theragingbull
01-29-2007, 03:22 AM
Danger arrives at UFC 67 with two new faces
Crocop and Rampage debut in the UFC for blood and gold
Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is the most feared striker in the world. There are two men who disagree: Mirko Crocop and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson” Both men will debut in the Octagon at UFC 67: All or Nothing on February 3, 2006.
In 2003, Rampage scored a technical knockout over Liddell in PrideFC. Liddell returned to the Octagon, where he simultaneously won the light heavyweight title and avenged all of his previous losses except Rampage.
Rampage did not have the same success: he dropped three fights before leaving for the now-defunct World Fighting Alliance (WFA), where he defeated former Olympic silver medalist wrestler Matt “The Law” Lindland. “They sold me like a runaway slave!” was Rampage’s response when the UFC purchased his WFA contract.
Liddell hopes to finish his trek of revenge by defeating Rampage. However, the Team Oyama stand-out dominated their previous meeting. Rampage must first confront his own past demon: Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman, who won a decision over the Memphis native seven years ago. UFC 67 will be Rampage’s first step toward the light heavyweight title, but more importantly in his mind, it will propel him into the spotlight so he can “make that chedda!” because fans must “support the black man!”
Mirko Filipović, known as Crocop (a named earned working on an anti-terrorist squad in his home country of Croatia, where he is also a senator), is a K-1 kickboxer turned profressional mixed marital artist.
Crocop is a human highlight reel.
The Best Damn Sports Show Period voted his left high kick—his favored weapon— knockout over Igor Vovchanchyn number one on its “100 Greatest Knockouts” countdown. However, the knockout power he posses in his hands and feet were not enough to dethrone Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko, keeping Crocop from title gold.
Crocop made his name as a counter-striker, but he grimly conveyed the consequences of his new-found aggressiveness: “Right leg: hospital, left leg: cemetery.”
Crocop’s left high kick battered PrideFC middleweight champion Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva in the open-weight grand prix—a one night, four-man tournament. He faced off with former UFC heavyweight champion Josh “The Babyface Assassin” Barnett in the finals. Prior to the night, Crocop decided if he lost, he would retire. He won.
Crocop transitioned from the brink of championship glory to celebrating one of the most grueling nights in MMA history with tears in his eyes and a belt around his waist. He was set to rematch Fedor—his ultimate goal and the most anticipated fight in PrideFC—then, the most shocking announcement in MMA history was made: Crocop signed a six-fight contract with UFC. Crocop will fight Eddie Sanchez at UFC 67.
Chuck Liddell frequently expresses an interest in fighting at heavyweight—a possibility that may pit him across from the world’s most dangerous striker.
Before looking to title fights, the PrideFC standouts must realize the severity of a UFC debut. Former Pride fighter, Heath “the Texas Crazy Horse” Herring recently debuted and lost a decision. Will Rampage’s cement-grinder slams and Crocop’s murderous left high kick live up to their expectations? UFC 67 will provide the answer, but lead to many more questions.
--The Raging Bull
Crocop and Rampage debut in the UFC for blood and gold
Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is the most feared striker in the world. There are two men who disagree: Mirko Crocop and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson” Both men will debut in the Octagon at UFC 67: All or Nothing on February 3, 2006.
In 2003, Rampage scored a technical knockout over Liddell in PrideFC. Liddell returned to the Octagon, where he simultaneously won the light heavyweight title and avenged all of his previous losses except Rampage.
Rampage did not have the same success: he dropped three fights before leaving for the now-defunct World Fighting Alliance (WFA), where he defeated former Olympic silver medalist wrestler Matt “The Law” Lindland. “They sold me like a runaway slave!” was Rampage’s response when the UFC purchased his WFA contract.
Liddell hopes to finish his trek of revenge by defeating Rampage. However, the Team Oyama stand-out dominated their previous meeting. Rampage must first confront his own past demon: Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman, who won a decision over the Memphis native seven years ago. UFC 67 will be Rampage’s first step toward the light heavyweight title, but more importantly in his mind, it will propel him into the spotlight so he can “make that chedda!” because fans must “support the black man!”
Mirko Filipović, known as Crocop (a named earned working on an anti-terrorist squad in his home country of Croatia, where he is also a senator), is a K-1 kickboxer turned profressional mixed marital artist.
Crocop is a human highlight reel.
The Best Damn Sports Show Period voted his left high kick—his favored weapon— knockout over Igor Vovchanchyn number one on its “100 Greatest Knockouts” countdown. However, the knockout power he posses in his hands and feet were not enough to dethrone Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko, keeping Crocop from title gold.
Crocop made his name as a counter-striker, but he grimly conveyed the consequences of his new-found aggressiveness: “Right leg: hospital, left leg: cemetery.”
Crocop’s left high kick battered PrideFC middleweight champion Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva in the open-weight grand prix—a one night, four-man tournament. He faced off with former UFC heavyweight champion Josh “The Babyface Assassin” Barnett in the finals. Prior to the night, Crocop decided if he lost, he would retire. He won.
Crocop transitioned from the brink of championship glory to celebrating one of the most grueling nights in MMA history with tears in his eyes and a belt around his waist. He was set to rematch Fedor—his ultimate goal and the most anticipated fight in PrideFC—then, the most shocking announcement in MMA history was made: Crocop signed a six-fight contract with UFC. Crocop will fight Eddie Sanchez at UFC 67.
Chuck Liddell frequently expresses an interest in fighting at heavyweight—a possibility that may pit him across from the world’s most dangerous striker.
Before looking to title fights, the PrideFC standouts must realize the severity of a UFC debut. Former Pride fighter, Heath “the Texas Crazy Horse” Herring recently debuted and lost a decision. Will Rampage’s cement-grinder slams and Crocop’s murderous left high kick live up to their expectations? UFC 67 will provide the answer, but lead to many more questions.
--The Raging Bull