20 Pennsylvania Fighters You Should Know

20 Pennsylvania Fighters You Should Know

Pennsylvania has a tradition of having some superstars in MMA. You probably already know of Pennsylvania fighters like former Lock Haven wrestler & TUF1 competitor Josh Koscheck, former WEC Light Heavyweight Champion Brian Stann, UFC Middleweight contender Tim Boetsch, UFC Featherweight Jimy Hettes just to name a few, but this is a list of up-and-coming fighters or veterans that if you haven't heard of them already, I believe you soon will. Some have fought for promotions like Bellator, Strikeforce, King of the Cage, and even the UFC... and others have only fought for local promotions as they try to make it to the larger promotions. This list is far from complete, but I feel this is a good representation of fighters from Pennsylvania to watch, because (as I said above) if you don't know them already, you probably will very soon.

Do yourself a favor and go see local Pennsylvania promotions when they are in your area putting on an event. It is by supporting promotions like Complete Devastation, Gladiators of the Cage, XFE Cage Wars, Pinnacle Fighting Championships, World Cagefighting Championships, Cage Fury Fighting Championships that the stars of tomorrow can be seen. Catch them when they come to your area, because it shouldn't be long before the only way you can see them will be when they fight on networks like NBC Sports, AXS TV, Fox Sports 1, Spike TV, or on Pay-Per-View.

This list isn't in order, because it would be too hard to rank all of these fighters. This is just a guide of some of the many Pennsylvania MMA fighters you need to be checking out, before they make it BIG!

#SupportLocalMMA #SupportPennsylvaniaMMA  

1. Scott Heckman

Scott "The Animal" Heckman is 15 - 4 and fights out of Nazareth, Pa. Heckman's last fight was a loss to Terrell at XFE 24 in the Featherweight (145 pro) division. Prior to that loss Scott Heckman had been on a 7 fight win streak, and I feel he will get back to his winning ways very soon & that the UFC will come calling before 2014 is over. Follow him at The_Animal27 and check out his page at http://www.teamheckman.com/ 

2. Mark Cherico

Mark Cherico (a.k.a. "The Pride Of Bloomfield") is an Featherweight fighter (145 pro) out of Bloomfield, Pa. Cherico is currently 5 - 0 as a professional (14 - 0 overall) and his last fight was a 2nd round TKO win over Donny Walker at Pinnacle Fighting Championships "Pittsburgh Challenge Series 3" to become the PFC Featherweight (pro) champion. I would love to see a fight between Mark Cherico and Scott Heckman, but since they fight for competing promotions this is unlikely until both fighters make it to the next level and fight for a national/regional promotion. You can follow him at MarkChericoMMA.


3. Paul Felder

 Paul Felder is a Lightweight fighter (155lb pro) fighting out of the Philadelphia area. He is 5 - 0 as a pro (8 - 1 overall) and Felder's last fight was a win over Corey Bleaken at CFFC 24. As a pro Felder has fought for promotions like CFFC, XFE & PFC, and with his exciting style and history of winning by TKO/KO I expect a regional/national promotion to sign him very soon. 

4. George Sullivan

George Sullivan is technically a New Jersey fighter, but he fights for CFFC & Ring of Combat, so I include him in the Pennsylvania fighter category. Sullivan is the current CFFC Welterweight (170lb pro) champion. Sullivan is 14 - 3 as a professional and recently defended his title against a very tough Jesus Martinez at CFFC 26. George is a beast at 170 and I expect to see him in a major promotion by mid 2014.

5. Cody Karlheim

Cody "Lenny" Karlheim is one of the many Dignan/Brumbaugh MMA fighters that is shaking things up in Central Pennsylvania MMA. Karlheim is called the "King of the Altoona Amateurs" by Cage Nation TV co-host Albert Cameron. "Lenny" is 3 - 1 as an Featherweight (145lb ammy) fighter fighting out of Ebensburg, Pa. His last fight was a win over Derek Hayes at CDMMA 7 but Karlheim is currently recovering from knee surgery to repair damage to the ACL of his knee. Karlheim had been in line to fight for the Complete Devastation Featherweight (ammy) title, and hopefully he is able to compete on the CDMMA 9 fight card for November 2013, possibly against current champion Rich Cantolina. Recently Cody was awarded his BJJ Purple Belt from coach Jason Dignan of Dignan/Brumbaugh MMA. You can follow him at youngLeonard621.     

6. Ricky Nuno

Ricky "El Numero Uno" Nuno is a Lightweight (155lb pro) fighter out of Bensalem, Pa. Nuno is 2 - 1 as a pro (6 - 2 overall) and his most recent fight was a win over Greg Wolfe at XFE 24. Nuno is scheduled to face Christian Leonard at CFFC 27 September 21st.

7. Dominic Mazzotta

Dominic "The Honey Badger" Mazzotta is a Featherweight (145 pro) fighter out of Lower Burrell, Pa. Mazzotta is 2 - 0 as a pro (9 - 1 - 1 overall) and was the former NAAFS Featherweight (ammy) champion before turning pro. Mazzotta's most recent fight was a devastating 1st round KO head kick against Jeremiah Yeager for Gladiators of the Cage.

8. Clark Young

Clark Young is a Heavyweight (265lb ammy) fighter out of Washington, Pa. Young is 4 - 2 as an amateur and his most recent fight was a win over OJ Vickers for Gladiators of the Cage. The next fight for Young is scheduled to be against Chris Pierce at PFC's Pittsburgh Challenge Series 4 on August 24th. You can follow him at clark_young_85. 

9. Jessica Richman

Jessica Richman is a Bantamweight (135lb ammy) fighting out of the Philadelphia area. Richman is 2 - 0 as an amateur and her most recent fight was a Unanimous Decision win over Jamie Chesney for Gladiators of the Cage. The next scheduled fight for Richman is supposed to be against tough South Carolina fighter Alexa Conners. 

10.Shawn Downs

Shawn Downs is a Lightweight (155lb ammy) fighter fighting out of West Mifflin, Pa. Downs is 5 - 0 as an ammy and his most recent fight was a win against Sean Diehl to win the World Cagefighting Championships Lightweight (ammy) title. The next scheduled fight for Downs is against Travis List for the Gladiators of the Cage Lightweight (ammy) title on September 7th.

11.Brett Shoenfelt

Brett "Showtime" Shoenfelt is a Welterweight (170lb pro) fighting out of Hollidaysburg, Pa. Shoenfelt is 5 - 3 as a pro (11 - 5 overall) and his most recent fight was a win over Billy Ward at Complete Devastation 8. Shoenfelt was set to fight at VFL 42, but due to his opponent coming in way over weight the fight was cancelled. "Showtime" has expressed interest in wanting to fight his former High School teacher & assistant wrestling coach Charlie "The Spaniard" Brenneman, but Brenneman has since dropped from Welterweight (170lbs) to Lightweight (155lbs). Shoenfelt has made connections with both XFE Cage Wars & Gladiators of the Cage, so hopefully he will be fighting again soon. Brett has shown support for his old High School by working with the wrestling boosters as well as sponsoring a dirt track race car driver.

12.Jesus Martinez

Jesus "Chavo" Martinez is a Welterweight (170lb pro) fighting out of Philadelphia, Pa. Martinez is 8 - 4 as a pro (12 - 5 overall) and his last fight was a loss to George Sullivan as he tried to win the CFFC Welterweight title at CFFC 26. Martinez has fought for Bellator, XFE Cage Wars, CFFC, & King of the Cage and is always a tough competitor. He is one of the main instructors at Martinez BJJ in Philadelphia.

13.Darrell Horcher

Darrell "The Saint" Horcher is a Lightweight (155lb pro) fighter out of Shermansdale, Pa. Horcher is 7 - 1 as a pro (11 - 2 overall) and his most recent fight was a loss to Phillipe Nover at Bellator 95. Horcher is known to Central Pennsylvania MMA fans for his amazing head kick KO of tough fighter George "Lights Out" Sheppard at Complete Devastation 5. He has fought in Bellator three times and was on a 7 fight win streak before his loss to Nover. I expect for Horcher to get back in the win column again - if not for Bellator, then for another big promotion. Horcher is the current Complete Devastation Lightweight (pro) champion.

14.Shane Valko

Shane Valko is a Bantamweight (135lb ammy) fighter out of Johnstown, Pa. Valko is 6 - 1 as an ammy and his last fight was a loss to Jerrell Hodge for the NAAFS Lightweight (ammy) title at Night of Champions 2012. Valko is also training in BJJ at Dignan/Brumbaugh MMA at the Gallitzin facility as well as training at other gyms in Cambria County. Previous to that loss to Hodge Valko was on a 6 fight win streak, and I expect him to get back in the win column very soon. Shane had been talking about being ready to make his pro debut, and was hoping to do so at an event near his Johnstown home.

15.Brandon Lux

Brandon Lux is a Middleweight (185lb ammy) fighter out of Johnstown, Pa. Lux is 2 - 0 as an amateur and his last fight was a win over Scott Athey at VFL 40 in Altoona. Lux was scheduled to fight Roman Swaner at VFL 42, but Swaner came in way under the 185lb limit and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission wouldn't sanction the fight. Brandon is a tough fighter out of Johnstown's "Damage Inc." gym.

16.Caleb Dobosh

Caleb "Costa" Dobosh is a Middleweight (185lb ammy) fighter out of Pittsburgh, Pa. Dobosh is 2 - 1 as an ammy and his last fight was a win over Jarod Newbraugh at PFC's Pittsburgh Challenge Series 3. Dobosh's next scheduled fight is against Mark Mangiardi at PFC's Pittsburgh Challenge Series 4. You can follow him at CalebDobosh.

17.Paul McAleer 
 

Paul "P-Mac" McAleer is a Bantamweight (135lb ammy) fighting out of Altoona, Pa. McAleer is 2 - 0 as an amateur and his most recent fight was a win against Jonathan Coffman at World Cagefighting Championships 6 in Greensburg. McAleer is a member of Dignan/Brumbaugh MMA and his fans have been called the "P-Mac-A-Maniacs".

18.Eli Garshnick
 

Eli Garshnick is a Middleweight (185lb pro) fighter out of Blairsville, Pa. Garshnick is 9 - 5 as a pro (15 - 6 overall) and his most recent fight was a win over Donald Crawford at VFL 40 in Altoona. Garshnick is the current WCC & VFL Middleweight (pro) champion, and is a member of the Cold Steel MMA & Wrestling team.

19.LaRon Williams

LaRon Williams is a Welterweight (170lb ammy) fighter out of Johnstown, Pa. Williams is 3 - 0 as an amateur and his most recent fight was an Armbar submission win over Robert Best at Complete Devastation 3 in Johnstown. Although it has been awhile since Williams has fought inside the cage, he has been keeping up with his BJJ & MMA training at Dignan/Brumbaugh MMA in Gallitzin as well as training at Cambria County Martial Arts. Williams has been a training partner for former UFC fighter Charlie Brenneman when he trains in Cambria County. Hopefully LaRon will return to the cage soon, because he truly is an exciting fighter to see in action.

20.Charlie Brenneman
 

Charlie "The Spaniard" Brenneman is a Lightweight (155lb pro) from Hollidaysburg, Pa. Brenneman is 18 - 5 as a professional (23 - 5 overall) and his most recent fight was a Unanimous Decision win over Gemiyale Adkins at CFFC 25. Brenneman was supposed to fight Ronnie "Bam Bam" Rogers for the CFFC Lightweight (pro) Title at CFFC 26 back on August 17th but after a successful weigh-in & face-off Rogers suffered from severe dehydration and had to go to the E.R. - the doctor wouldn't allow the fight to continue even after Rogers received fluids and his condition improved. "The Spaniard" is a former UFC Welterweight fighter who fought 8 times (4 - 4) before being released after some disappointing losses. Since being released from the UFC Brenneman dropped to Lightweight and is on a 3 fight win streak. Had the Rogers fight happened & Brenneman won impressively, he could have found himself back in the UFC again - this time as a Lightweight. I expect Charlie to get back to the UFC some time early in 2014. You can follow him at SpaniardMMA.  



Honorable Mention:

Cody Garbrandt, Anton Berzin, Tim Williams, Khama Worthy, Ethan Goss, Jeff Smith, Ryan Cafaro, Rich Cantolina, Doug Haupt, Justin Bonitatis, Jonathan Coffman, Jason Willett, Jason Royer, Mike Wilkins, Devon Estes, Nicholas Willey, Maggie O'Neill, Jonas Rubiano, Shawn McMahon, Zach Shultz, Chris Dempsey, Blaine Shutt, Jamie Chesney, Bassil Hafez, Daniel Coffman, Mitchell Killeen, and Brad Mountain.

Jessica Eye and Justin Scoggins signed to UFC

Jessica "Evil" Eye & Justin "Tank" Scoggins Signed to the UFC

 

Yesterday was a big day for two up-and-coming fighters, a day that put them one step closer to them realizing their dreams. Justin "Tank" Scoggins of South Carolina and Jessica "Evil" Eye of Ohio announced that they had been signed to the UFC. 

Jessica Eye is reported to be fighting in October at UFC 166. The opponent hasn't been announced yet, but rumor has it that Sarah Kaufman will face Eye at the Houston, Texas event that is headlined by the Heavyweight Title fight (and "rubber match") between Junior dos Santos & current champion Cain Velasquez. Kaufman was set to fight undefeated Olympic Wrestler Sara McMann until McMann got injured and had to pull out of the fight. When no suitable replacement was found in time for the Ultimate Fight Night 27 match the fight was pulled from the fight card. With news of the UFC signing Jessica Eye talks of her fighting Kaufman in October at UFC 166 began. If this is true, Eye will face a very tough competitor for her Octagon debut. Eye was a top contender in the Bellator fight promotion, before they decided to close down their women's division recently. Eye has a win over former Bellator women's 115lb champion Zoila Gurgel. She is 10 - 1 as a professional, and her most recent win was a Unanimous Decision over Brazilian Carina Damm in an NAAFS event held in Ohio.

Justin Scoggins is an undefeated fighter out of South Carolina with a pro record of 7 - 0. If you count his amateur record Scoggins is 13 - 0 - 1 with the only blemish to his perfect record being a draw in his very first fight. Scoggins is set to face Dustin Ortiz at UFC Ultimate Fight Night 27 (a.k.a. Condit Vs. Kampmann 2) in a fight that will be the Octagon debut for both fighters. Ortiz was also recently signed to the UFC and is no easy match for "Tank". Ortiz is 11 - 2 as a professional (13 - 3 overall) and has fought for promotions such as Strikeforce, King of the Cage, and Resurrection Fighting Alliance. His most notable opponent was Ian "Uncle Creepy" McCall, who he lost to back in 2011. McCall is a current UFC contender in the 125 lb division who has fought for the Flyweight title when he was part of the main event at UFC on FX - Johnson Vs. McCall. This fight between Scoggins & Ortiz a case of "steel sharpening steel". Both fighters could shake up the UFC 125lb division, and Scoggins could jump into the spotlight win an impressive win over Ortiz on August 28th.

    

This is an exciting time for both the men's 125lb and the women's 135lb divisions in the UFC. In September the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter will air, and this season is unique because of how it will have both men & women competing & living in the same house together. The coaches for this season are UFC women's champion Ronda Rousey and former Strikeforce champion Miesha Tate. Justin Scoggins had tried out for this season if TUF, even though he fights at 125lbs and the competition was for the 135lb division for both men & women. So Jessica Eye is coming into the UFC at a time when the 135lb division is about to be expanded with new fighters like competitors Jessamyn Duke, Tara LaRosa, Tonya Evinger, Roxanne Modafferi & Shayna Baszler possibly joining the already stacked Bantamweight division. Justin Scoggins and Dustin Ortiz join an already exciting Flyweight division which is known for the fastest fighters & tons of action.

I wish all the newly signed fighters to the UFC the very best & I hope both Scoggins & Eye do very well in their Octagon debuts. I have been saying for awhile now that these were two fighters to watch, and with them being signed to the UFC it won't be long before they become household names. If the past is any indication of the future, I predict both Justin & Jessica will have a bright future in the UFC.

Jessica Eye signing her UFC contract at the Cleveland Browns stadium

Jessica with Cage Nation TV co-hosts Drew (l) & Albert (r)

Warfare Flyweight Champion

With UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones

 

 

 

Review - Ultimate MMA Magazine

Ultimate MMA Magazine

Recently I got myself into a bit of trouble (figuratively) over this issue of Ultimate MMA magazine with Ronda Rousey on the cover. Nothing major, I just sparked a debate when I shared the link about this issue, most of the controversy was over my opinion about the caption for the main article. 

I am a big supporter of women in MMA, and my O.C.D. way of thinking didn't see the word "Nasty" as being used in a positive way. My cousin agreed with me, but it wasn't long before managing editor for the magazine Breanna Armstrong responded that I might have misunderstood things a bit. I was willing to agree that their intention was good, but that someone should have taken a few seconds to reconsider what message they were sending out with that caption.

I was contacted by Breanna and she suggested I check out that issue specifically to see that the magazine wasn't guilty of what I thought they might be - just using potentially shocking/offensive buzzwords just to sell a magazine without having anything of substance to back up the attention.

Those of you who know me know that I have definite opinions, and even though I consider myself to be open-minded, most of the time my opinions are firm. But this was a case where I was willing to admit I might be wrong, and so when the magazine arrived I found myself in the pleasantly surprising position of gladly reevaluating my position and changing my opinion.

First off I want to say that I'm not surprised that the magazine is well written, and professionally put together. And for the record I understand where the "nasty" in the "Nasty Ronda Rousey" caption comes from. I'm sure most people familiar with the UFC and Dana White recognize this as being a reference to a quote about Ronda he made where he says, "She's mean, she's nasty and she likes to finish people and she's very talented." White gave variations of this quote in response to being asked why he had changed his mind about allowing women into the UFC. (Check YouTube for the TMZ video where White was asked 'when will women compete in the UFC' and he responds 'never')

Here is a link to an article with a video where you get the full story about how Ronda changed his mind, and why women are now competing in the UFC. http://www.csnbayarea.com/sportsnetBayArea/search/v/71343384/dana-white-ronda-rousey-on-chronicle-live.htm

But back to the magazine...

I can say that I enjoyed reading every article in this issue, and that I am glad I got over my initial ideas about what I felt the use of one word on the cover meant to the big picture, because this is a very good publication and the magazine is well worth reading. I highly recommend people subscribe to Ultimate MMA magazine if the want the latest in MMA news from a unique perspective. 

The cover story referring to Rousey is a "Top 20" of women MMA fighters, and I agree with the magazine placing Ronda at the #1 spot. The rest of the list (titled "Taking Down Ronda: What if these top female fighters had a chance to battle the champ?") is a detailed listing of some of the best female fighters in MMA. I don't necessarily agree with some of the fighters and where they are ranked in this article, I can't argue with the reasoning behind why they chose these fighters. 

 I enjoyed the pictorials (especially the "Ring Girl of the Month" Jordan McDonald) and the other articles, like the Top 5 rankings for each division in MMA Again, I might disagree with the rankings, but that's subjective and everyone ends up letting their personal favorites as well as the fighters they don't like effect how they rank fighters... I am guilty of this just like anyone who offers up a ranking list.

I especially like the segments/articles where Ultimate MMA goes over technique & breaks them down for readers to learn new techniques. To a Judo practitioner like myself this is something I always look for when I choose a magazine to read. I enjoy learning new moves, and having them detailed by experts in the field is a big plus in my opinion.

The part I feel I must mention is from managing editor Breanna Armstrong herself. In an opening segment editorial titled "Round 1 - Here To Stay" Breanna details how women's MMA has "come a long way since December 5th 2000" when Marloes Coenen fought  Becky Levi at the Remix World Cup 2000 in Japan.

Had I read this editorial before I saw the front cover I would never had questioned the motive of the magazine using the word "nasty" in reference to a female MMA fighter. I owe an apology to the magazine in general & Breanna Armstrong in specific, because after reading the magazine & her editorial I have no doubts that this magazine has good intentions about promoting MMA, especially women in MMA.

I can't speak more highly about this magazine - an d I'm glad to say that I am still open-minded enough to allow a differing opinion & more information effect my viewpoint & opinions. I have Breanna Armstrong & Ultimate MMA magazine to thank for that.

The official website for the magazine is http://www.ultimatemmamag.com/ and it is a monthly publication. The magazine comes from the people behind the Beckett price guides for trading cards, and the info from the "About" section on the magazine's Facebook page says:

 

Our monthly magazine is devoted to the sport of MMA and the lifestyle that accompanies it. Our full-color magazine features stories for new fans, casual fans, hardcore fans and fighters.

Beckett.com offers collectors instant access to the world's leading trading card databases, including the ability to organize, price, buy, sell and trade.

Bottom line is I recommend you get your hands on Ultimate MMA magazine, inside the issue are offers for subscriptions with nice discounts. I haven't checked the official website regarding subscriptions, but I'm guessing there are similar offers available online as well. Do yourself a favor & subscribe to this magazine now... you can thank me later.

 

10 Questions With Shawn Downs

WCC Lightweight (Ammy) Champion Shawn Downs

Back in June of 2012 I had the privilege of attending World Cagefighting Championships IV in Greensburg, Pa. The entire fight card was filled with amazing fights, and among them was the amateur debut of local Pittsburgh fighter Shawn Downs. Just 2 years out of West Mifflin High School, the blue-collar worker from the Steel City of Pennsylvania Downs is quickly making a name for himself in MMA. Since that first win against Steven Jones at WCC IV Downs has fought 4 more times, remaining undefeated at 5 - 0 as he heads into Gladiators of the Cage "The Road To Glory V" on September 7th in Pittsburgh against Travis List. 

One year after making that impressive debut at WCC IV Downs fought and defeated Sean Diehl for the World Cagefighting Championships Lightweight (Ammy) Title at WCC VI. This fight was one of the first fight in Pennsylvania under the "advanced" amateur rules, and was among the very first titles fights under the new amateur rules. This upcoming fight against Travis List will be for the Gladiators of the Cage Lightweight (Ammy) Title. Gladiators of the Cage has been putting together some amazing fight cards with incredible match-ups, so this title fight between Downs & List should be filled with fireworks as the fighters stake their claim at being the 155lb champion of GotC ammys. If you are anywhere near Pittsburgh and are available to see some awesome fights September 7th, call (412) 820-0657 or visit http://cagetix.com to get your tickets NOW because you DO NOT want to miss this event!

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Shawn Downs to find out more about this up-and-coming Lightweight fighter as he prepares for his fight against List and his attempt to add another belt to his resume. I am grateful that he took time from his busy training schedule to answer a few questions... here is 10 Questions With Shawn Downs.

Road To Glory V - September 7th

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Shawn Downs. I am 21 years old. I'm a amateur Lightweight (155 lbs) fighter. My record is 5-0 and I am the current World Cagefighting Championships Lightweight Champion. And I train out of PTT-Personal Training Tactics under Owner/Operator Don Kaecher in Pittsburgh, PA


2. How did you get started in MMA?

There isn't really a huge reason why I got started in training MMA. I always loved watching The Karate Kid movies and Bloodsport with Jean Claude Van Damme really caught my interest. The first ever footage of UFC I ever saw was a highlight reel of Phil Baroni. After that I started watching The Ultimate Fighter religiously. I started actually training a year after high school. Myself and my friends started consistently ordering the UFC PPVs and we were always playing the UFC video games. And I thought to myself that I could do this. My friend mentioned a gym he trained at called TFS-Tactical Fight Systems in Bethel Park so I started going almost everyday immediately.


3. What gym(s) do you train at, and what is it like training there?

I currently train at PTT-Personal Training Tactics under Don Kaecher. It is without a doubt the best gym in Pittsburgh and Don Kaecher is by far the best coach. He has trained almost every top fighter in Pittsburgh. He was 9-1 as a professional MMA fighter and his only loss was to UFC Veteran Hermes Franca. His been training MMA since 1997 so his knowledge for MMA is the best you can get. My training partners are Bob Bianchini he is 3-4 as a lightweight ammy and his next fight is September 7th for Gladiators of the Cage. Chris Dempsey who is 6-1 as a Professional. And Dempsey throws me around like a rag-doll but nobody I fight will have his strength or wrestling so it's a big help to me. And Justin Stonick who will be making his ammy debut August 10th and his a beast! His a featherweight and he started cutting from 190 pounds so look out for this kid.


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

I feel my strength as a fighter is my ground game. I feel that my Jiu-Jitsu can hang with any fighter right now. I have power in my hands but I let the big bombs set-up my takedowns. I never wrestled a day in my life but Chris Dempsey and Don Kaecher have really helped my takedowns and control on the ground.


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

I feel I need to work on my stand-up more. I'll stand and trade with anybody but if you give me the option to take you down I'm taking it. My coach has specifically been working on utilizing my reach more because I consider myself a pretty big lightweight standing at 6'0 and walking around 170 pounds so size and strength are never a concern for me.


6. You recently won at WCC VI in Greensburg back in June against Sean Diehl to win the World Cagefighting Championships Lightweight (Ammy) Title. What is next for you?

WCC VI Title fight was a great fight for me. I knew Diehl was a ground fighter which made me want to prove that I was the better ground fighter. He toke me down and I locked in a triangle and it was over. My next fight is August 10th in Sharon, PA for the promoter Chuck Haskell and the event is called Quaker Steak & Lube Fight Night 1. I'll be fighting Jake Schilling out of Pittsburgh Fight Club who is 3-1. It was originally slated as a Title Fight but since Schilling lost in his last fight the PA Athletic Commission might not approve it. My next fight after that is September 7th for Gladiators of the Cage and that will be for there Amateur Lightweight Title against Travis List who is also 3-1. Update: The fight with Schilling did not happen. Downs next fight is on September 7th at Gladiators of the Cage: Road To Glory V against Travis List for the Lightweight (Ammy) Title


7. Is there a fighter that you would like to fight that you haven't had a chance to fight yet?

There is a couple amateur lightweights that I'd like to have the chance to fight. Nick Browne who I believe is 7-1 would be a great fight. Fadi Shuman who is 4-0 and both this guys are ranked on all the Amateur Lightweight Rankings. I respect what they bring to the cage and I want to fight the best amateurs before turning professional.


8. Who are some of your role models?

My number one role model is my coach Don Kaecher. He works so hard to make sure me and teammates have everything we need and all the tools to compete at a high level in this sport. PTT is a family and we will always be that. His been doing this since I was 5 years old so I trust everything he has to say and he will always be my coach/friend/mentor.


9. What are your goals in MMA?

My goals for MMA are the same as everybody who takes this sport seriously. The UFC is everybody's dream. I hope to have 2 or 3 more amateur fights and make the transition to be a professional in early 2014. I'm only 21 years old and I've only been training 2 years so I'm being smart about it and taking things slow so I don't burn myself out in 10 years.


10. Is there anyone you would like to thank?

I'd like to thank my coach Don Kaecher for all the training and advice he has given me over the last year. my Mother, my Aunt Chris, my Uncle Jimmy, my twin cousins Ciara & Colin and Lindsey for supporting me from day one and always making the trips to my fights. And I'd like to give a huge thanks to my girlfriend Amanda. It is not easy being with a fighter. She's the reason why I train so hard and go through the rough weight cuts and without her none of this would be possible. And all my teammates at PTT you guys are the best around! and Thank you to Jeff McConnell for giving me the chance to do this interview.

Rogers Vs. Breenneman at CFFC 26

Ronnie Rogers (l) Vs. Charlie Brenneman (r) at CFFC 26

This is an AWESOME match-up that I have been talking about since Brenneman left the UFC! Rogers was in Bellator for 2 events & Brenneman is on a 3 fight win streak at lightweight - this fight between Ronnie "Bam Bam" Rogers & Charlie "The Spaniard" Brenneman could have UFC implications - I'm sure Dana White is having Joe Silva pay attention to this fight!

Ronnie “Bam Bam” Rogers will now fight Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman for the vacant Cage Fury Fighting Championships lightweight title after Kyle “Alleycat” Baker was forced to pull out due to an injury.

Baker, the hard puncher from Virginia, posted on his Facebook page that he had suffered an “ac sprain and deep bone bruise” to his shoulder, and that he hopes to fight the new champion in October. He apparently injured the shoulder while wrestling.

In steps Rogers, a South Carolina native who sports a 17-11 record, including two bouts this year with the Bellator promotion. Rogers lost to Joe Taimanglo via north-south choke in the second round at Bellator 94 on March 28. That loss snapped a four-fight win streak, including a decision victory against Shane Crenshaw at Bellator 88 on Feb. 7.

In his career, Rogers has faced such MMA veterans as Rich Clementi, Deividas Taurosevicius, Kurt Holobaugh, and Diego Saraiva.

Brenneman, from AMA Fight Club in Whippany, is 18-5 and has won both of his fights since joining CFFC. The former UFC fighter claimed a decision victory against Gemiyale Adkins at CFFC 25 on June 22 to earn the title shot. Before that, he submitted Jeremey Castro by Peruvian necktie at CFFC 23 on April 13. He is currently on a three-fight win streak.

CFFC 26 will take place on Aug. 17 at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. A welterweight title fight between champion George Sullivan and challenger Jesus Martinez headlines the card.


 UPDATE: The fight between Brenneman & Rogers did not happen. After a successful weigh-in & face-off Rogers suffered from severe dehydration and had to make a trip to the E.R. The doctor would not allow the fight to continue, even after Rogers received fluids & his condition improved. Hopefully CFFC can reschedule this fight between these two fighters for their next event - this is a highly anticipated fight I have been looking forward to for a very long time.

For ticket info visit http://www.cffc.tv/

WCC VII Recap

WCC VI
July 27, 2013
Rodeway Inn & Conference Center
Allentown, Pennsylvania
7:00 PM
Referee: Keith Peterson

MMA came to the Lehigh Valley last weekend when World Cagefighting Championships invaded Allentown for WCC VII at the Rodeway Inn & Conference Center. Doug Yasinsky capitalized on the success of WCC VI that went down last month in Greensburg, Pa with another amazing event. There were 10 fights on the card, 5 professional and 5 amateur fights, with one of the ammy fights under the "advanced" amateur rules. It was an exciting event with barn-burning fights, culminating with the main event between Joe Fye & Billy Ward. There were several fights going the distance, and the ones that didn't ended spectacularly. With the turn-out & success of WCC VI and WCC VII the Pennsylvania MMA scene is eagerly anticipating the 8th installment of World Cagefighting Championships!

Fight Results

Professional Fights:

Main Event:

Joe Fye  defeated William Ward by TKO at 1:00 of Round 2    
William Baptiste defeated Matt Breiner by TKO at 3:28 of Round 1    
Erick Lozano defeated Christopher Pintado by TKO at 4:40 of Round 3    
Jordan Morales defeated Jacque Valentin by Guillotine at 3:21 of Round 2    
Dustin Wentz defeated Mark Krumrine by Unanimous Decision     

  
Amateur Fights:

Paul Almquist defeated Travis Funk by RNC at 2:21 of Round 2    
Christopher Winters defeated Matthew Cacho by Unanimous Decision       
Stephen Freed defeated Kellyezer Rivera by Unanimous Decision       
Ryan Kemmerer defeated Patrick McClure by RNC at 1:06 of Round 3   
Ryan Carroll defeated Antoine Werts by Unanimous Decision

Billy Ward Vs. Joe Fye

Mark Krumrine & Dustin Wentz

(Thanks to Doug Yasinsky of WCC for the fight results)

(Thanks to YouTube user DEATHTHROB for the "highlight" video)

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!