Tag Archives: Kevin Sears

mixed martial arts, MMA, MMA Pro League

Team Pennsylvania Defeats Team New Jersey in Inaugural MMA Pro League Fight Card at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

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Click HERE for Photos from Mike Dorsi/MMA Pro League

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 16, 2018) – The newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, launched Saturday as Team Pennsylvania led by head coach Daniel Gracie defeated Team New Jersey led by head coach Dan Miller by a score of 14 – 6 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and on FloCombat.com.

 

 

 

In the opening bout on FloCombat.com, Joseph Penafiel of Team Pennsylvania defeated Turpal Khamzayev of Team New Jersey by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), securing three points for Team Pennsylvania.

 

 

“Getting that first win for my team meant everything,” said Penafiel. “I wanted to set the tone for my team and let everyone know we’re here to bang. I knew (Khamzayev) was tough, but I’m way too much for him. Even when he tried to strike me I was able to stay comfortable. And in the grappling department I don’t think many people can mess with me.”

 

 

 

The second official team bout saw Cody Hier of Team Pennsylvania secure a TKO victory over Gabriel Ruiz of Team New Jersey 3:43 into round two and earning Team Pennsylvania five more points, expanding their lead 8 – 0.

 

 

 

“I finally feel like I’m hitting my rhythm in the cage,” said Hier. “I did everything that I could to help Team Pennsylvania get the win tonight. I could tell Ruiz was out and he was quitting. When I hit him with that first big ground and pound, I felt how well I tagged him. And then when he tried to go to his side that’s when I really got aggressive and finished him.”

 

 

 

In the third fight, Team New Jersey’s Claudio Ledesma won by unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-27) over Andre Bernardo of Team Pennsylvania, earning Team New Jersey their first three points and tightening the team contest 8 – 3.

 

 

 

“I was glad to do my part for my team,” said Ledesma. “I’m a little mad that I wasn’t able to stop him, though. I hit him with everything but the kitchen sink, but I just couldn’t finish him. After the second round, once I realized that I probably wasn’t going to finish (Bernardo), I knew my main goal was to just secure the win and that’s what I did.”

 

 

 

The fourth official contest of the night featured a unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27) victory by Zedekiah Montanez of Team Pennsylvania over Mike Pagano of Team New Jersey, capturing three more points for Team Pennsylvania and growing the lead 11 – 3.

 

 

 

“It felt great to get the win. I was just trying to listen to my coach and my teammates,” said Montanez. “I also had my son right there watching me tonight. He helps remind me what I do this for. But tonight, I was happy to get this experience under my belt and get the win for my team.”

 

 

 

In the evening’s fifth bout, Team Pennsylvania’s Rafael Celestino defeated Team New Jersey’s Emmanuel Walo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). With Celestino’s win, Team Pennsylvania collected three more points, widening the score 14 – 3, and officially securing Team Pennsylvania victory.

 

 

 

“I’m very happy with my win and to be able to help my team earn the victory tonight,” said Celestino. “Walo is a very tough opponent and he came to fight tonight, but I did enough to get the win and am happy with my performance.”

 

 

 

The sixth and final official contest showcased an exhilarating finale as Kevin Sears of Team New Jersey scored a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27) over Ahmed Samir of Team Pennsylvania, making the final team score 14 – 6 in favor of Team Pennsylvania.

 

 

 

“I went in there and fought for my team, but I was also fighting for my daughter and my family,” said Sears. “I’m doing this to make my daughter’s life better. She helps push me and drives me to fight. Samir had me shook in the first round, and then again in the second, but I just dug deep and did what I needed to get this win.”

 

 

 

“The way we won showed me a lot about my team,” said coach Gracie. “We won decisively and showed the type of performance that I’ve come to expect from my guys.

 

 

 

“MMA needs innovation and something new to excite the fans and help bring the masses to our sport,” added Gracie. “I think MMA Pro League and this team concept is exactly what will help bring that added attention and take this sport to the next level.”

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

To access live and on-demand coverage of all MMA Pro League action, visit FloCombat.com and become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber. Either subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the games on all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4.

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.MMAProLeague.com, follow the conversation on Twitter @MMAPro_League, @DanMiller185, @DanielGracie, @Hani_Darwish1 and @MarkTaffetMedia, on Instagram at Instagram.com/mmaproleague,Instagram.com/DanMiller185, Instagram.com/DanielGracie,Instagram.com/Hani_Darwish1 and Instagram.com/MarkTaffetMedia, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MMAProLeague.

 

mixed martial arts, MMA, MMA Pro League

MMA PRO LEAGUE MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Inaugural Event This Saturday, September 15 from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & Streaming Live on FloCombat.com
 
Head Coach Dan Miller Leads Team New Jersey Against
Head Coach Daniel Gracie & Team Pennsylvania
 
Click HERE for Photos from MMA Pro League

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 13, 2018) – As fight night approaches for the inaugural MMA Pro League event, fighters from head coach Dan Miller’s Team New Jersey and head coach Daniel Gracie’s Team Pennsylvania participated in media workouts Thursday at Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City.

The newest entity in MMA kicks off this Saturday, September 15 at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in bouts streaming live on FloCombat.com (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Tickets for the inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock” are available at Ticketmaster.com.

The full bout sheet is available HERE. Here is what the fighters in attendance and league executives had to say Thursday:

DAN MILLER, Head Coach of Team New Jersey

“It means a lot to be coach for Team New Jersey. It’s my home state and it’s a big event for it. I love the team concept and I’m proud to be in this position.

“We’re here representing the whole state. We’ve had the team training together and building camaraderie. It’s like a wrestling match style where each team is sending people out.

“Everybody looks good and healthy in training camp. I think we’re ready to go. All of these fights are going to be fantastic. These are matched very well and it should be a fun night. Team Pennsylvania better be ready, because our guys are.”

DANIEL GRACIE, Head Coach of Team Pennsylvania

“Everything in training has been perfect. I’ve been working with most of these guys for a long time already so we just kept up what we’ve been working on. With the team concept we have a lot more people to focus on instead of just one or two. We already had good chemistry though, so everything went smoothly.

“Our amateur guys turning pro are going to show that they belong in these fights. It’s time to grab the spotlight. Your first fight is the best opportunity to make an impression.

“I think that MMA needs something new that can draw people’s attention. This is a great chance to bring in the fans who don’t pay attention to MMA and give them a chance to get behind their local teams.”

HANI DARWISH, CEO of MMA Pro League

“Fans should expect something completely different than they’re used to. MMA has always been a team sport and I’m glad we’re going to be the ones to expose that to the world. These guys have always trained with a team, because you can’t train by yourself.

“We believe this is going to be the new era of MMA. We’re going to give cities and states all around the world the chance to really stand behind their own teams.

“There’s been a lot of hard work and strategic planning leading to this and it’s finally coming to fruition. It’s a vision that we implemented and once we got the right people we knew it was a theme we believed in so much that we decided to execute.”

MARK TAFFET, President of MMA Pro League

“We’re going to create a legacy in this sport that is going to last for generations to come. I had the privilege of launching HBO PPV 30 years ago and I saw a lot of history be made. Now I have the chance to do it again, along with my partner Hani Darwish.

“My first fight at HBO PPV was right here in Atlantic City for Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman. It’s very significant for me to be back here in Atlantic City at the brand new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to have a chance to create another chapter of great moments.

“One of the most important things to MMA Pro League is to have the right coaches leading the teams. Dan Miller and Daniel Gracie are both natural leaders, mentors, great former fighters and great teachers. They represent everything we want to represent with MMA Pro League.”

MARK KOLKER (NJ) vs. ZULKARNAIYN KAMCHYBEKOV (PA) – Middleweights

Kolker: “This is really exciting and I’m very thankful for the opportunity. We’re doing something different than anyone else is doing and I think it can be something special.

“I know that I have an opponent who can wrestle and who’s undefeated as an amateur. I feel like I have the tools to beat him. I can catch, slip and put him away with something early. Or if he wants to go the distance we can do that too. I predict I knock him out.”

Kamchybekov: “This is my first pro fight and I’m very happy to have the opportunity. I don’t know too much about my opponent but I will be prepared. I have worked very hard and I’m going to show my wrestling and striking to get this win.”

GABRIEL RUIZ (NJ) vs. CODY HIER (PA) – Featherweights

Ruiz: “It feels good to get back in the cage and feel the adrenaline. I’m hoping to give everyone a great fight.

“I know my opponent is a wrestler so he’s going to try to take me down. He’s not going to want to stand up with me, but I’m prepared for a lot of wrestling. I’m trying to knock him out and go eat a burger.”

Hier: “It’s amazing to be a part of this MMA Pro League venture. It’s such a great opportunity and I’m glad to be on the ground floor.

“My opponent has taken some time off but I know he’s going to be ready to fight. I’m not sleeping on him. This is going to be an action fight.”

CLAUDIO LEDESMA (NJ) vs. ANDRE BERNARDO (PA) – Bantamweights

Ledesma: “It’s awesome to be able to represent New Jersey. I’m so happy to have this opportunity. This has been a great experience so far.

“I don’t know too much about my opponent. I like to focus on what I do and make adjustments when I have to.”

Bernardo: “It’s been a hard road getting to where I am today and I’m grateful to be fighting for MMA Pro League.

“I’m facing a very experienced fighter. He has a black belt in jiu-jitsu and is a well-rounded fighter. He’s still going to have to get in
there and fight me. I know we’re going to go to the ground eventually and I plan to choke him out.”

MIKE PAGANO (NJ) vs. ZEDEKIAH MONTANEZ (PA) – Welterweights

Pagano: “I’m proud to be a part of this first MMA Pro League show. I’m excited to represent my state in the cage.

“My opponent seems very well composed. He likes to sit back and box before looking to throw. Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face, so I’m going to go out there and just fight.”

Montanez: “It feels really good to be in this position. Fighting professionally has been a dream of mine and now it’s here. I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment and I’m really excited.

“I know that I’m facing a wrestler who likes to put pressure on and come straight forward. We’re prepared for anything he throws at me and I will adapt to anything he throws at me. It’s going to be a war but I just have to go out there and be the best I can be.”

JUSTIN OSBORN (NJ) vs. ANDY JIMENEZ (PA) – Welterweights

Osborn: “I’m excited to go out there and do what I love to do. I can’t wait to get in that cage and stare across at a guy who’s ready to take my head off.

“I know I’m facing an undefeated amateur making his pro debut so I’m ready for anything. I’m ready for the whole nine yards. I’m predicting a finish.”

JOSEPH PINAFIEL (PA) vs. TURPAL KHAMZAYEV (NJ) – Bantamweights

Pinafiel: “It means everything to me to have this platform. This is an opportunity to build upon my career. I’ve had amazing treatment here. I’m going for it all on Saturday.

“I’m facing a tough guy in his own backyard. But I’m here to make a statement. I want to take him out and give everyone a good fight. I’m hoping he brings the best out of me. I am going to win. I’m ready to finish him any way possible.”

KEVIN SEARS (NJ) vs. AHMED SAMIR (PA) – Heavyweights

Sears: “This means a lot to me. I’ve fought in 10 leagues and this has been the best experience by far. MMA Pro League just cares about their fighters.

“Samir looks really tough and I know he has a lot of experience. Everyone is dangerous at this level and it only takes on punch to go to sleep. I’m going to go for the finish right from the start.”

# # #

To access live and on-demand coverage of all MMA Pro League action, visit FloCombat.com and become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber. Either subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the games on all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4.

For more information visit www.MMAProLeague.com, follow the conversation on Twitter @MMAPro_League, @DanMiller185, @DanielGracie, @Hani_Darwish1 and @MarkTaffetMedia, on Instagram at Instagram.com/mmaproleague, Instagram.com/DanMiller185, Instagram.com/DanielGracie, Instagram.com/Hani_Darwish1 and Instagram.com/MarkTaffetMedia, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MMAProLeague.

mixed martial arts, MMA, MMA Pro League

Full Lineup Set for MMA Pro League Inaugural Event This Saturday, September 15 from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & Streaming Live on FloCombat.com

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Head Coach Dan Miller Leads Team New Jersey Against
Head Coach Daniel Gracie & Team Pennsylvania

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 11, 2018) – The newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, is just days away from their inaugural event with an exciting lineup of fights that pits fighters from Team New Jersey, which is led by head coach Dan Miller of the Miller Brothers, against Team Pennsylvania and their head coach, Daniel Gracie of the renowned Gracie family.

 

 

 

The fighters square-off this Saturday, September 15 at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in bouts streaming live on FloCombat.com (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Tickets for the inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock” are available at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

The MMA Pro League event will see Claudio Ledesma taking on Andre Bernardo in a bantamweight fight, Gabriel Ruiz in a featherweight clash against Cody Hier and a light heavyweight contest that pits Emmanuel Walo against Rafael Celestino.

 

 

 

Featherweight action will feature Mike Pagano in a bout against Zedekiah Montanez, plus Kevin Sears takes on Ahmed Samir in a heavyweight attraction and a bantamweight affair that sees Turpal Khamzayev battle Joseph Penafiel.

 

 

 

Rounding out the exciting inaugural night of MMA Pro League fights are Mark Kolker facing Zulkarnaiyn Kamchybekov in a middleweight fight, a lightweight showdown between Shan Cella and Francisco Muniz and a welterweight matchup between Justin Osborn and Andy Jimenez.

 

 

 

Ledesma is a native of West Orange, NJ and currently holds a 14-7 record as a professional fighter. Bernardo is originally from Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil and has a professional record of 8-4.

 

 

 

Ruiz fights out of Woodland Park, NJ with an 0-1 record as a professional fighter and an amateur record of 5-2-1 in the flyweight division. Hier is originally from Daison, MI. He later moved to Philadelphia to train at Gracie Gym. Hier has a record of 1-1 as a professional fighter in the bantamweight division.

 

 

 

Walo was born in Cleveland, OH and spent the first few years of his life there before moving to Liberia at a very young age. Walo eventually returned to the U.S. to join the United States National Guard and was stationed as a guard in an Iraqi prison. While in Iraq, Walo was exposed to mixed martial arts and quickly fell in love with the sport. When Walo returned home, he began training and made his professional debut in December 2010. He has accumulated a professional record of 12-2-1. Celestino is from Brasilia, Brazil and has a 5-2 record as a professional fighter in the Middleweight division.

 

 

 

Pagano, a United States military veteran, is originally from Fayetteville, NC. He later moved to New Jersey to train with Dan Miller’s Miller Brothers MMA. Pagano is also a trainer at the gym and serves as the head instructor for the gym’s Little Spartans youth martial arts and anti-bullying program. He is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with an 0-1 record as a professional fighter. Montanez is a mixed martial arts fighter based in Pennsylvania. He has a 3-2 record in the featherweight division.

 

 

 

Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sears is an eleven-fight MMA veteran who owns seven wins after a strong amateur career. Representing his native Egypt, Samir won his only professional MMA fight by knockout and owns an 11-1 record as a professional boxer.

 

 

 

Bantamweight brawler Khamzayev was born in New Jersey and turned professional in May of this year when he lost his debut. He takes on Orlando’sPenafiel, who won a decision in his professional debut in April.

 

 

 

Kolker will represent New Jersey, but was born and raised in Alabama. He made his professional MMA debut in June 2017 with a decision victory. After amassing an amateur record of 4-0, Kamchybekov will make his his professional MMA debut on Saturday night.

 

 

 

A 23-year-old from New Jersey, Cella will return to action for his second professional MMA fight. Muniz is originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico. His preferred discipline is Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Muniz has fought five times in his native Puerto Rico, attaining a record of 4-1.

 

 

 

Osborn is originally from Tennessee before representing New Jersey. He emerged victorious in his professional debut in August. Fighting out of New York, Jimenez was 3-0 in amateur MMA bouts and will fight for the first time professionally on Saturday’s card.

 

# # #

 

 

 

To access live and on-demand coverage of all MMA Pro League action, visit FloCombat.com and become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber. Either subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the games on all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.MMAProLeague.com, follow the conversation on Twitter @MMAPro_League, @DanMiller185, @DanielGracie, @Hani_Darwish1 and @MarkTaffetMedia, on Instagram at Instagram.com/mmaproleague,Instagram.com/DanMiller185, Instagram.com/DanielGracie,Instagram.com/Hani_Darwish1 and Instagram.com/MarkTaffetMedia, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MMAProLeague.

 

mixed martial arts, MMA, MMA Pro League, MMAPRO

  GET TO KNOW MMA PRO LEAGUE’S TEAM NEW JERSEY

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Head Coach Dan Miller’s Team New Jersey Battles
Team Pennsylvania in MMA Pro League Inaugural Event
Saturday, September 15 From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & Streaming on FloCombat.com
 
Team New Jersey Talks Motivation, Fighting Style & More!

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 5, 2018) – As the inaugural fight night approaches for the newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, get to know the fighters for head coach Dan Miller’s Team New Jersey before they battle Team Pennsylvania Saturday, September 15 from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and streaming live on FloCombat.com.

 

 

 

Tickets for the inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock” on Saturday, September 15, featuring Team New Jersey vs. Team Pennsylvania, are available at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Here is what Dan Miller’s Team New Jersey fighters had to say as they prepare to take on head coach Daniel Gracie’s Team Pennsylvania:

 

 

 

CLAUDIO LEDESMA

Weight Class: Flyweight

Hometown: West Orange, NJ

 

 

 

Why do you fight?

“I fight because I love the sport and I feel I was gifted the ability to do it competitively. So I can’t let it go to waste.”

 

 

 

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“My favorite fighter is actually a blend of Frankie Edgar and Marlon Moraes. I look up to both of them as fighters and try to put a little piece of each of them in my game.”

 

 

 

What is your fighting background and style?

“I’m a jiu jitsu black belt. Jiu jitsu is what got my foot in the door but now I’m a complete fighter and don’t really favor any single style.”

 

 

 

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“I love New Jersey. I was born and bred here. MMA Pro League allows me to represent my state!”

 

 

 

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“It’s the diversity. Jersey is a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds. I believe this state breeds the toughest guys around.”

 

 

 

TURPAL KHAMZAYEV

Weight Class: 130-pound Catchweight

Hometown: Clifton, NJ

 

 

 

Why do you fight?

“I fight because it’s in my blood. I was born to fight and that’s what I do best.”

 

 

 

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“Growing up as a kid I used to watch boxing, and some of the boxers I really enjoyed watching were Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Prince Naseem Hamed. I also steal a little bit of everyone’s styles from different contact sports, because you can’t be a one-dimensional fighter in modern MMA.”

 

 

 

What is your fighting background and style?

“My fighting background is pretty much all aspects of contact sports. I’ve earned a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, I have multiple grappling titles, multiple kickboxing/Muay Thai titles and three amateur MMA titles in two different promotions and in two different weight classes.”

 

 

 

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“MMA Pro League is the right fit for me because they are doing something new. It’s something that has not been done before, having two states compete against each other to see who wins. It is also a little different from other promotions because in other promotions you just go and fight for yourself, but in MMA Pro League you have a whole state behind you, and all the pressure is on you because you don’t want to let your team down.”

 

 

 

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“My favorite thing about New Jersey is that we always bring the heat in any competition against anyone.”

 

 

 

KEVIN SEARS

Weight Class: Heavyweight

Hometown: Newark, NJ

 

 

 

Why do you fight?

There’s a lot of different reasons why I fight. The first reason was because I was a fan. I love the sport and entertainment, but the real reason why I fight is for my daughter and to show her you can chase your dreams and be great at something you’re passionate about.

 

 

 

I visited the UFC Expo at the first one they had in Las Vegas. It was a totally life-changing experience. I was just a fan of UFC and MMA, but when I went down there I knew that I was destined to be a fighter, gladiator and a badass.”

 

 

 

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“My favorite fighter more recently was Kimbo Slice, may he rest in peace. I did have a favorite fighter growing up, and yes, it was the one and only Georges St-Pierre. If it wasn’t ‘GSP’ then it was Tito Ortiz, just some all-around badass dudes.

 

 

 

Nowadays I really don’t follow fighting, but if I had to say my favorite active fighter fighting now, it’s definitely Jose Aldo. I’m an old school UFC guy from back in the day. Now I just see competition.”

 

 

 

What is your fighting background and style?

“My fighting style is just brawl and cause damage in there. I really don’t have a style. I go in there and try to get the job done even if it’s sloppy. You could say I’m emulating Kimbo combined with a wrestler.”

 

 

 

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“MMA Pro League is for me because it’s my next challenge and I can’t wait.”

 

 

 

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

My favorite thing about New Jersey is my Aunt Denise, my grandma and my cousin Jazz. They lived in Newark most of their lives. Those are my people.”

 

 

 

MARK KOLKER

Weight Class: Welterweight

Hometown: Mobile, AL

 

 

 

Why do you fight?

“I like to fight because fighting is one of the few things in life I’m truly passionate about and gives me purpose. Also fighting provides the opportunity for a better life.”

 

 

 

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“I don’t really emulate any one fighter. I try to pick up as much as I can from different fighters and coaches and mix them into my game.”

 

 

 

What is your fighting background and style?

“I am a mixed martial artist and have been fighting as an amateur and professional for four years now.”

 

 

 

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“I am excited to fight for MMA Pro League because it is a well-run organization, and the opportunity to fight on their first show in Atlantic City seems like a great opportunity.”

 

 

 

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“I am not from New Jersey although I train there. I am representing Mobile, Alabama. My favorite thing about Mobile is that on the coast we are a family, and we are eager to show the talent we have on the Gulf Coast.”

 

 

 

SHAN CELIA

Weight Class: Featherweight

Hometown: Wayne, NJ

 

 

 

Why do you fight?

“I fight for many reasons. I have a lot of passion for this sport and am looking to become the best.”

 

 

 

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“My favorite fighter other than myself would have to be Muhammad Ali because of the impact he had around the world. I wish to do the same one day, in my own way. I watch many fighters and am always studying combat, taking techniques from all the greats in all combat sports.”

 

 

 

What is your fighting background and style?

“I started in full on MMA, not one specific background.”

 

 

 

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“MMA Pro League is the right fit for me because they are professionals and take it seriously just like me.”

 

 

 

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“My favorite thing about New Jersey is most people from here are blue collar, hard-working people, and it pushes me to chase my dreams.”

 

 

 

FRANCISCO MUNIZ

Weight Class: 140-pound Catchweight

Hometown: Caguas, Puerto Rico

 

 

 

Why do you fight?

“Because I have a huge chip on my shoulder.”

 

 

 

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“I don’t have a favorite fighter, I just try to be me.”

 

 

 

What is your fighting background and style?

“Brazilian jiu jitsu is my style.”

 

 

 

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“Because they’re giving me a shot that I’m worthy of.”

 

 

 

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“It’s close to so many great things, like New York.”

 

 

 

GABRIEL RUIZ

Weight Class: Bantamweight

Hometown: Woodland Park, NJ

 

 

 

Why do you fight?

“I fight because I love to compete and the rush of going out there to the cage and being the best man of the night.”

 

 

 

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“My favorite fighter is Rich Franklin. I kind of got my style from him. I just go out and fight and put my heart out there.”

 

 

 

What is your fighting background and style?

“I have an all-around background, but I love to stand up. I feel comfortable anywhere though.”

 

 

 

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“MMA Pro League is the right fit for me because we are taken care of and it has a lot of benefits that people are going to see both immediately and over time.”

 

 

 

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“My favorite thing in New Jersey is the people. We’re Jersey strong. Also, the food is great here.”

 

 

 

MIKE PAGANO

Weight Class: Featherweight

Hometown: Stanhope, NJ

 

 

 

Why do you fight?

“I fight because when I was growing up I was picked on and bullied a lot. I had to learn how to stand up for myself. Also, later on in my youth I had to take care of my father who was very sick with brain cancer, which took his life in 2008.

 

 

 

Seeing my father go through his daily battles and frustrations made me realize I could overcome anything in life. My father was and will always be my hero. He was one of the toughest, stubbornest, hardest workers I had the pleasure of knowing and had the pleasure of calling my dad. Each time I step into that cage I know he`s with me.”

 

 

 

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“My favorite fighter, or fighters if I could merge them together, would have to be Georges St-Pierre, Dominick Cruz, Mike Tyson and Buakaw Banchamek. As far as emulating their styles, each has something I like within their fighting styles or fighter I.Q., but for me I like to be my own fighter. I never want to be a paper cut out version of someone else. That`s the beautiful thing about MMA, all these different styles can mesh into one and you can create your style how you want.”

 

 

 

What is your fighting background and style?

“I`m a wrestler, boxer and black belt in jiu jitsu under Sean “Shorty Rock” Santella.”

 

 

 

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“I feel MMA Pro League is the right fit for me because they are starting their own chapter in MMA and I love being a part of it! I like the concept as far as team versus team and the way you can collect points for your team by either KO/TKO, Submission, or Decision. It definitely makes a fighter want to push harder for that big win!”

 

 

 

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“The Pizza!”

 

 

 

JUSTIN OSBORN

Weight Class: Lightweight

Hometown: Mobile, AL

 

 

 

Why do you fight?

“It’s what I love to do. This is what comes naturally to me. I was born to fight, plain and simple.”

 

 

 

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“I’m trying to emulate the best Justin Osborn possible.”

 

 

 

What is your fighting background and style?

“Wrestling is my style.”

 

 

 

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“They are giving me a cage to fight in and an opponent to fight. I’m here to fight my heart out and they are giving me a platform to do so.”

 

 

 

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“I’ve never been on the East Coast before, so I’m looking forward to experiencing it.”

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

To access live and on-demand coverage of all MMA Pro League action, visit FloCombat.com and become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber. Either subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the games on all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.MMAProLeague.com, follow the conversation on Twitter @MMAPro_League, @DanMiller185, @DanielGracie, @Hani_Darwish1 and @MarkTaffetMedia, on Instagram at Instagram.com/mmaproleague,Instagram.com/DanMiller185, Instagram.com/DanielGracie,Instagram.com/Hani_Darwish1 and Instagram.com/MarkTaffetMedia, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MMAProLeague.

 

mixed martial arts, MMA, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING KICKS OFF “WHO’S THE TOUGHEST?” WITH FOUR MILITARY VETERANS DOING BATTLE IN LOVELAND, COLORADO ON SATURDAY, NOV. 12

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Plus: Kevin Sears replaces injured Josh Copeland against Smealinho Rama in heavyweight action

Tickets for WSOF34 on sale now

 

LAS VEGAS (October 10, 2016) – World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) announced that it has tabbed four military veterans for action in three different bouts, including one that will air on its live NBCSN telecast (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT), to kick off it’s “Who’s The Toughest?” program at WSOF34: Foster vs. Shields, at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colo. on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The league also announced that Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-4) has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled heavyweight matchup with former world champion Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (9-2) due to a knee injury.  Rama will now face Kevin Sears (4-2).

“We are extremely excited to launch the ‘Who’s The Toughest?’ program with a group of four professional fighters that have served our country valiantly, and who have since been looking for a potentially career-changing opportunity to compete on a major stage,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

World Series of Fighting announced in May that it would be launching “Who’s The Toughest?” in order to provide military veterans who are active or aspiring MMA fighters, with the opportunity to compete under its promotion.

Leading off the live NBCSN telecast of WSOF34, Shane Kruchten (11-4) and Jeremy Mahon (5-4) – both U.S. Marine Corps veterans – will do battle in a 150-pound catchweight contest.

In a light heavyweight (205 pounds) matchup that will headline the WSOF34 preliminary bout card, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Brandon Collins (3-2) will collide with Chris Morgan (0-0), who will make his professional debut.

The fourth veteran, former U.S. Army ranger Nicoli Navarro (3-1), will square off with unbeaten upstart Alan Gutierrez (2-0) at lightweight (155 pounds).

Shane Kruchten vs. Jeremy Mahon

The 6-foot-1, 32-year-old Kruchten of San Diego, Calif. saw action in the Iraq War in 2003 and 2004, and was subsequently awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and a Combat Action Ribbon for his efforts in battle before retiring from the military with the rank of Lance Corporal.

Since turning professional in 2007, Kruchten has donated a portion of each of his fight purses to the Mighty Oaks Warrior Foundation, a California-based retreat for veterans run by fellow U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former World Series of Fighting competitor Chad Robichaux.

Kruchten’s start will bring an end to a two-and-a-half-year hiatus that he took following a loss to Mike Corey by way of second round (2:59) submission (rear-naked choke) in what was Kruchten’s World Series of Fighting debut.  Prior to the defeat, Kruchten had reeled off 11 consecutive victories, 6 via submission and 3 via (T)KO.

The 5-foot-10, 37-year-old Mahon of Houston, Texas was deployed to Iraq during the initial invasion of the country in 2003, and later served as a security contractor in Fallujah, working to procure the safety of civilians there.

Before retiring as a Sergeant, Mahon earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as a Presidential Unit Citation.  He runs a non-profit organization, DAWG Foundation, which trains dogs and offers them to veterans in need of everyday assistance.

Mahon is looking to notch his third straight victory following a second round (4:22) TKO (punches) of Davis Sylvester at Bellator 149 on February 19.

Brandon Collins vs. Chris Morgan

The 6-foot-1, 32-year-old Collins of Houston, Texas was also a recipient of a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during his eight-year stint (2004-2012) with the Marine Corps that saw him tour Afghanistan where he was a special operations officer and his unit’s martial arts instructor.

Collins was a member of his North Carolina base’s boxing team and, after relocating to California, he quickly transitioned to MMA.

Morgan, a 6-foot-3, 28-year-old resident of Denver, Colo. will make his first professional start after a three-year amateur career that saw him compile an overall record of 5-2.  All 5 of his victories came inside the first round of action via (T)KO or submission.

Nicholi Navarro vs. Alan Gutierrez

The 6-foot, 30-year-old Navarro of Denver served in the Army’s 75th Ranger Regimen, a special operations unit, between 2004 and 2008, eventually reaching the rank of Corporal.

During his four-year tenure in the military, Navarro earned a Combat Infantry Badge, an Expert Infantry Badge and a Parachutist Badge.

Navarro is a student of retired, former Muay Thai world champion and UFC star Duane “Bang” Ludwig.  All three of Navarro’s professional victories to date have come by way of (T)KO or submission.

While not a veteran, the 5-foot-11, 23-year-old Gutierrez of Skagit Valley, Wash. was born into and raised by a family of Marines, with his father, mother and brother all having served.  Gutierrez dedicates each of his fights to his recently deceased brother.

Gutierrez made quick work of each of his first two professional opponents, to date, submitting Ryan Schecterson with a brabo choke in the first round (2:00) of action in Gutierrez’s professional debut on May 9, 2015, and scoring a first round (1:11) KO (punches) on Taylor Roberts on February 27.

Priced from $20, tickets for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” are on sale at the Budweiser Events Center box office, BudweiserEventsCenter.com, and by phone at 1-877-544-TIXX.

In the main event of WSOF34, reigning world welterweight (170 pounds) champion Jon Fitch (28-7-1, 1 NC) will collide with number one contender and fellow decorated superstar Jake Shields (31-8-1).

In the welterweight co-main event, Paul Bradley (23-6), will make his promotional debut for World Series of Fighting and take on former top 10 world-ranked Yushin “Thunder” Okami (32-10).

Additional matchups for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” will be announced soon.