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By Jason Probst (February 20, 2004)
From http://www.maxfighting.com
Randy Couture's "Sport Fight" event brings 12 mixed martial arts bouts to Portland, Oregon Saturday night, with the venerable former UFC champion serving as promoter along with Matt Lindland.
"We've had the luxury of seeing a lot of guys fight, and guys build reputations at that level. In some instances you have to take a chance on guys, especially a show that's fledgling like this," Couture told Maxfighting. "We'll be using all the same rules as in Nevada."
Couture says there's been many underground shows in the state and he's worked hard to get mixed martial arts approved by helping officials understand the difference between what MMA is to debunk misconceptions about the sport. As a result, MMA events are legal in the state of Oregon, probably helped in no small part by Couture's exemplary tenure as a champion and local icon for the fighting arts.
"There's actually an 'extreme fighting' law on the books in Oregon," Couture said. "We had some meetings and had to prove it didn't fall under the definition of extreme fighting."
The show will be held at the The Armory, located at 33rd and Marine Drive in Portland, Oregon. Fights beginning at 7 p.m. There are four professional and eight amateur bouts on the card, including five Team Quest entrants.
For Couture, the process of being a promoter and having to find fighters to fill a card for a nascent sport learning to walk on its own has been a learning experience.
"It's pretty interesting being a promoter, and pretty stressful too," Couture said, with a tint of humor in his voice. "I think at least when I'm fighting, I've got a little more control. But it's definitely something we should be doing. It creates a great outlet for our fighters to get experience and helps educate people and expose them to the sport."
Tickets can be purchased at Tickets West (http://www.ticketswest.com) or at local Safeway stores in Portland and the surrounding area.
Couture also said that he is working with the UFC to secure a July 3 rematch with Vitor Belfort, though nothing is set as of press time.
Fight Card
185 Chris Leben (Team Quest), vs. Joey Guel,
170 Ryan Schultz, (Team Quest) vs. Eddy Ellis (Victory Athletics)
145 Zac George vs. JT Horner (OJJ)
160 Pedro Casteneda (Team Quest) Portland vs Cam Ward (OJJ)
185 Ryan Hart vs. David Brown (OJJ)
155 Chris Mattson (Pearson's) vs. Josh Martin (OJJ)
135 Michael Harlan (Desert Dogs) Bend. OR vs Kelly Holman
160 John Salsvery vs. Brad Horner (OJJ)
155 Chad Nelson vs. Enoch Wilson(OJJ)
170 Chris Wilson vs. TBA
185 Derek Downey (Academy MMA) vs Ed Herman (Team Quest)
205 Matt Horwich (Team Quest) vs Josh Burkman (Global Combat)
From http://www.maxfighting.com
Randy Couture's "Sport Fight" event brings 12 mixed martial arts bouts to Portland, Oregon Saturday night, with the venerable former UFC champion serving as promoter along with Matt Lindland.
"We've had the luxury of seeing a lot of guys fight, and guys build reputations at that level. In some instances you have to take a chance on guys, especially a show that's fledgling like this," Couture told Maxfighting. "We'll be using all the same rules as in Nevada."
Couture says there's been many underground shows in the state and he's worked hard to get mixed martial arts approved by helping officials understand the difference between what MMA is to debunk misconceptions about the sport. As a result, MMA events are legal in the state of Oregon, probably helped in no small part by Couture's exemplary tenure as a champion and local icon for the fighting arts.
"There's actually an 'extreme fighting' law on the books in Oregon," Couture said. "We had some meetings and had to prove it didn't fall under the definition of extreme fighting."
The show will be held at the The Armory, located at 33rd and Marine Drive in Portland, Oregon. Fights beginning at 7 p.m. There are four professional and eight amateur bouts on the card, including five Team Quest entrants.
For Couture, the process of being a promoter and having to find fighters to fill a card for a nascent sport learning to walk on its own has been a learning experience.
"It's pretty interesting being a promoter, and pretty stressful too," Couture said, with a tint of humor in his voice. "I think at least when I'm fighting, I've got a little more control. But it's definitely something we should be doing. It creates a great outlet for our fighters to get experience and helps educate people and expose them to the sport."
Tickets can be purchased at Tickets West (http://www.ticketswest.com) or at local Safeway stores in Portland and the surrounding area.
Couture also said that he is working with the UFC to secure a July 3 rematch with Vitor Belfort, though nothing is set as of press time.
Fight Card
185 Chris Leben (Team Quest), vs. Joey Guel,
170 Ryan Schultz, (Team Quest) vs. Eddy Ellis (Victory Athletics)
145 Zac George vs. JT Horner (OJJ)
160 Pedro Casteneda (Team Quest) Portland vs Cam Ward (OJJ)
185 Ryan Hart vs. David Brown (OJJ)
155 Chris Mattson (Pearson's) vs. Josh Martin (OJJ)
135 Michael Harlan (Desert Dogs) Bend. OR vs Kelly Holman
160 John Salsvery vs. Brad Horner (OJJ)
155 Chad Nelson vs. Enoch Wilson(OJJ)
170 Chris Wilson vs. TBA
185 Derek Downey (Academy MMA) vs Ed Herman (Team Quest)
205 Matt Horwich (Team Quest) vs Josh Burkman (Global Combat)