The Results
Following are the results of the IFL World Team Championship Final, held at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn., on Dec. 29, 2006.

The Silverbacks (Quad Cities) defeated the Wolfpack (Portland), 4-1.
. LH/205: Mike Ciesnelovicz, Silverbacks, defeated Aaron Stark, Wolfpack, by TKO (guillotine choke/ref stoppage), 1:03 in Round 3
. HW/265: Ben Rothwell, Silverbacks, defeated Devin Cole, Wolfpack, by knockout (kick), 3:16 in Round 1
. LW/155: Bart Palaszewski, Silverbacks, defeated Ryan Schultz, Wolfpack, by knockout (strikes), 2:16 in Round 2
. MW/185: Ryan McGivern, Silverbacks, defeated Matt Horwich, Wolfpack, by decision (unanimous), after three rounds.
. WW/170: Chris Wilson, Wolfpack, defeated Rory Markham, Silverbacks, by TKO (ref stoppage), 2:14 in Round 1.

Main Superfight
. MW/185: Renzo Gracie defeated Carlos Newton, by decision (split), after three rounds.

"I Thought We'd Go Undefeated"

Iowa Silverbacks
Coach: Pat Miletich
Hometown: Bettendorf, Iowa
Pro record: 28-7-2

Following many dominant performances during the league's inaugural season, Pat Miletich and his team entered the IFL Championship as heavy favorites ... and they won.
The Silverback coach was pleased with his team's performance but not surprised. He said their success is a testament to how hard they work every day. When asked how surprised he was that Iowa finished 4-1, he said, "I expected us to go 5-0, but obviously that's not how it happened."
Furthermore, when asked about the strategy in selecting matches after the coin toss, Miletich said, "I would have let [Matt Lindland] choose all five. That's how much confidence I had in these guys."

One Minute With Lindland

Portland Wolfpack
Coach: Matt Lindland
Hometown: Oregon City
Pro record: 19-4

Matt Lindland was dressed to impress at the IFL Championship, but more importantly each of his fighters were entering the ring with a plan for success. However, sometimes things don't always go as planned.

"[Devin] Cole's whole game plan was to always be moving forward with his hands up, and his hand wasn't up when he got hit with that kick [from Ben Rothwell]," Lindland said after the fights.

Lindland was also among those praising the IFL for what it has done for MMA. He loves the team format and scheduling because it allows him and his fighters the opportunity to plan time for their families and even vacations.

"The reality fighting show introduced people to the sport and now this organization wants to take care of its athletes and coaches," he said. "We're all lucky to be apart of the IFL."

The Wolfpack was not happy with the night's outcome, but their coach is confident his team will be back to the championship in 2007.

How They Got There
The Wolfpack had advanced to the final with victories over the Tiger Sharks (Seattle) in September and the Anacondas (Los Angeles) in November.  The Silverbacks' path to the final went through the Pitbulls (New York) in September and the Dragons (Toronto) last month.

Quote of the Night
"The guys in our gym have a target on their backs. I always tell them no matter who you're fighting they're going to give you their best." - Pat Miletich

- The IFL contributed to this report.  

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