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 D-Day Memorial
By Future Fighting (250k+)
2015-06-06
Los Angeles
Hard Knocks - Los Angeles (3,000)
On June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline, to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which, “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end, the Allies gained a foot-hold in Continental Europe.
The cost in lives on D-Day was high. More than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded, but their sacrifice allowed more than 100,000 Soldiers to begin the slow, hard slog across Europe, to defeat Adolf Hitler’s crack troops.
http://www.army.mil/d-day/
And according to this, Future Fighting (250k+) decided to honor the Brave Men, even if it’s only in internet game. I know, that MMA Tycoon has very adult and conscious community, so I think it’s right place to do that. 71 years ago, on this very date, Freedom started to march across the Europe, and put the World back on right track.
We can’t let ourselves to forget the History. We have reason to be proud of it, of our ancestors, as they fought for what they believed, for better future, without difference on which side of barricade they stood…
“Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground.
Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!
I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle.
We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower, Document for June 6th: D-day statement to soldiers, sailor, and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force, 6/44
The AIRBORNE ASSAULT into Normandy as part of the D-Day Allied invasion of Europe was the largest use of airborne troops up to that time. Paratroopers of the U.S. 82d and 101st Airborne divisions, the British 6th Airborne Division, the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, and other attached Allied units took part in the assault. Numbering more than 13,000 men, the paratroopers were flown from bases in southern England to the Cotentin Peninsula in approximately 925 C-47 airplanes.
An additional 4,000 men, consisting of glider infantry with supporting weapons and medical and signal units, were to arrive in 500 gliders later on D-Day to reinforce the paratroopers. The parachute troops were assigned what was probably the most difficult task of the initial operation -- a night jump behind enemy lines five hours before the coastal landings.
To protect the invasion zone's western extremity and to facilitate the "Utah" landing force's movement into the Cotentin Peninsula, the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions descended on the peninsula by parachute and glider in the early hours of D-Day. The paratroopers were badly scattered.
Many were injured and killed during the attack, and much of their equipment was lost. But the brave paratroopers fought fiercely, causing confusion among the German commanders and keeping the Germans troops occupied. Their efforts, hampered by harsh weather, darkness and disorganization, and initiative of resourceful soldiers and leaders, ensured that the UTAH BEACH assault objectives were eventually accomplished. The British and Canadian attacks also accomplished their primary goal of securing the left flank of the invasion force.
http://www.army.mil/d-day/
Preliminary Card
Fapping Vigorously v Quincey Ferguson
Lightweight Division
We will start the Event with our Lightweight top fighter- derived from South Side, United States, 21 years old, holding 5-1 professional MMA record- Quincey ‘Killa’ Ferguson, and guest from outside, owner of 3-1 professional MMA record- 23 years old Finnish fighter, Fapping ‘The Lord-Bearer’ Vigorously, from Helsinki. Ferguson is very strong kicker, who always waits for right moment to close the fight to the clinch.
It will be tough fight standing for ‘Vigorously’, who will be definitely trying to take action to the ground, where he has all what is needed to dominate. But ‘Killa’ has great takedown defense, so it may be difficult for ‘The Lord-Bearer’ to unleash his vicious ground and pound. It seems that the winner will be the one, who will manage to impose his action zone to his opponent.
Anderson Gracie v Lars Paulsson
Middleweight Division
In second fight will meet two fighters, who lastly fought for chance to participate in tonight’s Middleweight Championship fight, but lost. And according to their fighting styles, we should prepare for world class grappling. I’m pretty sure, that we have never had two so excellent grapplers fighting each other in Future Fighting’s history, yet. Stepping in with 3-2 professional MMA record, 20 years old brown belt from Sao Paulo, Brazil- Anderson ‘The Chosen One’ Gracie, will face 21 years old black belt, Lars ‘The Swede’ Paulsson from Uddevalla, Sweden, who won 1 fight, and lost 1 in his professional career.
And tonight’s not only progress on BJJ path shown by belt color points on Paulsson, but also his wrestling abilities, and striking skills. ‘The Swede’ is favorite tonight, but no doubt that Anderson Gracie won’t need more than one mistake to take it to his side, as we must remember that he also is one of our top Middleweights.
Mark Corrigan v Vic Fij
Lightweight Division
In next bout, we will see two rising stars of Future Fighting Organization, two 25 years old fighters making their first steps in big MMA World, and coming into cage still without losing a fight. Coming out of London, United Kingdoms, owner of 3-0 professional MMA record- Mark ‘Crowbar’ Corrigan, and owner of 2-0 professional MMA record, derived from Ailon, Denmark- Vic Fij. Once more we should prepare for a lot of ground action, as both fighters definitely aren’t strong strikers, and all their assets are in ground game.
Brown BJJ belt Brit, and vicious ground and pounder Viking, each armed in one dangerous weapon, but who will win? Grappler or Brawler?
Gunner Hilton v Mike Dingerballs
Super Heavyweight Division
In the last Preliminary fight of tonight’s event, we will see another warriors, who didn’t manage to secure their places for tonight’s Championship fight. 21 years old Gunner ‘The Money’ Hilton, owning impressing 6-2 professional MMA record, will fight in front of his own audience, as he is derived from LA. And that tough challenge awaits for 26 years old Mike ‘The Touchy Uncle’ Dingerballs, who is coming from Ohio Russia, Chad. Dingerballs so far won 3 fights and lost only 1, last time he stepped into the cage.
Hilton seems like clear favorite tonight, as outstanding wrestler, he can not only stand up to Dingerball, who was always basing his skills around wrestling, but also throw in much more. ‘The Money’ is very flexible all-arounder in the cage, and that should let him score more points during the fight.
“Men, I am not a religious man and I don't know your feelings in this matter, but I am going to ask you to pray with me for the success of the mission before us. And while we pray, let us get on our knees and not look down but up with faces raised to the sky so that we can see God and ask his blessing in what we are about to do.” – Lt. Col. Robert L. Wolverton
On 6 June 1944, just after midnight, the Allied assault upon Hitler’s ‘Fortress Europe’ began. The operation caught the German military high command unaware. Low tides and bad weather – combined with Allied deception plans – had convinced the Germans that an attack was unlikely at that time. As more than 1,000 British bombers began to pummel Normandy’s coastal defences, Rommel, commanding German defences in France, was in Germany celebrating his wife’s birthday.
The initial Allied assault was made by airborne infantry, who secured key bridges and crossroads on the flanks of the landing zone. Some of their most important and celebrated achievements included the capture of Pegasus Bridge and the town of Sainte-Mère-Eglise. Commandos also attacked key targets ahead of the main landings. One remarkable feat was the attack by US Rangers on Pointe-Du-Hoc, a headland which housed a coastal battery that threatened the landing beaches. The successful assault involved scaling a 30 metre cliff face under German fire.
Early Allied success was aided by the confused German reaction. The first confirmation of a large-scale attack did not arrive until 2:15 am; that an invasion was in progress was not confirmed until 4:15. It was only at 6 am, when Normandy’s defenders saw the horizon obscured by an unbroken line of Allied ships, that all doubt was removed. Along nearly 100 kilometres of coast, Allied warships and aircraft pounded German defences. At 6:30, US soldiers went ashore by landing craft at Utah and Omaha beaches.
An hour later, the British and Canadians arrived at the beaches of Gold, Juno and Sword. Fortuitously, troops at Utah accidently landed two kilometres from their target, on a virtually unguarded beach. The landing zone was quickly secured with few losses.
On Omaha Beach, where aerial bombardment had done little to dent German defences, the Americans met fierce resistance. From cliff-top bunkers, the defenders pummelled US troops with machine gun fire and shells as soon as landing craft ramps were lowered. Those who made it ashore found it impossible to advance across 200 metres of open beach.
Amphibious tanks intended to cover the infantry’s advance had sunk in the rough seas. The news from Omaha was so bad that the landings there were almost called off, but eventually small groups of American infantry worked their way around the German defences, outflanked and stormed them, allowing the beachhead to be secured. But Omaha cost the Americans more than 2,000 casualties.
When British and Canadian troops landed at 7.30, supported by tanks, the tide was high, leaving fewer metres of beach to traverse. Although mines sunk a number of boats, soldiers succeeded in silencing German machine guns within half an hour. At the day’s end, although they had not yet taken their objective of Caen, the soldiers had penetrated six kilometres inland, and their foothold in Normandy was secure. At 6pm, when Churchill addressed the House of Commons, it was to announce the astounding success of an operation which would go down in military legend.
http://www.history.co.uk
Main Card
Mario Puzo v Kazushi Tanba
Middleweight Championship
In first Main Card fight of tonight’s Event, we will see not only Middleweight Championship fight, but also Middleweight Championship rematch. 20 years old current Champion, derived from Sicilia, Italy- Mario ‘The Sicilian Assassin’, will defend his belt against the biggest surprise and comeback fighter, owner of 6-4 professional MMA record, 22 years old former Middleweight Champion coming out from Niigata, Japan- Kazushi ‘Whip’ Tanba. Mario Puzo may be poor finisher, but he won all of his 5 fights so far, and is definitely world class wrestler, a little better boxer, but Japanese warrior is better grappler.
And Tanba also has proven many times how dangerous on the ground he is. Last time Puzo slightly won, 48:47 on all judges’ cards, what gives us a hint that great fight is coming. But who will win tonight?
Colt Kingman v Jimi Powell
Super Heavyweight Championship
Those two fighters will meet in the cage second time, but first time against each other for the Championship belt. When they met for the first time, Colt Kingman was starting his way back to the peak, from which he was thrown down surprisingly by Errol Bronson in their Championship fight. And soon, 22 years old derived from Melbourne, Australia ‘The Crusher’, won his Super Heavyweight Championship, and put himself at 7-2 professional MMA record for this moment. His tonight’s opponent, less experienced, 20 years old Jimi ‘Powerhouse’ Powell from Detroit, United states, also has proven that he is worthy to step into cage tonight. He won 3 fights and lost once, against Kingman.
After that, he came back strong and earned his title shot. Last time fight has ended during first bigger striking exchange, but how it will be tonight? Kingman is more all-rounded standing, but we can’t forget that Powell is world class boxer, and on the ground ‘Powerhouse’ seems the one who can dominate the fight thanks to his fantastic wrestling skills. Really can’t wait for it.
Master Roshi v Eduardo Zapata
Lightweight Championship
In third fight of tonight’s Main Card, we will see another Championship rematch. Current Champion, and owner of 6-1 MMA professional record, 21 years old fighter coming out of Egypt- Master ‘The Turtle Hermit’ Roshi, will defend his belt against 22 years old former Champion and owner of 6-4 professional MMA record- Eduardo ‘General’ Zapata, from Zacatecas, Mexico. Last time, when they met, Zapata was the Champion and Roshi took the belt from him- will we have vice versa tonight?
Roshi won by decision pretty clearly, losing only one round, but also winning another 10:8. Zapata seems to love be underdog and under pressure, what he has shown in past, so maybe tonight he will surprise everybody? We know he also has all what is needed to be named the Champion, but he will have to look for chance on the ground. Roshi is great stand up fighter, very aggressive, but also very tactical and accurate with his strikes. And if he will manage to keep control over what will be happening in the cage again, he may stay the Lightweight Champion.
Maksymilian Gracie v Edwin Elpidio
Light Heavyweight Championship
At the end of Main Card of tonight’s event, we will see fight, on which fans were waiting for few months now. The best warrior in short Future Fighting history will be saying goodbye tonight before making another step to his great future. Current Light Heavyweight Champion and proud of spectacular 9-0 professional MMA record, with all fights ended by KOs, coming out of La Romana, Dominican Republic- Edwin Elpidio. And tonight’s championship pretender, 20 years old Polish world class wrestler and brown belt BJJ grappler, and owner of 4-0 professional MMA record- Maksymilian ‘Max’ Gracie.
Gracie was on the top of Light Heavyweight Division for very long time, but was rejecting title shot before he will feel ready for that extremely demanding challenge Elpidio is. And we are very happy that it will finally happen, on this very special occasion and date. Elpidio has dominated whole division with his spectacular striking abilities, backed up by world class takedown defense.
And that takedown defense will be heavily checked tonight, as Gracie will be doing all he can to take this fight to the ground- he is world class wrestler with excellent grappling skills, but he can’t stand up against such a great striker like Elpidio. Elpidio must be tired and caught by surprise by Gracie to be beaten, and that will be very, very hard to achieve by tonight’s underdog, Polish ‘Max’.
“Lieutenant Welsh remembered walking around among the sleeping men, and thinking to himself that ‘they had looked at and smelled death all around them all day but never even dreamed of applying the term to themselves. They hadn’t come here to fear. They hadn’t come to die. They had come to win.” -- Stephen E. Ambrose, Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne
At daybreak on June 7 the Allies began moving inland to expand their toehold in Normandy. A key objective was to capture a port to speed the buildup of men and supplies. American forces drove west to cut off the Cotentin Peninsula and seize the port city of Cherbourg.
As they moved inland, the Americans entered an environment perfectly designed for their opponents. Western Normandy was covered with a maze of hedgerows, thick banks of earth eight to 10 feet high covered with overgrowth and trees. For centuries, local farmers had used hedgerows to mark the boundaries of fields.
Now they formed excellent defensive terrain. The Germans had pre-sited mortars and artillery on gaps in the hedgerows. Behind them, they dug rifle pits and tunneled openings for machine guns. The hedgerows had to be taken one by one. The cost in time and casualties proved high.
Meanwhile, to the east, the Canadians and British were bogged down in their effort to break out of the beachhead and seize the city of Caen. The battle for Normandy developed into a long and deadly struggle.
http://www.nationalww2museum.org
Main Event Card
Colt McLaren v Virgil Morgan
Featherweight Championship Extra Fight
And here we are stepping into Main Event part of tonight’s fighting card, which will be fight for Featherweight Championship. Thanks to Danny Laverty and Bjorn O'Donnel, we will have pleasure to see two warriors, who are in the absolute top of worldwide MMA. 30 years old owner of 20-12-1 professional MMA record, derived from Indiana, United States- Colt ‘Lone Gun’ McLaren, will face 31 years old ‘The Killer’ Virgil Morgan, the owner of 24-10-1 professional MMA record.
Those are very impressing and serious numbers, first time ever seen in any event branded by Future Fighting. It’s hard to say what we can expect from so all-rounded, experienced and skilled fighters, expect great show, of course. The both are aggressive strikers, don’t mind to take fight to clinch, find very comfortable on the ground, without difference is it top or bottom position, when analyzing this fight, every MMA Fan around the world will get goosebumps from excitement.
Timothy Bourque v Joe Frazier
Heavyweight Championship Extra Fight
Do You remember excitement accompanying previous fight? Imagine something very similar, but even bigger, then You will get upcoming Heavyweight Championship bout. Yes, it can be bigger. And thanks to Rocco Mediate and Fat Boy, we may see it, experience it, and live it! Absolute veteran, still on world’s top with 55-27 profesional MMA record, 47 years old warrior, who entertained generations of MMA Fans around the world- ‘The Phantom’ Timothy Bourque, fighter from Richmond, United States.
And his tonight’s opponent will be another warrior from absolutely peak of MMA’s World, owning 27-12-1 professional record, 32 years old ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier from New Jersey, United States.
They are both spectacular finishers, who put Fans above everything else, and can stay tactical with that. They don’t like to take fight to the ground, we may see some action in clinch, but striking skills is what they love best. They can punch hard, kick hard, and know how to win. Could there be any better final of this night?
“There's a graveyard in northern France where all the dead boys from D-Day are buried. The white crosses reach from one horizon to the other. I remember looking it over and thinking it was a forest of graves. But the rows were like this, dizzying, diagonal, perfectly straight, so after all it wasn't a forest but an orchard of graves. Nothing to do with nature, unless you count human nature.” -- Barbara Kingsolver
During World War II (1939-1945), the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June 1944 to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle began on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, when some 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region.
The invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. Prior to D-Day, the Allies conducted a large-scale deception campaign designed to mislead the Germans about the intended invasion target. By late August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring the Allies had defeated the Germ
ans. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe.
http://www.history.com
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