Pedro Rizzo Update.....

[Hitchahard]

I trained with Marco this morning and was told some good news. The discussions for the rematch with Couture are progressing. It looks like there is a 90% chance the rematch will happen in the November UFC. If this doesn't happen, it looks like he will fight Kerr on the November card. Pedro will be training in Big Bear for the fight.

Couture has one fight left on his contract and previously stated that he didn't want the rematch. Let's see if we can finally put this to rest.

On another note, Marco has an excellent offer to fight two fights in Japan in December and early next year.

I'll keep you posted as to the developments.

Regards,

Hitch.....

[duchman]

thanks,
is he going to mejiro gym in holland to train?

any news on renato babelu (sp?) is the going to stay with rings?
he is on of my favorite fighters, but fedor was in total controll

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

Why doesnt Couture want to fight Rizzo???

I think he is not confident in his chances of winning this time.

[Hitchahard]

duchman:

He will be training in Southern California and likely crashing at my place for a month prior to the fight. Big Bear is about a 1 hour drive from Orange County, in the mountains. He'll do about 4 weeks of heavy cardio and sparring up in the altitude. Babalu was pretty upset about his performance in Rings. I think one of the biggest problems was that he got to Japan only a few days prior to the fight. He was training with us in Orange County the week prior. Jet lag can be brutal on a fighter. No excuses though. I think Roberto and Marco are going to try and get him back in the UFC now that Zuffa is taking such good care of the fighters. Take care....

YeLLa-TiGeR:

Your asking that question to a guy who's obviously biased since I am in the Ruas camp. I respect Couture as a fighter. In addition, the man has tremendous character. I truly believe that Randy felt that he lost a close decision and it was his hardest fight ever. He knows it will be another war. After the last fight, he could barely walk due to the damage from the leg kicks. In the end, I think his character will prevail and the fight will be accepted. Just my two cents....

Hitch.....

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

I almost cried when Rizzo lost that decision. When Rizzo wins the title, it will be the most emotional moment in the UFC. You can totally tell that Rizzo wants the belt BAD. I'd say he is the most hungry out of all of the heavyweights for this win. I felt so shitty when I saw his face during his post-fight speech. He will win!!

[Mr. Miyagi]

Couture-Rizzo II would be great.
I think that Rizzo would kill Kerr in the later rounds, too bad kicking a downed opponent is not allowed, stupid American rule.

[Mad Dog]

I think Rizzo is an outstanding fighter, but he tends to be his own worst enemy. What I mean by that is that he tends to get lazy at certain points in his fights (I'm not talking about when he's exhausted; everyone gets lazy then!). An example is the Coleman fight, which he could have easily dominated, and probably could have stopped "The Hammer", if he'd thrown even a modest number of strikes, esp. leg kicks. After sleepwalking through much of the fight, he was given a highly questionable decision. Now all the Rizzo supporters are going to jump all over my sh**t, but I have nothing but respect for Pedro! I just feel like he could beat the crap out of most heavyweights, maybe all the heavyweights, if he'd just stay busier.

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

He reminds me of Mo Smith at times. You would think strikers would be more aggressive, but both like to counter attack instead.

[Maxximus]

I think Rizzo would be a total a$$kicker under Pride rules (not that he isn't already). I felt that the Rizzo vs Couture fight was one of the best striker vs wrestler fights ever. Couture finished the first round beautifully, appearing totally dominant. But after that, Rizzo was kicking his butt all over the place. If kneeing or kicking in the head was allowed while the opponent is down as it is in Pride, I think there were many instances where rizzo could've easily taken Couture out. A bad decision, IMO. I'd lose some amount of respect for Couture if he completely turned down a rematch. His victory was questionable. He's clearly afraid of Rizzo.

[Evilution]

I don't think Couture is afraid. I think he's secure in his skills and has nothing to prove. The only reason for a rematch is if you've got something to prove, and Couture is just not hung up on who should have won the decision.

Rizzo is awesome, no doubt, but I've always had the impression that the challenger has to TAKE the belt from the champion by winning convincingly, by dominating. The fight was too close to hand over the belt to Rizzo.

Does Rizzo deserve a rematch? Probably, but he has to work harder than he did last time (which I'm sure he will) in order to win.

And don't count Couture out either. It seems to me he is constantly underestimated and not given the credit for which he is due. I'm sure he learned a lot from the first fight and will not make the same mistakes in a rematch. The only garauntee about a rematch would be that it will be a WAR!

[keithws]

If it were Pride format, Rizzo would not have made it out of the first round. The rounds last 10 minutes not 5 and Randy definitely could have pounded for a good 3 to 4 more minutes.

Instead, Rizzo was saved by the 5 minute bell.

later..................

[joesondo]

correct

keith is correct, the short rounds are sheeeeat!

[CL0CK CH0KE]

Did Pedro mention how Marco is doing? I had lunch with Carlos on Saturday and he told me about his medical issues. I dont know if I'd be fighting anyone, if I were him.

[Maxximus]

"Instead, Rizzo was saved by the 5 minute bell."

Actually, you do have a point there. In any case, I don't think the fight was decisive enough for either one of them. IMO, that warrants a rematch at some point in time.

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

I hope Pedro wins.