Issue 076

June 2011

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

G.I. Joe Rogan

The Round 5 action figure has announced that a model of popular UFC commentator Joe Rogan will be available as part of the company’s Ultimate Collector Series 6 line. The limited-edition doll is expected to go on sale in the Spring. Only 2,000 units will be produced, 1,250 bound for North America and 750 for the rest of the world. Rogan is only the second non-fighter to be immortalized in the Round 5 range after UFC president Dana White.

Dan Hardy: Golden God?

Exciting UFC welterweight Dan Hardy received a nomination for ‘Most Metal Athlete’ at the 2011 Revolver Magazine Golden Gods Awards, the music magazine’s annual event that honors the best in heavy music. The 23-9 (1 NC) Brit, who is sponsored by legendary metal label Earache Records, went up against NFL player Jeremy Shockey and WWE wrestler The Miz amongst others. Hardy’s wasn’t the only appearance from the mixed martial arts world; clothing brand Affliction even sponsored the ‘Album of the Year’ award.

Randleman and Pyle in Men in Black 3

Fighters Kevin Randleman and Mike Pyle have filmed small roles in upcoming Hollywood film Men in Black 3. Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman and current UFC welterweight Mike Pyle played wushu assassins in the movie, set for release in May 2012. However, the 39-year-old Randleman hinted they might not play typical martial artists. He told MMA Fighting: “Our make-up took about three hours every day, and although there is a lot of waiting around it was overall just a really good time for me.”

Boss starts new Japanese promotion

Disgraced former Pride FC president Nobuyuki Sakakibara has re-entered Japanese mixed martial arts with Dream vice director Hiroyuki Kato. The pair are reportedly organizing a small-scale bantamweight tournament, titled Japan Cup, as opposed to directly competing with the country’s larger companies Dream and Sengoku. Sakakibara headed Pride during its infamous collapse after its ties to organized crime were exposed. Until recently he was the owner of a low-league Japanese football team while Kato is also the manager of Yoshida dojo, one of Japan’s leading camps. The event is expected for the Spring.