10 Questions With Rell Hodge

Jerrell "Thunderkat" Hodge

I first heard about Jerrell "Thunderkat" Hodge almost a year ago. Oddly enough it was because of the hype/drama resulting from an amateur fight (not involving him) that didn't happen, well, not until months later & in the pro ranks. Hodge's name came up in the talks between Charlie Gathers & Tyler Saltsman after their match for "Mayhem on the Mountain" back in April of 2012 didn't happen. Saltsman ended up fighting someone else, and was disqualified after an illegal strike happened. (something Saltsman disputes) Two months later Saltsman faced Hodge in his final amateur fight and won by decision. Somehow Saltsman (who never seems to miss an opportunity to 'stir the pot' or instigate drama) began verbal sparring sessions with Gathers over his decision to not fight at an event in a tent during late winter/early spring in Central Pennsylvania.

The conversations I saw went from Saltsman saying Gathers was afraid to fight him, to how he felt he really won the fight in spite of the disqualification, to Saltsman offering his opinion on the various people he had faced, and/or people wanting to fight him.

In the midst of all this I first heard of the "Thunderkat" and so I looked his record up online & tried to find some fight video of him. Since his win over Hodge, Tyler Saltsman & Charlie Gathers both turned pro and they almost faced each other in October at World Cagefighting Championships 5, but when several fights had to be cancelled the event didn't happen and the two ended up fighting a month later at Complete Devastation 7 in Altoona, Pa. While that was happening Jerrell stayed among the amateur ranks and was making his way through the competition in the NAAFS promotion based in Ohio. Since that loss to Saltsman back in June Jerrell Hodge has been on a 3 fight win streak. After defeating dangerous competitor Shane Valko back in December, Hodge was crowned the NAAFS Bantamweight (135 lb) Champion.

I have seen Valko fight live, and Hodge winning by Unanimous Decision is quite an accomplishment. The amateur rules in Ohio are slightly different than the ones used in Pennsylvania, and some fighters seem to favor this Ohio system over Pennsylvania's because it appears to be better preparation for them making the move to the pro ranks. (although the State Athletic Commission in Pennsylvania is in the process of implementing a '2 tier' system for amateurs, which hopefully will improve the way fighters can compete at the amateur level)

I had been gradually been becoming a fan of the "Thunderkat", and after learning of his win over Valko I was on board and have been campaigning to get promotions here in Central Pa to put Jerrell Hodge on the fight cards so fans of MMA can see this up-and-coming fighter. Even though he's fighting at 135 lb I feel that a perfect match-up for Hodge here in Central Pa. would be against 145 lb ammy Cody "Lenny" Karlheim. I would love to see this fight go down at the upcoming Complete Devastation 8 event in Altoona, Pa. on March 2nd - hopefully fight fans and myself will get to see this fight happen - I totally believe this would be a barn-burner fight that could easily be a main event and/or "Fight of the Night" type of war.

Whether you go see him fight in Ohio or Pennsylvania, if you love exciting fights, then the "Thunderkat" is someone you need to put on your 'must see' list. I predict you'll be hearing his name alot in the future after he makes the jump to pro, so do yourself a favor and see him on the local/regional circuit before the larger promotions get smart & snatch him to the nig show!

Recently I was lucky enough to get to interview Jerrell and find out about the Bantamweight NAAFS champ and proud father of a 15 month old son (Jase) from Twinsburg, Ohio. Here's 10 questions from Jerrell "Thunderkat" Hodge.




1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Jerrell "Thunderkat" Hodge. I'm 23, fighting out of Brickhouse Boxing in Twinsburg, Ohio. My MMA record is 7-1 as a Ammy. I currently hold the NAAFS 135 lb title. I have been training for almost 3 years.


2. How did you get started in MMA?

I first got started in MMA back in 2011 at Brickhouse Boxing - a new club. I was the first fighter to fight for the club. My background growing up was wrestling, and I have wrestled for 8 years (having over 170 career wins) and placing at states my senior year of high school.


3. What is it like training out of your gym?

I train out of Brickhouse Boxing. It's cool at my gym. I've been to other great gyms around my city, but nothing compares to my gym.


4. What do you feel your strengths are as a fighter? What aspects of your training do you feel you need to work on to become a more complete fighter?

I feel my strength is standing and grappling. I believe I can take anyone down. The areas I feel I need to improve on is my takedown defense. I feel it's hard to defend when you are trying to stand with someone and all they want to do is shoot on you.


5. Who are some of your role models?

I look up to Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Isaiah Chapman, Jessica "Evil" Eye, Frank "The Tank" Caraballo and Chris Lazano.


6. When is your next fight and who will you be facing?

At this moment I hope to come out to PA and show my talents out there.


7. Which of your previous fights do you feel is your favorite? Is there any fighter you would like to fight again?

My favorite fight would have to be my fight against Cody Garbraint because that put me on the map and the one I'd like to get back would be Tyler Saltsman fight. I feel I've could have done much better and the outcome would have been different. But I'm over it... I'll see him when I turn pro.


8. If you could choose your next fight, who would you pick for your opponent?

I would like to fight the guy who gave me my only loss, but he turned pro - so I'll have to wait for that. I'd also like to give Shane Valko another fight. I'd like to fight him again because he is a great wrestler. Maybe just a wrestling match would be great, I want to see how great he really is on the mat.


9. Where do you see your MMA career being in the next 2 - 5 years? What are your goals in MMA?

In 2 - 5 years I see myself in the UFC or Bellator. I'm not stopping until I get there.


10. Is there anyone you'd like to thank?

I would like to thank god give me this talent, my family, friends, n fans for the support , my coach Bill Duff and all my people at Brickhouse Boxing. Then my sponsors, Bullet Proof Clothing, 3k Management, Intimidation Clothing, Hang Loose Tattoos, Play It Again Sports, and you for taking the time to let me tell the fans about the "Thunderkat" hooooooo!!

Brickhouse Boxing

Facing Shane Valko for the NAAFS 135 lb Title

Intimidation Clothing sponsored

"Thunderkat" Hodge

Some photos courtesy of Landry Lynne Yankle - Check out Landry Lynne Photos for details

VFL 40: Broad Avenue Brawlers 6

VFL40 Poster

Combat sports action at the Jaffa Mosque Saturday night as VFL 40: (Broad Avenue Brawlers 6) comes to Altoona, Pa. There was some Muay Thai & Boxing in addition to the MMA - and January 19th 2013 marked the 1st fight of former UFC veteran Charlie Brenneman since losing to Kyle Noke at UFC 152 back in September. Altoona saw another female MMA fight go down as well, as Melanie Bremer faced Rachel Gray. Dignan/Brumbaugh MMA Fight Team member Brett Shoenfelt was back in action, as well as Complete Devastation veteran Brandon Lux. Intimidation Clothing sponsored fighter, Eli Garshnick was in the co-main event. Twelve total fights on this fight card for the event from Squared Circle Promotions.

The main event showed "The Spaniard" winning by RNC in the 2nd Round and taking that first step towards getting back to the UFC. Brenneman was also sponsored by Intimidation Clothing as well as local sponsors - convenience store chain Sheetz, The Summit Tennis & Athletic Club, Kranich's, Al's Tavern and RC's Print Specialists.

Fight Card Recap:

MMA:
Charlie Brenneman defeats Eric Irwin at 2:09 of Round 2 by Submission (RNC)

Eli Garshnick defeats Donald Crawford at 2:49 of Round 1 by Submission (Key Lock)
Brett Shoenfelt defeats Bobby Ferrier at 2:07 of Round 1 by Submission (Guillotine)
Cory Propanz defeats Matt Dean at 4:07 of Round 1 by Submission (Triangle Choke)
Roman Swaner defeats Paul Riggleman by Stoppage (Injury) after Round 1
Brandon Lux defeats Scott Athey at 1:37 of Round 3 (Corner throws in the towel)
Curtis Link defeats Nick Kerr at 1:53 of Round 1 by Submission (RNC)
Rachel Gray defeats Melanie Bremer by Unanimous Decision
Ryan Everhart defeats Jordan Haslerig at 1:07 of Round 2.(Doctor Stoppage)

Boxing:
Harvey Jolly defeats Andres Taylor by Majority Decision
Jeremiah Witherspoon Vs. Rocky Burch ruled a Draw

Muay Thai:
Roman Taylor defeats Luke Hess by KO at 0:27 of Round 2

Charlie Brenneman in the Main Event

Charlie Brenneman wins Main Event

Brett Shoenfelt in action at VFL 40

Brett Shoenfelt

Brett Shoenfelt

Brett Shoenfelt victorious at VFL40

Charlie Brenneman Vs. Eric Irvin

VFL 40 Recap from MMA RunDown

Some photos courtesy of Rachel Derby some courtesy of Albert Cameron.

Video ends before the submission win by Brenneman, sorry about that. 
(Thanks to Ryan for the video.)

Thanks to Drew Shannon for fight result info!

10 Questions With D'Juan Owens

D'Juan "Dirty South" Owens

I've been lucky enough to see D'Juan Owens fight live twice - at Complete Devastation 4 & 5 back in 2012. Back on March 31st he won by RNC in the 3rd round, and later in July he lost a close decision to The Ultimate Fighter competitor Jeff Smith. Win or lose, Owens always is exciting to watch fight. He is fresh off a dominant unanimous decision at Caged Madness 22 against Ian Rammel in Ohio, and is on the move up the MMA food chain after being signed to the XFC to fight at XFC 22.

I was lucky enough to interview D'Juan as he prepares to face Nathan Landwehr on a fight card also featuring the Carroll brothers, Corey Hill and a fight between Jason "Ronin" Hicks & Scott Holtzman with the winner most likely facing XFC champion "Notorious" Nick Newell for the title. Owens is a fighter to watch, as mentioned on last Sunday's episode of the MMA Rundown - a show which featured D'Juan in 3 different segments. Fighters in the Altoona area were able to witness Owens (fighting out of Durham, NC) twice in 2012, and now we can watch him fight in the XFC on AXS.TV - and believe me when I tell you that you need to watch him fight at XFC 22 on February 22nd. 

Here's 10 Questions With D'Juan "Dirty South" Owens.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is D'Juan "Dirty South" Owens and I'm fighting out of Durham NC. I primarily train at Triangle
Jiu-Jitsu in Durham but I have my fight camps at the MMA Institute in Richmond VA.


2. How did you get started in MMA?

I don't have a background in any specific martial art. I was a casual fan who fell in love with the sport and decided to join a gym one day. Believe it or not I never played ANY organized sport in my youth.



3. What is it like training out of your gym?

My gym Triangle Jiu Jitsu is a Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu gym. We focus on all aspects of Jiu-Jitsu from self-defense, sport Jiu-Jitsu, and mma. The MMA Institute is a MMA gym period. There are about 10 professional fighters there and everyone has aspirations of making it to the big show.......and we will.



4. What do you feel your strengths are as a fighter? What aspects of your training do you feel you need to work on to become a more complete fighter?

I believe my biggest strengths are my striking and my ground and pound. An aspect I've been focusing on more lately is my wrestling and cage-work. I've also been known to be a slow-starter who turns it up more as the fight progresses but I believe I've grown out of that.



5. Who are some of your role models?

As far as mma goes I really like the way Jose Aldo fights. I feel that he's dangerous wherever the fight goes and that's exactly how I aspire to be. There's a difference between a being a good fighter and a dangerous fighter. You can be dangerous, and not particularly good. You can be good (hard to beat), and not particularly dangerous. The best fighters are both. There are people who are incredibly skilled at winning mma bouts but they what I would consider dangerous. That's due to the "mma game" that seems to be gaining popularity these days. I'll save that rant for another day though....



6. Which of your previous fights do you feel is your favorite? Is there any fighter on your record you would like to fight again?

My favorite fight up to this point is probably a fight I had in PA against Jeff Smith. I lost a close decision but I swayed the hometown crowd and stuck it to the PA commission who almost didn't sanction the fight because I didn't have many pro fights at the time and he was 10-1 and had been on TUF. As far as rematches, I want to fight anyone that's ever beat me. Including ammy fights lol.



7. If you could choose your next fight, who would you pick for your opponent?

If I could choose my next fight I would fight Junie Browning or Rodrigo Almeida. Rodrigo and I had a title fight fall through back in July, and Junie is well.........Junie.



8. When is your next fight and who will you be facing?

My next fight is February 22nd in Charlotte NC. This fight is on the XFC's 22nd show and my opponent is Nate Landwehr.



9. Where do you see your MMA career being in the next 2 - 5 years?

In the next 2-5 years I'll be competing in the UFC's featherweight division and striving for the gold. Literally and figuratively.



10. Is there anyone you'd like to thank?

I want to thank my family, my training partners, Seth Shamp, Jake Whitfield, Aaron Fisher, Rick McCoy and every coach that has helped me become a better martial artist. I want to thank Molly Hoskinson, Dave Mansel, Roy Marsh, and most importantly James Hogaboom.

With Aracely Valenzuela

With Roy Marsh

With Terrell Hobbs & Keith Bell

With Billy Dowey

With legendary catch wrestler, Billy Robinson

10 Questions With Ronnie Rogers

Ronnie "Bam Bam" Rogers

I am lucky because of the many friendships I have made because of Mixed Martial Arts. I have seen some amazing events and been able to see live some of the best up-and-coming fighters as well as some established veterans. (not to mention a few legends of the sport) I have met some incredible people in the process of being both a fan and a journalist covering local/regional/national MMA - from promoters, managers, coaches/instructors, and fighters to commentators/announcers, journalists, cage girls, vendors/sponsors, production staff, photographers, and members of the athletic commission. (can't forget the many awesome fans who attend events & support the 'stars of tomorrow' in MMA by going to the local/regional shows & buying from the companies that sponsor their favorite fighters)

Over the past 15 months or so I have watched & met several fighters who have moved up the MMA food-chain to fight for bigger promotions and be seen fighting on TV. But another way I get to see a glimpse of fighters who will be future stars of MMA is because of some of the friendships I have made through social media websites & the people I have become friends with on them. 

One of these fighters I am talking about as someone to watch in 2013 is Ronnie Rogers. I haven't had the honor of meeting "Bam" in person yet, but I hope to do so in the near future. I found out about Ronnie because of his manager, Molly Hoskinson of Southern MMA Mgt. I met some of her fighters (Noe Quintanilla & D'Juan Owens) when they fought on Complete Devastation MMA fight cards, and finally got to meet her in person at Complete Devastation 6 back in September when her fighter (Antwan Penn) was fighting and again at CD 7 in November when Noe faced the same opponent that Antwan fought at the previous Complete Devastation event. As Molly & I talked more I learned about other fighters that she managed - and one of them was this fighter she described as a name I needed to know, because he would be someone I would see fighting for the major MMA promotions you watch on TV very soon.

Molly is someone worth listening to, she knows what she is talking about, especially when it comes to MMA and DEFINITELY when it comes to her fighters. So, when I heard that Ronnie would be on an internet radio show called MMA Mayhem over at theBBSN.com I made sure to check it out to see what she was talking about. (that interview featuring Ronnie Rogers can be heard here at this link for BBSN Radio - MMA Mayhem 34.) Around that time in October Ronnie was fighting Jeremy Myers at Bull City Brawl 10. After watching the video of his fight it's hard not to be a fan of "Bam" - he's a fighter that always put on a great show for the fans paying their money to watch 2 fighters battle it out, not holding back & letting it all in the cage. That's the best way I can describe how he fights, and you can bet on an exciting/entertaining fight - and when a fighter gives their all for the fans you can't help but like & respect them win or lose.

 

After his submission win by scissor choke over Myers at 4:12 of the 1st Round, Rogers was signed to fight at Warfare 7: Invasion against seasoned veteran Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett. This was a good test to see what Ronnie could do against a fighter with the experience Bennett has. Bennett has faced such big-name fighters as Urijah Faber, Jeff Curran, Takanori Gomi, Duane Ludwig, Drew Fickett, KJ Noons and Yoshiro Maeda - and even though "Krazy Horse" defeated only Noons & Maeda of the people on this list, having fought fighters of this calibre would be an asset against anyone. To his credit, Rogers has faced some high quality fighters like his opponent - as shown by the fact that almost every loss on Roger's record came to fighters that have since fought for promotions like the XFC, Strikeforce & even the UFC. (most notably being current UFC fighter, John Cofer from TUF season 15 and former UFC veteran Rich Clementi.)

There was tons of hype & trash-talking leading up to this fight between Rogers & Bennett- on both social media websites & on internet radio shows. Bennett appeared on one program and said things which resulted in a very heated verbal interaction when both fighters were on another program being interviewed at the same time. These two interviews were not what you'd call "family friendly" and because they could definitely fit into the "not safe for work" category I won't provide the links to those interviews... if you REALLY want to hear what went down, look it up through an internet search. A recap of that interview with Ronnie & "Krazy Horse" is part of another interview with "Bam" over at the MMAmadhouse program Cage Fire Radio. You can replay that interview at this link for MMAmadhouse.com's Cage Fire Radio 17. 

The fight ended up with another win for Rogers, this time by triangle choke at 3:50 of the 1st Round. Ronnie ended 2012 with a 2 fight win streak and a huge opportunity to fight for major MMA promotion Bellator MMA against a tough competitor, Shane Crenshaw at Bellator 88 on February 7th in Duluth, Ga. Ronnie was almost fighting on the XFC 19 fight card, but when headliner Corey Hill's main event fight fell through Ronnie's potential opponent was tapped to fight in what then became the main event fight of XFC 19. Hard work & determination payed off - and now Rogers has the opportunity to fight for what many people are calling the #2 MMA promotion, second only to the UFC now that the Strikeforce promotion is holding its final event later this month after being purchased by the parent company that owns the UFC. This could be the big break that puts Ronnie "Bam Bam" Rogers on the map as an up-and-coming fighter to watch on a national level, not just being known on the local/regional circuit. 

I'm not psychic, but from what I have seen of Ronnie Rogers I predict big things coming from him in 2013 & beyond. He's a father & husband who has studied criminal justice in college who is trying to make it in MMA - a sport he loves. Ronnie says he found MMA because it is part of his nature. It is hard to deny he has that warrior spirit when you watch him do what he does in the cage. With his family, friends & team-mates and tons of fans behind him - hopefully success is in his future for a long time to come... and when it does it couldn't happen to a nicer guy!

I'm glad that my good friend Molly 'introduced' me to "Bam", and hopefully I get the chance to meet him in person before he becomes the next big thing in MMA. It's always nice to be able to say "I knew them when..."

So... remember the name Ronnie "Bam Bam" Rogers. If I'm right you will be hearing his name alot as 2013 progresses. 

I am grateful that Ronnie agreed to participate in my series of interview articles. I was left with nothing to post after having an interview subject end up not finishing the process so I could have an interview to post. I reached out to Ronnie on short notice... and he quickly agreed to be interviewed - it took just a few hours (less than an average work day) for Rogers to respond with the material necessary for me to turn it into this article/interview. I appreciate him taking time from his busy workout schedule to help me with this post, I wish every article was this easy to create. A send out a huge THANK YOU to "Bam" for being so generous with his time. 

Having said all of that, I'll end the intro & let the interview part of this article begin. 

 

 

Here's 10 Questions With Ronnie "Bam Bam" Rogers.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.


My name is Ronnie "Bam Bam" Rogers, most just call me "Bam". I'm 28 years old and from Seneca, SC. I fight at 145lbs, but I have fought all the way up to 170. My pro record is 16 - 10. I have fought for many different promotions, such as Wild Bill's, Fight Lab, Ring Of Combat, and Warfare - just to name a few.


2. How did you get started in MMA?


I wrestled in high school a bit. I guess you could say wrestling led me into MMA, but honestly I started training MMA because I feel that this is what I was born to do. I believe it is in my nature.


3. What is it like training out of your gym?


I train at a few different gyms. I get my stand up at H.I.T. Elite Training Center and there are a few up-and-coming fighters from there for sure. My friend, Steven Jordan, fights at Light Heavyweight & Heavyweight there and he just fought his first ammy fight. He has a bright future ahead of him - he gives the fans what they like to see. Steven knocks people out. I also train with James Linic for my Jiu-Jitsu & MMA at Linic Mixed Martial Arts. I get my strength & conditioning from Daniel Terry at his gym called Sweat. We also do some sparring from time to time.


4. What do you feel your strengths are as a fighter? What aspects of your training do you feel you need to work on to become a more complete fighter?

I feel that my main strength is that I'm not great in any one area of MMA, but that I'm very good at all aspects of MMA. At wrestling, jits or striking, I feel that I can hang with almost anyone. And I believe that I'm good enough in other areas that I can avoid the strong points of my opponents. As far as what I can work on... you can never have enough cardio.


5. Who are some of your role models?

In MMA I'd have to say Ben Henderson - he is a very well rounded & tough fighter that comes to finish fights/ I don't know if you could ask for someone more respectable. In life just my fans and family that stand behind me no matter how a fight ends.


6. Which of your previous fights do you feel is your favorite? Is there any fighter on your record you would like to fight again?

My favorite fight I'd have to say would be against Lawson McClure, because it was early in both of our careers and we both put out there and just banged. There are many I'd like to fight again for many reasons. Some due to it was just a fun fight, or an injury was involved, or because I felt like I won the fight. Jason Wood is one I'd like to fight again, as well as Jeremy Joles, Joe Elmore, & Kurt Holobough.


7. If you could choose your next fight, who would you pick for your opponent?

Well, I'm getting to fight one of the best fighters on the local scene for my next fight, (Shane Crenshaw) and the other fighter I'd like to fight if I could make it happen would definitely be Jordan Rinaldi.


8. When is the next fight you're having (against Shane Crenshaw) and what promotion is it for?

I'm fighting on February 7th in Duluth, Ga. for the Bellator MMA promotion at Bellator 88.


9. Where do you see your MMA career being in the next 2 - 5 years? What are your goals in MMA?


I'm hoping to still be in Bellator or make the move to the UFC. My goals are to be able to do what I love to do in fighting MMA and to be able to support myself & my family doing that.


10. Is there anyone you'd like to thank?






I would like to thank my wife & kids, my family, friends, and fans. All of my team that has been there for me and helped me get ready for my fights. And my manager, Molly Hoskinson from Southern MMA Mgt.

Warfare 7: Invasion (Rogers Vs. Bennett)

Face-off with "Krazy Horse" for Warfare 7

Rogers wins by submission over Bennett in 1st round

Signing the Bellator contract

Bellator 88 (featuring Ronnie "Bam Bam" Rogers)

Back in May of2010 Ronnie faced fighter Donovan Craig at Bangkok Fight Night 6, winning by TKO at 4:20 of the 1st Round. Donovan Craig went on to write about preparing for this fight with Rogers for Fight Magazine. Here is the link for the online version of "On the Utility of Struggle and the Art of Rising" by Donovan Craig  from the September 2010 issue of Fight Magazine. (the following photos are from the printed version of that same article)

Ronnie Rogers Vs. Donovan Craig (Bangkok Fight Night 6)

 Bull City Brawl 10 (Vs. Jeremy Myers)

Warfare 7: Invasion (Vs. Charles Bennett)