MMA Blaster Turns 3!

Thanks everyone for reading! Three years down and plenty more to go. Please bookmark the site, follow and comment.

I want to especially thank fighters Shah Bobonis, Chuck Grigsby, Muhsin Cobbrey, TJ O'Brien, Gerald Harris, Douglas Lima, Larry Landry and Jason Nicholson for interviews and feature stories. If you are a pro fighter looking for some publicity, feel free to email me at mmablaster@gmail.com or hit me up on facebook/mmablaster.

MMA Blaster's top 20 cities for November 2009 through November 2010:

1. London, UK
2. New York, USA
3. Chicago, USA
4. Los Angeles, USA
5. Sydney, AUS
6. Melbourne, AUS
7. San Francisco, USA
8. Houston, USA
9. Toronto, CAN
10. Hamburg, GER
11. Dublin, IRE
12. Manila, PHIL
13. San Diego, USA
14. Las Vegas, USA
15. Los Angeles, USA
16. Calgary, CAN
17. Manchester, UK
18. Honolulu, USA
19. Vancouver, USA
20. Des Moines, USA

2008 Exclusives

Here are some exclusive intervies from 2008.

Chuck Grigsby
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2007/12/dreams-goals-dedication-chuck-reverend.html

Muhsin Corbbrey
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/10/spectacular-muhsin-corbbrey.html

Jason Nicholson
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/10/never-stop-fighting-jason-nicholson.html

Shah Bobonis
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/10/hollywood-in-hood.html

Larry Landry
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/11/lethal-leprechaun-larry-landry.html

Gerald Harris
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2009/03/gerald-harris-exclusive-interview.html

http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/07/gerald-harris-update.html

TJ O'Brien and Jesse Lund
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/01/team-revolutions-tj-obrien-and-jesse.html

Douglas Lima
http://mmablaster.blogspot.com/2008/05/aggressor-douglas-lima.html

T.J. O'Brien Update

MMA Blaster Exclusive on TJ O'Brien

(T.J. O'Brien pictured throwing punches)

MCC Featherweight Champ T.J. O'Brien will be defending his title against veteran fighter Chris Mickle at MCC 18: O'Brien v. Mickle. T.J. is an up and coming 145 pound fighter that has some serious submission skills. At 6'2" he usually has a size advantage over most 145 pounders. MCC 18 takes place on Friday, January 16th at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Iowa.

MMA Blaster: How did your last fight go against Will Shutt? Did fighting him for the second time pose any problems?

T.J. O'Brien: The fight with Shutt went a little longer than I planned. I took the fight on a couple weeks notice so I wasn't at my best. I still got the win early in the 2nd round.

MMA Blaster: How has your training been going? Who are you working out with now?

T.J. O'Brien: Training has been going great. I've been moving around from gym to gym and have been taking private jiu jitsu lessons with some great teachers.

MMA Blaster: Does your training change at all as it gets colder outside?

T.J. O'Brien: Since it has got colder outside my training has changed quite a bit. I love working outside with tires, car pushes, sprints and stuff like that.

MMA Blaster: Sherdog. com has you in a 6 way tie for fourth with 7 triangle choke wins in mma history, what's it about that particular submission that fits your game?

T.J. O'Brien: The triangle fits my game because of my long legs and flexibility. I also use the move for offense, most people just use it as a defensive move.

MMA Blaster: You next fight Chris Mickle on January 16th, what do you know about him? Will that fight be for the 145 pound title?

T.J. O'Brien: I am defending my belt against Chris Mickle. It should be the toughest fight I have had so far. He has good submissions and has fought a hand full of UFC veterans.

MMA Blaster: How has fighting for MCC been?

T.J. O'Brien: The MCC organization has treated me great and I've fought for them a lot. I still would like to get some traveling in so I can get a chance at some other fighters.

MMA Blaster: Are you looking for sponsors? If so, how do they contact you?

T.J. O'Brien: Yes, I am. Sponsors can contact my manager Shaun McDermott. His email is shaunm.mcdermott@gmail.com


*Veteran Mike Van Meer will also be fighting on this card.
*Check out midwestcagechampionship.com for ticket information.

Questions With The Reverend

MMA Blaster was happy to touch base with mixed martial artist Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby. Chuck will be defending his MCC title belt on Wednesday, November 26th against Travis "Ironman" Fulton. MCC 17: Thanksgiving Showdown will take place at Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines.

MMA Blaster: Rev, how's it going? Since your fight in June, how has your training changed?

Rev: First off I would like to thank you for the opportunity being on such a great website and the positive exposure MMA Blaster has given me throughout my career. I think it is one the best media outlets in the fight game.

My training has changed dramatically since I put my gym (Team Revolution) on hold and began to fully focus on myself and my training. This is the first time in my career that I have been able to walk in a gym and just be the student with no coaching or training responsibilities. It pretty ironic since I've been doing this sport since 2004, I'm surprised I've made this far to be honest, in the short time that I have been training for this fight I have seen significant improvements in all areas. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to train with Miletich Fighting Systems for about 4 or 5 weeks immediately after my last fight and soaked up as much knowledge from Pat Miltich and the guys who trained with me.

Special shout out to Josh Neer and Mike C. After the birth of my son I wasn’t able to maintain the three hour one way trip to train and now exclusively train in Des Moines at West Boxing and Central Iowa Mixed Martial Arts.

MMA Blaster: What are the biggest improvements that you have made in your fight skills since June?

Rev: I think my biggest improvement since my last fight has been mental toughness. Mitich, West Side Boxing, and Central Mixed Martial Arts have took the gloves off and really put me through a tough tough camp. People that know me know that I don’t train just for one fight, I train for multiple fights so I can obtain multiple wins and build win streaks.

MMA Blaster: What do you know about Travis Fulton? Any comments on the fight?

Rev: All I know about my opponent is that he is very experienced and a tough hard nose type guy who likes to get down and grind out fights. That's just the type of fighter I need to face to begin another chapter in the fight game. I think its good match up stylistically for the fans because he may just try to stand a little bit. I expect a very physical fight.

MMA Blaster: How has parenthood treated you? How has it changed your outlook on life and fighting?

Rev: My outlook has definitely changed as a fighter with birth of my son Xander, he and my wife have been the strength and cornerstone of my strength and purpose throughout times of adversity

MMA Blaster: What are your goals for 2009?

Rev: My goals for 09' are to win, win, win! I'm a “free agent” now that the WEC has dropped my weight class, 205. I can fight anywhere at anytime, so I'll do that, but first thing first, November 26th when I defend one of my titles for the second time with Midwest Cage Championships here in Des Moines. I'm excited to fight for MCC again. They are a great promotion that has awesome fans who understand and respect the sport.




(Pictured: Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby")

*MMA Blaster would like to thank Rev for his time and kind words.
*Tickets for MCC: 17 can be purchased at Ticketmaster, the Val Air box office and http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com/
*Mike C. is Mike Ciesnolevicz, a former IFL fighter with notable wins over Aaron Stark, Alex Schoenauer and Brent Beauparlant.
*Josh Neer has fought 7 times in the UFC with wins over Din Thomas, Joe Stevenson and Melvin Guillard.

MCC 17 RESULTS

Ryan Langmaid def. Shane Mosby Sub (Rear Naked Choke) R1, 3:24
Heath Johnson def. Josh Christenson Sub (Verbal) R2, 3:49
Jesse Lund def. Phil Dawes Sub (Rear Naked Choke) R1, 2:16
TJ O'Brien def. Will Shutt Sub (Triangle Choke) R2, 1:43
Zak Cummings def. Cole Jennet Sub (Neck Crank) R1, 2:11
Chuck Grigsby def. Chad Vance TKO R1, 2:59

T.J. O'Brien Wins Belt at MCC 16

T.J. O'Brien won the featherweight (145) pound championship at MCC 16 Friday, September 12th. The event took place at Bucs Arena just outside Des Moines, Iowa. Here are the preliminary results:

TJ O’Brien def. Josh Atwell via Triangle Choke, Rd 1
Joe Ellenberger def. Alex Harper
Cole Jennett def. Rakeem Hedrington
Matt Cook def. Colby Karaidos
Will Shutt def. Nick Walker
Jeff Carstens def. Travis Tovrea
Richard White def. Fernando Sheeler
Nate Williams def. Anthony Tallman
Kenny Ford def. Shadoe Speaker

MCC 16 Josh Atwell v. T.J. O'Brien

By MMA Blaster

Tonight Midwest Cage Championships, MCC, will officially hold its 16th event this Friday, September 12th. The main event will feature a Featherweight Title bout between Josh Atwell and T.J. O'Brien. The co-main event will feature a bout between UFC vet John Halverson and Vern Jefferson.

I was able to catch up with former Team Revolution fighter T.J. O'Brien to get some perspective on his upcoming fight. To earn a shot at the Featherweight Title, T.J. won a 4 man tournment at MCC 13 with victories over Nick Walker and Will Shutt. Both victories came way of first round triangle chokes.

T.J. has been training extremely hard for this fight with his good friend Alex Harper. He has perfected his wrestling by training with several college wrestlers. The preperation has led T.J. to also focus more on his stand-up. If you have seen clips of T.J. fight, you will know his size allows him to throw a mean high kick to his opponents face.

In regards to his opponent, T.J. is aware that Josh Atwell is a solid wrestler with Muay Thai skills. The key to the fight will be staying calm wherever the fight should go while controlling his opponent. With T.J. fighting a couple bouts at 155, he knows it will be a test to get to Featherweight, 145, in this fight. The cut will be important for the 6'2" fighter as his size and strength are big weapons in his this fight.

MMA Blaster wishes T.J. the best. We will keep you posted following the results.



*Photo's of T.J. O'Brien used with his permission.
*Check out midwestcagechampionships.com for more information.
*Event will be held at the Bucs Arena at 7201 Hickman in Urbandale, Iowa.

Video of the Day - O'Brien v. Cunningham

Here is T.J. O'Brien v. Adam Cunningham from MCC 9 which took place on July 27th, 2007.

MCC 13 Contenders Results

Team Revolution fighter T.J. O'Brien ran throught the MCC featherweight tournament with a pair of triangle choke victories. Nick Walker was put to sleep and Will Shutt had to tap in losing to O'Brien in the first round. The tournament win should put O'Brien in line for a shot at the featherweight title.

Will Shutt def. Jacob Ritchie via TKO R1, 1:08
TJ O'Brien def. Nick Walker via Sub. (Triangle Choke) R1, 2:03
Ronnie Britt def. Chuck Rainey via Sub. (Guillotine Choke) R2, 4:07
Josh Christensen def. Doug Onstott via TKO R1, 2:39
Paul Bird def. Jake Brown via Sub. (Armbar) R1, 3:40
Ted Worthington def. Mike Johnson via. Sub. (Triangle Choke) R3, 1:29
TJ O'Brien def. Will Shutt via. Sub. (Triangle Choke) R1, 0:50
Zach Cummings def. Victor Moreno Sub.(Keylock) R2, 2:19

+Highlights featured on Inside MMA

MCC 13 Contenders

After taking a look at Google Analytics, I have found that Iowa has generated my second most amount of visitors behind Illinois. Here is an upcoming fight card for Midwest Cage Championships 13th show. The bouts will take place on April 25th, 2008 at KGGO/Bucs Arena.

WW Title Fight- Victor Moreno v. Ben Crowder
WW Micheal Johnson v. Ted Worthington
LW Paul Bird v. TBA
LHW Doug Onstot v. Josh Christenson
WW Chuck Rainey v. Ronnie Britt
LW Alex Harper v. TBA

Four Man Featherweight Tournament
Nick Walker v. TJ O’Brien
Will Shutt . Brad Floyd


*TJ O'Brien celebrating a victory

T.J. O'Brien and Jeese Lund Victorious

Both T.J. O'Brien and Jesse Lund dominated in their performances in Title Fight Championships "Awakening" event on 1/26/08. T.J. used a high kick to knock his opponent to the floor before applying a rear naked choke just 57 seconds into the bout. Jesse won by a keylock submission at 1:40 in the first round.

T.J. O'Brien


Jesse Lund


Full TFC Results (Note: TFC and MCC are merged)

1) Steve Young (146) vs Damian Ware (145)
Young won by verbal submission due to an arm lock at 1:48 in RD 1

2) Mark Gearhart (188) vs Tim Ross (185)
Ross won with a guillotine in RD 2

3) Jesse Lund (204) vs Bryant Reynolds (205)
Lund won with a Kimura at 1:40 in RD 1

4) Ronnie Britt (166) vs Shane Mosby (167)
Britt won with a modified shoulder choke at 3:33 in RD 1

5) Josh Christiansen (204) vs Kris Mason (205)
Christiansen won by tapout due to strikes at 1:16 in RD 1

6) Josh Atwell (144) vs Eric Howser (143)
Atwell won with a RNC at 1:37 in RD 2

7) Cole Jennet vs Jason Purcell (168)
Jennet won with a Keylock at 1:47 in RD 1

8) Jeff Carstens (159) vs TJ O'Brien (155)
O'Brien won with a RNC at 57 seconds in RD 1.

9) Mike Van Meer vs Brian Green (184)
Green won by tapout due to armbar RD 2
Brian Green Wins Middleweight Championship

Team Revolution’s T.J. O’Brien and Jesse Lund to Fight This Saturday

Article by the MMA Blaster

The cold of the Midwest winter will be broken up this Saturday with Title Fight Championship's “Awakening” event. The mixed martial arts fight card will take place at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Iowa. The main event will be a clash against 185 pound MMA veterans Mike Van Meer and Brian Green. Also on the card are two of Team Revolution’s up and coming fighters, T.J. “Da Spyder” O’Brien and Jesse Lund. Both are looking to continue on their winning ways and gain valuable fight experience. I was able to correspond with both before writing this article.

T.J. O’Brien has a lightweight fight with Jeff Carstens. Carstens is an experienced mixed martial artist with over fourteen pro fights to his name. All of Carstens' victories (and most of his losses) have come by way of submission. T.J. is aware of Cartens' love of the ground game and counter punching, and plans to use his reach advantage to control the fight. As a tall and lean 155 pound fighter TJ. said, "[m]y biggest assets coming into the fight would be my transition and my size. I fight at 155 and I am 6'2" so that gives me a reach advantage." T.J. will also look to establish his combinations and push the action.

T.J. is a graduate of Martensdale St. Marys High School and currently goes to Des Moines Area Community College. During high school, T.J. was a four time letter winner in basketball and track, taking part in state track meets all four years and still holds the record in the 4 X 400 meters. He has been studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for a little over a year.

Team Revolution’s Jesse Lund is in a 205 pound contest with Bryant Reynolds. Jesse was a four year wrestler at Nodaway Valley High School in Iowa, qualifying for state his senior year. When asked about the transition to mma, Jesse said, “[i]t was a hard transition from wrestling to jiu jitsu, especially pulling guard vs keeping your base. I had zero stand up skills, but now feel very strong on my feet, thanks to Rev for the hands and Razor for the kicks.”

In regards to his opponent on Saturday, Jesse knows little about his foe's skills other than his wrestling ability. Jesse is not coming into the fight with a specific game plan because he knows it will go out the window once he is hit. Jesse looks to keep the fight standing to show off his striking skills. But when the fight hits the ground, Jesse sees a quick victory coming. Jesse is a father of two, Baylie (6) and Blake (3), and gives extra thanks to his wife Theresa. She has allowed him to train, arranged for babysitters, and helped with ticket sales.

Both fighters wanted to give thanks to “The Reverend” Chuck Grigsby and Team Revolution. Jesse was not getting enough training at his previous camp before he called Rev and asked about joining the gym. T.J. was invited after talking to Rev while lifting weights at the YMCA.

I want to wish both the fighters luck in their bouts this weekend. I’ll let everyone know the results and hopefully will get some pictures up. If anyone still needs tickets, click on the Team Revolution link on the right.

Jesse Lund


T.J. O'Brien


*The text of this article is intellectual property owned by the MMA Blaster