Denis Kang Exclusive interview

We have the honor today of bringing you guys an interview with former Pride and current Dream fighter Denis Kang (29-10). Denis Kang is the current Spirit MC Champion and active top ten middleweight for Dream in Japan. He has fought some of the worlds best and has wins over Andrei Semenov, Amar Suloev and Ninja Rua. Denis finished the Pride Bushido tournament in 2006 with a broken arm in a loss that snapped his 20 fight win streak.

You have one more fight left in your contract with FEG and when it expires the UFC will not sign fighters to non exclusive deals as you already know. Would you consider signing on with EliteXC or with Affliction?
I would consider fighting with any of those organizations. It depends on the terms of the contract and on my management of course.

Would you like to re-sign with FEG?

Yes, if possible I personally would like to stay with FEG.

We know you were supposed to fight at Dream 5. Do you now know why they pulled you from the card?

I think that having two different tournaments at the same time it was hard to find single fights.

As we all know you put up a valiant effort in Pride's Bushido tournament, despite the broken arm. How did you feel going into that final matchup with Kazuo Misaki? And would you like a rematch with him?

That was probably my hardest fight ever. I really pushed myself beyond my limits that night. Another chance to fight him (Kazuo Misaki) would be incredible and I would take it.

What do you feel were your best moments in Pride FC?
Definitely going through the GP was very memorable. But I could tell you a story about every fight there. There really was something magical about that organization. Anyone who fought there will tell you the same thing. I think my best fights there would be versus Ninja and also with Suloev, but also the night of the GP finals was also very special.

Is there anything you would like to say to all your fans?

I'm back on track. My next few fights will speak for themselves and I want to make a statement with them.

Thank you, to Denis for taking the time out and answering our questions, props to Nelo on the interview questions.

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Nick Diaz Exclusive interview Part 1

Here at URDirt.com we got the privilege of catching up with Nick Diaz before his big fight with Thomas "The Wildman" Denny on EliteXC's second show on CBS "Unfinished Business". We got to hear Nick's opinion on training, cutting weight and the Dream 5 Lightweight Tournament.

So Your training to fight Thomas Denny how did your training camp go?

Actually I managed to put everything together and do everything right you know. I going to be very happy to just get this fight over with and out of the way. This is going to be my third fight in three months and I just want to get back to some of my freedoms here you know. Its been a while now and I'm like, this is fucking nuts.

How long was your training camp for this fight?

Well I just fought three times in three months so I never stopped training, I'm always training. This time I had to do really hardcore hard training from the end of the first fight until this fight. I have been going full speed too, I'm really excellent in putting my weight back on. I fight and I can walk in at 185 pounds to 186 pounds.

Wow I didn't know that?

Yeah absolutely, I'll step on a scale take a picture and prove it to you if you want to need it. I to chill and eat with my friends and eat a lot of Soup and Noodles I like to eat that. While I'm training for camp I can't eat that I will gain 10 pounds. I did that after the first fight (Dream 3) and a couple of days after the weigh-in I just ate like an animal and gained a million pounds.

Is that part of the reason why you had trouble making weight against Muhsin Corbbrey at EliteXC "Return of the King", because you were getting ready to fight Sakurai at Dream 5?

Well I had just fought and gained a bunch of weight and it took a little bit of extra time to get in my diet. As far as calendars I don't even look at the date and I don't know what it is. That time I checked it out and I was like, OK its about freaking time I jumped on this diet already. Then I realized I had about two weeks left and I was like, shit!

So how much time will you take off after this fight if any?

After this fight I should take at least two months and I will have a two and a half week window to eat what I want, train with whoever I want and have a lot of energy. What I mean by that is I get a shot to train with heavier guys, its just before a fight I usually have to train with smaller guys.

How does it feel to be fighting in front of your home town of Stockton, California?

Well its cool, but its a little bit of extra pressure.

The last time we spoke you were supposed to fight KJ Noons did you ever get an official reason as to why that fight didn't happen this weekend?

He's not going to fight me unless he has to, that's why I need to win this fight. He knows it wasn't a win, it was the doctors that gave him that win. But he's a big poser so, he is going to run around and capitalize on that. I wouldn't do that, I was just pissed cause it was like hey this fucking idiot doctor ruined my fight. I guess we will just have to do it again.

Part 2 of the interview Sunday, we ran out of time so we wanted to make sure we got out as much as possible. Check in to hear what Nick thought about Fedor vs Tim Sylvia, Anderson Silva and find out which Dream Lightweights he is not impressed with.

Exclusive interview with "The Fight Professor" Stephen Quadros

Here at URDirt.com we had a minute to catch up with "The Fight Professor" Stephen Quadros and got to ask him some questions so we could share with our fans.

You are now apart of EliteXC they have made the big move to air MMA on CBS now do they have any other big future plans you might be able to tell us about?
As far as big future plans I don't know. Nowadays, since I have purposely stepped away from the black hole race for day-to-day "news", I only want to know things AFTER they are confirmed and common knowledge. I'm not real big on "rumors," hahaha.

The next event I will commentate on is for ShoXC, which is kind of like the Bushido system for EliteXC. That will be on Friday, August 15th at the Table Mountain Casino in Friant, CA and it will air live on Showtime. The main event is a light heavyweight rematch between Poai Suganuma, who trains with BJ Penn, and Jared Hamman. The first time they fought (ShoXC, April 5, 2008) Hamman was coming in undefeated and had torn up everybody he had previously stepped in with. Suganuma subsequently knocked Hamman out in 15 seconds with a flying knee in the first round. But there was some controversy about the stoppage thus; the rematch. It's going to be good!

You are good friends with Quinton Rampage Jackson and we all know he is dealing with some problems in his personal life. Have you gotten the chance to talk to him at all?
I spoke with his wife the day after all the drama with the arrest and the chase, but I haven't had a chance to speak with him directly...yet. This whole thing makes me very sad. Quinton knows that I am here for him and unlike so many of his "new friends", I don't have an agenda. He's a great guy and a dear friend. I want more than anything for him to be happy. I really look forward to talking to him.

What were your thoughts of the UFC and Affliction shows last weekend?

Fedor Emelianenko versus Tim Sylvia was the most interesting and exciting fight for me from this past Saturday. All questions were answered...again. The way it transpired was freakin' brilliant. Fedor never fights the same way twice. His execution is pure genius. And Tim is a solid contender with some big wins under his (sic) belt.

I was also impressed with CB Dolloway's win over Jesse Taylor in the UFC. They really put on a show, with lots of solid technique and a really fast pace. Anderson Silva is one of my favorite fighters but his quick destruction of James Irvin, who, although he is a dangerous striker, isn't a top ten fighter (like Tim Sylvia), didn't tell us much as far as Silva's chances to rise to the top at light heavyweight.

What was the best experience you ever witnessed while working in Japan for Pride FC?

Oh, there are so many. I saw the rise and peak of Fedor Emelianenko, Quinton Jackson, Wanderlei Silva, Kazushi Sakuraba, Rodrigo Nogueira, Anderson Silva, Igor Vovchanchyn and MANY more. Fight wise here are a few great memories: 1) Sakuraba stopping Royce Gracie after 90 MINUTES in front of a packed house at the Tokyo Dome in May 2000. THAT was the most intense crowd reaction I have ever witnessed. Sakuraba then went on to face Igor Vovchanchyn, in the same night and almost beat him! 2) in March 2003 Fedor jumping right into the guard of Rodrigo Nogueira (a strategy most experts thought would be suicide) and smashing his way to the Pride title. It was like Ali/Frazier to me, and 3) Quinton Jackson knocking out Kevin Randleman and then challenging the champion Wanderlei and almost getting into a brawl with Silva in the center of the ring (Note: after Quinton left the ring and was walking back to his dressing room, Wanderlei grabbed the ring microphone and started yelling "Come on! COME ON!" Quinton tried to double back but his handlers restrained him. It was raw and crazy!

Who do you think is the top pound for pound fighter in the world? Fedor or Anderson Silva?

The top contenders for that fantasy description are without question Fedor Emelianenko, Anderson Silva, BJ Penn and Georges St. Pierre. But to me Emelianenko is the greatest fighter I have ever seen, so I rank him #1.

Who do you think is the fighter to watch in EliteXC?

KJ Noons. I find it uncanny how more people aren't talking about him after he took out Nick Diaz and Yves Edwards, both in the first round. Welterweight Jake Shields and heavyweight Antonio Silva are two other super fighters who are headed for big things.

Thanks for the interview Alberto!

Stephen Quadros"The Fight Professor"http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vU3RlcGhlblF1YWRyb3MuY29thttp://myspace.%20com/StephenQuadros

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Exclusive interview with Thomas "The Wildman" Denny

We got a chance to catch up with rising star Thomas "The Wildman" Denny (26-12) and asked him a few questions in a exclusive interview.

How do you feel you match up with Nick Diaz for your fight on Saturday night at EliteXC "Unfinished Business"?
I think we match up really well.

How has your training gone?
It's gone real good I have never trained harder for a fight. I was pushed to the limit training and I gave it my all this is a big fight for me.

Where is your training camp?
I train out of my own Gym called Universal training facility (UTFMMA.com) in Hesperia, California.

How do you feel going from smaller untelevised shows a year ago to fighting on CBS this year?
It feels great to know everyone is going to see me fight and everyone who has followed me throughout my career and my ups and downs to be able to get here in my career.

In a previous interview you said that you were supposed to fight Nick Diaz twice before, what were the other two times?

The first time was at Gracie Fighting Championships and the event was cancelled 4 days before the event took place. The second time was last year at the Cow Palace and I was to get paid up front from the promoter and they wouldn't pay me up front. The event wound up getting canceled a few days before and everyone wound up chasing the promoter to his car for the money he owed the fighters, so I guess I made a good decision on that one. (No Limit Fighting’s Brawl 4 It All)

Is there anything you want to say to your fans and supporters?

Thank you, for all your support and love through all the years I have been fighting. To my training partners who helped me get ready for this fight and my sponsors for having my back.

UFTMMA.com, Toe2Toe, Bloodfist.net, Premierfighter.com, Ant Man Fitness

Thank you all for being there for me and your support.

Be sure to check out "The Wildman's" training facility if you are from California at The Universal Training Facility if you are from California.

I would like to say thank you to Thomas for giving me this interview I'm sorry that it is not the full interview we did. After changing the sites design on Tuesday the interview for some reason and any posts we had scheduled were erased. We lost about 4 to 5 posts because of it and one of them was Thomas's interview, I made sure I got the interview out to make sure everyone got to hear from "The Wildman". Thanks The "Narcisist" Alberto Martinez

Exclusive interview with Martin Kampmann

A few weeks back we came across an interview that said Martin Kampmann's knee had been injured and he would be out until 2009 at the very least. The report turned out to be bogus as we finally got a hold of Martin and he told us. So we are glad to clear up the situation and inform our fans.
"Ok, no problem I'm not reinjured. I'm training and I can fight as well. No problem. But I have had minor issue with my meniscus for a longer period of time and eventually it will require a smaller surgery. I have not decided whether to get a fight first and get it done after that. Depends on the possible fights. Nothing planned so far. Coming back to USA real soon."
We also got a chance to get a interview with the rising UFC Middleweight who has won 9 fights in a row now and asked him a few questions so we can share with you.

How do you feel coming off of such a long layoff and winning in such convincing fashion at UFC 85 over Jorge Rivera?

I feel very good about that. It's always nice to win, but especially after such a long time not fighting. I was very happy about that win.

You have won 9 fights in a row 17 of 19 overall, how close do you feel you are to a title shot or a step up in competition?

Actually my pro record is 13-1. Sherdog has got it mixed up with some of my amateur fights. More accurate you can find on shootersmma. com or fc fighters database. A title shot is no rush, as long as I win all my fights I'm happy. Eventually I would love to get a title shot though.

Who would be your ideal opponent to fight right now?

I couldn't say, there's so many good fighters at 185, anyone in the UFC is tough. Right now I'm focusing on 185, but that sounds like a good fight and a good opportunity so of course I would consider. :)

What did you think of Anderson Silva's performance at Ultimate Fight Night?

I think he looked great. He's one of my favorite fighters to watch, and he's the champ for a reason.

You currently train out of Xtreme Couture a camp that has some of the best MMA talent in the world. How much has training there improved you and your skills?

I feel I learn something new everyday, there's a lot of people to work with and a lot of people to learn from. It's a pleasure being part of the team.

You come from Denmark what is the perception of mixed martial arts in your home country? Is it well known? Do you get noticed often in the streets?

Very few people in Denmark know much about MMA. It's getting better and we're having small events. But compared to the US it's still a very new sport, and it doesn't get much media attention.

Where do you see yourself as a fighter 5 years from now?

If all goes well at that time I'll be the champ. :)

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Thanks to everyone supporting me, and thanks to all the fans supporting our sport! Thanks a lot for this interview Martin I really appreciate it.

Tommorow, we catch up with Stephen Quadros for an interview be sure to check it out.

Exclusive interview with Cole Miller

We got a chance to sit down with Cole Miller for his upcoming fight against Jorge Gurgel at this weekends upcoming UFC 86: Jackson Vs Griffin event. We got to ask the former TUF 5 cast member about Gurgel, the TUF 5 cast members and more in our exclusive interview.

How do you feel you match up with Jorge Gurgel in your fight this weekend?

Jorge is a good fight for me, I always thought we would make for a good fight because of our styles. I think I match up well with him although; I think it will be a very competitive fight.

Is there any one aspect you feel you have an advantage over him in your upcoming fight?
I just feel like I have the cardio advantage and skill sets are comparable in all aspects, so I think each tiny edge is what is going to make the fight.



You came off of one of the most talented Ultimate Fighter (Season 5)classes with 9 former fighters still fighting in the UFC at this time. Does that put any added pressure on you as a fighter because of the success of that class?
I dont feel any added pressure, if you look at all the guys from my season we jumped right in there and fought tough guys right off the bat. I think that already speaks for the quality of fighters on that season. we've let our skills show in our past fights and will continue to do so in the future.



Is there anyone from that class you would like to fight in the future?
I'd rather not fight anyone from that cast of TUF 5 unless it was for contendership status.



You are coming off of a loss to Jeremy Stephens does that change your training and make you work harder?
Certainly. We're in the business of "only the strong survive" two losses in a row could mean going back to the smaller shows so i have been training very hard to show I belong with some of the tougher fighters in this 155 pound division.


What aspect of your fight game do you feel you have improved in the most since entering the UFC?
I feel I've improved the most on my wrestling and just my overall grittyness. I have always been a technical fighter but now I am learning how to use my strength and wrestle more as well.


Where do you see yourself in a year from now as a fighter?
I think a year from now I'll be in that group of 15 contenders in the lightweight division.




Do you have a prediction for this weekends fight?
I'd like to think I will win 3rd round submission.


Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?
Thanks for everyones continuous support, and special thanks to American Top Team and Tapout. Also, everyone can see whats up to date at colemiller.com



Please leave comments below

Exclusive interview Nick Diaz "I want that little bitch to come to Stockton"

So as you know we were first to report (click here to read rumor article) that Nick Diaz and KJ Noons would be approached to fight at the July 26 card for EilteXC on CBS. We have been trying all day to get official word out of anyone we could from EliteXC, so all props goes to Diaz Domination from Sherdog.com who helped us get this interview.

We got a hold of Nick Diaz on the phone and we asked him if he was out of the Dream 5 card?
"Yeah they (EliteXC) pulled me out for their (Dream) card in case the July 26 card winds up happening in Stockton."
When I asked him if the fight was official he responded,
"No its not 100% yet. They are trying to make sure it is happening in Stockton first".
So if this fight happens in Stockton (California) will you fight in it?
"Yeah, I want that little bitch to come to Stockton".
Is the five weeks enough training time for you to fight?
"Yeah, I'm ready to go".
Is your cut fully healed?
"Oh yeah its fine now I'm much better, I got the surgery and it made me Superman now".

So we will keep you updated on any other news we hear about this card.
Alberto "The Narcisist" Martinez Jr

Exclusive interview with Nick Diaz.

Nick Diaz the former (17-7) UFC and Pride veteran recently sat down with us for a interview. He will be fighting Muhsin Corbbrey at this weekends EliteXC: Return of the King in Hawaii. He recently won at Dream 3 over Katsuya Inoue by TKO after suffering a loss to current EliteXC lightweight Champion KJ Noons. The fight was stopped due to cuts that had formed above Diaz's eyes it is his only loss in his last 7 fights. Everyone who watches Diaz as a fighter knows one thing when you step in the ring with the lanky "Chip on his shoulder " Stockton California native watch for the jab, bring your A game and try not to get caught in a submission. Nick Diaz is coming into his own as a fighter with wins in 6 out of his last 7 fights (Yes we count the Gomi fight as a win).

How do you feel you match up with your opponent Muhsin Corbbrey in your upcoming fight?
Haven't seen too much of him except for one fight. I think he's athletic and keeps a good pace. I feel good about my chances.

Do you think he will attempt to take the fight to the ground or stand up with you?
He'll probably try to stand and throw with me.

Do you think that fighting at Dream 3 will help you come out sharp for your upcoming fight?
Yes I do. I really didn't get hurt at all in that fight. It was more like a good sparring session. I'm hoping it was a good tune up for the weight cut to 160.

You recently said in a interview you would like to fight Shinya Aoki, if there is a injury in their LW tournament would you like to come in as a alternate?
I would absolutely jump in to fight Aoki but I think my next fight in Dream will be (Mach) Sakurai.

If you had a choice one month from now to fight in the Dream Tournament or fight for the EliteXC lightweight championship which would you do first?
My first loyalty right now is to EliteXC so that's where I would fight but a month from now I should be in Japan fighting in Dream. I've always liked fighting in Japan especially since they use a ring instead of a cage.

You recently called K.J Noons "Mr. Hit and Run" in a interview and have expressed your interest in a rematch. How do you imagine that rematch will go if and when you get it?
The 1st time I got off to a slow start so I took some shots I shouldn't have but I was sure I was going to win eventually. Unfortunately I got cut and the fight was stopped. I'll save what I have to say in the ring if I get the rematch.

Did or do you plan to take legal action against the CSAC because of how they handled the situation before Shamrock Vs Cung Le event? (Nick was not cleared to fight by the CSAC one day before the event)
I'm letting my management team take care of any legal issues.

Did you take it personally and how bad did it hurt you financially? Did you have to return sponsorship money you were paid?
At the time yes but fortunately EliteXC let me fight in Japan shortly after. Sponsors don't pay you if you don't fight. But I get paid after the fight so there was no returning any money.

We have to once again say "Thank you again" to Cesar Gracie and Nick Diaz for giving us this interview. All fans do not forget to catch Nick Diaz on his return to a title shot this weekend at EliteXC's Return of the King free on Showtime (With your subscription).

In case you missed it we also got a chance to interview Yves Edwards about this weekends upcoming fight with KJ Noons. Click here to read the full interview.

Yves Edwards Exclusive interview.

We got a chance to sit down with former UFC and Pride star Yves Edwards, who will be fighting KJ Noons this Saturday at EliteXC: Return of the King. You can see Yves get his shot at Noon's Lightweight Championship on Showtime. We got a couple of minutes out of his busy work day so we could ask him some questions.


"We also asked KJ if he felt any added pressure because you were a former UFC and Pride Fighter.
He is the guy that is supposed to be hot, I didn't do much but beat a guy he just beat (Edson Berto). So I am just going to go out there and perform."


"Does it upset you when other fighters bash him (Kimbo)?
You are making your own money, why do you give a shit about him (Kimbo) any way? Quit being such a bitch. "


Click here to read the full article

Exclusive interview with KJ Noons on Yves Edwards "No pressure" & Nick Diaz "I destroyed his face in the last fight"

KJ Noons (6-2) is the EliteXC Lightweight Champion and will be fighting UFC and Pride veteran Yves Edwards at EliteXC "Return of the King" on June 14th. We had a chance to interview the current EliteXC lightweight Champion and ask him his thoughts on Yves Edwards, Nick Diaz and being a top 10 fighter.

UR - How do you feel you match up with Yves Edwards?
KJ- Styles make fights and feel that I match up very well. I think it's gonna be a very exciting fight.

UR - What advantages do you think you have over him?
KJ- I feel that I have an edge on him on standup and going in to the fight as the underdog.

UR -Do you feel extra pressure fighting Yves know he is a former UFC and Pride fighter?

KJ- No pressure, I'm really excited to fight somebody with that many fights and so much experience. If there's any pressure, it's probably on him because he is the experienced veteran that's suppose to win.

UR - When ever we hear people talk about the top lightweights in the world we always hear the same names BJ Penn; Sean Sherk. You fight for arguably the 2nd biggest MMA organization in the world and you are their LW Champion and we hardly ever hear your name mentioned. Do you feel you are underrated by the press and fans?

KJ- With a record of 5-1 in MMA I can understand that. I feel that if I fight a few more times for people to see me fight that they will see that I fight hard and love this sport and will be considered with those big names soon in the future.

UR- Nick Diaz recently said in a interview that you were "Mr.Hit and Run". Do you take that as an insult or a compliment because it was part of your gameplan?

KJ- That's funny because my strategy was to take the fight to him, but he was trying so hard to take me down and shot for takedowns so many times, it's hard to come forward when that's going on. So right from the beginning I had to fight a different way. I take it as a compliment and say I know how to change up my game plan and not be a one dimensional fighter.

UR- Would you like to a rematch with Nick Diaz?
KJ - I destroyed his face in the last fight, I'll fight whoever EliteXC wants me to fight.

UR - Do you think you can beat him again?
KJ- Did you see the fight?

UR - Do you feel you are a top 10 lightweight?
KJ- I think if Diaz beat Gomi, and I beat Diaz, well than yes. If you wanna say Diaz tested positive and that's not considered a win. When I look at the top ten there is a fighter that tested positive for illegal things and still in the top ten.

UR -Anything you would like to say to your fans?
KJ- Thanks for all the support and never give up.

Thank you to KJ Noons for your time and giving us this interview. Also thank you to Mark (KJ's manager) and Beyrooty at EliteXC for always sending us in the right direction.

Alberto "The Narcisist" Martinez