10 Questions With Jaime Chesney

If you don't already know, women's MMA is blowing up here in Pennsylvania! I remember seeing the first women's fight in Central Pennsylvania when Cortney Kern fought Maggie O'Neill at Complete Devastation 7 back in November of 2012. It wasn't the first women's MMA fight in all of Pennsylvania, but for the Central region it was something new. Maggie won by unanimous decision, but it was pure action from the first moment to the final bell. The women in MMA have a reputation for bringing it, and eight months later one of the biggest fights in women's MMA for Pennsylvania went down in Pittsburgh between two amateur fighters.

At Gladiators of the Cage: North Shore's Rise to Power 2 on July 20, 2013 in what G.o.t.C announcer Dan Bogen called "The Cat-fight on the Turnpike" (not the best choice I say, but that's what he called it at the time) because it was between Philadelphia fighter Jessica Richman (1 - 0 when this fight happened) and Pittsburgh's own Jaime Chesney. (making her amateur debut)

It was a knock-down drag-out brawl, and the crowd was roaring the entire time. In the end the judges scored the fight as a unanimous decision for Richman. During the fight Chesney either split or broke Richman's nose, and Jessica was bloodied in the process.

Four months later on November 27th Jaime fought Annie DeCrescente at Pinnacle Fighting Championships: Pittsburgh Challenge Series 5. Again it was another war that went to a decision, and unfortunately again it didn't go Chesney's way. DeCrescente won the fight by unanimous decision, but she knew that she had been in a fight because of the punishment she took from Jaime.

Some amateurs might lose hope after starting their MMA career with back-to-back losses, but Jaime Chesney isn't most people - or even most MMA amateurs. She has been a fighter for years, and if you count her Muay Thai fights with her MMA fights, at the time she would have had an 8 - 2 combat sports record. Jaime is not someone to give up easily, so she went back to the drawing board and trained harder with her Pittsburgh Fight Club team-mates.

She is a humble woman who definitely has a good head on her shoulders. I have spoken with her several times since that first fight, and I saw how she dealt with people who chose to make fun of her & her MMA record and kept moving forward with a positive attitude as she was set to fight again in the MMA cage - this time for Gladiators of the Cage: North Shore's Rise to Power 4 and the opponent would be Christina Cherkes. Jaime defeated Christina quickly, winning by Rear Naked Choke after just 1 minute 28 seconds of the very first round.

I am glad to see that Jaime got into the win column after some adversity in her MMA career. I have seen the video of her fights, and this is someone worth paying attention to. I honestly believe that big things are in her future, and if you don't already know the name Jaime Chesney you need to find out quick. This time next year you might be seeing her fight for a promotion like Invicta or even the UFC... so do yourself a favor and see her fight while she is still at the local level.

Awhile back I was lucky enough to be able to ask Jaime a few questions. I apologize for not getting this interview article posted sooner. It should have come out before her fight earlier this month, but at least you have the opportunity to learn more about this amazing person & exciting fighter. I want to thank her for taking the time to participate in the interview process. She is a daughter, a mother, and she is absolutely a fighter and a winner! I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I have putting it together.

Here is 10 Questions With Jaime Chesney.

Jaime Chesney (l) Vs. Jessica Richman

1. Tell us a little about yourself. 

My name is Jaime Chesney, 33 years old. 135 bantamweight, Amateur, International Amateur Muay Thai Federation Champion


2. How did you get started in MMA?

As child, martial arts intrigued me. I didn't have any formal training until I was a teenager. I had no choice, but to learn how to protect myself. I was jumped pretty badly when I was 16 by 3 complete strangers. They surrounded me when I was coming home from work. I knew something was going down, as they were all dressed in back. The one girl pushed me… it was on, I threw the first punch. I had to get my hits in while I could. They hit me in the face with high heels and kicked me until I was in fetal position. Luckily, it was broken up by someone driving by, or I would’ve been in the hospital. With 2 black eyes, a bloody nose and a swollen face, I had to walk through my front door to see my mother. She called the police. I found out who they were and wanted my revenge. I heard they were going from neighborhood to neighborhood jumping random people and were bragging to a mutual friend about having my blood on their shirts. They weren’t done yet, a couple of weeks later they were driving around with 2 cars full of people with baseball bats looking for me, because they heard I wanted my revenge. I was afraid to leave my house for a while. That is when two friends from school asked if I wanted to go to a boxing / kickboxing gym with them. I did and was hooked. I am thankful for those thug chicks, because if it weren’t for them, I could be dead or on drugs, like half of the people I grew up with. I trained and fought all over for 8 years and was undefeated as a Muay Thai fighter. Then I stopped fighting to promote with Joe Cosentino (Beast of the East -April 2005 at Rostraver Ice Garden), raise my family, to finish my degree and to work. Fast forward 9 years to last spring, I was teaching private Muay Thai lessons, when I had an offer to fight MMA at Gladiators of the Cage. I had zero ground experience… but figured what the hell, why not?


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

I train at Fight Club Pittsburgh… “The Dark Side”. I love it! I have an amazing team, everyone wants to help each other to improve. My coaches, Anthony Durnell, Mark Cherico and Khama Worthy are experienced, talented and all around great people. They each add their own flavor to the mix. I am extremely thankful and honored to learn from and work with each of them and the team. The great thing about training there is the team camaraderie. We are all in each others corner. The support is amazing. I am still in disbelief at times when in the Monday night fighter’s class. I look around to see Tony in Mark going at it in one cage, Khama and Dan (Master White Fang) in the other, and numerous other teammates going at it round for round on the mats. I can’t believe I am a part of this. To me, it’s total greatness.


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

Punching people in the face and if I have to, I’ll get down to the nitty-gritty.


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

Well, I am a striker and feel like a mentally challenged monkey on the ground… I do think wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu are fun! In hindsight, I have taken those last two fights prematurely. I fought 2 great wrestlers, and although I lost, I learned so much about the gaps in my game and what I need to improve upon.


6. You lost an epic battle against Jessica Richman at Gladiators of the Cage, what is next for you?

Yes, that was an epic battle for me, but it was so much fun I want to do it again! It was my first fight in 9 years, my first MMA fight with just 3 months of jitz and some take down defense training, and also my first loss ever. That fight was supposed to be my “One &Only” MMA fight, hence that’s what it says on my shirts, but I planned on a win. I won’t go out like that. My daughters, Alexis 10, Sophia 5, said “Mom, you just have to win”. I can’t disappoint my girls! I teach them the age old saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”. And they used that saying on me. I have to practice what I preach.

My next fight is on March 15th at Stage AE on Gladiators of the Cage’s promotion against an unknown. It’s a big deal to me… a make it or brake it fight. I went from being undefeated 9-0 in Muay Thai to 0-2 in MMA. I don’t plan on being 0-3 that is for sure. I have so much support, that this fight is not just about me anymore, it’s bigger… I want to win for those who believe in me, my daughters, family, my team and the crazy amount of friends and fans that have been coming out of the woodwork to support this 0-2 fighter. I have never felt the faith people have in me like this before, and I am forever grateful for this.


UPDATE: Jaime won her fight against Christina Cherkes at Gladiators of the Cage: Rise to Power IV by RNC at 1:28 of the 1st Round.



7. Women's MMA is growing in popularity with the UFC & Invicta showcasing female fighters. The UFC has is adding a Straw-weight division to the roster after the success of the Bantamweight division. What do you think of this and women's MMA becoming more mainstream?

I believe the added weight class is a great thing, because it will give more opportunity for female fighters in that class to be able to advance and show their skills. As for women’s MMA becoming mainstream, I find it incredibly exciting! Some women are born fighters, and are great martial artists, just as men. It is interesting to see the softer sex go to battle with a strong skill set, and a lot of times even more brutality than men. We can let our inner bitch out and it’s OK, LOL. I'd also like to see a flyweight class (125lbs) added to the UFC roster as well.


8. Who are some of your role models?

In Life, my wonderful firecracker of a mom and Pat Kelly Lee. She is more than just a mentor, she is my friend. She kicks my ass when I need it. Her daughter, my friend, Mara Kelly Slack, a true survivor that is now thriving. She gives back with everything she has. In MMA? My coaches are my heroes. Tony, Mark and Khama… their talent, skill, dedication and humility is unmatched and inspiring.


9. What are your plans for the future?

In life, I want to show my daughters the importance of following their dreams, and they are worthy and capable of making those dreams a reality. My girls and I plan on building a self-sustaining living community. It will show them the importance of respecting others and nature. Staying close to nature can be grounding, especially with the technology overload we are faced with daily. I want to raise them to give back to society, and starting this community will be a huge initiative to help people to live more fulfilling lives. As for MMA, I originally planned on just having that one & only fight, but I am a fighter at heart, and fighters fight. I was bitten by the bug! I can only say that I will approach MMA as I do life, day by day and fight by fight.


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

I will be more detailed than usual here as I am blessed by the amount of people I would like to thank. My mother, she never gives up on me, even when I want to give up on myself. My daughters… 2 starry eyed girls that look at me like I can do anything. My fight family (Fight Club Pittsburgh, Anthony Durnell, Mark Cherico, Khama Worthy, Cody Garbrandt and Robert Meese), you have taken me in as one of you and sacrifice your time to help me improve. Master Joe Cosentino, Josh Erdner, and Cairan Wolfe all great friends, martial artists, mentors and supporters. Master Boon and the U.S. Muay Thai Academy, where I fell in love with Muay Thai. Jimmy Cvetic and 3rd ave. with coaches Rick Manning, Joe Mullen and Lee. (for always rolling my hand-wraps R.I.P) Master Toddy - thank you for that summer in Las Vegas. Mark Miller, Alex Beck and Jim Gardner for the time we trained together at Iron City Gym. Pat Kelly Lee, my lifelong mentor, friend and supporter. Toolkit LLC. Russell A. Watson. Both Pinnacle Fighting Championships and Gladiators of the Cage for having me as their first female fight, I am grateful for these opportunities, even though I lost both fights. My sponsor the Boilermaker’s Union. Ray Ventrone, Bernie Duffy and Mark Angle, you came out of no where, like guardian angels. Our chance meeting turned into the union’s interest in me and the MMA community. Let’s see where this goes! The MMA community, not only have you supported my magazine, but many of you believe in me. I am grateful to be back in this fight world with each of you and hope to make you proud. My friends and fans here in Pittsburgh. I want to live up to what it means to be from the City of Champions.


UPDATE: For more of Jaime Chesney - tune in this Friday at 11:00 AM Eastern Time when Jaime joins Ted Czech & I for the first episode of The DaMMAge Report LIVE over at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DaMMAgeReport

Jaime and Tony Cousins

Jaime with team-mate Cody Garbrandt

Jaime with Anthony Darnell (l) and Mark Angle Jr.

Fight Club Pittsburgh

Jaime Chesney (l) Vs. Jessica Richman

With FCP team-mates Mark Cherico (l) and Khama Worthy

With Coach Cvetic

10 Questions With Lauren Murphy

10 Questions With Lauren Murphy

 

Lauren Murphy didn't plan on being a mixed martial arts fighter. She came to the sport by accident. Originally she found martial arts and MMA when she took her son to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class back in 2009. As a way to encourage her son Murphy took lessons with him, and even though he ended up not liking BJJ Lauren basically fell in love with it from the beginning, and she began attending on a regular basis. About 3 months into practicing BJJ Lauren also started training MMA. After about three more months (6 months total from first starting training BJJ and MMA) Murphy made her professional debut without having any amateur fights.  In June of 2010 she defeated Kloiah Wayland by TKO (punches) 17 seconds of the 1st round, and 2 fights later Lauren became the Alaska Fighting Championships Featherweight (145 lbs) Champion. Her next fight was 9 months later for Alaska Cage Fighting, where she defeated Julia Griffin by TKO (punches) at 4:26 of the 2nd round to become the ACF Featherweight Champion. Murphy was undefeated after 4 fights with 4 TKO finishes and winning 2 titles. 

After moving to Florida, Murphy stepped in on short notice to face Jennifer Scott in a Bantamweight (135 lbs) bout at Legacy Fighting Championship 18 on March 1, 2013. She defeated Scott by TKO (elbows) at 4:10 of the 1st round. This win got her noticed by Invicta Fighting Championships, an MMA promotion exclusively for women fighters. One month after her Legacy FC fight Murphy made her Invicta FC debut as a replacement opponent against Kaitlin Young at Invicta FC 5, winning by unanimous decision. Three months later Murphy faced Sarah D'Alelio at Invicta FC 6, winning again by unanimous decision. 

After this fight Murphy was still undefeated at 7 - 0 with 2 wins in Invicta. This earned her an opportunity to fight Miriam Nakamoto that December for the inaugural Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship at Invicta FC 7. Murphy became the Invicta FC Bantamweight (135 lbs) Champion when Nakamoto suffered a knee injury in the fourth round.   

Recently Murphy became a part of the rivalry between UFC Bantamweight Champion "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and Invicta FC Featherweight Champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino. The rivalry between Rousey & "Cyborg" goes back to when both fighters fought at Featherweight for the now defunct promotion Strikeforce. Rousey dropped to Bantamweight & is the current UFC 135 lb champion. After serving a suspension for testing positive for steroids "Cyborg" signed with Invicta FC and is the current 145 lb champion.

 

"Cyborg" announced her intention to drop from Featherweight to Bantamweight part of her plan to eventually fight Ronda Rousey meant proving she could successfully make the cut to 135 lbs. "Cyborg" said she wanted to fight for the Invicta FC Bantamweight title "this Summer" and then would ask for the fight against Rousey in December at the UFC's end-of-the-year event. This means that "Cyborg" is calling out the current Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion, which happens to be Lauren Murphy. This is speculation because so far Invicta FC match-maker Julie Kedzie hasn't confirmed that a fight between "Cyborg" and Murphy is even a possibility for their next event.

Recently I was lucky enough to get to ask Lauren a few questions about how this girl originally from a small town in Alaska became the undefeated Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion. From finding her love of martial arts & MMA by accident to becoming the Invicta FC Bantamweight champ, from juggling being a mom & wife with being a MMA fighter - I hope you enjoy reading about this amazing fighter.


Here's 10 Questions With Lauren Murphy.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Lauren Murphy. My record is 8-0 as a pro. I never had any fights as an amateur. I fight at bantamweight, which is 135lbs. I hold three titles, one for the Alaska Fighting Championship (145lbs), one for Alaska Cage Fighting (which is now defunct), and one for Invicta Fighting Championships (135lbs).



2. How did you get started in MMA?

I never played any sports before beginning MMA. I had always wanted to learn a martial art, but figured I was too old (I was 27). I have a son who was 8 or 9 at the time, and I took him to a Jiu-Jitsu class. I didn’t even know what Jiu-Jitsu was, I just wanted to take him so that he would have the opportunity to learn a martial art. A sport like that can do wonders for a kid, it teaches them self-confidence, social skills, integrity, responsibility, sportsmanship - the list goes on and on. I didn’t realize it teaches all those things to adults as well! So I took my son to a class, and figured I would try it with him. He ended up not liking it, but I absolutely loved it. So I stayed. A few months in, I started meeting fighters and was really fascinated by them. I started taking some boxing lessons and working out with the MMA team and before I knew it, I took a fight. I was very curious about what it would be like to fight. I wanted to have a war with someone



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

I train at Gracie Barra Katy, currently. It’s amazing. I really love my coaches and team mates. My coaches have taught me so much in every area. I feel like I am ten times the fighter I was a year ago. My team mates there are really committed to helping me as well. They show up even when they don’t want to, or have better things to do. I also stop by Gracie Barra Westchase, Champions, and Texas (Draculino’s school) to work with the athletes there. Each school has a different feel and I go for different things.




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

First and foremost, my work ethic is unmatched, as far as I can tell. I never waste time in a camp. I am always working at 110% to make sure I am improving at as fast a rate as possible. Other strengths about me are: I am hard to break mentally. I never give up. Also, I’m really physically strong. So, I’m strong and I’m tough, and I made it pretty far on just those two attributes alone, really. Now that I have started adding some skill to the mix, it makes for a pretty awesome fighter.



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

I just really want to keep improving my game in all areas. I’m fairly well rounded, so the only thing really missing from my game is time.




6. You recently defeated Miriam Nakamoto at Invicta FC 7 to become the inaugural Invicta FC Bantamweight champion. What is next for you?


I have no idea when my next fight will be, or against who. I am just training and trying to practice things I am not really comfortable with in my off time. My goal is to be the very best I can be and give this sport my all. I want to look back when I am in my 40’s and 50’s, and be proud of what I did during this time



7. Women's MMA is growing in popularity with the Invicta FC, the UFC & WSOF showcasing female fighters. What do you think of this and women's MMA becoming more mainstream? 

Well of course I think it’s great!! Women are very talented and tough fighters. We like to put on a show.




8. Recently UFC fighter Matt Brown made some 'interesting' comments on his podcast regarding women in MMA and you responded publicly to his comments... what are your thoughts on what he had to say?

I think Matt Brown said some stupid crap that he thought was going to be funny, which turned out to just be incredibly sexist. I think that’s the first rule of being a comedian: Know your audience. It’s the kind of joke you make with your closest friends, in a setting where maybe you and they think it’s absolutely hilarious. You don’t say that kind of stuff in a public forum where everyone is going to hear it and be offended. In all honesty, I have made some pretty tasteless, raunchy, horrible jokes around my friends and husband, that for whatever reason, we found just hysterical. But I would never repeat them around anyone else, and certainly not in public. Usually, later on, they aren’t even funny anymore. Ya gotta know your audience. As far as women not having knock out power…tell that to "Cyborg" (Cristiane Justino), Alida Gray, Jihn Yu Frey, Holly Holm...




9. Who are some of your role models?

My husband, first and foremost. He’s a great guy. Not only is he very talented athletically, he’s also very kind and always tries to do the right thing. My son, he always makes me want to be a better person. In MMA, it changes often. I like Jose Aldo a lot because he is so fast and technical. And I like Forrest Griffin, because he was a normal guy who worked super hard and made something of himself.




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

I’d like to thank my team at Gracie Barra Katy, especially my coaches, Pat Applegate, Alex Cisne, and Aaron Pena. All my team mates who helped me get this far. I really want to thank my husband for supporting me in all this and being the man that he is.

(photos & video used with permission of Lauren Murphy)

Face-off with Nakamoto for Invicta FC 7

Response to Matt Brown's Comments

Women's MMA Round-up Post-fight Interview - Invicta FC7

MMA Mayhem Post-fight Interview - Invicta FC7

10 Questions With Jim Alers

Jim "The Beast" Alers

Almost exactly 2 years ago to the day, back on February 25th, 2012 I was lucky enough to help work Complete Devastation 3 at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, Pa. The main event that night was between Virginia fight known to Pennsylvania fight fans Noe Quintanilla and a fighter from Orlando, Florida - Jim "The Beast" Alers.

The fight ended with Alers winning by Rear Naked Choke at 48 seconds of the first round. I was working cageside and got to see firsthand how amazing his submission game is, and after the fights were over Alers came to the after-party put on by the promotion at the location the promotion then was using as well as being used by a local MMA gym.

The Florida fighter lived up to his nickname "The Beast" inside the cage, but outside of it you couldn't meet a nicer guy. He was walking around with this monkey hat that a child might wear, and he was very friendly as he took time to speak with anyone wanting to talk with him. I wish I had remembered to get a photo with him, but at least I did manage to get an event poster and have him sign that for my collection.

Just three months later Alers was international, fighting in Bahrain for the UK Based promotion Cage Warriors against Matteus Lahdesmaki - winning by TKO (strikes) in the 2nd round.This win definitely put "The Beast" on the map for Cage Warriors, because after one more win he was given a chance to fight for the Featherweight title.

On April 13, 2013 Alers defeated Joni Salovaara at Cage Warriors 53 by Triangle Choke in the 4th round to become the Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion. Alers would defend this title two more times.

For Alers it is a case of hard work paying off. Just a couple weeks ago in mid February I saw Jim posting to Dana White on Twitter, saying that if he ever needs someone to fill in at 145 lbs that he was ready to go! I decided to help out if I could & so I posted on my Facebook page for my friends to cut/paste this into their Twitter:

@danawhite If you need a replacement at 145 Jim "The Beast" Alers @fightJim is a BEAST! Cage Warriors Champ is ready to go! #AlersToTheUFC

Now, I don't know if this had any effect on Dana White, but before long I noticed that Alers had been called up the UFC for his Octagon debut against the first Kurdish born fighter in the UFC, Alan Omer, at UFC Ultimate Fight Night 40: Nogueira Vs. Nelson in Abu Dhabi on April 11th. It couldn't have happened to a more deserving or nicer guy.

But The UFC doesn't just give out a free ride, and the opponent Alers must face on April 11th is a very tough fighter. Alan Omer is the first Kurdish born Iraqi fighter to make it to the UFC, and I expect this to be an amazing fight between two tough fighters. I wish Omer the best, but my personal pick for this fight will be Jim Alers winning by Submission in the 2nd round.

After seeing the news that "The Beast" had been signed to the UFC I reached out to Jim and asked if he would be interested in participating in my "10 Questions With..." interview series. I let him know that the Central Pennsylvania fight fans still remember him fighting in Altoona, and that I'm sure they would love to know what he has been doing between fighting locally two years ago to fighting internationally to being the newest fighter signed to the UFC.

Prior to being signed to the UFC Alers had been set to fight Irish fighter Connor McGregor. The two had become rivals of sorts in the Cage Warriors promotion, and were set to fight at Cage Warriors Fight Night 7 on January 9th 2012 but McGregor had to pull out due to injury. Alers ended up defeating Marcio Cesar that night. Then the two warriors were set to fight ay Cage Warriors 51 on December 31st 2012, but this time Alers had to pull out due to a hand injury and McGregor defeated Ivan Buchinger to win the vacant Cage Warriors Lightweight title. But before the two fighters could meet in the cage, McGregor was signed by the UFC and fought at UFC on FUEL TV 9 April 6th while Alers defeated Joni Salovaara for the vacant Cage Warriors Featherweight title.

Now that both fighters are in the UFC's Featherweight division, maybe this rivalry can resume & we can finally find out which of the two fighters is the best? Jim Alers Vs. Connor McGregor would be an amazing fight to see!

Jim was more than happy to participate, and I am grateful that he took time out of his busy training schedule to answer a few questions. I hope you enjoy catching up on this incredible fighter and awesome person. Jim is a fighter, but he is also a family man, and has a school where he helps trains others. I wish him the best of everything - both in the UFC and in life.

Here's 10 Questions with Jim "The Beast" Alers.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Hey everyone my name is Jim "The Beast" Alers. I fight out of Orlando Florida and my team is Tough As Nails MMA. I never got the chance to fight ammy because it did not exist in Florida when I started MMA. My pro record however is 12-1 with 11 finishes. I fight in the featherweight division and I am a 2x defending Cage Warriors Fighting Championship 145lb champ. I have most recently signed with the UFC where I will be making my debut April 11th in Abu Dhabi.



2. How did you get started in MMA?

I guess that I would say I started training for MMA in high school when I joined the wrestling team. I have always  been very athletic and competitive. After high school I fell in love with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where I trained for 3 years before I took my first MMA fight.

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


I train at a bunch of different gyms but my home gym is Tough As Nails MMA which is in Oviedo, Florida. I am one of the head instructors there for MMA and BJJ. My students and the other head coaches push me to the limit every practice and I believe they are a big reason for most of my success. I am also blessed to be able to train at many other gyms in the area such as The Jungle MMA and Fitness, Fabin Rocha BJJ, American Top Team, Florida Muay Thai and Pichis boxing pit. So yea I travel around Orlando a lot to get the best training that I can possibly get. I thank all the schools for allowing me into their gyms.



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


To me my biggest strength as a fighter is my heart. I will never give up when I am out there. I am going to give it 110% every minute of every round. I have that never surrender attitude and it has taken me very far. Oh and I guess I have been told I have some pretty good BJJ.



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


I am definitely working on my Muay Thai to become a more complete MMA fighter. I am working with current Glory fighter Paul Morfort out of Florida Muay Thai. He is showing me things that I believe will wow the audience in my next fight. I can't wait to put my new knowledge to use.



6. You had fought in Central Pennsylvania before fighting for U.K. based promotion Cage Warriors and becoming their Featherweight (145 lb) champion. Tell us about how it felt to be facing international level competition after fighting for local/regional promotions here in the U.S.


 Fighting over seas is a whole different experience then fighting home in the states. First the flights are usually 8hrs to 16hrs which is a killer on the weight cut and jet lag is hard to deal with. Second you have to get use to the food of where ever you are for that fight. It could be the UK, Russia or the Middle East. Lastly you just have to make sure that you are in the right state of mind and that you don't get caught up in the glory of traveling the world. The most important thing is getting that W.



7. Recently you were signed to the UFC and will be making your debut at UFC Fight Night: Nogueira Vs. Nelson in Abu Dhabi against Alan Omer on April 11th. Tell us about what being signed to the UFC feels like and what it means to you.

When I found out that I got signed to the UFC I was on my way to work at 6:30am. I received an Email asking if we will like to take the fight against Alan Omer at UFC Fight Night: Abu Dhabi. I thought that my manager was playing a joke on me at first. When I realized that he wasn't I had to pull over to the side of the road because I was filled with so much emotion. I have been training for 10 long years for this moment and when it finally came true I couldn't believe it was real. It felt amazing to reach a goal that I have been working so hard to reach. I learned to never give up and stay true to yourself. Good things happen to good people.

8. Who are some of your role models?


I would have to say that my number 1 role model in life is my coach and mentor Hank Porcher. He is everything that I inspire to be in life. He is a family man, a god loving man and care for others around him without ever asking for anything in return. I hope that I can take all my experience from MMA and life to become half the man that he is.



9. What are your plans for the future?


I plan on growing my school. I want to not only be a great fighter but also be a great coach. To me there is no better feeling then seeing your students on the mats or in the cage getting their hand raised. I also want to spend time with my family and teach my son to be of God. I want to show him that we have to give back and help those that are in true need. So many people have helped me on my long journey to the UFC that I feel I have so much to give back.


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

I would like to thank my wife, Melisa Alers. She has been there with me from the beginning and by beginning I mean since high school wrestling. My coach Hank Porcher, my entire team at Tough As Nails MMA/Crossfit and of course all the other instructors and schools that have contributed to my success.

Complete Devastation 3

In London, England

Cage Warriors 145lb Champion

At the gym

Victory!

Jim "The Beast" Alers

"The Beast" in Victory

With the Cage Warriors Featherweight Belt

Look for Jim "The Beast" Alers to make his UFC debut at UFC Ultimate Fight Night 40: Nogueira Vs. Nelson April 11th!

 



10 Questions With Ethan Goss

10 Questions With Ethan Goss

I first saw Ethan "The Wolverine" Goss at Complete Devastation 8 last March at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, Pa. when he defeated Daniel O'Neill by Unanimous Decision. Just three months later Ethan defeated Donald Bard at World Cagefighting Championships VI in Greensburg, Pa. Winning back-to-back fights helped put Goss on the map for up-and-coming amateur fighters in the area, and two months later Goss was asked to fight Julian Ramos for Pittsburgh-based promotion Pinnacle Fighting Championships at Pittsburgh Challenge Series 4. It was a tough fight, but the Wolverine won by Split Decision over Ramos. 

Not wanting to wait between fights, Goss took a fight against Walter Hess in November at CDMMA 9 at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona. Ethan was in control of the fight from the opening bell, and easily defeated Hess by Guillotine choke at 2:04 of round 2. After the fight word got out that CDMMA owner Drew D'Auria was interested in giving Goss a shot against the CDMMA Featherweight (145lb Ammy) champion Rich Cantolina.

But before that fight could officially be signed Pinnacle Fighting Championships made the match-up for their Featherweight Championship just eleven days after CDMMA 9 and Goss faced Cantolina at Pittsburgh Challenge Series 5 on November 27th, 2013. Goss was on a four fight win streak, and it was a very hard fought fight between two tough fighters. The fight could have gone either way, but in the end local fighter Cantolina got the Split Decision victory to become the PFC Featherweight (145lb Ammy) Champion.

Not satisfied with losing after a string of success, Goss was asked & took a fight against one of the toughest amateur featherweights in the region when he agreed to fight Jerrell "Thunderkat" Hodge for an Ohio-based MMA promotion at Caged Madness 27. Another tough fight went down January 18, 2014 and Goss was having a lot of success with his striking, but in the end the superior grappling of Hodge won out when the "Thunderkat" won by Rear Naked Choke in the 3rd round.

That fight in Ohio was to determine who would fight Cantolina at PFC's Pittsburgh Challenge Series 6 on March 29th for Cantolina's Featherweight title. This clash of the titans between Cantolina & Hodge definitely will determine who the "King of the Featherweights" will be for the region in my opinion!

Possibly as a reward for his valiant effort, Pinnacle signed "The Wolverine" to face Fight Club Pittsburgh fighter Cody Kremer on that same fight card.

The Pennsylvania region is home to some amazingly talented featherweight amateurs. Goss is making a name for himself among such noted fighters as champions Jerrell Hodge & Rich Cantolina as well as Dignan/Brumbaugh MMA submission specialist Cody "Lenny" Karlheim. Karlheim was considered to be among the very best Featherweights in the region until he was injured last year just prior to what was supposed to be a title fight for him at CDMMA 8 against Zach Schultz that ended up with Rich Cantolina filling in for Karlheim when he defeated Shultz to win that promotion's title. Now that Karlheim is healthy and fighting again on March 15th for Pittsburgh-based MMA promotion Gladiators of the Cage the amateur Featherweight division is worth paying attention to like never before! Four amazing Featherweights leading the way among a very stacked 145 lb Amateur fighting pool in the region only means that everyone will get better. The "Steel sharpens steel" saying definitely should benefit all fighters!

With the rumors of both Hodge & Cantolina considering making the jump to the pro ranks very soon and word of how both Goss and Karlheim wanting to stay as amateurs for awhile longer... it is reasonable to conclude that these two will be taking over when the current champions move on and that we could potentially see Goss Vs. Karlheim more than once for different MMA promotions. This is something that fight fans will come to appreciate because they are definitely fighters to watch and should all eventually move on to larger national MMA promotions. I could see by 2016 all four fighters fighting for promotions like Bellator, World Series of Fighting, XFC and/or the UFC.

Recently I had the opportunity to ask Ethan Goss a few questions about what has been going on & what is to come for "The Wolverine". He is a humble & grounded person as well as being an exciting & talented fighter... and I hope you enjoy reading this article as much as I did putting it together.

Here's 10 Questions With Ethan "The Wolverine" Goss.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Ethan Goss.  I am 22years old and I am an amateur fighter fighting in the feather weight division.  I am supporting a 4-3 record at the moment and I am also known as the wolverine.  I’m pretty much just your average Joe coming from the heart of PA trying to chase his dream.

2. How did you get started in MMA?

Well I’ve wrestled ever since I was in the first grade. I also played football throughout my school years and I was always into contact sports.  I fell in love with MMA whenever I first seen the very first ultimate fighter.  I would just sit for hours and watch it and study everything I would see.  Finally I decided wanted to give MMA a try. I was 20 years old when I first trained and just really loved every minute of it.  I’m a little over a year into my career now.

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

I train at Titan Fitness which is located in the Lionheart gym in downtown State College.  It’s literally smack in the middle of the University.  I love it there, it’s amazing.  I’m definitely getting to work with some of the best guys PA has to offer.  You never know who you’re going to get to work with that’s the best part of being in a college town man, there’s always new talent coming in.

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

I believe my strengths as a fighter are my height, reach advantage, and my wrestling base.  I believe wrestling is one of the toughest parts of MMA to learn so it’s great to have that background.  I’m pretty tall for my division and having a reach advantage I love.  Once you learn your range and what just fits your style you can just go to town with it.  Also being a southpaw fighter seems to throw a lot of other fighters off their game so I guess that’s and advantage of mine as well and I love it.

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

I definitely believe that I need work in all areas of the game to become a more complete fighter.  You can never stop getting better I think.  I train my butt off and try to get a minimum of 6 days a week in.  I’ve really worked my stand up for the most part of training and it has came along great but it all depends on my opponents style for how I’m going to train.  Definitely need improvements in all areas though.

6. You lost two epic title fight battles against Jerrell Hodge & Rich Cantolina, what is next for you?

Yeah those were two tough fights.  I took the one with Rich on a 10 day notice and Rell is considered the best on the east coast, but I will be returning to action on March 29th for Pinnacle Fighting Championships in the featherweight division.  I will be going one on one with another Fight Club Pittsburgh guy by the name of Cody Kremer so I’m expecting him to be tough.

7. If you could play match-maker, which fighter(s) would you like to fight?

Oh wow the question I’ve been waiting for.  If I could pick a fight I wouldn’t mind fighting FCP’s Jake Schilling. He seems like a very tough guy with some solid wrestling that’s not afraid to stand and bang as well.  I most certainly would love to rematch both Rich and Rell.  The reason for Rich is because he and I put on one heck of a show that many are calling it amateur fight of the year for 2013 and like I said earlier I took that fight on a 10 day notice so I would love to fight him with a full camp.  I would like another shot at Rell because he is considered by many as the best in the area and I only want to fight the best guys I can.  Rell and I also had a very good fight that was fairly even going into the third round.  I believe I proved in the Hodge fight that I’m capable of competing with these fighters that are on the elite level and I’d love to prove that I can beat these fighters such as Rell and Rich that are in the elite level.

8. Who are some of your role models?

I can honestly say that I was always inspired by the Rocky movies.  I was always a fan of someone who displays heart.  As a fighter I look up to Frankie Edgar a lot. The man is one of the toughest in the UFC and has an unbelievable amount of heart.  What he did in the second Gray Maynard fight just completely amazed.  I defiantly look up to my mother as well.  No matter how tough things get for her she always keeps her faith strong for what she believes in.

9. What are your plans for the future?

I plan on staying in the amateur division for the rest of 2014 hopefully getting in 6-7 fights this year then if everything works out right start out 2015 as a pro. My ultimate goal that I’ve set for myself is that I want to be the best in the world at what I do.  I don’t want to settle for a regular job working regular hours and making an average wage.  Another goal of mine is that I really want to bring the UFC/MMA in general to Central PA.  It’s all around us but its not that big in the State of PA yet. A very big dream of mine is to headline a UFC event at the Bryce Jordan Center.  I think that would be amazing.  I just really want to bring it to this area instead of chasing it to the west coast where it’s already big.

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

Yes, I would love to thank absolutely everyone who has been involved with my fighting career.  My coaches and teammates are amazing people and I could never repay them for what they do for me.  These guys dedicate countless countless days and hours out of their busy lives and schedules because they want to see me improve and achieve my goals. They are truly some of the greatest people I’ve ever encountered in my entire life and they have become more like family to me.  To anyone who has ever followed me, supported me, and has helped me with my career I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.  It means the world to me to have to support system I do when I’m chasing my dream. I’d also like to thank my parents for raising the way they have.  My mother for always teaching me to keep my faith no matter what happens and my father for teaching me how to be a hard worker and to give it my all. Most importantly I want to thank God for everyday he gives me and blessing me with these opportunities that he has.

Last but not least thank you Jeff for giving me the opportunity to do this interview.  God bless you and the rest of the Wolverine fans for your support!

Ethan Goss With Rich Cantolina