IFL ALL ACCESS: The 2007 IFL Finals

I had the honor to attend last Thursday's IFL 2007 Team Champion Finals in Hollywood, FL. I must say, the IFL has officially earned themselves a new fan.

I was once a bit dubious and not willing to accept the whole "team MMA" concept, but after attending what was a solid event with great fights, my thoughts have definitely changed.

The IFL 2007 Team Champion Finals included skilled fighters, including: Ben Rothwell, UFC veteran Ricco Rodriguez, Rolles Gracie and many more. The fights of the night would definitely goes to either Ryan McGivern's knockout by a ferocious uppercut over Fabio Leopoldo or Andre Gusmao's vicious knee, which sent Mike Ciesnolevicz seeing stars on the canvas.

This doesn't dismiss the other remarkable fights that were included on the card that night. The night kicked off with a beautiful arm-triangle followed by rear naked chokes, and spectacular arm bars.

Another fight worth mentioning is UFC veteran Ricco Rodriguez's fight, where he faced off against Ben Rothwell, one of IFL's toughest heavyweights. Ricco eventually lost by a unanimous decision, but refused to go out with a lackluster performance. Instead, Ricco looked fairly crisp on the feet and had numerous good takedown attempts, despite taking the fight on extremely short notice.

As far as my experience goes, it was probably the most hectic, but at the same time most electrifying. I've never felt more important with a little media tag around my neck.

Sitting ten feet shy of the ring; I met fighters, trainers, MMA legends and others. Bas Rutten, Pat Miletich, Renzo Gracie, Robbie Lawler, Matt Lindland, the IFL ring girls and Juanito were just a few names I was able to meet and have a quick chat with. Bas Rutten was absolutely incredible and was so laid back and easy to talk to. Being that Bas is one of my all time heroes, I was ecstatic over his cordiality and willingness to speak to me. Miletich and Renzo were others who especially stood out in my mind when it came to amiability.


An interesting appearance at the IFL Finals was TNA and pro-wrestling superstar Kurt Angle. I asked Bas about Kurt’s reason for attendance, and he told me that Angle is in the talks with joining the IFL and has been interested for a while now. This is pretty exciting, with pro-wrestling superstar Brock Lesnar’s recent transition to MMA, it looks like the idea is appealing to more and more pro-wrestlers.

The eight hour drive and three hours of sleep was definitely worth the experience. Being so up close to such great fights and meeting so many of my heroes, the experience is undeniably one to cherish.

I’d like to thank all the IFL guys, Bas Rutten, Pat Miletich, Renzo Gracie and many others for taking the time to talk to me and snap a few photos. I truly look forward to see more IFL events in the future.