Xtreme Couture Goes 7-0 for the Weekend

Xtreme Couture fighters capped off an incredible week Saturday night in Anaheim. Tyson Griffin won his 3rd “Fight of the Night” Award after defeated Thiago Tavares; and Forrest Griffin shocked the so-called experts by choking out Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

The weekend saw Xtreme Couture fighters beat a Chute Box fighter, a Brazilian Top Team fighter and a fighter who trains under Josh Barnett and Erik Paulson.

Since August 25th, Xtreme Couture fighters are 12-1.  With all of the talented athletes in the gym pushing and mentoring each other we look to keep the streak going with several tough fights coming up in October and November.

Big Night for Xtreme Couture at IFO Show

(Phil Friedman & Joey Varner before heading to the Orleans Arena)

Xtreme Couture fighters were a perfect 4-0 at the International Fight Organization’s “Fireworks in the Cage III”. Phil Friedman, Joey Varner, Josh Haynes and Eric Pele excited fans at The Orleans Arena with dominant finishes.

In one of the night’s featured bouts Eric “Big E” Pele laid a beating on Antoine “Herc” Hayes. Stopping the big man from Chicago by a brutal 1st Round TKO. Big E laid Herc out twice with thunderous punches before Herb Dean stopped the carnage. Hayes had a number of low class, disparaging things to say about Eric Pele at the Press Conference. But Eric let his massive fists do the talking in the cage and had the definitive last word.

Josh Haynes made his debut as a member of Xtreme Couture. He engaged in a toe to toe war with a very game John Cornett. Both men were bloodied and staggered a number of times. But midway through the 3rd round Josh landed a monstrous overhand right that flattened Cornett. It was the definition of a highlight-reel KO. I’m sure you’ll be seeing it on IFO commercials and the opening sequence of future shows.

Joey Varner returend to the cage after a three year absence due to shoulder surgeries. Joey who is known for his stand-up skills (he’s our Muay Thai teacher) shocked everyone by submitting his opponent, Josh Marker. Joey almost put Marker away with a triangle choke, before transitioning into a beautiful armbar.

Kettlebell instructor Phil Friedman made his professional debut against 6′6″ 263lb Mark Rommel. Rommel who trains with Josh Barnett appeared to have Phil in trouble early in the round but Phil swept him, took his back and then rained punches down on Rommel’s temples for :45 before Mario Yamasaki had seen enough.

So far Xtreme Couture fighters are 5-0 this week. Gray Maynard needed just 9 seconds to Knock Out Joe Veres at Ultimate Figth Night 11 on Wednesday.

Tyson Griffin and Forrest Griffin look to make it a clean sweep tonight at UFC 76 in Anaheim.

The Hitman Returns

Martin Kampmann is back!  The Danish slugger has returned from his homeland where he spent 4 months recovering from knee surgery.  Martin is looking forward to resuming training and his quest for the UFC’s Middleweight Championship.   Martin still has 2 months before he’ll be cleared for full contact by his doctor.  In the meantime he’ll be working on cardio and boxing.  Look for the Hitman to return to the Octagon in early 2008.

Raw Vegas Interview with Randy and Kim

Raw Vegas caught up with Randy and Kim the other day at The Hard Rock. Here’s the interview. Randy talks about what’s next in his career (Fedor?), possibly fighting at Light Heavyweight again and his upcoming movie roles. Kim talks about what it is like to watch her husband fight, her training and makes a surprise announcement.