Issue 107

November 2013

Things we hear, things we see, things we know.

‘Rampage’ gets digital comic book series

Bellator light heavyweight ‘Rampage’ Jackson is about to get his very own digital comic book. Rampage Jackson: Street Soldier launches in October and sees Jackson, a former UFC 205lb champion, gain superpowers from a meteorite. Lion Forge Comics CEO, Dave Steward II, told FO the project came about after he met Rampage in May and found out he was a big comics fan. It will be distributed digitally, with a later select collectible print run likely.

Malaysian MMA booming, despite UFC TV watershed

Malaysia continues to be one of the fastest emerging locales for MMA in Asia despite broadcasters in the country not showing UFC cards on television before 10pm. UFC events are shown in much of South East Asia via Fox Movies Premium, but Malaysia, a country of around 28 million, doesn’t receive the live morning broadcast of the event, only the evening replay. The reason could lie in Islam being Malaysia’s primary religion – figures suggest nearly two thirds of Malaysia’s population is Muslim.

Renan Barao's father was a pro MMA fighter at 42

It turns out the father of UFC interim bantamweight champion Renan Barao actually became a professional mixed martial artist several years ago age 42. Jose Pegado, a former Brazilian national boxing champion, followed in his son’s footsteps in 2008 and took three fights, going 2-1 at local events. As revealed in FO several issues ago, Barao didn’t know his father until he was 11.

UFC heavyweight 'Hulk' gets signature show

A signature work boot from Australian UFC heavyweight Soa ‘The Hulk’ Palelei is available to buy. Made by Mack Boots of Australia, the Mack Soa costs USD$199.99 and is “quite possibly the most exciting safety boot ever released” according to the company. A solid toe protector, fluorescent upper and outsole heat resistance of 300?C make the Mack Soa a unique footwear option. Soa first fought for the UFC in 2007, losing by TKO. An eight-fight win streak saw him offered a new contract in early 2013.