By Mike Davis – Cut Throat Fight Gear

Oh Canada…Joe Doerksen (23-5) from Winnipeg Canada has been tearing up his competition lately, having KO’d or submitted his last 8 opponents, “Dirty Joe” seems to be getting more and more confident and comfortable each time he steps into the cage. With wins over Pride/UFC veterans such as Lee Murray, Adrian Seranno, John Alessio and Anthony Macias it shows that Joe has never shyd away from challenges.

Although Joe has fought 8 UFC/Pride veterans his name is virtually unspoken here in the US, it is a bit boggling to hear that because of all of the quality opponents that Joe has had all by the age of 26. Joes next goal is to fight on the big show (the UFC) with the hopes of bring the strap back to Canada, mark my words after seeing his last fight DON’T count him out of any match he is in no matter who is standing in front of him.

Banned In Illinois: Well, being a native of Chicago, the last few months have left me pretty hungry for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). As of two months ago MMA has been banned in the state of Illinois dramatically affecting 4 different organizations.

Most affected is the ‘RSF’ accustomed to promoting numerous and popular Midwest shows . It is a shame to see this go on, and a lot of people are pointing their fingers at Art Dore and Toughman for having the state’s regulartory commission come down on them. Many are disappointed in the states approach, but the end (safety of the fighters) will justify the means.

On the positive side, the word is that Ron Pachello ,who happens to responsible for compliance to state requirements, is a pleasure to deal with. Ron readily admits that he is not educated when it comes to MMA and is currently going over tapes and rules to make sure the state brings forward a program that benefits the fighters.

A recent trend: Jeff Osborne, who was the first person to bring the Shooto organization to the states, looks to be at it again; on his last Hook-N-Shoot card Jeff pitted Wes Sims and Kevin Randleman vs. Wade Rome and Jeff Monson in a tag team submission match.

From what I understand teams are allowed to double team their opponents for the first 15 seconds after a tag is made. I have yet to see one of these, but with the big names that seem to be interested in competing in this event, it certainly seems that tag team submission wrestling might become a staple of future MMA events to be held here in the states.

Rumor Mill: I recently had overheard a rumor of Pat Miletich having a going away fight that is supposed to be taking place on a local Chicago land show after legislator straightens everything out in regards to the rules. When I inquired a little more I found out that his opponent is supposed to be none other than Combat Do’s Master Bob Schirmer.

Both men who are immensely respected in the fighting community are supposed to finish their careers on a local show….

Does that last sentence bother anyone other than me? Pat Miletich created the blue print on how to fight and defend against submissions, Bob Schirmer has fought all over the world and stepped up and fought guys when no one else had the balls to do so (Carlson Gracie).

No one can deny the fact that the best years are behind these two and that neither of them pose a serious threat to the 169lbs title, but to even hear that these two warriors are going to be hanging up the trunks with a fight that is not on TV is a bit… well, disappointing.

I keep thinking of the Japanese and how they send their beloved fighters off with a farewell match and are honored throughout the evening with clips and vignettes of their previous matches. One could only hope that UFC will take a page out of their book and do the same.

Mike Davis has been around the Chicago boxing and grappling scene for many years as a fighter, coach, manager and promoter. Mike’s current ‘gig’ is President of Cutthroat Fight Gear. Make it a point to check out Cutthroat on our website. These designs are taking the ciricut’s by storm!