NEW SCHEDULE

Absolute Grapplers top male & female divisions

Absolute Grapplers top male & female divisions, score 31 points with only 6 competitors!!! Congratulations Gang!

Chamion Submission Challenge XIII
Western Regional No-Time-Limit Grappling Championship: November 14, 2009

Team Results
Overall Top Team
1st: Fusion Academy (Eddie Edmunds) = 43 points
2nd: BYU Jiu-Jitsu (Michael Pease) = 39 points
3rd: Absolute MMA (Rob Handley) = 31points
3rd: West Side Academy (Mark Johnson) = 31 points

Adult Top Team
1st: BYU Jiu-Jitsu (Michael Pease) = 39 points
2nd: Absolute MMA (Rob Handley) = 29 points
3rd: Fusion Academy (Eddie Edmunds) = 27 points

Title Champions
Absolute
Absolute Gi
1st: Ben Garner (Absolute MMA)
2nd: Fritz Borchardt (Paul Tom Academy)
3rd: Chris Eberly (Unified Jiu-Jitsu)

Men Gi
Middle Weight: < 185 lbs
1st: Ben Garner (Absolute MMA)
2nd: Tim Tcha (Mori Academy)
3rd: Josh Bateman (Throwdown Elite)

Men No-Gi
Feather Weight: < 145 lbs
1st: Wesley Clinton (Throwdown Elite)
2nd: Denver Merrifield-Nirva (Absolute MMA)
3rd: Chris Eberly (Unified Jiu-Jitsu)

Women Gi
Middle Weight: 145+ lbs
1st: Vanessa Alexander (Absolute MMA)
2nd: Julie Chamberlain (Champion Jiu-Jitsu)
3rd: Jessey Hester (BYU Jiu-Jitsu)

Women No-Gi
Middle Weight: 145+ lbs
1st: Vanesssa Alexander (Absolute MMA)
2nd Julie Chamberlain (Champion Jiu-Jitsu)
3rd: Kiera Holder (BYU Jiu-Jitsu)

Junior Gi
Division 7-8
1st: Isaiah Gonzalez (Fusion Academy)
2nd: Braeden Killpack (Absolute MMA)
3rd: Aaron Baxter (Champion Jiu-Jitsu)

Under-Belt Divisions
Beginner Men Gi
Light Weight: < 160 lbs
1st: Andrew Torrez (Mori Academy)
2nd: Ethan Estrada (Throwdown Elite)
3rd: Bret Gold (Absolute MMA)

Middle Weight: < 185 lbs
1st: Justin Showell (BYU Jiu-Jitsu)
2nd: Nathan Epperson (Absolute MMA)
3rd: Justin Imbler (UVU Jiu-Jitsu)

2-3 Absolute Fighters win! Cam wins by RNC!

Congratulations Fellas! It was a great night of fights, every fight on the card had dynamite written all over it! In the first undercard fight, Eduardo Rivera defeated Sean Whalen by knocking him out at 2:34 in the first round. Camrann Pacheco defeated Eddie Pelczynski with perfect execution of his game plan designed by coach Rob Handley, Cam landed a straight left that sent Eddie to the floor, followed up by some viscous ground and pound forcing Eddie to turn to his stomach while Pacheco cautiously followed up with dominant back mount and sinking in the RNC in just 1:34 seconds of the first round. Steven "Razor" Sharp lost a five-round, 25 minute unanimous decision to Champion Rad Martinez. American Whu-Hitu fighter, Josh "The People's Warrior" Burkman knocked out Brandon "The Murder" Melendez at 4:14 with a vicious right punch that sent Melendez to his back causing the ref to jump in and end the fight.

To read more about the fights click here

Absolute Fighters at Throwdown Showdown

Hey gang. Absolute MMA fighters Camrann Pacheco, Eduardo Rivera and Steven Razor Sharp return to the cage on Nov 20th at Throwdown Showdown. Camrann Pacheco faces Eddie Pelczynski in an exciting featherweight bout. Steven Razor Sharp returns to face current lightweight champion Rad Martinez in a much anticipated rematch. Eduardo Rivera faces Sean Whalen at welterweight in a undercard bout. Come out and support these guys and Utah MMA.

Absolute Fighter Koffi Adzitso wins at XC 13

New Welterweight Champion Koffi Adzitso defeated Tallon Torres in just 3:11 of the first round by Rear Naked Choke. Torres did not tap out and went unconscious and his recovery sent the hometown crowd into complete silence, as he came back to his senses, which brought the crowd to an applause.

To read more about the show click here

AKC CLASSIC 09

Congrats to the Absolute Kettlebell team. Rebecca Rodriquez and Pedro Sierra coached by Rob Handley got a first hand look at competition and the joy and pain of being on the lifting platform. The AKC Classic was a huge success, with many lifters achieving Rank! The women athletes probably outnumbered the men 2-1. Congrats ladies for an awesome performance. American Kettlebell Club Classic 2009 results here

Register for Champion Challenge XIII

Hey Gang,

Absolute MMA team members use the code "absolutemma" as you register online at www.utahchampion.com. Team rates are $40/adult and $30/junior and each additional division is only $20. Team registration is extended one week past early registration to Saturday, November 7, 2009. Team discounts are not available at the door. Make sure and get registered soon.

News from Finland....

I wanted to share some news from our friend Jamba (Yambah) in Finland. Jamba fought in the Fight Festival 26 on October 17th in Helsinki, Finland against Declan Williams (England), winning by submission via arm lock in 2:15 of Round 1. Congratulations Jamba!!!

A native of Finland, Janne Elonen-Kulmala (Jamba) has competed previously at Fight Festival where he defeated the 5-3-0 Dutchman Jordy Peute last year by decision. He then followed up that performance by stopping the Swedish fighter Nicklas Bergman by TKO at a M-1 Challenge show last year. Rated as “one to watch” by insiders of the Finnish scene, Janne Elonen-Kulmala (Jamba) continues to keep his unbeaten record intact, defeating Declan Williams making his mark in the very competitive European Bantamweight division.

Watch the fight HERE

team updates...

Hey Gang.

Absolute MMA Fighters Camrann Pacheco, Steve Sharp and Eduardo Rivera all will be fighting on November 20th in Orem, Utah at the UVU McKay Event Center. Tickets will be available at the gym and each fighter will have tickets to sell as a percentage of the ticket sales will go back to the fighter you purchase them from. Be sure to get them early, this event has a good chance of selling out.

-Rob

Sharp losses yet wins Las Vegas Fans

In the main event, IFL veteran John Gunderson (22-6) became the first MMA Xplosion lightweight champion, following his submission victory over Steve Sharp.

But Sharp (24-11) was the aggressor for the majority of the fight, winning the opening round with his relentless striking.

“He was throwing so many elbows, and they were powerful,” Gunderson said.

Sharp continued to let the elbows fly in the second round, even after Gunderson had taken the fight to the ground.

But going into the third round, Gunderson had a renewed sense of urgency.

“I knew that if he landed a good elbow it would cut me and that would be the end for me,” Gunderson said. “So I felt like I just had to go out there and take it from him.”

Gunderson wrestled his way to a series of submission attempts in the third, before sinking in a kimura lock three minutes and 17 seconds into the round.

“Coming into this fight, I knew that if I lost it would be from the kimura,” Sharp said. “That kid has a strong, strong kimura and he’s good at it.”

To read more about the fights click here

To see a slide show of the fights click here

MMA Xplosion Weigh ins...

Steve Sharp made 155 easy. He's looking good, feeling great and very excited for this fight.

MMA Xplosion Press Conference

The main event will feature John “Quick Guns” Gunderson of Xtreme Couture taking on Steve “Razor” Sharp of Salt Lake City’s Absolute MMA.

Sharp said he and Gunderson tried out for Ken Shamrock’s IFL team, but he broke his hand and could not continue with the tryout. Because of that, this matchup with Gunderson is important for him, he said.

“John’s gone on with the IFL and has done really well for himself, “ Sharp said.

“For me to do really well against him and beat him would be an honor and it would show me that I could have been there and I could have done what he’s done in the last few years. And it would show me that even though I just turned 30, I am not too old to fight.”

Sharp, who has gone the distance in three championship fights prior to this one, feels he has the advantage because he will not have to cut much weight for the fight.

“I’m not going to have to cut a lot of water weight, which is where I feel you can really hurt yourself right before a fight. I’m feeling pretty good for this one,” Sharp said. “I think it gives me an advantage when we have to go five rounds. If it does go to the later rounds, I think I’ll have the advantage, even though I’m the smaller fighter. “

To read more about the press conference Click here

Sharp fights for MMA Xplosion Belt

Hey Gang. Here's a look at the title belt up for grabs at the MMA Xplosion show next weekend Oct 10th in Las Vegas, Nevada at the M Resort and Casino. Good luck Steve!!!

Sakasem Seminar

Thanks gang for coming to the seminar. Good training and good sparring with a lot of guys from others gyms. Thanks Sem for an awesome seminar.

Absolute fighter Steve Sharp gets another title fight!

Hey Gang. Steven "Razor" Sharp is fighting in Las Vegas Oct 10th at the M resort against John Gunderson in a lightweight title bout. Details to follow. Check your schedules and get ready to make the trip to Vegas that weekend. Everyone wish Steve good luck and come down and help him get ready for the fight.

Visitors from Finland

JP and Jamba trained with us a few years back and out of the blue and much to our surprise they showed up for the weekend to visit and train. They had been in Vegas for the summer training with Marc Laimon and Cobra Kai. I got the chance to meet up with them in Vegas for the Tuff Nuff MMA show at the Orleans Hotel & Casino. Jamba fights Oct 17th in Finland.

Muay Thai Seminar with Sakasem

Muay Thai Seminar
with Sakasem

This Saturday Sept 12th
$50 if you're a paying member of Absolute MMA

Team Absolute 2-0 in Wendover

Congrats Gang. Another great night of fights. Thanks again for everyone coming out to support these two fighters.

Edward Rivera def. Eduardo Hernandez via tapout to GnP strikes @ 1:10 of rnd 2

Dave Komarov def. Bobby Trivitt via armbar tapout @ 3:51 of rnd 1

Absolute Fighters at Extreme Combat

Sorry for the delay folks. Absolute Fighters Riley Petersen and Kyle Cross both both fought Aug 15th in Cedar City, Utah. Camrann Pacheco was scheduled to fight but his fight was cancelled at the last minute. It was a great night of fights with lots of up coming talent.

Riley Petersen(145)lost to Joshua Torres TKO 1st round ref stoppage and Kyle Cross(185) won in his MMA debut over Rodrigo Contreras TKO 2nd round ref stoppage.

Congratulations fellas. Big thanks to everyone from the gym who showed up to support these guys.

Next Extreme Combat show is Sept 26th in Nephi, Utah

ABSOLUTE MMA SCHEDULE

stay hydrated

Hey Gang.
Remember to drink more water throughout the day on training days. Even better hydrate beginning the night before. Don't wait til the last minute, pound the water and wonder why you are getting sick during your workouts.
Get ahead of it. Drink more water.

-ROB

Far East Grappling Tournament

Congratulations Gang!!

Team Absolute grapplers competed Saturday at the Far East Grappling tournament. The team consisted of Ben Garner (1st) Chris Kennedy (1st & 2nd) and Vanessa Alexander (1st). This is Ben Garner's sixth straight gold medal in local grappling tournaments, Chris Kennedy continues to rack up wins in both intermediate and advanced divisions and Vanessa Alexander continues to put the squeeze on the ladies divisions with 2 tournaments and 2 gold medals. Ben and Chris grappled for 1 & 2 after beating thier opponents. To read more about the tournament and see more photos check out Vanessa's blog here

Thanks Gang!!!

ABSOLUTE-BEHRING TEAM

FLAVIO BEHRING JIU JITSU USA

Thanks again gang for all your support in making Grand Master Flavio's visit a great success. He truly enjoys sharing his life's work in Jiu-Jitsu with all of you. Thanks Professor Tom (CA) and Professor Paul (UT) for bringing your teams. Congratulations Chris Kennedy, Cameron Dansie and Riley Petersen on getting your Blue Belts. You guys earned them through... Hard work, Dedication and Time!!

Team Absolute Updates

Ben Garner wins the ABSOLUTE again at Champions Challenge, Chris Kennedy wins the intermediate division. Steve Sharp placed 4th in the Absolute, Brandon Ploehn placed 3rd in the Absolute and Chris Lewis placed 3rd in the beginner division. Congrats fellas.

the newest addition to the Absolute fight team, TJ Jones fought Sean Whalen in a welterweight bout and lost by ref stoppage due to strikes :44 seconds of Rd 1.

Grand Master Flavio Behring returns

Grand Master Flavio Behring returns to Utah. He will be teaching a 4 hr. seminar on Saturday June 13th from 10-2pm and a 3 hr. special class on Friday June 12th from 6-9 pm for everyone who pre-registers by May 31st.

Grand Master Flavio Behring began training Gracie Jiu Jitsu in 1947 at the hands of Helio Gracie and Joao Alberto Barreto. This year marks his 62nd anniversary of being on the Jiu Jitsu mat. His time in the Gracie Academy during the 1950's has been called "the golden era" of Jiu Jitsu. Many of today's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lineage can be traced back to these fine teachers and athletes of this time in Jiu Jitsu's modern history.

Part of Grand Master Flavio's new seminar series is the history of each technique in its relation to grappling while standing and its use in ground frighting. He is inspired to educate his students in the long and glorious history of Gracie Jiu Jitsu as he has seen its growth from infancy during the 1950's in the first Gracie Academy.

ABSOLUTE FIGHTERS at EFN 8

Congratulations guys. BIG thanks to everyone coming out and supporting our fighters and EFN. John Sharp displayed his courage and heart fighting to his last breathe against a very game Dave Foley. Steve Sharp again showing his cage experience against Idaho's Matt May.

John Sharp vs. Dave Foley. John Sharp wins TKO 2nd rd

Steve Sharp vs. Matt May. Steve Sharp wins RNC 1st rd

Picture courtesy of Miyo Strong

Master Flavio visits US ARMY Soldiers

Grand Master Flavio Behring continues to teach and educate US soldiers over seas at US Army Headquarters (Patch Barracks) in Stuttgart Germany. Thank you Grand Master Flavio for your dedication to the future of US Military forces.

Absolute Fighters at EFN 8

Absolute Fighters Steven "RAZOR" Sharp and John "SHARK" Sharp return to the cage May 1st at Horns Elite Fight night in Layton, Utah at the Davis Conference Center. Tickets are available at the gym so stop by and pick them up from us. Remember not to wait until the last minute because a percentage of the fighters ticket sales goes back to the fighters, so help support our team and Horns EFN.

Grand Master Flavio Behring featured...

8 page article Full color + DVD

the Cover

Masters magazine Summer 09 issue features an 8 page article written by Allan Schein and photographed by our own Miyo Strong on Grand Master Flavio Behring and his life in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Flavio shares his thoughts about Jiu-jitsu grand past and its bright future.