‘Ultimate Collector” Series 5 Four New Collectibles Scheduled for Early 2011 Release

MARKHAM, Ontario, Canada, November 1, 2010 – Four increasingly popular UFC stars will be the next to be featured as collectibles as Round 5 co-founder and CEO Barron Lau and co-founder and President Damon Lau today announced that Vitor Belfort, Shane Carwin, Nate Diaz and Thiago Silva will comprise “Ultimate Collector” Series 5, scheduled to be available at retail in early 2011.

Fans can view an image of early sculpts of the new series at . Collectors should also be on the lookout for surprise “chase” items, which will include special accessories or variants hidden in a limited number of packages available at random stores.“Our first Series of 2011 has four fighters who have been requested often by fans, and who are all new to Round 5,” said Damon Lau.  “Collectors have enjoyed finding the ‘chase’ items in previous Series, so we’re excited to continue that with these new figures.”As with previous “Ultimate Collector” items, Series 5 will be presented in stylish, UFC-themed packaging that includes action photos of each respective fighter’s memorable moments as well as a short biography.

A list of retailers for UCS 5 and all Round 5 products can be found at

The release of “Ultimate Collector” Series 5 will bring the total of individual Round 5 “Ultimate Collector” products to more than 25, not including variants.

WWE SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2011 SHIPS TO RETAIL OUTLETS THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. − October 26, 2010 −THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2011 is now available at North American retailers for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Wii™ system from Nintendo.  Poised to deliver destiny-defining moments, best-in-class creation tools and ultimate virtual control of WWE, along with the largest roster of playable WWE Superstars, WWE Divas and WWE Legends in franchise history, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is rated “T” for Teen and is available for the suggested retailed prices of $59.99 (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system), $49.99 (Wii) and $39.99 (PlayStation 2 system and PSP system).

“We strive each year to deliver an unrivaled simulation gameplay experience to some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the industry,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ.  “

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 offers an incredible number of new features and key updates that are certain to provide those fans with the most compelling and rewarding virtual WWE experience to date for the franchise.”

“The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw series has been a leader and an innovator in the videogame fighting category for over a decade, and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is by far our strongest, most exciting effort ever,” said Jim Connelly, Senior Vice President, Consumer Products, WWE. “The game delivers to the player all the thrills and heart-pounding moments of a live, televised WWE event in a way that has never been done before.”

 

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 empowers players more than ever to define their gameplay experiences in a dynamic and ever-changing WWE.  In WWE Universe Mode, a new addition to the franchise, gameplay scenarios will change based on player decisions, allowing for new rivalries, alliances, championship matches and more spontaneous WWE action in and out of the ring.  In addition, the popular, story-driven Road to WrestleMania® mode returns with significant updates and new storylines, including the ability to freely roam through locker room areas, select opponents, break into impromptu matches and fulfill destinies based on player choices. 

A hallmark of the franchise,

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 delivers its largest offering to date of best-in-class creation and customization features.  Players will have more creative tools than ever to customize their created Superstars, finishing moves, story designs, paint tool creations and more.  Searching and sharing content is also greatly simplified through improvements to the highly regarded

WWE Community Creations feature, which generated nearly 10 million downloads in its franchise debut.

 

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 boasts one of the largest rosters in franchise history with more than 70 of today’s prominent WWE Superstars and WWE Divas.  Each in-game model features new skin textures and movement technology, delivering the most authentic looking and moving WWE Superstars and WWE Divas ever seen in a WWE videogame.  In addition, players can round out their virtual WWE experience with more than 100 match types, including Tables, Ladders & Chairs (TLC), Hell in a Cell and Money in the Bank, as well as an extensive number of new playable arenas.  A brand-new physics system ensures all matches and object interactions look and feel unique, dynamic and unpredictable to capture the full essence and authenticity of WWE. 

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 also delivers the franchise’s largest online feature set to date, including a robust Fan Axxess downloadable content purchase program slated to include playable WWE Superstars, WWE Divas, WWE Legends, alternate ring gear, new arenas and more.  In addition, Online Axxess and the game’s first downloadable content package, which is scheduled to include WWE Superstar Chris Masters® (playable character), WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio® (“Dia de los Muertos” Halloween-themed attire) and WWE Diva Kelly Kelly® (“Devil” Halloween-themed attire), will be free of charge with the videogame through a back of manual code for first-time purchasers.  Second-time buyers can also purchase Online Axxess via Xbox LIVE at an anticipated cost of 800 Microsoft Points, as well as on PlayStationNetwork for an anticipated cost of $9.99.  For more information on WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, please visitwwe.thq.com, facebook.com/WWEgames and twitter.com/WWEgames.

Strikeforce Hits DVD On October 12

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (October 5, 2010) – A hard-hitting collection of brutal battles and thrilling knockouts featuring some of the greatest fighters of the world championship mixed martial arts (MMA) league, STRIKEFORCE MMA slams its way onto DVD October 12 from Showtime Networks, CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment.  This two-disc set is a must-have for MMA fans and includes the hottest fights of 2010—previously seen only on SHOWTIME®—along with rare bonus features including never-before-broadcast fights and exclusive interviews.

One of the world’s fastest growing sports, MMA has been selling out arenas and producing some of the fiercest competitors ever to hit the ring.  Headlined by some of the biggest names in the sport today, STRIKEFORCE MMA includes unforgettable match-ups such as the recent stunning upset of the consensus No. 1 fighter in the world and arguably the greatest fighter of all-time, Russian heavyweight Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko.  Also featured is Robbie Lawler’s hard-punching cage fight against Renato “Babalu” Sobral at STRIKEFORCE: Live.  Plus, the collection includes unaired undercard fights from STRIKEFORCE: Heavy Artillery in which Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem defends his heavyweight title against knockout artist Brett “The Grim” Rogers.  Additional main card fights from the event include match-ups between Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva along with Roger Gracie’s rear naked choke submission of Kevin Randleman.

The STRIKEFORCE MMA DVD is a two-disc set presented in 16×9 Widescreen with English 2.0 Stereo. The DVD is not rated in the U.S. and rated 14A (for violence) in Canada.  The total running time is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.  The DVD disc breakdown is as follows:

Disc One:

• STRIKEFORCE: Heavy Artillery Featuring:
  • Alistair Overeem vs. Brett Rogers, May 15, 2010
  • Antwain Britt vs. Rafael Feijao
  • Roger Gracie vs. Kevin Randleman
  • “Jacare” Souza vs. Joey Villasenor
  • Andrei Arlovski vs. Antonio Silva
• Weigh-in
• Undercard
• Post Fight Interview

Disc Two:

• STRIKEFORCE: Live Featuring:
  • Robbie Lawler vs. “Babalu” Sobral, June 16, 2010
  • Hugo Sandoval vs. Marcus Kowal
  • Jeremy Umphries vs. R.J. Clifford
  • KJ Noons vs. Conor Heun
  • Tim Kennedy vs. Trevor Prangley
  • Evangelista Cyborg vs. Marius Zaromskis
• Weigh-in
• Undercard
• Post Fight Interview

• STRIKEFORCE: Fedor vs. Werdum Featuring:
  • Fedor Emelianenko vs. Fabricio Werdum, June 26, 2010
  • Bobby Stack vs. Derrick Burnsed
  • Yancy Medeiros vs. Gareth Joseph
  • Bret Bergmark vs. Vagner Rocha
  • Chris Cope vs. Ron Keslar
  • Josh Thomson vs. Pat Healy
  • Cris Cyborg vs. Jan Finney
  • Cung Le vs. Scott Smith
• Weigh-in
• Undercard

Josh Barnett Signs With Strikeforce

NEW YORK (Sept. 13, 2010) – Two-time champion and top world-ranked heavyweight superstar Josh “The Babyfaced Assassin” Barnett has signed a multi-fight agreement to compete for world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion STRIKEFORCE.

“STRIKEFORCE is the home of the best heavyweight division in the world and I’m proud to be able to call it my home now,” said the 32-year-old Barnett (29-5), an expert in catch wrestling who hails from Seattle, Wash.

“I’m looking forward to competing amongst the greatest fighters in the world and fighting my way to another world title.”

The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Barnett became the youngest UFC champion in history at age 24 when he scored a second-round TKO (4:35) on MMA legend Randy “The Natural” Couture in Las Vegas, Nev., on March 22, 2002. In his sixth career fight, Barnett submitted wrestling and MMA legend Dan “The Beast” Severn with an armbar in the fourth round (1:21) in Hawaii.

In addition to his achievements in America, Barnett has spent a good portion of his career competing in top tier promotions overseas, including the now defunct PRIDE Fighting Championships in Japan where he notched memorable victories over the likes of Aleksander Emelianenko, Mark Hunt and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. On Oct. 21, 2006, Barnett took part in PRIDE’s first event on U.S. soil, submitting Pawel Nastula with a toe hold in the second round (3:04) at Las Vegas’s Thomas & Mack Center.

In 2008, Barnett competed in another Japanese promotion, Sengoku. After submitting (heel hook) Hidehiko Yoshida in Tokyo on March 5, 2008, Barnett returned to action on May 18, 2008, and earned a unanimous decision over top-ranked rival and fellow American Jeff “The Snowman” Monson.

Barnett signed an agreement to compete in Japan’s DREAM promotion earlier this year. Last March 22, he made his debut with the organization, submitting former K-1 tournament champion and devastating power puncher, “Mighty Mo” Siligia, with a kimura at 4:41 of the first round.

On July 10, Barnett followed up the strong showing with a first-round TKO (punches) over Geronimo dos Santos in the main event of a fight card in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

UFC Undisputed 2010 For The PSP Ships To Retail Outlets Worldwide

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. − September 7, 2010 − THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Zuffa, LLC today announced the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system version of UFC®Undisputed™ 2010,  the critically acclaimed videogame sports franchise based on the world’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, is now available at retail outlets worldwide for a suggested retail price of $39.99. 

UFC Undisputed 2010 for the PSP system is set to deliver all the action, intensity and prestige of the UFC with intelligent and intuitive MMA combat, fighter customization, robust career progression, challenging gameplay modes and ad-hoc wireless play.

“UFC Undisputed 2010 delivers all the great content for the PSP system that millions around the world have been enjoying on HD systems up to this point,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ.  “The UFC videogame franchise is positioned to be very successful in the handheld videogame market.” “UFC Undisputed 2010 for the PSP system is a must-own for any UFC, sports or fighting videogame fanatic this fall,” said Dana White, President, UFC.  “The sheer amount of content available to explore the virtual Octagon™ in a handheld format is absolutely incredible.”

Nick Diaz-KJ Noons Rematch Saturday, Oct. 9, At HP Pavilion On SHOWTIME

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2010) – A grudge rematch that fans, media, and the confident fighters themselves have been clamoring for since the first fight ended in bloody controversy nearly three years ago, will take place on Saturday, October 9, when KJ Noons (9-1), fresh off a knockout victory last Saturday, challenges STRIKEFORCE World Welterweight (170 pounds) Champion Nick Diaz (22-7, 1 NC) in the main event at HP Pavilion here, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the co-feature, undefeated STRIKEFORCE Women’s Welterweight World Champion Sarah Kaufman (12-0) will make the second defense of her 135-pound title against No. 1 contender and Dutch superstar Marloes Coenen (17-4).

Another featured fight will pit an emerging star from the STRIKEFORCE Challengers series, up-and-coming Luke Rockhold (7-1), against the vastly more experienced, 2000 Olympic Games wrestling silver medalist, Matt “The Law” Lindland (22-7), in a middleweight (185 pounds) contest.

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Saturday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. PT online at Ticketmaster.com, at HP Pavilion ticket office, or by phone at (800) 745-3000. 

A special presale opportunity for “STRIKEFORCE Insider” e-newsletter subscribers begins today, Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. PT.   Sign up to become a “STRIKEFORCE Insider” at http://www.strikeforce.com/insider.html.

Diaz has not lost a fight since he first faced Noons, losing via disputed first-round TKO on Nov. 7, 2007. Diaz has been devastating in recent outings notching seven in a row. The talented, outspoken, no-nonsense brawler also boasts a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.

The always-dangerous Noons is an aggressive and prolific striker who has won his last six fights, including the thrilling slugfest against Diaz that ended when the cageside physician halted the proceedings due to excessive cuts around Diaz’ eyes.

Since that fight, there has been no love lost between the pair of brash fighters. Seven months after their first fight, on June 14, 2008, the fighters and their camp members nearly came to blows in the cage after the fighters registered victories in separate bouts.

“Nick has no class, he’s a bum, a piece of (expletive) and he and his team disrespected my family and I with their gestures and trash talk and tried to upstage my fight,’’ said Noons after the near-fracas.

Offered Diaz: “I’m sorry about what happened in the cage afterward, but I didn’t start it. His guys were talking (expletive) to us.’’

Diaz is coming off a first-round submission (armbar) over fellow superstar Hayato “Mach” Sakurai last May 29 at DREAM 14 in Japan. The six-foot, 27-year-old Diaz won the STRIKEFORCE title with a convincing first-round TKO (punches) over Marius “The Whitemare” Žaromskis on Jan. 30, 2010.

The 5-foot-11, 27-year-old Noons, who was born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, registered a spectacular, crowd-pleasing second-round knockout over Jorge Gurgel during last Saturday’s STRIKEFORCE: Houston, live on SHOWTIME.

Kaufman, a former ballet dancer, retained her belt for the first time with an explosive third-round body slam KO over Roxanne Modafferi at STRIKEFORCE Challengers in Everett, Wash., on July 23.

The personable, hard-hitting, 5-foot-5, 24-year-old Kaufman, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, has scored knockouts in nine of her 12 victories.

Coenen, 29, will appear before an audience for the first time since suffering a hard-fought third-round TKO loss to Cris Cyborg for the STRIKEFORCE Women’s Middleweight (145 pounds) Championship at STRIKEFORCE: Miami last Jan. 30.

The game and courageous, 5-foot-9 Coenen gave Cyborg one of her toughest fights. A member of Holland’s Team Golden Glory, Coenen has been a mixed martial artist since the age of 14. She will be moving down in weight to challenge for the title.

Rockhold, of Santa Cruz, Calif. will bring a six-fight winning streak into what figures to be the toughest assignment of his career. Many feel the 25-year-old is one of STRIKEFORCE’s next great middleweight stars. He has been victorious by submission in all but one of his wins. A member of Team AKA in San Jose, Rockhold won his last start with a first-round TKO (knees to body) over Paul Bradley on Feb. 26, in San Jose.

Lindland, of Oregon City, Ore, brought home the silver in Greco-Roman wrestling. He’s fought the best in a 13-year MMAs career, including the famed Fedor Emelianenko. An All-American at the University of Nebraska before turning pro in 1997, Lindland holds victories over Pat Miletich, Jeremy Horn, former UFC welterweight champion Carlos Newton and remains one of only two men to submit Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Travis Lutter.

In his most recent fight, the six-foot-tall Lindland scored a third-round TKO over “King” Kevin Casey on May 21 during a STRIKEFORCE Challengers in Portland, Ore.

Everlast And MMA Star Jon “Bones” Jones Agree To Exclusive Contract

New York, NY – August 25, 2010 – Everlast Worldwide Inc., the global leader in fight sports and fitness, today announced the signing of an exclusive equipment contract with MMA standout Jon “Bones” Jones. Widely recognized as the best young talent in MMA today, the 23-year old Jones has a record of 11-1 and trains out of the renowned Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts Gym in Albuquerque, NM

Under the agreement, Jones will exclusively train with Everlast equipment, as well as play a feature role in direct to consumer and retail marketing initiatives.  Following Jones’ August 1st victory over veteran Vladimir Matyushenko, the high-school All-American wrestler and Junior College National Wrestling Champion, is positioned to make a run at the light heavyweight title.

“Jon Jones is one of the most exciting athletes in MMA today,” said Matt Cowan, VP of Marketing and Products for Everlast.  “His drive and dedication embodies the value upon which our brand was built and his eagerness to join the Everlast legacy further solidifies our position as the dominant brand in the sport.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Everlast family” said Jones “Everlast has a rich history associated with the greatest fighters of all time and I am proud to be a part of that tradition, alongside icons like Randy Couture, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.”

Jon “Bones” Jones will appear in the Everlast booth (#2628) at UFC Fan Expo on Friday, August 27th (1:00 PM) and Saturday, August 28th (4:00 PM) at the John B. Hynes Convention Center in Boston. 

Everlast MMA equipment and apparel are available at Everlast.com, Combatsports.com, and sporting goods retailers.