strikeforce_challengers_series_may_15_2009

* * * Teleconference Highlights * * *

& Open Workout Photos

Billy Evangelista & Mike Aina,

Sarah Kaufman & Miesha Tate,

Executives Scott Coker & Ken Hershman

May 15, 2009

Save Mart Center

Fresno, California

Live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT

WHO: Undefeated Lightweight Billy Evangelista

Determined “Iron’’ Mike Aina

Undefeated Sarah Kaufman

Submission Specialist Miesha Tate

Strikeforce CEO & Founder Scott Coker

SVP and GM, SHOWTIME Sports Ken Hershman

WHAT: The fighters, Coker and Hershman discussed the upcoming Friday, May 15 premiere of

Strikeforce Challengers, a new SHOWTIME series that serves as a proving ground for up-and-

coming MMA fighters.

Evangelista (9-0) and Aina (11-6-1) will throw down in the main event of a telecast that begins at

11 p.m. ET/PT, live on SHOWTIME from the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. In another

televised match, Kaufman (8-0) will collide with Tate (6-1) in a 135-pound women’s fight. Tickets

are on sale at the Save Mart Center box office and select Save Mart Supermarkets as well as

at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000) and Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com).

- KEN HERSHMAN

Opening statement

“We’ve had SHOWTIME boxing for more than 20 years and ShoBox, our young up-and-coming boxing

series, began in 2001. It was designed to give fighters valuable experience and valuable television exposure

both at the same time to accelerate the popularity of their careers. That franchise has launched the career

of more than 30 world champions. We couldn’t be happier with that franchise. ShoBox has really become

the Kleenex of boxing defining what a young fighter is. We expect the Challenger series to be just that in

the world of mixed martial arts.”

“The look and the feel of the Challenger series will be distinct and unique to itself. There will be less of the

bells and the whistles that we bring to the big shows that would be a bit overkill in some of the venues that

we’re going to be in. But there will be the same high quality standard we bring to every show.”

On the prospect of boxing’s Roy Jones Jr. ever fighting Nick Diaz:

“I get a Roy Jones call once a week, pitching me things. That would be a very, very long shot of ever

happening on SHOWTIME. I think it's an insult to the integrity of mixed martial arts to think Roy Jones, or

any professional boxer, can just come in and fight Nick Diaz in a mixed martial arts context. In a boxing

context, it's completely different. Beyond that, it's not the strategy that we're employing. We're looking to

build the best mixed martial arts brand. I believe that we have the best professional boxing brand on

television and I think our fights, month in and month out, prove that. I don't see the need to combine the two

at the moment. I wouldn't want to go down that path just now.”

- SCOTT COKER

Opening statement

“The difference between the Strikeforce Challenger series and the bigger Strikeforce events is that we’re

looking for the next up-and-coming stars. The next Robbie Lawlers, the next Gina Caranos and the next

Frank Shamrocks. And we’re going to find them on these Challenger series.”

On how he chooses the fights for the Challenger series:

“Picking our big fights we sit down with our matchmaker and throw ideas off each other. On the Challenger

series it’s the same process as the bigger fights. We also get a lot of calls from the trainers of fighters and

get recommendations on fighters.”

- BILLY EVANGELISTA

“It’s going to be great—finally fighting in my hometown. My Dad is going to come down and be there for the

first time at a fight with me. I’m just so excited.”

“This is a great opportunity for me. A lot of people want me to win, especially because I’m the local boy.

There is a lot of pressure being undefeated. I just try to ignore the pressure.”

“I’m always trying looking to put on a great show. It’s going to be a great show. I’m going to have a lot of

friends and family watching. It’s going to be a great fight for me and Mike.”

- MIKE AINA

“I’m obviously very excited to be back on the main stage and on national TV and on SHOWTIME. There’s

always a little bit of emotion when you fight in someone else’s hometown. It’s going to be a little tough. But

once the cage closes it doesn’t matter. Once that’s first punch is thrown you just let the fight happen.”

On training again after his long layoff

“Yeah, I did take some time off. We had a baby daughter and I’m juggling a full-time job. Training for a fight

there’s a lot expected of you. It’s a lot of wear and tear on not just your body but also your mind. My

daughter is 1-year now and sleeping through the night so it’s getting a little bit easier.”

What adjustments do you face traveling from Hawaii to the mainland:

“It really is a challenge. Traveling is not my thing really. You have to just take it for what it is. Will it take

away from my fighting? That remains to be seen. I’ll be training hard mentally and physically for this fight.”

“I’m looking forward to an all-out war with Billy. He’s undefeated. I’m expecting nothing less than a war. I

think the fans will be happy with the outcome of the fight.”

What about the idea of fighting Nick Diaz again. Was that a motivating part of you signing on with

Strikeforce?

“Oh, yeah. I’d love another shot at him (he lost a controversial split decision in their last fight). I mean,

Strikeforce and SHOWTIME, you don’t really get any bigger than this. For us fighters this is our dream and

what we fight so hard for all year. We’re on the main stage now and I’m just going to take it all in and enjoy

every moment of it.”

- SARAH KAUFMAN

“I think it’s great that Strikeforce is willing to put the women on the main televised card on SHOWTIME. I

do hope that we steal the show and I think we’re going to put on a great fight. I was just fortunate enough to

step in and be ready for this fight.”

Regarding her training after a layoff:

“I wouldn’t have taken this fight if I wasn’t able to showcase what I can do. I feel really good. Once I heard

Kim (Couture) was out I talked to my coach and told him I really wanted this fight. I don’t feel over trained or

have any injuries. This is a big step for my career. I think it’s going to be a real exciting fight. It’s not going

to be an easy fight, for sure.”

- MIESHA TATE

On approving the fight after Kim Couture dropped out:

“At first I was kind of surprised because it is a pretty big jump but the more I thought about it the more I

thought this was a great situation for me to fight someone like Sarah Kaufman. She has an undefeated

record and now I’m stepping in there with the opportunity to be the first one to beat her and I’m going to go

for it. I’m hoping it’s the fight of the night.”

“I think the style matchup makes for a fascinating fight because I perhaps have strengths where she has

weaknesses and vice versa. I think there’s a lot of potential for some good back and forth which I think will

make for a really fun fight to watch.”

“I don’t really prepare differently for each opponent. This is MMA so anything can happen out there. I just go

out there and I know what I’m going to do and I plan on dictating the fight. You have to be prepared for

anything to happen. She’s hungry and I’m hungry. I went from a win-lose situation to a win-win situation

fighting Sarah.”

“There is more out there than just Cyborg and Gina Carano. They’ve been getting all the attention. We’re

going to show next Friday that we can be included with those two names.”

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Open Workout Photos

May 6, 2009

Gold's Gym

Fresno, California