 |
|
IronHeart Crown VIII Update The Shooto Americas Title Scene Continues To Unfold At Shooto's Leading American Venue in Hammond, Indiana
November 20, 2004 Hammond Civic Center Arena Hammond, Indiana Just 30 Minutes from Downtown Chicago! Doors open at 5:00 PM; Show begins at 7:00 PM
plagued with injuries and dropouts. However, once again the Midwest's leading MMA promotion remains on track and rallies to bring together more top stars from across the US and around the world. After losing Stephan Bonnar and Bobby Southworth to the UFC's upcoming reality TV show, the card continued to suffered when main event Jeff Curran suffered an injury in his own XFO show. He was forced to withdraw from the card leaving Canada's Antonio Carvalho of Shah Franco's Martial Arts without a fight. This bout was of particular importance in the road to crowning the first ever Shooto regional champions in the Americas Division (North and South America).
Undaunted by these setbacks, the show must and will go on. In typical IHC fashion, promoter Braulio Corral and the Shooto Commissioner Rich Santoro scrambled to maintain the integrity of the card, ensuring that the loyal IHC fans will be treated to the quality match-ups as has become expected from this stalwart promotion. While a few surprises are still in the works, what follows makes up the backbone of the
card. Wisniewski (Shooto 1-1, 18-6-1 overall) will meet Derrick Noble (Shooto1-1, 11-5 overall). These are some of the Midwest's most promising and talked about fighters, who have put together big wins on the Shooto circuit. Both men possess a heavily stocked arsenal of striking skills and ground technique. This long-awaited match in the making, promises to keep the fans on edge. One of these fighters will proceed to
the semifinals his
pursuit for the Shooto belt. Ryan Ackerman has become a household name in Midwest MMA competition and is the most active American on the Shooto scene holding a place in the World rankings as well as being the Number 1 ranker in the Americas division. Rice hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and while his record may not seem impressive at first glance, he is fresh off of a recent victory over Mark Hominick in Canada, crowning him the new TKO Super Light-Weight Champion. This was a defining win for Rice, proving him a worthy opponent for
Ackerman. Bart Palaszewski is a staple on any Midwest card, and is on the verge of really breaking out after logging victories in both the US and Japan. His opponent, Gesias Cavalcanti, hails from Brazil by way of Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he is a member of the American Top Team. His training lineage itself speaks volumes, and his fight record confirms his abilities. He holds Shooto wins in both the USA and Europe and has faced the best in the business after losing a close decision to Shooto's former world champion. Now he has a chance to assert himself back in the US in seeking the 154 lbs belt. Only Palazewski stands in his way to the title bout against long-time MMA veteran Phil Johns who already logged a victory on the other
side of the bracket.
(Shooto 0-1, 3-1 overall): Miguel Torres has become synonymous with the Ironheart Crown name as a key participant in the most exciting matches in all of our recent cards. While less experienced in the Mixed Martial Arts, Alex Khanbabian combines a long history of Muay Thai competition with a black belt ranking under Ralph Gracie in San Francisco, California. Alex teaches the kickboxing curriculum at Ralph's Academy and has all of the tools to handle Miguel's standing skills. In addition to this, he already boasts a victory over Miguel in sport jiu-jitsu competition making this an exciting grudge match that should provide fireworks for the crowd. Despite the qualifications of his opponent, Torres is anxiously awaiting this bout which promises to produce the smoke and fire that Miguel's matches are known for. He can then set his eyes on another rematch in Ryan Ackerman…to settle the score of his loss last November and get in line to
vie for the 132 lbs
Shooto Americas title. (Shooto debut, 6-2-1 overall): Jay Estrada is yet another Chicago favorite who appeared on the scene two years ago and quickly established himself as a dominant contender in his weight division. With a huge following of adamant fans, he shows up to please everyone in attendance. His 2-0 record in the Shooto circuit opens up his claim to challenge for the 143 lbs title since the loss of Curran leaves that title picture hanging in the balance. His opponent, Joe Pierson hails from the Miletich camp, a brand name synonymous with utmost skill. He emerges for his Shooto debut after having submitted top Shooto performer, Tommy Lee,
in a match-up
outside of the Shooto circuit. The opportiunities are ripe for these two
men. Eddie Wineland of Duneland Valetudo in Portage Indiana is looking forward to returning to the local arena. His opponent, “the Pitbull” arrives from Rio de Janeiro by way of Indianapolis, Indiana where he represents team Monteiro and the De La Riva Team. While not much is known about Joao, he comes highly recommended as an explosive lightweight powerhouse with a solid jiu-jitsu game. The little guys are known for puttig on a fast paced display of skill… we have seen it from Wineland in Shooto before, and this match
should produce
similarly exciting results. (Shooto debut, 3-2): Alex Trujillo left his home in Illinois to train with Team Oyama in California. After two years in training with the likes of Tito Ortiz and Quentin Jackson, he returns home as a seasoned fighter who has yet to lose. His opponent stands ready: Kyle Watson, a long time disciple of Jack McVickers in Champagne, Illinois. He brings a well-balanced game to the ring, which is a must in the Shooto world. Both
men will be laying
it on the line for this confrontation. matches are in the works, and the promoters promise to continue the Ironheart's tradition of producing top- light entertainment. These bouts are just the beginning… the remaining matches will be announced as they are confirmed… While these matches alone promise an exciting night of fights, be prepared to savor some
surprises that are
currently in the works. Doors will open its doors once again at 5:00 PM on November 30, 2004. Fights are scheduled to begin
promptly at 7:00 PM. sell out fast, so call now to reserve yours. To purchase tickets in the Chicagoland area, call 773-793-6555. To purchase tickets in Northwest Indiana, call 219-688-7363. Tickets are also available online at
card subject to change
- From USA Shooto with a little editing from us (color, highlights, etc...)
(10/20/04)
|
 |
