Sunday, November 15, 2015
No Holds Barred: Jeff Monson on Grappling, MMA, and His Future
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with MMA fighter and two-time ADCC champion Jeff Monson.
While he will be 45 years old in January, Jeff Monson is still very active as an athlete. He will be competing in a professional no-gi grappling match at the Berkut Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event November 21 at the Dynamo sports hall in Moscow, Russia. Next is a two-day seminar in Smolensk, Russia, November 23 and 24. He also plans to lead another seminar in January 2016 in Odessa, Texas, and continue fighting in MMA events as well.
We spoke with Jeff Monson by phone Thursday.
Although he has fought in over 80 professional MMA fights, his first love is grappling. However, as many grapplers and wrestlers like Jeff have found out, the financial realities have led them to focus on MMA rather than grappling or wrestling.
"I couldn't make a living doing it," he said. But "I like grappling a lot more" than MMA.
"I love grappling," he said, but for him, fighting "is a job." And it is a job where he knows he is going to get hurt: "I'm going to get punched, I'm going to get kicked."
Thus, "I'd rather grapple somebody. But I did it [MMA] because I have to to support my family."
At his age, however, especially after some brutal knockouts and fighting on a number of unsanctioned MMA shows mainly in Russia, his emphasis is starting to shift back to his roots of grappling. In fact, he said he hopes to open a school in Russia and set up a Russian grappling team to compete at international grappling events.
We also discussed how he believes that he has not suffered any serious head or brain injuries from fighting, his plans to conduct seminars on a more regular basis, the potential in various countries for grappling to succeed as a televised spectator sport, and much, much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web, at http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/no-holds-barred-with-eddie-goldman.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player for iOS is available for free on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City December 12 and 13, 2015, for the sixth annual MMA World Expo, featuring two days of the Renzo Gracie Open 2015 no-gi and gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, catch wrestling competition, and much more. The MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, 2015, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
Defense Soap, an effective, deep penetrating body soap with natural antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial soap ingredients. Defense Soap is the best cleansing body soap for men and women athletes who are involved in contact sports such as MMA, wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu, and judo, to help their antifungal, anti-ringworm, anti-jock itch strategy. Check out their web site, at DefenseSoap.com.
Gracie Tournaments, featuring regional, national, and world competitions in submission-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For more information, go to GracieWorlds.com.
The National Registry for Wrestling, whose mission is to increase wrestling's fanbase, to build a registry of all wrestling fans, to serve as a connecting point for all wrestling fans, and to provide TV and Internet listings for wrestling. For more information, go to NR4W.com.
Labels: Berkut, Eddie Goldman, grappling, Jeff Monson, MMA, No Holds Barred, Russia, wrestling
Thursday, October 15, 2015
No Holds Barred: Doug Merlino on "Beast: Blood, Struggle, and Dreams at the Heart of Mixed Martial Arts"
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with author Doug Merlino.
His highly-acclaimed new book was released this week, called Beast: Blood, Struggle, and Dreams at the Heart of Mixed Martial Arts.
This book chronicles the recent events in the lives of four American Top Team MMA fighters: Jeff Monson, Steve Mocco, Daniel Straus, and Mirsad Bektic. From 2012 to 2014, Doug Merlino followed them from fight to fight, training camp to training camp, and country to country, and ably and candidly recorded what happened in this book.
We spoke with him at a book launch party Monday in New York.
Breaking down many myths about MMA fighters, he said, "A lot of these guys don't make much money." While "Tito Ortiz is making money," he noted "but the Pat Currans and Daniel Strauses don't get paid a lot, especially for the amount of risk and dedication it takes."
For Daniel Straus, "I know it's a frustration because he comes from a humble background, and people who he grew up with see him on TV and assume that he's rich. And they want some money from him or whatnot, and he doesn't have it."
And he said, "That's kind of what part of what the book is about, is, this is the way the guys actually live, not what you're seeing on TV."
We discussed Daniel Straus's struggles with money, how Jeff Monson has become a big star in Russia, why Monson has been fighting too long, Steve Mocco's relatively late transition from wrestling to fighting, why despite the numerous problems in MMA the fighters are the ones who deserve great respect, and much, much more.
My recommendation: This book is a must-read for anyone interested in MMA, combat sports, and the lives and struggles of athletes in general. While discussion of the early history of MMA could be better done, the book succeeds in starkly recreating with words and a few photos the actual day-to-day lives of these fighters. It is easily the best book on MMA that I have ever read.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web, at http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/no-holds-barred-with-eddie-goldman.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player for iOS is available for free on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City December 12 and 13, 2015, for the sixth annual MMA World Expo, featuring two days of the Renzo Gracie Open 2015 no-gi and gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, catch wrestling competition, and much more. The MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, 2015, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at AmericanTopTeam.com.
Defense Soap, an effective, deep penetrating body soap with natural antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial soap ingredients. Defense Soap is the best cleansing body soap for men and women athletes who are involved in contact sports such as MMA, wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu, and judo, to help their antifungal, anti-ringworm, anti-jock itch strategy. Check out their web site, at DefenseSoap.com.
Gracie Tournaments, featuring regional, national, and world competitions in submission-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For more information, go to GracieWorlds.com.
Labels: American Top Team, Beast, Daniel Straus, Doug Merlino, Eddie Goldman, Jeff Monson, Mirsad Bektic, MMA, No Holds Barred, Steve Mocco
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
No Holds Barred: Jeff Monson on MMA and May Day
Jeff was originally scheduled to face Magomed Malikov on April 9 in the M-1 Heavyweight Grand Prix quarterfinals, but a pectoral muscle tear forced Jeff to undergo surgery and postpone that fight. He is recovering from this injury, and this fight is now scheduled to take place June 7 on the M-1 card in the Republic of Ingushetia, Russia.
We spoke with Jeff by phone Monday night about this fight, his career, why he is a self-described anarchist, and how he views the sport and business of MMA.
Our discussion took place right before May 1, or May Day, also marked around the world as International Workers' Day.
Asked what his May Day message would be to MMA fighters, Jeff replied, "My message would be solidarity. My message is, 'Be together.' We're all in this whether, like I said, whether you're trying to be a professional fighter or whether you're well-established or at the top of your game. It's the same sport. We're all in it together."
He also quoted the old saying associated with the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World), "'An injury to one is an injury to all.' And it really is."
We discussed numerous topics, including how this fight with Malikov may be "a classic grappler vs. striker match," why he likes M-1's new six-sided ring, how he has become a celebrity in Russia, his fascination with the country and people of Russia, the reaction to his politics, and the need for a fighters' union.
He also pointed out the "shameful" conditions facing MMA fighters, including no such union, no pension, no health insurance, no job security, no retirement, and often low pay, which is even less than boxers get, while they are still fighting. While the formation of a fighters' union is far from imminent, he stated, "It's going to happen," adding that more education of the fighters is needed and that he hopes to take an active role in this struggle.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: anarchism, Eddie Goldman, grappling, International Workers Day, IWW, Jeff Monson, M-1, May Day, MMA, No Holds Barred, Russia, union
Thursday, December 06, 2012
No Holds Barred: Jeff Monson on His Undefeated 2012
Jeff has just completed a whirlwind series of events, competing on three cards and in a total of five fights in MMA and grappling, in just 10 days, and winning them all. He followed up a second-round submission victory over Alexander Emelianenko on November 15 at the M-1 15th anniversary show in St. Petersburg, Russia, and another world championship on November 17 at the FILA no-gi grappling world championship in Skala, Poland, with a decision win on November 24 over Kang Dong-Gook on the ROAD FC 10 card in Busan, Korea. This meant that in 2012, Jeff Monson went undefeated in both MMA and grappling.
"The year went pretty good," he said in this interview, which was recorded by phone Wednesday night. "I got a little banged up in the last match, so that's probably going to be it for the rest of the year, till looking at M-1 coming up in February."
We discussed his incredible 12-hour layover in China after leaving Korea, during which he was treated by an ophthalmologist. We also discussed with Jeff, who turns 42 in January, his plans to drop to 205 pounds for MMA, his 2013 plans to fight in M-1 and Road FC and possibly elsewhere, his desire to compete in grappling at both the ADCC and FILA world championships next year, what grappling might do in order to become a popular spectator sport, fighting at his age, and more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City February 16 and 17, 2013, for the fourth annual MMA World Expo, featuring an amateur MMA tournament, grappling, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, and much more. The MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, February 16, and Sunday, February 17, 2013, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: ADCC, Eddie Goldman, FILA, grappling, Jeff Monson, M-1, MMA, No Holds Barred, ROAD FC, wrestling
Sunday, November 25, 2012
No Holds Barred: Jeff Monson, Penny Thomas, Matt Betzold at FILA World Championship
+def.+Magnus+Strandner+(SWE)+2-1+1-2+final++100kg+no-gi+grappling++111712.jpg)
+def.+Juan+Espino+(ESP)+1-0+OT+final++100kg+in+no-gi+grappling+111712.jpg)
+submits+Jeanne+Rembert+(FRA)+in+64kg+final,+no-gi+grappling++111712.jpg)
Just two days after submitting Alexander Emelianenko in MMA on an M-1 card in St. Petersburg, Russia, Jeff Monson represented the USA in the no-gi grappling competition at +100kg at the FILA worlds. He won all three of his matches by decision, taking his third FILA world title in grappling. This title, however, he said in this interview, recorded right after his match on November 17, was his "most difficult."
Penny Thomas of South Africa, who has won world titles in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship, and the FILA world championship in grappling, won double gold at this event, winning world titles in both gi and no-gi grappling in the women's 64kg division.
American Matt Betzold, who has an amputated left leg, won his first world title, winning at 62kg in amateur MMA. He also took second at this event in no-gi grappling, also at 62kg.
We spoke with each of them right after they won their historic world titles.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City February 16 and 17, 2013, for the fourth annual MMA World Expo, featuring an amateur MMA tournament, grappling, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, and much more. The MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, February 16, and Sunday, February 17, 2013, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: amateur, Eddie Goldman, FILA, grappling, Jeff Monson, Matt Betzold, MMA, No Holds Barred, Penny Thomas, World Championships
Thursday, November 08, 2012
No Holds Barred: Jeff Monson on His Four Fights in 17 Days, and a Fighters' Union
Jeff has an incredibly busy schedule over the next few weeks. On November 15, at the M-1 15th anniversary show in St. Petersburg, Russia, he will fight Alexander Emelianenko. Two days later, on November 17, he is scheduled to represent the U.S. in the FILA no-gi grappling world championship in Skala, Poland, near Kraków. The following week, on November 24, it is back to MMA when he fights on ROAD FC 10 in Busan, Korea, against Kang Dong-Gook of Team MAX at a catch weight of 97.5 kg. And the week after, on December 1, it is another MMA fight, this time in Serbia against Golden Glory fighter Denis Stojnić at an event which is raising money for AIDS and disadvantaged youth organizations.
"I haven't fought since June, and now all of a sudden I've got four events in a short amount of time. I've got an itching to compete. It's been nice to take some time and just train, because I don't get that to see very often," he said in this interview, which was recorded by phone Thursday evening. "I'll be glad when it's over, trust me. I'm actually looking forward to getting back in the cage again."
We also discussed the FILA world championships in grappling, Pankration, and amateur MMA, and how FILA is developing these as legitimate sports.
After discussing this schedule, we then turned to the issue of how MMA fighters are treated by many organizations, and the need for a fighters' union. Jeff emphasized both the need for more education of fighters on these issues, and also the need for good organization to create such a union. "Education is key," he stressed, while also noting that it will take time, unity, and a proper strategy to accomplish these goals.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City February 16 and 17, 2013, for the fourth annual MMA World Expo, featuring an amateur MMA tournament, grappling, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, and much more. The MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, February 16, and Sunday, February 17, 2013, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: Eddie Goldman, fighters union, FILA, grappling, Jeff Monson, M-1, MMA, No Holds Barred, ROAD FC
Thursday, August 30, 2012
No Holds Barred: Jeff Monson on Capitalism, Anarchism, Communism, and Jon Jones
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with American Top Team MMA fighter and two-time ADCC world grappling champion Jeff Monson.
His next fight is scheduled for the November 15 M-1 Global card in St. Petersburg, Russia, against Alexander Emelianenko.
In his most recent MMA fight, on the June 21 M-1 Global card, also in St. Petersburg, Russia, he defeated Denis Komkin by first-round submission with a north-south choke. For his ring entrance, he electrified the audience by coming out to the national anthem of the U.S.S.R.
The impact of this was instant and unforgettable, as everyone in attendance, including Russian president Vladimir Putin, rose to their feet.
We spoke with Jeff Monson by phone Wednesday night about this event and the message he was trying to send. We then went into a broader discussion about his views on capitalism, anarchism, and communism, including the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Saying fighters are just "a cog in the machine" and "realistically just wage slaves", Jeff Monson focused in on the situation involving the cancellation of UFC 151 and the treatment of UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. We also discussed the prospects for fighters developing some sort of union or association, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: anarchism, capitalism, communism, Eddie Goldman, Jeff Monson, Jon Jones, M-1 Global, MMA, No Holds Barred, Russia, Soviet Union, USSR
Monday, August 27, 2012
No Holds Barred: Ricardo Liborio and the New Generation of American Top Team Fighters
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling legend Ricardo Liborio, who is the co-owner and head instructor for American Top Team.
Ricardo Liborio has also been named the coach for Team USA, which will be competing in the first-ever World Cup of Mixed Martial Arts "USA vs. The World" event on September 15 at the MGM Grand Theater at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
While American Top Team has long been known as a home of champion fighters, a number of newer fighters have recently been making names for themselves.
"There's a new, young generation of American Top Team fighters coming in, and we're pleased with that," said Ricardo Liborio, in this interview which was recorded by phone Sunday. It was on these new fighters which we mainly focused our discussion.
Attila Vegh just electrified the MMA world with a 25-second knockout of veteran Travis Wiuff at Bellator 73 on August 24 to win their light heavyweight tournament and earn a title shot. Based in Slovakia and training now as part of American Top Team, the 27-year-old Vegh was a world champion in kempo karate and has mainly fought, until now, in Europe.
Kelly Anundson, who turns 28 on August 29, not only was a Div. II All-American wrestler at Newberry College, but was also a FILA world grappling champion. Now 5-1 in MMA with four submission victories, he will be fighting for a heavyweight title against veteran Alexey Oleinik on that September 15 World Cup of Mixed Martial Arts card.
Bubba Jenkins, 24, was a 2007 junior world champion in freestyle wrestling and a 2011 NCAA Div. I wrestling champion for Arizona State. He is now 3-0 in MMA, and is expected to fight at lightweight at the next Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) event.
Steve Mocco, 30, is a two-time NCAA Div. I heavyweight wrestling champion and a 2008 U.S. Olympian in freestyle wrestling. He is planning to make his long-awaited MMA debut, also likely at that next RFA event. Known as having a tireless work ethic, he is one of the highest level wrestlers who will be competing in MMA.
We discussed what is happening with these American Top Team fighters with Ricardo Liborio. We also commented on the late-career resurgence of MMA veteran and two-time ADCC champion Jeff Monson, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: American Top Team, Attila Vegh, Bubba Jenkins, Eddie Goldman, Jeff Monson, Kelly Anundson, MMA, No Holds Barred, Ricardo Liborio, Steve Mocco, World Cup Mixed Martial Arts
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
No Holds Barred: Evgeni Kogan on Fedor Retiring and the Future of M-1 Global
(Photos by Keisha Morrisey)
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Evgeni Kogan, the director of operations of M-1 Global.
On June 21, M-1 Global held a major card in St. Petersburg, Russia, headlined by the first-round knockout by the legend Fedor Emelianenko over Pedro Rizzo. Right after that fight, Fedor announced his retirement as an active fighter.
We spoke with Evgeni Kogan by Skype Tuesday about this card and Fedor's retirement. We discussed Fedor's legacy as a fighter, whether or not he can be considered the best MMA fighter of all time, and if anyone else could ever match his ten-year unbeaten streak against top opposition. We also discussed the other fights on this card, including the third-round TKO win by Kenny Garner over Guram Gugenishvili to capture the M-1 heavyweight title, and the first-round heel hook victory by Musa Khamanaev over Daniel Weichel to win the M-1 lightweight title. And we discussed Jeff Monson's submission win over Denis Komkin and Monson's epic ring entrance as the Soviet national anthem played in the arena.
In addition, we discussed what Fedor might do in retirement, his involvement with amateur MMA in Russia, the officiating and governance in M-1, the plans for international expansion, the possibility of a return to American television, the next M-1 cards, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Evgeni Kogan, the director of operations of M-1 Global.
On June 21, M-1 Global held a major card in St. Petersburg, Russia, headlined by the first-round knockout by the legend Fedor Emelianenko over Pedro Rizzo. Right after that fight, Fedor announced his retirement as an active fighter.
We spoke with Evgeni Kogan by Skype Tuesday about this card and Fedor's retirement. We discussed Fedor's legacy as a fighter, whether or not he can be considered the best MMA fighter of all time, and if anyone else could ever match his ten-year unbeaten streak against top opposition. We also discussed the other fights on this card, including the third-round TKO win by Kenny Garner over Guram Gugenishvili to capture the M-1 heavyweight title, and the first-round heel hook victory by Musa Khamanaev over Daniel Weichel to win the M-1 lightweight title. And we discussed Jeff Monson's submission win over Denis Komkin and Monson's epic ring entrance as the Soviet national anthem played in the arena.
In addition, we discussed what Fedor might do in retirement, his involvement with amateur MMA in Russia, the officiating and governance in M-1, the plans for international expansion, the possibility of a return to American television, the next M-1 cards, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: Eddie Goldman, Evgeni Kogan, Fedor Emelianenko, Jeff Monson, M-1 Global, MMA, No Holds Barred, Russia
Friday, December 02, 2011
No Holds Barred: Jeff Monson
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again speaks with American Top Team mixed martial arts fighter and two-time ADCC world champion Jeff Monson.
On Sunday, November 20, Jeff Monson fought MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko in the main event of an M-1 Global mixed martial arts card at the Olympic Arena in Moscow, Russia. Fedor dominated the fight, winning a three-round unanimous decision. Afterwards, Jeff required some medical attention, especially from injuries caused by the numerous kicks and punches landed by Fedor.
We spoke with Jeff Monson by phone Wednesday night about what really happened on this trip to Russia. He said that despite the loss in the fight, he was treated "great", including by Fedor, who actually apologized to him after the fight, although he had done nothing outside the rules. We discussed his recovery from these injuries, what happened in the fight, why there was almost no action on the ground, the enormous support he received from the Russian fans, his desire to return to fight in M-1 Global, how he wants to move down to light heavyweight, his busy schedule of fighting and seminars, his desire to be more involved with catch wrestling, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
The American Sambo Association, which is committed to becoming the premier association in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of Sambo. Sambo is a form of sport, self-defense, and combat established in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century. For more information, go to ussambo.com.
On Sunday, November 20, Jeff Monson fought MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko in the main event of an M-1 Global mixed martial arts card at the Olympic Arena in Moscow, Russia. Fedor dominated the fight, winning a three-round unanimous decision. Afterwards, Jeff required some medical attention, especially from injuries caused by the numerous kicks and punches landed by Fedor.
We spoke with Jeff Monson by phone Wednesday night about what really happened on this trip to Russia. He said that despite the loss in the fight, he was treated "great", including by Fedor, who actually apologized to him after the fight, although he had done nothing outside the rules. We discussed his recovery from these injuries, what happened in the fight, why there was almost no action on the ground, the enormous support he received from the Russian fans, his desire to return to fight in M-1 Global, how he wants to move down to light heavyweight, his busy schedule of fighting and seminars, his desire to be more involved with catch wrestling, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
The American Sambo Association, which is committed to becoming the premier association in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of Sambo. Sambo is a form of sport, self-defense, and combat established in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century. For more information, go to ussambo.com.
Labels: Eddie Goldman, Fedor Emelianenko, grappling, Jeff Monson, M-1 Global, MMA, No Holds Barred, Russia
Sunday, November 27, 2011
No Holds Barred: Vadim Finkelchtein of M-1 Global
(Photo by Keisha Morrisey.)
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Vadim Finkelchtein, the president and co-founder of M-1 Global.
In an interview conducted Saturday by Skype with Vadim Finkelchtein, we discussed the M-1 Global mixed martial arts card held Sunday, November 20, at the Olympic Arena in Moscow, Russia. In the main event, the legendary Fedor Emelianenko stopped a three-fight losing streak by dominating two-time ADCC champion Jeff Monson to take a three-round unanimous decision. Besides the 22,000 fans in attendance, Vadim said there were seven and one-half million people watching this fight on television in Russia alone, with numbers for the rest of Europe and North America still to come.
We discussed the importance of this event, how Fedor used a much more patient and deliberate strategy than he had in his last unsuccessful fights, what this victory means for Fedor's career, plans for a potential fight for Fedor in Dream in Japan on their traditional New Year's Eve card, the proposal to have Fedor fight former UFC heavyweight titleholder Cain Velasquez, whether or not Fedor would ever fight in UFC, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
The American Sambo Association, which is committed to becoming the premier association in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of Sambo. Sambo is a form of sport, self-defense, and combat established in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century. For more information, go to ussambo.com.
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Vadim Finkelchtein, the president and co-founder of M-1 Global.
In an interview conducted Saturday by Skype with Vadim Finkelchtein, we discussed the M-1 Global mixed martial arts card held Sunday, November 20, at the Olympic Arena in Moscow, Russia. In the main event, the legendary Fedor Emelianenko stopped a three-fight losing streak by dominating two-time ADCC champion Jeff Monson to take a three-round unanimous decision. Besides the 22,000 fans in attendance, Vadim said there were seven and one-half million people watching this fight on television in Russia alone, with numbers for the rest of Europe and North America still to come.
We discussed the importance of this event, how Fedor used a much more patient and deliberate strategy than he had in his last unsuccessful fights, what this victory means for Fedor's career, plans for a potential fight for Fedor in Dream in Japan on their traditional New Year's Eve card, the proposal to have Fedor fight former UFC heavyweight titleholder Cain Velasquez, whether or not Fedor would ever fight in UFC, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
The American Sambo Association, which is committed to becoming the premier association in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of Sambo. Sambo is a form of sport, self-defense, and combat established in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century. For more information, go to ussambo.com.
Labels: Eddie Goldman, Fedor Emelianenko, Jeff Monson, M-1 Global, MMA, No Holds Barred, Vadim Finkelchtein
Thursday, November 03, 2011
No Holds Barred: Jeff Monson on Fighting Fedor, Occupy Wall Street, and More
On this audio edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with American Top Team mixed martial arts fighter and two-time ADCC world champion Jeff Monson.
On Sunday, November 20, Jeff Monson will be fighting Fedor Emelianenko in the main event of an M-1 Global mixed martial arts card at the Olympic Hall in Moscow, Russia. While Fedor had a ten-year winning streak and is regarded as the best heavyweight MMA fighter of all time, he has lost his last three fights. The stage is thus set for this showdown between these two veteran fighters on Fedor's home turf.
We spoke with Jeff Monson Wednesday night by phone about his approach to taking on this legend. We discussed the relative strengths of each fighter, who has the edge in grappling and striking, and what his basic game plan may be.
Jeff is also keeping a very busy schedule, as this will be his sixth MMA fight this year in addition to his competing in numerous grappling events. He also is traveling around the world conducting seminars. We discussed this, as well as his attitude to the recent revival of catch wrestling.
But Jeff is also a self-described anarchist and remains politically active. He was recently arrested at a protest in Olympia, Washington, although all the charges were soon dropped. We thus discussed the growing Occupy Wall Street movement, his views on the many problems in the world, how he has been viewed as a combat sports fighter participating in an avowedly non-violent movement, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City, featuring the Renzo Gracie Gi Open 2011 tournament, a signing of his new book by MMA legend Randy Couture, grappling and muay Thai action, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, and much more. The third annual MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, December 17, and Sunday, December 18, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
The American Sambo Association, which is committed to becoming the premier association in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of Sambo. Sambo is a form of sport, self-defense, and combat established in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century. For more information, go to ussambo.com.
On Sunday, November 20, Jeff Monson will be fighting Fedor Emelianenko in the main event of an M-1 Global mixed martial arts card at the Olympic Hall in Moscow, Russia. While Fedor had a ten-year winning streak and is regarded as the best heavyweight MMA fighter of all time, he has lost his last three fights. The stage is thus set for this showdown between these two veteran fighters on Fedor's home turf.
We spoke with Jeff Monson Wednesday night by phone about his approach to taking on this legend. We discussed the relative strengths of each fighter, who has the edge in grappling and striking, and what his basic game plan may be.
Jeff is also keeping a very busy schedule, as this will be his sixth MMA fight this year in addition to his competing in numerous grappling events. He also is traveling around the world conducting seminars. We discussed this, as well as his attitude to the recent revival of catch wrestling.
But Jeff is also a self-described anarchist and remains politically active. He was recently arrested at a protest in Olympia, Washington, although all the charges were soon dropped. We thus discussed the growing Occupy Wall Street movement, his views on the many problems in the world, how he has been viewed as a combat sports fighter participating in an avowedly non-violent movement, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City, featuring the Renzo Gracie Gi Open 2011 tournament, a signing of his new book by MMA legend Randy Couture, grappling and muay Thai action, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, and much more. The third annual MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, December 17, and Sunday, December 18, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
The American Sambo Association, which is committed to becoming the premier association in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of Sambo. Sambo is a form of sport, self-defense, and combat established in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century. For more information, go to ussambo.com.
Labels: Eddie Goldman, Fedor Emelianenko, Jeff Monson, No Holds Barred, Occupy Wall Street
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
No Holds Barred: Jeff Monson
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again speaks with American Top Team mixed martial arts fighter and grappling world champion Jeff Monson.
The next fight on his busy schedule will be Saturday, April 30, for the Strength & Honor Championship. This card, SHC4, will take place at the Hotel Kempinski in Geneva, Switzerland. In the main event, he will face Maro "the Mean Machine" Perak of Croatia in a heavyweight fight.
Right after that fight, he will remain in Switzerland to conduct seminars at the headquarters of FILA, the international wrestling federation as recognized by the International Olympic Committee, in Corsier-sur-Vevey. Then he will attend the Hard Fighting Championship 3 MMA card on May 6 in Martigny, Switzerland, which is being organized in collaboration with FILA, and the FILA Grand Prix tournaments in grappling, pankration, and combat grappling (amateur MMA) on May 7-8, also in Martigny.
We spoke with Jeff Monson by phone on Sunday night about this fight with Maro Perak and what to expect. He explained why it is "an honor" for him to be working with FILA on these events and sharing his combat sports knowledge with young, up-and-coming athletes. We discussed the involvement of FILA with MMA, how it will affect MMA as well as grappling and wrestling, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
M-1 Global. Founded in 1998, M-1 Global has staged over 100 mixed martial arts events worldwide including the M-1 Selection tournaments and M-1 Challenge events, in Eastern and Western Europe, North America, and Asia. While discovering and developing the world's next generation of superstar fighters, M-1 Global's greatest asset is the number one heavyweight in mixed martial arts history, Fedor Emelianenko. Make sure to catch their shows from around the world, including on Showtime in the U.S., and visit their web site, M-1Global.com, and the M-1 Facebook page for news, videos, and live streaming events.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
The American Sambo Association, which is committed to becoming the premier association in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of Sambo. Sambo is a form of sport, self-defense, and combat established in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century. For more information, go to ussambo.com.
Labels: ADCC, Eddie Goldman, FILA, Jeff Monson, MMA, No Holds Barred
