Issue 087
April 2012
With the crushing weight of being potentially the greatest heavyweight mixed martial artist no longer stunting his spare time, Fedor Emelianenko is now free to use his skills where they are greatly needed: on Korean MMA reality shows. The 33-4 (1 NC) Russian recently appeared on oddly titled South Korean TV series Crying Fist to aid two boyish upcoming scrapers in their MMA training. The program is associated with domestic promotion Road FC and seeks to unearth promising grassroots fight talent.
‘The Last Emperor’ appeared wearing his borderline trademark plain-sweater-and-jeans casual get-up, and observed sparring between his star-struck charges. But seemingly unimpressed the former Pride champ called for gloves and decided to mix it up with the students – in spite of his deeply unsuitable gym attire. Once on the mats, the big man demonstrated some basic strikes as well as his highly successful overhand right. Fan boys are already postulating on whether an early apocalypse might be triggered should Emelianenko make an unlikely guest coaching appearance on the forthcoming TUF Brazil alongside Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort on account of potentially unprecedented quantities of radiating awesomeness.
British-Australian TUF in the works
A long-rumored UK vs Australia edition of The Ultimate Fighter series appears close to fruition. UFC managing director of international development Marshall Zelaznik told MMA Junkie that groundwork for the series is “close” to being finalized and a location for the series finale has already been chosen, the 13,500-seater Brisbane Events Center. It is thought the series will be episodic and pre-recorded over six weeks in the format of all previous TUF seasons, though no potential coaches or start date had been publicly mooted at the time of going to press.
Dream and ProElite form partnership
Japanese promotion Dream has formed yet another partnership, this time with growing promotion ProElite. Asia’s highest profile MMA organization, Dream has committed to a talent-sharing and co-promotional agreement with ProElite, run by long-time promoter T Jay Thompson and former Strikeforce matchmaker Rich Chou. The deal also opens the possibility for ProElite, the renewed former parent company of the defunct EliteXC, to stage events in Japan. Pro Elite COO Billy Kelly said the company was “extremely excited” about the deal.
Bangkok, Thailand: Thailand warms to MMA
The home of Muay Thai and unimaginative traveling 20-somethings could finally be coming around to mixed martial arts. Until recently, Thailand’s understandable love affair with its national martial art has left little room in Thai hearts for MMA. However, the early events of Dare Championship, running since June 2011, have been successful, pulling three sold-out shows, says promoter Jussi Saloranta.
The first mixed martial arts promotion in the country to use a cage, Dare is even holding a tournament where the victor earns part of a $1 million bounty. “MMA is literally booming in Thailand,” enthuses Jussi. “For the first time we are seeing more well-rounded Thai fighters starting to compete in MMA and their skills are developing fast.”
2
The number of weeks UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby spent in China scouting talent on behalf of the UFC
$23 million
MMA-themed Hollywood blockbuster Warrior pulled in a total worldwide gross of $23 million at the box office. Released in September last year, the picture had a budget of $25 million.
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