SUN Announces the Brazilian Invasion of USA in ART OF WAR 3 — Live on Pay-Per-View September 1st
DALLAS, TX, Aug 27, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) — SUN Sports & Entertainment Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SSPE) announced today the Brazilian invasion of USA in one of the most exciting Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events in Dallas, TX history. Coming September 1st, 2007 to Pay-Per-View is “ART OF WAR 3,” the largest MMA event ever produced in Dallas, teaming with some of the biggest names in sports promotion in front and behind the camera.
Check out the complete betting odds for Art of War.
In the nature of true international sports, Team USA will face off against Team Brazil in seven of ten scheduled action-packed bouts. MMA Icon Dan Severn serves as Captain for Team USA, while Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) wizard Carlos Machado leads Team Brazil. “All sports have been bred for international competition and MMA is no different,” said SUN President Buckeye Epstein. “For the first time, we have embedded the international competition within the framework of this exciting sport.”
The main event for the evening pits grappling sensation Jeff “Snowman” Monson (Team USA) against Brazilian knockout artist Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (Team Brazil). Rizzo will also be putting his International Fighters Association (IFA) Heavyweight Championship belt on the line.
Since making a name for himself in the UFC, Rizzo ventured out to Japan to face more skilled fighters. Taking over a year off to rediscover himself, he returned to action in ART OF WAR 1 and took home the belt by dominating American Justin Eilers through three hard-hitting rounds. Rizzo desperately needs this win to prove he is still one of the best heavyweights in the world.
“I have worked more extensively on boxing for this fight because Rizzo’s standup is so good, but ultimately, we have a good game plan at American Top Team and I just need to follow it,” said Monson, the challenger. Monson recently defeated Kazuyuki Fujita in Pride’s final show.
With over 100 fights to his credit, Jeremy “Gumby” Horn (Team USA) will have a middleweight showdown against Team Brazil’s Jorge Santiago, who recently defeated highly-regarded Russian fighter Andrei Semenov.
Dallas native Alex “El Toro” Andrade (Team USA) hopes to make it three wins in a row in ART OF WAR, but standing in his way is Brazilian Top Team’s Fabiano “Cap” Capoani.
Colorado native, real estate agent and former pro wrestler, super heavyweight Ron “H20” Waterman has done it all. Now representing Team USA, the 41-year-old UFC and Pride veteran will match his strength and experience against Mario “Big Hurt” Rinaldi, a submission fighting whiz training out of the famed American Top Team in Florida.
In welterweight action, Team USA’s Keith Wisniewski wants to make it 3-0 against Team Brazil’s Carlo Prater, who has vowed to avenge his two losses against the Indiana native.
US Army veteran James Damien Stelly will have a new uniform to wear when he steps into the circular cage against Team Brazil’s Luis “Banha” Arthur Cane. After finding success in the first two ART OF WAR events, Stelly is ready to represent Team USA. Meanwhile, Cane has been regarded as one of the best 205-pounders to come from Brazil. Undefeated in seven bouts, he is known for his KO power just as much as his ground game.
The final team bout pits Texas native Hector Munoz against Team Brazil’s Cristiano “Mr. Hey” Marcello. After winning several regional championships, Munoz feels he has what it takes to face Marcello, who is the grappling instructor for the famed Chute Boxe Academy in Brazil. For the first time, a Brazilian team will include members from Brazilian Top Team, Chute Boxe, Ruas Vale Tudo and American Top Team.
In a special women’s MMA attraction, undefeated Lana “Lethal” Stefanac takes on Franita Gathings, who will be making her pro debut. “My gameplan is always the same: end it fast and furious by decision so we can go have a bite to eat and be friends,” said Stefanac. Gathings is comfortable and ready for her first fight and believes her victory lies in keeping it standing.
Hard-hitting Muay Thai exponent and local favorite Anthony “The Assassin” Njokuani faces off against BJJ artist Keyon Mike Jackson in one of two opening lightweight bouts. Jason “Tex” Maxwell vs. Thomas Schulte rounds out the 10-bout fight card.
Held at the American Airlines Center and home to the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars and countless other world class events, ART OF WAR 3 will also make the Dallas debut of MMA commentating team: Canadian Fight Network Announcer Mauro Ranallo and MMA veteran Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg. Tommy Habeeb, President of American Television Distribution, will serve as Executive Producer with production services performed by WinnerComm (WC), America’s largest independent sports production and program development company. WC supplies over 1,500 hours of programming annually to ESPN and 13 other national television networks and has earned 13 Emmy Awards. ART OF WAR 3 will be broadcast in High-Definition.
“ART OF WAR will be one of the most exciting nights in Dallas sports and MMA history,” said SUN CEO CJ Comu. “It will not only showcase great athletes, but also create a spectacular fan experience that builds brand loyalty and in turn attracts the corporate sponsors and advertisers. We are dedicated to achieving the number one position in this multi-million dollar space and take our brand internationally. With an investment of over $1,000,000 million — this will be one evening fans will not want to miss.”
ART OF WAR 3 tickets may be purchased online through TicketMaster (www.ticketmaster.com) for $30, $50, $75, $100, ($300 VIP). The event will also be seen live on Pay-Per-View on In-Demand and Bell Express Vu Network in Canada, as well as in Brazil. The action begins at 9:00 PM CST! Fans may also bet online for the top six bouts exclusively at www.betonfighting.com. Some group packages may be available by contacting SUN Corporate Ticketing direct at Call 214.202.4329 Promo code “Zewkey”.
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