Meet Amateur Fighter Zowie-Marie Trevena – A True Pure Warrior!


Zowie bw

Amateur Female Fighter Zowie-Marie Trevena currently works as a Personal Assistant for her niece and mother in-law to help them with everyday tasks, as they are both disabled her niece also has health problems as well as ADHD and Asperger’s she is also a self-employed beauty therapist who can work between 30-40 hours a week with both jobs. Has two children and her partner Scott lives with her, but life was not so Rosie for Zowie. Here we get to find out about whom ‘Zowie-Marie Trevena is, but first we start at the beginning.

“It just goes to show you can achieve anything you put your mind too”   Zowie -Marie Trevena

EB. You are from Cornwall originally, what was it like for you growing up in what I would call a place I would go for a ‘British beach holiday’.

ZT.  I was a typical tomboy. Growing up on an estate I spent most of my time playing football, building camps or riding my bike to the beach to go surfing or my favourite past time… Cliff jumping!

EB.  You were also quite into your sports and very active during your teenage days. Can you tell me about what other active sports you did?

ZT.  I have always participated in football, rugby, rounder’s’, gymnastics, dance just to name a few, the only thing I could not do was long distance running, but that was back then!

EB. It was not all ‘fun’ for you growing up, you went through a ‘rebellious’ stage in your life. Can you tell me a bit more about this time?

ZT.  I was quite rebellious back then and always strived to be different from everyone else. Quite often, I would go home with a new piercing, tattoo, random coloured hair and some new crazy hobby!

EB. This is when you came across a love of mine as well ‘Modified Cars’, ‘Racing’, ‘Drifting’. Can you go into more detail?

Zowie drifting

ZT.  I first got into modified cars when I learnt to drive in an Mk 2 Astra GTE at the age of 15, my ambition then was to get my licence and first car ASAP. Over the years I’ve had cars such as Peugeot 106 GTI’s to Nissan Skylines, Subaru Impreza’s and a few Japenese RWD cars that I used to drift or do track days in.

 Zowie drift in car

EB. You also came across the well-known 90’s Rave scene and went off the ‘Rails for a while’. Do you think this was due to your ‘addictive personality’ and wanting to be ‘different’ from everyone else?

ZT. When I was 16/17 I got in with a bit of a tougher crowd and started going to all night parties and raves in Plymouth and Newquay, but to be honest, some of those moments were the best days of my life. The feeling of oblivion and dancing the night away was immense… It was all about “One Love”. To be honest I do not regret any of it.

EB. In 2002, you gave birth to a gorgeous Son, then in 2004 a gorgeous Daughter. Life must have felt quiet complete for you at this moment in time, two gorgeous children?

ZT.  It was after the birth of my daughter that I suffered in the hands of a physically and mentally abusive partner. I lost my confidence, my zest for life and my self-esteem. The only thing that kept me going was the children and the fact I was studying at college.

EB.  Was it as this point you decided you wanted to try out kickboxing?

ZT.   Yes it was. I joined WAKT (West Area Kick Thai) run by Al Oakley in Camborne Cornwall. I spent six months training at WAKT and during that time, I met and married a soldier, which meant I moved from Cornwall to Hampshire. I wanted to continue my love for kickboxing and joined Impact Martial Arts run by Wayne Timlin. I spent 3/4 years training with them and was only two belts away from black belt before yet another disaster struck.

EB. Can you elaborate about this time in your life?

ZT.  My marriage crumbled and my children and I found ourselves homeless.

For some reason, I had a gut feeling to move to Devizes in Wiltshire; to this day, I cannot explain it other than it felt right. It meant moving to an area where we had no family or friends, I had to change my job, the children had to move schools. It was a very hard and depressing time. However, it also gave me time to reflect on my life choices, the way I treated others, and a chance to put my children first before anyone else, including myself.

EB. You joined a new martial arts club, how was that?

ZT.  I joined a local martial arts school, made new friends, my children also joined and we trained together. I then progressed to an instructor I’d already won gold and silver medals in the national and southern championships, however, I did not believe in the ethics of the club so left and joined Revolution Gym in Trowbridge which is run by my now coach Scott Clist.

EB. What changed for you being at Revolution Gym?

ZT.  It is here that I began to think about fighting, and felt that even though I was 30 I had more to give. What also spurred me on was my ex said I would never be good enough to fight! Scott Clist is my coach at Revs, I joined Revs as the atmosphere was more relaxed and I could be who I wanted to be. Scott, has actively encouraged me to push myself, and never allows any self-doubt! Being part of Revs is like having an extended family! Sometimes with the hard training he gives us, it is nice to know you are not the only one vomiting at the end of a session!

team revs hoodie pic

EB. Sunday February 3rd 2013 was a huge achievement for you, can you tell me why?

Zowie

ZT.  I entered my first inter club, at Spartans,  then in May 2013 I had my first K1 fight, and then I fought K1 again in August 2013 again.

zowie fight my pic

zowie sammy face off

EB.  You have another fight coming up this Saturday February 22nd at Ulitmate lmpact Cagefighting 11, GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester against Lea Fendt, do you know much about your opponent?

ZT.  I believe Lea, is trained by David Willmot, who has a fantastic reputation, so I expect my opponent to be tough! However, I am ready  I have been training hard  It has not been easy between working, running a home and spending time with my kids, but my partner and kids have been very understanding and a great support!

EB. The fight also co-insides the day before your 32nd birthday, how excited are you about this?

ZT.  Pretty excited about fighting on my birthday.  I Could not ask better people to spend it with. I have made many friends through fighting; these are people I admire and respect.

Zowie PW

EB. You have a female fighter that you really look up to as your ‘Hero’ can you share this with us?

ZT. My hero is  ‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings, she is also a mum of two who has overcome a Domestic Violent relationship. She has fought in the Invicta championships and has now signed to UFC in the straw weight women’s division. It just goes to show you can achieve anything you put your mind too!

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EB. Anyone you would like to Thank.

ZT. I’d like to thank my coach Scott Clist, the guys and gals at Spartans Gym for the additional training, Marc Smith at Pure Warrior for his support and last but not least, my partner Scott and my children. Without their support and understanding I wouldn’t be able to train so much. Oh and I’d like to thank my training partner and corner “man” Polly Beauchamp for teaching me to push past those barriers!

Quick Fun Questions

EB. Favourite Food?

Got to be a Cornish Pasty!

EB. What song are you usually singing in the shower/bath?

You will never catch me singing… I’ll leave that to my daughter!

EB. Most inspirational person?

There isn’t one person who particularly inspires me… I seem to admire many people for different reasons.

EB. Dream Car?

If I could have my dream car … It would be an Skyline R32 GTS-T , I love my old skool jap turbos!

I would like to thank Zowie for her time given to myself to do this Interview. Thank you.

UIC11_myprotein

FULL FIGHT CARD

Tommy Cook v Leighthan Benskin MW Title
Laura Handy v Anya Baker k1 title eliminator
Terry Doyle v Ryan Legge
Chris Astley v Toby Harman
Shane Riley v Jamie Richardson
Mark Finney v Karl Evans

Undercard:
Sammy Donnelly v Helen J. Harper k1
Aman Sakhizadeh vs Michael Jones
Matthew Kaufman v Steve Smith k1
Matt Sansom v Matt Harthill k1
Paulina Malina v Katie Elkova k1
Daryl Grant v Euan Wallace
Jay Grazier v Matt Michal Figlak
Lea Fendt v Zowie Trevena k1
Jack Shore v Jack Machete Price

VENUE   GL1 Leisure Centre, Bruton Way, Gloucester, GL1 1DT

FEBRUARY 22nd 2014

Doors open at 5pm, first fight 5.30pm

Afterparty: Liquid Nightclub, Gloucester (next door)

TICKETS

Ultimate Impact Cagefighting 11 Standard seats

Standard Seats  £25.00

Ultimate Impact Cagefighting 11 VIP Table
V.I.P Table  £360.00

Tickets still available click on the link below

http://www.ultimateimpactevents.com/index.php/mma/events/ultimate-impact-11

Photo credit:  Zowie-Marie Trevena, Emma Bramford, Esther Lin and Steve Dyer, Ultimate Impact Events.

Invicta FC adds 15 new Athletes including 5 new Strawweights


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At the weekend, Shannon Knapp President of the all- female fighting organisation Invicta FC went on a signing spree and signed up 15 new fighters.

Ranging from Atomweight up to the Featherweight divison, with the biggest chunck of new signee’s coming into the Strawweight and Flyweight Division having 5 new signings each.

Here, you can meet all 15 new Invicta FC Fighters and read a little bit about their ‘Fight’ history courtsey of sherdog.com.

You will notice that Roxanne Modafferi will now be fighting at 125lbs not 135lbs.

ASHLEY GREENWAY
“DOLL FACE”

ashley greenway
CountryGASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA
UNITED STATES
HEIGHT
5’4″115 LBS
52.16 KG 
  

Coming in as a Debut Pro Fighter

AMATEUR FIGHTS

RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Charity Walker ECCF – Elite Championship Cage Fighting 23
Jun / 22 / 2013		 Submission (Punches)
Donnie Jessup		 2 2:06
WIN Melissa Timmer QFGC 3 – Validation
Aug / 04 / 2012		 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Blake Grice		 1 2:55
LOSS Tecia Torres USFFC 5 – Battle Forged
Jun / 23 / 2012		 Decision (Unanimous)
Al Coley		 5 4:00
WIN Andy Nguyen EC / Conflict MMA – Extreme Challenge 211
May / 12 / 2012		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 3 3:00
WIN Lindsay Seamans ECCF – Elite Championship Cage Fighting 19
Dec / 03 / 2011		 TKO (Punches)
Donnie Jessup		 2 1:22
WIN Danaea Makemson BEP 5 – Breast Cancer Beatdown
Oct / 01 / 2011		 Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Bill Clancy		 1 1:09

HERICA TIBURCIO – 115lb

Herica Tiburcio

BIRTHDAY: 1992-01-01
AGE: 22CountryBRAGANCA PAULISTA, SAO PAULO
BRAZIL
HEIGHT
4’11”115 LBS
52.16 KG

FIGHT HISTORY

RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Chayen Aline Gaspar Talent MMA Circuit 5 – Etapa Campinas 2013
Nov / 23 / 2013		 Submission (Armbar)
Roberto Thomaz		 1 1:57
WIN Kinberly Tanaka Novaes MMASH – MMA Super Heroes 1
Jul / 13 / 2013		 Submission (Armbar)
Roberto Thomaz		 3 3:54
LOSS Claudia Gadelha Max Sport – 13.2
May / 11 / 2013		 Decision (Unanimous)
Marcelo Marco Antonio		 3 5:00
LOSS Camila Lima Supreme FC – Supreme Fight Championship
Dec / 01 / 2012		 Decision (Split)
Roberto Thomaz		 3 5:00
WIN Cyrlania Onelina Souza PF – Pink Fight 2
Mar / 10 / 2012		 Submission (Armbar)
N/A		 1 3:30
WIN Alessandra Silva PF – Pink Fight
Jan / 29 / 2012		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 3 5:00
WIN Bruna Paiffer FHB – Full Heroes Battle 4
Jun / 25 / 2011		 Submission (Guillotine Choke)
N/A		 1 3:10
WIN Camila Lima CFC – Centurion Fight Combat
Jun / 18 / 2011		 Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Roberto Thomaz		 1 2:30
WIN Daniela Souza FPMMA – Combat
May / 30 / 2011		 Submission (Armbar)
N/A		 1 0:56
MELLONY GEUGJES – 115lb
Mellony-Geugjes

AGE: CountryNETHERLANDS
110 LBS
49.9 KG

FIGHT HISTORY

18-5-2 KICKBOXING

10-0 PRO BOXING

RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
LOSS Dora Perjes Croatian MMA League – Superfinals 2013
Dec / 07 / 2013		 Submission (Armbar)
Zvonimir Brala		 1 0:50

KAROLINA KOWALKIEWICZ – 115lb

Karolina Kowalkiewicz

BIRTHDAY: 1985-10-15
AGE: 28CountryLODZ
POLAND
HEIGHT
5’3″121 LBS
54.88 KG

FIGHT HISTORY

RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Simona Soukupova KSW 24 – Clash of the Giants
Sep / 28 / 2013		 Decision (Unanimous)
Piotr Baginski		 3 5:00
WIN Marta Chojnoska KSW 23 – Khalidov vs. Manhoef
Jun / 08 / 2013		 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Piotr Baginski		 1 1:11
WIN Paulina Bonkowska KSW 21 – Final Resolution
Dec / 01 / 2012		 Decision (Unanimous)
Piotr Baginski		 2 5:00
WIN Marzena Wojas EFS 2 – Extreme Fighting Sports 2
May / 18 / 2012		 TKO (Punches)
Marcin Blicharski		 1 3:12

LIVIA RENATA SOUZA – 115lb

“LIVINHA”

Livia Renata Souza

BIRTHDAY: 1991-03-11
AGE: 22CountryARARAQUARA, SAO PAULO
BRAZIL
115 LBS
52.16 KG

FIGHT HISTORY
RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Bianca Reis MMACC – MMA Costa Combat
Dec / 14 / 2013		 Submission (Triangle Choke)
N/A		 1 0:42
WIN Aline Sattelmayer Talent MMA Circuit 4 – Etapa Itatiba 2013
Oct / 26 / 2013		 Decision (Unanimous)
Mariana Faria		 3 5:00
WIN Andressa Araujo Rocha PFC – Predador FC 24
Aug / 09 / 2013		 Submission (Armbar)
N/A		 2 4:02
WIN Aline Sattelmayer XFMMA – X-Fight MMA 6
Jul / 27 / 2013		 Submission (Heel Hook)
Ton Munhoz		 1 0:24
WIN Cintia Candela Faria PFC – Predador FC 23
Mar / 09 / 2013		 Submission (Armbar)
N/A		 1 2:35

DELANEY OWEN – 125lbs
“LIL SCRAPPY”

delany owen

BIRTHDAY: 1992-11-20
AGE: 21CountryCLEARWATER, FLORIDA
UNITED STATES
HEIGHT
5’2″125 LBS
56.7 KG

FIGHT HISTORY
RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Sarah Alpar SCS 21 – No Surrender
Jan / 25 / 2014		 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
N/A		 3 2:38

AMATEUR FIGHTS

RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Sarah Payant WCFL – World Class Fight League 7
Oct / 12 / 2013		 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
N/A		 2 2:17
WIN Miki Rogers Atlas Fights – Cage Rage 17
Aug / 17 / 2013		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 3 3:00
WIN Megan Geraghty Atlas Fights – Cage Rage 15
Jun / 15 / 2013		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 3 3:00
LOSS Hannah Cifers USFFC 11 – Redemption
Mar / 30 / 2013		 Decision (Unanimous)
Donnie Jessup		 5 4:00
LOSS Linn Wennergren Fighters Source – World Championships
Sep / 22 / 2012		 TKO (Punches)
N/A		 2 4:23
WIN Nicole Varone BOT – Battle of Tampa 4
Aug / 17 / 2012		 Decision (Split)
Ross Kellin		 3 3:00
WIN Annaliesha Smith Warrior Promotions – War 2
Aug / 04 / 2012		 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
N/A		 1 1:23
WIN Jamie Moyle Fighters Source – USA Final Prelims
Jul / 22 / 2012		 Decision (Unanimous)
Jorge Alonso		 3 3:00
WIN Paxton Nettles ABC – Rumble at Renegades 10
May / 07 / 2012		 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
N/A		 2 2:19

JOANNA JEDRZEJCZYK – 125lb

Joanna Jedrzejczyk

BIRTHDAY: 1987-08-18
AGE: 26CountryOLSZTYN
POLAND
HEIGHT
5’6″124 LBS
56.25 KG

FIGHT HISTORY
RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Julia Berezikova Fight Nights – Battle of Moscow 12
Jun / 20 / 2013		 Decision (Unanimous)
Benny Rogmans		 2 5:00
WIN Kate Jackson PLMMA 17 Extra – Warmia Heroes
May / 18 / 2013		 TKO (Retirement)
Artur Wasilewski		 2 5:00
WIN Lily Kazak MFC 5 – Makowski Fighting Championship
Dec / 08 / 2012		 Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Piotr Rutkowski		 1 0:00
WIN Sylwia Juskiewicz SFT – MMA Fight Night Diva SPA
May / 19 / 2012		 Decision (Unanimous)
Krzysztof Kulak		 2 5:00

ROXANNE MODAFFERI
“THE HAPPY WARRIOR”- 125lbs

Roxanne Modafferi

BIRTHDAY: 1982-09-24
AGE: 31CountryTOKYO
JAPAN
HEIGHT
5’6″

FIGHT HISTORY
RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
LOSS Raquel Pennington UFC – The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale
Nov / 30 / 2013		 Decision (Unanimous)
Chris Tognoni		 3 5:00
LOSS Takayo Hashi Jewels – 18th Ring
Mar / 03 / 2012		 Decision (Unanimous)
Ryogaku Wada		 2 5:00
LOSS Barb Honchak BEP 5 – Breast Cancer Beatdown
Oct / 01 / 2011		 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Donnie Jessup		 3 1:46
LOSS Hitomi Akano Jewels – 15th Ring
Jul / 09 / 2011		 Decision (Unanimous)
Ryogaku Wada		 2 5:00
LOSS Rosi Sexton CWFC 40 – Cage Warriors Fighting Championship 40
Feb / 26 / 2011		 Decision (Unanimous)
Neil Hall		 3 5:00
LOSS Sarah Kaufman Strikeforce – Challengers 9
Jul / 23 / 2010		 KO (Slam)
Anthony Hamlett		 3 4:45
WIN Tara LaRosa Moosin – God of Martial Arts
May / 21 / 2010		 Decision (Split)
Kevin MacDonald		 3 5:00
WIN Molly Helsel KOTC – Toryumon
Jan / 30 / 2010		 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
N/A		 2 3:18
LOSS Marloes Coenen Strikeforce / M-1 Global – Fedor vs. Rogers
Nov / 07 / 2009		 Submission (Armbar)
N/A		 1 1:05
WIN Chisa Yonezawa GCM – Valkyrie 1
Nov / 08 / 2008		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 2 3:00
WIN Vanessa Porto FFF 4 – Call of the Wild
Apr / 03 / 2008		 TKO (Knees)
N/A		 3 0:53
WIN Marloes Coenen K – GRACE 1
May / 27 / 2007		 Decision (Split)
N/A		 2 3:00
WIN Megumi Yabushita K – GRACE 1
May / 27 / 2007		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 2 3:00
WIN Hee Jin Lee K – GRACE 1
May / 27 / 2007		 Submission (Armbar)
N/A		 1 2:56
WIN Cassandra Rivers-Blasso FFF 1 – Asian Invasion
Feb / 17 / 2007		 Decision (Split)
N/A		 5 2:00
LOSS Shayna Baszler MARS – Bodog Fight
Oct / 04 / 2006		 Submission (Kimura)
N/A		 1 1:08
WIN Megumi Yabushita G-Shooto – G-Shooto 05
May / 06 / 2006		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 2 5:00
LOSS Tara LaRosa MFC – Boardwalk Blitz
Mar / 04 / 2006		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 3 5:00
LOSS Laura D’Auguste ROC 8 – Ring of Combat 8
Mar / 19 / 2005		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 3 5:00
WIN Jennifer Howe IFC – Eve Of Destruction
Mar / 05 / 2005		 Submission (Triangle Choke)
N/A		 3 1:47
LOSS Megumi Yabushita Smackgirl – World ReMix 2004
Dec / 19 / 2004		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 2 5:00
WIN Ana Carolina Smackgirl – World ReMix 2004
Dec / 19 / 2004		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 2 5:00
WIN Jennifer Howe HOOKnSHOOT – Evolution 2
Nov / 06 / 2004		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 3 5:00
WIN Natsuko Kikukawa Smackgirl – F8
May / 16 / 2004		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 3 5:00
WIN Keiko Tamai GCM – Cross Section 1
Apr / 18 / 2004		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 2 5:00
WIN Hikaru Shinohara Smackgirl – Third Season 7
Nov / 10 / 2003		 Submission (Armbar)
N/A		 1 1:58

RACHAEL OSTOVICH- 125lb

rachel ostovich

CountryHONOLULU, HAWAII
UNITED STATES
HEIGHT
5’3″125 LBS
56.7 KG

FIGHT HISTORY
RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
LOSS Jennifer Liou Destiny MMA – Na Koa 4
Jan / 25 / 2014		 TKO (Knee to the Body and Punches)
N/A		 2 N/A

AMATEUR FIGHTS

RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN J.J. Aldrich Destiny MMA / Spirit MMA – Aldrich vs. Ostovich
Nov / 16 / 2013		 Decision (Majority)
N/A		 3 3:00
WIN Hannah Kampf Destiny MMA – Proving Grounds 2
Aug / 24 / 2013		 TKO (Punches)
N/A		 1 0:18
WIN Kari Lichtenwalner Destiny MMA – Unleashed
Apr / 28 / 2012		 TKO (Punches)
N/A		 2 2:09
WIN Monica Franco 808 – Battleground
May / 28 / 2011		 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
N/A		 1 2:31
WIN Kari Lichtenwalner Las Vegas MMA – Tropical Storm
Apr / 29 / 2011		 Decision (Split)
N/A		 3 3:00
WIN Vee Vickers Galaxy MMA – Bad Blood
Aug / 06 / 2010		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 2 3:00

VALERIE LETOURNEAU-125lb

Valerie Letourneau

BIRTHDAY: 1983-04-29
AGE: 30CountryMONTREAL, QUEBEC
CANADA
HEIGHT
5’7″130 LBS
58.97 KG

 FIGHT HISTORY
RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
LOSS Claudia Gadelha Wreck MMA – Road to Glory
Apr / 20 / 2012		 Decision (Split)
Phillippe Chartier		 3 5:00
WIN Tannaya Hantelman Freedom Fight – For Honor and Pride
Sep / 10 / 2011		 TKO (Punches)
N/A		 1 2:07
WIN Julie Malenfant Ringside MMA 10 – Cote vs. Starnes
Apr / 09 / 2011		 TKO (Kick to the Body and Punches)
Luc Lefebvre		 2 2:15
WIN Kate Roy XMMA 7 – Inferno
Feb / 27 / 2009		 Submission (Armbar)
N/A		 1 3:23
LOSS Alexis Davis TKO 31 – Young Guns
Dec / 14 / 2007		 Decision (Split)
N/A		 3 5:00
LOSS Sarah Kaufman TKO 29 – Repercussion
Jun / 01 / 2007		 TKO (Punches)
N/A		 2 1:36
WIN Tannaya Hantelman ECC 5 – A Night Of Champions
Mar / 31 / 2007		 TKO (Punches)
N/A		 2 4:0

AMBER BROWN-105lb
“THE BULLY”

Amber Brown

BIRTHDAY: 1988-12-14
AGE: 25CountryALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
UNITED STATES
HEIGHT
5’4″105 LBS
47.63 KG 
 FIGHT HISTORY
RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Kikuyo Ishikawa Pancrase 250 – 2013 Neo-Blood Tournament Finals
Jul / 28 / 2013		 Submission (Armbar)
N/A		 3 3:27
LOSS Emi Fujino Pancrase – 247
May / 19 / 2013		 Submission (Neck Crank)
Masato Fukuda		 2 4:18
WIN Abby Higginbotham KOTC – Curtain Call
Jan / 26 / 2013		 TKO (Punches)
N/A		 1 2:24
WIN Ashley Aguirre KOTC – Final Countdown
Nov / 10 / 2012		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 3 5:00

CINDY DANDOIS – 135lb
“BATTLECAT”

Cindy Dandois

AGE: N/ACountryBELGIUM
HEIGHT
5’7″ 

FIGHT HISTORY

RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Jorina Baars SD – Staredown
Mar / 19 / 2011		 TKO (Punches)
N/A		 2 4:50
LOSS Yana Kunitskaya M-1 Challenge 22 – Narkun vs. Vasilevsky
Dec / 10 / 2010		 TKO (Punches)
Mika Sinkkonen		 1 0:34
WIN Sheila Gaff M-1 Selection 2010 – Western Europe Round 3
May / 29 / 2010		 DQ (Illegal Knee to the Head)
N/A		 3 0:10
WIN Daria Ibragimova M-1 Selection 2010 – Western Europe Round 2
Mar / 27 / 2010		 Submission (Triangle Choke)
Marcel Homeijer		 1 3:02
WIN Maria Hougaard Djursaa M-1 Selection 2010 – Western Europe Round 1
Feb / 05 / 2010		 TKO (Punches)
Marcel Homeijer		 1 1:12
WIN Marloes Coenen BOTE – Beast of the East
Jan / 24 / 2009		 Decision (Unanimous)
N/A		 3 5:

PEGGY MORGAN
“THE DAYWALKER” – 135lb

Peggy Morgan

BIRTHDAY: N/A
AGE: N/ACountryMANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
UNITED STATES
HEIGHT
6’1″

FIGHT HISTORY

RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
LOSS Jessamyn Duke UFC – The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale
Nov / 30 / 2013		 Decision (Unanimous)
Kim Winslow		 3 5:00
WIN Revelina Berto CFA 10 – McSweeney vs. Staring
Mar / 02 / 2013		 Decision (Unanimous)
Jorge Alonso		 3 5:00
WIN Kaline Medeiros Reality Fighting – Mohegan Sun
Jun / 02 / 2012		 Decision (Majority)
N/A		 3 5:00

AMATEUR FIGHTS

RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Jennifer Rivera CFX 19 – Shamrock Rumble
Mar / 17 / 2012		 TKO (Corner Stoppage)
N/A		 2 3:00
WIN Fernanda Araujo CZ 40 – Kicking It XL at The Rock
Jan / 27 / 2012		 Submission (Armbar)
N/A		 2 2:

IRENE ALDANA – 135lb
“ROBLES”

Irene Aldana

BIRTHDAY: 1988-03-26
AGE: 25CountryGUADALAJARA, JALISCO
MEXICO
HEIGHT
5’9″132 LBS
59.87 KG 

FIGHT HISTORY

RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
LOSS Larissa Moreira Pacheco JF – Jungle Fight 63
Dec / 21 / 2013		 TKO (Punches)
Douglas Aires		 3 1:50
WIN Mayra Arce XK 21 – Xtreme Kombat 21
Oct / 12 / 2013		 KO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches)
N/A		 1 0:43
WIN Flor Saenz XK 21 – Xtreme Kombat 21
Oct / 12 / 2013		 KO (Knee to the Body)
N/A		 1 0:20
WIN Sandra del Rincon GEX – Old Jack’s Fight Night
Oct / 17 / 2012		 KO (Knees and Punches)
N/A		 1 0:15

FAITH VAN DUIN –

145 lb

Faith Van Duin

BIRTHDAY: 1986-06-26
AGE: 27CountryPAPAMOA
NEW ZEALAND
HEIGHT
5’10”143 LBS
FIGHT HISTORY
RESULT FIGHTER EVENT METHOD/REFEREE R TIME
WIN Kate Da Silva Storm MMA – Storm Damage 3
Aug / 31 / 2013		 Submission (Triangle Choke)
John Sharp		 4 1:36
WIN Arlene Blencowe Storm MMA – Storm Damage 3
Aug / 31 / 2013		 Decision (Split)
Greg Kleynjans		 3 3:00
WIN Michelle Peruzzi Storm MMA – Storm Damage 3
Aug / 31 / 2013		 TKO (Punches)
John Sharp		 1 2:01
WIN Kelly Kinita ETK – Sunday Session 18
Apr / 28 / 2013		 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
N/A		 4 N/A

Invicta FC continue to strive to be the forefront of Female Mixed Martial Arts and has been doing so since 2012 by President and CEO Shannon Knapp and not forgetting former Match Maker Janet Martin.
The new signee’s will give new Match Maker Julie Kedzie something exciting to put together for everyone involved with Invicta FC and more importantly keeping the fans wanting to see more from WMMA.

Neilson Promotions Heavyweight Prizefighter Boxing Tournament 30th March


An earlier Blog from March 2013 on Neilson Promotions Boxing prior to their Heavyweight Prizefighter Tournament.

Emma Bramford's avatarFive Rounds with Emma

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Neilson Promotions was set up in June 2008 by Eddie, Tony and Mark Neilson, with the intention of providing White Collar Boxing / Semi-Professional boxing Events in the Swindon Area.  

In the past Neilson Promotions have put on a couple of local shows purely in aid of charity. Now they have stepped up the game to make each show as close to a professional show as they possibly can, as you will have seen from their last few events; in doing so their last event made it into Wikipedia

On 13 October 2012, Neilson Promotions, a Swindon-based white collar boxing promoter, put on the largest show of its kind to date. A venue verified attendance of 1398 watched ten contests at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon with the main event seeing Dave ‘Bam Bam’ Gregory retain his NP Heavyweight title against Rich ‘The Tank’ Loveday over three rounds.

On Saturday March 30th Neilson…

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Brad Pickett ‘One Punch’ fight is off with ‘Uncle Creepy’ Ian McCall


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Looking at Brad Pickett’s Twitter this morning,  (UK Time) it was news that he deep down, was expectpting, but probably hoping it would not become a reality.

Today at 14.54pm he tweeted the following :

brad picket tweet

Although nothing else was stated and ‘Uncle Creepy’ Ian

McCall himself had not put anything at all on Twitter, this still led everyone to believe that the problem lies with McCall.

That has now been confirmed by Dana White that Ian McCall is infact out injured and will NOT be fighting UK’s Brad Pickett who also was making his 125lb debut in the Flyweight divison.

The UFC are still working on a replacment; I mean we do still have time on our side, especially since what has just happend to Daniel Cormier, who’s opponent Rashad Evans also fell injured, with only one week to go, despite DC tweeting ‘Chael.P.Sonnen and Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson to fight him; His new opponent is 4-0 fighter Patric Cummins.

Looking forward to see who the UFC bring in to replace ‘Uncle Creepy’.

There is plenty of time for The UFC come up with a suitable replacement to fight Brad Pickett on March 8th at The O2 arena in London.

Jessica Eye and UFC release statement about failed drugs test at UFC 166 and news on her UFC 170 clash with Alexis Davis


Jessica Evil Eye

Last week  the news broke that UFC Bantamweight athlete Jessica ‘Evil’ Eye had her first UFC win against Sarah Kaufman overturned to a No Decision. Eye was said to be punished with a year-long probationary suspension and a fine of $1875.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations revealed that the change came as a result of a failed drug test by Jessica Eye after her controversial split decision  win against Sarah Kaufman at UFC 166.

Finally on Wednesday night in the states the UFC released the following statement:

“The UFC received word of the fully probated suspension and fine issued to Jessica Eye by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The UFC intends to honor the probation, which will not force Eye to miss her scheduled bout at UFC 170.”

Jessica Eye released this statement:

“I was recently alerted to the fact that I was issued a fully probated suspension and fine by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. While I intend to discuss with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation the overturning of my victory at UFC 166, I have accepted the terms of the probation and intend to compete at UFC 170 on Feb. 22. I pride myself on following the rules and representing my family, teammates, sponsors, and fans in the best light possible. I apologize for any distractions this has caused.”

Not letting this take any focus of Eye’s humbling appreciation and the love of her father she tweeted the following:

Jessica Eye Tweet

Jessica Eye will take on Alexis Davis at The Mandalay Bay Center  in Las Vegas as planned in two weeks time at UFC 170 on February 22nd showing on the prelim card on Fox Sports 1 network.

Picture Credit  Mike Newcomb 

Invicta FC 8 targets Cris ‘Cyborg’ Santos vs Ediane Gomes


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Accoring to a report by MMAJunkie.com Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp is looking to hold the next instalment of the all female fighting promotion sometime in March this year, exact date to be confirmed.

In the past, Invicta FC have avoided going head-to-head with the UFC, this being said the UFC have events on March 1st, 8th, 15th and 23rd already booked. However Invicta FC officials could do what they did for Invicta FC 7, by booking a show on the same weekend as one of the UFC’s international shows, China, Brazil and of course here in the UK on March 8th.

Invicta FC are seeking to have hard-hitting knockout artist Cris ‘ Cyborg’ Santos (12-1-,1 NC) in defending her featherweight title against Ediane ‘India’ Gomes (10-2) as the Main Event, again this is yet to be confirmed.

This will be ‘Santos’ first defence of her inaugural featherweight title under the Invicta FC banner since winning the title against Marloes Coenen in July last year.

Shannon Knapp also hinted that they may also hold the next Invicta FC outside of Kansas City, Missouri where the promotion has been home to the previous last seven outings.

Revisiting Season One.. Episode Ten.. Mark ‘The Hand Of’ Godbeer


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It will be one year ago to the day on October 5th that Mark Godbeer was due to make his Bellator debut against Ron Sparks, but a Career threatening injury kept his debut waiting. I spoke to  Mark about his injury, training and his Debut Bellator Main Event fight against Cheick Kongo one year on.

Keeping myself involved in MMA kept me going.

EB. You have not always been a heavyweight fighter have you?

MG. Early on in my amateur career I was a heavyweight fighter. I also had a few catch weight fights then I started cutting and cutting and dropped down to light heavy then went back up to heavyweight.

EB. We saw your first Pro fight at Heavyweight for the promotion BAMMA 9 back in March 2012, when you fought Catlin Zmarandescu, where you picked up a win in the first round due to TKO (corner stoppage).  How was it for you stepping up in weight and gaining the all-important win in the new weight division?

MG. It was great.  After coming of a loss at my previous weight division of Light Heavyweight to Anthony Taylor, I felt that I was really cautious in that fight but I kept my cool, picked my shots and got the job done, so to get the Win was great it all paid off.

EB. Was it your intention to move up to Heavyweight for a few fights before Bellator came knocking, or was it a choice made with you and your coach to move up a weight division way before thinking anything big was coming your way?

MG. After my last weight cut at light heavyweight I felt I was skinny as a rake, you see the likes of Max Nunes, they are big and they have a lot of muscle; I also being of a certain age was finding it a bit harder to cut those last few pounds so I had decided it was time to go back to my old days to Heavyweight.  I talked it over with my manager and he agreed, but I am still today walking around at 240-242llb.

EB. You train out of Trojan Free Fighters in Cheltenham which is home to a lot of great UK & European talent and it is safe to say it is firmly putting their name on the Map. What helps make Trojan Free Fighters one of the best contended gyms to be a part of today in producing top athletes such as yourself?

MG. Trainers without a doubt Paul Sutherland is one of the best coaches the UK have to offer. Team bonding, there are no egos in the gym, everyone pushes each other and all so competitive, everyone helps one another, were like a family unit.

EB. How did your fighting nickname ‘The Hand of’ come about?

MG. It’s ‘The Hand’ I just tied the rest of it into my name, but after my first professional fight against Sam Hooker a couple of my friends started to call to me ‘The Hand’ after seeing the fight that I landed a couple of monstrous right hands and it’s been that ever since.

EB. You were due to make your Bellator Debut back on October 5th 2012 against Ron Sparks, but due to a career threatening Neck and Back Injury you had to withdraw, how did this injury occur?

MG. I was driving home from wrestling training when I had real bad pains in my neck. I then lost complete feeling in my hand and was rushed in for an emergency MRI, then rushed in for an emergency operation. I cannot pin point how as such it occurred, just accumulation of training which did result in a crack in my vertebrae and herniating the disc.

EB. Going from an all-time Career high, being signed to one of the best organisations in the world Bellator, then to have to deal with something that could off quite easily been the end of everything you had worked so hard for, how was it in those months after your injury for you?

MG. Horrible, worst time of my life, I was depressed. I became reliant on painkillers for a brief time it was a real horrible part of my life. I could not do nothing for six months, for five of those months I was in a neck brace. Going from training every day to doing nothing it really got to me as everything I liked doing before I was unable to do, to make matters worse when I had my operation that went wrong so I had to end up having another one!

EB. What kept you going through the darkest days to motivate you, to give you strength and determination, when at some points you could off quite easily given up?

MG. After the initial six months I just couldn’t sit around and do nothing anymore so I started teaching at one of the local clubs, although I could not join in, I was still part of the MMA community, it then progressed from there. I decided to put all my effort and energy into opening my own club in my home town of Brigwater, Sommerset, keeping myself involved in MMA kept me going.

EB. It was announced on Sunday September 9th that you are making your long awaited Debut for Bellator on 4th October against ex UFC Heavyweight fighter Cheick Kongo, not a bad start to Bellator 102, what do you think? (I’m smiling)

MG. It’s a great fight, great main event, and exposure but Bellator know what they are doing. A lot of people have already wrote me off, he is just another man, forget about his UFC career, forget who he has fought, look at him as a fighter, I know I can truly beat him.

EB. Does it usually bother you, who your opponent is when it’s been decided on a fight for you (obviously you agree to the fight as well as your coaches and management team), or is it just a case of getting on with the job in front of you?

MG. I’m at the level now where we don’t turn down fights, we are there to be tested and that’s the good thing with Paul Sutherland we’re professional fighters and if the fight is there we will fight who is put in front of us.

EB. Being out for 18months, does that bother you mentally? Will there be any ‘cage rust’ so say when you step into the cage to face Cheick Kongo? Or will Head Coach, Paul Sutherland will have made sure you have been prepared for this fight 100%, facing the famous ‘Meat Day’ sessions full on every Sunday to make sure you are prepared?

MG. Without a doubt I am ready for this fight, I don’t believe in the term ‘Ring Rust’, the nerves are different on fight day which are good nerves. If I have prepared for every situation in the gym and had the right training for this fight (for which I have), then I am not going to be shocked. I’ve been in with some big guys over my fight career so far and I know what to expect.

EB. You bring an astonishing record of 8-1 into the cage and not only that but you have also never seen the third round in any of your 9 professional fights with 6 of them coming via TKO/KO which again is also impressive. How are you going about preparing for what I imagine is your biggest challenge to date as in Cheick Kongo?

MG. It is going to be the biggest fight of my life, but I cannot look at this fight as it’s ‘Cheick Kongo’ I am looking at it as he is another man who has hole’s in his game and I will exploit them, also being prepared for his strong points, as there will be times when he will be stronger, but also times when I will be stronger.

EB. Although a lot of people would only be looking at your opponent’s name and career record which is 18-8-2 and then looking at your name and career record 8-1, they probably won’t be looking at the bigger picture, which is when you actually break down Cheick Kongo’s win’s, his KO win is 10 and submission is 3, put that together with yours, KO wins 6, submission 2, I call this a very even fight, what can Bellator fans expect to see on October 4th?

MG. It will be an entertaining fight, we have very similar styles, take away his name, who he has fought, look at our styles and how we have fought, we are similar. The fans will get an entertaining fight.

EB. Anyone you would like to thank?

MG. Pound Out, Sci Max, Rolling Big Power, Lexani, Club Rio Brigwater, Smuggling Dudds, Paul Sutherland, all my team mates, coaches, Trojan free fighters.

5 Quick FUN Questions

EB. If you could change 1 rule in MMA what would it be?

When they purposely put their hand down to stop a knee coming

EB. Favourite International Fighter?

Dan Henderson

EB. Favourtie Food?

Anything – I’m a heavyweight now!

EB. What song do you usually sing in the shower?

A bit of Neil Diamond

Mark is fighting live in the Bellator 102 series on Friday October 4th visit http://www.spike.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of Huw Fairclough (c) Short & Round

Revisiting Season One.. Episode Nine.. Faisel Ghazghazi


faisel

In  early September 2013  I spoke with Faisel Ghazghazi, you maybe thinking who but this interview will leave you wanting to know more.

‘Training has allowed me to find the real Faisel and understand who and what I am about’.

Faisel Ghazghazi admits life is not easy. Growing up on the wrong side of the Law, he finally turned to Martial Arts to keep fit and to stay out of trouble. Little did he know he would enjoy the sport as much as he has done. After turning pro on 7th September 2013 I  talked to him about his past, present and future.

EB.Tell me a bit about yourself?

FG. I am 31 years old. I have only been training in MMA around 18 months. I wanted to simply find something that would keep me fit, introduce me to some new people and help me stay out of trouble.

I decided to go pro as I wanted to have a career in something I enjoy doing although it would be great if I could make a living so I could look after my son Diesel.

EB. You mentioned you wanted something to keep you out of trouble, can you just briefly explain what you mean by that?

FG.I started drinking alcohol at the age of 12, by 15 I was drinking heavily every day, which lead to me dabbling with substances, mainly speed and cannabis. Being high helped me cope with the stress I was under and I got into a lot of trouble, with the end result which was my freedom, I ended up in prison.

EB. Do you now feel, that having that time to reflect, it has taught you a lot about yourself?

FG. I know that if I pick up another drink it wouldn’t be long before my old behaviour slipped back in and I started getting into trouble again, so upon my release I knew I really wanted something to help with my confidence and I was introduced to Arthur Meek who has years of experience training fighters, he also has a unique ability to relate and gain the respect of troubled guys like myself.

I don’t go around creating victims anymore, now I’m helping young guys who have similar backgrounds to myself, helping them to stay on the right track. I believe that training has allowed me to find the real Faisel and understand who and what I am about.

EB. You do voluntary work at YMCA in Bridgwater, can you tell me a bit more about this and what it means to you?

FG. The work I do with kids is a constant reminder that prison is only around the corner if I choose to drink, take drugs or return to my old offending behaviours.  I work very hard to maintain a good self-esteem by helping others and I am always thinking about them rather than myself.

I want to give back to the community and the aim of the programme I run which is called BoxFit is to help guys boost their self-esteem, reduce offending behaviour, encourage team work, discipline and channel their energy and aggression in a positive way. My classes are disciplined and the guys do work but they also feel that they are ‘someone’ and know that they can come to me with any issue as I have their best interests at heart.

EB. Tell me about where you train out of and the club and what it means to you?

FG. I train out of All or Nothing Gym in Bridgwater, my coach is Arthur Meeks, it is what it is really, All or Nothing.

MMA showed me there is another way to live, I could never have dreamed of having the support that I have from the guys at All Or Nothing Gym they genuinely want me to do well and all put themselves out to help me get to where I need to be, if it wasn’t for martial arts I would be back in prison for sure, I would not have the success that I have had and would seriously lack that discipline and drive that I now have and crave.

EB. You have a very short but impressive Amateur record, can you tell me about it?

FG. Its four Wins one NC one DQ. I am unbeaten in the cage, having only started my Amateur career back in August 2012 it feels great to have had six fights and to be fighting regularly but also to be unbeaten in the cage.

EB. You recently made your Pro Debut on September 7th which saw you win in  44 seconds of Round one, did this go as planned?

FG. Yes, I was straight in there, got the all-important Win on my Pro Debut, although the fight was stopped by the Doctor due to my opponent sustaining a cut above his eye, but props to my opponent as he was fighting a good fight.

EB. Your next fight happens to be in my hometown of Swindon on October 5th against Phil Wells, do you know much of your opponent?

FG. I’ve seen a couple of his fights on you tube but have not really watched a lot, I tend to let my team do that and I concentrate on what they tell me do and get on with the job in hand, which is fighting.

EB. How are you expecting the fight to go?

FG. I will expect the un-expected but it will be G-Man for the win.

EB. How did you get your nickname ‘G-Man’ and what does it stand for?

FG. After one of my fights one of my friends said to me “Good fight G-Man” and it has stuck ever since, so unfortunately no big story to the name or what it stands for!

EB. Anyone you would like to thank?

FG. Trainers Arthur Meek, Richard Weatherall, Tattoo man Scott Thomas, Photographers Christian Dalton and Peter Huish, my son Diesel for giving me the drive to keep going and team mates at All or Nothing in Bridgwater.

Faisel’G-Man’Ghazghazi is fighting on October 5th against Phil Wells at the CAGED Event Swindon M.E.C.A Tickets are £20 and VIP £40 full details http://www.swindontickets.co.uk

Photo (c) D J Welsh Photography

Season One.. Episode Eight.. Female UFC Fighter Rosi Sexton


Before making history as the UFC’s first ever female fight to happen in Europe and UK.  I caught up with UK MMA pioneer and Cambridge graduate Dr Rosi Sexton ahead of UFC® MANCHESTER back in September 2013.

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EB. You’re a pioneer for women’s UKMMA, starting your professional career back in 2002.Was it ever in your own thoughts that one day women would be in the UFC and you would be here in the UFC representing the UK now?

RS.  I always thought it would happen one day. I think early on I hoped it would happen in time for me, but as the time went on I kind of gave up hope it was going to happen to me a few years ago as it wasn’t looking very likely, then the first women’s fight came around very quick, it happened very fast with the Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche fight and a lot of opportunities opened up and took me by surprise it wasn’t something I anticipated, but embraced it.

EB. Having said that if the UFC were an option back in your earlier career, would you have also taken the opportunity back then?

RS.  I’m in a better position now and the division is better on a whole as it’s a lot more competitive, to be honest it happened just at the right time.

EB. How close were you to throwing in the towel and hanging up this side of your career before being signed to UFC?

RS.  You have to remember no Professional athlete goes on forever and I didn’t actually say I had retired from the sport; I had reached a stage where I had done most of what I wanted too, and also it was getting difficult to justify the financial terms that go hand in hand with the sport, along with being a single parent to my son, I guess you can say I was just waiting for a bigger opportunity whatever that may have been, and for me, thankfully it was the UFC.

EB. Can you talk me through your feelings, emotions and pressures of being the UK’s sole Female representative in the UFC; fighting in the UK on October 26th in Manchester which is also the UFC’s first ever female fight to happen in Europe and UK in your home town?

RS. Very excited as it is huge. It will be the first women’s UFC fight in Europe, and I will be fighting in my home town for the first time in my whole fighting career. There will be pressure, but I feel it will be a kind of good pressure and I will rise to the occasion.

EB. How easy has it been to get back into training on the back of your loss to Alexis Davis? Can you talk me through the fight and your own opinion of your performance?

RS.  It was a good fight, very competitive, good performance. I could have done better and some things cost me the fight. A lot of people were expecting me to get beaten before I went into the fight, no one was talking about me before the fight, they were all talking about Ronda Rousey and how Alexis Davies would walk right through me, but she didn’t. I think she did win it, but it was really close, I was pleased with what I did, not satisfied, pleased. If I could do again I would.

EB. It is no secret this is not your usual fighting weight division, but when an opportunity such as the UFC comes knocking on your door (when you have been a UK MMA pioneer in the sport for just over 10 years, you’re not going to turn it down) – How are you finding the higher weight division?

RS.  Good question, 125lb is my best weight class, 135lb I would say I am a bit on the small side but I will give any 135lber a good run for their money in this division , win or lose they will know they have been in a fight when faced against me.  Jessica Andrade is a good fight and we have similar styles, I belong in this weight class, I am strong at this weight, I can hang with the other girls; other girls are bigger, that maybe a factor, it depends on the individual, I have upped my game slightly as I cannot rely solely to power through in this weight division.

There are some good fun fights for me in this division, having just recently fought and in my own opinion held my own against the worlds ranked #4 or #5, I belong in this weight class and of course on the flip side I am enjoying being able to eat more. (Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream).

EB. How is your training camp going for this fight? Are you implementing anything new into your training schedule or is it a case of drilling everything you know?

RS.  Going real well, had a good week, feeling sharp, have great training partners in flyweights, bantamweights at Next Generation. I’m currently training with a World class Olympic Judo athlete  Sophie Cox,  who is very solid and has dangerous throws. I am very fortunate in that  I also have Laura Howarth helping me out, who has a great striking background. Come October 26th you will see a better version of me.

EB. Now that the sport is evolving and there are more females, how has this helped you and is helping you in your current training  as I’ve seen you’ve got the likes of Laura Howarth and Sophie Cox training with you? It must be nice to mix things up and have females involved in a training camp?

RS.  It is important to have men, having always trained a lot with men, women are also important, they are different in a whole other way, which is also a whole other question as they really go at you, it is great to have a mix, you can judge where you are at with the females as in size and strength; both females are great to work with as previously mentioned, Sophie is a World class Olympian and Laura comes from a great striking background with a great future ahead of her.

EB.  What are your thoughts on the current season of TUF18 with it being a mixed household?

RS.  It’s interesting, I’m not up to date as I’ve been training but what I’ve heard is that it is going well, people are talking about it, the women are great and are serious athletes.  The women’s fights are great and this is what needs to be showcased for people who are not familiar with women in the sport.

EB. What can the fans expect to see come October 26th at The Phones 4U Arena in Manchester?

RS.  Exciting, fast paced fight, with fast paced rounds, combining powerful striking, good grappling; from what I see Jessica also has a strong background in Judo with some Jiu Jitsu skills; she is a dangerous fighter and if you’re not ready for her intensity she can catch you out, but I am ready.

EB. How did you get into MMA? I heard that you watched a TV documentary and was hooked from there?

RS.  (Laughs)  I was watching a TV documentary back in 1999 which had UK Pioneer Leigh Remedios in and now recently retired ex – UFC veteran Ian Freeman, I thought I wanted to do that, little did I know where it would lead to and that I would end up being the first UK female fighter in the UFC.

EB.  Besides the fact that you are on the Manchester card, which fights in particular have caught your eye and you are looking forward to watching?

RS.  Michael Bisping Vs Mark Munoz, Ross Pearson Vs Melvin Guillard and of course my fellow midget Phil Harris, all the fights have great UK talent on them.

EB. Anyone you would like to Thank?

RS. My team coaches Paul Williams, Danny Rimmer, Steve Campbell, Mike Leng my Nutrition coach, PhD Nutrition, Funky Gums, Ainsley Fry, Global Therapy  for keeping me in one piece, Strength and Performance gym, Rev Gear and Next Generation Gym.

Rosi Sexton takes on Jessica Andrade at The Phones 4U Arena in Manchester on 26th October. Tickets for UFC® MANCHESTER 2013: BISPING vs. MUNOZ  are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.phones4uarena.co.uk.

This interview went to print before it was announced Michael Bisping had to withdraw from the event, therefore Lyoto Machida replaced him to face Mark Munoz.

Season One.. Episode seven..Jorge ‘Michelan’ Bezerra


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With his BAMMA World Middleweight Title fight against Scott Askham being tomorrow night (September 14th), I managed to catch up with Jorge ‘Michelan’ Bezerra at London Fight Factory for a brief chat about it.

Everyone knows that my greatest weapon is my jiu jitsu I can now show the true value of jiu jitsu ,what I learned from the Master Leo Vieira’

EB: You’re managed by U I Management who manage a whole host of predominantly UK-based fighter’s such as Che Mills, Mark Godbeer and Matt Ewin who are a little more ‘known’ to us here, how did UI Management and yourself first become involved?

JB: A friend of mine, Mauro Chimento who is also managed by U I Management who are affiliated with Checkmat BJJ here where I train in Sao Paulo, mentioned it to me so to cut a long story short I am now managed by U I Management. It is a great pleasure and I am very happy to represent them. It is the start of a great working relationship together.

EB: Growing up in Brazil was not easy for you, yet alone trying to gain a MMA career for yourself. How does it feel for you to be fighting in Europe and gaining more recognition?

JB: Growing up in Brazil I come from a humble family and my childhood was as normal as it could be, with thanks to God as a saviour. I started Jiu jitsu and Karate at a young age then I was introduced to MMA, for which I have never looked back on. It is really good to see that I am finally making my way and name over here in Europe.

EB: You began your professional fighting career as a Welterweight fighter and went to Middleweight in April 2012. What made you decide to move up a weight division?

JB: In Brazil I have fought in almost, all of the divisions, but now I have found the correct division for me that suit’s me a lot better, to my natural height and build. I feel this is the right move for me in this division.

EB: You hold a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Leo Vieira, an impressive record of 18-9, it’s no wonder you’re fighting on BAMMA 13 against Scott Askham for the Middleweight World Title bout. How much do you know about the unbeaten Scott Askham?

JB: Scott Askham is a very dangerous athlete, he has a very strong striking power with his knees and kicks, also some Jiu Jitsu skills but he is standing out too much here in Europe at the minute and we will make this a good fight. I’m the biggest black belt of all time in jiu jitsu, thank God for all these years, I can now show the true value of jiu jitsu I learned from the Master Leo Vieira, my record speaks for itself and it’s the result of good jiu jitsu I learned.

EB: Having had 27 professional career fights to date, you have only seen the third round six times (last time was back in 2009) most of your wins have come by way of submission, 16 to be exact, is it safe to say that the ground game is second nature to you?

JB: Although predominately, yes I am a BJJ specialist, I train for every aspect in this sport but the ground game is as you would say is second nature to me.

I have trained and workout a lot to be a champion . I have my failures and limitations as do all athletes, but I ‘m trying to evolve in all areas. Everyone knows that the greatest weapon is my jiu jitsu, people avoid falling into my game, so I’m trying to evolve in everything else.

EB: Scott Askham complimented you on your BJJ skills in a recent interview he did and also hinted he would stand and trade with you, this said though, in his last fight with Jack Marshman he also stated he would stand and trade, but this did not happen, do you feel this could just be part of his “Game Plan”?

JB: I am not worried about his Game Plan, I will concentrate on what I have come here to do and that is to put on a great fight for you fans and of course to win the fight by whatever way I can.

EB: How do you feel now that your fight has been moved from the Prelims to the Main Card on BAMMA 13?
JM:I am training for everything for this fight. I am very well prepared and I will embrace the opportunity that BAMMA is giving me to be able to make the main event card, it is a great opportunity, I truly am thankful.

EB: How did you get your nickname ‘Michelan’ and what does it mean?

JB: When I started training with Leo he had some people who loved giving nicknames to people , and I was chubby, so he began to call me by the name ‘Michelan’ I looked the Toy spreading the ‘Michelan’ tyre brand so that nickname stuck with me, and now they call me ‘Michelan’ for more than 10 years.

EB: Being the “away” fighter, what impact if any does that have on you?

JB: I don’t feel it has an impact on me as such, it just makes for a more interesting fight, one person always has to come out to be the not so favourite one I guess.

EB: What can BAMMA fans expect to see on Saturday 14th September?

JB: All the fans, whether they are supporting me or Askham, can expect a very busy, full night of action, I like my fights to be fast paced and ready from the off, I will give a great show come fight night.

EB: Is there anyone you would like to thank?

JB: Yes I would like to thank my many Sponsors, Paul Sutherland and Dan Richards for they’re giving me the greatest strength.

5 Quick fun Questions


If you could change 1 rule in MMA what would it be?
I would have Pride rules back, because those rules do not favour anyone, the time of the pride days was so much better.

Favourite Food?

I love Japanese food, and Italian

Walk Out Music?

I ‘m evangelical, and like to hear praises to Christ.
Favourite UK Fighter?

Paul Daley

If you held a dinner party and could invite 3 guests past or present, who would it be and why?

You may call me crazy, Call God the Creator of the universe and our lives , Jesus Christ, who gave his own life for love , and the Holy Spirit. I would gather all 3 and be very Blessed… Jesus Christ loves you!