From Sports Illustrated

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -Olympic wrestling champion Rulon Gardner and two Utah men were rescued by a Lake Powell fisherman Sunday after surviving a small plane crash near Good Hope Bay the day before.

Gardner was a passenger in the Cirrus SR 22 along with pilot Randy Brooks and his brother Leslie Brooks, according to a news release from Becki Bronson, public information officer for Garfield County. The plane was flying low when it struck the water and all three men were able to get out of the plane before it sank.

Authorities are uncertain of the exact location of the crash, but the three men swam for more than an hour in 44 degree water before reaching shore and then spent the night without shelter, according to the release. None suffered life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

“It takes only about 30 minutes for someone swimming in 44 degree water to start suffering the effects of hypothermia, so the fact that they swam in it for an hour, not to mention surviving the plane crash and the night without fire or shelter, is pretty amazing,'’ said Steven Luckesen, a district ranger at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. “If these guys were a cat with nine lives, they just used up three of them.'’

Gardner and the Brooks called a relative to take them for medical attention in American Fork.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, Bronson said.

Gardner pulled one of the most stunning upsets in Olympic history at the 2000 Games, winning the gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling by ending Alexander Karelin’s 13-year international winning streak. In the 2004 games in Athens, Gardner won the bronze medal, and in wrestling tradition, left his shoes on the mat as a symbolic way of announcing his retirement.

This is not the first time, he’s survived a life-threatening accident. In 2002 he became stranded while snowmobiling in the Wyoming wilderness and lost one of his toes to frostbite, and in 2004 he was struck by an automobile while riding his motorcycle.

Man, I am so going to get my butt kicked….

Author Adisa Banjoko Gathers Rappers and Martial Artists for Worlds First “Hip Hop, Chess and Life Strategy” Exhibition & Tournament Rappers and Martial Artists come Together to Teach Young People About the Power of Chess and Life Strategies at FREE Exhibition and Tournament San Jose CA, Feb 12, 2007- Adisa Banjoko, creator of the Lyrical Swords book series is proud to announce the world’s first Hip-Hop & Chess exhibition and tournament event. February 23rd 2007 at the MLK Jr. Library, located at 150 E. San Fernando Street in San Jose , CA from 4-8 PM., join Adisa and many others at the FREE Hip Hop, Chess & Life Strategy Charity Exhibition and Tournament. This free event was inspired by Adisa Banjoko desire to help empower today’s youth through education and entertainment. Rappers, award winning martial arts champions and many others will be participating and volunteering their time for Bay Area youth. Scheduled to appear; DJ QBert, Yogafrog, Award winning director Kevin Epps “Straight Outta Hunters Point”, The Jacka, Jay the Butcher, DJ Kevvy Kev, Balance, T-K.A.S.H., Ise Lyfe, Scape Martinez, Izz Thizz, Starski, Davey D, Casual, Saafir, journalist J.R., French Hip-Hop producer DJ Kool Side, battle MC Okwerdz, Hip Hop Congress President Shamako Noble and some surprise guests. DJ Backside will be on hand to spin beats for the event. Some of the of martial artists attending include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Sergio Silva of Open Door Jiu Jitsu, 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt Denny Prokopos, Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Gumby from www.onthemat.com and many others. “There are so many rappers who play chess, its mind blowing,” says Banjoko. “On February 23rd we’ll be showcasing to the world a more authentic intellectual side of who these men are, and what they can do. The children of today need to know how many options for success exist to help them to grow despite poverty, violence, broken families, and other factors surrounding them. We are going to show these kids that every obstacle can be overcome with the correct life strategy! Uplifting young minds is the sole reason for this event. We hope to have youth from every high school in the Bay Area participating.” Banjoko plans to host tournaments similar to these in other parts of the nation throughout the year. Hip Hop Chess & Life Strategy exhibition and tournament will commence with teaching chess to the new players while experienced players can play a relaxed game with various rappers and martial artists. There will be tournaments between rappers and martial artist, as well as a tournament for the kids. Prizes will be awarded to participants in the youth tournament. Be prepared to see some surprise guest and observe what is sure to be some unforgettable grudge matches. Hip-Hop historian Davey D stated, “My ultimate goal is to topple the entire Hiero squad. Davey D wants to actualize his dream of “putting the whole damn Hiero Imperium family in checkmate and rule the world. Casual, from the legendary Hieroglyphics Crew is helping to coordinate the event. He also plans to participate. “I play chess often. I refer to my chess games in debate, at work, in dealing with record labels, the law and in negotiations. If you don’t play chess, you don’t stand a chance against me.” Join Adisa Banjoko, DJ Qbert, Balance, The Jacka, Director Kevin Epps and more at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library @150 E. San Fernando Street San Jose, CA on February 23, 2007 from 4-8 PM. Adisa Banjoko is an internationally respected author of Lyrical Swords vol. 1: Hip Hop & Politics in the Mix, and Lyrical Swords vol. 2: Westside Rebellion on YinSumi Press. The books outline the positive correlation between Hip Hop, Islam, politics, martial arts, Eastern philosophy and chess. The volumes interview rappers, fighters and DJ’s like RZA, GZA, Paris, Casual of Hieroglyphics, Mike Relm, DJ QBert, David Camarillo, Royce Gracie, Rakaa of Dilated Peoples and the first Black Int’l Grandmaster in chess Maurice Ashley on the benefits of martial arts and chess. Adisa Banjoko has lectured at universities like Harvard, Stanford and Brown on the political and social trends within the subculture of Hip Hop. Sponsors include www.hiphopcongress.com, www.stateofminds.com www.lyricalswords.com & www.onthemat.com . Sponsor Inquires: Adisa Banjoko (408) 449.9810 or email abanjoko@shinkenpublicrelations.com Media Contact: Veronica Cohen veronica@shinkenpublicrelations.com

From MMA.tv

Please send prayers for Cole “the Apache Kid” Escovedo. In mid December he contracted a stayph infection that went unchecked until last week. By the time it was disgnosed, the infection had wound it’s way into his spine and he was paralyzed from the waist down.

Emergency surgery was performed last Saturday night to eradicate the infection from his spine, however, it has already shut off the transmiter sensors on no. 10 thru 7 of the lumbar spine.

Cole was released from the hospital yesterday and is walking with a walker. He has great heart and determination and with your prayers, I am sure he will get back to 100%.

Thank you,

Laura Escovedo

Cole is without a doubt the toughest and most relentless Mo’fo I’ve ever seen inside a cage.  I’m sure he’ll fight through this as well.  My prayers go out to him.

From Kid Peligro

ADCC Brazil Trials is now history:

The greatest trial ever in the ADCC history is now history itself. With several rounds and many top fighters facing each other for 2 days. In the end 5 men and 4 women stood tall. Winning the right to compete in the main event in Jersey on May 5 & 6 were Bruno Frazatto (Under 66kg), Andre Galvao (Under 77kg), Delson Heleno ‘Pe de Chumbo’ (under 88kg), Cristiano ‘Titi’ (under 99kg) and Luiz ‘Big Mac’ (over 99kg) for the men’s side. In the women’s side the winners were Bianca Andrade (under 55kg), Vanessa Porto (under 60kg), Hannette Quadros (under 67kg) and Rosangela Conceicao (over 67kg).

Of note the performance of Brasa’s sensational Rafael Mendes, as his coach Leo Vieira stated: ‘He is 17 years old and still a purple belt. I am very proud of him. Also ‘Deco’s’ (Galvao) performance was remarkable flawless really!’

Men:

Under 66kg
Bruno Frazatto (Godoi) defeated Samuel Braga (Gracie Barra-BH)
Rafael Mendes (Brasa) defeated Helder “Bob Esponja” (Brasa)
Final: Bruno Frazatto defeated Rafael Mendes pts 5 x 0

Under 77kg
Daniel Moraes (Gracie Humaita) defeated Lucas Leite Gomes (Brasa)
Andre Galvao (Brasa) defeated Miltinho Vieira (BTT) submission
Final: Andre Galvao defeated Daniel Moraes pts 16 x 2

Under 88kg
Rosimar Toquinho (BTT) defeated Romulo Barral (Gracie Barra-BH) submission heel-hook
Delson Pe de Chumbo (GBCT/Bita) defeated Carlos Baruch (Black House) adv 2 x 0
Final: Delson Pe de Chumbo defeated Tarsys Humphreys adv 1 x 0
Both Toquinho & Barral were injured in the semis and replaced by Tarsys .

Under 99kg
Antonio Braga Neto (Gracie Barra) defeated Jair Sorriso (Nova Uniao)
Cristiano “Titi” Lazzarini (Gracie Barra-BH) defeated Denis Gomes (Ataide Jr) submission Guillotine
Final: Cristiano Titi defeated Antonio Braga Neto submission Guillotine

Over 99kg
Luiz Theodoro “Big Mac” (Godoi) defeated Ricardo Bastos (Nova Uniao)
Joaquim Ferreira (Gracie Barra-BH) defeated Adriano Pires (Gracie Barra Campinas)
Final: Luiz Theodoro “Big Mac” defeated Joaquim Ferreira pts 3 x 0

Ladies:

Under 55kg
Bianca Andrade (GB Alagoas) defeated Letícia Ribeiro (Gracie Humaita) pts 3 x 0
Michelle Zonato (Brasa) defeated Fernanda Agualuza
Final: Bianca Andrade defeated Michelle Zonato submission Kimura

Under 60kg
Hellen Bastos defeated Silvana Cristina
Vanessa Porto defeated Tatiana Cordeiro
Final: Vanessa Porto defeated Hellen Bastos

Under 67kg
Hannette Quadros defeated Gilda Maria
Caroline De Lazzer defeated Luana Alzuguir
Final: Hannette Quadros defeated Caroline De Lazzer submission rear-naked choke

Over 67kg
Rosangela Conceicao defeated Carmen Casca-Grossa
Priscila Franca (bye)
Final: Rosangela Conceicao defeated Priscila França Submission Key-lock

Notice that these brackets were massive, in some case the victors had to win at least five matches I believe to make it to the finals and the Brazilians are sending a strong team for sure.  The Europeans will send a strong continent as well as there has been a series of qualifying tournaments all over Europe to make it the finals, so the ultimate victors from there will have had to have won a series of tournaments as well.  I’m American, so I’m naturally partial to the North American Trial winners, but one thing is for sure, is that these will be the toughest divisions yet.  

Thoughts on UFC 67:

I watched this one at home like most of you, so these thoughts are based of the PPV.

Patrick Cote over Scott Smith  Two knockout artists with heavy hands, thus we go to a decision.  Kind of a disappointing match in this regard.

Quinton Jackson over Marvin Eastman.  Funny how the UFC called Quinton “Rampage” as his first name in the official graphics.  The finally gave Rampage some microphone time also, he’s got more personality then most of the UFC roster combined.  Eastman came off looking very good as well, he actually looks more menacing to me without the goatee.  Good fight, even without seeing a trademark Rampage slam, but as Eastman said, he’s no one’s stepping stone.

Roger Huerta over John Halverson.  Most of the guys in the party had to catch this on replay, as they were still getting drinks when this one was over.  A collective WTF?  I think the knee that took Halverson out was clean, but don’t be surprised if there is an appeal to the athletic commission on this one.

Mirko Filipovic over Eddie Sanchez.  Biggest upset of the night (sarcasm).  Sanchez looked terrified to be in there, for Cro Cop it was another day at the office. Cro Cop only weighed in at 223, a full forty pounds lighter than the heavyweight limit and probably smaller than Ortiz and Lidell (and perhaps Lutter) walk around at, yet he’s easily the number two heavyweight in the world.  There is plenty of speculation if he could cut down to light heavyweight, but looking at the size of his thighs I don’t really think that would be possible.  Let’s assume Cro Cop gets the heavyweight title, and Chuck Liddell manages to avenge his loss to Rampage.  Would a Liddell vs Cro Cop fight be out of the question sometime down the road I wonder?

Anderson Silva over Travis Lutter-  Was more of a competitive match than I would have figured.  When I heard Lutter missed weight, I knew that attempts to cut would have seriously drained him for this match (he’s naturally a pretty big guy), but he actually acquited himself pretty well -in the first round at least.  I never in a million years would have called him tapping out to a triangle choke and to tell the trutch, it never looked that tight (as the leg was going across the back as oppossed to locking down on the neck at any point).  And since when does pushing your own head relieve the pressure of the choke?  I’ve been on the mat a long time and I’ve never heard that one.  I think Lutter just had enough at that point.  All the credit in the world to Anderson Silva, who came in to fight despite having knee surgery on both knees recently.  I don’t think he’s invincible however, but he’s definitely an exciting champion.

Frank Edgar over Tyson Griffin-  Fight of the night in my opinion, with plenty of exhanges, reversals, technique and flat out heart.  Man, I would watch the rematch tomorrow.

Terry Martin over Jorge Rivera-  Brutal KO, judging from Rvera’s reaction afterwards he obviously had no idea what happened.  Terry Martin obviously hits like a cement truck, funny how he called out Mike Swick as oppossed to the champion however.