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Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Fight Camp 360: Fedor vs. Rogers Preview
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 12:32 AM
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Photos from Fight Camp 360º: Fedor vs. Rogers
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:32 PM
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Riggs vs. Diaz II Possible, But Not Cleared
A proposed rematch between Nick Diaz and Joe Riggs at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg on Aug. 15 is still on hold, MMAInsider has learned from multiple sources close to the fight.
Although both parties have agreed to the fight, the bout will not go forward until cleared by Showtime executives. As per Strikeforce's agreement with the premium cable network, all bouts need to be approved by Showtime before they are finalized.
Thus, no bout agreements have been signed for the bout and both camps are waiting for confirmation, which could come as early as the end of Tuesday.
Diaz and Riggs fought, twice, over three years ago at UFC 57 in Las Vegas. Riggs won a close decision, which Diaz protested by instigating a fight at the hospital where both were taken afterwards.
The two have shared disdain for each other since.Labels: Joe Riggs, Nick Diaz, Showtime, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:46 PM
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Showtime Sports Recaps Strikeforce "Lawler vs Shields"
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:13 PM
Friday, June 5, 2009
Quick Showtime Interview with Scott Smith
Showtime interviews Scott Smith, talking about his exciting past fights as he heads into another potential barn burner with Nick Diaz on Saturday night's Strikeforce card.Labels: Nick Diaz, Scott Smith, Showtime, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:09 PM
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Strikeforce Providing All Access to Saturday's Fights
SHOWTIME will once again offer Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fans STRIKEFORCE: All Access, the cutting edge online interactive experience, live on Saturday, June 6, for STRIKEFORCE: Lawler vs. Shields from Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo.
The immersive digital initiative will stream simultaneously with the live SHOWTIME telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET*.
STRIKEFORCE: All Access debuted on April 11, 2009, when world-class MMA promoter STRIKEFORCE brought Frank Shamrock vs. Nick Diaz to SHOWTIME.
"With our first event on April 11, we set the bar at a new level," said Ken Hershman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. "From the quality of the fights, to the television production and the interactive applications, our first offering of All Access was well received. This network has proven time and time again to be on the cutting edge of sports entertainment. All Access further demonstrates our commitment to leading the television industry in online, mobile, and interactive content distribution."
STRIKEFORCE: All Access will cost $24.95 per user and is available for review and pre-order beginning Thursday, June 4, by visiting http://strikeforce.sho.com.
With All Access, fans can be the director. Toggle between five live cameras -- including SHOWTIME Sports exclusive CageCam -- with full pause and rewind capabilities. Audio tracks will include the SHOWTIME telecast fight call by host and play-by-play man Gus Johnson, and color commentators Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo, and the corresponding audio to the selected camera. SHOWTIME is working with BitGravity, Inc. and Episodic, Inc. to enable this unique multi-camera experience.
CageCam, a small and high quality camera worn by the referee, takes viewers inside the cage during the live fights. It is the closest and most intimate viewing experience ever presented in MMA. CageCam debuted on SHOWTIME February 16, 2008.
Users will also see a live Twitter feed from fans talking about Strikeforce and following SHOSports http://twitter.com/SHOsports . Fans can contribute content alongside SHOWTIME Sports' behind-the-scenes staff throughout the evening by adding "#strikeforce" to their tweets.
Through a Facebook Connect application, fans will be able to make predictions, comment on the live fights, discuss outcomes and even talk a little smack directly on the All Access page.
Other features include professional and amateur photography from the spectacle in the arena. Photos from action in the cage, as well as behind-the-scenes, backstage and fan interaction will all be posted. Images will be uploaded during the live event via Flickr, the popular image and video hosting website and online community.
The June 6 fight card features a showdown of top ranked fighters "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields in the main event. Lawler, a world top-10 middleweight, and Shields, ranked among the top-5 welterweights in the world, will face off at a catch weight of 182 pounds. In a heavyweight showdown sponsored by Affliction, top-10 ranked heavyweight and former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski will face unbeaten sensation Brett "The Grim" Rogers. Fresh off their respective thrilling wins in the premier of Strikeforce on SHOWTIME (April 11), the versatile Nick Diaz and knockout artist Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith will meet in a special 180-pound showdown. Additionally, "The New York Badass" Phil Baroni (13-10) will collide with Joe "Diesel" Riggs (29-10) in a 170-pound contest and Kevin "The Monster" Randleman (17-12) will face Mike "Iron" Whitehead (23-6) in a 205-pound clash.
*Telecast airs live at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME (delayed on the West Coast); STRIKEFORCE: All Access will be webcast live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.Labels: Showtime, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:45 PM
Friday, May 8, 2009
Roy Jones Jr. Headed to Strikeforce?
Scott Coker from Strikeforce and Ken Hershman from Showtime spoke with Cagewriter about the realistic possibilities of boxer Roy Jones, Jr. fighting Nick Diaz, or anyone else, under the Strikeforce banner.Labels: Roy Jones Jr., Showtime, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:07 PM
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Showtime Short: Frank Shamrock
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 3:41 PM
Getting to Know Bad Ass: Nick Diaz
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 3:39 PM
Showtime Takes Strikeforce Coverage Interactive on the Web
 PRESS RELEASE:
NEW YORK (April 8, 2009) -- SHOWTIME will offer Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fans the opportunity to get immersed in the April 11, blockbuster premiere of Strikeforce on SHOWTIME with its new interactive online experience, Strikeforce: All Access, it was announced today by the network's Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sports and Event Programming, Ken Hershman. The digital initiative, an interactive live stream of Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz, on Saturday, April 11, further demonstrates the premium network's commitment to leading the television industry in online, mobile, and interactive content distribution.
Fans can purchase the live webcast simultaneously with the live SHOWTIME telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET*. Online participants can control their own viewing experience through multiple camera angles with corresponding audio tracks as well as interact with fellow users, view user-generated photos and download select music tracks from the event.
"By and large, the core fight fans watching MMA on SHOWTIME are among the most technologically savvy of all viewers," said Hershman. "We are proud to offer this enhanced experience to an audience that will embrace the opportunity to control the content and interact with one another during the live show. Strikeforce: All Access puts you in the driver seat."
Strikeforce: All Access will cost $24.95 per user and is available for review and pre-order by visiting http://strikeforce.sho.com.
With Strikeforce: All Access, fans can be the producer. Users can toggle between five live cameras surrounding the cage with full pause and rewind capabilities. Audio tracks will include the SHOWTIME telecast fight call by Gus Johnson, Mauro Ranallo and Pat Miletich, and the corresponding audio to the selected camera. SHOWTIME is working with BitGravity, Inc. and Episodic, Inc. to enable this unique multi-camera experience.
Fans will be able to make predictions, comment on live fights, discuss outcomes and even talk a little smack with All Access through a live Facebook® Connect application.
Other Strikeforce: All Access features will include professional photography from the action in the cage, as well as behind-the-scenes, backstage and fan photos. Images will be uploaded during the live event via Flickr, the popular image and video hosting website and online community.
If users want to own the ring-walk music of their favorite fighter, they can purchase select songs via iTunes directly from links on the site.
"SHOWTIME has led the industry in multi-platform initiatives for years," said Robert Hayes, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Digital Media for SHOWTIME. "We were the first premium network to offer content on iTunes. We were the first to offer Emmy® voters online screenings of SHOWTIME nominees. We partner with over 100 sites when sampling episodes of our original series and SHOWTIME Sports content. And we are the only premium network offering the explosive sport of mixed martial arts."
"Sports will be one of the big winners with the availability of high quality, scalable and affordable live streaming," said Chris Turner, VP of Worldwide Sales and Business Development at BitGravity. "SHOWTIME understands that sport fans demand a seamless viewing experience with a quality stream, quick start and no download. We are delighted to work with them to deliver Strikeforce: All Access."
The April 11 fight card features MMA pioneer Frank Shamrock taking on his newest rival, superstar Nick Diaz in the main event. Female MMA phenom Cris "Cyborg" of Brazil will take on Japan's Hitomi Akano, middleweight contender Scott Smith will face Benji Radach and heavyweights Brett Rogers and "Abongo" Humphrey will square off to round out the show. Plus, Gilbert Melendez will face an opponent to be announced in a lightweight match.
*Telecast airs live at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME (delayed on the West Coast); Strikeforce: All Access will be webcast live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.Labels: Frank Shamrock, Nick Diaz, Shamrock vs Diaz, Showtime, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:36 PM
Friday, March 13, 2009
Showtime Announces Strikeforce Broadcast Team
PRESS RELEASE:
The SHOWTIME Mixed Martial Arts announce team, led by play-by-play broadcast veteran Gus Johnson, Mixed Martial Arts experts Mauro Ranallo and Stephen Quadros and MMA legends Frank Shamrock and Pat Miletich will combine to create one of the most experienced and versatile groups in the history of the sport. The announcement was made today by Ken Hershman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sports & Event Programming, SHOWTIME, at a Los Angeles press conference kicking off the premium network's new relationship with leading MMA promoter Strikeforce.
The group will work in various combinations on both Strikeforce championship telecasts and on the yet to be named up-and-comers' series.
"I am thrilled with the announce team we've assembled," said Hershman. "The depth of talent, in terms of professional fight experience and live broadcast polish, is unmatched in the industry.
"As the first premium television network to regularly deliver live MMA events, SHOWTIME has taken the lead in presenting the sport with the respect and integrity it deserves. We take pride in delivering unparalleled coverage of this dynamic sport. And now, our broadcast team is unparalleled as well."
Gus Johnson
Johnson will be the lead play-by-play announcer and host for the Strikeforce telecasts on SHOWTIME, beginning with the first live event on April 11 (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) that features Frank Shamrock against Nick Diaz in the main event of a five-fight telecast. The versatile Johnson will be joined on April 11 by analysts Ranallo and Miletich.
A practicing mixed martial artist who studies Shing Yi Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing, Johnson joined SHOWTIME Sports in January 2009 as the lead play-by-play announcer on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. In addition, Johnson continues his work with CBS Sports as play-by-play announcer for the network's coverage of the NCAA Men's College Basketball Championships (since 1995) and the National Football League (since 1998).
"This is a great opportunity to be part of the most rapidly growing sport in America," said Johnson. "MMA is a sport that, in a few years, can become one of the most dominant sports in the country because the kids love it. I think MMA is going to continue to flourish and SHOWTIME is the perfect network to foster its development on television.
"I don't think there's a better team out there that can deliver the intensity of the moment while entertaining the core MMA fan and enlightening new comers.
Johnson, who called boxing for CBS Sports and Madison Square Garden Network, was the voice of CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS in 2008. He continues as an active member of the CBS Sports broadcast team.
Mauro Ranallo
Always quick with a quip, the renowned Ranallo will lead the play-by-play duties on the up-and-comers' series.
The colorful Canadian previously worked blow-by-blow for EliteXC and ShoXC telecasts on SHOWTIME and was an analyst on CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS. From 2003-2006, he has provided play-by-play for pay-per-view broadcasts of Japan's legendary Pride Fighting Championships into the North American marketplace.
"I am very excited to be a part of the new SHOWTIME team," said Ranallo, who also is the current lead anchor of the Fight Network, host of Fight Network Radio on Sirius/XM 98 and host of "The MMA Show" on the SCORE Network in Canada. "MMA is the purest form of competition featuring the greatest athletes in the world and I look forward to working with a very talented crew in providing the soundtrack for what I know will be some amazing fights."
Stephen Quadros
Known throughout the world as "The Fight Professor," Quadros has been involved in the martial arts for decades. He was the editor of two fight magazines, trained competitors in both kickboxing and MMA and has an extensive broadcasting resume that includes Pride Fighting Championships, K-1, the International Fight League and ShoXC on SHOWTIME.
As an actor, the talented Quadros has had guest roles on numerous TV shows, including "C.S.I. Miami" and "Without A Trace." Quadros was a guest lead when he fought Chuck Norris on the season premiere of "Walker, Texas Ranger."
On the other side of the camera, Quadros functioned as fight technical advisor for two films for Warner Bros. ("Exit Wounds," "Cradle 2 The Grave").
"To me, working in the MMA industry has always been a great job," the respected Quadros said. "So far I've been very fortunate to have been around the world, commentating on the best fighters and the best contests.
"But now with the partnership between Strikeforce and SHOWTIME, two of the most professional and enduring entities in the modern sports world, my confidence is at an all-time high.
"It's a dream come true to be aboard a venture of this magnitude alongside people who I hold in the highest regard. Let the games begin."
Frank Shamrock
If he had his way, Shamrock, who also was an analyst on CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, would fight and commentate on April 11.
Arguably the most physically gifted individual to step in the cage, Shamrock has been dubbed by the press as the "closest thing mixed martial has to Muhammad Ali" for his combination of versatile skills and quick-witted mind games he has so often used to gain a sharp advantage over his opposition.
During an illustrious career, Shamrock has taken out the likes of former UFC poster boy Tito Ortiz as well as MMA legend, Bas Rutten. His 16-second submission of former Olympic gold medalist Kevin Jackson on Dec. 21, 1997 set a UFC record for stoppage of a fight.
"Great coaching and dedication to my art has allowed me to accomplish extraordinary things in my 15-year career," said Shamrock, who has held multiple world titles and records. "At 36-years old, I feel that the greatest opponent facing me in the cage is Father Time. My work as a fighter is far from over, and on April 11, you'll all see that.
"But one of my dreams has always been to work behind the mic as a sports analyst and to share my passion for martial arts with the world. I am honored to be part of the SHOWTIME announce team. These guys are, in my opinion, the best team in sports television. Under the guidance of Executive Producer David Dinkins, Jr., and my mentor Al Bernstein, I am confident that I can provide championship commentary for a great many years to come."
Pat Miletich
Miletich is the founder of Miletich Fighting Systems, a premier MMA training academy in Bettendorf, Iowa, which includes amongst its trainees some of the most talented and popular fighters in MMA, including former Icon Sport and EliteXC champion Robbie Lawler.
Known as "The Croatian Sensation," Miletich has been fighting professionally since 1995. Last year, he returned from a two-year layoff to knock out Thomas Denny in the second round (December, 2008). Miletich holds a third degree black belt in Shuri-ryu karate and has trained with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Sergio Monteiro, earning his BJJ black belt from Oswaldo Alves.
"I am very excited to be part of the SHOWTIME team," said Miletich. "I know Scott Coker very well and he and his Strikeforce outfit have been putting on quality fights for a long time. Strikeforce and SHOWTIME are a terrific match and I am looking forward to contributing in every way that I can."
Over the years, Miletich has served as guest commentator on Fox Sports Net and HDNet among others.
"I feel very comfortable in front of the camera," he continued. "It's going to be fun to be a regular part of the on-air team on such a high-profile show. The key for me is the support system. With guys like Gus Johnson and Mauro Ranallo quarterbacking the commentary, it's going to be very natural for me."
One of the most likable fighters in the sport, Miletich is the Vice President of Fighter Relations for the World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts.Labels: Showtime, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 12:50 AM
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Meet the Strikeforce Fighters on Thursday
With a month to go before Strikeforce makes its promotional debut on the Showtime Network, they are holding a Kickoff Press Conference on Thursday, March 12 at the Avalon Hollywood in California that is open to the public. Fans are welcome to come out and meet many of the Strikeforce fighters.
 Labels: Frank Shmrock, Nick Diaz, Showtime, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 12:31 AM
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Strikeforce Deal with Showtime and CBS Worth Millions
 Strikeforce is quickly putting the pieces together for its next year of MMA programming on Showtime and CBS. It's been a frantic month for CEO Scott Coker and his small staff as they zero in on dates, venues, and fighters for a possible 16 shows over the next 12 months.
So far, one show is nearly booked, "Shamrock vs. Diaz," which hits the promotion's home base at HP Pavilion on April 11. All but two of the event's main card bouts have been revealed, with a source indicating that former EliteXC middleweight champ Robbie Lawler will fight on the card against an unnamed opponent, and terror Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos, who also remains without an opponent.
With up to 48 shows to book, that's a lot of work. But according to another source with knowledge of the negotiations between Strikeforce, ProElite, Showtime, and CBS, the deal will prove very lucrative to the San Jose, Calif. promotion.
The source, who chose to remain anonymous, said Strikeforce stands to make $25 million dollars in license fees over the course of its three-year deal with the broadcast network and its premium channel sibling.
A portion of that revenue, first disclosed by an SEC filing by ProElite on Feb. 11 and, according to the source, put in the neighborhood of five percent, will be paid to ProElite Inc. as consideration for the sale of its assets to Strikeforce. The total revenue coming into ProElite coffers could total up to $1.25 million.
Since the sale, the Los Angeles-based company has been mostly silent about its future in MMA promotion. CEO Chuck Champion told SI.com that the company had an existing TV deal with Fox Sports, and planned to nurture its relationship with the remaining active promotion under its umbrella, King of the Cage. But how that relationship would develop, and what shape the restructured company would take, remained unclear.
On March 12, Strikeforce and Showtime will trumpet the upcoming San Jose show with a media day featuring its executives and athletes.Labels: CBS, ProElite, Showtime, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:00 AM
Monday, February 23, 2009
Strikeforce Tickets On Sale for Shamrock vs. Diaz
 PRESS RELEASE:
Tickets for “Shamrock vs. Diaz,” the Strikeforce mixed martial arts (MMA) mega-event that will take place at San Jose, California’s HP Pavilion on Saturday, April 11th, are officially on sale.
Priced from $30, “Shamrock vs. Diaz” tickets are available for purchase at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (408-998-TIXS), Ticketmaster online, and Strikeforce’s official website.
Three-time world champion and MMA legend, Frank Shamrock (24-9-1), will make his long-awaited return to the cage against Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt and hard-hitting brawler, Nick Diaz (18-7, 1 NC), in the main event of the most highly anticipated Strikeforce event of all-time.
The headlining matchup, which will be contested at a catch weight of 179 lbs, represents a key opportunity for the 25-year-old Diaz to avenge a devastating, 21 second knockout that his trainer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master, Cesar Gracie, suffered at the hands of Shamrock in the main event of Strikeforce’s historic, inaugural MMA event at HP Pavilion on March 10, 2006.
Middleweight (185-pound limit) sluggers Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (16-5, 1 NC) and Benji “Razor” Radach (19-4) will go to war with each other in a featured contest on the card. Additional matchups for the Strikeforce event will be announced shortly.
HP Pavilion doors will open for “Shamrock vs. Diaz” at 4:30 p.m. on April 11th. The first preliminary bout will begin at 5 p.m. and the main fight card will commence at 7 p.m.Labels: Frank Shamrock, Nick Diaz, Showtime, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 3:08 PM
Friday, November 21, 2008
"Fight Professor" Stephen Quadros Takes On Dexter This Weekend
 "The Fight Professor" Stephen Quadros, famous for his commentating skills for MMA events all over the world, will step out from behind the microphone to test his acting skills opposite Emmy nominated actor, Michael C. Hall this weekend on the Showtime hit series, "Dexter."
The episode entitled "About Last Night" will feature Quadros in a supporting role on the show.
According to the IMDB.com database, the former Pride, IFL and Elite XC announcer will play a character named "Speedball" so the episode should be interesting to say the least!
Tune in this weekend on Showtime when the "Fight Professor" meets "America's Favorite Serial Killer"!Labels: Dexter, EliteXC, Showtime, Stephen Quadros
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:10 PM
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