Rev Reigns Supreme at WWFC

Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby emerged victorious at World War Fighting Championships 2 which took place at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa on April 9, 2011. Grigsby fought battle tested Sean Huffman, who has fought in over 32 MMA bouts, which includes career wins over solid veterans Mike Van Meer, John Halverson, Joey Clark and Dennis Reed.

The fight was Rev's first fight under 205 pounds, contested at a catch weight of 190 pounds. With summer approaching, expect to see Rev keeping a busy schedule while continuing his martial arts journey.

MMA Blaster: How did the fight play out?

Rev: The fight went like everyone told me it would go after I told them about the matchup. It was three rounds with a guy who would not quit and take everything I had. I thought he would go down with the shots he took. I give him a lot of credit for that, he is a warrior. Ironically, it was the perfect fight for me to shake some of the rust off and get some work in.

MMA Blaster: What was the result of the bout?

Ultimately, I won by unanimous decision. My corner men and teammates thought I could have finished the fight earlier. Obviously, I still have some more work to do to put together a complete fight, which I still haven’t done despite attaining my 21st career win.

(Grigsby v. Huffman)

MMA Blaster: How was your first cut to 185? When was the last time you weighed that much? Who helped you get there?

Rev: The weight cut was tough, but achievable. My opponent actually asked for it to be at a 190 catch weight and I felt really good on fight night. But, it was different from my first time that I cut from heavyweight to light heavyweight.

I think the last time I weighed 190, I was junior in high school, bananas. My nutrition and conditioning was guided by Kosama’s meal plan and their 10 week Complete Body Transformation along with my MMA training at New Beginnings MMA Program with my training partners and coaches Josh Neer, Miguel Rios, Elvis Mutapic, Kervin Veasly, Dwayne Cason, and Kisor. They really had me peaking for this fight.

(Rev getting down to 190)

MMA Blaster: What are your plans for the near future in MMA?

Rev: Currently, I have a verbal agreement for a fight with Superior Cage Combat in Vegas next month. Then possibly a fight in Canada in June. I am also tentatively open for the moment for the months after May, and we will get that all sorted out with my management, KO Dynasty this week. That’s the beauty of it for me right now, I am not locked in with an exclusive long term contract with any one promotion. I have more than one option on the table regarding what’s next.

MMA Blaster: Any shout outs? Sponsor mentions?

Rev: I would like to give a shout out to Sean Huffman for taking the fight, when many fighters said they would take the fight but didn’t, for whatever reasons they gave. I have a lot of respect for him. I would also like to thank my family, teammates, friends and fans for the support and sacrifices they made to help me be successful. It means the world to me. I can’t do it without cha! -Rev

(Rev's fight shirt from Respek Fightwear)

UFC 104 Preview

UFC 104 takes place on Saturday, October 24th from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The event will feature a ppv card as well as at least 2 undercard bouts on an hour lead-in segment on Spike TV. If one of the undercard bouts ends in the first round it could make one of the broadcasts.

Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua- The undefeated champ Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida (15-0) will look to defend the title he aquired while violently KO'ed Rashad Evans in the second round of their 205 bout. Shogun (18-3) will look to continue the momentum he has built off a first round KO of Chuck Liddell.

Lyoto Machida and his karate base make a fight with the Brazilian very difficult. Shogun will look to utilize his muay thai, attacking his knees, kicks and elbows. Machida is very elusive and often forces his opponents to lose their cool and rush in, leaving an opening for Machida to pick them apart.

(Lyoto kicking Rashad at UFC 98)

Machida's undefeated run includes wins over Rich Franklin, BJ Penn, Tito Ortiz, Thiago Silva and Rashad Evans. Shogun was a fixture in Pride before coming to the UFC and has victories over Mark Coleman, Chuck Liddell, Alistair Overeem, Rampage Jackson and Kevin Randleman.

(Shogun Rua pictured)

Ben Rothwell vs. Cain Velasquez- Former IFL Heavyweight star Ben Rothwell will take on fast rising Cain Velasquez in a fight that could send Velasquez to a potential title shot. Rothwell would likely need another big time victory.

Cain Velasquez (6-0, 4-0 UFC) has the wrestling advantage, and his best strategy would be to get the fight to the ground and delivering a healthy dose of ground and pound. Velasquez' defeated Cheick Kongo in his last match via decision, while taking a couple big punches. He also has victories over Jake O'Brien and Denis Stojnic.

(Cain Velasquez pictured)

Ben Rothwell (30-6) compiled a 9-0 record while in the IFL, defeating the likes of Roy Nelson, Krzysztof Soszynski, Ricco Rodriguez and Dan Bobish. Look for Rothwell to keep the fight standing, throwing power punches while utilizing his height and weight advantage.

(Ben Rothwell pictured)

MAIN CARD

Josh Neer vs. Gleison Tibau
Spencer Fisher vs. Joe Stevenson
Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida

SPIKE TV

Ryan Bader vs. Eric Schafer
Patrick Barry vs. Antoni Hardonk

UNDERCARD

Yushin Okami vs. Chael Sonnen
Rob Kimmons vs. Jorge Rivera
Razak Al-Hassan vs. Kyle Kingsbury
Stefan Struve vs. Chase Gormley

UFN 17 Results - Lauzon Wins

UFC Fight Night 17 took place on Saturday, February 7th at the Sun Dome at the University of South Florida. There seemed to be a decent sized crowd and there were some entertaining fights.

Joe Lauzon def. Jeremy Stephens via sub (armbar) R2, 4:43- Joe Lauzon took another step closer to a top contender spot at 155 pounds. In the first, Lauzon was close to a couple submissions from the bottom position, but ate many Stephens punches and elbows. In the second, Lauzon scored a beautiful fireman's carry takedown, got mount to a rolling armbar.
*Lauzon wins the submission of the night bonus.

(Joe Lauzon pictured)

Cain Velasquez def. Denis Stojnic via TKO (strikes) R2, 2:34- Cain Valasquez was disappointed in his performance, but he looked dominant yet again. Cain battered Stojnic standing with knees and combinations. He was able to get a takedown in the second and punch his way to the TKO.
*Velasquez wins the knockout of the night bonus.

Josh Neer def. Mac Danzig via sub (triangle choke) R2, 3:36- Josh Neer handed TUF winner Danzig his second straight loss in the UFC. The stand up battle was pretty even as both dished out punishment. In the second, Neer got a takedown, rained down elbows, and then got a triangle from his back. Neer put the pressure on Danzig the entire bout and looked impressive.
*Neer and Danzig win fight of the night bonus.

Anthony Johnson def. Luigi Fioravanti via TKO (strikes) R1, 4:39- Johnson looked shredded at 170 pounds and came out throwing kicks and punches. Johnson eventually overwelmed Fioravanti, who turtled up after a takedown and ate strikes until the ref jumped in.

Dan Miller def. Jake Rosholt via sub (guillotine choke) R1, 1:03-NCAA champ Jake Rosholt was far too reckless in his UFC debut. Not looking relaxed he shot with his head out with his corner telling him to watch for the guillotine. But Rosholt kept the pressure anyway, and Miller was able to sink in the choke.

Matt Veach def. Matt Grice via TKO (strikes) R1, 4:34- This fight was a back and forth affair with Veach nearly losing after eating punishment off his back. After getting up, Veach flattened Grice with an overhand right and then followed him to the ground. Grice thought it was an early stoppage.

Kurt Pellegrino def. Rob Emerson via sub (rear-naked choke) R2, 3:14
Gleison Tibau def. Rich Clementi via sub (guillotine choke) R1, 4:35
Nick Catone def. Derek Downey via sub (keylock) R2, 1:15
Matthew Riddle def. Steve Bruno via unanimous decision

Ultimate Fight Night 17 Preview

UFN 17 takes place this Saturday night from the University of South Florida. The event will be shown for free on Spike TV. It features a main event of Joe Lauzon v. Jeremy Stephens. Below is a video of Joe Lauzon v. Antoine Skinner from Combat Zone 12 in November of 2005.



MAIN CARD

Joe Lauzon vs. Jeremy Stephens
Denis Stojnic vs. Cain Velasquez
Mac Danzig vs. Josh Neer
Luigi Fioravanti vs. Anthony Johnson

UNDERCARD

Rob Emerson vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Dan Miller vs. Jake Rosholt
Matt Grice vs. Matt Veach
Rich Clementi vs. Gleison Tibau
Nick Catone vs. Derek Downey
Steve Bruno vs. Matthew Riddle

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

Ultimate Fight Night 15 Results

By MMA Blaster

Ultimate Fight Night 15 featured four televised fights that were each entertaining. While I would have seen Sakara's head kick KO or Massenzio and Miller's submissions that all ended in a minute thirty in the first round, it was a good show overall.

Eric Schafer def. Houston Alexander via Sub (Arm-triangle choke) - R1, 4:53- Houston Alexander showed again that while he has power, he is not good off his back. Alexander unleashed some wicked knees almost knocking out Schafer. However, Schafer held tight, was able to eventually get the takedown and mount. From mount, Houston was toast, though he almost got to the bell. Schafer's tight arm triangle won him the match.

Alan Belcher def. Ed Herman via Decision (Split)- I actually scored this contest in favor of Ed Herman, but it was very close. Belcher landed the more effective strikes, but Herman stood his ground and only once on a punch that pushed him to the cage wall did he appear stunned. The third round was the only true convincing round that should have went to Herman as he had Belcher mounted and was throwing heavy strikes. The first I gave to Herman because of the near submissions while using the darce choke, with the takedowns and ground game. But, that it is a fight and you don't want to leave it to the judges.

Clay Guida def. Mac Danzig via Decision (Unanimous)- Clay worked a perfect game plan outworking Danzig standing and getting takedowns at will. Danzig never really got his submission game working while off his back. At one point Danzig looked for a omaplata with his leg high, but he wasn't able to capitalize. Guida never stopped and peppered Danzig with strikes the whole match. I like many fans would have liked to see Guida go for more of the knockout blow, but to Guida's credit he never stopped going at full throttle for three rounds.

Nathan Diaz def. Josh Neer via Decision (Split)- Diaz and Neer fought a close battle that went back and forth. Neer may have said in the pre-fight that he would be trying to test Diaz' hands may have been lying a touch. Diaz won the takedown battle, capped by a beautiful judo throw. Diaz probably had a slight edge on strikes as well.

Neer was able to get near armbars and triangles, but Diaz utilized a step over escaped that seemed to work every time. A few times Neer was throwing some nasty upkicks off his back that almost landed. A very good fight, and well deserving of the fight of the night bonus that both fighters received.

Quote of the night from Nate Diaz following the fight, “Josh Neer, he ain’t no black belt in jiu-jitsu like the other guys I’ve been fighting. This motherf*****, this dude right here can fight.” Nate also went on to give props to Jake Shields, Gilbert Melendez, Cesar Gracie and his brother. He said that another league won't give Nick a fight, referring to Elite XC and champ KJ Noons.


Untelevised
Alessio Sakara def. Joe Vedepo via KO (head kick) - R1, 1:27- KO of the night bonus winner.
Wilson Gouveia def. Ryan Jensen via sub (arm-bar) - R2, 2:04- Submission of the night bonus winner.
Joe Lauzon def. Kyle Bradley via TKO (strikes) - R2, 1:34
Jason Brilz def. Brad Morris via TKO (strikes) - R2, 2:54
Mike Massenzio def. Drew McFedries via sub (kimura) - R1, 1:28
Dan Miller def. Rob Kimmons via sub (rear-naked choke) - R1, 1:27

Nate Diaz v. Josh Neer

Here is a video preview of Nate Diaz v. Josh Neer at UFN 15.

Nate Diaz HL


Josh Neer HL

Ultimate Fight Night 15

UFC's Ultimate Fight Night 15 will be airing live on Spike TV this Wednesday night at 7 Central. All fighters have made weight and are ready to go. The Ultimate Fighter 8 reality show will debut immediately following the broadcast.

Main Card

Nate Diaz vs. Josh Neer- Nate Diaz is the champion of TUF 5, and has been on an amazing roll since the show ended. Diaz has beaten Kurt Pelligrino, Junior Assuncao, and Alvin Robinson all by way of submission since his win over Manny Gamburyan for the TUF 5 crown. Diaz will probably try to keep the fight standing for awhile as he hasn't been able to fully show off his stand-up skills in the UFC. He is phenomenal on the ground though, so don't be surprised if Diaz eventually goes for a takedown or throws guard on purpose.

Neer meanwhile has won three straight, with his last fight being a decision victory over Din Thomas at UFN 13. His biggest wins in the UFC have come over Joe Stevenson and Melvin Guillard. Outside the UFC, Josh has victories over Derrick Noble, Kyle Jensen and Forrest Petz. Neer's last submission loss was actually to Nick Diaz, Nate's brother, two years ago. I would expect Neer to keep the fight standing at all costs as Diaz holds the edge submission wise.

Mac Danzig vs. Clay Guida- Danzig was the winner of TUF 6, winning in the finale over Tommy Speer. Danzig won over Mark Bocek at UFC 83 in May, his only other official UFC fight. Ouside the UFC, Danzig had wins over Jason Ireland and Buddy Clinton.

Guida is a high energy fighter who will come in with excellent cardio and tenacity. He has wins over Samy Schiavo, Marcus Aurelio and Justin James in the UFC. Guida is a Chicago based fighter who wants to shed his image of a scrappy wrestler with good cardio. I would expect Guida to strike with Danzig, and eventually go for a slam takedown with ground and pound.

Houston Alexander vs. Eric Schafer- The is a classic grappler versus striker match-up. Alexander will look to keep the fight standing and knock out Schafer. If Schafer holds a significant advantage when it comes to the submission game. However, if Schafer comes in for a sloppy takedown attempt he may end up seeing stars.

Alexander's big wins in the UFC have come via first round KO's over Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara. Schafer has a victory over Rob MacDonald in the UFC. Both fighters have suffered two losses in a row in the UFC. Regardless, I don't think this fight will make it out of the first round.

Alan Belcher vs. Ed Herman- Belcher is 3-3 in the UFC with victories over Jorge Santiago, Sean Salmon and Kalib Starnes. In Belcher's last UFC fight he lost to Jason Day. Herman, the runner up to Kendal Grove in TUF 3, is also 3-3 in the UFC. In his last fight, Herman was submitted by BJJ ace Damien Maia with a triangle choke. Herman's wins in the UFC have come over Joe Doerkson, Scott Smith and Chris Price.

Undercard

Kyle Bradley vs. Joe Lauzon- swing bout- Lauzon will look to bounce back from a loss to Kenny Florian.
Wilson Gouveia vs. Ryan Jensen - swing bout- This is Gouveia's first fight at 185.
Drew McFedries vs Mike Massenzio- McFedries is coming off a crushing KO of Marvin Eastman and is looking to win for the second time in a row in the UFC.
Jason Brilz vs. Brad Morris- Brilz is a stud wrestler with a 15-1 mma record. He is making his debut in the UFC.
Rob Kimmons vs. Dan Miller- Dan Miller fought twice for the IFL, winning over Ryan McGivern for the IFL 185 pound title.
Alessio Sakara vs. Joe Vedepo- Iowa based fighter Joe Vedepo steps into the UFC for the first time. Vedepo won the MCC 185 pound belt before being called by the UFC. This will be Sakara's first fight at 185.



*After UFN 15, The Ultimate Fighter 8 will premier. Article Below.

Ultimate Fight Night 13

The Ultimate Fight Night 13 produced some excellent fights and some great come from behind see-saw battles. The show was basically a UFC pay per view lite. The fights were great, the lite describes the amount fights shown vs. filler and commercials. The multiple interviews, lengthy commercial breaks, and lack of cohesion to the production got annoying. After Diaz and Hammil's fights ended quick it took forever to get to the next fight. After Alves beat Karo, it took forever to get to Speer v. Johnson. With the amount of fights that ended in the second or first round there should have been 8 fights shown instead of 6.

MAIN CARD
Kenny Florian vs. Joe Lauzon- Florian via TKO, 3:29 R2- Lauzon may have taken the first round with takedowns, but Kenny was able to land some kicks and elbows. The second round Kenny was able to secure the mount and land punches until the ref was forced to stop the fight.

Thiago Alves vs. Karo Parisyan- Alves via KO (knee to punches), :34 R1- The first round saw Karo and Thiago exchange blows. Joe Rogan talked alot about the mile high altitude. Karo looked to be carrying a little more weight and it didn't help him in this fight. In the second round, Karo took a massive knee to the face. He then took three or four punches from Alves before ref Steve Mazzagati called it.

Afterwards, Karo popped up and was angered at the stoppage. It was obvious on the replay that Karo's knees buckled after the knee and he took at least three punches. In Karo's defense, he did have an arm up attempting to say he was still alright. It may of been a quick stoppage, but Karo shouldn't have let a massive knee crumple him to the ground. Five straight wins for Thiago should put him one behind Jon Fitch for the title. Fitch definately has earned his place with his 8th straight win at UFC 82.

Tim Boetsch vs. Matt Hamill- Hamill via TKO 1:25, R2- Tremendous applause has to be given for Hamill in this one. After trading shots at the start, Hamill was able to take Boetsch down and land a couple glancing blows. After a stand-up, Boetsch picked Hamill apart with front kicks, knees, and punches. A brutal Boetsch knee prompted blood to start pouring from Hamill's mouth. Hamill took alot of punishment before the horn sounded.

After the round we saw that Hamill's lip was actually split basically in two. It looked as if the knee had pushed the lip trough a tooth. The second round looked to be more of the same until Hamill landed a takedown and then a huge flurry. He gave it all he had, and eventually Boetsch just wasn't blocking many punches and the action was called.

Houston Alexander vs. James Irvin- Irvin via KO :08 R1- Irvin landed a superman punch and a few others to get the KO at 8 seconds of the first round.

Nate Diaz vs. Kurt Pellegrino- Diaz via sub. (triangle) 3:06, R2- Nate Diaz impressed me with his performance in this fight. Diaz took an absolute beating in the first round. Diaz took punches and elbows directly on the chin, side of the head, and to the face. A massive Pellegrino elbow smashed him on the eye and opened up a cut. Diaz gave up his back, but was able to ride out the round. In the second, Diaz looked revitalized. After an attempted slam Diaz transitioned from an extremely non-chalant guillotine attempt to a triangle. Knowing it was sunk deep, Diaz flexed to the crowd and then flashed dual middle fingers. Classy.

Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard - Maynard via UD- Both fighters landed punches in the first, but Maynard won each round with takedowns and a slight advantage while standing.

UNDERCARD

Anthony Johnson vs. Tommy Speer- Tom Speer was absolutely destroyed in his fight. It seemed like punch after punch, kick after kick landed. Johnson popped Speer in the mouth and dropped him like a sack of bricks. Speer laid against the fence for a few seconds.

Marcus Aurelio vs. Ryan Roberts
Josh Neer vs. Din Thomas
Jeff Cox vs. Manny Gamburyan
Samy Schiavo vs. Clay Guida
Roman Mitichyan vs. George Sotiropoulos

Pic of the Day

Last May I went to the IFL event at the Sears Centre. Mark Miller KO'd Josh Neer 54 seconds into the first round. I have yet to find out why Miller wasn't in the IFL grand prix. Will let you know.

I think this was from IFL.