"Warriors Cup XIII" Preview

Weapons 9 Promotions is back and ready to deliver full contact pro/am Muay Thai to the Tri-State area from the Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey with Warriors Cup XIII on December 3 and worldwide on GFL.tv. Warriors Cup events have quickly carved out a popular niche for themselves on the Eastern seaboard as the place to see great standup fighting. In fact, earlier this year, Warriors Cup XII was the first professional full rules (including elbows) Muay Thai event ever in New Jersey. WC XIII promises to build on the momentum of that exciting event and deliver another great night of punches, kicks, knees and elbows!

In the main event, for the WBC INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE, Gabriel Varga takes on Justin "The Purple People Eater" Greskiewicz. This will be a rematch fight as the two fought previously and Varga defeated Greskiewicz by unanimous decision. Varga recently fought and won the WFK World Title in September under the K-1 banner against Dutch striker Roy Tan by third round knockout. Earlier in the year, Varga also won the WKN World Lightweight Title by defeating Frenchman Yohan Ha Van by unanimous decision. Greskiewicz recently won a rubber match against tough opponent Turan Hasanov by decision and followed that up with a victory in October against Eddie Martinez at Battle at Bally's. Expect "The Purple People Eater" to do his best James Brown impression and try to give Varga "The Big Payback" in this headlining bout.

In the co-main event, James "B-52" Smith of New Jersey fights Ryan Murray out of Greg Nelson's Camp in Minnesota (the same camp where former UFC Heavyweight Champion and WWE World Champion Brock Lesnar trained). This is a battle of two of the top cruiserweights in North America and should be in the running for "fight of the night" as Smith and Murray only have one speed and that's overdrive.

New to Muay Thai? If the answer is "yes" then you need to order his iPPV and see what happens when fighters are allowed to use all 8 points of contact instead of only 2 as in Western Boxing. If you love action-packed striking, Warriors Cup XIII is your type of event. With a world title on the line in the main event, watch as they fearless gladiators put it all on the line to earn a victory in one of the most grueling and punishing combat sports in the world. Order Warriors Cup XIII exclusively from the GFL Combat Sports Network at GFL.tv.

Cut Throat MMA - "Invasion 4" Preview

Cut Throat MMA is back with Invasion 4 on December 2 at La Sierra in Aurora, Illinois.  Cut Throat MMA has quickly established itself as one of the hottest MMA organizations in the Midwest and is a breeding ground for the sports future stars as it has several different series’ of MMA events that is promotes throughout the region.  Invasion 4 will no doubt build on the growing momentum of high level events Cut Throat presents. 

Set to compete on December 2 is a plethora of great Midwest talent including undefeated Tom Shoaff (5-0) from Carlson Gracie’s Academy. Veteran martial artist Tim Frain will be making his MMA debut hailing from Emerald Smokes gym.  Also scheduled to compete are Andrew West (2-1), Sam Ferguson (2-1), Andrew Potapenko, Patrick Murphy, Keiwin Baptiste and Jeff Kohl.  All are young and talented fighters in the Midwest and will look to put on a show for the fans in Aurora.  

Cutthroat always pulls from the best local talent and many of the top gyms will be represented including fighters from Patriot Boxing, Carlson Gracie Team, Counterstrike MMA, Team Top Notch, Team No Ego, and much more.

Don’t miss this exciting card.  Cut Throat MMA brings you another fully loaded card with Invasion 4.  Watch the hottest Midwest MMA prospects compete in the Cut Throat MMA cage.  Order this event now, exclusively through the GFL Combat Sport Network at GFL.tv. 

Rumble in the Cage - "RITC 45" Review

Western Canada’s longest running cage fighting event returned as Rumble in the Cage presents RITC 45 at the Lethbridge Exhibition - South Pavillion, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada with a 17 bout pro/am card featuring the rising stars of Canada. Rumble in the Cage is a breeding ground and one of the best ways for a fighter to make a name for himself in the Great White North and with the talent on display at RITC 45 many of the participants are sure to hit the international scene very soon.  The exciting event featured 15 finishes out of 17 bouts.  You won’t find a better stoppage percentage anywhere.  If you like KOs and submissions this is the event for you.  

In the main event, hometown hero and UFC veteran Jesse Bongfeldt (16-5-1) from Progressive Fighting Academy submitted Brandon MacArthur (3-18) by guillotine choke in Round 2 after a back and forth middleweight scrap.  MacArthur showed great heart and impressed the crowd with his performance as many saw this bout as an over-matched battle.  But MacArthur gave Bongfeldt all he could handle until finally succumbing to the superb ground work of the former UFC fighter.   With the victory, Bongfeldt laid claim to his stake as still one of the top middleweights in Canada and showed that he is still a valuable asset to the large international companies.  

In the co-main event, Brandt Dewsberry (6-1-1) defeated Joe Gobiel (1-3) by KO in Round 1 of a welterweight contest.  Both fighters were coming off nice submission victories in their last fights, but it was Dewsberry who was able to extend the momentum with a devastating KO.  The bout only lasted a minute and proved that fights can change and end in an instant.  

A kickboxing match also highlighted the event as Mitch Pearson defeated Brendan Blacquier by KO in Round 2.  Pearson caught Blacquier with a right hook that ended the fight and gave fans another exciting knockout to a stacked card that saw spectacular finishes all night.  

Don’t miss the latest installment as Rumble in the Cage, Western Canada’s most prolific MMA organization, presents RITC 45 exclusively on GFL.tv.  See the top pros and amateurs in Canada fight on the toughest proving ground in the Great White North.  Order now on video on demand to watch all of the hard-hitting, teeth-rattling action!

Impact Zone Wrestling (IZW) - November 26 TV Show Review

Impact Zone Wrestling (IZW) presented another great night of professional wrestling with its November 26 broadcast on GFL.tv.  The 2-hour event is the rewards of a strategic partnership between IZW and the GFL Combat Sports Network to broadcast an ongoing Saturday night weekly pro wrestling series for FREE.  IZW is the premier regional pro wrestling promotion in North America and its shows are broadcast exclusively in HD giving the spectator a one of a kind viewing experience on the Independent level.

IZW Heavyweight Champion, Jermaine Johnson started off the festivities by calling out his opponent for Chaotic Christmas, “The Real Deal” Aaron Neil, down to the ring. Johnson was in rare form with Neil and the crowd as the Me Era was definitely in the house.  After the dust settled Johnson and Neil had agreed to co-commentate the remainder of the show, where the verbal sparring would continue, because Big D.A. was not at the Impact Arena.  

In the opening match, Double D (w/Erica) defeated “Mr. Money” Randy Price.  The ending came when Michael Barry tried to hold Double D’s leg while D climbed the turnbuckle.  Erica intervened and caught Barry’s attention so that when it was Price now on top of the turnbuckle, Barry had resumed his hold of the leg, only this time it was of his teammate Randy Price.  This allowed Double D to hit Price with a flying knee to the jaw, followed by a cross body for the pin.  It was a great win for Double D who was coming back from a devastating loss to Jermaine Johnson at Halloween Hangover.  For Randy Price, it was another bizarre conclusion to a match of his where some member of Impact Inc. costs him his match. 

Johnson’s and Neil’s co-hosting duties got physical soon after the match as Johnson slapped Neil and Neil countered with an overhand right.  The two quickly made their way down to the ring where Neil landed his patented Real Drill ending the brief, but violent scuffle between the heavyweight champion and the #1 challenger. 

After a backstage confrontation between “Mr. Saturday Night” Michael Barry and Cody Jones, Johnny Z and Tommy Revell took over duties in the commentators’ booth.  Z was on crutches and had his injured leg stabilized in a brace from the one-sided beatdown he received from “The Shooter” Brent Albright a week earlier.  

Lil Joe defeated Kevin Morgan via disqualification in a battle of David and Goliath.  It was a punishing display of violence by Morgan as he outweighs Lil Joe by at least a 100 lb.  Lil Joe kept fighting though and was able to land a DDT that started to turn the tide of the bout.  Lil Joe executed a perfect cross body onto Morgan outside of the ring, the only problem was Morgan caught Lil Joe and planted him right on the guardrail, almost sawing Joe in half.  But that wasn’t enough for Morgan as he grabbed a chair and smashed it against the back of Lil Joe getting disqualified immediately.  

Jermaine Johnson defeated Cody Jones after Jones came out to challenge Michael Barry from the confrontation the two had earlier in the evening backstage.  It was not meant to be for Jones as Johnson came up from behind and cheap-shotted Jones in the back of the head and barked at the time keeper to start the match.  Jones was valiant in defeat, even turning the tide on the IZW Heavyweight Champion at one point and executing a perfect tornado DDT.  But Johnson added another to the long list of opponents he has defeated as Champion.  The ending came suddenly when Johnson picked up Jones and delivered a devastating power slam that knocked Jones into next week.  

Soto Myagi defeated Rage Logan via small package with the help of Chaz Sharpe and Logan’s own bullhorn going off at an inopportune time.  This is two losses back to back for Logan and it seems that he is still trying to find his footing in his IZW return.  Logan had the sure win a couple times during the bout but disrespected Myagi enough by not hooking a leg during a pinning attempt or playing to the crowd when his opponent was hurt that it gave the mysterious wrestler from the Orient time to recover.  The ending came when Logan grabbed his bullhorn but it was then taken away by Sharpe.  During the melee the bullhorn went off, stunning Logan and giving Myagi the opportunity he had been looking for.  

The action in the ring took a break as Brent Albright delivered an ominous backstage promo.  Albright is about “one flew over the cuckoo’s nest” as his eyes and soul seemed as empty and void as the great abyss as he spit his venom in Johnny Z’s direction.    For Johnny Z , this cannot be good news, as he is still trying to deal with a badly damaged leg.  To hear Albright tell it, that is only the beginning.  Albright swore to make Z suffer even worse at Chaotic Christmas as “The Shooter” promised to break out a few moves he hasn’t used in years.  There’s a reason Albright got the nickname “The Shooter” and that has to leave a sick feeling in the stomachs of Johnny Z fans everywhere.

In the main event of the night, Michael Barry defeated Aaron Neil by disqualification.  It was a matchup of two of the top stars in IZW and both Barry and Neil tore into each other like there was no tomorrow.  For Barry, this was much more than he anticipated when he laid out a challenge to all of the “nobodies” in the IZW locker-room.  What he got instead was the most decorated IZW Heavyweight Champion of all time in “The Real Deal”.   Neil delivered a series of moves, even getting Barry in his patented Boston Crab submission hold, but the IZW Impact Division Champion would not give up.  Neil also delivered a forearm shiver that almost knocked the fillings out of Barry’s teeth and added a spinebuster for good measure.  As Neil was about ready to get Barry in place for the Real Drill, IZW Heavyweight Champion Jermaine Johnson came down to the ring and swinging for Neil with his gold belt, inadvertently clocked Barry.  The referee signaled for the DQ giving Barry the victory.  For his trouble, Johnson was put into a Boston Crab by Neil and tapped out several times.  For Neil’s fans they can only hope their fight at Chaotic Christmas on December 17 ends the same way.

Watch this exciting pro wrestling event exclusively through GFL.tv here http://www.gfl.tv/playVideo.do?videoId=6168 as Impact Zone Wrestling (IZW) presents its ongoing weekly Saturday night series, with its latest installment the November 26 show for FREE.  Get to know these wrestlers and witness all of the ups and downs as these grapplers get down and dirty and show the world what Impact Zone Wrestling is all about!  

EPIC Fighting 9 Preview

EPIC Fighting returns to the GFL Combat Sports Network on December 3 at the Four Points Sheraton in San Diego, California for what promises to be EPIC Fighting’s biggest and best show yet, EPIC Fighting 9.  The 15-bout card is the culmination of a lot of hard work as the hotly anticipated California State Mixed Martial Arts Finals are finally here.  There’s no telling what is going to happen in the 2011 EPIC Fighting finale featuring the richest talent-laden amateur tournament to hit California’s mixed martial arts scene ever.  Fighters from both Southern and Northern California will be competing in this impressive event where the stars of tomorrow will compete today.  

In one of the co-main events, Richard Parra (6-4) battles Francisco “Panchito” Castro (5-3) in a featherweight tussle.  Parra trains at The Pit, world famous for being the home of former UFC Champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell.  Parra utilizes the same style as Liddell as 5 of his 6 wins have come via KO or TKO.  For Castro, who is riding a 4-fight win streak he prefers to grind out his opponents and break their will as 4 of his 5 victories have come via decision.  Expect the clash of styles between these two warriors to make for an exciting fight as they try to take the next step in their MMA careers and become Champion of California.  Nobody puts on high octane fights like the lighter weight athletes so assume Parra versus Castro will be in the running for “fight of the night”.

In another high profile match and a battle of undefeated fighters, Mike Flach (5-0) meets Lamar Reed (4-0) in a middleweight bout.  Flach is a well-rounded fighter with victories coming via KO and submission.  The Millennia MMA trained athlete will need everything in his arsenal to defeat Reed.  For Reed, fighting out of Oakdale MMA’s Last Stand Fight, he will look to utilize his wrestling advantage which he has successful used to shut down all of his previous opponents.  Reed is a 2X All-American in college and placed at the Greco Nationals so expect him to look for a takedown early and often.  Flach will have to be able to fight from his back which is something he is very capable of doing, so this fight should be a barnburner.  

All of the weight classes will be on the line including, flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight.  That’s 9 divisions and titles that will be in the mix on Dec. 3 so don’t miss this unique opportunity to see some of the sports brightest athletes compete in the deepest amateur tournament in California history. 

You won’t find more BANG for your buck so order this thrilling event.  Be sure to catch all of the action LIVE on December 3 as EPIC Fighting presents EPIC Fighting 9  featuring the California State Mixed Martial Arts Finals on pay-per-view exclusively at GFL.tv.

Hard Knock Fighting Championship - "School of Hard Knocks 18 Calgary" Review

Western Canada’s most consistent and top MMA promotion returned as Hard Knocks Fighting Championship presented School of Hard Knocks 18 Calgary, at the Century Casino in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  The action packed 11-bout pro/am card had plenty of action as 7 of the bouts ended in KO or submission.  Overall it was a great night of action brought to you exclusively at the GFL Combat Sports Network.  

In the main event, Advin Omic (9-4) from Arashido in Red Deer defeated Keto Allen (6-4) from Canuckles MMA in Calgary by unanimous decision in a battle of welterweights.  Omic controlled the tempo for most of the fight and was able to land the cleaner strikes throughout the bout.  Allen was always battling back and was a game opponent, but it was Omic’s night as he just seemed to be mixing up his attacks in a way that left Allen on the defensive for much of the night.  Omic was true to his game plan as someone who likes to grind out decisions and he fought a smart fight against the very offensive minded Allen by shutting down most of Allen’s attacks through grappling and wrestling.

In co-main event, Marc Savoie (2-2) from Gracie Barra in Calgary defeated Todd Molyneaux (0-3) from Dragon MMA in Edmonton by rear naked choke in Round 1 in a featherweight battle.  Savoie even his record while displaying a strong grappling prowess on the mat and finishing the tough Edmonton fighter inside half of a round.   Savoie showed a lot in this win and expect this victory to give him more confidence as he continues his young MMA career.

In other action, Julius Huhs, and Jesse Arnett both won their pro bouts by TKO and submission, respectively.  Huhs finished Matt Krayco at the end of Round 1 when the doctor stopped the fight because Krayco had sustanined too much damage from Huhs’ striking.  Arnett was able to lock on a rear naked choke on Chantha Bun and get the tapout in under a minute.

Don’t miss this electrifying event featuring Western Canada’s finest MMA athletes competing in front of a packed house at the Century Casino in Calgary.   Hard Knocks Fighting Championship always produces great fights and this event was no different.  Watch all of the fights now on GFLOnDemand at GFL.tv as Hard Knock Fighting Championship presents its newest installment, School of Hard Knocks 18 Calgary on pay-per-view only at GFL.tv!

Big 8 - "Big 8 Muay Thai - Battle of Continents 2011" Review

The inaugural event on GFL.tv for the world famous Muay Thai promotion Big 8 was a resounding success as Big 8 Muay Thai - Battle of Continents from the Minsk Arena in Minsk, Belarus delivered a great night of action and sent the fans in to a frenzy as their hometown heroes won multiple title bouts, including the stacked 8-man middleweight tournament that crowned the World Champion WKN and King of Muay Thai.   

Andrei Kulebin of Belarus defeated 3 opponents in one night to win Battle of Continents on a night that saw plenty of knockouts and some of the world’s best fall.  In the opening round, Kulebin faced Loris Audoui of South America and was able to knock out the Guadeloupe Island native with a hard knee in the second round.  The semis matched up Kulebin against Ibrahim Konate from Africa and the other side of the bracket had Ruslan Kushnirenko of Europe fighting Taylor Harvey of Australia.  Both Kulebin and Kushnirenko defeated their opponents by KO.  Kulebin won via leg kick in Round 3, while Kushnirenko won via knee in Round 1.  In the finals it was an all Eastern European affair as Andrei Kulebin of Belarus defeated Ruslan Kushnirenko of Ukraine by judges’ decision.  It was a clear cut victory for Kulebin who was quicker to the punch and kick all night and seemed to be fresher the deeper he got into the tournament, including in the finals where his cardio set a pace that Kushnirenko could not catch up to. 

In other action,  Dmitry Valent (Belarus) defeated Samir Dourid (France) by TKO to retain his WKN Super Middlweight World Muay Thai Title.  Valent, an 8 -ime Champion delieverd an onslaught of strikes to the challenger and eventually broke the Frenchman TKOing him in front of the raucus home crowd.

In other title action, Ekaterina Vandarieva (Belarus) defeated Johanna Jerdzechick (Poland) for the WKN Women’s World Muay Thai Title.  Vandarieva retained her title with a judges’ decision against the game Pole.  Vandarieva also got a hero’s welcome as she performed wonderfully in her home country by always keeping Jerdzechick on the defensive.  One has to think after this final performance in 2011 that she will again win the award for Female Muay Thai Fighter of the Year.  

If you love nonstop, full-throttle striking, then Big 8 Muay Thai - Battle of Continents is must-see TV.  This event kicks off the debut of the top Muay Thai promotion on GFL.tv and it was a great coming out party for the organization.  Watch as the brave warriors display the science of the eight limbs and use punches, kicks, knees and elbows as they put it all on the line and battle the best of the best from each continent under the Big 8 banner.  Order this event exclusively at GFL.tv

Ultimate Warrior Fighting 1 - "Huerta VS War Machine" Review

Ultimate Warrior Fighting 1 – Huerta VS War Machine made an immediate impact in the MMA arena with its debut show that was broadcast worldwide on GFL.tv.  The vocal crowd out the Pharr Texas Events Center on the border town of Pharr, Texas was vocal the whole night and got their money’s worth, especially in the main event.  The 6-bout card had 4 of 6 fights ending in KO or submission, topped off by the main event which had a little bit of everything.

War Machine (12-4) defeated Roger Huerta (21-6-1) via TKO due to a rib injury in Round 3 in a welterweight clash. War Machine has had a tumultuous couple years away from the sport, but that never seemed to bother him once he stepped inside the cage.  For Huerta this is his third loss in a row.  Huerta usually fights at lightweight and the strength difference was evident in the fight as the bigger War Machine was able to overpower Huerta at times through sheer size advantage.  

Round 1 saw the two lock up and work for positioning in the clinch, until War Machine landed a trip takedown.  War Machine worked side mount and was able to land several short elbows that cut up Huerta.   Round 2 was a back and forth round that saw both men do damage.  Huerta was able to turn the tide for a moment and get War Machine down to the ground but after a quick scramble both were back on their feet.  War Machine then landed another hard takedown, but Huerta fought back from the bottom with short elbows.  Both men were relentless in their attacking.  Huerta picked up the pace against the bigger fighter and was again able to turn the side by reversing the positioning on the mat. 

In Round 3, the two battled once again in the clinch, with War Machine getting the better of the exchanges.  War Machine then went for a rolling armbar that was almost locked up, but Huerta was able to defend the submission and ended up in side control as the two moved to the mat.  War Machine was then able to reverse position ending up in the mount and started to rain down punches on Huerta.  Huerta just covered up as it was apparent that somewhere in the grappling for position he injured his ribs.  After more than a dozen unanswered punches, War Machine looked up for the referee to stop the bout and finally the fight was over.  It was a great fight as both fighters came out to battle and showed that these two gladiators are still in the elite ranks of MMA athletes.  

In other action, UFC vet Dave Menne (45-16-2) defeated Eric Davila (20-11) by guillotine choke in Round 1.  It was a solid win for the veteran Menne who continues to fight in a career that has spanned 14 years.  

Ultimate Warrior Fighting 1 – Huerta VS War Machine had several exciting fights, highlighted by epic clash of two former UFC contenders.  UWF played to a packed crowd and proved that they are one of the top organizations in the Southwest.  The only way to see this loaded 6-bout card is to order it now on GFLOnDemand, exclusively at GFL.tv.  Order now!

Impact Zone Wrestling (IZW) - November 19 TV Show Review

Impact Zone Wrestling (IZW) presented another great night of professional wrestling with its November 19 television show.  The 2-hour event is part of strategic partnership between IZW and the GFL Combat Sports Network (GFL.tv) to broadcast an ongoing Saturday night weekly pro wrestling series for FREE.  Coming off of the heels of Halloween Hangover (available on video on demand at http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/Impact_Zone_Wrestling__Halloween_Hangover/1186) and gearing up for the final iPPV of the year on December 17, Chaotic Christmas (available for pre-order at http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/Impact_Zone_Wrestling__Chaotic_Christmas/1255) things took a turn for the worse for one of IZW’s founding fathers.  

The evening started off with Impact Inc.’s Jermaine Johnson, Brent Albright and Jeff Wolfenbarger coming out to a chorus of boos from the sold out Impact Arena.  After Wolfenbarger and Johnson got the crowd into a frenzy it was Albright’s turn to speak.  Albright started talking about Johnny Z and that was the wrong thing to do.

Johnny Z came out to confront Albright and cut one of the greatest promos of the year.  The two alpha males stood nose to nose in the middle of the ring as time seemed to stand still.  Johnny Z threw down the gauntlet, challenging Albright to a No Holds Barred/No DQ Match at Chaotic Christmas.  Albright accepted and the two continued to jaw back and forth at each other until Johnny Z finally left the ring.  For Albright this is a bit of karma coming back to bite him as has been playing mind games with his opponents since he debuted in IZW, most notably turning his back on Team Johnny Z at the Danny Hodge Invitational iPPV (available on video on demand at http://www.gfl.tv/priv/showSearchResults.do?searchTerm=Impact+Zone+Wrestling%3A+Danny+Hodge+Invitational&type=Fighter&actorId=&eventId=1139&venueId=&rightsownersId) and joining Impact Inc., but now he has picked a one on one fight with the King of Mind Games, the “Natural Born Leader” Johnny Z!

As for the in-ring action, “Bad” Brad Michaels defeated “The Real Deal” Aaron Neil, with help from the Future Hall of Famers.  Neil had the match won with a Boston Crab submission, but due to the outside interference by the Future Hall of Famers, Michaels was able to recover and unloaded a super-kick right onto Neil’s jaw.

Double D (w/ Erica) defeated “Mr. Money” Randy Price (w/ Jeff Wolfenbarger) after Double D whipped Price into the turnbuckle where Wolfenbarger was standing.  The impact of the accidental collision was brutal enough for Double D to get the rollup pinfall for the victory.  Impact Inc. and “Mr. Money” have not been on the same page since Halloween Hangover and you have to wonder if this accidental collision will lead to more confusion within the ranks of IZW’s strongest faction. 

Brent Albright (w/ Jeff Wolfenbarger) defeated Jordan Jacobs while Johnny Z helped out on color commentary in the IZW announcer’s booth.  When the match was over Albright was walking back to the dressing room and crossed paths with Z.  The two picked up right where they left off and began to jaw at one another until finally punches were exchanged.  Johnny Z was getting the better of the unsanctioned brawl as he had Albright on the run, and was ready to deliver his patented Big Boot.  But Albright sidestepped the move and Johnny Z slammed his right leg into the ring post causing a sickening thud.  Alright was like a shark that smells blood in the water as he massacred the right knee of Johnny Z.  Albright being true to his nickname as “The Shooter” gave Johnny Z a series of bone-crunching submission moves all intended to cause permanent damage to the knee and surrounding ligaments.  Albright then finished up with a series of stiff shots to the already swollen and injured knee of Johnny Z.  Johnny Z needed help from several wrestlers just to make it back to the locker room.  The night started out with so much promise with a matchup of Johnny Z and Brent Albright set up for Chaotic Christmas, but after the one-sided destruction that Albright dished out, it’s anyone’s guess if and when Johnny Z will be ready to return to the IZW ring. 

In other action, the IZW Tag Team Champions the Old School Suckas (Gary Tool & Bernie D) defeated the Future Hall of Famers (Eric Rose & Wage).  The Old School Suckas continue to prove that they are the #1 Tag Team in IZW history as their legend grows every week with another hard fought win.  For Rose and Wage this was not the start the Future Hall of Famers envisioned when they joined forces with “Bad” Brad Michaels at Halloween Hangover. 

New addition to the IZW roster Chaz Sharpe defeated Rage Logan (w/ Shawn McHale).  Sharpe has an amateur wrestling background and is hearing impaired so McHale’s taunts were useless as Sharpe stayed focused on the task at hand out wrestling his opponent and picking up a nice victory against IZW veteran Rage Logan.  The future looks bright for Sharpe in IZW. 

In the main event of the evening, IZW Champion Jermaine Johnson (w/ Jeff Wolfenbarger) defeated John O'Malley in a non-title fight.  O’Malley used his size and strength to manhandle Johnson throughout the bout, but Wolfenbarger manipulated the referee, as the Future Hall of Famers came down to the ring.  Michaels and Rose gave Big John a double super-kick and that was enough to chop down the huge redwood tree.  An exhausted Johnson then fell on top of O’Malley for the 1-2-3.  After the bout, the Future Hall of Famers and Jermaine Johnson issued a 4 on 1 beatdown of O’Malley.  Aaron Neil came down and cleared out Johnson, but the Future Hall of Famers continued to throttle O’Malley 3 on 1 as the show went off the air.  

Watch this exciting pro wrestling event exclusively through GFL.tv here http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/Impact_Zone_Wrestling_Nov_19_2011/1254 as Impact Zone Wrestling (IZW) presents its ongoing weekly Saturday night series, with its latest installment the November 19 show for FREE.  Get to know these wrestlers and witness all of the ups and downs as these grapplers get down and dirty and show the world what Impact Zone Wrestling is all about!  

There’s More Than Just Gold That Glitters For IZW Heavyweight Champion Jermaine Johnson

 “I don’t want to do anything but wrestle.”

For the reigning and defending IZW World Heavyweight Champion, Jermaine Johnson, he is well on his way to making that statement a reality.   Through hard work, an unbreakable drive and continued passion, the 27 year old Wichita, Kansas native has already achieved more and reached greater heights than most in the sport will ever know.  But for the always confident Johnson, that’s not enough.  The Champion wants more.

“My main focus in this business is to have wrestling pay my rent.  I want to be a full-time professional wrestler and I would love it to be with IZW.  I’d love that more than anything.  I just want wrestling to be my job.  I don’t want to have a regular job anymore,” Johnson chuckled.  

Johnson is IZW through and through.  Having trained at IZW’s training facility, the Impact Academy, and come up through the IZW system, Johnson is a testament to how superior an infrastructure IZW has been able to create for professional wrestling in the state of Oklahoma.  It’s no wonder that Johnson excelled at the Impact Academy as he was willing to make tremendous sacrifices just to find a reputable pro wrestling training facility.  

“I was living in Kansas and I looked up schools in Kansas, Missouri, Colorado and Oklahoma.  And I found a school in Colorado and I was going to drive back and forth from Wichita, Kansas to Colorado Springs.  And the trainer was amazed that I was going to do that because it’s an eight hour drive, each way.  He was impressed with my determination so he helped me out and gave me a number from a group out in Oklahoma and that turned out to be IZW.  And I started from there,” Johnson recalled.

“So I was driving back and forth from Wichita to Oklahoma City every Saturday.  It’s like a 3 or 4 hour drive and I started doing that in August of 2007.  I had an 11pm to 6am shift at my work and then I would drive down to Oklahoma City at 8am every Saturday so that was my start.   I made my debut with IZW in March 2008 and never looked back,” Johnson continued.  

And the drive?

“I moved down to Lawton in 2008, in January, even before my debut, because I found a place that I could really soak up professional wrestling and decided to jump in with both feet,” Johnson said.

Things have come full circle with Johnson and the place where he cut his teeth in the pro wrestling business because now he is the trainer at the Impact Academy now based in Lawton.  “Jordan Jacobs is the most recent graduate from there.  Randy Price came from out of there too.  It’s a hard training school. We don’t really worry about quantity as much as quality.  If you come out of Impact Academy you are going to be able to wrestle, point blank,” explained Johnson.

But there’s so much more to Johnson’s game, to his persona, than just what he learned inside the ropes.  Johnson is a can’t miss, blue chip prospect who is well on his way to mastering all the tricks of the trade that a successful professional wrestler must have in his arsenal.  

“I study a lot of Ric Flair, Chris Jericho and Ricky Steamboat.  I call myself a “wrestleologist”, I’ve got tons of books and dvds of all the greats and I just study them, over and over, and try to get better every day.  Ric Flair is great, especially with the persona of being Heavyweight Champion and wearing the nice clothes.  I try to dress nice and that’s all Ric Flair,” Johnson said.

With Johnson’s years of training that he originally honed at the IZW Impact Academy, along with the countless hours he has spent dissecting some of the greatest matches ever and learning from the best in the business, it comes as no surprise that Johnson has made a name for himself in the Mid-South territory, especially in IZW where he wrestles exclusively now.

Johnson has had the company’s top belt around his waist, the IZW World Heavyweight Championship, for over a year.  It’s a belt that Johnson originally won on November 6, 2010 against IZW mainstay “The Real Deal” Aaron Neil.  Since then, Johnson has defended the belt against every member of the roster who earned a title shot.  In another “come full circle” moment of Johnson’s wrestling career, he will be defending his IZW Heavyweight belt against the man he defeated more than a year ago, Aaron Neil, on IZW’s last iPPV of the year, Chaotic Christmas on December 17, live on GFL.tv.  The always cocky and confident Johnson already believes the match is in the bag.

“December 17 at Chaotic Christmas is MY coming out party.  Aaron Neil has worked so hard to reach this moment.  It’s been a year in the making since he’s wrestled for the IZW Championship.  It’s been a year since he could pretend that he was the IZW Champion.  What is Aaron Neil going to do, what are his fans going to do when he fails?  Because that’s what’s going to happen,” Johnson quipped.  

“I’m smarter than Aaron Neil, I’m better than Aaron Neil and at Chaotic Christmas, once and for all, I’ll prove it.  I’ve already proven this before but I’ll do it again.  Because defeating Aaron Neil at Chaotic Christmas won’t make me the greatest IZW Heavyweight Champion of all-time.  I’m already that…  Beating Aaron Neil at Chaotic Christmas will send me into iconic status.  I’m talking about having my own wing in the Hall of Fame.  After I win there’s going to be a huge celebration with the streamers, the confetti and all the bells and whistles.  Because Aaron Neil’s failure will be my biggest accomplishment.  And all the fans watching, they might not want to, but they’ll have to, they’ll have to give it up to meeeeee!” Johnson exclaimed.

For outsiders, Johnson’s antics and speech might come off as brash and irreverent.  But for anybody that knows what Johnson has already overcome and accomplished in this grueling profession, you have to admire somebody that has the mental and intestinal fortitude to put everything on the line and pursue a dream.  The more you talk to Johnson the more you begin to realize that he has that same amount of confidence in the whole IZW locker room.  Even his adversaries.  

“I don’t even see IZW as on the same level of other federations in Oklahoma anymore.  We’re striving to get on the radar of ROH.  I think we have something for every wrestling fan, whether its WWE fans, TNA fans, ROH fans or disenfranchised fans that like the old-school territories.  We have it all.  We have feuds and battles that rival anybody in the business and from a presentation standpoint, I don’t believe any organization outside of WWE and TNA is at our level.  IZW produces great shows.  Check us out on GFL.tv or YouTube.  We have a professional looking wrestling show from top to bottom and it’s all shot in HD.  Not many companies can claim that,” Johnson said.   

Johnson also realizes the importance of the marriage between IZW and GFL.tv as a way to reach new fans and grow the IZW audience.  “The GFL and IZW partnership is the greatest thing to happen to this company.  It motivated our entire roster.  It gives the company and the wrestlers world-wide exposure and is going to enable us to break out of the pack.  We’ve just started but, at some point, wrestling fans around the globe are going to know about IZW because we do wrestling better than anyone else,” Johnson explained.

There’s not much you can say about Jermaine Johnson that he hasn’t already said for himself.  For the last year he has carried the weight of the company on his shoulders as the IZW Heavyweight Champion, and the organization has had breakthroughs it has never experienced before.  A large part of that is a testament to the work ethic of Johnson.  Come December 17, Johnson will look to steal the show once again in his main event bout with Aaron Neil and put an exclamation point on the end of 2011 by defending his IZW World Heavyweight Championship.  For wrestling fans, it’s a match you don’t want to miss.  

To find out more about Jermaine Johnson and hear from the man yourself, follow him on twitter @JermaineAboutME. 

To learn more about all things IZW related, visit us at any of these online locations.

Website: izwrestling.com

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/IZWOklahoma

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImpactZoneWrestling

Twitter: @IZW_Oklahoma

###

For Press or other Media Inquiries Contact:

Drew Archer at drewarchersr@gmail.com 

Or on twitter @drewarchersr

CMFC Mixed Fighting Champinship - "Canada VS China" Preview

CMFC Mixed Fighting Championship presents Canada VS China on November 25, live at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, Canada.  The 7-bout Muay Thai fight card will showcase some of the best strikers in the business and will be broadcast worldwide by the GFL Combat Sports Network at GFL.tv.

In the main event, Mukai “The Afrikan Assassin” Maromo, a Tornoto transplant from Zimbabwe, Africa will square off agasint Cao Yaomin of China.   Maromo has been focusing on MMA of late compiling an impressive 7-2 record with his most notable wins coming in the MFC, the big leagues of Canadian MMA.  But his bout with Yaomin will be straight up Muay Thai kickboxing, so many of Maromo’s tools will be illegal in a Muay Thai bout.  But even still, Maromo is a 3x Muay Thai Champion, where he compiled a record of 16-3 so he does have a background in the striking art.   For Yaomin, he will feel right at home because his only game is Muay Thai.  Look for Yaomin to really push the pace against Maromo early in the fight, and try to get the Canadian resident on his heels before he can adjust to the pace of the fight.   For Maromo, he will have to withstand the beginning of the bout where he will want to do grappling and takedowns if Yaomin can close the distance.  Maromo is one of the top strikers in MMA and even has “knockout of the night” awards to prove it, but this isn’t MMA, it’s Muay Thai and it will be interesting to see how Maromo’s striking matches up against a world-class striker in Yaomin.  

In the co-main event, Adam Blanchette (Canada) battles Yang Yuanfei (China) in what is sure to be another hotly contested matchup.  Blanchette is a strong middleweight who possesses knockout power in both hands and feet.  Yuanfei is more of a points fighter and looks to stick and move, eventually wearing his opponent out in the final rounds or winning by decision.  It will be a contrast of fighting styles when the two step between the ropes on November 25.  

Do you love bone rattling punches and kicks?  How about knockouts?  If the answer is “yes”, then order this event Canada VS China, presented by CMFC Mixed Fighting  Championship on November 25, live on GFL.tv.  Watch as these brave warriors step into the ring and show the sweet science of Muay Thai. 

Big 8 - "Big 8 Muay Thai - Battle of Continents 2011" Preview

The inaugural event on GFL.tv for the world famous Muay Thai promotion Big 8 takes place on November 26 with Big 8 Muay Thai - Battle of Continents at the Minsk Arena in Minsk, Belarus.  The card is headlined by an 8-man tournament featuring middleweight Muay Thai fighters from around the globe competing in a one-night tournament to crown the World Champion WKN.  It is a historic night as all 8 fighters are already champions in their home country.  Eight Champions will walk into the ring on November 26, but only one will walk out King of Muay Thai.  

The eight competitors fighting in the tournament and their respective homelands are: 

Samkor (Asai/Thailand)

Andrei Kulebin (Belarus)

Ruslan Kushnirenko (Europe/Ukraine)

Ibrahim Konate (Africa/Senegal)  

Taylor Harvey (South Pacific/Australia)

Loris Audoui (South America/Guadeloupe Island)  

Chris Kwyatkovsk (North America/USA)  

Erkan Varol  (Wild Card/Turkey) 

The tournament breakdown shapes up like this.

First Pool :
SAMKOR / Taylor HARVEY / Loris AUDOUI / Erkan VAROL

Second Pool :
Andrei KULEBIN / Chris KWYATKOVSKY / Ibrahim KONATE / Ruslan KUSHNIRENKO

The winners of each Pool would then meet in the finals to determine the World Champion WKN. 

Along with the tournament there are also singles matches scheduled including title fights.  Dmitry Valent (Belarus) fights Samir Dourid (France) for the WKN Super Middlweight World Muay Thai Title.  Valent, an 8 time Champion has held on to the belt since 2007 and will have the home country at his back but that might not be enough to overthrow the tough Frenchman as Dourid will be looking for revenge in this fight.  Dourid is a Champion in his own right winning the Swedish Championship most recently.  Will this be the night the Valent loses his belt or will his reign and stranglehold on the division continue?

In other title action, Ekaterina Vandarieva (Belarus) battles Johanna Jerdzechick (Poland) for the WKN Women’s World Muay Thai Title.  Vandarieva is the current Champion and was voted Female Muay Thai Fighter of the Year in 2010.  If she ends the year with another victory agasint Jerdzechick expect that title to stay in her hands for years to come as Jerdzechick is the toughest opponent Vandarieva has faced in her illustrious title run.  

If you love nonstop, full-throttle striking, then Big 8 Muay Thai - Battle of Continents on November 26 is must-see TV.  This event kicks off the debut of the top Muay Thai promotion on GFL.tv.  Watch as the brave warriors display the science of the eight limbs and use punches, kicks, knees and elbows as they put it all on the line and battle the best of the best from each continent under the Big 8 banner.  Order this event exclusively at GFL.tv

Rumble in the Cage - "RITC 45" Preview

Western Canada’s premier cage fighting event returns on November 26 as Rumble in the Cage presents RITC 45 at the Lethbridge Exhibition - South Pavillion, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada with 16 exciting bouts.  Rumble in the Cage is a breeding ground for the international promotions and RITC 45 will showcase some of the rising amateur and professional mixed martial artists soon to hit the national scene.

In the main event, hometown hero and UFC veteran Jesse Bongfeldt (15-5-1) from Progressive Fighting Academy fights Brandon MacArthur (3-17) in a middleweight tilt.  Bongfeldt last fought for RITC in a title fight in which he was victorious.  He then got a call up to the UFC where he had one draw and one loss.  Now back at his old stomping grounds, he looks to make MacArthur his first victim on his road back to the UFC.  Bongfeldt is one of the top middleweights in Canada and is an experienced grappler and striker as many of his victories have come by way of KO or submission.  For MacArthur, he is nothing if not resilient and in his 20 fights in MMA he has never backed down from a challenge. RITC was having a hard time finding an opponent for the tough Bongfeldt and MacArthur stepped up to the challenge and accepted the fight, something most wouldn’t do.  For him to pull off the upset, he will need to catch Bongfeldt with a punch, kick or submission early on before the UFC vet can settle in.   

In the co-main event, Brandt Dewsberry (5-1-1) battles Joe Gobiel (1-2) in a welterweight scrap.  Both fighters are coming off nice submission victories in their last fights, and for one of them it will be 2 in a row.  Dewsberry has more experience and should be able to use that to his advantage the longer the fight progresses.  For Gobiel, he has made steady improvement in this 3 MMA bouts and if he continues to show as much advancement in this bout, it could be “fight of the night” for the fans in Lethbridge.  With the main event getting the lion’s share of press and media attention, don’t let this co-main event fly under the radar.  It should be a barnburner.  

Don’t miss the latest installment as Rumble in the Cage, Western Canada’s most prolific MMA organization, presents RITC 45 on November 26, exclusively on GFL.tv.  See the top pros in Canada fight on the toughest proving ground in the Great White North.  Order it NOW!

Hard Knock Fighting Championship - "School of Hard Knocks 18 Calgary" Preview

 

 


Western Canada’s top MMA promotion is back as Hard Knocks Fighting Championship brings School of Hard Knocks 18 Calgary, to the Century Casino in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on November 25. The action packed 15-bout pro/am card is the top proving ground for amateur MMA in Western Canada and several exciting matchups have been booked for a great night of fighting action brought to you exclusively at the GFL Combat Sports Network.  

In the main event, Keto Allen (6-3) from Canuckles MMA in Calgary battles Advin Omic (8-4) from Arashido in Red Deer in a welterweight barnburner.  Allen and Omic are two of the top professional mixed martial artists from the Alberta province and a victory here by either man could be the next step in their successful careers.  All 6 of Allen’s victories have come via KO or submission, so too have his 3 losses.  Allen always fights at a high risk/high reward pace and is willing to take chances where other fighters will not.  Allen is always in exciting fights and is the perfect matchup for Omic who has had half of his fights go to decision.  Omic likes to wear his opponents out and grind them down, so fighting an opponent in Allen who is almost the polar opposite should make for an interesting chess match.  Expect Allen to try to push the pace early in the fight and get Omic on his heels.  For Omic, he will look to be more measured and deliberate and get the risk taker, Allen, to make a mistake.  

In co-main event, Marc Savoie (1-2) from Gracie Barra in Calgary competes against Todd Molyneaux (0-2) from Dragon MMA in Edmonton in a featherweight battle.  Savoie is a grappler from Gracie Barra so expect him to want to get the fight to the mat as soon as possible.  For Molyneaux, it might be in his best interest to turn the bout into a kickboxing match and keep Savoie standing.  Both fighters are in the beginning stage of their professional careers so this should be a great matchup of up and comers.

Don’t miss this electrifying event featuring Western Canada’s finest MMA athletes competing in front of a packed house at the Century Casino in Calgary.   Hard Knocks Fighting Championship always produces great fights and this event will be no different.  Watch all of the fights LIVE on November 25 as Hard Knock Fighting Championship presents School of Hard Knocks 18 Calgary on pay-per-view only at GFL.tv!

Cage Fighting Manitoba 3 - "Phillips VS Wright" Preview

Cage Fighting Manitoba 3 presents Phillips VS Wright from the Winnipeg Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba comes to the GFL Combat Sports Network on November 25, live on GFL.tv.  The 8-bout card features some of Canada’s top rising MMA prospects and is sure to turn up the heat with the action inside of the cage.  Canada is home to some of the best MMA fans in the world, and CFM promises to present the very best regional MMA for the people of Central Canada.

In the main event, Warren Phillips (4-4) fights Trevor Wright (5-3) in a lightweight scrap of two veteran Canadian gladiators.  Philips has won all 4 of his victories by stoppage, with 3 coming way of submission.  He will look to continue his dominance on the ground against Wright.  For Wright, all 5 of his victories have come via TKO in large part due to his powerful strikes, both standing and on the mat where he utilizes nonstop ground and pound.  This is the first main event for both Phillips and Wright, and the officials at CFM believe in their ability to have a spectacular fight, so look for this bout to be a barnburner and early candidate for “fight of the night.”

In the co-main event, Ryan Boux (1-2) battles Aaron Shymr (2-2).  Both Boux and Shymr are relative newcomers to the sport and will look to make a name for themselves at the other’s expense.  Boux looks to rebound from his last fight, a tough loss at Cage Fighting Manitoba 2 earlier this year, and end the year with a bang.  For Shymr, he too took a tough loss at CFM 2 so expect him to come out guns blazing against Boux.  Both fighters desperately need a victory here so expect the unexpected.  They will likely throw caution to the wind and go for broke from the beginning of the fight.  There’s nothing more dangerous than a MMA fighter with his back against the wall and that is exactly the predicament Boux and Shymr find themselves in.  

Don’t miss this electrifying event featuring some of Canada’s finest MMA competitors competing in front of a jam packed convention center.   Watch all of the fights exclusively on pay-per-view on November 25 as Cage Fighting Manitoba 3 presents Phillips VS Wright only at GFL.tv!  

Showdown Fights - "Evolution" Review

Showdown Fights, the top MMA organization in Utah, provided another night of exciting fights as it presented Evolution, the final Showdown Fights MMA card of the year.  The 11-bout pro/am card featured 6 stoppages and saw the victorious return of a hometown hero. Utah MMA flies under the radar, but after watching this event, it will be hard to ignore the “Beehive State”.

In the main event, rising prospect Jordan “Mata Ele” Smith (17-2-1) defeated Strikeforce vet Josh McDonald (8-5) via unanimous decision after a gritty performance by both men.  Smith showed the heart of a champion by continuing to press the pace in the fight, but McDonald came to fight and gave almost as good as he got.  Smith, who trains with the world famed Black House and alongside UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva, started to pull away at the end by landing several hard strikes and controlling the fight on the ground.  It was a nice win for the rising prospect who defeated Karo Parisyan in his last bout.  

In the co-main event, heavyweight Jan Jorgensen (2-0) defeated Lolo Tuiaki (2-3) by TKO in Round 3 when Tuiaki did not answer the bell.  The heavyweights were swinging for the hills and finally Jorgensen was able to chop down the tough Tuiaki with several hard punches while on the mat.  Jorgensen got the mount and unloaded several vicious punches as the bell came to end the second round.  That proved to be enough as Tuiaki could not continue for the third and final round and Jorgensen was awarded the TKO victory.   

  

Showdown Fights is back with Evolution.  The packed crowd got to witness plenty of knockouts and submissions and you can too if you order this stacked event now at GFL.tv.   See the champions of tomorrow compete today.  Order now!

Ring of Combat - "Ring of Combat XXXVIII" Review

Ring of Combat returned to a sold out venue at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey for ROC XXXVIII.  This event had another stacked lineup, something Ring of Combat has become synonymous with, as 4 titles were up for grabs.  ROC continues to be the kingpin of East Coast MMA and this 13-bout card once again was a testament to ROC’s dominance in the Tri-State area.  All of the fighters wore their hearts on their sleeves, especially the fighters in the championship bouts, as 3 of the 4 title fights ended in KO or submission.  

In the main event, Nordine Taleb (4-1) upset Pete Sell (9-6) by KO in Round 2 to win the ROC Welterweight Championship.  The former Champion, Sell, was considered a heavy favorite coming into the bout, but Taleb was riding a 3-fight win streak coming into the night and made it 4 for 4 with the stunning KO of the UFC veteran Sell.  Taleb, who trains at the famed Tristar Gym in Montreal alongside UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre, is a prospect on the rise and definitely a gem for ROC to have on its roster.   

In the co-main event, Deividas Taurosevicus (14-5)  defeated Marlon Moraes (5-3-1)  by arm triangle submission in Round 1 to retain his title and continue his dominance in the featherweight division.  Taurosevicious was on the attack from the beginning and managed to get the fight to the mat quickly where he worked for dominant position and then slapped on the fight-ending submission for the tapout victory.  Taurosevicious is going to be very difficult to beat at 145 lb, even in the talent-ridden Northeast.

In another title fight, Patrick Audinwood (10-2-1) beat the previously undefeated Al Iaquinta (6-1-1) by armbar submission in Round 1 to win the ROC Lightweight Championship.  The UFC vet, Audinwood, was not intimidated by Iaquinta and took it to the former champ from the get go.  MMA is a battle of inches, sometimes centimeters and this just wasn’t Iaquinta’s night as the Serra trained fighter made one small mistake on the mat, and Audinwood capitalized on it immediately by securing Iaquinta’s arm and getting the tapout victory and becoming the new Lightweight Ring of Combat Champion.  

In the final title fight of the night, Tom DeBlass (6-0) remained ROC Light Heavyweight Champion after defeating Davit Tkeshelashvili (1-2) by unanimous decision.  The Renzo Gracie fighter, DeBlass, got more than he bargained for against Tkeshelashvili who going into the bout only had 2 professional fights.  Both men kept up a good pace for 205ers as it was a back and forth scrap but DeBlass did enough to win every round on two judges’ scorecards.  

You won’t find a more thrilling card then this one. Be sure to catch all of the action on video on demand as Ring of Combat presents ROC XXXVIII exclusively on at GFL.tv.

Impact Zone Wrestling Re-launches Website as iPPV "Chaotic Christmas" Looms

 

With Impact Zone Wrestling’s final iPPV of the year, Chaotic Christmas, coming up on December 17 at the Impact Arena in Lawton, Oklahoma and broadcast worldwide on the GFL Combat Sports Network at GFL – The Home of Pro Wrestling iPPV, IZW has decided to end the year with a bang and this time, we’re not talking about what happens between the ropes.  

Visit izwrestling.com to find an upgraded, redesigned, interactive website.  IZW knows it’s all about the fans and with that in mind has created a cutting edge, all inclusive, hub for everything that is IZW.  The new look website gives fans an all in one access pass to everything that is Impact Zone Wrestling.  IZW uses new media and social media connectivity opportunities as fans can now follow IZW on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ImpactZoneWrestling), Twitter (@IZW_Oklahoma) and IZW’s own channel on YouTube (www.youtube.com/IZWOklahoma) directly from the izwrestling.com website.  IZW has also implemented several new user friendly buttons and tabs for fans who are now only a click away from hours and hours of exclusive media content. 

IZW has a vast media library and izwrestling.com is the portal that will link you to all of the content.  Ordering IZW iPPVs has never been easier as there are buttons on the home page to click that will take you immediately to the iPPV events themselves.  You can even order all of the past IZW iPPVs as their worldwide broadcast partner GFL.tv offers video on demand (VOD) from anywhere at any time for anyone with a computer and Internet connection. 

From the izwrestling.com homepage you can also catch up on all of the action you may have missed with Impact Television a weekly series that has 55+ episodes with all of the hard hitting action that IZW is known for.  Watch all of the post-event drama with After the Impact to get a closer look at the wrestlers and their rivalries.  If that’s not enough, fans can also watch the greatest matches and feuds in IZW history over and over again via the IZW YouTube Channel at IZWOKLAHOMA with 230+ videos for even more FREE content for pro wrestling fans.  IZW has been running shows for over eight years and has captured every match that has every happened in the promotion.  That’s a lot of kicks, punches, bodyslams, suplexes, ladder matches, cage matches, TLC matches, title matches and Monsters Bashes for fans of the rough and tumble Oklahoma federation.  Another great bonus for fans that order the iPPVs or view the weekly free events from GFL.tv or watch any of the recent content that IZW distributes is everything is shot in HD, something no other wrestling promotion, outside of the “Big Two”, does.    

For fans who visit the website daily it is a seamless transition as everything you have always loved about the site is still around, just improved.  Click on the roster tab to see all new high quality pictures of the talent, YouTube clips and descriptive bios and backgrounds.  

Izwrestling.com is your one stop shop for all things IZW.   Stay up to date with all the happenings, latest news, results and insightful commentary and press releases on a daily basis.  Weekly stories will also highlight the athletes of IZW and their unique stories.  Click on the merchandise button to shop at the IZW store and take home a piece of the action for yourself.

Great pro wrestling needs great fan interaction and participation.  There has never been a better time to get connected with IZW.  Join us at izwrestling.com to get started and become part of the IZW community.  

To learn more about all things IZW related, visit us at any of these online locations.

Website: izwrestling.com

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/IZWOklahoma

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImpactZoneWrestling

Twitter: @IZW_Oklahoma

###

For Press or other Media Inquiries Contact:

Drew Archer at drewarchersr@gmail.com 

Or on twitter @drewarchersr

Pro Wrestling update from GFL – The Home of Pro Wrestling iPPV – Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU) – Breaking Barriers II

Pro Wrestling update from GFL – The Home of Pro Wrestling iPPV

Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU) – Breaking Barriers II

Saturday November 19, 2011

NYWC Sportatorium, Deer Park, New York

Live on the GFL Combat Sports Network at GFL.tv

To order event click here:  http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/Breaking_Barriers__II/1153

WSU returns to live iPPV on GFL.tv this Saturday night with another stacked card.  Breaking Barriers II is pulling out all of the stops as fans will be treated to a DOUBLE MAIN EVENT along with several other intense matchups.  Nobody presents a better product than WSU, so if you like gorgeous, athletic and dangerous women, order this event now.  

In the first main event, the WSU women will go to battle in a War Games Match inside of a steel cage.  Team WSU is comprised of WSU World Champion Mercedes Martinez, Alicia and Brittney Savage who will square off against the Midwest Militia featuring Jessicka Havok, Allisyn Kay and WSU Spirit Champion Sassy Stephanie.  This is sure to be a hard-hitting, violent match as Team WSU and the Midwest Militia have grown to hate each other and both teams jumped at the opportunity to settle the score inside the confines of the unforgiving steel cage.  This match can only be won when one wrestler submits or says “I quit.”  War Games is sure to be the most brutal match in WSU history and the women that compete in it will never be the same again.

In the second main event, former 3X WWE Women’s Champion and 2X WWE Divas Champion Melina wrestles in the WSU squared circle for the first time ever.  Melina’s first post-WWE match has caused quite a stir within the wrestling community ever since she signed to compete with WSU in August.  Originally her opponent was former WWE veteran Serena, but an unforeseen injury forced Serena to withdraw from the highly anticipated matchup.  WSU Commissioner Amy Lee will announce Melina’s new opponent at Breaking Barriers II and with so much speculation and rumors as to whom it will be, Melina has to be on edge.  Expect fireworks in this match as Melina will look to make her opponent and WSU pay for making her wait until fight night to find out about her new opponent. 

5 more matches round out the card including a WSU Tag Team Championship Match and a NYWC Starlet Championship Match.  With all of the WSU Champions competing in some type of bout, fans are getting the best of the best in women’s wrestling.  Don’t miss the last WSU event of the year.  Order Breaking Barriers II at GFL.tv – The Home of Pro Wrestling iPPV.

The entire card reads as follows.

DOUBLE MAIN EVENT

Main Event 1
WARGAMES STEEL CAGE MATCH

RULES: Match will be held in a steel cage. Wrestlers will enter the cage in 5 minute intervals. Once everyone has entered the match, the only way to win is make one team member submit or say I Quit.

Special Guest Referee: Amy Lee

TEAM WSU (WSU World Champion Mercedes Martinez & Alicia & Brittney Savage) vs THE MIDWEST MILITIA (Jessicka Havok & Allisyn Kay & WSU Spirit Champion Sassy Stephanie)

Main Event 2

FIRST TIME EVER!

Former WWE Womens Champion MELINA vs ???

(Originally Melina vs Serena, but Serena forced to pull out due to injury. Serena will be in attendance to watch the match & WSU Commissioner Amy Lee will announce Melina's opponent that night.)

WSU Tag Team Championship Match

(c) The Boston Shore (Amber & Lexus) vs The International Home Wrecking Crew (Rain & Jetta)

THE RETURN

Becky Bayless vs Rick Cataldo

NYWC Starlet Championship Match

Suicidal Six-Way Elimination Match

(c) Nikki Syx vs Violet vs Monique vs Jessie Brooks vs Barbie vs Gabby Gilbert

#1 Contenders to the WSU Tag Team Championships

Winners Will Get a WSU Tag Team Title Match at the 5 Year Anniversary Show

The Belle Saints (Tina San Antonio & Marti Belle) vs The Soul Sisters (Jana & Latasha)

Loser Leaves WSU Match

Jennifer Cruz vs Niya

GFL now offers full access to over 5,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at www.GFL.tv

 ***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting.  Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1000 live events with over 5,000 combat sports videos in 196 countries.  GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 1.8 million public viewers last year with now over 150 combat sports related website affiliates in its network.  GFL combat sports genres currently include Boxing, MMA and Professional Wrestling.  GFL offers expanded programming to include: Daily News & Radio Shows with feature interviews and industry updates along with great Fight Photos, Fighter Videos and a robust Calendar of Upcoming Fight Events.

If Combat Sports is your game...Go Fight-Every Night with GFL Combat Sports Network 

Join us at: www.GFL.tv or for press inquiries contact press@gfl.tv

"Evolution Fighting Championships 8" Review

New Jersey’s rising amateur MMA promotion, Evolution Fighting Championships, presented another terrific card with Evolution Fighting Championships 8 at the Rahway Rec Center in Rahway, New Jersey. The card had 6 total fights with 3 submissions and 3 decisions.  And the best part for fights fans…this card is FREE.

In the main event, Shane Burgos (3-0) defeated Jason Aronica (0-1) by choke in Round 1.  It was a great display of grappling on Burgos’ part as he took control of the bout once the fight went to the mat.  For Aronica it was a tough road as this was his first amateur bout and he was facing an undefeated fighter.  With the win, Burgos is on the short list for challenging for the 140 lb EFC title.  

In other action, Jovany Alvarez (3-0) defeated Florentino Laureano (0-2) by armbar in Round 2.  Alvarez and Laureano went back and forth in the opening round and it wasn’t until Round 2 where Alvarez started to pull away.  Laureano made one small mistake on the ground and that was all it took for Alvarez to seize his arm and hyper-extend it for the tapout victory.  A great showing by Alvarez against a very game opponent.  

This card was all about figuring out who would be the #1 Contenders for Evolution Fighting Championships.  Several fighters made a name for themselves and will be looking for a title shot with their next fight.   Be sure to catch all of the action from this exciting event as Evolution Fighting Championships presents Evolution Fighting Championships 8 exclusively on video on demand at GFL.tv for FREE.

Spartan Fighting Championship - "Annihilation" Review

Hard hitting MMA action returned to Ashland, Kentucky at the National Guard Armory as Spartan Fighting Championship presented its inaugural pro/am fight card, Spartan Fighting Championship X – Annihilation on the GFL Combat Sports Network. The 9-bout card included 3 title fights and was nonstop action as all 9 fights ended in either KO or submission. 

In the main event, Dom Steele (5-1) defeated Josh Blanchard (3-1) by TKO in Round 1.  In victory Steele becomes the first fighter to ever win a pro MMA title in the state of Kentucky as he is now the new Spartan Fighting Light Heavyweight Champion.  It was a one-sided affair as after a quick takedown, Steele ended up on Blanchard’s back and threw tons of unanswered strikes on Blanchard who was forced to cover up and endure a lot of punishment before the referee finally called a halt to the match.  It was a great showing by the new champ as he defeated a strong challenger but made it look easy.    

In other action Chris Dunn defeated Jared Walters by rear naked choke in Round 1 to win the Interim Amateur Spartan Fighting Championship Lightweight Title.  Dunn was explosive from the ground and used great transitions to attack Walters.  The end came midway through the round when Dunn sunk his hooks in for leverage and executed a perfect submission for the tapout victory and to become the new Champion. 

Also featured was Billy Poe defeating Lateef Keaton by TKO in Round 2 for the Middleweight Title.  Poe came out aggressive and looked to mix it up early.  He did just that as he was always pushing the pace and Keaton finally succumbed to a series of unanswered strikes. Poe will be a tough matchup for any 185 lb amateur in the region.  

Watch as the Bluegrass State shows why MMA is thriving within its borders.  Spartan Fighting Championship X – Annihilation had everything a MMA fan could want.  Catch all the knockouts, submission and exciting action now at GFL.tv on video on demand.

Fight Night Entertainment - "Fight Night Round XVII - Clash at the College" Preview

Fight Night Entertainment presents Fight Night Round XVII –Clash at the College on November 19 at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Washington.  The 10 bout event features a pro/am card including a two title fights.  Clash at the College is also a charity fundraiser to support the Skagit Valley Athletic Department and its programs.   If you can’t be there in the arena to see all the fights, watch them all on the GFL Combat Sports Network at GFL.tv.

In the main event, FNE 170 lb Champion Corey Watson (1-0) defends his title against newcomer Nick Hoff (0-0) in a welterweight showdown.  Watson defeated his only opponent in seconds with an armbar and will look to do the same to Hoff who is debuting in a title fight.  Hoff will have the element of surprise as there is no tape to watch on him and what his strengths and weakness are in MMA.  Expect Watson to push ahead and try to get Hoff to the mat and move to a favorable position for a submission attempt.  

In the co-main event, FNE 135 lb Champion, Jason Ellis (3-1) is scheduled to defend his title against an opponent to be named.  Ellis is on a 3-fight win streak and won the bantamweight title earlier this year with a TKO finish in Round 1.  Whoever FNE puts in front of Ellis, expect the Champion to charge ahead and swarm his opponent and look for an opportunity to make it a quick night.

MMA fans are also in for a treat as Women’s MMA Superstar and Supremacy MMA Game Icon Michele “Diablita” Gutierrez will be in the arena as a Special Guest.  

Don’t miss this exciting card featuring a title fight and a collection of other great matchups.  Watch the future world champions of MMA compete today on this stacked card as Fight Night Entertainment presents Fight Night Round XVII –Clash at the College on November 19 only through pay-per-view exclusively at GFL.tv!

Xtreme Cage Wars (XCW) - " XCW 45 Retribution" Preview

Central Canada’s premier cage fighting event returns on September 23 as Xtreme Cage Wars (XCW) presents XCW 45 Retribution at the Odeon Event Center in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada with 11 exciting bouts scheduled.  XCW is a breeding ground for the international promotions and XCW 45 Retribution will showcase some of the rising mixed martial artists soon to hit the national scene.

In the main event, XCW Bantamweight Champion Rob Seniuk (3-0) defends his title against #1 Challenger Dennis Papineau (2-2).  Seniuk is a tough champion as he has cleared out most of the top amateur bantamweights, but Papineau is ready to show that he has what it takes to defeat the undefeated Champion and take home the 135 lb title at the same time.  Bantamweights are notorious for having the best cardio conditioning of all MMA fighters, so expect Seniuk and Papineau to not disappoint here.  They both are looking at turning heads, as the main event, so don’t blink.  Seniuk is a hometown hero in Saskatoon, so he should have the crowd on his side, and he will look to pick apart the challenger with in and out strikes and then change levels for takedowns.  Papineau is known for his fierce ground and pound so if the fight hits the mat, look for him to try and move to side control where he can land some heavy strikes.

In the co-main event, Corey Atkinson (3-3) fights Evander Masuskapoe (1-1-1) in a welterweight contest.  Both are Saskatchewan natives and have similar backgrounds.  Both are strong grapplers but can also box a bit.  Look for this bout to possibly stay standing for the duration of the fight.  Atkinson and Masuskapoe both have a tendency to head-hunt so this should be a classic, back and forth slugfest.  

Don’t miss this event as XCW, Central Canada’s most prolific MMA organization, presents XCW 45 Retribution, and 11-bout card, on November 18, exclusively on GFL.tv.  Order it NOW!

Cut Throat MMA - "Brawl at Bourbon Street" Preview

Cut Throat MMA is back with Brawl at Bourbon Street on November 18 at the famous 115 Bourbon Street entertainment megaplex in Merrionette Park, Illinois.   The 10-bout card is sure to have fans in the Chicagoland area pumped up.  Cut Throat MMA has quickly established itself as one of the hottest MMA organizations in the Midwest and is a breeding ground for the sports future stars as it has several different series’ of MMA events that is promotes throughout the region .  Brawl at Bourbon Street will no doubt build on the growing momentum of high level events Cut Throat presents. 

In the main event, Dan Reimer (2-1) battles Danny Somers (2-0).  Both fighters are on 2-fight win streaks, with Reimer’s going the distance for both of his victories while Somers has won by TKO and submission.  This will be a great matchup as Reimer prefers to wear out his opponents and grind them down while Somers looks for the early strike or submission to take his opponents out.  Whoever can force take charge of the pace of the fight will probably win this match.  

In the co-main event, Sean Gee (2-0) fights Miguel Garza (1-0).  One of these undefeated fighters is leaving the cage with their first loss.  Gee is a fast started ending both of his fights inside of one round.  For Garza, he also one his lone victory coming in the first round, by submission.  Gee and Garza are mirrors of themselves so it will be interesting to see who has the upper hand.  Expect fireworks in this bout, as it probably won’t get out of the first round, no matter who wins.  Definitely a “fight of the night” contender.   

Don’t miss this exciting 10-bout card.  Cut Throat MMA brings you another fully loaded card with Brawl at Bourbon Street.  Watch the hottest Midwest MMA prospects compete in the Cut Throat MMA cage on November 18.  Order this event now, exclusively through the GFL Combat Sport Network at GFL.tv.

Victory Promotions - “Clementi VS Rogers” Review

Victory Promotions, based in Boston, Massachusetts, delivered on a great night of fights with its 9-bout card, Clementi VS Rogers. All of action took place at the full capacity Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts and the fans were not disappointed as 5 of the 9 fights ended in either KO or submission, including the main event.

In the main event, UFC and TUF veteran Rich "No Love" Clementi (41-19-1) defeated Ronnie "Bam Bam" Rogers (10-7) by rear naked choke in Round 2 of a lightweight barnburner. Clementi looked great in his performance and conjured up memories when he was a feared lightweight in the UFC. In Round 1, it was a back and forth bout, mostly grappling, and Rogers secured a tight guillotine while Clementi was in his guard. Clementi reversed the position and landed short elbows to Rogers' face while controlling the rest of the round including landing a strong takedown of his own near the end of the round. In Round 2, the fighters continued there fast pace and after a quick exchange on the feet, Clementi was able to secure Rogers' back while still in the standup. Clementi climbed up Rogers' back, sunk in his hooks around Rogers' waist and then secured the standing rear naked choke for the victory. For Clementi this was a great victory against a solid opponent and proved that "No Love" still has a lot to offer on the national stage.

The co-main event is a battle of East Coast favorites as Matt Lee (13-9-1) defeated Tiawan Howard (9-8) by a hard-earned unanimous decision in a welterweight clash. Lee returned to the eastern seaboard victorious after a stint in Bellator. Lee's conditioning was the key as he was able to set a pace that Howard could not match, which allowed him to be the busier of the two fighters in the cage for the majority of the fight. It was a good win for Lee and a victory over the gritty Howard will likely open up new doors for Lee within the sport.

Don't miss this huge event as Victory Promotions presents Clementi VS Rogers and sets the stage for the return to top level for one of the world's best 155 lb fighters. The only way to watch this stacked card is to order it a GFL Combat Sports Network at GFL.tv. Order now.

Ring of Combat - "Ring of Combat XXXVIII" Preview

Ring of Combat returns November 18 with ROC XXXVIII.  This event has another stacked lineup, something Ring of Combat has become synonymous with, as 5 titles will be on the line as fans from all over the world will be tuning in either in person at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey or on PPV through the GFL Combat Sports Network to watch this exciting card.   ROC continues to be the linchpin of East Coast MMA and this 16-bout card reiterates its dominance as the top dog in the Tri-State area.  

The main event is really a 5-fight main event as 5 titles will be up for grabs.  In one match, ROC Welterweight Champion and UFC veteran Pete Sell (9-5) defends his Welterweight Title for the first time against Nordine Taleb (3-1).  Sell is coming off of a second round submission victory against Elijah Harshbarger where Sell looked dominant and showed the MMA crowd he is back to 100% after taking time off to heal various injuries.  For Taleb, who is riding a 3-fight win streak, this will be the biggest test of his young career.  ROC officials hold Taleb in high regard as he was granted this title fight, so don’t be fooled by the lack of experience for Taleb.  He is one of Montreal’s gems of MMA and trains with some of the best fighters in the world including UFC Welterweight Champion, Georges St-Pierre at the Tristar gym.   For Sell, this is another opportunity to prove that “Drago” is just hitting his peak.

The ROC Featherweight Title is also on the line as champion Deividas Taurosevicious (13-5) defends his strap against Marlon Moraes (5-2-1).  The Renzo Gracie protégé, Taurosevicious, has 9 victories coming by submission while Moraes has all 5 of his victories coming by way of stoppage, either KO or submission.  Taurosevicious is one of the best grapplers ever trained by Gracie, so look for him to get the fight to the mat quickly.  Moraes will have to defend the takedown attempt and make Taurosevicious pay in the standup game if he is going to win the fight and take home the 145 lb belt.  This has all of the making to be fight of the night as these two will put on a high pace fight.  

In another main-event caliber fight, undefeated Al Iaquinta (6-0-1) defends his ROC Lightweight Championship against UFC veteran Patrick Audinwood (9-2-1).  Iaquinta is a Matt Serra trained fighter and a ROC veteran and should have the hometown crowd behind him.  But Audinwood is cutting down from 170 where he previously has fought so he will give Iaquinta everything he can handle in the strength department.  Iaquinta’s last bout was a quick victory against an opponent who took him to the limit previously, so Iaquinta’s all-around MMA game is growing by leaps and bounds with each fight.  For Audinwood, having dropped two tough fights in the UFC, he has made the permanent move down to lightweight and looks to rebound against the ROC champ. 

In still more championship action, Jimmie Rivera (8-1) takes on Anthony Leone (9-4) for the ROC Bantamweight Championship.  Rivera is on a 7-fight win streak and also a current champion of another top-level MMA organization.  Rivera, is also formally a featherweight and will bring a size advantage into the fight and will look to use his wrestling and grind down Leone and finish the fight in the later rounds.  For WEC and Bellator veteran Leone, this is a chance to take down a lion and win the most prestigious MMA title on the East Coast.  Expect Leone to push the action and try to wear out the bigger Rivera.

The final title that will be on the line is the ROC Light Heavyweight Championship when undefeated Champion Tom DeBlass (5-0) battles Davit Tkeshelashvili (1-1).  DeBlass is out of the Renzo Gracie camp and has never tasted defeat.  DeBlass’ last two fights have ended in the first round, so expect him to come out with guns blazing.  For Tkeshelashvili he was submitted in his last bout, so he will have to withstand the grappling of DeBlass early on to make this a fight.

You won’t find a more thrilling card then this one. Be sure to catch all of the action LIVE on November 18 as Ring of Combat presents ROC XXXVIII exclusively on pay-per-view at GFL.tv.