Journal

From Bellator

Amoussou makes quick work of Baker to win Welterweight Tourney, Vegh and Wiuff now meet after wins at Bellator 72

Daley and Zaromskis victorious in bouts from Tampa

Tampa, FL. (July 20, 2012) — Bellator Fighting Championships made its return to “The Sunshine State” Friday night with the culmination of the Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Tournament as Karl Amoussou became the Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Champion while Attila Vegh and Travis Wiuff will now face off at Bellator 73 to determine the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament Championship. Also, Paul Daley and Marius Zaromskis picked up impressive victories at Bellator 72 in Tampa, Florida from The USF Sun Dome LIVE on MTV2 and in HD on EPIX.

“Travis Wiuff continues to amaze with another completely dominating performance, while Paul “Semtex” Daley did exactly what we thought he would in his Bellator debut by delivering another brutal knockout,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “My hats off to Karl Amoussou, who came out as his usual explosive self and had everyone on their feet with a slick submission win. Amoussou vs. Askren is something I’m looking forward to, and should happen in short order.”

For Bellator welterweights Bryan “The Beast” Baker and Karl “Psycho” Amoussou, a win Friday night would not only earn them the Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Tournament Championship, but also $100,000 and a shot at Bellator Welterweight World Champion, Ben Askren. After briefly exchanging on the feet, Amoussou (16-4-2) swept the leg of Baker (18-4) and rather than taking the back, latched on to the leg of “The Beast.” Baker immediately felt the pain of the inverted heel hook and tapped quickly to halt the bout at 0:56 of the first round.

“I’m really happy right now,” said an emotional Amoussou. “It’s been a lot of hard work, and I’m so happy to be at this point right now.”

When asked about his next challenge, reigning Bellator Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren, Amoussou didn’t hesitate.

“Lay and prayer, it’s time for you to face the Psycho. I think Bellator needs a real exciting champion. Somebody is getting knocked out, and that somebody is going to be him.”

Entering the Bellator cage for the first time Friday night, vicious striker Paul “Semtex” Daley was looking to impress Bellator brass when he met 6-time Bellator veteran, Rudy Bears at the USF Sun Dome. While Bears (14-11) appeared to have some success early on, Daley (30-12-2) ultimately showed why he is considered one of the best knockout artists in MMA. After landing a series of brutal knees to the body of Bears, Daley unloaded with a barrage of punches until the referee was forced to stop the fight at 2:45 of the first round.

“Anybody who trades with me is getting knocked out. Much respect to Rudy Bears for stepping in here with me,” said Daley. “I’m looking to get in the tournament, and I’m going to win it.”

After choking out Zelg Galesic last month in the quarterfinals of the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament, Attila Vegh was matched up with the toughest test of his career Friday night when he faced Emanuel Newton. Newton (18-7-1), was coming off a submission win of his own over Roy Boughton and looked to stop the momentum of “Pumukli.” The story throughout the fight was the aggressiveness of Newton and the counter striking of Vegh (27-4-2). For three close rounds, both men went blow for blow until a decision was rendered by the judges. Two of the three judges scored the fight in favor of Attila Vegh, who will now move on to the finals of the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament.

“It was hard to train for the awkwardness he brings. The kicks were coming out of nowhere,” said Vegh. “However, I was confident wherever the fight went. I trained for 15 minutes.”

After earning a decisive victory over Chris Davis in the quarterfinals of the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament, Travis “Diesel” Wiuff undoubtedly wanted to impose his will on Tim Carpenter when the two met Friday night in a semifinal matchup. For three rounds, Wiuff (68-14) controlled Carpenter (9-2), utilizing his takedowns and landing devastating strikes from the guard. After dominating for the entire fight, Travis Wiuff was awarded the unanimous decision victory.

After the fight, Wiuff had choice words for Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion, Christian M’Pumbu.

“Christian, I’m coming for you,” said Wiuff. “It’s only a matter of time, Christian. Next time I beat you, I’m taking that belt.”

In the first fight of the evening, Bellator welterweights Waachiim Spiritwolf and Marius Zaromskis were looking to pick up where they left off in their previous contest and finally put a stamp on their epic trilogy. Throughout the fight, Zaromskis (18-6) was the aggressor, constantly moving forward and avoiding the power shots of Spiritwolf (9-11-1). Zaromskis also showed off his improved takedown defense every time Spiritwolf attempted to take the fight to the ground. After the completion of three rounds, two of the three judge’s cageside scored the fight in favor of Marius Zaromskis.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

About EPIX

EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of its partners and other studios, EPIX provides a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up of new Hollywood titles, classic feature films, original series, music and comedy specials through the linear channel, video-on-demand and online at EpixHD.com, the leading online destination for movies.
EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available on EpixHD.com. The service is available to over 30 million homes nationwide through distribution partners including Charter Communications, Cox Communications, DISH Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink Communications and Verizon FiOS.

Other results:
Julien Williams defeated Ryan Deroacher in the 1st fight of the evening by arm triangle in round 2.

Matt McCook earned a split decision victory over previously undefeated Shanon Slack.

Raul Amaya got a TKO victory at :31 seconds of the 2nd round over Kenny Moss.

Ben Saunders only needed 22 seconds of the very first round TKO win over Brian Warren.

Paul Barrow came from behind on the score cards to get a submission (RNC) at :46 of round 3 over a tough Jason Carepelluci.

Via Bellator:

Tampa, Florida. – The Bellator 72 weigh-ins have been completed from Tampa, Florida in preparation for Bellator’s Friday night event at The USF Sun Dome, which features the Welterweight Tournament Finals between Bryan Baker and Karl Amoussou. Also, the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament semifinals will take place as Attila Vegh meets Emanuel Newton and Travis Wiuff takes on Tim Carpenter. Additionally, a pair of welterweight matchups will be showcased as Marius Zaromskis will square off against Waachiim Spiritwolf to conclude their epic trilogy while Paul Daley makes his Bellator debut against Rudy Bears.

Bellator 72 will be broadcast LIVE on Friday, July 20 at 8:00 pm ET/7:00 pm CT on MTV2 and in commercial-free HD on EPIX. The undercard will begin at 6:00 pm ET/ 5:00 pm CT and streamed LIVE and FREE on Spike.com.

The full results from the Bellator 72 weigh-in are below:

MAIN CARD:
Welterweight Tournament Final Fight: Bryan Baker (169.5lbs) vs. Karl Amoussou (170.25lbs)
Welterweight Feature Fight: Paul Daley (170.25lbs) vs. Rudy Bears (169.5lbs)
Light Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal Fight: Emanuel Newton (204.75lbs) vs. Attila Vegh (204.5lbs)
Light Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal Fight: Tim Carpenter (205lbs) vs. Travis Wiuff (206lbs)
Welterweight Feature Fight: Waachiim Spiritwolf (170.75lbs) vs. Marius Zaromskis (171lbs)

PRELIMINARY CARD:
Catchweight Feature Fight: Ben Saunders (177lbs) vs. Brian Warren (173.5)
Welterweight Feature Fight: Kenny Moss (170lbs) vs. Raul Amaya (169.75lbs)
Featherweight Feature Fight: Matt McCook (145lbs) vs. Shanon Slack (145.75lbs)
Catchweight Feature Fight: Jason Carapelluci (149.5lbs) vs. Paul Barrow (151lbs)
Welterweight Feature Fight: Julien Williams (170.25lbs) vs. Ryan DeRocher (170.5lbs)

For more information, visit Bellator.com; follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.

About Bellator Fighting Championships
Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2
MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

About EPIX
EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of its partners and other studios, EPIX provides a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up of new Hollywood titles, classic feature films, original series, music and comedy specials through the linear channel, video-on-demand and online at EpixHD.com, the leading online destination for movies.
EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available on EpixHD.com. The service is available to over 30 million homes nationwide through distribution partners including Charter Communications, Cox Communications, DISH Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink Communications and Verizon FiOS.

On Friday July 20th, Bellator FC returns to Florida bellator 72. It will be their first appearance in the state for 2012 and the first appearance of the promotion in Tampa. Their last show was in Hollywood, Fl back in November. That card featured the lightweight championship match between Eddie Alavarez and Michael Chandler. It what was one of the fights of the year, Chandler walked away the new champion with an impressive submission of former champ Alavarez. The card in Tampa will also feature a welterweight tournament title fight. The winner gets $100,000 and a fight with current Bellator welterweight champ Ben Askren. The bout features Bellator veteran Bryan Baker who makes his 3rd appearance to try and become a tournament champion, but his first at 170 since moving down from middleweight this season. His opponent is dangerous Frenchman Karl Amoussou, who made it to the finals with very close split decision win over David Rickels in May. Both fighters like to throw punches and someone getting knocked out is quite possible in this main event.

The main card will also debut Paul Daley (29-12-2) in Bellator. The Englishman has fought in the UFC and Strikeforce, where he lost a split decision to Kazuo Misaki. Daley is known for having heavy hands and will face journeyman and Bellator veteran Rudy Bears (14-10). Rounding out the main card is Waachiim Spiritwolf, who is looking to end a 3 fight loss slump against Marius Zaromskis (17-6). The light heavyweight semi-finals has Emanuel Newton (18-6-1) vs. Attila Vegh (26-4-2), and Tim Carpenter (9-1) vs. Travis Wiuff (67-14), who is on a 5 fight win streak and fought just last month at Bellator 71, earning his spot in the semi finals. The light heavyweights are fighting for the finals of the season 6 light heavyweight tournament, so expect some action!

The prelim card will also feature many Florida fighters, including three from Tampa. Chris “Beastboy” Barnett will be taking on fellow heavyweight Tom Sauer, who hails from Ocala. Barnett previously fought for local promotion XFC but since has moved on after his contract was up. Tampa fighter Matt McCook (8-5) is looking to rebound after 2 consecutive losses against undefeated Shanon Slack (4-0). Paul Barrow (4-2) of Gracie Tampa will take on Jason Carapelluci (6-2) of ATT of Boston in a catchweight match up. The prelim card will also feature Bellator vet Ben Saunders (13-5-2) of ATT Orlando. He is coming off a loss to welterweight tournament finalist Bryan baker, who is in the main event. Saunders will face off against Brian Warren (18-15-1) of California, who is on a 5 fight win streak. other Florida fighters on the card are Kenny Moss (5-2) vs. Raul Amaya (9-1) in a welterweight battle. Amaya is coming off his only defeat against Ben Saunders in the Bellator welterweight quarterfinals. Another welterweight battle features Julien Williams (2-1) of Orlando vs. Ryan DeRocher (3-3) of Port st. Lucie round out the preliminary card. Both fighter are coming off wins after finishing their opponents via submission and TKO, respectively.

This is an important event for MMA in Florida. It is well unknown (unfortunately) that poor attendance is the norm for events in South Florida. Even the UFC had trouble attracting an audience in its last event (and first since 2009 in Tampa) on June 8th. Bellator was a frequent visitor to the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Fl, but lower attendance apparently has negated a return there this year. There have been some very momental fights there, such as the previously mentioned Alvarez vs. Chandler and the first ever women’s championship featuring Champion Zoila Gurgel and Megumi Fujii. Hopefully the Tampa attendance won’t disappoint. Please come out and show your support for not only your local fighters, but for professional MMA in our state. This is an exciting card and features some top fighters in their respective weight classes. If you are a fan of MMA, you won’t want to miss this event! Tickets are available through TicketMaster & the USF Sun Dome box office. They range in price from $30-$120.

Sources
Bellator
Sherdog

It is Memorial Day weekend. It is still important to remember all those that have served with honor, dignity, and courage. To all our troops, past and present, we salute you.

The Patriots who fought to begin a new way of life. To establish and build a country of new ideals that the rest of the world still tries to emulate.

The soldiers in blue. Who fought to mend a fractured nation and to ensure the vision of our forefathers would be preserved for future generations to come.

For those who battled in the trenches of The Great War. It was a war to end all wars. One that the whole world would be a part of. You all gone now, but your sacrifices are still reverable.

To the Greatest Generation. You help rid the world of an evil despot and freed Europe from his clutches while simultaneously saving the Pacific from tyranny. You are our fathers and our grandfathers. You are with us always.

To the soldiers who fought in bitter cold of Korea. It has been called the Forgotten War. You helped a peninsula become free of Communism. That sacrifice can and never be forgotten.

And in the jungles of Vietnam, you sacrificed plenty. Playing Devil’s Advocate in a political game while America once again battled the encroachment Communism in Asia. Your battles set the precedent for future conflicts the U.S. would engage in.

To the Thunder and Lightning of Operation Desert Storm, you restored pride in the American military. There can never be enough thanks for that.

And to those currently battling in freedom operations: We thank you! The world will be a better place thanks to your efforts and sacrifices. God speed in coming home safely, and soon.

Also, to those who fought battles, wars and conflicts in between. You are just as important. You have helped preserve the dream of our forefathers and the United States.

So take a moment today to give thanks to all the men and women who have and are serving in our Armed Forces. A thank you for the umbrella of freedom that has been provided to you all that gave some, and some that gave all.

On Friday, May 18th, in Lake Charles, Loiusianna, the #1 & #2 ranked fighters will battle. Who? You might be asking. Sliva vs Sonnen, GSP vs Condit? Rousey vs. Kauffman? Nope. The current pound for pound best female fighter on the planet and #1 ranked at 115lbs, Megumi “Mega Megu” Fujii of Japan will be facing the current #2 ranked 115lb fighter Jessica “JAG” Aguilar. This is a fight that should be bigger than Tate vs Rousey. The MMA world should be putting a keen eye on this fight. When the fight takes place, Fujii will have just turned 38 and Aguilar wants the number one spot in their weight division. It’s a fight that’s been in the making since both women suffered controversial losses to Bellator current women’s champ Zoila Gurgel (nee Frausto). Both have stated they want a rematch with Gurgel, but Aguilar chose the match up with Fujii first when given the choice by Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney. It’s also possible that this might be the last fight at 115 in Bellator for some time. Which makes this fight all that more important. Rebney has earlier confirmed they are looking to have another women’s tournament, but at 125lbs. The current women’s champ has been sidelines since last year with a knee injury, and it seems once she is ready to go, the 125 tournament will take place.

There won’t be any trash talking between these two ladies, as they both have a high, mutual respect for one another and are also friends. It will be up to the promotion, media & fans to bring the deserved attention this fight should be attracting. To me, this fight will be epic and it should be far better the main event battle that occured recently in Strikeforce. Fujii’s ground game is second to none. She started learning Judo from her father at the age of 3, and has added jiu-jitsu, Sambo and catch wrestling to her ground attack. During the 2010 115 tournament, her striking became much improved, which she decided to use against Gurgel in the championship fight. Aguilar is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but she is also an accomplished striker. Both women have tried to stay busy fighting and both have not lost since their losses to Gurgel. Fujii has fought outside Bellator three times, all for shows in Japan. Aguilar was to fight Fujii’s protege Ayaka Hamasaki in Japan last year. But Japan suffered a major earthquake and tsunami while Jessica was there, and the event was canceled. She has since fought and won decisions over Carla Esparza and Lisa Ellis-Ward in Bellator and Patricia Vidonic last Febraury for Fight Time Promotions. She won via submission over Elsie Henri in November 2010 for G-Force fights.

Hopefully this week the buzz for this fight will start to grow. It is an exciting match up, and both women will be ready to give the fans a great fight. I would expect Megumi to try to take the fight to the ground, while Jessica would prefer to stand and throw punches. Aguilar (13-4) has lost only one fight by submission, and that was in her pro debut when she had only been training for a few months. Fujii (25-1) has only lost only to Gurgel and has 19 submission wins. The fight will air live on MTV2 on may 18th. The preliminary bouts are streamed live on Spike.com starting at 7P/EST and the main card goes live on MTV2 at 8P/EST. Check your local listings.

Sources:
Bellator
Sherdog
MMARising.com

MMA-Florida.com talks with “Lil” Patricia Vidonic on her upcoming fight with #2 ranked 115lb fighter Jessica “Jag” Aguilar. Vidonic trains out of Montana with her husband, Jason. She holds a 5-1 record, and has won 5 straight after suffering a decision loss in her debut as a pro. She has finished her last three opponents by submission, the latest against Chelsea “The Italian Princess” Corelli. Vidonic returns to Florida almost exactly one year later after capturing a split decision over Angelica Brotherton at Art of Fighting 11 in Tampa. This time she will be fighting in Howard Davis’ Fight Time Promotions on Feb. 17th in Ft. Lauderdale at the War Memorial Auditorium. Facing her toughest opponent to date, Aguilar is a Bellator veteran and has only been finished once in her 16 fight career. That loss was in her first fight as a pro (same as Vidonic) against Lisa Ward-Ellis, whom she defeated in her rematch last October.
This fight has huge implications for both fighters. A win for Aguilar secures her ranking and desire to face #1 ranker female P4P fighter Megumi “Mega Megu” Fujii of Japan. A loss could drop Aguilar in the rankings and a fight with Fujii would possibly no longer be for the number one spot at 115lbs. A win by Vidonic could propel her career to the next level and would definitely put her in the top 10 115lb females. And it would most certainly get her recognized by some larger promotions.

MMA-Florida.com : Hello Patricia. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. We know your schedule is busy as you’re preparing for your fight with Jag. We appreciate it. For the new fans out there, can you give us some of your background? What got you involed in MMA and did you have any martial arts, boxing or wrestling training for starting in MMA?

Patrica Vidonic: I honestly have no previous background in anything. I started at 29 1/2 yrs old, I had never boxed, wrestled, or did any martial arts. My husband and I were friends for a few years before we were ever together, he told me that he was going to train another local girl in our area, so a asked if I could come and try it out. He said I had a natural knack for it, and we just worked from there.

MMA-Florida: We met in Asheville before your fight with Corelli at Blackeye Promotions Breast Cancer Beatdown. You mentioned you were looking to move down to 105lbs. to fight the #1 ranked fighter in that weight division, Naho “Sugi Rock: Sugiyama. Has there been any response from her people in making this fight happen?

PV: No, that’s why I am staying at 115lb for now. I feel as though I am making a spot here.

MMA-Florida: Are you still planning to move down in weight? And will the outcome of this fight dictate which weight class you will continue in?

PV: I am always flexible with my weight (given ample time); and no, this fight is not going to dictate what weight class I will continue in. I like 115lbs.

MMA-Florida: Can you tell us about your training? Judging by the photos on Facebook, it looks to be very physical.

PV: I am a very physical person, I train all year round, and enjoy what I do.

MMA-Florida: Speaking of Facebook, can you give the fans the link to your fan page? And you’re also on Twitter, correct?

PV: Sure, it’s https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Patricia/116291601746724
I am also on Twitter ~ @LilPatriciamma
Read my weekly blog ~ The Vidonic Chronicles at www.ProMMANow.com
Please check out my website ~ www.PatriciaVidonic.com

MMA-Florida: This will be your 2nd time fighting in Florida. The weather should be a tad warmer than it is in Montana. What drew you to Montana to do your training?

PV: I am very excited to be in some warmer weather; got lucky to be here 2 February’s in a row. We were drawn to Montana by the nice atmosphere, people and all around place to live. We are lucky to have our own MMA program here in Billings, out of the 4th Ave Dojo and Alternative Athletics. We (Jason and I) have a nice group of people who come and a couple dedicated amateur fighters that will be looking to be on cards with me, so keep your eye out for us this year!

MMA-Florida: You’re also a wife and a mother. Can you share with the female fans how you balance being a wife, mom & fighter?

PV: It’s very time consuming, and with out the proper scheduling I can easily be spread too thin. I’ts definitely a balancing act, I have a good kid and husband, so that helps out. Thanks guys!

MMA-Florida: Again, you’re fighting for the 2nd time in Florida. Going against another opponent that is a Florida resident like Brotherton was, how important do you think it will be to finish your opponent in this fight as to not let a decision go to the judges?

PV: Very important.

MMA-Florida: How did this match up come about? You must be pretty excited to be facing the 2nd ranked fighter at 115. Jag does have a good ground game and her striking is good as well. You seem to be a very strong fighter and also very physical. What are you expecting to happen in the fight?

PV: I am expecting Jag and I to put on a great show, displaying skill and sportsmanship. In the end, I feel I will walk away with my hand raised. I was contacted by message on Facebook by Frank, he got my name form Sam Wilson (Thanks lady!)

MMA-Florida: Thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us, Patricia. Best of luck in the fight. Please add any comments and also, do you have any people/sponsors you’d like to thanks?

PV: Yes, thanks Dave for doing this interview with me. I want to thank my coach, training partners, family, friends, and fans for all of your continued support! Thanks to Jack Bratcher with ProMMANow.com for having me on as a resident blogger. Last and certainly not least, my wonderful sponsors ~ Polanti Watches ~ Training Mask ~ Nutrabio.com ~ Damage Control Mouthguards ~ Super Body Care ~ A.C.E.S. ~

I want to remind everyone that I am raffling off an Elevation Training Mask on my website. The tickets are $5 each and the proceeds are going to benefit a party with the kids of a local hospital. Go to the “shop” tab on the menu to enter. You can enter as many times as you want, each entry is another chance to win!! It’s for a great cause too!

Also, Thurs. Feb. 16th at the official weigh-ins for Fight Night 8 I will be giving away a Free Elevation Training Mask to one lucky person! Be there, between 5-8pm at the JM Lexus Pre-Owned Super Store in Coconut Creek. Stop by, say hi and grab a # for your chance to win.

MMA-Florida.com would like to thank Lil P for taking time out of a busy training schedule to answer our questions. Also, a thank you to promoter Howard Davis Jr. for getting this fight on the card. Even though it is only February, this fight has the potential for Fight of the Year written all over it.

Official XFC Press Release

XFC 16 High Stakes Super HeavyWeight Bout
XFC’s Brandon Sayles vs UFC Vet Chase Gormley

Super heavyweight Brandon Sayles will put his undefeated streak on the line against UFC veteran Chase Gormley at XFC 16: ‘High Stakes’ Feb. 10th live on HDNet. With almost 600 pounds in the XFC cage at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum this will be the MMA equivalent to Godzilla vs. Mothra.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Sayles improved his record to 3-0 at XFC ‘Tribute’ with an impressive win over K-1 veteran, Imani Lee. The three-time Army Combatives champion dominated Lee on his feet before taking him down and forcing the ref stoppage with ferocious ground and pound in the first round.

The 6’5 Hawaiian now turns his attention to Chase Gormley and is confident he will leave Knoxville with his fourth straight win. “I’m very excited about the fight with Gormley,” said Sayles. “I know he is a really good wrestler and he’s fought the best in the world. Those are the kind of guys I want to face when I step in the cage. If the fight stays standing I’m confident I can knock him out but if it goes to the ground I’m pretty sure you will see another TKO by ground and pound.”

But Sayles will have his work cut out for him when he steps into the cage with Gormley. The L.A. native is a former NAIA All-American Wrestler with heavy hands and slick submissions. Gormley actually holds the Cage of Fire record for fastest knockout in the promotion’s history. He ended Adolfo de la Torre’s night in 11 seconds at Cage of Fire 9.

According to XFC President John Prisco, “Sayles vs. Gormley is going to be a fun fight for the fans in Knoxville and those watching on HDNet. I’ve had my eye on Brandon since he began his career in MMA and he has really transformed from a big raw athlete into a very well rounded mixed martial artist. If you saw his fight at ‘Tribute’ he dominated Imani Lee standing. And Imani is a legit boxer and has also competed for K-1. I think Brandon has a lot of potential and will do great things in the sport but he’s going to be tested at ‘High Stakes’. Chase Gormley has really good wrestling and has heavy hands. If Brandon takes him lightly he’s going to wake up wondering why the ref is standing over him. I’m interested to see how Brandon handles himself against a very well rounded veteran like Gormley.”

XFC 16 : High Stakes is sponsored by Sheets Energy Strips & Overthrow Gear and will air live on HDnet from the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, TN on February 10th, 2012. Tickets are on sale now through KnoxvilleTickets.com. To learn more about the XFC, please visit www.officialxfc.com, “Like” them on Facebook, and “Follow” the promotion on Click Here
View the Press Release on Officialxfc.com – Click here

Last December, Florida-based promotions held events in the Tampa Bay area. XFC’s event was broadcast live on HDNet, and was held at the newly renamed Tampa Bay Times Forum on 12/2. The stacked card featured a 115lb. female bout between recently signed Felice “Lil Billdog” Herrig taking on Bellator vet Carla Esparza, one-armed & undefeated fighter Nick Newell, and a brand new super heavyweight division showcasing active Army veteran Brandon Sayles and former pro-wrestler Amani Lee.

AOF’s event was held at Jannus Live (formerly Jannus Landing) on 12/10. Popular fighter and heavyweight Dave Yost scored an impressive knockout win over Richard White. Yost gave up almost 50lbs. to his opponent.

CFA’s event was held in Miami at the U.S. Bank center on 12/7. Of the nine fights on their card, 5 went the distance. The CFA card featured XFC lightweight champ Luis “Baboon” Palomino fighting again in the lightweight division.

XFC 15 results
AOF 14 results
CFA results

NAGA Pan-American was also held in Orlando on 12/17. Robby Donofrio from Gracie Tampa took home the belt for winning the expert men’s absolute no-gi. Here are the rest of the results as posted/provided by NAGA:
Adult no-gi
Adult gi
Kids
NAGA returnes to Florida on February 18th in Tampa.

The XFC 15 Tribute weigh-ins happened yesterday at the the Sheraton Riverwalk in downtown Tampa. All fighters for the televised portion of the show made weight except for Marlon Moraes who came in at .4lbs over for his 145lb fight against Chris Manuel. However, Moraes took the fight on very short notice and Manuel accepted the slight overage of weight. The super heavyweights even decided to weigh in. There was only a 2lb difference between active U.S. Army soldier Brandon Sayles and ex-WWE star & K-1 fighter Imani Lee. The two women, Felice “lil Bulldog” Herrig and Carla Esparza came in under their contracted weight of 115 for the co-main event. The main event of Eric Reynolds and Jonatas Novaes is a lightweight fight. Both of them came in under the contracted 155lb. weight limit. Below is the results with video.

Main event
LW (155lb)
Eric Reynolds 153.5
Jonatas Novaes 154.5

Co-main event
Flyweight (115lb)
Carla Esparza 113.5
Felice Herrig 113.75

Feature
LW (155lb)
Denis Hernandez 153.5
Nick Newell 155.0

Live
WW (170lb)
Corey Hill 169.5
Charlie Rader 169.5

Live
SHW (over 265lb)
Brandon Sayles 303
Imani Lee 301

Live
180lb catch weight
John Kolosci 178.5
Ryan Thomas 179.5

Live
FW (145)
Marlon Moraes 145.4
Chris Manuel (weight was never annouched, but he was not over)

Undercard
150lb catch weight
Tony Christodoulou 151.5
Bruce Lutchmedial 150.4
Both fighters made an agreement & the fight will happen

LW (155lb)
Socrates Pierre (weight not announced)
Phil Daru 156.5
Both fighters made an agreement & the fight will happen

Photos from the weigh-ins can be seen by clicking Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The official weigh-ins for XFC 15: Tribute will be held today at 5pm and are open to the public. Here is the info:
XFC weigh-ins today
Sheraton Riverwalk Downtown Tampa
200 North Ashley Dr.
Tampa, FL 33602
813.223.2222

For a map/directions click here or here.