MMA Cult (Fighter Apparel)

ELITEXC’S “RETURN OF THE KING’’

FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & THOUGHTS

THURSDAY, June 12, 2008,

King Street Cafe, Honolulu

One night after it replays the history-making, first-ever primetime mixed martial arts event on network television, SHOWTIME will offer an outstanding card tomorrow, June 14 (10 p.m., ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) that will feature an EliteXC lightweight championship fight between defending champ and former Big Island resident, KJ Noons (5-1) of San Diego, Calif., and rejuvenated, world-class Yves Edwards (34-13-1) of Coconut Creek, Fla.

Preceding a main event matchup of excellent 160-pound strikers will be a terrific live televised card that will include world-class Cesar Gracie jiu-jitsu black belt Nick Diaz (16-7) of Stockton, Calif., and dangerous, up-and-coming ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series alum Muhsin Corbbrey (13-2) of Hilton Head, S.C., in the co-feature.

In other SHOWTIME televised fights: former EliteXC 185-pound champ Murilo “Ninja” Rua (15-8-1) of Brazil will meet Australian-born, Las Vegas-based Tony Bonello (16-0-1, 1 NC) in a compelling matchup at 185; Brazil’s highly regarded Rafael Feijao (5-1) meets Wayne Cole (11-6) of Norman, Okla., at 205 pounds and heavyweight prospect Dave “Pee Wee” Herman (10-0) of Bloomington, Ind., takes on Ron Waterman (15-5-2) of Greeley, Colo.

The event, billed as “Return of the King’’ will emanate from the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, and is presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC, led by Gary Shaw.

Today, Friday, June 13, at 11 p.m. ET/PT, SHOWTIME will re-broadcast the inaugural “CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’’ that were shown on May 31 on the CBS Television Network It, too, was presented by EliteXC.

Tickets for June 14 start at $25 and are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com, at the Blaisdell Arena and at all Times supermarkets. Doors open at 2:30. The first live fight is at 3 p.m. The SHOWTIME portion of the card begins at 4 p.m. Hawaiian time.

With the exception of Noons-Edwards, which won’t be lacking for punch or excitement and is scheduled for five, 5 minutes rounds, the fights are slated for three, 5-minute rounds.

In the top undercard fight streamed live and for free at ProElite.com, Kala Kolohe (6-1) of Waianae, Hawaii, will face Bubba McDaniel (11-4) of Wichita Falls, Tex., at 185 pounds.

The other undercard fights will feature fighters from Hawaii: Mark Oshiro (10-1) of Honolulu vs. Chris “Red Bull’’ Willems (2-1-1) of Hilo at 140 pounds; Kaleo Kwan (8-8) of Waimanalo vs. Mike Aina (9-6-1) of Hilo at 160; Lolohea Mahe (4-0) of Kahuluia, Maui, vs. Chris Barnard (1-3) of Waianae at 265 pounds and PJ Dean (1-3) of Waianae vs. Dean Lista (3-1) of Honolulu. All the fights are set for three, 5-minute rounds.

Non-televised bouts (three, 3-minute rounds): Russell Doane (1-1) of Waipahu vs. Dwayne Haney (1-0) and Kepa Madeiros (debut) vs. Carl Barton (1-0) at 185. The latter three fighters are from Honolulu.

Tom Casino/Elite XC

DOUG DELUCA, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc.

“I really want to thank the fighters, the athletes, who are part of the ProElite family. We have always stood behind our fighters; we did for the CBS show and we stand behind them for this fight card. We have some of the best fighters in the world and we’re here to stay.

“On Saturday, you are in for a great night of fights.”

KJ NOONS

“In terms of my career, I think other people are more surprised than I am. But what’s happened to me has happened so fast, even I have to pinch myself. I always try and get into a zone, a groove, before a fight, but since being back in Hawaii, seeing myself on the fight poster, defending the EliteXC title in the main event, with a lot of family and friends in attendance and the rest watching on SHOWTIME is, well, really exciting.

“I’m in a great spot and looking forward to Saturday. It will be a great event. I’m back where I grew up. My father fought here in the 1970s. My first MMA fight was at the Blaisdell and now I’m back. All of that makes this feel really good, especially to be in my hometown.

“I have a never-give-up mentality. That is how I’ve always been. People could have given up on me after my first loss, but I didn’t and that is what matters.

“Yves is an amazing opponent and a guy that I used to look up to. That is very special for me.

“Someone asked me why people should watch the show on Saturday. My answer really is that what you will see on Saturday is MMA in its purest form. Saturday will bring integrity to this sport; the fighters will. After it, people will really see it as a major sport.’’

YVES EDWARDS

“You can never really get comfortable against KJ. You need to be in complete control before you can relax. Otherwise, he will turn things around in a hurry.

“This is going to be a very exciting fight and great exposure for both of us. For sure, nobody is going to quit. You have two guys with a lot of heart that want it – and I have to take it.

“The fact we are old friends, he is the champion — all of that goes out the window once the fight starts.

“It’s easier for me to fight somebody I respect, and I certainly respect KJ.

“Expect to see the best Yves Edwards ever on Saturday. I do not wish KJ any bad will. I just want to hurt him enough so he won’t want to fight anymore on that night.

“So I’m sorry that I have to take your gold (looking at KJ jokingly). But, really, I know I am not the local (fighter). Please support your guy; just don’t boo me too much. That stuff really hurts.’’

NICK DIAZ

“I’m glad to have an opponent and to be here fighting. It is great to be here on the island fighting again. It is such a great environment. I really want to thank everybody at EliteXC – Rich Chou, JT Steele, JD Penn, Jeremy Lappen, Gary Shaw – everybody.

“I feel stronger and bigger. I feel bigger than anybody.’’

MUHSIN CORRBREY

“Everybody knows this is the biggest fight of my career, but I have to treat it as just another day at the office. He (Nick Diaz) is a big name, but what it comes down to is I just have to get the job done. That is the big thing for me, to go in and do my job. The pressure for me is in the gym, the training. I can’t wait to get in there and fight. I’m looking forward to Saturday.’’

MURILO “NINJA” RUA

“I want to fight for EliteXC title again. I promise a good show for the all the fans. I have worked very hard. I promise to win by knockout.’’

TONY BONELLO

“I thank Ninja for taking this fight. These are the kinds of fights I want. I look forward to fighting someone of Ninja’s experience.’’

DAVE “PEE WEE’’ HERMAN

“I train at my house. People tell me I am making a mistake, but I am still unbeaten so I am not going to mess with a good thing. The only thing I know about my opponent is he’s an old guy.

“I am looking forward to this fight and fighting for EliteXC. I am totally focused.’’

RON WATERMAN

“Age is not a factor. I still have things I want to accomplish in this sport. I feel as good now at 42 as I did at 22. I’ve really stepped up my cardio and my weight is down 25 pounds. Having eight weeks to train has been great.

“I am not sure about his ground game so I feel confident I can put him down and keep him down; maybe, submit him early,

“I want to win, but I also want to win impressively.’’

RAFAEL FEIJAO

“Thank you to Wayne for accepting this fight against me. I love Hawaii. It is a beautiful place with beautiful people. I want to stay here a long time.’’

WAYNE COLE

“EliteXC changed my life a lot. For my first fight for them on SHOWTIME, I trained in the garage at my house. Now, I am opening my own gym and fighting on SHOWTIME again.

“The plan all along was to eventually go to 205 pounds and I feel great at the weight. I’ve seen a few of his fights so I know Feijao is tough.

“He is an explosive, in-your-face type of guy who likes to fight in the middle of the cage – same as me. You can bet there are going to be a lot of fireworks.

“This is going to be a really good fight. If there will be a fight of the night, it will be ours.’’

KALA KOLOHE

“I watched a few clips of him; he is a tough guy. We are going to do what we can to give you a great show.’’

BUBBA MCDANIEL

“I’m ready to get out there and get in it. I know he (Kala Kolohe) has a devastating right hand and I will be doing my best to stay away from that.’’

On May 27, Murilo Rua defeated Adriano Verdelli via triangle choke in a Vale Tudo event in Brazil.

Owned Entertainment, Inc. announced today that Mixed Martial Arts and UFC fighter Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua and his brother, former EliteXC Champion Murilo ‘Ninja’ Rua, have been cast in the MMA movie ‘Owned’. Mr. Hergott and Mr. Alfio comment; “We are thrilled to be able to bring the brothers exciting fighting style to the big screen.  Their characters will be involved in a number of fast paced and realistic action sequences.”

About ‘Owned’

‘Owned’ is an exciting action thriller set in the world of MMA. We will be looking for a combination of talented actors and MMA fighters for the movie.   Recently announced fighters for the movie include Dean Lister, Jason Mayhem Miller and Cung Le.  For more information on the ‘Owned’ movie visit mmamovie.com, ownedentertainment.com and the official ‘Owned’ myspace at http://www.myspace.com/ownedentertainmentinc.

Photo: Proelite.com

On November 14, 2000 Murilo Rua defeated Luiz Claudio das Dores via submission from strikes.

After defeating Murilo “Ninja” Rua last night to claim the Elite XC middleweight title, Robbie Lawler caps off what has been an excellent couple months for the 25 year old fighter. Lawler has formed a new gym with Matt Hughes in Illinois, has just won the Elite XC middlweight belt, and will be showcased as one of the coaches on season 6 of The Ultimate Fighter 6 premiering this Wednesday.

Lawler burst onto the UFC with 3 big wins in 2002, came down from his high in 2003 and 2004 when he lost 3 of his 4 fights in the UFC. But now with 4 straight knockout victories, including ones over “Ninja”, Frank Trigg and Joey Villasenor, Lawler is definitely appearing to materialize in the cage much of skills many felt he possessed.

His KO victory over “Ninja” Rua Saturday night was a testament to Lawler upping his cardio training. “I just did a lot of cardio”, says Lawler. “I know how to wrestle, I know how to fight, I just need to come in shape and that’s what I did–I pushed myself so I can fight for 25 minutes, 30 if we have to, let’s go.”

Pat Miletich has noted in the past that if Lawler can replicate his talent in training in the cage, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in any fight, and he seems to be moving quickly in that direction. As Lawler leaves the Miletich nest in Bettendorf, Iowa to form his new gym, he is thankful to Miletich, who served as a great role model and trainer for the middleweight champion. “I’d like to thank Pat Miletich for everything he’s done for me”, comments Lawler. “Pat Miletich has got me to this point, I’d like to thank him–I’m a champion because of him and everything he’s done.”

Photos: TOM CASINO/EliteXC

All 24 fighters who will compete in Saturday’s EliteXC “Uprising” cage fight card in Honolulu made weight at Friday’s weigh-in. The MMA card in Hawaii  will mark the initial collaboration between EliteXC, ICON Sport, Rumble On The Rock (ROTC) and SHOWTIME.

Robbie Lawler (left) and “Ninja” Rua pose after Friday’s weigh-in. EliteXC middleweight champion Rua will defend against Lawler, the ICON Sport middleweight kingpin, in Saturday’s pick ‘em main event on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Highly regarded Nick Diaz (left) makes his EliteXC and SHOWTIME debut against local favorite Mike Aina in one of the televised bouts.

Unbeaten women’s superstar Gina Carano (left), who made MMA history in February on SHOWTIME, faces a stern test when she meets Tonya Evinger.

Top-10 welterweight Jake Shields (left) returns to the network to face Renato “Charuto” Verissimo.

Joey Villasenor (left) faces Riki Fukuda in one of the televised bouts.

In one of the undercard fights that will be streamed live on the Internet at ProElite.com following the SHOWTIME portion of the show, Tyson Nam (left) faces Albert “Always Bad” Manners.

What are your thoughts about fighting Lawler?
I am very well prepared and very excited to be (fighting a fellow champion).

Do you think this is going to be your most important fight?
For sure.  I am at the best point of my career and (looking forward to fighting again in the)  United States and (for) EliteXC. I believe (this fight will be) the best one of my career.

There was a rumor you were leaving the Academy of Chute Box.  Is it true?
Just rumors.  I am very happy with (their) support and right now I have no plans. I want to stay and fight.

What do you think Robbie’s greatest strength is?
Robbie is a very aggressive fighter, well prepared.  He’s ready to go.

Do you think you can knock Robbie out?
I am going to win on standup or on the ground; no matter, I’m going to be victorious.

Have you had the opportunity to watch Robbie’s most recent fight, his victory over Frank Trigg, and what are your thoughts on that fight?
I have a lot of respect for Robbie.  I watched the fight and he’s a very aggressive guy and finished the fight very quick.  But on Sept. 15, it will be a little different.

Robbie Lawler takes on Murilo Rua this Saturday night.

What are your thoughts about fighting Ninja in the main event on Sept. 15?
I’m excited about the fight.  I’m in good shape, ready to put on a good show and knocking Ninja out.

What do you think about Ninja, who is going to try and take you to the ground while you’re going to try to keep everything at standup?
It’s definitely going to start on the feet and I think we’re going to exchange. He’s not scared to exchange, but he’ll be quick to take it to the ground if he thinks there’s an opportunity and I’ll be ready to defend him and keep it on our feet.

What do you think Ninja’s greatest strength is?
I think his greatest strength is he comes from a great team and when you come from a great team you instill hard work and you know what it takes to win.

What weakness do you think you can try to expose?
I just think if I catch him a few times with my hands I’m going to knock him out.

You know there’s been a lot of talk about how you and Matt Hughes are leaving the Miletich camp to start a new training center.  Has that affected your training for this fight?
It hasn’t affected my training.  I put all that aside for this.  I knew I couldn’t concentrate on opening a new gym and doing all that stuff.  I said I’m going to concentrate on my fighting and then open this fighting center and I’m in good shape.

Can you tell us a little bit about what that involves as far as you and Matt starting a new gym?  What’s your role going to be?
Basically I’m part owner and a training partner for that and we’re going to start bringing in good fighters from around the area and hopefully build up a great team.

Is this an amicable split from camp Miletich or is that an extension for you to expand on your abilities to go out and do that natural progression?
Well, he’s a brother to me, he’s family and he always will be.  I’ve been with him for eight years and I’m going to still keep in touch with him and we’re great friends and this isn’t going to stop this.

For the last three-four years, you’ve been fighting in ICON in a ring. Now you’re going over to EliteXC to be fighting in a cage.  Have you been training in a cage more for this fight? 
Well, I’ve never really trained in a cage and I never really trained in a ring, so it doesn’t matter.  I just know how to fight and know how to get the job done.

Photo Credit: www.elitexc.com

Murilo “Ninja” Rua will make his initial EliteXC title defense against ICON Sport titleholder, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler. The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 15, from Oahu, Hawaii.

Also on the card, Jake Shields takes on Renato “Charuto” Verissimo, Gina Carano will face Tonya Evinger at 140 lbs, and Nick Diaz competes against Mike Aina