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New York Clash’s Jason “Troubleman” Quick
WELCOME COMBAT MARTIAL ARTS FANS! Welcome to tonight’s Conference Finals event in San Antonio. This evening’s bouts will spotlight the four WCL teams vying for a spot in next month’s Championship (June 7 in Tulsa). The Eastern Conference will be represented tonight by the New York Clash and New Jersey Tigers. The two finalists from the West are the L.A. Stars and the Oklahoma Destroyers. Be sure to follow the WCL all season on the VERSUS network (Sundays, 6 p.m. CT). And for a behind the scenes look at the league, its teams and its fighters, check out “Turf Wars,” a 30-minute magazine style television show that airs on VERSUS on Thursdays at 4 p.m. CT. worldcombatleague.com
COVER PHOTO: LAYNE MURDOCH (PORTRAIT) PETER ROBBINS (ACTION); THIS PAGE: LAYNE MURDOCH
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E!
IN YOUR FAC
As league founder Chuck Norris likes to say, the WCL is about knockouts. Here, Thomas Longacre of the Destoyers, tries to adhere to that motto.
KNOCKOUT worldcombatleague.com
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RINGSIDE
THE
WCL ONE MAN’S DREAM C
huck Norris’ vision of creating the World Combat League is now a reality. Norris, six times undefeated Martial Arts World Champion, is the dynamic force behind this exciting new sport of team martial arts. Norris has accomplished many goals in his life as a Martial Arts competitor and Film and Television star. Through these successes, he was able to start a foundation called KickStart, which is building strong moral character in our youth through the martial arts. Norris’ mission is to teach the martial arts in the inner city schools with the purpose of raising our youth’s selfesteem and instilling discipline and respect that so many kids are lacking today. Through this unique program, KickStart also instills the values and skills necessary to resolve conflict, choose drug-free lifestyles, avoid participation in gang-related activities, set and achieve goals, strive for continued self-improvement and give back to their communities. The WCL is the future of full contact martial arts team fighting and will be the vehicle to finance the KickStart foundation, both nationally and internationally. Norris’ next goal is to expand the teams of the World Combat League to 24 cities in North America, then internationally to 24 teams in Europe and 24 teams in Asia.
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CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
PREVIEW
It’s down to the Final Four — so how will this all play out? By Cory Shafer, WCL Commisioner With the first-round behind us, it’s time to turn our focus on tonight’s WCL Conference Finals. Each conference has been reduced to two teams; each committed to advancing the final step to the league championship.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
URIAH HALL
Upsets ruled the Eastern Conference first-round as both match-ups were won by the odds-on underdogs. In a contest where the lead changed six times, was tied twice and was decided in the final match by only five points, the fourth seeded New York Clash slid by the top seeded Miami Force. They will face the New Jersey Tigers, who got past the defending champion St. Louis Enforcers by a mere two points in a contest where the lead changed five times, was tied once and also had victory determined in the final match of the night. It just doesn’t get any better than that. When the Tigers enter the Combat Zone against the Clash for the Eastern Conference title we should see a battle of metro-menacing proportions. These teams match
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CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS up very well with what might be considered off-setting advantages for both clubs in different weight categories. Everyone is looking forward to the rematch between rookie of the year candidate, Munah Holland and last year’s second place scoring leader, Jennifer Santiago. Last time these two met they put on a show of epic proportions with each claiming victory in one of the two matches. New Jersey has the edge at Cruiserweight, with perhaps the best roster in the league at 195 lbs. Uriah Hall has been unstoppable and his partner Carlos Brooks hasn’t lost a match all season either. The Clash will counter with new addition, Brandon Banda, who earned fight of the night honors against Miami’s Armin Mrkanovic in the first-round event. New York will need to replace their back up, Mark Gee who is out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder separation. New York has the advantage at 164 lbs. with the fearless young phenom, Leo Valdivia. This 19 year old sport karate fighter combines his often relentless attack with a great chin and brilliant defensive footwork. New Jersey may look for recruiting help both at 164 and 178 lbs. in an effort to firm up those positions. At heavyweight Jarrel “King Achilles” Miller and John “The Panther” James will be formidable for Jersey. New York’s Terry Bullman, who fought valiantly against Rick Cheeks in the playoffs (earning a draw in the second half) will need to be on top of his game to neutralize Jersey’s giants. In the end, this contest will likely be determined by the team whose fighters commit to sealing the deal. It’s all about the KO’s. The Eastern Conference Championship will be a close contest claimed by the team that scores the most knockouts.
PREVIEW
JENNIFER SANTIAGO worldcombatleague.com
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WESTERN CONFERENCE
RAYMOND “THE REAL DEAL” DANIELS
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Never has the expression “Success is in the Details” been more accurate than how it applies to the Western Conference Finals. Both the Oklahoma Destroyers and the Los Angeles Stars advanced to the finals with spectacular performances in the firstround. And now they will rematch their season opening effort to determine which team will represent the west in the league championship. When they last met on October 19 in Denver, the Stars claimed victory by 20 points. But don’t be deceived. Fifteen of those points were due to a technical disqualification when the Destroyers alternate at 178 lbs. failed to make weight for the contest meaning that the actual competition was only separated by a narrow six points (which is essentially a margin equal to single clear victory going one way or the other in just one three-minute match). The Western Conference Final is going to be all about what each team has learned throughout the season and the adjustment that the coach’s will make in preparation for this critical contest. Granted, LA’s Raymond Daniels and Jason Bourelly are both veritable nightmares to match-up against, but Dale Cook’s Destroyers have demonstrated consistent knockout power in four of their six weight classes. Look for “cloak and dagger” type secrecy in the weeks coming up to the event as each coach will try to out- think his opponent in putting togeth-
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CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS er his final rosters and starting lineups. Here are some of the variables. David Taylor has been terrific for Oklahoma filling in at 178 lbs. in their last two contests (outscoring his combined opponents 6016) but he does not match-up well with LA’s team leader Daniels. Coach Cook will likely look to make a change in this division order to help “contain” the Real Deal. When Bourelly and Anthony Njokuani crossed swords back in October neither were able to carve out a significant advantage over the other. This is a key match-up that could tip the contest toward the team whose fighter has figured out how to capitalize on this severe clash of styles. Thomas “Thunderkick” Longacre will need to sure up his defense without taking the edge off his attack versus the Stars’ Jack “Flash” Felton. Last time out Thunderkick was relentless, but Felton was able to counter him effectively with straight punches, dropping Longacre once in the process. Los Angeles has spent the entire season trying out new heavyweights in an effort to find the right fit. They’ll need to really make it happen for this show or risk giving away serious points to Oklahoma’s Alex Beck and veteran Pat Smith. The bottom line is that Oklahoma will need to find a way to contain Daniels and Bourelly (not allow them the four combined KO’s they scored their last time out) and then capitalize big in the divisions where they have an advantage. Both of these teams are filled with passionate and dedicated athletes who are in it to win it, so look for real fire works when the western conference title is laid on the line.
PREVIEW
THOMAS “THUNDERKICK” LONGACRE
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The LA Stars have high hopes this postseason, and the man they call The Real Deal is a big reason why By Tommy Messano worldcombatleague.com
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A
nother night, another victory for Raymond shortly after the birth of their son) has forced Daniels Daniels, the 28-year-old whirlwind L.A. Stars to mature quickly outside of the ring. When not fans have come to know as The Real Deal. spending time with his “little guy,” Daniels gives back On this night, the near capacity crowd at San to his community the best way he knows how: by Antonio’s Freeman Coliseum is witnessing Daniels teaching martial arts the same way he was taught as unbridled ring bravado for the first time. Ring ana youth. “I love giving back to kids; the community is nouncer Trevor Griffin does his best to brace the what martial arts is all about.” nearly 4,000 fans—but some things must be witThe scary part for the rest of the league is nessed to be believed. that now Daniels has more time to focus on his trainDaniels starts the night undefeated for his WCL ing. A strict regime leading up to a fight preps Daniels career, sporting a perfect 10-0 mark. That record will for the WCL’s sprint style rules. What may be even run to 12-0 in short order as the Stars notch a conmore important than a fighter’s cardio is his mental vincing win over the Texas Dragons. state going into a fight. At this moment, Daniels’ confiDaniels’ WCL dominance HEIGHT: 6-2 has been unmatched since his WEIGHT: 178 league debut nearly two years AGE: 28 FIGHTING STYLE: Karate ago. Prior to signing with the HOMETOWN: Long Beach, CA Stars, Daniels had dominated WCL FIGHT RECORDS: 12 WINS, 0 LOSS BORN: Sun Valley, CA the sport karate circuit for so long that he felt starved for DATE RESULT OPPONENT METHOD SCORE new challenges. Unlike sport 1/18/08 Win Blake Lirette – Denver KO 16 - 0 karate, where participants are 1/18/08 Win Blake Lirette - Denver Decision 15 - 8 12/14/07 Win Damion Caldwell Texas KO 15 - 0 bogged down with heavy 12/14/07 Win Antione McRae – Texas KO 15 -0 padding and head gear, the 10/19/07 Win No Fighter - Oklahoma KO 15 - 0 WCL offered Daniels his 10/19/07 Win Ryan Madigan - Oklahoma Decision 18 - 6 first foray into a full contact 1/20/07 Win Damion Caldwell - Philadelphia KO 15 - 0 combat sport. He de1/20/07 Win Stephen Thompson - Philadelphia TKO (injury) 15 - 0 9/22/06 Win Lawrence Baker - Texas Decision 15 - 8 lighted in the challenge. 9/22/06 Win Lawrence Baker - Texas Decision 15 - 8 On March 3, 2006 3/3/06 Win Ronnie Copeland - Las Vegas KO 15 - 0 under the bright lights 3/3/06 Win Andreas Spang - Las Vegas Decision 15 - 7 of Las Vegas, Daniels made his WCL debut against Ronnie Copeland. dence is at an all time high. When your record is Copeland, a kickboxing vet, quickly be- perfect, that attitude is understandable. came You Tube fodder after a kick The WCL could not ask for a better ambassafrom Daniels connected to the side dor. Daniels is young, good looking and intelligent. of his skull. A WCL star was born. With the league gearing up for its second season Daniels got his start on the playoffs, Daniels is genuinely excited about being mats of martial arts schools in the sport’s pound for pound top fighter. the 1980s. He became instantly “The WCL allows its athletes to come out and fascinated by the culture of showcase all their abilities. Where lots of different martial arts. “I started pretty sports limit what you are able to do.” says Daniels. young,” he says. “My father “The WCL allows aspects of other combat sports to started me in martial arts and marcome and fight. It reminds me of the old Gladiators tial arts have been a way of life for getting in that round circle; it’s just you and him.” me. I always idolized my dad, Frank. He “I’ll continue fighting until I feel my time has was a very big influence in my life. He’s come,” he says. “My goal is to be the greatest fighter why I’m where I am.” of all time. Each fight I go out and try to show everyUntil recently, martial arts was not Daniels’ body that I’m better than the person that gets in the full time occupation. His day job was as a Long ring with me and any man who steps in front of me.” Beach police officer. In what Daniels calls “verbal “My confidence comes way before I ever get in judo,” martial arts helped him hone his verbal skills, that ring. My confidence comes from my training. which helped him diffuse tense situations in the The hours of running, swimming, cross training. All field. With his career in the ring blossoming now, the things I do prior to getting in the ring give me my Daniels has retired from the police force to pursue confidence.” his life long dream. “All I know is that if I was going to fight me, I “This is what I’ve been training for my entire life,” probably wouldn’t show up that night.” he says. Keeping Daniels grounded is a 10-year-old son. Tommy Messano is a freelance writer who Being a single father (his wife passed tragically covers MMA.
>>
ABOUT DANIELS
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RESULTS
EASTERN CONFERENCE ROSTERS 12/1 (Atlantic City) Loss
1/18 (San Antonio) Loss
NEW JERSEY: 140 MIAMI: 140 NEW YORK: 135 NEW YORK: 128
BELCASTRO
STARTERS
2/23 (Tulsa) Loss
3/28 (St. Louis) Win
ST. LOUIS: 156 NEW YORK: 81
MIAMI: 132 NEW YORK: 137
HEAD COACH: Mike Conroy
FIGHTERS
NICKNAME
WT. CLASS
HOMETOWN
Jennifer Santiago
none
128
New York, NY
Rami Ibrahim
The Arabian Nightmare
147
Philadelphia, PA
Abraham Han
none
164
El Paso, TX
Leo Valdiva
The Beast
178
Miami, FL
Jaime Fletcher
none
195
Palm Springs, CA
Patrick Barry
Get Hype
235
New Orleans, LA
ALTERNATES FIGHTERS
NICKNAME
WT. CLASS
HOMETOWN
Ginny Baker
none
128
Hanover, MA
Rino Belcasto
none
147
Windsor, ON
Ben Pittsley
none
164
Newton, MA
Jason Quick
Troubleman
178
Brooklyn, NY
Brandon Banda
El Jefe
195
Irvine, CA
Terry Bullman
none
235
Charleston, WV
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RESULTS
SANTIAGO
12/1 (Atlantic City) Win
1/18 (San Antonio) Loss
3/28 (St. Louis) Win
NEW JERSEY: 140 ST. LOUIS 133 MIAMI: 158 ST. LOUIS: 130 NEW YORK: 135 NEW JERSEY: 124 NEW JERSEY: 126 NEW JERSEY: 133
STARTERS
HALL
2/23 (Tulsa) Loss
HEAD COACH: Danny Schulmann
FIGHTERS
NICKNAME
WT. CLASS
HOMETOWN
Munah Holland
none
128
Belleville, NJ
Shennen Maceo
none
147
Hicksville, NY
Tom Grimmer
none
164
Waukesha, WI
Radji Bryson-Barrett none
178
Brooklyn, NY
Uriah Hall
none
195
Jamaica, NY
John James
Panther
235
Newark, NJ
ALTERNATES
HOLLAND
worldcombatleague.com
FIGHTERS
NICKNAME
Melissa Bopp
none
WT. CLASS 128
S. Hackensack, NJ
HOMETOWN
David Gonzalez
Speedy
147
Fort Worth, TX
Thad Campbell
none
164
Greenfield, MA
Lyman Good
none
178
New York, NY
Carlos Brooks
none
195
New York, NY
Jarrell Miller
King Kong
235
Highland Springs, VA
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RESULTS
WESTERN CONFERENCE ROSTERS 12/14 (Tulsa) Loss
10/19 (Denver) Win
2/23 (Tulsa) Win
LOS ANGELES: 161 LOS ANGELES: 158 LOS ANGELES: 155 LOS ANGELES: 151 OKLAHOMA: 141 TEXAS: 88 DENVER: 129 DENVER: 101
STARTERS DANIELS
1/18 (San Antonio) Win
HEAD COACH: Colin Van Deusen
FIGHTERS
NICKNAME
WT. CLASS
HOMETOWN
Alicia Ashley
Slick
128
Bellmore, NY
Dan Rawlings
none
147
Brookeville, FL
Jason Bourelly
Tankson
164
Bensalem, PA
Raymond Daniels
The Real Deal
178
Long Beach, CA
Sebastian Lopez
C-Bass
195
Soledad, CA
Donald Vickers
The Grinch
235
Los Angeles, CA
NICKNAME
WT. CLASS
ALTERNATES FIGHTERS
HOMETOWN
Jessican Covarrubias none
128
Salinas, CA
Travis McRoberts
Rumble
147
Stockton, CA
Brandon Hastings
none
164
Victorville, CA
Ryan Davis
The Dog Soldier
178
Littleton, CA
Adrian Bio
none
195
Pasadena, CA
Chris Hawk
none
235
Memphis, TN
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RESULTS
ASHLEY
12/14 (Tulsa) Win
10/19 (Denver) Loss
LOS ANGELES: 161 OKLAHOMA: 136 OKLAHOMA: 141 DENVER: 110
NJOKUANI
STARTERS
1/18 (San Antonio) Win
2/23 (Tulsa) Win
OKLAHOMA: 167 TEXAS: 99
OKLAHOMA: 163 TEXAS: 116
HEAD COACH: Dale Cook
FIGHTERS
NICKNAME
WT. CLASS
HOMETOWN
Jeri Sitzes
Fists of Fury
128
Springfield, MS
Thomas Longacre
Thunderkick
147
Sapulpa, OK
Anthony Njokuani
The Assassin
164
Garland, TX
Chidi Njokuani
none
178
Garland, TX
Jesse Lawrence
Bodyrocka
195
Little Rock, AK
Patrick Smith
The Headhunter
235
Del City, OK
ALTERNATES FIGHTERS
NICKNAME
Keri Taylor
none
WT. CLASS 128
Santa Monica, CA
HOMETOWN
Douglas Edwards
The Whirlwind
147
Wichita, KS
David Taylor
The KO Artist
164
Bartlesville, OK
Scott Clark
Pittbull
178
Calgary, Canada
Randy Blake
none
195
Tulsa, OK
Alex Beck
N/A
235
Pittsburgh, PA
SITZES
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WHAT ARE THE RULES?
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WCL contests feature fast paced striking action with a premium placed on athletic kicking skills. There is no holding, throwing, grappling or wrestling. If a fighter tries to slow the pace of the fight down by holding, avoiding, or not fighting in an aggressive manner, the referee will call passivity against that fighter and award his opponent a point. Ideally, each round will feature two “standup” fighting, martial arts specialists in “full throttle” action trying to score as many points for their team as possible. Three judges score each fight with the priority placed on knockdowns, damage inflicted and volume of scoring strikes. Each judge will award five points to the fighter they see as superior and four or less points to the opponent. The judges’ points are combined at the end of each fight (5-4, 5-3, 5-4, becomes 15-11) those points are then added to the team’s total from the previous fights. When a penalty is given, a point is awarded to the opposing team. The team with the most points at the end of the second half wins.
SCORING CURVE 15-12 indicates a very close round 15-9 reflects a clear victory 15-6 or less, indicates a victory with one or more knockdowns 15-0 means a knockout or disqualification
WHAT FIGHTING TECHNIQUES ARE ALLOWED? All punching skills All kicking skills including to the leg Knee strikes to the body and head
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JOIN THE WCL COMMUNITY Become an official World Combat League fan today!
Sign up Now—Free membership!
By joining our online community you can share experiences with WCL fans across the country through videos, photos, and blogs. Rate and comment on other fan’s profiles. Meet other combat martial arts enthusiasts and add them to your page! Show your team spirit to the world with instant video blogs!
Log on now and become a part of the dynamic World Combat League experience! www.worldcombatleague.com
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PARTING SHOT
A few things to watch for while enjoying tonight’s fights By Chad Range
T
he World Combat League is one of the most exciting sports around. I truly believe that. But if you’re attending your first WCL live event, it can be a little disorienting at first. The action comes so quick, and the fighters attack each other so viciously, it can be difficult to catch your breath. Here are three things to keep an eye out for when cheering on the action tonight:
Knockouts. I’m not talking TKOs where guys just get too beat up to go on. I’m talking about round house kicks to the head where you see someone drop like a ton of bricks. This is why we go to fights… right?
The women of the WCL. The female fighters in our league are more than just window dressing —they are vital cogs to their teams. In fact the Oklahoma Destroyers consider Jeri Sitzes to be the anchor of their team. No other sport can claim that. Normally the ladies fights are some of the best of the night. Don’t make these women mad.
The team concept. Our fighters battle it out street brawl style not themselves, but for their team. For once a fight is for more than individual pride. I’ve seen fighters peel themselves off the deck after being blasted with kicks and/or punches and get up just
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because they didn’t want their team to lose 15-0. They understood that they would not win the fight, but getting a few points for the team is better than none. Think about the fighters pride, drive, determination, and ego, and when you pin that on the hopes of five other fighters that are laying it all on the line, it can be a powerful thing. If you like excitement, drama and seeing athletes pushing themselves to the limit to be the best, then you are in for a treat when you attend a WCL fights. Have fun tonight— and be sure to keep up with the league at worldcombatleague.com. Chad Range co-hosts Turf Wars, the WCL magazine show, which airs on the VERSUS network.
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