Issue 073

March 2011

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

Nogueira brothers go digitized

MMA’s most prominent fighting relatives, the Nogueira brothers, are launching an online, MMA-themed game titled MMA All Stars. The retro-styled video game allows you to create a fighter then send them to various gyms around a virtual town in order to hone their skills. Players can challenge each other to fights and invite friends to watch. The game, endorsed by both ‘Big’ and ‘Little Nog’ and featuring their likenesses, is free to play although in-game items can be purchased. Scrap in bitmap at www.mmallstars.com.br.

California trials half-point judging in amateurs

An alternative to the debated 10-point-must scoring system will be piloted in amateur bouts in California. The contests, overseen by the California Amateur MMA Organization and the California State Athletic Commission, will use a half-point system and place higher emphasis on damage and equal credence to striking and grappling, followed by cage control. The system, dubbed MMAS (Mixed Martial Arts Specific) scoring, has long been advocated by respected official Nelson ‘Doc’ Hamilton, and could start the process of judging reform for professional bouts.

Bellator lands three-year MTV2 deal 

The Bellator promotion, home to fighters like Roger Huerta and Eddie Alvarez, has signed a three-year broadcasting contract with MTV2. The young company, which had previously been aired on FSN, will have four tournaments broadcast over two 2011 seasons, equating to a live two-hour Bellator event 25 weeks of the year. Eric Conte, SVP of programming and production at MTV2, said: “MMA is at the top of our audience’s wish list.” The channel attracted Bellator due to having a viewership with the highest concentration of males aged 12–34 of any TV station. 

Lee Murray gets extra 15 years added to sentence

One-time UFC middleweight Lee Murray has had his jail term increased from ten to 25 years. ‘Lightning’, who once fought Anderson Silva, was found guilty this year of masterminding the largest cash heist in UK history, in 2006. He and his accomplices made off with $82 million. He was picked up by Moroccan authorities after fleeing to the African nation – of which he is a national – shortly after the raid. He was tried in Morocco earlier in 2010 and given ten years, which was raised by 15 before Christmas.