“We’re honored to once again be working with Rose Gracie from the legendary Gracie family on hosting The Gracie Worlds,” said TheFitExpo Executive Director, Erin Ferries. “We’re thrilled to have such an important event at our debut San Jose Expo. We love the synergy they create for competitors and attendees alike.”

Rose Gracie made significant changes to the rules of both adult and child competitions at the Gracie US Nationals in January 2012 as her desire is to bring back the original Jiu-Jitsu that her grandfather, Grandmaster Helio Gracie, envisioned from the beginning. “These changes were much needed in the sport and they were received with praise by the Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling community worldwide,” said Gracie. “I cant wait until San Jose, and I am excited that we will have some of my family members including my brother Ryron and my cousin Kron competing this year. “

“My events are setting the new standard of what competitions should be like,” Rose Gracie continued. “I am persistent enough to know that I will change Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling forever. I feel like I owe it to these folks that get on the mat every day to celebrate such an amazing art.”

Gracie will once again work with the TheFitExpo to create the ideal environment and venue for a top-notch competition. TheFitExpo is bringing industry leaders together for a weekend of Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, fitness challenges and much more.

Registration for adults and kids to compete in The Gracie Worlds ends on July 10, 2012. More information can be found at gracietournaments.com.

TheFitExpo adult tickets, which include admittance to all the competitions including The Gracie Worlds, are $20 per day or $30 for the full weekend. Children 12 years and under are $10 per day and children 6 and under are free. Show hours are Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Plenty of parking is available.

For more information on TheFitExpo ticketing, exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, call (818) 545-0290 or visit www.thefitexpo.com.

Event is produced by National Fitness Productions, presented by Bodybuilding.com and sponsored by Subway Restaurants, GNC, MET-Rx, Gaspari Nutrition, Pure Protein, Body Fortress, Muscle Milk, Iron Man Magazine, MMA Worldwide, Ironmind, Sherdog and Hit What’s Hot.

# # #

PR Contact: Monica Gillen, cell – (714) 271-4081 e-mail – mcatg@earthlink.net

Jessica Prado fighting out of Laredo, TX and representing LAREDO MMA will be making her Mixed Martial Arts debut on May 19th in San Antonio, TX. This will be for Premiere Combat Group amateur Mixed Martial Arts promotion. Let’s get started!

Guy: How did you first get introduced to Mixed Martial Arts?

Prado: I got introduced about 2yrs ago by a fellow teammate.

Guy: Since that day, was fighting/competing in Mixed Martial Arts ever an option?

Prado: Yes, Ive always looked forward to fighting. Especially that I’m the only girl training in my team, n seeing the guys compete .. i would tell myself  ” I want sum of that ” . LoL

Guy:Being a parent yourself, how safe is the sport of Mixed Martial Arts?

Prado: Being a parent of two girls gets me thinking about there safety as far as the sport goes, but with the proper coaches and techniques. It really is as safe as you allow it to be. And especially them being girls, a great way of self defense.

Guy: You have been involved in sports growing up, how does training in Mixed Martial Arts compare to anything else you’ve trained in?

Prado: Yes, I have always been an athlete in different sports, and Mix Martial Arts relates mainly the conditioning and strength.

Guy: Working a 9-5 job , do your co workers know about you making a debut in MMA come May 19th, how did they react when they first heard?

Prado: Yes My Co-Workers are aware of my Debut in May 19 and I’m looking forward to having there support that night . I have to admit they were excited that i was finally getting this opportunity.

Guy: How often do you train, has this picked up since agreeing to fight?

Prado: I Have My two a days.. wake up at 5am for my cardio/conditioning and later after work head to the gym around 4pm for my afternoon training, starts off with my cardio and them for sum hard work w the guys. yes it has picked up, with the am training and my early cardio before classes start and then in the evening to finish it off with more cardio.

Guy: Do you know anything about your opponent, how will you deal with nerves once stepping inside the Cage?

Prado: I hate to say that no i don’t know anything bout my opponent except her name. and well nerves come and go, but once stepping into that cage i plan to give her war

Guy:  Walk out music, what are you thinking and why?

Prado: My walk out song is Itty Bitty by Ms. Nikki Minaj and well its self explanatory

Guy: You have a great team at LAREDO MMA , How much support are you getting from the team?

Prado: Yes I sure do Have a Great Team With Laredo MMA, and well i am proud to say i get there 110% support .

Guy: What style of fighting do you like and is there any fighters you look up to?

Prado: The only fighter style i look up to is my very own Coach Sonny “El Loco”  Luque Trad,  with a great stand up.

Guy: Thank you Jessica Prado for your time, best of luck to you come May 19th,any last comments?

Prado: Thank you TexasFighting.com for the interview, would like to thank my friends and Team mates,see you all come May 19th.

Bout 1: Daniel Ownes /1-2/ ALIVE MMA -vs- James Lenten / 0-1/Victoria MMA  (185lbs)

Bout 2: Max Trevino /0-0 / LAREDO MMA -vs- Pablo Ramos /0-0/ XTREME MMA  (205lbs)

Bout 3: Brent Edlemen /0-0/ Marra Senki -vs-  Steven Trevino /1-1/ Rodrigo Pinheiro  (170lbs

Bout: 4 Chris Jackson /1-0/ South Austin Gym -vs- Kevin Troyer /1-0/ Vandry BJJ  (145lbs)

Bout 5: Aaron Gomez /1-2 / Weapons at Hand -vs- Alfredo Vargas /1-0 / Texas Fighting Syndicate (125lbs)

Bout 6: Eric Hallier /0-0 / Marra Senki -vs- Tommy Guerrero /1-0/ PARAGON BJJ  (155lbs)

Bout 7:Josh Lazarte  /2-1 / Weapons at Hand -vs- Phillip Gomez  /2-3 / BRUTAL MMA  (135lbs)

Bout 8: Luis de los Santos /Submission Concepts /0-0/ -vs- Tyler Keen /2-0/ New Braunfels Brawlers (145lbs)

Bout 9 (MAIN EVENT)

Jessica Prado LAREDO MMA / 0-0 / -vs- Katherine Roy /0-0 / WARRIORS EDGE (125lbs)

sPidA: Tell us what gym you train out of and what all can one expect from training there?

Brooks: I train out of Austin Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu.  Training here anyone can expect good tough training, man whether someone is there for competition, fitness or just to learn ,make them beasts in every aspect!

You will be fighting for a title going into Cage Quest, what were you expecting to get out of the show?

Brooks: To be honest I wasn’t really sure what to expect out of Cage Quest, I just wanted show people what we’ve got over here at Austin Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu and win a title! This whole thing has been an experience, that’s for sure!

sPidA: I’ve noticed personally a lot of fighters are shy and get nervous while doing interviews, had being on T.V made you nervous or is the fighting just that much distracting?

Brooks: Nah man I don’t think to much about the cameras, I always stay more focused on performing well and winning!

sPidA: I’ve noticed a lot of top level fighters going through the Austin Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu Academy, can you give us a few names of those that have stopped by there at one time or another?

Brooks: Yeah there have been some good guys come through the gym and train! A few of the pro guys we have there everyday are Tim Kennedy, Drew Pendelton, Adam Schindler, Jon Hester, Derek Campos and these guys are animals! Guys like Tom Lawler, Eves Edwards, Dustin Poirier, Bubba Jenkins and others have come in and out of town and we’ve had the pleasure of them coming in to train with us, it’s awesome, everyday is tough!

sPidA: With the level of guys training there, does this motivate you guys?

Brooks: Yeah training with these guys definitely keeps everyone motivated! It doesn’t matter who you are or how good you are someone will always one up you at something or dang near die trying. Everyone on our team is very supportive of one another, we are a tight knit family and push each other a lot. That makes it even easier to stay motivated, it’s awesome!

sPidA: How would you describe your style, do you try and emulate to anyone or would you say its your own?

Brooks: I’m a striker and a grappler pretty evenly, I would say it’s my own style for the most part. There are some guys in the gym that are always putting it on me when we train and I do try to pick up the things that they do to me, like Tim Kennedy, I try to learn and do a lot of the stuff he does!

sPidA: How were you guys approached about Cage Quest? Was this something you wanted to jump on immediately?

Brooks: We were approached by a couple of our teammates that have fought for Kickass in the past and then told us about it. I wanted in on it from the start, I knew it would be a good way to get Austin Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu’s name out there.

sPidA: The show has quite a bit of Central Texas Top Pro fighters coaching, having that experience, has it helped your game that much more?

Brooks: Yeah man they had a few Black Belt instructors come in and show us some cool stuff! I appreciate the effort all of those guys put in, no matter what anyone has told them!

sPidA: How has being on the show Cage Quest been treating you guys, have you noticed the publicity at all?(with the public?)

Brooks: Not so far man, the show airs on a San Antonio based network and I live in North Austin so no one around me directly gets to see it. Maybe the next time I go to San Antonio someone will recognize me, ha-ha, we’ll see!

sPidA: The finalist will be competing May 5th in New Braunfels , will you guys be going Pro right after or continue to get more experience?

Brooks: I won’t be going pro yet, I’m going to keep fighting amateur for now. There is a lot to be learned via experience and amateur competition is the place for a lot of that learning to take place. Plus I want to win a few titles first, not just in mma but in Muay Thai and Boxing too. After I have done that I will start thinking about what’s next for me.

sPidA: Its all business when you step inside the Cage but outside the cage, do you guys notice respect from others in the Mixed Martial Arts scene?

Brooks: Everyone that I have met is pretty respectful around the Mixed Martial Arts scene. I respect everyone unless given a reason not to, that seams like a pretty common outlook. Of coarse, there are always those people out there telling lies and trying to start trouble for whatever reason, not necessarily competitors but just people on the scene.

sPidA: Best MMA moment and worst?

Brooks: Winning is always the best moment! Worst would have to have been dislocating my elbow in training! Man that was no fun between rehab and being out of the gym for the whole healing process!

sPidA: Thank you for taking time for this,much appreciated, any last words bro?

Brooks: Thank you Spida for taking the time for this interview and for what you do for all the local Texas fighters and gyms and thank you to all of my trainers and teammates at Austin Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu!

Who: On JUNE 2ND 2012, Back Alley Promotions in association with Corona bring to you Xtreme Knockout 15 (XKO – Professional MMA Fights) and the top Pro MMA fighters in Texas. XKO will be filming in HD for their Xtreme Knockout television show. Back Alley Promotions has produced over 1,000 “live” events including a reality show featured on the Discovery Channel. THE GYM Combative Sports Training Facility (and location of XKO 15) is also the home of “TEAM TAKEDOWN” the Next Generation of Fighters including Johny Hendricks, Jake and Jared Rosholt, Chris Feist, Chas Skelly and Shane Roller!

What: Xtreme Knockout, Back Alley Promotions in association with Corona bring Pro Mixed Martial Arts fights to Arlington!

Pre-Fight Party from 6-8pm. Belltime 8pm.Pre-Fight party includes: Special appearance by UFC Hall of Famer Randy “The Natural” Couture, Team Takedown members and current UFC fighter Johny Hendricks! MMA & Sports Vendors including METROFLEX SPORTS, HOOTERS RING GIRLS, THE GIRLS ROOM, BORN 2 BANG CLOTHING, REDEMPTION CLOTHING, THE MARINES, THE ARMY, VIP CUSTOM MOUTH GUARDS, ULTRAVIOLENT FIGHT GEAR, WEIRDOZ CLOTHING, AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY, LONGHORN HARLEY, BLU ENERGY, GIRLS FROM THE CLUBHOUSE, THE IMPROV COMEDY CLUB AND MORE! 10 professional cage fights, meet and greet with fighters, celebrity guest appearances, Bikini contest, live music and DJ! Television Taping for the TV show “Xtreme Knockout”.

When: Xtreme Knockout 15 – Saturday JUNE 2ND 2012 Pre-Fight Party at 6pm, Fights Start at 8pm. Meet and Greet UFC Legend Randy “The Natural” Couture and current top UFC Welterweight Johny Hendricks and Team Takedown members! Official XKO Weigh – ins Friday June 1st at 3 pm at The Improv Comedy Club in The Arlington Highlands 309 Cutis Mathes Way Suite 147 817-635-5555 will host the Official XKO 15 Weigh-ins with The State of Texas – ALL MEDIA WELCOME, family, friends and guests welcome! Come out and support the TOP fighters in Texas and watch as the fighter’s face of for the first time before they step into the cage! (FREE- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – FREE)

Where: XKO 15 will take place at THE GYM COMBATIVE SPORTS ARENA 921 W. Mayfield Rd. Suite #112 Arlington, TX 76015

**Official After Party: Meet and Greet the fighters after the event, enjoy great food and drink specials and hang out with MMA Fans at Little O’s 4650 Little Rd Arlington TX 76017 817-561-0000
Tickets are available for purchase at THE GYM, Rustys Billiards and HYPERLINK “http://www.xtremeknockout.com” www.xtremeknockout.com – $30 for advanced general admission and $35 when purchased at the door. Ringside Reserved starts at $75, VIP tables start at $600 (limited tables) Purchase Ringside seats and get a private “meet and greet” with Couture and Hendricks on Friday June 1st! Visit HYPERLINK “http://www.thegym.org” www.thegym.org for more information. CORONA, MMA Merchandise and Concessions are available for purchase at the event!

XKO 15 OFFICIAL FIGHT CARD (Card Subject to Change)
205lbs UFC VETERAN JAKE ROSHOLT (12-3) Team Takedown fighter vs MATTHEW THOMPSON 6’5 (16-9) This is a highly anticipated matchup between Jake Rosholt a 3X Div. 1 Champion at OSU and 4 time All American with victories over some of the top fighters in MMA including UFC standout Chris Leben. He faces XKO newcomer and MMA standout the 6’5 Matthew Thompson. Thompson has faced some tough opponents including UFC Veteran Ben Rothwell and MMA standout Justin Wren. Both fighters are at the top of their game, this promises to bring fireworks!

185lbs CHRIS FEIST (3-0) Team Takedown Fighter vs JOSH STRAHAN (2-1) Chris Feist makes his return to the XKO cage with a perfect record and 2 of his victories in XKO. As Feist looks to become one of the top 170lbs fighters in XKO he must first face XKO newcomer Josh Strahan. Strahan’s two victories came with dominating ground and pound and finishing in TKO’s. Strahan’s training partner is undefeated fighter Jay Jay Sanchez who just KO’d his opponent at XKO 14 in less than a minute. With Feist’s wrestling background and Strahan’s striking and power this should be a very exciting match-up.

170lbs ROY SPOON (7-4) vs HAYWARD “The Hybrid” CHARLES (4-4 Metroflex MMA and Genesis) It’s hard to describe the excitement for this fight! Both Roy Spoon and Hayward Charles are some of the most well known fighters in the area with a reputation for dominating fights! Roy Spoon has never backed down from a fight in XKO and is considered to be one of the strongest fighters in the division. He steps into the cage against one of the top fighters in XKO – Hayward “The Hybrid” Charles! Hayward is coming off an impressive fight with Brad Cox and looks to get “Fight of the Night” honors. Known for his Jiu-Jitsu Hayward is arguably the best Jiu-Jitsu specialist in the company! A great match-up that will bring fireworks! “I don’t care who you put in front of me, I’ll fight them because I want to be at the top” – Hayward Charles

145lbs CHAS SKELLY (7-0) Team Takedown Fighter vs DJ FUENTES (9-7) Chas Skelly made his professional debut at XKO with an impressive submission win. Since then he has fought 6 more times which includes a win in Bellator most all victories by submission. This is Skelly’s first fight back in over a year and looks to move to 8-0. He will be taking on one of the top 145lb fighters from South Texas. DJ Fuentes is an impressive fighter both with his striking and takedown defense. Fuentes is the South Texas Fighting Champion at 145lbs and looks to make a statement at his first appearance in XKO! You can expect this fight to be an exciting match-up and could be fight of the night!

195lbs JACOB BRANNAN (2-0 ) vs JOSH FOSTER (5-3) Jacob Brannan made his pro-debut at XKO making an impact in the company and among other fighters. A Ft. Worth Police officer and Black Belt Brannan has a promising future in MMA. Jacob Brannan is a skilled striker looking to KO his opponent. His opponent is no stranger to MMA-Josh Foster! Josh is coming off a huge main event victory over the talented JJ Holmes. Foster is well known for his striking and never being knocked out or down in a fight. Both fighters have never lost in the square cage and on June 2nd one of these 2 top performers will have take their first loss in XKO, my guess is probably by Knockout. Look for a “Knockout of the Night” award winner in this match-up!

185lbs ZACK BOARD (0-1) vs DUSTIN ADAMS (0-1) American Revolution Corpus Christi. This will be a fast paced fight for the fight fan and a good matchup that will not disappoint. Zack Board is making his return to the cage after almost a two year layoff from the sport. Zack’s pro-debut was a fight to remember as he battled a dominating wrestler who had no quit in him. Zack is looking to stand and strike with someone so XKO matched him with XKO 12’s “Fight of the Night” recipient Dustin Adams. With training partners like top XKO fighter Chris Pecero, Dustin is comfortable keeping this fight on his feet! Both fighters were happy with this fight and will promise to put on a great show! Look for another “Fight of the Night” nominee!

155lbs ARMANDO “THE LATIN ASSASSIN” SERVIN (0-1) vs KEITH MINOR (4-3) There is so much we can say about the talent of these two fighters. Armando Servin became a key fighter in the 155lb division when he took Donnie Bell all the way to a decision in his pro debut. Armando is an exciting fighter that is strong and will go along way in the sport. He will face another fighter making his 2nd appearance in XKO – Keith Minor! Keith also fought Donnie at his first appearance in XKO losing by KO in the first round. Keith has overcome many things in his life including a tragic accident taking away his right hand. Both Keith and Armando didn’t hesitate when signing the contract for this fight. “I’m ready to do my part and put on an exciting fight and show” – Armando Servin

135lbs SIDNEY CAWDREY(Pro-debut Texas Fighting Syndicate) vs KLAYTON MAI (2-0 pro Octagon MMA) Training out of Texas Fighting Syndicate Sidney Cawdrey has the training partners and coaches to step up to anyone In the cage. After having 4 amateur fights Cawdrey is ready to make his pro-debut. He will be facing Octagon MMA’s Klayton Mai. Klayton’s first fight in XKO he took down highly skilled Casey Hudson by submitting him in the 3rd round! Klayton trains out of Octagon MMA who’s fight team is no stranger to XKO, competing in almost every event!

Mixed Martial Arts

01/14/12 Element Fighting Championship, Plano
01/28/12 Immortal Kombat Fighting, The Woodlands
02/18/12 Back Alley Promotions, Arlington
02/24/12 Legacy Promotions, Houston
03/02/12 STFC, McAllen
03/17/12 GKL Production Inc dba Fight Game Championships, Irving – CANCELED
03/23/12 Bellator Fighting Championship, Laredo
03/31/12 Worldwide MMA, El Paso
04/20/12 STFC, Victoria
04/28/12 Dominion Warrior, Plano
05/04/12 Ultimate Warrior Fighting, Corpus Christi
05/11/12 Legacy Promotions, Houston
05/26/12 Ultimate Warrior Fighting, Laredo
06/02/12 Back Alley Promotions, Arlington
06/09/12 Element Fighting Championship, Dallas
06/16/12 Immortal Kombat Fighting, Spring
06/30/12 Ultimate Warrior Fighting, Corpus Christi
06/30/12 24/7, Odessa
07/06/12 Triple A, Laredo
07/13/12 Legacy Promotions, Houston
07/28/12 Jesse Rodriguez, Ft. Worth
08/17/12 Legacy Promotions, Dallas
09/14/12 Legacy Promotions, Houston
11/16/12 Legacy Promotions, Houston
11/17/12 Element Fighting Championship, Plano

Amateur Mixed Martial Arts

01/06/12 Garcia Promotions, Humble
01/21/12 USACA, Houston
01/21/12 SPAMMA, Lubbock
01/28/12 PCG, San Antonio
02/10/12 USACA, Dallas – CANCELED
03/02/12 Garcia Promotions, Humble
03/02/12 TRCAA, Beaumont
03/10/12 PCG, San Antonio
03/31/12 24/7 Entertainment, Odessa
04/06/12 ABG, San Antonio
04/07/12 CDM, Houston
04/14/12 USACA, Houston
04/14/12 PAC, Ft. Worth
04/21/12 TAMI, Mesquite
04/28/12 ABG, Killeen
05/05/12 Kick Ass Productions, Seguin
05/18/12 TRCAA, Harlingen
05/19/12 PCG, San Antonio
05/25/12 Garcia Promotions, Humble

Boxing

01/07/12 Valley Promotions, McAllen
01/07/12 Black Gloves Promotions, Dallas
01/27/12 Showcase Promotions, Ft. Worth
01/27/12 Savarese Promotions, Texas City
01/28/12 Paulie Ayala Productions, Ft. Worth
02/04/12 Top Rank Boxing, San Antonio
02/11/12 Savarese Promotions, Houston
02/17/12 Sosa Promotions, The Woodlands
02/17/12 Goosen Tutor & Showcase Boxing, Arlington
02/18/12 Goosen Tutor, Corpus Christi
02/24/12 South Coast Promotions, Houston
03/01/12 United Renovations, Dallas
03/09/12 Triple A Promotions, Laredo
03/16/12 Boogie Promotions, Wichita Falls
03/17/12 Triple A Promotions, Robstown
03/17/12 Golden Boy Promotions and Marines Promotions, Pharr
03/22/12 Savarese Promotions, Houston
03/23/12 Marines Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions, Pharr
03/24/12 Golden Boy Promotions, Houston
03/24/12 Zefferino Promotions, San Antonio
03/30/12 South Coast Promotions, Aransas Pass
03/31/12 Top Rank and Jesse James Leija – Mike Battah Promotions, San Antonio
04/21/12 Paulie Ayala Promotions, Ft. Worth
04/28/12 Valley Promotions, Pharr
04/28/12 I Entertainment, Houston
04/28/12 Savarese Promotions, Galveston
05/03/12 TREC Fight Night, Dallas
05/04/12 Zefferino Promotions, El Paso
05/05/12 Jesse James Leija – Mike Battah Promotions, San Antonio
05/11/12 Triple A Promotions, Victoria
05/18/12 South Coast Promotions, Houston
05/19/12 Main Events, Pharr
06/16/12 Golden Boy Promotions and South Coast Promotions, Aransas Pass
06/30/12 Sosa Promotions, The Woodlands
07/14/12 Top Rank, San Antonio
09/15/12 Top Rank, San Antonio
09/29/12 Zef Entertainment, El Paso
courtesy of tdlr

MAIN EVENT 155LB TITLE FIGHT

CHASE HACKETT (4-1) FACTORY X VS ADAM SCHINDLER (10-3) AUSTIN MUAY THAI

CO MAIN EVENT 17OLBS

JOSH CAVAN (4-1) TEAM WILDMAN VS STEVEN SIMMONS (4-6) TOP NOTCH MMA

145LBS PRO

JOSH HUBER (7-3) EASTON BJJ vs BRIAN WOOD (3-3) SLEDGEHAMMER MMA

185LBS PRO

ADAM STROUP (1-0) FACTORY X VS TODD MEREDITH (1-1) FUSBOXE

265LBS PRO

GABE BEAUPURTHUY (7-7) ALTITUDE MMA vs ANTHONY ALIREZ (2-1) SLEDGE HAMMER MMA

145LBS PRO

VELLORE CABALLERO (6-4) EASTON BJJ VS JOHNNY TORRES (5-3) 303 TRAINING CENTER

165LBS PRO

MATT SIMMS (3-2) ZINGANO BJJ VS ALVINO MONTOYA (0-0) BATTLEGROUNDS MMA

150LBS PRO

JUSTIN HOUGHTON (4-1) GRUDGE TRAINING CENTER VS JEREMY MARTINEZ (4-6) ALAMOSA MMA

185LBS PRO

JOSH GOLDBERGBER (1-1) COLORADO BJJ/TEAM WILDMAN VS MICHAEL MATTHEWS (0-0) FREEDOM FIGHTERS

———————————————————————————————

115LBS AMATUER KICKBOXING TITLE FIGHT

LAUREN SUGIHARA (5-0) MUAY THAI OF COLORADO/3D MARTIAL ARTS VS CRYSTAL PARRISH (3-3) 8 POINTS MUAY THAI

145LBS AMATEUR TITLE FIGHT

J KEVEN HERNANDEZ (4-0) ZINGANO BJJ VS DOMINIC GARKO (5-2) FREEDOM FIGHTERS

125LBS AMATEUR

NICK DEFOIRE (2-0) TEAM WILDMAN VS GABE FLORES (1-1) SLEDGE HAMMER MMA

CAGE COMBAT 9
Friday May 25, 2012
PENDING TDLR APPROVAL

1. Alex Martinez (Silverback) VS. Martin Garcia (GB Texas) – 125
2. Sijin Kurian (SLMMA) VS. Hugo Delafuente (Bushi Ban) – 125
3. Victor Lomax (Ground Dwellers) VS. Chris Rivera (ACS) – 125
4. Hector Cortina (RSKA/Silverback) VS. Alex Chang (4oz) – 135
5. Raul Rodriguez (SLMMA) VS. Brandon Gauthier (Tooke/Pitre MMA)- 145
6. Martin Walker (ATT Beaumont) VS. John Rodriguez (Silverback) – 145
7. Mike Eaglin (Elite MMA) VS. Bryant Holt (4oz) – 185
8. Tony Stolfa (ATT Beaumont) VS. Edgar Juarez (Paradigm) – 145
9. Alex Fernandez (Silverback) VS. Luis Santiago (ACS) – 135
10. Gregory Diaz (ATT Beaumont) VS Leville Simpson (Twin Wolves) – 155
11. TBA VS. Lucas Aguirre (Tooke/Pitre MMA) – 160
12. Kody Williams (GB Woodlands) VS. Yan Digalov (Paradigm) – 145
13. Josh Cooper (ATT Beaumont) VS. Mike Dunn (4oz) – 135
14. Ramiro Cortina (RSKA/Silverback) VS. Randy McCullough (Windy MMA) – 135
15. Ryan Sheehan (GB Champions) VS. Chas Liberty (Paradigm) – 170
16. Tony Orozco Jr. (Silverback) VS. Cesar Del Angel (KO Club) – 135
17. Tyler Flores (GB Woodlands) VS. Joe Whichard (Kingwood MMA) – 170
18. Tina Gomez (SBA) VS. Kristy Kester (Windy MMA) – 125
19. Kolton Englund (RSKA/Silverback) VS. Jason Friedman (Paradigm) – 155
20. Ryan Hollis (Hard Head Hitters) VS. James Deherrera (Windy MMA) – 125 TITLE
21. Robert Butler (SFS MMA) VS. Aaron Croon (Tooke/Pitre MMA) – 145 Title
22. Ryan Spann (ATT Beaumont) VS. Charles Lloyd (GB Woodlands) – 170 Title

Danny Flick , Josh Rios , Polo Sanchez and Tommy"GUNN"Guerro

sPidA: Your coming off a great win on your MMA debut, was a submission your game plan or were you just prepared where ever it went?

Guerrero:For my debut i was ready for anything, i just wanted to make the fight entertaining for the fans and for everyone that came out to support me. This was my debut, i had been waiting for this moment for years so i didnt want to lose my first fight. When i got to the venue i was thinking i would be neverous walking to the cage but i was mentally and physically prepared, i was not nervous at all and i was very calm during my fight. It was just the right time to do work.

sPidA: You representing a great fight team, what guys do you have out there pushing you to reach your limits?

Guerrero: Man Full Contact Fight Academy is full of talent. We have guys like Hector Munoz, Roger Narvaez,Cory Bellino,and Josh Rios to name a few. These guys push me to the limit and they do not take it easy on me lol, at the same time they help alot. I am greatful to be part of such a great team and although the Flick brothers are not in town anymore , they too helped me so much. My jiu jitsu coach Aurelio Gallegos also has alot to do with us being well versed in the ground game.

sPidA : Has competing in MMA been in the works or was seeing your training partners compete just motivate you to do so?

Guerrero: To be honest i have been training MMA since 2007 and i was supposed to make my debut a few years back but things just kept on happening, then in 2009 i herniated 2 discs and that just set me back even further. I was so depressed that i couldnt train or do anything but be in pain. My doctor told me that i was never going to train or be the same again and i was determined to prove him and everyone else that said i wouldnt train again wrong. So i did alot of research and found a book online from a Dr. who specailized in spinal injuries. I bought that and followed his directions and i also found a local chiropracter who had a drx – 9000 (spinal decompression machine) and nearly a year later i was back at it.

sPidA: You’ve been to Cowboys Dance Hall before making your debut, what are your thoughts on the place, enjoy yourself there as a fan?

Guerrero: Cowboys Dance Hall is a great place for MMA! So many fans come out to not only support their local mma fighter but the sport of mma and that is awsome.They also advertise pretty well, facebook, the radio etc. so they are pretty popular.  As a fan of MMA myself I enjoy watching the fights, Jen does a awsome job of match making and that makes for some exciting fights.

spidA: I know your Team trains in all aspects of the fight game, is there one your better at(strking/grappling) are you still improving both?

Guerrero: I am still improving on both. I love the stand up game and my jiu jitsu is good. our jiu jitsu program run by Aurelio Gallegos is one of the best in Texas. We have 3 BJJ Black Belts in one place and so many technical jiu jitsu guys so our ground game is no joke. Our stand up is second to non, Hector Munoz has very technical kickboxing and im eager to get to the level he is at. I just need to let my hands go on this next fight and thats what we are working on. My hands are good, i have been boxing since 2001 but soon enough i will show what my hands are like, and with kicks being involved its just even better because i love to throw combos that end with kicks.

sPidA:  With promotions like M1 Global,BELLATOR and the UFC are you setting your goals to reach these promtotions?

Guerrero: I would love to fight for anyone of those promotions. Bellator puts on some awsome fights and the possibility of fighting for them is more realistic since they travel alot and have come to our area a few times. Id also like to fight in Japan, But of course the UFC is the main one. Im far from it but i will do my best to get there.

sPidA: What was the first live MMA bout you had seen, do you remember your thoughts on watching it live?

Guerrero: My first live event was one of the Renegade Extreme Fighting fights back in the day. A family friend from my home town of Alice, Texas would fight and i got to go with him and I got to be back stage. I also had my seconds license at 17 so being around the fighters and guys like Rocky Long and Carlo Prater who were very friendly got me hooked! Just to see the fighters before their fight, during and after was just like wow, these guys just put it all out there, i couldnt wait to get my turn. Oh and i got to meet my favortie fighter Yves Edwards at one of the Renegade Events in Houston that was a great night lol

sPidA: When not training, whats a chill day for you? (unwind,TV, Flying a kite ,<~kidding)

Guerrero: I am a huge History buff so i like to read up on history when ever i can. I also work in the I.T field so dealing with new technology is common so i like to read up and learn about how things work and how i can become a better I. T Professional. I also like to watch Ghost Adventures and Nat Geo and i cant forget playing Xbox live, That is always fun. But most importantly Im really close to my family, so when im not training i like to spend as much time as i can with them. I work 8-5, then go home to get my things and head to Corpus by 5:30. It takes me about 45 min to get to the gym so if they are home after 5 i get to see them briefly but usually they are not and by the time i get home from training my mom and step dad are asleep and my sisters are at their houses. You know time flies and i see my nieces and nephews growing up so fast it makes me sad that im not involved more in their lives. I wish that i could spend more time with everyone but one day this life i have chosen will be worth it.

sPidA: With a nickname like GUNN, can your opponents always expect an all out war,who gave you the nickname or how did it come about?

Guerrero: The nick name Tommy Gunn has been around since i was a kid. Before i chose to fight the older guys would say “whats up Tommy Gunn” so when i decided to fight i knew what i was gonna use. My opponents should expect to go all out for 15 minutes because thats what i train for but with the Gunns (my striking) should be what they worry about, but Im always ready for anything and everything.

sPidA: Is your family involved in your choice of acticities,how has their reaction been to watching your fight or hearing of it?

Guerrero: My family is very supportive of what i do.Since my jiu jitsu tournaments they have always been involved and now MMA they want to be there for me. My mom doesnt agree with it but she accepts it lol. She will see when i buy her a house one day that I chose a good profession. One of my sisters and uncles got to see my fight live along with one of my nieces and nephews and numerous cousins so they were very excited when i won. When i got home my family including my mom who never wants to hear about it was asking details lol so it was cool to come home with my first victory. There will be more to come thats for sure and hopefully they will be recorded so i can show my grandpa who is now a MMA fan. He used to bad mouth the guys hugging on the ground but now he is retired and watches alot of MMA reruns so he likes to see his favorite fighter Urijah Faber fight lol. He was so upset when Mike Brown beat Faber, he now hates Mike Brown. He also appreciates the submissions, its funny to sit with him and watch fights with the things he says like grab the arm and the neck so i hope we will be watching my fights on his tv or he will be watching me fights live on tv.

sPidA: If you could fight any other athlete in the world(non MMA) whom would it be and why?

Guerrero: If i could fight any other athlete non MMA I would have to choose Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore lol just kidding id say i would like to fight Juan Manuel Marquez. Not because i dont like him, because i think he is one of the best Mexican boxers out there. So if i got to fight him i would get to say i fought a legend in the sport of boxing. For some reason i also want to say Eli Manning because im a Dallas Cowboy fan and he upsets me alot lol
sPidA: Thank you for your time bro,I’ll be seeing ya come May, anything else you’d like to blast to end this inreview?

Guerrero: Your welcome and Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I know im just coming up but i intend to make a name for my self in MMA. I just want to thank the Lord for another day of life and for me being able to do the things im doing now and for the people in my life. I want to thank my family who I love very much for being there for me and put up with me. My friends who support what i do and my team mates and coaches who put it on me and help me prepare for my fights or tournaments. and to the MMA fans who come out to support their fighter, thank you for making this sport a great one!