Ron’s Boxing Predictions

(Editor’s note: We know that we have been remiss with previewing boxing fights. But we’re back at it again.)

There’s what should be a good scrap on HBO tonight at 10:15 Eastern & Pacific when former Welterweight champs Vernon Forrest and Carlos Baldomir hook up in the ring.

Ron’s Prediction:

Vernon Forrest should continue his winning ways. Though Baldomir is a former champion, he beat a Zab Judah who wasn’t prepared to fight. They’re both former big welterweights but Vernon is six feet tall with a longer reach. He should work behind his jab. Look for a late round stoppage for Vernon.

Jay White

Former Marine and MMA fighter Jay White just joined the team. Jay came to Vegas to help Randy get ready for Gonzaga. Turns out he likes Sin City and Team Couture so much he decided to stay.

Jay has an extensive Jiu Jitsu background including a Purple Belt under Renzo Gracie. He’d likely be a black belt by now but he left New York to be the Jiu Jitsu coach at Team Quest. It’s a long time since any of those guys were submitted in a fight. Jay also used to be a close combat instructor in the Marine Corps.

You can take advantage of Jay’s wealth of knowledge Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am-noon. That’s when he’ll be teaching Beginner Jiu Jitsu. He’s also available for privates.

Xtreme Camp … Xtreme Success

We completed our very first Xtreme Camp this weekend. Attendees got to train with Randy, Mike Pyle and special guest Dean Lister. Everybody got in a ton of work during the 8 hours on the mats. After workouts Randy, Mike and Dean stayed until everyone had every conceivable question answered.

One attendee said it was “a religious experience”. From what I understand everyone else had fun too.

We’re hoping to do another camp soon, ideally in November. Sign up for our newsletter at xtremecouture.tv and you’ll be the first to know the official date.

Enjoy some pictures from the weekend.

We Welcome Josh Haynes

Josh Haynes is the latest fighter to relocate to Vegas to join Team Couture. Josh made the move from Oregon where he trained with Team Quest. A few years back Josh met Randy when “The Natural” was with Team Quest. Randy invited Josh to train with him. But it took Josh some time to get in a position where he could move (read Josh’s amazing story here) and by the time he got to Oregon, Randy had left for Las Vegas.

Josh on leaving Team Quest, “It was just time to go. I did everyihing I could do there. My growth was stagnant. I needed something to open the doors and bring me back to my old self. I look forward to training with people who have fun doing what they do. Intense professionals, coaches as well as fighters. “

In addition to getting his career back on track with our world class fight team, Josh is going to help take our Kids Program to the next level.

Josh will be teaching an Advanced Kids Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7pm in the cage. He’ll teach beginners Saturdays from 11am-noon and an Advanced class on Saturdays from 1pm-2pm. He’ll also begin holding Kids submission tournaments. We’ll announce the date of the first one soon.

Josh says he’s looking to grow the Kids Program. “I want to help the kids get from where they are now to where they want to be. Help instill life skills in them. If they get their skills down now, by the time they’re my age it will be easier for them to get into the sport. I’m also looking to have fun with the kids. These kids are as much athletes as the adults are. Start to develop them at an early age, they’ll be pros. It’s cool to be part of that at an early age.”

The kids are going to be in good hands. They’re with a professional. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the team.

Griffin vs Bonnar III … IV …. and on to Infinity

Forrest Griffin and Stefan Bonnar will be going at it a third time. And a fourth, fifth and many more times after that. Stephan is now a Las Vegas resident and a member of Team Couture.

Stephan says he’s tired of the Chicago winters (editor’s note Vegas summers are brutal too) and that he enjoys getting his butt kicked by Randy.

We’re hoping to sit down for a full interview with Stephan tomorrow.

Mike Pyle Joins the Navy …. For a Couple of Days

(Mike Pyle aboard the USS Harry Truman in a classified location)

Over the weekend our very own Mike “Quicksand” Pyle was a guest on the USS Harry Truman, one of the Navy’s nuclear powered aircraft carriers. He brought back some phenomenal photos and stories. Here’s what he had to say about his adventure.

Where were you guys?
The USS Harry Truman somewhere in the Atlantic (location undisclosed). They were in simulated war. So everything was classified. No communications. No email, no phone calls.

What was that like?
It was an awesome experience. I learned a lot about life on the sea as a sailor.

Such as?
You have long hours of work and a short time to sleep. Each person is designated to a certain area of the ship. For example cooking, cleaning, or maintenance on the ship. Some guys take care of radar or what planes are on deck. There are guys who decide what planes should be coming in and what their purpose is. They had a room with planes on a table that was a model for the deck. They move the planes around according to the plans the commanding officer gives to go blow stuff up.

There were 5,000 people onboard the carrier. We got to meet all of the pilots of the aircrafts.

What was that like?
Very interesting. They seemed to be highly intelligent, well spoken and extremely dedicated to what they do.

Do these guys what the fights?
Yeah. They love it. They were educated fans. They knew who everybody was.

Do the guys on the ship train?
A handful do. I held mits and gave some guys helpful hints on their striking techniques.

What was the highlight of the trip?
We got to go on deck, and were a few feet away from aircraft landing and taking off. It was exhilarating. The power and thrust they have is unexplainable until you stand next to them. The planes go from zero to 200pm when they hit the end of the runway. Steam does it all. They use the water from the ocean. It is a nuclear powered ship. They could be at sea 365 days per year.

Did you sleep on the ship? I stayed in a stateroom. It bunks two guys. I had one to myself. Nothing fancy, but very comfortable.

How was the food? The food was edible.

How long were you there?
Two days.

Did you guys fly in?
We flew in and landed on the ship. Then flew off of it. We were on a Cod. It was a 35 minute flight from Florida to the USS Harry Truman.

(Mike & company deplane on USS Harry Truman in a super secret location somewhere in the Ocean)

(This is the plane Mike & company flew in on. It is a C2-A Greyhound aka a COD – carrier on delivery system)

Who else went on the trip?
Big John McCarthy, Rich Franklin and sports psychologist Dr. Mike Gervais.
We did autograph signings, signed shirts.

Could you make it in the navy?
No. Too tight quarters, too many rules, not enough sleep. I became a Pro Fighter so I could work on my time as myself.

Did you find you have more respect for what the men and women of the Navy do?
I have great respect for these guys. They’re very hard workers and dedicated to what they do. It is a real character builder. The average age is 21. They’re right out of mommy and daddy’s house. They’re leaning how to be a grownup. It’s tough.

Anything to add in closing?
To the USS Harry Truman, I thank you for welcoming me with open arms during such an important time.

Joey Varner’s Sparring Class Gets Started

Muay Thai Coach Joey Varner’s sparring program is officially underway. It kicked off with a bang today. If you’re interested in mixing it up, we’ve got Muay Thai sparring on Wednesday’s and Friday’s from noon to one pm. We’re thinking about making Monday’s noon to one class sparring too.