Ebersole: March 29th, in Hull, Quebec Canada.

MMAFightLine.com: In 2006, the California State Athletic Commission suspended you for what they claimed to be a fixed fight against Shannon Ritch at an FCP event. Can you explain for those that don’t know what happened and your thoughts on the subject?

Ebersole: I've had so many thoughts on the subject, since then. Some have been light hearted, others very sinister. Not sure when I'm going to challenge the entire CSAC to a Kumite-style tournament, but that's my only logical solution before I can work with them again.....

But here we go, with my side.......I had an opponent pull out two weeks before the event. The matchmaker rang me and said he met Shannon Ritch at a show, and Shannon wanted the fight. I laughed out loud and told them to fill the spot and let me know who it was, Shannon or otherwise. Of course, the fight goes to Shannon "the negotiator" Ritch for a purse lower than any other opponent would have accepted on short notice.

Now, I'd fought the Cannon in Mexico, 4 years prior. Yes, he almost beat me, until I smashed him. He had a leg lock attempt that ended with him in mount, tapping to the first blow. Since then, we've exchanged mma.tv postings in good humor, fight information (openings for fighters), and he even helped me get a $300 sponsor for a bout once. Oh, and a re-match in AZ fell through as the Commission there didn’t' accept my New Jersey medicals for some reason. So we grappled on the event instead, in a demo/exhibition.

Fight weekend. I have a laugh with the Cannon at weigh ins and tell him I'm gonna smash him. He knows better, and so do I---He'd tap well before he took punishment.

Before the bout, I tell Frank that I'm taking the Cannon into round two. I had some things I wanted to try, and Frank gave me the OK. Truly, I wanted to half-way embarrass him. He's only been to the 2nd round once, maybe twice. I wanted to be remembered as the guy who exposed the Cannon. Figured a few rounds of him running on the feet and flopping on the ground would do just that.

Well on my way to clowning the Cannon, two minutes into Rd. 1---Armando Garcia is in my corner telling Frank and my best friend from University that I "need to do something". Mind you, I'd already taken him down and pounded on him against the cage, and had some fun standing. 4 min. into the bout, I take Shannon's back, flatten him and arch up. Uncomfortable position, especially with my Shonie Carter cup in his back. Looking for the choke, I was, when he screamed and verbally submitted. Much to my displeasure, I took my place center ring and had my hand raised. I truly wasn't done, and this was the 2nd time I've had a disappointing finish with the guy.

As I step out of the cage, the CSAC commissioners engage me with displeasure and announce I'm suspended. What!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Frank speaks with Mr. Garcia, I refuse to sign the suspension document, and I don't receive my purse. And with the suspension, I lose my opportunity to fight in the IFL, with which I was the Razorclaw captain with a nice contract. The meetings with the CSAC didn't yield a result, and I was forced to pay a $2,500 fine before competing in March of the next year on an IFL event (as a replacement at 205). Fun ride, but without it, I'd not be in Australia. Blessings come from tragedy.....................

MMAFightLine.com: The CSAC has also been criticized by other fighters such as Sean Sherk for lacking appropriate procedures to appeal suspensions. What changes do you think the CSAC should make to be more in line with other athletic commissions?

Ebersole: In my case, they didn’t' make an appeal or even a resolution possible. They brought me in to talk (long drive to Sacramento), and Mr. Garcia basically gave me the bad cop treatment, as his other commissioner played good cop. Trying to see if my answers would toe the line, I guess. I think they need to attend a workshop/seminar or ten, where other long-standing commissions/commissioners discuss policy and procedure. They're a closed-minded arrogant bunch.

MMAFightLine.com: Who do you think are the top 5 fighters in your division?

Ebersole: In no particular order---Dan Henderson, Anderson Silva, Frank Shamrock, Nate Marquardt, Paulo Fihlo.

MMAFightLine.com: Who do you pick Henderson or Anderson Silva and why?

Ebersole: I picked Henderson, because of my wrestlers' heart. But Anderson's skill set is amazing, and he'd dangerous everywhere. What a fight it was, to watch.

MMAFightLine.com: What are your thoughts on the Couture/UFC dispute?

Ebersole: I don't have enough information on the subject. I would speak on points that may not be the sticking points. Randy makes a good payday, each outing. The UFC is turning a profit. If money is the only issue, I'd be surprised.

MMAFightLine.com: Who wins Randy or Fedor?

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