Absolute fighters at "So You Wanna Fight"

On June 12^th the promotion “So You Wanna Fight” made it’s first stop in Ogden. The show is promoted as an amateur event, where anyone can fight for the opportunity to win one thousand dollars; all you need to sign up is blood work and some courage. We had quite a few guys go out for the event, and all of them did extremely well! Chris Kennedy, Javier Jones, Bentley Garner, Jake Kenison, and Erik Groberg all had their debut fights in the ring that night.

Javier fought at 133 lbs in the MMA segment. His first fight showcased that he has amazing takedown defense, and stellar boxing. His opponent was hard pressed to land any shots, and he walked away with a win by Decision. Javier showcased some amazing jiu-jitsu in his second fight, he defended a guillotine and got the takedown, where he quickly went from side-control to mount, and then took the back. Javier put the squeeze on his opponent and won by submission with an RNC. For the final fight, Javier won with another RNC, sweeping his entire division. He walked away virtually unscathed, spare a few nasty cuts from long fingernails. Congrats on the 1^st place win, Mr. Jones!

Chris Kennedy fought at 154 lbs and also fought in the MMA portion of the event. In Chris’ first fight he put on quite a show, and finished the fight with a triangle choke. The second fight for Chris was quite the battle, but he ultimately won with a split decision. For his final match, Chris fought a really nice guy named Dylan that drove all the way in from Fillmore, and won the fight with an RNC; he brought home the 1^st place medal and a thousand dollars! In a true show of sportsmanship, Chris gave ten percent of his prize money to his final competitor. Congrats, Chris!

Bentley Garner fought at 187 lbs in the MMA portion of the show. Ben’s first fight was mostly a show of his kickboxing skills, with only one takedown to the mount, he beat his opponent before the round ended due to ref stoppage. In his second fight, Ben had two takedowns and dominated in the mount with massive punches to his opponent’s face. The fight went to Ben in a unanimous decision. It was during Ben’s second fight that the “So You Wanna Fight” rules became the most perplexing; in order to promote lively fights the fighters are given thirty seconds to work on the ground, every time a duo hits the canvas a timer starts, and if the action isn’t being pushed, both fighters are stood back up to beat on each other. During Ben’s fight he was stood up three separate times while punching the guy in the face, this was quite unnerving to our coaches, as well as some of the participants. In his third fight, Ben stayed in the mount for about a minute and a half, and won his division by unanimous decision, taking home the prize money and a 1^st place medal. Congrats, Bentley!

Jacob Kenison fought at 182 lbs in the MMA portion and had a stellar performance in his first fight, he won by unanimous decision, and took home a 2^nd place medal. Congrats, Jake!

Erik Groberg was the only person from the gym that fought in the boxing portion of the show, and he won by ref stoppage in the second round, and brought home our fourth 1^st place medal for the night. Great job, Erik!

We want to congratulate all of the teammates that went out to compete; each one of you did a great job in your first fight! Many thanks to all of the teammates that came out to support the show, the events aren’t complete without your presence. Lastly, thank you to our stellar coaches that came out to corner everyone.

Valery Fedorenko and Catherine Imes in Utah

Hey Gang, heads up Valery Fedorenko and Catherine Imes will be presenting a WKC Kettlebell course Aug 20-22, hosted by Rob Handley and Absolute MMA in West Jordan, Utah. A special class for fighters is being scheduled now. Stay tuned for more information.

Absolute fighters in exhibition kickboxing

We've had some recent amateur fights for the team, starting with Braeden Kilpack in March, and recently Terrell Sanders and AmberLee Watkins. All three teammates did extremely well, and we want to congratulate them for all of their hard work. Each one excelled in the ring, and although the matches are "exhibition only," we all consider you guys to be winners.

Training with Sangtiennoi

As most of you know Camrann and I went to LA to train with Muay Thai Legend Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj in his first ever U.S. Seminar Appearance hosted by Boxing Works, Hermosa Beach, CA!

Sangtiennoi is the head trainer at the world famous Baan Muay Thai Gym in Bangkok, Thailand. He is a former Champion at both Rajadamnern and Lumpini Stadiums, the premier venues for Muay Thai. In addition to his own fighting prowess, he has taught and trained numerous champions in Muay Thai, K-1, Kickboxing and MMA!

We continue to grow and learn as students, teachers and martial artists. Thank you to Sangtiennoi, Bryan and everyone at Boxing Works. First class opportunity! We can't wait to do it again.

Absolute MMA fighter Eduardo Rivera at WCFC

SALT LAKE CITY — When it comes to fighting, Eduardo Rivera doesn't need much motivation.

He's been fighting on the streets all his life. For the last couple of years, he's channeled his energy and talent into the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

"When we have problems, we call Eduardo," said his older brother Carlos, who worked his corner in his rematch against Sean Whalen Saturday night in the World Championship Full Contact's Proving Ground at the Rail Event Center on Saturday. "He used to fight on the streets with his friends."

But the Peruvian native who now calls West Jordan home wasn't sure he wanted to fight Whalen again. Rivera knocked Whalen out in 36 seconds in their first fight last fall at the McKay Event Center. So when Whalen's coach called Rivera's coach, Rob Handley, he declined the offer.

"His coach said he wanted him to keep progressing, not to do the same thing," said Carlos Rivera. "Then he said, if he will come fight, he will double the pay and give him a house if he wins."

And while it took him about four minutes longer to beat Whalen the second time, Rivera knocked Whalen out at 4:26 of the first round to earn the win — and a house.

"I am so happy about the house," said Rivera as he grimaced in pain from what he believes are broken ribs. "My father is sick and I rent, so this is good for my family."

His brother said he loves the sport as much as he needs it.

"He fights because he loves to fight and he needs it," Carlos Rivera said.

And Rivera doesn't lack drive or talent, said his coach Rob Handley, who trains him and two other athletes who competed Saturday night to a standing-room only crowd.

TO read more about the fight click here

Muay Thai Tuff Girls

Congratulations Alexis Asher on your win against Kailin Curran.

Please vote for Alexis click here

Absolute Fighters go 2-1 in WCFC

Koffi Adzisto defeats Mike Arrant by decision after the fight is stopped in the 3rd round due to an inadvertent eye poke that required 10 stitches.

Eduardo Rivera defeats Sean Whalen via Knock Out 4:34 1st Round. Sean Whalen gives his fight purse to Eduardo along with a HOUSE!!!

Brian Thomas defeats Robert Densley via Unanimous Decision.

To read more about the fights click here

Rising Star 35 - Tuff Girls Fight Night

Vote for Alexis Asher and Sierra Dickens click here

watch the fights live Friday night click here

weigh ins at Bellator 19 Dallas, TX

Absolute fighter TY LEE

Scott Barrett vs. Ty Lee added to Bellator 19 in season-three tourney qualifier


A pair of heavyweight prospects will compete at Bellator 19 in hopes of landing a spot in the promotion's season-three tournament bracket.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned that heavyweight prospects Scott Barrett (9-1 MMA, 0-0 BFC) and Ty Lee (7-0 MMA, 0-0 BFC) have agreed to meet at Bellator 19, and an official announcement from the organization is expected shortly.

Bellator 19 takes place May 20 in Grand Prairie, Texas, and features the promotion's welterweight tournament semifinals and a non-title "super fight" between Bellator featherweight champ Joe Soto and Diego Saraiva.

A Georgia native, Barrett has won nine of his 10 career outings and is currently on a three-fight win streak. The former wrestler is fortunate to still be fighting after undergoing surgery for a detached retina in 2008.

Barrett's lone loss came to top heavyweight prospect and recent UFC signee Chad Corvin in February 2009. Eight of Barrett's victories have come by stoppage, and seven of those have come in the opening frame. Barrett had been expected to face Jeff Monson at an XKL event in March, but "The Snowman" backed out of the fight at the last moment citing back injury.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Lee brings an undefeated record to the cage. A former champion high school wrestler and collegiate footballer, Lee made his professional debut in 2006 and has reeled off seven-straight victories – five by first-round stoppage – to open his career.

Lee fought most recently in a June 2009 submission win over veteran journeyman Ruben "Warpath" Villareal.

To read more about Bellator fights click here

Absolute Fighters at WCFC

155 Light Weight
Robert "The Wrecker" Densley (Absolute MMA) vs Brian "The Cannibal" Thomas (The Academy)......Both of these sluggers have been away from the game for a little while and plan on making a huge "dent" in the lightweight division now that they are back. The Wrecker at one one time was Utah's undisputed lightweight champ and Brian is Undefeated in the cage.


170 Welter Weight
Sean Whalen (The Academy) vs Eduardo Rivera (Absolute MMA)..... this fight is a rematch, similar to the Arrant/Koffi fight Sean was hit with a wild right hook that ended his night.... he wants nothing more than to beat Eduardo and has agreed to give Eduardo a HOUSE if he beats him again!! Sean is a multi millionaire and owner of "Empower Group"....he fights for the fun of it!!



130
Lindsey Barnes (Absolute MMA) vs Brittany Howard (Foleys MMA)......Brittny Howard had her first pro fight against Tandie Schaffer in Orem, she is a scrapper and one of Utah's top female fighters. Lindsey Barnes has been training with some of the best including Steven "Razor" Sharp. I am expecting one of the best "Girl Fights" ever!



170 Welter Weight
"Mad" Mike Arrant (Labato MMA, One Hit MMA) vs Koffi "Lil Rampage" Adzitso (Absolute MMA)..... this fight is a rematch, Mike KO'ed Koffi in 30 seconds with what Koffis camp called "a lucky shot"..Koffi asked for a rematch and Mike excepted. Dont blink or you may miss this fight!!

Recent Events

We’ve been very busy at Absolute MMA, so the posts have been sparse, but we’re going to throw some recent event information at you.

During March we had two separate grappling tournaments that the team participated in. The first tournament was put on by NAGA (North American Grappling Association) in Colorado. For the tournament we had three competitors go out to fight: Denver Merrifield-Nirva, Jeff Nielsen, and Bentley Garner.

NAGA Colorado

Jeff brought his wonderful and supportive family along for the trip as he participated in his first grappling tournament. Fighting in multiple NO-GI divisions, he managed to bring home a Silver medal in the Novice Welter weight division, and his first Gold medal in the Absolute Novice division! We were all very proud to see Jeff succeed in this tournament; many first -timers would have buckled under the pressure from a nationally ranked tournament.

Denver Merrifield-Nirva decided to participate on a whim and drove out to take home two silver medals in the Men’s NO-GI Intermediate as well as Advanced Feather Weight divisions. Denver had zero prep time for the tournament, but still managed to perform optimally.

Bentley Garner participated in the NO-GI as well as GI divisions, and brought home

Three Gold medals. His divisions were: Men’s GI Blue Belt Light Heavy Weight, Gi Blue Belt Middle weight, and Men’s NO-GI Intermediate Middle Weight. Ben’s final match ended after a verbal submission from his opponent who was incapacitated due to a knee injury from a Judo Throw.

Congrats to all of the guys that participated, those wins mean a lot to the gym. Also, a big thanks to Rob for taking time out to support the fellas and endure such a long road trip to Colorado.

Utah Champion’s Challenge- March 27th, 2010

Below are the results from the Champion’s Challenge tournament that was held at UVU on March 27th.

AdvancedGi

Featherweight 3rd: Riley Petersen

Middleweight 3rd: William DaBell

White Belt

Middleweight 3rd: Eric Ciffone

Heavyweight 3rd: Dustin Bond

No-Gi

Intermediate-Men

Middleweight

3rd: Chris Kennedy

Beginner Men

2nd: Jeff Nielson

Congratulations to everyone that went out to participate! We had some first-time participants with Eric and Dustin, who both did extremely well. Eric was forced to fight several matches that lasted over ten minutes, and Dustin actually choked someone unconscious (his opponent recovered after a few moments, and was fine to continue competing.) Everyone’s hard work paid off, and we look forward as a team to the next event. Team Absolute had a strong presence on the mat as competitors and referees, as well as spectators. Keep up the good work!

Absolute fighters win at Showdown

Absolute fighters Denver Merrifield-Nirva and Vadim "Dave" Komarov both won at Showdown

RAZOR WINS AT WCFC

Steven "Razor" Sharp of Absolute MMA wins via Unanimous decision against David Castillo in a 3 round slugfest. People in the crowd were calling it not only the fight of the night but the best fight in Utah in a long time.

Student Spotlight....meet Nathan Malloy!!!

Rob Handley, Nathan Malloy, Pedro Sierra

We’d like to introduce you to Nathan Malloy, who we all know as the pint size ninja that reads on the ring, and gets to live with our instructor (and his step-dad) Pedro Sierra. Nathan is eleven years old and has been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for almost six years; he is a first degree orange belt and has competed upwards of ten times. He has taken first place on numerous occasions, and while he admits that he gets nervous for competitions he states that, “Once you get in it, you can’t get out, so you work through it.” (Pretty wise advice for the adults that are nervous to compete!) Nate’s favorite submission is the rear naked choke and his favorite position is the rear mount, he concedes that he succumbs to the triangle choke more than he would like (he has a tendency to escape to the wrong side.)

Watching the UFC is something that Nate does when he “doesn’t have anything better to do.” Chuck Lidell is his favorite fighter, and in his opinion, he’s almost as good as his hero, Chuck Norris. He’d like to earn his black belt, and says that he asks Pedro questions at home, but Pedro cheats at home, “He tickles and punches.” Nate candidly tells me how much he enjoys learning from his instructors (Camrann Pacheco, Rob Handley, and Ricky Bax,) but says that all men vacillate between being strict and fun, “which isn’t bad, it’s just the truth.” He has attended seminars with Grand Master Flavio Behring, and enjoys them a lot. Don’t expect any family secrets from Nate, he informed me that he won’t show his friends Jiu Jitsu, because he wants to know how to beat others up, not the other way around.

Nathan is the funniest eleven-year old that I’ve ever had the privilege of speaking with, albeit, he’s one of the funniest people I’ve met, period. He seems wise beyond his years and possesses a vocabulary that should shame most adults. He would like to go to MIT and wants to become an inventor when he’s older. He tells me that he’ll do whatever it takes to become an inventor and get into his dream school, including continuing to play the violin. Team sports and the like aren’t among his favorite things to do, but he loves to read (Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Demonata,) plays video games, and listens to fantastic music (Zeppeling, Dragonforce, Tenacious D, and Black Sabbath.) All in all, he’s only eleven, but he reminds me of that hip/smart guy that you wanted to hang out with in high school.

Realistically he proclaims that he doesn’t know if he’ll compete in BJJ Competitions when he’s older, but he did share with me his personal motto for the sport, “First the head, then the heart; First ya think, then ya do. It’s like chess, you have to think about it before you move, “ I don’t know many people who can sum up the sport better.

Billing changes

We are currently in the process of going through some billing changes at the gym. You may notice your payment coming out under a slightly different name. It will be on the same billing date and be for the same amount. If there are any questions regarding this manner please talk to Camrann at the front desk. Also, if you need to make any adjustments to your account this is a great time to handle that.
Thank you,
Camrann

Absolute Fighter Koffi Adzitso gets KOTC title shot

Steve Sharp fights again April 3rd