“I just try to look at something that I would, as a fan, want to see”

This Saturday, February 19th, Colosseum Combat will put on their 16th show in Kokomo, Indiana and the main event between welterweights Ryan Thomas and Daniel Head has really been heating up.  Both fighters have stepped up the trash talk towards each other in separate interviews with CageCraze.com and there is a lot on the line with each fighter having tasted the big stage and wanting to return.

We sat down with Colosseum Combat promoter Mark Slater about the upcoming event.

This is Mark’s sixth show as the promoter and as he puts it, “it’s been crazy.”  A lot of these matches just kinda happened.  The Daniel Head/Ryan Thomas fight came together real easy when Mark got a message from Ryan Thomas’s manager saying he’d called out Daniel Head so it just made sense..

“I just try to look at something that I would as a fan want to see”, said Slater while describing his strategy for booking shows.  ”Before I was in charge of anything, I was a fan.  I was a sponsor for some of these local guys from the tattoo shop I work at.  Another buddy of mine, we had a sweet DJ and he was in charge of the music and it just kinda grew from there.  A lot of it has been stuff that I personally want to see and I know what these guys have to offer.”

When describing both main event fighters, Mark said “both Ryan and Daniel have branched out to big shows with limited success.  Ryan’s recent record is very deceiving because of the talent he’s fought.  They both have the talent to fight on the big shows and after this fight one of them will be moving on.  Daniel is a confident kid, I wouldn’t say cocky he knows what his talents are.  Him and Ryan have trained on a couple occasions back in the day at IBJAA when Ryan was coming over here to work with Clingerman.  Both of them have an idea of what the other has to offer.”

“A lot of time when you get two tough wrestlers, they negate each other and it can turn into a slugfest”, said Slater, who has high expectations of his main event.  ”I think right off the bat, there will be some fireworks.  They’ll definitely test each other’s standup and then if somebody doesn’t like that they’ll look for the takedown.  Both of them, Ryan’s been training at ATT in Florida and Daniel has a solid jiu jitsu and wrestling background.  I see this being a sprawl and brawl type of fight.”

Slater also had some nice compliments to give to his co-main event fighters, featherweight veterans Dustin Neace and David Love.

“Niece and Love both have a fight that they lost to Jeff Curran.  With that common opponent, that shows the level they’re at, both having the opportunity to fight a former champ.  Both of those guys have spent some time at IBJJA.  David Love has a lot to offer.  He’s a veteran that a lot of people don’t know of.  He fought on the Bodog Fight Series back when they were on pay per view in Costa Rica.  He’s a solid vet.  He lives like 25-30 miles from Kokomo.  People around here they respect David Love, he’s no joke.”

Before the interview was over, Mark offered one last reason to come out early for the show on Saturday night.

“We are giving free t-shirts to the first 100 people through the door.  CageCraze is on there, really nice, big and bold on the back of the shirt.  If they get there nice and early when the doors open, the first 100 fans through the door get a Colosseum Combat shirt with all the sponsors on the back.  They can strut around with CageCraze.com on their back.”

Tentative fight card

Professional Bouts:

Daniel Head vs Ryan Thomas
David Love vs Dustin Neace
Joshua Kinser vs William Miller
Mike Eikenberry vs Michael Berry
Ryan McIntosh vs Brady Hovermale
Mark Neville vs James Porter

Amateur Bouts:

Rod Cole vs Mike Walker
Drew Walters vs Dustin Conley
Matthew Perry vs Nick Anderson
Clint Maclin vs Aaron Santiago
Derek Cook vs Shawn Botoms
Jacob Hurlock vs Jordan Crider
Markous Smith vs Devin Miller
Henry Goonen vs Mike Shields

Billy Donovan, Felicia Wells, Parag Patel, Kim Couture

Parag Patel and Billy Donovan are at the helm of the fastest growing Mixed Martial Arts promotion in the state of Kentucky: Absolute Action MMA. The Northern Kentucky-based organization held its first event in April of 2010 and has gone on to hold six more events this year, with one more event slated for December. Promoter and co-founder, Parag Patel, touts Absolute Action as a “fighter-friendly” organization that is committed to putting on great shows for the fans, taking care of the fighters, and giving back to the local community.

Patel contributes his motivation for starting AAMMA after witnessing a local MMA event in which co-founder, Shane Robinson, broke his hand during a fight. The promoter of that event did not have insurance for the fighters and Robinson was left to deal with the injury and medical bills on his own. Patel knew that fighters like Robinson deserved better and he soon entertained the thought of starting his own promotion:

“I felt that it was time to launch this idealistic venture, putting on a show that I would go to and spend my money on and enjoy the atmosphere. The fighters needed to know that Absolute Action MMA was going to take care of them.” – Parag Patel

Patel soon brought in Billy Donovan, a local MMA fan and businessman, to take on the matchmaking duties for the promotion. Donovan had been a fan of the sport since he was a child and watched a Vale Tudo event on VHS. As a young man Donovan began to go to local MMA events and soon started helping promoters and fighters get more recognition by bringing new fans to the events and introducing them to the fighters. According to Donovan it was a no-brainer to team up with Patel:

“When I received the call from Parag about Absolute Action MMA and helping with the matchmaking I knew instantly this relationship was going to be great. Being around this sport and meeting as many people as I have met over the years, the one thing you don’t find often is someone who is genuine and honest and here was a guy (Patel) doing this just to help propel the sport here locally and help local fighters obtain national attention… I loved hearing his goals and his vision for what he wanted AAMMA to become…” – Billy Donovan

Absolute Action MMA quickly gained support from fighters and fans throughout the Greater Cincinnati area and they have been able to bring in fighters from top gyms in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. The crowning achievement for the promotion was the success of their fifth event, “Battle Against Breast Cancer.” The event marked the first time anyone had ever held an all-female Mixed Martial Arts event in the state of Kentucky. The event was held to raise money for a local support group for survivors of Breast Cancer, The Pink Ribbon Girls.  Absolute Action was able to bring in Kim Couture to fight in the main event, and MMA stars Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos, Evangelista Santos, Jan Finney, Jorge Gurgel, and Zoila Frausto were in attendance.

Absolute Action has lived up to their reputation as a fighter-first organization and they continue to impress with the quality of their matchups and the overall production value of the show. When you watch one of their shows you are going to see an actual “event,” not just “fights.” Absolute Action MMA will hold their next event, “AAMMA VIII: A Night to Give Back,” on December 10, 2010 at the Drawbridge Inn in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky. For tickets to the event please visit AAMMA.net .

If you would like to connect with Parag and stay informed about upcoming MMA events, please check out his CageCraze.com profile: AAMMA

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!

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It didn’t take long at all for outmatched boxing champ turned recent MMA fighter James Toney to start the bad mouthing again, and this time he’s sending out word to the hype machine which is Kimbo Slice. Slice’s manager/promoter Gary Shaw recently had some less than flattering comments to make about Toney’s debut with UFC, and he certainly got Toney’s attention as we found out via FightHype:

“Tell Gary Shaw I’m down to fight Danny Green or welcome Kimbo to boxing…It would have been like taking candy from a baby for me to fight him [Kimbo Slice] with 4 ounce gloves on. But now, since his promoter wants to talk shit about me, I will gladly welcome him into boxing. I fought a MMA legend in my first MMA bout, so now he can fight a legend in his first pro boxing bout.”

Toney still insists he’s going to fight again in mixed martial arts, but hopefully he’ll actually dedicate himself to some cross training and learn how to become a more effective fighter. Doubtful that he’ll ever amount to anything inside the cage but he sure would destroy Kimbo Slice in the boxing ring. Will the side show match occur..also very doubtful.

Interview with Dan Dvořák, promoter of GPC Worlds, president of Czech Association of powerlifting and Libor Hurdálek, vice president of Czech Association of powerlifting before GPC Worlds 2010.

Interview with Dan Dvořák, promoter of GPC Worlds, president of Czech Association of powerlifting and Libor Hurdálek, vice president of Czech Association of powerlifting before GPC Worlds 2010.

What a crazy back and forth going on between Butterbean and the promoter for 4 time World’s Strongest Man, Mariusz Pudzianowski. Got to love these not quite relevant MMA stars trying to get some hype. Here’s the press release:

WARSAW, Poland (July 20, 2010) – Recent critical quotes by former Pride FC fighter Eric “Butterbean” Esch regarding Mariusz Pudzianowski have initiated a terse response from the 5-time World’s Strongest Man’s promoter in Poland, KSAW Federation, which has been organizing MMA events in Europe since 2004.

The popular “Butterbean,” who is a former pro boxer and sumo competitor, publicly insulted Pudzian in the aforementioned press release – saying, among other things, “as strong as he is, he (Pudzianowski) punches like a girl’ — and promised a knockout victory if he ever meets the Pole in MMA competition.

KSW Federation has expressed its discontent with the opinions formulated by ’Butterbean,” noting that as an official of MMA promoter Moosin, Esch used Mariusz as the main attraction this past May on its pay-per-view event held in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“I don’t understand the reasoning behind Esch’s statements,” KSW co-owner Martin. Lewandowski said. “One would think it’s just a publicity stunt. However, if Butterbean is really interested in this bout, we can seriously consider it. But in order to do that, we need more precise declarations from Esch.”

KSW co-owner Maciej Kawulski added, “’Butterbean’ is an MMA superstar in the USA. Mariusz would have to deal with an extremely experienced opponent, who’s also an uncompromising competitor in the ring. His fighting style is very brutal and aggressive. If Mariusz improves his conditioning — I know he is working on it with professionals — this fight could end up being an unforgettable show for all KSW fans. Once both sides express interest in the fight, KSW Federation will try to book this bout.”

Moosin, based in South Korea-based, has promoted MMA shows in South Korea and the United States and, in conjunction with the International Taekwon-Do Federation, plans expansion into to China, Poland and Australia.

Go to www.MoosinUSA.com for more information about Moosin.

Moosin: A global event promoter based out of Seoul, South Korea, in conjunction with the International Taekwon-Do Federation, Moosin is known for bringing fans the finest in mixed martial arts competition. Moosin is revolutionizing the MMA industry by merging an international roster of talented fighters with recognizable stars from the world or music, sports and popular culture. Moosin pits warrior against warrior, featuring a hybrid of MMA and hard-hitting Moosin-style kickboxing, in hand-to-hand battles of skill, honor and art.

Micah Goss had six fighters on the card, and still the promoter wouldn't
provide him any lodging.

On top of that, the opponents (and the weight classes) kept changing. His Spidey sense was tingling, but he ignored it because he'd worked too
hard for the promoter to screw him over. Right? Wrong.

MMAjunkie.com contributor Kelly Crigger explains how Gross' experience is all too familiar in the sport, and he talks to UFC president Dana White and other promoters and sponsors about what can be done to combat the problem.

Although Mother Nature played a major role in the evening’s events, Hoosier Fight Club Promoter Danielle Vale hosted her fourth event in front of a packed house at the U.S. Steel Yard in Gary, IN.

Kolosci finishing Fioravanti

In a huge upset the main event put LA Boxing/Gilbert Grappling, former member of Ultimate Fighter Season 6 John Kolosci (14-7) against American Top Team, former UFC fighter Luigi Fioravanti (17-8). As the fight begins John lands a big right that sends Luigi to the mat stunned badly. John quickly gets Luigi’s back and applies a Rear Naked Choke at 0.42 seconds of Rd.1.
John stated “This was the biggest win of my career and my toughest opponent, I trained for a 3rd fight it ended a bit quicker then what I wanted it to, but I’ll take it”

The Co-Main event was an amazing fight putting Team Torres Anthony Gomez (10-1) VS. Team Alliance Lew Polley (9-4) both fighters came out strong and exchange back and forth quickly. Anthony getting the better of the striking Lew body locks him and slams Anthony. He quickly gets back up and starts throwing his hands, Lew gets another shot and ground and pounds to finish the round.

Gomez lands a srtaight right

As rd. 2 starts Anthony quickly releases his hands and pushes Lew against the cage and lands a few knee’s to the body. They continue to exchange with Anthony pushing Lew against the cage and landing clean shots. Lew shoots in and slams Anthony again, but quickly gets full guard as they exchange punches on the ground to finish the round .
Final round Lew quickly lands a nice combo and Anthony stands there and throws right back. They continue to exchange. Lew shoots a strong double and puts Anthony on his back hard. Lew continues to work his Ground and Pound with a few seconds left Anthony goes for a Triangle and that’s the end of the fight. Gomez earning the win via Split decision Judges scores 29/28 Gomez 29/28 Polley 29/28 Gomez
After the fight Anthony stated “I am ready for anyone, anywhere, anyplace” with this win it is easy the biggest win of his career. “I am ready for the big show but if not I’ll continue to fight small shows to prove I can beat the best”

In the evenings other pro fights:

St. Charles MMA Josh Sampo (2-0) and LA Boxing Jake Rosenbaum (0-1) gave all fans in attendance one of the best contested fights of the night. Jake making his pro debut came out fast and took Josh down quickly and started to try and pass. Josh worked back to his feet and both traded again. The fight continued to be a back and forth exchange of punches, takedowns and defense but in the 3rd Josh gets Jake back early and works hard until he secures the Rear Naked Choke at 0.57 for the win.

360 MMA Josh Robinson (4-1) went against Team Colon Mike Welch (0-1) Mike Welch making his Pro debut hit a takedown quickly and worked his ground and pound. Josh worked back up to their feet and started throwing combos. Mike had trouble dealing with Josh standup and takedown defense but continued to push hard to get a few take downs. Josh continued to get back up until late in the round Josh got a sweep and worked to mount and was able secure the Rear Naked Choke @ 4:22 of Rd. 1

Dino Costeas and Gilbert Grappling Mark Miller (10-5) made easy work of Super Kicks Martial Arts Charles Wilson (7-10) as he easily dominated all 3rd Rd. with big shots and great takedowns receiving a Unanimous decision.

Total Jiu Jitsu Robbie Nieto (2-0) went against Team Colon John Cantu (1-1) in a back and forth war. Both fighters landing big shots, working good ground and pound all 3rd Robbie win by Unanimous decision.

QUICK RESULTS:

James Porter (765 COMBAT CLUB) Def. Josh Bulak(NO COMMENT) Rd. 2 .37 Ref Stoppage
Nick Wayne (LA BOXING) Def. Brandon Slabaugh (BASEMENT BOYS) Rd.2 1.09 Verbal Tap Out
Brady Hovermale (765 COMBAT CLUB) Def. Jorge Gonzales (TEAM COLON) Unanimous Decision
Phil Nurse (LA BOXING) Def. Brandon Thomerson (MAKAME MMA) Tap out Standing Guillotine
Leo Husarik (BLOODY KNUCKLES) Def. Luke Austin (PAC MMA) Rd.2 2.35 Rear Naked Choke
Terry House (LA BOXING) Def. Jacob Morales (EXTREME MA) Rd. 3 Decision 29/28
Josh Sampo (2-0 St. Charles MMA) Def. Jake Rosenbaum (0-1 LA BOXING) Rd. 3 0.57 Rear Naked Choke
Josh Robinson (4-1 360 MMA) Def. Mike Welch (0-1 TEAM COLON) Rd. 1 4.22 Guillotine
Mark Miller (10-5 DINO COSTEAS/GILBERT GRAPPLING) Def. Charles Wilson (7-10 SUPERKICK MA) Unanimous decision
Robbie Nieto (2-0 TOTAL JIU JITSU) Def. John Cantu (1-1 TEAM COLON) Decision
Anthony Gomez (10-1 TORRES MARTIAL ARTS) Def. Lew Polley (9-4 TEAM ALLIANCE) Split Decision
John Kolosci (14-7 LA BOXING/GILBERT GRAPPLING) Def. Luigi Fioravanti (17-8 AMERICAN TOP TEAM) Rd. 1 0.42 RNC

Fights Canceled (due to time restraints)

Guillermo Serment (TEAM NO COMMENT) VS. JOSH SHOCKLEY (DUNELAND VALE TUDO)
Derik Sowers (PEAK SUBMISSION SHOOTBOX ACADEMY) VS. Lloyd Carter (TEAM COLON)
Chris Sizemore (PAC MMA) VS. Brandon Delprado (TEAM COLON)

Photography Credit:

Special thanks to Thomas M. Rozdzynski for his contribution to the article with these action shots. For more great shots of this event, as well as many more please visit – www.thrmyeye.com

More famous for his notoriety than his achievements in the cage,, mixed-martial-artist and full time promoter Eric “Butterbean” Esch (15-7-1) talked to the LA times about the upcoming “Moosin: God of Martial Arts” event.

Esch comments focused more on those personalities entering the sport of MMA such as “World’s Strongest Man” Mariusz Pudzianowski, his opponent for the event former Boston Bruins player Lyndon Byers, and heavyweight boxer James Toney.

At one point, the “Moosin” promoter says they almost had Toney signed to their card but the UFC stepped in at the last minute and scooped him up.

“We had Toney committed to our card, but the UFC flew him to Las Vegas the day before he was to sign with us and they locked him up,” Esch said. “Believe me, they’re not doing any favors throwing him in there against Couture. Couture won’t stand up with Toney, he’ll just jerk him down and beat the snot out of him.

“A lot of boxers have tried it and not had success,” Esch said. “It’s important to know the differences, otherwise you look like Michael Jordan trying to play baseball.”

HT: LATimes.com

MyHOUSE S G will be the official Gloves and Shin in Steps to be used at Rumble at the Rock this Friday promoter American Top team Camelo Marrero. Being held at the at the Crocodile Rock Cafe.