Monday, July 28, 2014
No Holds Barred: Tom DeBlass, Babalu, Cedric Smith at ADCC New York at MMA World Expo
Photos 1-4, Tom DeBlass (on right in first photo) and Babalu
Photos 5-8, Cedric Smith (on left in first photo) and Marco DeLima
Cedric Smith wins ADCC sword.
Eddie Goldman and Keisha Morrisey at MMA World Expo.
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with grapplers Tom DeBlass, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, and Cedric Smith at the ADCC tournament in New York on July 26 at the MMA World Expo.
In the ADCC superfight at that event, Tom DeBlass defeated Renato "Babalu" Sobral by a score of 4-0, getting a late takedown and sweep.
In the finals of the absolute pro division of the no-gi tournament, a relative newcomer to ADCC, Cedric Smith, defeat Marco DeLima. The score of this match was 3-0, as Cedric Smith established side control late in the match.
We spoke with Tom DeBlass, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, and Cedric Smith right after their matches.
"I really believe in my jiu-jitsu. I have a very tough game to beat," said Tom DeBlass. We discussed how this match went, as well as his plans to continue competing in jiu-jitsu, grappling, and MMA. His next MMA fight will be September 5 in Bellator against "King" Mo Lawal.
Babalu discussed how he is retired from MMA but is continuing to grapple. Cedric Smith is a former wrestler, and we discussed his transition to jiu-jitsu and grappling, as well as 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:
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 Liberty Bell Classic / King of Catch Wrestling Tournament, presented by the North American Catch Wrestling Association and Scientific Wrestling. In this tournament, you can only win by pin or submission, with no points. It all takes place Saturday, August 30, at Primal Gym, 231 Bakers Basin Road, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648. For more information, go to kingofcatchwrestling.com.
Snake Pit U.S.A., whose primary mission is to breathe new life into real catch-as-catch-can wrestling and help lead the catch wrestling revolution for martial artists and those pursuing recreational training and fitness alike. For more information, go to SnakePitUSA.com.
The Catch Wrestling Alliance, a catch wrestling promotion that works with the highest level catch wrestlers from around the world with the goal of reviving the great sport of catch-as-catch-can wrestling. The Catch Wrestling Alliance organizes catch wrestling sporting events, and its primary organizer is Dr. Raul Ramirez. For more information, go to catchwrestlingalliance.com.
Takedown Wrestling Media, America's wrestling TV and radio shows, which are hosted by founder Scott Casber, and have been airing on radio and Internet for over 17 years. Takedown Media produces a weekly TV program seen in 54 million homes in the U.S. on DirecTV, Dish Network, and cable affiliates around the country, called Takedown TV. Takedown Media also produces the weekly USA Wrestling TV show for the governing body of the sport, USA Wrestling. For more information, go to http://takedownradio.com.
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Photos 5-8, Cedric Smith (on left in first photo) and Marco DeLima
Cedric Smith wins ADCC sword.
Eddie Goldman and Keisha Morrisey at MMA World Expo.
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with grapplers Tom DeBlass, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, and Cedric Smith at the ADCC tournament in New York on July 26 at the MMA World Expo.
In the ADCC superfight at that event, Tom DeBlass defeated Renato "Babalu" Sobral by a score of 4-0, getting a late takedown and sweep.
In the finals of the absolute pro division of the no-gi tournament, a relative newcomer to ADCC, Cedric Smith, defeat Marco DeLima. The score of this match was 3-0, as Cedric Smith established side control late in the match.
We spoke with Tom DeBlass, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, and Cedric Smith right after their matches.
"I really believe in my jiu-jitsu. I have a very tough game to beat," said Tom DeBlass. We discussed how this match went, as well as his plans to continue competing in jiu-jitsu, grappling, and MMA. His next MMA fight will be September 5 in Bellator against "King" Mo Lawal.
Babalu discussed how he is retired from MMA but is continuing to grapple. Cedric Smith is a former wrestler, and we discussed his transition to jiu-jitsu and grappling, as well as 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:
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 Liberty Bell Classic / King of Catch Wrestling Tournament, presented by the North American Catch Wrestling Association and Scientific Wrestling. In this tournament, you can only win by pin or submission, with no points. It all takes place Saturday, August 30, at Primal Gym, 231 Bakers Basin Road, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648. For more information, go to kingofcatchwrestling.com.
Snake Pit U.S.A., whose primary mission is to breathe new life into real catch-as-catch-can wrestling and help lead the catch wrestling revolution for martial artists and those pursuing recreational training and fitness alike. For more information, go to SnakePitUSA.com.
The Catch Wrestling Alliance, a catch wrestling promotion that works with the highest level catch wrestlers from around the world with the goal of reviving the great sport of catch-as-catch-can wrestling. The Catch Wrestling Alliance organizes catch wrestling sporting events, and its primary organizer is Dr. Raul Ramirez. For more information, go to catchwrestlingalliance.com.
Takedown Wrestling Media, America's wrestling TV and radio shows, which are hosted by founder Scott Casber, and have been airing on radio and Internet for over 17 years. Takedown Media produces a weekly TV program seen in 54 million homes in the U.S. on DirecTV, Dish Network, and cable affiliates around the country, called Takedown TV. Takedown Media also produces the weekly USA Wrestling TV show for the governing body of the sport, USA Wrestling. For more information, go to http://takedownradio.com.
Labels: ADCC, BJJ, Cedric Smith, Eddie Goldman, grappling, jiu-jitsu, MMA World Expo, New York, No Holds Barred, Renato Babalu Sobral, Tom DeBlass
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
No Holds Barred: Tom DeBlass on His July 26 ADCC Superfight at MMA World Expo
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with grappler, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and instructor, and MMA fighter Tom DeBlass.
Besides being the owner of Ocean County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he will be competing in a grappling superfight as part of the ADCC competition at this year's MMA World Expo in New York. His opponent will be the veteran Renato "Babalu" Sobral.
This superfight, under ADCC grappling rules, will take place Saturday, July 26, on the first day of the MMA World Expo at the Jacob Javits Center, 655 West 34th Street, New York, New York 10001. ADCC will be running two days of tournaments at the MMA World Expo, with the no-gi competition on Saturday, July 26, and the gi competition on Sunday, July 27.
We spoke with Tom DeBlass by phone Monday night.
Calling his opponent, Babalu, a legend, he is still confident that he can emerge victorious.
"I know how to win in jiu-jitsu and grappling," he said. "I came back in grappling competition after four years away last year, and I won the Pan American Games, in the adult black belt division. Then I took third in the Worlds, no-gi division, two weeks before I beat [Jason] Lambert" in MMA in Bellator on November 15, 2013. He is also a 2009 ADCC North American Trial Champion, and holds victories in Grapplers Quest and other competitions.
"I believe in my jiu-jitsu. I believe in myself," he added.
"I'm really honored. I'm excited to go against him. And I'm super-excited that ADCC and Carlos Carvalho wanted me to headline their event. It's a pretty amazing honor."
We also discussed the potential for grappling to emerge as a popular spectator sport, his training in both grappling and MMA at the same time, the plans for him to continue fighting in Bellator, how his studies in college in education have helped him as a coach and instructor, how he got involved in jiu-jitsu and grappling, 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:
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City July 26 and 27, 2014, for the fifth annual MMA World Expo, featuring the Fighters Source U.S. Nationals amateur MMA tournament, two days of ADCC no-gi and gi grappling tournaments, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, catch wrestling competition, and much more. The MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, 2014, 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 http://americantopteam.com/.
The 2014 Catch Wrestling World Championship, presented by the Snake Pit U.S.A., taking place Sunday, July 27, at the MMA World Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. You can only win by pin or submission. Best two out of three falls. All styles welcome. For more information or to register, go to snakepitusa.com.
The Catch Wrestling Alliance, a catch wrestling promotion that works with the highest level catch wrestlers from around the world with the goal of reviving the great sport of catch-as-catch-can wrestling. The Catch Wrestling Alliance organizes catch wrestling sporting events, and its primary organizer is Dr. Raul Ramirez. For more information, go to catchwrestlingalliance.com.
Takedown Wrestling Media, America's wrestling TV and radio shows, which are hosted by founder Scott Casber, and have been airing on radio and Internet for over 17 years. Takedown Media produces a weekly TV program seen in 54 million homes in the U.S. on DirecTV, Dish Network, and cable affiliates around the country, called Takedown TV. Takedown Media also produces the weekly USA Wrestling TV show for the governing body of the sport, USA Wrestling. For more information, go to http://takedownradio.com.
Labels: ADCC, BJJ, Eddie Goldman, grappling, jiu-jitsu, MMA World Expo, No Holds Barred, Renato Babalu Sobral, superfight, Tom DeBlass
Thursday, May 09, 2013
No Holds Barred: Bjorn Rebney on Bellator MMA Summer Series
Bellator's eighth season, which concluded in April, and which was its first on Spike TV, was its most successful and had the most viewers in the organization's history. While another full regular season will commence in the fall, Bellator will be starting a Summer Series of monthly shows on Wednesday, June 19.
Taking place at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma, and again televised live in the U.S. on Spike TV, the main event will have the unbeaten Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler defending his belt against Bellator season seven lightweight tournament winner Dave Jansen.
The June 19 event will also see the introduction of four-fighter, two-round tournaments in Bellator. Previously, all tournaments had eight competitors and three rounds.
In the first round of this tournament, which is in the light heavyweight division, "King" Mo Lawal will face Seth Petruzelli and Renato "Babalu" Sobral will fight Jacob Noe.
The four-man tournament format "just gives us the opportunity to keep guys rolling through the tournaments and get those champions title defense after title defense," said Bjorn Rebney in this interview, which was recorded by phone Thursday. "It's going to keep the ball moving. Occasionally you're going to see four-mans thrown in. You're going to see a four-man, and then you might see another four-man in the fall."
In addition, Bellator's "Fight Master" pre-recorded series also debuts on Wednesday, June 19, on Spike TV, featuring 32 welterweight fighters competing for a spot in a Bellator MMA tournament, with MMA legends Randy Couture, Greg Jackson, Frank Shamrock, and Joe Warren as coaches.
We also discussed with Bjorn Rebney how he is still running Bellator on a day-to-day basis with endless "20-hour days" even as Viacom is now majority owner of Bellator, why he will always maintain a tournament format for determining title challengers rather than using subjective matchmaking, the plans to have more women's fights in Bellator, plans to have every champion defend their belts at least three times a year, the overall status of relations with Bellator fighters, the Eddie Alvarez legal situation, 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: Bellator, Bjorn Rebney, Dave Jansen, Eddie Goldman, Jacob Noe, King Mo Lawal, Michael Chandler, MMA, No Holds Barred, Renato Babalu Sobral, Seth Petruzelli, Spike
Sunday, January 13, 2013
No Holds Barred: Bellator Debut on Spike January 17 Preview with Michael Chandler, Rick Hawn, Pat Curran, Patricio Pitbull, Babalu, Bjorn Rebney
The highly-anticipated debut of Bellator MMA on Spike TV will take place this Thursday, January 17, on a card at the University of California’s Bren Center in Irvine, California. It will be broadcast live in the U.S. on Spike TV and in the Spanish language on mun2.
Bellator returns with a bang by featuring two title fights on this first card of 2013. Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler will defend his belt against challenger and former U.S. judo Olympian Rick Hawn. Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran will face Patricio "Pitbull" Freire. This card will also feature the start of the Bellator season eight light heavyweight tournament, including an opening round bout between grappling and MMA veteran Renato "Babalu" Sobral and Russian MMA fighter and former combat sambo champion Mikhail Zayats.
On a series of recent Bellator media conference calls, we had a chance to speak with Michael Chandler, Rick Hawn, Pat Curran, Patricio "Pitbull" Freire, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, and Bjorn Rebney. We discussed with the fighters what to expect in these important title and tournament fights, and with Bjorn Rebney the plans for upcoming tournaments.
In these interviews, former Missouri wrestling All-American Michael Chandler called it "an honor" to fight an Olympian and an "awesome" opponent like Rick Hawn, while Rick Hawn noted that this fight "has the potential to live up to the Alvarez-Chandler fight", the four-round war in November 2011 where Chandler captured the Bellator lightweight title from Eddie Alvarez. Both fighters come from different grappling backgrounds, but have added effective striking to their arsenals to sustain them at this level of competition.
Pat Curran described his transformation from being a wrestler who fought MMA into a fighter who has become more confident as a striker. "I love striking. I love everything about it. I love learning new moves, new techniques." Patricio "Pitbull" Freire stated that his opponent is an "all-around" fighter and "complete in all areas". We shall see how much striking and grappling will take place in this fight, but both fighters can win on their feet or on the ground.
With their compelling title fights, championship tournament format, and the best TV deal they've ever had, Bellator MMA, which began in 2009, is now in a position to make a major and lasting impact on the MMA world. Their January 17 debut card on Spike is one of the strongest MMA shows which will ever be shown on free TV in the U.S., so make sure to watch it.
Plus, we briefly comment on the Eddie Alvarez contract situation and its coverage in the media.
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: Bellator, Bjorn Rebney, Eddie Goldman, Michael Chandler, MMA, No Holds Barred, Pat Curran, Patricio Pitbull Freire, Renato Babalu Sobral, Rick Hawn, Spike TV
