November 23, 2009
2X NCAA D-II All-American wrestler and 8X National judo champion Eli "The Switch" Garshnick (3-1), of Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville, squared off against veteran Pittsburgh fighter Jeremy “Biohazard” Bennett (7-7), of Team BGG, at World Cagefighting Championships Saturday at The Events Center in Greensburg. The fight was fought at a catch weight of 175 pounds. According to a report "The two fighters exchanged blows and then Garshnick landed some knees on Bennett on catching him flush in the forehead, but the veteran shook it off and kept coming. Garshnick caught Bennett with a judo toss and worked from side mount to a dominant North-South position. Garshnick landed a few hammer fists from the top and then isolated Bennett’s right arm and sunk in a Kimura and a submission victory." While Garshnick hopes to return to the cage in January, Lion-Do Fight Club will return to action on Saturday, December 19, at Cage of Chaos in St. Clairsville, Ohio, as Justin "The Kid" Head (5-2) will be vying for the amateur welterweight belt against an opponent to be determined. Also representing Lion-Do will be 4X Virginia State Champion B.J. Compton who will be making his MMA debut against Coy Maloy (0-0).
November 22, 2009
In an exclusive to MMAinPA.com, Dmitryi Poltauvskyi went undefeated in five matches to take gold in both Gi and No-Gi Teens Expert Middleweight divisions at the N.A.G.A. North American Championships last weekend in New Jersey. The 16-year-old Conrad Weiser sophomore has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu just three years at Berks County BJJ in Sinking Spring. The BJJ blue belt had three matches in the Gi division and two matches in the No-Gi division winning each match via points.
In first to MMAinPA.com, Pennsylvania-native Josh Koscheck defeated Anthony Johnson via tap out due to rear naked choke at 4:47 of round two at UFC 106.
November 21, 2009
Anthony Morrison (145) of Philadelphia defeated Jeff Lentz (147) of New Jersey handing the cage veteran his first professional career loss via Unanimous Decision (30-27,30-27,30-27) to earn the ROC Featherweight Championship last night at Ring of Combat XXVII at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Also, Jesus Martinez (180) of Philadelphia defeated Jim Tomczuk (179) of New Jersey via Unanimous Decision (29-28,29-28,29-28) and Will Martinez, Jr. (154) of Philadelphia fell to Liam Kerrigan (156) of New Jersey via Tap Out due to Kneebar at 1:07 of round two.
World Cagefighting Championship comes to Greenburg tonight. Check out the card here.
November 20, 2009
We're just one week away from Cage Fight 2, to be held on Friday, November 27, at the Lackawanna College Student Union Center in Scranton. The highly-anticipated 14-fight card, presented by Northeast MMA, will offer four professional and ten amateur fights. Check out the full card here.
November 19, 2009
Waynesburg-native Josh Koscheck faces Anthony Johnson this Saturday, November 21, in a co-main event at UFC 106 in Las Vegas. The 4X NCAA D1 All-American wrestler from Edinboro University is coming off a quick 1:25 first round TKO win over Frank Trigg at UFC 103 in September. Johnson is coming off a quick 0:21 first round TKO win over Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC 104 in October. "Koscheck versus Johnson is a great fight and I give credit to both guys for stepping up and making a fight like this happen," UFC president Dana White said in a statement. "The amazing thing about this fight is that both Koscheck and Johnson are world-class wrestlers, but they can also knock you out with one punch."
Extreme Force Productions returns to Philadelphia tomorrow night with Locked in the Cage. Check out the full card here.
November 18, 2009
Just in to MMAinPA.com from Shane Mock, Owner and Lead Instructor of Berks County BJJ in Sinking Spring, "(We) had 2 young competitors at this weekend's N.A.G.A. North American Championships. Dylan Ekis took 2nd in Gi and 3rd in No-Gi Teens Intermediate Bantamweight division and Dmitryi Poltauvskyi went undefeated in 5 matches to win both Gi and No-Gi in the Teens Expert Middleweight division. Well done to both." Call 610.621.9202 or visit www.bcbjj.org for more information on training BJJ in Berks County.
Tenth Round Boxing will host a Sambo Seminar with foot and ankle lock specialist Lonnie Barish on saturday, November 28, starting at 11:00 AM at their Feasterville academy. Admission is just $20 to non-gym members. For more information, click here.
November 17, 2009
PA Grappling Championship presents the Open Submission Fighting II on February 21 in Bethlehem. The tournament is open to all grappling arts, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, Catch Wrestling, Submission Grappling, Wrestling, ect. There will first, second and third place medals awarded in each division. There will also be a No-Gi Absolute Championship and Team Cup. This will be a RANKED event.
November 16, 2009
Mixed Martial Arts Expo, the Original MMA Expo since 2005, recently announced the first round of MMA celebrities confirmed for MMA Expo Philadelphia, January 9-10, 2010, and president Gerald Chopik is pleased with the progress to date. “Ten weeks out and we are already well on our way to another stellar line-up with former UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk, King of the Cage Champion 48-20-7 Shonie Carter, 9X Submission Grappling Champion Marcelo Garcia, 4X Olympian and Judo Bronze Medalist Jimmy Pedro, World Karate Champion Tokey Hill as well as two Strikeforce notables, Kim Couture and former Lightweight Champion Cung Le.”
Philly fans are in for a great weekend and according to Chopik this initial list is just the beginning with many more celebrities to be announed over the next few weeks. “We always have a great group of corporate sponsors who contribute to the success of each show. As one example, a special thank you to Zebra Mats who are not only the Official Supplier of Mats, Rings and Cages but also responsible for bringing in Jimmy Pedro, Marcelo Garcia and Cung Le.”
MMA Expo Philly is co-located with the popular Philadelphia Sports Extravaganza at the Valley Forge Convention Center. “We were looking for the right opportunity to enter the US market and the Philadelphia Sports Extravaganza offered us an established multi-facetted event that already draws thousands. There were a number of intersecting circles between our events and the opportunity to work together was very appealing.”
MMA is the fastest growing sport on the planet and MMA Expo is proud of its track record of delivering a high- energy show jam-packed with name-brand exhibitors, exciting tournaments, enthusiastic spectators and some of the most recognizable MMA celebrities in the business. “MMA Expo is not related to any of the other 'mma expos' in California and New York that have attempted to clone our event. We launched the MMA Expo concept five years ago and we have been producing well-attended, quality events ever since. To date we have delivered the fans an outstanding roster of over thirty well-known MMA celebrities.”
In addition to the Philly line-up so far, the MMA Expo celebrity list has also included popular ring girl Arianny Celeste, PRIDE fighter Gary Goodridge, striking Coach and trainer UFC Champions Sean Tompkins, UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn, James Irvin – record holder of the fastest KO in the UFC, current and former UFC fighters Ben Rothwell, Denis Kang, Jason MacDonald, Matt Hamill, Patrick Cote and Pete Sell, as well as former PRIDE champions Frank Trigg and Dan Henderson, as well as formet UFC champions Carlos Newton, Matt Serra, Andrei Arlovski and many more.
MMA Expo Philadelphia show hours are Saturday and Sunday, January 9 and 10 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Tickets are $20 for adults, with children 12 and under admitted for free. Tickets purchased in advance online at are priced at $15. Visit www.phillyexpo.info for a full listing of events and to purchase advance tickets. All events at the Philly Expo including MMA Expo are included in the one general admission to the show.
For more information, you are welcome to join the Official MMA Expo Philly facebook here, visit www.MixedMartialArtsExpo.com, email gchopik@MixedMartialArtsExpo.com or call 905.677.5910.
November 15, 2009
Tickets for Cage Fight 2, which will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, November 27, at the Lackawanna College Student Union Center in Scranton, can be purchased online at www.pacagefight.com or at any of the following locations:
- Cosmo's Cheese Steaks, 532 Moosic St., Scranton
- Dooley's Pub & Eatery, 120 Oak St., Old Forge
- Max Performance Supplements, 417 Church St., Jessup
- McGrath's, 112 E. Main St., Dalton
- Royal Blu, Mall @ Steamtown, Scranton/Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre
- Talcom/Nextel, Family Affair Plaza, Taylor
- UPS Store, 1143 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit/201 S. Blakely St., Dunmore
- Whistles Pub & Eatery, 126 Franklin Ave., Scranton
Referee Marc Goddard stepped in at 3:53 of round three to stop the action in a preliminary light heavyweight fight between Allentown-native Matt Riddle and England's Nick Osipczak at UFC 105 Saturday in the UK. According to sherdog.com, in Round 1, "Riddle and Osipczak exchange low kicks. Riddle, with a huge smile on his face, pushes forward into a body lock and then a single-leg takedown. Osipczak is active off his back, but riddle lands some nice elbows. The fight is stood up by referee Marc Goddard after a head butt to the body by Riddle. Riddle takes the fight back to the mat and gets reversed with about 20 seconds left in the round. Osipczak takes mount and Riddle can only hang on." In Round 2, "Osipczak lands a right head kick to lead off the second stanza. Riddle scores a takedown, but is stood back up because of a lack of action. Riddle tries to answer, but Osipczak lands a right hand that forces Riddle to shoot. Osipczak sprawls and forces riddle to his back. He controls from the top and batters him with shots until the round ends." And in Round 3, "Riddle ducks under a right hand and scores a takedown. He is unable to advance position or strike and is stood up. Riddle gets another takedown and moves to Osipczak's back. The Brit gets his guard back and sweeps to mount. He pounds away while Riddle feverishly tries to extricate himself. Goddard decides Riddle has had enough and steps in at 3:53 of the final round, giving Osipczak the TKO win."
November 14, 2009
In an exclusive to MMAinPA.com, Showtime MMA presents an All-Pro MMA event in Pittsburgh on Friday, January 8, 2010. Din Thomas, Dustin Pague, Dave Sachs, Joe DeMore, James Brasco, Mike Lee, Mike Nesto, John Schall and Rob Wince are just some of the perspective fighters on the anticipated 11-fight card. Stay with MMAinPA.com for an exclusive look at the developing card.
Harrisburg-native Phil Davis dominated at the World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship in California last Saturday winning the gold medal in heavyweight competition. The 25-year-old undefeated LionHeart MMA fighter won three matches to claim the top spot in his division. The first match was won by Rear Naked Choke submission in just 0:25 seconds of the 1st Period, while the second match was won by Arm Bar submission in only 2:00 of the 1st round, and the Gold Medal match was won by the PSU wrestler with a dominating score of 12-0.
Is Matt Riddle discounting the heart and skill of Nick Osipczak? Steven Marrocco of MMAWeekly.com recently caught up with the Allentown-native to discuss tonight's UFC 105 fight between the "Ultimate Fighter" alums. Read the article here.
November 13, 2009
Valley Fight League has scheduled their next three MMA in PA events, including a return to Altoona in 2010. VFL heads to Greencastle on December 18 and January 30, 2010. Then on February 20, 2010, VFL returns to Altoona with Broad Ave Brawlers 3. For more information, check out www.vflmma.com.
November 12, 2009
Scranton Times-Tribune staff writer Donnie Collins recently caught up with undefeated professional mixed martial artsist Jim Hettes of Swoyersville Submission Wrestling in Swoyersville as he prepares to meet Justin Haas of Hanover Academy of MMA in Hanover in a featured featherweight fight at Cage Fight 2 on Friday, November 27, at the Lackawanna College Student Union Center in Scranton, and here is what he had to say -- Jim Hettes is a 22-year-old who looks like he's 16, a professional who starts his day with a bowl of Fruity Pebbles. A 140-pound man who doesn't even bother to tell anyone what he really does for a living. He has learned a lot these last few years. One thing he has picked up is, it's not worth trying to get anyone to look past what seems obvious. 'I tell them I'm self-employed,' Hettes said. 'I don't tell them I'm an MMA fighter. Usually, when you tell them you're an MMA fighter, they look at you a little different. Some people understand it. Some people think you're just a thug or something. Half the people think I'm B.S.-ing them anyway.' Actually, far from it. Read the article here.
November 7, 2009
In an exclusive to MMAinPA.com tonight, a black belt less than one week, Pittsburgh-native James Brasco wasted no time jumping into IBJJF competition this weekend. The Florida-based Team Popovitch stand-out headed west to compete in the World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship held in California. A life-long athlete, Brasco earned the bronze in his first official competition as a black belt. He faced tough opposition in the Black Belt Adult Medium Heavy Division today.
More results are coming in from the inaugural PA Fighting Championship held in Harrisburg last night. In a featherweight professional fight, Justin Haas of Hanover Academy of MMA in Hanover earned the win over Michael Bunyamanhop via 'tapout from strikes in round one' according to Haas coach Bob Bitner. Next up for the veteran of more than 10 fights in just 13 months is Jim Hettes of Swoyersville Submission Wrestling in Swoyersville at Cage Fight 2 on Friday, November 27, at the Lackawanna College Student Union Center in Scranton.
November 6, 2009
In first to MMAinPA.com, Dustin Pague of Hulstine Athletics in Harrisburg fell to Anthony Leone of Bombsquad MMA in New York via submission at 4:58 of Round 2 tonight in the inaugural PA Fighting Championship held in Harrisburg.
November 4, 2009
Pittsburgh-native James Brasco earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt from Abu Dhabi Champion Pablo Popovitch this week in Florida. The 2007 World Jiu-Jitsu Champion is a multiple-time N.A.G.A. Champion, Abu Dhabi North American Trials Invitee and professional Mixed Martial Artist.
November 3, 2009
Northeast MMA presents Cage Fight 2 on Friday, November 27, at the Lackawanna College Student Union Center in Scranton. The highly-anticipated 14-fight card will offer four professional fights, featuring Jim Hettes of Swoyersville Submission Wrestling in Swoyersville and Justin Haas of Hanover Academy of MMA in Hanover facing off in a Battle of Pennsylvania Featherweights, as well as heavyweight Randy Smith, and lightweights Robert Gorham and Spencer Paige of CNY MMA in New York. Ten amateur fights, featuring fighters from Balance Combat, CNY MMA, Gracie NEPA, Rat Pack Fighting Systems and TriState MMA complete the card.
November 2, 2009
Kids Jiu-Jitsu/MMA Classes are now forming for children ages 7 to 14 at the Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Chalfont. Get your child started now and take advantage of the introductory kids tuition of only $89.00 per month. This introductory price will only last until December 31, 2009. As a bonus, once your child starts at the introductory tuition, feel confident knowing that your child's tuition will never change, no matter how long he/she trains. The first class will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3, starting at 6:00 PM. This first class will be free to all who attend. From then on, the kids class will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM. Classes will be taught by Ryan Stagliano, who has been involved in the Martial Arts since he was 7-years-old. Stagliano holds black belts in Tae Kwon Do, Shaolin Kempo and American Kenpo. He has cross trained in Boxing, Kickboxing and Pekiti Tirsia. Stagliano currently holds the rank of 2nd Degree Blue Belt under Diaz. He has been teaching the Martial Arts to Adults and Children since he was 18 years old. 'We are very excited to have Ryan teaching this class,' said Owner and Lead Instructor, Diaz, 'his knowlegde of instructing children and the passion and enthusiam he brings will certianly make your child's experience even more valuable.' For more information, please call 267.476.1858.
November 1, 2009
Mixed Martial Arts Expo, Inc., the original MMA fan expo launched in Toronto in 2005, recently announced the company’s official entry into the US market under the management of a new USA subsidiary, Mixed Martial Arts Expo, LLC, a corporation registered in the state of Pennsylvania. With twenty years experience in the trade and consumer show business, MMA Expo president and martial artist, Gerald Chopik, is well-versed in delivering this type of event. “Over the past five years we resisted the urge and numerous requests to bring the event to the USA opting instead to refine our model, build our infrastructure and develop solid relationships with our suppliers and exhibitors. Not unlike MMA itself we invested the time in training, testing and tweaking before stepping up. And now we’re ready to expand into the US.” In addition to Canadian events in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, MMA Expo's 2010 USA schedule already includes events in Atlantic City and Philadelphia with additional locations to be announced shortly. MMA Expo Philadelphia takes place in January 9-10 at the Valley Forge Convention Center and incorporates numerous combative sports events including Gi and No-Gi Grappling Tournaments with OTM and the popular Tokey Hill Challenge USA Karate Championships. Plans also call for a Pro-Am MMA Fight Night on the show floor, another first for MMA Expo. For more information regarding exhibiting at MMA Expo or the regional licensing of Mixed Martial Arts Expo events contact gchopik@MixedMartialArtsExpo.com and visit www.MixedMartialArtsExpo.com.
According to the Official Certified MMA Registry of the Association of Boxing Commissions, there are at least six mixed martial arts events scheduled in the Keystone State this month. On Friday, November 6, PA Fighting Championship debuts in Harrisburg. For more information, click here. On Saturday, November 7, Asylum Fight League returns to Philadelphia. For more information, click here. On Friday, November 20, Extreme Force Productions returns to Philadelphia. For more information, click here. On Saturday, November 21, World Cagefighting Championship comes to Greenburg. For more information, click here. On Friday, November 27, Northeast MMA returns to Scranton. For more information, click here. And on Saturday, November 28, EFC Promotions returns to Erie. For more information, click here.
October 26, 2009
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge Pro/Am MMA event held Saturday night at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster. Check out full results here.
October 24, 2009
In first to MMAinPA.com, Jim Hettes of Swoyersville defeated Steven Baker of Delaware tonight in the inaugural Maryland MMA event Shogun Fights in Baltimore via armbar submission in the first round.
October 23, 2009
In first to MMAinPA.com, some quick results are in from the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge Pro/Am MMA event held tonight at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster. On the professional card, Randy Smith of New York defeated Braden Bice of Pennsylvania in the heavyweight main event. The two met in 2007 with Bice earning the win via TKO from strikes in the first round. Joel Roberts defeated Biff Walizer of Pennsylvania in a featherweight fight and Sean Santella of New Jersey defeated Justin Haas of Pennsylvania in a featherweight fight. On the amateur side, Mike Stolzfus defeated Jon Tuxford in a heavyweight fight.
October 21, 2009
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on Asylum Fight League held saturday, October 17, at the The Arena in Philadelphia. Check out full results here.
October 19, 2009
New RGDA Association Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Rick Royce is teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the Gilbertsville/Pottstown area. Royce has trained in RGDA over six years and is an assistant instructor at the association's main Pennsylvania academy. A very technical practitioner, Royce stays active on the tournament circuit earning multiple first place medals, and is an undefeated mixed martial artist. Classes are currently held Monday and Wednesday from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Kwon’s Black Belt Academy located at 1573 East Philadelphia Avenue in Gilbertsville. For more information, please visit www.rickyroyce.vpweb.com.
October 18, 2009
The Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy hosted a seminar with multiple-time ADCC and Worlds champion Master Royler Gracie yesterday in Chalfont. There were 52 in attendance to learn techniques mastered by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. After the seminar, 12 students received promotions, including the new addition of three well-deserved black belts to the RGDA Association. Promoted to the rank of blue belt was Dylan Royce, Brian Goldstein, Chris Hall, Rob Shover and Erik Faust. Promoted to the rank of purple belt was Nick Ortiz and Chaz Horner. Promoted to the rank of brown belt was Rick Royce and Kevin Shannon. And promoted to the rank of black belt was Paul Abbott, Gavin Enck and Keith Neff. Congratulations!
October 16, 2009
Asylum Fight League makes its Pennsylvania debut this Saturday, October 17, at The Arena in Philadelphia. For more information, including the card, click here.
October 15, 2009
Hamburg BJJ will host an MMA workshop with Ben Rhodes on Sunday, November 8, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at their Hamburg academy. Rhodes will cover Thai Boxing, Dirty Boxing, No-Gi Grappling and Takedowns. The Virginia-based MMA Fitness instructor has trained and instructed in multiple disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Judo, Kali, Aikijujitsu and Muay Thai, and under the guidance of Pedro Sauer, Maurice Allen and Ajarn Sirisute Chai. The former Defensive Tactics instructor holds the rank of purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Sauer and the rank of brown belt in Judo under Allen. Price for all non-members is just $30. For more information, contact Chad Charlesworth at chad@hamburgbjj.com or 610.413.0531. NOTE: This was originally scheduled for October 17.
October 14, 2009
Submission Grapplers will compete for free at the Submission Grappling & Karate Tournament on Saturday, October 24, if they attend Central PA Warrior Challenge Friday night at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Station in Lancaster. Registration starts at 8:00 AM. Competition starts at 10:00 AM. Check out www.warriorchallege.info for more information.
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on Valley Fight League held Sunday, October 11, at the Jaffa Mosque in Altoona. Check out full results here.
October 13, 2009
Aaron 'King Kong' Ansbach (1-0) of LionHeart MMA in State College dominated James Armstrong (4-3) Sunday night in front of a rowdy Penn State cheering section at Valley Fight League at the Jaffa Mosque in Altoona. In one of the most exciting fights of the evening, Ansbach stopped Armstrong by TKO in the 2nd round. Ansbach used a series of overpowering double legs, one of which broke the lights on the cage, to bring the crowd to its feet and show everyone the explosive athleticism that he brings to every fight.
Kings's Promotions returns to The Sovereign Center in Reading for its second Mixed Martial Arts - Professional Boxing event on Friday, December 4. In a special promotion, the first 500 tickets sold will be buy one, get one free of equal value. The Boxing portion of Pain On Penn Street II will be headlined by heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman of Reading, while the MMA portion will feature Jim Bova of Orwigsburg.
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on R.I.E. held Saturday, October 10, in Oaks. Check out full results here.
October 11, 2009
Valley Fight League returns to the Jaffa Mosque in Altoona tonight with a welterweight championship main event featuring Pennsylvania-native Charlie Brenneman as he faces Phillip Wyman of Virginia. For more information, including the card, click here.
October 10, 2009
R.I.E. returns to Oaks tonight with a double main event featuring former UFC veteran Tim Boetsch of Barbarian Combat Sports in Sunbury and TUF veteran Aaron Meisner of Fight Factory in Philadelphia. For more information, including the card, click here.
October 9, 2009
Eli 'The Switch' Garshnick (2-0) of Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville, will battle undefeated welterweight Robert Conner (4-0) of West Virginia, this Sunday at Valley Fight League 'Broad Avenue Brawlers 2' at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona.
October 6, 2009
Eli 'The Switch' Garshnick (2-0) as a professional (6-1) as an amateur of Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville, will be heading to Los Angeles on October 26 to try out for Season 11 of The Ultimate Fighter. Garshnick was the VFL and OXF Amateur Middleweight Champion before turning Pro and making the move to 170. Garshnick is a two-time NCAA All-American wrestler and an 8-time National Judo Champion. He is a black belt trained by Master Joe Bufagna.
October 3, 2009
Hamburg BJJ will host an MMA workshop with Ben Rhodes on Saturday, October 17, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at their Hamburg academy. Rhodes will cover Thai Boxing, Dirty Boxing, No-Gi Grappling and Takedowns. The Virginia-based MMA Fitness instructor has trained and instructed in multiple disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Judo, Kali, Aikijujitsu and Muay Thai, and under the guidance of Pedro Sauer, Maurice Allen and Ajarn Sirisute Chai. The former Defensive Tactics instructor holds the rank of purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Sauer and the rank of brown belt in Judo under Allen. Price for all non-members is just $30. For more information, contact Chad Charlesworth at chad@hamburgbjj.com or 610.413.0531.
Xtreme Caged Combat presents Crime and Punishment: Cops vs. Convicts tonight at the Sovereign Center in Reading. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Fights start at 7:00 PM. Out of state fans can catch the action at GoFightLive.tv. For more information, including the card, click here.
The PA State BJJ Federation presents the 3rd Annual Western PA Championships to be held at the Keystone Oaks High School in Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 17. This RANKED event offers divisions for Gi and No-Gi competitors. Registration begins at 8:00 AM and grappling starts around 10:00 AM. For online registration, as well as weigh-in times, prices and all other information, please visit www.steelcitymartialarts.com.
The Pennsylvania Grappling Championship presents the 1st Open Submission Fighting to be held at the field house on campus of Penn Tech in Williamsport on Saturday, October 24. This RANKED event offers divisions for Gi and No-Gi competitors. Registration begins at 8:00 AM and grappling starts at 10:00 AM. For online registration, as well as weigh-in times, prices and all other information, please visit www.pagrapplingchampionship.com.
October 2, 2009
UFC veteran and current ROC lightweight champion Chris Liguori will be teaching an MMA seminar at Wings Martial Arts on Saturday, October 3, starting at 11:30AM. Topics to be covered include Boxing, Grappling and Muay Thai. The investment for this special event is only $50 per person. Space is limited. For more information, call Jim at 215.396.9311. Wings Martial Arts is located at 556 Andrews Road in Trevose.
Paul Bradley showcased his impressive stand-up and well-rounded fight game last weekend at Strikeforce Challenger Fights in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by dominating Levi Avera. The LionHeart MMA welterweight improved his record to 12-1 with the win via unanimous decision over Avera with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27. 'I was pleased with the win Friday night and felt like I was able to dominate the fight no matter where it went,' said The Ultimate Fighter season seven cast member, who returned to training full-time earier this week to move closer to a Strikeforce championship. The 26-year-old signed a multi-fight deal with the company in August. The NCAA D-1 wrestling stand-out has worked extremely hard over the last two years to become one of the top contenders at 170/185. His focus the last 18 months has been to improve his stand up, making him a very complete and dangerous opponent.
October 1, 2009
According to the Official Certified MMA Registry of the Association of Boxing Commissions, there are five mixed martial arts events scheduled in Pennsylvania through the end of October. On Saturday, October 3, Xtreme Caged Combat comes to Reading. For more information, including the card, click here. On Saturday, October 10, R.I.E. returns to Oaks. For more information, including the card, click here. On Sunday, October 11, Valley Fight League returns to Altoona. For more information, including the card, click here. On Saturday, October 17, Asylum Fight League comes to Philadelphia. For more information, including the card, click here. And on Friday, October 23, Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge comes to Lancaster. For more information, including the card, click here. Stay with MMAinPA.com for the latest on upcoming events and quick results.
2X NCAA D-II All-American wrestler and 8X National judo champion Eli "The Switch" Garshnick (3-1), of Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville, squared off against veteran Pittsburgh fighter Jeremy “Biohazard” Bennett (7-7), of Team BGG, at World Cagefighting Championships Saturday at The Events Center in Greensburg. The fight was fought at a catch weight of 175 pounds. According to a report "The two fighters exchanged blows and then Garshnick landed some knees on Bennett on catching him flush in the forehead, but the veteran shook it off and kept coming. Garshnick caught Bennett with a judo toss and worked from side mount to a dominant North-South position. Garshnick landed a few hammer fists from the top and then isolated Bennett’s right arm and sunk in a Kimura and a submission victory." While Garshnick hopes to return to the cage in January, Lion-Do Fight Club will return to action on Saturday, December 19, at Cage of Chaos in St. Clairsville, Ohio, as Justin "The Kid" Head (5-2) will be vying for the amateur welterweight belt against an opponent to be determined. Also representing Lion-Do will be 4X Virginia State Champion B.J. Compton who will be making his MMA debut against Coy Maloy (0-0).
November 22, 2009
In an exclusive to MMAinPA.com, Dmitryi Poltauvskyi went undefeated in five matches to take gold in both Gi and No-Gi Teens Expert Middleweight divisions at the N.A.G.A. North American Championships last weekend in New Jersey. The 16-year-old Conrad Weiser sophomore has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu just three years at Berks County BJJ in Sinking Spring. The BJJ blue belt had three matches in the Gi division and two matches in the No-Gi division winning each match via points.
In first to MMAinPA.com, Pennsylvania-native Josh Koscheck defeated Anthony Johnson via tap out due to rear naked choke at 4:47 of round two at UFC 106.
November 21, 2009
Anthony Morrison (145) of Philadelphia defeated Jeff Lentz (147) of New Jersey handing the cage veteran his first professional career loss via Unanimous Decision (30-27,30-27,30-27) to earn the ROC Featherweight Championship last night at Ring of Combat XXVII at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Also, Jesus Martinez (180) of Philadelphia defeated Jim Tomczuk (179) of New Jersey via Unanimous Decision (29-28,29-28,29-28) and Will Martinez, Jr. (154) of Philadelphia fell to Liam Kerrigan (156) of New Jersey via Tap Out due to Kneebar at 1:07 of round two.
World Cagefighting Championship comes to Greenburg tonight. Check out the card here.
November 20, 2009
We're just one week away from Cage Fight 2, to be held on Friday, November 27, at the Lackawanna College Student Union Center in Scranton. The highly-anticipated 14-fight card, presented by Northeast MMA, will offer four professional and ten amateur fights. Check out the full card here.
November 19, 2009
Waynesburg-native Josh Koscheck faces Anthony Johnson this Saturday, November 21, in a co-main event at UFC 106 in Las Vegas. The 4X NCAA D1 All-American wrestler from Edinboro University is coming off a quick 1:25 first round TKO win over Frank Trigg at UFC 103 in September. Johnson is coming off a quick 0:21 first round TKO win over Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC 104 in October. "Koscheck versus Johnson is a great fight and I give credit to both guys for stepping up and making a fight like this happen," UFC president Dana White said in a statement. "The amazing thing about this fight is that both Koscheck and Johnson are world-class wrestlers, but they can also knock you out with one punch."
Extreme Force Productions returns to Philadelphia tomorrow night with Locked in the Cage. Check out the full card here.
November 18, 2009
Just in to MMAinPA.com from Shane Mock, Owner and Lead Instructor of Berks County BJJ in Sinking Spring, "(We) had 2 young competitors at this weekend's N.A.G.A. North American Championships. Dylan Ekis took 2nd in Gi and 3rd in No-Gi Teens Intermediate Bantamweight division and Dmitryi Poltauvskyi went undefeated in 5 matches to win both Gi and No-Gi in the Teens Expert Middleweight division. Well done to both." Call 610.621.9202 or visit www.bcbjj.org for more information on training BJJ in Berks County.
Tenth Round Boxing will host a Sambo Seminar with foot and ankle lock specialist Lonnie Barish on saturday, November 28, starting at 11:00 AM at their Feasterville academy. Admission is just $20 to non-gym members. For more information, click here.
November 17, 2009
PA Grappling Championship presents the Open Submission Fighting II on February 21 in Bethlehem. The tournament is open to all grappling arts, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, Catch Wrestling, Submission Grappling, Wrestling, ect. There will first, second and third place medals awarded in each division. There will also be a No-Gi Absolute Championship and Team Cup. This will be a RANKED event.
November 16, 2009
Mixed Martial Arts Expo, the Original MMA Expo since 2005, recently announced the first round of MMA celebrities confirmed for MMA Expo Philadelphia, January 9-10, 2010, and president Gerald Chopik is pleased with the progress to date. “Ten weeks out and we are already well on our way to another stellar line-up with former UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk, King of the Cage Champion 48-20-7 Shonie Carter, 9X Submission Grappling Champion Marcelo Garcia, 4X Olympian and Judo Bronze Medalist Jimmy Pedro, World Karate Champion Tokey Hill as well as two Strikeforce notables, Kim Couture and former Lightweight Champion Cung Le.”
Philly fans are in for a great weekend and according to Chopik this initial list is just the beginning with many more celebrities to be announed over the next few weeks. “We always have a great group of corporate sponsors who contribute to the success of each show. As one example, a special thank you to Zebra Mats who are not only the Official Supplier of Mats, Rings and Cages but also responsible for bringing in Jimmy Pedro, Marcelo Garcia and Cung Le.”
MMA Expo Philly is co-located with the popular Philadelphia Sports Extravaganza at the Valley Forge Convention Center. “We were looking for the right opportunity to enter the US market and the Philadelphia Sports Extravaganza offered us an established multi-facetted event that already draws thousands. There were a number of intersecting circles between our events and the opportunity to work together was very appealing.”
MMA is the fastest growing sport on the planet and MMA Expo is proud of its track record of delivering a high- energy show jam-packed with name-brand exhibitors, exciting tournaments, enthusiastic spectators and some of the most recognizable MMA celebrities in the business. “MMA Expo is not related to any of the other 'mma expos' in California and New York that have attempted to clone our event. We launched the MMA Expo concept five years ago and we have been producing well-attended, quality events ever since. To date we have delivered the fans an outstanding roster of over thirty well-known MMA celebrities.”
In addition to the Philly line-up so far, the MMA Expo celebrity list has also included popular ring girl Arianny Celeste, PRIDE fighter Gary Goodridge, striking Coach and trainer UFC Champions Sean Tompkins, UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn, James Irvin – record holder of the fastest KO in the UFC, current and former UFC fighters Ben Rothwell, Denis Kang, Jason MacDonald, Matt Hamill, Patrick Cote and Pete Sell, as well as former PRIDE champions Frank Trigg and Dan Henderson, as well as formet UFC champions Carlos Newton, Matt Serra, Andrei Arlovski and many more.
MMA Expo Philadelphia show hours are Saturday and Sunday, January 9 and 10 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Tickets are $20 for adults, with children 12 and under admitted for free. Tickets purchased in advance online at are priced at $15. Visit www.phillyexpo.info for a full listing of events and to purchase advance tickets. All events at the Philly Expo including MMA Expo are included in the one general admission to the show.
For more information, you are welcome to join the Official MMA Expo Philly facebook here, visit www.MixedMartialArtsExpo.com, email gchopik@MixedMartialArtsExpo.com or call 905.677.5910.
November 15, 2009
Tickets for Cage Fight 2, which will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, November 27, at the Lackawanna College Student Union Center in Scranton, can be purchased online at www.pacagefight.com or at any of the following locations:
- Cosmo's Cheese Steaks, 532 Moosic St., Scranton
- Dooley's Pub & Eatery, 120 Oak St., Old Forge
- Max Performance Supplements, 417 Church St., Jessup
- McGrath's, 112 E. Main St., Dalton
- Royal Blu, Mall @ Steamtown, Scranton/Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre
- Talcom/Nextel, Family Affair Plaza, Taylor
- UPS Store, 1143 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit/201 S. Blakely St., Dunmore
- Whistles Pub & Eatery, 126 Franklin Ave., Scranton
Referee Marc Goddard stepped in at 3:53 of round three to stop the action in a preliminary light heavyweight fight between Allentown-native Matt Riddle and England's Nick Osipczak at UFC 105 Saturday in the UK. According to sherdog.com, in Round 1, "Riddle and Osipczak exchange low kicks. Riddle, with a huge smile on his face, pushes forward into a body lock and then a single-leg takedown. Osipczak is active off his back, but riddle lands some nice elbows. The fight is stood up by referee Marc Goddard after a head butt to the body by Riddle. Riddle takes the fight back to the mat and gets reversed with about 20 seconds left in the round. Osipczak takes mount and Riddle can only hang on." In Round 2, "Osipczak lands a right head kick to lead off the second stanza. Riddle scores a takedown, but is stood back up because of a lack of action. Riddle tries to answer, but Osipczak lands a right hand that forces Riddle to shoot. Osipczak sprawls and forces riddle to his back. He controls from the top and batters him with shots until the round ends." And in Round 3, "Riddle ducks under a right hand and scores a takedown. He is unable to advance position or strike and is stood up. Riddle gets another takedown and moves to Osipczak's back. The Brit gets his guard back and sweeps to mount. He pounds away while Riddle feverishly tries to extricate himself. Goddard decides Riddle has had enough and steps in at 3:53 of the final round, giving Osipczak the TKO win."
November 14, 2009
In an exclusive to MMAinPA.com, Showtime MMA presents an All-Pro MMA event in Pittsburgh on Friday, January 8, 2010. Din Thomas, Dustin Pague, Dave Sachs, Joe DeMore, James Brasco, Mike Lee, Mike Nesto, John Schall and Rob Wince are just some of the perspective fighters on the anticipated 11-fight card. Stay with MMAinPA.com for an exclusive look at the developing card.
Harrisburg-native Phil Davis dominated at the World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship in California last Saturday winning the gold medal in heavyweight competition. The 25-year-old undefeated LionHeart MMA fighter won three matches to claim the top spot in his division. The first match was won by Rear Naked Choke submission in just 0:25 seconds of the 1st Period, while the second match was won by Arm Bar submission in only 2:00 of the 1st round, and the Gold Medal match was won by the PSU wrestler with a dominating score of 12-0.
Is Matt Riddle discounting the heart and skill of Nick Osipczak? Steven Marrocco of MMAWeekly.com recently caught up with the Allentown-native to discuss tonight's UFC 105 fight between the "Ultimate Fighter" alums. Read the article here.
November 13, 2009
Valley Fight League has scheduled their next three MMA in PA events, including a return to Altoona in 2010. VFL heads to Greencastle on December 18 and January 30, 2010. Then on February 20, 2010, VFL returns to Altoona with Broad Ave Brawlers 3. For more information, check out www.vflmma.com.
November 12, 2009
Scranton Times-Tribune staff writer Donnie Collins recently caught up with undefeated professional mixed martial artsist Jim Hettes of Swoyersville Submission Wrestling in Swoyersville as he prepares to meet Justin Haas of Hanover Academy of MMA in Hanover in a featured featherweight fight at Cage Fight 2 on Friday, November 27, at the Lackawanna College Student Union Center in Scranton, and here is what he had to say -- Jim Hettes is a 22-year-old who looks like he's 16, a professional who starts his day with a bowl of Fruity Pebbles. A 140-pound man who doesn't even bother to tell anyone what he really does for a living. He has learned a lot these last few years. One thing he has picked up is, it's not worth trying to get anyone to look past what seems obvious. 'I tell them I'm self-employed,' Hettes said. 'I don't tell them I'm an MMA fighter. Usually, when you tell them you're an MMA fighter, they look at you a little different. Some people understand it. Some people think you're just a thug or something. Half the people think I'm B.S.-ing them anyway.' Actually, far from it. Read the article here.
November 7, 2009
In an exclusive to MMAinPA.com tonight, a black belt less than one week, Pittsburgh-native James Brasco wasted no time jumping into IBJJF competition this weekend. The Florida-based Team Popovitch stand-out headed west to compete in the World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship held in California. A life-long athlete, Brasco earned the bronze in his first official competition as a black belt. He faced tough opposition in the Black Belt Adult Medium Heavy Division today.
More results are coming in from the inaugural PA Fighting Championship held in Harrisburg last night. In a featherweight professional fight, Justin Haas of Hanover Academy of MMA in Hanover earned the win over Michael Bunyamanhop via 'tapout from strikes in round one' according to Haas coach Bob Bitner. Next up for the veteran of more than 10 fights in just 13 months is Jim Hettes of Swoyersville Submission Wrestling in Swoyersville at Cage Fight 2 on Friday, November 27, at the Lackawanna College Student Union Center in Scranton.
November 6, 2009
In first to MMAinPA.com, Dustin Pague of Hulstine Athletics in Harrisburg fell to Anthony Leone of Bombsquad MMA in New York via submission at 4:58 of Round 2 tonight in the inaugural PA Fighting Championship held in Harrisburg.
November 4, 2009
Pittsburgh-native James Brasco earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt from Abu Dhabi Champion Pablo Popovitch this week in Florida. The 2007 World Jiu-Jitsu Champion is a multiple-time N.A.G.A. Champion, Abu Dhabi North American Trials Invitee and professional Mixed Martial Artist.
November 3, 2009
Northeast MMA presents Cage Fight 2 on Friday, November 27, at the Lackawanna College Student Union Center in Scranton. The highly-anticipated 14-fight card will offer four professional fights, featuring Jim Hettes of Swoyersville Submission Wrestling in Swoyersville and Justin Haas of Hanover Academy of MMA in Hanover facing off in a Battle of Pennsylvania Featherweights, as well as heavyweight Randy Smith, and lightweights Robert Gorham and Spencer Paige of CNY MMA in New York. Ten amateur fights, featuring fighters from Balance Combat, CNY MMA, Gracie NEPA, Rat Pack Fighting Systems and TriState MMA complete the card.
November 2, 2009
Kids Jiu-Jitsu/MMA Classes are now forming for children ages 7 to 14 at the Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Chalfont. Get your child started now and take advantage of the introductory kids tuition of only $89.00 per month. This introductory price will only last until December 31, 2009. As a bonus, once your child starts at the introductory tuition, feel confident knowing that your child's tuition will never change, no matter how long he/she trains. The first class will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3, starting at 6:00 PM. This first class will be free to all who attend. From then on, the kids class will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM. Classes will be taught by Ryan Stagliano, who has been involved in the Martial Arts since he was 7-years-old. Stagliano holds black belts in Tae Kwon Do, Shaolin Kempo and American Kenpo. He has cross trained in Boxing, Kickboxing and Pekiti Tirsia. Stagliano currently holds the rank of 2nd Degree Blue Belt under Diaz. He has been teaching the Martial Arts to Adults and Children since he was 18 years old. 'We are very excited to have Ryan teaching this class,' said Owner and Lead Instructor, Diaz, 'his knowlegde of instructing children and the passion and enthusiam he brings will certianly make your child's experience even more valuable.' For more information, please call 267.476.1858.
November 1, 2009
Mixed Martial Arts Expo, Inc., the original MMA fan expo launched in Toronto in 2005, recently announced the company’s official entry into the US market under the management of a new USA subsidiary, Mixed Martial Arts Expo, LLC, a corporation registered in the state of Pennsylvania. With twenty years experience in the trade and consumer show business, MMA Expo president and martial artist, Gerald Chopik, is well-versed in delivering this type of event. “Over the past five years we resisted the urge and numerous requests to bring the event to the USA opting instead to refine our model, build our infrastructure and develop solid relationships with our suppliers and exhibitors. Not unlike MMA itself we invested the time in training, testing and tweaking before stepping up. And now we’re ready to expand into the US.” In addition to Canadian events in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, MMA Expo's 2010 USA schedule already includes events in Atlantic City and Philadelphia with additional locations to be announced shortly. MMA Expo Philadelphia takes place in January 9-10 at the Valley Forge Convention Center and incorporates numerous combative sports events including Gi and No-Gi Grappling Tournaments with OTM and the popular Tokey Hill Challenge USA Karate Championships. Plans also call for a Pro-Am MMA Fight Night on the show floor, another first for MMA Expo. For more information regarding exhibiting at MMA Expo or the regional licensing of Mixed Martial Arts Expo events contact gchopik@MixedMartialArtsExpo.com and visit www.MixedMartialArtsExpo.com.
According to the Official Certified MMA Registry of the Association of Boxing Commissions, there are at least six mixed martial arts events scheduled in the Keystone State this month. On Friday, November 6, PA Fighting Championship debuts in Harrisburg. For more information, click here. On Saturday, November 7, Asylum Fight League returns to Philadelphia. For more information, click here. On Friday, November 20, Extreme Force Productions returns to Philadelphia. For more information, click here. On Saturday, November 21, World Cagefighting Championship comes to Greenburg. For more information, click here. On Friday, November 27, Northeast MMA returns to Scranton. For more information, click here. And on Saturday, November 28, EFC Promotions returns to Erie. For more information, click here.
October 26, 2009
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge Pro/Am MMA event held Saturday night at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster. Check out full results here.
October 24, 2009
In first to MMAinPA.com, Jim Hettes of Swoyersville defeated Steven Baker of Delaware tonight in the inaugural Maryland MMA event Shogun Fights in Baltimore via armbar submission in the first round.
October 23, 2009
In first to MMAinPA.com, some quick results are in from the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge Pro/Am MMA event held tonight at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster. On the professional card, Randy Smith of New York defeated Braden Bice of Pennsylvania in the heavyweight main event. The two met in 2007 with Bice earning the win via TKO from strikes in the first round. Joel Roberts defeated Biff Walizer of Pennsylvania in a featherweight fight and Sean Santella of New Jersey defeated Justin Haas of Pennsylvania in a featherweight fight. On the amateur side, Mike Stolzfus defeated Jon Tuxford in a heavyweight fight.
October 21, 2009
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on Asylum Fight League held saturday, October 17, at the The Arena in Philadelphia. Check out full results here.
October 19, 2009
New RGDA Association Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Rick Royce is teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the Gilbertsville/Pottstown area. Royce has trained in RGDA over six years and is an assistant instructor at the association's main Pennsylvania academy. A very technical practitioner, Royce stays active on the tournament circuit earning multiple first place medals, and is an undefeated mixed martial artist. Classes are currently held Monday and Wednesday from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Kwon’s Black Belt Academy located at 1573 East Philadelphia Avenue in Gilbertsville. For more information, please visit www.rickyroyce.vpweb.com.
October 18, 2009
The Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy hosted a seminar with multiple-time ADCC and Worlds champion Master Royler Gracie yesterday in Chalfont. There were 52 in attendance to learn techniques mastered by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. After the seminar, 12 students received promotions, including the new addition of three well-deserved black belts to the RGDA Association. Promoted to the rank of blue belt was Dylan Royce, Brian Goldstein, Chris Hall, Rob Shover and Erik Faust. Promoted to the rank of purple belt was Nick Ortiz and Chaz Horner. Promoted to the rank of brown belt was Rick Royce and Kevin Shannon. And promoted to the rank of black belt was Paul Abbott, Gavin Enck and Keith Neff. Congratulations!
October 16, 2009
Asylum Fight League makes its Pennsylvania debut this Saturday, October 17, at The Arena in Philadelphia. For more information, including the card, click here.
October 15, 2009
Hamburg BJJ will host an MMA workshop with Ben Rhodes on Sunday, November 8, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at their Hamburg academy. Rhodes will cover Thai Boxing, Dirty Boxing, No-Gi Grappling and Takedowns. The Virginia-based MMA Fitness instructor has trained and instructed in multiple disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Judo, Kali, Aikijujitsu and Muay Thai, and under the guidance of Pedro Sauer, Maurice Allen and Ajarn Sirisute Chai. The former Defensive Tactics instructor holds the rank of purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Sauer and the rank of brown belt in Judo under Allen. Price for all non-members is just $30. For more information, contact Chad Charlesworth at chad@hamburgbjj.com or 610.413.0531. NOTE: This was originally scheduled for October 17.
October 14, 2009
Submission Grapplers will compete for free at the Submission Grappling & Karate Tournament on Saturday, October 24, if they attend Central PA Warrior Challenge Friday night at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Station in Lancaster. Registration starts at 8:00 AM. Competition starts at 10:00 AM. Check out www.warriorchallege.info for more information.
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on Valley Fight League held Sunday, October 11, at the Jaffa Mosque in Altoona. Check out full results here.
October 13, 2009
Aaron 'King Kong' Ansbach (1-0) of LionHeart MMA in State College dominated James Armstrong (4-3) Sunday night in front of a rowdy Penn State cheering section at Valley Fight League at the Jaffa Mosque in Altoona. In one of the most exciting fights of the evening, Ansbach stopped Armstrong by TKO in the 2nd round. Ansbach used a series of overpowering double legs, one of which broke the lights on the cage, to bring the crowd to its feet and show everyone the explosive athleticism that he brings to every fight.
Kings's Promotions returns to The Sovereign Center in Reading for its second Mixed Martial Arts - Professional Boxing event on Friday, December 4. In a special promotion, the first 500 tickets sold will be buy one, get one free of equal value. The Boxing portion of Pain On Penn Street II will be headlined by heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman of Reading, while the MMA portion will feature Jim Bova of Orwigsburg.
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on R.I.E. held Saturday, October 10, in Oaks. Check out full results here.
October 11, 2009
Valley Fight League returns to the Jaffa Mosque in Altoona tonight with a welterweight championship main event featuring Pennsylvania-native Charlie Brenneman as he faces Phillip Wyman of Virginia. For more information, including the card, click here.
October 10, 2009
R.I.E. returns to Oaks tonight with a double main event featuring former UFC veteran Tim Boetsch of Barbarian Combat Sports in Sunbury and TUF veteran Aaron Meisner of Fight Factory in Philadelphia. For more information, including the card, click here.
October 9, 2009
Eli 'The Switch' Garshnick (2-0) of Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville, will battle undefeated welterweight Robert Conner (4-0) of West Virginia, this Sunday at Valley Fight League 'Broad Avenue Brawlers 2' at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona.
October 6, 2009
Eli 'The Switch' Garshnick (2-0) as a professional (6-1) as an amateur of Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville, will be heading to Los Angeles on October 26 to try out for Season 11 of The Ultimate Fighter. Garshnick was the VFL and OXF Amateur Middleweight Champion before turning Pro and making the move to 170. Garshnick is a two-time NCAA All-American wrestler and an 8-time National Judo Champion. He is a black belt trained by Master Joe Bufagna.
October 3, 2009
Hamburg BJJ will host an MMA workshop with Ben Rhodes on Saturday, October 17, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at their Hamburg academy. Rhodes will cover Thai Boxing, Dirty Boxing, No-Gi Grappling and Takedowns. The Virginia-based MMA Fitness instructor has trained and instructed in multiple disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Judo, Kali, Aikijujitsu and Muay Thai, and under the guidance of Pedro Sauer, Maurice Allen and Ajarn Sirisute Chai. The former Defensive Tactics instructor holds the rank of purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Sauer and the rank of brown belt in Judo under Allen. Price for all non-members is just $30. For more information, contact Chad Charlesworth at chad@hamburgbjj.com or 610.413.0531.
Xtreme Caged Combat presents Crime and Punishment: Cops vs. Convicts tonight at the Sovereign Center in Reading. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Fights start at 7:00 PM. Out of state fans can catch the action at GoFightLive.tv. For more information, including the card, click here.
The PA State BJJ Federation presents the 3rd Annual Western PA Championships to be held at the Keystone Oaks High School in Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 17. This RANKED event offers divisions for Gi and No-Gi competitors. Registration begins at 8:00 AM and grappling starts around 10:00 AM. For online registration, as well as weigh-in times, prices and all other information, please visit www.steelcitymartialarts.com.
The Pennsylvania Grappling Championship presents the 1st Open Submission Fighting to be held at the field house on campus of Penn Tech in Williamsport on Saturday, October 24. This RANKED event offers divisions for Gi and No-Gi competitors. Registration begins at 8:00 AM and grappling starts at 10:00 AM. For online registration, as well as weigh-in times, prices and all other information, please visit www.pagrapplingchampionship.com.
October 2, 2009
UFC veteran and current ROC lightweight champion Chris Liguori will be teaching an MMA seminar at Wings Martial Arts on Saturday, October 3, starting at 11:30AM. Topics to be covered include Boxing, Grappling and Muay Thai. The investment for this special event is only $50 per person. Space is limited. For more information, call Jim at 215.396.9311. Wings Martial Arts is located at 556 Andrews Road in Trevose.
Paul Bradley showcased his impressive stand-up and well-rounded fight game last weekend at Strikeforce Challenger Fights in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by dominating Levi Avera. The LionHeart MMA welterweight improved his record to 12-1 with the win via unanimous decision over Avera with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27. 'I was pleased with the win Friday night and felt like I was able to dominate the fight no matter where it went,' said The Ultimate Fighter season seven cast member, who returned to training full-time earier this week to move closer to a Strikeforce championship. The 26-year-old signed a multi-fight deal with the company in August. The NCAA D-1 wrestling stand-out has worked extremely hard over the last two years to become one of the top contenders at 170/185. His focus the last 18 months has been to improve his stand up, making him a very complete and dangerous opponent.
October 1, 2009
According to the Official Certified MMA Registry of the Association of Boxing Commissions, there are five mixed martial arts events scheduled in Pennsylvania through the end of October. On Saturday, October 3, Xtreme Caged Combat comes to Reading. For more information, including the card, click here. On Saturday, October 10, R.I.E. returns to Oaks. For more information, including the card, click here. On Sunday, October 11, Valley Fight League returns to Altoona. For more information, including the card, click here. On Saturday, October 17, Asylum Fight League comes to Philadelphia. For more information, including the card, click here. And on Friday, October 23, Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge comes to Lancaster. For more information, including the card, click here. Stay with MMAinPA.com for the latest on upcoming events and quick results.