Thursday, September 27, 2012

Invicta 3 Predictions






It's that time again. Time for Invicta to present their third event. Last event I had female fighters and myself (Jason Adams) predict the winners of each fight. This time I have also allowed a couple members of the media. THose taking part are Ashley Hawkins, Cassie Rodish, Curt Heinrichs, Jena Baldwin, Jessica Dinch, Jessica Philippus, Joe Millin, Jordan Gaza, Jordan McDonald, Kelly Warren, Kristin DeWitt, Lalani Malley, Marq Piocos, Missy Pontbriand, Rachel Dovidio, Rebecca Heintzman, Ronda Gale, Sarah Goodlaxson, Sarah Maloy, Sarah McLeod, Slade Bittler, Tamikka Brents, Tera Carper, Trisha Barr, Yael Grauer, and myself. I will write peoples names by initials, such as AH- for Ashley Hawkins. In the case of Sarah Maloy and Sarah McLeod, since they would both be SM, I will do SMA- for Maloy and SMC- for McLeod. In the case of Joe Millin and Jordan McDonald I will do JMI for Millin and JMC for McDonald. In the case of Marq Piocos and Missy Pontbriand it will be MPI for Piocos and MPO for Pontbriand. In the case of Tamikka Brents and Trisha Barr we will do TBR for Brents and TBA for Barr. We are also making our preditcion for Fight of the Night. Will Jordan Gaza defend her title and get the most picks correct again?

1. Katalina Malungahu vs Ediane Gomes
AH- Malungahu by TKO
CR- Gomes by Submission
CH- Gomes by Submission Round 1
JB- Gomes
JD- Gomes by Submission
JP- Gomes
JMI- Malangahu by KO Round 1
JG- Gomes
JMC- Malangahu
KW- Gomes
KD- Gomes
LM- Gomes by Submission Round 1
MPI- Malungahu by KO Round 1
MPO- Malungahu
RD- Gomes
RH- Gomes by Submission
RG- Gomes
SG- Malungahu by KO Round 2
SMA- Gomes
SMC- Malungahu
SB- Gomes
TB- Gomes
TC- Malungahu
TBA- Gomes by Submission Round 1
YG- Gomes
My Pick- Gomes by TKO Round 1
Totals: Malungahu- 8 and Gomes- 18

2. Tecia Torres vs Kaiyana Rain
AH- Torres by Decision
CR- Rain by Decision
CH- Torres by Decision
JB- Torres
JD- Rain by Decision
JP- Torres by TKO
JMI- Torres by Decision
JG- Torres
JMC- Rain
KW- Torres
KD- Torres by TKO
LM- Torres by Split Decision
MPI- Rain by Split Decision
MPO- Torres
RD- Torres
RH- Torres by TKO
RG- Torres
SG- Torres by Decision
SMA- Torres
SMC- Torres
SB- Torres
TBR- Torres
TC- Torres
TBA- Torres by TKO Round 2
YG- Torres
My Pick- Torres by Unanimous Decision
Totals: Torres- 22 and Rain- 4

3. Jessamyn Duke vs Marciea Allen
AH- Duke by TKO
CR- Duke by TKO
CH- Duke by TKO Round 1
JB- Duke
JD- Allen by Decision
JP- Duke by Submission
JMI- Duke by TKO Round 2
JG- Duke
JMC- Duke
KW- Duke
KD- Duke by TKO
LM- Duke TKO Round 2
MPI- Duke by Decision
MPO- Allen
RD- Duke
RH- Duke by Decision
RG- Duke
SG- Duke by Submission
SMA- Duke
SMC- Duke
SB- Duke
TBR- Allen
TC- Allen
TBA- Allen by TKO Round 1
YG- Duke
My Pick- Allen by TKO Round 2
Totals: Duke- 20 and Allen- 6

4. Amy Davis vs Stephanie Frausto
AH- Davis by Submission
CR- Frausto by Decision
CH- Davis by Submission Round 1
JB- Davis
JD- Davis by Decision
JP- Davis by Decision
JMI- Frausto by Decision
JG- Frausto
JMC- Davis
KW- Frausto
KD- Frausto by Split Decision
LM- Davis by Decision
MPI- Davis by Decision
MPO- Frausto
RD- Frausto
RH- Frausto by TKO
RG- Davis
SG- Frausto by TKO Round 3
SMA- Davis
SMC- Davis
SB- Davis
TBR- Davis
TC- Davis
TBA- Frausto by Submission Round 3
YG- Davis
My Pick- Frausto by Unanimous Decision
Totals: Davis- 15 and Frausto- 11

5. Ashley Cummins vs Joanne Calderwood
AH- Cummins by Decision
CR- Cummins by Decision
CH- Calderwood by TKO Round 2
JB- Cummins
JD- Cummins by TKO
JP- Cummins by Submission
JMI- Cummins by Submission Round 3
JG- Cummins
JMC- Cummins
KW- Cummins
KD- Calderwood by Submission
LM- Cummins by Decision
MPI- Cummins by Decision
MPO- Cummins
RD- Cummins
RH- Cummins by Decision
RG- Cummins
SG- Cummins by Decision
SMA- Cummins
SMC- Cummins
SB- Cummins
TBR- Cummins
TC- Cummins
TBA- Cummins by Decision
YG- Cummins
My pick- Cummins by TKO Round 1
Totals: Ashley Cummins- 24 and Joanne Calderwood- 2

6. Carla Esparza vs Lynn Alvarez
AH- Esparza by Decision
CR- Esparza by TKO
CH- Esparza by Decision
JB- Esparza
JD- Esparza by Submission
JP- Esparza by Submission
JMI- Esparza by Decision
JG- Esparza
JMC- Esparza
KW- Esparza
KD- Esparza by Submission
LM- Esparza by Decision
MPI- Esparza by TKO Round 2
MPO- Alvarez
RD- Esparza
RH- Esparza by Submission
RG- Esparza
SG- Esparza by Submissioon Round 2
SMA- Esparza
SMC- Esparza
SB- Esparza
TBR- Esparza
TC- Esparza
TBA- Esparza by Decision
YG- Esparza
My Pick- Esparza by Submission Round 2
Totals: Esparza- 25 and Alvarez- 1

7. Julia Budd vs Elaina Maxwell
AH- Maxwell by Decision
CR- Maxwell by Decision
CH- Maxwell by Decision
JB- Budd
JD- Maxwell by Decision
JP- Budd by TKO
JMI- Budd by Decision
JG- Maxwell
JMC- Budd
KW_ Maxwell
KD- Maxwell by TKO
LM- Budd by TKO Round 2
MPI- Maxwell by TKO Round 3
MPO- Maxwell
RD- Maxwell
RH- Budd by TKO
RG- Budd
SG- Budd by KO Round 3
SMA- Maxwell
SMC- Budd
SB- Budd
TBR- Budd
TC- Budd
TBA- Budd by Decision
YG- Budd
My Pick- Budd by TKO Round 2
Totals: Budd- 15 and Maxwell- 11

8. Michelle Waterson vs Lacey Schuckman
AH- Waterson bu Submission
CR- Waterson by Decision
CH- Schuckman by Submission Round 1
JB- Waterson
JD- Schuckman by Decision
JP- Schuckman by Decision
JMI- Schuckman by Decision
JG- Schuckman
JMC- Schuckman
KW- Waterson
KD- Schuckman by Split Decision
LM- Schuckman by Decision
MPI- Waterson by TKO Round 3
MPO- Waterson
RD- Waterson
RH- Waterson by Submission
RG- Waterson
SG- Watterson by Submission Round 3
SMA- Waterson
SMC- Schuckman
SB- Schuckman
TBR- Waterson
TC- Waterson
TBA- Schuckman by Decision
YG- Schuckman
My Pick- Shuckman by Unanimous Decision
Totals: Waterson- 13 and Schuckman- 13

9. Raquel Penningtong vs Cat Zingano
AH- Zingano by TKO
CR- Zingano by TKO
CH- Zingano by TKO Round 2
JB- Zingano
JD- Zingano by TKO
JP- Zingano by Submission
JMI- Zingano by KO Round 2
JG- Zingano
JMC- Zingano
KW- Zingano
KD- Zingano by TKO
LM- Zingano by TKO Round 2
MPI- Zingano by Submission Round 2
MPO- Zingano
RD- Zingano
RH- Zingano by TKO
RG- Pennington
SG- Zingano
SMA- Zingano
SMC- Zingano
SB- Zingano
TBR- Zingano
TC- Zingano
TBA= Zingano by TKO Round 1
YG- Zingano
My Pick- Zingano by TKO Round 1
Totals: Zingano- 25 and Pennington- 1

10. Tara LaRosa vs Vanessa Porto
AH- LaRosa by Submission
CR- LaRosa by TKO
CH- LaRosa by Submission Round 3
JB- Porto
JD- Porto by TKO
JP- Porto by Decision
JMI- LaRosa by Decision
JG- LaRosa
JMC- Porto
KW- LaRosa
KD- LaRosa by Submission
LM- LaRosa by Submission Round 3
MPI- LaRosa by Submission Round 2
MPO- LaRosa
RD- LaRosa
RH- LaRosa by Submission
RG- LaRosa
SG- LaRosa by Decision
SMA- LaRosa
SMC- Porto
SB- Porto
TBR- LaRosa
TC- LaRosa
TBA- LaRosa by Decision
YG- LaRosa
My Pick- LaRosa by Submission Round 3
Totals: LaRosa- 20 and Porto- 6

11. Barb Honchak vs Aisling Daly
AH- Daly by Decision
CR- Daly by Decision
CH- Honchak by Decision
JB- Honchak
JD- Honchak by Decision
JP- Honchak by Submission
JMI- Daly by Submission Round 1
JG- Daly
JMC- Honchak
KW- Honchak
KD- Honchak by Submission
LM- Daly by Submission Round 2
MPI- Honchak by Decision
MPO- Daly
RD- Daly
RH- Honchak by Decision
RG- Honchak
SG- Honchak by Submission
SMA- Honchak
SMC- Daly
SB- Honchak
TBR- Honchak
TC- Honchak
TBA- Honchak by TKO Round 1
YG- Daly
My Pick: Honchack by TKO Round 2
Totals: Honchak- 17 and Daly- 9

12. Leslie Smith vs Kaitlin Young
AH- Young by KO
CR- Young by Decision
CH- Young by TKO Round 1
JB- Smith
JD- Young by TKO
JP- Smith by Split Decision
JMI- Young by KO Round 3
JG- Young
JMC- Young
KW- Young
KD- Smith by Unanimous Decision
LM- Smith by Decision
MPI- Young by Decision
MPO- Young
RD- Young
RH- Young by TKO
RG- Young
SG- Smith by Decision
SMA- Smith
SMC- Young
SB- Young
TBR- Smith
TC- Young
TBA- Young by KO Round 3
YG- Young
My Pick- Young by KO Round 1
Totals: Smith- 7 and Young- 19

13. Shayna Basler vs Sarah D'Alelio
AH- Basler by Submission
CR- Baslzer by Submission
CH- Baszler by Submission Round 2
JB- Baszler
JD- Baszler by Submission
JP- D'Alelio by Submission
JM- Baszler by Submission Round 3
JG- Baszler
JMC- Baszler
KW- Baszler
KD- D'Alelio by TKO
LM- Baszler by Submission
MPI- Baszler by Submission Round 2
MPO- Baszler
RD- Baszler
RH- Baszler by Submission
RG- Baszler
SG- Baszler by Decision
SMA- D'Alelio
SMC- Baszler
SB- Baszler
TBR- D'Alelio
TC- Baszler
TBA- Baszler by Decision
YG- Baszler
My Pick- Baszler by Submission Round 2
Totals: Baszler- 22 and D'Alelio- 4

14. Jessica Penne vs Naho Sugiyama
AH- Penne by Submission
CR- Penne by Decision
CH- Penne by Decision
JB- Penne
JD- Penne by Submission
JP- Penne by Decision
JMI- Penne by KO Round 1
JG- Penne
JMC- Penne
KW- Sugiyama
KD- Penne by TKO
LM- Penne by Decision
MPI- Penne by Submission Round 3
MPO- Sugiyama
RD- Penne
RH- Sugiyama by Decision
RG- Penne
SG- Penne by TKO Round 3
SMA- Penne
SMC- Penne
SB- Penne
TBR- Penne
TC- Penne
TBA- Penne by Submission Round 3
YG- Sugiyama
My Pick- Sugiyama by Submssion Round 2
Totals: Penne- 21 and Penne- 5

15. Fight of the Night
AH- Leslie Smith vs Kaitlin Young
CR- Tecia Torres vs Kaiyana Rain
CH- Julia Budd vs Elaina Maxwell
JB- Leslie Smith vs Kaitlin Young
JD- Leslie Smith vs Kaitlin Young
JP- Michelle Waterson vs Lacey Schuckman
JMI- Leslie Smith vs Kaitlin Young
JG- Tecia Torres vs Kaiyana Rain
JMC- Tecia Torres vs Kaiyana Rain
KW- Shayna Baszler vs Sarah D'Alelio
KD- Tecia Torres vs Kaiyana Rain
LM- Leslie Smith vs Kaitlin Young
MPI- Julia Budd vs Elaina Maxwell
MPO- Leslie Smith vs Kaitlin Young
RD- Shayna Baszler vs Sarah D'Alelio
RH- Shayna Baszler vs Sarah D'Alelio
RG- Barb Honchak vs Aisling Daly
SG- Jessica Penne vs Naho Sugiyama
SMA- Tecia Torres vs Kaiyana Rain
SMC- Tara LaRosa vs Vanessa Porto
SB- Tecia Torres vs Kaiyana Rain
TBR- Leslie Smith vs Kaitlin Young
TC- Jessamyn Duke vs Marciea Allen
TBA- Leslie Smith vs Kaitlin Young
My Pick- Tecia Torres vs Kaiyana Rain

Sunday, September 23, 2012

NAAFS Combat Challenge 22 Report






On September 22nd NAAFS put on Combat Challenge 22. If you like exciting finishes, this was the card for you. On the pro side, Adam Milstead took another step towards the big show with a quick stoppage of De'Andre Billinglsy and Josh Baker got a very impressive win and made a big statement. On the amateur side, Izzy Williams showed that he is loaded with potential and someone to keep an eye on. Jessica Zomcik returned to the cage after a long hiatus and looked very impressive both in winning and in being in the best shape I can recall her ever being in. Also impressive finishes by Jena Baldwin, Dan Ramacciato and Joe Callari among others.

1. Amateur Heavyweight
Cody Tominack (1-0 Bullpen) vs Brandon Rankins (0-0 TGA)

RD1: Hook by Tominack. They clinch and Tominack gets a takedown into side control. Body shots by Tominack. Tominack moves to north south position and hooks an arm triangle and gets the tap.

Result: Cody Tominack by Tapout (Arm Triangle) at 1:10 of Round 1

2. Amateur Light Heavyweight
Landen Harvey (0-0 Sud'n Impact) vs Richard Barrow (0-0 Independent)

RD 1: Leg kick by Barrow. They trade punches. Leg kick by Barrow. Hook by Barrow and another. Leg kick by Barrow and another. Barrow drops him with punches against the cage and lands a few more till the ref stops it.

Result: Richard Barrow by TKO at 1:10 of Round 1

3. Amateur Bantamweight
Hunter Vargas (1-0 Team Elite) vs Chris Varner (0-0 Mad Dog Fight Team)

RD 1: Varner charges in and lands a cross and clinches against the cage. They separate and trade punches. Varner lands a knee to the head stopping the action as that is illegal for amateurs. They resume and Vargas lands a body kick. They clinch on the cage and Vargas lands a knee to the body. Varner lands body shots. Vargas lands a knee low stopping the action. They resume and trade hard shots. Vargas lands hard punches. They clinch on the cage and Varner looks for a guillotine. Varner lands a knee to the body. They separate and Varner lands hard shots. Takedown by Varner as the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Varner

RD 2: Superman punch by Vargas. They clinch on the cage and Varner gets a takedown into guard. Head shots by Varner. Body shots now by Varner. Hammer fist by Varner. Now Varner is in half guard and then he gets mount and then gets his back. Head shots by Varner. Varner looks for a rear naked and lands more punches. Varner gets the rear naked and gets the tap.

Result: Chris Varner by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:38 of Round 2

4. Amateur 145LB
Janel Kraft (1-3 Team Pedro Sauer) vs Jena Baldwin (1-0 Eric Hibler's MMA)

RD 1: Baldwin lands hard punches. They clinch against the cage and Baldwin lands knees to the leg. Kraft lands punches to the head. Two knees to the body by Kraft. Kraft gets a takedown into side control. Baldwin gets half guard. Kraft gets back to side control. Knees to the body from the bottom by Baldwin.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Baldwin

RD 2: Hard cross by Baldwin. Clinch on the cage and Kraft gets a takedown. Kraft pushes her against the cage. Kraft gets mount and lands short head shots. Baldwin sweeps and gets on top in guard. Kraft sweeps and and gets on top and gets side control. Short head shots by Kraft.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Kraft

RD 3: Leg kick by Baldwin. Baldwin lands punches. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Kraft. Two knees to the body by Baldwin. Baldwin looks for a guillotine. Knee to the leg by Kraft. Takedown by Baldwin. Baldwin gets a guillotine and gets the tap.

Result: Jena Baldwin by Tapout (Guillotine) at 1:45 of Round 3

5. Amateur Welterweight
Cody Groves (1-1 God's Will) vs Mike Bothwell (2-2 Mad Dog Fight Team)

RD 1: Body kick by Groves. Hook by Bothwell. Jab by Groves. Leg kick by Bothwell. Body kick by Bothwell. Body kick by Groves. Hook to the body by Bothwell. They trade punches. Jab by Groves. Leg kick by Bothwell. Bothwell shoots in and gets a takedown into guard. Body shots by Bothwell. Head shots by Bothwell. Bothwell is now in half guard and lands a punch to the head.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Bothwell

RD 2: Leg kick by Bothwell. Hook by Groves. Leg kick by Bothwell. Bothwell catches a kick and takes him down into guard. Body shots by Bothwell. Punch to the head by Bothwell. More head shots by Bothwell. Body shots from the bottom by Groves. Bothwell now in half guard landing head shots.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Bothwell

RD 3: Jab by Groves. The trade leg kicks. Hook to the body by Bothwell. They clinch against the cage and quickly separate. Slam by Bothwell and he gets side control and then moves to north south position. Groves gets half guard. Short head shots by Bothwell. More head shots by Bothwell.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Bothwell
My score card: 30-27 Bothwell

Result: Mike Bothwell by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

6. Amateur Lightweight
Brad Huston (0-0 Team Elite) vs Dan Ramacciato (1-1 Griffon Rawl)

RD 1: Hook by Huston. They clinch in the center and Ramacciato lands a knee to the body. They move to the cage and Ramacciato slams him and gets side control. Ramacciato traps an arm and lands head shots. Ramacciato gets his back and looks for the rear naked. Head shots by Ramacciato. Ramacciato gets the rear naked and gets the tap.

Result: Dan Ramacciato by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:06 of Round 1

7. Amateur Middleweight
Abed Aabderrazzaq (2-0 Evolve MMA) vs Anthony Binder (1-2-1 Team Elite)

RD 1: Cross by Aabderrazzaq. Hard hook by Aabderrazzaq. They clinch on the cage. Aaberrazzaq is working hard for a takedown. Punches to the leg by Aabderrazzaq. Body shots by Binder. The ref separates them. Hook to the body by Binder. They trade hard shots. Clinch on the cage. Body shots by Binder. Knee to the body by Binder. Body shots by Binder. Knee to the leg by Binder.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Binder

RD 2: Uppercut by Aabderrazzaq. They clinch against the cage. Takedown by Binder into guard. Body shots by Binder. More body shots by Binder. Binder gets side control and lands hard punches to the head. Binder tries for a key lock but can't get it. Binder gets his back and lands head shots.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Binder

RD 3: Binder charges in and they clinch on the cage. Binder drops him with punches and lands a couple more till the ref stops it.

Result: Anthony Binder by TKO at :17 of Round 3

8. Amateur Welterweight
James Randles (1-2 White Widdow) vs Joe Callari (2-5 Griffon Rawl)

RD 1: Leg kick by Callari. Randles lands a kick low stopping the action. They resume and Callari lands a leg kick and another. Another leg kick by Callari. They clinch on the cage and Callari lands a knee to the body. Callari gets a guillotine and gets the tap.

Result: Joe Callari by Tapout (Guillotine) at :55 of Round 1

9. Amateur Lightweight
Dylan Freedman (4-0 Air Gadfly) vs Izzy Williams (2-0 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: Leg kick by Freedman. Body kick by Williams. Leg kick by Williams. They trade leg kicks. Cross by Williams. Hard body kick by Williams. Takedown by Freedman but Williams is right back up. Williams drops him with punches and lands a couple more till the ref stops it.

Result: Izzy Williams by TKO at 1:18 of Round 1

10. Amateur 115LBS
Rachel Sazoff (3-2 Team Almeida) vs Amber Ignatowski (5-1 USA Martial Arts)

RD1: Cross by Ignatowski. They clinch and move to the cage. Sazoff is trying hard for a takedown and finally gets it into half guard. Body shots by Sazoff. Ignatowski seems to have an injured leg and the doctor comes and and stops the fight.

Result: Rachel Sazoff by Doctor Stoppage at 1:22 of Round 1

11. Amateur Featherweight
Josh Espinoza (1-0 TFG) vs Vincent Bullard (3-1 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: They clinch and Bullard gets a takedown. Bullard gets side control but Espinoza pulls guard. Bullard goes for a guillotine but cant get it and it allows Espinoza to get on top. Sweep by Bullard go get on top. Head shots by Bullard. Espinoza goes for an armbar and gets it for the tap.

Result: Josh Espinoza by Tapout (Armbar) at 1:51 of Round 1

12. Amateur 140LBS
Ashley Rickard (4-2 Sud'n Impact) vs Jessica Zomcik (5-3 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: They trade punches. Body kick by Rickard. They clinch on the cage. Knees to the leg by Zomcik. Rickard pulls her down and Zomcik is in guard. Head shots from the bottom by Rickard. Body shots by Zomcik. Zomcik moves to half guard. Body shots by Zomcik. Head shots from the bottom by Rickard. The ref stands them. Cross by Zomcik. They trade leg kicks. Hook by Zomcik. Leg kick by Zomcik. Jab by Zomcik. Leg kick by Zomcik. Zomcik lands punches against the cage.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Zomcik

RD 2: Jab by Zomcik. Rickard forces a clinch on the cage. They drop down with Zomcik having her back. Zomcik looks for a rear naked. Heel strikes to the leg by Zomcik. Zomcik gets the read naked with Rickard is fighting it. Now head shots by Zomcik. Zomcik has a body triangle. More head shots by Zomcik. Rickard tries to roll into her and Zomcik tries for an arm and gets it for the tap.

Result: Jessica Zomcik by Tapout (Armbar) at 2:54 of Round 2

13. Pro Lightweight
Dave Parker (7-8 Demolition Fight Team) vs Jay Wadsworth (6-5 Kinetix Combat Sports)

RD 1: They clinch on the cage and trade short punches. They separate and Wadsworth lands a hard leg kick. Cross by Parker. Hook by Parker. Body kick by Wadsworth. Push kick by Wadsworth. Cross by Wadsworth. They trade hard shots. They clinch against the cage. They drop down and Wadsworth looks for the choke. Wadsworth gets his back and lands head shots. More head shots by Wadsworth. Wadsworth flattens him and lands punches. Elbows to the head by Wadsworth. Punches to the head land for Wadsworth till the ref stops it.

Result: Jay Wadsworth by TKO at 3:58 of Round 1

14. Pro Bantamweight
Richard McDole (9-3 Team Elite) vs Josh Baker (9-1 Bullpen)

RD 1: Jab by McDole. Leg kick by McDole. Head kick by McDole. Takedown by Baker into half guard. Baker gets side control. McDole scrambles and they stand and are clinched on the cage. Takedown by Baker. Baker gets side control and lands a punch to the head. More head shots by Baker. McDole pulls guard. Body shots by Baker. Baker gets side control and then they stand. Leg kick by McDole. Jab by McDole. Leg kick by Baker. Takedown by Baker into guard. Elbow to the head from the bottom by McDole.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Baker

RD 2: Jab by Baker. Leg kick by Baker. Leg kick by Baker. Cross by Baker. Baker shoots in and gets a takedown against the cage. Baker gets side control and then mount. Baker looks for an arm triangle and has it but McDole is hanging in there and escapes. Baker gets his back and gets a body triangle. Head shots by Baker. Baker gets a rear naked and gets the tap.

Result: Josh Baker by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:02 of Round 2

15. Pro Heavyweight
DeAndre Billingsly (6-2 Kingdom MMA) vs Adam Milstead (11-3 Fight Club Pittsburgh)

RD 1: Leg kick by Billingsly. Billingsly ducks a head kick and shoots in but Milstead sprawls and lands punches to the head. Billingsly is still trying for the takedown. Knees to the head by Milstead. They stand and Milstead gets a guillotine and gets the tap.

Result: Adam Milstead by Tapout (Guillotine) at 1:20 of Round 1

Submission of the Night: Jessica Zomcik

Knock-Out of the Night: Izzy Williams

Fight of the Night: Richard McDole vs Josh Baker

Lacey Schuckman Interview


Photo Credits:
Photos 1-3: Invicta FC
Photos 4-5: Florida Fighter



In her last fight for Invicta, Lacey Schuckman stepped in on short notice to face Ayaka Hamasaki. In losing the fight, Schuckman showed, as she always does, a ton of heart. Lacey is always improving and always entertaining in the cage. This time she returns to the Invicta cage, this time having the benefit of a full training camp, and faces Michelle Waterson. Both Lacey and Michelle are fighters who have the majority of their wins by submission but are both very good strikers as well. This fight could be the fight that steals the show.



Q: Last fight, you lost against Ayaka Hamaski. Looking back at that fight, anything you could have done differently?
A: I just really didn't have the time to train my offensive game for that fight, we were doing a lot of defense since it was on short notice. Having a longer camp really helps. I need to get into my funk a little bit quicker.

Q: If you had had the full training camp, would it have maybe gone differently?
A: I wouldn't say it would have been different, but I think I definitely would have performed better, displayed the skills I have. But I wouldn't say that I would have definitely won if I had longer.

Q: When she was getting the takedowns, at any point did it start getting frustrating?
A: I wasn't really frustrated, I just try and focus on how I can turn it around. I couldn't quite find my zone, I never really felt like I was where I normally am mentally for a fight. Almost like in training with someone really tough who is relentless.


Q: In that situation, are you trying more to catch something off your back, or just trying to get it back up?
A: In that particular fight, I think I should have put her on the ground more. In the future, I really work every area, trying to be the most well-rounded I can be. Enjoy every area and not try and focus on any one thing. I feel like on my back I can work submissions or work to get up if that is what I choose to do, if it is the smarter choice in the fight.

Q: What does it mean to you for Invicta to bring you right back off of the loss?
A: I really feel like it is a blessing. They must see something in me for them to give me another opportunity and put me again on the main card. I really wanna keep working with Invicta, they are an amazing promotion and treat you right. I am counting my blessings.

Q: A lot of girls have said they do so much more for them compared to other promotions, what do they do for you that other promotions don't?
A: Just in general they really care about you and cater to you. Anything you need, they take care of, you are there to fight strictly, they make sure you don't have to worry about anything else. They go above and beyond, they give you gift baskets, Epsom salt for your weight cut if you need it, they take care of your per diem, most promotions don't always do that other than the higher levels. They make you comfortable so you can focus on your fight.


Q: You are fighting Michelle Waterson, how do you feel you match up with her?
A: I think this is a great time for us to meet up. She is coming off a win over Diana Rael. I train with Diana so it is kind of funny in that instance. She just got married and had a baby and is trying to keep her train rolling and I am coming off a loss and feel I am hungrier. Having to drop to 105, I feel this will be a good home for me, we will see, it is my first time so we will see how I feel. The weight cut has gone well, I am excited to get in there. With her and my traditional background, we match up well. Her training at Jackson's, she is well-rounded. She has six submissions, so she isn't just a stand-up fighter.  This will give me an opportunity to display more of my stand-up and show the improvements I have made on the ground.

Q: With her getting most of her wins by submission, does that make you train more on submission defense than usual?
A: No, we drill everything all the time. It is no different for her. Ayaka said it best, "you don't train for your opponent, you just train". That is what I have been focusing on, training every area of my game so that wherever she takes it, I can go there and be the more dominant fighter.

Q: With both of you getting the majority of your wins by submission, do you expect this could be a fight with most of the time on the ground?
A: I don't know, it's hard to decide. She does have a stand-up background. I think a lot of her submissions come off of her stand-up. She has her little flying armbar, she capitalizes on it the moment it goes to the ground. I think you will see a lot of everything in this fight. I think we will stand and bang and be comfortable if it goes to the ground.


Q: When I interviewed Diana, she mentioned girls dropping to 105 and being stronger, do you expect to have a strength advantage against girls at 105?
A: That is the general idea. I don't put it past anyone, there are people who have freakish strength no matter what size they are. I hope it is a benefit but I wont under-estimate anyones strength just because of their size. Diana is a great example, she is not a weak 105'er. I think the few times I fought at 110, I was stronger.

Q: I asked her this and will ask you, with you training with her and you both having big fights coming at relatively the same time, does that help you?
A: Definitely! My schedule has been pretty weird and I haven't got to train with her as much as I would like. But overall, it is good, we are both in that zone. It is definitely a benefit.

Q: Is their anywhere where you feel you hold the biggest advantage?
A: I never thought of it like that. I think my boxing is a little stronger than hers. In the past she hasn't done as well, but she has come back better and better. I focus on that area more, but she is always improving and wont leave any one area without work.

Q: With everyone who follows women's MMA watching this, is there any pressure to not only win, but put on that show-stealing performance and be one of the girls everyone talks about afterwords?
A: I think it is awesome so many people are watching, but I am always looking for that. I always wanna put on a great performance and show I am a technical fighter. In the past I have been known to just be tough and rely on my toughness to get through fights. I wanna show people that the last year I have strengthened my technique. I wanna be a martial artist not just a fighter. With so many people watching, I don't wanna just be known as the brawler, I wanna be known as the technician.


Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: No, I don't haha. I am gonna win haha.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My husband Randall first. My gyms, the S.H.O.P MMA and Fitness Training Center, Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, House of Pain, Title Boxing Club Greenwood Village. My sponsors, Tussle Fight Gear, Tan Time, Sparta Combat League, Klench Kustoms, Botanico, Babes of MMA, 303 Ink, and Blue Drink Studios and Altitude Organic Medicine.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Tecia Torres Interview


Photo Credits:
Photo 1: Invicta FC
Photos 2 and 4: Joe Lapenna
Photo 3: Tom Hill Photos
Photo 5: Girl-Jitsu



Throughout her amateur career, there was a lot of hype surrounding Tecia Torres, and that hype was justifiable. She went undefeated as an amateur MMA fighter showing constant improvement. She is now ready to take the next step in her career on October 6th when she makes her pro debut for Invicta against a tough opponent in Kaiyana Rain. Even with it being both fighters pro debuts, this is one of the highly anticipated fights on the card and will for sure provide a lot of excitement.

Q: Looking back at your amateur career, what would you say was the biggest highlight for you?
A: I guess transitioning from Muay-Thai to MMA and going undefeated in MMA has made me confident as a striker and confident with my ground game. My ground game is always transitioning, I am always learning. I am happy the outcomes went the way they did. My favorite fight was the fight against Ashley (Greenwway) because it was a four five minute round fight. I definitely dominated the fight but it was the closest I have had to a pro experience. Winning all seven fights and coming out with decisive victories.

Q: There has been a ton of hype around you, is it hard to keep a level head and not get cocky?
A: Not at all. My day is coming, I have lost before, I have had a lot of fights, a lot of experience. I just think it is time to start fighting on a professional level and see how I stand up. I am not un-defeatable, I am gonna lose, but it is all a learning experience. I would like to win them all, but you know haha.

Q: Is there one specific thing you most look forward to as a pro?
A: I am looking forward to being able to throw elbows and knees to the face. I am not looking forward to it happening to me, but it just looks like something fun to do, something different. Besides that, getting to fight on a different level. These girls are on a professional level because they are meant to be there and I feel like I am meant to be there as well.


Q: Invicta is such a big thing for women's MMA, what does it mean for you to be able to fight for them?
A: To be able to fight for them is an honor, to be able to make my pro debut for them is amazing. to me, it shows that my talent, skills and determination has led to this point where an organization like Invicta having the biggest names in women's MMA and them choosing me to make my pro debut on their show, it shows it has all paid off. The way I see Shannon (Knapp) and Janet (Martin) have treated the women and treated me thus far has been amazing. I look forward to showcasing my skills on such a big level.

Q: Are there any fighters on the card you are excited to see in person?
A: There is a lot of girls. I would like to see all the fights. There are some I look forward to like Jessica Penne, Ashley Cummins is really good, Stephanie Frausto is good. Girls around my weight, the girls I have researched and followed. India (Gomes) my teammate I am excited to see her fight. Lot's of girls. The fight I am excited about is Kaitlin Young vs Leslie Smith, the rematch. The first fight was amazing, I look forward to it, they are both strikers and I like striking haha.

Q: You are fighting Kaiyana Rain, what do you know about her?
A: From what I can tell, she is a well-rounded fighter from a good camp. She is physically fit, we have similar styles, similar body types. It is a great match-up. It looks like she likes to strike a little more than the ground, which is fine with me cause I am a striker. She will be ready for everything and so am I. It will be a fun match-up.


Q: A lot of people expect it to be a stand-up war, do you see it that way?
A: Maybe, it depends on what she has up her sleeve. If she wants to try and take me down, so be it. Maybe I will try the same to her, you never know.

Q: People talk about your stand-up, do you feel your ground game gets overlooked?
A: Maybe, just because I haven't been able to showcase it much. The fights in Florida, there is no ground and pound, so there isn't much to see. My Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling is always a learning process, I will never be perfect. I am excited to showcase my skills in that arena as well, so if she wants to take me down, we'll see some ground work.

Q: You are both in great shape, some of your fights you have a third round cardio advantage, with her, do you expect her to keep coming and have her cardio in round three if it goes that long?
A: It looks like she is always moving forward, so I expect her to keep coming. I believe she will be ready for fifteen minutes, as will I. I am more of a counter fighter so my game is a little different. If it goes all fifteen minutes it will be a great show for the audience, but of course ewe would both like to end it early.

Q: With everyone who follows women's MMA, is there a part of you that not only wants to win, but have that show-stealing performance and be the girl everyone talks about after?
A: Of course! Especially since I am a debut fighter, I am the second fight. Usually the fight of the night and bonus goes to the main event. Not saying I am looking forward to that or it will happen, but of course I want to put on a performance where people say "Who is that Tecia Torres girl, she is good, we should watch out for her". I would like that to happen. I am ready to put on a show and show the hard work and put my name out there.


Q: Is there a key to winning this fight?
A: The key to this fight is to stay calm and perfect all the little details. I am an aggressive fighter, I am very bouncy, so play to my game, use my strengths, use my quickness, get in and out, throw my combinations.

Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: Tecia wins!

Q: A lot of people fight and keep talking trash, you become very friendly with opponents after you fight, is that important to you?
A: Yes, for sure. I love watching women's MMA, I love every aspect of it. That is why I follow the girls on-line. If I win or lose, I look you up and see what you are doing. I want the best for you and the best for me. The better you get, the better I look if I have beaten you, and if you beat me, the better I wanna be. I like being friends. It is something we do, now I am getting paid for it, I want to be professional outside the ring. There is no reason to be catty or anything. We can be friends and when we get in the ring, it's go time.

Q: You have been training with Jessica Aguilar, what is the biggest thing you have learned from her?
A: That the sky is the limit, I can get much better. Besides that, the main thing is she has told me to be calm and play my game, don't over excite yourself, be focused. The little tips and hints she has given me has made me focus more. I thank her and a lot of girls who have helped me lately. I thank those girls a lot, a look up to Jessica, I wanna be like her one day.


Q: After this, what do you want next, I assume fight for Invicta again?
A: Yeah of course I want to fight for Invicta again. Invicta knows what they are doing and I love everything about it. I am here to stay and hope to come out with a victory.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My team and training partners, India Gomes, Jessica Aguilar, Nina Ansaroff, Jessica Branco and Thais Nega. My sponsors, Tussle Fight Gear, Babes of MMA, Awakening Female Fighters, Slept Fight Wear, Thick as Thieves Fight Co. and Apocalypse MMA.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Ashley Cummins Interview


Photo Credits:
Photos 1,4 and 5: Invicta FC
Photo 2: Hex Linc
Photo 3: Joey Hill


On October 6th Ashley Cummins steps into the Invicta cage for the second time. Cummins will bring her still undefeated record in as she faces Joanne Calderwood. Cummins was regarded by many as the top amateur in the sport and has continued her climb up the rankings as a pro. A well rounded fighter who can stand and bang and is equally skilled on the ground, Ashley Cummins has the potential to put on the stand-out performance at this great all female card.

Q: Last fight you beat Sofia Bagherdai at Invicta, how did you feel about your performance in that fight?
A: I was able to do my game-plan, out-strike her and go for takedowns and win on the ground. I was disappointed in my performance in that I didn't finish the fight. That's how I am, I am real hard on myself. After every fight I am always like "I could have done better". That is a typical response for me. I am disappointed I didn't finish the fight but I am happy I won.

Q: With that card being so big for women's MMA, was there any extra pressure for that fight, not just to win but be impressive?
A: Yeah, I mean that was on my mind, I wanted to do well. I tried not to think about that before the fight. Honestly, I think I thought that way a couple weeks out but as the fight got closer I kind of blocked it out and focused on training hard and doing the best I can. I knew as long as I went in there 110% I was gonna impress someone.

Q: That card was a big deal, how did you feel about the whole experience?
A: It was an amazing opportunity, an amazing promotion. Janet (Martin) and Shannon (Knapp) have done sch a great job advertising. Everything ran smoothly, it was very organized, it was awesome. I went to the last Invicta to support Barb Honchak and again it was awesome. I am looking forward to fighting for them in a few weeks. They do a great job helping women's MMA grow that much more.


Q: You are fighting Joanne Calderwood, what do you know about her?
A: I know that she is well-rounded but is mainly a stand-up fighter.

Q: With her being mostly stand-up, do you prepare more to fight a stand-up fight or train more to take her out of her comfort zone?
A: In every fight I go in the same way no matter who I fight. My camps are always focused on every aspect of MMA. I am always doing Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, Muay-Thai, boxing, strength and conditioning the same amount throughout the week. The fact she is more stand-up hasn't changed how I train. I have fought a lot of stand-up fighters, Sofia was mainly stand-up, Stephanie Frausto was mainly stand-up, it doesn't intimidate me, I go in the same way, fight my fight.

Q: As an amateur you were considered by some to be the best, and as a pro, you are still undefeated, does that put a target on your head, people wanting to be the one to knock you off?
A: Yeah I think so. I think a lot of people cant wait to see me lose, and I'm gonna lose. You cant stay perfect forever, I know that day will come eventually. It wont be this fight coming up, but yeah I think I have a target on my head. Especially since I am ranked number nine now, that pissed a lot of people off, I saw some comments about that. I don't control that. I didn't make myself number nine, I don't know how they judge that. So yeah, I think there is a big target on me.


Q: Every experience I have had with you, you always seem really nice, does it bother you when people say stuff like that, especially since they probably don't even know you?
A: It does a little bit but I am an easy going person and just brush it off. I just don't understand people some times, I never talk crap about my opponents, never talk crap about other fighters. I give people respect, even after fights, I am so respectful. I am sure no one notices, but if you see my fights on Youtube, I wont even celebrate, I help my opponents up and talk to them and tell them they did a good job and try and laugh and joke around with them after a fight. Some people celebrate so much and are jumping around, I look at that as a sign of disrespect, your opponent is upset and just lost and I am sure they are like "fuck", I don't even celebrate, I am that respectful towards my opponent, that is just what I do.

Q: You work a really demanding job, is it hard to balance that with training?
A: It's not hard to balance it, I have a set schedule and have it down really well. I work from 9pm to 7am and sleep from 8am till 2pm, get up, eat breakfast and go to the gym from 3pm till 8pm. The only thing that is difficult is I don't get much sleep which really sucks sometimes. I am living on energy drinks right now. I get about five hours of sleep a day, but the days I have off I sleep fifteen hours straight. When I have a fight coming up I take a week to a week and a half off so I can sleep and don't get tired. All three of my pro fights I have worked the midnight schedule and have made it work, so I am sticking in there with it.


Q: You have that experience on a big card like Invicta, can that give you an advantage?
A: You can look at it and say she has an advantage because she doesn't have the pressure since it is in my country, but she has a disadvantage because she has to travel here and might be jet lagged. I think we both have our advantages, but we are both experienced and tough and will put on a great show for everyone.

Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: I'm gonna win.

Q: With everyone who follows women's MMA watching this, is there a part of you that not wants to only win, but also put on that show-stealing prediction and be one of the people everyone is talking about after?
A: Yeah of course, everyone wants that. I get on Facebook and see a lot of girls saying they will be fight of the night, everyone thinks they will have fight of the night. That's a good thing, it shows everyone is going in 110% percent, all there to win and put on a good show and motivated to show the world what we are capable of.

Q: After this, any idea what you want next, keep fighting with Invicta?
A: Of course! Invicta is an amazing promotion and I would love to have more fights with them. I would like to fight locally in St. Louis. I do have friends driving to Kansas City. After this fight I want to focus on getting my Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, it is a goal of mine. Right now I am Blue Belt with two stripes. I wanna compete in tournaments and reach my goal of being a Purple Belt.


Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: I Want to thank my coaches and teammates at St Charles MMA and Vaghi Martial Arts. My strength and conditioning coach, Brian, at Fitzmaurice Performance. My manager, Brett Atchley, at Addison Sports Management. My Sponsors, Fear the Fighter, Fight Chix, Tussle, Klench Guards, VII AD, Polanti Watches, Brawl Base, Real Fight Soap, Apocalypse MMA, and Kids Against Animal Cruelty

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Carla Esparza Interview



Photo Credits:
Photos 1,2 and 5: Invicta FC
Photos 3-4: Brent Matsuno



In he first fight with Invicta in July, Carla Esparza continued to impress with a TKO victory over Sarah Schneider. On October 6th she gets another chance to continue impressing as she takes on a tough opponent, Lynn Alvarez, at the next Invicta card. It matches two women known for their submission victories, but who both have solid stand-up games. Esparza's skills have evolved with each fight which makes each fight she is in something to look forward to.

Q: Last fight you had an impressive win over Sarah Schneider, how did you feel about your performance?
A: I felt like I got off to a rocky start. I got mounted in the first minute, that's never a good thing. I picked it up and got my groove back as the announcer said. I brought it together and felt I did a great job in the second round.

Q: In a fight like that where everyone expects you to win, do you have to be careful not to get overconfident and look past her?
A: Yeah definitely! It is hard not to look past to that championship fight down the line. I think Sarah is really tough, people overlooked her. She has fought some of the top girls, Julie Kedzie, Kaitlin Young, Megumi Fuji, Sarah Kaufman, she is a tough girl and takes tough fights. Her record isn't the best in the world, but she doesn't just fight tomato cans and I respect her for that. I knew going in that she had a solid ground game so I trained my butt off for it. I didn't take her lightly. It is hard when everyone is telling you, "oh no big deal, you got this in the bag", it is hard not to look past it and get over confident.

Q: Did you enjoy working with the people at Invicta?
A: It was an amazing experience. The treat you the best of any promotion. They cater to the girls, they got our hair done, they set shuttles up to and from the venue usually I am stuck waiting around after a fight trying to find a way back to the hotel. They had their stuff together and were really professional.

Q: You have Lynn Alvarez coming up, how do you feel you match up with her?
A: I feel I match up with her pretty well. I think she is well-rounded. People expect her to be a striker because of her nickname "Lights Out", but in reality she has five wins and four are by submission. Obviously she has a good ground game and has fought girls ranked in the top ten right now like Michelle Waterson and Michelle Ould. She is no slouch. She has taken time off, she hasn't fought in about two years, so I am excited to see what she brings to the table.

Q: With her not having fought in awhile, if the fight goes into the third round, could that maybe affect her cardio?
A: Possibly. She has been fighting for so many years and she knows the ins and outs. For me, the ring rust comes in the beginning, just getting your groove in there. The cardio is how hard you train. I am not expecting her to be out of shape.

Q: A lot of your wins are by submission so girls may be hesitant to go to the ground with you, but with her being good at submissions, might she be more willing to go to the ground with you?
A: Actually, I think she enjoys the stand-up. I am not sure on that one. She lost her last fight to Jessica Aguilar by submission, so there is nothing set in stone. I try to not expect anything. I expected Sarah Schneider to pull guard on me and there she goes taking me down, so you never know. I have worked on my takedown defense, you always have to be ready for anything.

Q: With her having taken all that time off, does it make it harder to prepare since you don't know what she has been working on in all that time?
A: Definitely! There was an offer for us to fight like a year ago, so I know she has been training and staying active. Obviously she is not scared of me cause this is the second time she has tried to fight me. I had another fight at the time come up. In the back of my head I am like "what does she have up her sleeve", obviously she has seen my fights and still wants to fight me. I know she has been preparing and still training.

Q: Is there a key to you winning this fight?
A: The key for me is always patience. Sometimes I can get a little excited and that is when mistakes happen. I try and keep a cool head. That is my mentality going in.

Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: Prediction..... Carla Esparza wins haha.

Q: With everyone who follows women's MMA watching this, is it important to you to not only win but put on one of those stand-out performances, and be one of the girls everyone talks about after the event?
A: Oh definitely, I love that. Hopefully it is because I won in exciting fashion and not because I got knocked out and am on a highlight reel. It is good to get attention because of the fight, it is what I prepare for, it is my life, if people enjoy my fights, then I am doing my job.

Q: Would you hope a win would make you a top contender to the title?
A: I think I have been working my way towards a title. I think Invicta is trying to set up a 115 title. She is a tough opponent, but she isn't one of the top ranked girls so I don't think it would set me straight away to a title, but hopefully one step closer. I would love that shot.

Q: Even if you didn't get a title shot soon, I assume you wanna keep fighting with Invicta?
A: I would love to stay with Invicta. They treat me great and are an awesome promotion. I love supporting a show that supports women. That is the bottom line. If I can stay with them the rest of my career, I would love it.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: First and foremost, my team, Team Oyama for making everything happen. Brawl and Maul, Alienware, and Battleware.

Being Normal: A Conundrum by Jaime Filer

Being Normal: A conundrum

A theme that's been running through this entire prep is that of "Being Normal." I carry my cooler around everywhere I go, I workout 5 days a week, I do cardio 6 days a week, and I kick my boyfriend out at 10:30 so that I can get enough sleep to wake up at 5:30 in order to get said cardio in. This isn't normal.

But what's been bothering me and haunting me the last couple of weeks is that I finally look good in AND out of clothes. That sounds weird, right? Up until I lost the first 25lbs, I wasn't comfortable with my look. I thought I was too big, too muscular and not feminine enough. Now my weight is down and my confidence is up. In my head, that's where it ends - to have a rockin', not-too-muscular body, and be comfortable in my own skin. Then I remember my ultimate goal: Getting my Pro card in natural bodybuilding.

So on days where I get insatiable cravings for gourmet cookies, Ben & Jerry's, or just normal food that I don't have to weigh, the devil and the angel on my shoulders come out. One telling me that I've done extremely well so far and one meal won't kill me, or undo 23 weeks of progress. And then the other, telling me I haven't posed on stage yet, I'm still 3.5/6.5 weeks from my REAL goal, so "don't you dare mess up." It's hard to balance these two; to remind myself that all I really want was/is to look good "in real life", but also, remember that in 3.5 weeks, I'll be getting on stage in little more than a piece of cloth covering the important parts, so extra dessert or an extra meal IS NOT part of the deal.

POSING PRACTICE

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Stephanie Frausto Interview



Photo Credits:
Photo 1: Invicta FC
Photos 2-3: Hex Linc Photos
Photo 4: Fight Fan


With each fight Stephanie Frausto has shown improvement in at least one aspect of her game. Still young in her career she has already fought some very tough competition and held her own and impressed, even in the fights where she didn't get the win. On October 6th in the Invicta cage she again faces tough competition when she takes on Amy Davis. While this fight may be somewhat under the radar, don't be surprised if this fights steals the show.

Q: You are coming off of a win over Diana Rael. How did you feel about your performance in that fight?
A: In my fight with Diana I think I probably came out to fast. I didn't try and pace myself for that one because I was trying to go for the finish. I got the finish but I think I could use some improvements. I was happy I won. It was a pretty good fight.

Q: Ever since the Ashley Cummins fight, and including the Cummins fight, you have show a great deal of improvement, what do you attribute that to?
A: My coach Jorge Gurgel works with me every day. My sister Zoila (Gurgel) helps a lot. Her injury is healed and she can train a lot more with me. Her training with me helped me improve also.

Q: You are fighting on Invicta against Amy Davis, what does it mean to you to fight for a company that is doing such big things for women's MMA?
A: Ever since I saw the first Invicta card I was like "wow, I really wanna be on one of those cards", so I am really happy I am getting to do that now.

Q: With it being Invicta, is this your biggest fight yet?
A: Oh yes! My next fight is always the biggest fight. The fight coming up is always the biggest one.

Q: What do you know about Amy?
A: Amy is a stand-up Muay-Thai fighter. She is 3-3. Pretty traditional Muay-Thai. She did beat Nicdali (Rivera-Calanoc) with a Kimura so I will be looking out for that to. I am just gonna fight my fight.

Q: A lot of fights people have an idea if it will be more stand-up or more on the ground, but in this fight, I feel like you can't really tell till the fight actually happens, would you agree?
A: Yeah pretty much. With Amy Davis, I know she is a stand-up fighter, so whatever my coaches tell me to do, I am gonna do it, I am pretty much the robot. Whatever they scream I will do it.

Q: With it being all female, and all the eyes of everyone who follows women's MMA watching, is there a part of you that not only wants to win, but have the show-stealing fight every talks about after?
A: Oh Yeah! On that card is a whole bunch of awesome women fighters. I am probably one of the first fights so I can watch all the other fights after, so I am excited about that.

Q: With all those female fighters on the card, is there anyone you maybe haven't seen that you look forward to seeing?
A: There is a lot. Shayna Baszler is fighting, Sarah Kaufman, I have seen her before in Strikeforce. Tecia Torres is making her pro debut and I am looking forward to seeing her fight. I have seen some of her amateur Muay-Thai fights and she is pretty aggressive so I look forward to seeing her fight to.

Q: Is there anywhere you feel you hold the biggest advantage against Amy?
A: Well, I have been working on my ground a lot. I would say I have more of an advantage there, I improve my ground every day. Even my stand-up, I have been working Muay-Thai ever since I started. She has more experience.

Q: Is there a key to winning this fight for you?
A: Be aggressive. Be aggressive and listen to my corners.

Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: We are gonna try and end it in the first round, if not, I am prepared to go the distance.

Q: After this fight, any idea what you want next, or just taking it one fight at a time?
A: Just one fight at a time. We are focused on what's happening with the next fight.

Q: A lot of times when people write about you, they refer to you as "Zoila's younger sister". Does it ever bother you to always be referred to as that as opposed to maybe just "Stephanie Frausto, talented fighter".
A: I've been the little sister all my life so I am used to being the little sister. It was my nickname for the soccer team. I love being her little sister, I don't mind it at all.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My teammates at JG MMA, My coach Jorge Gurgel, My sister, Jeremiah, my manager. Thank you Jason for the interview. My mom, she does everything for me.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Ring of Combat XLII Report


On Friday September 14th Ring of Combat put on there most recent event. There were some pretty good fights and the event featured some familiar names who had competed on the big stage such as Mike Massenzio and Deividas Taurosevicious. The night was headlined by four title fights. One draw back was the title fights were only three rounds with a possible fourth if after three it was ruled a draw. But outside of that, I was pretty impressed with the presentation put on by Ring of Combat.

1. Pro Middleweight
Julio Germain (0-0) vs Fikret Darzanoff (0-1)

RD 1: They clinch on the cage and quickly separate. Germain lands punches. Takedown by Darzanoff and they are up quick. Darzanoff has his back standing. Darzanoff goes for a takedown and Germain is warned for holding the cage. Darzanoff drags him down and is in half guard. Short head shots by Darzanoff. Body shots by Darzanoff. Nice job by Germain to stand. Hook by Germain and another. Uppercut by Germain.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Darzanoff

RD 2: Jab by Darzanoff. Darzanoff gets a takedown but they are up quick and clinched against the cage. Knee to the body by Darzanoff. Takedown by Darzanoff into side control. Darzanoff is doing nothing from this position. Punch to the head by Darzanoff. Knee to the body by Darzanoff. Darzanoff gets north south position and lands body shots. Darzanoff gets his back. They stand and Darzanoff still has his back. Knee to the leg by Darzanoff. They separate and clinch again in the center of the cage. They quickly separate. Uppercut by Germain. Hook by Germain. Both fighters look gassed. Jab by Darzanoff. Darzanoff shoots in but Germain shrugs him off. Hook by Germain.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Darzanoff
My score card: 20-18 Darzanoff

Result: Fikret Darzaoff by Unanimous Decision (20-18/20-18/20-18)

2. Pro Featherweight
Anthony Facchini (2-1) vs Soslan Abanokov (1-0)

RD 1: Head kick by Abanokov. Body kick by Abanokov. They clinch on the cage and drop down with Facchini on top. Abanokov is trying to stand but can't. Facchini gets his back and gets his hooks in. Facchini tries for a rear naked but Abanokov defends it well. Facchini gets a body triangle and lands punches to the head. Abanokov rolls and is on top in guard. Punches to the head by Abanokov. Abanokov stands and drops down punches. Abanokov gets his back and lands punches to the head. Now he stands and drops down hard punches.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Abanokov

RD 2: Abanokov gets a takedown and lands hard shots to the head. Facchini pulls guard. Punch to the head by Abanokov. Body shots by Abanokov. Abanokov stands and Facchini pulls him back down and gets side control. Abanokov pulls guard. Body shots by Facchini. Now head shots by Facchini. Facchini gets his back. Facchini gets an inverted triangle and gets the tap.

Result: Anthony Facchini by Tapout (Inverted Triangle) at 3:20 of Round 2

3. Pro Featherweight
William Metts (2-3) vs Mike Prokop (2-3)

RD 1: Body kick by Metts. Leg kick by Prokop. They trade hooks. Nice cross by Prokop. They trade punches. Leg kick by Metts. They trade more punches. Leg kick by Metts. Cross and hook by Prokop. Leg kick by Prokop. Hard hook by Prokop. They clinch on the cage. Two knees to the leg by Prokop. Knee to the body by Metts. They separate. Hook by Prokop. Body kick by Prokop. Leg kick by Prokop. Hook by Metts. Leg kick by Metts. Metts lands a kick low stopping the action. They resume and trade hard shots. They drop down with Prokop on top in guard. Metts looks for a guillotine but Prokop pulls his head out. Prokop pushes him to the cage but the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Prokop

RD 2: Hook by Metts. They clinch and move to the cage. Takedown by Prokop into guard. Body shots by Prokop. Metts uses his feet to push Prokop off of him and they stand. Leg kick by Prokop. Two hooks by Prokop. Jab by Prokop. Cross by Prokop. They trade leg kicks. Hard hook by Metts. Prokop lands hard punches that have Metts backing up. Clinch against the cage but they quickly separate. Leg kick by Prokop. Hook by Metts. Prokop shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Metts is trying for an arm but can't get it as the round ends.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Prokop

RD 3: Body kick by Prokop. Hook by Metts. Body kick by Prokop. They clinch on the cage and Prokop takes him down in side control. Metts gets half guard. Body shots by Prokop. Metts is trying to wall walk but Prokop won't let him. Body shots by Prokop. They stand. Jab and cross by Prokop. Cross by Prokop. Takedown by Prokop and he pushes him against the cage. Body shots by Prokop. Now head shots by Prokop. Prokop stands and knees the head of a still down Metts stopping the action. The doctor stops the fight with only two seconds left.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Prokop
My score card: 30-27 Prokop

Result: Mike Prokop by Technical Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-28)

4. Pro Featherweight
Shane Crenshaw (4-1) vs Tom English (3-2)

RD 1: Hook by Crenshaw. Crenshaw shoots in and they clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by English. They trade knees to the leg. Takedown by English but they are right back up. English drops him with a hook by Crenshaw is right back up. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Crenshaw. Foot stomps by Crenshaw. They separate. Crenshaw shoots in but eats a punch and English gets his back and lands punches. Crenshaw scrambles and now English is in side control. Punch to the head by English.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 English

RD 2: Hook by Crenshaw. Crenshaw shoots but English sprawls. Crenshaw shoots and again English sprawls. Crenshaw is circling and seems to not want to strike with English at all. Crenshaw shoots and they clinch on the cage but quickly separate. Leg kick by English. Crenshaw shoots in and gets the takedown into half guard. English goes for a leg but can't get it. Crenshaw gets north south and lands body shots. Crenshaw moves to side control and lands two knees to the body. Punch to the head by Crenshaw.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Crenshaw

RD 3: Crenshaw shoots but can't get the takedown. Uppercut by English. Crenshaw shoots and gets a takedown into half guard. Punch to the head by Crenshaw. English almost gets up but Crenshaw gets his back and then mount and then his back again. English gets half guard. Punch to the head by Crenshaw. Body shots by Crenshaw. English is working hard to stand and Crenshaw gets side control. Short head shots by Censhaw. English defends well. Crenshaw moves to north south but the round ends.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Crenshaw
My score card: 29-28 Crenshaw

Result: Shane Crenshaw by Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

5. Pro Lightweight
Alfred Walker (3-1) vs Chris Wade (3-0)

RD 1: Leg kick by Wade. Leg kick by Walker. Hook by Wade. Wade gets poked in the eye and the ref doesn't see it. Walker starts landing punches. Takedown by Walker. Wade gets a guillotine and puts Walker out cold.

Result: Chris Wade (Guillotine) at :59 of Round 1

6. Pro Light Heavyweight
Chris Sutton (2-0) vs Jamal Patterson (5-3)

RD 1: Hook by Patterson. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Sutton and another. They separate. Jab by Sutton. Patterson lands punches against the cage. Patterson drops down and gets a takedown but Sutton is up quick. Slam by Patterson. Patterson gets side control. Patterson looks for an anaconda choke but can't get it. Sutton gets half guard. Hard punches by Patterson. Patterson stands but Sutton drags him back down and gets Patterson's back. Head shots by Sutton. Sutton looks for a rear naked but time runs out.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Patterson

RD 2: Hook by Patterson. Leg kick by Sutton. Hook by Sutton. Two jabs by Sutton. Leg kick by Sutton. Jab by Sutton. Two hooks by Patterson. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Sutton. More knees by Sutton. Elbow to the head by Sutton. Knee to the body by Sutton. The ref separates them. They trade hooks. Hook and cross by Patterson. They clinch against the cage. The ref separates them. Hook by Patterson.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Sutton

RD 3: Leg kick by Sutton. Two jabs by Patterson. Jab by Sutton. Leg kick by Sutton. Hook by Patterson. Nice hook by Patterson. Several punches land for Patterson. Hard hook by Patterson. Takedown by Patterson into half guard. Shots head shots by Patterson. Not much action here. Patterson stands but Sutton pulls him back down and Patterson looks for a guillotine but can't get it.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Patterson
My score card: 29-28 Patterson

Result: Jamal Patterson by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

7. Pro Bantamweight Title
Joel Roberts (8-3) vs Jimmie Rivera (9-1)

RD 1: A kick by Roberts lands low stopping the action. They resume and Rivera lands a cross. Leg kick by Rivera. Hook by Rivera. Jab to the body by Roberts. Hook by Roberts. Hook by Rivera. Leg kick by Rivera. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Rivera. More knees by Rivera. Knee to the body by Roberts. Rivera is warned for holding the cage. Knee to the leg by Rivera. Knee to the body by Roberts. They keep trading knees. Punch to the head by Roberts. More knees to the leg by Rivera. Knee to the body by Roberts. They separate. Leg kick by Rivera. Rivera lands punches against the cage. They clinch. Punch to the body by Rivera. Knee to the leg by Rivera.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Rivera

RD 2: Leg kick by Roberts and another. Rivera drops him with a leg kick and gets his back landing punches. Hammer fists by Rivera. Roberts works his way up and they are clinched on the cage. Knees to the leg by Rivera. They separate. Leg kick by Rivera. Hook by Rivera. Leg kick by Roberts. Hook by Rivera. Leg kick by Rivera. Hook by Rivera. Leg kick by Rivera. Roberts shoots in but Rivera sprawls. Rivera lands a kick low stopping the action. They resume and Rivera lands a hard cross. Head kick by Roberts. Cross by Rivera. Leg kick by Roberts. Body kick by Roberts. Hard punches by Rivera. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Rivera. They separate and Roberts lands a body kick.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Rivera

RD 3: Jab by Rivera. Leg kick by Rivera. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Roberts. Knee to the leg by Rivera. Punch to the body by Roberts. Knee to the leg by Roberts. Knee to the body by Roberts. Knee to the leg by Rivera. Punch to the head by Rivera. Knee to the body by Roberts. Knee to the leg by Rivera. Punch to the head by Rivera. Punch to the body by Rivera. Knee to the leg by Rivera. Knee to the body by Roberts. Knee to the leg by Roberts. Knee to the leg by Roberts. Knee to the leg by Rivera. Knee to the body by Roberts and another. They separate and trade punches.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Rivera
My score card: 30-27 Rivera

Result: Jimmie Rivera by Unanimous Decision (29-28/30-27/30-27)

8. Pro Light Heavyweight Title
Anton Talamantes (4-2) vs Ed Gordon (5-0)

RD 1: Jab to the body by Talamantes. Hook by Talamantes. Talamantes shoots in and gets a takedown against the cage. Short head shots by Talamantes. Knee to the body by Talamantes. Talamantes gets his back and lands punches. Gordon works his way up. They clinch in the center. Knee to the body by Gordon. They separate. Takedown by Talamantes. Talamantes gets his back and lands punches. Gordon works his way up and they are clinched on the cage. Knee to the body by Gordon. Takedown by Talamantes. Talamantes traps an arm and lands head shots. Gordon pulls his arm out. Talamantes is in half guard landing short head shots. Body shots by Talamantes. Knee to the body by Talamantes. Two head shots by Talamantes.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Talamantes

RD 2: Jab by Gordon. Talamantes shoots in but eats an uppercut. Again Talamantes shoots in and again eats an uppercut. Jab by Gordon. Hook by Talamantes. Uppercut by Gordon. Takedown by Talamantes into half guard. Body shots by Talamantes. Punch to the head by Talamantes. Body shots by Talamantes. More body shots by Talamantes. The ref stands them. Hook by Gordon. takedown by Talamantes.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Talamantes

RD 3: Talamantes shoots in but can't get the takedown. Jab by Gordon. Hook by Gordon. Hard uppercut by Gordon hurts him. They clinch in the center. Knee to the body by Gordon. They move to the cage and then separate. They trade jabs. Hook by Gordon. Jab by Gordon. Hook by Talamantes. Jab by Gordon. Takedown by Talamantes into half guard. Short body shots by Talamantes. Punch to the head by Talamantes. Body shots by Talamantes. Head shots by Talamantes.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Gordon
My score card: 29-28 Talamantes

Result: Anton Talamantes by Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

9. Pro Featherweight Title
Mike Santiago (8-5) vs Deividas Taurosevicious (14-5)

RD 1: Cross by Taurosevicious. Leg kick by Santiago. Leg kick by Santiago. They clinch in the center and move to the cage. Knee to the body by Taurosevicious. Elbow to the head by Santiago. Knees to the leg by Taurosevicious. Takedown by Taurosevicious into side control. Punches to the head by Taurosevicious. Nice job by Santiago to reverse and get on top in side control. Santiago stands and lets him up. Leg kick by Santiago. Clinch against the cage and a knee to the body by Taurosevicious. Knee to the head by Santiago. Knee to the leg by Taurosevicious. Slam by Taurosevicious but Santiago is up quick. and they are still clinched. Knees to the body by Santiago. They separate and Santiago lands a hook. Takedown by Santiago.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Taurosevicious

RD 2: Hook by Santiago. Takedown by Santiago. Santiago lands a knee low stopping the action. They resume and clinch on the cage. They trade knees to the leg. Punch to the body by Santiago. Takedown by Taurosevicious but they are up quick and clinched. Takedown by taurosevicious. Nice reverse by Santiago to get on top. Punches to the head by Santiago. Taurosevicious gets and armbar and gets the tap.

Result: Deividas Taurosevicious by Tapout (Armbar) at 3:50 of Round 2

10. Pro Regional Middleweight Title
Ron Stallings (4-2) vs Mike Massenzio (13-7)

RD 1: Leg kick by Massenzio. Leg kick by Stallings and another. Body kick by Massenzio. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Massenzio. More knees by Massenzio. Knee to the body by Stallings. They separate. Leg kick by Stallings. Hook to the body by Massenzio. Head kick by Stallings. They clinch on the cage. Massenzio is working hard for the single but Stallings defends it well and lands punches to the head. Massenzio gets the takedown but Stallings is right back up and they are still clinched. Stallings jumps and lands a knee to the body dropping Massenzion. Stallings lands punches till the ref stops it.

Result: Ron Stallings by TKO at 4:02 of Round 1

Submission of the night: Chris Wade

Knock-out of the Night: Ron Stallings

Fight of the Night: Anthony Facchini vs Soslan Abanokov

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Diana Rael Interview




Photo Credits:
Photos 1-2 Julian Gonzales
Photo 4: Will Fox
Photo 5: New Mexico MMA


On October 13th Diana Rael will take on Darla Harris. Rael is coming off losses to Michelle Waterson and Stephanie Frausto which as she says, makes a win here more important. Rael's list of opponents shows she has fought a lot of tough competition and always puts on an exciting performance which she will tell you is very important to her, she loves to entertain the fans.

Q: Coming off your losses, go back to the Michelle Waterson fight, looking back, anything you wish you had done differently?
A: I feel with Waterson I dominated the fight. I should have stayed a little closer to the mount. I feel like the stand-up portion I did really well. I am the one who took her down, I just need to stay a little closer. She jumped on that little bit of space and got the choke in. Props to her, I am not taking it away from her at all, it was almost magical the way she got it haha.

Q: Is it frustrating, I mean would you rather lose a fight by getting dominated than lose a fight you feel you dominated and almost just get caught?
A: Yeah it is. I never knew the term "all fighters get caught", what it meant. I was like "what do you mean fighters get caught?" Now I completely understand that term. To train your butt off for something and for the outcome to be so quick, it is definitely not the one I wanted obviously. It is definitely heart-breaking. All my family said they could see the disappointment in my face. It is much worse to lose that way, but you just got to accept it and move on. You cant dwell on things, it poisons your body. Learn from your mistakes and better yourself for your next journey.

Q: Last time we did this you mentioned how important it is for you to entertain the fans, and anyone who has seen you knows you do, but can that sometimes backfire, make you do something you shouldn't do?
A: You know, it does. I am working in the gym on not getting caught in that moment. I definitely will always fight to entertain the crowd. People don't pay to see shows with someone laying on them. As a fighter I don't think that is entertaining and people shouldn't have to pay to watch that. So, it can backfire, but it depends on where your heart is and what you want in the MMA industry. You can have a thousand wins laying on somebody or you can have a thousand losses and entertain the hell out of the crowd, who is gonna be remembered?

A: October 13th you are fighting Darla Harris, what do you know about her?
A: Well, she just fought one of my teammates, so I know she likes to lay on ya haha. Pretty much, her wrestling is there, if it's properly defended it shouldn't be an issue. She is an all-around fighter, a little brawler. We will see how well it goes on the 13th. I am excited to get back in the cage. As far as what I know about Darla, she is another 115 pound chick from Colorado that I am yet to get my hands on.

Q: Coming off the losses, does that make a win more important?
A: It does, it really does. The Stephanie Frausto one I am very bitter with. That was a great battle, we both had a lot of clinch work and stand-up. I got kicked in the groin and my legs went underneath me and I fell horribly. I actually picked up a new sponsor from that fight, which is Rino Sport Galleri, a wrestling gym. Being kicked in the groin and not having the instinct to shoot made me think about it. She got the mount and what I felt was an illegal elbow fractured my orbital socket, so I couldn't see nor feel my face in the fight. She got the armbar and I couldn't fight it because the fact I seriously thought I was gonna be paralyzed or have a stroke. You talk about the different ways of losing, you can lose trying to be entertaining and you can lose in terms your don't think were fair, there are different ways, but it is how we come back. To dwell on my losses is not good for me as a fighter, I've had those weeks as a fighter. You are your worst critic, you sit and dwell and see what you could have done differently, but you just need to change what needs changed. For me, to be back in the cage is really exciting because I had a recovery after my fight and am excited to be back. I went weeks without being able to lift anything because of my eye, so it is nice to be able to spar and do things again and be myself again.

Q: You train with Lacey Schuckman who also has a big fight coming up. Does that help to train with someone who also getting ready for a fight?
A: It does! You train with your partners and teammates and it is a different intensity. The mental, fighting mental, is there for both of you. You can go hard and know there is no hardship. You know you are preparing each other to go to battle. It is different because of the mental aspect the two training partners have. It is very beneficial. Lacey is feeling super strong, it is nice to have someone you can fight and be like a real fight and be into it and get full MMA on. It is nice to have that same mental aspect, a great feeling.

Q: Is there an aspect where you feel you have the biggest advantage with Darla?
A: My stand-up and clinch work is gonna give her a few problems. I have a feeling she is gonna go one, two, shot, like she usually does, so we will have some knees and elbows ready for that.

Q: On the flip side, where could she pose the biggest threat?
A: She likes to lay on you and in Colorado takedowns and laying, it is weird, they love their wrestling, they love the lay on you style. To me, it isn't a challenge, but it is one of her strengths.

Q: In a situation like that, where you know what she is gonna do, do you spend more time working on what you want to do, or more time working on sprawls and things to negate her strengths?
A: You work on what you lack at that time. If I feel my sprawl is bad I will work the hell out of it, if I feel I need to work my clinch work, I will work it. For each fight it is different. It depends on if I am fighting a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, I have to spend a six week camp working on that. With Darla, she is an all-around fighter. I remember one or two times with Jen Berg and I, we used to train way back, and I helped Darla learn a rear naked choke. As far as where she is at in the game, she is still really fresh and an all-around fighter. I am training what I train. Upping my wrestling with Rino, Doing Muay-Thai with my team Serial Boxe, my Jiu-Jitsu with Mr. Peterson.

Q: Is there a key to winning this fight?
A: I don't think so, I really don't. My hunger and urge is far to deep.

Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: An entertaining fight, that's for sure.

Q: After this, any idea what you want next, or just focused on this?
A: Just focusing one fight at a time. I am really enjoying all I learn at Rhino. After the last loss I got my spark back. I found the fire, that urge and want that I had as an amateur. It is exciting for me and I cant wait to sue it in the cage.

Q: 105 isn't the deepest class as far as not having as many girls at that weight, is there a part of you that wishes you were maybe a little bigger and had a bigger pool of potential opponents?
A: You know, I do, but you know one thing Jason I have noticed, Stephanie Frausto is a perfect example, they are coming down. They have figured out how to cut. Stephanie was 115 and now 105, Lacey 115 to 105, Michelle Waterson 110 and now 105. They are coming. It is a matter of their bodies adapting to it. One thing I am having issues with is I am truly a 105 fighter and I have these big girls. The difference in weight between Angelica Chavez and Stephanie Frausto was night and day, I could feel it. That is my challenge, I gotta do what you do Jason, I have been lifting and eating like a horse. The class will get bigger. If I thought about it I could name more. Our next issue is we have to go up, so we can be fair at the weight class.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My team Serial Boxe and trainer Ben Schissler. My sponsors Rino Sport Galleri, Revolution Chiropractic, Performance MMA, InkSmith, Jack-N-Grill, Salon Static, Typhoon Kennel, Archangel Fightwear, RPM Automotive, warpradio.com, and Gurl Fytrz.