It’s going to be a weekend of star gazing and grappling for fight fans as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Taiwan hosts Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Royce Gracie.
MMA fans can meet and greet Gracie at the Brass Monkey in Taipei on Sunday at 10am. The sports bar will host the fighter in an autograph-signing event ahead of a screening of UFC 123 Rampage v Machida at 11am.
The much-anticipated showdown between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson of the US and Lyoto Machida of Brazil will be screened live from Detroit, Michigan.
Those who can’t wake up that early can get more up close and personal with Gracie at the TMMA gym in Taipei in the basement of 22, Alley 27, Ren-ai Rd Sec. 4, where he will be hosting a Gracie jiujitsu no-gi seminar for NT$1,500 per person at 3pm.
Gracie came to prominence in the early 1990s after he rose to the top of a heap of fighters trained in separate disciplines who pitted their skills against each other in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The early contests between Gracie and much larger opponents often appeared lopsided, until Gracie pythoned his way around whoever he was fighting and got their arms or legs into locks that could easily result in broken limbs.
The legendary martial artist is also known for refusing to give up. Fighting in a bout in 2006 after returning to UFC following a period of retirement, Gracie was up against welterweight champion Matt Hughes, who managed to get Gracie’s arm in a straight arm bar. Gracie refused to tap out, however, with Hughes later saying the Brazilian would rather let his arm break than submit.
The three-time UFC champion brought grappling into the public eye, and MMA has exploded in popularity worldwide ever since.
Taiwan is still a relative newcomer to the sport, with Hsinchu-based Tough-MMA, an officially sanctioned member of the Taiwan MMA Federation, hosting events nationwide.
The MMA club put on its first tournament in Hsinchu in 2007, and has since held events in Taipei that have attracted thousands of spectators.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely