UFC XXX Insights.......

[Hitchahard]

Just wanted to recap my time in Atlantic City with the team and give the forum some insights on the event:

- I knew from the beginning that Pedro would take Barnett down. Pedro was ready for this fight and really wanted to prove that he should get another shot at the heavyweight crown. We had some discussions with the UFC (after the fight) about fighting Couture on the May card for the championship. Looks like its going to happen.

Overall, Pedro was embarrassed by his performance. He was disappointed that he didn't take him out in the 1st round. Barnett is a classy guy. He came into our dressing room after the fight to congratulate the team and ask Pedro for some fighting tips. He asked if his kicks and punches had much of an effect. Pedro told him "no" because he didn't use his hips to give the strikes power. Again, Barnett is a class act.

- The moment I saw Tiki backstage, I knew he would lose. Right before the fight, it was obvious he was too cocky and more worried about doing interviews than the fight.

- I agree with forum members that Ortiz got a little carried away after he disposed of Tanner. But Tito is, overall, a class guy. I think he got too caught-up in the moment and let his adreneline get the best of him. After the fight, he was pretty laid back. Since Horn lost, I don't know who his next opponent will be. I think it will be Randleman.

- Spoke with Don Frye at the post-fight party at the Hard Rock Cafe. He is a big dude! And a nice guy! He asked for a picture with Pedro and Marco and told them how much respect he had for their style of fighting.

You'll like this one! His t-shirt said, "I killed Kenny". We all got a big laugh out of that!

- This was the most well-organized UFC I've experienced. The new ownership did an excellent job and will help bring MMA to the forefront of athletics. Unfortunately, they only allow two people in the corner per fighter, so I was stuck in the seats!

Later,

Hitch.....

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

Hey next time they shaft you to the seats, I'd be willing to take your spot! Rizzo sounds like a real badass. How many people are on your team? I will be rooting for him!

[Ronin]

Thanks, Hitch!

My respect for both Rizzo and Barnett has gone up.

"I killed Kenny." LMAO! Too funny.

[Hitchahard]

YeLLa-TiGeR:

All of the active fighters in Ruas Vale Tudo train in Brazil: Pedro, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Antoine Jaboud and "Cacareco". Babalu, Antoine and Cacareco will be competing in the Arnold-Gracie Worlds.

I am not an active fighter - I have a full-time job and train with Marco in my spare time.

Regards,

Hitch.....

[Triangle]

Sorry I missed you at the VIP party, Hitch. I was at the table right on the other side of that low wall between the bar and the seating area. There with my wife and some other folks. I was chillin with Elvis for a while at his table too. Heh, Mario gave me one of the UFC ref shirts so I was sportin that all night introducing myself as the new ref...LOL.

You know that was Frank's son with him. Frank must've been 16 when he was born!

I'll be at the May 4th show, too. We should hook up if you are gonna be there.

[Hitchahard]

Triangle:

I'll be damned! Small world! From where you were sitting, if you were looking at the bar Marco, Pedro and me were standing at the right end of the bar most of the night. I was the only "white guy" from the Ruas clan, wearing a black Ruas Vale Tudo t-shirt. Thought I'd mention that just in case you remember.

Yeah, I knew that was Frank's son with him. I spoke with Frank briefly while he was sitting at the table a few down from where I think you were. I told him to come down to the Ruas studio and train with us one of these weekends. He was telling me about his training facility in El Segundo - I am planning to check it out sometime soon.

Yes, I plan to be there on the 4th as long as Pedro's fight is a "go". It would be great to finally meet someone from the forum! I check the forum about once a week, so please keep in touch and we'll make arrangements to meet-up in Atlantic City. In the meantime, if your by chance from Southern Cal, drop by Marco's studio sometime.

Regards,

Hitch.......