UFC 88: Chuck Liddell Vs. Rashad Evans / Rich Franklin Vs. Matt Hamill

pezao responds to positive test. i remember the ruling by the CSAC before about his tumor. surely his team wouldn't risk his life by giving him something that could potentially kill him? i hope! there has to be some kind of mistake here if he's testing positive for something he can't take.


Silva Pleads Innocence to Steroid Allegations
Thursday, August 21, 2008
by Loretta Hunt

EliteXC heavyweight champion Antonio Silva and his representatives have denied allegations that the 28-year-old Brazilian took steroids prior to his July 26 contest against Justin Eilers, and they’re willing to fight to prove it.

On Thursday, the California State Athletic Commission released urinalysis results pointing the finger at the 6-foot-4, nearly 300-pound Brasilia native for Boldenone, an anabolic agent. Silva was immediately suspended for one year and fined $2,500, but may protest the disciplinary action and request a hearing before the commission –- something Silva’s manager, Alex Davis, plans to pursue without hesitation.

“It’s a false positive. He got tested positive for something he didn’t take,” said Davis from his home outside Rio de Janeiro. “I will not let my fighter sit back and be wronged like this. I just won’t.”

Silva was notified of the positive test result Wednesday via a phone call from the CSAC, though Davis said rumors of his fighter’s results had been circulating during a prolonged testing period, which included independent tests of two separate samples conducted by Quest Diagnostics and the World Anti-Doping Agency-approved Laboratoire De Controle Du Dopage in Montreal.

“I did not use the steroid Boldenone, or any other steroid of prohibited substance,” Silva wrote in a prepared statement distributed to Sherdog.com. “I don’t agree and never have agreed with the use of this kind of product in order to win, for this is cheating. I will go to the full extent of my power and the law to prove my innocence in this matter.”

In June 2007, Silva (11-1) was denied licensure in California when an abnormal brain scan of the athlete showed signs of a tumor. Silva -- who suffers from the chronic disease acromegaly, which causes enlargement of the extremities and face due to an overactive pituitary gland -- underwent surgery two months later to remove the tumor and has fought three times since.

Davis said Silva has taken legal nutritional supplements during his training, but that the use of steroids in light of his fighter’s medical condition could prove fatal.

“He can’t take stuff like that because he has acromegaly,” said Davis. “All of his hormone levels are a problem regularly, so he wouldn’t be able to for risk of his life.”

Boldenone is commonly utilized in veterinary practices, primarily for the treatment of horses. It is also prevalent in bodybuilding circles, where it is illegal. One of the more imposing figures in the division, Silva has cut weight in the past to make the 265-pound heavyweight limit.

Davis said himself and American Top Team, which has groomed Silva as a professional fighter since his arrival in the U.S. nearly two years ago, have already set the wheels in motion to hire a toxicologist and legal representation to shepherd Silva’s appeal.

Silva faces an uphill battle in California. In December 2007, former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk’s one-year suspension for nandrolone use was reduced to six months after a five-month appeals process fielded by world-renowned doping lawyer Howard Jacobs failed to clear the Minnesota wrestler of the charges.

Sherk was suspended by the CSAC following his successful July 2007 title defense over Hermes Franca at UFC 73 in Sacramento, Calif. Though the proceedings were criticized by the UFC and others for the CSAC’s inconsistent procedures both during Sherk’s sample collection and his subsequent hearings, Zuffa stripped Sherk of his title in the end.

Silva was the first-ever champion crowned by the fledgling promotion following his second-round pummeling of Eilers on July 26. Silva's impressive showing capped off four wins for the heavy-handed competitor in EliteXC's cage, and Davis said the organization will not be quick to jump to conclusions.

“They’re being very fair. What they’re saying is they won’t strip him of his title until he’s proved guilty,” said Davis.

Jeremy Lappen, EliteXC's Head of Operations, refrained from comment, but said a public statement from the promotion would be forthcoming.

http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/silva-pleads-innocence-to-steroid-allegations-14136

civ_eng_girl wrote:

easy there, cowboy! we don't want any medical emergencies here.... especially when Dr. J isn't around! :eek:

it's ok, she's on call. i am calm now. psyched for neil, though!

i was doing me some readin' learnin' on the intenet to find out more about bolderone in silva's case. apparently it is present in many legal supplements. if that's the case, and they did admit to him using legal supplements, then it's possible he was unaware that an over the counter supplement (or an ingredient in it) could be banned by the athletic commission. should be up to his team to make sure ANYTHING he's taking is not on the banned list, whether it be something you can buy legally in a store or something prescribed. the fighter should know these things too, but silva doesn't speak english, so...the onus might be on his management there.

wow, just checked the rumours pages after i posted and i didn't think this was the one elitexc would put together. a totally irrelevant fight, but it should draw huge ratings for the audience to check out the other fighters on the card...

ELITEXC CONFIRMS KEN SHAMROCK VS KIMBO ON CBS
Monday, August 25, 2008
by Ken Pishna - MMAWeekly.com


With less than six weeks to go before EliteXC’s next CBS-EliteXC Saturday Night Fights event, speculation has been ongoing as to who Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson will face on Oct. 4. That speculation can now be put to rest as MMAWeekly.com has confirmed with EliteXC vice president Jared Shaw that Kimbo will face UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock.

Much attention was drawn recently to EliteXC’s cancelling of its Sept. 20 event in New Mexico, the company stating that it was necessary to do so to focus its promotional efforts on the pivotal Oct. 4 event on CBS.

Shaw supported that statement in confirming Ken Shamrock, saying, “We were clearing the runway for Oct. 4 and we’re landing with some heavy artillery. Kimbo emerged as king of backyard brawls and is a YouTube sensation, now he wants to lay claim to the title of ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man.’”

Though Shamrock is well past the peak of his career – he’s currently on a five-fight losing streak – the facts are that he has a record of 26-13-2, he has been in this sport since before Kimbo left his teenage years, and the strongest part of his game, submissions, is one of the weakest areas for his opponent.

“Shamrock is by far the toughest test of Kimbo’s young career,” added Shaw. “He is no stranger to big, tough fights. Ken realizes this is his opportunity to add a storybook finish to an illustrious career. He says he’s seen holes like Swiss cheese in Kimbo’s game.”

Indeed, Shamrock has been fighting since before the first Ultimate Fighting Championship event, emerging first for Pancrase in Japan before being called upon to fight in a one-night, eight-man tournament at UFC 1 that also included that night’s eventual champion, Royce Gracie… in 1993.

EliteXC is looking to capitalize not only on Kimbo’s unique appeal as a “YouTube sensation,” but also on Shamrock’s background as one of the forefather’s of the sport.

“We see a tremendous fight for the casual MMA fan that has caught on to guys like Kimbo, while at the same time appealing to the hardcore fans who have grown up with Ken Shamrock,” said Shaw.

“We feel this will test Kimbo and the maturation of his MMA game. Ken being a veteran of the game is going to look to expose Kimbo’s weaknesses. It’s time for Kimbo to show his continued growth and the knowledge that he now has, and put himself in a situation for the biggest victory of is career.”

It is no secret that EliteXC has attached itself to the popularity of the Kimbo train and wants to use that popularity to make sure that the pivotal Oct. 4 event on CBS is a ratings success. A win for Kimbo would be a tremendous boost for the promotion in the casual fan’s eyes due to Shamrock’s name recognition.

“It’s pretty simple. For Kimbo Slice, he wants to become the world’s most dangerous man and he wants to become the future EliteXC heavyweight champ. The only way for him to achieve those two things is going through Ken Shamrock,” Shaw stated.

But what happens if Shamrock derails Kimbo? What does Shaw see for the future if Shamrock’s experience prevails?

“If Ken Shamrock wins this fight, he’s on top of the world again. He’s once again proven that he is the most dangerous man in the world. He beat the guy that many consider one of the most unpredictable and dangerous striker’s in the heavyweight division.”

In addition to Shamrock and Kimbo, Shaw also confirmed to MMAWeekly.com the rest of the main card, set to air live on CBS. Jake Shields will make the first defense of his EliteXC welterweight title when he faces British fighter Paul Daley, Gina Carano returns to face Kelly Kobald, and Benji Radach makes his promotional debut fighting former EliteXC middleweight champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua.

If time permits Shaw added that a second female bout, between Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos and Yoko Takahashi, would also air on CBS.

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=6963&zoneid=13

more news today...rampage facing three years in prison, as opposed to the original six that they'd been expecting, if convicted.

QUINTON JACKSON CHARGED WITH TWO FELONIES
Monday, August 25, 2008
by Tom Hamlin - MMAWeekly.com


The Orange County District Attorney’s office has formally charged former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson for a July 15 hit-and-run melee that landed the popular fighter in jail.

In a press release issued on Monday, Jackson is accused of sideswiping two cars and subsequently fleeing Costa Mesa police officers as they attempted to stop him. In the short chase, Jackson allegedly damaged another car and nearly hit several pedestrians at a bus stop. His left front tire shredded, he eventually surrendered to police officers in nearby Newport Beach.

The 30-year-old Jackson has been charged with one felony count of evading while driving recklessly, one felony count of evading a peace officer and driving against traffic, three misdemeanor counts of hit and run with property damage, and one misdemeanor count of reckless driving.

His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28. Deputy District Attorney Keith Bogardus will request a $25,000 bail for the fighter.

Notably absent were charges related to Holli Griggs, a passenger in one of the cars that Jackson sideswiped. Griggs was 16 weeks pregnant with a boy when she miscarried two weeks after the incident. Orange County DA spokeswoman Farrah Emami told MMAWeekly.com that a subsequent investigation of the miscarriage did not implicate Jackson.

“We reviewed all the medical records and spoke with the victim’s physician, and the evidence showed that the loss of the fetus was not related to or a result of the crash caused by the defendant,” Emami said.

Jackson re-emerged in the public eye at UFC 87 following a long period of silence. At a pre-fight press conference for “Seek and Destroy,” he appeared to be in good spirits, a far cry from the man who was placed under mental observation by police officers shortly after the chase. The charismatic light heavyweight said he was back on track and thanked UFC president Dana White for getting him there.

“I’m already training, so my next opponent better watch out,” he said. “But that was the worst mistake I ever made, I got Dana over my back all the time. ‘Did you eat? Did you sleep? Drink your water?’ It’s like I’m two years old, but it’s all good,” he continued.

If convicted, Jackson could face up to three years in prison. He and UFC representatives were unavailable for comment.

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=6966&zoneid=13

PissBottleMan wrote:

So, what are the odds that Shamrock will pull an Apollo Creed and die in the ring?

PBM

i hope not, pbm! at this point in his career, it's more likely he'll find an easy way out if he can't get it on the ground. in any case, i'm expecting a strange ending to a strange match.

slightly off topic, but i just met tommy chong a few minutes ago on the street in halifax?!?

leafs4ever wrote:

that's amazing, i'm sure he was a cool guy but i need to hear the story. I'm still trying to decide if i should go see him and cheech or vfest on the 6th.


i heard about the randy rumour, the only thing that upsets me about it is that we won't see Fedor/Randy on new years :(
I'd love to see Randy/Werdum(Brock if not werdum) and then the winner goes up against Nog/Mir for the undisputed title.

well i had a little wake and bake , and had to go meet up after that with a guy who was going to sell me a neil young ticket for the show here in november. it sold out before i could afford to get a ticket! so i'm sitting by the gate at the public gardens where we said we'd meet, and tommy chong walks by with his wife (girlfriend?). he's wearing a digital camera around his neck and they're both looking at a map, trying to figure out what direction they were going in. i went over and said hello and asked if they needed a hand and they said that they were trying to find the downtown area by the waterfront. so i showed them where to go and they said thanks, and i went back to wait for the guy with the ticket. so it turns out it was a fortunate thing to miss out on the original sale! haha

yeah, we'll have to wait and see on randy, eh? i really didn't think he'd come back (to the UFC anyway), but there seems to be a lot of speculation out and about...it's too bad mir is already slated to fight big nog. randy vs. big nog is one i'd definitely like to see, probably more than randy vs. fedor...for me personally. i may be the only one. :)

speculation continues about the return of the natural...

"Report: Randy Couture could return to UFC for bout with Brock Lesnar"
by MMAjunkie.com Staff
Aug 30, 2008

Rumors regarding UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture's (16-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) possible return to the UFC, first reported by MMAjunkie.com, are continuing to build momentum.

Five Ounces of Pain recently reported that preliminary negotiations would have Couture return for UFC 91 on Nov. 15 in Portland, Ore.

New reports from BloodyElbow.com confirm the previously reported negotiations between Couture and the UFC. Additionally, the reports claim that Couture's next fight would be the UFC 91 main event against Brock Lesnar (2-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC).

It is unknown at this time whether the bout would be for Couture's UFC heavyweight title.

Couture has been inactive for over a year while waiting out the Oct. 11 end of his current UFC contract. BloodyElbow.com is reporting the bout with Lesnar would be under a new contract that would lock Couture into the UFC long-term, but the new deal would also likely pay more and offer additional benefits.

MMA Rated has also reported that the UFC is considering a departure from recent policy and may be open to co-promoting a bout with M-1 Global between Couture and WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko (28-1). M-1 Global currently holds Emelianenko's contract.

The UFC previously tried and failed to secure Emelianenko's services. It is unclear if the issues that previously prevented the bout between Couture and Emelianenko have now been solved.

Additional reports from the Wrestling Observer note that Couture's new deal would be for three fights. In addition to Lesnar and Emelianenko, possible future opponents discussed with Couture include UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and a fourth bout with former UFC light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.

MMAjunkie.com was unable to confirm the multiple reports with Couture.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/5171/report-randy-couture-could-return-to-ufc-for-bout-with-brock-lesnar.mma