Practice What You Preach - Rev Returns to MCC

On June 27, 2014, Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby (23-9) will look to collect the 6th championship belt of his MMA career at MCC 54. He will take on Robert "The Destroyer" Morrow, a tough veteran of the Midwest fight circuit. The five round title fight will headline a 14 bout card at Hy Vee Hall in Des Moines, Iowa.

Robert Morrow is a power puncher with some solid victories on his resume, and certainly isn't a fighter to be underestimated. In speaking about what he knew about him, Rev said, "the guy across from you in the cage is the toughest guy in the world until you beat him. That guy is the best, strongest and most skilled guy. You have to respect your opponent. You have to respect the game. You don't get this far in MMA without respecting the game."

Chuck won't be watching any tape on Morrow, or any of his future opponents for that matter. "I used to watch tape earlier on in my career and it didn't help. Some guys would look fast on tape, and it didn't translate to the fight. Sometimes they'd look stronger on tape. You never know until you get in there with them."

(MCC 54 Promo Poster)

In his last bout, Chuck steamrolled Dan McGlasson in just over twenty seconds. In describing the fight, he said, "I had respect for him, but he filled in at the last minute. I work way too hard preparing for my fights, mentally and physically. I don't think he was prepared. You can't get in there with me if you aren't prepared."

(Rev gets the quick finish)

When describing the amount of fights that have fallen through, a major problem for fighters, Chuck didn't want to point fingers. "Nowadays people pull out, think about what the outcome might be. I might have been able to make more money that way. I haven't had the greatest management all the time. You have to make your own opportunities. Embrace every opportunity and prepare the best you can."

The biggest topic I wanted to ask Rev about was the bout at VFC 40 against Houston Alexander. "Alexander is this big scary guy everyone is afraid of. I wasn't. He lay and prayed the first round. The referee wasn't the greatest and let him lie there. I started to do better in the second, and in the third was really causing damage." It looked like Chuck had opened up a cut with an elbow, with blood coming out near Alexander's right eye. When asked about what happened in the fourth, Rev explained, "my mouth guard came out for the first time in my career. I made eye contact with the ref and I thought he was going to let me put it in. When I went to grab it, I got hit and knocked off balance. I take full responsibility for the loss."

(Rev throwing a big uppercut)

When I asked about a potential rematch, Chuck said, "I'd be excited about taking that fight. That would be an great fight for the fans. A lot of people would like to see it. Really it is the one fight of my career where I'd like a re-do. I feel like I can win that fight and I'd be better prepared. Of course, he'd be better prepared for me. But, I don't think he will take the fight."

(Rev throwing the jab)

Chuck is proud of what he has accomplished in his career, from amassing regional titles, representing Team USA East to a silver medal in M-1, fighting around the world and being in the MCC Hall of Fame. Currently training out of Omega MMA and Westchase Impact Martial Arts under Alexey Petrov, Rev explained that he is training with some up and comers that not many people know about yet. However, MMA is not a team sport, "it is about self discipline, respecting your opponent, preparing yourself for every scenario. You can never do enough. I've seen so many up and coming fighters with potential have 3, 4, 5 fight careers. The thing about MMA is that it exposes you mentally."

(Rev with Team USA East)

Overseas fighting really opened up Chuck to several things and expanded his game. "Not many American fighters go overseas to fight, I've fought in Amsterdam, Bulgaria, Russia. Win or lose, it makes you a stronger person. I've been lucky to get those opportunities." Not everything goes according to plan overseas however. "You have a fourteen hour flight, you are in different time zones, new food, new environments, there are a lot of unknowns."

(Rev throwing a punch)

Rev actually was in Sochi, Russia, before last years Winter Olympics. "They took us around to lots of the construction sites. It is a resort area, kinda like the Florida of Russia." When asked about the stray dogs that were made popular in the news, Rev said, "Now that you mention it, there were lots of stray animals running around. Not just dogs."

(Rev in Sochi)

I was wondering about the best wins of his career, and one fight that came up was his battle with Bellator veteran Atanas Djambazov (18-4) of Bulgaria. "Over in Bulgaria, I didn't know who was a friend or foe. That guy is a monster. I actually pulled my groin in the first round of the fight. They have a canvas on the floor of the ring over there, it is way different. It was bananas. I just kept battling and pulled off the decision. I left everything in the ring. Afterwards we were treated like kings. We all went to dinner after the fight and were treated very well. They respected us for having good sportsmanship, representing ourselves well and leaving everything out there."

I asked about the nickname "the Reverend" in our first interview, but wanted to learn more. Rev said, "You know, I originally wanted to be called The God Son for my first fight." But that nickname didn't get close to sticking. "Everyone was calling me The Reverend for that fight anyway. It actually started in high school, and I don't know who started saying it. My coach Tom Lee had all the basketball players wear a suit and tie to school on Friday game days. I'd never had a reason to have a suit or a tie before. I guess one of the kids saw how I looked and how I was carrying myself, and called me "The Reverend." It snowballed from there.

"It isn't religious at all. It is a positive thing and I do take pride in the name. I don't want to be an Axe Murderer or an Assassin. I'm proud of the nickname." Pressing a little more I was able to get Rev to talk more about what got him into MMA, he said, "maybe it was insecurity, trying to prove something to someone. I've been very fortunate to always have success. I wasn't sure who I was, and maybe [MMA] helped me. You learn something about yourself."

My first interview with Chuck was six years ago. He is the same genuine high character person today as he was then. The biggest difference seems to be his motivation for fighting. Early on, Chuck's motivation seemed to be more about accumulating belts and getting to a bigger stage. Now it is all about fighting for the Grigsby family, or as he calls it the "G-Unit."  "I want to thank my family most of all. They've had to sacrifice for me to do this. I also want to thank my inner circle, my role models, coaches and friends. I don't want to list names because I'll accidentally forget someone, but you know who you are. I also want to thank Joe from MMA Blaster. He let's me talk and really does a great job translating."

(Rev repping Team Revolution)

*Click on photos to enlarge

Video of the Day - McDonald v. Grigsby

Here is Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby fighting Rob McDonald at VFC 26 which took place on 2/20/09 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Grigsby (23-9) will next fight for the MCC LHW title on 6/27/14 in Des Moines, Iowa.

The Rev Back From Russia

I was able to catch up with Midwest Cage Championship and Victory Cage Championship's 205 pound champ Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby as he returned from his trip to St. Petersburg, Russia.

Chuck took part in this season's M-1 Challenge which can be seen on HDNet. He had a good run on Team USA East, traveling to the Bulgaria, Netherlands and Russia. In between his M-1 run, Rev also was able to defend his VFC belt in front of his home crowd in Des Moines, Iowa. Here is the interview:

MMA Blaster: Rev, since we last talked you have fought twice, how did your VFC title defense against Demetrius Richards go?

I won, but I really didn’t have my best performance. To be honest with you, and not to make any excuses, but I had an injury going in to the fight. It was my 2nd title defense for VFC and I really did not want to pull out at the last minute.

Looking back, I really loved the challenge of overcoming the adversity even though I should have probably pulled out. I basically only had one leg for the fight, and he forced me to find another way to win than what I am accustom to.

(Rev landing a left hand)

MMA Blaster: What is it like defending your belts in Iowa in front of your home crowd?

I’ve always felt that you need to take care of business in your own backyard before you can go out an try run the streets. I've held the VFC and MFC belts since 2007, and defended each of them twice. VFC treats me well, as well as MCC. Both organizations have supported my international ventures this year.

When I fight at home, I feel like I'm more under the microscope and feel as if I need to prove something to the people who have come out to support me. The pressure forces me to stay focused on the task at hand, so I don’t let anyone down. It’s a positive thing.

MMA Blaster: What was your game plan going into the fight?

Honestly, I wanted to get in and get out with a win as fast as I could. I had a fight lined up in Russia two weeks following. My opponent had other plans, and it ended up taking me over two rounds to finish the fight. I know how hungry fighters can be when they get a chance to fight for their first belt. I expect them to be in the best shape of their life, focused and determined when they have a fight with me.

MMA Blaster: What occurred in your last fight against Besiki Gerenava in M-1? I heard there was some controversy surrounding the fight, can you talk about that?

It was a split decision loss that myself, the media, corner, and the Russian crowd all disagreed with. I knew going into the fight that I needed to finish by submission, KO or referee stoppage in order to win. This is the international scene, and if you don’t do that, you have to expect they are going to give a decision to their countryman.

It could have been Finland, Spain, Germany, or Japan, any place in a country that is not your own you have to win with a stoppage. My only mistake other than not getting a stop, is that he may have won the first round of the three that took place. He was a good fighter, and I take responsibility for the loss.

(Rev lands a right hand)

MMA Blaster: What are your thoughts on the team taking 2nd place in the M-1 Challenge?

Honestly, it was a win win situation after making the semi finals. Nobody, except our team, believed that we would be one of the last two teams standing out of the 16 countries that participated in this awesome tournament. Winning silver instead of gold stung a little, but overall it was probably one of my biggest accomplishments as fighter, and I cherish the opportunity I had to represent our country.

(Team USA East)

MMA Blaster: How often do you plan on fighting in 2010?

Depends on who and where, I think. Fighting overseas exposed me to different skills and techniques I'm planning on incorporating into my skill-set. It will take some time to train to become proficient and effective with these new skills.

MMA Blaster: What organizations do you plan to fight in for 2009? Will you be fighting oversees? Europe? Japan? USA? Will you be defending any of your belts in Iowa?

I really can't speak specifically on that right now because my manager Reed Wallace is working on the international and national opportunities. But locally, I have another title defense for MCC that I wanna do. They have someone holding an interim belt while I have been away, so I would like to clear that up. Tentatively I have also talked to VFC about fighting for another title at 185. There is plenty of work out there for me if the contract is right.

(Rev and Reed Wallace)

MMA Blaster: Any shout outs?

I wanna thank my family: Xander, Sara, Berniece, Jaunette, Frank, Jan, and Carrie. They continue to be my core and foundation for success. My manager Reed Wallace of White Choclate Management. M-1 Global, Midwest Cage Championships, Victory Fighting Championships and all the wonderful people who are involved in making the shows tick. Big thanks to Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts, Des Moines Jujitsu Academy and Round Kick Gym.

Also wanna thank my inner circle of friends and training partners for helping me with my preparation and performance which include Anthony Porcelli, Josh Neer, Dwayne Cason, Kervin Veasly, Cardell James, Kevin Burns, Pete Peterson, Ed Spitzer, Chris David, Jeremy Stephens and Mike Ayers. Thanks to Joe at MMA Blaster for your time and support!

The wonderful fans that have followed and continue to follow my career. Thanks for being there with me. In this business I have learned there are only a few that truly understand loyalty, commitment and support with the ups and downs of the fight game. I couldn't do it without ya! Dreams Goals and Dedication.

Also like to thank my main sponsors, Joe Abbott of KOBC clothing, Joe Spenceri of Animal Instinct, Sophi Blocker of Rumors Tattoo and the 515.

The Reverend Looking For a Fight

Interview by MMA Blaster

I was able to catch up with The Reverend Chuck Grigsby while snowed in yesterday. As his contract with his WEC contract dissolved, Rev is actively looking for fights. He recently fought and won at MCC 17 in Des Moines, Iowa.

MMA Blaster- How did your fight go on November 26th?

My fight went well. My opponent changed at the last second, he was a former collegiate wrestler and now wrestling coach who was undefeated. At the time he was 6-0. I ended the fight with a KO in the first round, but they listed it as TKO because I didn’t know he was out for sure, and the ref pulled me off of him.

MMA Blaster- Did you take that fight at heavyweight?

No, at least this local promotion I fought for told me that they weren’t interested in having me fight the big guys because the talent pool is too lean. I'm not really interested in fighting at heavyweight unless its really worth my while.

MMA Blaster- Was that for a championship belt?

My last fight was my second title defense for MCC. Does that mean I'm undisputed? Tentatively I'm supposed to defend my other title late February but the contract and details still have to be worked out.

MMA Blaster- What is your MMA record now? How many of those wins came from a TKO or KO?

16 wins 4 losses, some databases have one or two fights missing but I think as far as KO and TKO that’s 11 or 12 of them.

MMA Blaster- Do you consider yourself a free agent?

Yeah, I'm free to fight anywhere I imagine. People, skeptics, fans were wondering what was up after my loss in June and the WEC getting rid of my weight class. I just fought and won an I'm ready to bang whoever and whenever my training and availability allows. I'm full throttle right now, I don’t care if I fight in front of 10 people or 10,000. Before my June fight I was on the shelf for about 7 months with getting the opportunity and then not being allowed to take any fights. I think that hurt me the most as far as my performance, so I just wanna stay active at least every other month as long as I'm healthy.

MMA Blaster- When is your next scheduled fight?

I have a possible deal set up with Legends Fighting Championship but contract and opponent is still in the works, same with my title defense, Victory Fighting Championship. I believe those will take place in the next couple of months or so.

MMA Blaster- Do you want to get a fight before that?

I want to have a fight in January, but now it the end of December so February would be the most realistic at this point.

MMA Blaster- Would you be willing to fight in the Chicagoland area?

I'll fight in Chi-Town to Japan to be honest.

MMA Blaster- You would be willing to fight in Japan?

Yeah, I've traveled all over the world but haven’t been to Japan yet. That would be hot. I was cornering my friend, Razak Al-Hassan, for UFC Fight For The Troops and Yoshida was fighting. I like his intensity and style. Even though he came up short that night, it would cool to train with or fight some guys over there.

MMA Blaster- Have you seen any fights that have taken place in Japan? What do you think of the fans over there?

The fans over there want to be entertained and seem to careless about the politics of the fight game. I think my style of stand-up is a good match up cosmetically for Japan, America, Russia, anywhere people love a fighter who finish fights.

MMA Blaster- How has your training been going since your November fight?

Very well. Not having to run my own gym has allowed me to concentrate on myself. I'm in the lane to be more successful.

MMA Blaster- Anything else to add?

If your interested or have additional questions or a potential fight you can reach me on my myspace fan site myspace.com/godsson60 or email chas_bo2005@yahoo.com (just title it “FIGHTNIGHT” so I don’t delete it).


(Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby pictured)

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.

Dreams, Goals, Dedication - Charles "the Reverend" Grigsby

In Depth Exclusive on Mixed Martial Artist Charles "the Reverend" Grigsby, by Joe Egloff

Charles "the Reverend" Grigsby of Team Revolution is an up and coming mixed martial artist fighting out of Des Moines, Iowa. He has amassed a 15-3 record since his debut in 2005 and has been particularly busy in 2007, fighting nine times. Watching the highlight reel below you can see the tremendous potential that "The Reverend" possesses. Future opponents better look out for the Reverend's right hand and right knee because they have the type of power that can put someone to sleep in a heartbeat.

Charles Grigsby grew up in Kansas City, Missouri with his sister, Juanette, and mom, Bernice. As a single Mother, Bernice did a great job raising Charles and his sister. Even with a good situation inside the home, the environment outside was a different story. There were few opportunities in the projects of Kansas City and the climate was that of drugs, guns, crime, and gangs. Despite that environment, Charles persevered and protected younger kids in his neighborhood. He apparently caught a few beatings from that, but it just helped mold him into the person he is today. Charles knew at an early age that he had to stand up for himself, his sister and his mother.

Bernice eventually moved the family to Iowa, where Charles and Juanette were able to get a better education. That education led Charles to Grand View College in Des Moines where he excelled on the basketball team. Charles was offered to to play professionally, and jumped at the chance playing first playing in Brazil, and then in Spain. After three years oversees Charles knew he was meant to do something else with his life and hung up his shoes.

Charles entered the mixed martial arts world professionally in 2005. Describing his early days, Charles said, "I was around 243 pounds so I pretty much used all power back then. I was a heavyweight, and if I didn't knock you out or get knocked out in the first few minutes then it was any one's ball game." Even with relative inexperience, Charles started his career off with a bang winning his first seven fights, most by KO, over the course of May 2005 until August of 2006. Unfortunately, the Reverend was humbled in his next three heavyweight fights, losing against quality veteran opponents with wrestling backgrounds. When discussing the losses Charles said, "I learned that your never as good as you think you are." The Reverend knew he needed to expand his game.

After the setback, the Reverend decided to drop down to 205 pounds, light heavyweight, and has not looked back since, winning eight fights in a row. The weight drop left Charles a more conditioned and technical fighter. This year has also seen the Reverend develop a stronger skill set in his stand-up and ground game. The Reverend has changed from his one dimensional stand and trade days as a heavyweight and is a better fighter for it. At 6'6" he is taller and stronger that most of his opponents and uses his size and reach to his advantage.

When asked about his nickname Charles explained that "the Reverend" nickname came about because he practices what he preaches. The philosophy preached is that of Ginsu, the fighting style employed by the Revered. When asked about Ginsu, Charles said the following, "Ginsu represents being sharp, focused and conditioned."

Currently, Charles "the Reverend" Grigsby is the light heavyweight champion for Victory Fighting Championship and the Midwest Cage Championships promotions in Iowa. When asked about the eight fight win streak Charles said, "every single fight I'm doing new things and dealing with adversity better." When asked about the nine fights in 2007 Charles said that, "I was lucky that I stayed healthy and was able to finish my fights without taking damage." He certainly has made a statement to everyone in the 205 division that he will be a big problem for years to come.

When discussing his current fight plans Charles said, "Well, I've got the call, and by the time people see this I'll be contracted for a fight in spring of 08' in Vegas." During our conversation, Chuck described that he will match up well with his opponent and it will be a good fight for TV. I asked what organization he would be fighting under and he said that it will be either in the WEC or UFC, but the terms haven't been completely finalized. That said, Charles will never be happy about just getting on the big stage, he wants the belt. Even so, Charles doesn't need stardom and wants to be the best in his own mind.

When I asked if the Reverend wanted to send a shout out to anyone, he responded, "I would like to thank everyone that was there from the get go. I have seen alot of people come and go who have said they were down for me and believed in me - but the ones who have endured (and you know who you are) I could have never done this without you- Dreams, Goals, Dedication."





*Big Thanks to the Rev for doing the interview.

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

WEC Contract for Charles "The Reverend" Grigsby

"The Reverend" Charles Grigsby (15-3, VCC and MCC Light Heavyweight Champ), recently informed me that he has signed a multi-fight deal to fight in the WEC. The WEC is an organization owned by UFC's parent corporation Zuffa, yet runs independently of the UFC.

The Reverend's first fight was scheduled for June 1, 2008. As it stands, Rev's originaly scheduled opponent, Lew Polley (6-0 Sherdog Record, 8-1 ATT website record), has withdrawn from the fight to fight on an Elite XC card. Rev may fight in card promoted in Florida in March prior to the WEC fight, he will let us know.



*See below for an exclusive story on "The Reverend"