21st Men’s and Women’s 2010 IPF World Bench Press Championships
By: Heinrich Janse van Rensburg
The World Bench Press Championship started in a small town with 236 lifters from 30 different country’s near Austin in Texas, the town of Fort Wood, Killeen. A town with one of the biggest army bases in the USA, as they got 50 000 army personnel. The weather was nice and warm with the occasional WARM wind blowing throughout the day, but hey, this is Texas! Altogether there were 41 continental and world records broken, just as it should be!

A battle was waged at the IPF Bench Worlds on Wednesday. Jill Darling and Teale Adelmann fought it out for the silver medal. With Larisa Kotkova (Russia) taking the Gold with a press of 314 pounds/142.5kgs, only 2.5kgs separated the 2 USA team members.

If you don’t have your ticket already your going to have to pray for a miracle or resort to some nefarious deeds to get your hands on one. UFC 114 is officially sold out and the closest your going to get is the closed circuit telecast at the MGM Grand Conference Center.

So unless Dana White drops some tickets via his Twitter site, your SOL.

Here is the official Press Release.

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – UFC announced today that tickets for UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. are officially sold out. The war of words between former UFC light heavyweight champions Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and “Suga” Rashad Evans has created one of the fiercest rivalries in the history of the sport. It’s also created one of the hottest tickets in Sin City.

Tickets are still available for the closed circuit telecast of UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans to be held at MGM Grand Conference Center. Tickets for the closed circuit telecast are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations and at any MGM Grand box office outlet. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at UFC.com, www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans will also be available live on Pay-Per-View on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, BellTV, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.95 for standard definition or high-definition broadcasts (where available).

For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com, UK.UFC.com, GERMANY.UFC.com, UFCJapan.jp or UFCEspanol.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

Las Vegas, NV (USA) - UFC announced today that tickets for UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. are officially sold out. The war of words between former UFC light heavyweight champions Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and "Suga" Rashad Evans has created one of the fiercest rivalries in the history of the sport. It's also created one of the hottest tickets in Sin City.

Las Vegas, NV (USA) - UFC announced today that tickets for UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. are officially sold out. The war of words between former UFC light heavyweight champions Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and "Suga" Rashad Evans has created one of the fiercest rivalries in the history of the sport. It's also created one of the hottest tickets in Sin City.

Here’s the latest predictions from my warped view of the upcoming UFC 114 card.
There’s five fights scheduled for the main PPV portion of the card and two fights slated to air on Spike TV. First up will be the Quick Hit predictions on the fights not slated for air, then the Spike TV fights and finally the PPV card.

Quick Hit’s

Ryan Jensen over Jesse Forbes.
Aaron Riley over Joe Brammer.
Luiz Cane over Cyrille Diabate
Melvin Guillard over Waylon Lowe

Spike TV fights

Efrain Escudero (13-1) vs. Dan Lauzon (12-3).
Escudero was one of the more highly touted fighters to come off The Ultimate Fighter reality show in recent memory. In his three post TUF bouts, he’s 2-1 and coming off a loss via submission in his last outing.

Lauzon is 0-2 in his two appearances in the UFC and the latest news on him is that he and his now former training camp have had an ugly split.

Prediction: Escudero over Lauzon.

Amir Sadollah (4-1) vs. Dong Hyun Kim (12-0-1, 1 NC)

Again we have another TUF winner in Sadollah. Sadollah has won his fights either via submission or decision. His one loss was a TKO.

Kim has two decisions and a TKO for his three wins in the UFC.

Prediction: Kim over Sadollah by unanimous decision.

PPV Main Card

Welterweight bout: Diego Sanchez (23-3) vs. John Hathaway (13-0).

After a three-fight foray in the Lightweight division, Sanchez is back in the welterweight division. His last fight saw him stopped by BJ Penn in the lightweight title bout at UFC 107.

Hathaway has won two straight decisions in his UFC run. All three of his bouts have been overseas and he’s looking to make an impression on a USA audience.

Prediction: Sanchez over Hathaway by unanimous decision.

Heavyweight bout: Todd Duffee (6-0) vs. Mike Russow (12-1-0, 1 NC).

Duffee’s UFC debut lasted all of six seconds before Duffee notched the fastest knockout in UFC history.

Russow is also making his second trip into the Octagon after picking up a win over Justin McCulley at UFC 102 via unanimous decision.

Prediction: Duffee over Russow by technical knockout.

Light-Heavyweight bout: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (18-3-0) vs. Jason Brilz (18-2-1).

Nogueria was originally slated to face UFC poster boy Forrest Griffin at this event. But a shoulder injury to Griffin opened the door for Brilz.

Brilz has won 3 of 4 fights in the UFC. Nogueira has a TKO win in his lone fight in the UFC but has won pretty much everywhere he’s competed.

Prediction: Nogueira over Brilz via KO.

Co-Main Event

Middleweight bout: Michael Bisping (19-3) vs. Dan Miller (11-3-0, 1 NC).

Bisping, another TUF winner, is fighting to keep his status as the MMA poster boy across the pond. If not to stay relevant, never mind being in title contention.

Miller is looking to take a step up the ladder and Bisping is a big enough name to do that against.

Bisping’s been fighting at 185 pounds since losing to Rashad Evans at 205 at UFC 78 in November of 2007. He came out hot winning three straight fights at 185 before he ran into Dan Henderson at UFC 100.

Let’s just say that Bisping had a good nap that evening.

He bounced back with a TKO win over veteran Denis Kang at UFC 105 in his home country of England. He then lost a close decision to Wanderlei Silva in Sydney, Australia at UFC 110 in February.

Being 1-2 in his last three fights, “The Count” needs a win desperately.

Miller has lost two straight fights to guys that have either challenged for the middleweight title (Damien Maia) or will challenge for the belt (Chael Sonnen).

He also needs to pick up a win or it might mean the end of his run in the UFC.

Prediction: Bisping over Miller by unanimous decision.

MAIN EVENT

A LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT GRUDGE MATCH
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (30-7) vs. “Suga” Rashad Evans (19-1-1)

This all started easily enough. At UFC 96, Jackson beat Keith Jardine a teammate of Evans.

At the time Evans had the belt at 205 and it appeared that Jackson would be the first challenger in line to take a shot at Evans.

That didn’t happen and Evans suffered the first loss of his career to Lyoto Machida.

Then the two aficionados trash talk were picked as coaches for Season 10 of TUF to hype a fight between the two at the end of that season.

The fight still didn’t happen. Rampage went off to Canada to film the upcoming A-Team moive. Evans beat Thiago Silva at UFC 108.

Now, finally, here we are. UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans.

I still think a wildcard in this fight could be which one of these guys remembers that they have a base in wrestling.

I expect both to be launching bombs disguised as overhand rights or left hooks but I think both will be aware of that and Plan B may have to be used for one to finish the fight.

Prediction: I like Evans to remember his takedown skills and get Jackson in a Ground N Pound situation.

Rampage is bigger but I like Evans’ speed in this fight.

Prediction: Evans over Jackson via TKO.

Now watch there be a KO in the first 30 seconds. That’d be just my luck.

Until Next Time

I’m Q

CYA

“Words are important, I thank you for hearing my words.” George Carlin.

Press Release

Chicago, IL (USA): The Xtreme Fighting Organization (XFO), one of the most respected MMA promotions in existence, has announced today their fight card for their upcoming fight event. On June 5th, MMA is overtaking the Copernicus Center in Chicago as fight fans will be treated to nine professional fights and four amateur bouts. Headlining the event are welterweight veterans Keith Wisniewski (25-12-1) and Ted “Red” Worthington (27-20). Wisniewski is coming into this fight on a three-match win streak, and he hasn’t allowed an opponent to go the distance during that span, winning two bouts by submission and one by TKO (strikes). Worthington has had an active year in 2010 thus far, fighting three times within the first four months and earning two victories, one by submission and one by knockout. Each warrior has proven throughout his career that he will fight his heart out to win, so fans can expect an epic battle when these two meet.

This exciting card features fighters from all different points in their career, and with a vast arsenal of skills. Some of the veterans will be looking to get back to their winning ways, while others will be looking to continue the strong start to their young careers. In what may be the fight of the night, Matt Tobie (2-0) and Kevin Nowaczyk (5-0) will both put their undefeated records on the line as they face off with one another. Also on the main card will be a fight at 155 lbs. as the very experienced Ryan “Bones” Bixler (15-7) will battle grappling wizard Jonatas Novaes (4-3). Novaes is known as a submission specialist, while “Bones” is more of an all-around fighter. Regardless, both fighters will look to impose their will
on the other.

The full card is as follows:

PROFESSIONAL

170-Keith Wisniewski vs. Ted “Red” Worthington
155-Jonatas Novaes vs. Ryan “Bones” Bixler
HVY-Boban Simic vs. Rashad Brooks
170-Matt Tobie vs. Kevin Nowaczyk
140-Carson Beebe vs. Joe Voitik
145-Bobby Reardanz vs. Peter Grimes
185-Dan Bolden vs. Bill Hill
155-Mike Santiago vs. Jake Murphy
195-Ryan Sturdy vs. TBA

The amateur card features hungry up-and-coming fighters as well as future stars looking to shine as they put their futures on the line.

AMATEUR

185-Rafal Skibinski vs. Chris Hartwig
145-Alex Martinez vs. Mike Ryan
HVY-Ivan Garcia vs. Nick Thompson
145-Steve Kozola vs. Scott Goldberg
170-Jonathan Melecio vs. TBA

XFO-the Midwest’s premiere MMA show- features the best up-and-comers in the Midwest circuit and young fighters from all over the United States will look to hone their skills in the XFO cage. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $50 for Main Floor Seats and $35 for Mezzanine Level and are available for purchase by visiting http://www.xfomma.com/. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the fights will begin at 7:30 PM.

Information on the pre-event press conference and weigh-ins will be made public soon, as well. The Xtreme Fighting Organization is sure to electrify local fight fans so purchase your tickets now before the event is sold out!

About the XFO

The Xtreme Fighting Organization is operated by “The Big Frog” Jeff Curran, a veteran of the UFC, WEC, PRIDE, and StrikeForce, and has showcased some of the top talent in the sport of MMA today. Fighters such as Pat Militech, Ben Rothwell, Kevin Jordan, Jason Dent, Terry Martin, Tara LaRosa, Nick Thompson, Naoyuki Kotani, Ryan McGivern, Chase Beebe, Mike Russow, Travis Wiuff, Shonie Carter, Luke Zachrich, Sherman Pendergarst, amongst others, have all fought in the XFO cage. The promotion puts on regular events, and is committed to entertaining local fight fans with quality production values and exciting events. In addition, the XFO is dedicated to introducing some of the top young talent in the Midwest to the MMA masses. For additional information on the Xtreme Fighting Organization, please visit
http://www.xfomma.com/.

Press Release

Chicago, IL (USA): The Xtreme Fighting Organization (XFO), one of the most respected MMA promotions in existence, has announced today their fight card for their upcoming fight event. On June 5th, MMA is overtaking the Copernicus Center in Chicago as fight fans will be treated to nine professional fights and four amateur bouts. Headlining the event are welterweight veterans Keith Wisniewski (25-12-1) and Ted “Red” Worthington (27-20). Wisniewski is coming into this fight on a three-match win streak, and he hasn’t allowed an opponent to go the distance during that span, winning two bouts by submission and one by TKO (strikes). Worthington has had an active year in 2010 thus far, fighting three times within the first four months and earning two victories, one by submission and one by knockout. Each warrior has proven throughout his career that he will fight his heart out to win, so fans can expect an epic battle when these two meet.

This exciting card features fighters from all different points in their career, and with a vast arsenal of skills. Some of the veterans will be looking to get back to their winning ways, while others will be looking to continue the strong start to their young careers. In what may be the fight of the night, Matt Tobie (2-0) and Kevin Nowaczyk (5-0) will both put their undefeated records on the line as they face off with one another. Also on the main card will be a fight at 155 lbs. as the very experienced Ryan “Bones” Bixler (15-7) will battle grappling wizard Jonatas Novaes (4-3). Novaes is known as a submission specialist, while “Bones” is more of an all-around fighter. Regardless, both fighters will look to impose their will
on the other.

The full card is as follows:

PROFESSIONAL

170-Keith Wisniewski vs. Ted “Red” Worthington
155-Jonatas Novaes vs. Ryan “Bones” Bixler
HVY-Boban Simic vs. Rashad Brooks
170-Matt Tobie vs. Kevin Nowaczyk
140-Carson Beebe vs. Joe Voitik
145-Bobby Reardanz vs. Peter Grimes
185-Dan Bolden vs. Bill Hill
155-Mike Santiago vs. Jake Murphy
195-Ryan Sturdy vs. TBA

The amateur card features hungry up-and-coming fighters as well as future stars looking to shine as they put their futures on the line.

AMATEUR

185-Rafal Skibinski vs. Chris Hartwig
145-Alex Martinez vs. Mike Ryan
HVY-Ivan Garcia vs. Nick Thompson
145-Steve Kozola vs. Scott Goldberg
170-Jonathan Melecio vs. TBA

XFO-the Midwest’s premiere MMA show- features the best up-and-comers in the Midwest circuit and young fighters from all over the United States will look to hone their skills in the XFO cage. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $50 for Main Floor Seats and $35 for Mezzanine Level and are available for purchase by visiting http://www.xfomma.com/. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the fights will begin at 7:30 PM.

Information on the pre-event press conference and weigh-ins will be made public soon, as well. The Xtreme Fighting Organization is sure to electrify local fight fans so purchase your tickets now before the event is sold out!

About the XFO

The Xtreme Fighting Organization is operated by “The Big Frog” Jeff Curran, a veteran of the UFC, WEC, PRIDE, and StrikeForce, and has showcased some of the top talent in the sport of MMA today. Fighters such as Pat Militech, Ben Rothwell, Kevin Jordan, Jason Dent, Terry Martin, Tara LaRosa, Nick Thompson, Naoyuki Kotani, Ryan McGivern, Chase Beebe, Mike Russow, Travis Wiuff, Shonie Carter, Luke Zachrich, Sherman Pendergarst, amongst others, have all fought in the XFO cage. The promotion puts on regular events, and is committed to entertaining local fight fans with quality production values and exciting events. In addition, the XFO is dedicated to introducing some of the top young talent in the Midwest to the MMA masses. For additional information on the Xtreme Fighting Organization, please visit
http://www.xfomma.com/.

Australian lifters Nathan Baxter (SHW) and Stephen Pritchard (275) recently ran skills assessments in preparation for the IPF World Bench Press Championships (May 25-29) that will be held in Killeen, Texas. In their session, both worked up to openers. Baxter hit 639 lbs./290kg, while Pritchard hit 617 pounds/280kg. They will be joined by junior lifter Damien Ussia (275) in Killeen. Pritchard is coached by Dave Bates (USA). Here are videos of their lifts:

Las Vegas, NV (USA) - After a dominating victory over Ultimate Fighting Championship® light heavyweight contender Brandon Vera in the first-ever UFC® on VERSUS card, rising 205-pound star Jon "Bones" Jones will face his most experienced opponent to date in 24-4 Vladimir Matyushenko as the duo headline the organization's debut in Salt Lake City, Utah for UFC on VERSUS, live from the EnergySolutions Arena. Also on the main card, Yushin Okami faces Mark Munoz, Jake Ellenberger takes on John Howard and Takanori Gomi battles Joe Stevenson. The fight will air live on VERSUS at 9 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. MT.