June 29, 2008
Tim Boetsch of Triple Threat Fighting Systems in Sunbury is expected to face James Lee of Mash Gym MMA in Detroit, Michigan, at UFC 88: Breakthrough on September 6 in Atlanta, Georgia. Boetsch is 1-1 in UFC fights defeating David Heath by TKO at UFC 81: Breaking Point on February 2 and losing to Matt Hamill by TKO at UFC Fight Night on April 2.
June 28, 2008
GrindHouse MMA Academy in Feasterville is seeking new quality instructors to join the Team, teaching both children and adult classes. You must be experienced in Stand-up, MMA and Combat Sports Conditoning. The ideal candidates would be outgoing and self-motivated. Inquiries should be directed to: TeamGrindHouse@aol.com.
June 27, 2008
Philadelphia-based Fight Factory and Williamsport-based Team Vicious MMA will represent Pennsylvania in Battle Cage Xtreme on Saturday, July 12, at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In the scheduled main event, Judah Ciervo of the top Philadelphia fight team will face Justin Haskins of The Armory in Florida for the BCX welterweight championship, while teammate Hector Pacheco will face Tyler Venice of Team Ricardo Almeida in New Jersey in a featherweight fight. Don Wagner of the Central Pennsylvania fight team will face Chris Volo of AMA Fight Club in New Jersey in a light heavyweight fight, while teammate Dan Baker will face Shawn Forman of Rhino Fight Team in New Jersey in a welterweight fight.
June 26, 2008
Lou Armezzani of Scranton signed with LionHeart Professional Management and Promotions, Inc. of State College this week. The 2-0 amateur plans to transition into the professional ranks within a year. Armezzani previosuly trained under George McGinnis at York Mixed Martial Arts Academy.
June 23, 2008
At least 15 fighters represented Pennsylvania in amateur and professional MMA across the country Saturday night. Former Palmerton-based Rat Pack Fighting Systems stand-out Matthew Riddle now of Arizona Combat Sports defeated Dante Rivera of Team Renzo Gracie by Unanimous Decision in The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale at The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada. New Breed Fighters featured 14 fighters from 6 teams in 12 amateur fights in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Reading-based Team Quiet Storm went 2-1, as Anthony Williams defeated Matt May of Team Diesel by Submission (triangle choke) at 1:49 of Round 1 of their middleweight fight, while Matthew Nieves defeated Thiago Carfi of Renzo Gracie Newark by Doctor Stoppage at 3:00 of Round 2 of their lightweight fight, and David Concepcion lost to James Frier of New York Judo Club by Split Decision in the quarter-finals of the NBF Battle of the Cruisers. Williamsport-based Team Vicious MMA went 3-1, as Kyle "Tons of Fun" Weaver defeated T. "Bubba" Naratil of Rat Pack Fighting Systems in Palmerton by Unanimous Decision in their absolute weight fight. Lewis Rumsey defeated Owen Breininger of Evolutionary MMA by Split Decision in their cruiserweight fight, while Ron White defeated Joe Soto of AMA by TKO, Referee Stoppage at 0:28 of Round 3 of their super middleweight fight, and Greg Wolfe lost to Jimmie Rivera of TSMMA by Submission (arm bar) at 1:27 of Round 1 of their welterweight fight. Hatfield-based Team Renzo Gracie PA went 1-3, as Chris Connelly defeated Shane Darby of Team Diesel by Unanimous Decision in their heavyweight fight, while Pete Shoemaker lost to James Garzillo of TSMMA by Referee Stoppage at 0:19 of Round 2 in their middleweight fight, Dan Smedburg lost to Nicholas "Pretty Boy" Pace of TSMMA by Submission (guillotine choke) at 2:21 of Round 3 of their super lightweight fight, and Vince Giannini lost to "Diezel" Ryan Lutz of The Garage in Harrisburg by KO at 1:26 of Round 1 of their middleweight fight. And Phil Davis of Team LionHeart defeated Kevin Wall of Sidekick by KO at 0:41 of Round 1 in their heavyweight fight. Watch for Pennsylvania to be represented when New Breed Fighters returns to Club Abyss in Sayreville on July 12.
June 22, 2008
Multiple-time Muay Thai champion Eric Utsch of Team Hooligan in Allentown defeated Nicholas Nguyen of the Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym in California last night to earn the United States Muaythai Federation 165-pound championship at War of the Heroes in San Francisco. The 28-year-old Fairtex sponsored fighter dominated his opponent "everything he tried I crushed," he said. Nguyen wanted to box and Utsch out-boxed him. He clinched and was kneed. And when he tried kicks, they were evaded. Utsch gave Nguyen two eight-counts in each round of their five-round fight. Utsch will be offered a spot on Team USA, which will represent the United States of America at the 2008 International Federation of Muaythai Amateurs World Championships to be held later this fall in Busan, South Korea. For more information on Team Hooligan, call 484.788.1791.
June 21, 2008
Matthew Riddle of Palmerton made the top 15 at the east coast try outs for Season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter in New York late last year. The former New York State and National High School Wrestling Champion secured his spot in The Ultimate Fighter house in Episode 2 on April 9 with a KO win over Dan Simmler of Team Renzo Gracie in New York. The Grapplers Quest and NAGA champion was picked second for Team Rampage over more seasoned fighters in Episode 3 on April 16. Knicknamed "Chipper" on the show, the 22-year-old was pitted against Tim Credeur of Louisiana in the second preliminary bout in Episode 4 on April 23, which turned into a battle between youth and experience -- with experience prevailing. The former Rat Pack Fighting Systems stand-out who is calling Arizona Combat Sports home today will face Dante Rivera of Team Renzo Gracie in the Finale tonight at The Palms in Las Vegas. The two jokingly talked trash to each other on the show hoping to do battle their too, but it did not come to fuition until now.
June 20, 2008
There is a quiet storm heading to Atlantic City, New Jersey, this weekend and it is expected to pack fierce kicks and solid punches along with rolling thunder, as three fighters from The Cage MMA Academy rumble at The House of Blues on Saturday, June 21, when New Breed Fighters features David Concepcion, Matthew Nieves and Anthony Williams of the Reading based Team Quiet Storm on a card packed with over 30 scheduled amateur fights. Read The Entire Article Here.
June 19, 2008
Maxercise is proud to host a workshop with multiple-time Abu Dhabi and Mundials champion Royler Gracie at their Philadelphia academy on Sunday, June 29, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The cost is just $75.00 per person. Contact 215.928.1374 or Maxercise@PhillyWarrior.com for more information. Maxercise is located at 707 Chestnut Street.
June 17, 2008
LionHeart Professional Management and Promotions, Inc. has signed 2008 NCAA National Wrestling Champion and 4 time All-American, Phil Davis to an exclusive MMA career management contract. Davis’ first fight under his new contract will be held on June 21 at The House of Blues in Atlantic City, NJ. Tickets and event details are available at www.newbreedfighters.tv. “I’m looking forward to beginning a new phase of my athletic career,” said Davis. “Signing with LionHeart allows me to continue training with the intensity and focus I’m used to as a Division 1 athlete. I’ll be surrounded with the kind of coaches and management that I’ll need to pursue a championship at the professional level.”
Founder, Chad Dubin believes that signing Davis will be a momentum builder for LionHeart. “I think that signing Phil sends a clear message to the MMA athletes, promoters, and professional leagues around the country that LionHeart is on the scene. With management, training facilities, and a full time coaching staff all working from a central site here in State College, we’ve created something unique, a real destination for mixed martial arts.”
Davis went 26-1 and ends his career with a 116-20 career record, ninth all-time at Penn State; he won the 2008 NCAA National Championship at 197 pounds, becoming PSU's 21st NCAA champ and the 18th individual to win a crown; he became only the fourth four-time All-American in Penn State's 100 years of wrestling; his 58 dual meet wins is fourth all-time; his 30 points is sixth all-time; and his 136 career matches is 20th all-time. Davis also won the Charles M. Speidel Award, given to the senior with the most career dual meet wins (58).
Fighters and coaches interested in learning more about the opportunities at LionHeart should contact Chad Dubin at 814.280.1982 or chad@lionheartfighters.com.
June 16, 2008
Philadelphia Fight Factory stand-out Eddie Alvarez will face Tatsuya Kawajiri of T-Blood in Japan in the lightweight grand prix semi-finals at Dream 5 on July 21 at the Osaka Dome in Osaka, Japan. Alvarez advanced following a decision win over Norwegian Jaochim Hansen with a combination of great striking and effective takedowns, it was a tremendous showing for Alvarez, who runs his professional record to 14-1.
June 15, 2008
Over 500 pounds of fighter will do battle in the cage when two from Pennsylvania face off in New Breed Fighters on Saturday, June 21, at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, New Jersey. T. "Bubba" Naratil of Rat Pack Fighting Systems in Palmerton makes his MMA debut against Kyle "Tons of Fun" Weaver (3-1) of Team Vicious MMA in Williamsport on a card packed with over 30 fights. The 22-year-old Naratil is the team assistant kickboxing instructor and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt. The strongman competition veteran has both the size and strength to intimidate any opponent, yet he combines that presence with the flexibility and mobility of a much smaller athlete. The 21-year-old Weaver is a heavyweight wrestler and aspiring professional chef. He is coming off a Unanimous Decision win over Desmond Walker on March 29.
June 13, 2008
The 2008 Grapplers Quest U.S. Nationals & Copa Atlantica will take place on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown, New Jersey. Also on Saturday, $6,000 cash is up for grabs in the 1st Grappling All-Star Pro Challenge featuring forty of America's best men and women submission grapplers. Pennsylvania is represented by U.S. Trials Finalist Wilson Reis of BJJ United in Philadelphia, 2007 CBJJ No-Gi Champion and Pittsburgh native James Brasco of Team Popovitch, 11-Time GQ Champion Ricardo Migliarese of Balance Studios in Philadelphia, and Jay Haynes also of BJJ United. Mennen Sports Arena is located at 161 East Hanover Avenue. Check out www.Grapplers.com for more information.
June 12, 2008
Two members of Team Vicious MMA in Williamsport are scheduled to fight at Battle Cage Extreme on Saturday, July 12, at The Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Don Wagner will face Chris Volo of AMA Fight Club of Whippany, New Jersey, in a light heavyweight fight and Dan Baker will face Shawn Foreman of Rhino Fight Team of Tom Rivers, New Jersey, in a welterweight fight. Team Vicious MMA is located at Shido Seimei Martial Arts at 358 North Market Street. Their telephone number is 570.916.6812.
June 11, 2008
Three members of The Cage Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Reading will fight Saturday, June 21, in New Breed Fighters at The House of Blues in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Lead instructor Dave Concepcion, Matt Nieves and Tony Williams face seperate opponents on a card packed with 30 fights. Concepcion continues in Round 2 of Battle of the Cruisers. He established himself as the #1 seed with an early first round submission win over Christian DeHaas of Team Sniper on March 29, and defeated Richie Banks of Team Renzo Gracie by submission on May 3 in the first round of the tournament. He'll face undefeated James Frier of New York Judo Club, while Nieves will face Thiago Carfi of Renzo Gracie Newark Academy in a lightweight fight and Williams will face Matt May of Team Diesel in New Jersey in a middleweight fight. The Cage Mixed Martial Arts Academy is located in the Temple Plaza at 5306 Allentown Pike (Route 222) just north of Reading. Contact dave@thecagemma.com for more information.
June 10, 2008
LionHeart Professional Management and Promotions Inc. enters the field of professional mixed martial arts announcing the acquisition of a 19,000 sq ft MMA training facility and the establishment of Team LionHeart in downtown State College. Located at 127 Sowers Street, just blocks off Penn State’s Main Campus and home to one of the best NCAA Division I wrestling programs in the country, the facility will include a 22 ft octagon, a 24 ft boxing ring, 6,000 sq ft of MMA mat space, and 8,000 sq ft of Hammer Strength, Free Weights and Aerobic Equipment making it one of the largest and best equipped MMA training facilities East of the Mississippi.
Owner Chad Dubin, says the majority of reputable MMA training camps and facilities are currently located in the Midwest and Western states. “There’s clearly a demand for a facility of this kind on the East Coast. Fighters who are serious about having successful, professional MMA careers as well as young athletes on their way up, now have access to elite coaching, state of the art facilities and professional career management, all in one location.” Dubin also believes that many young MMA fighters find it difficult to transition into the professional ranks because their day jobs keep them out of the gym. “LionHeart will aggressively pursue a unique career development strategy for our fighters which includes event planning, targeted fundraising, and grass-roots fan base development. We will groom young fighters for professional careers and create an environment where professionals will become champions.”
LionHeart is well positioned to benefit from 2 significant factors: 1) the PA State Gaming Commission’s decision to sanction professional MMA events; and 2) Pennsylvania has the largest population of wrestlers and wrestling fans in the country. Team LionHeart’s staff includes coaches specialized in grappling, striking, jiu-jitsu, muay-thai, wrestling and strength and conditioning. Fighters and coaches interested in learning more about the opportunities at LionHeart should contact Chad Dubin at 814.280.1982 or chad@lionheartfighters.com.
June 7, 2008
Williamstown native Mike Ciesnolevicz has signed to fight for Courage Fighting Championships 12, on Friday, June 27, in Decataur, Illinois. The IFL standout and MFS Elite fighter will fight in the main event for the light heavyweight championship.
June 6, 2008
The 2008 Keystone State Games are scheduled for Sunday, July 27, at the York Expo Center, Memorial Hall West, located at 334 Carlisle Avenue in York. You can obtain an application here.
June 5, 2008
Johnstown native Carlton Haselrig will return to the Battle Cage Xtreme cage to defend his USKBA and BCX heavyweight titles against the tough Joe "Apocalypse" Abouata of Alex Wilkie's Martial Arts Academy in the main event of BCX V on Saturday, July 12, at The Tropicana in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Haselrig dominated IFL veteran Shane Ott of Anthracite Combat Club in Schuylkill Haven and defeated him late in round one by TKO (referee stoppage due to unanswered strikes) to earn the dual titles at BCX IV in April. The former NFL player followed up with a win over Carlos Moreno by TKO (Moreno could not answer bell for round two) in an undercard fight on the CBS broadcast card of Elite XC: Saturday Night Fights in May. Haselrig holds the distinction of being the only person to win 6 NCAA titles in wrestling, winning 3 times in Division II and 3 times in Division I.
June 3, 2008
Congratulations to Eamon Knittel for earning his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Friday night during a seminar with Royler Gracie. With a passion for the sport, Knittel has trained in BJJ since 1995, and was promoted to the rank of brown belt in May 2005. He is a very technical fighter and has a great understanding of BJJ techniques. Knittel teaches at Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Telford, where he is regarded as the academy's encyclopdeia.
June 2, 2008
Four members of Team Vicious MMA in Williamsport are scheduled to fight at New Breed Fighters on Saturday, June 21, at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Making their MMA debuts are Ron White at super middleweight and Greg Wolfe at welterweight. Stepping in the cage at cruiserweight is Lewis Rumsey (0-1) and at absolute is Kyle Weaver (3-1). Team Vicious MMA is located at Shido Seimei Martial Arts at 358 North Market Street. Their training schedule is Monday to Friday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Their telephone number is 570.916.6812.
June 1, 2008
It was the first live MMA event on national primetime broadcast television, as CBS Sports presented Elite XC: Saturday Night Fights last night from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. And in the first live fight on national primetime broadcast television, it was Minersville native Jon Murphy loosing to Brett Rogers of Team Bison in Minnesota via TKO from a punch at just 1:01 of Round 1. It was a grim ending for the Man of Faith, who has overcome drug addiction and injuries during his nine-month layoff from fighting, but couldn't overcome the striking power of his undefeated opponent. Now 1-1 in EliteXC, the former Anthracite Combat Club fighter switched camps training for this fight.
Pennsylvania fighters were also featured in six of the seven preliminary fights. Philadelphia Fight Factory standout Zack Makovsky defeated Andre Soares of New Jersey via unanimous decision after three rounds, while teammate Mike Groves lost to Joe Sampieri of New York via referee stoppage due to strikes at 4:58 of Round 1. Wilson Reis of Team Lloyd Irvin in Philadelphia defeated Justin Robbins of Illinois via submission from a rear naked choke at 4:06 of Round 1. Matt Makowski of Daddis Fight Camp in Philadelphia defeated Nick Serra of New York via TKO due to Serra being unwilling to continue fighting at 3:57 of Round 2. Johnstown native Carlton Haselrig defeated Carlos Moreno of New Jersey via TKO due to Moreno not answering the bell for Round 2. Jim Bova of Anthracite Combat Club in Schuylkill Haven lost to Chris Liguori of New Jersey via TKO due to doctor's stoppage for a cut at 4:31 of Round 2.
Tim Boetsch of Triple Threat Fighting Systems in Sunbury is expected to face James Lee of Mash Gym MMA in Detroit, Michigan, at UFC 88: Breakthrough on September 6 in Atlanta, Georgia. Boetsch is 1-1 in UFC fights defeating David Heath by TKO at UFC 81: Breaking Point on February 2 and losing to Matt Hamill by TKO at UFC Fight Night on April 2.
June 28, 2008
GrindHouse MMA Academy in Feasterville is seeking new quality instructors to join the Team, teaching both children and adult classes. You must be experienced in Stand-up, MMA and Combat Sports Conditoning. The ideal candidates would be outgoing and self-motivated. Inquiries should be directed to: TeamGrindHouse@aol.com.
June 27, 2008
Philadelphia-based Fight Factory and Williamsport-based Team Vicious MMA will represent Pennsylvania in Battle Cage Xtreme on Saturday, July 12, at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In the scheduled main event, Judah Ciervo of the top Philadelphia fight team will face Justin Haskins of The Armory in Florida for the BCX welterweight championship, while teammate Hector Pacheco will face Tyler Venice of Team Ricardo Almeida in New Jersey in a featherweight fight. Don Wagner of the Central Pennsylvania fight team will face Chris Volo of AMA Fight Club in New Jersey in a light heavyweight fight, while teammate Dan Baker will face Shawn Forman of Rhino Fight Team in New Jersey in a welterweight fight.
June 26, 2008
Lou Armezzani of Scranton signed with LionHeart Professional Management and Promotions, Inc. of State College this week. The 2-0 amateur plans to transition into the professional ranks within a year. Armezzani previosuly trained under George McGinnis at York Mixed Martial Arts Academy.
June 23, 2008
At least 15 fighters represented Pennsylvania in amateur and professional MMA across the country Saturday night. Former Palmerton-based Rat Pack Fighting Systems stand-out Matthew Riddle now of Arizona Combat Sports defeated Dante Rivera of Team Renzo Gracie by Unanimous Decision in The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale at The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada. New Breed Fighters featured 14 fighters from 6 teams in 12 amateur fights in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Reading-based Team Quiet Storm went 2-1, as Anthony Williams defeated Matt May of Team Diesel by Submission (triangle choke) at 1:49 of Round 1 of their middleweight fight, while Matthew Nieves defeated Thiago Carfi of Renzo Gracie Newark by Doctor Stoppage at 3:00 of Round 2 of their lightweight fight, and David Concepcion lost to James Frier of New York Judo Club by Split Decision in the quarter-finals of the NBF Battle of the Cruisers. Williamsport-based Team Vicious MMA went 3-1, as Kyle "Tons of Fun" Weaver defeated T. "Bubba" Naratil of Rat Pack Fighting Systems in Palmerton by Unanimous Decision in their absolute weight fight. Lewis Rumsey defeated Owen Breininger of Evolutionary MMA by Split Decision in their cruiserweight fight, while Ron White defeated Joe Soto of AMA by TKO, Referee Stoppage at 0:28 of Round 3 of their super middleweight fight, and Greg Wolfe lost to Jimmie Rivera of TSMMA by Submission (arm bar) at 1:27 of Round 1 of their welterweight fight. Hatfield-based Team Renzo Gracie PA went 1-3, as Chris Connelly defeated Shane Darby of Team Diesel by Unanimous Decision in their heavyweight fight, while Pete Shoemaker lost to James Garzillo of TSMMA by Referee Stoppage at 0:19 of Round 2 in their middleweight fight, Dan Smedburg lost to Nicholas "Pretty Boy" Pace of TSMMA by Submission (guillotine choke) at 2:21 of Round 3 of their super lightweight fight, and Vince Giannini lost to "Diezel" Ryan Lutz of The Garage in Harrisburg by KO at 1:26 of Round 1 of their middleweight fight. And Phil Davis of Team LionHeart defeated Kevin Wall of Sidekick by KO at 0:41 of Round 1 in their heavyweight fight. Watch for Pennsylvania to be represented when New Breed Fighters returns to Club Abyss in Sayreville on July 12.
June 22, 2008
Multiple-time Muay Thai champion Eric Utsch of Team Hooligan in Allentown defeated Nicholas Nguyen of the Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym in California last night to earn the United States Muaythai Federation 165-pound championship at War of the Heroes in San Francisco. The 28-year-old Fairtex sponsored fighter dominated his opponent "everything he tried I crushed," he said. Nguyen wanted to box and Utsch out-boxed him. He clinched and was kneed. And when he tried kicks, they were evaded. Utsch gave Nguyen two eight-counts in each round of their five-round fight. Utsch will be offered a spot on Team USA, which will represent the United States of America at the 2008 International Federation of Muaythai Amateurs World Championships to be held later this fall in Busan, South Korea. For more information on Team Hooligan, call 484.788.1791.
June 21, 2008
Matthew Riddle of Palmerton made the top 15 at the east coast try outs for Season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter in New York late last year. The former New York State and National High School Wrestling Champion secured his spot in The Ultimate Fighter house in Episode 2 on April 9 with a KO win over Dan Simmler of Team Renzo Gracie in New York. The Grapplers Quest and NAGA champion was picked second for Team Rampage over more seasoned fighters in Episode 3 on April 16. Knicknamed "Chipper" on the show, the 22-year-old was pitted against Tim Credeur of Louisiana in the second preliminary bout in Episode 4 on April 23, which turned into a battle between youth and experience -- with experience prevailing. The former Rat Pack Fighting Systems stand-out who is calling Arizona Combat Sports home today will face Dante Rivera of Team Renzo Gracie in the Finale tonight at The Palms in Las Vegas. The two jokingly talked trash to each other on the show hoping to do battle their too, but it did not come to fuition until now.
June 20, 2008
There is a quiet storm heading to Atlantic City, New Jersey, this weekend and it is expected to pack fierce kicks and solid punches along with rolling thunder, as three fighters from The Cage MMA Academy rumble at The House of Blues on Saturday, June 21, when New Breed Fighters features David Concepcion, Matthew Nieves and Anthony Williams of the Reading based Team Quiet Storm on a card packed with over 30 scheduled amateur fights. Read The Entire Article Here.
June 19, 2008
Maxercise is proud to host a workshop with multiple-time Abu Dhabi and Mundials champion Royler Gracie at their Philadelphia academy on Sunday, June 29, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The cost is just $75.00 per person. Contact 215.928.1374 or Maxercise@PhillyWarrior.com for more information. Maxercise is located at 707 Chestnut Street.
June 17, 2008
LionHeart Professional Management and Promotions, Inc. has signed 2008 NCAA National Wrestling Champion and 4 time All-American, Phil Davis to an exclusive MMA career management contract. Davis’ first fight under his new contract will be held on June 21 at The House of Blues in Atlantic City, NJ. Tickets and event details are available at www.newbreedfighters.tv. “I’m looking forward to beginning a new phase of my athletic career,” said Davis. “Signing with LionHeart allows me to continue training with the intensity and focus I’m used to as a Division 1 athlete. I’ll be surrounded with the kind of coaches and management that I’ll need to pursue a championship at the professional level.”
Founder, Chad Dubin believes that signing Davis will be a momentum builder for LionHeart. “I think that signing Phil sends a clear message to the MMA athletes, promoters, and professional leagues around the country that LionHeart is on the scene. With management, training facilities, and a full time coaching staff all working from a central site here in State College, we’ve created something unique, a real destination for mixed martial arts.”
Davis went 26-1 and ends his career with a 116-20 career record, ninth all-time at Penn State; he won the 2008 NCAA National Championship at 197 pounds, becoming PSU's 21st NCAA champ and the 18th individual to win a crown; he became only the fourth four-time All-American in Penn State's 100 years of wrestling; his 58 dual meet wins is fourth all-time; his 30 points is sixth all-time; and his 136 career matches is 20th all-time. Davis also won the Charles M. Speidel Award, given to the senior with the most career dual meet wins (58).
Fighters and coaches interested in learning more about the opportunities at LionHeart should contact Chad Dubin at 814.280.1982 or chad@lionheartfighters.com.
June 16, 2008
Philadelphia Fight Factory stand-out Eddie Alvarez will face Tatsuya Kawajiri of T-Blood in Japan in the lightweight grand prix semi-finals at Dream 5 on July 21 at the Osaka Dome in Osaka, Japan. Alvarez advanced following a decision win over Norwegian Jaochim Hansen with a combination of great striking and effective takedowns, it was a tremendous showing for Alvarez, who runs his professional record to 14-1.
June 15, 2008
Over 500 pounds of fighter will do battle in the cage when two from Pennsylvania face off in New Breed Fighters on Saturday, June 21, at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, New Jersey. T. "Bubba" Naratil of Rat Pack Fighting Systems in Palmerton makes his MMA debut against Kyle "Tons of Fun" Weaver (3-1) of Team Vicious MMA in Williamsport on a card packed with over 30 fights. The 22-year-old Naratil is the team assistant kickboxing instructor and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt. The strongman competition veteran has both the size and strength to intimidate any opponent, yet he combines that presence with the flexibility and mobility of a much smaller athlete. The 21-year-old Weaver is a heavyweight wrestler and aspiring professional chef. He is coming off a Unanimous Decision win over Desmond Walker on March 29.
June 13, 2008
The 2008 Grapplers Quest U.S. Nationals & Copa Atlantica will take place on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown, New Jersey. Also on Saturday, $6,000 cash is up for grabs in the 1st Grappling All-Star Pro Challenge featuring forty of America's best men and women submission grapplers. Pennsylvania is represented by U.S. Trials Finalist Wilson Reis of BJJ United in Philadelphia, 2007 CBJJ No-Gi Champion and Pittsburgh native James Brasco of Team Popovitch, 11-Time GQ Champion Ricardo Migliarese of Balance Studios in Philadelphia, and Jay Haynes also of BJJ United. Mennen Sports Arena is located at 161 East Hanover Avenue. Check out www.Grapplers.com for more information.
June 12, 2008
Two members of Team Vicious MMA in Williamsport are scheduled to fight at Battle Cage Extreme on Saturday, July 12, at The Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Don Wagner will face Chris Volo of AMA Fight Club of Whippany, New Jersey, in a light heavyweight fight and Dan Baker will face Shawn Foreman of Rhino Fight Team of Tom Rivers, New Jersey, in a welterweight fight. Team Vicious MMA is located at Shido Seimei Martial Arts at 358 North Market Street. Their telephone number is 570.916.6812.
June 11, 2008
Three members of The Cage Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Reading will fight Saturday, June 21, in New Breed Fighters at The House of Blues in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Lead instructor Dave Concepcion, Matt Nieves and Tony Williams face seperate opponents on a card packed with 30 fights. Concepcion continues in Round 2 of Battle of the Cruisers. He established himself as the #1 seed with an early first round submission win over Christian DeHaas of Team Sniper on March 29, and defeated Richie Banks of Team Renzo Gracie by submission on May 3 in the first round of the tournament. He'll face undefeated James Frier of New York Judo Club, while Nieves will face Thiago Carfi of Renzo Gracie Newark Academy in a lightweight fight and Williams will face Matt May of Team Diesel in New Jersey in a middleweight fight. The Cage Mixed Martial Arts Academy is located in the Temple Plaza at 5306 Allentown Pike (Route 222) just north of Reading. Contact dave@thecagemma.com for more information.
June 10, 2008
LionHeart Professional Management and Promotions Inc. enters the field of professional mixed martial arts announcing the acquisition of a 19,000 sq ft MMA training facility and the establishment of Team LionHeart in downtown State College. Located at 127 Sowers Street, just blocks off Penn State’s Main Campus and home to one of the best NCAA Division I wrestling programs in the country, the facility will include a 22 ft octagon, a 24 ft boxing ring, 6,000 sq ft of MMA mat space, and 8,000 sq ft of Hammer Strength, Free Weights and Aerobic Equipment making it one of the largest and best equipped MMA training facilities East of the Mississippi.
Owner Chad Dubin, says the majority of reputable MMA training camps and facilities are currently located in the Midwest and Western states. “There’s clearly a demand for a facility of this kind on the East Coast. Fighters who are serious about having successful, professional MMA careers as well as young athletes on their way up, now have access to elite coaching, state of the art facilities and professional career management, all in one location.” Dubin also believes that many young MMA fighters find it difficult to transition into the professional ranks because their day jobs keep them out of the gym. “LionHeart will aggressively pursue a unique career development strategy for our fighters which includes event planning, targeted fundraising, and grass-roots fan base development. We will groom young fighters for professional careers and create an environment where professionals will become champions.”
LionHeart is well positioned to benefit from 2 significant factors: 1) the PA State Gaming Commission’s decision to sanction professional MMA events; and 2) Pennsylvania has the largest population of wrestlers and wrestling fans in the country. Team LionHeart’s staff includes coaches specialized in grappling, striking, jiu-jitsu, muay-thai, wrestling and strength and conditioning. Fighters and coaches interested in learning more about the opportunities at LionHeart should contact Chad Dubin at 814.280.1982 or chad@lionheartfighters.com.
June 7, 2008
Williamstown native Mike Ciesnolevicz has signed to fight for Courage Fighting Championships 12, on Friday, June 27, in Decataur, Illinois. The IFL standout and MFS Elite fighter will fight in the main event for the light heavyweight championship.
June 6, 2008
The 2008 Keystone State Games are scheduled for Sunday, July 27, at the York Expo Center, Memorial Hall West, located at 334 Carlisle Avenue in York. You can obtain an application here.
June 5, 2008
Johnstown native Carlton Haselrig will return to the Battle Cage Xtreme cage to defend his USKBA and BCX heavyweight titles against the tough Joe "Apocalypse" Abouata of Alex Wilkie's Martial Arts Academy in the main event of BCX V on Saturday, July 12, at The Tropicana in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Haselrig dominated IFL veteran Shane Ott of Anthracite Combat Club in Schuylkill Haven and defeated him late in round one by TKO (referee stoppage due to unanswered strikes) to earn the dual titles at BCX IV in April. The former NFL player followed up with a win over Carlos Moreno by TKO (Moreno could not answer bell for round two) in an undercard fight on the CBS broadcast card of Elite XC: Saturday Night Fights in May. Haselrig holds the distinction of being the only person to win 6 NCAA titles in wrestling, winning 3 times in Division II and 3 times in Division I.
June 3, 2008
Congratulations to Eamon Knittel for earning his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Friday night during a seminar with Royler Gracie. With a passion for the sport, Knittel has trained in BJJ since 1995, and was promoted to the rank of brown belt in May 2005. He is a very technical fighter and has a great understanding of BJJ techniques. Knittel teaches at Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Telford, where he is regarded as the academy's encyclopdeia.
June 2, 2008
Four members of Team Vicious MMA in Williamsport are scheduled to fight at New Breed Fighters on Saturday, June 21, at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Making their MMA debuts are Ron White at super middleweight and Greg Wolfe at welterweight. Stepping in the cage at cruiserweight is Lewis Rumsey (0-1) and at absolute is Kyle Weaver (3-1). Team Vicious MMA is located at Shido Seimei Martial Arts at 358 North Market Street. Their training schedule is Monday to Friday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Their telephone number is 570.916.6812.
June 1, 2008
It was the first live MMA event on national primetime broadcast television, as CBS Sports presented Elite XC: Saturday Night Fights last night from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. And in the first live fight on national primetime broadcast television, it was Minersville native Jon Murphy loosing to Brett Rogers of Team Bison in Minnesota via TKO from a punch at just 1:01 of Round 1. It was a grim ending for the Man of Faith, who has overcome drug addiction and injuries during his nine-month layoff from fighting, but couldn't overcome the striking power of his undefeated opponent. Now 1-1 in EliteXC, the former Anthracite Combat Club fighter switched camps training for this fight.
Pennsylvania fighters were also featured in six of the seven preliminary fights. Philadelphia Fight Factory standout Zack Makovsky defeated Andre Soares of New Jersey via unanimous decision after three rounds, while teammate Mike Groves lost to Joe Sampieri of New York via referee stoppage due to strikes at 4:58 of Round 1. Wilson Reis of Team Lloyd Irvin in Philadelphia defeated Justin Robbins of Illinois via submission from a rear naked choke at 4:06 of Round 1. Matt Makowski of Daddis Fight Camp in Philadelphia defeated Nick Serra of New York via TKO due to Serra being unwilling to continue fighting at 3:57 of Round 2. Johnstown native Carlton Haselrig defeated Carlos Moreno of New Jersey via TKO due to Moreno not answering the bell for Round 2. Jim Bova of Anthracite Combat Club in Schuylkill Haven lost to Chris Liguori of New Jersey via TKO due to doctor's stoppage for a cut at 4:31 of Round 2.