From Sherdog — for the first time since checking into a Brazilian rehab facility last month, undefeated WEC middleweight champ Paulo Filho speaks about his condition and his delayed rematch with Chael Sonnen. Apparently, Filho was addicted to “Rupinal” (possibly referring to Rohypnol, aka “the date rape drug”), and had been suffering from depression even before his first fight in America. As far as Sonnen, “What I have to say is the lion does not deal with men.” Wait a minute Paulo…are you high right now?!
“I am fighting it because there is nothing but someone saying I was involved,” said Garcia, who was released from jail on a reconnaissance bond and will return to court on May 5. “I hope to have a smile on my face after this is said and done, but I feel like I’m in a fight for my life…
“I’d like to tell my fans to stick with me and pray that the liar in this case tells the truth,” Garcia said. “I want to get back to doing what I do best: fighting for the fans…
Your past is exactly that. My life has a bright future, and people that don’t have that don’t want me to have one either. May God forgive them.”
“This is leonard, I want to ask all my fans and supporters to keep me in their prayers. Know that I can clear my name and continue to give fans the fights they deserve to watch. And know that I am innocent of a crime that I’m being accused of from 3 years ago…I will get through this mess and make everyone proud of me as I have done before.”
Three years ago, eh? Too bad there’s no statute of limitations on filling two dozen condoms with cocaine, inserting them into your body cavity, then taking a train from El Paso to Lubbock. We’re kidding of course — we actually have no idea what Garcia used to transport the coke.
Thirteen members of an El Paso-to-Lubbock cocaine smuggling ring were arrested this week during raids that followed a four-year investigation. And now the bad news:
NewsChannel 11 has learned one of those arrested is mixed martial arts fighter Leonard Garcia. He was arrested Tuesday in alleged connection with the cocaine ring. Garcia is currently ranked sixth in the featherweight class in MMA. [Ed. note: According to KCBD News Channel 11’s independent rankings?]
If convicted, three of those arrested could face up to 40 years in prison and up to a $2 million fine. The others could face up to life in prison and up to a $4 million fine.
“It was a shock to me. It definitely came out of left field. I’ve talked with his family and I’ve had one phone conversation with his lawyer. We’re just letting him do his job at this point. Hopefully, we’ll know more as the days progress.”
Obviously, we’re just as shocked. Could Garcia’s managerial position at Frito-Lay have just been a front for something more devious? We’ll update you when more details emerge…
First we mocked him for pulling out of his WEC 33 fight against Chael Sonnen. Then it looked like he sacked up and the fight was back on. Well, now it’s off again, and drugs are reportedly to blame for Filho’s mysterious depression and personal issues. From WEC.tv:
WEC Middleweight Champion Paulo Filho has chosen to withdraw from his March 26th title defense against Chael Sonnen after voluntarily checking himself into an undisclosed rehabilitation center in Brazil on Thursday morning, March 13, to seek help for a substance abuse problem.
“This is horrible news, but we’re proud of him for stepping up and recognizing his problem,” said Filho’s manager, Ed Soares…“Paulo apologizes to his fans but he thanks them for their support and he promised that the next time they see him, he’ll be back at 100 percent and will be the Paulo Filho everyone expects to see.”
The WEC light heavyweight title bout between Doug Marshall and Brian Stann will now be moved into the March 26th main event slot. Any further plans regarding the card will be announced at a later date.
In a follow-up article on Sherdog, Jorge Guimaraes — also referred to as Filho’s manager — added:
“We tried our best with Filho, but it didn’t work and he’ll not fight in the WEC. He tried with all his effort to accomplish the title defense, but he realized he couldn’t do it due to chemical dependence and depression. He knew this kind of stuff does not have a link with the sport, and I’m happy he had a conscience and looked for help…The WEC staff was superb with us. They understood the situation, and Filho will return and defend his belt in June.”
Well, we wouldn’t bet on it. We’ve watched enough Celebrity Rehab to know that Filho has two choices here: focus on his recovery for a long period of time and get healthy, or go back to training and fighting around the same people and situations that allowed his drug problem to escalate in the first place. An extended rehab stay is necessary, but it could seriously get in the way of his training. Who knows if he’ll be ready three months from now, mentally or physically? We’ll update you when we know more, and we truly hope Filho can bounce back from this and eventually get on with his truly promising career.
Dana White is arguably the most powerful man in MMA. So it comes as no surprise that a lot of media and the fans are blaming him for the recent rash of mixed martial artist who have been busted for using steroids, but doesn't make it fair.
Yes, as the number MMA organization in the world, the UFC and Dana White should shelter some blame for the recent rash of fighters that have tested positive for steroids and other performance enhancing drugs, but are they the cause? No.
When an individual decides to fight they have to clear themselves, and who they are fighting, with the athletic commission of that state. While some organization try to go around the law by having fights in non-sactioned states and areas (like indian reserves), the UFC has playd by the rules in an effort to have mainstream success and prove themselves as a sport. In othe words, the UFC plays by the rules.
So what are the rules? Simple, you get tested before and after a fight and if you cheat, you get suspended and fined. It is that simple. So when Sean Sherk (allegedly) decided to put an illegal performance enhancing supplement in his body, he KNEW he was going to be tested for it.
Major League Baseball and the National Football League both test for these drugs as well. At some point during the season, a player will be asked to put forth a sample; I believe this happens twice a year.
If the same testing was applied to MMA, fighters would be tested a couple times a year, randomly. So Sherk, under the NFL ad MLB's system, would be tested on a random basis whether he had a fight or not. So which way is better, 2 or 3 tests at random times or the current test before and after a fight? Duh.
Yet the internet is alive with insults directed at Dana White himself (somehow other organizations, such as Strikeforce, got off the hook completely). As if he was somehow like Vince McMahon and secretly suppling the fighters. Like he isn't devastated by Sherk and France getting busted and having to igure out what yto in case he has to put the lightweight title up for grabs.
Whether you like Dana White or you don't, how can you blame him personally? As the head of the United States' most well known and powerful MMA companies, he should, by default, get some heat for the recent occurences, but blame? How?
If this situation was about an organization, like it was in MLB, that didn't test for these substances, then Dana is your man. But in this case, it's about an athletic commission, that does test its fighters, that catches competitors trying to get a illegal advantage.
Is it sad? Yes. Is it Dana White's fault? No.
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With UFC 73 coming up, it's a good time to take a look at what's going in the MMA world before this site turns all UFC 73, all the time.
Phil " The Cheating Ass" Baroni
Is anyone really surprised that Baroni was busted for ‘roids? Come on; look at the dude, you think a silly little rule is going to stop that guy from having the body he wants? At 9-7 (now 9-8) it's not hard to figure out why he took the enhancers. At least it didn't make him really aggressive and obnoxious, wait...div>
Cheating for losses
Another drug violation, another loss; the trend of getting caught and getting kicked continues. Just look at the last round of violations, Phil Baroni (TKO/ 2nd round), Carter Williams (TKO/2nd round) and Jorge Ortiz (TKO/2nd round) all lost with only Royce Gracie (unanimous) picking up the win. Heck, even Gracie's win was questioned as Sherdog.com had Sakuraba scored 29-28.
Stacked and then some
Quiet possibly the most, uh, "impressive" card in UFC history. Things don't go downhill after this card either; it looks like the fans are going to be treated to a legendary run of PPVs from 73 to 75. The names and the fights in these PPVs have been dancing around in MMA fans heads for years. Kudos Mr. White.
Karo Parisyan is an ass
I've been holding this back for weeks, Karo Parisyan is an ass. First, he uses his nickname to describe his fight, "I was bringin' the heat." Then he shouts about how he deserves a title shot for beating Burkman. Maybe he should beat, I don't know, a really good fighter instead of a mediocre one. (Not to mention he can't finish a fight 7 of his nine fights have gone to a decision)..
All that was fine and dandy, but he drove home the point on the Ultimate Fighter by not only talking about himself like he's a MMA legend, but then he gets in a skirmish with Nate Diaz and asks , "Do you know who I am." What a douche. I know Nate's a punk, hell, I vented on him last week. The thing is, everyone knows Nate is a punk which makes Karo double stupid for getting in a shouting/shoving match with him.
A A tight division get a little tighter
The next season of The Ultimate Fighter will involve welterweights (170lbs). The same division with Matt Hughes, Georges St.Pierre, Matt Serra, Karo Parisyan, Josh Koscheck, Deigo Sanchez and Jon Fitch. So, I think it's safe to say things are going to be getting a little tight in the wel;terweight division. The division, which is already one fo the deepest, is only going to get deeper.
If you are interested in trading links or just want to contact me feel free to throw me a line: ufcfightblog@yahoo.com
Yet another new addition to UFC Fight is a weekly column called "Corners of the Octagon." In this column I will discuss random tidbits of MMA news. I think it's a good way to touch on everything that has happened in MMA. Think of it as the "put your hand on the seat before you girlfriend sits down," only not as smooth.
Drugs, drugs and more drugs
My, drugs = loses theory has been proven once again as the two fighters that got caught; Carter Williams (cocaine) and Jorge Ortiz (steroids), both lost their fights. Even with Royce Gracie's win, drug users have an absolutely horrid record. My guess is not, the cheaters are looking for an edge, but rather, they're looking for an easier route in training.
WEC:
Featherweight Division
Last Saturday's Ultimate Fighter Finale had a huge impact on the WEC featherweight title picture as Jens Pulver will make the move down. This is another big step towards getting the 145lbs division the respect it deserves. Who knows, maybe MMAweekly will add a featherweight division to its world rankings?
Look at lightweights!
Cole Miller, Manvil Gamburyan, Nate Diaz, Joe Lauzan, Gray Maynard and maybe Cory Hill all look like legitimate fighters for the 155lb division. This goes as a warning the rest of the division as fans will want to see fighters they know. Fighters on the bubble may not be getting a Zuffa paycheck too much longer.
What's the hell is going on?
What is the UFC doing? Stripping PRIDE of its talent and not putting on shows isn't the best way to run an organization on the frits is it? What happens after the title fight? Will the winner defend both titles? How is that going to work for UFC PPVs? At least the first Ferretta owned PPV will be taking place soon.
"The Canadian Crapper" Chris Benoit
Before I became a MMA fan, I was a professional wrestling fan. Being as obsessive as I am, I regularly kept up with the ins-and-outs, and the behind-the-scenes news of WWE and everything I heard about Chris Benoit was good. Wow, this dude is messed up. It's one thing for a guy to kill his wife, which, as sick as it is, happens every day; it's another thing to kill a son or daughter. So, I think everyone will agree with me when I say: "What a sick f*ck."
Rachelle Leah:
On an upnote, here are some Rachelle Leah pictures to make your Thursday a little better. She recently did a spread for Maxim or Stuff. I can't remember which one so I put up both, enjoy: here and here and some random pics: here
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What if Gracie's illegal substance was the reason for the victory in the first place? Is that fair to Sakuraba? Should the win be changed to a 'no decision"?
On June 2, Royce Gracie defeated Kazushi Sakuraba by unanimous decision. The victory was without controversy as Sherdog.com scored the fight 29-28 in favor of Sakuraba giving the "Gracie killer" two of the fights three rounds. So the fight was far from a blow out.
Yesterday, MMAweekly and Sherdog.com reported that Royce Gracie tested positive for the anabolic steroid Nandrolone Metabolite and has been suspended by the California State Athletic Commission.
Now, turn back the clock to February 24, 2007, Nick Diaz gains an upset victory over PRIDE champ Takanor Gomi. Shortly after we find out that Nick Diaz tested positive for Marijuana.
The Neveda Athletic Commission, in an unprecedented move, suspended Diaz and took his victory away by scoring the fight a "no decision." The following controversy led the commission to announce, during the appeal, that Diaz had enough of the banned substance in his system to help him gain the victory.
In other words, Nick Diaz was able to sustain a broken orbital bone because he had so much of the drug in his system. So the commission decided that Diaz's offense actually had (most likely) an impact on outcome of the match. How? Well, if he didn't use it, Gomi's eye breaking punch could have ended the match.
Now, we go back to the Gracie vs. Sakuraba fight; seeing how other independent professionals saw the fight going the other way, isn't it safe to that the steroids that Royce took could have aided him to victory?
The answer to that question doesn't have to me definite. I realize that it is physically impossible to say that the drug did help for sure, but based on the Diaz vs. Gomi decision, I say a "no decision" is in order.
---I have to admit, I'm all for stronger penalties for those who violate the drug polocy, but what do you think?
---UFC 72 preview will be posted this afternoon!
---Of course, Royce is innocent until proven guilty and has proclaimed his innocence. So, stay tuned.
If you are interested in trading links or just want to contact me feel free to throw me a line: ufcfightblog@yahoo.com
I have to be honest, I'd have expected Mike Goldberg to be caught taking roids before Royce. I always thought he was a little bit of a jerk, but a steroid user? What? I think I need to sit down.
This comes straight from the MMA bible, MMAweekly: HERE
