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UFC "The Ultimate Fighter" Snubs New Zealand |
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By Staff Writer
It is big news in Australasia that the UFC has announced it will be holding an Australia versus United Kingdom edition of "The Ultimate Fighter" television series.
The good news for New Zealand ends right there.
Because, unfortunately, it was also announced ONLY Australian "citizens" will be eligible to audition for the show. Ouch!
It would appear that the UFC may not have an understanding of the geography of the region or the fact that New Zealand fighters are a major part of the Australian MMA landscape.
The UK is four countries (England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales).
Australia and New Zealand are similarly linked by geography and co-mingling of populatoions.
So, the TUF competition is four countries against Australia with New Zealand not allowed to participate. What am I missing? What is the NZ snub?
In fact, there are a lot of great New Zealand fighters in Oz who qualify for the 61kg-77kg who are not Australian citizens.
Currently, three New Zealand MMA fighers are title holders in Australia. They include: Daniel Hooker, Rod MacSwain, and Dave Nicholls. That adds up to three of the most exciting fighters across the ditch who are not eligible.
The point of contention is TUF's requirement that applicants be a “Citizen” of Oz.
Fact is, there are some top fighters in Australia that have made it their home for years now (kiwis, Brazilian, etc) that are "residents" but not "citizens".
Since our Kiwi fighters rep Oz hard and are at the top of the eligible weight classes it would be great to see them share this opportunity to enter the Octagon.
So, yes, the Australian market is far more lucrative based on sheer population. But, excluding the Kiwi's participants will frustrate our awesome fans with a huge apetite for our regional MMA scene.
I wonder if the UFC has noticed the exodus of fans from New Zealand to Oz each time the UFC comes to our corner of the world?
It is hell just trying to get a ticket as all the flights are booked full!
Well, it is still early so maybe - just maybe - there will be an opportunity to ammend the applicant criteria to a more regionally sensible position.
Afterall, our Kiwi fighters rep Oz hard and are at the top of the eligible weight classes. It would be great to see them share this opportunity to fight.
Just saying ...
"NZMMA, The more you know, the better it gets!"
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 May 2012 |
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By Staff Writer
NZMMA Owner Nyra Phillips had the opportunity to talk MMA with Channel 9 at DEMOLITION 8 in Dunedin.
Check it out by clicking on the photo above which will take to the story on TV9's webpage.
Big thanks to TV9 for all the support for MMA in New Zealand!
Remember, "NZMMA, The more you know, the better it gets!" TM
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 May 2012 |
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Ritani-Coe on ESPN Sports Center TOP 10 |
By Staff Writer
NZMMA sponsored fighter Brice Ritani-Coe hammered a :15 second knockout in Round 1 over Clay Herzing in Austin Texas, on 27 April
for Square Ring Promotions, on ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights.
(Click on the NZMMA FaceBook toggle on the tool bar to watch the video clip)
Brice wearing the NZMMA "Tu - God of War" Pro Boxing Gloves
The reward was Brice making headlines at #4 on ESPN Sports Center "TOP 10 PLAYS OF THE WEEK".
Clay is a big man at 6'10" and weighs 320lbs and this was his pro debut.
Brice is a bruiser with a wicked knock out punch so this fight will be exciting for the fans!
The photo above was taken after Brice's morning training session wearing the NZMMA "Tu - God of War" pro-boxing gloves.
Brice swears by them, "The Tu - God of War gloves are awesome, best gloves I've ever used!"
Remember, "NZMMA, The more you know, the better it gets!" TM
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Last Updated on Sunday, 29 April 2012 |
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NZMMA visit Princesses of Pain |
By Staff Writer
NZMMA Owner, Nyra Phillips, visited Belinda Dunne's Princesses of Pain Friendly - Auckland on 1 April 2012.
(Above) Nyra at Princesses of Pain Friendly at Fighting Fit Academy in Panmure, Auckland with Lowkey MMA from Rotorua! Nyra commented, "Very cool to be at such a positive event, seeing new faces amongst the awesome folks I already know."
Keep an eye on Princesses of Pain Facebook page for details on the next show in May - Princesses of Pain. Remember, "NZMMA, The more you know, the better it gets!" |
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Last Updated on Friday, 06 April 2012 |
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Anderson Silva Documentary Released |
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By Staff Writer
Hey there Fight Fans. If you have not heard, the Anderson Silva Documentary "Like Water" will be on sale today in New Zealand.
The DVD will be available for purchase from all good DVD stores and will sell for $39.99.
The documentary "Like Water" follows middleweight Ultimate Figher Anderson Silva as he prepares to crown his four-year run as the unbeaten king of the sport with a record 12th straight win in the UFC.
With intimate access to Silva and his intense training, the surprising and inspiring man behind one of the greatest mixed martial artist of all time emerges.
So get out there and buy your copy today!. Deadly ..............
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 March 2012 |
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