Dan Henderson And Cyrille Diabate Talk Bisping

MMAjunkie.com Radio: UFC 100's Dan Henderson, Cyrille Diabate

After a monstrously stacked primetime show on Wednesday night, the MMAjunkie.com Radio crew returns with another all-star lineup for today's program.

Joining the show is UFC 100 main-card fighter Dan Henderson, who takes on Michael Bisping, his rival coach from "The Ultimate Fighter 9," at Saturday's pay-per-view event. Joining Henderson in studio are "TUF 9" assistant coach and fighter Cyrille Diabate and "MMA Live" host Jon Anik, who's in Las Vegas to shoot multiple episodes of the popular ESPN MMA show.

For more on MMAjunkie.com, and to listen to and watch the shows, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio

Primetime Radio: Jon Fitch, Paulo Thiago, Cyrille Diabate, "King Mo," Ariel Helwani

Tonight's show airs in a special 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET (5 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT) timeslot, and UFC 100's Jon Fitch and Paulo Thiago and "The Ultimate Fighter 9" assistant coach Cyrille Diabate will join the program, while fast-rising Sengoku prospect Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal and Ariel Helwani of AOL FanHouse and VERSUS.com will join in to help co-host the show.

For more on MMAjunkie.com, and to listen to and watch the shows, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio

David Hojak Interviews Cyrille Diabate

Originally posted on throwthembows.com

ThrowThemBows.com editorial author David Hojak (0-0) recently got a chance to speak with veteran mixed martial artist and TUF9 Team USA striking coach, Cyrille Diabate (14-6). Born to French parents in Le Celle St Clous, France in 1973, Cyrille has spent his life winning WKA and National Kickboxing titles, which he gave us some insight into during his call.

On the call, he also discussed the pretense of how he'd like to return to the UFC, what awaits him when he gets there, and how long he'd like to stay.

Cyrille was humble in his approach to returning to the UFC, believing that he was as tasked with proving his worth in the organization despite his vast experience, especially considering his impressive 7-1 run in his last eight fights.

He talks more about his chance to perform in Pride in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, and takes with him the memories of walking down that Pride ramp, down to the Pride ring, and living in the moment of competing in a Pride bout. Though he admits he was finished brutally, he bears no ill will towards Shogun.

Click here to read the entire article at ThrowthemBows.com

Cyrille Diabate on Inside MMA

TopMMANews Catches the Snake

UFC 98 Spotlight: Xavier Foupa-Pokam “Professor X” - PRO MMA exclusive interview

Originally posted on ProMMA.info

On April 18, 2009 an ominous Xavier Foupa-Pokam entered the UFC cage for the first time and battled veteran Denis Kang to a decision. On May 23 Xavier Foupa-Pokam, better known as “Professor X”, will make his second appearance inside the Octagon as he takes on Drew McFedries at UFC 98 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

26-year-old Snake Team member “Professor X” is an extremely athletic 6′1″ middleweight from France; a Cage Rage veteran and muay-thai specialist who is also dangerous on the ground. He carries a professional MMA record of 20-9 with 11 (T)KOs and 7 submissions. Rarely will you see a “Professor X” fight go to decision. In 2007 he appeared on the History Channel’s “The Human Weapon” as a Savate instructor.

PRO MMA (promma.info) recently had the opportunity to speak with the Professor about a number of topics including his opinion of his UFC debut performance, his upcoming fight at UFC 98, the Snake Team, MMA in France, the origin of his nickname, the UFC Middleweight Champ, his future, and more. PRO MMA (promma.info) proudly presents the mysterious “Professor X.”

PRO MMA: Xavier, thank you for taking the time to speak with us here at PRO MMA (promma.info). How are you doing and how are your preparations coming along for your upcoming fight at UFC 98 against Drew McFedries?
XAVIER: I’m doing very good. I’m still very disappointed of my last fight, so I’m looking forward to this next one to do a better job.

PRO MMA: Have you seen many of Drew McFedries’ fights; what is your opinion of his skill and how do you see yourself matching up with him?
XAVIER: I’ve watched some of his fights. He’s a tough guy with heavy hands. But my boxing is faster, more precise and less predictable than his. And if he tries and takes me down, I’ll submit him.

*********

RO MMA: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans and would you like to thank any sponsors?
XAVIER: To my fans, I’d like to say that my last fight was an accident. Just wait and watch the next one. It’s just the beginning of a very long story… I want to thank my manager Ken Pavia and all his MMAagents team. They do a very good job for me. I also want to thank Cyrille Diabate, my trainer, for all he’s doing for me every day and all my guys from the Snake Team; especially Jimmy Riah and Olivier Ancely, our physical conditioners. I want to thank all the guys of the Sankuno; and specially David Pierre-Louis. I also want to thank all my guys from the Team Quest; Dan Henderson, Thierry Sokoudjou Reameau, Kristoph Sozinsky, Jason “Mahyem” Miller, Heith Sims, Lew Polly, Pantcho and all of you guys. Then, I also want to thank the Private Coach centers, Serious Pimp, Hayabusa and Karl Kany for supporting me.

Click here to read the entire article at ProMMA.info

Fighter A-Z: Xavier Foupa-Pokam

Originally posted on FourOuncesToFreedom.com

Xavier Foupa-Pokam is a rare breed of fighter. French born and bred isn't something you hear a lot when it comes to describing mixed martial artists. Every UFC fan knows Cheick Kongo, but even he doesn't train in his home country. "Professor X" is very proud of France, and until recently his goal was to show every European fan what French fighters could do. Now, he's getting the chance to show North American fans the same thing.

Xavier's martial arts training started with karate in the suburbs of Paris when he was 11. After years of training he became interested in expanding into other disciplines, but his instructor wasn't happy about that, thinking it would mess with his focus at karate tournaments. Eventually Foupa-Pokam burned out on karate and decided to take up another martial art that had always interested him - Thai Boxing. After some research, Xavier went to meet the man that later became his mentor - Cyril "The Snake" Diabate.

Around the time that Professor X joined the gym, Diabate had converted the previously striking-only gym into a full-fledged MMA gym. Despite the emphasis on MMA, a lot of Diabate's proteges were very similar in terms of skillset - tall, long-limbed strikers. Xavier fit in quite nicely. There was one small problem with an MMA camp in France though - MMA wasn't legal there. They couldn't even fight in their home country. This led to Foupa-Pokam taking fights in places like Switzerland, Hungary, South Africa, and Sweden. The country he fought in most, however, was England.

Click here to read the entire article at FourOuncestoFreedom.com

Video on Demand: PFC 12 ‘High Stakes’

Sherdog.com is proud to offer free video on demand from Lemoore, Calif., where the Palace Fighting Championship hosted “High Stakes.”

Featuring a stacked card of UFC and Pride veterans, the show also put on display the sport’s next generation of stars.

Hosted by Sherdog Radio Network’s TJ De Santis, mixed martial arts veteran Erik Apple and comedian Andre Covington, tune in to see 12 action-packed bouts for free!

Click here to see the entire fight card at Sherdog.com

Saraiva takes PFC Title; Diabate and Prof. X Dominate

Originally posted on Sherdog.com

Former PFC lightweight champion and UFC veteran Diego Saraiva dropped down to featherweight to snatch the gold away from reigning champ Jorge Evangelista with a rear-naked choke finish at 2:39 in the second round.

Evangelista came out on top in a close first round. He was the more aggressive of the two in a round that seemed to be mostly a feeling out period. But round two was all Saraiva.

“The Octopus” lived up to his nickname when he dragged the champ to the mat, wrapped him up, took his back, and locked in the finishing move. Evangelista tried to counter by slamming them both on their heads, but it was to no avail and he submitted.

When the fighters rose, the former champ’s left eye was swollen shut and Saraiva had blood running down his face from a cut on his forehead. The win improves Saraiva’s record to 13-8-1.

In other non-title action, France native and Pride veteran Cyrille Diabate dispatched TUF veteran Lodune Sincaid just 1:15 into round two.

Diabate dominated the striking exchanges, cutting Sincaid in round one and dropping him with a vicious head kick right at the buzzer. Sincaid answered the bell for round two, but the ref called time out to have Lodune’s cut checked after 75 seconds of action.

In other bouts, Xavier Foupa-Pokam destroyed Kyacey Uscola with a knee to the body that left him doubled up and rolling around in a corner at 2:06 of the first round.

Click here to read the entire article at Sherdog.com

"PFC 12: High Stakes" play by play and official results

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

XAVIER FOUPA-POKAM VS. KYACEY USCOLA

Round 1 - Uscola throws a heavy low kick, but Foupa-Pokam counters with a right hand. Uscola shoots in and slips, but he maintains an underhook and works Foupa-Pokam to the ground. Foupa-Pokam pulls guard while in his corner, and instructions come from his corner in his native French. Uscola looks for some short shots from top, but Foupa-Pokam avoids the damage. Referee Jason McCoy calls for a stand-up, and pulls the doctor to look at a small cut above Uscola's left eye. The restart comes quickly, and Foupa-Pokam delivers a quick assault of punches and kicks. Uscola falls, but Foupa-Pokam allows him to his feet. Foupa-Pokam moves forward with more aggression now, and a flying knee to the body lands with stunning authority. Uscola collapses on the floor, and "Professor X" doesn't bother to follow. Xavier Foupa-Pokam def. Kyacey Uscola via KO (knee to the body) -- Round 1, 2:06.

CYRILLE DIABATE VS. LODUNE SINCAID

Round 1 - Diabate immediately stalks the much-smaller Sincaid. As Diabate moves in, Sincaid clinches and takes Diabate to the floor. Diabate initially controls Sincaid and scores elbows to the head, but Sincaid pops out and moves to side control. Diabate remains calm underneath and gains half-guard. Sincaid offers little on top and Diabate pulls full guard. Sincaid moves swiftly back into side control and in a scramble looks for a guillotine. Diabate slips out and transitions to Sincaid's back. Punches follow, but they land to the back of the head. Referee Cecil People stands the fighters and issues a warning. On the restart Diabate lands a heavy left leg to the body. The move hurts Sincaid, and Diabate follows with a series of punches to the head that immediately cut Sincaid open. Sincaid crumbles and covers as the bell sounds. MMAjunkie.com sees it for Diabate after the flurry to end the round, 10-9.

Round 2 - Sincaid doesn't budge from his corner and Diabate walks him down. Another body kick and a punch and elbow score for Diabate. Sincaid is on the defensive and Diabate's confidence is sky high. Sincaid covers meekly in the corner and Diabate punishes his opponent with a series of elbows to the face. The blows leave Sincaid's nose twisted and gashes in his face. Peoples halts the bout for the ringside doctor to take a closer look. The decision doesn't take long, and the fight is waved off. Cyrille Diabate def. Lodune Sincaid via TKO (doctor's stoppage due to cuts) -- Round 2, 1:15.

CHAMP JORGE EVANGELISTA VS. DIEGO SARAIVA

Round 1 - Evangelista opens with a high kick that Saraiva blocks. Evangelista catches a kick from Saraiva and clinches in the corner. As they back away, Saraiva ducks under an elbow. Saraiva throws a kick to the body, but Evangelista circles away. Saraiva scores a kick to the body then escape from a counter in kind. Saraiva cuts the ring off, but he can't capitalize on Evangelista's time in the corner. Saraiva traps Evangelista in the corner but will not let his hands go, much to the dismay of his corner. The round ends, and MMAjunkie.com sees a close round for Saraiva, 10-9, based on ring control.

Round 2 - Saraiva again walks Evangelista down but hesitates. A flurry finally comes, but Evangelista clinches. Evangelista works the Thai clinch briefly, but Saraiva moves away. Saraiva throws an axe kick after eating a left hand. Saraiva shoots in and wrestles Evangelista to the ground. Evangelista turtles and Saraiva takes his back. "The Octopus" locks in both hooks and peppers Evangelista with punches. Evangelista lifts and slams in an effort to shake Saraiva, but the move just lets "The Octopus" sink in the choke. Saraiva rolls Evangelista over and tightens the hold, forcing the tap. Saraiva earns the PFC featherweight title. Evangelista stands to reveal his left eye is completely closed. Diego Saraiva def. Jorge Evangelista via submission (rear-naked choke) -- Round 2, 2:39.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Snake Team seeks higher plane with PFC wins

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo may currently be the most well-known French striker currently competing in MMA, but he doesn't have the corner on the market.

Former EliteXC light-heavyweight Cyrile Diabate (12-6-1) made his presence known with a blood-filled decision win over Jaime Fletcher at "ShoXC: Hamman vs. Suganuma II" in August 2008. Now "The Snake" will look to continue his winning ways against "The Ultimate Fighter" veteran Lodune Sincaid (14-6) at Thursday's "PFC 12: High Stakes" in Lemoore, Calif.

And he's bringing fellow Snake Team fighter Xavier Foupa-Pokam (19-9) with him in their shot at a successful U.S. invasion.

"I was interested in an MMA career because it's getting bigger and bigger," Diabate recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "There's more opportunities for fighters. If I make it over here (in the U.S.), and we make it over here, there's more opportunities for the rest of the team as well. It was a logical step for me to try and hit the American market."

Making his way to the U.S. has been a long process for the 36-year-old Diabate.

"I started off kickboxing at the end of 1991," Diabate said. "I was French amateur champion the first year and then French semi-pro champion the year after that. It just continued from there."

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Thursday's PFC Card Will Stream Live on Sherdog

Originally posted on Sherdog.com

Sherdog.com will offer a free live stream of Thursday's PFC "High Stakes" card, which is headlined by four championship bouts.

The Sherdog Radio Network's TJ De Santis will broadcast live from ringside on Thursday, Jan. 22.

PFC Featherweight Championship
Jorge Evangelista vs. Diego Saraiva

LHW Match-Up
Cyrille Diabate vs. Lodune Sincaid

MW Match-Up
Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs. Kyacey Uscola

Click here to read the entire article at Sherdog.com

Updated PFC 12 Card

Originally posted on MMAnews.com

PFC World Featherweight Championship
Fresno, Calif.’s Jorge Evangelista (8-2-1) vs. Atlanta, Ga.’s Diego Saraiva (12-8-1)
*Evangelista is making his first title defense.

Light Heavyweights
La Celle St. Clous, France’s Cyrille Diabate (12-6-1) vs. North Hollywood, Calif.’s Lodune Sincaid (14-6)

Middleweights
Paris, France’s Xavier Foupa-Pokam (19-9) vs. Utah’s Kasey Uscula (15-12)

Click here to read the entire article at MMAnews.com

FiveOuncesofPain.com's Interview with Cyrille Diabate

PFC Top 10 Includes the likes of Larson, Diabate, and Saraiva

Originally posted on PalaceFightingChampionship.com

Featherweight | 145 Pounds

CHAMPION - Jorge Evangelista
1. Casey Olson
2. Diego Saraiva

Welterweight | 170 Pounds

CHAMPION - Bryan Travers
1. Mike Moreno
2. Jeremiah Metcalf
3. Phil Baroni

Middleweight | 185 Pounds

CHAMPION - Vacant
1. Leopoldo Serao
2. Phil Collins
3. Doug Marshall
4. Jaime Jara
5. Xavier Foupa-Pokham

Light Heavyweight | 205 Pounds

CHAMPION - Jorge Oliveira
1. Glover Teixeira
2. Cyrille Diabate
3. Isaiah Larson


Click here to read the entire article at PalaceFightingChampionship.com

PFC 12 Card to include the likes of Diabate, Professor X, Diego Saraiva

Posted by Sean Frank:

Three MMA Agent Clients are scheduled for the Palace Fighting Championship 12 in Lemoore, California. Talented Striker Cyrille "The Snake" Diabate makes his PFC debut. The Pride and Elite XC veteran will be facing off against fellow Light Heavyweight, Ultimate Fighter Alum Lodune Sincaid. Also scheduled is the PFC and Cage Rage vet Xavier Foupa-Pokam. "Professor X" as he most often referred, will be meeting Kyacey Uscola in the ring. Also on the card, is Former PFC lightweight Champ Diego Saraiva who will be making his return to Lemoore to challenge Jorge Evangelita for the Featherweight title. The drop in weight could help Diego become a 2-division champion.

EliteXC's Diabate meets UFC vet Sincade in Jan. 22 PFC main event

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Famed French striker and recent EliteXC fighter Cyrille "Snake" Diabate (12-6-1) will meet "The Ultimate Fighter" and UFC alumnus Lodune Sincaid (14-6) in the main event of Palace Fighting Championship's Jan. 22 event.

Nathan Brodnax of MMAAgents.com, which represents Diabate, told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that bout agreements will soon be distributed and signed for the headline fight.

Diabate, a one-time PRIDE fighter who was offered an EliteXC light-heavyweight title fight before the organization canceled its Nov. 8 event, will compete for just the second time in 21 months.

.....................

Also scheduled for the card, according to Brodnax, is a bout between Xavier Foupa-Pokam (19-9), who's won 11 of his past 12 fights, and BodogFIGHT and King of the Cage veteran Kyacey Uscola (15-12).

Foupa-Pokam is one of Diabate's training partners.

The Jan. 22 PFC event takes place at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Diabate-Feijao possible for Elite XC Belt

Originally posted on TATAME.com

After confirming exclusively to TATAME.com that he’ll do his next fight in EliteXC for the light-heavyweight title, Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante said that his trainings now are focused in one opponent. “It looks like I’m going to face Cyrille Diabate, who fought with Shogun (Rua) in Pride. I think will be him, 90% chances”, said the athlete, that will face at November 8th card. With three fast knockouts on the event, Cavalcante keeps training with Anderson Silva to win the belt.

Click here to read the entire article at TATAME.com

10 Questions With Cyrille Diabaté (9/2/2008)

10 Questions With Cyrille Diabaté (by Darrick Patrick)

Cyrille "Snake" Diabaté is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as PRIDE, ShoXC, Cage Rage, Real Rhythm, Extreme Force, DEEP, M-1 Mix-Fight Championship, 2 Hot 2 Handle, Rings, Cage Wars, and Golden Trophy.

Darrick: What was the road that led you to competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Cyrille: Long story! In short, like a lot of my fellow fighters, it started with a tough childhood. I had a lot of anger and energy to express. I started to train and fight in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Savate - and I fell in love with those arts. MMA was the next logical step.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Cyrille: Take your time and choose wisely who your trainer is going to be. They will have a great impact on what kind of martial artist you become.

Darrick: What personally brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Cyrille: A sense of achievement and the feeling that I've become a better person.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Cyrille: My mother and grandfather. They both passed away when I was young and both stayed strong until the end, never complaining.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Cyrille: There's not really a typical training session anymore. I've been training and fighting for seventeen years and if I get bored, I don't train as well! The length, content, and intensity varies a lot depending on my schedule and needs. I rely a lot more on experience and steady training than before.

Click here to read the rest of the article at Livejournal.com

THE MMARated Radio Show: Cyrille Diabate

It's Friday and that can only mean one thing. No, not ShoXC, but rather another edition of "THE MMARated Radio Show." Rejoice!

This week Ben Fowlkes and I welcome EliteXC light heavyweight fighter Cyrille Diabate just hours before he faces Jamie Fletcher on tonight's ShoXC card.

We also discuss several issues surrounding the ShoXC concept, Affliction's second offering, GSP vs. BJ Penn, the evolution of Brock Lesnar, MMA Live on ESPN, Matt Hughes' recent comments towards GSP and much more.

Enjoy.

Click here to listen to the entire radio show on MMArated.com

Diabate Dominates in Long Awaited Return

Originally posted by Ricardo Mendoza - MMAWeekly.com

FRIANT, Calif. – Jared Hamman avenged his only career loss on Friday night as he stopped Poai Suganuma in front of a packed house at the Table Mountain Casino.

These two met at the same venue in April with Suganuma winning amidst controversy after the fight seemed to be stopped a bit prematurely. Like the first fight, Suganuma started out strong taking the fight to Hamman again with a furious barrage of strikes. On this occasion though, Hamman remained composed and weathered the storm as he landed a strong combination of his own that stunned the Hawaiian, who was forced to go for a takedown. Smelling blood, Hamman began to drop vicious strikes that eventually put out Suganuma at 2:34 of the opening round.

Highly touted Brazilian lightweight Fabricio Camoes made quick work of UFC veteran Sam Morgan, submitting him with a rear naked choke. Camoes immediately took Morgan down with a powerful slam, quickly transitioning to mount as Morgan gave up his back with Camoes sinking in the choke 47 seconds into the first round.

Pride veteran Cyrille Diabate returned to action after a year and half off as he faced off with Californian Jaime Fletcher. From the start it was clear that Diabate was the superior striker, as he seemed to have no difficulty in tagging Fletcher with an array of strikes both on the feet and on the ground. Fletcher rarely got any offense going in the fight except for a couple of takedowns that didn’t amount to much. As the fight entered the final round it seemed that Diabate had the fight in the bag as Fletcher mounted one last comeback, almost locking in a guillotine choke, but the Frenchman escaped and returned the favor with some brutal strikes. At the end of the day, Diabate earned a unanimous decision from the judges with scores of 30-27 on all three scorecards.

Click here for the rest of the article on MMAweekly.com

ProMMA.info's Full Interview with Cyrille "The Snake" Diabate

Cyrille Diabate Interview with Cory Brady from PRO MMA
Uploaded by prommainfo

Click here for the article on proMMA.info.

Jordan Breen Show: Cyrille "The Snake" Diabate

Jordan Breen returned to the Sherdog Radio Network Thursday with a preview of the weekend of MMA ahead, and was joined by Hawaiian light heavyweight prospect Poai Suganuma (Pictures) and French striking specialist Cyrille Diabate (Pictures).

Suganuma joins Breen to talk about his forthcoming rematch with Jared Hamman (Pictures) on this Friday's ShoXC card, live on Showtime. Suganuma talks about his beginnings in the sport, training and fighting in Japan, and refining his game in Hawaii. The 205-pound Hilo blue-chip also talks diet, ukelele playing and the experience of being a wedding singer in Japan.

"The Snake" discusses his bout, also on Friday's ShoXC card, with Jaime Fletcher (Pictures). Diabate talks about his time in the gym over the last two years, refining his skill set, and shopping for a big-fight deal. Diabate, one of the sport's trailblazers in Europe, also discusses the process of legalizing the sport in his native France, and the potential for France in producing MMA talent in the future.

Breen also discusses Greco-Roman wrestling regulatory woes, and breaks down fights from this weekend's ShoXC, Deep, KOTC and Purecombat cards.

Education and regulation on the Sherdog Radio Network!

Click here for the interview on sherdog.com.

Exclusive interview with Cyrille "The Snake" Diabate

By Alberto for UrDirt.blogspot.com

We were pumped this week when we got a text message asking us if we wanted to interview Cyrille "The Snake" Diabate (14-6). Many hardcore fans here and overseas know the very dangerous French Muay Thai striker from his days in Deep, Cage Rage, 2H2H and Pride. We got a chance to pick The Snake's mind about his thoughts on his fight tonight on Showtime with Jaime Fletcher (9-3), training with Team Quest and becoming an all around great mixed martial artist.

Your fighting Jaime Fletcher on ShoXC how do you feel you match up with him in this fight?
I have all the tools to beat him so I am pretty confident I will win this fight, and I will win this fight before the third round.

The fight is in California where Fletcher is the fan favorite how does it feel coming into a hostile environment?
I am used to it, I have traveled all over the world to fight always coming from the outside. It won't affect me much.

Are you still training with the Snake Team or Team Quest?
I'm still with the Snake Team, I was with Team Quest to help train with Dan Henderson for his fight against Anderson Silva. I am going to be going back and forth to train with him because it went well. I want to go back so I can personally improve on my wrestling, they are one of the best wrestling teams in the sport. I have one of my guys going down to train with Thierry Sokoudjou for his upcoming fight in the UFC.

Is there anything that you are training for in this fight in particular?
No I am still working on my weaknesses, my take down defense and grappling. I am always trying to put it all together.

You normally have fought in Japan and England what are the surprises and differences fighting here in the US for the first time?
I wasn't expecting the amount of press coverage it is getting now in the US. It has definitely come a long way in a couple of years its quite surprising to see how much attention you get when you are a MMA fighter here.

So is it actually surprising to see how much the press knows almost every detail about you?
Yeah, its quite amazing actually.

Is it the same in England and France walking around the streets do you get noticed by fans?
No, no, its really underground in France not really known about the UFC or Pride and stuff like that. So even when your a professional fighter in MMA all around the world, its not like you get calls from journalists.

You have not fought in over a year is there any particular reason why, did you need time off to heal or just take a break from the sport?
I needed better management, so the first step was to get a good manager. I think I have one of the best in Ken Pavia I signed with him last year and straight away he was giving me opportunity to come to the US. We took our time I had a injury, I broke my ankle. When I was preparing for my first fight in the US. After that I took some time to train with Team Quest headed back to France and I haven't stopped training since then.

Did the time off benefit you?
Yeah, definitely it gave me time to get my skill set and I am now looking forward to fighting to see what. To show people I have been working hard, who think I am just one dimensional and just a striker to expect more from me.

You have won 5 of your last 6 fights how far do you feel you are from fighting EliteXC's 205 pound fighters like Rafael Feijao?
Well it depends on what happens tomorrow if the ring rust has affected me and I don't think it has. I can be in there with the top 205er's in EliteXC so why not be in a title fight as soon as possible. So why not be in a title fight by the second fight. I have proved I can hang in there with the best fighters in the world, so why not have the title fight?

Any predictions for your fight?
I think I am going to win by Knockout fairly soon, maybe the first or second round.

Anything you would like to say to fans and supporters who have followed your career in England and Japan?
Thank you very much for all the support it means a lot being in France where the sport is not legal and underground. So we have not got a lot of support from other countries. Thank you very much for that.

You can watch Cyrille begin his road to a title shot with EliteXC tonight on Showtime's ShoXC Challenger Series, check your local listings for times. Thank you to Kenny, Cyrille and Sean for the interview we really appreciate it.

PRO MMA Exclusive: Cyrille Diabate - The Return of the Snake

by: Cory Brady

Cyrille “The Snake” Diabate will be making his United Staes debut on Friday night when he faces off with Jamie Fletcher at ShoXC live on Showtime. Diabate is no stranger to the big show. This native of Paris, France is a Pride FC, Cage Rage and DEEP veteran that has impressed many MMA insiders as being one of the best strikers in the game today. Taking some time off to develop a better rounded skill set, Diabate looks to showcase a new and improved version of The Snake on Friday and hopes to prove that he belongs with the best fighters that the 205 pound division has to offer. PRO MMA was able to catch up with Diabate recently to talk with him about his upcoming fight and what the future hold for The Snake.

PRO MMA: So you’re fighting this Friday night live on Showtime’s ShoXC series. What do you know about your opponent, Jamie Fletcher, and how do you feel you guys match up?
Cyrille: I’ve seen a couple of his fights. He’s a decent kickboxer and he’s got some grappling as well. I think I’m more experienced than him in kickboxing and grappling so I think that’s going to make the difference.

PRO MMA: Will you be looking to stand and bang with Fletcher or do you have a preference of where this fight ends up?
Cyrille: You know people see me as a one dimensional kickboxer so if it goes to the ground or I get a takedown I feel I can go for the submission or ground and pound him. I’ll do whatever, I’m not focused on one kind of win. If I can knock him out good, if I can submit him I’ll go for whatever.

PRO MMA: Who have you been training with for this fight?
Cyrille: After coming back from Team Quest in March I’ve just been training with my team in Paris, The Snake Team. I’ve got a couple of really talented fighters out there and even though they’re not really well known in the U.S. we’ve been making a name for ourselves in Europe so we have decent stuff over there.

PRO MMA: This will be the first time a lot of American fans have had the chance to see you in action, how important to you is it to put on a good performance on Friday night?
Cyrille: I’ve fought in Japan quite a few times, this is going to be my first mma bout in the U.S. You know mma is getting really big here so it’s very important to me to have a good showing and to show people an entertaining style. So that’s going to be my main objective, to win, but give people an entertaining fight.

PRO MMA: This will mark the first time you have fought in over a year, do you anticipate any ring rust going into this fight or is that not something that really concerns you?
Cyrille: I’ve had fights where there were long periods of time off in my career. Where I had a year or two off and I’ve always done well on my comeback fight. So I don’t think I’ll suffer from ring rust, I don’t think so.

PRO MMA: Many consider you one of the best pure strikers in mma, how has your ground game been coming along?
Cyrille: I’ve shown a couple of times that I can win by submission. People think of me as a pure kickboxer that has weaknesses in all different areas apart from kickboxing but that’s one of my objectives today, to show that I’m not one dimensional. I can wrestle and I can grapple as well so I’m looking to mix it up more in my future fights, that’s for sure.

PRO MMA: How many fights do you have on your EliteXC contract?
Cyrille: I have three fights and if I do well in those three fights I have three more. So three for now.

PRO MMA: Is fighting on CBS something that may be in your future?
Cyrille: Exactly, that’s my plan. This first fight on ShoXC is to get the public to know me better. If I have a good showing and I’m entertaining on Friday night I’ll go on to EliteXC and why not CBS.

PRO MMA: Who do you consider some of the top fighters in the world at 205?
Cyrille: Obviously Rampage, Forrest, you know all the top guys in the UFC right now are probably at the top of the pack. I think Shogun if he comes back from his injury and he’s motivated I think he could come back to the top as well. Sokodjou is an awesome fighter. There’s a couple of guys out there that could probably beat any one of the top five so it’s very difficult to choose a top fighter at 205 because it’s such a talented division. Any top ten guy could beat any other top ten guy so it’s very hard to say who’s the best.

PRO MMA: Which mixed martial artist impresses you the most with their striking abilities?
Cyrille: Definitely Anderson Silva. He’s precise, he doesn’t get hit when he’s standing. He’s very mobile and a very clever guy. Lyoto Machida as well. He’s a very tricky fighter, very nimble, very agile and a great counter puncher. So those two guys are probably the best strikers because they have the brains and they have the skills and they put them together very well.

PRO MMA: Who are some of the guys you may want to face in the future?
Cyrille: I’m just happy to be back in the cage fighting and looking forward to the future. I’ve been out a year and a half just improving on my skill set. I’m hoping to show people the new Snake, you know, the new skills. So I’m looking forward to my future fights. I don’t really have a specific opponent I want to face, I just want to show people who I am.

PRO MMA: So whoever they put in your way you’re going to take care of?
Cyrille: Yeah , exactly. If I prove myself and they put the top 205′ers in front of me, that’s the plan. I’m going to show that I belong with the best.

PRO MMA: So we can look forward to seeing the new and improved Cyrille Diabate on Friday night?
Cyrille: Exactly.

PRO MMA: Hey Cyril, thanks so much for your time, we really appreciate it. Are there any sponsors you’d like to thank before I let you go?
Cyrille: I’d like to thank MMA AGENTS, my manager Ken Pavia and all the guys from The Snake Team that helped me out with my training.

The MMA News Interview: Cyrille Diabate

Originally posted by the theMMAnews.com

With the upcoming ShoXC event scheduled for August 15 at the Table Mountain Casino in Friant, Califorina just around the corner, The MMA News was lucky enough to have Cyrille Diabate give us a few moments of his time. Diabate(11-6-1) is scheduled to take on Jaime Fletcher(6-3-0) in what would be Diabate’s first MMA foray in North America and the 6′6″ international fighter is looking to come out strong.

When talking to Diabate most of the conversation turned towards his upcoming match with Fletcher, and how things would go down:

“I’ve seen a couple of his fights, he’s a tough guy and he comes to fight. I don’t expect an easy fight, but I think I’ve got too much experience for him. I’m tall, I’m mobile. He’s going to have a lot of problems getting me to the ground and if he wants to strike with me I’m a lot better at the striking. It doesn’t matter where the fight goes, whether it’s a quick win, or not. I can’t really say how I’m going to win, but I’m going to win. I just want an exciting match.”

Diabate has been appreciated by MMA hardcore fans for his ability to let his hands and legs fly, and his lean, tall build makes for interesting style match-ups. EliteXC is looking for big things from Diabate, and has signed him to a three fight agreement but the Frenchman isn’t looking past his first fight:

“I’m completely focused on this fight. I’m not taking it lightly. I’m confident but I’m going to be careful of what I do. I’m going to take my time, enjoy my time, and entertain. After that I look forward to fulfilling my contract and getting more acquainted with the public and….. have them get used to my style. I’m an exciting striker; I hope the fans will like my style.”

As with most MMA fighters, sponsorship is a big deal and Diabate was quick to thank Full Contact Fighter, RBP(Rolling Big Power), Lexani(Luxury Wheels), OTM(OTM Fight Shop) and Rockstar Energy Drink.

As always the MMA News asked Diabate to give final comments, both for his fans and his opponent Fletcher.

For the Fans: Thank you very much for all the support from the US. I haven’t fought here in MMA before but I’ve got a few fans here and it’s great to have the support. I hope the fights as entertaining as I like it to be.

Jaime Fletcher: Come prepared.

The MMA News, Interview.

5 Oz. Exclusive: Entire Aug. 15 ShoXC card includes Diabate and Morgan

Posted by Sam Caplan - fiveouncesofpain.com

EliteXC’s next card will be a ShoXC event scheduled for August 15 and will feature five bouts to be televised on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET from the Table Mountain Casino in Friant, Calif.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com learned of the finalized card after speaking with EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Shaw, the card will feature two light heavyweight bouts with Jared Hamman and Po’ai Suganuma rematching each other in the night’s main event and Cyrille “The Snake” Diabate making his EliteXC debut against Jaime Fletcher.

Shaw indicated that the winners of the 205 pound fights could find themselves in line for an opportunity to fight light heavyweight sensation Rafael Feijao.

Also added to the card is a 160 pound lightweight match featuring Fabricio Camoes taking on Sammy Morgan. The promotion is said to be very high on Camoes and a win could catapult him onto a spot on a future EliteXC card.

Four other fighters will be making their EliteXC debuts as well, with Debi Purcell and Rosi Sexton set to do battle in a female MMA fight and Keith “K.O.” Berry and Reggie Orr set to scrap.

Berry is recognized as the King of the Cage middleweight champion but the bout is only scheduled for three rounds so it’s unlikely that his title will be on the line.

Meanwhile, Orr was one of 32 middleweights brought out to Las Vegas by the UFC and Spike TV earlier this year to fight in qualifying bouts in order to make the final cast for the seventh season of “The Ultimate Fighter.”

Hector Lombard had been tentatively scheduled to make his EliteXC debut on the card but a lingering wrist injury will prevent him from being healed in time.

Next ShoXC event to include debut of Diabate

By: Sam Caplan - fiveouncesofpain.com

EliteXC’s next ShoXC event has been scheduled for August 15 at the Table Mountain Casino in Friant, Calif., located just outside of Fresno.

The news was confirmed to FiveOuncesOfPain.com earlier this afternoon by EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw.

According to Shaw, already scheduled for the card is a rematch between light heavyweight fighters Poai Suganuma and Jared Hamman. The two fought previously at the Table Mountain Casino on April 5. Hamman suffered his first loss as a pro after being rocked by a flying knee delivered by Suganuma. The fight was stopped amidst a chorus of boos, with many Hamman supporters feeling that the fight was halted early.

In addition to Suganuma vs. Hamman II, Shaw indicated that striking specialist Cyrille Diabate will make his EliteXC debut in a light heavyweight encounter against ShoXC veteran Jaime Fletcher.

Another high-profile debut is planned, with standout welterweight Judoka Hector Lombard scheduled for the card as well. Shaw indicated that EliteXC has a specific opponent in mind and that the promotion is in the process of finalizing a contract with the proposed fighter.

Two other matches are scheduled for the televised portion of the show as well, with female fighter Debi Purcell considered a likely candidate to be featured in one of the bouts

Cyrille Diabate's June 27 ShoXC debut postponed

Originally posted by MMAjunkie.com Staff on Jun 06, 2008 at 6:42 pm ET

A June 27 ShoXC event that MMAjunkie.com first reported in May has been postponed.

The outdoor event had been scheduled for the Sycuan Casino and Resort near San Diego and was expected to feature the promotional debut of highly touted Judoka Hector Lombard.

However, according to our friends at fiveouncesofpain.com, EliteXC officials had difficulty securing the venue, but they are looking to reschedule the event for a later date.

The cancellation was first reported by Mauro Ranallo on Fight Network Radio.

The event, which was set to air on Showtime, was also supposed to feature a King of the Cage middleweight fight between title-holder Keith Berry and Reggie Orr. Cyrille Diabate had also been slated to take on Jaime Fletcher.

ShoXC, which launched in 2007, is EliteXC's smaller event circuit that's designed to showcase prospects and big-show newcomers. Six of the events have been held to date and have featured fighters such as Eddie Alvarez, current EliteXC lightweight champ KJ Noons, and EliteXC-CBS main-card participant Jon Murphy.

ShoXC headed to San Diego June 27

Originally Posted by MMAjunkie.com Staff on May 16, 2008 at 8:41 pm ET

Elite Xtreme Combat will host a "ShoXC" event on June 27 during an outdoor show at the Sycuan Casino & Resort in San Diego.

The event features the promotional debut of highly touted Judoka Hector Lombard (15-2-1), a bout between Cyrille Diabate (11-6-1) and Jaime Fletcher (6-3), and a King of the Cage title fight between middleweight champ Keith Berry (6-2) and Reggie Orr (5-5-1).

The event airs on Showtime.

ShoXC, which is modeled after Showtime's popular "ShoBox" event series, features some of EliteXC's most promising prospects.

For the first time ever, EliteXC will showcase a title fight from one its sister organizations: King of the Cage. EliteXC's parent company purchased KOTC in September 2007.

"We've never done a King of the Cage title fight (at a ShoXC event), but they're part of the ProElite family, so we had no problem putting on the fight," EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "Plus, it's just a really intriguing match-up that we're really excited about."

Also on the card is Debi Purcell (4-1). She was originally slated to fight Carina Damm, but as MMAjunkie.com reported earlier today, the Brazilian recently tested positive for a banned substance and was issued a one-year suspension by the California State Athletic Commission.

"Debi could end up facing an even tougher opponent," Shaw said.

The latest confirmed card includes:

Cyrille Diabate vs. Jaime Fletcher
Hector Lombard vs. TBA
Champ Keith Barry vs. Reggie Orr (for KOTC middleweight title)
Fabricio Camoes vs. TBA
Debi Purcell vs. TBA

MMA Agents signs six new fighters!

MMAagents is proud to announce the addition of six elite athletes to our current roster of fighters. With the addition of Renato “Babalu” Sobral, Cyrille “Snake” Diabate, James “Colossus” Thompson, Carlo Prater, Carmelo “The Fury” Marerro and Todd Moore, the MMAagents roster grows to 47 fighters, including 37 current or former Zuffa and Pride fighters.

A nine time UFC veteran, Renato “Babalu” Sobral holds noteable wins over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua”, Trevor Prangley, Jeremy Horn, Maurice Smith, Travis Wuiff, Chael Sonnen, and most recently David Heath. Never one to back down from a challenge, or shy away from an opponent, Babalu was recently granted free agency status and seeks to bring his heavy hands and ground game to an organization where he can pursue a title opportunity. A native of Brazil, Babalu has a US work visa, but is also interested in fighting abroad in the 205 weight class.

Cyrille “Snake” Diabate is a highly decorated, Muay Thai world champion who has shown slick ground skills in recent fights as well. Snake is a Pride veteran who answered the call to fight Shogun and gave him everything he could handle. At 6’6” he is an imposing figure for anyone that is matched up against him in the 205 weight class. Look for Diabate to bring his game and vicious stand-up skills to the US in the near future.

A look in the Wikipedia under “imposing figure” may well turn up a picture of former debt collector James “Colossus” Thompson. Colossus sported a 5-2 record in Pride and has notable wins over Dan Severn, Hidehiko Yoshida, and Don Frye. At 6’5” and a jacked 260lbs of intensity, Thompson always brings it from the opening bell, and is not afraid to stand and bang. Colossus has moved from his native England to Las Vegas where he has rededicated himself to train at Extreme Couture. Look for appearances on the domestic as well as international stages.

With a 21-4-1 record and notable wins over Melvin Guillard (first round sub), Spencer Fisher, Carlos Condit (first round sub), and Thomas Schulte, Carlo Prater may be the best Welterweight that the mainstream fans have never heard of. However, with his eyes set on a title shot in the near future Carlo Prater will soon be a household name among the MMA community. Carlo splits his time training in Brazil and Texas and has dual citizenship. Look for him to challenge for a belt in an organization that dares to expose their champ. Put simply, Prater is a bad bad man.

Who handed Chieck Kongo his only loss in five fights in the UFC? That would be Carmelo “The Fury” Marrero. Bringing a solid wrestling base and improved striking skills to the cage, a three time UFC veteran, “The Fury” just relocated to Florida where he is now taking his game to a new level at American Top Team. With a new found team to match his unparalleled dedication, drive, and willingness to sacrifice, look for Marerro to make his mark in the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions.

The question of just how good is Todd Moore will soon be answered. Todd brings his unblemished 9-0 record out of Texas were he fights under the watchful eye of trainer to multiple World Champions Sol Soliz. He now looks to test his skill on the national level in the 170 division. Todd is an exciting well rounded fighter but prefers to stand and trade giving the crowd what they pay to see. Don’t doubt Todd Moore, nine guys have already made that mistake. Look for Todd in his WEC debut December 9th.

Also look for the grand opening of the new MMAagents.com website due to open October 3st.

MMAagents is a full service sports agency specializing in the representation of Mixed Martial Artists.
Please contact us at the addresses listed below with any further questions or inquiries about these fighters or any of our other clients.


Contacts
Ken Pavia
KenPavia@MMAagents.com
GT Torres
GT@MMAagents.com
Nate Brodnax
Nate@MMAagents.com