10 Questions With Alexa Conners

Because of my friendship with Molly from Southern MMA Mgt. I have been lucky to find out about some amazing fighters from the SC/NC/TN/GA/VA area. The promotions from this area of the Country is packed with exciting fighters that people should be watching now, because I predict many of them will be moving on to regional/national promotions like Resurrection Fighting Alliance, Legacy Fighting Championships, XFC, Bellator, and even the UFC.

One of the fighters making waves in the South Carolina fight scene is Alexa Conners of Columbia, SC. Training out of Sor Sumrit Muay Thai (home to fellow "Murder Squad" fighter Varon Webb as well as  Antwan Penn) and Ridge Pointe Academy. She told me she lived here in Pennsylvania for awhile (in Mechanicsburg & Reading and going to school at Cumberland Valley) before moving to South Carolina. Currently an amateur bantamweight with a 2 - 0 record, Alexa is set to face Tennessee fighter Lynzee Johnson at Caged Chaos 7 on August 10th. 

Recently Alexa defeated Andy Nguyen at Warfare 9 by TKO because Nguyen couldn't answer the bell for Round 2 from the strikes Alexa landed on her in the first round. Conners is showing some devastating striking for only having 2 MMA fights to her record, which could be a good sign of things to come. If her most recent performance is any indication of future possibilities, August 10th could be a disappointing night for Lynzee Johnson.

I was lucky enough to get a chance to ask Alexa a few questions as she is preparing for her Caged Chaos 7 fight, and I appreciate her taking time from her training schedule to participate in this interview. Here is 10 Questions With Alexa Conners.



1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am 22 yrs old. I fight the bantamweight (135lb) division. I am an ammy, record 2-0. I fight out of Ridge Pointe Academy and Sor Sumrit Muay Thai. I have a Muay Thai/ Kickboxing belt from a tournament I won 2 yrs ago in Anderson, SC.


2. How did you get started in MMA? 

I got started in MMA from an old manager of mine.  He asked me if I would like to try it one night and I went to the gym and fell in love. I have been training for over 2 years now.


3. What do you feel your strengths are as a fighter?

I love the stand up and striking game. But I have been working very hard on my wrestling and ground game. I am starting to enjoy it as well.



4. What do you feel you need to work on to be a more complete fighter?

Patience and timing on striking and takedowns.



5. What is it like training at your gym?

All the fighters are determined and intense when we work out at the gyms. We all want to see each other succeed.


6. You recently won your fight at Warfare 9, what is next for you?

I fight August 10th in Columbia SC for Caged Chaos 7 against Lynzee Johnson from TN


7. Who are some of your role models?

My family is my biggest motivation. They all support me. All of my murder squad brothers are who I look up to as fighters.


8. Women's MMA is growing in popularity with Bellator, XFC & Invicta showcasing female fighters. The UFC has signed Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, Sara McMann & other fighters to form a 135 pound division. What do you think of this and women's MMA becoming more mainstream?

It's very exciting to see WMMA grow like it has been. I hope to be a part of the growth of WMMA as I keep going forward with my career.


9.What are your plans for the future?

I am going to go as far as MMA will let me. My ultimate dream is to fight for the UFC.


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

I would like to thank my family first for all the support and encouragement. Also like to thank Ridge Pointe Academy's Charles Nutt and Josh Eagans for coaching and training me. Allowing me to perform my best every time. Sor Sumrit Muay Thai Nik Rodriguez for being the best striking coach I could ever ask for.

Alexa Conners Vs. Lynzee Johnson in Columbia, SC.

Alexa Conners Vs. Andy Nguyen at Warfare MMA 9

Alexa Conners with the win from Warfare MMA 9

10 Questions With Alex Corrales

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Oregon amateur flyweight Alex Corrales. MMAmadhouse is one of the Alex's sponsors as he is set to face Luis Gomez at Cage Warrior Combat VI for the 125 title (ammy) on August 3rd. Corrales is already the amateur flyweight champion for the UCL, FCFF & Budo Fights promotions, so he is no stranger to the cage even though he is currently an amateur, so if he wins his fight this weekend it would be the 4th title he will hold consecutively. I appreciated that Alex took time out of his busy schedule preparing to fight Gomez to answer a few questions... so here is 10 Questions With Alex Corrales.






1. Tell us some basic info about yourself.

Alex Corrales I am 21 years old. I fight at 125lb flyweight division. I am currently an amateur holding the Budo Fights, UCL, and the FCFF flyweight titles. I train out of Victor Submission fighting academy in Bend, Oregon.



2. How did you get involved with MMA?

I have always competed in all different sports when I was growing up. I am very competitive person and always worked hard to be the best no matter what I was doing. Whether it's mopping floors or running a football I always wanted to be the best! So when I found MMA, the raw competition of 1 on 1 fight really caught my eye! The chance to perform in front of big crowd of people to see who truly is the better man is a amazing feeling. So the reason for MMA was I am a competitor and nothing better then strapping on some gloves and seeing who leaves with there hand raised.



3. Tell us about what it is like training at your gym.

I train at Erik Victor's. (gym) It has been mainly a ground dominate gym. My ground game can always hang with just about anyone. Erik drilled the basics into my head for first couple years and I got it down. Then started adding more to my overall game. I also work with an awesome Muay Thai coach that has taken my stand up to a awesome level! It's all around a great place for me and I feel like those guys are my family and we do anything for each other. Also Aaron Wolf my manager and good friend took my wrestling game from knowing pretty much nothing to dominating wrestlers in there own game. We worked on it for about a year straight and its finally starting to come together for me.



4. What do you feel are your strengths are an an MMA fighter?

I think what makes me hard to deal with is that I am pretty well rounded. I fight very level headed. I don't let emotions or anything get to me. I stay focused on my main goal which getting my hand raised. I always come in with great cardio and ready to push the pace and set a in your face type of fight. Also you have to kill me to make me stop. I hate to quit and I will never give up in a fight. If you have my arm I am gonna let it go until I know it's gonna break. If you have a choke I am going to sleep. If I lose its because someone was the better man that night. I don't make excuses I show up to put on great show and I compete to win at all cost!



5. What aspects of your training do you feel you still needs work to become a more complete MMA fighter?

My all around game. I don't think you can ever perfect anything in this sport. I look to improve all my skills every time I fight.



6. You are scheduled to fight against Luis Gomez at Cage Warrior Combat VI for the 125 title (ammy) on August 3rd, what are you expecting from him and how do you plan to overcome his gameplan?

I am expecting a tough grind-y fight. I know he is gonna try to take me down. But I also know it's easier said then done and I am gonna be in his face from start to finish. I know it's gonna be good fight but I know my pace and style of fighting is gonna get my hand raised!



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

My last fight against Brian was a back and fourth hard fought fight. It was the rubber match and we went at it for 5 rounds. That's my favorite fight so far. I would love to fight Adam King. He knocked me out over year ago and I been trying get that rematch since it happened and things never fell in place. I can't thank him enough for it because it changed my game to whole different level. I would do just about anything to get that one. But that's a fight that I have tried and have given up on for now. I have high level guys I am trying to go after right now and its something that wouldn't really help my career at the moment.



8. Who are some of your role models?

My biggest role model is my Dad. He has done so much in his life and was a professionally Jockey. He left his home in Panama to come to the US and worked his ass off to try make something of himself. He left with a dream and never let anyone tell him that couldn't do it. He became a really successful jockey and now trainer. He always supports me and tells me I can do anything if I work hard and want it bad enough. Before every fight he calls me and we talk and his final words always put stamp in my head and I replay them before the fight is about to happen. I hope one day I am half the man my dad is. My mom is also someone I look up to. She raised everyone in my family to be good kids and respectful. She always supports the decisions we make and has are back through anything. Very strong person.



9. What are your goals as an MMA fighter?

I want to be the UFC flyweight Champion.



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

I'd like to thank all my family and friends that always support me through everything. I want thank Erik Victor for being there with helping my game from the start. He has been great to me and has my back no matter what. Also Aaron wolf, he has put so much time and energy into helping me reach my goals. He has been there to help with anything when I call for help. He would do anything to help me and I got nothing but respect for someone like him. And to all my sponsors and fans! Thank you for taking the time to talk with me! Cant wait to put on show for the Seattle area!

North Shore's Rise To Power 2 Recap

Gladiators of the Cage
North Shore's Rise to Power 2
Stage AE - Pittsburgh, Pa.
July 20, 2013
Referee - Chip Snyder

Last night Gladiators of the Cage invaded Pittsburgh's Stage AE again for "Gladiators of the Cage: North Shore's Rise to Power 2". Another amazing MMA action in the 'Burgh with 12 exciting fights! (including a title fight for the main event) Also on the fight card was the Pittsburgh region's first women's MMA fight when Philadelphia's Jessica Richman squared off against Pittsburgh's Jaime Chesney in a fight Cage Nation TV called "Catfight on the Turnpike" in one of their Twitter posts on the event. As always in Pennsylvania women's MMA, the ladies came ready for battle and put on an incredible show. Local MMA fans of the Altoona/Johnstown/State College area were treated to fights involving Complete Devastation veterans like Clark Young & Zach Shultz as well as a barn-burner between Mike Wilkins & Jason Willet. The main event was between Chris Dempsey and Bellator veteran Lewis Rumsey for the Gladiators of the Cage Heavyweight (Pro) title.

 The Pittsburgh region has seen some amazing MMA action thanks to promotions like Gladiators of the Cage, Pinnacle Fighting Championships & World Cagefighting Championships, and last night did not disappoint. The event was so good it attracted nationally ranked female MMA fighter from Ohio Jessica "Evil" Eye as well as New Jersey native (and Heavyweight bad-ass) Brendan "Brutal" Barrett to come watch the fights and cheer on friends/team-mates. Also in attendance was Drew Shannon & Albert Cameron of Cage Nation TV plus Mike Kessling & Jason Davis (former manager and owner of Altoona-based promotion Complete Devastation MMA Kessling is also the Executive Producer of Cage Nation TV)

 The official after-party was at McFadden's on North Shore Drive. Gladiators of the Cage has signed a deal with Root Sports - Pittsburgh Region to air the events on a delay basis. Rich Miller announced today that last night's event will air on Root Sports Pittsburgh Region on August 5th at 8:00PM Eastern. (Check listings for any changes, set your DVRs now)

Jessica "Evil" Eye was on hand to do post-fight interviews for Gladiators of the Cage for this event.

Official Fight Results:

Chris Dempsey defeats Lewis Rumsey by Unanimous Decision 

Dempsey wins the GotC Light Heavyweight Title (Pro)
Mike Wilkins defeated Jason Willet by TKO at 3:53 in Round 1
Dominic Mazzotta defeats Jeremiah Yeager by KO at 0:45 in Round 1
Matt Van Buren defeats Mojtaba Wali by Unanimous Decision
Bekzod Abdurakhmonoz defeats Eric Calderon by RNC at 1:26 in Round 1
Zach Shultz defeats David Keys by Unanimous Decision
Derek Wright defeats Ryan Skuta by RNC at 1:14 in Round 3
Michael Bosilijevac defeats Derrick Bradley by Guillotine at 1:19 in Round 2
Clark Young defeats OJ Vickers by Kimura at 1:13 in Round 2
Jessica Richman defeats Jaime Chesney by Unanimous Decision
Matt Basham defeats Jeremy Sakuta by Unanimous Decision
Justin Kolling defeats Mason Boy by Armbar at 1:41 in Round 2

Setting up for Gladiators of the Cage

Setting up for Gladiators of the Cage

Main Event Title fight - Dempsey Vs. Rumsey

Dominic Mazzotta Vs. Jeremiah Yeager

Mojtaba Wali Vs. Matt Van Buren

OJ Vickers Vs. Clark Young

Jessica Richman Vs. Jaime Chesney

Zach Shultz Vs. David Keys

Michael Bosilijevac Vs. Derrick Bradley

Derek Wright Vs. Ryan Skuta

Mason Boy Vs. Justin Kolling

(Thanks to Mike Kessling & Cage Nation TV for Twitter fight result updates)

Jessica "Evil" Eye

Jessica "Evil" Eye with new Champion Chris Dempsey

Clark Young with Drew & Albert of Cage Nation TV

Jessica "Evil" Eye with Drew & Albert of Cage Nation TV

Hank of Fraxurd City Gear with Albert of Cage Nation TV

VFL 42 Recap

VFL 42: Broad Avenue Brawlers 7

Valley Fight League 42
Broad Avenue Brawlers 7
Jaffa Shrine
Altoona, Pa. July 19, 2013
 http://www.vflmma.com




 Last night the 7th installment of the Broad Avenue Brawlers from Valley Fight League came to Altoona, Pa. The Jaffa Shrine was the location for VFL's MMA action in Central Pennsylvania. The event got off to a rocky start when several of the fights from the fight card went away for various reasons. The original main event of Eli Garshnick Vs. Shedrick Goodridge was cancelled fro unknown reasons. Local favorites like Charlie "The Madman" Gathers & Brett "Showtime" Shoenfelt also had their fights cancelled. The reason for the Gathers Vs. Matt OTT fight not happening wasn't announced. After the original main event wasn't happening, the fight of Brett Shoenfelt Vs. Mitch Whitesel became the new main event. But when Mitch Whitesel came in 12 pounds overweight and an agreement on additional pay for Shoenfelt couldn't be resolved that fight was also cancelled less than 24 hours before fight time. Another fight involving a local fighter, Brandon Lux, was cancelled when his opponent, Roman Swaner, came in 20 pounds under the scheduled weight limit and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission wouldn't allow the two to fight. After the Commission called into question the qualifications of Daniel McNulty - who was scheduled to fight local fighter Paul Riggleman - that fight was also cancelled, BUT the Commission had allowed a last minute match-up of Swaner Vs. Riggleman which would be a rematch from their fight at VFL 40. However after some thought & getting advice from his coaches, Paul Riggleman pulled out of the fight. It would have been the 4th potential opponent for Riggleman in the past week and his coaches didn't feel taking this fight on less than 24 hours notice would be a good idea.

With two main event fights not happening the fight between Altoona fighter Ryan "Goose Lee" Glunt and Matthew Dean became the new main event. This fight almost didn't happen when Dean came in 7 pounds over the limit, but Glunt agreed to allow Dean to have some additional time to lose some weight and the fight was able to happen.

The night began with 4 boxing matches in a ring before the crew took down the ring and put up the cage for the MMA fights. Actually, the night began with an unexpected delay that pushed back the start time almost an hour. No actual reason was given for the delay to the fight fans enduring the hot July weather in the Jaffa Shrine arena that has no A/C and no fans to help deal with the high heat/humidity that is Central Pennsylvania weather in the middle of July. But eventually the issues were solved and the boxing fights began. After 4 exciting matches (with one more brief delay in the action) and a relatively quick change from ring to cage the MMA action started.

Local fighter Travis Pfahler lost to Patrick Brett in the 2nd Round by Rear naked Choke. Then another local fighter, Gary Pfahler, lost by Unanimous Decision to Scott Wible. The main event ended quickly - with Ryan "Goose Lee" Glunt defeating Matthew Dean by Standing Guillotine at just 28 seconds of the 1st Round. The fight could have ended sooner, had the referee been in a position to see that Dean was tapping out a few seconds prior to the ref stopping the action and awarding Glunt the win.

The fights that did happen were exciting, but it's hard to not fault the promotion for all the fights that didn't happen, not to mention what definitely seems like poor planning that resulted in fighters coming in way over weight or very under weight. Central Pennsylvania fight fans have come to expect quality fights & high level production value in their combat sport events... what happened last night at VFL 42 might be acceptable to some, but I'm sure the people who paid good money & expected to see a full fight card will spread their opinions of displeasure to their friends, and the next time this promotion comes to town they should put on a better show or not be surprised when the ticket sales decline drastically in the future.

Thankfully this is not the only MMA promotion that holds events in the Altoona area, and later this year in the Fall the other promotion will put on an event in the same venue. I expect fight fans to have a much better experience when CDMMA 9  hits the Jaffa Shrine arena.



 Fight Results:

MMA
Main Event:
Ryan Glunt over Matthew Dean by Standing Guillotine at  0:28 of Round 1
Scott Wible over Gary Pfahler by Unanimous Decision
Patrick Brett over Travis Pfahler by RNC at 1:03 of Round 2
Boxing
Zaiden over Lopez by decision
Whitney Warmus over  by decision
Henry Gaston over  by decision
Marcellus Campbell over  by decision


For more info on the fight card chaos visit: http://cagenationtv.com/2013/07/19/vfl-42-meltdown-glunt-vs-dean-promoted-to-main-event/

(fight result info provided by Mike Kessling of CageNationTV)

10 Questions With Paul Riggleman

Paul "Lionheart" Riggleman

Because of VFL 40 at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona, Pa. I became aware of local Altoona MMA fighter Paul "Lionheart" Riggleman, training out of the Altoona Center for Martial Arts. Paul had lost that fight due to doctor stoppage, but he will be back in action again at the Jaffa Shrine for VFL 42 - this Friday July 19th. Recently I had the opportunity to ask Paul a few questions as he prepared for this fight... here is 10 Questions With Paul Riggleman.







1. Tell us some basic info about yourself.
My name is Paul "Lionheart" Riggleman. I am an ammy fighter looking to make a run at a title hopefully turn pro. My field of study is tactical Hapkido. I train with the Pelligrino family at the Altoona Center for Martial Arts. I hold a yellow belt right now looking for green in August. My current weight division is welterweight, because I'm a natural 177lb guy walking around and it feels great at that weight.


2. How did you get involved with MMA?
George St-Pierre. Watching his work ethic and how he trains really set a tone for my involvement in MMA. I went to a local show one time in Connellsville, Pa. for Simons promotions. A few of my good friends were fighting A.J. Bosely and P.J. Palmer. I watched what they put into their fights and it was inspiring to me.


3. Tell us about what it is like training at your gym.
The intensity of the way we train (at Altoona Center for Martial Arts) is fantastic! Adam and Joe Pelligrino have spent so much time with me there it feels like a second home. My father Ronald Riggleman who is no longer with us studied under Master Brian Gates in the same building years ago. So when I walk in there it really feels like home. We are a family.


4. You lost your amateur debut at VFL 40, how did that effect the way you are preparing for your next fight?
I did lose but let me tell you Roman Swaner who is also on this card is 2-0 now. I popped a rib after the first round and the doctor stopped it. But no excuses we take loses to heart and learn from it. I have a very tough opponent ahead of me July 19th. He's a brawler. He has a chin but I def know I'm in way better shape. I'm just gonna work and work go to war.  Everyday I wake up put on my shoes a hoodie put on my headphones and take a run. To find myself something I wasn't able to do for my last. My mind is definitely in the right place this time.


5. What do you feel are your strengths are an an MMA fighter?
My stand up for sure. Being a Hapkido fighter we tend to be more daring and step into punched and kicks just to hit you back. My kicks are becoming devastating with power and combos are starting to fly.


6. What aspects of your training do you feel you still needs work to become a more complete MMA fighter?
We could all be a little better in shape I think. As fighters there are definitely aspects of the cage we need to work on. Right now my lack of experience hurts me.


7. Who are some of your role models? (in life and in MMA)
I could go on forever there are so many different fighters and styles I love. Frank Mir because he's a got a heart of stone. And a sick ground game. George St-Pierre because I love his work ethic. I train like he does to go all 3 rounds and just work . I'm not looking to finish you early. In life it would be both of my grandfathers. Those gentlemen have paved away for me to make in whatever I may wanna do. (love you granddads)


8.  You are scheduled to fight against Scott Athey at VFL 42 here in Altoona on July 19th, what are you expecting from your opponent and how do you plan to overcome his gameplan?
I'm expecting a brawler. A guy who's looking to finish and has dangerous power. I need to keep moving, stay busy and either finish it late in the fight with a TKO or submit him on the ground. No judges score cards this fight - it will be WAR!


9. What are your goals as an MMA fighter?
My goals are just to be the best that I can be compete as long as the good lord allows me..I do wanna turn pro and hold an ammy title..that's my dream an ammy belt. A couple wins in a row, then maybe I'll get VFL's attention and earn an ammy title fight.


10. Is there anyone you'd like to thank?
I wanna thank all my coaches and everyone who has stuck by me and showed me that I cam do anything I wanna do. Special thanks to my children my son Broden who is 5 and my daughter Marlee who is 4. Daddy is gonna leave it all in the cage regardless of the outcome. But I control the outcome no one else. Its been great, thank you for the time looking forward to seeing you soon!

I just want people to know that I'm a completely different fighter than I was in January. I started training with Adam Pelligrino he had turned me around, and going through a divorce while raising my two babies has helped me realize what kind of man I want to be. I want to be honest and loyal to my friends and family. I can't wait for the fight on the 19th. I want to say a special "happy birthday" to Casey Lykens - I love you sweetheart! And I must say she has been so amazing through all of this, and I appreciate having her by my side.

VFL 42 July 19th in Altoona, Pa.

For tickets, contact Paul on his Facebook page (link above) or visit the official website for VFL at http://www.vflmma.com