The historic Fillmore theatre in Denver, Colorado, home of UFC 2 and the first Ultimate Ultimate tournament hosted the Ring of Fire show, “Summer Brawl” August 28, 2010.  There were nine bouts on the card featuring UFC veterans, local superstars and one women’s bout.

Main Event:

Eliot Marshall vs. Josh Haynes in a professional bout. 

Haynes came out with very hard punches and twice defended the takedown attempts of Marshall.  Marshall landed a glancing head kick then again had a takedown attempt stuffed by Haynes.  The round ended with each flurrying punches. 

Round two began with both fighters landing accurate punches and Haynes again stopping the takedown of Marshall.    The action was stopped so Marshall could recover from an accidental groin strike.  After restarting, the fighters both landed solid punches in multiple exchanges with Haynes looking for, but missing a takedown to end the round. 

Round three began with punch exchanges until Marshall got a takedown into half mount.  Haynes scrambled and got the fight back to standing but Marshall trapped a kick to get another takedown.  Marshall worked into full mount, then back control to set in a tight RNC.  Haynes scrambled out, but Marshall again got the back to try for the choke which Haynes defended until the bell ended the fight. 

The scorecards were used to determine the main event winner and it was Eliot Marshall by unanimous decision.

Co-Main Event:

Brandon Thatch vs. Danny Davis Jr. in a professional bout. 

The fighters immediately exchanged hard strikes before Thatch got a bodylock takedown and worked GNP from half mount. 

The fighters scrambled to their feet and Thatch immediately got another takedown into half mount. 

Davis was able to momentarily take top position but Thatch got a quick sweep to set up more GNP. 

Davis initiated a scramble but Thatch got back control and set in the RNC for the tapout win at 4:12 of round two.

Ron Muir vs. Angelo Duarte in a professional bout. 

Muir scored first by way of a double leg takedown into side control to work his GNP.  Duarte worked to his knees then standing, but was taken down by way of head control and Muir threatened with chokes until the round ended. 

Round two had the fighters immediately going to the mat with Muir scrambling to side control for GNP which he used to set up an anaconda choke attempt.  Duarte escaped to back control to set in a very tight RNC that Muir was able to fight off.  Muir rolled to his knees but Duarte maintained back control and worked GNP before Muir turned in to end the round. 

Round three began with Duarte snapping Muir’s head back with a stiff jab, but Muir pushed him into the cage to get a double leg takedown then transition from side control into full mount.  The action slowed and the referee stood the fighters.  Duarte stuffed a takedown attempt and ended in the guard of Muir to work his GNP.  Again the referee stood the fighters and again Duarte stuffed the takedown of Muir. 

The combatants worked back to standing and Muir had success with a takedown to work GNP from side control.  The fighters scrambled to their feet just before the bell ended the bout.  The scorecards were totaled and the winner by unanimous decision was Angelo Duarte.

Vellore Caballero vs. Bruce Reis in a professional bout. 

Caballero used an inside let trip takedown and quickly transitioned to full mount to work his GNP attack.  Reis scored a reversal, stood and let up Caballero. 

Reis then got a takedown, but caballero ended in half mount.  Reis again reversed and stood to score well with his striking. 

Reis then initiated a takedown but Caballero landed in back control and worked between GNP and RNC attempts until Reis escaped to standing.  Again Reis got a takedown and ended the round with GNP.  R

ound two had Reis pushing Caballero into the cage with strikes, dropping him with solid knees then following with GNP from standing to get the TKO at :27 of round two.

Michelle Blalock vs. Marciea Allen in an elimination bout. 

Allen landed three stinging head kicks early before Blalock worked into the clinch to land solid knees.  After separating Allen initiated the clinch against the cage and Blalock was penalized one point for grabbing the cage.  After restarting Blalock initiated a takedown but Allen controlled the fall and stood to work punches and kicks from above to end the round. 

Round two began with Blalock slipping punches and countering well before dropping for a rolling kneebar that Allen defended.  Blalock scrambled to top control and worked GNP before again losing a point for grabbing the fence.  The fight restarted standing and both combatants landed strong punches in and out of the clinch to end the round. 

Round three saw Blalock getting a second effort takedown and working into full mount before utilizing powerful elbow strikes to get the TKO win at 1:57 of round one.

The rest of the bouts were fought on the preliminary card.

Tyrone Wright vs. Todd Meredith. 

Both fighters came out with strong punches before Meredith scored a takedown. 

Meredith transitioned from side control to half-mount to work knees to the body. 

Wright signaled he needed to stop because of an injury so it was ruled a verbal tapout win for Meredith at 2:10 of round one.

Chasen Finkelstein vs. Howie Spratte. 

Finkelstein scored early with a takedown.  From side control he used GNP to set up a transition to full mount for continued GNP.  Spratte pulled off a backdoor escape to set in a heel-hook.  Finkelstein escaped and scrambled to end on top to end the round. 

Round two had even striking early before Spratte used punches to get the clinch to set up a body lock takedown.  Finkelstein was able to use head control to pull Spratte over to end in his guard.  Off of a scramble Finkelstein set in a topside guillotine but again Spratte got a backdoor escape and the fighters traded ankle lock attempts to end the round. 

Round three opened with Spratte missing with a rolling knee bar off of the clinch.  On the ground Finkelstein stood then jumped into the guard of Spratte with a punch.  The action slowed and the referee stood the fighters.  Spratte scored a single leg takedown and from off of his back Finkelstein tried for an armbar. 

Spratte escaped and Finkelstein ended the round in his guard.  The scorecards determined then winner and by way of unanimous decision it was Jason Finkelstein.  .

Zach Walsh vs. Olajuwon Rogers. 

Rogers trapped a leg kick to get a takedown, but Walsh scrambled to his feet.  Rogers then closed in for a takedown and Walsh spent most of the rest of the round looking for a standing guillotine that Rogers defended. 

Round two had Walsh immediately flurrying with punches to set up a takedown. 

On the ground Walsh worked GNP from half-guard.  Three times Rogers yelled out in pain so the fight was stopped and ruled a verbal tapout win for Walsh at :48 Round two.

Richard Delfin vs. Cody Freeman. 

Delfin opened with strong kicks then knees while clinched that hurt Freeman.  After separating Delfin landed a crescent kick that turned Freeman and Delfin jumped to standing back control and finished the round landing strikes from there (stand-and-pound). 

Round two had even back and forth striking all round with Freeman getting a takedown to end the round. 

Round three had the fighters trading strong knees clinched before Delfin momentarily knocked down Freeman with a spinning kick.  Freeman scrambled to his feet, scored a takedown and ended the round with GNP. 

The scorecards were totaled and the winner was Richard Delfin by unanimous decision.

Steve Hanna vs. Larry Williams. 

The fighters traded kicks early then Hanna scored a takedown and set in an armbar from guard.  Hanna rolled face down to stretch the arm and secure the tapout win at 2:33 of round one.

Ring Of Fire Ring Card Girls Miranda Renner & Karissa Schroeder…

“Of the night” moments:

Takedown of the night goes to Ron Muir for his multiple double leg takedowns.

Submission of the night goes to Brandon Thatch for his fight winning RNC late in the first round.

KO/TKO of the night goes to Michelle Blalock for her fight ending TKO GNP in the third round.

Fight of the night goes to Chasen Finkelstein vs. Howie Spratte for their back and forth three round battle that showcased striking, grappling, submission attempts and escapes to entertain the crowd for all three rounds.

Thanks to the sponsors for making the event possible.

Best in Health and Training,

J.R. Gordon/MMABuzz.com

Fight Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

Just a few short weeks ago Eliot Marshall was looking for a fight.

Well he found one. Actually he found two. The former UFC light heavyweight is on a mission to get back to the Octagon, and the road starts Friday in Ring of Fire where Marshall takes on fellow former “Ultimate Fighter” competitor Josh Haynes.

Two weeks after Marshall faces Haynes, he’ll fight again in the Bring the Thunder MMA promotion. All of this with one, single, solitary thought in mind…

The UFC or bust.

“The goal is the UFC. Let’s not beat around the bush, that’s where the best fighters fight,” Marshall said in an interview with MMAWeekly.com. “Yeah, there’s this guy that’s here, there’s this guy that’s there, and you’re always going to have this talk like ‘what if (Alistair) Overeem, or Fedor, or whatever. You tell me where the best guys fight? They fight in the UFC.”

Following his loss to Vladdy Matyushenko earlier this year, Marshall was given his walking papers from the UFC. The Colorado based fighter admits that pink slip was one of the toughest things he’s ever had to accept. While he may have had no choice in the matter, he also has made it his personal mission to earn his way back to the big show.

“Sure, Dream would be cool, go to Japan; Strikeforce would be cool; but overall the best fighters, it’s in the UFC,” Marshall commented. “I’ll fight wherever working up to it, whatever it takes. Do you want to play in the CFL or the NFL?”

With a new son and a wife at home, Marshall is looking at the big picture when it comes to his MMA career. He doesn’t want to leave anything on the table, and know that he could have taken a bigger step, or accomplished bigger goals.

Like Crash Davis in the film “Bull Durham” as he looks at a younger, better prospect get called up to the majors while he toils away in the minors, Marshall doesn’t want that regret, and he’s willing to fight, scratch and claw his way back to the top.

It starts at Ring of Fire on Friday, and while former “Ultimate Fighter” finalist, Josh Haynes, will be the man to step in the cage against him, Marshall admits it didn’t really matter who signed on the dotted line to face him. He was a marked man as soon as the pen hit the paper.

“I’m just excited to have a fight,” said Marshall. “I’m excited to show I changed the style a little bit, let’s go see how we do. Let’s see how we do and then use all that frustration, those past four months or however long it’s been, let’s just put it out there.”

Following this fight and the show just two weeks later, if Marshall doesn’t get the call from UFC matchmaker Joe Silva inviting him back, he’ll keep beating people up until he earns a return ticket. From there he plans on working his way all the way to a title shot.

“I’m not a fan of everything Chael Sonnen says, but he hit the nail on the head the other day when he was like look, you’re a goddamned coward if when they ask you who you want to fight next, if my answer is not Shogun, I’m a coward,” Marshall said emphatically. “He’s right. Shogun’s the best in the world. Shogun’s the light heavyweight champion of the world. So that’s who I want to fight. Why not?

“He’s right. If you don’t want to fight the titleholder, you’re a coward.”

After weeks of waiting for an opponent to step up to face him, Marshall says the talking is over; it’s time to fight.

“I can talk the best game in the world if you want me to,” Marshall said. “Let’s see what happens in the cage. I bet you it will be 10 o’clock on Friday night.”

Courtesy of Damon Martin/MMAWeekly.com

Fight Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

Eliot “The Fire” Marshall has been burning to get back in the cage ever since his abrupt departure from the UFC earlier this year. He’s now set to return as the Colorado native goes back to Ring of Fire to take on Josh Haynes in the main event of their upcoming Aug. 27 event.

Marshall confirmed the fight with MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday.

While going 3-1 in the Octagon following a stint on “The Ultimate Fighter,” Marshall was released from the UFC in a somewhat confusing move, but he hasn’t been deterred and hopes to earn his way back with a few impressive victories.

Marshall actually spent the first six fights of his pro career in the Ring of Fire promotion before moving on to “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show in 2008.

Standing in the way of Marshall’s return is another “Ultimate Fighter” alum in Season 3 finalist Josh “Bring the Pain” Haynes, who has been on a rollercoaster ride of weight classes and opponents over the last few years.

Fighting at 205 pounds during the third season of the reality show, Haynes lost by TKO to Michael Bisping in the finale. After that, he dropped all the way down to 170 pounds before moving back up to a different weight class.

Haynes has won his last two fights, defeating Sean Salmon and Rafael del Real, and hopes to build upon that momentum heading into the August fight with Marshall.

More fights will be announced in the coming weeks for the upcoming Ring of Fire show in Colorado.

Courtesy of Damon Martin/MMAWeekly.com

Fight Foto by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

The First Bank Event Center in Broomfield Colorado hosted the 38th Ring of Fire show titled, “Ascension.”  For the first time in the history of the promotion the main event was a women’s title bout.  There were three women’s matches, twelve matches total and three titles on the line.

Main event:

Cat Albert vs Ivana Coleman for the Ring of Fire women’s 125 lb. championship.

Albert opened with a flying knee that she used to set up the clinch.

Coleman momentarily defended the takedown, but when it went to the mat Albert worked GNP from side control, transitioned to mount, then took back control and flurried with more GNP to get the title winning TKO victory at 1:34 of round one.

……….

Christian Allen vs Scott Holman for the Ring of Fire 135 lb. championship.

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Allen opened with a head kick and Holman answered with a takedown, but Allen got head control and was able to roll Holman and set in an anaconda choke.

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Allen got the choke tight, held it briefly then signaled to the referee that Holman was unconscious.

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The referee stopped the bout and Allen got the title win at :54 of round one.

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Chaun Simms vs Andreas Sprang.

Simms came out displaying fast punches then the action stopped so Spang could recover from an accidental low blow.

On the restart Simms closed in and got a big scoop slam.  Simms then worked GNP, took mount, transitioned to back control and worked for an RNC.

Spang defended the choke, turned in and the fighters scrambled to standing.

After standing Spang landed a hard left hook for the clean KO victory at 3:38 of round one.

Robert Martinez vs Danny Davis.

Both fighters worked strikes from the outside until Martinez slipped throwing a kick and Davis closed in and worked GNP.  The referee stood the fighters when the action slowed and each landed solid punches and Davis landing a solid jumping knee to end the round.

Round two began with Martinez landing a hook punch that stunned Davis but Davis recovered and answered with  solid knees in the clinch followed by a head kick.  Martinez backed out and landed several solid punch flurries before Davis got a takedown.

Martinez got to his knees and drove forward to get a single leg takedown to set up some GNP.  In a scramble the fighters came back to standing and threw strikes to end the round.

Round three had Martinez putting on a boxing display with Davis showcasing his Muay Thai Skills until Martinez got a takedown and worked GNP while Davis tried to set up submissions until the bell ended the bout.

The scorecards were read and it was an unanimous decision win for Robert Martinez.

Vinnie Lopez vs Chris Holland.

Both fighters came out exchanging hard strikes with Holland favoring kicks while Lopez mainly used his punches.

Holland stepped in to close the distance and landed a left hook followed by an overhand right that dropped Lopez.  Holland landed a single punch on the mat and got the KO victory at 1:32 of round one.

Sam Rauch vs Kasheem Peterson.

Off of an early clinch Peterson landed a series of knee strikes before the referee separated the fighters.  Peterson scored a takedown but both scrambled back to their feet.  In the clinch each fighter landed knee strikes and Rauch scored a takedown, transitioned to mount and went for an armbar but the referee stopped the action because Rauch had grabbed the cage.

They restarted standing and Rauch got a single leg takedown to end the round.

Round two had Rauch getting an early takedown then the referee stood the fighters and took a point from Peterson for repeatedly grabbing the shorts of his opponent.  Peterson then landed a hard body kick, but Rauch trapped it and got a takedown.  On the ground Peterson set in a tight Kimura but Rauch escaped and took full mount.  Peterson got a sweep, stood and let Rauch come to standing.  Rauch ended the round with a takedown.

Round three saw Rauch go for an early shoot, get the takedown and work GNP.  Peterson set in another tight Kimura off of his back but Rauch escaped and transitioned to mount then back control.  Peterson escaped and stood and Rauch came to his feet upon the instructions of the referee.  Rauch again scored a takedown and worked GNP to end the round.

The scorecards were totaled and with the point penalty factored in the fight was ruled as a majority draw.

Kate Martinez vs Celestina Cano.

Martinez opened with strikes used to initiate the clinch.  Cano defended the takedown attempt, but Martinez set in a standing guillotine.

Cano defended the choke and Martinez used head control to transition to the back, then she jumped to standing back control with the hooks in and closed off a standing RNC for the submission victory at :52 of round one.

The rest of the fights were preliminary matches.

Nick Macias vs Andrew Alirez.

This fight went all three rounds with Macias scoring takedowns and working GNP in all three rounds while Alirez had his success coming with his standing striking.

The judge’s scorecards determined the winner and by way of unanimous decision it was Nick Macias.

Michelle Blalock vs Audrey Pang for the Ring of Fire Young Guns Championship.

This bout went all three rounds.  While Pang had some success with early takedowns it was the ground work, positional control and strong GNP of Michelle Blalock that got her the unanimous judges decision and the title.

Justin Gaethje vs Scott Cleve.

This was a back and forth fight with both fighters scoring takedowns, working GNP, attempting submissions and landing solid strikes while standing.

The judge’s scorecards determined the winner and by way of split decision the win went to Justin Gaethje.

Ian Chavez vs Valentine Marquez.

After a takedown Chavez escaped a solid ground attack by Marquez in order to use his GNP to set up the fight winning RNC at 2:14 of round one.

David Treanor vs Cole Stephenson.

Throughout round one and early in round two Stephenson was able to repeatedly land solid overhand right punches, but Treanor withstood the striking and used a head kick to knock down Stephenson.

On the ground Treanor took back control and set in the fight winning RNC at :37 of round two.

Ring Of Fire Ring Card Girl Miranda Renner…

“Of the night” moments:

Entrance music of the night goes to Cat Albert for coming out to M.C. Hammer’s, “Can’t touch this.”

Chin of the night goes to David Treanor for withstanding the repeated overhand right punches before getting the RNC victory.

Submission of the night goes to Kate Martinez for jumping to standing back control to set in the fight winning RNC.

KO of the night is a tie with Chris Holland and Andreas Spang.  Holland for scoring his KO early in round one against a known striker and Spang for withstanding the ground game of an Pan American champion grappler then coming back with a KO win.

Fight of the night goes to Robert Martinez and Danny Davis for their back and forth fight that showcased the skills of both fighters striking, in the clinch and on the ground with each withstanding the attack of the other for all three rounds.

Thanks to the sponsors for making the event possible.

Best in Health and Training,
J. R. Gordon.

Fight Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

After an explosion into the mainstream just a few years ago for women’s MMA, it seems that the genre has lost a bit of steam of late.

In order to help revitalize women’s MMA with an influx of up and coming talent, Colorado’s Ring of Fire is set to see the return of one of its top female fighters as Cat Albert steps back into the cage to headline this Saturday’s show.

“I’m feeling really confident,” Albert told MMAWeekly.com of her ROF return. “I haven’t taken any shortcuts; I’ve been working really hard and training for every possible competitor that could be put in my way.

“I feel super-prepared and I’m ready for fight time.”

After returning to MMA for the first time in nearly a year this past January, Albert says that all the issues she had to deal with in her time off have helped make her a better person and fighter.

“Really with all the health issues I had I was really confused whether or not I was going to be able to do all this stuff again,” she admitted. “I made it through and prospered, and having had experience, it’s gotten me to realize how much more of an actual athlete I am.

“I’m having a really good time figuring out how my body works, how to diet, exercise, running, cardio, and how they are all starting to fit for me.”

Originally scheduled to face Christina Marks in a 125-pound title showdown, Albert will now face off against Rich Clemente product Ivana Coleman.

When asked if the late change in opponent will affect Albert in any way, she replied, “Not at all. I don’t train for my opponents; they train for me.

“I always think about what I’m going to do and it never crosses my mind what they’re going to do until we get in there and bang.”

With Strikeforce committing to titles at 145 and 135 pounds for female fighters, it is possible they may also establish a belt at 125. In addition, Bellator FC is preparing to welcome in the women’s MMA on their upcoming season.

With both promotions showing a willingness to push female fighters, Albert feels her time to shine on a national spotlight could come sooner than later.

“I am excited to represent for whatever company wants to bring me up,” she said. “I feel I have a lot to show at 125 pounds and I’m really excited to present that to the fans.

“Whatever gets put in front of me, I trust my coaches to be able to decide that and train me for me. Any of those bigger names, I would absolutely love to fight them.”

Having established herself in Colorado as a fighter to watch, and having put behind her the problems that had plagued her in the past, Albert’s may very well be Ring of Fire’s next breakthrough star.

“I want to thank Zingano Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai of Colorado, Green Mountain Care, Temple Fightwear and Full Tilt Poker,” concluded Albert. “Come watch me rip it up Saturday night. I’m bringing my very best and I hope everybody has a great time.”

Courtesy of Mick Hammond/MMAWeekly.com

Fight Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

Colorado-based Ring of Fire MMA is one of the first mixed martial arts promotions to prominently feature female fighters. With Ring of Fire 38: Ascension, promoter Sven Bean takes it one step further, putting the ladies in the main event spotlight, as well as adding two women’s bouts on the undercard.

The main event features the promotion’s No. 1 ranked female fighter, Cat Albert, facing Gladiator Challenge women’s 125-pound champion Christina Marks for the Ring of Fire 125-pound women’s championship.

“I have been a supporter of Women’s MMA for a long time. We’ve been putting on women’s matches for years, and were the first in this region to do so. But it used to be really hard to find true trained fighters, and you only had a handful to choose from,” said Bean.

“But now the women ranks are growing. When you see a women’s bout headline a card on national TV, well you know the ladies have arrived. And it’s no different with Ring Of Fire. The time is right and I think the fans will respond as well.”

Albert being a world-class wrestler normally has the edge in grappling. Cat wrestled on the boys’ team in high school. She then advanced to compete in college and became a two-time national champion and two-time freestyle national champion.

In MMA, she has been able to transfer those skills effectively and controls her opponents with strength and positioning. But at ROF 38 she will have her hands full with Marks.

Hailing from the Fight Ugly team from San Diego, Calif., Marks brings a well-rounded skill set to the table. She finished her last opponent with a standing rear naked choke in the second round.

ROF 38: Ascension takes place June 5 at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colo., just outside of Denver.

Here is the current line up for ROF 38: Ascension

Main Event:
-Cat Albert vs. Christina Marks

ROF 135-pound Championship:
Christian Allen vs. TBD

Feature Bouts:
-Chaun Simms vs. Myeon Ho Bae
-Robert Martinez vs. Chidi Njokuani
-Sam Rauch vs. Kasheem Peterson
-Vinnie Lopez vs. Chris Holland
-Kate Martinez vs. Celestino Cano

Preliminary Bouts:
-Nick Macias vs. Andrew Alirez
-Michelle Blalock vs. Audrey Pang (Young Guns Title Match)
-Justin Gaethje vs. Craig Johnson
-Scott Cleave vs. Valentine Marquez
-Husam Alberq vs. Ian Chavez
-David Treanor vs. TBA

Courtesy of MMAWeekly.com

Fight Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

Something classic isn’t often duplicated.

Hollywood has tried to remake classic films, with mostly disastrous results, while cover songs are a mainstay of musical pop culture.

In mixed martial arts, the rematch is a part of the sport, but rarely is a great fight ever duplicated. When Ben Henderson tries to defend his WEC lightweight title for the first time, against Donald Cerrone at WEC 48 on Saturday night, fans might be expecting a similar tilt to the barnburner the two fighters put on late last year in a fight that many called the best of 2009.

Ben Henderson grins at the Windy City crowd after his KO victory over Shane Roller at WEC 40 in Chicago, IL. Foto by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

Immediately after Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar put on their classic battle back in 2005, fans were itching for another showdown between the two, but when they finally did meet again in August 2006, the results were the same, the fight wasn’t.

Henderson admits that when the WEC came calling for a rematch between he and Cerrone, that there was some worry about what fans might expect after such a classic first fight, but he knows both of them will be bringing the fire on the 24th.

“That was one thing I was a little bit fearful of how this second fight is going to play out,” said Henderson on MMAWeekly Radio. “Because the first fight was so hyped, and so much a fan favorite. I know I’m going to bring my best, I know he’s going to bring his best, so we’ll see how it plays out.”

The first fight was a very close decision that originally gave Henderson the interim lightweight title. After defeating Jamie Varner in January to claim the undisputed WEC championship, he had a feeling that the Cowboy would be coming back around for a second shot sooner or later.

“I knew after the first fight we had, Cerrone and I, that there was going to be talks of a rematch. I knew it was a matter of time, we were going to fight again,” Henderson said. “Cerrone’s a great guy, and he’s more than deserving, so let’s do it again. Give me a chance to end it.”

Henderson admits that he can’t simply rely on the same tools that led him to victory in the first fight because both of them have been there and done that, but he also won’t throw away the original war they had because it can serve a purpose as they prepare for the rematch.

“We definitely still use the first fight as a guidebook. We still use it to break down some film on stuff that he does and whatnot,” said Henderson. “I don’t think it’s necessary to throw the whole fight away or anything like that. No one changes that much from one fight to another fight.”

Henderson worked alongside former “Ultimate Fighter” cast member Gabe Ruediger and his camp in Arizona to get ready for the rematch, and he’s ready to make the first defense of his title when he faces Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in the co-main event of the WEC 48 pay-per-view on April 24 in Sacramento, Calif.

Courtesy of Damon Martin/MMAWeekly.com

Fight Foto by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

December was supposed to cap off a banner year for Colorado 145-pound up and comer Tyler Toner.

After a no contest in January, he won two straight fights in Ring of Fire, capturing the eye of the WEC in the process, leading to what was going to be his debut for the promotion in December.

That’s where things derailed.

Tyler Toner receives instruction from Eliot Marshall during his bout with Fabio Serrao at Ring of Fire 35. Foto by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

As Toner recalled to MMAWeekly.com, “I had just finished all my medicals and it was a week before the day of the fight. I got a call from the athletic commission that said they weren’t going to clear me to fight because my eyesight was too poor.”

Ironically the issue had been something Toner was going to address after his WEC debut, but fate intervened, and after finally having corrective PRK surgery on his eyes, he’s ready to finally step into the WEC cage on April 24.

“I was a little nervous after that last one, a little worried that something might happen or it might not go through, but I’m glad that it’s back on and I’m definitely excited for the opportunity,” commented Toner.

“I learned to not take it for granted if the fight will go through or not. So far, so good; I’m assuming everything’s 100-percent and ready to go.”

Toner’s opponent in Sacramento, Calif., will be the same fighter he was supposed to face in December, Brandon Visher.

“In December he fought my replacement, Courtney Buck, and looked good,” said Toner. “He looks like the same thing I’ve said all along: he’s got quick hands, powerful hands, and is pretty athletic. But I think he’s one-dimensional, so hopefully I can expose that.”

For Toner, his game plan remains the same as it would have been in December and nearly every fight prior.

“I feel very comfortable standing or on the ground,” he stated. “I’ve finished almost all my fights. I’m always looking to end it. That will definitely make it exciting on April 24.”

Recent WEC history has seen fighters such as Ben Henderson, Leonard Garcia, and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone make fast strides with impressive performances.

When asked if he feels he could follow in their fast-tracked footsteps, Toner replied, “It’s always a possibility, depending on how I perform.

“I think the WEC’s roster at 145 is so deep that it’s going to be harder to work my way up to a title shot (so quickly). I doubt anybody’s going to be impressive enough to come in, have one or two fights and get a shot. But we’ll see; there’s always a possibility.”

After sitting out the last four months, Toner is eager to prove himself.

“I definitely want to fight a lot,” he stated. “Hopefully this fight goes well and I come out of it without any injuries and I can jump right back in there.

“I’ll fight whoever they tell me to fight. I feel I’m still definitely growing as a fighter and have a lot of room to improve. I just want to keep getting better, work my way up, and end up the champ some day.”

With his vision corrected, Toner can now focus on making the strides necessary to earn a coveted title shot in one of MMA’s premier divisions.

“Big thanks to my coaches, teammates, MTX Audio, Icon Lasik, Rupture Fight Wear, and Performance MMA,” he said in closing. “Hopefully I win and get everybody’s support. I’m hoping to make some new fans on April 24.”

Courtesy of Mick Hammond/MMAWeekly.com

Fight Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

The WEC announced several new fights for the upcoming card in Sacramento which will serve as the promotion’s first effort into pay-per-view on April 24.

While all the fights were confirmed for the WEC 48 card, it wasn’t disclosed if any of the fights will make the broadcast or if they will be undercard fights.

Tyler Toner lands a leg kick during his bout with David Fuentes at Ring of Fire 34 in Broomfield, Colorado.

Cub Swanson (14-3) makes his return to action and faces “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung (10-1), who makes his promotional debut after being thought as one of the top prospects in the featherweight division.

Going 5-2 in his WEC career, Cub Swanson looks to make an impact in the ever growing 145lb weight class, while Jung makes his debut in the United States after spending the majority of his career in Japan, most recently fighting in Sengoku.

Also announced for the card, Japanese heavy hitter Takeya Mizugaki (12-4-2) tries to bounce back from a loss in his last fight against Scott Jorgensen when he faces grappling wizard Rani Yahya (15-5) who also suffered a tough loss in his last trip out when he was TKO’d by current top bantamweight contender Joseph Benavidez.

Tough British fighter Brad Pickett (18-4) will look to build on his last win, a submission over Kyle Dietz in December, when he faces undefeated Matt Hume product, Demetrious Johnson (5-0).

The final fight confirmed for the WEC card in April features the return of undefeated featherweight Brandon Visher who tries to keep his unbeaten streak alive when he faces promotional newcomer Tyler Toner.

More fights are expected to be announced for the April card in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to MMAWeekly.com for the latest WEC news and pay-per-view information.

Courtesy of Damon Martin/MMAWeekly.com

Fight Foto by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

After losing six straight fights, former UFC lightweight Luke “Lil’ Hulk” Caudillo could have easily packed his bags and called it a day, but he didn’t.

Determined to get himself back on track, he joined the newly established Grudge gym alongside such Colorado standouts as Nate Marquardt, Duane “Bang” Ludwig, Eliot Marshall, and Shane Carwin, and hasn’t looked back.

After winning his first fight of the year in February, Caudillo returns to the promotion that established him, Ring of Fire, this Friday in Omaha, Nebraska, eager to build a winning streak.

“It was very important, not only for the record, but also mentally-wise,” Caudillo told MMAWeekly.com of his recent win. “This year I’m looking to get back on the map and get back into the game.”

While a losing streak is never welcome, Caudillo sees something positive in it.

“Some of those losses, if you look at them, were decisions against game opponents,” he commented. “They were in the UFC, in Strikeforce, and were just tough breaks for me with the caliber of guys I fought.

“It was good for me to know I could hang with any of those top guys, so I kept training and getting better and let things fall into place.”

When you train with the type of talent that resides at the Grudge Training Center, you can’t slack, and Caudillo realized that and adjusted accordingly.

“I got a new nutrition guy, a strength training coach, and now I’m training every day twice a day,” he stated. “Instead of me training kind of half-assing it, now I’m going fully every day in the gym.”

Caudillo also began working with noted sports psychologist Brian Cain, and now he feels as strong mentally as he does physically.

“I don’t even care what people think,” he exclaimed. “They think I’m washed up, but I don’t really care because I feel like I brand new fighter. I’m learning every day and I feel like I’m just getting in my prime.

“I just can’t wait to get in there and compete because I’m having fun again. I’m in shape now and I’m not worried about gassing out; I can go five rounds if I have to. I mentally know I can go into deep water and be strong.”

At Ring of Fire on Friday, Caudillo will square off against Sean Wilson, a veteran fighter he has crossed paths with in the sport before.

“I used to fight his training partner, Alonzo Martinez, in my earlier career and he was always the one over with him,” he recollected. “It’s a fight I’ve wanted and he’s wanted and it’s just finally time we get to fight, so I’m excited.”

Should Caudillo pick up his second win a row, he intends to keep working on his resurgence slowly, taking things at his own pace.

“I know there’s a couple big promotions interested in me, but honestly I just got a new manager that’s working with me a little bit and we’re just kind of taking it fight by fight,” he stated.

“The thing is, I’m happy now and I can take small fights and just build myself back up.”

Finally back on the winning track after a couple of rough years, Caudillo is determined to not fade into obscurity, but rather make his case for Comeback Fighter of the Year.

“I would like to thank Tapout, Full Tilt Poker, Brother’s BBQ, LA Boxing, my family and also my girlfriend,” he said in closing. “The ‘Lil’ Hulk’ is back on track; I’m ready to let it all out in 2010.”

Courtesy of Mick Hammond/MMAWeekly.com
Fight Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

December 04, 2009 the Ring of Fire welcomed seven UFC veterans to the show at the Magness Arena in Denver, Colorado.

There was one title bout, two women’s bout and the main event featuring two fighters from television’s, “The Ultimate Fighter.”

Main Event:

Mike Nickels faced Vinny Magalhaes.

Jiu-Jitsu ace Magalhaes wasted no time getting the fight to the mat.

After punching his way into the clinch he scored with a bodylock takedown.

Nickels defended the RNC attempt but from back control Magalhaes switched to an armbar and was able to secure the tapout victory at 1:19 of round one.

Duane Ludwig faced Ryan Roberts.

Roberts worked his wrestling skills to trap a leg of Ludwig to set up a takedown, but with good footwork and balance Ludwig let the takedown take him into full mount.

Ludwig landed some GNP before Roberts was able to gain full guard, but Ludwig refused to let up with the strikes and at 2:05 of round one he got the victory when Roberts tapped out due to strikes.

Alvin Robinson faced Anthony Morrison.

Morrison closed the distance to get the clinch and Robinson jumped guard. On the mat Robinson worked to get high guard, but Morrison postured up and worked a GNP flurry that got him a tapout victory at 1:09 of round one.

Editors Note: Unfortunately during the download of the pictures for Alvin’s fight with Morrison my laptop went dead and none of the fotos were processed.  I apologize for not providing fotos for this fight.

Cameron Dollar faced Kit Cope.

Dollar got a takedown off of the clinch and worked from side control, but Cope was able to work back to standing.

Dollar again secured a takedown but this time it was Cope that got side control.

There was a scramble that ensued for position and the advantage went to Dollar by way of him securing back control.

Dollar used the position to work between GNP and RNC attempts.

At one point Cope briefly stood to try an escape, but Dollar maintained back control and when Cope went to his knees at 4:38 of round one Dollar closed off the choke for the submission victory.

Cody Donovan faced Eric Smith for the Ring of Fire Young Guns 205 lb. Championship.

Smith scored early with a bodylock takedown off of the fence to set up some GNP.

Donovan scrambled to standing. Smith again got a takedown but Donovan showed active hips and threatened with an armbar.

After effecting his escape Smith repeatedly stood then jumped into the guard of Donovan with punches to get the title winning victory by way of TKO at 3:18 of round one.

Ian Berg faced Justin Guthrie.

Twice early in the fight Guthrie was able to use standing back control to get a takedown. Berg escaped the first time, but the second time Guthrie kept back control on the mat, set his hooks and sunk in the RNC for the win at 2:17 of round one.

Andre Walker faced Andreas Sprang.

Each fighter landed strong strikes while standing. Sprang initiated a takedown but was unable to get guard and Walker took side control, then mount but was reversed and it was then Sprang that used side control to set up his GNP attack.

Walker then initiated another reversal but during the transition Sprang sunk in a guillotine choke that got him the tapout victory at 2:20 of round one.

The rest of the bouts were elimination matches.

JJ Mondragon faced Zach Valdez.

Round one had both fighters landing solid strikes both in and out of the clinch with Valdez scoring a takedown to end the round.

Round two had Mondragon open with a right body kick followed by a left head kick that landed solid. The rest of the round saw the fighters again transitioning into and out of the clinch with Mondragon being aggressive while Valdez looked for the takedown.

Round three had Valdez even more aggressive, but unsuccessful with his takedown attempts while Mondragon was accurate with his striking all round. The decision from the judges was an unanimous one in favor of Mondragon.

Jennifer Berg faced Sarah Goodlier.

Both fighters showed strong striking early. Berg landed a combination that dropped Goodlaxen and she immediately took full mount and worked strong GNP until she got the TKO win at 1:23 of round one.

Vinny Lopez faced Shane LeMaster.

LeMaster pressed forward early but Lopez showed crisp counter striking that was able to stagger LeMaster. Lopez got a takedown off of his punches and followed up with a strong GNP attack. LeMaster scrambled to standing then the bout was stopped and Lopez lost a point after an illegal knee to the head of his opponent.

After the restart Lopez landed with strong and accurate strikes and the round ended with the fighters clinched. When LeMaster was unable to answer the bell for round two and Lopez got the TKO win at 3:00 of round one.

Kyane Hampton faced Rachel Perry.

Perry opened with accurate punches while Hampton worked to counter. While clinched against the cage Hampton landed a flurry of elbow strikes then got a takedown. Perry attempted an armbar that Hampton slammed her way out of.

Hampton kept the fight on the mat and from the crucifix hold down position she worked a strong GNP attack including a fight ending flurry of elbow strikes to get the TKO at 2:52 of round one.

Husam Alberq faced Oscar Jiminez.

After a long feeling out period Alberq got a takedown into side control to set up a Kimura attempt. Jimenez escaped the shoulder lock and spent the rest of the round fending off an RNC after Alberq secured back control.

Alberq got a takedown in round two into side control, but Jimenez escaped, took mount, worked his GNP and attempted an armbar to end the round.

Round three saw Jimemez trap a kick to get a takedown into side control then work some GNP before the fighters scrambled to standing to finish the bout exchanging strikes. The judges decision was split in the favor of Jimenez.

Ring Of Fire Ring Card Girls…

“Of the Night” moments:

Quote of the night goes to Duane Ludwig, “I’m a little disappointed in a quick win. I really wanted to scrap tonight, I wanted to have to get stitches.”

Chin of the night goes to Zach Valdez. Even though he lost his bout he was able to withstand a strong kick flush to the face in order to keep his bout going.

GNP of the night goes to Eric Smith for repeatedly flying into the guard of his opponent from standing in order to land the strikes that got him the TKO win.

Submission of the night goes to Vinny Magalhaes for his slick armbar. He got the tapout by transitioning from back control and grabbing his opponents ankle to roll him over into the fight finishing submission.

Fight of the night goes to JJ Mondragon and Zach Valdez. Both fighters gave all they had and took all the other had to offer in a bout that entertained the fans for all three rounds with each looking to have an advantage at several points in the bout.

Be sure to check the site calendar for upcoming events.

Best in Health and Training,
J.R. Gordon.

Fight Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

BUY PHOTOS HERE

Everything happens for a reason, right?

Duane “Bang” Ludwig certainly hopes so. At just 31 years of age, he is one of the most seasoned fighters in combat sports. A decorated world-class kickboxer holding numerous titles, he has never achieved the same level of success in mixed martial arts.

He steps back into the Ring of Fire in Denver on Friday night in what he hopes will be the first step towards changing that fact.

“My main goal is to get back in the UFC. That’s where I belong,” Ludwig told MMAWeekly.com as his training wound down for a bout with fellow UFC veteran Ryan Roberts.

Having swung back and forth between kickboxing and mixed martial arts, chasing paychecks while MMA grew into a career-supporting industry; the most significant element that Ludwig was lacking was focus. He readily admits it.

“I lost focus a few times going back and forth between kickboxing and MMA and different promotions and stuff like that. But now the end goal, like I said, is the UFC,” Ludwig restated.

He has fought big fights. He knocked out Jens Pulver, shortly after Pulver walked away from his UFC lightweight championship. He KO’d Jonathan Goulet in mere seconds in the UFC and holds a win over popular Japanese fighter Genki Sudo.

But Ludwig’s focus hasn’t held when he needed it most. He has stumbled against the sport’s elite. He took a fight with current UFC champion B.J. Penn, probably too soon in his MMA development, was TKO’d by Tyson Griffin and Paul Daley, and was stopped on a cut by former number one lightweight Takanori Gomi.

So now he is locking his future hand-in-hand with returning to the UFC and working his way into title contention.

“That was kind of the goal from the beginning (when I first started fighting), to win the title. So this is kind of trying to step back to that, having the eye at the end of the tunnel a little bit, but not to lose focus,” said Ludwig.

“I’m using the UFC as my goal, I guess, but I can’t look through Ryan Roberts because I’m his jackpot. If he beats me maybe he gets back in the big shows. I can’t let that happen.”

Just a few short months ago, Ludwig was headed down the wayward path once again. He was offered, and accepted, an opportunity to compete in Contenders Asia, a reality show kickboxing tournament that would have paid him $250,000 had he won. It offered the money to help launch his own gym in Denver, and the exposure to hopefully catch the eye of the UFC once again.

But everything happens for a reason, right?

Contenders Asia fell apart at the last minute, pushing Ludwig to refocus on his mixed martial arts career and launch himself head-on at a return to the UFC.

“I couldn’t pass (Contenders Asia) up. Good exposure to open a gym and jumping back into the UFC. I’d have a pretty good name if I pulled that off.”

When Contenders Asia was put on the shelf, so was the idea of opening his own gym. Ludwig realized it was another distraction that he couldn’t afford if he wanted to get back in the Octagon.

“I’m gonna put (the gym) on the backburner until I get back in the UFC. That’s my main goal; I just want to get back in the UFC and concentrate on myself and we’ll see what happens from there,” Ludwig stated, regaining his focus.

Of course, all the talk is for naught if he implodes at Magness Arena on Friday night.

Ironically, he’s going back to the same mentality that he started with as a kickboxer at age 16.

“That’s what always drove me, that world title shot or getting to the UFC.”

Now a veteran that has been through the trenches, he knows it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a step-by-step process, a process that begins anew on Friday night.

“There’s these small steps (to get back in the UFC) and Ryan’s one of these small steps.”

Written by Ken Pishna – MMAWeekly.com

After disappointing showings on The Ultimate Fighter 3 and at UFC 73, Colorado jiu-jitsu ace “Big” Mike Nickels has found himself on the comeback trail.

Wins in his last three fights, including an impressive Fight of the Night win over fellow UFC veteran David Heath in the MFC in October has Nickels possibly on the verge of returning to his former promotion.

Currently standing in the way of Nickels’ achieving such a task is Ultimate Fighter 8 alumnus Vinny “Pezao” Magalhaes, as the two are scheduled to meet on the Dec. 4 edition of Colorado’s popular Ring of Fire.

“I feel good,” stated Nickels heading into Friday’s fight. “I’ve been training a lot and working on a lot of different things, and coming off the David Heath fight I feel like I’ve got good momentum and want to keep it going.”

With two wins this year, and three victories in a row overall after having left the UFC, Nickels is having the kind of year he wanted to in order to accomplish his main goal.

“In 2009 I wanted to make a push back to the UFC, so I started training really hard and finally towards the end of the year we finally started having things come along,” Nickels told MMAWeekly.com.

“Originally the UFC told me to get a couple wins and they’d have me back after the Stephan Bonner fight. It took me a little while to get the fights to come through, but I got a couple wins, and hopefully if things go my way against Vinnie, it will (create) that opportunity.”

While he’s confident going into the fight, Nickels knows Magalhaes is someone he cannot underestimate.

“On the ground he’s definitely a top-shelf jiu-jitsu guy,” stated Nickels. “Some of the only fights I remember from (Ultimate Fighter) Season 8 was with him being slick on the ground, with omo plata arm bars from the top and stuff.

“I have faith in my jiu-jitsu and my training, and if anything I can keep myself out of danger. As far as the stand-up, it’s anybody’s fight.”

Nickels further explained, “I know a lot of people say that Vinnie doesn’t like to get hit, or he doesn’t have the best stand-up, but people were saying that about me for years.

“The last thing I would do is expect him to just try to take me to the ground. I know David Heath thought I was going to take him down, and I was pretty comfortable standing and trading with him, so I expect an all level fight from Vinnie.”

Should Nickels capitalize on the opportunity Magalhaes presents, he feels that 2010 could be the year he makes his push back to the big leagues.

“Looking to the New Year, I think I’m in as good of a position as I’ve ever been,” said Nickels. “I’m training, constantly getting better; improving my speed, timing, submissions, wrestling, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m the best fighter I’ve ever been so far.

“I’m looking forward to the next year. There’s such a huge pool of talent out there and every fight brings another challenge, and I’m up for that. I want to see where I fit into at this level.”

Four wins in a row could make it hard for the UFC to deny that Nickels has worked his way back to the promotion, and that’s exactly what he’s determined to do.

“I want to thank Colorado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai of Colorado, Oscar Martinez, all my sponsors, the guys in my gym and my family for being supportive and helping me get in the cage and looking out for me,” closed out Nickels.

“I’m preparing for the worst and expecting the best. I’ll be in there with my gloves on, fighting my heart out, and may the best man win.”

Written by Mick Hammond – MMAWeekly.com

Fight Foto by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

The longest standing mixed martial arts promotion in Colorado returns on Dec. 4 with Ring of Fire 36: Demolition. The card features seven UFC veterans and is headlined by two former stars of Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter.”

The main event features TUF Season 8 finalist Vinny Magalhaes in his ROF debut in a clash with TUF Season 3 star and local fan favorite Mike Nickels.

Magalhaes is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and hails from Gracie Humaita in Rio de Janeiro, the school founded by Helio Gracie. He now resides in Las Vegas and trains and teaches out of the Tapout Training Center. Magalhaes is a three-time world champion in BJJ, and is a Pan American grappling champion. On TUF Season 8 he defeated Lance Evans, Jules Bruchez, and Krzysztof Soszynski. He then moved on to the finale against Ryan Bader losing by knockout. He is coming off a first round submission victory at CFP in North Carolina in October.

Mike Nickels is a brown belt in Machado Jiu-Jitsu. He is the owner and instructor of Colorado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Highlands Ranch, Colo. After going 3-1 in fights at ROF, Nickels went on to be part of Ken Shamrock’s team on Season 3 of The Ultimate fighter. He lost in his first fight to Matt Hamill by unanimous decision; however, he returned on the undercard for the finale, defeating previously unbeaten Wes Combs by rear naked choke in the first round.

Nickels then returned to ROF for one fight and scored one of the quickest knockouts in the promotions history, dropping Carpacio Owens in just under seven seconds. The victory earned him a match against Stephan Bonnar at UFC 73. Nickels has gone 3-0 in his last three fights, most recently defeating UFC veteran David Heath at MFC 22 in Canada. He scored both Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night awards in the match. The bout was heralded as one of the best fights in MFC history.

The remainder of the card features one of the best lineups in Ring of Fire’s 10-year history. It is stacked with UFC, Strikeforce, and K-1 veterans and highlighted by promotion standouts Duane “Bang” Ludwig and Alvin “Kid” Robinson.

Ring of Fire 36 Fight Card:
-Mike Nickels vs. Vinny Magalhaes
-Duane Ludwig vs. Ryan Roberts
-Alvin Robinson vs. Anthony Morrison
-Cameron Dollar vs. Kit Cope
-Cody Donovan vs. Eric Smith
-Chilo Gonzalez vs. Ian Berg
-Andre Walker vs. Andreas Spang

The undercard will feature five amateur matches, including two women’s bouts. Jen Berg will return as part of the undercard. At ROF 35 Berg and her opponent, Diana Rael, earned a standing ovation from the crowd and the Fight of The Night award.
 Courtesy of MMAWeekly.com

Fight Foto by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone doesn’t get out of bed in the morning for Ben Henderson, even though that’s his next fight. It’s an important fight, too; the interim WEC lightweight title is up for grabs.

Instead, current lightweight champion Jamie Varner gets him up.

“Varner, he’s my wake-up,” Cerrone said on the MMAWeekly.com Radio Monday. “I wake up every morning and use Varner as getting ready to fight, because I know I get to fight him after this fight.”

To put it mildly, the two despise each other. Since Cerrone’s inadvertent foul brought a premature end to their WEC 38 war, they’ve resorted to name-calling in public. They bristle at the mention of one another.

Thus, it’s not good enough for Cerrone that the Saturday fight is for the belt. The rainbow’s end is Varner.

“The title doesn’t mean that much to me,” he said. “It’s like (expletive ) Varner says, it’s glorified second place.”

Some would say that’s a blueprint for upset, given Cerrone’s friendly terms with Henderson and eye beyond the fight. Not so, says “Cowboy.”

“I’m not looking past Ben at all,” he said. “He’s a dark horse, man, people don’t know much about him, but I do. I’ve grown up with him; I’ve seen him fight. He’s going to come out and bring it.”

The two were scheduled to fight in Youngstown, Ohio, last month, but Henderson injured his hand and the fight (and WEC 43 card) was moved to San Antonio, Texas. In the mean time, Cerrone drilled takedown defense at Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts. He picked the brain of recent gym addition Joe Stevenson, who schooled him on the finer points of Henderson’s specialty, the guillotine. He doesn’t subscribe to the popular idea of “peaking” for a fight.

“I feel like I’m peaking every day,” said Cerrone. “I always feel like I’m ready to go.”

Cerrone cautions fans against overlooking his championship experience. He’s already fought past three rounds once in his MMA career, and dealt with the attention of main event status. The two have been in the game around the same amount of time, though Cerrone stepped onto the WEC’s platform more than a year before Henderson, and has faced the division’s top tier competitors.

Cerrone says there’s no way for Henderson to prepare for the bright lights ahead.

“When (Henderson) gets off that plane… they’re going to have a camera in his face for five days,” he said. “His every move is now going to be now recorded, his warming up, his training, him getting ready for the fight. Everyone’s there to watch him. That’s huge pressure and huge stress, man.”

Still, the extension was welcome.

“It actually helped me out a little bit,” said Cerrone. “So thanks, Ben, I appreciate it.”

Varner will likely be in attendance at the Saturday show, sizing up his future competition. WEC matchmaker Sean Shelby said the champion would return late this year or early next year, though an exact date is not set. Varner has welcomed a rematch with Cerrone.

Meanwhile, Cerrone hopes his performance will send a message to the champion.

“I’m excited as hell,” he said. “I’m ready to go.”

 Written by Steven Marrocco/MMAWeekly.com

Sometimes the first impression we make is not the one we want to. Such is the case for Noah “The Red” Thomas.

Upon redeeming himself for a controversial stint on The Ultimate Fighter 5 by capturing the TKO 135-pound title in 2008, Thomas was given an opportunity to shine even brighter with an offer to fight in the WEC earlier this year.

Things did not go to his liking.

A loss to Frankie Gomez at WEC 41 in June spoiled Thomas’ coming out party, and now he is eager to return to action and once again redeem himself and make a new impression on the MMA landscape reflective of his true self and skill set.

“I feel a little bit better this time around,” Thomas told MMAWeekly.com heading into WEC 43 on Oct. 10. “I had a lot more time to prepare for this fight, rather than the last one. It’s still short notice, but it is a little bit longer than the last one, so I’m pretty excited.”

The task he faces in his WEC return is not an easy one, as he takes on Scott Jorgensen, the only man to defeat Thomas’ recent nemesis, Frankie Gomez.

“I’m really, really looking forward to going in there and getting a win,” stated Thomas. “I know Scott is looking for the same thing – if you’re a fighter you’re going to be looking for that.

“Scott has a lot of good tools, and so do I. It will be a good fight and I really, really want to get that W.”

Stepping in for Rafael Rebello, he knows he has a task ahead of him in Jorgensen, a former three-time Pac-10 collegiate wrestling champion.

“He’s a tough guy, is very explosive and comes forward, but he takes a lot of fights to decision though,” commented Thomas. “I can see it going to a decision unless I can get him with something or knock him out.

“He’s never been knocked out, so I don’t know if that can happen, but you never know. In this game anybody can be knocked out.”

As the 135-pound division continues to become more prominent, talk shifted towards the future of the WEC, which could continue to be its own entity, or be folded into its parent company, the UFC.

In Thomas’ opinion, he prefers the two companies to remain as they are, but sees no reason why the UFC cannot help out the WEC from time to time.

“What I think they should do is have a teaser for people who order the (UFC) pay-per-views, and host a (WEC) fight like Jose Aldo versus Mike Brown on a pay-per-view event,” he stated. “Or when Urijah Faber comes back, have him on a pay-per-view event against a name opponent. It will introduce new people to the WEC.

“I really think that the WEC can do good things, and if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Right now I think the WEC is an excellent promotion, so don’t mess with it.”

Either way, Thomas wishes to get back on the winning track and start working his way up the 135-pound ladder towards an eventual title shot.

“I’m like every other fighter, I’m still learning and evolving, but I feel I can match up with anyone on a good day,” he said. “I want to get in there and prove that. Scott Jorgensen is the first step towards redemption.

“I’m not saying that Scott’s a stepping stone at all. I’m just saying that we accent each other very nicely and it’s going to be a good fight that’s going to increase both our stock.”

Thomas has made the most of a second chance before, and he looks to do so again in San Antonio, Texas, at WEC 43.

“I want to thank my sponsors, Tri-Costa, Stroker Industries, Fight Magazine, MMAJacked, MMAFitnessAndTraining.com, Performance MMA, Venom and Tapout; my manager Sven Bean, and all the guys at Infinite Mixed Martial Arts,” he concluded. “This is a big card and I’m really looking forward to the main event, it should be a really, really good fight.

“I hope everybody comes down and watches it and welcomes me back to the WEC. I won’t fail to impress this time.”

Written by Mick Hammond/MMAWeekly.com

Thousands of Mixed Martial Arts fans embarked on the Broomfield Event Center for Ring Of Fire 35 which was the inaugural “SUMMERBRAWL” as local MMA standout Tyler “Thunder” Toner had his eye on the 145lb ROF Championship belt in the main event of the evening along with other great match-ups on a night of controversial endings, submissions and a former two-time ROF champion making his long awaited return to the cage.

Toner, the crowd favorite and Fabio Serrao of Brazil squared off for the ROF featherweight title.  Serrao wasted no time in shooting in for the takedown to start the first round and Toner had no problem defending off the BJJ black belt from taking his back after a successful takedown.

The persistent single and double leg takedowns continued by Serrao and so did the great ground defense by Toner.

Although Toner was not receiving much damage on the bottom he could not seem to stop the takedowns handed out by Serrao throughout round one.

Toner began round two by letting his stand up do the job with knees from the clinch and strikes while standing. Serrao had enough of the stand up and went in for another takedown but Toner responded well with a sprawl stuffing the takedown leaving his opponent disappointed.

The timely sprawls had become less frequent as the round continued and Serrao appeared to be losing his wind but the striking from Toner was being fired at will, landing a clean flying knee followed up by combinations to the head and body. Serrao continued to take the punishing knees and strikes to end the second round.

Round three was more of the same with Toner wisely picking his shots and Serrao wanting this fight on the ground but unable to take it there. Toner never let up keeping Serrao at bay with countless strikes and stuffing every takedown he had to offer.

Serrao began to become flustered as he would remain on his back for a few seconds after being stuffed on the takedown attempts. The third round ended and it was now in the hands of the judges.

All three judges scored the bout in favor of Toner as he picked up the coveted ROF crown and now has his sights set on the big leagues as it appears WEC awaits Thunder.

Fabian Acuna and Jon Gunderson fought for the ROF lightweight title in a highly anticipated bout that would place either fighter in the driving seat for a possible future in a larger promotion down the line. 

Acuna struck first with a good right kick that was caught and used for the takedown as Gunderson moved to his GNP from the side position.

Acuna performed a great reversal to improve to the top position but Gunderson stayed on his attack and immediately locked his arms for a Kimura from the 1/2 guard.

Acuna worked to free his arm but Gunderson worked diligently to keep it in danger and at the 2:18 mark of the first round referee Curtis Thrasher jumped in to stop the fight due to a verbal submission that was quickly disputed by Acuna.

After a long ground battle with Acuna stuck in the Kimura, Acuna worked his way to the cage and shot himself up to the standing position, but in the process he let out a very loud yell and Thrasher appeared to be very concerned with the arm of Acuna and called a stop to the action by jumping between the two combatants to ensure no further damage to the arm.

There looks to be a great opportunity for a rematch come ROF 36 as promoter Sven Bean took the mic and asked the many in attendance if they wanted the rematch, as both fighters and the crowd responded with a resounding applause.

Brian Wood faced off with Jesse Henley for the 145 lb Young Guns Championship.

Wood scored first moving in for the takedown and gaining side control but that was short lived as Henley quickly scrambled to his feet.

Both fighters clinched up and the fight once again hit the canvas as Henley went for a leg lock and Wood quickly countered.

During the scramble Henley found the opportunity to lock up an arm.  Henley continued to threaten the arm as he moved to side control and at the 2:33 mark of the first round Henley finished the fight by Kimura.

Henley put on a great performance despite only two weeks notice and went home the newly crowned champion in the process.

Christian” Relentless” Allen stepped back into the ROF cage at 135 lbs to face Chad Obermiller of Hastings Nebraska. Both fighters took a brief moment in the center of the cage to get acquainted as Allen peppered Obermiller as he circled the cage.

Allen found his mark first landing a big left hand dropping Obermiller to the floor.  Allen immediately rushed his downed opponent quickly establishing the north-south position.

Sensing a prime opportunity, Allen locked in an anaconda choke and rolled with it while Obermiller pushed away but Allen tied up the leg holding on to his choke.

Allen never let up squeezing tighter feeling this could be the end.

Allen felt no response from his opponent and letting the referee know Obermiller had went limp and was unconscious at which time he came to the defense of Obermiller at 1:43 of round one.

A two-time ROF champion at 145, Allen came out looking dominate after dropping to the 135 lb weight division and appears to be back on track and ready to regain his form of old.  

Capturing the 135 lb crown appears to be Allen’s next goal, with current champion and WEC veteran Noah Thomas in the wing, Colorado fight fans may be in store for a showdown between two of the states finest mixed martial artist in the near future.

I would love to see that one!!!

Orem, Utah’s Eddie Pelcynski met up with Green River, Wyoming’s Justin Salas in a 155 lb pro feature bout.

Both fighters squared off in the middle of the cage before Pelcynski landed a vicious knee that landed flush putting Salas on his back and seemingly out as Pelcynski moved right to the mount and began to rain down strikes before the referee was forced to step in and stop the fight at the 9 second mark of round one.

With a solid following at the fight, both the fans and Salas were not happy with the stoppage as a chorus of boo’s filled the arena as Pelcynski paraded the cage, hands raised in victory.

Mike Baldwin faced off with Nate Williams in the first pro fight of the evening. Round one found Baldwin on his back threatening with various submissions as Williams worked from the guard but delivered little punishment.

Baldwin maintained control of Williams for the duration of the round as Williams could not seem to shed Baldwin.

Williams shoot in for the takedown to start the second stanza only to be shoved to the ground by Baldwin.

Baldwin then worked to the mount then back control and locked in the body triangle as he began working towards the RNC.

Baldwin softened him up with strikes to lock in the choke as Williams continued to fight off the second arm but with no success.  At 3:40 of the second, Williams had enough and was forced to tap.

Ramico Blackmon faced Larry Williams in a 170 lbs preliminary fight in what many believed would be a great test for both combatants.

Blackmon immediately used his spectacular wrestling skills to instantly take the fight to the ground as Williams had no chance of stuffing his bull-rushing opponent

Blackmon quickly locked in the Kimura from side control to finish the fight in a fast :56 seconds once again stirring up a rouse of boo’s from the crowd as Williams would not tap and the referee was forced to call the fight given the predicament of Williams arm.

Jennifer Berg and Diana Rael entered the cage in what turned out to be an all out brawl as both fighters landed devastating strikes and kicks on one another leaving the crowd in awe, wondering how these ladies were still standing after a grueling first round of non-stop action.

The crowd had thought so much of the non-stop toe-to-toe action that they felt it necessary to give the fighters a standing ovation to end the first round as both fighters showed a wide array of stand up striking and tons of action within the clinch.

The second round started where the first left off with both fighters in the center of the cage letting it all hang out, brawlin’ from one side of the cage to the next.

Towards the end of the second round, Berg worked for the mount and started delivering continuous GNP forcing the referee to stop the bout at the 2:32 mark in round two via TKO due to strikes.

Chris Williamson defeated Matt Vanden by unanimous decision in a blood-fest as Williamson suffered a gash to the top of his head that forced a temporary stoppage to let the ringside physician have a look as the blood flowed freely down the face of Williams and covered his opponent.

Rory O’Farrell defeated Bogie Ison at 1:37 of round one.

O’Farrell showed great control once the fight hit the canvas as he instantly moved to the mount and started his GNP before locking in the match ending Kimura.  Unfortunately for Ison it appeared as though his elbow dislocated as O’Farrell applied the needed pressure to force the tap.

Vincent Lopez defeated Travis Bye at 1:37 of round one by TKO.

Justin Gaethje defeated Kevin Gonzalez by arm bar at 1:20 of the first round.

Ring Of Fire Ring Card Girls…

Written by Rick Teran/Brawlin.net

Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

It’s step up time for Colorado featherweight Tyler “Thunder” Toner.

After dominating the Ring of Fire promotion’s Young Guns division, Toner moves up to challenge for the show’s 145-pound title this Saturday night against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace Fabio Serrao.

“That was actually one of my goals when I started fighting; to grab the Ring of Fire title and then move on from there,” Toner stated to MMAWeekly.com. “I’m glad I’m able to try to accomplish that now.”

Since making his debut for Ring of Fire in 2005, Toner has steadily climbed up the promotion’s ranks, facing increasingly difficult opposition, taking the Young Guns title in the process.

When it comes to his career path, Toner feels he’s made the right moves at the right time to place him where he’s at now.

“I think it’s gone really smoothly for me,” he stated. “I’ve always had tough, but winnable, fights.

“I try to make sure I get a lot better in between my fights. I have a great training camp (where) everybody puts all their effort into me when I have a fight coming up. I think I’m getting better every fight, so it’s progressing nicely for me.”

Conventional wisdom says that during Saturday night’s title fight Fabio Serrao will look to use his jiu-jitsu skills against the more striking-oriented Toner. However, Tyler is quick to point out he’s no slouch on the ground himself.

“The main school I train out of is deep in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and I’m a purple belt there, and it’s a well respected school that has world class black belts – so I’m definitely not short on jiu-jitsu training,” he commented. “I have a great wrestling coach in Reid Delman, so I’ve got great grappling coaches everywhere, and I work very hard on every aspect of that game.

“I definitely think striking is my strong point, but if I do get taken down it isn’t going to be a big deal for me, I’m ready for that too.”

In order for Serrao to get the fight to the ground in the first place he’ll have to get past Toner’s takedown defense, an area Toner says he’s much improved in.

“I’ve worked on my takedown defense hard over the last couple years, and it’s an aspect of my game that’s definitely improved recently,” stated Tyler. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to take advantage of that and he won’t be able to take me down.

“If he can’t take me down, he’ll be in big trouble.”

Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Toner is feeling even more confident heading into this fight, having come off an impressive outing in the Shootbox promotion in June, where he knocked out 2006 National Champion Kenichi Ogata in just under three minutes.

“That was the first time I was definitely a huge underdog, and I performed well, so it gave me peace of mind knowing that I can go in there and get it done, no matter who the opponent is,” said Toner.

Even with his success in Shootbox, Toner is focused firmly on his MMA career, and more immediately on Saturday’s Ring of Fire 145-pound title match.

“I think I’m ready for some bigger competition,” he exclaimed. “Obviously I don’t want to look past Serrao; he’s tough as hell, so I’ve got to get that done first before I start jumping to conclusions.

“Hopefully after this fight I can move on to bigger promotions and take it from there.”

Taking a title in the highly respected Ring of Fire promotion could very well be the elevating point for a career that has already risen quickly for Toner, and it’s an opportunity he intends not to pass up.

“I want to thank all my training partners: Eliot Marshall and Duane Ludwig; my sponsors: Rapture Clothing, Ultimate Takedown and PerformanceMMA.com,” he concluded.

“This may be my last fight in Ring of Fire, so hopefully I put on a good farewell performance for everybody.”

Courtesy of Mick Hammond/MMAWeekly.com

Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

It seems the stream of talent coming out of Colorado’s Ring of Fire event is ever-flowing, consistently producing some of the best young talent in the sport.

Latest to flow down the pipeline is Fabian Acuna, a fighter some call “The 155-pound Cung Le.”

After taking nearly six years off from the sport, Acuna returned to action in April, defeating James Martinez at Ring of Fire 34 in just over a minute-and-a-half.

Impressive enough was the performance that Ring of Fire has awarded Acuna the opportunity to compete for the promotion’s lightweight title against his toughest opposition yet, former International Fight League (IFL) title contender John Gunderson on the company’s Aug. 1 card.

“I’m very excited about it and I won’t shy away from it, the size of the event, and the title,” Acuna told MMAWeekly.com. “A fight is a fight and I’ll do my job.

“I’m training like a fight in an alley, a fight in a bar, whatever.”

This year is a far cry from years past, which saw the native Chilean deal with a mass of turmoil outside the cage.

“It was a really, really emotional moment for me to come back after going through so much in my life outside of the sport,” stated Acuna. “Right now it seems like everything is coming together.

“The only thing that could stop me in the past was myself – and I’m not going to do that this time.”

While James Martinez provided a good opponent for his first fight back, Acuna is taking a big step up in opposition facing John Gunderson.

And while he respects Gunderson’s veteran skills, he is confident that he’ll be more than his senior opponent can handle.

“I think that he’ll try and stand with me I think soon he’ll realize he doesn’t want to be there with me,” exclaimed Acuna. “And when he takes me down, he’ll realize that he doesn’t want to be there with me either.

“At this point I don’t feel like I’m lacking on anything. Coming into this fight I have studied my opponent well. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

Should he take the title, Acuna intends to be a fighting champion, as he continues to work his way up the lightweight ranks.

“I definitely want to defend my title, at least once, and play it by ear and see what happens,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll be able to impress some people and move up the ladder and move on to greater things.

“I’m not stepping sideways. I’m going forward with my career the same away I go forward in the ring – coming out swinging and let my body do its job.”

Back to being a full-time fighter, and with the troubles of the past gone, in the years to come Acuna looks to make his mark on the sport and follow in the footsteps of the other great Ring of Fire talent.

“I would like to thank PerformanceMMA.com, RevGear, and Training Day,” he concluded. “Come out and see the fights, I promise to show you something you’ve never seen before.

“My goal is to make it as quick as possible, as entertaining as possible. I am hoping for lots of blood and a knockout, so bring some trash bags and some umbrellas.”

Courtesy of Mick Hammond/MMAWeekly.com

Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

The number one MMA event in the region, RING OF FIRE, returns with the 1st Annual SUMMERBRAWL series.

Toner is touted as the next great thing to come out of Ring Of Fire. The promotion has a long history of producing some of the sports biggest names, including most recently Donald Cerrone, Shane Carwin and Eliot Marshall.

Toner is also a Strikeforce veteran, but his biggest career win thus far happened just last month in Japan. “Thunder” was able to score a 1st round knockout over Shootboxing legend Kenichi Ogata in one of the biggest upsets in Shootboxing history. Toner is mainly known for his aggressive style, with a strong stand up game honed by mentor Duane BANG Ludwig. Toner will be vacating his ROF Young Guns title to vie for the ROF 145 Championship belt.

On Saturday, August 1st at the Broomfield Event Center, MMA fans will be treated to a minimum of 12 exciting bouts featuring 3 title matches.

In the Main Event, Colorado’s fastest rising star Tyler THUNDER Toner takes on the Brazilian Fabio JUNGLE BOY Serrao for the Ring Of Fire Feather Weight Championship.

Facing Toner will be Fabio JUNGLE BOY Serrao. Serrao is a Brazilian JiuJitsu Black Belt under the legendary Oswaldo Alves.

Originally hailing from Manaus, Brazil, he currently trains with BJJ Black Belt and Vale Tudo fighter Eduardo Mori. He has a 5-1 MMA record with 3 submission victories. Being a student of the game and wanting to improve his skills he has sought out Sakasem THE PUNISHER Kanthawong to polish his Muay Thai. Serrao is a also a NAGA Absolute Grappling Champion.

In the feature bout of the evening the dynamic Fabian THE FREAK Acuna clashes with IFL veteran Jon GUNS Gunderson for the Ring Of Fire Light Weight Championship.

Fabian Acuna is one of the most exciting fighters on the ROF roster. He has been called a “155 lb Cung Le”. After nearly a six year layoff, “The FREAK” returned to action at ROF 34 and needed less than 3 minutes to dispatch Contender Asia star James Martinez. Born and raised on the tough streets of Santiago, Chile, Acuna is on of three brothers with a fighting spirit. A young Acuna channeled his aggression through traditional martial arts first competing in bare knuckle karate matches. Acuna then tried his hand in kickboxing bouts but found the format too limiting. After debuting MMA in 2001 at ROF 3 and winning by a spinning elbow knockout, the tough Chilean has never looked back. Acuna is now making up for lost time and hopes the ROF belt will spring board him in to the big leagues.

Facing Acuna for the vacant belt will be Jon GUNS Gunderson. Gunderson is a former member of Ken Shamrock’s Nevada Lions in the now defunct IFL. His career high came in challenging Ryan Schultz for the IFL Championship in February of last year. He has the advantage over Acuna in experience with a 18-7 record. Stylistically this should be a barn burner since Gunderson started his career with a base in boxing. He now trains in Las Vegas at Extreme Couture with some of the best fighters in the world. Gunderson is wanting to get back in the limelight and looks for a win at ROF to give him that push.

The Ring Of Fire SUMMERBRAWL main card is filled with top notch fighters and will also see the return of a few local favorites.

The now vacant 145 Young Guns belt will be up for grabs and Colorado’s Brian Wood, and Hawaii’s Patrick Kui Gonsalves will have first dibs. The aggressive Justin Salas will face Throwdown Light Weight contender Eddie Pelczynski in a 155 lb contender bout. In a battle of K-1Veterans, Andre Walker faces Swedish fighter Andreas Spang at 185 lbs. And in single bouts former ROF Champion Christian RELENTLESS Allen, and Mike NO EXCUSES Baldwin return to the RING OF FIRE stage.

The preliminary card will feature 2 womens bouts and highlight the top up and coming prospects in the region.

The full fight card will be released next week.

RING OF FIRE 35 PRESALE TICKETS!!

Tickets for RING OF FIRE 35 go on sale to the general public at 10:00 am Monday, July 6th. But ROF fans can get special discount pricing until midnight on Sunday July, 5th!!

Courtesy of ROFMMA.com

When EliteXC landed on CBS, the MMA world exploded with talk about the sport’s explosion onto network television, but less than six months later the company that got the deal done was out of business, and a thousand questions were left unanswered.

What happened? How did it all go down? Who’s to blame?

All valid questions about a company that showed so much promise when landing deals with Showtime and then CBS, but then didn’t produce the revenue necessary to keep the wheels turning after less than two years in existence. Former EliteXC executive Jared Shaw spoke to MMAWeekly Radio recently and was able to shine a light on some of the dark spots that still remain about what happened to bring the company down.

One of the biggest problems Shaw says with EliteXC was how money was spent against the fight team’s wishes, and the foolish way it was used and never capitalized upon.

“Everything was going towards a bum website, which a lot of the fight team was against. What we thought it should have been was something like, not taking the name of MMA.tv, but something like that where it’s actually programming. You bought all these companies, you made all these foolish buys of all these different companies, when some of us at the company said don’t make those buys, we’re going to form EliteXC. We’re going to build EliteXC from the ground up,” Shaw said. “We’re going to have one big organization, and then we’re going to try to compete with the UFC, and eventually hope to fight them, and really bring the sport worldwide.

“You paid for all this foolish (expletive) like ICON and Cage Rage. Well at least if you’re going to bolster up the library, let’s put it on the Internet so people can watch it there. Let’s give cameras to Gina Carano, and Krazy Horse, and Kimbo, and tell them to film themselves for a day. I’m sure people would want to watch those shows.”

Part of the blame towards the end of EliteXC’s run landed squarely on Shaw’s shoulders after the former vice president was seen standing and shouting at a referee when star fighter Kimbo Slice was knocked out in an October 2008 fight against Seth Petruzelli. Even Shaw admits that some of his actions were not the best idea, but he knows that other industry leaders have felt the same kinds of pressure.

“On a personal level, I think I took on a lot of blame that (shouldn’t necessarily) have been pointed in my direction. I certainly had my faults like anybody else. There was a lot to deal with, being 28 years old at the time, it’s a lot just to understand as you grow up,” he said.

Speaking about the incident during the Kimbo/Petruzelli fight, Shaw compares the situation to what UFC president Dana White did recently when Anderson Silva fought Thales Leites to a five-round draw at UFC 97.

“Dana (White) and I don’t see eye to eye, but what he did last week was definitely on par with me standing up. I certainly didn’t go in a corner and shout at anyone, but I can understand the man,” said Shaw. “I can understand where your bread and butter is in your company, and you have a fighter who is not fighting the other way, and you have a fighter who is so superior, you want that fighter to take his head off. Especially cause you’re putting your company’s face on him.”

Shaw also says there are definitely things to look back on at EliteXC and be proud of, none more so than the company landing with CBS, the first major network TV deal for a mixed martial arts promotion. He also lamented about the biggest fish that got away during his time as a matchmaker working with the fight team.

“The guy 100 percent was Shane Carwin,” Shaw answered when asked about the one fighter he didn’t sign that he wishes could have landed with the company.

The former EliteXC executive told MMAWeekly Radio that a deal was set to go down with the Colorado native, but at the last minute he opted for the UFC instead. Still, Shaw is happy to have helped put many MMA fighters on television, and believes that fans should be on the lookout for Brazilians Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante and Fabricio Camoes, who could be the next stars for Strikeforce.

The outcome of EliteXC may not have been what he wanted, but Shaw remains positive in knowing that he took a shot at the MMA business, and that’s something he’ll never regret.

“I wanted to be a part of the MMA thing because boxing was going in a different direction, and I wanted to create something that was my own,” Shaw stated.

Still busy working in the boxing world, and his own music career, Shaw remains a steadfast MMA fan, and hopes one day to get his foot back in the door of the MMA business and finish the job he started with EliteXC.

Written by Damon Martin/MMAWeekly.com

Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

Written by Mick Hammond/MMAWeekly.com

Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

At this past Saturday’s Ring of Fire event at the Broomfield Events Center in Colorado, one of the state’s next generation stars made a case for himself to take yet another step forward.

It took just over three minutes for Ring of Fire Young Guns featherweight titleholder Tyler Toner to assert his position as champion and drop contender David Fuentes with a flurry of knees.

As Toner puts it though, there is always room for improvement.

“He was really the first stand-up fighter that’s hit me a couple times in the fight; and kind of woke me up and made me mad a little bit,” said Tyler. “I kind of went after him (after that).

“I’m always pretty critical of myself; there are some things I could have done better, but it turned out well in the end. I did some things right too, so I’m pretty happy with it.”

Having worked his way up from show opener in the past, Tyler essentially co-headlined the event with former “Ultimate Fighter” cast member Mike Nickels after former Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Alvin Robinson was forced off the card due to injury.

The added emphasis for him to perform and bring in the crowd never figured into his fight, according to Toner.

“I’ve fought for (promoter Sven Bean) so many times for Ring of Fire and some of his smaller shows, so I feel welcome there, I feel home there,” he stated. “I don’t feel too much extra pressure there – I just kind of feel comfortable there.”

Aside from being an exciting fighter, Toner is known for his brash personality, which separates him from other Colorado fighters who tend to be more reserved, such as training partner Nate Marquardt.

“We all train together and joke around together and stuff, but none of us really put on too many fronts when we’re doing interviews or whatever,” he commented. “I’m just out there being myself and I’m trying to have fun with it.

“That’s just kind of how everybody is – like Nate’s the super-quiet guy, even in the gym. You’ll talk smack with him and he’ll just be quiet – that’s just kind of the way he is – but that’s just everybody being themselves.”

Having successfully defended his Young Guns title, Tyler is looking forward to staying busy over the coming year to further advance up the featherweight ladder.

“I’ve been talking to Eliot (Marshall), Duane (Ludwig) and everybody about it, and I just want to fight a lot,” he stated.

“I feel like I’m getting better every day. We’re working on my skills, I have such awesome trainers, and I just want to fight a lot, get a lot of experience and start to take bigger steps up toward the top.”

Previously, Toner fought on Strikeforce’s Colorado debut and is looking towards possibly fighting for them again in the future either on their main show or their newly instituted Challenger Series.

“I really enjoyed fighting for Strikeforce,” he said. “I had a great fight there and they treated me well. I felt I put on a good performance and hopefully I can hear from them in the future.

“I figure if I keep winning then it should all kind of take care of itself. Hopefully they’re looking at me and not the other way around.”

If Tyler continues down the path he is headed, it might not be long before instead of looking at opportunities, he is delivered them.

“I’d like to thank 5280 Fighter, Rupture Fight Wear and Disorderly Conduct,” he concluded. “Also thanks to my training partners, friends, family and everyone that helps me do what I do.

“I’m going to try to fight a lot this year, so everybody just watch out.”

It was “Judgment Day” on the Eve of Easter in Broomfield, Colorado as the Ring Of Fire made its return with their 34th event overall and second of 2009.

This event drew thousands of spectators from around the metro area in anticipation of a great night of fights from one of Colorado’s premier MMA organizations.

In the main event “Big” Mike Nickels faced off against the talented James Funny. Funny came out quick and made a brief statement as he slammed Nickels to the canvas to start the first round.

Nickels responded by immediately pulling half guard and working towards the straight arm lock. Nickels used his high level jiu-jitsu to keep the hyperextension move locked in and Funny was forced to tap with 1:13 down in the first round.

The co-main event was a battle for the Young Guns 145 lbs. Championship as Tyler Toner and David Fuentes locked horns. Toner began the first stanza by catching a right leg kick and driving Fuentes to the canvas.

Fuentes spent little time on his back as he up kicked his way back to his feet and proceeded with his stand up attack. Toner also carried on with his attack leaving the fighters in the center of the cage exchanging blows and letting it all hang out for the local fans.

The stand up battle continued and Toner began to capitalize with his back to the cage landing a couple of significant knees. Toner was persistent landing another big knee and followed up with some brutal strikes sending Fuentes to the canvas.

The ref had seen enough and stepped in for the protection of the fighter at 3:35 of round one.  Toner took home another title for T’s KO Fight Club.

Brendan Schaub was matched up against Russian competitor Bojan Spalevic and at stake was the Young Guns Heavyweight Championship.

Schaub wasted no time, landing a series of knee strikes followed up by a combination of strikes which left his weary opponent reeling to the fence covering up to avoid the onslaught.

Spalevic found the opportunity to clinch and performed an excellent hip toss leaving Schaub with his back to the canvas. Schaub did not remain on his back for long as he returned to his feet and proceeded with a punishing display of combinations forcing the referee to call a halt to the damage being inflicted at 52 seconds of round one.

Schaub tacked on another 1st round victory and became the new Young Guns Heavyweight Champion in the process.

Fabian Acuna faced off against James Martinez in a 155 lbs match up. Acuna got the take down early in the first leaving Martinez vulnerable to a few strikes once the fight was on the ground.

The action returned to the feet but the referee had to separate the fighters due to an illegal strike from Martinez.

Acuna retuned from the break meaning business as he released a barrage of combinations dazing his opponent as Martinez found himself on the canvas.  Acuna pounced on his opponent before pulling in the match ending key lock submission at the 1:55 mark of the first round.

Luke “Lil Hulk” Caudillo was set to due battle with Josh Arocho as one of the feature bouts of the evening.

Both fighters were trying to work their best attack and counter strike as they spent quite a bit of time working from the clinch.  Arocho took Caudillo down near the end of the first and landed a couple solid elbows one of which opened a cut on the top of Caudillo’s head as blood ran down his face to end the first.

The second round started with a few great stand up exchanges as Caudillo pressed the action almost looking as though he felt he needed to put an end to this fight, but Arocho slowed the party down by taking Caudillo to the cage floor and immediately taking his back.

Caudillo continued his defense of the RNC but Arocho was persistent as he locked in the RNC to end the fight at 3:67 of the second round.

Kenneth Seegrist defeated Ed Banks with vicious body strikes.  Seegrist did a great job in defending the early back control of Banks before working his way to guard then mount as he started to pound on Banks from every angle.

At the 1:19 mark of round one Banks succumbed to the punishing blows being delivered by Seegrist and opted to tap out.

Cody Frederickson handled his opponent Chandler Holderness at 1:51of round 2 by TKO after a few nice exchanges in the first round.

Chris Williamson defeated Bryan Linzmeyer by TKO at the 1:27 mark of round 2 as he brought the punishment for his second fight.  Very impressive ground control and he showed he can deliver some blows from the mount.

Josiah Callis struck his way to another impressive victory over Denis Acuna at 2:20 of the second round.

Charles Johnson took home the unanimous decision over Zach Valdez.

John Powers won over 2 of the 3 the judges decisions, and claimed the win over Joe Guiterrez.

Round Card Girl Liza Kampstra

Round Card Girl Skyler Kreysar

Written by Rick Teran/Brawlin.net
Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

View All Fotos! 

At the scales by Rick Teran/Brawlin.net

Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

Ring Of Fire 34 – Judgment Day Weigh In Results

Tyler Toner 145 lbs vs. Dee Jay Fuentes 144.5 lbs

Brendan Schaub 241 lbs vs. Bojan Spalevic 229 lbs

Luke Caudillo 156 lbs vs. Josh Arocho 155 lbs

Kenneth Seegrist 189 lbs vs. Ed Banks 184 lbs

Chandler Holderness 170 lbs vs. Cody Frederickson 170 lbs

Chris Williamson 186.5 lbs vs. Bryan Linzmeyer 180 lbs

Charles Johnson 144 lbs vs. Zach Valdez 144 lbs

Joe Guiterrez 155 lbs vs. John Powers 155 lbs

Fabian Acuna 155.8 lbs vs. James Martinez 154 lbs

Denis Acuna 157 lbs vs. Josiah Callis 149 lbs

RING OF FIRE 34: JUDGMENT DAY!!

The 13 bout MMA event will take place on Saturday, April 11th,2009 at the Broomfield Event Center in Broomfield, Colorado.

MAIN EVENT:
In the main event bout of the evening, UFC veteran Alvin KID Robinson returns to Colorado for the first time in two years.

A four time UFC veteran, Robinson is known as one of the slickest ground fighters in the sport. His biggest career victory came when he defeated Jorge Gurgel at UFC 77 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Robinson holds the rank of Black Belt under the legendary Royce Gracie and is also a former All American wrestler. He won and defended the ROF Light Weight Championship three times. Robinson was sidelined during training for ROF 33, but is now injury free and ready to get back in the cage.
“On April 11th I make my return to 145lbs division. The 145lbs division is stacked and I can’t wait to fight the best.”

“Its honor to be fighting on Ring of Fire again, the show that started my career. I also can’t wait to fight in front of my hometown crowd here in Colorado. The fans here are very loyal and supportive and I plan on putting on a great fight for them. I have big plans for 2009 and they all start at Ring Of Fire 34. I feel great! I’m 100% healthy and ready to go.”
 
Robinson’s opponent, Anthony Morrison was raised in the rough streets of Philadelphia, PA. Morrison has literally fought for a better way of life. He is a powerful fighter that started his career training out of his grandmother’s basement, literally. Morrison has been training with Team Combat for the past year (the camp that brought up Amir Sadollah) to improve his game. Anthony is moving down from 155lbs to 145lbs. He feels at that weight, he will be a handful for any opponent.
 
“Alvin is tough opponent and I’m stepping into his back yard for this fight… I like being the underdog and I think the pressure is on him. This fight means a lot to me and I have faced tough opponents like Alvin before. I am going to prove to myself and everyone that I belong here. I dont think Alvin will want to stand with me so I’m obviously gonna try keep him where he is not comfortable. If it stays on the feet I will KO him. If it goes to the ground Im looking to pound him out. I am very excited to fight with Ring Of Fire! Some of the best fighters in the country have come up through this promotion..and to the ROF fans ..I wont disappoint!!.
 
FEATURE BOUTS:
In the main feature bout of the evening UFC veteran BIG Mike Nickels returns to the cage.

Nickels is a BJJ stylist with a 6-2 record and was featured on season 3 of Spike TV’s Ultimate Fighter. BIG Mike was last seen in action at ROF 32, where he displayed text book technique in finishing Sebian boxer Vladimir Vuckovic early in the first round.

At ROF 34, Nickels will face the top up and coming light heavyweight in the region, James Funny. Funny has a very impressive 10-2 MMA record. He is known for both his KO power as well as brute strength on the mat. Funny is lookin for a win over the UFC vet to launch his career.
 
The undercard is stacked as UFC vet Luke LIL HULK Caudillo returns to action against Army Combatives instructor Josh Arocho. The 145 lb Young Guns belt will be on the line as Tyler THUNDER Toner takes on the 4-2 Dee Jay Fuentes of Matt Hughes HIT Squad camp. Fabian The FREAK Acuna makes his long awaited return as he squares up against K-1 and Contender Asia star James Martinez. Undefeated Heavyweight and Golden Gloves Champion Brendan Schaub looks to go 5-0, but standing in his way is Montengro MMA Champion Bojan Spalevic. In a battle of brawlers fan favorite Kenneth Seegrist will clash with Ed Banks to open the main card portion of the evening.
 
There will be six preliminary matches starting at 6:30, highlighted by Cody Frederickson of Jacksons MMA taking on Easton BJJ’s Chandler Holderness. The remaing bouts feature some of the most promising young fighters on the circuit.

WORLD CLASS ARENA
The $45 million Broomfield Event Center is a state-of- the-art 180,000 square foot multi-purpose event center and includes 25 suites, 900 club seats, up to 8,000 total seats, a sit-down restaurant, three themed bars and a separate basketball practice facility. It is the home of the CHL ’s Rocky Mountain Rage Professional Hockey Club and the Colorado 14ers Professional Basketball Club of the NBA Development League.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!!
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
 
Available online at www.TICKETMASTER.com charge by phone at 303-830-TIXS
 
visit the Broomfield Event Center box office
 
Visit any Ticketmaster outlet including select Macy’s stores, Select F-Y-E Stores, Cherry Creek Shopping Center visitors desk, Angelo’s CDs, and Twist and Shout.
 
Ticket Prices: All tickets subject to facility fee, city tax and parking included (totals $9.50). Online purchases may be subject to an additional fee. Tickets are priced at $25.00, $35.00, and $45.00
 
SPECIAL VIP TABLE PACKAGES! Call (303) 521-0966 for details.

Written by & Fotos by Joe Cordova/Brawlin.net

Despite losing in his debut fight, Chris Williamson showed alot of promise as he had no problem with take downs and then following up with some strikes. 

It just seemed the little mistakes made by Williamson were always attacked and his oppenent Chris Holand reversed the action.

After the second reversal , Holland took Williamsons’ back and let his fist fly and just as the bell rang to end the second round the referree jumped in to call a hault to the action with one second remaining.

I think there is alot of upside for Williamson despite the loss, he will definitely get the tutelage  he needs to avoid making the little mistakes that may have cost him a victory with the likes of Duang Ludwig and newly crowned ROF Champion Brandon Thatch training along his side.

To learn more and get to know more about Chris Williamson, there is a great article written by the Image Magazine staff that gives you an inside look at a true good guy in the world of MMA.

Finally!

I had taken thousands of fotos (which is normal when I have great lighting) so sifting and seperating was a huge task.

In the end…

Here you have a taste of the best of the best from ROF 33 – ADRENALINE!

This is a great insider on Colorado’s most successful MMA promoter Sven Bean.

Get to know a little more about Sven and his promotion Ring of Fire and how it all came about.

Enjoy!

Big props to PureFight.org for making this interview happen.

Video Courtesy of PureFight.org

Video Courtesy of PureFight.org

Video Courtesy of PureFight.org

Video Courtesy of PureFight.org