MMA Fighter Kurt "Rhino" Osiander Interview

D Wizzle recently had a chance to talk to MMA fighter Kurt "Rhino" Osiander.  Osiander has been preparing for his Strikeforce debut this Friday night at the HP Pavilion.  Osiander is best known around San Francisco and the Bay Area as the black belt jiu-jitsu instructor at the Ralph Gracie  San Francisco Academy. Osiander has a 3-1 MMA record. His only defeat was in his last fight against Nate Moore.

Are you ready for your fight with Raul Castillo this Friday night?

Raul got hurt and my new opponent now is Josh Neal.

How do you feel about fighting for Strikeforce and also rebounding from your first ever MMA loss?

I'm honored to fight for Strikeforce and I'm ready to get back on track.

Would you like a rematch with Nate Moore?

I would absolutely love a rematch with Nate but he did catch me fair and square.

You are one of the most popular fighters in the Bay Area and get a lot of support from the local fans. How do you feel about all the love and support you get out here? Every time there is a MMA event out here, fans always ask me if you are fighting on the card.

I don't know about being popular but I love the support of the people behind me. It's why I do this. It sure isn't the money.

What do you like to do when you are not training and at the gym?

What free time!! I like to watch samurai movies, pet my dog, and party with my wife and friends. 

Who are some of your favorite fighters to watch?

There's too many to name but all my favorite fighters represent jiu-jitsu.

What is your prediction for the main event Friday between Babalu and Bobby Southworth?

This is a tough fight to call. The fighter that is in shape with a good plan and less injuries should win. 

Do you have any final words for everyone out there?

Thanks to my team - Luke, Joey. big Dave, James, Johnny bravo, Hulk, and especially Chris Cariaso, Fabiano Brasil, Casey Hall, and always Ralph Gracie, OTM, Purified Soul, Scion Nor-Cal, Mr. Nice Guy.

Gladiator Challenge "Summer Showdown" News and Notes

                            Nate Moore wins by TKO in six seconds 

                               Kurt Osiander before his fight

  

More Pictures Here -  http://dwizzlesworld.blogspot.com/2008/07/gladiator-challenge-summer-showdown_19.html

D Wizzle was at Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco for the Gladiator Challenge "Summer Showdown" MMA event on Friday night.  The building was packed with MMA fans from all over the Bay Area.

There were ten fights and the main event lasted all of six seconds.

 Pictures from the evening should be up by  Monday.

• Nate Moore defeated Kurt Osiander in the main event in six seconds by TKO.  The crowd was rooting hard for Osiander and the TKO caught the majority of the crowd by surprise.
• Best fight of the night was between Zak Bucia and Adam Albright. The three-round war ended with Bucia gaining the split decision over Albright. The judges scored the fight 29-28, 30-27, and 29-28. 
• Gabriel Solorio won his fight over Justin Hoglund. Hoglund was bloodied up pretty bad and the fight was stopped due to the cut in the second round.
• Other winners included Ryan Bastianelli, Matt Greene, Mike Fazzino,  John Devine, and Larry Mays.
• Mays defeated Will Davis in the first fight of the evening due to a verbal tapout after round two.
• Fazzino defeated San Francisco police officer Bryan Lujan by TKO due to strikes in the first round.  Lujan wanted to keep the fight standing but Fazzino took Lujan down and started to pound Lujan with punches.
• It was a very cold night in San Francisco but the women in the crowd were looking very hot. There were tube tops,short dresses, and miniskirts everywhere. 
• Raul Castillo was very impressive in defeating Josh Neal. Castillo rained down a lot of punches on Neal and the referee had no choice but to stop the fight in the first round. Castillo is a middleweight fighter.
• UFC fighter Jon Fitch was in the house supporting his AKA teammate Nate Moore.
• The crowd was loud and very raucous. The place was pretty much packed.
• I sat next to K-1 and MMA fighter Rick Cheek for most of the night. He told me he is fighting in two weeks in Hawaii in a K-1 tournament. Good luck Rick! 
• The PA announcer introduced  Bay Area boxing legend Irish Pat Lawlor who came into the cage with applause from the fans.

  Picture and more notes and results coming soon.