Paul Sutherland – Page 2 – Five Rounds with Emma

MARIO SAEED THE ‘ARM COLLECTOR’ IS TAKING NAMES! HE’S BACK FROM INJURY AND RARING TO GO CWFC 67

Pre catch up with Mario Saeed – Interview was carried out on Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 before his Cage Warriors Debut on April 12th 2014.

Mario Saeed (5-1) from Bristol and riding a four fight-winning streak will be making his long over-due debut for promotion Cage Warriors on Saturday April 12^th at The LC, Swansea, Wales.

Coming back from a career threatening injury sustained back in October last year, whilst training for what was going to be his then debut fight for Cage Warriors in Jordan. Mario sustained a Fractured Neck, since then Mario has been under strict instructions to take things easy, let time heal his injuries with the proper help and guidance.

Training, out of Trojan Free Fighters in Cheltenham, with the guidance of Head Coach and Mentor Paul Sutherland . Managed by UI Management, I managed to catch up with, a full of beans, Hyper active, fully motivated Mario Saeed for our scheduled interview – judging by the very good mood he is in, I have no idea on, how serious at all I can get him to answer every single question I have for him, but here is the final cut for you all to read.

Look out for the one motivational ‘quote’ that was put in nicely by mario

EB. Hey, Mario thanks for your time. It has been awhile since I have spoken to you how, are you?

MS. Hello Emma, I am doing great now thank you.

EB. The last time we spoke you were about to have your last fight for the promotion Ultimate Impact Cage fighting against Wayne Drake. How did that go?

MS. It went very well thank you, it was a real hard fight but I got the win in the end.

EB. Prior to that fight, it was then announced that on June 19^th, you had been signed to fight for the promotion Cage Warriors, with your debut to be in Jordan on October 25th, but a serious training injury occurred just two weeks before. Can you talk me through what happened?

MS. Everything was going great until 2 weeks before the fight, I suffered a fracture in my neck, this meant I had to take a break from training for quite a while! Now I am back stronger than ever.

EB. Being a very positive and motivated person that you are, what kept you going through the ‘dark times’ you would have experienced on your road back to recovery?

MS. Everything happens for a reason. I believe in myself and this keeps me staying positive. I am looking forward to my next fight.

EB. Your teammate Mark Godbeer had also gone through a very similar experience to yourself; did you take advice from him on any part of the recovery process?

MS. We are all teammates. We help each other and sh*t happens. We all motivate each other. Teammates stick together no matter what.

EB. You also took to posting a few updates via a video blog on your Facebook of your recovery in the very early days. Have you watched any of them back at all? Alternatively, are they too painful memory for you to watch?

MS. I would not say they are too painful to watch, I have not watched them back. I do not look back I always look forward.

EB. What was your rehab/recovery process like? Did you try to rush the process?

MS. Laughs! I listened to the doctor’s advice and took plenty of time out and now I am good to go and ready to fight again.

EB. Once you were all cleared to leave the hospital and take it easy, I heard you were back at the gym sat watching your teammates train. Can you tell me how you were feeling at this point?

MS. A mixture of frustration and just glad that I was there, also I was happy to support the other lads, but I did want to be fighting myself; I had to be tied to the chair to stop me from moving! (Laughs)

EB. Motivation, dedication and hard work have got you where you are now. I mean it is not everyday someone fractures their neck and 6 months later they are back doing what they love.

MS. I am very lucky to be coming back stronger than ever doing what I love; these things test you in life, and it is all about how bad you want it, how hard you are willing to work for it. I cannot wait to show the world what I am about.

EB. On April 12^th, you have your long overdue debut for Cage Warriors in Swansea, what are you looking forward to the most.

MS. I am looking forward to every minute of it, Cage Warrior’s is a great show and I cannot wait to get back in the cage and get the big W.

EB. Do you know anything about your new opponent Sean ‘Sexy Curls’ Carter?

MS. I know that he comes from a great gym and I am friends with a few of his teammates. He is a good fighter but I am a great fighter, come fight night, he will find out.

EB. Now, that your Co- Main event does that, put any more pressure on you? (you’ve crept up the card and now you’re Co-Main Event)!

MS. Co- Main, it makes no difference, as I have been main event before. It is just another fight to me.

EB. With a late change in opponent, (1 week before fight day) does that change anything in you as a fighter and the fight you have already prepared for? (original opponent was Rikki Fortuna 2-2-1)

MS. Not particularly as I train to fight and it does not matter who I fight. I will fight anyone who Cage Warriors choose to put in front of me, but remember my name WILL BE going the Cage Warriors GOLD!

EB. Being, the Champion at Ultimate Impact Cage fighting, is there any pressure to be the Champion at Cage Warriors or is that the Goal/DREAM?

MS. No, it is just a matter of time!

EB. Sean has had nine fights, and his only loss was for the lightweight title, if you win against Sean on April 12th do you see yourself in title contention?

MS. Hell yes I will be after that belt.

EB. This will be your first fight back since your training accident, some may say in at the deep end. What would you say?

MS. I am a very good swimmer.

EB. What is it about the promotion Cage Warriors that keeps fighters on their roster?

MS. Cage Warriors are the best promotion in the UK and Europe. Cage Warriors, is viewed by millions around the world, the promotion speaks for itself.

EB. You are ‘known’ as ‘The Armbar Collector’ would you like to be ‘known’ for more than just that one awesome submission.

MS. I am an all-round fighter, but the armbar is my signature move! The best is yet to come. “Don’t fear the man who does 1000 techniques; fear the man who does 1 technique 1000 times”.

EB. You have crazy fans that I for one have witnessed. Can you tell me of a time when things have been just a little bit too crazy at one of your fights?

MS. When I fought and won the UIC title, my fans rushed to see me, to congratulate me in the cage, let us hope Cage Warriors have plenty of security, Laughs!

EB. Training to you is second nature, what keeps you going and motivated?

MS. My family and friends, the fact I love what I do and I get to do it every day.

EB. Is there anyone you would like to thank?

MS. I would like to thank my coach who is my mentor, Paul Sutherland, my best mate Chris Astley and all my teammates at Trojan and finally my sponsors DiscountMMA, BRITISHF1GHTER, SynergiFitness, SCIMX.

You can follow Mario Saeed on Twitter, who in my opinion is well worth the follow, if for just all the motivational quotes he tweets everyday on @MarioRudeboy7

You can watch Mario ‘Rudeboy’ Saeed take on Sean ‘Sexy Curls’ Carter at The LC, Swansea, Wales, Saturday April 12^th for those of you who have purchased tickets, alternatively you can watch the Main Card via www.cagewarriors.tv which is FREE this weekend for UK viewers. Main Card is at 9pm. Who will be showing 6 out of the 7 fights in total for FREE that night. Any more information go towww.cagewarriors.com

This event is now SOLD OUT so unless some of the fighters have any spare tickets left that will be the only way you will be able to see the whole event LIVE.

PHOTO CREDIT 1,2,3 – HUW FAIRCLOUGH

PHOTO CREDIT 3 CAGE WARRIORS

ULTIMATE IMPACT FIGHT NIGHT 2 EVENT REVIEW #UIFN2

Gloucester, Saturday, April 26^th and Ultimate Impact were holding ULTIMATE IMPACT FIGHT NIGHT 2 at Liquid Nightclub. A card full of eleven fights consisting of six amateur MMA, three k1 and two Pro MMA fights, with a packed club, full of buzzing atmosphere it was time to get the event underway.

MC Darren Rees was holding down the centre of the cage, whilst the third men in the cage for all of the action tonight were Ron ’Bomber’ Frith on duty for the MMA action and David Willmot for the K1 action.

In the words of Darren Rees……”It’s time for War” as the first fight of the night is announced.

UNIFIED AMATEUR 3X3 MINS

BRAD WELLAWAY MAD DOGS 2-2 JACK BRYANT TROJAN 1-0

Rnd 1 Jack Bryant is straight out and in for the TD, Wellaway gets an attempt at a guillotine and Bryant is trying to fight to get himself out for which he succeeds, he then procedes to lands headshots on Wellaway, all the while Wellway is looking for a sub but to no avail. Bryant on top maintaining control, adding in some GnP but Wellaway is working well of his back and looking to set up an armbar in the dying few seconds of this opening round only to run out of time.

Rnd 2 Jack Bryant straight out and in with jabs, then shoots in and gets TD, Wellway manages to roll out of position and gain top mount briefly only for Bryant to be back on top and in control, being very dominant on top using short sharp shots.

Rnd 3 Jack Bryant shoots straight in leaving his neck exposed for which Wellaway sees and attempts a guillotine but to no avail. Bryant is landing shots on Wellaway and both young guys are giving it their all, Wellaway attempts to go for an armbar near to the close of the round for Bryant to get out of. This had been one awesome opening fight from two seventeen year old lads who futures are very bright. WINNER JACK BRYANT VIA UD 29-28

LEWIS CLAPHAM M.M.A.A 3-0 MATT FIGLAK TROJAN 3-0-1

Rnd 1 Matt Figlak comes out and a gets TD, Clapham has wrist control and Figlak is struggling to break free, he does so then proceeds to dominate in top position although not a lot of movement or action in this opening round.

Rnd 2 Matt Figlak is straight out with a one, two then takes Clapham down, Clapham gets back to his feet although not for long as Figlak is back in top position landing body shots when he can, Clapham holding down Figlak trying to gain control.

Rnd 3 Matt Figlak straight in and Clapham clinches up with both guys trying for a TD, after a brief struggle it was Figlak who got the TD in the end landing in side control. Clapham is working hard up against the cage, even nearly having an armbar, but using his toes in the cage as leverage referee Ron Frith warns Clapham and with a slight tap on his arm to get his toes out of the cage, he loses the armbar, Figlak capalizes on this raining down blows but Clapham weathers the storm only for Figlak to see an opportunity and grab Claphams back to sink in a RNC.

WINNER MATT FIGLAK 1MIN 47SEC RND 3 VIA RNC

K1 3X2 MINS

BEN HARRIS W.A.K.T. 2-1 CJ ABDULAFUR GLOUCESTER MARTIAL ARTS TEAM XTREME DEBUT

Rnd 1 Both guys are straight out but it’s CJ who is landing first, in what appears to be an all-out war from both guys. CJ drops Harris who gets a standing count from referee David Willmot, Harris comes back with full intent along with a very game CJ in this full on opening round.

Rnd 2 Ben Harris opens up with kicks and moves nicely onto knees as CJ comes in with punches, it appears that Harris is getting the better of CJ in the opening part of this second round, pinning CJ against the cage. CJ moves away off the cage and goes down (appears to be from back pain), referee David Willmot checks CJ is okay, the fight carries on, Harris is straight in with a full on jab catching CJ clean in the face just before the end of the round.

During the end of the second round it was clear CJ was in pain from the earlier back injury, therefore he could not continue into the third round.

WINNER BEN HARRIS VIA TKO RND 2

UNIFIED AMATEUR MMA 3X3MINS

WILL STEPHENSON TROJAN WORCESTER 0-1 ADAM GREENE TOJAN FREE FIGHTERS 1-0

RND 1 Adam Greene comes out first landing punches and tags Stephenson who goes down, Greene capitalizes on this and has Stephenson up against the cage and goes for his neck in attempting to gain a submission but to no avail. Stephenson gets back to his feet briefly as Greene lifts Stephenson with a big slam TD, Greene landing big shots on Stephenson as he looks up to the ref, Greene still working hard on Stephenson even taking his back in the final 15 seconds of the round, but a gallant Stephenson hangs on in there to see the round out.

Round 2 Adam Greene is straight out with a one, two combination and gains Stephenson’s back, taking him down, continuing on his back raining down blows. Stephenson reverses the situation after weathering the storm, in gaining Greene’s back and sinking in a tight RNC.

WINNER 2MIN 04 SEC RND 2 VIA RNC WILL STEPHENSON

TALASI MAY MAD DOGS COMBAT 4-0 JOHNNY BRYANT TROJAN FREE FIGHTERS DEBUT

Round 1 Johnny Bryant Comes out and gets the TD, both guys are grappling for top control for which Bryant gets in the end, in doing so May has left his neck exposed, Bryant see’s this and attempts an guillotine for which May escapes, Bryant grabs May’s arm whilst seeking to escape the prior guillotine attempt and attempts an armbar for which May answers back in raining down blows and grabs Bryant’s back, Bryant transitions out and gets mount briefly only for May to gain top position in this awesome display of grappling from both guys in the opening round.

Round 2 Talasi May is out gains mount, Bryant is trying to buck off May as he is landing punches, all the while gaining himself back to his own corner from his opponents corner to hear instructions from his own corner. Bryant slowly gets back to his feet but all the while under pressure from May in this second round. (Bryant managed to get from one side of the cage to the other with May in full mount raining blows so he could get instructions from his own corner – a well-educated, cage aware young man).

Round 3 Both guys are out and straight up against the cage, fighting for dominance, Bryant gets a TD and lands in top position, both guys are working hard in this final round but its Bryant that is the more dominant one being in top position and controlling May. It goes to the judges for a decision.

WINNER VIA UD 29-28 JOHNNY BRYANT

K1 3X2 MINS

JAMES HALL SILVERBACK MMA DEBUT MATT KAUFMAN TROJAN WORCESTER 2-1

Round 1 James Hall Is landing the cleaner of the kicks and appears to do more damage. Attempting an occasional spinning move but it is clearly not working. Kaufman in with teeps trying to keep Hall at distance but Hall is persistence and keeping the pressure on Kaufman.

Round 2 Matt Kaufman comes out fired up straight away in the opening of this round, Hall still putting on pressure and doing the ‘odd’ spinning movement which does not result into anything. Kaufman now finding his range and rhythm, getting his movement going a lot more in the last thirty seconds, using the clinch several times.

Round 3 Hall Putting on the pressure as soon as this final round is under way, unloading shots, referee David Willmot steps in and gives Kaufman an eight count then waves the fight off as Kaufman was in no position to continue.

WINNER JAMES HALL RND 3 0.40SECS VIA TKO

UNIFIED AMATUER MMA 3 X3 MIN

MARTY WOLF ELITE TRAINING CENTRE 1-2-1 MICHAEL FIGLAK TROJAN FREE FIGHTERS 4-0

Round 1 Marty Wolf is straight in first and both guys are battling it out for dominance, Wolf using knees and drops Figlak slightly as the action goes to the ground. Wolf attempts for a triangle, which looks pretty tights from where I am sitting but Figlak weathers the storm and holds out until the end of the round.

Round 2 Michael Figlak comes out of this opening second round with a lot more fire, Figlak gets a TD landing in top position, Wolf trying to work a submission of his back, both guys keeping it busy throughout the second round but its Figlak in the more dominant position.

Round 3 Both guys keeping it standing for the first thirty seconds of this final round, Figlak shoots in for the TD and gets it, Wolf attempts another triangle and throwing in odd punches to try to soften up Figlak but to no avail. It goes to the judges for a decision.

WINNER MICHAEL FIGLAK 30-27

AHREN FOSTER COMBAT ATHLETICS 0-1 CARL SWABY TROJAN FREE FIGHTERS 1-0

Round 1 Carl Swaby straight in from the off is all over Foster. Swaby catches Foster coming forward with what looks like a throw but one thing is clear Foster goes down and does not get back up, it’s all over.

WINNER VIA KO 0.44 SECS RND 1 CARL SWABY

K1 3X 2MINS

THEO ARTHUR SILVERBACK MMA DEBUT STEVE SMITH GLOUCESTER MARTIAL ARTS TEAM XTREME 3-0

Round 1 Theo Arthur using his kicks to start then pressuring with punches, Smith is pushing forward, pressuring Arthur with his own punches, finding his range and rhythm towards the end of the round with his own kicks.

Round 2 Steve Smith opens the round coming in with teeps then punches, Arthur giving back the same. Smith starts working in the clinch, Arthur catches Smith with a nice right hook, which does not faze him and Smith is setting up his teeps followed up by punches straight afterwards. Arthur is coming in with jumping push kicks, which he is telegraphing and rushing in as doing so, but as a debut fighter, he is holding his own.

Round 3 Steve Smith straight in opening up with kicks, Arthur in with his jumping kicks, Smith is now landing knees and both guys are very game in this final third round. Smith lands a nice straight right on Arthur and both give it there all. (For a debut fighter Theo Arthur has a great set of tools to go far).

WINNER VIA UD 30-27 STEVE SMITH

PRO MMA 3X5 MINS

MICHAEL OLIVER INDEPENDENT FIGHTER 0-3 CHRIS ASTLEY TROJAN FREE FIGHTERS 1-1

Round 1 Chris Astley comes out and gains the TD landing in side control, Oliver had Astley’s leg trapped, Astley landing knees into Olivers side which breaks his leg grip. Astley moves into full mount, raining punches and Elbows with intent, referee Ron Frith steps in and stops the fight.

WINNER 1MIN 37SEC RND 1 VIA TKO CHRIS ASTLEY

SHANE RILEY BROTHERHOOD MMA 2-3 CHRIS HIPKISS FURY MMA 6-5

Round 1 Chris Hipkiss comes straight in with a great punch to Riley, both struggle for dominance then Riley gets Hipkiss against the cage and throws some hard knees and foot stomps, Riley takes the action to the ground. Hipkiss gets out and lands in side control then moves to mount landing some shots all the while Riley is well aware of Hipkiss’s arm as he is looking for an armbar for which he gets and succeeds.

WINNER 3MIN 59SEC RND 1 VIA ARMBAR SHANE RILEY

#FOTN THEO ARTHUR AND STEVE SMITH

# SOTN SHANE RILEY – ARMBAR

# KOTN CARL SWABY

Next event is ULTIMIATE IMPACT CAGEFIGHTING 12 on June 28^th at GL1 LEISURE CENTRE GLOUCESTER – INCLUDING 3 TITLE FIGHTS

FIGHT CARD VERBALLY AGREED AS IT STANDS NOW: ***CAN BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

Phil Wells v Adam Boussif ww pro title
Laura Handy v Cheryl Flynn flw k1 title
Wayne Drake v Terry Doyle Lw pro title
Craig White v Jon Williamson mw pro
Mark Finney v Rhys Parker 68kg catchweight pro
Chris Astley v Toby Hartman ww pro
Bryony Tyrell v Paulina Malina 53kg Ammy
Jack Shore v Piotr Egert Lw Ammy
Carl Swaby v Aerion Orme 68kg Ammy
Matt ‘George’ Hartill v Bryn cooper Lw k1
Cadre Abdulafur v Duane Barnes 73kg k1
Greg artis v Thomas Karpinski fw b-class Ammy
Mason Carter v Nathan Powell 58kg b-class Ammy
Raymond nelmes v dan reeves ww k1 Ammy
Camille Sch v Sophie Tidey 55kg k1 Ammy
Jacob Davies v paul Livingston fw b-class Ammy
Lawrence Coates v jack price 72kg k1 Ammy

For more info on tickets http://www.ultimateimpactevents.com/index.php/shop/tickets

PHOTO CREDITS: SETH BATES www.facebook.com/SethBatesPhotographyDesign

ULTIMATE IMPACT FIGHT NIGHT 2 FULL FIGHT CARD APRIL 26TH GLOUCESTER

Tomorrow night, Saturday 26th April, Liquid Nightclub in Gloucester will host Ultimate Impact Fight Night 2.

A night of Professional, amateur MMA and K1 is on the cards.

Full fight card

Shane Riley v Chris Hipkiss WW PRO

Chris Astley v Michael Oliver 81kg Catchweight PRO

Theo Aarthur v Steve Smith 80kg k1

Ahren Foster v Carl Swaby 68kg Ammy

Marty Wolf v Michal Figlak 68kg Ammy

James Hall v Matt Kaufman 77kg k1

Talasi May v Johnny Bryant BW Ammy

Will Stephenson v Adam Greene MW Ammy

Ben Harris v Cadre Abdulafur 75kg k1

Lewis Clapham v Matt Figlak 72kg Ammy

Brad Wellaway v Jack Bryant 58kg Ammy

Tickets will be available on the door. Standard £25 and VIP £30

Doors open at 5pm first fight at 5.30pm.

UIC11 EVENT REVIEW – BENSKIN VS COOK 2 at GL1 FEB 22ND

`Ultimate Impact 11 held their first event of 2014 Benskin VS Cook 2 at their new location of GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester on Saturday 22^nd February to an electrified, pumped up full house.

With six K1 fights on the card including four female K1 fights and seven MMA fights, Paul Sutherland and Dan Richards had definitely pulled this one out of the bag yet again with each show just getting better and better.

The main event was all about the Middleweight Title re-match between Lenny Benskin and Tommy Cook, after the first outing ended in a DQ for Lenny Benskin in which Tommy Cook gained The Middleweight Title; it was there in the centre of the cage both men agreed to an instant re-match and tonight was the night.

Referee’s Ron Frith and Leon Roberts were the third men in the cage and MC for the night was Darren Rees.

It was time to get the first fight underway and the atmosphere of the crowd in the new home of UIC, you could already start to feel the warm, electric vibe.

UNIFIED AMATEUR MMA 70kg 3X3 MINS

JACK PRICE FURY MMA 0-1 JACK ‘THE LORD’SHORE TILLERY COMBAT 2-0

Rnd 1 Both men are straight of out the cage but it’s Shore who gains the TD and quickly moves into side control and then top position raining blows on Price who is trying to defend the flurry of shots and whilst doing so turns onto his stomach. Shore is controlling the action from the outset, and then sealing Price’s fate with a RNC at the 2min 3sec mark of Round 1.

WINNER JACK SHORE VIA RNC

K1 AMATEUR FEMALE 50KG 3×2 MINS

KATIE ELKOVA GLOUCESTER MARTIAL ARTS 1-0 PAULINA MALINA TROJAN FREE FIGHTERS DEBUT

Rnd 1 Elkova straight in with kicks in this fast paced opening few seconds. Malina pushing forward as the aggressor and drops Elkova, then Malina comes in with a lovely superman punch using her clean timed punches well. Elkova moving forward using her punches and making good use of her sidekicks.

Rnd 2 Both women come out fast, Malina coming forward with her punches and starting to use more of her leg kicks, Elkova Is starting to come into her own as both women trade alike, Malina with a great spinning back fist, Elkova moving forward and making this a two-sided affair.

Rnd 3 Elkova straight in with a one, two combination followed by Malina landing a spinning back fist and a flying knee in this fast paced round. Both women have a sense of urgency about them in this final round with neither giving an inch as the sound of clappers go for the last ten seconds Malina drops Elkova. WINNER VIA DECISION PAULINA MALINA

Paulina 'Young Gun' Malina — (c) NJFPhotography.com

K1 AMATEUR FEMALE 55KG 3X2MINS

ZOWIE TREVENA REVOULTION GYM 0-2 LEA FENDT EAST WEST MUAY THAI 0-1

RND 1 Both women come out fast; Trevena making use of angles whilst Fendt is stalking down her opponent, Trevena is in and out, circling off to the side as Fendt is still finding her range and rhythm but also landing some awesome kicks and punches in the process. Trevena has landed her own shots this first round and it is definitely not a one sided affair.

Rnd 2 Trevena is out first and lands with a front kick for which Fendt replies with a brutal sidekick, Trevena drops to her knees in agony. Referee Ron Frith checks Trevena is able to carry on – all the while Fendt’s corner are shouting at the ref for allowing ‘too much time’ and Trevena’s corner are telling her to ‘suck it up’ but the look on Trevena’s face tells a different story! With Fendt knowing she had done damage, she finds her rhythm coming forward landing brutal knees and kicks just as it signals for the end of the round.

Rnd 3 Fendt having found her earlier momentum and rhythm she is straight back where she left off throwing some brutal leg kicks and knees then threw an awesome head kick which KO’d Trevena at 1min 01 sec Rnd 3. WINNER LEA FENDT VIA KO

UNIFIED AMATEUR MMA 72KG 3X3MINS

CADRE ‘CJ’ ABDULAFUR GLOUCESTER MARTIAL ARTS 0-1 MATT FIGLAK TROJAN FREE FIGHTERS 2-1

Rnd1 Abulafur is straight out with punches, Figlak attempts an TD but Abdulafur pulls guard, Figlak in side control then gains top position where both men are working battling it out, Figlak being the dominant one with top position but Abulafur also working hard from bottom position.

Rnd 2 Figlak straight out and gains the TD, working hard from mount only for Abulafur to get back to his feet briefly and Figlak take him down again although whilst doing so Abulafur has made the error in leaving his arm out and Figlak capilatizes on this but to no avail. Figlak gains another TD and continues to control Abulafur from mount.

Rnd 3 Figlak comes out punching and gets the TD, working from mount controlling Abdulafur this is far by means a one sided affair as Abdulafur is holding his own in this well evenly matched fight.

WINNER MATT FIGLAK VIA UD

K1 MENS 68KG 3X2MINS

MATT HARTHILL FURY MMA 1-0 MATT SANSOM EAST WEST MUAY THAI 0-1

Rnd 1 Both men come out fast and are going for this like there is no tomorrow, it is constant action from the beginning with neither man not backing down. Both men are looking fierce but i’m sensing Harthill is just wanting it a bit more in this very even first round.

Rnd 2 Sansom comes out and lands an awesome high kick but its Harthill that is like a man possessed, then at 1min 16 secs Harthill KO’s Sansom. WINNER MATT HARTHILL VIA KO

UNIFIED AMATEUR MMA 59KG 3X3MINS

DARYL GRANT LIONS DENS MMA 4-1 EUAN WALLACE TROJAN FREE FIGHTERS 1-0

Rnd 1 Both men opened up with exchanges of kicks, Wallace gains the TD whilst Grant is working of his back looking for a submission, sees a small opening for an arm triangle and attempts to secure the position but to no avail.

Rnd 2 Grant opens the round with kicks and Wallace returns the favour an awesome sidekick as he does Grant comes rushing forward, there is a scramble of some sorts, I am yelling Wallace watch for the guillotine, next you know, Grant seals the deal with the Guillotine at 0.25 secs Rnd 2.

WINNER DARYL GRANT VIA GUILLOTINE

K1 AMATEUR FEMALE 55KG 3X2MINS

SAMMY DONNELLY COMBAT WARRIORS 2-2 HELEN HARPER ANDY ROBERTS BJJ DEBUT

Rnd 1 Both women come our fierce, with pure intention, working there kicks and solid knees whilst in the clinch position, Donnelly lands a lovely spinning back fist whilst Harper appears to be keeping it basic and trying to find her range in this first round.

Rnd 2 Both women come straight out firing shots at one another; Donnelly is really mixing it up well, Harper has now found her range and is landing more of her strikes on target but that is not to say Donnelly is not in this fight, quite the opposite. Donnelley is coming back with counter punches and knees of her own, making this a very even fight at this point.

Rnd 3 Harper has found her rhythm and Donnelly appears to have been caught in Harpers clinches and been dealt some of Harpers knees, just when you think Donnelley is backed up against the cage she comes back and dominates the last 15 seconds or so of this very evenly fought fight.

WINNER VIA SPLIT DECISION HELEN HARPER

UNIFIED AMATEUR MMA 60KG 3X3MINS

MICHAEL JONES TILLERY COMBAT 1-1 AMAN SAKHIZEDEH TROJAN FREE FIGHTERS 2-0

Rnd 1 Great opening round for both men, both men are feeling each other out, Sakhizedeh teeps Jones straight in the face but this does not faze Jones, he is still moving forward throughout the first round and neither man is not backing down.

Rnd 2 Sakhizedeh straight in and shoots, gains the TD, working in top position as Jones is moving back to his corner against the cage on his back then is back to his feet. Sakhizedeh shoots in for another TD just before the end of the round finishes.

Rnd 3 Sakhizedeh comes out and get Jones in a great Arm Drag Wrestling move for which the crowd go wild, Jones is straight back to his feet, Sakhizedeh has Jones against the cage working for a position but to no avail. The action moves towards the centre of the cage, Sakhizedeh shows more of his great pedigree background in wrestling. Jones puts up a terrific fight but he was just out wrestled on the night. WINNER AMAN SAKHIZEDEH VIA UD

PRO MMA 68KG 3X5MINS

KARL EVANS FURY MMA DEBUT MARK FINNEY TROJAN FREE FIGHTERS DEBUT

Rnd 1 Finney straight in with a one, two combination and knocks Evans down Finney on top raining blows. Evans manages to get back up and both men are going back at it, there’s a scramble and Evans attempts an guillotine, Finney escapes by cage walking – but you really had to see this ‘technique’ he pulled off to escape back to his feet. As soon as they are back to their feet neither man is backing down, it again goes back to the ground and both men are fighting hard for Top position, Evans sees Finney has his arm out during one of their many ‘roll’s to gain Top position and takes it at 4min 24 secs Rnd 1

WINNER KARL EVANS VIA ARMBAR

K1 MENS 3X2 MINS

STEVE SMITH GLOUCESTER MARTIAL ARTS 2-0 MATT KAUFMAN TROJAN FREE FIGHTERS 2-0

Rnd 1 Both men come out with a striking clinic and neither man is backing down. Kaufman drops Smith in the last seconds of the rounds with a brutal leg kick.

Rnd 2 Smith lands a brutal leg kick that drops Kaufman who does a celebratory jump, which is a bit premature as Kaufman recovers and comes back fighting with a lot more intent.

Rnd 3 Smith lands a great right that dropped Kaufman but Kaufman is not shying away and is still pushing the action forward in this action packed fight.

WINNER STEVE SMITH VIA UD

PRO MMA 77KG WELTERWEIGHT 3X5MINS

ADAM BOUSIFF TEAM FORCE 3-2 CHRIS ASTLEY TROJAN FREE FIGHTER 1-0

Rnd 1 Bousiff straight out and catches Astley with a left hook which drops him, Bousiff is straight on Astley to finish the job in hand, landing several shots before referee Leon Roberts calls a stop to the fight at 0.19secs. WINNER ADAM BOUSIFF VIA TKO

K1 FEMALE 58KG TITLE ELIMIATOR FIGHT 3X2MINS

LAURA HANDY FURY MMA 2-0 ANYA BAKER THE MAT ACADAMEY 2-1

Rnd 1 Both women come out fast, Handy finding her target with her long reach and constant jabs and punches early on. Baker being the more cautious fighter and using her kicks to start with. Handy gets Baker with one of her awesome knees and drops Baker in this opening round.

Rnd 2 Baker is out first and is using her kicks to reach Handy and it’s clear you can see Baker’s kicks have been damaging as I notice a big red mark on Handy’s left outside thigh. Handy is pushing forward with her awesome punching making Baker work against the cage; this is a great display of who wants this title eliminator the most in this second round.

Rnd 3 Handy straight out and in with a one, two combination followed by her awesome knees and even more punches, making Baker work off the cage. This is not a one sided affair Baker is giving Handy her own share of kicks and punches which seems as Handy is coming under fire a little in the dying seconds of the final round, as she has Baker against the cage wall. Both women give it their all in this all-out war and leave everything in the cage.

WINNER LAURA HANDY VIA UD

PRO MMA 84KG MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE

LENNY BENSKIN BROTHERHOOD MMA 0-1 TOMMY COOK IRON MANN GYM 3-0

Rnd 1 Cook shoots in and gets Benskin down, Cook on top and looking for a position all the while Cook is grinding out punches to Benskin, it gets back to their feet and Benskin is raining in some short sharp elbows to Cook’s head. Cook then gets Benskin to the ground and throws his own punches on Benskin, showing just how much this Title fight means to both men. Benskin has managed to stop quite a few of Cook’s TD’s and only two have been successful in this opening, exiting round.

Rnd 2 Cook again shoots in and Benskin defends the TD perfectly and replies with short harsh elbows to Cook’s head. Cook has Benskin against the cage and is throwing knees, and for a brief, second it did appear Benskin was in a bit of trouble but Benskin rolled out of it, Cook got straight back on Benskin raining blow after blow and even some nasty elbows. Benskin is covering up at this point and Cook rolls him over and attempts a RNC to no avail. Benskin turtles up and weathers the storm and the remainder of the round.

Rnd 3 Cook comes straight out and in for the TD for which he briefly gets as Benskin is straight out into side control against the cage. Benskin trying to land punches but Cook has hold of his wrist and therefore gains wrist control although a few of Benskin punches manages to get through, Cook gets out and gets Benskins back only for Benskin to roll to his front. Cook now in Top position, both trying to gain punches, Benskin gets Cook rolled over and he is now on Top in this ‘topsey turvey’ last few moments of this exciting Title Fight. It is clear to say that neither man wants to lose this fight. This fight had everything from start to finish and both men left everything in the cage.

WINNER AND STILL UIC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION TOMMY COOK VIA UD

UIC 11 Middleweight Champion – Tommy Cook (c) Emma Bramford

Photo Credits: NJFPhotography

ULTIMATE IMPACT 11 RESULTS

ULTIMATE IMPACT 11

FEBRUARY 22ND

GL1 LEISURE CENTRE

GLOUCESTER

#UIC 11 Started the year with an almighty bang.

The night consisted of 6 K1 fights and 7 MMA fights, in which 4 of the 6 K1 fights were represented by the women.

Here is a round up of the nights results with a full event report coming shortly.

**Jack Shore Def Jack Price Via RNC 2mins 3sec Rnd 1

***Paulina Malina Def Katie Elkova Via Decision

***Lea Fendt Def Zowie Trevena Via KO 1min 01sec Rnd 3

**Matt Figlak Def Cadre Abulafur Via UD

***Matt Harthill Def Matt Sansom Via KO 1min 16 sec Rnd 2

**Daryl Grant Def Euan Wallace Via Guillotine 0.25 secs Rnd2

***Helen Harper Def Sammy Donnley Via Split Decison

**Aman Sakhizedeh Def Michael Jones Via UD

**Karl Evans Def Mark Finney Via Armbar 4min 24 secs Rnd 1

***Steve Smith Def Matt Kaufman Via UD

**Adam Bousiff Def Chris Astley Via TKO 0.19secs Rnd 1

***Laura Handy Def Anya Baker Via UD

**Tommy Cook Def Leighthan Benskin Via UD*

* Tommy Cook still The Middleweight UIC Champion

** MMA

*** K1

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

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

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

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!

Last post for 2013 – A lot of Thank You’s and some pictures :)

It’s been a challenging year for me but I wouldn’t change it for one second, after all I got to do what so many of you still want to do and I have achieved all of it in the six months that I started this harsh challenge – which fell into my lap purely by coincidence (you will have to refer back to my very first blog read about that one)!

I will however give a big shout out to the person who got me started not only in writing my own blog but who introduced me to what I currently do, and that is Jonathan Millard, for whom I am forever grateful to.

What alot of people, more than likely do not know about me, is that I have been in the ‘combat sport industry’ for just over 20 years now, so I have legitmately worked my way up the ladder – although, it’s fine for you to believe whatever you choose to believe, I personally don’t give a shit, again those that really know me, know that also!

I got to cover local grass root shows, which to me I have always been a great fan of and will always take time out of my schedule to go cover them as much as I can, I covered Pain Pit 3 times, Ultimate Impact, Into The Cage, Neilson Promotions White Collar Boxing then I also covered Cage Warriors, BAMMA and UFC Manchester, not bad even if I do say so myself!

Then a great event happend for UKMMA – The UKMMA Expo in Manchester and I got to be part of the only Media Team that had Access All Areas and when I say that, I truly mean that; not like all the other Media people that came in, the team I was with we were set up in the ‘Green Room’ with all our equipment and at one point their was one great surreal moment that I for one will never ever forget 🙂

It was a great run event by Darren Sherlock and Paul Crossley and of course Darren’s wife Michelle, all timed perefectly for when Michael Bisping would be in the UK, Manchester as it happens (his own town) and just after being announced he would be facing Mark Munoz, here also in Manchester in October (unfortuntaly due to Michael needing eye surgery he was forced to withdraw from the bout and Lyoto Machida replaced him)!

There were UFC athletes, Guest athletes, Guest speakers, Seminars to train with some of the Guest athletes and stalls for the MMA community to come together and show there products of to the public; also there was the stall for SAFE MMA – for which I personally went over to Izzy Carnwath and spoke to her to see SAFE MMA was all about, how promotions could get involved and WHY they should. I had such a better understanding afterwards.

Here is mine and Izzy’s SAFE MMA interview we also talk BAMMA 13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBGFMXpvdHE

There was also a big NoGi BJJ competiton on, running throughout the Sunday which was awesome and six females took part amongst the hundreds of men.

At the show I managed to Video Interview (yes that was a very first for me) The Legend Ian ‘The Machine’ Freeman straight after his MMA Seminar – let me tell you know this guy is 100% gentleman when talking to him, Ian made my first video interview effortless (well I thought) 🙂

Here is mine and Ian’s interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLO5WYrGcCM

I would however like to say a very big thank you to all the athlete’s I have worked with (so far) without you giving up your time I would not of had your stories/journeys to write about and some very memorable moments to say the least, so in list of when they were interviewed here they all are:

Leigh Remedios

Alexei Roberts

Mario Saeed

War Machine

‘Rowdy’ Bec Hyatt

Ian ‘The Machine’ Freeman

Hector Lombard

Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher

Bryony Tyrell

Aaron ‘Smackwell’ Blackwell

Jack ‘The Hammer’ Marshman

Lew Long

Jorge ‘Michelan’ Bezerra

Rosi Sexton

Faisel Ghazghazi

Mark ‘The hand of’ Godbeer

Lauren Murphy

And of course it would not be me, if I did not add in afew pictures of me with some of the athletes I had met 🙂

Have a great New Year.

Emma

PS I’ve kept all my boxing ones out of this one but look out for it next year 🙂

Bellator signs Trojan Free Fighter Stuart Austin

Bellator have added a new UK heavyweight to their growing roster of talented fighters.

CEO Bjorn Rebney tweeted:

Fighting out of the well known Trojan Free Fighters in Cheltenham, Stuart Austin (7-0) , known for his ‘He-Man’ style in appearance; the undefeated heavyweight had his busiest year to date fighting three times, including defending his Heavyweight Title Belt at Pain Pit Fight Night 7 – Collision in Wales and just coming off a . 40 second KO win against Lewis Tynan at Ultimate Impact 10 on November 16th.

Austin has finished six out of his seven opponents with only one going to a decision, which was his second pro fight back in 2011; his first pro fight lasted 1 min.12 sec back in 2010 winning via TKO.

Being signed to Bellator is certaintly what Austin deserves, and the big step up in competition he will be facing is clearly one he and his team, along with Head Coach Paul Sutherland are fully committed to taking; after all Austin now gets to join the ranks of fellow team mate Mark Godbeer in the Bellator MMA heavyweight ranks.

No official date or opponent has been confirmed as of yet, but it is expected that the debut will be in the spring for his first outing and NOT part of the tournament format to begin with.

Photo Credit: Huw Fairclough (Short&Round)

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: