FiOS TV- Every MMA Fan's Dream Come True

SHOWTIME's Interactive Strikeforce Event: Where the sports fans play.

We all put our two cents in as we watch our favorite fighters go at it on television sets all over the world. It doesn't matter if your watching a fight by yourself or in a crowded sports bar, let's face it we are going to make some noise.

We are going to turn to our buddy and take on the role of an official or judge and say what this guy should have done to this guy. What if you could put all of that energy in and actually interact with other viewers and fighters DURING the fight!?

Here is the ultimate MMA fan's dream come true: Tonight, FiOS TV will add a new level of interactivity today with the launch of SHOWTIME Sports Interactive during the Strikeforce Challengers mixed martial arts telecast. The event airs tonight (Friday, Feb. 26) on Showtime HD East Coast feed (Channel 865 on FiOS) at 8 p.m. Pacific.

MMA fans who are SHOWTIME subscribers on FiOS TV will be the first to have instant on-screen, on-demand access to a wide array of interactive features during the Strikeforce event including: viewing fighter profiles, customizable stats, a trivia game, voting in viewer polls, and more, with the touch of a button on their FiOS TV remote. It's all free to SHOWTIME subscribers on Verizon FiOS TV.

I can't think of a better way to watch Strikeforce. If you are a FiOS TV subscriber, you will have the chance to view this new network's interactive experience first. According to Verizon's press release: All FiOS TV customers with a high-definition set-top box who subscribe to SHOWTIME will have access to the interactive experience.

This takes watching this sport to a new level. I can't think of a better target audience then MMA fans. If you want to learn more about FiOS go to www.verizon.com/newscenter

Have fun playing.

King of the Cage Results

Full results for King of the Cage “Arrival” from San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland, California on February 25th are listed below:

Aaron Arana def. Chris Wolf via Submission (Armbar) @0:27 of Round 1

David Gomez def. George Sanchez via Unanimous Decision

Ron Keslar def. Jonathan Brandon via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) @0:34 of Round 2

Dave Rivas def. Martin Bautista via Unanimous Decision

Musa Tolliver def. Sasiprapa Malaipet via Unanimous Decision

Waachim Spiritwolf and Ismael Gonzalez Technical Draw (Illegal Elbows Prompt Doctor Stoppage)

Reuben Duran def. Ryan Diaz via KO (Punches) @4:57 of Round 3

Junior Welterweight Championship:
Bobby Green def. Rick Legere via TKO (Punches) @4:27 of Round 1

Upcoming MMA Events

Upcoming Events
(featured in Ultimate MMA Magazine's latest issue)

Following is a list of upcoming events, so mark your calendars, palm pilots or Blackberries.
FEBRUARY 20

What: Dollamur Grappling Championship

Where: Texas

Info: www.nagafighter.com
FEBRUARY 21

What: UFC 110

Where: Australia

Info: www.ufc.com
FEBRUARY 25

What: King of the Cage: Arrival

Where: Highlands, California

Info: www.kingofthecage.com

FEBRUARY 26

What: Tuff-N-Uff

Where: Orleans Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Info: www.tuffnuff.net

FEBRUARY 27 (tentative)

What: Total Combat

Where: Arizona

Info: www.totalcombat.tv

MARCH 6

What: WEC

Where: Nationwide Arena, Ohio

Info: www.wec.tv

What: U.M.A. U.K. Open Team Grappling ‘Challenge Cup’

Where: Wallace Sports Centre, Staffordshire

Contact: Jim McSherry Tel: 01283 510321

Info: www.umauk.co.uk


MARCH 13

What: UFC 111

Where: New Jersey

Info: www.ufc.com
MARCH 20

What: Grapplers Quest

Where: New Jersey

Info: www.grapplers.com
What: U.M.A. English Open Junior and Cadet Judo Championships

Where: Wallace Sports Centre, Staffordshire

Contact: Jim McSherry Tel: 01283 510321

Info: www.umauk.co.uk
APRIL 8

What: Bellator Fighting Championship season 2

Where: TBA

Info: www.Bellator.com
APRIL 10

What: UFC 112

Where: United Kingdom

Info: www.ufc.com
APRIL 17

What: Grapplers Quest

Where: Florida

Info: www.grapplers.com
What: U.M.A. English Open Junior and Cadet Grappling Championships.

Where: Wallace Sports Centre, Staffordshire

Contact: Jim McSherry Tel: 01283 510321

Info: www.umauk.co.uk
MAY 1

What: UFC 113

Where: Montreal, Canada

Info: www.ufc.com
What: U.M.A. British Open ‘No Gi’ Groundfighting Championships.

Where: Wallace Sports Centre, Staffordshire

Contact: Jim McSherry Tel: 01283 510321

Info: www.umauk.co.uk

Heat Music Festival

UC Riverside’s Heat Music Festival takes back Saturday
By Breanna Armstrong and Lisa Luna

With over 11,000 music lovers and 16 music artists; Heat Music Festival was a success from the opening DJ to the headliner band, Taking Back Sunday.

The University of California Riverside held the fourth annual Heat Music festival on its campus Saturday, Feb.13. Heat is an annual music festival that falls on the university’s homecoming week. Heat Music Festival’s line-up included a diverse mixture of artists, from electronic musicians to rock bands.

Heat Music Festival contained two music stages and one dance stage. While people crowded around the southland stage listening intently to eight different artists throughout the night, the main stage kicked it off with the band Shiny Toy Guns,who played an hour set that led to every fan dancing and singing along to their songs.

“It is amazing out here tonight, so many people,” Janett Loera, UCR freshmen said. “I think that it’s really cool that all of the students had a discount to be here tonight. I am having a blast.”

The crowd continued to grow as the anticipation rose for The Crystal Method to take the stage. The Los Angeles based electronic duo were full of energy, never failing to keep the crowd wanting more. At the end of their set, The Crystal Method said, “We don’t come out here very often, but I will say we will be back here soon.”

As the bass of the speakers on the main stage vibrated through the crowd, the lights flashed, reflecting off the faces in the front row, and hands were thrown up in the air, Heat Music Festival officially started when Taking Back Sunday took the stage.

Taking Back Sunday began their performance with a classic song, “Cute without the ‘E’ (cut from the team)," sending the crowd into frenzy. As they kept playing, the crowd of fans continued quickly grew into a mosh.



Although it was their first time performing at Heat Music Festival, Adam Lazzara, the lead singer of Taking Back Sunday, told the ‘Banner’ it was their third time performing in the Inland Empire, and “It is absolutely wonderful to be at Heat.”

For Blake Spencer, a CBU senior, it was his tenth time seeing Taking Back Sunday in concert. “I was so surprised that they played that many songs. They had amazing stage performance. I even went to the back of the stage and they gave me the drummer’s set list. It was a great night,” Spencer said.

Heat was a huge success with the impressive light shows on all three stages to set the ambiance, the excitement and the mob of people that gathered across UCR’s campus to share in the same commonality for the love of music.

Olympians go to College Too!

Photo credits: AP

By Breanna Armstrong

The life of a college athlete can be more than stressful and at times, down right unbearable. Having to juggle more than just classes, athletes have to train everyday, and sometimes twice a day. It’s the waking up early, the eating right, the traveling and keeping up with their homework that often defines their daily life.

Not to discredit any athlete but something has stuck out to me in the past few weeks, something that I am sure has stuck out to a lot of people. There are more that a few college students that are participating in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

These athletes are in a league of their own; most have been preparing their entire lives for this one season, this one moment to get a chance to receive a medal while representing their country. These athletes have more than a town, a state, a college and a team behind them, they have the entire country’s eyes fixated on their performance.

The Olympic schedule is a more than just waking up early, eating right and training everyday. These athletes literally meditate on their events and hold their performance at top responsibility. As an Olympian, throwing college into the mix would seem over bearing. But these athletes are the most trained professionals in the country and can handle more than just the Olympian schedule and the chaos of college.

A group of college student Olympians that has stuck out to me has been the select few students that attend Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Most of Westminster’s young Olympians are on America’s ski team. There are approximately nine Westminster students on the ski team, and America has already been sweeping up the medals in the ski competitions.

Bryon Wilson, 21, is a freshman at Westminster College, and is majoring in art. He received the bronze medal representing team USA in the men’s freestyle skiing competition. Not a bad thing to put on his resume after he graduates from college.

It is a very commendable act for anyone to represent their country in the Olympics, but for these college students to represent, it is truly remarkable.

How to be a Professional Fighter's Girlfriend

By Breanna Armstrong

It is the task that almost seems pointless, scary and at times frustrating. Being a professional fighter’s girlfriend takes an uncontrollable amount of patience. The girlfriend not only has to deal with the grueling schedule that is demanded by her man’s trainers, managers and sponsors, but she has to deal with the girls that comes along with being in the lime light and the occasional mood swings as well.

ROUND ONE. Remember that his mood swings are a direct result of him cutting weight before his next fight. Don’t take it personal if his responses are short and contain words like: “Sure.” “Um” “Yea” or “Does that have sugar in it?”

ROUND TWO. Do not be intimidated of his trainers, managers and sponsors. They see you as a hobby, so look at them with the same regards. When they start putting you on a strict schedule like your boyfriend’s, then and only then should you go for the total knock out.

ROUND THREE. Forget about the girls that are fans of your man and are constantly staring him down. Your man is with you because he thinks you are beautiful without having to wear tight little shirts and short booty shorts. You are respected while they are ignored.

ROUND FOUR. Do not freak out when another fighter has your boyfriend in a headlock. Your man is the most trained expert when it comes to getting out of a situation like that. That’s how he makes his living.

ROUND FIVE. Do not let his success get to his head. That’s almost every pro fighter’s downside and its up to you to bring him back to life and make him feel normal.

Being a successful professional fighter’s girlfriend will be in reach if these steps are followed.

Written: January 28, 2009- a very long time ago. (c) Breanna Armstrong

The Brotherhood of MMA

Photo Credits: www.HyeFighters.com

Check out www.ultimategrapplingmag.com for the version that will be running in print.

Hye Fighters: The Brotherhood of MMA
By Breanna Armstrong


There is a group of elite fighters that have represented their country and culture at all times in the cage. They are located all over the world and come together as a unified group that is better described as a brotherhood. They are the Hye Fighters, and representing Armenia is their number one goal.

Araz Araradian, started the Hye Fighters Organization in August 2007. He enrolled his son into the Glendale Fighting Club in Glendale, California. After becoming involved in the sport, Araz decided to create a website that would showcase all Armenians who were professional fighters. “Hye” means, Armenian in the Armenian language. There were only a few fighters on his site at this time, including the UFC’s Karo Parisyan, who was the only Armenian in MMA at the time.

Since the site’s launch in 2007, Hye Fighters has grown significantly. They have 16 pro MMA fighters, including StrikeForce’s Light Heavyweight Champion, Gegard Mousasi, WEC lightweight, Karen Darbedyan, WEC lightweight, Manny Gamburyan and Bellator featherweight, Georgi Karakhanyan, are a few.

The fighters are mainly located in Glendale, a large Armenian community in LA. It was in Glendale at Phoenicia, an Armenian restaurant that I had the pleasure to meet and interview this family of elite fighters and supporters over a dinner full with laughs, sincerity and the clear presence of a brotherhood bonded by a culture.

“You have to have a lot of heart, we fight with our hearts and leave everything in the cage I think that is what it means to be a true Hye fighter,” explains Karen Darabedyan. “Araz, the creator of the Hye Fighter’s site, has done an amazing job with putting us all on stage. All someone has to do is log onto Hyefighters.com and you can see when we fight next, our record and our updates. It’s been great PR by being on the site and I think that we are all grateful for that.”

The site has every Armenian fighter’s updates with profiles on each fighter with links to their personal websites, which Araz created for each of them free of charge. There is also a feature of the Hye Fighter of the month, a huge honor to receive. Now, two years after the launch of the group driven by Arazs’ passion to promote these fighters, the Hye Fighters have been recognized beyond the fight industry and into their communities.

“We all look up to these guys, I respect their hard work and their dedication to represent our Armenian culture,” says Jerry Hanessian, the owner of Cage Alliance. Jerry sponsors most of the Hye Fighters and is a strong supporter of each of them.

“Being a Hye fighter is like being a part of a team. When you are on a team you perform better because you are pushing each other. It’s motivational and it’s like being a part of a family. I am ten times a better fighter as a Hye Fighter than I am alone as one,” Says Sako Chivitchyan.

“Everyone trains together we train at Gokors, Glendale Fighting Club, Main Event and SK wrestling, we all learn from each other, ” says Sevak Magakian.

In Armenia, MMA is in its infancy, many of the Hye Fighters were originally from Armenia and moved to America and took up the sport that has now defined them. Transitioning into a new culture was easy because through this sport, they found each other and Hye Fighters has glorified this. Whenever any fighter, whether in MMA, Muay Thai or boxing has a fight coming up, the entire group helps that person train for it and is there the day of the fight to provide support.

“The difference of Armenian fighters and others is the heart, the heart and the way that we represent ourselves is unreal,” says Manny Gamburyan.

At the end of the table is the fighter’s trainer, Gokor Chivichyan, when he speaks about the Hye Fighters everyone stops, listens and pays great respect to what he says. “They are like a family to me. When they win, it’s my win. They train very hard and Hye Fighters has brought them together. They lift each other up and I see that and it makes me very happy,” explains Gokor.

Gegard Mousasi was recently visiting from the Netherlands before going to StrikeForce in Miami. While he was in town he spent his entire trip training and visiting with the Hye Fighters. It’s that camaraderie that has left a trademark on this group of elite fighters.

“We have a good family relationship outside of fighting,” says up and coming MMA fighter, Andy Dermenjyan. “Some of us have known each other since we were kids, like Sako and Manny and I.”

“It’s been the best opportunity that I have ever had. The Hye Fighters took me in after I loss to Karen, I was on a losing streak and now I am on a winning streak. The training and support has really helped me a lot,” says Hye Fighter of the month, Jared Papazian.

In their community, they are recognized. Their goal is to be recognized globally.


Beyond MMA
Hye Fighters has nine professional Muay Thai fighters, including WBC MuayThai International Welterweight Champion, Edmond Tarverdyan and
2009 K-1 World MAX Champion and WKN Intercontinental Middleweight Muaythai champion, Giorgio Petrosyan. There are 48 professional Hye Fighter boxers as well.

For more on the Hye Fighters, check out www.hyefighters.com

WORLD MUAY THAI EXTRAVAGANZA

MUAY THAI ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA PRESENTS:
WORLD MUAY THAI EXTRAVAGANZA
March 14, 2010 at the El Monte Expo Center
12051 Garvey ave, El Monte, Ca 91732

WBC 175LB. World Title: 5x3min rounds
1) Kaoklai Kennorising / Thailand, vs. Magnum Sakai / Japan

MTAA 135LB. World Title: 5x3min rounds
2) Saenchai Sor Kingstar / Thailand vs. Tetsuya Yamato / Japan

147LB. Super Fight: 5x3min rounds
3) Bryan Dobler / Dobblers Muay Thai / Fontana, CA vs. Shane Oblonsky / Seal Beach, Ca

MTAA 130LB. U.S. National Title: 5x2min rounds
4) David Huerta / Team Zarate / East Los Angeles, CA vs. Jason Andrada / Master Toddy / Las Vegas, NV

MTAA U.S. National Title: 5x2min rounds
5) Kristin Shepard / Dobblers Muay Thai / Fontana, CA vs. Malia Spynol

130 LB. Bout: 3x2min rounds
6) Justin Nguyen / Team Oyama / Irvine, CA vs. Antonio De La Cruz / San Jose, CA

7) Roy Corona vs. Raul Martinez

135 LB. Bout: 3 x2 rounds
8) Yamato Miura / The Yard Muay Thai / Japan vs. Tony Juan

9) Prudencio Portillo vs. Bounthong Syvanthong

10) Mike Ellison vs. Andy Lazarit

Papazian Decisions Guzman

photo credits: www.CalledOutMMA.com

MMA FIGHT: He overpowers his opponent with a dominating third-round finish.

Monday, January 25, 2010

By BREANNA ARMSTRONG
Special to The Press-Enterprise


ONTARIO - Jared Papazian defeated Greg Guzman via unanimous decision Sunday night at Called Out MMA II's fight night at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

"It started out really good, I got the takedown. But Jared was very tough the entire fight," said Guzman. "He fought real tough, he completely deserved that win. I just have to get back into the gym and train more."

Said Guzman's head trainer Jake Behney: "Greg is going to drop down to 125 pounds for his next fight, because he only had to cut 1.5 pounds for this bout against Jared," said Jake Behney, Guzman's head trainer.

The fight went three rounds before Papazian won, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27.

In the third round, Papazian got the better of Guzman, getting him in a hold, getting on top of him and punching him in the head until the bell rang.