ProMMA.info BREAKING NEWS: Steve Cantwell NOT Officially Off UFC 108 Card

Speaking exclusively to ProMMA.info, Steve Cantwell's agent at KO Reps confirmed through Cantwell's manager that Cantwell has not been officially removed from the UFC 108 card as previously reported.

Head over to ProMMA.info for the exclusive story.

To hear what Steve Cantwell had to say about his upcoming fight with Vladimir Matyushenko, check out a recent episode of The Cageside Beat.

Enjoy.

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The Cageside Beat Recap: WEC Fighter Anthony Njokuani and UFC Fighter Steve Cantwell

On the most recent episode of The Cageside Beat brought to you by the ProMMA.info Radio Network, Puddin and I welcomed WEC fighter Anthony Njokuani and UFC fighter Steve Cantwell to the show. We discussed a number of topics including Anthony's upcoming fight at WEC 45 against Chris Horodecki and Steve's next fight against Vladimir Matyushenko at the upcoming UFC 108 event.

The episode was sponsored by Silver Star, clothes for breaking the rules and knocking heads.

You can find the full show recap on ProMMA.info. Also, ProMMA.info founder Jack Bratcher did a post-show writeup on Steve Cantwell's comments on one of his past opponents (whom he has fought three times) Brian Stann. You can also find that write-up on ProMMA.info.

Check out the episode on the embedded player in the far right column here at Previously Viewed and feel free to take advantage of the opportunity to download the show for free to listen to on your computer and MP3 player over at The Cageside Beat.

Thanks to Knockout Representation for hooking us up with Njokuani and Cantwell.

Enjoy.

-PreView

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ProMMA.info UFC 107 Event Coverage

ProMMA.info is offering some great coverage of this weekend's UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez event in Memphis, TN. In addition to the live event coverage that will be provided on ProMMA.info later tonight, some other things are already posted which MMA fans should take note of. First and foremost, the staff picks for the televised portion of the card.

Then, Puddin and myself will bring listeners a special UFC 107 preview episode of The Cageside Beat, today, December 12, 2009, at 5:30 PM ET.

All of this and more, including the weigh in results, the full episode of the UFC 107 Countdown show, and other pre-event coverage can be found on ProMMA.info.

Enjoy.

-PreView

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ProMMA.info TUF 10 Finale Pick 'Em Contest Sponsored by Silver Star

ProMMA.info and Silver Star have teamed up yet again to bring MMA fans another awesome pick 'em contest. Both awesome because it's sponsored by Silver Star, and awesome because Puddin and I designed the contest.

Five winners will each win one of the new Jonny "Bones" Jones walkout tees that he'll be wearing when he faces Matt Hammill at the TUF 10 Finale.

For all of the details on how to enter, head over to ProMMA.info.

Enjoy.

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Bleed Blue Brawl 2 Play-by-Play and Results

Thanksgiving night, I attended the second show of one of Kentucky's newest MMA promotions, Bleed Blue Brawl, in Lexington, Ky.

I kept up with action throughout the night, and have a full play-by-play and results from the event.

To check it out, head over to my post on ProMMA.info.

Enjoy.

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Wanderlei Silva Signs Deal With Silver Star Casting Company

Silver Star Casting Company has added yet another impressive fighter to their list - Wanderlei Silva. Silver Star will be sponsoring Silva in his upcoming fight against Michael Bisping at UFC 110. For more on the story, check out the press release over on ProMMA.info.

Enjoy.

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ProMMA.info UFC 106 Pick 'Em Contest

ProMMA.info and Silver Star have teamed up again to bring you another great pick 'em contest, this time for UFC 106.

There is still time to enter the contest - entries must be emailed by 8 PM ET, TODAY, Saturday, November 21.

For full instructions on how to enter, head over to ProMMA.info.

There will be FIVE winners in this contest, so the odds are even better than last time.

Enjoy.

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Previously Viewed Welcomes New Advertiser

I am happy to welcome Elite MMA as the newest advertiser on Previously Viewed.

Elite MMA brings you gloves and gear from the world's best brands - gear for fighters. Elite MMA features gear and clothing from some of the sport's top manufacturers including Combat Sports, Everlast, Sprawl, TapouT, Atama, Throwdown, Fairtex, Windy Muay Thai, KD Elite, Shock Doctor, Ringside, and Top Contender.

You'll notice Elite MMA banners and links throughout the site. Make sure to check them out!

They are even running a special right now - Free shipping on all orders over $79.

Enjoy.



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Forrest Griffin Signs Sponsorship Deal With Silver Star

Silver Star Casting Company has added another great fighter to their ranks with the announcement of Forrest Griffin as their newest sponsored MMA fighter.

Forrest will be wearing Silver Star gear as he walks to the cage to meet Tito Ortiz in an anticipated rematch at UFC 106.

For more information, check out the press release sent to me by Silver Star, posted on ProMMA.info.

Enjoy.


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The Cageside Beat - November 5 and November 12, 2009

The Cageside Beat is doing pretty well since we returned to the airwaves a few weeks ago. Puddin and I have wrapped up three episodes since joining the ProMMA.info Radio Network.

After featuring pro fighter Chad Hinton in our first episode back, Puddin and I spent the last two episodes talking over some great current news in MMA and doing some previews of upcoming events.

To check out the recap on our last two shows, head on over to ProMMA.info. The link also includes embedded players with our two most recent episodes.

Or feel free to check out the most recent episodes in the embedded player in the right column of this blog.

Or, to download and listen to all of our episodes, head on over to The Cageside Beat.

Enjoy.


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ICF 17: Event Play-by-Play and Results

On October 31, 2009, I attended ICF 17 at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky. This was the first ICF show in Kentucky since the opening of the ICF Fight Club a few months ago. The card was capped off with a pro matchup between UFC veteran Dan Christison and Jim Davis, who was making his pro debut.

I kept up with the action throughout the night - for the full play-by-play and results, head over to ProMMA.info.

Enjoy.



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Spartan Fight Championship 1 Results

On October 30, 2009, I attended the debut show of Kentucky's newest MMA promotion - Spartan Fighting Championship. It was a great show for any regional promotion, but especially for one making its debut.

I kept up with the results - to check out everything, and for more information on the SFC, head over to my post on ProMMA.info.

Enjoy.


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Hardrock MMA 15 Results

Needless to say, I'm a little behind in the blogging as of late. Due to that, I'm posting a few articles tonight to get caught up on things. All of them have been posted at ProMMA.info for a while now, but I'm just now getting the chance to get links up here.

On 10/17/09, I attended the Hardrock MMA 15 show in Campbellsville, Ky. I did not do a live blog of the show, but did keep up with the results. You can find the full results for the event posted on ProMMA.info.

Enjoy.


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Justin Wren's TUF Episodes 8 and 9 Blogs

Justin Wren is back with more writings on ProMMA.info on his experiences as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter.

Check out his blog for episode 8 here.

Check out his blog for episode 9 here.

As always, Justin provides some excellent insight "behind the scenes" at the house.

Enjoy.


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Justin Wren's TUF Episode 7 (Junk vs. Mitrione) Blog

TUF 10 Competitor Justin Wren is back with another post-episode blog on ProMMA.info.

This week's episode featured a match-up between Scott Junk and Matt Mitrione. To hear the result as well as Justin's thoughts on the episode, head over to ProMMA.info.

Enjoy.


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Exclusive Pre-Fight Interview With Jim Davis

For those of you who have read my live blogs of various ICF shows, you should be familiar with the name Jim Davis. In his five amateur wins, Davis has never let an opponent get out of the first round, nor the first minute of the fight.

Making his pro debut this weekend at ICF 17 in Florenc, Ky., Davis faces probably the toughest pro debut fight of any I have ever heard of - UFC veteran Dan Christison.

I got the chance to catch up with Jim prior to his fight to talk about his pro debut, as well as the cut down from Super Heavyweight (Jim was around 330 pounds) to the catchweight of 285.

You can find our full interview on ProMMA.info.


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iBN Sports and ProMMA.info Announce Partnership

iBN Sports and ProMMA.info have announced a strategic partnership that will meld the high-quality video and broadcasting capabilities of iBN with the top-notch MMA interviews, news, and commentary.

It is an excellent arrangement for both sites, and exclusive video content from iBN is already up and running on ProMMA.info.

For the full press release, head over to ProMMA.info.

Enjoy.

-PreView

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The Cageside Beat October 29, 2009: Chad Hinton

Our radio show is back! Newly renamed "The Cageside Beat," Puddin and I are returning to bring you all the same great regional and national MMA interviews, news, and commentary that you can handle.

Part of the PROMMA.INFO Radio Network, The Cageside Beat returns this Thursday, October 29, 2009, with special guest Chad "H-Bomb" Hinton. We will be discussing Hinton's MMA career, his recent first-round KO victory over Justin Moore, and current news in MMA.

For instructions on how to tune in, and call in, head over to PROMMA.INFO.

This episode is sponsored by Silver Star, the fastest growing company in MMA sponsorship.

Enjoy.

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MMA's Biggest Loser - Week One Recap

One of my colleagues on PROMMA.INFO, "Fast" Eddie Constantine (pictured on the left side of the picture), is now on a quest to win a battle the likes of which MMA has never seen. He and John Morgan of MMAJunkie (pictured on the right - wearing the Junkie shirt) are on a quest to see who can lose the most weight over the next two months. The two of them will weigh in each week and the one who has loss less weight at the end has to embed a logo for the other contestant's favorite NFL team in his chest, pictures of which will then be circulated to the media.

As any good writer would, Eddie is keeping up with his quest to win the competition in the form of a weekly blog, complete with video excerpts of his training and his thoughts on everything.

I'll be linking to his weekly post so that all of you have a chance to see what some good MMA training (and a healthy diet) does for Eddie over the next two months.

To check out his first week's blog, head on over to PROMMA.INFO.

Enjoy.


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ICF 16: Resurrection Play-by-Play, Results, and Night Honors

Saturday night, I attended the ICF 16: Resurrection show at the ICF Fight Club. Lot of great fights that night including George Oiler making his long-awaited pro debut against Brandon Howard, and Chad Hinton defending his Lightweight Title against Justin Moore.

For my full play-by-play as well as results and my picks for the Night Honors, head over to PROMMA.INFO.

Enjoy.


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Justin Wren's TUF Episode 6 (Shoonover vs. Jensen) Blog

In episode six of The Ultimate Fighter Season 10, Team Rashad fighter Darrill Schoonover faced off against Team Rampage fighter Zak Jensen. As always, Team Rashad member and PROMMA.INFO TUF blogger has taken the time to share his thoughts on this latest episode.

Check out Justin's thoughts on everything, including Rampage's constant harassment on Schoonover over at PROMMA.INFO.

Enjoy.


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ICF: 16 Info and Fight Card

ICF is back in action on October 23rd at the ICF Fight Club in Cincinnati, OH. For information on the show and the full fight card, head over to my post at PROMMA.INFO.

It is definitely going to be a card to watch. Pro standouts Chad Hinton and Justin Moore will be facing off for the ICF Lightweight Title, and George Oiler will be making his long-awaited pro debut versus Brandon Howard.

-PreView


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Justin Wren's TUF Episode 5 (Wren vs. Sims) Blog

In what is already being described as the best episode of the season so far, Justin Wren faced off against former UFC fighter (and current TUF competitor) Wes Sims.

To find out how the fight went for Wren, and to hear his thoughts on the episode, head over to his most recent post on PROMMA.INFO.

Enjoy.

-PreView



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Silver Star Casting Company Voted into Finals of World MMA Awards

Silver Star Casting Company has been voted into the finals of the World MMA Awards.

For the full press release, head over to my post on PROMMA.INFO.

Enjoy.


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Crown of Vengeance Pre-Order Announcement, Book Synopsis, and Exclusive Images

My good friend Stephen Zimmer, author, filmmaker, a true modern day renaissance man, has given me an opportunity that I am honored to take advantage of. For those of you who may have missed it, Zimmer wrote The Exodus Gate, an excellent read and the first book in the epic fantasy series, The Rising Dawn Saga.

With plans to release the second book in the series in 2010, Zimmer has stayed busy with a book tour, multiple convention appearances, and signings, not to mention that he has authored a book in a completely new series, that can be pre-ordered now.

The opportunity that Zimmer has given me is to be one of a limited number of bloggers to release some exclusive information on the book as well the cover art (pictured to the right), and an exclusive image you won't see anywhere else (pictured after the jump). Each blogger chosen for this limited press release has been given a separate image.

For all of the information now available on the book and how to pre-order one of 100 very special limited edition copies, check after the jump.


First, enjoy this synopsis of Crown of Vengeance, the first book in the new series, Fires in Eden.

Begin an Epic Journey...

On a night that begins no different from any other, strange mists engulf
Janus Roland, Erika Laesig, Mershad Shahab, and several others going about their lives in a quiet midwestern town. When the mist dissipates, they
all find themselves looking up into the bright skies of a new, incredible
world.

Without explanation of why it has happened, or any notion of where they
are, they embark upon a grand adventure within the fantastical world of
Ave. Some find themselves in the lands of the Saxan Kingdom, while others
have emerged within the lands of the Onan, one of the tribes in the Five
Realms confederation.

Storms of war loom over both Saxany and the Five Realms, as invasion
forces mass under the inspiration of The Unifier, a mysterious,
captivating figure whose influence has swept across the surface of Ave
ever since His rise to power in the Gallean duchy of Avanor. It is a war
that will be fought in the skies, upon the seas, on land, and even in
places non-physical in nature.

A majestic, epic fantasy that begins many adventures and journeys across a
diverse and enthralling world, filled with races and creatures both
familiar and new, Crown of Vengeance lights the flame of the Fires in Eden
series, bringing to life a bold, far-ranging, and grand new venture within
the realms of fantasy literature.

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Also, here is all the info you'll need to pre-order the book and find more information on the book as well as the publisher and Zimmer himself.

Seventh Star Press proudly announces the release of Crown of Vengeance,
the first book in the new epic fantasy series Fires in Eden, by author
Stephen Zimmer (The Exodus Gate).

To commemorate the forthcoming release, publisher Seventh Star Press is
offering pre-order packages for Crown of Vengeance, including a very
special, limited edition hardcover version that is strictly limited to 100
copies.

To ensure full authenticity, the limited edition hardcover will be
hand-numbered and signed by Stephen Zimmer, and also signed by editor
Amanda DeBord and illustrator/cover artist Matt Perry. It will include an
extra illustration, and designation plate as a limited edition within the
book.

Both the limited edition hardcover and first edition trade paperback
pre-orders come with a special package of collectibles, including a
numbered set of art cards, a collectible set of 12 bookmarks, and a full
color poster of the cover art.

Information on the pre-ordering options can be found at the new site for
the Fires In Eden series, located at www.firesineden.com

For information on the publisher visit www.seventhstarpress.com, and for
the author visit www.stephenzimmer.com.

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And finally, for the exclusive image of the character, "The Wanderer", at this time available only to readers of Previously Viewed:


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Thank you again to Stephen for allowing me to be a part of this release. I hope you all take advantage of this opportunity to pre-order what is sure to be another great work from Zimmer.

Enjoy.

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Justin "The Viking" Wren's TUF Episode 4 Blog

Another episode of TUF has come and gone and that means another great blog entry is in the books from Justin "The Viking" Wren, the official TUF 10 blogger for PROMMA.INFO.

You can check out Justin's blog for all of his thoughts on the episode over at PROMMA.INFO.

Enjoy.


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A Different Kind of Fight: Fight Ribbon Clothing Company's Visit to Kosair Children's Hospital

Fight Ribbon Clothing Company is working hard to change the face of MMA sponsorship. As co-founder Scott Wells often says, they are trying to "shake the foundation of MMA", and with a recent trip to Kosair Children's Hospital, they did just that.

Fight Ribbon invited a number of area fighters and their families (and myself) to visit children on the oncology ward at Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville, Ky.

I did a brief write-up on the event, speaking to all of the fighters who attended to get some thoughts from them on the experience and what it meant to be a part of it.

You can find my full write-up, with comments from all of the fighters, on PROMMA.INFO.

Check it out, and check out Fight Ribbon to see a company who really does give back and not just talk about it.

-PreView


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Hardrock MMA 14 Play-by-Play

Saturday night, I attended the Hardrock MMA 14 show in Danville, Ky., to cover the event for PROMMA.INFO. It was definitely an exciting show with a lot of quick finishes.

For my play-by-play on the event, head over to PROMMA.INFO.

Enjoy.

-PreView



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Justin "The Viking" Wren's TUF Episode 3 (Kimbo vs. Roy Nelson) Blog

As I reported here last week, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 10 competitor Justin "The Viking" Wren is doing a weekly blog for PRO MMA of his perspective on each new episode of TUF.

This week's episode was a highly anticipated one, with famed former street fighter Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson facing off against former IFL Heavyweight Champ Roy "Big Country" Nelson.

Wren has published his blog on the episode. You can find it on PRO MMA.

Take some time to check it out - he really offers some great behind-the-scenes access and info.

Enjoy.

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TUF 10 Competitor Justin Wren Blogging for PRO MMA

For those of you unfamiliar with the structure of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), the UFC assigns a number of the competitors a blog on different MMA websites around the country. This season, PRO MMA is lucky enough to have Justin "The Viking" Wren as it's blogger during the course of the show. Wren will be posting a weekly blog after each new episode is shown, giving readers some great behind the scenes info and some hints into the logistics of the episode.

Check out his blog on episode one here.

Check out his blog on episode two here.

You'll be able to find the new posts each week on PRO MMA, but I'll also be posting links to each of the blogs each week in case you missed it.

Enjoy.

(Pic from PRO MMA.)

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"I Am Forever Grateful, and Because of That I Fight": My Profile of Sammy Rodriguez (9/11/09)

I first met Sammy Rodriguez prior to ICF: Breakout at US Bank Arena. I was hanging out with Fight Ribbon Co-Founders Brent Thompson and Scott Wells the night before the big event and we met up with Highlander MMA founder Mike Yanez and Rodriguez to hang out and catch up. After talking about some recent fights that went down, Sammy mentioned that he too had recently fought and had a video of it on his iphone. Even on a small screen, it was not hard to see the technique and long hours of preparation that had gone into his submission victory.

Having fought in Tennesse, Louisiana and Ohio, Rodriguez will make his return to the buckeye state this Friday. Excited about the fact that Rodriguez was fighting in this region, I contacted him through Yanez (his manager and trainer) to set up this profile. Rodriguez and I exchanged some emails and discussed a number of topics including his fighting career, military service and his upcoming fight. Like many fighters these days, Rodriguez is not what people who are unfamiliar with the sport stereotypically picture. Well-spoken and thoughtful, he had a lot of good things to say.

Training under Mike Yanez out of Highlander MMA located in Fight Factory Tampa, Rodriguez stated that he has a strong base in BJJ but considers himself a very well-rounded fighter, not afraid to let his presence be known regardless of what direction the fight takes. When asked about his favorite technique, he let me know that it is to simply finish the fight as quickly as possible, “Preferably, walk in and punch him square in the nose, knocking him clean out in the process,” but he also stated that he is ready for anything – “I think that one must be able to adapt and overcome, so no matter what’s presented to me during the fight I will be ready to react.” Fighting at middleweight, Rodriguez is currently 3-1 in MMA, and has a single kickboxing win via KO.

Rodridguez recounted his first experience with MMA from when his older brother showed him one of the early UFC tapes when he was about twelve years old. Giving me his initial reaction to MMA, “Damn, these guys are nuts!” definitely made me laugh, realizing it was coming from a man (now 25 years old) preparing for a fight of his own this week, with a scheduled professional debut next month.

Despite his early exposure to the UFC, Rodriguez’s mentioned that he did not pay any real attention to MMA until years later when he was stationed in Japan as part of his Navy Special Operations military service. Here is how he described it:

"While in the military, I was stationed in Japan. Long story short, I would constantly get "restricted” to my room and not allowed to leave except for going into work. Needless to say that got boring quickly. So this one time, I snuck out and went to the Exchange to pick up a few movies and while walking thru the aisles looking for a good action movie, I bumped into a stack full of UFC DVDs. I was really sweating getting caught in there, so I just grabbed a few of the UFC DVDs and checked out. Throughout a couple of more "restriction" periods, I would sit there in my room for hours watching these DVDs. After a while, I started to get familiar with the top fighters, and I started to recognize arm-bars, rear-naked chokes, you know the basic submissions. One night, a friend of mine stopped by to bring me food and her daughter (3-4 years old) sat with me to watch a UFC DVD. After a few minutes, she looks up at me, looks me dead in the eyes and says: "You’re my champion, Sammy". Those words just tore my heart into pieces, and it was that night that I decided to train MMA, as soon as I would get back stateside. After Japan, I got relocated to Jacksonville, Fl. It is there that I began training for MMA. Since I was still in the military, I couldn't just train straight through, so whenever I wasn't deployed I was training non-stop. That was 2 1/2 years ago, but like I said, I was probably deployed for 3/4 of that time. It wasn't until I came back from Iraq in '08 that I linked up with Mike Yanez in Tampa, Fl. Two and a half months later I was inside a cage."

His military service also included a six-month tour in Iraq, and his military experience has made him immensely proud and respectful of his brothers and sisters in arms. In spite of not having any combat sport background before attending combative classes in the Navy, Rodriguez’s quick entrance to the cage should not come as a surprise. Juggling his military service, college and MMA is no small feat and being able to succeed in all three is an even bigger challenge.

When I asked Rodriguez what he did on his down time, here is what he said, “Honestly, just visit my girlfriend in Tennessee. I’m really not a party animal these days, I burned it all off while active duty. So when not with my girl, I just sit at home and relax. Keep in mind that I’m juggling college, MMA, Pilot school and the military… so my “down time” is very scarce, and any down time is much appreciated.”

When I heard what an average day is like for Rodriguez, it’s no wonder he appreciates his downtime.

“I’m a pretty athletic type of guy, so no matter whether I have an upcoming fight or not, I’m steady working out. Come fight time, I wake up at 5am and go for a 2-3miles run. I get back to my house, take a shower and get ready for school. Since I live so far away from the gym, after school I head straight to the gym. On most days, I’m in the gym by 3:30-4:00pm. There I hit the weights for a while and then jump straight into boxing training. Normally, by the time I’m wrapping up with boxing training the rest of the team trickles in, and then it’s straight into MMA. I normally get back from the gym around 10:30pm, then its homework and off to bed to do it all over again the next day.”

But Rodriguez knows he is not the only one putting in the hard work - his manager Mike Yanez puts in the hours as well, both training and managing fighters.

“What can I say about Mike? Mike’s the man. I truly enjoy fighting for Mike. I’ve seen how he’s taken guys right off the street (training wise) and turned them into fellow fighters. Mike definitely puts in the long working hours. I think that most of my fight notices has been through a text at 2am. Nevertheless, he’s talking to promoters getting us that next fight.”

(Rodriguez then jokingly gave me a hard time about being up late working myself. I had sent him some more questions at about 2 am one night.)

Although his family isn’t “too thrilled” with his fighting and some of his friends were initially did not know what to think, Rodriguez says that many have come around now that they have seen his dedication and fights. He was quick to mention that there are those few that have always been supportive.

“There are a very few that have believed in me since day one, and without them I probably wouldn’t be here today. I always take them in my heart when I walk out to the cage.”

Rodriguez is also one of those fighters that are becoming harder and harder to find these days – ones that want to be recognized and lauded simply for their performances inside the cage, not their antics in or out of the arena – like area pro standouts Julio Gallegos, Chad Hinton, and Victor O’Donnell, Rodriguez does not engage in pre-fight trash talk or disrespect, he just gets in the cage and handles his business, not out of rage but a desire to test himself. When I asked him about his upcoming opponent, Taylor Ruscin, he said, “I actually saw him fight last time I was up here. I really don’t have much to say about him, he definitely seems like a very tough opponent. I know he trains with Jorge Gurgel and Rich Franklin, so I’m expecting a war inside that cage and so I’ve trained for one. I never make the mistake of disrespecting my opponent, I never take them lightly.”

As I always do with my the people I profile or interview, I gave Rodriguez a chance to give some thanks to the people who have helped him.

”First and foremost, I would like to give a shout out to the men and women of the US. Armed Forces. Thank you for sacrificing everything so that this country can enjoy that warm blanket of freedom you guys are providing. A special shout out to my Lobos, Red Lions and Chargers, y’all know who you are. Also, I would like to give a shout out to my sponsor Brawl and Maul, they’re the best. Last but definitely not least, my family and friends without whom, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

Perhaps the thing that struck me most was what he had to say when I asked him why he fought. Like many fighters today, Rodriguez is fighting for multiple reasons, and like many, he’s not caught up in the possibility of fame or money but instead chooses to focus on the people that are important to him who helped him get where he is. His answer was one of the more poignant I have ever received and in my opinion is illustrative of his character and succinctly sums up his motivation.

“Man, I fight for multiple reasons. A) I like the fact that most people are terrified of jumping in a cage and facing off with someone else; some might even call us crazy. I’ve always been the type of guy to run in to a dangerous situation, when everyone else is running out. B) I want my family and friends to be proud of me. C) I want my fellow brothers in the military who risk their lives for us to be proud of me. Ultimately, I have sacrificed so much to get here. Honestly, more than I ever wanted. Not only have I sacrificed, other people have sacrificed alongside me in order for me to have a chance at this dream. And for that I am forever grateful, and because of that I fight.”




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Hardrock MMA 13: The Girls Are Back Live Blog (9/12/09)

I'm here at the Elizabethtown National Guard Armory, waiting for Hardrock MMA 13: The Girls Are Back to get started. Featuring the first professional women's MMA fight in Kentucky, the card also features fourteen other fights.

The action is set to get started at 8:00 PM, I'll be back with the first fight.


Disclosure: All spellings of names come from the fight card I am given, and any times announced come from the official announcements, if any. Additionally, I view the fights from a stationary position, so I report on things as I see them from one angle.

As always, the crowd at the show is has some area pro fighters scattered throughout including Nate Jolly fresh off a win over Frank Santore at last weekend's XFC 9 event. Jolly is serving as tonight's referee. Pro fighters Chad Corvin and Scott Porter are also in the crowd tonight.

Tonight's vendors include Fight Ribbon and Submit MMA.

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Ricky Rye vs. David Ward (135)

Rye fights out of Team Middlesboro. Ward fights out of Team Superior.

Round 1
Ward shoots in and takes Rye down. Rye pulls guard, but Ward is able to pass into half-guard and land shots from the top. Ward works on more body and head shots and transitions to full mount. From mount, Ward catches Rye's right arm in an americana to secure the tap.

David Ward wins via submission (americana) in Round 1.

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Scott Roberts vs. Jason Clack (135)

Roberts fights out of Team Nemesis. Clack fights out of Team No Mercy.

Round 1
Clack immediately goes after Roberts swinging and the two clinch up. Roberts pulls Clack down and pulls guard and Clack works to land shots from the top. Roberts throws his legs up for a triangle, but can't get his foot locked behind his knee and lets it go and Clack lands another hard shot from the top as he stands and Roberts connects with an upkick. Clack briefly stalls and the ref allows Roberts to stand. Clack lands three more hard shots and Roberts answers with one but then Clack connects with a left that takes him down. Clack moves in to land more shots from the top and Roberts taps to the strikes.

Jason Clack wins via submission (strikes) in Round 1.
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Carl Sandlin vs. Wesley Stanley (145)

Sandlin fights out of Team Sandman. Stanton, making his debut, fights out of Team Wreckoning.

Round 1
Stanton connects with a left then rushes Sandlin to land more punches before scoring a big hip toss. Sandlin gets up but Stanton takes him down again and Sandlin almost takes his back but Stanton scrambles to remain in the dominant position. Sandlin lands shots as the two work their way up but Stanton has Sandlin's head tied up in a guillotine. Sandlin moves for the takedown but Stanton sprawls, still controlling Sandlin's head. Sandlin works in some body shots and is able to pulls his head free briefly before Stanton locks it up again. Stanton is really working for the standing guillotine but is pressed against the cage and can't get the leverage. Sandlin lands two foot stomps, then two more and works his head free. Sandlin tries to spin and take Stanton down but Sandlin reverses for another hip toss as the round ends.

The action kind of stalled there for a minute as Stanton was going for the guillotine, but Stanton should have won that round without a problem.

Furby sees it 10-9 Stanton.

Round 2
The two circle briefly then clinch up and Stanton scores another takedown, then works knees to the body from side control, then lands some body shots. Stanton sneaks in some head shots from the top position and then pins one of Sandlin's arms down, looking to land more head shots, but Sandlin taps.

Wesley Stanton wins via submission (strikes) in Round 2.

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James Douglas vs. Steven Jenkins (135)

Douglas fights out of 4 Seasons. No team affiliation is noted for Jenkins.

Round 1
Some range testing with jabs early on. Jenkins comes in with a superman punch but doesn't connect and apparently hurt his ankle when he landed and waves the fight off himself, quitting due to the injury.

James Douglas wins via TKO (injury) in Round 1.

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Jeremy Philpot vs. Doug Ballinger (145)

Philpot fights out of Team MIddlesboro. Ballinger fights out of Team Wreckoning.

Round 1
Philpot goes for a body kick and Ballinger a left hook and shoots in on Philpot but Philpot locks his head up and defends the takedown. Philpot tries to take Ballinger down and the two roll, Philpot landing in side control. Ballinger manages to pull guard and Philpot lands shots from the top, then picks Ballinger up to slam him. Ballinger scrambles but Philpot takes his back and locks in a rear naked choke, securing the tap.

Jeremy Philpot wins via submission (RNC) in Round 1.

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James Benton vs. Josh Smith (145)

Benton represents Hayes Team Extreme. Smith represents Team Middlesboro.

Round 1
Benton misses with an overhand right and Smith moves to take him down but Benton sprawls and starts throwing body shots. Benton stands and Smith tries to pick him up for a takedown but can't and Benton pulls Smith down going for a guillotine. Smith gets his head out and works in a couple head shots. Benton throws his legs up and secures a triangle, ending the fight.

James Benton wins via triangle at :57 of Round 1.

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Michael Smith vs. Jason Langley (170)

Smith fights out of US Ju Jitsu. No Team Affiliation is given for Langley.

Round 1
Smith lands a big leg kick to start and immediately ties up Langley's neck in a guillotine, standing, then lands a knee. Langley tries to get out but Smith sprawls, then stands back up to land two more knees to the body, then a knee to Langley's leg. Langley lands a couple body shots but Smith answers with more knees. Langley lands more body shots and tries to get a leg behind one of Smith's to sweep him but Smith press Langley against the cage, still working for the guillotine, and the ref steps in to stop it even though Langley didn't tap, as it appeared Langley was going to pass out.

Michael Smith wins via submission (guillotine) in Round 1.

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William Sandlin vs. Andrew Terry(155)

Sandlin fights out of Team Sandman. Terry fights out of Team Superior.

Round 1
Terry opens with a leg kick. They separate and Terry shoots in and takes Sandlin down, but Sandlin has one of Terry's arms and his head tied up. Terry transitions to mount and works in some body shots but Sandlin still has his head tied up in a guillotine. Terry works his head free and starts landing head shots from the top. He gets control of one of Sandlin's arms, going fo ra kimura, then an armbar when Sandlin rolls but Sandlin gets free. Terry then works for a triangle from the bottom and Sandlin defends, still getting in some shots from the top. Terry keeps pulling down on Sandlin's head, though, and is able to secure the tap.

Andrew Terry wins via submission (triangle) in Round 1.

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Brian Smith vs. Ben Smith(Hvy)

Brian Smith fights out of US Ju Jitsu. No team affiliation is announced for Ben. Both are making their amateur MMA debuts.

Round 1
Ben opens with a leg kick, then four more, which Ben seems to shrug off. Ben presses Brian up against the cage trying to get in shots. They separate and Ben misses with a head kick but then lands two leg kicks. Ben goes for another leg kick and Brian catches it, landing a right. Brian presses Ben against the cage and starts landing body shots. Brian lands a two punch combo and Ben tries to answer but Brian lands another two punch combo, then another. They exchange more head shots and Ben connects with a right that seems to briefly stun Brian but Brian rushes in and presses Ben against the cage. They separate and Brian lands a big right. Another multiple punch exchange and they clinch up, Brian working in body shots. They separate and circle and Ben lands a right that drops Brian. Ben moves in to land more shots and Brian, having come to, attempts to grab one of Ben's legs but the referee has already moved in to stop it.

Ben Smith wins via KO at 2:08 of Round 1.

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Tyler Davis vs. James Brasfield(205)

Davis fights out of Hayes Team Extreme. No team affiliation is given for Brasfield.

Round 1
Brasfield opens with a short left hook then presses Davis against the cage. Davis gets in a couple shots then takes Brasfield down but Brasfield quickly transitions to full mount, working in head shots from the top. Davis rolls and Brasfield takes his back and sinks in the rear naked choke, letting one arm go briefly to land a couple head shots, then fully lets go and postures up, landing more shots to the side of Davis's head before once against trying for the rear naked choke. Davis rolls and Brasfield pulls guard. Davis lands multiple body shots from the top position and Brasfield tries to work in some head shots from the bottom. Brasfield rolls and Davis now tries for a rear naked choke but the round expires.

A nice rally by Davis but I think it came too late, and Brasfield likely won the round.

Furby sees it 10-9 Brasfield.

Round 2
Davis lands a right to start but Brasfield quickly ties him up against the cage. Brasfield gets his knee up to hit Davis in the head and still has Davis pressed against the cage. Brasfield works for a takedown but Davis defends. They reverse each other against the cage and as Brasfield goes for another sweep, it appears his foot got caught between the fence and his opponent and his ankle was badly twisted. Brasfield goes down and the ref calls off the fight.

Tyler Davis wins via TKO (injury) at 1:23 in Round 2.
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Josh Franklin vs. Andrew Becker(Super Hvy)

Franklin fights out of Team 360. Becker fights out of Team Warhammer.

Round 1
Becker opens with a leg kick and Franklin answers. Franklin sneaks in a two punch combo then a pair of leg kicks. Becker misses with a right hook but then lands one and lands a knee to the body when the two clinch up. After separating, Becker goes for a leg kick but accidentally kicks Franklin in the groin and the action is stopped. After it's restarted, they trade hard right hooks and Franklin lands a pair of leg kicks then misses with a third. Franklin is going back and forth between traditional and southpaw stances, and lands another leg kick, then another. Becker lands a right hook and presses Franklin against the cage. They separate and Becker lands a leg kick but Franklin answers with a right hook. Franklin catches another leg kick from Becker but Becker moves in and presses Franklin against the cage going for a takedown. Franklin defends and they separate and Becker goes for a two punch combo that misses but connects with a right hook that KOs Franklin. Becker moves in for more shots but the ref moves in to stop it.

Andrew Becker wins via KO at 2:08 in Round 1.

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Justin Collett vs. Rob Thompson(185)

Collett fights out of Team Middlesboro. Thompson fights out of Etown Beatdown.

Round 1
Collett goes for a leg kick but Thompson catches it and takes him down, working in body shots from inside Thompson's guard. Thompson moves to side control, then gets control of Collett's wrist, moving it across his face before letting it go to land some hard head shots. Collett rolls and Thompson takes his back, sinking int he rear naked choke for the win.

Rob Thompson wins via submission (RNC) in Round 1.

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Brandon Howard vs. Donny Wallace (PRO)(155)

Howard is making his pro MMA debut. Wallace fights out of BG Beatdown.

Round 1
Wallace connects with a left hook to start then a knee to the face. Howard clinches up and Wallace takes him down, then quickly moves to full mount. He gets control of one of Howard's wrists then lets go to land a shot from the top, followed by two more. He works in an elbow to the head and Howard tries to buck him off but can't. Wallace lands a big forearm to Howard's face, then more shots to the head. Wallce pauses briefly and then postures up to land multiple unanswered shots to Howard's head. After a brief pause, more of the same as he works Howard up against the cage. Wallace lands some body shots and Howard is trying to pull his head down to prevent him from posturing up but Wallace gets free and works in more shots from the top until the ref steps in to stop it.

Donny Wallace wins via TKO (strikes) at 3:19 of Round 1.

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MAIN EVENT

Heather Corder vs. Vanessa Bohleber (PRO)(145)

Corder fights out of Sons of Thunder. Bohleber fights out of Etown Beatdown.

Round 1
Bohleber opens witha body kick followed by a hard right as Corder misses with a right. Corder wraps up Bohleber and lands a knee to the leg while Bohleber looks for body shots, then lands two foot stomps. They struggles against the cage and Corder lands a knee to the body. Bohleber reverses Corder against the cage and lands more foot stomps and a knee to Corder's leg. Corder reverses and works in two foot stomps of her own, then lands a knee to the body. Another reversal from Bohleber is followed by another foot stomp, then a reversal and stomp from Corder and more reversals against the cage. Bohleber sneaks in two head shots and Corder misses with some foot stomps. Bohleber gets in more stomps and the two are separated. Bohleber grazes her with a head kick then a right and Corder takes Bohleber down and Bohleber pulls guard. Corder gets in a shot from the top and Bohleber goes for an arm triangle from the bottom. Croder gets her head out and lands a short forearm. Corder postures up and lands a right, then a left followed by another left. Corder gets in an elbow to the head and Bohleber briefly pushes her off but Corder transitions to side guard before the round ends.

A tough round to score. Bohleber was clearly on the offensive for the first part of the round but Corder seemed to control the latter half. I think Bohleber will likely narrowly edge out that round because she defended well from the bottom and Corder didn't truly capitalize on the position until the very end of the round. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see that round scored either way.

Furby sees it 10-9 Bohleber.

Round 2
Corder mises with a body kick and Bohleber lands a leg kick then three punches before Corder takes her down. Bohleber pulls guard and Corder tries to pin down one of Bohleber's arms. Corder misses with a right from the top position, but then lands a punch to the body. Corder sneaks in a right to the head but is almost swept in the process. Bohleber gets in two shots from the bottom and Corder lands a right. It appears that Corder has a small cut under her left eye. Corder lands two good rights and Bohleber twists her hips but Corder stays on top, now in half-guard. Corder lands a couple shots from the top and transitions to mount to land more shots. Bohleber tries to buck her off but can't, but wraps her arms around Corder's torso trying to stop her from posturing up. Corder lands two more shots and Bohleber rolls her to end up in the top position, landing a couple body shots. Bohleber postures up and starts landing shots from the top but Corder pulls her head back down. Bohleber works in three more punches to the body and head but Corder pulls Bohleber's head down as the round expires.

A much better round for Corder. Although she wasn't constantly working from the top and Bohleber defended very well from the bottom, Corder should see the win in that round.

Furby sees it 10-9 Corder.

Round 3
Bohleber lands two punches to start the round and Corder tries to wrap her up but Bohleber sweeps her, but is reversed on the ground and Corder takes the top position. Corder tries to work her forearm across Bohleber's face and lands a short shot. Corder lands a couple more short shots and the two are stood up as the action slows. Bohleber connects with a body kick but Corder catches it and takes her down. Bohleber pulls guard and Corder works in a couple body shots. Corder lands two head shots from the top, then barely misses with two more and the pair are once again stood up as the action slows. Bohleber connects with two punches before Corder tries to tie her up and Bohleber scores a knee to the body which Corder answers with one of her own. Bohleber has Corder's head tied up and lands a solid knee to the head. Corder lands a foot stomp and spins, taking Bohleber down. Corder lands some body shots followed by a head shot, then another. Bohleber tries to roll Corder but can't and Corder sneaks in another short head shot. Bohleber almost rolls Corder as the round ends but Corder stays dominant.

I think Corder managed to pull out that round. Bohleber clearly had the edge in striking but Corder scored more takedowns and remained int he dominant position on the ground more.

Furby sees it 10-9 Corder.

Heather Corder wins via Split Decision, notching the first professional MMA win for a woman in Kentucky.



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ICF: Payback Live Blog (9/11/09)

I'm here at the ICF Fight Club, waiting for the action to start. Tonight's card features eleven fights, including the first women's MMA fight to be featured at the club.

The action is set to get started at 8:00 PM. I'll be back with the first fight.

As always, a quick shout out to the vendors here tonight - Fight Ribbon Clothing Company and Actual Fighter.

Disclosure: I take the spelling of all names from the fight card I am given, and the times from the official announcements. My perspective is a stationary one outside the cage, so I report the fights as I see them from my point of view.

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Mike Kidd vs. Wesley Barrentine (145)

Kidd, making his amateur MMA debut, fights out of Team Nemesis. Barrentine (2-0) fights out of Team Vision.

Round 1
Barrentine lands a leg kick and Kidd answers with three punches. Barrentine scores a big takedown with a belly to belly suplex and lands in side control. Kidd pulls Barrentine's head down to keep him from posturing up, and Barrentine briefly takes mount then transitions to the other side, going for an arm triangle choke. Kidd lands a couple punches from the bottom, but Barrentine keeps the choke in tight and Kidd taps.

Wesley Barrentine wins via submission (arm triangle choke) at 1:47 of Round 1.

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Joe Maiani vs. David Suter (155)

Maiani fights out of Walker MMA. Suter represents 4 Seasons.

Round 1
Touch of the gloves and we're off. A front kick from Maiani falls short. Maiani lands a leg kick, then another and misses a third. Suter tries for a combo but Maiani grabs Suter's leg and takes him down and takes Suter's back. Maiani lands some body shots from the top and Suter rolls, Maiani transitions to side control. Suter tries to shake him off, but Maiani keeps the side control position. Suter tries to shake him off and Maiani lands a right hook. Suter briefly tries up Maiani's head, but Maiani gets it out and lands more shots from the top. Suter gets to his feet and lands a hard left hook followed by a right. Suter moves for a leg kick, but instead finds Maiani's head as Maiani shoots in and the ref calls time and separates them. Although Suter's kick caught Maiani square in the face, it looked like an unintentional kick - Suter was already throwing the kick as Maiani shot in. The doctor moves to check what looks to be a bad cut above Maiani's face. The doctor calls the fight.

The fight is ruled a no-contest, as the kick has been ruled unintentional, and the doctor stopped the fight.

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Justin Hunt vs. Rob Gonzalez (155)

Hunt trains out of Team Nemesis. Gonzalez fights out of Highlander MMA Tampa.

Round 1
Hunt lands a hard right hook and the two trade hard head shots. Gonzalez scores a takedown and lands in half-guard, working shots to the body. Gonzalez transitions to full mount then takes Hunt's back when Hunt rolls, working for the rear naked choke. Gonzalez gets his legs hooked in between Hunt's, then transitions to a body triangle, but Hunt still defends and gets his head free, but Gonzalez still has the body triangle locked in. Gonzalez looks for another rear naked choke and is able to score the tap this time.

Robert Gonzalez wins via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:01 of Round 1.

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John Gill vs. Derrick Hayes (185)

Gill fights out of Fusion MMA. No team affiliation is announced for Hayes.

Round 1
Hayes goes for a left hook followed by a right and they graze Gill but Gill scores a takedown and immediately takes Hayes's back, going for the rear naked choke. Hayes rolls and stands inside guard and starts landing shots. Gill looks for an ankle lock and takes Hayes back down but Hayes looks for a guillotine. Gill gets his head out and takes the top position, then takes Hayes's back and starts landing multiple head shots, bloodying Hayes's nose. Gill quickly sinks in a rear naked choke, securing the tap.

John Gill wins via submission (RNC) at 1:49 of Round 1.

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Vick Simms vs. Donald Lipscomb (180)

Simms fights out of Fusion MMA. Lipscomb fights out of Highlander MMA Tampa.

Round 1
Lipscomb throw s left to start but it misses. Simms clinches up and lands a knee to the body and Lipscomb tries to sweep but can't. Simms takes Lipscomb down but the two stand and trade more shots. The two work their way around the ring with Lipscomb going for a takedown but Simms defends. Simms presses Lipscomb against the cage, gets one of Lipscomb's legs off the ground and picks him up for a big slam that KOs Lipscomb and has the ref rushing in to stop the fight.

Vick Simms wins via KO at 1:10 of Round 1.

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Jerry James vs. Rick Dennis (210)

James fights out of Invincible MMA. No team affiliation is announced for Dennis.

Round 1
Dennis comes in with a right hook that falls short. They circle and Dennis misses with three more punches. James lands a hard right and the two trade head shots, moving wildly around the cage. Dennis clinches up but can't take James down. James presses Dennis against the cage and lands a knee to the body and the two trade more shots. They separate and James comes in with a body kick that Dennis answers with a right. The two trade right hands and Dennis lands a second hard right. Dennis shoots in for a takedown but James defends. They separate again and trade more head shots. James lands another hard body kick and a left hook. Dennis clinches up and lands a knee to the body as the round ends.

An exciting round, but I think James had slightly more control and should see a win for that round.

Furby sees it 10-9 James.

Round 2
Dennis comes in with a jumping jab that lands and then follows it up with a body kick. Dennis throws out a right that connects. James lands another body kick and Dennis another right. James lands three wild punches and backs off. Both swing and miss with big overhand rights and Dennis pushes James against the cage. Dennis gets a lazy takedown but James has his neck locked up. James lets go and the two stand again. They briefly circle and then James lands a massive left hook that KOs Dennis, spinning him around and sending him to the mat. James goes in for another shot but the ref rushes in and pulls James off.

Jerry James win via KO at 1:56 of Round 1.

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Brett Lowery vs. Zack Sanders (155)

Lowery fights out of Walker MMA. Sanders fights out of 4 Seasons.

Round 1
Lowery opens with a leg kick and then the two trade leg kicks. Lowery moves in with a jab but then lands another leg kick and Sanders shoots in for the takedown. Lowery tries to tie up Sanders's neck and work a knee to the body but the knee falls low and the action is briefly stopped. Sanders is okay and they restart. Sanders lands a leg kick and Lowery answers with a right. They circle and Sanders catches a leg kick and lands a hard shot on Lowery, moving to take him down. Lowery works for a guillotine and lands two knees to the body. Sanders works his way out and Lowery lands another leg kick. Sanders lands a leg kick and Lowery answers with a two-punch combo and then ties Sanders up, pressing him against the cage and landing more knees to the body. Lowery works to take Sanders's back, standing, and Sanders goes down trying to shake Lowery off. Lowery is stuck on the side briefly and Sanders works his way back to his feet. Sanders lands a two punch combo and a leg kick as the two separate and then misses with a superman punch. Lowery clinches up and lands a couple short shots to the body as the round expires.

A tough round to score there - great effort from both guys and both landed some quality shots. However, I think Lowery being the aggressor combined with his striking and submission attempt will win him the round.

Furby sees it 10-9 Lowery.

Round 2

Sanders opens this round with spinning heel kick to the body but Lowery catches it and lands a head shot. Sanders shoots in and takes Lowery down, landing in mount working shots from the top. Lowery rolls and takes top position but Sanders looks for a triangle. Lowery lands shots to the body and the two rolls and roll again and Sanders has the triangle from the top, landing multiple unanswered shots. They roll again and again and Sandesr lands on top. Lowery gets his head out, but is still on bottom with Sanders landing more shots from the top. Lowery pulls guard but Sanders works in more shot shots from the top. Sanders stands in Lowery's guard, but then goes back down and now Lowery, from the bottom, looks for a reverse triangle but Sanders gets his head out. Sanders lands more shots from the top and tries for a d'arce as the round ends.

A much better round for Sanders. Multiple submission attempts and a higher striking percentage.

Furby sees it 10-9 Sanders.

Round 3
Sanders opens with a superman punch and immediately shoots in and picks Lowery up around the waist for a big slam. Sanders lands shots from the top in half-guard and takes mount as Lowery tries to sweep. Sanders lands more shots from the top and Lowery tries to shake him off but can't. Sanders lands more head shots from the top and Lowery tries to sweep him again but Sanders stays in full mount, landing more shots. Lowery tries to pull Sanders down to keep him from posturing up and manages to roll a little bit but Sanders pushes him back down, staying in mount, landing more unanswered shots from the top until the ref steps in to stop the fight.

Zack Sanders wins via TKO (strikes) at 2:27 of Round 3.

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Jaclyn Greenwell vs. Priscilla Brownfield (115)

Greenwell fights out of Fusion MMA. Brownfield fights out of Death is Certain.

Round 1
Brownfield misses with a leg kick and Greenwell lands a two punch combo and the two clinch up against the cage. Brownfield is working for a takedown but Greenwell initially defends, landing head and body shots. Brownfield hip tosses Greenwell, lands in half-guard and scores with shots from the top. Greenwell puls guard and Brownfield stands inside the guard. Greenwell works fo high guard and Brownfield lands shots to the head as Greenwell goes for an armbar. Greenwell gets one of Brownfield's arms trapped between her legs but Brownfield gets it out and lands shots to the head from side control. Greenwell briefly transitions to rubber guard and the two are stood up as the action slows. Greenwell lands a couple jabs and Brownfield pushes her against the cage, going for the takedown, but Greenwell defends.

A solid round from both of the women. I think Brownfield will edge it out on the scorecards due to her dominance from the top position.

Furby sees it 10-9 Brownfield

Round 2
Greenwell throws a jab that falls out of range and the same happens with a leg kick from Brownfield. Greenwell uses the opportunity to start landing headshots and gets Brownfield against the cage, landing more headshots. Brownfield grabs Greenwell around the waist and takes her down and Greenwell pulls guard. Brownfiled transitions to side control, then Greenwell gets Brownfield's leg locked up in half-guard. Brownfield has Greenwell's right arm trapped between their bodies and uses the opening to land some short head shots, followed by more. Brownfield tries to transition to full mount but Greenwell defends from the bottom. The two are stood up agains as the action slows. Greenwell lands four punches and Brownfield quickly moves in and presses her against the cage as the round expires.

Another tough round to score. Greenwell had the initial flurry but Brownfield controlled from the top position on the ground more. It depends on what the judges are placing more value on tonight - striking or groundwork, but I think Brownfield will win the round.

Furby sees it 10-9 Brownfield.

Round 3
Greenwell lands a jab to start and Brownfield answers with two punches, one of which misses. Greenwell lands more shots and Brownfield ties her up again, going for the takedown. Brownfield gets Greenwell down and Greenwell pulls guard. Brownfield lands a head shot from the top and Greenwell pulls her down, preventing her from posturing up. Brownfield is working in some short head and body shots, still in Greenwell's full guard. Brownfield works in more short shots from the top and gets a knee on Greenwell's left arm, pinning it to the mat and landing more shots. Greenwell gets her arm free and works her guard up higher while Brownfield lands more head shots. Greenwell almost sweeps Brownfield but Brownfield keeps the dominant position, landing more shots from the top. Greenwell sinks in an armbar, but it is too late and the round expires.

A dominant round from Brownfield.

Furby sees it 10-9 Brownfield.

Priscilla Brownfield wins via Unanimous Decision (no scores announced).

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Brandon Laino vs. Eric Moell (135)

I couldn't hear Laino's team affiliation. Moell fights out of Invincible MMA.

Round 1
Laino shoots in and Moell briefly stuffs it but Laino gets the takedown and starts landing head shots from the mount position. Moell throws his legs up for a submission and doesn't get it but reverses Laino and ends up in the top position. Laino looks for a guillotine from the top, but Moell gets his head out and pulls guard. He briefly moves for triangle but Laino muscles out of it and ends up in top position with Moell landing short head shots from the bottom. Laino postures up briefly and Moell lands more shots from the bottom. Laino moves back and Moell rolls him to end in the top position, landing multiple unanswered head shots until the ref steps in to call it off as a result of a verbal submission.

Eric Moell wins via submission (verbal tapout due to strikes) at 2:46 of Round 1.

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CO-MAIN EVENT

Jabari Hudgins vs. Brad Hutcheison (210)

Hudgins is making his MMA debut. Hutcheison fights out of Big Bully MMA.

Round 1
Hudgins opens with a two punch combo and lands two more when Hutcheison goes in for a shot. The two trade hard shots to the head and Hutcheison shoots in again and takes Hudgins down with a single leg, but Hudgins has Hutcheison's head tied up in a guillotine. Hutcheison gets his head free, in full mount, and lands shots from the top. Hutcheison gets control of one of Hudgins's wrists and lands more shots from the top. Hudgins gets his arm free and rolls to his stomach but flattens out and Hutcheison lands more head and body shots from Hudgins's back until Hudgins taps to the strikes.

Brent Hutcheison wins via submission (strikes) at 1:32 of Round 1.

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MAIN EVENT

Sammy Rodriguez vs. Taylor Ruscin (185)

Rodriguez fights out of Highlander MMA Tampa. Ruscin represents JG MMA Academy. Both guys are cornered by their trainers, two top-notch BJJ guys. Rodriguez is cornered by Mike Yanez and Ruscin by Jorge Gurgel

Round 1
Rodriguez lands a left hook and Ruscin a leg kick followed by two more. They clinch up and struggle across the cage and go down, Ruscin landing in the top position. Ruscin lands shots from the top and Rodriguez gets in shots from the bottom. Ruscin passes guard and ends up in side control. Rodriguez is still working from the bottom and sneaks a shot in. Ruscin lands two shots from the top and Rodriguez continues to punch from the bottom. Rodriguez gets one of Ruscin's arms tied up in an armbar attempt but Ruscin pulls free and goes back down, taking top position. Ruscin lands ahard shot from the top and Rodriguez a glancing blow from the bottom. Ruscin stands and then goes back down in side control again and Rodriguez spins, trying to get out from under Ruscin. Ruscin lands a short shot from the top and another as the round ends.

Ruscin should win that first round. Rodriguez didn't appear to take much damage but Ruscin was in control for the majority of the round, working from the top position.

Furby sees it 10-9 Ruscin.

Round 2

Rodriguez sneaks in a left but Ruscin answers with a right. Ruscin throws a high kick but it falls short and he is warned for head kicks. Ruscin sweeps Rodriguez with a leg kick and gets on top and Rodriguez gets half-guard. Ruscin lands three good shots from the top, followed by two more. Ruscin is trying to mount but can't get his leg free. Rodriguez sneaks in two head shots from the bottom but Ruscin moves and takes full mount, landing shots from the top. Rodriguez scrambles but Ruscin takes his back, landing more shots from the top. Rodriguez rolls and Ruscin takes mount, and Rodriguez pulls him down. Ruscin lands a couple body shots and Rodriguez tries to shake him off, but can't. Ruscin looks for a rear naked choke but can't finish it before the round ends.

A dominant round for Ruscin.

Furby sees it 10-9 Ruscin.

Round 3
Rodriguez opens with a left hook and then presses Ruscin against the cage landing three more shots to the head. Ruscin reverses and looks for a double-leg takedown but Rodriguez defends, sneaking in head shots. Ruscin gets the takedown and Rodriguez pulls guard. Ruscin lands some body shots from the top and Rodriguez works from the bottom. Ruscin passes into side control and Rodriguez sneaks in a shot from the bottom. Rodriguez looks to sweep Ruscin but Ruscin keeps the top position, working in two head shots. Ruscin lands a body shot and looks for mount but Rodriguez scrambles. Ruscin stands and lands a leg kick. He dives in with a right but it doesn't connect. Ruscin take side control again and Rodriguez looks for a kimura, then a reverse triangle but Ruscin stands again and tries for an arm triangle choke from inside the guard as the round ends.

Ruscin had control the majority of that round. Looks like he's headed for a unanimous decision win.

Furby sees it 10-9 Ruscin.

Taylor Ruscin wins via Unanimous Decision (no scores announced).

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Some good fights tonight. I'll be back in the coming days with my post-event coverage.




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