Fight Night 106

This morning we got up at about 8am and just hung out in the room for a little bit before George went to the lobby for hot water for his oatmeal breakfast. George is is good spirits and looks like he put on at least 7-8 pounds since yesterdays weigh in.

Once we get to our dressing room we George starts stretching out waiting for his hands to be wrapped. George has the first fight and wants his hands wrapped as soon as possible so he can start warming up.

While George is getting his hands wrapped the other fighters and their camps start to come in. We share the locker room with Paulo Thiago, Marcus Davis and Kendall Grove.

Paulo Thiago sharing our locker room.

Marcus Davis sharing our locker room.

Kendal Grove and his team sharing our locker room.

George warmed up with the mitts for about fifteen minutes before he got called to walk out to the cage. The fight went as George planned, he kept the fight standing until half way through the round when he shot in on Dent and took him to the ground where George controlled him until the end of the first round with his ground and pound game.

When the first round ended I was walking to George and I noticed that he was bleeding from above his left eye. At first I thought it was blood from Dent that got on him until George told me he was cut. At that time UFC's cut man began working on George's eye. The cut looked deep but the cut man did a great job stopping the bleeding and round two began.

After a few exchanges George catches a leg kick takes DENT to the ground where George controls him until he gets Dent's arm where he uses a arm crush to arm bar and taps Dent out!!

Team Sotiropoulos in the locker room after George's win over Jason Dent.

Friday weigh ins, UFC 106

Today was an early day. We got up at 7:00am and kinda of just laid around for about 45min. At about 7:45am we headed down to the workout room at the Event Center. Before we started our last workout, George jumped on the scale. He was right on target, 157lbs. He only had one pound to make weight and we haven't even started his workout yet. After checking his weight, George had his last light workout with Saohin and I that took about 30min. Just as we were finishing, Urijah Faber came in to workout with Saohin on his kickboxing.

Urijah Faber working out with Sohin

While Urijah and Saohin worked out, George and I went to the unofficial weigh in where UFC officials check the fighters weight to see where they are at prior to the official weigh ins. This is also the time that UFC officials check the fighter's shorts and banners to make sure all the sponsors are approved by the UFC. At the unofficial weigh ins George was 155lbs. PERFECT!!! We then headed to our room where we planned on resting until the Official weigh ins that were at 4:00pm. As soon as we walked out of the back entrance to the Event Center, George was met by a crowd of fans that gathered at the doorway waiting for fighters to get their autographs and pictures.

George was happy to sign all the autographs and take pictures with the fans despite the fact that he was hungry, tired and wanted to get to the room and rest. One thing that really impresses me about George is no matter what he is headed to or what his day consist of he always takes the time to stop to take pictures and sign autographs for the fans.

After George was done we headed to our room and rested. At 3:45pm we headed down to the Events Center where the Official weigh ins were. At the Official weigh ins in front of a crowd of about two thousand, George and Jason Dent both weighed in at 155lbs.

George Sotiropoulos and Jason Dent both weigh in at 155lbs.

Me, George, Todd, Saohin and Eddie Bravo at the weigh ins.

Both George and Dent looked to be in good shape and this is looking to be a great fight. After leaving the weigh in we headed to the room where George started his re-hydration.

George having his steak after the weigh in.

After a couple hours of taking in small amounts of liquids and food George was ready for a real meal. Of course George had a huge steak. In about three hours George looked a lot fuller and was in good spirits it was now time to get to bed and rest up for tomorrows fight.

Thursday, two days til UFC 106 fight

This morning started off with getting up and walking down to Starbucks. The line was the longest line I've ever seen at any Starbucks. Just before leaving our room I threw two bananas into my backpack with my mitts.After a 15min wait in line, I finally get one person away from making my order, when an older gentleman in a business suit orders a house coffee and a banana. The cashier tells him they don't have any bananas. Hearing this I say excuse me sir, if you want a banana I have an extra one. The guy looks me up and down with this puzzled look. Now, I'm wearing a Golden Gloves beanie, a Purebred Jiu Jitsu hoodie and camo cargo pants. I know he must be wondering who is this guy. So while he's admiring my stylish outfit, I pull out a banana and hand it to him. As he takes it from me he asks me if I'm an "UFC Guy". I told him, "No, my friend is" and pointed to George. Now this guy that seemed kind of stand offish says "Well, thank you very much. You've just changed my perception of UFC guys. Good luck and have a blessed day".

George outside his assigned workout room.

After getting my coffee and George's tea we headed to our workout room. Once in the room George jumped on the scale. He weighed in at 161.8, right on schedule. He warmed up for a half hour stretching then we began to work. We decided not to detail our workout in this forum but I can tell you his punches and kicks were so crisp and hard that they echoed the room. Brock Larson and his camp seemed surprised that George a jiu jitsu back belt, could punch and kick so hard.

We worked out for about an hour then headed to the spa where George jumped on the treadmill for forty minutes. The spa (in Mandalay Bay) is beautiful. If you get a chance look it up online, you'll see what I mean. So far we haven't seen to many other fighters. Robbie Lawler was working out at the spa and Carl Uno was walking into the workout room as we were walking out but other then those guys we haven't seen any other fighters so far.

After leaving the spa, we headed to our room where we had lunch and took a nap.

After our nap, I get up go to the restroom and realize the bathroom smells horrible. I ask George if he was the cause of this stink. George in his Australian accent says "nah you did it. Don't blame me".

So for next few hours George and I are in this smelly room resting, discussing the fight and blaming each other for the stink in our room. A short time later Todd White meets us at our room for George's second workout which consists of jiu jitsu and wrestling. Just as we are leaving I grab another banana and started eating it. For some reason I happen to look into our bathroom and notice that our shower and our bathtub had at least four inches of sewer, dark brown water, in them. I'm guessing you can figure out why the water was dark brown. Todd and George starts laughing while I sit there in disgust trying not to throw my banana up. We were amazed that between the three of us, we must have used the bathroom at least six times walking past the shower and tub with none of us noticing the dark brown water sitting there.

I then went immediately to the front desk while George and Todd went to train. I was able to get a fifty dollar food credit and a room change. I then met George and Todd at the training room. George went about a half hour of jiu jitsu and an half hour of wrestling. Again George was on and looking very prepared for the fight.

We went back to our room and now found that the plumbing problem had moved from our bathroom into our room and into the room next door. Luckily, for us none of our belongings get wet at all.

After finally getting to our new room and unpacking again, George ate his chicken and rice before we called it a night and went to bed.

UFC 106, first day in Vegas

The day started off with sprints in the morning at home at 24hrs Fitness with George, Miroslav and I. 7:ooam on the basketball court. It was then that I realized fighters make horrible basketball players. While Miroslav was warming up, I picked up a basketball and started shooting around. After at least 15 attempts and no basket Miroslav is dying laughing so he picks up the ball and continues to miss without making a basket. At this time we're laughing so hard I can't breathe. Now George walks onto the court and is going to "show us" how its done. George can't sink a basket either. Now I'm laughing so hard I have tears rolling down my face. After at least 50 shots, I think I made 2, George made 2 and Miroslav made 3 baskets. Its then I realized the only time fighters belong on the courts is to do their sprints!

After finally getting our sprints done it was off to take a shower and to the airport. The airport and flight to Vegas was uneventful being it was a Tuesday and pretty dead. We arrive in Vegas and was met by our UFC driver "Q".



He took us to Mandalay Bay where we were taken to the media room where we took care of our paperwork. While there they took my picture for my corner man license and George signed things for UFC. UFC has all the fighters sign things for sponsors. Today George signed 12 t-shirts and 180 posters. After that was done they checked his weight and did a pre fight interview with him. We then headed to our room. Our room of course is awesome. After about an hour in the room, Todd arrives. Since we are all starving we head down for dinner. At dinner we discuss and set our training times and schedule for the week. After dinner we head up to the room and get ready for bed. Its an early morning tomorrow. George is in great shape ready for this fight. I'm so excited and can't wait for this fight. Its going to be a good one.

UFC 106 Mandalay Bay Events Center

We will be leaving for Vegas on the 17th for this fight. I'll be posting pictures and daily blogs of our activities!!!!!!

A lightweight bout between former contestants of "The Ultimate Fighter" is slated for UFC 106 with season nine's Jason Dent (19-9 MMA, 1-2 UFC) set to take on season six's George Sotiropoulos (10-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC).

UFC 106 takes place Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The main card, including a headliner between UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and undefeated contender Shane Carwin, airs live on pay per view. The Dent vs. Sotiropoulos fight will be part of the night's un-aired preliminary card.

Fight Night!! UFC 101

Today is fight night. We have been up pretty late last night as George started to re hydrate. I think we got to bed around 3 in the morning. We decided we would sleep in because we did not need to be at the UFC office until 5pm when we would have the meeting and get our bus and corner assignments.

After finally getting to bed I got George up at about 9am so he could get more fluids in him. When he woke up in the morning he looked really good because he re hydrated last night and ate a good meal he looked thicker and fuller today. I'm guessing he was probably close to 162lbs now. George woke up fresh and in good spirits ready to go.


George morning of the fight.

George got up had breakfast and went back to sleep. Saohin and I went to breakfast on our own so George could get some peace and quiet. At about 3pm we all stated to get ready. By 4:30pm we headed down to the UFC offices.


Once all the camps arrived we had a meeting where the camps were given their wrist bands for the corner/locker room. We were then we headed to the Wachovia Center. When we got to the center we went directly to our locker rooms to get ready we had the second fight of the night.


As we were driving into the parking lot I saw that it was full and everyone was tailgating. As soon as some of the tailgaters saw the vans drive through they started yelling and going crazy. I knew then that this was going to be a great show!!


We shared the locker room with Johny Hendricks and Forrest Griffin. Once we got to the room we placed the matts on the floor and picked our corner of the room. Once George was ready, we started to drill his boxing with me, mauy thai with Saohin and jiu jitsu with Todd. George also drilled shooting in on me several times.George started to stretch out. After stretching it was time for George to wrap his hands.

George getting his hands wrapped by UFC official.

While George was wrapping his hands I was able to take a picture with Junior Seau who was in our locker room and a member of Forrest Griffin's corner.

Junior Seau and I in our locker room.

Once George had his hands wrapped we tried to put his gloves on and of course the first glove we try to put on breaks. The glove tears all the way across the top of the hand. Now comes a mad scramble for UFC officials to try and find another set of large gloves for George.

The officials are telling us that they only have a medium left and there is no way that's going to fit George. Its now 20mins to Georges fight and we are all getting anxious. Finally they find "the last set" of large gloves for George. We are now down to 15min.

George warms up a little more until they call us to the tunnel. I definitely know I'm more nervous then George. Hes clam and cool and taking it easy. Even though I know he has trained hard and is very prepared for this fight, you cant help but be nervous for him as you stand at that tunnel looking out into a packed crowed that I heard was near 19,000 people.

Well the light comes on and they give us the cue to start walking to the cage. Now you might be wondering why they never showed us walking from the tunnel to the cage. Well I can tell you it was not because of lack of time.

It was because George was walking so fast that I had a hard time keeping up with him and the camera man who was shooting us and walking backwards also could not keep up with George so much so that he fell flat on his back 15feet from the cage. George not missing a beat continued right pass him. I saw that he was not hurt and did everything I could from busting out laughing.

Anyways George is now in the cage and ready to go. Of course we all now what happen next. George had an awesome fight!! Those of you who did not see it here is a link: http://www.pancrase.org/george-roop-vs-george-sotiropoulos-ufc-101-video/08-09-2009/

George being announced as the winner!

We then headed back to the locker room where George did another post fight interview and the rest of the fights is UFC 101 history.

Goerge giving post UFC interview on the way back to the locker room.

Back in the locker room Team Sotiropoulos poses for a photo.

Post fight photo in the locker room. Todd, George, me and Saohin.

We watched the rest of the fights before jumping in our van and heading back to our hotel. I was surprised to see Tito Ortiz sitting in our van. He rode back with us to the hotel and was impressed with George's fight.

Tito Ortiz riding back to our hotel in our van after the fight.

Tito is getting ready for his fight with Mark Coleman.

Mark Coleman and I. In our locker room.

Once at the hotel we were only able to have one drink to celebrate George's win. Because we got back so late, the lobby bar was now closing. Eddie Bravo, Cliona and George's family all toasted and congratulated George on his WIN!!


I WILL POST THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF GEORGE'S NEXT UFC FIGHTS AS SOON AS IT'S CONFIRMED!!!

Weigh ins and day before UFC 101

The morning started off with George going down to the scale at 800am for a pre weigh in. At the scale he was three pounds over weight.

From the scale we went next door to our workout room where George did one round of shadow boxing, one round of muay thai shadow boxing and two rounds of mitt work, both boxing and muay thai.

It was a very light workout and all that he need. He also dropped a pound and a half in water weight with that workout.

He then went into the sauna for 20min That put him right at his weight.

From the sauna we went back up to the room. George went to bed and Saohin and I went to lunch.

At 130pm all the fighters and corner men met down in the UFC office to get our passes. It was cool to see that all the camps were together in one room laughing and talking with each other.

I can honestly say that no one in the room, fighter or corner men displayed any type of attitude.

Once the passes were given out and a little speech on proper conduct was given each corner was directed to their vans where we were driven to the sports complex.

While getting in our vans it was amazing to see all these fans that were gathered outside to watch the fighters leave for the weigh ins.

All week there have been fans gathered near the lobby elevators where the hotel roped off an area for them but this crowd tripled any crowd there.

After getting to the Wachovia center I was shocked to see how many people showed up for the weigh ins. There were at least 2000 people there.

First time fighter get to check out the cage at the weigh ins.

While we were backstage Dana White was having a Q and A session with the crowd. They were allowed to go up to the mic and ask him anything about the UFC.

As the fighters sat with their corner men each camp was called up one at a time. We would then meet with licensing to ensure all our paper work was done.

Then the corner men would go back and sit down while they took the fighters back to be checked by the doctors.

When the fighters check ups were done they called for me and George to fit him for his fight gloves. George then tried on and picked his gloves for the fight.

Once George choose his gloves I rolled them up and tied them that way and put them back in its wrapper. I rolled the gloves so they would be a little more broken in for George being that they are brand new gloves.

We then turned the gloves over and placed Georges name on the gloves to ensure we get back the same gloves tomorrow on fight night.

Once that was all done it was time for the weigh in. They got us line up in order of our fights.

We were the second fight and George was the fourth fighter to go up. It now came the time for George to weigh in.

It was funny to see how hardcore some fans can be. Just as they announced George's name this guy ran down to George, teary eyed and said, "George go get him we've been waiting for you for a year DON'T LET US DOWN!"

At that point George was called on stage for his weigh in. George weighed in at 155. Perfect!! For video of the weigh ins go to UFC.com.

George Sotiropoulos and Gorge Roop at official weigh ins.

Once George stepped off of the scale he immediately began to drink water to re hydrate. He also had grilled chicken and rice that he had there in his bag.

George drank a whole gallon of water in a 10min time frame. We then headed back to the room where we stayed the rest of the night.

If the weigh ins were any indications of how the fights are going to be, I can't wait.
The electricity that was back stage was awesome.

A few people have been texting me asking who I think will win certain fights. I really don't know. All the fighters look really good and are in great shape. Not one fighter here looks like they are not prepared.

I don't know which fighters are going to win nor do I consider myself any expert but I'll tell you who I like to win. I like BJ. BJ looks really focused and in good shape.

Although Anderson Silva got booed during the weigh ins I like him over Griffin. I think Kendall may have a tough time against Ricardo and last but not least I think George Sotiropoulos will take it over George Roop.

Although Roop is a tough fighter I know how hard George has been training and think that Sotiropoulos.is a little to much for him at this time.

I hope all the best for all of the fighters and hope that everyone comes out of it safely!!!

Day three, two days to UFC 101

This morning we got up at 630am and went down to the scale to check George's weight. He's still on target with tomorrow being the official weigh in.

From there we headed to the lobby coffee shop where George had an oatmeal protein mix breakfast and we relaxed as we had a cup of coffee.

After relaxing for about an hour we were back at the workout room. Again we had the room to ourselves. It seemed that everyone else seems to be working out in the later evenings but given the size of some of the entourage's it can get pretty crowed quickly.

After stretching George worked on his kick boxing with Saohin and his boxing with me. George continues to get sharper and faster as the days go by.

We then headed to the hotel's gym where George jumped on the treadmill for 30min while I was able to get a massage ;D

Then we were off to lunch and a short nap. This would be George's last meal until the weigh in tomorrow at 430pm. George would start to dry out at this time. Although George was very close to the weight he was suppose to be at he still was not there yet.

At about 230pm George headed down to the workout room with Todd to drill his jiu jitsu while Saohin and I took a nap.

Saohin has been very popular here in Philly. A 2 time champion muay thai fighter, Saohin has been doing seminars everyday at area gyms.

Saohin, two time Mauy Thai Champoin.

After jiu jitsu George had to go and do a photo shoot and a interview for UFC. I was planing to stay in the room but George wanted me to go with him and after all was said and done I was glad I went. It was very interesting.

George first had to go to make up. I really tried not to laugh out loud as I saw these very talented and tough UFC fighters sitting there and getting make up put on them. I was smart enough to know that was not the place or the guys to be laughing at.

George getting make up put on him before his interview.

Anyways after make up George was headed to the photo shoot after stricking a few poses he was off to the interview.

George doing pre fight UFC interview at our Hotel.

Once the interview was over it was back up to the room where George and I watched a documentary on Mike Tyson before watching a few UFC fights of George Roop.

Although George Roop is a very busy and all around sound fighter it is my opinion that George's game is a little more technical and polished and given as prepared as George Sotiropoulos is I feel he will emerge the Winner!!

Once the videos were over it was time to hit the sack for an early day tomorrow.

Day 2, three days til fight night

This morning started at 730am with me going down to the scales with George to monitor his weight. He's still on track. We then headed back up to the room and had breakfast and took a little rest.

After the rest we headed to the workout room for our corner. We were lucky enough to have to room to ourselves.

George worked on his boxing with me and his kick boxing with Saohin. After about an hour we were done George's punches were crisp and his kicks were awesome. That was the best I've seen George kick.He is looking good and is peaking just right.

George working with me on mitts, boxing, morning workout.

George working with Saohin, Muay Thai, morning workout.

George drilling with Todd White Jiu Jitsu, evening workout.

After the workout we headed out for lunch at a local food market. We had to be back at our hotel by 100pm so the UFC van could drive us to Whole Foods so we could shop for the rest of our trip.

We rode with Antonio "Big Foot" Silvia and another Brazilian fighter to the store. I didn't realize that Big foot was that big!!

Being 5'11" and 225lbs myself, I felt like a little child next to him. He was impressive to see in person.

Well on the way back from whole foods the driver told us we were going to pass the Rocky statue and stairs. Of course George got them to pull over onto the sidewalk and let us take pictures.

Philadelphia Museum of Art, home of the "Rocky Statue and Rocky Stairs".

George, Saohin and I striking a pose.

And of course we weren't able to leave until George ran up the stairs and shadow boxed while the driver sang the rocky song. The Brazilians thought he was nuts. And everyone else there!!

George running up the "Rocky stairs" for goodluck as UFC driver sings the theme song.

After another rest period George got 2hrs of jiu jitsu in with Todd. We were lucky to have the workout room to ourselves again because in the workout room next door, it was jammed pack with the media who all sat in on Anderson Silva's workout.

We then showered before going out to dinner and hitting the sack early.

First day in Philly

Sorry everyone no pics from yesterday our first day in Philly. It ended up being a really long day.

Being my first UFC I was impressed with their organization but remember you have fighters and corner men coming from all over the world so it makes for a long wait to finally get to the hotel.

Both George and I left for Philly at 9am. George from Vegas and I from Portland. Once we arrived in Philly we were met by a UFC driver who was suppose to take us to our hotel but all of our guys weren't there yet.

Team Sotiropoulos consists of Todd White (jiu jitsu black belt), Saohin Srisuk (muay thai coach) and myself (Leonard Gabriel) as his boxing coach.

Once everyone arrived in one place we were taken to our hotel it was now 6:30pm. After getting to the hotel we got George's weight checked he was right where he is supposed to be.

We were then off to get all of our licensing paper work done. Now it was 7:15pm. Once our paper work was done we checked in to our room. Its now 8:30!!

Since it was a really long first day we decided to eat dinner across the street at Hard Rock.

Anderson Silva and his huge entourage was also there eating. After dinner we called it a night and went to bed.

UFC 101

We are leaving for UFC 101 on Tuesday, August 4th. George Sotiropoulos, will be fighting George Roop at the Wachovia Center in Philly. Each day posts of the pre-fight prep will be available as well as picture updates.

Guns and Hoses, Tacoma Wa. Emerald Queen Casino

Julie Ballou (wearing blue) competed in the Guns and Hoses at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma in front of a packed house.

The very fast paced and exciting bout received "Fight of the night". Julie lost a split decision against Kate Ingram of Tacoma. Be on the look out for a possible rematch in November.

Golden Gloves National Tournament Championships, Salt Lake City Utah

Miroslav Lokes competed in the May Golden Gloves National Championships in Utah, May 4th -9th, 2009. Miroslav advanced to the tournament after winning the Oregon State Golden Gloves 152lbs title and the Regional Golden Gloves 152lbs. title in Las Vegas.

While competing at Nationals, Mirsolav was part of the Nevada Regional Boxing Team. As a team, they won the national team trophy.

After winning two hard fights, Miroslav advanced to the quarter finals where he met last years national champion Jovonti Starks and lost by decision. Miroslav left Utah now ranked 7th in the nation.