Preview for IZW March 3 Show

Last week IZW tore the house down.  Jermaine Johnson and Aaron Neil teamed up to defeat Jordan Jacobs and Eric Rose. 

Randy Price got retribution on Damien Morte in singles competition and Kevin Morgan left another body in his wake for respect. 

Double D was victorious against David Windsor, but was then attacked once again by his arch enemy, Jordan Jacobs.

Watch all the feuds and all the rivalries.  Tune in to the Mid-South’s premiere wrestling federation and find out what will happen next.  Watch professional wrestling like it’s supposed to be, rough and tumble and always in HD!  Watch IZW!

IZW Feb. 25 Show Review on GFL.tv

The February 25 edition of IZW’s Saturday night show, which can be viewed online in its entirety for free at GFL.tv, was one for the books.   With everything focused on March Mayhem on March 17 there’s something in the air and you can just feel the electricity in the Impact Arena.

IZW Commissioner Brandon Bishop opened the show via an Internet feed from his home office in Colorado Springs.   He booked a bikini contest for later in the evening between Erica and Starr.  Bishop played coy about future implications for March Mayhem, but you can tell the IZW Commissioner has been working on something historic for the promotion to be revealed at a later time. 

The first bout of the night was between the Midnite Rider and Cody Jones which ended in a no contest.  It was a great opening match as it was strength versus speed, old timer versus new comer as Rider and Jones put on a great display of old school wrestling.  Rider was able to control the pace for much of the match and stifled Jones’ attacks, but Jones would not be denied and hit Rider with a couple beautiful dropkicks, the best in the territory, and managed to get the upper hand on the cagey veteran.  Jones then showed he is more than just speed as he executed a perfect suplex on Rider.  But then out came Impact Division Champion Jordan Jacobs and his cohort Eric Rose accompanied by Shawn McHale.  Jacobs and Rose took turns on the house mic telling the audience their motivations for previous actions as well as their ambitions for future plans.  The crowd was really into Jacobs and Rose, on the negative side, as you could hardly hear what they were saying amid all of the boos.  After they were finished Aaron Neil hit the ring, and gave them a brow beating which prompted an attack from Jacobs and Rose.  IZW Heavyweight Champion, Jermaine Johnson hit the ring and made the save for Neil as together they tossed Jacobs and Rose out of the ring to the cheers of the crowd.

Commissioner Bishop was watching all the action from his home on GFL.tv and quickly made a tag team match later in the night as the main event pitting Jacobs and Rose against Neil and Johnson. 

Kevin Morgan defeated Max Wyld in a mismatch for the ages.  Defeating Morgan is a tough chore for anyone in professional wrestling, and Wyld doesn’t look much older than 15 years old and weigh 130 lb.  Morgan put Wyld out of his misery fairly quickly with a power slam from hell.  Morgan lifted up Wyld and slammed his body against the canvas only to have it bounce two or three feet off the mat.  Wyld was almost broken in half.  

Damon Windsor came out of the announcers’ booth to wrestler fan favorite Double D next.  Double D was in the ring and cut a scathing promo at Jordan Jacobs’ expense.  For fans of Double D this has been the most fired up the high flying grappler has been since his feud with Johnny Z.  Windsor took the upper hand early on as he had fresh legs from being off the wrestling circuit for a while.  It paid dividends early on but then the tide turned.  Windor was in the wrong place at the wrong time as D was like a man possessed.  Double D landed a kick and then went up to the rope and executed a perfect frog splash transitioning to a pinfall and getting the 1-2-3.  But Double D’s night was not over.  The lights went out and when they came back on Jordan Jacobs was pummeling Double D in the middle of the ring.  

Next up was the bikini contest between Erica and Starr.  Per crowd reaction, Erica was the winner but it was really a victory for the male demographic as they got to see the two ladies stripped down to their bikinis.  But the cheers didn’t last for long as Kyra Maya came out to the ring and leveled Erica and in a shocking move, knocked out Starr.  She then took down Bobby Starr.  Apparently, Maya has something against bikinis. 

In singles competition, Randy Price defeated ½ of the IZW Tag Team Champions, Damien Morte in a revenge match of sorts.  In defeat, Morte still showed that he is a hell of a wrestler as Price was on a warpath and for the first part of the match Morte beat Price from pillar to post and had a couple near falls to his credit.  But then Price turned it into high gear, after connecting on several hard punches and kicks, Price raised up Morte and delivered his Piledriver 1-2-3 for the pinfall no doubt impressing Gary Tool.

In the main event, Jermaine Johnson and Aaron Neil were again successful as a tag team when they defeated the new faction of Jordan Jacobs and Eric Rose.  Neil tore into Jacobs and showed him the meaning of true pain as he battered his arm almost wrenching it from its socket.  Jacobs did the smart thing and tagged in Rose and then Rose and Jacobs started to work over Neil in their corner, mixing in punches and kicks with quick tags to always have a fresh body going against Neil.  Neil finally got away from his opponents corner and made the hot tag to Johnson who started to clean house on Jacobs.  Then in the coolest move of the night Johnson and Neil hoisted Jacobs up for what looked like a double suplex only to have Neil then hold up Jacobs by himself and then pass him IN THE AIR to Johnson who completed the suplex!  Johnson was happy of his accomplishment and rightfully so as this was awesome.  Neil, always the workman, took it all in stride and continued to pummel Jacobs.  After a quick back and forth, Neil was again outnumbered in the ring as Rose and Jacobs chopped down the former IZW Heavyweight Champion like a giant sequoia tree.  But the tide turned for the final time when Johnson threw Rose off the top rope and then Neil speared Jacobs out of the ring.  This left the champ with a motionless opponent.  Johnson did a nip up and then climbed to the second rope where he planted Rose permanently with a face buster and the pinfall.

Don’t miss any of the action IZW produces on a weekly basis; watch IZW every Saturday on GFL.tv for FREE!

Showdown Fights "Breakout" Review

Showdown Fights provided another night of exciting fights as Breakout provided great fights up and down the card as 7 of 11 fights did not go the distance. Hailing from the UCCU Center in Orem, Utah, Breakout showcased knockouts, submissions and hard fought decisions.  Not many regional promotions provide the type of first-class product as Showdown Fights and from a production level, this show is about as good as it gets.

In the main event, statewide hero, Josh “The Peoples Warrior” Burkman (22-9) defeated Koffi Adzitso (16-8) after a hard fought unanimous decision.  Burkman, a UFC veteran, showed that he still has top notch skill as he beat Adzitso in the standup and on the mat.  It was a solid win for Burkman who still believes he has something to add to the UFC.  Burkman went in to the fight as the aggressor and showed that he still has the heart of a champion and continued to shows the MMA fans why he has been such a fan favorite for so many years.  Adzitso holds a title for antoher organization and he came into the fight looking to put it on Burkman, but it was not his night.  Nevertheless, Adzitso still made a good showing of himself even in defeat.  

In other action, former BYU football player, Jan Jorgensen (2-0), defeated Aaron Magro (2-1) via TKO in round two of a heavyweight tilt.  Jorgensen is very athletic for a big man and was landing the cleaner, straighter punches throughout the night.  For his efforts, Magro hung in there as long as he could, but the reach of Jorgensen proved to be too much as the former Cougar dished out a lot of punishment.

Showdown Fights: Breakout was another solid show from a top tier regional organization.  It saw the return of “The Peoples Warrior” and gave fans plenty of knockouts and submissions to keep any MMA fan satisfied.  The only way to watch this exciting card now is to order it exclusively at GFL.tv!   

Xtreme Fight Events (XFE) - "Cage Wars 14" Preview

Xtreme Fight Events makes its debut on GFL.tv with two back to back shows this weekend.  The second installment takes place on March 3 with Cage Wars 14, a 15-bout card emanating from the Harrah's Casino in Chester Pennsylvania.  In two days Cage Wars will have presented 28 FIGHTS!  Cage Wars 14 will pick up on the momentum of Cage Wars 13 and deliver another star-studded, total action event. 

In the main event, Andrew Aguilar (4-1) fights Matthew Rizzo (3-0) for the Cage Wars Bantamweight Championship.  Aguilar is the current reigning and defending champion and this will be his third title defense.  Aguilar is known for his great cardio conditioning put will look to take out Rizzo before the final bell as Aguilar won his last bout by a razor thin split decision, something he does not want to duplicate against Rizzo.  Rizzo has never tasted defeat and also holds another title with a different organization.  This will be another opportunity for Rizzo to add to his collection of championship belts.  This is a tough match to call as both fighters have fought and won championships, so neither man will break easily.

In the co-main event, Ryan Cafaro (2-3) takes on James Currey (4-0) for the vacant Cage Wars Lightweight Title.  Cafaro is coming off a tough decision loss in a title fight and looks to rectify his past mistakes with a win over Currey.  If he is successful, Cafaro is walking away with the title.  For the undefeated Currey, this is his first shot at gold and a veteran of ROC in New Jersey, Currey has already proven to be battle-tested.  Expect fireworks from these two at the opening bell.

Xtreme Fight Events looks to make its mark with huge back to back shows in front of a worldwide audience courtesy of the GFL Combat Sports Network.  Watch Cage Wars 13 on March 2 and then Cage Wars 14 on March 3.  Nobody will give you more bang for your buck then Cage Wars.  If you can’t be there live, order online at GFL.tv.

Xtreme Fight Events (XFE) - "Cage Wars 13" Preview

Xtreme Fight Events makes its debut on GFL.tv with two back to back shows this weekend.  First on March 2, it’s Cage Wars 13, a 13-bout card emanating from the Harrah's Casino in Chester Pennsylvania.  

In the main event, Michael Pandolfini (3-1) battles Tom Backman (2-2) in a welterweight tilt.  Pandolfini is on a 3-fight win streak and looks to make Backman number 4.  A well-versed fighter, Pandolfini has wins by submission and KO and will look to put Backman in the pressure cooker early in the bout.  Backman is coming off a tough decision loss where he went 5 rounds with a championship on the line.  He looks to rebound quickly and show Pandolfini and the Cage Wars crowd that he is someone to be taken very seriously.  This is a great matchup of two up and coming fighters with lots to prove to themselves and their contemporaries in the sport of mixed martial arts.

In another featured bout, Patrick White (2-4) fights Casey Milliken (2-3) in a lightweight battle.  White has a reputation for always being a scrapper and has fought for some of the biggest organizations based in the East Coast.  White fights with a high risk/high reward style and you never know what he will bring to a fight.  It’s the unknown that Milliken has to be ready for.  Milliken is another fighter who is always game and his record shows it.  He takes a fight anytime, anywhere.  He has fought in New Jersey and traveled all the way out to Arizona looking for a good tussle.  This bout has all of the makings for fight of the night as they two gladiators just don’t care.  They will go at it and whatever happens, happens.

Xtreme Fight Events looks to make its mark with huge back to back shows in front of a worldwide audience courtesy of the GFL Combat Sports Network.  If you can’t be there live, order online at GFL.tv.

IFS 10 "Triple Threat" Preview

Master Shawn Shilati and the International Fight Showdown present IFS 10 – Triple Threat on March 4 at the Industry Hills Expo Center in Industry, California.  The stacked event features a mixture of boxing, Muay Thai and MMA.  The IFS Pro-1 Title will also be up for grabs as some of the top fighters go toe to toe for the coveted championship.  Also at Triple Threat, a 8-man elimination tournament in the 170 lb and 205 lb weight classes.  Under the revolutionary rules parameters set by IFS, fighters will compete against each other in three separate combat sports.  Round one will be boxing, round two is Muay Thai and round 3 is MMA! 

In the main event, Jonathan Del Rosario battles Kevin Bee.  The fight will consist of three rounds and start as a Western boxing match.  Expect Del Rosario and Bee to be throwing haymakers as both are deadly strikers.  If they both manage to escape the first round Del Rosario and Bee will be able to add six more points of attack (knees, elbows, shins) and engage in the hardest hitting striking art in the world.  If both men can make it to the third and final round, then the ultimate combat sport will be showcased as the grappling arts (wrestling and submissions) will be on display from these two warriors.  

In the co-main event, Eduardo Hernandez fights Cooper Gibson in a highly anticipated and what is sure to be another hotly contest “triple threat” bout.  Hernandez and Gibson are both crowd favorites as they always bring a break neck pace to their fights, whether in the striking arts or in MMA.  Both fighters are proficient strikers, predominantly in the art of Muay Thai so the fans could see some wild exchanges and fireworks, particularly in round two.  Don’t blink watching this bout as Hernandez and Gibson will be bringing the pain!

In other action, Ricky King battles Chris Pena in a Champion versus Champion bout in MMA.

Don’t miss this electrifying event featuring some of the top combat sport athletes competing in various types of fights.  Watch all of the fights LIVE on March 4 as Master Shawn Shilati and the International Fight Showdown present IFS 10 – Triple Threat on pay-per-view exclusively at GFL.tv!

Warriors Cup XIV Preview

Weapons 9 Promotions is back and ready to deliver full contact pro/am Muay Thai to the Tri-State area at the Rahway Rec Center in Rahway, New Jersey with Warriors Cup XIV on March 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. WC XIV promises to build on the momentum with an 18-bout card and deliver another great night of punches, kicks, knees and elbows!

In the main event, Flavio Brito challenges Stephen Regman. Regman has a background in MMA and at (6-2) with wins via striking and submissions he is probably the better all-around fighter who has more tools at his disposal. But this bout will be strictly striking and Brito comes into the bout with some momentum as he has fared well in his last several bouts. Look for Brito and Regman to give the New Jersey crowd a first rate battle as they step into the ring and prepare to level each other with vicious strikes from head to toe. These are two of the toughest fighters in the Northeast so expect a war.

In the co-main event, Rich Brattole fights Romain Gaston. Brattole and Gaston get this opportunity to fight second from the top because of their fast paced fighting style. Both fighters have been known to throw the kitchen sink at their opponents and this bout should resemble two bulls in a china shop as Brattole and Gaston cause damage in every fight. This could turn into a bout of attrition with whoever having the best cardio being victorious.

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 XIV is your type of 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 XIV exclusively from the GFL Combat Sports Network at GFL.tv.

Interview with IZW Impact Division Champion "Lights Out" Jordan Jacobs

“I want to be in your head well after you leave the arena or turn off the monitor.” 

“Lights Out” Jordan Jacobs is a wrestler that has all of the tools to make it big in this business:  athletically gifted, an electric presence in the ring, solid mic skills, and a great look.  For the local fans of Impact Zone Wrestling (IZW) based in Lawton, Oklahoma, Jacobs has been on their radar and viewed as an up and coming talent since his career began just two short years ago.  Now with IZW’s global reach and penetration into every pro wrestling market on the map thanks to a broadcast partnership with Internet streaming giant, GFL.tv, the world is going find out what the fans in Oklahoma already know, Jordan Jacobs is the next big thing and for the current Impact Division Champion, it’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Watching Jacobs wrestle, it becomes obvious very early in his matches that he has solid fundamentals and is a grappling wizard.  His matches are always highlight reels and fans always get their monies worth when watching him compete.  Jacobs’ success inside of the ring is another feather in the cap for one of the toughest pro wrestling academies in the country to graduate from.  In fact, the graduate list reads like a dean’s list of wrestling.

“I trained at IZW’s Impact Academy. I’m one of only three graduates, along with Randy Price and IZW Heavyweight Champion Jermaine Johnson. Consequently, Jermaine Johnson trained me along with some training by Johnny Z.  I spent quite a while traveling with them both, even before I made my debut in the beginning of 2010…learning and paying dues. The Impact Academy was intense, but it made me always want to bring my A-game, no matter what. All day, every day, as I like to say,” Jacobs reflected.

Part of paying your dues in the wrestling business is molding your body and mind to be as one and presenting the best physical product to the audience.  Jacobs takes this part seriously and is constantly training to improve his game, look and unique style in the squared circle.

“I hit the gym as often as possible. Lift and run as hard and as much as I can. Being in ring shape takes dedication and strength, but ring shape isn’t enough for me. I’m a perfectionist. Whether it’s in the gym or in the ring, I want to leave everything that I have there by the time that I’m done. There is never a ‘good enough’ for me. I get better every day…and that is why my opponents should fear me. You don’t face the same Jordan Jacobs twice,” Jacobs said.

Whether you’re wrestling for the global WWE in front of 30,000 fans, or for a small local organization in a banquet hall in front of 20 people, the injuries take their toll on the athletes just the same and for wrestlers cutting their teeth on the Independent scene, the bumps and bruises don’t come with a seven figure payoff to help ease the pain.  Wrestlers like Jacobs and his contemporaries in IZW are cut from an old school cloth and to them it’s all worth it.

“Between the travel and the training and the overall preparation, fans have no idea how much of our time we spend on being wrestlers. It’s an everyday thing. But what really stands out to me that fans probably don’t understand, is the consistency of the injuries. We work through them, too.  A few months after my debut, I went for a dive and broke my hip on the concrete floor. I stood up and finished that match. Most of us have injuries we’re working through. You either toughen up or you find something easier. There’s no middle ground. You’ve got to love it,” Jacobs continued.

Jacobs love for the business started at an early age and also began as a family affair, something “Lights Out” remembers fondly.  “When I was pretty young, I watched my first wrestling show and I was hooked. My father was there and since he grew up in the South, he was happy that I was into wrestling and I watched it with him often. He was in the military but I continued to watch it when he was gone. It had me from there. A few years ago, it got to the point that I just had to give wrestling a shot. I couldn't resist it anymore. It’s both sport and art form to me.”

Like most wrestlers today, Jacobs looks at the WWE as both a challenge and a dream, but he also has his eyes set on wrestling across the Pacific that caters to a more athletic style, in the Land of the Rising Sun.  “I’d love to make it to WWE someday, but I have such a deep respect for Japan as well. I’ve taken a lot of influence from Japanese wrestlers. Wrestling there is a dream of mine, and wrestling full-time is kind of the ultimate dream. I love what I do, but I see so many guys that get complacent, easy to please. I want to perform as often and to as many people as possible. I’m a born performer…always have been.”

But for now, Jacobs has his hands full in IZW. 

“IZW is full of tough competition. I've never had an easy match there. But the one thing that stands out to me isn't necessarily a feud, but more of a battle. That battle is Jordan Jacobs versus every other person in the Impact Arena. Every wrestler, every fan.  And the battle is for respect. Whether you like me or not, I WILL gain your respect. I do not quit, I will not die. If you don't believe in me, you will when I'm done with you. My rise has only just begun.”

It’s this mindset that has propelled Jacobs’ into the spotlight this year.  His career has been on an upswing in 2012 as evidenced by his previous victory at Violent Valentine earlier this month when he defeated Rage Logan and Double D in a Triple Threat Match to win the Impact Division Championship, a career defining moment in the life of the newly crowned champ.

“As I revealed recently, I was the Man in the Dark the entire time. Double D and I were friends for a long time, but something clicked in my head one day. All those fans, all the love that he was shown constantly, he never earned that. He showed up with his girlfriend [Erica] one day and it made everyone feel good, such a nice little story. I realized that I wanted to end that nice story. I began that by pinning Double D to become the Impact Division Champion, and he won’t be getting it back. He can be this clean, spotless fan favorite all he wants, but I’m a vicious son of a bitch. I became the Man in the Dark to drag Double D out of the spotlight and into the darkness. I’m going to turn his lights out and he will never be the same again,” Jacobs promised.

For pro wrestling fans worldwide, you will get to see the Jordan Jacobs versus Double D feud continue as IZW presents a minimum of two hours of new television programming every Saturday night on GFL.tv.  Their weekly free show is anchored by a monthly iPPV which last 3+ hours.  The next IZW iPPV is March Mayhem on March 17.  

“The partnership between GFL.tv and IZW opens up all kinds of possibilities. We've already received feedback from fans all over the world and with the quality of our show, that's just going to continue to build and hopefully expand even farther. IZW is head and shoulders above any other promotion that I've been involved in. It's where I truly came into myself as Jordan Jacobs. When someone watches an IZW show, they know that we're giving it all we've got. And with all the heart and determination found in this company, the future has no limits. IZW will continue to make people take notice,” Jacobs concluded. 

To find out more about Jordan Jacobs visit him on twitter at twitter.com/jordanaconda and watch him every Saturday night on Impact Zone Wrestling exclusively on GFL.tv.

Hard Knocks Fighting Championship - "School of Hard Knocks 20" Preview

Western Canada’s top MMA promotion returns as Hard Knocks Fighting Championship presents School of Hard Knocks 20 Medicine Hat, February 24 at the Cypress Centre Auditorium.  The action packed 10-bout pro/am card features 2 titles up for grabs and many of the top up and coming superstars of the Great White North.  HKFC is the top proving ground for rising prospects in Western Canada and the 20th installment promises to deliver great fights once again.      

In the main event, Matt Goehr (2-1) takes on Barrett Thompson (3-1) for the HKFC 185 lb amateur title.  Goehr trains out of Underground Training Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta.  The hometown hero looks to prove that he is the top middleweight in the organization with a victory over the tough Thompson who trains at LA Warriors in Saskatoon.  Goehr is a well-rounded fighter with strong wrestling and grappling and has started to add a potent striking game.  For Thompson, this will be a tough test, but one he is ready for as his grappling and striking is top notch as well.  Expect fireworks from these two either on their feet or on the ground as both men will look to end the fight with an exclamation point and win championship gold.  

In co-main event, Fotis Lambiris (2-0) from the Underground Training Centre fights Scott MacDonald (3-0) from Canuckles MMA for the HKFC 155 lb amateur title.  This bout has all the makings of fight of the night as these two lightweights are both undefeated and for one of them, they will continue their perfect record and win a championship all in one night.  Lambiris is an experienced grappler while MacDonald has never shied away from the standup.  Whoever is able to dictate where the fight goes will have a huge advantage.  Expect the fight to end with a KO or submission.  

Don’t miss this electrifying event featuring Western Canada’s finest MMA athletes as Hark Knocks Fighting Championship presents School of Hard Knocks 20 Medicine Hat on February 24 in front of a packed house at the Cypress Centre Auditorium.   Hard Knocks Fighting Championship always produces great fights and this event will be no different.  Order this video now and watch it on VOD March 1 at GFL.tv.

Combat at the Capitale 25 Preview

Lou Neglia and Ray Longo present World Championship Kickboxing with Combat at the Capitale 25 on February 24 live at the famous Capitale in New York City, New York.  The 10-bout Muay Thai card is anchored by several title fights that are sure to make new stars in the sport and cement legacies.  

In the main event, Tim Amorim of Sitan Gym defends his Muay Thai 140 lb World Championship against Julio Arce of Team Tiger Schulmann who is the Tri-State Champion.  Although Amorim will come in as the champion, Arce will have the hometown fans on his side and anyone who has ever been to an event that has featured a Tiger Schulmann fighters knows that there is not a more boisterous and enthusiastic crowd than a Tiger Schulmann crowd.  Look for Amorim to start fast and try to add up points early on to try and take the crowd out of the match.  For Arce, this is a great opportunity to gain some valuable experience and quite possibly walk away with a world title in front of his home area.

In the co-main event, Northeast 134 lb Champion Andrea DeAngelo of Neglia Competition fights Tara Smith of Virginia Warriors.  DeAngelo is a experienced Muay Thai veteran who comes from a great camp and trains with some of the best strikers in the Northeast.  Smith will look to change the pace of the fight and try to get DeAngelo into a counter striking match where Smith is being the aggressor.  If Smith can do that, she might be able to topple the champion, but that is a big if.

In still another title bout, Diamond Watson from Team Combat defends his Muay Thai N.A. 170 lb Championship against Mike Fischetti out of Team Tiger Schulmann, who is the NY Champion.  This is another great matchup of champion versus champion and like in the main event, the challenger, Fischetti, will have the backing of the Tiger Schulmann exuberant fanbase.  This bout has the makings of fight of the night, so don’t miss this battle as these two deadly strikers go blow for blow.

If you love nonstop, full-throttle striking, then Combat at the Capitale 25 is must-see TV.  This event goes hand in hand with Neglia’s other combat sports venture, Ring of Combat, and give combat fans in the tri-state area another avenue to watch some of the best East Coast martial artists compete.  Watch as the brave warriors display the science of the eight limbs and use punches, kicks, knees and elbows and do it the Big Apple on February 24.  Order this event exclusively at GFL.tv.

IZW Feb. 18 Show Review on GFL.tv

IZW presented another show for free with its ongoing television series on GFL.tv this past Saturday night, February 18, which can be viewed online here - http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/Impact_Zone_Wrestling_Feb_18_2012/1380.  Coming off of Violent Valentine and heading into March Mayhem on March 17, IZW continues to throw down the gauntlet for great in ring action and feuds that have lit the Oklahoma territory and surrounding areas on fire.

The evening started with IZW Heavyweight Champion Jermaine Johnson and Aaron Neil face to face in the ring.  Both men agreed to do it “one more time” and the IZW Heavyweight Title will be on the line again at March Mayhem on March 17 as the top two wrestlers in the organization square off for the most coveted title in the region.  Kevin Morgan came out to confront both Johnson and Neil as he was unimpressed with the “lovefest” that was going on in front of him.  Morgan was ready to take on BOTH Johnson and Neil at the same time, until Shawn McHale and IZW Impact Division Champion Jordan Jacobs came out to the ring to slow things down.  McHale was made de facto commish by IZW Commissioner Brandon Bishop earlier in the day, and as such he made a match between Morgan and Johnson for later in the evening.  He also made a match with Neil versus Jacobs that kicked off the matches for the night.

Aaron Neil defeated Jordan Jacobs in a war of attrition in a non-title bout.  After some fast paced wrestling, Jacobs went up to the top rope to land a cross body, but Neil ducked the move and then executed a perfect Real Drill that left Jacobs motionless and gave Neil the pinfall.  It was a strong win for the 5-time IZW Heavyweight Champion against the current Impact Division Champion and gives Neil some momentum going into the next iPPV where he will face Jermaine Johnson for what could be the final time.

Next up, Erica defeated Kyra Maya who was accompanied by Bobby Starr.  Erica proved again that she is the dominant female wrestler in IZW and the Lady of Impact, with a solid victory over her arch nemesis, Starr’s right hand women.  Maya is a powerhouse and delivers the most devastating slams in the women’s division, but Erica used speed and guile to defeat Maya and her crony Bobby Starr.

Kevin Morgan defeated IZW Heavyweight Champion Jermaine Johnson by disqualification.  Johnson retains the title as he was not pinned or submitted.  The current Champion got everything thrown at him but the kitchen sink by Morgan who was hell bent on proving that he belongs in the title discussion.  Both men brawled in and out of the ring with the end coming when Morgan brought in the heavyweight title belt and tried to hit Johnson with it.  Johnson ducked out of the way and grabbed the belt himself and leveled Morgan with it getting the automatic disqualification call from the referee.  Johnson didn’t stop there as he hit Morgan once more with the belt and then went for the move a third time only to be press slammed down hard by Morgan.  Turnabout is fair play as Morgan gave Johnson another slam.  When it looked like Morgan would inflict more damage on Johnson’s lifeless body, Aaron Neil raced to the ring with a chair to stop further devastation.  

In the co-main event of the evening, Double D defeated Eric Rose.  Double D was still stinging from the outcome of his Triple Threat Match at Violent Valentine when it was revealed that Jordan Jacobs was the Man in the Dark who had been making D’s life a living hell.  Double D took out his frustrations on Eric Rose who jumped in with the Jordan Jacobs, Shawn McHale and Brandon Bishop faction, and the two proceeded to have a terrific match.  Double D and Rose are two of the most physically gifted wrestlers in the game and each man pushed the other to even greater risks and heights in this bout.  The end came when McHale tried to insert himself into the match by holding Double D.  Rose lined up for a superkick, but Double D ducked and the kick landed perfectly on McHale.  Double D took the opportunity to execute a defacer on Rose and got the pinfall victory and inched one step closer to facing Jordan Jacobs in the future.  

In the final bout of the night, Nemesis (Rage Logan and Damien Morte) defeated a re-vamped version of the Old School Suckas (Gary Tool and Randy Price) for the IZW Tag Team Titles in a heated bout that left the crowd silent.  This is the second title Logan has picked up in about a month (he lost the Impact Division Title to Jordan Jacobs at Violent Valentine in a Triple Threat Match where he was not even pinned) and also the second time Nemesis has worn championship gold in the tag team division.  It was a brave effort by Tool and Price but the new blood of IZW was too much for the cagey vets to overcome on this night.  It was a back and forth affair until the end. The finish came when Morte spit mist into the face of Tool, temporarily stunning and disorienting him.  Morte then leveraged Tool into a neckbreaker position and Logan came off the top rope landing a perfect body splash onto Tool.  But the neckbreaker/top rope splash wasn’t enough for Nemesis.  They did a double pin on the fallen Tool and got the 1-2-3 victory and became the new IZW Tag Team Champions.  Fans might not like Nemesis’ approach, but you have to give the devils their due.  They are a great tag team and they proved it in this match taking out two great wrestlers in Tool and Price.  Expect a long title run from Nemesis as they look like they are just getting started.

Absolute Action MMA 23 "Night of Champions" Review

Kentucky’s #1 MMA promotion returned as Absolute Action MMA presents Absolute Action MMA 23 "Night of Champions" emanating from the Drawbridge Inn London Hall Center in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.  MMA fans, this 13-bout card had 11 finishes so if you like to see fights end decisively, this event is for you.  Absolute Action MMA is stacked with the top amateur fighters and rising pro prospects inside Kentucky and the surrounding states.  AAMMA is the premier MMA organization in the Bluegrass State and one of the Southeast region’s top cage-fighting promotion’s.  

In the main event, Eric Moell (1-0) defeated Chris Sallie (0-1) by armbar in round one in both fighters pro debuts.  Moell also won submission of the night for his efforts.  Moell made an impressive pro debut as his amateur record was (7-1) with 6 of 7 wins ending in KO or submission.  Moell’s exciting fighting style has lit the Kentucky territory on fire as his fans’ cheers drowned out the entrance music and he impressed them in kind with a spectacular armbar finish against a gritty Sallie who compiled an amateur record leading up to this bout at (7-9).  

In the co-main event, it was a battle of former champions as James Morton (1-0) defeated Doug Ballinger (0-3) via unanimous decision in Morton’s pro debut in the fight of the night.  It was a close fight as Morton won two rounds to one on all three judges’ scorecards.  Morton came into the fight (7-1) as an amateur and it was a great first pro bout for the up and coming prospect.  

In a featured matchup, Evva Johnson (6-1) defeated Heather Bassett (2-2) by triangle choke in round three to retain her AAMMA Flyweight Championship.  Johnson proved once again that she is the cream of the crop on Women’s MMA in Kentucky and the surrounding regions.

You won’t find more BANG for your buck so order this thrilling event.  Be sure to catch all of the action on VOD as Absolute Action presents Absolute Action MMA 23 on pay-per-view exclusively at GFL.tv.

Ultimate Reno Combat 31 - "THIRTY ONE" Review

Northern Nevada’s premier cage fighting event returned as Ultimate Reno Combat 31 presented THIRTY ONE at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.  URC was recently voted the #1 Amateur MMA Organization in the Nation.  The event featured a title match with a new champion being crowned and some awesome knockouts and submissions.

In the main event, “Bad” Brad Robasciotti (3-1) from Mountain Warrior Fight Team in California defeated Brandon Costa (4-1) of Ultimate Fitness in California by TKO in round 3 to win the URC Light Heavyweight Championship.  It was a back and forth fight and every bit deserving of a championship battle.    Robasciotti’s wrestling proved to be his strength as he was able to take the former champ down to the ground and use great control to keep Costa grounded for the first round.  Round two had some even striking exchanges until Robasciotti got another takedown to end the round.  In round three, Robasciotti saw his chance and once the bout went to the ground he unloaded repeatedly with hard strikes until the referee stopped it and awarded him the victory making him the new champ.  

In the co-main event, Oscar Ramirez (8-1) defeated Michael Hutchins (2-1) via TKO in a bantamweight scrap.  Hutchins tried to pounce on Ramirez at the opening bell, maybe trying to catch the veteran off guard.  It didn’t work.  Ramirez sidestepped and landed a takedown on Hutchins and from there landed several hard strikes while on top forcing the referee to stop the bout in round one.  It was a solid win for Ramirez who might want to consider turning professional now.  

Watch the champions of tomorrow compete today!  Don’t miss this loaded event as a new champion is crowned as Northern Nevada’s Ultimate Reno Combat 31 presents THIRTY ONE exclusively on GFL.tv.

NAAFS - "Vengeance 10" Review

The North American Allied Fight Series (NAAFS) returned to GFL.tv with Vengeance 10 at Gray’s Armory in Cleveland, Ohio.  NAAFS is one of the most prolific MMA organizations in the country as it runs a monthly event in and around the Ohio area.  The 13-bout pro/am card featured 8 stoppages and was a fast paced event that had fans on their feet several times throughout the show.  

In the main event, Brandon Saling (17-8) defeated Nick Duell (19-6-1) via KO in the second round of a welterweight clash.  The first round was back and forth with Saling and Duell both trading shots at times.  In round two, Duell was beating Saling to the punch and even had him on the ground seconds away from finishing the fight, but Saling rose back to his feet and delivered one shot that turned the whole fight in his favor.  Duell was dropped and Saling stepped back, but when the referee did not call the fight, Saling threw a barrage of punches that connected on a dazed Duell.  It was a stunning turnaround in less than a minute of fighting and lived up to being the main event.   

In a featured pro bout, Jessica Eye (11-1) defeated Kelly Warren (12-5) by unanimous decision in a bantamweight bout.  These women put on a great performance.  It was a fast paced bout with striking, wrestling and grappling.  Eye won every round on all the scorecards and this fight should be enough to get her on Strikeforce which is the home to the top Women’s MMA in the country.  For Warren, it was a galiant effort as she never gave up and continued to fight until the final bell. 

With 8 out of 13 fights ending by KO or submission this is an explosive card that will whet the appetite of any MMA fan.  Be sure to catch all of the action from this exciting card as NAAFS presents NAAFS: Vengeance 10 exclusively at GFL.tv.

IZW Feb. 18 preview on GFL.tv

Coming off the heels of “Violent Valentine”, two new champions were crowned and the company got a jolt of adrenaline as Jermaine Johnson and Aaron Neil defied gravity and put their bodies on the line in a TLC Match for the ages. 

Watch this Saturday to see the aftermath of Johnson’s recapturing of the heavyweight gold and what that means for him, Neil and the heavyweight title picture.  

Also, a new Impact Division Champion was crowned and it was the Man in the Dark, aka Jordan Jacobs, who turned over a new leaf, an evil leaf.  What will Rage Logan have to say about losing his title in a match he was never pinned in?  What will Double D do now that it has been revealed that his longtime friend is now his arch enemy?

Also see all of the fallout in the tag team division, as Gary Tool and Randy Price defended the tag belts at “VV”, but in the post-match, Eric Rose of the Future Hall of Famers delivered a beat down on his tag team partner, the monster Wage.

Tune in this Saturday to catch the ongoing, weekly, free series by Impact Zone Wrestling broadcast in HD on GFL.tv.

Ultimate Reno Combat 31 - "THIRTY ONE" Preview

Northern Nevada’s premier cage fighting event returns as Ultimate Reno Combat 31 presents THIRTY ONE LIVE on February 17, an 8-bout card, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.  

In the main event, Brandon Costa (4-0) representing Uriah Faber’s Ultimate Fitness battles “Bad” Brad Robasciotti (2-1) for the light heavyweight title.  Costa is the reigning champion and this will be his first title defense in the 205 lb division.  A heavy puncher, the undefeated Costa has 3 of his wins via TKO so he will try and use his hand speed to connect early with Robasciotti.  For Robasciotti, he earned this title shot, but a great showing at URC 30 when he TKO’d his opponent in the opening round.  This is a great matchup of two heavy hitters and odds are this will not go the distance.  Be ready for fireworks.

In the co-main event, Oscar Ramirez (7-1) fights Michael Hutchins (2-0) in a bantamweight scrap.  For Ramirez this will be his 9^th time competing in the URC cage so he will definitely have the advantage with familiarity and experience.  A former champion for the promotion, Ramirez is looking to get back to the top and the fastest way to do that is with a spectacular win against Hutchins.  Hutchins is a newcomer to MMA, but both of his wins have come via first round submission inside of the URC cage.  Hutchins is a great grappler and will not hesitate to go for an arm, leg or neck if he sees an opening.  Don’t blink for this bout folks; it’s going to be a barnburner.  The winner of this bout will be in line for a title shot soon.

Watch the champions of tomorrow compete today!  Don’t miss this loaded event with 8 high octane bouts as Northern Nevada’s Ultimate Reno Combat 31 presents THIRTY ONE on February 17, exclusively on GFL.tv.

Fight Time 8 "It's Fight Time" Preview

Howard Davis Jr.’s Fight Time Promotions presents Fight Time 8 – It’s Fight Time, a 10-bout card on February 17 for FREE at the War Memorial Auditorium in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  Fight Time Promotions is the proving ground for all up and coming MMA fighters in the South Florida region and this card is sure to showcase future world champions.   The women take center stage as two of the top female mixed martial artists headline the card.

In the main event, Jessica “Jag” Aguilar (12-4) fights Patricia “Little” Vidonic (5-1).  Aguilar is a multi-time Bellator vet and been in the game since 2006.  She is riding a 3-fight win streak and is an exciting fighter as 9 of her victories have come via submission or TKO.  A strong grappler, Aguilar will look to mix it up in the standup but get the fight to the mat eventually and try to work for a choke or armbar most likely.  For Vidonic, who is riding an impressive 5-fight win streak with the last 3 coming via submission she will be more than comfortable if the fight hits the mat.  Already a champion for another organization, Vidonic has championship experience and headlining this fight will not faze her in the slightest.  Get ready for a action packed main event as these two fighters lock horns in the cage.

In the co-main event, American Top Team’s Mike Bruno (9-4) battles Travis Cox (6-11-1).  This is a matchup that is a big deal on the local scene as both fighters are from Florida and will bring a huge following to the show.  Bruno has been a Fight Time mainstay and is currently on a 3-fight win streak.  More of a grappler, expect Bruno to try and get Cox to the mat and look for a submission.  Cox is a powerhouse and should have the strength advantage inside the cage.  A strong wrestler, Cox will be able to get the takedown, but he might try and duke it out on his feet, to avoid Bruno’s ground game.  There should be fireworks in this bout from the opening bell.

Don’t miss this electrifying event featuring South Florida’s finest MMA athletes competing in front of a packed house.   Watch all of the fights LIVE on February 17 for FREE as Fight Time Promotions presents Fight Time 8 – It’s Fight Time on pay-per-view only at GFL.tv!

IZW "Violent Valentine" Review

 

Violent Valentine, IZW’s first iPPV of 2012 shook up the landscape once again as two new champions were crowned while the shifting dynamics had jaw dropping affects that will be felt for the foreseeable future.  Nothing in IZW will ever be the same again including the two participants in the main event, who defied gravity at times and put their bodies on the line in a TLC Match for the ages. 

In the main event, it was Jermaine Johnson once again capturing heavyweight championship gold for the second time as he defeated Aaron “The Real Deal” Neil for the IZW Heavyweight Title in an awesome TLC Match that combined the best of tables, ladders and chairs.  The ending came when both wrestlers climbed the 12 foot ladder, simultaneously, and threw haymakers back and forth at each other until finally Johnson was able to kick Neil off the ladder, sending him through 4 tables and crashing to the concrete ground surrounding the ring!  Johnson hung in the air for several seconds dangling above the ring until finally unclasping the belt from the hook and falling to the mat and becoming the new IZW World Heavyweight Champion!  This TLC Match can stand against ANY TLC Match in history, WWE matches included.  Johnson and Neil sent each other through tables, fell off of ladders, used chairs as a weapon and did it in every corner of the Impact Arena, giving the in-house fans their money’s worth and the fans watching worldwide on GFL.tv.  The brawl started in the ring where Neil was full of fire and got the better of Johnson.  Neil was intent on defending his IZW strap and early on it looked like he would do just that.  But Johnson was able to counter by delivering a drop toe hold onto a chair, sending Neil face first into the cold iron and stopping him dead in his tracks.  Eventually, Neil recovered and stole the momentum back by delivering a spine-buster, sending Johnson through a table that was set up in the corner of the ring.  Later in the match, Johnson delivered a DDT on the side apron and placed Neil on a table outside of the ring.  Johnson then revealed a 15-foot ladder to which he proceeded to climb up all the way to the top and deliver a splash onto Neil’s prone body.  Both men crashed through the table, splintering it like kindling and take years off of both men’s lives.  Somehow both wrestlers recovered and continued their battle onto the IZW stage where Neil sent Johnson flying off the 10 foot stage, crashing through a table, courtesy of a discus punch.  Neil stacked up four tables while Johnson recovered and the two resumed their blood feud in and around the ring until finally both men made their way up the ladder in the center of the ring and Johnson prevailed by sending the massive Neil down to the hard concrete, but not before his body became a human torpedo and shattered 4 tables!  You won’t find a more jaw dropping match in 2012 in professional wrestling than this TLC Match between Jermaine Johnson and Aaron Neil in the IZW ring.

In a match for the Impact Division Title, Rage Logan, Double D and the Man in the Dark where set to square off in a Triple Threat Match.  In the beginning, it was only Logan and Double D, as the Man in the Dark failed to appear.  Logan and Double D put on a wrestling clinic which featured great chain wrestling and cool aerial moves.  Double D set the pace early on by using his athleticism and landing several hard knees to Logan’s face, including a flying knee from the top turnbuckle.  Midway through the bout Logan was able to ground Double D and work him over with some classic scientific mat wrestling.   Double D countered with a Hurricanrana off the top rope but Logan was able to leverage a brain buster minutes later which left both champion and challenger motionless in the ring.  After a bit of outside interference by Damien Morte, Logan was once again able to gain the momentum.  But Double D turned the tables after a flying, spinning, crucifix pinfall attempt and a dive outside of the ring that landed squarely on Logan and Morte.  Both men, broken and exhausted made their way back inside of the ring where Double D went for a sure pinfall, but then the lights went out!  When they came on again the Man in the Dark was revealed to be Jordan Jacobs who was now standing in the ring.  As Double D turned around, Jacobs landed a boot to the face, knocking Double D out cold and pinning him to become the new Impact Division Champion.  It was quite an unexpected revelation as Jacobs up to this point has always been a fan favorite. 

To begin the show, Gary Tool along with new partner Randy Price defeated The Future Hall of Famers (Wage and Eric Rose) to retain the IZW Tag Team Championship.  It has been a difficult time for Tool whose longtime partner, Bernie D, is still laid up from a beat down back in 2011.  This match might be a changing of the guard as the duo of Tool and Price never missed a beat against the #1 Challengers in Wage and Rose.  The ending came as Tool and Wage delivered a double cross-body onto each other colliding full force in the middle of the ring.  Tool eventually made the hot tag to Price who cleaned house on both Wage and Rose.  Price tagged Tool back in and together they delivered a double neck-breaker onto Wage, with Tool then getting the pinfall victory and retaining the titles with the help of new partner Randy Price.  After the match, Rose showed his disapproval of Wage’s performance by landing a super-kick to Wage’s jaw.  Rose then followed that up with a chair shot to Wage’s head. 

Other matches included Starr (with Bobby Starr) defeating Miss Diss Lexia and Erica in a Triple Threat Match and the giant Kevin Morgan defeating up and comer Chaz Sharpe.

Don’t miss this great event.  Order it now on video on demand at GFL.tv and see a Match of the Year candidate as Jermaine Johnson and Aaron Neil tear the house down and deliver a superb TLC Match for all the marbles as the IZW World Heavyweight Championship is on the line!  Also, watch some of the most fast paced, athletic, high maneuvering wrestlers battle it out for the Impact Division Title as Rage Logan, Double D and Jordan Jacobs compete in a Triple Threat Match.    

Brace for War 14 Preview

BRACE, Australia’s top MMA organization, debuts on GFL.tv on February 18 with Brace for War 14 – Canberra at the National Convention Centre in Canberra, Australia.  The 9-bout card is headlined by the country’s top MMA talents and this event promises to show the world that mixed martial arts is a thriving and growing sport Down Under.

In the main event, Luke Hume (5-2) fights Dave Brooksbank (2-0).  This is a battle of Australia versus the UK as Hume will have the home Aussies cheering him on against Brooksbank who is ready to conquer the hometown hero.  Hume is coming off a tough loss at Brace for War 13, and looks to get back into title contention with a victory over the up and coming Brooksbank.  Hume is able to finish fights on the ground or in the standup and if need be has the conditioning to go the distance.  Look for him to try and wear out the less experienced Brooksbank and get him to the later rounds.  Brooksbank is a noted grappler as his two victories have both come via first round submissions.  Brooksbank will look to do the same against Hume and make it another short night.

In the co-main event, Duke Didier (1-0) battles Hugo Miller (0-0) in a heavyweight tilt.  Didier is an Australian judo champion and will have a huge advantage if the fight goes to the ground.  Didier finished his only opponent in under a minute at Brace for War 10, and will try and implement the same game plan here.  Miller’s large limbs will be calling cards for submission attempts if Didier can get the bout to the mat.  But Miller’s size advantage and reach will pose a huge threat to Didier while the fighters are on their feet.

Also scheduled to compete, in a battle of giants, are local favorite Andrew Machin (4-1) versus Joel Dixon (1-1) and females Bec “Rowdy” Hyatt (0-1) against the debuting Sara Morrison.

MMA is expanding around the globe and now with the top organization in Australia signing a broadcast deal with the GFL Combat Sports Network, MMA fans worldwide can see the rising talents from Australia. Order Brace for War 14 now!

Rise of a Warrior 5 Review

Florida’s #1 Amateur MMA promotion returned as Rise of a Warrior presented Rise of a Warrior 5 at the Havert L. Fenn Center in Fort Pierce, Florida.  The 11-bout card featured a title fight and the 16-man first round of the 170lb tournament and 7 finishes.  Rise of a Warrior is an organization that has carved out a huge niche in Southern MMA and continues to impress with every show.  For MMA fans, there’s no excuse to miss this event as its FREE on GFL.tv.

In the main event, for the 155 lb championship, Charles Rosa (10-1) defeated champion Chad Livingston (5-1) via unanimous decision to become the new Rise of a Warrior Lightweight Champion.   It was Rosa’s wrestling that proved to be the difference as when he needed it, he was able to get a takedown on the former champion.  Rosa was able to score takedowns in all three rounds and it paid dividends as the constant pressure applied by Rosa started to wear Livingston out.  There were some great exchanges on the feet, but on the ground, Rosa got the best of the exchanges as he attempted submissions and improved his position.  It was a great bout with two of the top 155 lb amateurs in Florida.  These two fighters should think about turning professional soon.   

In the co-main event, Michael Perry defeated Avonte Moore via armbar in round two.  This was a back and forth contest as most observers scored round one for Moore because of a takedown.  In round two, it was Perry who executed a takedown and then transitioned into an armbar which Moore finally tapped out to. 

In the fight of the night, Ray Camp defeated Rob Castellano via reverse triangle choke submission in round three.  This fight had everything; great grappling, pinpoint striking, and a seldom witnessed finish.  Camp was going for crazy submissions all night including a necktie choke in round one that Castellano was able to avoid.  Camp followed that up with some solid kicks that connected in round two.  In round three, Castellano landed a takedown, but that proved to be his undoing as Camp maneuvered into a reverse triangle for the tapout victory. 

 

Rise of a Warrior 5 had a tremendous main event, and the ground work was laid for the 170 lb tournament which had some exciting fights.  The winners will all be back later this year to fight in round 2.  Go to GFL.tv now and watch this event for FREE.

The Big Lot - "Cummings VS Stafford" Review

The Big Lot presented a great night of combat sports for fight fans with a hybrid MMA/boxing card in Springfield, Missouri headlined by a hometown hero who proved his meddle in the main event.  The 8-bout card saw submissions and TKOs and showed that The Big Lot is more than just a car dealership.  This card is sure to spark more interest in The Big Lot events and keep MMA fans in the Show Me State happy with local high caliber events. 

In the main event, Zak Cummings (14-3) representing Springfield, Missouri defeated Lamont “KO Kid” Stafford (3-3) from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma by rear naked choke submission in the first round of a middleweight bout. Coming into the fight, Cummings, a Strikeforce, Bellator and MFC veteran was intent on giving the local fans a great fight and he did just that.   Cummings took away Stafford’s size advantage by getting the fight to the mat immediately where he then began to land several strikes to Stafford’s head and body.  Stafford tried to wiggle out of Cummings clutches, but when he rolled over to his stomach, Cummings sunk in the fight ending rear naked choke giving him the win.  It was a great strategy for Cummings as the 6’5” Stafford could not utilize his size and reach advantage while on the canvas. 

In the co-main event, Andrew Whitney (7-1) defeated Brandon Wood (1-6) by guillotine choke in the second round in a MMA bantamweight matchup.  The disparity in records proved to be meaningless as this was an exciting bout from start to finish.  Whitney has been avoided like the plague recently as most fighters will not sign on the dotted line to fight the up and coming prospect. Insert, Brandon Wood, a veteran of the Iraq War and someone who has never turned down a challenge in his entire life.  The first round was a back and forth tussle but in the second, Whitney landed a strong takedown, then transitioned to the fight ending guillotine choke, where Wood eventually tapped out after several seconds. 

In other action on the MMA side, two Springfield locals square off as Devian Golden (1-0) notched his first win against Luke Shepard (0-2) by first round submission.  In other MMA action, Allen Gibson defeated Justin Robbins via TKO in the second round of a featherweight clash. 

Order on video on demand Cummings VS Stafford presented by The Big Lot at GFL.tv.  For fans of the combat sports, it’s a win-win, because you get two fighting styles for the price of one. 

Ring Of Combat - "Ring of Combat XXXIX" Review

Ring of Combat returned with ROC XXXIX.  This event had another full throttle event, as 2 titles were contested for and 5 of 12 bouts ended in either KO or submission, including the main event.  ROC continues to be the kingpin of East Coast MMA and its cards are some of the most competitive on the regional circuit throughout North America.    

In the main event, ROC Light Heavyweight Champion Tom DeBlass (7-0) defeated Randy Smith (13-10-1) by a first round heel hook submission to retain his title and undefeated streak.  The Renzo Gracie Academy protégé looked magnificent as he ran through the tough challenger Smith and finished him in under a minute.  DeBlass’ grappling is exceptional and as soon as the fight went to the mat it heavily favored the champion.  This is the third straight fight where DeBlass has fought in a championship bout, and he gets better and better each time he steps into the cage.  DeBlass has to be considered the top 205 lb prospect in the Northeast and it probably won’t take too many more showings like this for him to be snatched up by the UFC.  

In the co-main event, for the vacant Featherweight Title, Jeff Lentz (9-3-1) defeated Giovanni Moljo (4-5) via unanimous decision winning all 5 rounds on each judge’s scorecard.   The Bellator veteran, Lentz, out wrestled and out struck Moljo and almost every opportunity.  It was a resounding victory for the new champion.  But give Moljo credit, going into the fight with a .500 record, not many expected Moljo to put up much of fight, but he was game every round and could not be finished.  But Lentz was just too much as his skills were better in every department, including cardio where he pushed a pace that Moljo found it hard to keep up with.  

In other action, former ROC Welterweight Champion Pete Sell (10-6) got back to his winning ways as he defeated Mitch Whitesel (16-21) via unanimous decision.  For Sell, another win and he will be right back in the title hunt at 170 lb.  

You won’t find a more thrilling card then this one. Be sure to catch all of the action as Ring of Combat presents ROC XXXIX with 2 titles up for grabs, exclusively on pay-per-view at GFL.tv.  Watch the superstars of tomorrow compete today. 

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

Fight Night Entertainment presents Fight Night Round XVIII – Clash at the College on February 11, at the Everett Community College Fitness Center in Everett, Washington.  The 9-bout card features many of the Pacific Northwest’s top up and coming fighters including 3 title fights and FNE plans to showcase these great athletes to the world on the GFL Combat Sports Network at GFL.tv.  

In the main event, for the FNE Amateur Heavyweight Championship, Kasey Eslick (4-0) battles Andrew Nelson.  Eslick has ended all of his fights in the first round and looks to make it 5 for 5 against the battle tested Nelson.  Eslick has 2 wins by submission and 2 by KO so he has a well balanced attack.  For Nelson, this is a huge opportunity to put the first “L” on Eslick’s record as well as take home the gold.  Don’t miss this bout as these two massive warriors do battle in the cage for the top amateur heavyweight title in the area.

In the co-main event, for the FNE Amateur Bantamweight Title, Jason Ellis (3-1) defends his title against challenger Ryan Ferguson (1-1).  Ellis won the title in 2011 with an impressive TKO victory in the first round.  Ellis has compiled a 3-fight win steak, all stoppages in the first round, and looks to keep that momentum going against the challenger.  Ferguson should be the stronger of the two fighters in the cage, as he previously fought two weight classes higher at lightweight earlier in his career.  Look for Ferguson to try and put pressure on Ellis and trap him against the cage to take away the champion’s explosiveness.  This bout should be full throttle from the opening bell.  Don’t blink.  

Also scheduled is a bout for the FNE Amateur Featherweight Title between Taylor Parker (2-1) and Paul Njoku (2-1).  This is a rematch as the two squared off recently with Njoku winning by submission.  For Parker, this is an opportunity to even the score.  Parker is an exciting young prospect from Washington that always comes forward and is a fan favorite because of his fighting style.  Njoku will have the mental advantage going into the fight, but has to be careful to execute a smart game plan as Parker should be a different fighter this time around.  A win here by Njoku firmly establishes him as the top 145 lb amateur in the state of Washington.

Don’t miss this exciting card featuring the top amateur prospects from Washington state.  Watch the future world champions of MMA compete now on this stacked card as Fight Night Entertainment presents Fight Night Round XVIII – Clash at the College on February 11 only on pay-per-view exclusively at GFL.tv!