Issue 006

August 2005

FX3 delivered a new format for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the UK and also saw a clean sweep for French fighters. Six fighters made the trip from the four corners of France, three from the French Top Team and three from team Riccio — all six won their fights convincingly, with only one going to a decision. The FX3 rules were well received and the show was a success, as you’ll be able to tell from the full report in this magazine.

Antony Rea continues his ascension this month when he travels to Texas to fight for the World Extreme Fighting (WEF) belt. The event has changed venue and date numerous times and is now scheduled for July 16 in Texas, where Antony is due to take on Chad Cook for the WEF World Light Heavyweight belt.

Damien Riccio is taking some time off fighting. After a hectic schedule and a number of injuries including herniated discs and a broken hand. Damien has decided to take some time off and have his hand operated on before the rubber match with Matt Ewin for the Cagewarriors Middleweight belt. Damien won his FX3 match convincingly but found that he wasn’t focussed on his title fight in KOTC against Joey Villasenor due to personal problems and injuries. Best of luck to Damien in his recuperation and I look forward to seeing him fight again soon.

Negotiations are underway for a France vs Canada event in November. The French co-promoters of Cagewarriors France vs UK have been in contact with the APEX organisation in Montreal and are in the middle of negotiations to hold the event. Many of the same fighters who took part in the Cagewarriors event are expected to be on the card, including a possible featherweight title fight for Emmanuel Fernandez against Ivan Menjivar.

The newly born Pancrase Association keeps going from strength to strength. Jean Louis Alberch and Stephen Atch held ‘Xtrem Gladiators’ on July 2 which saw the Pancrase fights teamed up with a break-dance battle tournament in Gymnase Japy in Paris. The gym the event was held in is one of the best known kickboxing venues in France and the event was a success despite a number of last minute pull outs. Fred Rado also has a Pancrase seminar/summer camp scheduled for July 25–30 in Biarritz. For full details visit www.fast64.fr.fm.

Moise Rimbon and Yaya Lalanne travelled to Liverpool to fight in July in the Cagefighting Championships. Unfortunately for Moise his opponent, Murad Chunkaev, didn’t make it because of visa problems. Yaya put on a tough fight but lost to his more experienced opponent, Dutchman Faith Kocamis, by rear naked choke. Moise is due to fight a heavyweight bout in Italy on July 15 and to defend his Total Fight Hungary belt later in the year.

Cagewarriors UK vs The World, set to take place on July 16, sees fights for both Gregory Bouchelaghem and Emmanuel Fernandez. Emmanuel is looking to work his way back towards a title shot with a second fight against Leigh Remedios. Gregory will take on Rob Mitchell, again with the hope of a title shot if he’s victorious.

The French Konnexion sent three fighters back to South Africa to try and continue their winning streak. Bendy Casimir continued his recent form, winning by guillotine in the first round. Unfortunately Xavier Foupa-Pokam lost by KO and Olivier Elisabeth, a last minute replacement for Makhtar Gueye, lost a close decision.