** USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2008 **

---

NJSACB HOLDS OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN FOR ELITE XC MMA EVENT TO BE AIRED TOMORROW ON CBS TV

In preparation for the Elite XC Professional MMA event that will be broadcast tomorrow on CBS TV, broadcast live from the Prudential Center in Newark NJ, the New Jersey State Athletic Commission held the weigh-in outdoors. NJSACB General Counsel Nick Lembo, officiated at the weigh-in today (May 30, 2008) directly outside of the Prudential Center.

Although it was felt that most people came to see Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano, the crowd seemed to be backing most of the local fighters. A look at the fightcard revealed names that are familiar with USKBA Action Sports. Many of the scheduled fighters have fought on past USKBA Action Sports Sanctioned events.

Thanks to many USKBA Action Sports promoters, we’ve all had some great opportunities to see the fighters on this card up close and in person. The earliest recollection of Phil Baroni was when he fought kickboxing bouts on Promoter Lou Neglia’s events and won a USKBA Amateur Kickboxing Title. ‘Binky’ Jones, Nick Serra and Chris Liguori are well known from their stints on Promoter Neglia’s ROC events. Most recently, Carlton Haselrig won a USKBA MMA and Battle Cage Xtreme Heavyweight Title on Promoter David Mastrogiovanni’s BCX event. Haselrig will be going against Carlos Moreno, another fighter that recently held a USKBA MMA and Battle Cage Xtreme Heavyweight Title. Joe Sampieri was well known for his kickboxing skills as he fought on many USKBA Sanctioned events as an amateur. Add to that Jon Murphy, Jim Bova, Matt Makowski, Zach Makovsky and Michael Groves and the event will be interesting to watch to see how everyone has progressed.

The Main Event of Kimbo Slice vs James Thompson is probably going to be the bout that will be looked on as a ‘legitimizing’ bout for Kimbo Slice. Arguably, this is going to be his toughest competition to date. When they squared off at the weigh-in, Thompson looked to be the bigger of the two. Just by looking at the two goliaths, one gets the feeling that this bout will not go to a judge’s decision. With much anticipation, the pre weigh-in talk centered around Gina Carano’s weight. When she got on the scale, and Nick Lembo announced her weight, one could see the shaking of heads in the crowd. Carano, noted for her inability to make weight, again came in over the weight limit by 4.5 lbs. The fight will go on, but she will lose 12.5% of her purse to her opponent Kaitlin Young.

The Official NJSACB weigh-in results are as follows; Kimbo Slice (235.5) vs. James Thompson (257.0), Robbie Lawler (184.5) vs. Scott Smith (184.5), Gina Carano (144.5) vs. Kaitlin Young (140.5), Jon Murphy (260.5) vs. Brett Rogers (263.5), Phil Baroni (185.0) vs. Joey Villasenor (184.5), Carlton Haselrig (263.0) vs. Carlos Moreno (261.0), Jim Bova (160.5) vs. Chris Liguori (161.0), Matt Makowski (171.0) vs. Nick Serra (167.0), Wilson Reis (140.5) vs. Justin Robbins (140.5), ‘Binky’ Jones (154.5) vs. Calvin Kattar (155.5), Zach Makovsky (135.0) vs. Andre Soares (134.0), Mike Groves (154.0) vs. Joe Sampieri (155.0).

Although there are many pundits and naysayers about this event, the truth of the matter is that it is on CBS TV and in prime time. This can mean a great boost for the already ever-growing sport of Mixed Martial Arts. As they say, the proof is in the pudding, and the pudding will be finished tomorrow night.

To see photographs from this weigh-in CLICK HERE

There are 70 PHOTOS posted from this event

** USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008 **

---

NJSACB HOLDS SEMINAR FOR ALL OFFICIALS INCLUDING USKBA CERTIFIED OFFICIALS

On May 17, 2008, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board held an NJSACB Officials Seminar at their offices in Trenton, New Jersey. Presiding over the Seminar were Chairman Tony Orlando and Acting Commissioner Sylvester Cuyler. While all NJSACB Officials were called in to attend the Seminar, General Counsel and Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Lembo requested that all USKBA Certified Officials and prospective Officials attend the Seminar and the Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Officials Workshop. This workshop was given by Mr. Lembo.

Mr. Cuyler opened the meeting by stating that before the individual group workshops, there would be presentations pertaining to important matters concerning all the Officials. Deputy Attorney General Frank Croce discussed Ethics and Ethical Standards for all NJSACB employees and vendors, including all Officials. This presentation was followed by Hafeezah Abdullah and Dr. Moorfoot discussing Good Eye Health as it pertains to the Officials and the Effects of Eye Disorders and Trauma as it pertains to fighters and Officials. Next on the agenda was an excellent and very informative presentation by Dr. Michael Kelly and Dr. Sherry Wulkan on the importance of Communication Between Physicians, Inspectors and Officials regarding medical procedures and medical issues. This presentation also discussed the importance of EMT and ambulance crews at events and the knowledge and equipment that these crews should possess.

After a short break, the attendees separated into groups to attend the workshops of importance to each group. The workshops included; Physicians Workshop Forum with Dr.Michael Kelly and Dr. Sherry Wulkan, Boxing Referees and Timekeepers Workshop with Randy Neuman, Boxing Judges Workshop with Dr. Henry Grant, Inspectors Workshop with Steve Errickson, Mixed Martial Arts Workshop with Douglas Crosby and Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Officials Workshop with Nick Lembo.

The Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Officials Workshop was heavily attended by the USKBA Certified Officials and some people wanting to become an Amateur MMA Official. Although duties pertaining to various Official positions were discussed, an emphasis was placed on judging. Mr. Lembo had selected and brought the DVD of a controversial bout for the participants to watch and score. A lively discussion followed the viewing of the bout. It was evident that the participants understood the importance of being an Official. Many thanks to the NJSACB for scheduling this important seminar.

Additional Amateur MMA promoters and events are on the horizon in New Jersey and other states. A USKBA Officials Certification Seminar will be scheduled shortly. All those interested in becoming a USKBA Certified Official, email us at info@uskba.com and type the word ‘OFFICIALS’ in the subject line. You will be notified of the next USKBA Officials Certification Seminar.

** USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2008 **

---

USKBA SANCTIONED ACTION TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND IN NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY AND VIRGINIA

This coming weekend promises to offer a variety of USKBA Sanctioned Events in New York, New Jersey and Virginia.

On Saturday, April 12, 2008, USKBA Action Sports Promoter USA Karate offers up the fourth installment of their “KICKBOXING CHALLENGE” Amateur series. “KICKBOXING CHALLENGE 4” will take place at the Patterson Recreation Center in Patterson, New York. The “KICKBOXING CHALLENGE” series is an all amateur event geared to give beginning fighters an opportunity to gain valuable ring experience. “KICKBOXING CHALLENGE 4” is scheduled to showcase up to 50 amateur fighters that will be getting in the ring as they take their first steps toward being the next generation of action sports stars. Not only will “KICKBOXING CHALLENGE” showcase the up and coming action sports fighters, but one might see some fighters will a little more experience going against each other. If the past three “KICKBOXING CHALLENGE” events are any indication of what to expect, one should expect to be entertained at the quality and talent of these ‘newcomers’ going toe to toe, punch to punch and kick to kick with each other.

“KICKBOXING CHALLENGE 4” is sanctioned by USKBA Action Sports under approval from the New York State Athletic Commission.

The doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. Ticket pricing is $20 for General Admission, $30 for Ringside and $40 for Front Row. For tickets and information, call 845-832-3382, or email JohnC3382@aol.com.

The Patterson Recreation Center is located at 65 Front Street in Patterson, New York.

On Saturday, April 12, 2008, USKBA Action Sports Promoter Lou Neglia begins his involvement with Amateur MMA. Promoter Neglia has been extremely successful with his USKBA Sanctioned “RING OF COMBAT” Professional MMA series held in Atlantic City.

This time, he is offering the beginning of his “PROVING GROUNDS” Amateur MMA series at the Rahway Recreation Center in Rahway, New Jersey. The “PROVING GROUNDS” series of Amateur MMA events has all the potential to become a mainstay in the Amateur MMA arena. The action will take place in the Cage!

“PROVING GROUNDS” is regulated by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board and sanctioned by USKBA Action Sports.

The doors open at 7:00 pm and the action begins at 8:00 pm. For tickets, call 516-294-6313. For additional information, call 516-286-8535, or email IMAAJK@netscape.net.

The Rahway Recreation Center is located at 275 E. Milton Avenue in Rahway, New Jersey. It is one block from the train station, easily accessible by public transportation and convenient to New Jersey

On Saturday, April 12, 2008, USKBA Action Sports Promoter Infinity Boxing Promotions presents “BEST OF BOTH WORLDS” Professional Boxing and MMA in Richmond, Virginia. The promoter has issued the following Press Release:

Saturday, April 12 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA, La Belle Femme Inc./Infinity Boxing Promotions presents "The Best of Both Worlds", an evening of professional boxing and mixed martial arts. The main event features super middleweights Hector Camacho Jr. and Jimmy LeBlanc. Other scheduled bouts are: lightweights Jamie Palma and Lennie De Victoria; light middleweights George Rivera and Rodney Green, light welterweights Tim Witherspoon Jr. and an opponent TBA; cruiserweights Adam Seal and Clinton Hester; light welterweights Dorin Spivey and Joseph Figueroa; light welterweights Dayan Jargal and Jean Petit Homme; middleweights Ike Ezeji and Larry Brothers. Other fighters on the card include Bobby Gunn and Carlos Bates, Chris Thomas and Eric Start, and female star Belinda Laracuente and Angel McNamara. MMA bouts (sanctioned by USKBA Action Sports) feature Marc Cofer and Phillip Wymann; Marcus Ajian and Lloyd Baldwin; Luis Clemente Pinto and Carl Willis.

"The Best of Both Worlds" is the first of an ongoing tour of events with both boxing and MMA bouts presented by Richmond’s La Belle Femme, Inc./Infinity Boxing Promotions, a promotional company licensed in the state of Virginia. Promoter Rachel Doherty is excited to showcase both sports and bring action packed fights to the area.

For tickets to "The Best of Both Worlds" visit www.ticketmaster.com, or call 804-262-8100. VIP tables and all level sponsorships are available by calling 804-263-0656. All media outlets needing to obtain credentials may email teamcontact@infinityboxing.org.

** USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008 **

---

MOTI HORENSTEIN SHATTERS BAT BREAKING RECORD FOR GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS

After amassing a fight record that included fighting for the early UFC, fighting all over the world, winning World Championships with many organizations in many different action sports, opening successful gyms in New York and Florida, and recently having a baby girl, one would think it may be time to slow down. If one would think that, they might be right. But, not in the case of MOTI "The Hammer" HORENSTEIN.

Moti decided it was time to tackle the Guinness Book of World Records record for breaking the most amount of bats in one minute. And that's just what he set out to do.

But breaking the world record wasn't good enough for Moti. He didn't just break the World Record... he shattered it! The old record stood at 23 bats in one minute.

On April 5, 2008, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Moti stepped onto the stage in his familiar Muay Thai shorts, and proceeded to use his shins to break an unofficial record of 38 bats. Congratulations go out to Shihan Moti Horenstein!

You can contact Moti at shihan@mhka.com. Want to see how Moti did it...

** USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008 **

---

NEW JERSEY AND USKBA ACTION SPORTS TAKE STAND ON UNREGULATED AND UNSANCTIONED AMATEUR MMA EVENTS

Nick Lembo is the General Counsel for the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (NJSACB). He is one of the people responsible for taking the original no-holds-barred events and implementing unified rules that have transformed the once widely banned sport into its current widely accepted incarnation.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), once the bastion of Professional fighters, has now become the playing field for many Amateur fighters. Just as Nick Lembo and the NJSACB have brought rules and regulations into Professional MMA, the focus has now centered on Amateur MMA. The rules, regulations and requirements of Amateur MMA in New Jersey have made the sport safe and fair. In fact, many people have called this a ‘true level of Amateur MMA’.

In an effort to keep Amateur MMA in New Jersey safe and fair, Mr. Lembo has issued the following statement…

“This amateur program in New Jersey was developed to provide a safe and organized environment for the competitors. The fighters are protected with examinations from qualified ringside physicians, the matchmaking is overseen and there is medical insurance for competitors who suffer an injury. The goal of the program is to allow amateurs to test and develop their skills in a supervised setting.

This sport has evolved well past the days of unregulated unsanctioned or underground events. MMA, at the pro and amateur level, should be conducted under the rules of a state athletic commission and a recognized sanctioning body. I, along with many others, have worked for years to try and legitimize this sport and get it recognized and accepted. Those promoters who hold these unregulated unsanctioned shows are contrary to everything we have tried to achieve for the sport. It is shameful that they seem to be driven by personal greed instead of a love for the sport and respect for the fighters who are already competing without obtaining a purse.

These unsanctioned shows do not report results to fighter database registries. They do not issue or list post fight medical suspensions or additional testing necessary. They do not utilize trained officials to referee or judge the bouts. New Jersey cannot risk a fighter being injured fighting here after he/she has competed in one of these renegade shows. We could face liability because of an undetected injury from an unregulated fight.”

Effective immediately, as it pertains to MMA, ‘amateur’ fighters that participate in an unsanctioned or unregulated event can be excluded from participating in Amateur MMA in New Jersey. If ‘amateur’ fighters participated in these events prior to March 20, 2008, according to Mr. Lembo, “they may be able to participate in Amateur MMA in New Jersey as long as they fulfill the medical requirements of a Professional MMA fighter”. USKBA Action Sports supports this effort for the concern of the safety of the fighters and has implemented this directive for all USKBA Sanctioned Amateur MMA events.