Gilbert Melendez

Melendez began fighting in the old World Extreme Cagefighting and Rumble on the Rock shows and also spent some time overseas where he fought for Shooto and PRIDE Fighting Championships

Melendez won the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship from Clay Guida by split decision on June 9, 2006.

Melendez held the belt for two years before losing it on June 27, 2008 to Josh Thomson by unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, 50–45) at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson.

On April 11, 2009, Melendez was scheduled to rematch Josh Thomson for the title at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz but the bout was cancelled on April 1 as Thomson broke his ankle in training for the fight.[4] Rodrigo Damm replaced Thomson on the card and the two squared off for the interim title which Melendez would go on to win, stopping Damm with strikes in the 2nd round.

On August 15, 2009, Melendez was again set to rematch Josh Thomson at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg but Thomson was not cleared to fight, due to lingering problems with his leg. Mitsuhiro Ishida was selected to replace Thomson in what became Melendez' first Interim title defense.

On December 19, 2009, Melendez fought Josh Thomson to unify the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship belts.[5] Melendez won the fight via unanimous decision to become the Undisputed Lightweight Champion. With the win he also avenged the second of his only two losses to date.

Melendez successfully defended the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship against current DREAM Lightweight Champion and former Shooto Middleweight Champion Shinya Aoki on April 17, 2010.[6]

A rematch between Melendez and Tatsuya Kawajiri took take place on April 9, 2011 at Strikeforce 33 in April.[7] Melendez dominated his opponent showing excellent striking, knocking down Kawajiri with a right hand near the beginning of the fight. Melendez then again knocked down Kawajiri with a combination of knees to the body and a right hook followed by a right uppercut. The beginning of the end came when Melendez sprawled one of Kawajiri's takedowns and then began landing short left hands which knocked Kawajiri down into half-guard where Melendez began landing vicious right elbows before the referee stopped the fight declaring Melendez the winner by TKO 3:14 into the first round.

Jon Jones

Jonathan D. Jones is an American mixed martial artist from Endicott, New York and the current UFC light heavyweight champion with a 13 and one record. As of March 2011, Sherdog.com ranks Jones as the #1 light heavyweight fighter in the world and the #7 pound-for-pound fighter. He is noted for having the longest reach in UFC history at 84.5 in (215 cm) and being the youngest UFC title holder in the company's history.

Jones' wrestling background is obvious when he fights, in that his takedowns, takedown defense, and ground control skills are excellent. However, this is not what defines his fighting style. Rather, it could best be characterized as controlled explosiveness.

His takedowns are often brutal and theatrical. His striking is amazingly athletic, with spinning elbows and unorthodox kicks being the norm. What's more, he hits like a truck. In essence, Jones is a very well rounded fighter for a man that hasn't been fighting for very long, and his athleticism is very obvious.

Benny The Jet was born in 1952 in Los Angeles. He was the second youngest in a family of nine. His father was a professional boxer and his mother a professional wrestler and the rest of his tale is left for the history books to tell. Sixty three world titles and fighting in five weight divisions, Benny has accomplished everything a fighter could ever dream of and more. Starting his martial arts study at the age of eight, receiving his black belt at fourteen, and voted in 1978 by Black Belt Magazine as the Best Fighter that year and placed in the magazines Hall of Fame. In 2004, The Jet is as strong, fast, and inspiring as ever.

Gokor Chivichyan was born in 1963 in Yerevan, Armenia, in the former Soviet Union. He started his training at the age of five in the Russian martial art Sambo and continued his studies in the arts of judo, jiu-jitsu, wresting, karate, boxing and grappling.

At the age of seven he won his first Judo championship and has continued his fighting career over 32 years. Among his achievements are first place in the Armenian, Russian, European, and American nationals. Dominance of the No Holds Barred arena for 10 years. Gokor retired from professional fighting in 1997 after defeating the 63 245 lbs World Champion Kickboxing and mixed martial arts fighter, Meda. In 1998 Gokor was named by Black Belts Magazine Judo Instructor of the Year and received the prestigious Hall of Fame spot. Since then he has produced in his school new generation of fighters who have dominated the arena of the UFC, King of the Cage, and all National Judo Championships. Two of his top students are in the trials for the upcoming Olympics in Athens.

Dutch native, Bas Rutten, is one of the most colorful & charismatic fighters of the mix martial arts world. With a record as a three times undefeated king of pancrase and three times undefeated heavy weight champion of the UFC, Bas allowed himself to retire and transfer all his undeleted energy into coaching, broadcasting and acting.
Bas Rutten is the commentator of the Pride fighting events in Japan. He also coached prize fighters like heavy weight champion, Mark Kerr and K-1 champion, Dwain Ludwig, Carlos Newton, Genki Sudo, Alex Steibling, and many more. Bas is also making a name for himself in Hollywood and with his level of energy one can not predict what is next. 

United States muay thai champ, Former LW and WW UFC world champion, Trainer of the most world champions, Black Belts in Karate, Jiu-jitsu. and unbeaten in pro boxing matches.

Kevin The Monster Randleman started his Fighting career back in High School where he was a state champion.

He then went on to the Ohio State University where he was a 3X All American, 3X Big Ten Champion and 2X NCAA National Champion.

Kevin is a member of Mark Colemans Hammer House Team. Kevin captured the UFC Heavyweight Champion Belt at UFC 23.

Kevin has great fighting skills in his stand up game, but also has incredible take down technique where he loves to ground and pound.

Light heavyweight UFC world champion, 35, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell is the nicest person you can find in the street, and every fighter's nightmare in the ring. Many fighters like Randy Couture, Alistair Overeem, Tito Ortiz, and Vernon White - to mention just a few - found it the hard way.

His MMA record speaks for itself. With 15 wins, 3 defeats and no draws, Chuck the "The Iceman" Liddell has accomplished everything a fighter could wish for and established his dominance as one of the toughest living fighters in the world.

In contradiction to many fighters who love to win, Chuck loves to fight. With his devastating three latest victories "The Iceman" is looking for new challenges staring towards the land of the rising sun. Following his victory at UFC 52, he challenged the toughest fighter in the light heavy weight division in Pride, wanderlei silva. 

Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell has completed his role in the UFC reality show, "The Ultimate Fighter" orchestrating his team victory over team Couture. He proved himself to be as good a coach as a fighter.

Nicknamed "The Prodigy", BJ Penn was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Hilo Hawaii at the tender age of 17 by neighbor Tom Callos, and in 1997 he started training under Ralph Gracie. After being awarded his black belt in 2000 by Andre Pederneiras of Nova Uniao, he became the first non-Brazilian to win a gold medal in the black belt division of the Mundial World Championships held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His accomplishments caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he began his mixed martial arts career less than a year later in 2001. He demonstrated strong striking skills, knocking out lightweights Din Thomas and Caol Uno before suffering a decision loss in a title fight against UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver.

The crowning achievement of Penn's career came in 2004 at UFC 46. Penn jumped up in weight classes to challenge the five-time defending welterweight champion Matt Hughes to fill a title contention slot in a division where Hughes had already defeated all the available opposition. Heavily favored to win, Hughes lost the fight four minutes into the first round by rear naked choke.

Frank Shamrock

Frank Shamrock (born Frank Alisio Juarez III on December 8, 1972 in Santa Monica, California) is an American mixed martial arts fighter. Shamrock was the first Middleweight champion in the UFC and retired as the 5-time undefeated champion. He has not been defeated since January 1997. Shamrock was also crowned a king of Pancrase, and was awarded the title The Fighter of The Decade. He is the adoptive younger brother of MMA fighter and former professional wrestler Ken Shamrock.

In 1994, he became a member of Ken's training school, the "Lion's Den", and made his debut in the Pancrase organization (of which Ken was champion) in December of 1994. Shamrock found success in Pancrase. He lost to Bas Rutten in May 1996, and later that year lost to John Lober in Hawaii's Superbrawl. After his loss to Lober and some soul-searching, Shamrock decided to give his all to mixed martial arts.
Within the "Lion's Den", Frank trained up-and-coming stars such as Jerry Bohlander, Pete Williams, and Guy Mezger. He also developed a close relationship with another eminent martial arts personality, kickboxer and UFC superstar Maurice Smith, who trained him in kickboxing. Shamrock went on to compete in the RINGS promotion, as well as in Vale Tudo Japan '97 and UFC Japan.

Shortly afterwards, Shamrock fought the undefeated Kevin Jackson for the UFC lightweight title. Jackson had beaten Lober in Extreme Fighting and was an accomplished wrestler.

Shamrock proved to be just the match for Jackson, and made him submit to an armbar in 22 seconds to take the lightweight title (which the UFC later renamed the middleweight title). He went on to defend the belt successfully against Igor Zinoviev, and Jeremy Horn. In October 1998, Shamrock avenged his earlier loss to John Lober by beating him in 7 minutes at UFC Brazil.

In September 1999, Frank Shamrock defended his middleweight title against Tito Ortiz at UFC 22. It was a titanic back-and-forth battle, with Shamrock winning after an elbow and punches to Ortiz's head after tiring out Ortiz for over 19 minutes. After the match, Shamrock felt he had achieved all he could achieve at that time. He relinquished his title and retired from the UFC. Interestingly enough, Ortiz would win the tournament for the vacated title, beating Wanderlei Silva at UFC 23. Frank Shamrock's dominance of the UFC middleweight division also stirred up an urban legend that the back of the middleweight championship belt (the one that he wore during his reign) had the initials FJS (Frank Juarez Shamrock) engraved on it.

Today the name Cung Le is one of the most famous names in the Martial Arts Fight World as "... pound for pound one of the most exciting fighters of all times (Dave Carter, Inside Kung Fu)." Cung Le is not only a three time world champion who is in his prime, he is also a dedicated father and role model to millions. Cung Le has made a tremendous impact on martial arts and continues to expand his arsenal of tools with the addition of Jujitsu training. His popularity as a fighter has brought San Shou Kung Fu to the forefront of the fight world and is catapulting Le into the main stream.

Most recently, Le was featured on a television series called JOURNEY OF A CHAMPION. His beginning, his challenges, his victories, and the road ahead are featured in three unforgettable episodes.

He is also the subject of a documentary that chronicles his life "Cung Le, The Making of a Champion", beginning with Le as a child in Vietnam, following him as a wrestler in college and taking the audience ringside for his many hard fought victories. The film also takes you behind the scenes to see the type of grueling training that makes a champion. Le was also the featured guest for The Discovery Channel documentary titled, "On the Inside: Martial Arts."

Le has made appearances on the covers of several of the most renowned martial arts publications in the world, including Black Belt Magazine, Inside Kung Fu, Wushu Kung Fu, Martial Arts Illustrated, ESPN the magazine and the cover of DirecTV. A testament to his high status in Asia, an article on Le was also published in the Japanese version of Black Belt Magazine, the Bible of Martial Arts. Le has also captivated his television audience with outstanding victories on ESPN2 StrikeForce, Pay-Per-Views K-1 Superfights, DRAKA Championships and Shidokan, The Triathlon of Martial Arts.

At the prestigious 2004 Asia Entertainment awards, Le was honored as the most famous Vietnamese Martial Artist in the world. He received this award in Los Angeles amid a first class Oscars-like ceremony. With this honor Le is now in possession of over 35 major awards.

With Sanshou's fast paced style, where unlike boxing, a fighter is penalized for non- engagement or resting, Le is an ominous presence with the ability to knock someone out with both his hands and feet. Not only a fighting champion himself, Cung Le has made many of his students champions. His UsH team of fighters have brought home many gold medals, state titles, national titles, and world titles in both San Shou and Muay Thai. In 2003, one of his UsH fighters brought the first ever gold medal from the San Shou World Championships. Le continues to train his fighters for the World Championships held this December in Vietnam, where Le has been asked to be the head coach for the entire USA Sanshou team.

Matt Serra became interested in martial arts watching Bruce Lee movies as a kid. He began to practice in the Martial Arts using Kung Fu. Matt thought he could hang with just about anybody in a real fight until his father showed him a tape of a family of fighters from Brazil in real fights, beating their opponents with ease, using chokes and submissions. After seeing that tape, he was determined to learn from this family, even if it meant going to Brazil. Fate would have it that Brazil would come to him, when Renzo Gracie moved to New York and starting teaching in the mid 90's. Matt went on to win a Gold Medal in the 1999 Pan American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, a Gold Medal 1999 Mundial World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships. On May 23, 2000; he was awarded his black belt from Renzo making him the first American Black belt under Renzo Gracie. Matt went on to place second in the 2001 Abu Dhabi World Submission Wrestling Championships. Soon after, Matt began fighting in the UFC. He defeated all challengers to win The Ultimate Fighter 4: The Comeback in 2006. Earlier this year he shocked the world when he defeated Georges St. Pierre By TKO at 3:25 of round one to win the UFC Welterweight Championship of the World. He is currently one of the coach's for the The Ultimate Fighter 6 and will defend his title in December against Matt Hughes.

Shawn Tompkins has been involved in the sport since age 6, giving him 24 years of experience and knowledge. Shawn has also competed in every style of combat art imaginable. He has also trained fighters for all styles of martial arts competition. At this time Shawn has trained 10 national and international champions. He has spent a life time creating a system of fighting and combining it with the system of his mentor Bas Rutten (UFC 20 Champion) putting together one of the world’s most successful training programs. Shawn is also a Fitness Professional.

Gene LeBells legend had started when he won the AAU Judo Nationals Championship in 1954 and 1955 in the heavyweight and overall divisions weighing only 160 pounds. Genes glorious career continued in 1955 when he turned to professional wresting and stunt work and excelled in both. He was voted into Black Belt Hall of Fame and in 1998 was selected for the Inside Kung-Fus Hall of Fame and was listed as Americas Greatest Living Grappler. 

Born October 1973 Hilsboro Illinois. Matt Hughes is one of the most feared fighters in the welter weight division in the mixed martial arts world. Fighting out of the Miletich camp in Iowa, Matt Hughes carries a record of 37 wins 4 loses and 0 draws. Matt started wrestling as a freshman in high school. He was a two times state champion in high school. A high school all American, and a four time collegiate all America. Matt is a wrestling coach at Eastern Illinois University and still competes in wrestling. Matt Hughes made his first UFC appearance on September 24, 1999 when he defeated the Sambo specialist Cal Ignaatov. In November 2, 2001 in Las Vegas Nevada, Hughes captured the UFC welter weight championship when he defeated the than champion, Carlos Newton. He continues to fight at UFC and displays his strengthens: Vicious take-downs, grappling ability and raw power.

Baxter Humby, was born on 1974 in Winnipeg, Canada, and moved at the age of 24 to Malibu, California to pursue a professional kickboxing career. Training at the Muy Tai Academy under Master Tom, Humby became the only man in the world to win world titles with only one hand. Nicknamed The One Armed Bandit, Baxter became one of the most feared and fierce competitors in the welter weight division. Recently, Baxter became the the International Muy Thai Consul division (IMTC) middle weight champion of the world. Always with a smile on his face, Baxter is always waiting for the next challenge to come.

Native Colorado, 25 years old, Duane Ludwig, was inspired by his older brothers and the movies of Bruce Lee, to become the fighter he is.
With a record of 45 wins and 4 loses in Muay Thai and 12 wins and 2 loses in MMA, Ludwig, put his hometown, Denver, Colorado, on the world map.
With this impressive record and two world titles, the world light middle weight Muay Thai Champion and TKo World Light weight Champion (MMA), Ludwig is moving up the ladder to compete in the K-1 arena this coming October. In November 5 he will be the guest of the Paradise Warrior Retreat at the Cordillera.

Armenian-born Manuel Gamburyan began his training in judo shortly after his family emigrated to the United States. He is a student at Gokor Chivichyans Hayastan Academy, and as a competitor, won ten junior nationals and one junior Olympics. He also competed with the 2000 judo junior world team, and is known among the fighting community as The Pitbull. He is also an avid follower of the UEFA and English Premier League. His professional record includes 5 wins and 2 losses.

Gamburyan was first seen in the Octagon ring of the Ultimate Fighting Championships during his fight with Sam Morgan. He won against Morgan but dislocated his shoulders in the process. He was the favorite finalist at SpikeTVs reality series' Ultimate Fighter 5 and had to pull out of the fight with Nate Diaz due to shoulder injury.

Maurice "Mo" Smith (born December 13, 1961) is first and foremost a kickboxer with a great career in kickboxing, before he crossed over to MMA. He won his first professional world title in 1983 for the W.K.C. World Kickboxing Council against then World Light-Heavyweight champoin Tony Morelli out of Canada, in Hawaii for his title, Maurice won in the seventh round with a kick knock-out, then later that year he won another title for the W.K.A. World Kickboxing Association for their Heavyweight title against then champion out of Mexico, Travis Everett with low kicks KO. Then he went almost 10 years undefeated. He is a member of Team Alliance and has a professional MMA record of 11-9-0 as of November 17, 2000. In 1997, he defeated Mark Coleman via unanimous decision after two overtimes to win the Ultimate Fighting Championship Heavyweight Championship. He successfully defended his belt against David L. Abbott via strikes, before losing his belt to Randy Couture, via judge's decision. He is now a coach for the Seattle Tiger Sharks of the International Fight League.

Michael Anthony McDonald was born in Birmingham, England. By the age of two his family had moved to Mandeville, Jamaica, and then moved again eight years later to Edmonton, Canada, where he remained through his school years.

Michael re-claimed the K-1 USA 2004 North American Grand Prix Championship. Knocked down in the first round of the quarter finals, Michael got up and dispatched his opponent with a KO. Scoring a second KO in the semi-final round advanced Michael to the final. In front of a packed house of 6,000 fans at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Michael dispatched Dewey Cooper to win these Titles for the third time in three years. This victory was made all the sweeter when the award was presented to Michael by Muhammad Ali accompanied by Mike Tyson.

With a newly established training base in North Vancouver, BC, Michael McDonald continues to hone the passion, the discipline and the warrior spirit of "The BlackSniper".

Sifu Eric Oram began his martial arts studies age 11 when he enrolled in a branch of Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was born and raised. After three years of study, Sifu Oram began training in Traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu as a personal student of Grandmaster William Cheung. At age 16, Sifu Oram began his teaching career as an assistant to Grandmaster Cheung in New York City. During the next two years he traveled across the country leading seminars on Wing Chun in numerous cities including Los Angeles, New York, Milwaukee, Reno, and in Bermuda. At 18, after only four years of study, Sifu Oram received his Level 10 rank from Grandmaster Cheung and became the youngest certified instructor of Traditional Wing Chun in the world.

Over the past 12 years, Sifu Oram has taught Wing Chun to police officers, accomplished martial artists, public officials, Hollywood celebrities, and members of the F.B.I.'s prestigious Hostage Rescue Team

Richard S. Bustillo is the Founder and Chief Instructor of the IMB (International Martial arts & Boxing) Academy in Torrance, California. An original student of the legendary Bruce Lee and a founding member of the Bruce Lee Educational Foundation (Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus) Board of Directors, he has been honored with induction into The Black Belt Hall of Fame (Instructor of the Year), the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Life Time Achievement Award), the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Most Distinguish Martial Arts Legend), and the World Martial Arts Hall Fame (Pioneer Award). The former lecturer at California State University has the distinction of being certified as a law enforcement defensive tactics instructor with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and. the Los Angeles Police Department where he functions as a consultant for the LAPD's Civilian Martial Arts Advisory Panel.

Shane retired as a USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant with 24 years of service. He has a Force Recon background and has participated in military operations around the world, including; Operations Desert Shield / Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He has taught close-combat courses in the Marine Corps since 1988 and conducted military martial arts and close combat training with numerous countries and special operations units around the world. Shane trained in Shorin-Ryu Karate in Okinawa Japan for 7 years attaining a 4th Dan and ran his own branch dojo in Okinawa. Shane has also served as a Senior Drill Instructor, Director of Division Schools for 3rd Marine Division, established the USMC Martial Art Program Far East School and served as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (SNCOIC) of the USMC Martial Arts Center of Excellence, responsible for training all Marines in the USMC Martial Art Program.

Pete Sell
 

Peter K. Sell, (born August 5, 1982 in West Islip, New York) is an American mixed martial artist specializing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is a black belt under teacher and fellow mixed martial artist Matt Serra in East Meadow, New York, and has trained extensively under striking coach Ray Longo in Mineola, New York. A member of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, Sell fights as a middleweight in the UFC.Sell made his debut with the UFC at UFC 51, defeating Phil Baroni.

Sell was then seen as a middleweight contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: The Comeback, which premiered on August 17, 2006. He entered the competition alongside Matt Serra, who was competing one weight class below Sell in the welterweight division. Although Sell did not proceed the finals, he was featured on the undercard of the season finale where he lost to Scott Smith by knockout.

His second to last fight was a loss to Thales Leites at UFC 69. His last fight was a rematch against Nathan Quarry, at UFC Fight Night 11. Sell lost the fight by KO(Punch). Pete made his second appearance on The Ultimate Fighter as a trainer for Team Serra for season 6, The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra.

Bikram Choudhury, Founder and President of Bikrams Yoga College of India, is a world renowned hatha yoga master. He began learning hatha yoga in his native India under Bishnu Charan Ghosh (Paramhansa Yoganandas brother) at the age of six. A three-time undefeated All-India National Yoga Champion, Mr. Choudhury was educated in Calcutta and received his diploma in yoga training from Ghoshs College of Physical Education and the Yoga Cure Institute in 1965. Combining Eastern wisdom and Western science, he perfected his comprehensive system suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. 

Dave Camarillo

Coming from a family that had a rare dedication to the sport of judo, David Camarillo was practically raised on grappling mats. His father, Jim, was the founder and head of the Bakersfield, Calif.-based South Valley Judo Club, and for David and his older brother, Dan, training in judo was not a choice, but a way of life. Through South Valley Judo, Jim Camarillo trained many junior national and national champion judokas, and the demanding training regiment he set for his sons laid the foundation for their uniquely successful careers in both judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

David trained almost exclusively under his father until the age of 18 (1996), when he moved on to Fresno State Judo, where he would stay for two years. During that time, he made a total of seven trips to Japan, where he trained at (among other places) the prestigious Tsukuba University, with many Olympic and World champion judokas.

At the 1998 Rickson Gracie American Jiu-Jitsu Association tournament, the legendary Rickson Gracie himself bestowed the honor of Most Technical American Jiu-Jitsu Fighter upon David. The recognition was well deserved, as it would take him just six years to receive his black belt in BJJ, four of which were spent as a brown belt.

His accomplishments as a competitor have continued to mount over the years (David also tried his hand at No Holds Barred fighting, winning the 1998 Folsom Free Fighting Challenge), but he has also established himself as a top-notch teacher and coach.

He brings a rare blend of world class takedown and ground fighting skills to his classes, as well as an easy going, amiable personality that enables him to connect with anyone that sits in on a class. David has amassed a large following of students not only at the main Ralph Gracie academy in Mountain View, Calif., but several Ralph Gracie affiliates that he has opened in Northern California. In September of 2003, he branched out even further, taking over the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif., where his wealth of grappling knowledge has become a valued resource among the gym's NHB fighters. His students continue to show that his tremendous ability as a competitor carries over to his instruction, in both grappling and mixed-martial arts events. David has trained and prepared many notable fighters, including WEC/IFC World Bantamweight champion Cole Escovedo, WEC/UFC veteran Mike Swick, UFC MIddlewieght Josh Koscheck, KOTC Heavyweight champion and top-ranked UFC Heavyweight Paul Buentello, MMA Mexico WW World champion Jon Fitch and top-ranked 155-pound fighter Josh Thomson. In addition, David's services are sought throughout the United States and internationally for seminars and private instruction.

Kim Couture

Before starting her MMA career, Couture worked as a police officer in Colorado and a casino executive in Las Vegas. She got involved with MMA upon looking for a workout routine but did not consider becoming a MMA fighter until Gina Carano joined the Xtreme Couture gym.

Couture made her MMA debut against Kim Rose at Banner Promotions: Night of Combat on June 20, 2008. She suffered a broken jaw in the first round of the fight but continued fighting and was defeated by Unanimous Decision. She was also negotiating a contract with the American Fight League at this time.

Couture faced Lina Kvokov in her second MMA fight at Strikeforce: Destruction in San Jose, California on November 21, 2008. She won the fight by TKO in the first round.

She was originally scheduled to face Miesha Tate at ShoMMA 1: Evangelista vs. Aina on May 15, 2009, but withdrew from the fight for undisclosed reasons.

Couture faced Kerry Vera on November 20, 2009 at ShoMMA 5: Woodley vs. Bears in Kansas City, Kansas. She lost the fight by TKO in the first round.

Couture faced Rosa Vizcarra at Xtreme Fighters Mexico on March 27, 2010. She won the fight by TKO in the first round.

Couture faced Marianna Kheyfets in the co-main event at XFC 11: The Next Generation on July 9, 2010. She lost the fight by submission due to a triangle choke in the first round.

Kim was married to former three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture. Kim and Randy have filed for divorce, with Randy continuing to coach and support Kim's MMA career. She has a son named Oakley from a previous marriage. She also has a daughter from a previous relationship.

Cris Cyborg

Cristiane Justino Venancio Santos; born July 9, 1985) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and the Strikeforce Women's Featherweight Champion. Santos won the title on August 15, 2009 by defeating Gina Carano via TKO. She lives in San Diego where she trains at The Arena, one of the premier MMA gyms in the United States.

Santos is currently the #2-ranked pound-for-pound female MMA fighter in the world by MMARising.com and the #1-ranked 145-pound female fighter according to the Unified men's MMA Rankings.

She made her anticipated United States MMA debut on July 26, 2008 against Shayna Baszler at EliteXC: Unfinished Business. She won the fight by TKO in the second round.

She faced Yoko Takahashi on October 4, 2008 at EliteXC: Heat. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

Cristiane was scheduled to face Dutch submission specialist Marloes Coenen at XMMA 7 on February 27, 2009, but backed out of the fight after signing a new contract with Strikeforce. Santos earned a BJJ Purple Belt under her jiu-jitsu instructor Cristiano Marcello in 2009.

She later signed to fight for Strikeforce, which greatly increased the chance that a fight with Gina Carano would take place. In her Strikeforce debut, Santos faced Hitomi Akano on April 11, 2009 at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz. Santos came in six pounds overweight for the fight. Akano originally rejected the fight due to Santos failing to make weight but later accepted the fight. Santos defeated Akano by TKO in the third round.

Santos fought Gina Carano on August 15, 2009 at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg for the Women's Featherweight Championship. Santos won via TKO at 4:59 of the 5:00 first round. The card was the first time that a major promotion had featured a main event between women. After the match, Santos hugged Carano, and stated in her interview that she had the utmost respect for Carano, and that it was an honor to fight her.

Santos next defended her title against Dutch standout Marloes Coenen at a Strikeforce event on January 30, 2010. Santos won the fight via TKO at 3:40 of round 3.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker stated that the next challenger for Santos would most likely be Erin Toughill. However, Toughill later announced her intentions to leave Strikeforce and plans for the fight with Santos were cancelled.

On April 7, 2010, Coker stated that Santos would fight again in June. She faced Jan Finney at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum and won the fight via KO in the second round.

Vered “Didi” Benami Paradise Hostess

Vered, born in NYC, but raised in Tennessee this singer/songwriter is pursuing her music career in Los Angeles. She attended Belmont University in Nashville and is the daughter of a retired Israeli soldier and the middle child of three girls. "Since I was young my mother and father taught all three of us to have a clever awareness about what is going on in our world and how to be resourceful in practical matters. It's not what you have it's who you are to yourself and others. It's about your actions and your reactions. One person can make a difference. Gandhi did, so can I. That's the world as I see it." She is sincere in her efforts to change lives for the better and KO4G especially caught her attention because of its long term goals and quest to make a difference in the lives of girls and women. 

Tanjareen Martin Paradise Hostess

Tanjareen holds a BA degree in TV & Film Production from C.S.U. Northridge. This Inglewood native has guest-starred on: CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, WITHOUT A TRACE, GIRLFRIENDS, STRONG MEDICINE, THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM, HOWARD STERN, THE VEGAN VIXEN SHOW, THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW, THE PARKERS, FOR YOUR LOVE, ARLISS, VIP, CITY GUYS, & several national commercials. Her film credits include: MISS MARCH (in theatres 3/13/09), JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION, LOVE FOR SALE, NATIONAL LAMPOONS CATTLE CALL, and ONLY IN AMERICA. Currently she can be heard live every Wed night on SIRIUS-XM SATELLITE RADIO with a roundtable of comics on Jamie Foxx's THE FOXXHOLE 106/149. Since pledging Delta Sigma Theta public service sorority, Tanjareen volunteers for several charity programs on a regular basis. In fact, she's helped with KO4G.org since its inception. Being a victim of domestic violence, she has a huge heart for helping girls realize their self-worth. As her career continues to grow, this actor/model/host/producer/sketch comic/boxer plans to use her "Celebrity Muscle" to open safe houses for abused women & children.

Tarah Page Paradise Hostess
 

Tarah Paige - a name to remember. As she has done much in her young life already, her aspirations are far from completion. Hard work, determination, talent, and drive - these are the qualities that will assist her journey - making her many goals a reality. Graduating Summa Cum Lauda from a 4-year University at 19, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her potential as an up and coming performing artist with an emphasis on Television and Film. Here are her adventures - an exclusive look at Tereh Paige!

Among her past credits, she's been named three times over as a National Champion Dancer. And in the field of gymnastics, she is formally ranked on of the top 20 gymnasts in the ABC series, "All-America-Girl", which spring boarded her into a world of many more film / television opportunities, music videos, commercials, and live venues. She also plays the harp, writes screenplays, novels, and poetry, and is a model for various national clothing companies. Presently, she is filming as a supporting role on her new movie, "Mortuary", which will be released to big screen end of 2005. She has two additional theatrical projects lined up this spring.