LEMOORE, Calif. - Former WEC lightweight champion "Razor" Rob
McCullough returned to the site of his first professional MMA
contest in Lemoore, Calif., and earned a much-needed stoppage win over
current Tachi Palace Fights featherweight champion Isaac de Jesus.

The 160-pound catchweight contest served as the main event of Friday
night's "Tachi Palace Fights 5: Stars & Strikes" event at the Tachi
Palace Hotel & Casino.

MMAjunkie.com lead staff reporter John Morgan was on
hand as part of the broadcast team for the GoFightLive.tv stream.

LEMOORE, Calif. - MMAjunkie.com was on scene for today's "Tachi Palace Fights 5:
Stars & Strikes" official fighter weigh-ins in Lemoore, Calif.

Today's weigh-in ceremonies took place at the Tachi Palace Hotel and
Casino, the same site as Friday night's GoFightLive.tv-broadcast fight
card.

Main-event competitors Isaac de Jesus and former WEC lightweight
champion "Razor" Rob McCullough, who meet in a 160-pound catchweight
affair, made their bout official, while big-show veterans John Alessio,
Cole Escovedo, David Kaplan, Gabe Ruediger, and War Machine, as well as
top prospects Stephen Abas, David Bollea, Michael McDonald and David
Mitchell, all hit the scales, as well.

Lemoore, Calif. – John Alessio didn’t stress too much over his opponent change for Friday, July 9’s Tachi Palace Fights “Stars and Strikes” mixed martial arts show at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif.

“I definitely want to first just say that I hope (Brad) Blackburn heals up soon and that I was really looking forward to that fight. I’m very happy that Tachi Palace Fights didn’t have me sitting around waiting for an opponent and they didn’t just cut the fight. They had some one right away and I really appreciate that,” said Alessio, who will take on War Machine in the co-main event at the Palace.

War Machine (11-3) will replace Blackburn, who had to withdraw from the bout because of a cut.

“War Machine has a good record at 11-3 and won six of his last seven fights. I will be ready, but I don’t see any problems for me in this fight. I don’t see any aspect of the game that he is better than me at. He is a tough dude and probably come in swinging to take my head off.”

This will be War Machine’s final fight before he is scheduled to spend a year in a San Diego jail, according to his Twitter account. War Machine was a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter 6″ and previously was known as Jon Koppenhaver before a legal name change.

He was arrested May 30 outside Thruster’s Lounge in San Diego under suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

“I’m glad I got this fight. I need to make some money to leave with my wife while I’m locked up. Took this fight on very short notice, but a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. Jail is going to suck and be so boring can’t wait to get out and fight again,” said War Machine, who last saw action May 15 when he submitted Zach Light.

“I actually trained with Alessio all last year at Xtreme Couture. He’s a well-seasoned vet, real tough with great skills. We had many good sparring sessions the last year. I remember back when I was a youngster; before I ever started fighting I saw him fight in the UFC. John was young, but did great. I thought wow this dude is going to be good,” War Machine added.

Tickets can be purchased at www.tachipalace.com or charge by phone at 1-800-225-2277. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tachi Palace Gift Shop and start at a low price of just $30 for general admission seating.

If you can’t attend the fights you can watch them live on GoFightLive.tv at 6 p.m. PST. Cost of the stream is just $9.99.

In the main event, “Razor” Rob McCullough returns to his roots at the Palace in a catch weight bout with fast-rising star Isaac DeJesus of Fresno, Calif. DeJesus (9-1). DeJesus is the Tachi Palace Fights Featherweight champ and makes the jump up in weight to take on Huntington Beach, Calif.’s McCullough (17-6) at 160 pounds.

“I see this fight being great. Lots of face punching and submission scrambles. I’m looking for an early KO, so I can grab a beer and get back to eating all the junk food I can find before going away,” War Machine said.

This fight is a lot more pivotal in the career of Alessio (28-13), who carries a 4-fight win streak into the contest.

“I’m more ready than ever to fight. I’ve really worked a lot harder than I ever have this last year and trying to get back to the UFC. I’m putting everything into this and been working so hard,” Alessio said. “This is the type of fight that I feel can really put me back in the UFC.”

The 9-bout card is also packed with three title fights, as welterweight champ David Mitchell (10-0) of Santa Rosa, Calif. defends his belt against Lemoore, Calif.’s Poppies Martinez (18-6) and bantamweight title holder Cole Escovedo (16-4) of Fresno, Calif. defends against Oakdale, Calif.’s Michael McDonald (9-1). Also, Rancho Cucamonga Calif.’s Gabe Ruediger (16-5) and Albuquerque, N.M.’s Lenny Lovato (8-0) battle for the Tachi Palace Fights vacant lightweight strap.

Also, UFC veteran David Kaplan (2-3) of Las Vegas, Nev. takes on Oakland, Calif.’s Dominique Robinson (4-4) in a lightweight tilt; Olympic Silver Medalist Stephen Abas (1-0) of Fresno, Calif. makes his return to the Palace in a bantamweight bout with Lemoore, Calif.’s Joey DeLaCruz (1-0); Las Vegas, Nev. lightweight David Bollea (2-0), who is the nephew of wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan, takes on Visalia, Calif.’s Cody Gibson (3-0); and Coalinga, Calif. bantamweight Francisco Loredo (4-5) fights Soledad, Calif.’s Drew Bittner (3-0).

In his final fight before a scheduled one-year jailing, War Machine takes on fellow UFC veteran John Alessio in the co-main-event of "Tachi Palace Fights 5: Stars and Strikes."

A source close to the fighter today confirmed with MMAjunkie.com that Brad Blackburn, who originally was slated to fight Alessio, was forced off the card with an undisclosed injury.

TPF 5 takes place July 9 at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif.

Lemoore, Calif. – The last few times “Razor” Rob McCullough saw action at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif. he was walking away from the cage as one of the world’s top lightweights.

The Huntington Beach mixed martial artist’s brutal destruction of Randy Hauer at World Extreme Cagefighting 20 was his final bout at the Palace, but it was the world-class kickboxer’s vicious knockout of Olaf Alfonso that the fans still remember.

“It’s going to be a lot like the last time that I was out at the Palace,” said McCullough, who has won two of his last five fights in the WEC to some of the top up-and-coming fighters.

“We will get in the cage and trade. Have a fast-paced, exciting fight and I’m going to walk out with my hands high and he will be on a stretcher.”

McCullough (17-6) will make his Tachi Palace Fights debut in a 160-pound, catch-weight fight against Fresno, Calif.’s Isaac DeJesus, who grew up idolizing McCullough.

“That’s the guy I looked up to when I was coming up. A lot of guys have their heroes and their idols and Rob was that guy for me,” said DeJesus, who is the current Tachi Palace Fights World Featherweight champ.

“That’s why when I heard Tachi had signed Rob; I called Jeremy (Luchau) right away and asked for the fight. I mainly wanted to fight him out of respect and I thought it would be an honor. I didn’t care about having to come up in weight… this is just something that I wanted to do.”

DeJesus (9-1) would have to come up 15 pounds to meet McCullough, who had originally signed on to fight Thomas Denny. But when Denny pulled out due to personal reasons, DeJesus got the call.

“I probably would have never called Isaac to fight Razor had he not called me initially and asked to fight him. It’s not like having your 145-pound champ go up and fight a former lightweight champ in one of the world’s top promotions is the greatest idea,” said Tachi Palace Entertainment Coordinator Jeremy Luchau.

“But honestly, I could tell how much Isaac really wanted that fight so I gave him the opportunity and he jumped on it right away. I think it could possibly be one of the biggest fights that we’ve had at Tachi in a long, long time and that’s saying something.”

McCullough and DeJesus will main event a loaded 9-bout card that also features UFC veteran Brad Blackburn of Seattle, Wash. against Las Vegas, Nev. welterweight John Alessio. Alessio (28-13) is riding a 4-fight win streak and on the verge of breaking into the UFC. Meanwhile, Blackburn (15-11-1) has dropped two straight in the UFC after a 3-0 start on the world’s biggest stage.

“This is one of the most stacked fight cards that I’ve ever been a part of,” Tachi Palace Fights matchmaker Richard Goodman said. “From top to bottom we have exciting fights that feature former UFC and WEC stars and some of the best locals around.”

Tickets can be purchased at HYPERLINK “http://www.tachipalace.com” www.tachipalace.com or charge by phone at 1-800-225-2277. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tachi Palace Gift Shop and start at a low price of just $30 for general admission seating.

Most eyes will be centered on the main event and to see McCullough makes his return to action and which fighter shows up. He’s trying to bounce back after a split decision loss in November 2009 to Karen Darabedyan (9-2).

“I’ve been training my butt off. I started this camp 10 weeks out and I’ve been working on sharpening all my skills,” McCullough said. “It’s good to be back fighting at the Palace, I have some great memories fighting for the WEC there and I just love it there.

“I know this kid is scrappy and likes to stand in there and trade. He is coming off a knockout of Nam Phan and Nam’s a tough guy,” McCullough added.

The spotlight won’t solely be on McCullough, though.

“I’m going to have my people there from both Stockton and Fresno to watch me get in there and fight this guy,” DeJesus said. “It’s an honor just to be in there with a fighter like Rob. I’m really not that uncomfortable with the weight, because I started as a 55’er. For me to get in there and fight at my best really won’t be an issue.”

DeJesus is also coming off a minor injury that forced him to pull out a May bout against Fresno, Calif.’s Casey Olson. But DeJesus says the injury has completely healed.

“I’m doing everything the same. I’m working hard on my cardio and technique. The only thing I’m doing a little different is a little heavier lifting and sparring and rolling with a little heavier guys to help me adjust to Rob’s size. Rob will have the experience edge over me, but I’m young and hungry.”

The 9-bout card is also packed with three title fights, as welterweight champ David Mitchell (10-0) of Santa Rosa, Calif. defends his belt against Lemoore, Calif.’s Poppies Martinez (18-6) and bantamweight title holder Cole Escovedo (16-4) of Fresno, Calif. defends against Oakdale, Calif.’s Michael McDonald (9-1). Also, Rancho Cucamonga Calif.’s Gabe Ruediger (16-5) and Albuquerque, N.M.’s Lenny Lovato (8-0) battle for the Tachi Palace Fights vacant lightweight strap.

Also, grappling master Bill Cooper of Santa Barbara, Calif. makes his MMA debut against UFC veteran David Kaplan (2-3) of Las Vegas, Nev. in a lightweight tilt; Olympic Silver Medalist Stephen Abas (1-0) of Fresno, Calif. makes his return to the Palace in a bantamweight bout with Lemoore, Calif.’s Joey DeLaCruz (0-1); Las Vegas, Nev. lightweight David Bollea (2-0), who is the nephew of wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan, takes on Visalia, Calif.’s Cody Gibson (3-0); and Coalinga, Calif. bantamweight Francisco Loredo (4-5) fights Soledad, Calif.’s Drew Bittner (3-0).

Rafael Lovato Jr. (UNIJJ, white gi) faces Nivaldo de Oliveira Lima (CheckMat) in a Grapplers Quest pro division in March 2009.

The warmer months usually make for an intense season of grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments, and Grapplers Quest has announced that they will be putting on an event with a significant cash prize for competitors on July 10th and 11th in California. We sent some questions to Grapplers Quest CEO Brian Cimins about the event for some details.

The FightWorks Podcast: You are accepting resumes of competitors who wish to enter the 32-man 2010 Tachi Palace Grappling Challenge, which features a $10,000 cash prize. Is that gi or no-gi?

Brian Cimins: 100% no-gi.

The FightWorks Podcast: What are the qualifications you are looking for in competitors who wish to enter?

Brian Cimins: Professional MMA fighters, ADCC champions and finalists, pro Grapplers Quest champions & multiple advanced division winners, CBJJ black and brown belt World or Pan American champions, All-American and Olympic alternate class wrestlers, judo & sambo world champions – the best grapplers in the world

The FightWorks Podcast: The Grappling Challenge will take place alongside the normal Grapplers Quest gi and no-gi divisions, right?

Brian Cimins: The Pro Grappling Challenge will begin on Saturday, July 10th at 6:00 PM, where the first 3 rounds will be conducted. All amateur No-Gi divisions will be conducted on Saturday starting at 10:00 AM. The final 4 pro matches will happen on Sunday, July 11th at 3:00 PM in conjunction with the amateur BJJ divisions. Also, Tachi Palace Fights will be conducting a huge outdoor MMA show on Friday, July 9th, so it’s an action packed MMA and grappling weekend.

The FightWorks Podcast: Despite it being several months before the event, are you able to name any of the athletes who you believe will be taking part in the 32-man Grappling Challenge?

Brian Cimins: Jeff Monson has committed to fighting in the 32-Man.

The FightWorks Podcast: Will there be cash prizes for both male and female divisions?

Brian Cimins: For amateurs, Grapplers Quest offers cash prizes for men and women absolute divisions at every show nationwide.

The FightWorks Podcast: Your site mentions a $10,000 cash prize. Is that indeed all to be paid in cash (as opposed to gear, DVDs, etc)?

Brian Cimins: The $10,000 cash prize, is 100% just that, sponsored by Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California.

The FightWorks Podcast: How will that be broken down among 1rst, 2nd, and 3rd place winners?

Brian Cimins: $7,500 for 1st Place, $1,500 for 2nd Place, $1,000 for 3rd Place, with the following bonuses: $500 for the fastest submission and $1,000 for winning all matches by submission.

The FightWorks Podcast: Anything else our audience should know about this event?

Brian Cimins: Tickets will be on sale by the Tachi Palace within the next few weeks, but only 900 tickets will be available for sale. This is the largest cash prize in the history of American grappling and will feature the best of the best. We will be crowning the Best Grappler in the World on July 10th and 11th and it’s not to be missed… the event will be streamed live on internet Pay Per View as well.

LEMOORE, Calif. - MMAjunkie.com was on scene for
today's "Tachi Palace Fights 3: Champions Collide" official fighter
weigh-ins in Lemoore, Calif.

Today's weigh-in ceremonies took place at the Tachi Palace Hotel and
Casino, the same site as Thursday night's GoFightLive.com-broadcast
fight card.

Main-event competitors Jeff Bedard and Cole Escovedo, who will compete
for Tachi Palace Fights' first-ever bantamweight title, made their bout
official, while big-show veterans Nam Phan, Gabe Ruediger, Anthony Ruiz
and Manny Tapia all hit the mark for their respective contests, as well.

LEMOORE, Calif. - MMAjunkie.com was on scene for
today's "Tachi Palace Fights 3: Champions Collide" official fighter
weigh-ins in Lemoore, Calif.

Today's weigh-in ceremonies took place at the Tachi Palace Hotel and
Casino, the same site as Thursday night's GoFightLive.com-broadcast
fight card.

Main-event competitors Jeff Bedard and Cole Escovedo, who will compete
for Tachi Palace Fights' first-ever bantamweight title, made their bout
official, while big-show veterans Nam Phan, Gabe Ruediger, Anthony Ruiz
and Manny Tapia all hit the mark for their respective contests, as well.