Here is Nick Diaz fighting Adam Lynn in UA - King of the Mountain, which took place on 9/28/02 in Auberry, California. Lynn is still fighting today, having competed in King of the Cage, Shooto, WEC and the IFL.
Diaz will defend his 170 pound Strikeforce belt on April 9th against UK's Paul Daley. Diaz is currently on a 9 fight win streak, which includes 5 TKO's and 3 submissions.
Strikeforce - Diaz v. Daley will take place April 9th at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California. As per usual, the fights will air live on Showtime.
SHOWTIME MAIN CARD
Nick Diaz v. Paul Daley - WW Title Fight
Gilbert Melendez v. Tatsuya Kawajiri - LW Title Fight
Mike Kyle v. Gegard Mousasi
Shinya Aoki v. Lyle Beerbohm
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Jon Jones Reigns Supreme
Jon Jones notched the signature win of his young and burgeoning career with a dominant performance, taking down MMA legend Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in the third round. With exceptional reach, height, quickness, striking and wrestling, Jones' potential seems to be limitless. Jones has yet to be hurt inside the cage.
(Jones and Rua stare down)
A state and junior college wrestling champion, Jon Jones switched to MMA in 2008. He began at Team Bombsquad, Jones rattling off 6 straight wins in regional East Coast promotions before getting signed by the UFC. Entering the UFC on a tear, Jones notched two dominant decisions off BJJ standout Andre Gusmao and the uber tough Stephan Bonnar.
(Jones hits a picture perfect suplex)
After taking out Jake O'Brien with a guillotine, Jones hit his first bump in the road in MMA. While dominating Matt Hamill, Jones threw a series of 12-6 elbows to Hamill's head. With some getting through, Jones was DQ'd and suffered his first loss.
(Jones throwing a spinning back elbow)
Jones bounced back with first round TKO's of Brandon Vera and Vladimir Matyushenko. While getting ready for a fight with undefeated TUF 8 winner Ryan Bader, Jones was told the winner of the fight would fill in for the injured Rashad Evans for the title.
(Jones nasty GNP against Vera)
After a switch to Team Jackson, Jones came out taking down Bader, an All-American wrestler at Arizona State University. In the third round, Jones was able to latch on a modified guillotine from top position, catapulting him into the number one contender spot.
(Throwing a punch against Bader)
The rest is history, as Jones has become the youngest UFC champion in history. With uncanny quickness and athletic ability, Jones seems to get progressively better in each outing. His next move will be fighting mentor and teammate Rashad Evans. If he gets by Evans, the next logical move would be a fight with Rampage Jackson.
(Jones throwing a knee)
(Jones and Rua stare down)
A state and junior college wrestling champion, Jon Jones switched to MMA in 2008. He began at Team Bombsquad, Jones rattling off 6 straight wins in regional East Coast promotions before getting signed by the UFC. Entering the UFC on a tear, Jones notched two dominant decisions off BJJ standout Andre Gusmao and the uber tough Stephan Bonnar.
(Jones hits a picture perfect suplex)
After taking out Jake O'Brien with a guillotine, Jones hit his first bump in the road in MMA. While dominating Matt Hamill, Jones threw a series of 12-6 elbows to Hamill's head. With some getting through, Jones was DQ'd and suffered his first loss.
(Jones throwing a spinning back elbow)
Jones bounced back with first round TKO's of Brandon Vera and Vladimir Matyushenko. While getting ready for a fight with undefeated TUF 8 winner Ryan Bader, Jones was told the winner of the fight would fill in for the injured Rashad Evans for the title.
(Jones nasty GNP against Vera)
After a switch to Team Jackson, Jones came out taking down Bader, an All-American wrestler at Arizona State University. In the third round, Jones was able to latch on a modified guillotine from top position, catapulting him into the number one contender spot.
(Throwing a punch against Bader)
The rest is history, as Jones has become the youngest UFC champion in history. With uncanny quickness and athletic ability, Jones seems to get progressively better in each outing. His next move will be fighting mentor and teammate Rashad Evans. If he gets by Evans, the next logical move would be a fight with Rampage Jackson.
(Jones throwing a knee)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
UFC Purchases Strikeforce
In the video below, Dana White reveals that Zuffa, parent corporation of the UFC, has purchased Strikeforce.
White explains that Strikeforce will keep going business as usual, with Strikeforce fighters remaining in Strikeforce. Scott Coker will stay in charge of the promotion. However, some UFC fighters will be going to Strikeforce.
It leaves the fans to wonder, what are the dream match-ups that can come of the UFC aquisition of Strikeforce. Dana White said he did the move for the fans.
Could we see Gilbert Melendez fight Edgar/Maynard/Pettis? Alistair Overeem fighting Brock Lesnar? Shinya Aoki fighting BJ Penn? Dan Henderson fighting Jon Jones/Shogun winner? Women in the UFC?
White explains that Strikeforce will keep going business as usual, with Strikeforce fighters remaining in Strikeforce. Scott Coker will stay in charge of the promotion. However, some UFC fighters will be going to Strikeforce.
It leaves the fans to wonder, what are the dream match-ups that can come of the UFC aquisition of Strikeforce. Dana White said he did the move for the fans.
Could we see Gilbert Melendez fight Edgar/Maynard/Pettis? Alistair Overeem fighting Brock Lesnar? Shinya Aoki fighting BJ Penn? Dan Henderson fighting Jon Jones/Shogun winner? Women in the UFC?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Bellator Season 4 Round-Up
Bellator Season 4 kicked off this past Saturday from the Tachi Palace Casino in Lenmoore, California. The welterweight tournament was wittled down to the final four, as Rick Hawn, Jay Hieron, Lyman Good and Brent Weedman advanced.
It appears that champions will fight mainly in non-title bouts this season. Women's champ Zoila Frausto won her return to Bellator with a unanimous decision win over Katrina Hallinan.
Featherweight Tournament - 1st Round BFC 37
Patricio Freire (14-1, 2-1 BFC) v Georgi Karakhanyan (14-2-1)
Kenny Foster (8-2, 1-0 BFC) v Eric Larkin (3-0, 1-0 BFC)
Zac George (20-3, 0-0 BFC) v Wilson Reis (11-2, 3-2 BFC)
Daniel Straus (14-3, 1-0 BFC) v Nazareno Malegarie (19-0)
LHW Tournament - 1st Round BFC 38
Daniel Gracie (5-2-1) v Tim Carpenter (6-0, 1-0 BFC)
Nik Fekete (4-0) v Richard Hale (15-3)
Chris Davis (10-2) v Christian M'Pumbu (15-3-1)
DJ Linderman (8-1) v Raphael Davis (10-1)
Lightweight Tournament - 2nd Round Qualifiers
Mike Chandler (6-0, 3-0 BFC)- Chandler deated the hyped European prospect Marcin Held in the first round via an arm triangle choke. Chandler posseses a solid ground game with 3 submissions and 3 TKO's, most due to ground and pound.
Toby Imada (29-15, 5-2 BFC)- After the odd last second withdrawl of his original opponent Ferrid Kheder, Imada bested the undefeated Josh Shockley via armbar just under 80 seconds into the first round. With a vaunted ground game, expect the Bellator vet to keep looking for submissions.
Lloyd Woodward (11-0)- The undefeated Woodward was able to win in his toughest test to date with a second round TKO of Carey Vanier. Showing excellent takedown defense throughout the bout, Woodward landed a left hook in the second before finishing off Vanier.
Patricky Freire (8-1)- Friere impressed in his MMA debut taking out the noted striker Razor Rob McCullough in the first round. Friere had a solid first round, but probably lost the second. In the third, Friere connected on a solid right hand, pushing him into the second round.
2nd Round Qualifiers following BFC 35
Rick Hawn (10-0, 2-0 BFC)- Hawn won a stand-up battle against fellow judo blackbelt Jim Wallhead. Hawn has improving boxing skills with high level grappling. Hawn finished 9th in the 2004 Olympics in Judo.
Lyman Good (11-1, 4-1 BFC)- Good maintained constant pressure on Chris Lozano in his opening round match-up for a unanimous decision victory. Good will look to use his power striking in a second round match-up against high level judo player Rick Hawn.
Brent Weedman (18-5, 4-0 BFC)- Weedman won a tough decision against Dan Hornbuckle that could have gone either way. Weedman suffered a cut above his right eye in the scrap. Weedman has solid grappling. Weedman will be looking for another solid performance in his second round match-up against Jay Hieron.
Jay Hieron (20-4, 1-0 BFC)- Hieron dominated Anthony Lapsley for the entire fight before an interesting ending. Ref Josh Rosenthal believed that Lapsley was out following a rear naked choke despite a protest. Regardless, Hieron's grappling proved too much for Lapsley in his 3 and a half minutes of action. Hieron did not suffer any damage in his fight.
Current Bellator Champions:
Cole Konrad - HW (7-0, 5-0 BFC)
Hector Lombard - MW (27-2, 6-0 BFC)
Ben Askren - WW (7-0, 4-0 BFC)
Eddie Alvarez - LW (21-2, 5-0 BFC)
Joe Warren - FW (6-1, 4-0 BFC)
Zach Makovsky - BW (12-2, 4-0 BFC)
Zoila Frausto - Women's 115 (11-1, 5-0 BFC)
Champions Fights:
Zoila Frausto won a unanimous decision over Katrina Hallinan
Eddie Alvarez fights Pat Curran (12-3, 3-0 BFC) at BFC 39
Ben Askren fights Nick Thompson (38-13, 0-0 BFC) at BFC 40
Zach Makovsky fights Chad Robichaux (11-0, 0-0 BFC) at BFC 41
Hector Lombard fights Falaniko Vitale (28-9, 0-0 BFC) at BFC 44
(Eddie Alvarez)
It appears that champions will fight mainly in non-title bouts this season. Women's champ Zoila Frausto won her return to Bellator with a unanimous decision win over Katrina Hallinan.
Featherweight Tournament - 1st Round BFC 37
Patricio Freire (14-1, 2-1 BFC) v Georgi Karakhanyan (14-2-1)
Kenny Foster (8-2, 1-0 BFC) v Eric Larkin (3-0, 1-0 BFC)
Zac George (20-3, 0-0 BFC) v Wilson Reis (11-2, 3-2 BFC)
Daniel Straus (14-3, 1-0 BFC) v Nazareno Malegarie (19-0)
LHW Tournament - 1st Round BFC 38
Daniel Gracie (5-2-1) v Tim Carpenter (6-0, 1-0 BFC)
Nik Fekete (4-0) v Richard Hale (15-3)
Chris Davis (10-2) v Christian M'Pumbu (15-3-1)
DJ Linderman (8-1) v Raphael Davis (10-1)
Lightweight Tournament - 2nd Round Qualifiers
Mike Chandler (6-0, 3-0 BFC)- Chandler deated the hyped European prospect Marcin Held in the first round via an arm triangle choke. Chandler posseses a solid ground game with 3 submissions and 3 TKO's, most due to ground and pound.
Toby Imada (29-15, 5-2 BFC)- After the odd last second withdrawl of his original opponent Ferrid Kheder, Imada bested the undefeated Josh Shockley via armbar just under 80 seconds into the first round. With a vaunted ground game, expect the Bellator vet to keep looking for submissions.
Lloyd Woodward (11-0)- The undefeated Woodward was able to win in his toughest test to date with a second round TKO of Carey Vanier. Showing excellent takedown defense throughout the bout, Woodward landed a left hook in the second before finishing off Vanier.
Patricky Freire (8-1)- Friere impressed in his MMA debut taking out the noted striker Razor Rob McCullough in the first round. Friere had a solid first round, but probably lost the second. In the third, Friere connected on a solid right hand, pushing him into the second round.
2nd Round Qualifiers following BFC 35
Rick Hawn (10-0, 2-0 BFC)- Hawn won a stand-up battle against fellow judo blackbelt Jim Wallhead. Hawn has improving boxing skills with high level grappling. Hawn finished 9th in the 2004 Olympics in Judo.
Lyman Good (11-1, 4-1 BFC)- Good maintained constant pressure on Chris Lozano in his opening round match-up for a unanimous decision victory. Good will look to use his power striking in a second round match-up against high level judo player Rick Hawn.
Brent Weedman (18-5, 4-0 BFC)- Weedman won a tough decision against Dan Hornbuckle that could have gone either way. Weedman suffered a cut above his right eye in the scrap. Weedman has solid grappling. Weedman will be looking for another solid performance in his second round match-up against Jay Hieron.
Jay Hieron (20-4, 1-0 BFC)- Hieron dominated Anthony Lapsley for the entire fight before an interesting ending. Ref Josh Rosenthal believed that Lapsley was out following a rear naked choke despite a protest. Regardless, Hieron's grappling proved too much for Lapsley in his 3 and a half minutes of action. Hieron did not suffer any damage in his fight.
Current Bellator Champions:
Cole Konrad - HW (7-0, 5-0 BFC)
Hector Lombard - MW (27-2, 6-0 BFC)
Ben Askren - WW (7-0, 4-0 BFC)
Eddie Alvarez - LW (21-2, 5-0 BFC)
Joe Warren - FW (6-1, 4-0 BFC)
Zach Makovsky - BW (12-2, 4-0 BFC)
Zoila Frausto - Women's 115 (11-1, 5-0 BFC)
Champions Fights:
Zoila Frausto won a unanimous decision over Katrina Hallinan
Eddie Alvarez fights Pat Curran (12-3, 3-0 BFC) at BFC 39
Ben Askren fights Nick Thompson (38-13, 0-0 BFC) at BFC 40
Zach Makovsky fights Chad Robichaux (11-0, 0-0 BFC) at BFC 41
Hector Lombard fights Falaniko Vitale (28-9, 0-0 BFC) at BFC 44
(Eddie Alvarez)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Strikeforce - Hendo and Coenen Reign
Strikeforce - Henderson v. Feijao proved an entertaining event with a miraculous come-back victory by Marloes Coenen for the women's 135 pound title. In addition, MMA pioneer Dan Henderson proved he still has big time power with a dramatic knockout of Brazilian powerhouse Rafael "Feijao" Calvancante.
Dan Henderson is a legend of the sport on mixed martial arts, beginning his career in 1997 following an extensive amateur wrestling career. Henderson has competed and won belts in the UFC, Rings, Pride and now Strikeforce. His decorated career has seen him notch victories over Renzo Gracie, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Vitor Belfort, Rich Franklin and Michael Bisping.
On Saturday night, Henderson looked to be giving up plenty of size the Feijao, who had taken the Strikeforce belt with a win over King Mo. In the first round, Feijao and Henderson traded punched before Henderson was dinged with a solid punch. In danger, Henderson bounced back with a takedown and cruised for the remainder of the round.
In the second, Henderson seemed to get the better of the grappling game, working the clinch to perfection. He was again able to get Calvancante to the ground, using technical Greco Roman wrestling. In the third round, Henderson turned the lights out on Feijao throwing a right hand glancing off his chin. Henderson pounced and punched it out.
In the women's title fight, ADCC 3rd place finisher and 22 fight veteran Marloes Coenen might not have known quite what was in store for her entering her fight with 5'4" military veteran Liz Carmouche.
Carmouche, using endless movement, came out like a firecracker against the champ. Following a very close first round, Carmouche's takedowns found their mark as she got Coenen to the ground. Working to full mount, Carmouche brought a relentless ground and pound attack, punishing Coenen.
The third round was more of the same, as Carmouche again landed a takedown directly to side mount, transitioning to full mount and raining down punches. Coenen again was unable to buck Carmouche, as she punished Coenen until the bell.
In the fourth, Coenen was ready for another takedown attempt from Carmouche. As Carmouche brought her to the ground, Coenen set up a triangle that got tighter and tighter, forcing Carmouche to tap at 1:29 of the 4th round.
In other action, special forces combat veteran Tim Kennedy notched a submission win over powerful Dutch striker Melvin Manhoef. Manhoef landed some nasty leg kicks early and defended the first three Kennedy takedown attempts, but one was all Kennedy needed. After getting his takedown, Kennedy took mount, Manhoef rolled, and the rear naked choke was secured.
Here are the full results:
MAIN CARD
Dan Henderson def Rafael Cavalcante via TKO (strikes) R3, 0:50
Marloes Coenen def Liz Carmouche via sub (triangle) R4, 1:29
Tim Kennedy def Melvin Manhoef via sub (RNC) R1, 3:41
Jorge Masvidal def Billy Evangelista via unanimous dec
PRELIMINARY CARD
Roger Bowling def Josh Thornburg via unanimous dec
Jorge Gurgel def Billy Vaughan via sub (guillotine) R1, 0:44
Jason Freeman def Jason Riley via sub (strikes) R1, 1:52
Brian Rogers def Ian Rammel via TKO (strikes) R1, 4:23
Mitch Whitesel def Marc Cofer via sub (guillotine) R1, 3:55
John Kuhner def J.P. Felty via sub (triangle) R2, 4:31
Dan Henderson is a legend of the sport on mixed martial arts, beginning his career in 1997 following an extensive amateur wrestling career. Henderson has competed and won belts in the UFC, Rings, Pride and now Strikeforce. His decorated career has seen him notch victories over Renzo Gracie, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Vitor Belfort, Rich Franklin and Michael Bisping.
On Saturday night, Henderson looked to be giving up plenty of size the Feijao, who had taken the Strikeforce belt with a win over King Mo. In the first round, Feijao and Henderson traded punched before Henderson was dinged with a solid punch. In danger, Henderson bounced back with a takedown and cruised for the remainder of the round.
In the second, Henderson seemed to get the better of the grappling game, working the clinch to perfection. He was again able to get Calvancante to the ground, using technical Greco Roman wrestling. In the third round, Henderson turned the lights out on Feijao throwing a right hand glancing off his chin. Henderson pounced and punched it out.
In the women's title fight, ADCC 3rd place finisher and 22 fight veteran Marloes Coenen might not have known quite what was in store for her entering her fight with 5'4" military veteran Liz Carmouche.
Carmouche, using endless movement, came out like a firecracker against the champ. Following a very close first round, Carmouche's takedowns found their mark as she got Coenen to the ground. Working to full mount, Carmouche brought a relentless ground and pound attack, punishing Coenen.
The third round was more of the same, as Carmouche again landed a takedown directly to side mount, transitioning to full mount and raining down punches. Coenen again was unable to buck Carmouche, as she punished Coenen until the bell.
In the fourth, Coenen was ready for another takedown attempt from Carmouche. As Carmouche brought her to the ground, Coenen set up a triangle that got tighter and tighter, forcing Carmouche to tap at 1:29 of the 4th round.
In other action, special forces combat veteran Tim Kennedy notched a submission win over powerful Dutch striker Melvin Manhoef. Manhoef landed some nasty leg kicks early and defended the first three Kennedy takedown attempts, but one was all Kennedy needed. After getting his takedown, Kennedy took mount, Manhoef rolled, and the rear naked choke was secured.
Here are the full results:
MAIN CARD
Dan Henderson def Rafael Cavalcante via TKO (strikes) R3, 0:50
Marloes Coenen def Liz Carmouche via sub (triangle) R4, 1:29
Tim Kennedy def Melvin Manhoef via sub (RNC) R1, 3:41
Jorge Masvidal def Billy Evangelista via unanimous dec
PRELIMINARY CARD
Roger Bowling def Josh Thornburg via unanimous dec
Jorge Gurgel def Billy Vaughan via sub (guillotine) R1, 0:44
Jason Freeman def Jason Riley via sub (strikes) R1, 1:52
Brian Rogers def Ian Rammel via TKO (strikes) R1, 4:23
Mitch Whitesel def Marc Cofer via sub (guillotine) R1, 3:55
John Kuhner def J.P. Felty via sub (triangle) R2, 4:31
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Georges St. Pierre Takedown Training
Here is Georges St. Pierre training at the Chicago Fitness Center on Lincoln Avenue in July of 2008.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Video of the Day - Miller v. McGivern
Here is an IFL MW title fight between Dan Miller and Ryan McGivern which took place 5/16/08. Dan Miller will fight Nate Marquardt at UFC 128.
Exclusive Interview - Chuck Grigsby
Here is an exclusive interview with mixed martial artist Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby. Chuck has been fighting professionally since 2005 for a variety of fight promotions, including the WEC, M-1, VFC and MCC. After fighting professionally 26 times in four years, Grigsby took 2010 off while focusing on his family and coaching.
Chuck's next challenge awaits in the World War Fighting Championships fight promotion on April 9th. The card will be headlined by his training partner and UFC veteran Josh "The Dentist" Neer at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa.
MMA Blaster: You did not have a fight in 2010, why was that?
I took off for a few reasons, but the most important to me was to spend time with my family. I wasn't around much in 2009 because I was traveling internationally fighting for M-1. The second reason I took some time off was I felt like my performances weren’t at the dominanant standard I set for myself, despite winning 13 of my last 16 fights.
MMA Blaster: How does taking a year off help your fight career?
The time off was very beneficial, not only physically, but mentally as well. I am the type of fighter that likes to stay really busy once I’m in full fight mode. I don’t just train for the next fight then stop and start training again, I train all year long. With that being said, as a veteran in the sport, fighting all year long does take it's toll and you do get dinged up a bit.
(Rev securing a rear naked choke)
MMA Blaster: Were you focusing on coaching during your year off? How did that help your game?
I focused on coaching with non-fighters as a kickboxing coach with a company called Kosama, you can visit at Kosama.com. Ironically, teaching and coaching at Kosama has been very rewarding and has motivated me more than training any other fighters.
MMA Blaster: Why have you decided to fight at 185 pounds? What mental challenges do you face in dropping a weight class?
I decided to fight at 185 because it has always been a fantasy of mine after I competed successfully at 205. The mental challenge involves staying disciplined with my diet and doing all things in moderation. It's tough because my frame isn't necessarily built to be that light. I do believe that I have the correct approach dropping weight in a healthy and safe way so I am strong and peaking cardio wise when I compete.
(Rev lets out a victory scream)
MMA Blaster: Are you focusing on being a student now? What sort of frame of mind does that put you into?
Yes, definitely! I am known for my stand-up skills and sometimes people who want to improve in that area seek me out for coaching. Now, I am the student in all areas. I am focused on absorbing everything from anyone who has something to offer and I think it will show in the upcoming year.
MMA Blaster: I've heard you have a fight scheduled for April 9th? What promotion will that be for?
That will be World War Fighting Championships based out of Des Moines, Iowa. This fight is honestly more of an experiment to see if all the things I am training so hard on work. Also to see if competing at 185 is something I can be successful at.
MMA Blaster: What is it like fighting in your hometown?
I’m actually from Missouri, the "Show Me State," so Des Moines is not actually my hometown, but I have been here for most of my life. I enjoy fighting in Des Moines because of the support I get from my family and friends in the crowd. It really elevates my training and performance on fight night.
(Rev going to the body)
MMA Blaster: What challenges are you looking forward to in your upcoming fight?
I’m a seasoned veteran with 26 fights, but this is a new weight class. The type of fighters I will be facing now are quicker, more technical, and possibly even more athletic. It is all new. I compare it to coming down from fighting in the Heavyweight division to Light Heavyweight. Everything seemed so much faster.
MMA Blaster: Who is helping you get ready for the fight? Who are you training with?
The usual suspects, haha, Kervin Veasly, Josh Neer, Anothony Porcelli, Pete Peterson, Cardell James, Paul Bird and all of my fight partners and teammates who come in to get better everyday in practice
MMA Blaster: What are your current goals for your fighting career? Where will you be in a year?
My goal is the same as it always has been, but in a new weight class. That is to dominate and smash out in this this weight division.
(Rev with the M-1 2nd Place Cup, 16 teams competed)
MMA Blaster: Have you thought about returning to M-1 competition? Other international fights?
I won't even think about any of that until I see what happens in this fight in April. All of the other stuff will be what it will be when that time comes. I have learned in this sport that you can only control, or know what is going to happen, one day at a time.
MMA Blaster: Any shout-outs?
Big shout-out to G-unit, and all the peeps who have faith and love for me. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Thank you!
(Rev getting down to 185)
Chuck's next challenge awaits in the World War Fighting Championships fight promotion on April 9th. The card will be headlined by his training partner and UFC veteran Josh "The Dentist" Neer at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa.
MMA Blaster: You did not have a fight in 2010, why was that?
I took off for a few reasons, but the most important to me was to spend time with my family. I wasn't around much in 2009 because I was traveling internationally fighting for M-1. The second reason I took some time off was I felt like my performances weren’t at the dominanant standard I set for myself, despite winning 13 of my last 16 fights.
MMA Blaster: How does taking a year off help your fight career?
The time off was very beneficial, not only physically, but mentally as well. I am the type of fighter that likes to stay really busy once I’m in full fight mode. I don’t just train for the next fight then stop and start training again, I train all year long. With that being said, as a veteran in the sport, fighting all year long does take it's toll and you do get dinged up a bit.
(Rev securing a rear naked choke)
MMA Blaster: Were you focusing on coaching during your year off? How did that help your game?
I focused on coaching with non-fighters as a kickboxing coach with a company called Kosama, you can visit at Kosama.com. Ironically, teaching and coaching at Kosama has been very rewarding and has motivated me more than training any other fighters.
MMA Blaster: Why have you decided to fight at 185 pounds? What mental challenges do you face in dropping a weight class?
I decided to fight at 185 because it has always been a fantasy of mine after I competed successfully at 205. The mental challenge involves staying disciplined with my diet and doing all things in moderation. It's tough because my frame isn't necessarily built to be that light. I do believe that I have the correct approach dropping weight in a healthy and safe way so I am strong and peaking cardio wise when I compete.
(Rev lets out a victory scream)
MMA Blaster: Are you focusing on being a student now? What sort of frame of mind does that put you into?
Yes, definitely! I am known for my stand-up skills and sometimes people who want to improve in that area seek me out for coaching. Now, I am the student in all areas. I am focused on absorbing everything from anyone who has something to offer and I think it will show in the upcoming year.
MMA Blaster: I've heard you have a fight scheduled for April 9th? What promotion will that be for?
That will be World War Fighting Championships based out of Des Moines, Iowa. This fight is honestly more of an experiment to see if all the things I am training so hard on work. Also to see if competing at 185 is something I can be successful at.
MMA Blaster: What is it like fighting in your hometown?
I’m actually from Missouri, the "Show Me State," so Des Moines is not actually my hometown, but I have been here for most of my life. I enjoy fighting in Des Moines because of the support I get from my family and friends in the crowd. It really elevates my training and performance on fight night.
(Rev going to the body)
MMA Blaster: What challenges are you looking forward to in your upcoming fight?
I’m a seasoned veteran with 26 fights, but this is a new weight class. The type of fighters I will be facing now are quicker, more technical, and possibly even more athletic. It is all new. I compare it to coming down from fighting in the Heavyweight division to Light Heavyweight. Everything seemed so much faster.
MMA Blaster: Who is helping you get ready for the fight? Who are you training with?
The usual suspects, haha, Kervin Veasly, Josh Neer, Anothony Porcelli, Pete Peterson, Cardell James, Paul Bird and all of my fight partners and teammates who come in to get better everyday in practice
MMA Blaster: What are your current goals for your fighting career? Where will you be in a year?
My goal is the same as it always has been, but in a new weight class. That is to dominate and smash out in this this weight division.
(Rev with the M-1 2nd Place Cup, 16 teams competed)
MMA Blaster: Have you thought about returning to M-1 competition? Other international fights?
I won't even think about any of that until I see what happens in this fight in April. All of the other stuff will be what it will be when that time comes. I have learned in this sport that you can only control, or know what is going to happen, one day at a time.
MMA Blaster: Any shout-outs?
Big shout-out to G-unit, and all the peeps who have faith and love for me. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Thank you!
(Rev getting down to 185)
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