Erik Paulson (born 1966) is an American mixed martial artist raised in Minnesota and currently residing in California. He is the first American to win the World Light-Heavy Weight Shooto Title in Japan.

Biography[link]

Starting with Judo in 1974, Paulson has trained in many disciplines including Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, Boxing, Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Kali/Eskrima, Sambo (martial art), Catch Wrestling, Shoot wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, studying first with Rorion Gracie, Royce Gracie, Rickson Gracie in his garage in 1989. He has studied with 40 different teachers over his 30 years of training including Rick Faye, Greg Nelson, Yorinaga Nakamura, Larry Hartsell, Tim Tackett, Ajarn Chai Sirisute, Nicolas Saignac, Rob Kaman, Rigan Machado, Rico Chipparelli, and the legendary Dan Inosanto, who claims Erik is one of the world's most dynamic grapplers.

He currently runs the CSW Training Center in Fullerton, California where he trains MMA fighters such as Josh Barnett, Ken Shamrock, Renato Sobral, Cub Swanson, Ben Jones, Craig Wilkerson, James Wilks and Ginelle Marquez. He is closely affiliated with Sean Sherk and Brock Lesnar of the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy.

Erik came out of retirement in October 2007 to headline the first HDNET MMA fight card. Paulson took on Jeff Ford in the main event of the night. Paulson made quick work of Ford, winning by spinning arm bar in the opening minutes of the first round.

Erik holds the rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Rigan Machado. He also trained extensively with Rorion, Royce, and Rickson Gracie. Erik trained Shoot wrestling under Yori Nakamura. Erik is the founder of Combat Submission Wrestling, and STX Kickboxing. Erik is currently writing a book along with American Combat Association president Matthew Granahan and JD Dwyer on the History of American Submission Wrestling. The book has just been released as of July 2010 ^[1]

Erik was the striking coach for Team Lesnar on The Ultimate Fighter: Season 13.

Erik has younger brother Leif Paulson who is an up and coming grappler in his own right.

Championship[link]

Mixed Martial Arts

• Shooto
  • World Light-Heavy Weight Shooto Title

Mixed martial arts record[link]

See also[link]

• List of Shooto Champions

References[link]

• "Erik Paulson Beginnings". erikpaulson.com. 2006-08-05. http://erikpaulson.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=29. Retrieved 2007-05-12. 
• "Erik Paulson Professional Fight Record". Full Contact Fighter Database. Archived from the original on 2007-02-24. http://web.archive.org/web/20070224190752/http://fcfighter.brinkster.net/fighter.asp?FighterID=9080. Retrieved 2007-05-12. 

1. ^ http://erikpaulson.com/products/new-book-rough-tumble-pre-order/#comments

External links[link]

• ErikPaulson.com
• Erik Paulson at the Internet Movie Database

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Eddie Bravo
Eddie demonstrating his signature guard, the rubber guard
Born	(1970-05-15) May 15, 1970 (age 42) Santa Ana, California, US
Other names	The Twister
Residence	Hollywood, California, United States
Nationality	American
Style	Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, Freestyle Wrestling
Teacher(s)	Jean-Jacques Machado
Rank	2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Notable students	Joe Rogan, Jason Chambers, Gerald Strebendt, Shinya Aoki, Chuck Liddell, Matt Horwich, Jason Day, George Sotiropoulos, Matt Mitrione, Tait Fletcher, Dan Hardy[1][dead link]

Eddie Bravo (born Edgar Cano on May 15, 1970) is a Mexican-American practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who holds a second degree black belt under Jean-Jacques Machado. He is most famous for his win as a brown belt against Royler Gracie by triangle choke in the 2003 Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling championships and his particular style of no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, called 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. He is also known for his mixed martial arts commentating on the Ultimate Fighting Championship and music composition. In an interview he advocated marijuana as performance enhancing.^[2][3] He lives in Hollywood, California, where he ran his 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu school out of Legends MMA until 5/11/12. Is presently teaching at 10th Planet in Burbank, Ca.

Instructional manuals[link]

Eddie Bravo has released several Instructional Manuals:

• Jiu Jitsu Unleashed (2005)
• Mastering the Rubber Guard (2006) ^[4]
• Mastering the Twister (2007)^[5]
• Advanced Rubber Guard (2011)^[6]

Instructor lineage[link]

Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie, Sr. → Carlos Gracie, Jr. → Jean Jacques Machado → Eddie Bravo

Chan Sung Jung[link]

At UFC Fight Night 24, Chan Sung Jung, aka "the Korean Zombie" forced Leonard Garcia to tap to a spine lock called "the twister", the lock is also known in amateur wrestling as a "guillotine", not to be confused with the guillotine choke which is used widely in MMA. It was the first time the submission had been used to finish a fight in UFC history. He talked about the move after the fight, "It's something I saw a long time ago on the Internet on video," Jung said. "It's one of Eddie Bravo's moves. It's something I practiced because it looks fun and I do it quite a bit in practice. I have always told people I was going to try it sometime in competition. I wanted to do it in the UFC and I was able to, finally."^[7]

Submission grappling record[link]

Result	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Notes
Loss	Alexandre 'Soca' De Freitas	Forfeit (injury)	Abu Dhabi 2003	2003			Bronze
Loss	Leo Vieira	Points (14-0)	Abu Dhabi 2003	2003			Semi-Finals
Win	Royler Gracie	Submission (triangle choke)	Abu Dhabi 2003	2003			Quarterfinals
Win	Gustavo Dantas	Submission (Rear Naked Choke)	Abu Dhabi 2003	2003			Elimination Rnd.

See also[link]

• List of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners

References[link]

External links[link]

• 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu – Official Website for Eddie Bravo & 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu
• The Twister – Myspace Page

Josh Barnett
Josh Barnett attending Amie Nicole's "Fit to Rock" DVD Release Party, Hollywood, California on May 21, 2010
Born	(1977-11-10) November 10, 1977 (age 34) Seattle, Washington, United States
Other names	The Warmaster, Baby-Faced Assassin (former)
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight	248 lb (112 kg; 17 st 10 lb)
Division	Heavyweight (265 lb)
Reach	78 in (198 cm)
Fighting out of	Fullerton, California, U.S.
Team	CSW
Trainer	Erik Paulson
Rank	A Catchwrestler but also has Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Erik Paulson
Years active	1997–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total	37
Wins	31
By knockout	9
By submission	17
By decision	4
By disqualification	1
Losses	6
By knockout	3
By submission	0
By decision	3
Website	http://www.joshbarnett.tv/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: September 14, 2011 (2011-09-14)

Medal record
Competitor for  United States
Men's Grappling
IBJJF World No Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Gold	2009 Long Beach	97.449+ kg (Black)

Joshua Lawrence Barnett (born November 10, 1977) is an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler who currently fights in the heavyweight division of Strikeforce. Barnett has been an accomplished fighter in mixed martial arts, winning the King of Pancrase Openweight Championship. He was a finalist in the Pride 2006 Openweight Grand Prix. As of February 2012, Barnett is ranked the #3 heavyweight fighter in the world by Fight!Magazine,^[1] #3 by MMAWeekly.com^[2] and the #8 heavyweight fighter in the world by Sherdog.^[3]

Mixed martial arts career[link]

Professional wrestling[link]

After having his UFC HW title stripped due to testing positive for 3 banned substances, Josh Barnett began his overseas career as a professional wrestler in the New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) organization, where he wrestled numerous matches in 2003 and 2004. In his first match, he wrestled champion Yuji Nagata for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Although unsuccessful in that match,^[4] Barnett formed a tag team with Perry Saturn and was undefeated in the following NJPW tour, Fighting Spirit 2003. Barnett wrestled over 50 matches in total for the NJPW promotion.^[5]

Since then, Barnett has been wrestling for Antonio Inoki's Inoki Genome Federation wrestling promotion. He debuted with the company in 2007 with a victory over Tadao Yasuda. He racked up victories against Don Frye and Montanha Silva before suffering his first loss against Naoya Ogawa. The same man he beat earlier in the night. Since the loss, he has been on a winning streak beating The Predator, Hitokui Yoshiki, Tank Abbott, Jon Andersen, Fonseca, Atsushi Sawada, Bob Sapp, Ultimate Mask, Tim Sylvia, Montanha Silva, Bobby Lashley and Hideki Suzuki.^[6]

Starting in February at IGF GENOME 14, IGF began a title tournament to crown a new heavyweight champion and Barnett not only continued his winning streak but he advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament with his victory over Montanha Silva. In July at IGF GENOME 16, he defeated Bobby Lashley with a cross armbreaker to advance to the finals of the title tournament. Was scheduled to face Jérôme Le Banner for the IGF Heavyweight Championship in a tournament final scheduled for August 27 at the IGF SUPER STARS FESTIVAL 2011. However, it was announced on August 19 that Barnett had to pull out of the match up and Le Banner was declared the first ever IGF champion on August 22. However, Josh Barnett would get his shot at the IGF Heavyweight Championship on December 2 against the champion, Jerome Le Banner. Barnett would lose the contest by knockout.^[6]

On New Year's Eve, Josh Barnett made his return to Japan for the DREAM, "Fight for Japan" event. At the event he would face Hideki Suzuki in a IGF Rules match. After a wrestling clinic was put on by both athletes, it was Barnett who won with a brainbuster to seal the victory.^[6]

Pancrase and Pride[link]

Barnett competed in MMA fights in both Pride and Pancrase in Japan. While in Pancrase, he won its open-weight Grand Prix title by defeating Yuki Kondo. Winning this title put him alongside the likes of Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock and Bas Rutten as one of the few fighters to be a titleholder in both Pancrase and the UFC.

In his first fight in Pride, at Pride 28 against Croatian Mirko "Crocop" Filipović, he suffered a simultaneous fracture and dislocated shoulder injury that required surgery and over six months of rehab. His first fight back post-injury was a rematch against Filipović at Pride 30, which he lost by a close and controversial unanimous decision. He came back with a win against Kazuhiro Nakamura at Pride 31.

Barnett later beat Alexander Emelianenko by a keylock submission in the second round of the Pride Open Weight Grand Prix at Pride Total Elimination Absolute. He submitted Mark Hunt via kimura in the first round of the Open Weight Grand Prix at Pride Critical Countdown Absolute. Barnett defeated Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by split decision in the semi finals of the Open Weight Grand Prix, however he lost the final match of the Pride Final Conflict Absolute to Filipović on September 10, 2006, submitting after an unintentional finger poke to the eye. In a post-fight interview, Barnett explained the incident: "I opened up my guard and I grabbed his leg to go for a leglock, and in the scramble Mirko put his hand out to post and he caught a finger deep in my right eye. And as soon as it happened I let go of the leg and grabbed my face, and I couldn't see anything at the time and I had no idea where he was and I just didn't want him to punt me in the face with a kick when I can't see and I'm blinded. He said, you know, 'Sorry' and I said to him that he was winning that night and it was an accident. He didn't mean [to do it]".^[7] This also marked the third time he was beaten by the MMA legend.

Next, Barnett fought the Polish Judo gold medalist Pawel Nastula at Pride 32, the organization's first show in the USA. To fight again in Nevada, the Nevada State Athletic Commission required that Barnett pass a mandatory drug test. In a surprisingly competitive match, Nastula controlled the first round and most of the second. Barnett reversed Nastula from the bottom and was able to secure a toe-hold submission, which earned him the victory. At a post fight press conference, Barnett complimented Nastula on his performance. Nastula, however, subsequently tested positive for steroids.^[8] Barnett then lost a rematch by unanimous decision to Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira at Pride Shockwave 2006.

World Victory Road: Sengoku[link]

After the bout against Nogueira and the acquisition of Pride by the UFC, Barnett did not participate in any MMA events in 2007, except one Pancrase match against Hikaru Sato, which was held under catch wrestling rules on Dec. 22. Barnett did not follow many other Pride veterans to the UFC because he desired to join an organization that included the top heavyweight fighter in the world, Fedor Emelianenko.^[9] In 2008, Barnett joined the newly organized MMA promotion, Sengoku, and fought in consecutive main events at Sengoku 1 and Sengoku 2, submitting Hidehiko Yoshida with a heel hook in the third round, and defeating Jeff Monson by unanimous decision. These fights were notable in that Barnett became the first man to submit Yoshida in mixed martial arts competition; and Barnett and Monson are good friends.

Affliction Entertainment[link]

Since his contract with World Victory Road is not exclusive, Barnett can join other MMA events. Barnett participated in the inaugural MMA event held by Affliction Entertainment, in July 2008. Seven years after his only knockout loss to Pedro Rizzo, he avenged that loss at Affliction: Banned with a knockout of his own in the second round.

In January 2009, Barnett fought Pride veteran Gilbert Yvel at Affliction: Day of Reckoning. Barnett defeated Yvel by a submission resulting from strikes in the third round. His next match-up, scheduled on August 1, 2009 against Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction's 3rd event Affliction: Trilogy, was one of the most anticipated match-up between the then ranked No.1 heavyweight Emelianenko and No.2 heavyweight Barnett.^[10] However, the fight was officially pulled 10 days before the fight by the California State Athletic Commission after Barnett tested positive for anabolic steroids for a second time. (A metabolite of Drostanolone)^[11] The event and Affliction Entertainment itself was cancelled July 24, 2009 as a result. Barnett requested that they test his "B" sample hoping there was an error in the test. His "B" sample was positive.

Post-Affliction[link]

Due to the positive drug tests, Barnett has made a re-licensure appeal to the California State Athletic Commission(CSAC). The CSAC has postponed Barnett's appeal three times. The first two postponements happened because Barnett's law firm required additional information from the laboratory that conducted Barnett's tests. Michael J. DiMaggio, Barnett's attorney, was unable to attend the hearing due to travel problems, causing the third extension, which would have taken place at 22 February 2010.^[12]

Josh was a no-show at this hearing on February 22, 2010, making this the fourth delay in his appeal, Shannon Hooper, Barnett's manager, told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) on Monday February 22, 2010 that Barnett was in Japan on Sunday February 21, 2010 for a pro wrestling match and will return to the U.S. later today. His reason was he was unaware that his presence was required, but the CSAC said they had notified him of this months before.^[13] Barnett more recently signed on with MMA organization Strikeforce.

Dream[link]

Barnett signed to fight for Dream in 2010, and made his debut on March 22, 2010 at Dream 13 against Mighty Mo. He won the fight via submission in the first round. During the fight, he accidentally kicked Mighty Mo in the groin so immediately after winning the fight, Barnett approached Mighty Mo apologizing for the illegal strike and in return allowed Mighty Mo to knee him in the groin.

Strikeforce[link]

On 13 September 2010 it was announced that Josh Barnett had signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce.^[14]

Barnett faced Brett Rogers on June 18, 2011 at Strikeforce: Dallas in the opening round of a Strikeforce heavyweight tournament. Barnett submitted Rogers with an arm triangle in the second round of the bout.^[15]

Barnett defeated Sergei Kharitonov in the semi-final of the tournament headlining Strikeforce: World Heavyweight Grand Prix – Barnett vs. Kharitonov on September 10, 2011 at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He faced fellow finalist Daniel Cormier on May 19, 2012 at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier to determine the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion.^[16] Dana White announced if Barnett were to defeat Cormier, he would be allowed back into the UFC, "If he wins the fight, I can't see why he wouldn't come [to the UFC]."^[17] Barnett lost the bout via unanimous decision. (50-45, 50-45, 49-46), losing for the first time in over 5 years.

Other features[link]

Barnett has appeared in the Xbox 360 game Beautiful Katamari as one of the people that can be rolled up. He appears as the rare person "Wrestler" in his signature trunks and Pride FC gloves.

Billy Robinson had contributed immensely in training Josh Barnett. Barnett teaches catch wrestling at Erik Paulson's CSW Training Center in Fullerton, California. He is the primary trainer and manager of female fighter Megumi Fujii and listed on the Abe Ani Combat Club's website as a team wrestling coach and friend.

Barnett competed in the California Classic 2009 BJJ Tournament on November 15, 2009. Barnett lost a decision to ADCC veteran and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Romulo Barral from Gracie Barra in the Black Belt GI Absolute division. On December 19, 2009, Paulson awarded Barnett his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Even though Barnett had never trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu he was given his belt based on competition merit and overall knowledge.^[18][19]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

Mixed martial arts[link]

• Strikeforce
  • 2011 Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Runner-up

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • UFC Heavyweight Championship (One time)

• Pancrase Hybrid Wrestling
  • Pancrase Openweight Championship (One time; Last)

• Pride Fighting Championship
  • 2006 Pride Openweight Grand Prix Runner-up

Submission grappling[link]

• International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
  • 2009 World No Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship Black Belt Gold Medalist^[20][21]

• International Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Federation
  • Gracie US Nationals 2010 – 206+ lb / Advanced No-Gi: 1st place^[22]

Mixed martial arts record[link]

See also[link]

Professional wrestling portal

• List of male mixed martial artists
• List of current Strikeforce fighters

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Josh Barnett

• Official website
• Josh Barnett on Twitter
• Josh Barnett on Myspace
• Professional MMA record for Josh Barnett from Sherdog
• Josh Barnett's professional wrestling match results

Matthew Steven Mitrione (born July 15, 1978) is an American mixed martial artist and former NFL football player, playing for the New York Giants^[1] and Minnesota Vikings.^[2] He was a cast member of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights.^[3]

Mixed martial arts[link]

Mitrione is a former member of Integrated Fighting Academy with Chris Lytle in Indiana.^[4] Now, he currently trains out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, With the Blackzillians.^[5]

[edit] The Ultimate Fighter

Mitrione appeared on the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter. On the show, he was given the unofficial nickname "Meathead" by his coach Rashad Evans. After being picked second to last by Evans, Mitrione fought and defeated Scott Junk via majority (19–19, 20–18 and 20–18) decision, moving him on to the quarter finals.

Following Mitrione's fight with Junk, Mitrione complained about migraines and dizziness, causing many of the cast members to feel that Mitrione may bow out of the competition to give Kimbo Slice a second opportunity. Much to the dismay of everyone, including Dana White, Mitrione did fight and was eliminated by teammate James McSweeney in the quarterfinals, losing via guillotine choke.

Ultimate Fighting Championship[link]

Mitrione made his professional MMA debut at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale defeating Marcus Jones via knockout early in the second round.

Mitrione then faced another fellow Ultimate Fighter alumnus Kimbo Slice at UFC 113 in Montreal.^[6] Mitrone chopped Slice down with leg kicks and eventually defeated Slice via TKO (Punches), taking his record to 2–0.

Mitrione faced Joey Beltran on September 25, 2010 at UFC 119.^[7] He won the fight via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) and also won the "Fight of the Night" award.

Mitrione defeated Tim Hague on January 22, 2011 at UFC Fight Night 23 via TKO in the first round. It was mentioned during the post-fight interview that Mitrione had broken his left hand and later confirmed that he had injured the second metacarpal in his left hand.^[8]

Mitrione fought Christian Morecraft on June 26, 2011 at UFC on Versus 4.^[9] Mitrione dominated the first round with his standup scoring two knockdowns. Mitrione ended the fight via KO at 4:28 of round 2.

Mitrione suffered his first professional MMA loss to Cheick Kongo via unanimous decision on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137.^[10]

He is expected to face Rob Broughton on August 4, 2012 at UFC on FOX 4.^[11]

Personal life[link]

Mitrione has two sons and one daughter. The couple had their third child in November 2010.^[12][13] Matt was also a former defensive tackle for Purdue University's football team from 1998–2001.^[14]

Matt Mitrione has been involved with several other UFC fighters (Sean Pierson, Mark Hominick, and Sam Stout) as part of a Toronto area anti-bullying program.^[15]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

Mixed martial arts[link]

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Fight of the Night (One time)

Mixed martial arts record[link]

See also[link]

• List of current UFC fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists

References[link]

External links[link]

• Professional MMA record for Matt Mitrione from Sherdog
• Pro-Football-Reference.com
• UFC Profile