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.
September 3, 2009
Jared Weiner, Head Instructor and Owner of BJJ United in Jenkintown, was recently promoted to 2nd degree Black Belt by Master Lloyd Irvin. Weiner has been a black belt for more than six years, competing at the highest levels around the world and passing his BJJ knowledge on to his students.
U.S. Greco-Roman standout Shanon Slack will make his professional MMA debut this Saturday, September 5, at Iron Will Fighting Championship in Johnstown. Signed with State College based LionHeart MMA in October 2008, the California fighter will face cage veteran Noe Quintanilla.
September 2, 2009
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 is a RANKED event. 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 first Pennsylvania Grappling Championship presents Open Submission Fighting to be held at the field house on campus of Penn Tech in Williamsport on Saturday, October 24. This will be a RANKED event. 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.
September 1, 2009
According to the Official Certified MMA Registry of the Association of Boxing Commissions, there are eight mixed martial arts events scheduled in the Keystone State through the end of year. On Saturday, September 5, Iron Will Fighting Championship comes to Johnstown. For more information, inlcluding the card, click here. On Friday, September 18, Extreme FC comes to Erie. For more information, including the card, click here. On Saturday, September 19, Cage of Chaos comes to Cheswick. For more information, including the card, click here. On Friday, September 25, King's Promotions comes to Reading. For more information, including the card, click here. On Saturday, October 3, Xtreme Caged Combat comes to Reading. For more information, including the card, click here. On Sunday, October 11, Valley Fight League comes 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.
August 31, 2009
Big Bully MMA has cancelled their Steel Cage Tour MMA event scheduled for September 12 at Robert Morris College. In a message on their web site, the West Virginia promotion states 'Big Bully MMA regrets to announce the September 12 th fight has been canceled due to circumstance beyond our control.' This is their second failed attempt at an MMA event in Pennsylvania since legislation was passed in February. All tickets purchases will be refunded. The event has not been rescheduled.
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on Premier Cage Fighting held Friday, August 28, at the Hamburg Fieldhouse in Hamburg. Check out full results here.
August 30, 2009
Matthew McCaw of The Cage MMA Academy in Reading fell to Stephen Regman of TSMMA in Watchung, New Jersey, via TKO at 0:57 of round two Friday night at Premier Cage Fighting in Hamburg.
Lion-Do Fight Club ventured to St. Clairsville, Ohio, yesterday for Cage of Chaos 'Anarchy' and the Blairsville fight team left with a 2-0 record. 'Ruthless' Russ Brletrick (2-2) got things started as he won in his Lion-Do debut with a first round submission victory via Guillotine Choke over Ben Wargo (0-1), and teammate Marcus 'E.Z.' Corson followed with a first round TKO victory over Ken McDonald (0-2) of Ground And Pound in Washington.
August 29, 2009
Jim Hettes of Swoyersville Submission Grappling in Swoyersville defeated Nick Gentile of Blackman MMA in Harrisburg last night at Premier Cage Fighting in Hamburg. Check out the video here.
Allentown-based John 'The Iron Bull' Doyle fell to Frenchman Karl 'Psycho' Amoussou via submission by rear naked choke at 3:15 of round one last night in their middleweight fight at M-1 Breakthrough live on HDNet Fights from the Memorial Hall in Kansas City.
August 28, 2009
In first to MMAinPA.com, Terrill Leech of Blackman MMA in Harrisburg earned the win via TKO tonight in his professional MMA debut at Premier Cage Fighting in Hamburg.
Pittsburgh-native James Brasco received an early birthday gift this week in the form of an invitation to the 2009 Abu Dhabi World Submission Grappling Championships to be held in Barcelona, Spain, on September 26. 'I am stoked,' said the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt 'I have been working towards this for several years.' The multiple-time N.A.G.A. champion is the wrestling coach for Team Popovitch in Florida.
August 27, 2009
King's Promotions presents 9th St. Slaughter on Friday, September 25, at Club 1402 in Reading. The anticipated 14 fight Pro/Am card will feature mixed martial artists from some of Pennsylvania's most active and recognized teams. 'We're excited to see MMA return to Reading and for the opportunity to bring back fighters from our successful Pain On Penn Street amateur event held in May,' said Matchmaker Joseph Cunliffe, 'including the professional debut of Tony Williams' fighting out of The Cage MMA Academy in Temple. Jim Bova, fighting out of Anthracite Combat Club in Schuylkill Haven, will headline the card. Follow the developing card here and stay with MMAinPA.com for the exclusive inside track on the second MMA event to be held in Reading.
August 26, 2009
The Lancaster County Convention Center will host the 2009 Grapplers Quest Northeast Grappling Championships on Saturday, September 26, featuring $10,000 in prizes, and 300 Divisions for No-Gi Submission Grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Lancaster Convention Center is located at 3 East Vine Street. For more information, check out GrapplersQuest.com.
August 25, 2009
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on Extreme Force Productions held Friday, August 21, at the The Arena in Philadelphia. Check out full results here.
August 24, 2009
Iron Will Fighting Championship 2, headlined by a light heavyweight title fight featuring Ryan “The Hunter” Lopez of USA Starz in Oklahoma and Rob “Bullrider” Wince of Team Hammer House in Ohio, will take place on Saturday, September 5, starting at 7:30 PM at the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown. Cambria County War Memorial is located at 326 Napoleon Street.
August 23, 2009
Just in to MMAinPA.com from Rocco Mixed Martial Arts head instructor Adam Rocco: I wanted to send out congratulations to John McBride for getting a dominating (Unanimous Decision 30-27,30-27,30-27) victory over (Gerard Cordero) a very game opponent in his MMA debut (at Arena Assault I Friday at The Arena in Philadelphia). John overwhelmed his opponent from the opening bell till the end of the fight. He used his superior striking and take down defense to dismantle his opponent. John put in a great training camp and executed our game plan to perfection. We are all very proud of him.
August 22, 2009
The first Philadelphia Pro/Am MMA event is on the books, and MMAinPA.com was there to capture the results live, as Extreme Force Productions presented Arena Assault I at The Arena last night. The standing room only crowd was witness to seven fights, including four amateur and three professional. The night started off slow, but the pace picked up and it ended with a stand up war between two cage veterans. All four Philadelphia-based amateurs earned victories over their opponents, while the three Pennsylvania-based professionals fell to their opponents.
The amateur fights started the night, as Matt Friedeborin of Daddis Fight Camp in Philadelphia defeated Bryce Chapman of Evolution Martial Arts in New Jersey via Unanimous Decision (30-27,30-27,30-27) in their featherweight fight. John McBride of Rocco MMA in Philadelphia defeated Gerard Cordero from New York via Unanimous Decision (30-27,30-27,30-27) in their welterweight fight. Daniel Matala of Daddis Fight Camp in Philadelphia defeated Nick Simonetta of Hard Luck MMA in Allentown via Unanimous Decision (29-28,29-28,29-28) in their lightweight fight. George Hibbs of Daddis Fight Camp in Philadelphia defeated Chris Bonisvewski of Grindhouse MMA in Feasterville via Submission by rear naked choke at 1:10 of round three of their welterweight fight.
The professionals were up next, as John Salgado of New York defeated Jeff Smith of Blackman MMA in Harrisburg via Submission by guillotine choke at 1:01 of round one of their lightweight fight. Smith shot on Salgado basically knocking himself out upon landing thus being unable to defend the choke. Doug Anderson of Rhino MMA in New Jersey defeated Justin Haas of Hanover Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Hanover via Submission by guillotine choke at 4:09 of round two of their featherweight fight. Haas had multiple successful takedowns on Anderson, but was caught late in round two forcing him to tap out. Jeff Lentz of Rhino MMA in New Jersey defeated Dustin Pague of Hulstine Athletics in Harrisburg via Unanimous Decision (29-28,30-27,30-27) in their featherweight fight. This stand up war between veterans of some 30 fights had the fans standing too. Strikes that landed received roars from the audience. Takedowns saw Lentz followers stomping their feet. The rumble from Pague followers could be felt throughout the venue.
August 21, 2009
Eli 'The Switch' Garshnick, of Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville, who is fresh off a submission victory in his professional debut, will enter the cage again on September 5 at Iron Will Fighting Championship at the Johnstown War Memorial in Johnstown. Garshnick will take on Jamie Frier of CNYMMA in New York. Garshnick who fought all of his previous fights as a middleweight will now be fighting as a welterweight. 'Big' Jon Neese will make his professional debut at heavyweight against another accomplished wrestler Johnny Curtis out of Virginia on the same card.
August 20, 2009
Paul Bradley, of LionHeart MMA in State College, signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce, one of the top MMA organizations in the world. Bradley is very pleased with the opportunity to fight in Strikeforce. The NCAA D-1 wrestling stand-out said, 'they are signing some of the top guys in the world as of late and I feel honored to be a part of this group of people.' Bradley has worked extremely hard over the last two years to become one of the top contenders at 170/185. 'Paul's focus for the last 18 months has been to improve his stand up and this has made him a very complete and dangerous guy to fight,' said LionHeart MMA owner Chad Dubin. The 26-year-old turned pro in October 2006 and has massed an impressive 11-1-0 record winning by submission, decision, corner stoppage and strikes. 'I look forward to putting on exciting fights for Strikeforce... as well as showing the company they made a good decision signing me.' The Ultimate Fighter season seven cast member will make his Strikeforce debut at Cyborg vs. Kennedy on September 25 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 'Paul will finally get a chance to showcase his talents in an organization that has some of the best fighters in the world,' said Dubin.
August 19, 2009
Extreme Force Productions presents Arena Assault I at The Arena in Philadelphia this Friday, August 21. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Fights start at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available at ExtremeForce.tv. The Arena is located at 7 West Ritner Street.
Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp. presents the 2009 Kumite Classic BJJ GI & NO GI Grappling Championships as part of the Pittsburgh Sports and Fitness Festival at the Pittsburgh Hilton this Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 23. Developed by MMAinPA.com founder Joseph Cunliffe in 2003, this tournament is part of a weekend full of fitness and world class martial arts competition. The Kumite Classic is the largest grappling event ever held in Pennsylvania, with academies from across the United States, Brazil, Canada and Mexico represented. For more information, please visit PGHFitness.com, email or call 724.861.5162.
August 18, 2009
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and UFC® lightweight Phillipe Nover will be conducting a Mixed Martial Arts seminar at Tristate MMA-BJJ in Milford on Saturday, September 19, at 12:00 PM. The Ultimate Fighter season 8 finalist went undefeated on the SpikeTV reality show defeating each of his three opponents via submission. In episode eight, UFC® president Dana White mentioned Nover reminded him of a young Georges St. Pierre. The cost is just $65 per person. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 570.241.4409. Tristate MMA-BJJ is located at 201 West Harford Street.
Pennsylvania went undefeated Saturday when New Breed Fighters presented a night of amateur mixed martial arts at the Resorts Casino Superstar Theater in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Six fighters represented the Commonwealth winning by decision, submission and KO, as well as bringing home a title. Scott Hlubik (166.7) of PHIST in Middletown defeated Chris Heagy (161.5) of AFS in New Jersey via unanimous decision (all three judges 30-27) in their super middleweight fight. Mike Bell (136.0) of X-treme MMA in Warrington defeated Oscar Arizmendi (136.6) of Alex Wilkie in New Jersey via tap due to keylock at 2:37 of round one. Arizmendi is suspended 60 days and needs x-rays of left ribs. James Chappell (157.4) of Academy of Combative Arts in York defeated John Hollister (156.0) of War Industries in Vermont via tap due to armbar at 1:40 of round one. Chappell is suspended 90 days for not letting go of armbar submission after tap and referee notice. Casey Adams (173.0) of Grindhouse MMA in Feasterville defeated Joe DeLuca (172.4) of Alex Wilkie in New Jersey via tap due to guillotine at 1:35 of round one of their light heavyweight fight. DeLuca is suspended pending X-ray of right foot. Jordan Stiner (158.8) of Renzo Gracie-PA in Hatfield defeated John Gartiser (159.8) of Iron Horse MMA in New Jersey via KO punch at 0:55 of round one of their middleweight fight. Gartiser is suspended 30 days. Chris Wing (183.5) of Wing’s MMA in Trevose defeated Elvin Rodriguez (177.7) of Alan Wright MMA in New Jersey via unanimous decision three rounds (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) of a super light heavyweight title fight.
August 17, 2009
Tony Williams is set to make his professional MMA debut at Ninth St. Slaughter on Friday, September 25, at Club 1402 in Reading. His roots can be traced back to the Pacific Northwest and to old-school training with the likes of Maurice Smith and lockflow.com founder Charlie Pearson in 2002. The 25-year-old splits his training between The Cage MMA Academy in Temple, Northern First Southern Cross in downtown Reading and the YMCA of Reading & Berks County today. Williams will have ended his amateur career 4-2-0 with a quick first round win over Jim Gerner of Anthracite Combat Club in Schuylkill Haven via TKO by Referee Stoppage from Strikes at Pain On Penn Street on May 30. Williams is expected to face Pennsylvania states wrestler Dan Baker of Shark Cage Gym in Montgomery.
August 16, 2009
Kevin Myirski of Rat Pack Fighting Systems in Palmerton earned the Gold in the Men's Novice 66 Kg to 76.9 Kg division at the 2009 ADCC Northeast Regional Championships Saturday at the Richard J. Codey Arena in South Mountain, New Jersey. The 26-year-old from Bethlehem won each of his three matches via submission -- one by armbar and two by triangle. The tournament was part of a 16-event series to discover the next ADCC World Champion. The former Marine is entitled to compete in a future Regionals event as part of the Gold Standard of Submission Fighting.
Allentown-based John Doyle defeated Richard Plug of Team Benelux via Unanimous Decision at M-1 Challenge 18 in the Netherlands this weekend.
Tim Boetsch of Barbarian Combat Sports in Sunbury defeated Aaron Stark via guillotine choke in round two at King of the Cage Thunderstruck last night in Everett, Washington.
Washington-native David Sachs, fighting out of LionHeart MMA in State College, will travel to New England next week to face Chris Foster in the main event at Wartown Beatdown 3 in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Saturday, August 22.
Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville is proud to announce another addition to their team in 145-pounder 'Ruthless' Russell Brletrick of Natrona Heights. Brletrick was training with Realistic Fighting Concepts out of Uniontown. He has only been training for eight months and has compiled a (1-2) record. He is the training partner of Bob 'The Beast' Tipinski who also recently began fighting for Lion-Do. Brletrick is a solid striker with good boxing skills and he possesses the heart of a warrior. 'We're thrilled to have Russ on the team, the kid has a non-stop motor and never gives up. His striking skills are very solid and he is almost 6'-0' tall, so this guy has a reach advantage on most of the guys in his weight class. We excited to get him in the gym and polish up his ground skills and make him a complete fighter' said Bob Lichtenfels owner of Lion-Do Fight Club. Breltrick will make his Lion-Do debut on August 29 at the Cage of Chaos 'Anarchy' show in St. Clairsville, Ohio. He will be taking on Ben Wargo (0-0).
August 15, 2009
Brian Stann, formerly of Scranton, faces Steve Cantwell, when the UFC® hits Oklahoma City with Ultimate Fight Night 19 on September 16 live on SpikeTV. The two former WEC light heavyweight champions first met in March 2007 with Stann earning a quick first round win via TKO over Cantwell. Stann later lost the title to Cantwell in August 2008 via TKO in the second round.
August 14, 2009
Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville is proud to announce the latest addition to our fight team 155-pound fighter Bob 'The Beast' Tipinski (2-3). Tipinski formerly trained at Realistic Fighting Concepts in Uniontown under the tutelege of Jeff Hughes. Tipinski was a 3x state qualifier as a wrestler for Burrell High School, one of the top wrestling programs in the state. He is also an amateur boxer with a (2-0) record in the ring. Tipinski will make his Lion-Do debut at the Cage of Chaos/XCFC show in Cheswick against an opponent to be determined. 'We're very excited to add Bob Tipinski to our growing roster of mixed martial artists. Anyone who has watched Tipinski in the past knows that he has all the tools to become a pretty special fighter, we hope to put all those tools together and help him reach his fullest potential. Tipinski is facing great competition in practice every week going against guys like Eli Garshnick, Jesse Garshnick and Justin Head. He has come in and fit in right away with our team and we're glad to have him.' said Lion-Do owner Bob Lichtenfels.
August 13, 2009
Jason C. Brown of Urban Athlete was interviewed by Men's Health magazine last week at their facility in Philadelphia. The topic was kettlebell training and they wanted to see some of the most common exercises as well as some of the mistakes that people make when they start training with kettlebells. They also talked about kettlebell training benefits and how to plug kettlebell training into your existing program. You can view the videos here.
August 12, 2009
Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy will open its new academy on Monday, August 17. Located at 27 West Butler Avenue in Chalfont (Rt. 202 and Rt. 152N), the new academy features over 2800 square feet. Everyone is invited to come out and visit the new academy. There will be a special Grand Opening on Saturday, September 12, starting at 1:00 PM. Classes will run Monday through Thursday 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and Saturday 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. In the coming weeks, RDBJJ hopes to add a fundamentals class as well as a Kids Jiu-Jitsu program. Please visit www.GraciePA.com to view a video of the new facility. Call 267.476.1858 with any inquiries.
Maxercise Training Academy & Fitness Club will host a seminar with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and multiple-time world champion Royler Gracie on Thursday, October 15, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at their Philadelphia academy. The cost is just 90.00 per person. Everyone has to prepay to reserve a space in the seminar. Contact John Disimone at 215.928.1374 or maxfitmma@aol.com for more information. Maxercise is located at 707 Chestnut Street.
August 11, 2009
Rat Pack Fighting Systems will host a seminar with Ultimate Fighter 7 cast member and current UFC® welterweight Matthew Riddle this Saturday, August 15, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at their Palmerton academy. Contact 484.765.8116 or inkosi.llc@hotmail.com for more information. Rat Pack Fighting Systems is located at 468 Delaware Avenue.
August 10, 2009
Matthew Riddle defeated Dan Cramer via Unanimous Decision (29-27,30-26,30-27) at UFC® 101 Saturday night in Philadelphia continuing on his undefeated streak. According to sherdog.com, the 3-0 welterweight from Palmerton said 'Cramer's a tough guy. It didn't matter how many elbows I hit him with, I knew he'd never give up' in the third round of their preliminary fight, as Riddle opened up a cut over the left eye of Cramer. Blood was streaming down the side of his face. Riddle moved to the back of his opponent landing elbows to the head. Cramer rolled to his back again and ate more leather. Read a complete Play-By-Play at sherdog.com.
Stepping up on short notice is undefeated professional mixed martial artist Jeff Lentz (4-0) of Rhino Fight Team in New Jersey to face Dustin Pague (5-1) of Hulstine Athletics in Harrisburg in the lightweight main event of the inaugural Extreme Force Productions Arena Assault I at The Arena in Philadelphia on Friday, August 21. Lentz also has an accomplished amateur (8-1) record, with just one loss in September 2008 to Joel Roberts in a title defense fight. Roberts recently fell to Pague in his pro debut.
August 9, 2009
BJ Penn submitted Kenny Florian by rear naked choke in round four to retain his UFC® lightweight title and Anderson Silva knocked out Forrest Griffin in round one at UFC® 101 last night at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. Quick results follow:
Jesse Lennox defeated Danillo Villefort via TKO (cut) at 3:37 of round three
George Sotiropoulos defeated George Roop via Submission (kimura) at 1:59 of round two
Matthew Riddle defeated Dan Cramer via Unanimous Decision
Alessio Sakara defeated Thales Leites via Split Decision
John Howard defeated Tamdan McCrory via Split Decision
Kurt Pellegrino defeated Josh Neer via Unanimous Decision
Ricardo Almeida defeated Kendall Grove via Unanimous Decision
Johny Hendricks defeated Amir Sadollah via TKO (punches) at 0:29 of round one
Aaron Riley defeated Shane Nelson via Unanimous Decision
Anderson Silva defeated Forrest Griffin via KO (punch) at 3:23 of round one
BJ Penn defeated Kenny Florian via Submission (rear naked choke) at 3:54 of round four
August 8, 2009
John Doyle of Allentown was once one of the brightest MMA prospects on the entire East Coast. With a 6-1 record and the CITC light heavyweight title, rumors were rampant that the UFC® was about to extend him a contract offer. Unfortunately, some wrong guidance from his former management sent him him on a downward spiral as he took fights against top notch fighters on next to no notice. But John Doyle is back. Once again fighting on short notice, Doyle answered M-1’s call this past June when Abdullah Ahmady of Team Turkey was denied a license by the Kansas Boxing Commission. After rece
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.
September 3, 2009
Jared Weiner, Head Instructor and Owner of BJJ United in Jenkintown, was recently promoted to 2nd degree Black Belt by Master Lloyd Irvin. Weiner has been a black belt for more than six years, competing at the highest levels around the world and passing his BJJ knowledge on to his students.
U.S. Greco-Roman standout Shanon Slack will make his professional MMA debut this Saturday, September 5, at Iron Will Fighting Championship in Johnstown. Signed with State College based LionHeart MMA in October 2008, the California fighter will face cage veteran Noe Quintanilla.
September 2, 2009
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 is a RANKED event. 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 first Pennsylvania Grappling Championship presents Open Submission Fighting to be held at the field house on campus of Penn Tech in Williamsport on Saturday, October 24. This will be a RANKED event. 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.
September 1, 2009
According to the Official Certified MMA Registry of the Association of Boxing Commissions, there are eight mixed martial arts events scheduled in the Keystone State through the end of year. On Saturday, September 5, Iron Will Fighting Championship comes to Johnstown. For more information, inlcluding the card, click here. On Friday, September 18, Extreme FC comes to Erie. For more information, including the card, click here. On Saturday, September 19, Cage of Chaos comes to Cheswick. For more information, including the card, click here. On Friday, September 25, King's Promotions comes to Reading. For more information, including the card, click here. On Saturday, October 3, Xtreme Caged Combat comes to Reading. For more information, including the card, click here. On Sunday, October 11, Valley Fight League comes 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.
August 31, 2009
Big Bully MMA has cancelled their Steel Cage Tour MMA event scheduled for September 12 at Robert Morris College. In a message on their web site, the West Virginia promotion states 'Big Bully MMA regrets to announce the September 12 th fight has been canceled due to circumstance beyond our control.' This is their second failed attempt at an MMA event in Pennsylvania since legislation was passed in February. All tickets purchases will be refunded. The event has not been rescheduled.
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on Premier Cage Fighting held Friday, August 28, at the Hamburg Fieldhouse in Hamburg. Check out full results here.
August 30, 2009
Matthew McCaw of The Cage MMA Academy in Reading fell to Stephen Regman of TSMMA in Watchung, New Jersey, via TKO at 0:57 of round two Friday night at Premier Cage Fighting in Hamburg.
Lion-Do Fight Club ventured to St. Clairsville, Ohio, yesterday for Cage of Chaos 'Anarchy' and the Blairsville fight team left with a 2-0 record. 'Ruthless' Russ Brletrick (2-2) got things started as he won in his Lion-Do debut with a first round submission victory via Guillotine Choke over Ben Wargo (0-1), and teammate Marcus 'E.Z.' Corson followed with a first round TKO victory over Ken McDonald (0-2) of Ground And Pound in Washington.
August 29, 2009
Jim Hettes of Swoyersville Submission Grappling in Swoyersville defeated Nick Gentile of Blackman MMA in Harrisburg last night at Premier Cage Fighting in Hamburg. Check out the video here.
Allentown-based John 'The Iron Bull' Doyle fell to Frenchman Karl 'Psycho' Amoussou via submission by rear naked choke at 3:15 of round one last night in their middleweight fight at M-1 Breakthrough live on HDNet Fights from the Memorial Hall in Kansas City.
August 28, 2009
In first to MMAinPA.com, Terrill Leech of Blackman MMA in Harrisburg earned the win via TKO tonight in his professional MMA debut at Premier Cage Fighting in Hamburg.
Pittsburgh-native James Brasco received an early birthday gift this week in the form of an invitation to the 2009 Abu Dhabi World Submission Grappling Championships to be held in Barcelona, Spain, on September 26. 'I am stoked,' said the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt 'I have been working towards this for several years.' The multiple-time N.A.G.A. champion is the wrestling coach for Team Popovitch in Florida.
August 27, 2009
King's Promotions presents 9th St. Slaughter on Friday, September 25, at Club 1402 in Reading. The anticipated 14 fight Pro/Am card will feature mixed martial artists from some of Pennsylvania's most active and recognized teams. 'We're excited to see MMA return to Reading and for the opportunity to bring back fighters from our successful Pain On Penn Street amateur event held in May,' said Matchmaker Joseph Cunliffe, 'including the professional debut of Tony Williams' fighting out of The Cage MMA Academy in Temple. Jim Bova, fighting out of Anthracite Combat Club in Schuylkill Haven, will headline the card. Follow the developing card here and stay with MMAinPA.com for the exclusive inside track on the second MMA event to be held in Reading.
August 26, 2009
The Lancaster County Convention Center will host the 2009 Grapplers Quest Northeast Grappling Championships on Saturday, September 26, featuring $10,000 in prizes, and 300 Divisions for No-Gi Submission Grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Lancaster Convention Center is located at 3 East Vine Street. For more information, check out GrapplersQuest.com.
August 25, 2009
Official results are in from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission on Extreme Force Productions held Friday, August 21, at the The Arena in Philadelphia. Check out full results here.
August 24, 2009
Iron Will Fighting Championship 2, headlined by a light heavyweight title fight featuring Ryan “The Hunter” Lopez of USA Starz in Oklahoma and Rob “Bullrider” Wince of Team Hammer House in Ohio, will take place on Saturday, September 5, starting at 7:30 PM at the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown. Cambria County War Memorial is located at 326 Napoleon Street.
August 23, 2009
Just in to MMAinPA.com from Rocco Mixed Martial Arts head instructor Adam Rocco: I wanted to send out congratulations to John McBride for getting a dominating (Unanimous Decision 30-27,30-27,30-27) victory over (Gerard Cordero) a very game opponent in his MMA debut (at Arena Assault I Friday at The Arena in Philadelphia). John overwhelmed his opponent from the opening bell till the end of the fight. He used his superior striking and take down defense to dismantle his opponent. John put in a great training camp and executed our game plan to perfection. We are all very proud of him.
August 22, 2009
The first Philadelphia Pro/Am MMA event is on the books, and MMAinPA.com was there to capture the results live, as Extreme Force Productions presented Arena Assault I at The Arena last night. The standing room only crowd was witness to seven fights, including four amateur and three professional. The night started off slow, but the pace picked up and it ended with a stand up war between two cage veterans. All four Philadelphia-based amateurs earned victories over their opponents, while the three Pennsylvania-based professionals fell to their opponents.
The amateur fights started the night, as Matt Friedeborin of Daddis Fight Camp in Philadelphia defeated Bryce Chapman of Evolution Martial Arts in New Jersey via Unanimous Decision (30-27,30-27,30-27) in their featherweight fight. John McBride of Rocco MMA in Philadelphia defeated Gerard Cordero from New York via Unanimous Decision (30-27,30-27,30-27) in their welterweight fight. Daniel Matala of Daddis Fight Camp in Philadelphia defeated Nick Simonetta of Hard Luck MMA in Allentown via Unanimous Decision (29-28,29-28,29-28) in their lightweight fight. George Hibbs of Daddis Fight Camp in Philadelphia defeated Chris Bonisvewski of Grindhouse MMA in Feasterville via Submission by rear naked choke at 1:10 of round three of their welterweight fight.
The professionals were up next, as John Salgado of New York defeated Jeff Smith of Blackman MMA in Harrisburg via Submission by guillotine choke at 1:01 of round one of their lightweight fight. Smith shot on Salgado basically knocking himself out upon landing thus being unable to defend the choke. Doug Anderson of Rhino MMA in New Jersey defeated Justin Haas of Hanover Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Hanover via Submission by guillotine choke at 4:09 of round two of their featherweight fight. Haas had multiple successful takedowns on Anderson, but was caught late in round two forcing him to tap out. Jeff Lentz of Rhino MMA in New Jersey defeated Dustin Pague of Hulstine Athletics in Harrisburg via Unanimous Decision (29-28,30-27,30-27) in their featherweight fight. This stand up war between veterans of some 30 fights had the fans standing too. Strikes that landed received roars from the audience. Takedowns saw Lentz followers stomping their feet. The rumble from Pague followers could be felt throughout the venue.
August 21, 2009
Eli 'The Switch' Garshnick, of Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville, who is fresh off a submission victory in his professional debut, will enter the cage again on September 5 at Iron Will Fighting Championship at the Johnstown War Memorial in Johnstown. Garshnick will take on Jamie Frier of CNYMMA in New York. Garshnick who fought all of his previous fights as a middleweight will now be fighting as a welterweight. 'Big' Jon Neese will make his professional debut at heavyweight against another accomplished wrestler Johnny Curtis out of Virginia on the same card.
August 20, 2009
Paul Bradley, of LionHeart MMA in State College, signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce, one of the top MMA organizations in the world. Bradley is very pleased with the opportunity to fight in Strikeforce. The NCAA D-1 wrestling stand-out said, 'they are signing some of the top guys in the world as of late and I feel honored to be a part of this group of people.' Bradley has worked extremely hard over the last two years to become one of the top contenders at 170/185. 'Paul's focus for the last 18 months has been to improve his stand up and this has made him a very complete and dangerous guy to fight,' said LionHeart MMA owner Chad Dubin. The 26-year-old turned pro in October 2006 and has massed an impressive 11-1-0 record winning by submission, decision, corner stoppage and strikes. 'I look forward to putting on exciting fights for Strikeforce... as well as showing the company they made a good decision signing me.' The Ultimate Fighter season seven cast member will make his Strikeforce debut at Cyborg vs. Kennedy on September 25 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 'Paul will finally get a chance to showcase his talents in an organization that has some of the best fighters in the world,' said Dubin.
August 19, 2009
Extreme Force Productions presents Arena Assault I at The Arena in Philadelphia this Friday, August 21. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Fights start at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available at ExtremeForce.tv. The Arena is located at 7 West Ritner Street.
Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp. presents the 2009 Kumite Classic BJJ GI & NO GI Grappling Championships as part of the Pittsburgh Sports and Fitness Festival at the Pittsburgh Hilton this Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 23. Developed by MMAinPA.com founder Joseph Cunliffe in 2003, this tournament is part of a weekend full of fitness and world class martial arts competition. The Kumite Classic is the largest grappling event ever held in Pennsylvania, with academies from across the United States, Brazil, Canada and Mexico represented. For more information, please visit PGHFitness.com, email or call 724.861.5162.
August 18, 2009
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and UFC® lightweight Phillipe Nover will be conducting a Mixed Martial Arts seminar at Tristate MMA-BJJ in Milford on Saturday, September 19, at 12:00 PM. The Ultimate Fighter season 8 finalist went undefeated on the SpikeTV reality show defeating each of his three opponents via submission. In episode eight, UFC® president Dana White mentioned Nover reminded him of a young Georges St. Pierre. The cost is just $65 per person. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 570.241.4409. Tristate MMA-BJJ is located at 201 West Harford Street.
Pennsylvania went undefeated Saturday when New Breed Fighters presented a night of amateur mixed martial arts at the Resorts Casino Superstar Theater in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Six fighters represented the Commonwealth winning by decision, submission and KO, as well as bringing home a title. Scott Hlubik (166.7) of PHIST in Middletown defeated Chris Heagy (161.5) of AFS in New Jersey via unanimous decision (all three judges 30-27) in their super middleweight fight. Mike Bell (136.0) of X-treme MMA in Warrington defeated Oscar Arizmendi (136.6) of Alex Wilkie in New Jersey via tap due to keylock at 2:37 of round one. Arizmendi is suspended 60 days and needs x-rays of left ribs. James Chappell (157.4) of Academy of Combative Arts in York defeated John Hollister (156.0) of War Industries in Vermont via tap due to armbar at 1:40 of round one. Chappell is suspended 90 days for not letting go of armbar submission after tap and referee notice. Casey Adams (173.0) of Grindhouse MMA in Feasterville defeated Joe DeLuca (172.4) of Alex Wilkie in New Jersey via tap due to guillotine at 1:35 of round one of their light heavyweight fight. DeLuca is suspended pending X-ray of right foot. Jordan Stiner (158.8) of Renzo Gracie-PA in Hatfield defeated John Gartiser (159.8) of Iron Horse MMA in New Jersey via KO punch at 0:55 of round one of their middleweight fight. Gartiser is suspended 30 days. Chris Wing (183.5) of Wing’s MMA in Trevose defeated Elvin Rodriguez (177.7) of Alan Wright MMA in New Jersey via unanimous decision three rounds (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) of a super light heavyweight title fight.
August 17, 2009
Tony Williams is set to make his professional MMA debut at Ninth St. Slaughter on Friday, September 25, at Club 1402 in Reading. His roots can be traced back to the Pacific Northwest and to old-school training with the likes of Maurice Smith and lockflow.com founder Charlie Pearson in 2002. The 25-year-old splits his training between The Cage MMA Academy in Temple, Northern First Southern Cross in downtown Reading and the YMCA of Reading & Berks County today. Williams will have ended his amateur career 4-2-0 with a quick first round win over Jim Gerner of Anthracite Combat Club in Schuylkill Haven via TKO by Referee Stoppage from Strikes at Pain On Penn Street on May 30. Williams is expected to face Pennsylvania states wrestler Dan Baker of Shark Cage Gym in Montgomery.
August 16, 2009
Kevin Myirski of Rat Pack Fighting Systems in Palmerton earned the Gold in the Men's Novice 66 Kg to 76.9 Kg division at the 2009 ADCC Northeast Regional Championships Saturday at the Richard J. Codey Arena in South Mountain, New Jersey. The 26-year-old from Bethlehem won each of his three matches via submission -- one by armbar and two by triangle. The tournament was part of a 16-event series to discover the next ADCC World Champion. The former Marine is entitled to compete in a future Regionals event as part of the Gold Standard of Submission Fighting.
Allentown-based John Doyle defeated Richard Plug of Team Benelux via Unanimous Decision at M-1 Challenge 18 in the Netherlands this weekend.
Tim Boetsch of Barbarian Combat Sports in Sunbury defeated Aaron Stark via guillotine choke in round two at King of the Cage Thunderstruck last night in Everett, Washington.
Washington-native David Sachs, fighting out of LionHeart MMA in State College, will travel to New England next week to face Chris Foster in the main event at Wartown Beatdown 3 in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Saturday, August 22.
Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville is proud to announce another addition to their team in 145-pounder 'Ruthless' Russell Brletrick of Natrona Heights. Brletrick was training with Realistic Fighting Concepts out of Uniontown. He has only been training for eight months and has compiled a (1-2) record. He is the training partner of Bob 'The Beast' Tipinski who also recently began fighting for Lion-Do. Brletrick is a solid striker with good boxing skills and he possesses the heart of a warrior. 'We're thrilled to have Russ on the team, the kid has a non-stop motor and never gives up. His striking skills are very solid and he is almost 6'-0' tall, so this guy has a reach advantage on most of the guys in his weight class. We excited to get him in the gym and polish up his ground skills and make him a complete fighter' said Bob Lichtenfels owner of Lion-Do Fight Club. Breltrick will make his Lion-Do debut on August 29 at the Cage of Chaos 'Anarchy' show in St. Clairsville, Ohio. He will be taking on Ben Wargo (0-0).
August 15, 2009
Brian Stann, formerly of Scranton, faces Steve Cantwell, when the UFC® hits Oklahoma City with Ultimate Fight Night 19 on September 16 live on SpikeTV. The two former WEC light heavyweight champions first met in March 2007 with Stann earning a quick first round win via TKO over Cantwell. Stann later lost the title to Cantwell in August 2008 via TKO in the second round.
August 14, 2009
Lion-Do Fight Club in Blairsville is proud to announce the latest addition to our fight team 155-pound fighter Bob 'The Beast' Tipinski (2-3). Tipinski formerly trained at Realistic Fighting Concepts in Uniontown under the tutelege of Jeff Hughes. Tipinski was a 3x state qualifier as a wrestler for Burrell High School, one of the top wrestling programs in the state. He is also an amateur boxer with a (2-0) record in the ring. Tipinski will make his Lion-Do debut at the Cage of Chaos/XCFC show in Cheswick against an opponent to be determined. 'We're very excited to add Bob Tipinski to our growing roster of mixed martial artists. Anyone who has watched Tipinski in the past knows that he has all the tools to become a pretty special fighter, we hope to put all those tools together and help him reach his fullest potential. Tipinski is facing great competition in practice every week going against guys like Eli Garshnick, Jesse Garshnick and Justin Head. He has come in and fit in right away with our team and we're glad to have him.' said Lion-Do owner Bob Lichtenfels.
August 13, 2009
Jason C. Brown of Urban Athlete was interviewed by Men's Health magazine last week at their facility in Philadelphia. The topic was kettlebell training and they wanted to see some of the most common exercises as well as some of the mistakes that people make when they start training with kettlebells. They also talked about kettlebell training benefits and how to plug kettlebell training into your existing program. You can view the videos here.
August 12, 2009
Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy will open its new academy on Monday, August 17. Located at 27 West Butler Avenue in Chalfont (Rt. 202 and Rt. 152N), the new academy features over 2800 square feet. Everyone is invited to come out and visit the new academy. There will be a special Grand Opening on Saturday, September 12, starting at 1:00 PM. Classes will run Monday through Thursday 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and Saturday 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. In the coming weeks, RDBJJ hopes to add a fundamentals class as well as a Kids Jiu-Jitsu program. Please visit www.GraciePA.com to view a video of the new facility. Call 267.476.1858 with any inquiries.
Maxercise Training Academy & Fitness Club will host a seminar with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and multiple-time world champion Royler Gracie on Thursday, October 15, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at their Philadelphia academy. The cost is just 90.00 per person. Everyone has to prepay to reserve a space in the seminar. Contact John Disimone at 215.928.1374 or maxfitmma@aol.com for more information. Maxercise is located at 707 Chestnut Street.
August 11, 2009
Rat Pack Fighting Systems will host a seminar with Ultimate Fighter 7 cast member and current UFC® welterweight Matthew Riddle this Saturday, August 15, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at their Palmerton academy. Contact 484.765.8116 or inkosi.llc@hotmail.com for more information. Rat Pack Fighting Systems is located at 468 Delaware Avenue.
August 10, 2009
Matthew Riddle defeated Dan Cramer via Unanimous Decision (29-27,30-26,30-27) at UFC® 101 Saturday night in Philadelphia continuing on his undefeated streak. According to sherdog.com, the 3-0 welterweight from Palmerton said 'Cramer's a tough guy. It didn't matter how many elbows I hit him with, I knew he'd never give up' in the third round of their preliminary fight, as Riddle opened up a cut over the left eye of Cramer. Blood was streaming down the side of his face. Riddle moved to the back of his opponent landing elbows to the head. Cramer rolled to his back again and ate more leather. Read a complete Play-By-Play at sherdog.com.
Stepping up on short notice is undefeated professional mixed martial artist Jeff Lentz (4-0) of Rhino Fight Team in New Jersey to face Dustin Pague (5-1) of Hulstine Athletics in Harrisburg in the lightweight main event of the inaugural Extreme Force Productions Arena Assault I at The Arena in Philadelphia on Friday, August 21. Lentz also has an accomplished amateur (8-1) record, with just one loss in September 2008 to Joel Roberts in a title defense fight. Roberts recently fell to Pague in his pro debut.
August 9, 2009
BJ Penn submitted Kenny Florian by rear naked choke in round four to retain his UFC® lightweight title and Anderson Silva knocked out Forrest Griffin in round one at UFC® 101 last night at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. Quick results follow:
Jesse Lennox defeated Danillo Villefort via TKO (cut) at 3:37 of round three
George Sotiropoulos defeated George Roop via Submission (kimura) at 1:59 of round two
Matthew Riddle defeated Dan Cramer via Unanimous Decision
Alessio Sakara defeated Thales Leites via Split Decision
John Howard defeated Tamdan McCrory via Split Decision
Kurt Pellegrino defeated Josh Neer via Unanimous Decision
Ricardo Almeida defeated Kendall Grove via Unanimous Decision
Johny Hendricks defeated Amir Sadollah via TKO (punches) at 0:29 of round one
Aaron Riley defeated Shane Nelson via Unanimous Decision
Anderson Silva defeated Forrest Griffin via KO (punch) at 3:23 of round one
BJ Penn defeated Kenny Florian via Submission (rear naked choke) at 3:54 of round four
August 8, 2009
John Doyle of Allentown was once one of the brightest MMA prospects on the entire East Coast. With a 6-1 record and the CITC light heavyweight title, rumors were rampant that the UFC® was about to extend him a contract offer. Unfortunately, some wrong guidance from his former management sent him him on a downward spiral as he took fights against top notch fighters on next to no notice. But John Doyle is back. Once again fighting on short notice, Doyle answered M-1’s call this past June when Abdullah Ahmady of Team Turkey was denied a license by the Kansas Boxing Commission. After rece