The next six months, win, lose, or draw at any stage of the tournament,  determine my next five to ten years – Brent Weedman

Brent Weedman

Brent Weedman finishes fights, period. All of his career wins have come via stoppage and he does not plan on that changing as he heads into the Bellator Season Four Welterweight Tournament.  The Louisville, Kentucky, native drew Dan Hornbuckle as his first-round opponent in the Bellator opener on March 5 in Lemoore, California, at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino.  Brent is thrilled at the chance to avenge his  2006 loss to Hornbuckle, and CageCraze.com was thrilled to get a chance to visit with Brent at his training camp at Real Fighters Gym in Louisville with Team Haycraft. There is no better candidate for our first Featured Fighter from Kentucky, and Brent had a ton of things on his mind.

We spoke with Brent after a grueling Team Haycraft sparring session, and his fight against Hornbuckle had just been publicly confirmed. We thought at first that “Weedman vs Hornbuckle II” was a fight that was worthy of being a semi-final or final fight of the tournament but Brent looked at it differently, and spoke highly of the matchmaking at Bellator. “The thing I love about fighting for Bellator is that their fights are the main focus. They always put the best possible fights together and they did a great job. I can guarantee that something exciting is going to happen, someone is getting finished…I like that because win, lose, or draw, we both come out of it with higher earning potentials and higher visibility.”

The chatter leading into the Bellator tournament has been mostly concentrated on other fighters, which is the way that Brent likes it. “I’m fine being overlooked, I love playing the underdog. It is a little bit of a spoiler though, because in every interview that Dan [Hornbuckle] has done he talks about how it was one of the toughest fights of his career. So, it does kind of suck that my first opponent won’t sleep on me. Everybody else does, but you’ll never hear Dan say ‘Who is this guy? I am going to run right through him.’ ”

Weedman takes direction from Eric Haycraft

Brent went on to discuss how far he has grown since the first fight against Dan Hornbuckle, and why this fight will be different. “Instead of stepping back and pushing him over with one finger like I should have [after hurting Hornbuckle with a body shot],  I freaked out. I picked him all the way up to the ceiling and then drove him all the way to the mat.” Dan Hornbuckle then submitted Weedman with a triangle choke. “The thing I like to point to in this fight …my first real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lesson ever was with Helio Soneca after the Hornbuckle fight, on how to escape the triangle. Fast forward to now, and I am a three-stripe purple belt under a 5th-degree black belt [Soneca] from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that is a legend in the sport.”

Looking at the rest of the field, Brent’s journey towards a matchup against Ben Askren will not get easier if he gets past Hornbuckle. “Everybody in this tournament can win. On any given night, anyone in this tournament can win. That is the kind of professional sport that I want to be a part of.” When asked if he thought everyone in the field could beat Askren, Weedman hesitated, but went on to say, “That’s a good question, a really good question. I am going to say ‘yeah’ just for the simple fact that Ben is so good at wrestling, that we have not seen much else from him and we haven’t needed to. That is not necessarily a slight against him. Ben Askren is a fantastic athlete which means he is going to pick up the rest of the game rapidly…that being said, he is still young in his submissions game, he is still young in his kickboxing game.”

Weedman working drills at Real Fighters Gym

Brent likens Askren’s wrestling prowess to the BJJ game of Jake Shields. Brent spent some time out in California training with Shields, along with Nick and Nate Diaz. Brent says that his training with them “completely revolutionized” his game. Brent is kind of a big fish in a small pond in Louisville, but in California he said he was “fodder, just another body for them.” Brent is back in Louisville now and along with his trainer, Eric Haycraft, has begun to plug in the new training methodologies he picked up from his trip to the West Coast.

Brent is now just weeks away from the biggest fight of his career, and this is make-or-break time for him. “The next six months, win, lose, or draw at any stage of the tournament,  determine my next five to ten years. Ten years from now, I can look back and say that for six months I did it full bore, I did it the way you are supposed to, I put everything else on hold, and I did what I wanted to do.  Fighting is not important. Do you think that any of the protestors in Cairo care about Brent Weedman vs Dan Hornbuckle? No. They’ve got important things to care about. But fighting is in me, it is my passion, and you have to do what you love in life. We all only get to live one time…and then it is over.”

CageCraze.com would like to wish Brent the best of luck heading into the Bellator Season Four Welterweight Tournament. You can watch the opening round of the tournament on March 5 on MTV2. Please visit Bellator.com for more info on Brent Weedman, Dan Hornbuckle, and all of the other competitors. We would also like to say thank you to Eric Haycraft for allowing us to come into Real Fighters Gym and observe the Team Haycraft workouts. Brent would like to thank his management team at SuckerPunch Entertainment. Please check out their website and contact them if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Brent’s tournament run.

CageCraze.com is your MMA Social Network dedicated to connecting, promoting, covering and improving local MMA everywhere. Create your free profile today, and stay connected with local MMA Everywhere! Brent Weedman has his own CageCraze.com profile, create yours and connect with Brent!

Bellator Fighting Championships Confirms Undefeated Light Heavyweight Tim Carpenter for Season 4 Tournament

Fast-rising undefeated prospect Tim Carpenter has signed an exclusive contract with Bellator Fighting Championships to compete in Bellator’s first ever Light Heavyweight Tournament, airing LIVE on MTV2 starting in March. Carpenter joins Bellator with a perfect 6-0 professional record that includes a hard fought decision victory against dangerous submission specialist Jamal Patterson at Bellator 33 in October.

A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with 3 submission victories to his credit, Carpenter currently trains out of one of the premier martial arts gyms in Philadelphia, Balance Studios. Under the tutelage of world renowned trainers Phil and Ricardo Migliarese, Carpenter credits his Philly upbringing with the success he has seen in the world of mixed martial arts.

Tim Carpenter

“The fight scene here in Philadelphia is great,” said Carpenter. “It’s really like a family, and it really pushes you to be at your best. I’m always training, and it has turned me into a really well rounded fighter. I’m comfortable on my feet, but also on the ground, and my training here has a lot to do with it.”

Carpenter is admittedly anxious to take his skills to the next level in the upcoming Bellator tournament, which promises to be the biggest test in his rapidly developing career.

“When I started looking at Bellator and I saw the list of champions and tournament winners, it’s really impressive,” Carpenter said. “You have guys that are at the top of the sport fighting for Bellator, and it’s exciting to get the chance to compete in a tournament like this. Once you hit that championship level at Bellator, you’re in there with guys like Eddie Alvarez, Hector Lombard, Ben Askren, Cole Konrad and Zack Makovsky. It would be an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence with those guys.”

“Tim was very impressive at Bellator 33, and it was that performance that made us realize that he could be a great addition to our Light Heavyweight tournament,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.”

Carpenter joins D.J. Linderman, Daniel Gracie, Nik “The Machete” Fekete, and Chris Davis as confirmed participants in the upcoming Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament on MTV2.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago.  Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes.  Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

MMA legend Wanderlei Silva kicks off Ultimate Cage Battles Champions Seminar Series on April 9

Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva

Dan Bobish’s Ultimate Cage Battles is pleased to announce the UCB Champions Seminar Series in conjunction with the finest mixed martial arts event in Northeast Ohio.

Kicking off the series on April 9, 2011 prior to the “Stars and Stripes” mixed martial arts event will be MMA legend Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva. A former PRIDE Fighting Championships middleweight champion, Silva is one of the most popular fighters of all-time and his name is synonymous with the sport.

“Wanderlei competed in Japan right about the same time I was over there,” said UCB co-owner Dan Bobish. “That’s how I know what a bad dude that guy was – and still is. Having him take part in the biggest UCB event to date truly is a treat.”

The seminar will take place at the Ohio Nets Sports Complex in Parma, Ohio beginning at 9am on Saturday, April 9. The $100 admission will also cover one general admission ticket to that night’s fights. The seminar is open to the first 150 people to sign up.

“I promised Northeast Ohio that we’d bring in the best fighters in the world,” said Bobish. “This is one way that I’m delivering on that promise. Nobody else is doing this, and I feel as though fighters like Wanderlei should be present in a MMA Mecca like Cleveland.”

The UCB Champions Seminar Series will feature some of the biggest stars in MMA history prior to each future UCB event. Admission is on a first come, first serve basis. In order to preserve the intimacy of the event, the number of slots will be limited.

“I just want our fans to know that this isn’t the last big surprise that we have in store for this show on April 9th,” Bobish said. “The people of Cleveland have been so good to UCB so far and we just want to have a show that they are excited to see, through and through. We’re working on an exciting main event and can’t wait to let the fans know what else we have in store.”

Wanderlei Silva will be a guest on In the Cage with Dan Bobish on Monday, February 21, 2011. The show runs from 9-10PM ET at www.SportsTalkNetwork.com/main/inthecage.

If you would like to sign up for this event, visit www.UltimateCageBattles.com or call 216.527.3008.

About Bobish’s Ultimate Cage Battles

Founded in 2010 by mixed martial arts pioneer and former world champion Dan “The Bull” Bobish, “Ultimate Cage Battles” aims to provide an outlet and proving ground for up-and-coming fighters in the Midwest. The company promotes fights in Northeast Ohio, but has featured fighters from many surrounding states, including Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, and more.

The company works under the sanctioning of the progressive Ohio Athletic Commission, aiming to produce compelling and fair matchups. For more information, visit us at www.UltimateCageBattles.com, on Twitter (www.twitter.com/DanBobishUCB), on Facebook (Ultimate Cage Battles), or on YouTube (www.youtube.com/UltimateCageBattles).

Mark Slater’s “Colosseum Combat 16″ Delivers Everything it Promised

The Kokomo Event Center played host to Mark Slater’s Colosseum Combat XVI this past evening (February 19, 2011).  The fight card featured some of the most “hyped” bouts that many could remember ever taking place in Indiana.  Colosseum Combat XVI lived up to every bit of pre-event hype and perhaps set the bar for future Indiana mixed martial arts events.

Amateur Card

Derek Cook vs. Sean Botoms

As round one commenced, Cook charged Botoms.  Botoms retaliated with a flying knee that took the fight to the ground.  The ground war is short-lived as both fighters sprung back to their feet.  Cook is then able to pin, but Botoms gains control via underhooks and takes Cook to the ground.  While on the ground, Botoms moved to mount, but was unable to posture-up.  Cook held on tightly in avoidance of danger, but eventually grew tired and attempted to roll out.  This roll gave Botoms Cook’s back and a fight ending rear-naked choke.  Referee Anthony Copeland called a halt to the bout in 2:03 of round one giving Botoms the submission victory.

Dustin Conley vs. Drew Walters

Conley opened the bout with multiple kicks that forced Walters shoot for a successful double leg takedown.  From the mat, Walters is able to move into side-mount and then into mount relatively quickly.  Once Walters took the mount, Conley gave up his back allowing Walters to rain down punches.  Walters’ barrage of punches forced referee Anthony Copeland to stop the fight just 1:56 into round one.

Jacob Hurlock vs. Jordan Crider

Round one began awkwardly as Hurlock forces Crider to the mat in a north-south (almost sprawled) position.  From there, Hurlock circled around and sunk his hooks into Crider.  From Crider’s back, Hurlock attempted to slide down into an armbar.  The submission attempt then caused Crider to buck Hurlock off.  Hurlock then beautifully transitioned into a triangle choke.  Crider was able to escape the submission and move to a mounted position.  The mount caused Hurlock to turtle and roll back to guard.  From his guard, Hurlock attempts a gogoplata.  The submission proves to be unsuccessful and the two fighters end the round jockeying for position.

Round two began with Crider testing the distance with a kick.  Hurlock matched this kick, but his strike was caught by Crider.  Crider then took Hurlock to the ground.  The two moved for position before Hurlock was able to briefly stand back up.  While Crider was taking Hurlock down for the second time, Hurlock was able to hit a reversal and take Crider’s back.  Hurlock then overcommitted on a rear-naked choke, thus allowing Crider to slide out and into Hurlock’s guard.

The "Controversial" Armbar

Round three began as the second had with each testing the other.  Hurlock then attempted a double leg takedown, but was stuffed by Crider.  The failed attempt caused Hurlock to pull Crider into his guard.  While in working from his guard, Hurlock was able to move into an armbar.  The armbar had Crider in visible trouble.  The visible trouble and anguish of Crider’s face forced him to tap, but unfortunately the out of position referee did not see the submission.  The tap out caused Hurlock to let go of the submission, and Crider to pounce on him.  After a brief period of neither improving position, the referee stood up the two fighters.  Crider then hit a double leg takedown and fell into Hurlock’s guard.  Hurlock attempted one more submission (an omaplata) before the referee yet again stood up the fighters.  While standing, Hurlock attempted an overhand right (due to instruction from his corner), but was met with Crider changing levels and hitting another double leg takedown.

Crider was awarded the controversial victory via unanimous decision.

Rod Cole vs. Mike Walker

Cole’s opening jab led to a brief exchange and a Walker double leg takedown.  Once on the ground Walker is able to take the mount.  While mounted, Cole rolled to give Walker his back.  Walker then sinks in a body triangle and attempted rear-naked choke.  Cole is able to escape and roll back with Walker still in the mount.  As Cole rolled, Walker saw an opening for an arm triangle, and took advantage.  The arm triangle looked as if it was going to finish the fight, but as the ten second mark sounded, Walker relinquished the hold and began to rain down punches.

Round two began with Cole throwing haymakers with reckless abandon.  Cole eventually connects with a right that forced Walker to take the fight to the ground.  While on the ground, Cole is visibly exhausted and verbally submits.  The verbal submission gives Walker the victory in 1:28 of round two.

Devin Miller vs. Markous Smith

Smith was the first to initiate contact with multiple outside leg kicks.  Miller then retaliated by charging Smith.  Smith was able to work the charging Miller into the cage.  Both spent the next minute pummeling before the referee separated the two.  Miller then let his hands go leaving Smith doing the only thing he could, throw kicks.  Miller then stepped back and in an attempt to “pump-up” the crowd motioned Smith to “bring it on!”  Smith followed the notion with a kick only to be caught by Miller.  With Smith’s leg in-hand Miller attempted a takedown, but Smith caught it and both fighters fell to the mat.  Round one came to a close with Smith attempting an armbar and Miller refusing to submit.

Round two began with both throwing kicks simultaneously.  Miller, as he had done in the first, caught Smith’s next kick and took the fight to the ground.  The next few minutes left Miller working from Smith’s butterfly guard.  The ref eventually stood the two back up only to have Miller hit a double leg takedown.  This takedown is perhaps what clinched the round for Miller.

Miller began the third round by being the entertainer that he is and psyching up the crowd.  Smith led with a kick only to be caught by Miller for the third time.  Miller then stuck to his game plan and took Smith right back to the mat.  Miller spent the next few minutes posturing up occasionally to throw huge blows.  After a brief period of inactivity, the referee brought the fighters back to their feet.  While standing, Miller attempted a single leg takedown, but was stuffed by Smith.  The round came to a close with Miller covering up as Smith threw multiple knees.

Miller was awarded the split decision victory (30-27, 27-30, 29-28).

Matthew Perry vs. Nicholas Anderson

The Super "Care Bear" Punch

Round one began with each fighter tempting the other to come to their respective side of the cage.  Perry then initiated contact with a superman punch.  The two fighters then went back to feeling each other out (in what was a sign of mutual respect).  Anderson then made a move and forced Perry to the cage.  While against the cage, Anderson threw multiple knees.  He then picked Perry up and slammed him to the mat.  The slam proved to lack affect as Perry was able to move to gain top control.  Perry then moved into side-mount.  From there, Anderson was able to stand, but was met with a knee as his third point came off of the mat.  Round one came to a close as Perry shot and pinned Anderson against the cage.

Round two began with Perry again initiating contact.  Perry hit a double leg takedown and moved to side-mount immediately.  As he had done from this position in the first round, Anderson got back on his feet.  The triumph, however, was short-lived as Perry took Anderson down yet again.  Perry began to work for a von flue choke, but was stood up by the unknowing referee.  While on their feet, Perry shot once again, but was stuffed by Anderson.  Perry’s persistence paid off as the round came to a close with Perry pinning Anderson against the cage.

Round three commenced as the first had (with a feeling out process).  Perry then threw a beautiful overhand right that led into a double leg takedown.  Perry then moved to a knee-on-belly position and slipped into the mount.  As Perry postured to throw a punch, Anderson was able to slide out the backdoor.  The two then faced one another and Anderson shot in for a single leg takedown.  The round came to a close with Perry quickly recovering from the takedown.

Perry was awarded the unanimous decision victory.

Michael Shields vs. Henry Goonen

Shields initial contact led to a brief exchange followed by a Goonen kick and looping left.  The combo from Goonen forced Shields to charge and pin Goonen against the cage.  From against the cage, Shields picked Goonen up and slammed him to the mat.  For a brief period, neither man can advance their position as the other kept them tight.  Shields was eventually able to separate himself from Goonen’s tight guard and posture up.  From the postured position, Shields rained down punches which forced referee Anthony Copeland to call a halt to the bout in 2:35 of round one.

Professional Card

Mark Neville vs. James Porter

Porter's "Crowd Pleasing" Head Kick

As the bell sounded, Porter’s plan was evident.  Porter led with multiple front kicks and looping kicks that left his opponent puzzled.  To Neville’s credit, he engaged Porter multiple times before Porter was able to land a crowd pleasing spinning back kick that landed flush with Neville’s head.  Porter was then able to secure a takedown and move into side-mount.  Eventually, Porter was able to move to mount forcing Neville to attempt to bridge and buck Porter off.  As Neville attempted to his bridge, Porter rolled to guard and transitioned right to an armbar.  The armbar forced Neville to tap, thus awarding Porter a victory in his professional debut in 2:41 of round one.

Ryan McIntosh vs. Brady Hovermale

Hovermale initiates contact with a front kick follow by a shot.  McIntosh’s quickness forced Hovermale to pull his shot attempt.  McIntosh then leads with some straight combinations that force Hovermale to shoot in for a successful double leg takedown.  While on the ground both fighters attempt to advance their position, but neither prevail.  The round continues with McIntosh attempting multiple submissions, but none successful as Hovermale is able to power out of each.  As round one comes to a close, Hovermale passes to side-mount from a failed McIntosh triangle attempt.  From the side-mount, Brady is able to work his ground-and-pound until the bell sounds.  Between rounds McIntosh tells head referee and doctor that he cannot see out of his right eye.  For safety reasons, the bout is called to a halt giving Hovermale the victory in his professional debut.

Mike Eikenberry vs. Mike Berry

Eikenberry began the fight by landing a looping left followed by a straight.  Both punches landed flush leaving Berry wobbling backwards.  Eikenberry wasted little time charging the fleeting Berry, he pounced on Berry like a lion on its’ prey taking his back (looking for a submission via rear-naked choke).  Despite Eikenberry’s aggression, Berry managed to slip out and perform an about-face.  Both fighters engaged one another with Berry being the successor.  The exchange left Eikenberry fleeting and visibly shaken.  Berry then charged Eikenberry landing a right and head kick.  The head kick was all Berry needed to finish the fight.  Mike Berry was awarded the knockout victory 1:08 into the first round.

William Miller vs. Josh Kinser (Knockout of the night)

Miller led with a jab, but Kinser quickly returned fire forcing Miller to retreat.  Kinser was then able to use his speed to step in the “pocket” and land a beautiful overhand right that landed flush knocking Miller Unconscious.  Kinser was awarded the knockout victory in 0:13 of round one.

David Love vs. Dustin Neace (Submission of the night)

Love opened the bout with a thunderous inside leg kick followed by an outside leg kick.  He then unloaded on Neace and pinned him against the cage.  While pinned against the cage, Neace was able to pummel for an underhook and turn Love.  Love then did the same to Neace.  Love then picked Neace up in the air and slammed him to the mat.  While on the mat, both threw punches and elbows with bad intentions.  Neace was eventually able to roll into an omoplata that stalled Love.  With great instruction from his corner, Love is able to escape the submission attempt.  Love then threw a crowd pleasing overhand right as Neace sat with his back on the mat.  Neace then rolled for an armbar, but was overpowered by Love.  Shortly after, referee Anthony Copeland brought the fighters back to their feet.  Love showed his aggression as he threw multiple combinations.  Neace returned fire, but was caught with a huge body shot.  The round came to a close after an inadvertent groin shot by Love.

Round two began with Love throwing back-to-back leg kicks and a short, staggered uppercut that left Neace buzzed and bloodied.  Despite the adversity, Neace fired straight rights back and pinned Love against the cage (via a double leg attempt).  During the shot, Love was able to cinch-in a guillotine choke.  Neace stood up and slammed Love in an attempt to break the hold.  The slam proved to be successful as Love let go of the choke shortly after.  From his guard, Love was able to get a foot on Neace’s hip and hip to an armbar.  The submission attempt forced Neace to tap, thus giving Love the victory in 3:45 of round two.

Daniel Head vs. Ryan Thomas

Thomas Securing the Triangle Choke

Neither Head nor Thomas wasted time in giving the fans what they came to see.  Both engaged one another simultaneously as Thomas went low with a kick and Head high with a right.  Head then did his best lumberjack impression as he threw a chopping leg kick that dropped Thomas.  Thomas was however able to quickly recover and move into the clinch.  From the clinch Head was able to secure a takedown and bring Thomas over to James Clingerman and company in his corner.  This seemingly had no affect on Thomas as he was able to secure a triangle choke as Head looked to ground-and-pound.  Despite Head’s best efforts he was unable to escape and forced to tap.  The submission gave Thomas the victory in 2:04 of round one.

Quick Results:

Amateur Bouts:

Shawn Botoms defeated Derek Cook via Tapout due to Rear Naked Choke in 2:03 of the 1^st Round

Drew Walters defeated Dustin Conley via Referee Stoppage due to Strikes in 1:56 of the 1^st Round

Jordan Crider defeated Jacob Hurlock via Unanimous Decision

Mike Walker defeated Rod Cole via Verbal Submission at 1:28 of the 2^nd Round

Devin Miller defeated Markous Smith via Split Decision (30-27 S, 30-27 M, 29-28 M)

Matthew Perry defeated Nick Anderson via Unanimous Decision

Mike Shields defeated Henry Goonen via Referee Stoppage due to Strikes in 2:35 of the 1^st Round

Pro Bouts:

James Porter defeated Mark Neville via Tapout due to Armbar in 2:41 of the 1^st Round

Brady Hovermale defeated Ryan McIntosh via Verbal Submission at 0:00 of the 2^nd Round

Michael Berry defeated Mike Eikenberry via KO in 1:08 of the 1^st Round

Joshua Kinser defeats William Miller via KO in 0:13 of the 1st Round

David Love defeated Dustin Neace via Tapout due to Armbar in 3:45 of the 2^nd Round

Ryan Thomas defeated Daniel Head via Tapout due to Triangle Choke in 2:04 of the 1^st Round

CageCraze.com was live tonight, Saturday, February 19th as Pathway to Purgatory came to Michigan for amateur mixed martial arts action at the National Guard Armory in downtown Adrian.

The main event was an exciting 145 lb. unification bout between Joey “The Pistol” Palmer and Corey “Koko” Simmons that featured a crazy amount of local support for the hometown boy Palmer.

This was an unsanctioned amateur event.  That means elbows and kicks to the head were allowed as well as leg holds for submissions.  The fight gloves were also normal 4 oz size like the pros.  The only normal amateur rule that stayed was the round time, which remained at 3 minutes.

The atmosphere was rowdy, the fans were boisterous and the gymnasium was rocking throughout the action packed night!

Amateur Fight Results

Shane Gardner vs Lucas Mattis @ 205 lbs

Round 1: Mattis wades in and Gardner puts him in a guillotine choke.  Both fighters fall to the canvas and Gardner ends up on top.  Gardner starts dropping bombs as Mattis turtles up.  A few more punches from Gardner and the ref stops the fight just 48 seconds in.

Tom Handley vs Mike Kokas @ 160 lbs

Round 1: Kokas lands a big right to get things started.  He latches on a guillotine choke and Handley takes him down.  Kokas keeps the guillotine in and rolls Handley over into his full guard.  Handley goes for an armbar but Kokas drops some big bombs!  Handley turns away from the punches and the ref steps in to stop the action after 1:45 has passed.

Jesus Snyder vs Jay Dailey @ 135 lbs

Round 1: Dailey throws a big body kick but Snyder catches it and shoots for a takedown.  Dailey tries to take Snyder’s back but Snyder reverses him in a beautiful scramble and ends up in full mount.  Snyder drops some big punches and Dailey gives up his back.  Snyder locks in a rear naked choke and Dailey taps!  That was a ton of action for just 58 seconds!

Trent Blaker vs Rogelio Alvardo @ 170 lbs

Round 1: Alvardo shoots for a takedown but backs off.  Blaker swings some big strikes and Alvardo pulls guard with a guillotine choke.  Blaker tries to slam out of it and starts punching Alvardo’s body.  Blaker passes to side control to escape the guillotine and drops some ground and pound.  Blaker goes for a headlock as Alvardo turtles and Alvardo pushes forward into a takedown.  Alvardo passes to half guard and then full mount.  He drops some punches and Blaker gives up his back.  Alvardo goes for a rear naked choke but he’s too high on Blaker’s back and Blaker shrugs him off.  Both fighters reset in the center of the cage.  Alvardo lands some nice punches as the round ends.

Round 2: Both fighters appear winded at the start of the second round.  Alvardo lands a couple nice wild strikes and Blaker ducks them.  Blaker pushes Alvardo into the cage and throws him to the mat over his shoulder landing on top in side control.  Alvardo wiggles towards Blaker’s back and the ref stands them up.  Blaker shoots for a takedown and slams Alvardo into the cage.   He lands on top and drops some big ground and pound.  Alvardo turns over and it looks like the fight might be over but he escapes out the backdoor and gets back to his feet.  The round ends with Blaker landing some big strikes.

Round 3: Blaker clinches to start the round and eats some big uppercuts.  Alvardo keeps throwing with abandon and Blaker clinches along the fence.  Both fighters stop fighting, the ref asks for action and both fighters bend over exhausted.  Neither fighter throws a strike, they continue to just stand there.  The ref asks for action one more time and and neither fighter obliges.  He stops the fight, declaring it a draw.  That was incredibly odd.

Craig Garkus vs DJ Switzenberg  @ 150 lbs

Round 1: Body kicks from Garkus as both fighters circle.  Garkus shoots in for a takedown, clinches and tosses Switzenberg to the canvas.  Garkus attains full mount, postures up and stops some bombs but Switzenberg escapes.  Both fighters scramble and Garkus takes Switzenberg’s back.  He attempts a rear naked choke but he doesn’t have his hooks in and Switzenberg escapes.  Switzenberg works for a takedown but Gargs sprawls and gets back to his feet.   Switzenberg throws a big glancing haymaker and Garkus responds with wading hooks.  Switzenberg lands a huge hook that knocks Garkus’s mouthpiece out and Garkus responds with a huge slam takedown.  Switzenberg lands some jabs but Gargs wades in with some huge strikes that stuns Switzenberg.  Garkus works for a guillotine but Switzenberg falls backwards into guard and flips Garkus off as the round ends.

Round 2: Both fighters trade wild looping hooks and Switzenberg lands a low blow on an inside leg kick.  The fighters reset and Garkus throws a big hook followed by a push kick that lands.  Gargs lands a flurry and a knee but Switzenberg pushes him off.  Garkus again throws a knee and sidesteps a straight right from Switzenberg.  Garkus ducks down and slams Switzenberg to the canvas, working for a guillotine choke.  He’s got it tight and he forces the tap at 1:35 of the second round.

Dustin King vs Tim Reichel @ 210 lbs

Reichel swarms King quickly with short punches and a clinch, taking King down along the fence.  King attempts a guillotine but Reichel passes to full mount and drops some punches.  Reichel takes King’s back and attempts a rear naked choke but King escapes.  Reichel puts the hooks in, flattens him out and goes for another rear naked choke, this time forcing the tap at 1:26.

Lewis Anderson vs Cody Clark @ 155lbs

Round 1: Clark attempts a flying knee but gives up on it halfway through.  Anderson clinches and takes Clark down, throwing some big short right hands from side control.  Anderson passes to mount and starts pounding down with some huge shots.  Clark rolls over onto his stomach, eats some more punches and taps to strikes just 40 seconds in.

Cory Pate vs Glenn Gary @ 185 lbs

Round 1: Pate attempts a clinch after the glove tap but Gary quickly puts him in a tight guillotine.  Pate takes him down but Gary again gets to his feet and goes for the guillotine.  Pate swarms Gary with some big punches but Gary changes levels, shoots for a huge takedown and gets it.  Gary drops for a heel hook and Pate slams the canvas with his fist in frustration.  Pate rolls out of the submission attempt, gets on top of Gary and unleashes some huge ground and pound from above, forcing the stoppage at 1:58.

Pat Underhill vs Jack Killions @ 160 lbs

Round 1: Underhill lands a sharp right hook to get things started but he slips and falls to his back under a load of punches and pressure from Killions.  Underhill gets back to his feet but Killions swarms him with some huge punches and a knee.  Underhill attempts a guillotine but Killions picks him up and slams him to the canvas into full guard.  Killions stacks Underhill up and passes to side control, dropping some big ground and pound.  Killions grabs Underhill’s neck, passes to full mount and latches on a guillotine choke, forcing the tap at 1:37 of the round.

Chad Fisher vs Ray Parks @ 260 lbs

Round 1: Parks works a jab early and lands a few nice hooks.  Fisher appears to be loading up for a huge knockout blow.  Parks circles to his right and he swarms in with big strikes but Fisher side steps him.  Both men circle each other looking for an opening.  Parks presses Fisher into the cage but Fisher latches on a guillotine choke and falls on top of Parks, forcing the tap at 1:23.

David Raughbaught vs Donald Brendall @ 215 lbs

Round 1: Brendall throws a left body kick and Raughbaught charges him into the clinch.  Brendall latches on a guillotine choke as Raughbaught pushes him into the fence.  Raughbaught is caught in the choke tight, he struggles but to the mat and taps.  The ref doesn’t see it right away and as he stops the fight, Raughbaught falls on his back out cold just 34 seconds into the round.

Quamie Beck vs Kyle Karney @ 185 lbs

Round 1: Both fighters circle each other early looking for an opening.  Beck lands a jab and Karney dives to the ground looking for a takedown.  Karney clinches and Beck lands some sharp uppercuts, forcing him to back away.  Karney times an overhand right and shoots for a takedown but Beck has a lightning fast sprawl.  Beck lands a left jab and follows it up with a thundering right that lands hard and knocks Karney out cold!  That was one of the nastiest knockouts I’ve ever seen and it happened at 1:39 of the first round.

Coty Pinter vs Eric Hogle @ 300 lbs

Round 1: Hogle throws a leg kick but Pinter responds with a big flurry of hooks.  Hogle pushes forward with some hooks of his own and slams Pinter to the canvas with a thundering takedown that gets the crowd screaming.  Hogle takes Pinter’s back looking for a rear naked choke but Pinter spins out of it and ends up on top in Hogle’s guard.  Pinter drops some ground and pound and passes to half guard.  Pinter lands a big right hand from above, postures up and lands some ground and pound.  Pinter puts his forearm on Hogle’s throat and passes to full mount.  Pinter drops some big ground and pound from on top as the round ends.

Round 2: Hogle opens with a big flurry but Pinter pushes him into the fence in the clinch.  Hogle attempts a guillotine and Pinter falls forward.  Hogle follows him to the mat, gets back to his feet and lands some big shots.  Pinter looks disinterested and Hogle smells blood, landing some big strikes.  Pinter dives forward with some punches but Hogle ducks them and circles away.  Hogle pushes Pinter into the cage and Pinter circles out.  Hogle pushes forward and takes Pinter down hard, takes his back and locks on a rear naked choke with just 5 seconds left in the round

Eddie Keyton vs Milo Roberts @ 125 lbs

Round 1: Keyton shoots in for a takedown but Roberts gets to his feet.  Keyton keeps the pressure on, clinching and tripping Roberts onto his back.  Keyton stays in the full guard as Roberts’ legs move up searching for a submission.  Roberts tries to lock in a triangle choke but he can’t secure it and instead goes for an armbar.  Keyton rolls out of it and takes Roberts’ back.  Roberts pushes forward, turns and puts Keyton on his back in full guard.  Keyton has Roberts wrapped up and doesn’t take any damage from on bottom as the round ends.

Round 2: Both fighters circle, Roberts throws a pawing jab and Keyton dives in for a takedown.  Roberts stuffs it and sprawls, going for a guillotine choke.  The choke is very tight and Keyton is forced to tap at 0:57 of the second round.

Jon Hitz vs Bill Iott @ 170 lbs

Round 1: Iott showboats a bit in the cage before the fight.  Hitz goes for a legkick off the glovetap and Iott takes him down immediately.  Hitz latches on a triangle choke and starts punching Iott in the face from the bottom.  Iott tries to punch back but his shoulder is blocked and he punches himself.  The choke tightens and Iott is forced to tap just 40 seconds into the round.

Quinton Hutton vs Rich Hazzard @ 135 lbs

Round 1: Hutton throws a body kick and immediately clinches and takes Hazzard down.  Hazzard puts Hutton into a guillotine choke and throws some rights to the body from on bottom.  Hutton passes to half guard but Hazzard retains full guard and squeezes tighter on his guillotine choke.  Hutton finally can’t take it anymore and he taps out before going to sleep at 1:20.

Main Event

Joey Palmer vs Corey Simmons @ 145 lbs

Round 1: Palmer has a ton of support from the local crowd.  Palmer throws a sharp body kick to open the action and follows it up with a  takedown slam from the clinch.  Simmons has a guillotine attempts but Palmer passes to half guard and drops down some punches to Simmons body.  Palmer passes to side control and he’s out of danger.  Palmer passes to full mount and postures up, dropping some big ground and pound.  Simmons can’t offer much in terms of defense but he’s surviving.  The crowd was so loud you couldn’t hear the bell at the end of the round.

Round 2: Palmer opens with a body kick and eats a punch from Simmons.  Simmons throws a 1-2 punch combo but Palmer shoots for a takedown, turns the corner and gets immediate side control on the ground.  Palmer takes Simmons’ back with the hooks in working for a rear naked choke.  Simmons rolls over, giving up full mount and Palmer postures up with some ground and pound.  Simmons gives up his back and Palmer drops some bombs to the side of his head and searches for a choke.  Palmer postures up in full mount and drops double hammerfists but Simmons defends.  Simmons scrambles and is temporarily on top and gets back to his feet.  Simmons lets Palmer up as the round ends.

Round 3: Simmons throws a slow left hook that misses and Palmer stalks him.  Palmer changes levels for a takedown but gives up on it.  Simmons lunges forward and landsa  huge left hook that stuns Palmer and Palmer drops.  Palmer pulls guard and Simmons stands up, forcing Palmer to get back to his feet and he takes his time doing so.  Simmons lands some huge punches and Palmer is hurt.  Simmons follows Palmer to the mat and tries to lay some ground and pound.  Simmons throws big strikes from on top and opens a big cut on Palmer.  More ground and pound from Simmons and Palmer goes defensive.  Palmer can’t handle the big strikes and the ref stops the fight at 2:05 of the round!  Amazing comeback and resiliency shown by Simmons!

Quick Results

145 lbs: Corey Simmons defeats Joey Palmer via TKO at 2:05 of the third round.

135 lbs: Rich Hazzard defeats Quinton Hutton via submission (arm in guillotine) at 1:20 of the first round

170 lbs: Jon Hitz defeats Bill Iott via submission (triangle choke) at 0:40 of the first round

125 lbs: Milo Roberts defeats Eddie Keyton via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:57 of the second round

300 lbs: Eric Hogle defeats Coty Pinter via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:55 of the second round

185 lbs: Quamie Beck defeats Kyle Karney via knockout at 1:39 of the first round

215 lbs: Donald Brendal defeats David Raughbaught via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:34 of the first round

260 lbs: Chad Fisher defeats Ray Parks via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:23 of the first round

160 lbs: Jack Killions defeats Pat Underhill via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:37 of the first round

185 lbs: Cory Pate defeats Glenn Gary via TKO at 1:58 of the first round.

155 lbs: Lewis Anderson defeats Cody Clark via submission (strikes) at 0:40 of the first round

210 lbs: Tim Reichel defeats Dustin King via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:26 of the first round.

150 lbs: Craig Garkus defeats DJ Switzenberg via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:35 of the second round

170 lbs: The match between Trent Blaker and Rogelio Alvardo is declared a draw.

135 lbs: Jesus Snyder defeats Jay Daily via submission (rear naked choke) at 0:58 of the first round

160 lbs: Mike Kokas defeats Tom Handley via TKO at 1:45 of the first round

205 lbs: Shane Gardner defeats Lucas Mattis via TKO at 0:48 of the first round

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X-1 to Return with All-Champions Event as “Champions III” Hits the Islands

Top Hawaiian fight promotion X-1 World Events is back, and its bringing the heavy artillery. “Champions III” will feature an all championship title fight card, with all the local favorites defending their titles. In the main event, X-1 Middleweight Champion Falaniko Vitale will put his belt on the line against the X-1 Welterweight Champion, Dylan Clay. The co-main event will see Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento defend his X-1 lightweight strap against striking specialist Max Holloway. In addition, Ricky Wallace and Eben Kaneshiro will tangle for Wallace’s X-1 featherweight title, and Russell Doane’s X-1 bantamweight championship will be up for grabs when he faces Van Oscar Penovaroff. The fight card is rounded out with six state title fights, and one amateur championship tilt.

This electrifying event will take place Saturday, March 12^th at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. Doors for the event wil open at 6 PM, and fights will start at 7 PM. Tickets for this incredible event are on sale through the Blaisdell Box Office, as well as all Wal-Mart stores, as well Tickemaster.com, or by calling (800) 745-3000. In addition, “Champions III” will be available worldwide via pay per view on X1Events.com. The price to purchase the card via PPV will be announced shortly.

Falaniko Vitale (28-9, eight TKO/KO’s, sixteen submissions) is one of the most respected Hawaiian combatants fighting today. An experienced athlete who recently celebrated ten years as a professional fighter, Vitale proudly represents the 808 Fight Factory, one of the toughest fight gyms on the Islands, and has fought for some of the most well-known promotions in the world. Fans of King of the Cage, Rage in the Cage, SuperBrawl, Icon Sport, the IFL, Strikeforce, and the UFC have all seen his skill set exhibited. In his most recent bout, he defended his coveted X-1 strap against former EliteXC slugger Kala “Kolohe” Hose, finishing his ultra-tough opponent via submission in the 4^th round this past September. Niko, as he is known, has taken on top names in the sport, including “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler, former Strikeforce middleweight title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Miller, MMA pioneer Jeremy Horn, Strikeforce/UFC veteran Trevor Prangley, and former UFC fighter Frank Trigg. He has beaten notable fighters such as UFC vet Aaron Riley, former UFC Middleweight Champion Dave Menne, UFC middleweight contender Yushin Okami, and Matt “The Law” Lindland.

Dylan Clay (8-2, two TKO/KO’s, six submissions) is a highly-respected submission fighter who possesses six tapout victories on his record. A rather unique individual, Clay is a bit of an MMA nomad. He has trained all over the world, from Thailand, to the mainland, to the Islands. He defeated UFC veteran Ronald “The Machine Gun” Juhn via TKO (corner stoppage) in his first X-1 appearance, which took place in May of 2008. Clay has also competed in M-1, where he faced Brazilian fighter Eduardo Pamplona. He always puts on a show for the fans, and always leaves them satisfied. In Clay’s last bout, he blasted Island boy Brandon Wolff, coaxing a 3^rd round tapout from the then-champion. Clay showed a well-rounded game, hurting Brandon on the feet before finishing on the mat. This highly-anticipated scrap will determine middleweight supremacy in X-1.

“What an incredible fight card ‘Champions III’ is shaping up to be,” exclaimed Mike Miller, Owner/Promoter of X-1 World Events. “With fighters like Niko Vitale, Dylan Clay, Harris Sarmiento, and everyone else, the fans are sure to get their money’s worth!”

Here is the full “Champions III” fight card:

Main event – X-1 World Middleweight Title: (Champion) X1 Middleweight Champion Falaniko Vitale vs. (Challenger) X-1 World Welterweight Champion Dylan Clay

X-1 World Lightweight Title: (Champion) Harris Sarmiento vs. (Challenger) Max Holloway

X-1 World Featherweight Title: (Champion) Ricky Wallace vs. (Challenger) Eben Kaneshiro (Kauai)

X-1 World Bantamweight Title: (Champion) Russell Doane vs. (Challenger) Van Oscar Penovaroff (Kona)

X-1 State Middleweight Title: Sale Sproat (Molokai) vs. Collin Mansanas

X-1 State Featherweight Title: Kurrent Cockett (Maui) vs. Dustin Kimura

X-1 State Welterweight Title: Jordan Kekino (Maui) vs. Zane Kamaka

X-1 State Women’s Bantamweight Title: Nicole Johnson (California) vs. Raquel Paaluhi

X-1 State Heavyweight Title: Puka Bell (Hilo) vs. Lolohea Mahe (Maui)

X-1 State Lightweight Title: Will Shutt (Iowa) vs. Steven Saito

X-1 Amateur Heavyweight Title: Kala Koa (Maui) vs. Paea Paogo

About X-1 World Events

Founded in 2004 by Mike Miller, X-1 World Events is a world-class mixed martial arts (MMA) promotional company based in Honolulu, HI. Locally-owned and operated, X-1 delivers exciting live arena-based entertainment events to fight fans all over the islands. The events feature some of the MMA world’s most talented fighters, including UFC, Pride, and Abu-Dhabi veterans such as former UFC champions Dan “The Beast” Severn and Ricco Rodriguez, UFC veterans Jeff Monson, Kimo Leopoldo, Chad “The Grinder” Reiner, “Sugar” Shane Nelson, Brandon Wolff, Wes “The Project” Sims, Ronald “The Machine Gun” Juhn, Wesley “Cabbage” Correira, and Falaniko Vitale, as well as Pride veterans Chris Brennan and Ron “H2O-Man” Waterman. X-1 World Events can be found online at http://www.x1events.com/

Hardrock MMA 30

CageCraze.com was cageside at “Hardrock MMA 30: Battle for Bowling Green Pro/Am” at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The headlining bout was a middleweight tilt between Hardrock MMA Middleweight Champion Ashcon Karbasi and Challenger, Josh Phelps. Karbasi won the belt at Hardrock MMA 26 and had won three fights in a row heading into this event. Josh Phelps had won his last five fights, including a win over Randy Shores at “Strikeforce – Challengers 13″ in Nashville. The Sloan Convention Center had to open a second conference area to accommodate the crowd of 1,000-plus local MMA fans in attendance.

Hardrock MMA 30 was supposed to feature the professional debuts of Jason Hayden and Brandon Shelton but the fight was scratched at the last minute due to medical issues with Shelton. Medical issues also forced Hardrock MMA to scratch the lone female bout. That being said, the atmosphere was electric inside the venue, and it was a great card to be able to watch in person. The full recap of the event can be found below.

Amateur Fights

Chris Sallie vs Bobby Puckett

Iron Cobra’s Chris Sallie defeated Bobby Puckett of Slaughterhouse MMA via submission at 2:21 in the first round. Sallie caught Puckett in a triangle choke and then extended Puckett’s arm to bring on the tapout due to a modified triangle/armbar. Sallie improved his record to 5-5 while Puckett dropped to 1-2.

Chris Coffey vs Terry Henry

Chris Coffey closed out an impressive performance by submitting Terry Henry in the second round of this welterweight bout. Coffey overwhelmed Henry on the feet throughout the first round and picked up where he left off as the second round started. The end of the fight came after a failed single leg takedown attempt by Henry. This fight went into the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority’s books as a submission due to guillotine choke at 1:27 in the second round.

Byrd slams Sadler

Jacob Byrd vs Matt Sadler

Jacob Byrd bounced back from his recent loss at AAMMA X to defeat Matt Sadler via unanimous decision. Byrd had a clear size advantage over Sadler coming into this fight and it definitely played a role. Byrd slammed Sadler to the mat several times, bringing cheers from the raucous Bowling Green crowd each time. Jacob Byrd did the most punishment on the feet by landing knees throughout the fight. Matt Sadler put on a gutsy performance in this loss though as many fighters would not have made it through all three rounds. Sadler managed to catch Byrd with a heel hook in the final round but Byrd was able to defend and hold on to win the decision.

Scott Lockard vs Darrenger Grayson

Scott Lockard won his amateur MMA debut in a light heavyweight fight against Darrenger Grayson. Lockard spent most of the first round on his back being brutalized by Darrenger Grayson. When the bell sounded to end the first round, Lockard was cut over his left eye and Grayson seemed to be on his way to his first victory. However, a freak injury occurred just 0:27 into the second round, leaving Grayson unable to continue. Grayson’s shoulder had popped out as he landed a right hand during the first exchange. Grayson looked impressive in this fight and we at CageCraze.com wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him fight again.

Brandon Debandi vs Stephen Rader

Brandon Debandi sent the Sloan Convention Center into an uproar after the Bowling Green Beatdown fighter submitted Stephen Rader via rear naked choke in the first round of this lightweight matchup. Debandi shot for a double leg at the start of the round and patiently transitioned to mount. From the mount Debandi was able to posture up and start landing punches, which forced Rader to roll over and give up his back. Brandon Debandi cinched up the choke at 2:15 in the first round.

Michael Gay vs Theodore Campbell

Michael Gay snapped a two-fight losing streak by submitting Theo Campbell in the first round with a rear naked choke. Gay came out with a couple of leg kicks to start the fight but soon ended up on the canvas by way of a Theo Campbell slam. Gay worked a sweep into Campbell’s guard and then transitioned to full mount. Campbell rolled over to protect himself but gave up his back in the process. Gay softened Campbell up with strikes and then went for the rear naked choke, bringing an end to the fight 2:51 into the first round. Michael Gay is scheduled to meet Shaun Asher at AAMMA XI on February 26 in Florence, Kentucky.

Herrington's armbar

Brandon Herrington vs Derik Byrd

Brandon Herrington submitted Derik Byrd with an armbar 1:13 in the second round of this fight to move to 4-1 in his amateur MMA career. Herrington’s win was the second of the night for Bowling Green Beatdown. Herrington put on a beautiful grappling display in the first round as he forced Byrd to fight off submission attempts for much of the round. Herrington missed on a takedown attempt to start round two and Byrd capitalized by landing a flurry of punches from the top. Herrington pushed off of the cage and escaped, ending up in side control after a scramble. Herrington transitioned to knee-on-belly and went for an armbar. Byrd lifted Herrington into the air and slammed him to the ground but Herrington held on and Byrd was forced to tap.

Jake Marr vs Cody Rafferty

Jake Marr put Cody Rafferty through 3:00 of punishment in round one, leaving Rafferty unable to answer the bell for the second round of this fight. Marr forced Rafferty against the cage and landed several hard knees to the body. Rafferty struggled to break free and ate an uppercut for his efforts. Marr swarmed Rafferty with punches but could not stop him before the horn sounded to end the round. Rafferty showed true heart hanging in for the whole round but could not continue and the fight was stopped between rounds.

Brad Hutcheison vs Michael Cockerham

A rejuvenated Brad “Caveman” Hutcheison stopped Michael Cockerham via submission due to strikes. The last time we saw Hutcheison in action was when he lost to Troy Blevins, Jr., at AAMMA VI back in October. Hutcheison looked fresh and in much better shape this time around and he used his solid wrestling skills to control Cockerham and pound him out. Cockerham’s only offense came late in the round with a triangle attempt but Hutcheison powered out of it and started landing hard shots from the top, forcing Cockerham to tap at 2:52 in the first round.

BJ Robinson vs Levy Schultz

BJ Robinson finished Levy Schultz in the second round of this fight by forcing Schultz to tap due to strikes. This was by far the most franticly-paced fight of the evening and the fireworks came early and often. A short right hook by Robinson sent Schultz’s mouthpiece flying across the cage and the crowd rejoiced. Robinson is built like Georges St. Pierre but on a 155-lb frame and in this setting he was as explosive as GSP. Levy Schultz is no slouch though and caught Robinson several times with his precise jab. The end came after Robinson hobbled Schultz with a leg kick and then followed up with strikes to end the fight at 2:34 in the second round.

Tyler Young vs Braedon Ward

Tyler Young claimed the third win of the night for Bowling Green Beatdown by submitting Braedon Ward just over a minute into the fight. Young opened the bout with an overhand right and after briefly tying up against the side of the cage, Young threw Ward to the mat. Young quickly moved to side control and went for an armbar. Ward rolled Young over to escape the hold but Tyler Young used the ensuing scramble to transition to full mount. Ward rolled over and gave up his back after Young opened up with punches from the top. Young was able to secure a rear naked choke to end the fight at 1:08 in the first round.

Voth wins a title shot

Tyler Voth vs Jeremy Philpot

Before the fighters made their way to the cage we learned that the winner of this fight would get a title shot against Joe Maiani for the Hardrock MMA 145-lb belt. Tyler Voth wasted little time claiming his spot in the title picture as he stamped his ticket with a 0:39 KO of Jeremy Philpot. Voth ducked under a head kick and then hit Philpot with a right hand to the ribs and then leveled him with a left hand placed just under Philpot’s right eye. The fight against Joe “Suga” Maiani is tentatively slated for a May event date.

Main Event

Ashcon Karbasi vs Josh Phelps

Hardrock MMA Middleweight Championship

With over 1,000 fans in attendance we can honestly say that we have yet to cover a fight in Kentucky with more energy and passion flowing through a crowd than what we witnessed in Bowling Green.  The crowd was split in half for this fight, with a chorus of cheers and boos erupting as the two fighters were introduced.

It took Ashcon Karbasi a little over five minutes to put away Josh Phelps and retain his Hardrock MMA Middleweight Title. Phelps never could get any decent offense going against the taller and longer Karbasi. Joshua Phelps was tripped to the canvas and mounted in both rounds, with the end of the fight coming 2:08 in the second round. Karbasi landed several hard shots from the top, forcing Phelps to give up his back. Karbasi locked onto Phelps with a rear naked choke and Phelps quickly tapped. Karbasi’s win sealed a perfect night for Bowling Green Beatdown, as all four of their fighters walked out of the Hardrock MMA cage as winners. The next challenger for Karbasi’s title is Will Hendrickson.

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Heavyweight D.J. Linderman Makes the Cut for Bellator Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament

Bellator Fighting Championships today confirmed the addition of hard hitting former heavyweight D.J. “Da Protégé” Linderman to its upcoming Light Heavyweight Tournament which will air LIVE on MTV2 beginning in March.

The California native currently sports an impressive 8-1 record including a submission victory over Devin Cole, a knock out win against American Top Team heavyweight Mario Rinaldi last November, and a 2009 victory over Bellator veteran Mike “300” Hayes.

D.J. “Da Protégé” Linderman

A skilled football player in high school, Linderman thrives on using takedowns to his advantage inside of the cage. Once on the mat, a furious ground and pound assault usually follows. Linderman’s incredible drive and force is what led the powerful 27-year-old to Bellator.

“D.J. should bring great power with him when he makes the cut to 205 lbs. for the first time in our Light Heavyweight Tournament on MTV2,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “He had a very aggressive style at Heavyweight, so at 205, he could be a force in this tournament.”

The former heavyweight that has fought as high as 261 lbs. has committed to dropping weight in order to enter the upcoming Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament. While cutting the weight was a challenge, Linderman is happy with the results.

“I want to improve my game all around,” said Linderman. “I want to improve my cardio, my strength and my quickness. Being a heavyweight that’s dropping down to light heavyweight has its advantages. I feel like I will be better than ever at light heavyweight.”

The upcoming Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament will be the biggest test of Linderman’s young career, and “Da Protégé” is ready for the challenge.

“I’ve never competed in a tournament like this before, so I’m really excited to take part in this one with Bellator,” Linderman said. “I know this tournament will have a bunch of great fighters, and they’re going to try to put everything they have out there, and so will I. I’m looking to make a name for myself to the millions of fans that will be watching on MTV2.”

Linderman joins Daniel Gracie, Nik “The Machete” Fekete, and Chris Davis as confirmed participants in the upcoming Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago.  Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes.  Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

U.S. Marine Chris “The Professional” Davis signs with Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships has signed the dynamic Chris Davis to its growing list of light heavyweights. After spending over four years serving the United States as a  Marine, “The Professional” will bring his skills to the cage in hopes of becoming the first ever Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion in the first ever Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament, airing LIVE this March on MTV2.

“Chris has a great opportunity in front of him in this 205 Tournament,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Chris has never been out of the 2^nd round, in every one of his 10 wins, so his fights are exciting and he has a put it on the line mentality every time he steps into the cage.”

Chris “The Professional” Davis

Residing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Davis began his journey into the world of Mixed Martial Arts by chance. After taking a job selling local advertisements, Davis stumbled upon a local gym after looking for new businesses to target. Sensing an opportunity, Davis offered the owner free ad space for complimentary lessons in MMA. It was the perfect fit, and Davis was hooked.

“I knew I was a champion after going out there and winning my first fight following just three months of training,” said Davis. “Now when I go out there and get my hand raised with Bellator, that’s when everyone else will know I’m a true champion.”

That attitude has earned Davis an impressive 10-2 record, including wins against Strikeforce alum Francisco France, Bellator veteran Brian Imes, and fast rising Chris Bell. Having never gone the distance once in his professional career, Davis is tenacious in the cage, using his aggression to overmatch his opponents early in the fight. Davis has won his last three fights by knockout, and has seven first round stoppages to his name.

“I want to overwhelm my opponents,” said Davis. “I want them to feel within the first 45 seconds that they are well beyond their means, and they shouldn’t be in there with me. That’s the pace I go for.”

“The Professional” will meet some of his toughest competition yet in the Light Heavyweight Tournament, and will need to be on top of his game to achieve the ultimate goal.

“I’m looking forward to being part of Bellator’s first ever light heavyweight tournament, Davis said. “I welcome the thought of having to fight as often as I will. I’m going to just stay in shape and train all the time. I think it will help accelerate my learning curve and help me to get better.”

Davis joins Nik “The Machete” Fekete and Daniel Gracie as the only other confirmed participants in the Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago.  Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes.  Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Bellator Signs Former Top Sengoku Featherweight Ronnie Mann to 145 lbs. Roster

Ronnie Mann is coming back to America. Bellator Fighting Championships today announced the acquisition of the top featherweight Brit to its burgeoning roster of 145 pounders.  Mann, who has spent the bulk of his 21 fight career in Japan and England, made his U.S. debut last September where he won the Shark Fights Featherweight Championship.  Mann will not compete in the upcoming Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament but will make his Bellator debut in the fourth season with an opportunity to take part in a future tournament.  Bellator Season 4 begins in March and will air LIVE on MTV2.

“Ronnie Mann is a great talent at 145.  We’ve been putting this alliance together for months and we’re very pleased that we Ronnie will be fighting at Bellator on MTV2” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Ronnie is at the top of his game right now and he will have impact on our deep featherweight division.”

Ronnie Mann

A Sengoku veteran and former Cage Gladiators Welterweight Champion, Mann brings a very impressive 18-2-1 professional record to the Bellator cage, which included a 12-fight undefeated streak spanning the first three years of his career.  Fighting out of Cheltenham, England, Mann became a well rounded martial artist at a young age, getting his start in Muay Thai at 11 before subsequently competing in kickboxing and jiu-jitsu tournaments at 13-years-old.  Wasting no time making the jump to MMA, Mann took his first amateur fight at 16 before turning pro at just 17-years-old.

Now seven years later with a pair of championship belts and 21 professional fights on his resume, Mann will take the next step of his career with Bellator Fighting Championships LIVE on MTV2.

“Signing with Bellator is like a dream come true for me. I am more than excited for the opportunity to show fans what I’m capable of here in the United States,” said Mann. “Even more exciting than that is the fact that I’ll be getting to show what I’m capable of against some of the best fighters in the world, which Bellator provides. Honestly, I can’t wait to put my skills on display. 2011 is my time to shine.”

“Trying to capture the Bellator World Featherweight Championship is absolutely my main goal. I don’t care how long it takes, that’s what I’m here to do,” said Mann.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago.  Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes.  Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.