MARS’ press conference for their August 26th NEW DEAL card had a peculiar blend of things both announced, and unannounced.
MARS producer Yuki Amano held a press conference today, alongside with Brazilian sibling duo Rodrigo and Carina Damm, to announce the first bouts for MARS’ August 26th NEW DEAL card at the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Amano announced that MARS would continue with its mixture of kickboxing and mixed martial arts bouts, announcing the participation of MARS kickboxing veterans Yuzo Matsumoto and Seol Bo Kyung, as well as the participation of Koichi Pettas, the top student of K-1 veteran Nicholas Pettas at his Spirit Gym.
As previously announced, the MMA portion of the card will be highlighted by MARS’ 83 kilogram tournament, featuring a very international crop of strong up-and-comers. Only seven of the eight participants have been announced so far, leaving one vacancy to be filled in the coming weeks. Amano announced that the first official tournament bout would be between Holland’s Bastiaan Rejen, the 83 kilogram Shooto Europe grappling champion, and 2005 ADCC Japan Trials winner Hidemi Mihara, who won last month’s four man 83 kilogram Japanese tournament to earn a berth in this tournament.
Also scheduled to compete in the tournament are Brazil’s Leonardo “Chocolate” Nascimento, France’s Bryan Rafiq, Spain’s Daniel Tabera, the United States’ John Michael Kolosci, and South Korea’s Myeon Ho Bae.
In addition to the tournament, there will be several feature MMA bouts including American MFC ace Eddie Alvarez, rising Brazilian Marcelo Brito, and the aforementioned Damm siblings. Both Damms were successful in their MARS debuts at Shinjuku FACE in July, and were gracious for the opportunity to fight in Japan.
“I was glad to fight here,” said Rodrigo. While no opponent has been named for the Damm brother, Rodrigo stated, “Whoever my opponent is, I don’t mind.” Rodrigo stated that while in Japan, he is working on his muay thai training at Saenchai Gym, and his MMA training at Team GRABAKA.
His sister Carina, who was victorious in a controversial bout with Miku Matsumoto on July 21st, already has her sights set high. “I would like to fight anyone, but I want to face Megumi Fujii,” said Carina.
MARS’ director was adamant about giving Damm the opportunity to face the G-Shooto ace. Amano continued, “I want to negotiate hard with Fujii. I would like Carina to show her full ability.”
Just when it seemed that the press conference was winding down, the room was met with a big surprise. As the media were finishing up their questions with Yuki Amano, Shigeru Saeki, the president of DEEP, entered the room.
Two weeks ago, Saeki announced that the DEEP organization would no longer work with MARS as a result of the aforementioned controversy in the Miku Matsumoto vs. Carina Damm fight. “MIKU” complained to the referee that Damm was grabbing her glove while attempting to apply an armbar, and vehemently disagreed with the stoppage.
“The organization has a problem,” Saeki said, speaking with reporters on July 29th. Saeki also claimed that the rules of the bout between Matsumoto and Damm were changed only two days before the fight. Saeki stated clearly, “We have no relationship from now on.”
Saeki spoke to Amano directly, interrupting the press conference. “I didn’t come here to fight today. I came to talk ordinarily. You said that there was no room for discussion; but I heard there was a press conference today so I came,” said Saeki.
Saeki, backed by Team ROKEN’s Yoshinori Oniki, elaborated on what he felt was an unjust handling of the Matsumoto vs. Damm bout in July, and said that the two should rematch at the August 26th card, before exiting, leaving a speechless room behind him.
MARS Executive Committee Presents MARS 04: NEW DEAL
August 26th, 2006
Ryogoku Kokugikan
Tokyo, Japan
Doors Open: 16:00
Fights Start: 17:00
Tentative Fight Card (Card Subject To Change):
MARS 83 Kilogram Tournament Quarterfinal
83 KG, 3R 5M
Bastiaan Rejen (Tatsujin Dojo) vs. Hidemi Mihara (Cobra Kai MMA Dojo)
Open, 3R 5M
Jim York (Five Rings Dojo) vs. Keigo Takamori (SAMURAI SWORD)
Open, 3R 5M
Ei San Soo (Freelance) vs. Vitali Shemetov (Tiger’s Den)
70 KG, 3R 5M
Un Sik Son (Taegu MMA Academy) vs. Manao Kumagai (Zendokai Hamamatsu)
Kickboxing Rules
92 KG, 3R 3M
Koichi Pettas (The Spirit Gym) vs. Seol Bo Kyung (Taegu MMA Academy)
Kickboxing Rules
83 KG, 3R 3M
Yuzo Matsumoto (Matsumoto Dojo) vs. Nobutaka Baba (Jim Yamaki)
Also Scheduled To Compete:
Eddie Alvarez (Fight Factory)
Marcelo Brito (Arena)
Rodrigo Damm (Alliance BJJ)
Carina Damm (Alliance BJJ)
Also Scheduled To Compete In the MARS 83 Kilogram Tournament:
Leonardo Nascimento (Renovacao Fight Team)
Bryan Rafiq (BTT France)
Daniel Tabera (SHOOT Spain)
John Michael Kolosci (Duneland Vale Tudo)
Myeon Ho Bae (Toushinjuku M.A.D.)
Our personal favorite moment of our night at RFK Stadium was when the tiny smattering of Nationals fans spread throughout the place tried to cobble together a version of The Wave. The response of our Deadspin corner was instantaneous: We scoffed, scowled, booed, grumbled. We were very proud.
The guy right here is Roger Goodell, who is very likely to become the next commissioner of the NFL, perhaps as early as today. In the past, discussions concerning the new commissioner were contentious; Paul Tagliabue himself was the product of an ugly power play that pushed out the late Jim Finks.
What more can we tell you: 
