, as two-time WGP Champion Remy Bonjasky of Holland met Stefan "Blitz" Leko of Germany.

Leko brutalized Bonjasky's gonads when these two met at last year's Final, kicking him below the belt twice times in their quarterfinal matchup, prompting a long break and a postponement. Bonjasky went on record saying he suspected the second blow was intentional. And so, this had the makings of a "revenge" match.

Leko had the low kicks and combinations working from the bell, while an aggressive Bonjasky went with his signature flashy flying knees and high kicks. At one point, when a Bonjasky kick hit Leko's midsection, the German fighter played the crowd with some "I'm alright, what's the big deal?" theatrics.

Banner vs Yong Soo Park

Fujimoto vs Sawayashiki

Maybe he shouldn't have mocked Bonjasky like that, because now "The Flying Gentleman" redoubled his efforts, and in a moment had flown in with a right knee to the jaw. A howling strike, which downed Leko. A convincing KO romp for Bonjasky, who after a trying string of personal tragedies looks to be back in absolutely top fighting form.

"My mother passed away recently," said Bonjasky, "and winning this fight was like giving a trophy to her, so I'm really glad."

In the next bout it was another German, power-punching Chalid "Die Faust," taking on the Brazilian with the out-of-this-world kicks, Glaube Feitosa.

Die Faust came out swinging, but it was Feitosa who had the better first, controlling the distance with front kicks, countering with a left

knee to score an early down and answering his opponent's haymakers with a left straight punch to score a second down late in the round. This one went the distance and the crowd loved it -- there were gasps of astonishment when Feitosa serpentined his kyokushin kicks; and roars of approval when the plucky Die Faust weathered repeated the blows but continued to come back on the attack.

Both fighters got through in the second and third with uppercuts, straight punches and kicks. Die Faust ate a hard knee and stumbled some in the third, but showed a good chin as Feitosa could not finish him, and the bout ended with no further downs. Really a great, fast and spirited contest, Feitosa's hand raised by the referee but the boisterous standing ovation clearly going to both fighters.

In his post-fight interview, Feitosa spoke about his preparations for the December Final: "I train to get stronger, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I will -- it takes a lot of work to improve. Rather than focusing on one thing, I know that I need work on everything."

Next up, French K-1 veteran Jerome Le Banner took on late substitute Young Soo Park of Korea. The scheduled qualification bout between LeBanner and Ruslan Karaev, was turned into a Superfight when Karaev could not make it to the event. Park started aggressively, firing in three fast low kicks to elicit cheers of encouragement from the crowd. But LeBanner was not buying into the Cinderella scenario, and marched forward with the fists. Now it was the Frenchman putting on the pressure, and it didn't take long before Park looked out of his league. A LeBanner right hook proved the decisive blow, sending the Korean down hard, where he stayed, sorely unable to beat the count...

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Page 58 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2008

Calvan Repeats as HERO'S

Middleweight Champ Written by Monty DiPietro.

Article & Photo’s courtesy of FEG OKOHAMA, September 17, 2007 -- J.Z. Calvan prevailed in two fights tonight to defend his Belt in the HERO'S Middleweight World Championship 2007 Tournament Final at the Yokohama Arena.

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The twenty-four year-old mixed martial arts fighter was one of three Brazilians in the final four of the 70kg/154lb tournament. The bouts were fought under HERO'S Rules, with 2 x 5min. rounds.

The first of the semis featured chute boxer Andre Dida of Brazil and fan favorite, accomplished grappler Caol Uno of Japan.

With a edge in striking, Dida was content to stay on his feet, while Uno wanted to take this one to the mat. Dida did better in the early going, powering a couple of uppercuts and a hard knee to Uno's face to bloody an eye and send the Japanese fighter to the mat. But Uno was capable on his back, employing bicycle kicks to keep the aggressive Brazilian at bay. Uno dove in looking for a leg takedown but Dida intercepted and the two were re-stood. Now it was Uno who tested with the jab while Dida circled, and the first ended without further damage.

Calvan vs Ribeiro

In the second Uno wrapped up his opponent's midsection and the pair eventually went to the mat. And after a bit of twisting that saw Dida briefly on top, Uno worked his way into a side mount. But Dida broke and got to his feet, whereupon he again began to fire in the fists. Uno went to the mat, inviting his opponent in, but Dida would have none of it. A tough one for Uno and the partisan fans, the unanimous decision putting Dida into the final.

In the second semi it was Calvan, who beat Uno by decision last October to capture the inaugural HERO'S Middleweight World Championship, fighting compatriot Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro.

Calvan wasted no time whatsoever here, sweeping from the clinch to put Ribeiro on the mat, then coming in with a ground and pound on his turtling opponent to force a referee stop just seconds into the bout.

And so it was Dida and Calvan in allBrazil final.

One thing -- those Brazilians love their entrances. Calvan performed a sort of magical juju dance with the Brazilian flag on his protracted trip to the ring, before the

Calvan vs Dida

glitter-green-and-gold masked Dida skanked in to Bob Marley's "Could you be Loved." Then it was time for a fight.

Calvan started with jabs, Dida countering with the left straight and right hook. Calvan grabbed the trunk for a takedown to half mount, occasionally rising to put in a punch but otherwise stymied by Dida's ground defense. There was a long period of close grappling here with Calvan briefly getting round to the rear, but Dida again slipping out of trouble. Finally Calvan got the full mount he was looking for, and when Dida bucked was able to extract the right arm. Dida very nearly got out of it, but Calvan pushed his opponent's head down, wrapped the legs round and effected the hyperextension for the armbar tapout and the tournament win.

"I feel very happy to succeed here today," said the jubilant Calvan afterward. "I didn't expect the first fight to go so quickly but I saw my chance and took it. Against Dida, I felt whether we were standing or were on the mat I'd be ok. I'm very glad, but even if I didn't win again this year, I know I have the love and support of my family back in Brazil.

Winning is nice but the important thing is to come and enjoy it, to enjoy every day, and to have respect for all these hard fighters!"

HERO’S KOREA 2007 Page 59

Dida vs Uno

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Page 64 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2008

World Max 2007

Sweet 'n Souwer K-1 World Max Final

tesy of FEG Written by Monty DiPietro. Article & Photo’s cour OKYO, October 3, 2007 -- Shoot boxer Andy Souwer turned aside three challengers to win the K-1 World Max '07 Final tonight at the historic Nippon Budokan. It was the 26 yearold Dutch fighter's second World Max Championship, he also claimed the coveted Belt in 2005.

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The popularity of the K-1 World Max 70kg/154lbs weight class rivals that of the World GP. Where the heavyweights have the power, the lighter fighters appeal with speed and stamina, consistently producing thrilling contests. This year's World Max eight finalists represented six different countries.

The first quarterfinal was a keenly anticipated matchup between all-round kickboxer and media darling Masato of Japan, who won the Max Belt in 2003; and Thai fighter Buakaw Por Pramuk, whose positively lethal legs and fast fists made him the two-time and Defending Max Champion.

Both fighters got the low kicks going early, and the first round had plenty of action -Buakaw scoring with body blows and a high kick, Masato getting an uppercut in before surprising his opponent with an innocentlooking right straight punch to score a down.

The second saw Buakaw good with the hard low kicks, Masato leading with the left Masato vs Buakaw

straight and deftly picking his spots on the counters, connecting with another uppercut.

Masato used the ring to effect, moving to his left, forcing Buakaw to approach with less than perfect positioning. In the third Buakaw needed a down to get back into the fight, but was uncharacteristically tentative with his attacks. Masato meanwhile continued his mastery, focused and fast with the straight punches, closing for another uppercut while absorbing his opponent's low kicks. A fine performance from Masato for the well-earned unanimous decision.

The second matchup featured power puncher Mike Zambidis of Greece, a compact bundle of strength and determination; and Ukrainian Artur Kyshenko, a muay thai fighter who also likes the fists.

A slow first, Kyshenko with occasional high kicks, Zambidis blocking well and countering with low kicks and body blows -- neither fighter connecting decisively, a slight edge to Kyshenko evidenced on two judges' cards. Better action in the second, Zambidis darting inside with punches but Kyshenko employing his 5cm/2" height advantage to arrest the Greek with long low kicks.

In the third, Kyshenko went with the fists, pumping in body blows, while Zambidis launched a couple of flying knees that came up short. Spirited action to end the fight,

which one judge gave to Kyshenko and two saw as a draw, triggering a tiebreaker round.

A more aggressive Kyshenko in the deciding extra round, in with proficient kicks and combinations; Zambidis meanwhile circling with a hit-and-run strategy, missing again with his flying knees but getting body blows through. A difficult one to call, the decision going to Kyshenko.

Dutch boxer Albert Kraus' speed, smarts and punches won him the inaugural World Max Championship in 2002. In tonight's third tournament quarterfinal, the 27 yearold Max veteran met the two-time and Defending Japan Max Champ, kickboxer Yoshihiro Sato.

Sato started fast, intent on using his reach and 10cm/4" height `advantage to run Kraus down. But the Dutch fighter was equally aggressive, moving past the straight punches and knees with body blows and uppercuts.

Sato sent a number of high kicks up throughout this one, but Kraus' evasions and blocking were sound.

In second, a Sato knee looked to have Kraus in trouble, but the Dutch fighter answered with a dandy straight punch and left hook to regain his momentum. The third was thrilling, both fighters repeatedly clashing.

Sato again used his long legs to fire the low Zambidis vs Kyshenko

K-1 WORLD MAX 2007 Page 65

Kraus vs Sato

Page 66 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2008

Drago vs Souwer

kicks, and leaped forward with the knees.

But a determined Kraus was smart in all aspects of his game -- his movement and positioning were perfect, and he tallied big time late in the round with a punch combination that snapped Sato's head back and, were it not for the ropes, might have put him down. One of the best fights on the night, the unanimous decision going to Kraus.

Andy Souwer of Holland set off on the road to glory against muay thai stylist Drago, an Armenian known for both aggression and creativity. The pair kept their guards high and close and traded hard low kicks and straight punches in the opening moments, Souwer sailing a high kick just over Drago's head.

The second saw Drago taking some chances, leading with the jab and closing with body blows, Souwer coming back with the knees and kicks. And then, in an instant, it was over. Drago leaned in with a left straight just as Souwer was bringing a right hook around.

The fighters' arms brushed past one another, and Drago's missed and Souwer's connected, knocking the Armenian out cold.

Kyshenko vs Masato

The first semifinal pitted Masato against Kyshenko in a back-and-forth battle. Masato started fast with the low kicks and straight punches to put his opponent on the defensive. Kyshenko rallied promisingly with some big haymakers and high kicks, but was shut down well by Masato's stinging low kicks.

Even as Masato appeared to be in control, the limping Kyshenko came back with three hard right straight punches, and now it was Masato in trouble. Kyshenko was chasing his opponent when the bell sounded to end the first, and took the round on two cards.

In the second Kyshenko resumed the punches, Masato the low kicks. The distance had closed, with both fighters center ring and exchanging punches, when Masato rammed in a left hook in to drop Kyshenko, who was unable to beat the count. Masato to the final.

It was Kraus and Souwer in the all-Dutch second semi. Souwer had very little rest time between his quarterfinal and this fight, but nonetheless brought some strong attacks, setting the distance with front kicks, pumping the Kraus vs Souwer

knee up and putting the low and middle kicks through in the first, picking up the pace in the second to score with combinations, body blows and high kicks. Kraus got inside, only to be stymied by a high and close Souwer guard. A Kraus left hook in the second kept it close, but Souwer had the better stuff overall, connecting with a nice right in the fast-paced third and taking the decision on two cards, with one judge calling a draw. Souwer, with the narrowest of majority decisions, now had a date with Masato in the final.

The dream final brought the crowd on their feet, the encouragement deafening as their favorite son made his way to the ring.

Masato took the initiative from the bell, charging at Souwer with straight punches and body blows, getting full contact with a hard left punch. Souwer weathered the attacks, closed up in defense. Souwer's attacks were less than overwhelming, he missed with a high kick, and saw his low kicks answered fearlessly with more straight punches.

But in the second Souwer turned it up a notch or two, throwing low kicks and flying in with the knees; while Masato pressed forward again to deliver the one-two straight punches, unleashing the uppercut that had done him well in his earlier fights. Souwer persisted with the low kicks, and by midway through these were seriously slowing Masato.

The turning point came late in the round, Souwer smashing in a right straight punch, catching his off-balance opponent with a number of hard low kicks. At the clapper Souwer was chasing the retreating Japanese fighter, and when the bell sounded Masato slowly slumped over the ropes, hurt and exhausted...

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K-1 WORLD MAX 2007 Page 67

Souwer vs Masato

Page 78 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK January 2007

Angrrr Management 13 Unlucky For Some

ngrrr Management once again put together a card of great fights that included a strong international flavour along with some of the top domestic fighters in the midlands. With the ever growing strength of Marc Goddard in effect against the tough Italian Ivan Serati and Ross ‘the Boss’ Mason taking a hard earned victory over the slick jiu-jitsu skills of Brazilian Henrique Santana the crowd were treated to some great MMA action. However fight of the night was contested between two bouts: Alex Izidro and Paul Reed engaged in a thrilling three round war of attrition that had the whole audience on its feet whilst Josh Ramage’s performance against the gutsy Nick Hipkiss was fast paced and furious from the opening bell to the last.

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Opening the action in the semi-pro division Dean Aplin took the fight to Warren Kee. After engaging on the feet both men clinched against the cage before the fight went to ground. Taking top position Aplin landed damaging shots to the torso of Kee before slowly working to isolate an arm and take the victory via armbar submission in the first stanza.

Barry Mears keep his cool as Ross Mould came out from the bell aggressively looking Broster vs Medjbeur

to land with strikes. Mears, however, had good footwork and crisp boxing skills and after stifling Mould’s tactic of rushing in began to land with a well timed jab. Unrestrained by his opponents success Mould continued to walk forward before Mears landed with a thumping left-right combination that broke the nose of Mould and ended the fight in 1:32 minutes.

and heavy body kicks. In the second round Hipkiss used a devastating leg kick to rack up points but Ramage’s aggression and accurate strikes controlled the action.

Stuffing Hipkiss into the fence and scoring a big slam before the fight was brought back to its feet Ramage finished the fight strongly with further punch combos to take the unanimous decision.

Mic Broster used his jiu-jitsu to take the victory from Samir Medjbeur in just over a minute in their semi-pro bout. With Medjbeur stepping in to land some devastating early punches, Broster knew he had his work cut out. With the fight going to ground early and Medjbeur landing strikes from the knee on belly position, Broster maintained his cool to sink a beautiful armbar against the cage for the submission win.

In the first pro bout of the night Jay Gilbey and Nick Orchard both showed impressive fitness and heart in a three round all out fight to the end. Gilbey began at a fast pace, taking the action to his opponent and giving the Bristol man any number of problems.

Orchard though scored with takedowns and the battle was fought out on the mat with both transitioning and attempting submissions. In the second Orchard looked to use his jiu-jitsu to control the fight but Gilbey swept and took top position to rain down strikes and force his opponent to give up his back. Dropping bombs to open up Orchrads defence Gilbey was just unable to finish before the bell. In the third round both athletes were showing fatigue and the fight continued to go back and forth with each man landing shots in the stand up and taking the other down. Again Gilbey got the better position and began to pound Orchard but oddly moved to an armbar only to lose con-

With the first three competitions failing to go past the first round Josh Ramage and Nick Hipkiss’s bout was a two round battle of epic proportions. In the first half Hipkiss tried to impose himself on his opponent looking to grapple and take Ramage to the mat. Ramage utilised a powerful sprawl to keep the action upright and allow him self to unleash his hands to good effect. Using his strong boxing skills Ramage began peppering Hipkiss with flurries of combinations Gilbey vs Orchard

Izidrio vs Reed

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Rice vs Jahongir

Mysiala vs Piran

trol of the scramble and find himself on the end of some heavy blows. Going to the judge’s score cards after fifteen minutes of fierce combat Gilbey took the split decision.

Chris Rice proved too strong and too efficient for the Uzbekistan Mamarizaev Jahongir taking a quick and devastating victory in the first round. After eating a number of damaging leg kicks, Rice closed the distance and took his opponent down before landing with ground and pound. Dropping vicious elbows Rice forced Jahongir to tap out due to strikes after 2:36 minutes with a solid, no nonsense performance.

International heavyweight’s Matteo Piran and Przemyslaw Mysiala clashed immediately from the bell, both throwing punches and leg kicks with hurtful intentions. Mysiala shoot in but Piran clipped him to the temple and then followed in with GnP. Mysiala showed his strength by sweeping the Italian and getting top position and raining down shots to open a cut on his opponent’s forehead before working a perfect armbar for the submission win.

Ross Mason got back to winning ways and showed much improvement in his ground game against the Brazilian Henrique Santana in their welterweight bout. Rushing Mason, Santana scored with a takedown only for his opponent to regain his feet and frustrate the skilled jiu-jitsu fighter. After a frustrating first round Mason came out in Ramage vs Hipkiss

the second with a determination and stuffed Santana’s takedowns to land hooks and knees before dropping the Brazilian.

Following in with a devastating right hand that caused his opponent to verbally submit, Mason earned a satisfying victory that had his many supporters on their feet.

Alex Izidro returned to action against the Leigh Remidios trained Paul Reed but found himself up against it. From a cautious opening Reed began to open up with his boxing to damaging effect and stopped Izidro’s takedowns with comparative ease.

In the second Reed continued to strike, throwing sharp punches and hurtful inside and outside leg kicks which had his opponent on the back foot for most of the round.

Izidro began to find his range but Reed showed he has a solid chin and just kept his game going, taking control of the fight on the floor and on the feet. Izidro knew he had to leave it all in the cage in the third stanza and began to let his hands go to good effect. Upping the pace against Reed, Izidro started to find openings with his punches and soon scored with a slam but didn’t do enough to sway the judges who gave the split decision to Reed.

In the headlining fight of the night Marc Goddard faced off against the tough Italian Ivan Serati in a heavyweight war that had the crowd screaming its support as the advantage went back and forth between the two men. Serati used his boxing to hunt

Santana vs Mason

down Goddard from the first bell but Goddard managed to get to clinch and toss his opponent to the floor. Serati showed his composure to escape back to his feet and use his strengths to damage Goddard with punches but the wrestling prowess of the F’s Freestyle fighter began to tell. Clearly fatigued Serati was overcome by Goddard in the second round as the local man landed strikes before taking the Italian down and getting mount. Dropping down a fierce flurry of punches and elbows Goddard forced Serati to verbally submit even as referee Grant Waterman stepped in to save him from any more punishment.

Full Results: Dean Aplin def. Warren Kee 3:35 via armbar R1 Barry Mears def. Ross Mould 1:32 via KO R1 Mic Broster def Samir Medjbeur 1:03 via armbar R1 Josh Ramage def. Nick Hipkiss via majority decision Jay Gilbey def. Nick Orchard via split decision Chris Rice def. Mamarizaev Jahongir 2:36 via ref stoppage due to GNP R1 Prezmyslaw Mysiala def Matteo Piran 4:02 via armbar R1 Ross Mason def Henrique Santana 2:30 via verbal submission due to strikes R2 Paul Reed def Alex Izidro via split decision Marc Goddard def Ivan Serati 1:34 via verbal submission due to strikes R2

Serati vs Goddard

Serati vs Goddard

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