Fight Australia - April - May 2015

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VOLUME 3 No. 2
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CONTENTS Vol 3#2
20 FEATURES
20 COWBOY CHERONE
Fighter of the Year
22 YEAR IN REVIEW
A closer look at 2014
30 RUMBLE
Anthony Johnson
32 ADRIAN PANG
Is back!
36 CODY GARBRANDT
Bantamweight victory
40 NEIL MAGNY
Back in the game
46 ARLENE BLENCOWE
Headed to Bellator
52 WSOF
New kids
56 MARTIN NGUYEN
ONE victory
64 WHERE THE ROAD LED ME
MMA road trip
72 KEVIN LEE
Destiny
30
22
4 | FIGHT AUSTRALIA ghtaustralia.com.au

April May 2015
REGULARS 16
06 THE LOH-DOWN
Editorial
10 BEHIND THE FENCE
MMA news and events
16 5 MINUTES
Brad Tavares
76 CAGESIDE GIRL
Brittany Rhea
82 LAST CALL
MMA rules
Two mags in one! Flip the

mag over to see our bonus
Training Guide
32 56
46
ghtaustralia.com.au FIGHT AUSTRALIA | 5

LOH DOWN
MELBOURNE OUT
ADELAIDE IN
Get
A
mazing news for the resident MMA That aside, it is denitely positive news
fans of South Australia. Great news about the 10 May event scheduled for
FIGHT! for the MMA community in general,

to be sure. But surely a dagger in the heart of
Victorian sport?
Adelaide. Its great to see such a rich line-
up of homegrown talent.
However, if I had to be 100 per cent
Magazine It surely is virtuous news that UFC will
be touching Down Under again so soon
honest, the card is a blessing and a curse
for Aussie MMA.
Anywhere with their show scheduled for Adelaide. And

Australias favourite warrior, Mark Hunt, is
headlining the way, no doubt looking down
Its good that our guys and girls get
to ght on home soil in front of the home
crowd. And it is noble that we get to see
the barrel at another crowd-pleasing slugfest our local heroes under the big lights.
Search for ght mag to the end. But on the ip side, it would be
But I cant help but feel that this event great to see our Aussie ghters get
is almost a taunt towards Victoria and its more international attention and
self-proclaimed home of Australian sport. As get the chance to show the rest
if UFC is trying to tell the Vic government: of the world what they have.
if youre going to muck around, then were Especially when you have a situation, as
/ FIGHTAUSTRALIA
going off to your old arch rivals South we do on this card, where two Aussies are
Australia, where they want us. taking on each other.
Well, if it is intentioned so, it certainly Plus, Im sure a lot of the Aussie fans
FEB-MAR 2015
AUS. $9.50 Inc. GST
has worked on me! Its embarrassing that would love to see some of the bigger names
NICK after plain English promises from the from around the world come down to see
DIAZ
TALKS COMEBACK
Labor Government that we would have the us as well.
FIGHT VS
ANDERSON SILVA
cage in action in 2015 that nothing has I understand the logistics behind all of
happen yet. this, but I know this is feedback we have
Its crazy to think that we have a chance taken in from the fans and I can certainly
4 FOR to hold an enormous sporting event, the likes understand that point of view.
FIFTEEN
THE FIGHTS WE WANT TO of which very few around the world have ever Either way, Im sure it will prove to be yet
SEE IN THE NEW YEAR
THE AUSSIES!
seen, only to drop the ball on a technicality. another great event on Australian land and
+ JAKE MATTHEWS
+ JESSY JESS
+ HECTOR LOMBARD
Anyway, lets hope this event does give the I hope to see you all there!
VITOR BELFORT new sports minister John Erin, and his party, And lets hope Vic can get onboard in
the shove that is needed. time for November!

BE L I E VE S
VOLUME 3 No. 1
Jarrah Loh
Editor
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behind the fence NEWS & EVENTS
CMON MAN
In the lead-up to his flyweight fight
against Ian McCall at UFC 183, John
Lineker missed weight by 4 lbs (1.81
kg). This was the fourth time Lineker
has come in overweight while fighting
for the UFC; more times than any other
fighter in UFC history.
FULL THE HAMMER:

HAMMERED
CIRCLE Mark Coleman was originally
UFC Welterweight Champ Robbie scheduled to ght Randy Couture
Lawler may be known for achieving for the UFC Heavyweight
UFC gold, but that isnt his only claim Championship at UFC 14. But when
// PHOTOS BY USA TODAY SPORTS
to fame. In June of 2002, Lawlers Randy Couture withdrew due to

ght against Steve Berger at UFC 37.5 injury, Coleman fought last-minute
became the rst MMA ght to be replacement Pete Williams instead.
aired on US cable television. Lawler Williams would go on to win the
would win the ght via TKO in the ght via head-kick knockout. It was
second round. the rst KO loss of Colemans career.
QUOTING NEW HIGH, NEW LOW

QUADROS
According to FightMetric.com, the 137 signicant
strikes landed by Anderson Silva against Nick Diaz
at UFC 183 were a career high. Unfortunately, after
testing positive for banned substances, the bout now
The MMA term lay and pray can be faces the possibility of being ruled a no-contest.
attributed to play-by-play commentator
Stephen Quadros, who coined the
phrase at PRIDE 12 while calling the ght
between Gilbert Yvel and Kazuyuki Fujita.
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behind the fence NEWS & EVENTS
It was like a major league

baseball player going to
the minor leagues...
I guess I made
a big boo boo. I
want to get in [the
Octagon] as soon as Doing fake wrestling is not
possible, get back the same as being in the UFC.
to work, man up and Youre playing grab ass, you
know if youre gonna win or
do my thing.
Quinton Rampage Jackson
lose. Yeah, its hard on your
body, great. He hasnt been
on his 3-0 stint with Bellator, competing and training like I
and his return to the UFC.
have. If he comes back to the
UFC, I would 100 per cent
send him packing back to
@FightAustralia Follow us on Twitter the fake wrestling.
Brendan Schaub, UFC Heavyweight
FightAustralia Like us on Facebook ghter, on The Jake Ellis Show
Ive said in a number

of interviewsthat
he just wasnt a very
genuine person
It would be
refreshing if he
could come out
and just act the I would love to ght Dana
White. Id love to beat him up.
way he actually He talks bad about ghters all
is and I think the time, disrespects ghters.
Yeah, hes a piece of work...
people would I would fight
actually embrace
// PHOTOS BY USA TODAY SPORTS
that more than Dana for free.

being a fake. Cody McKenzie,
UFC welterweight ghter to
Dan Henderson to FOX Sports MMAFighting.com

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FIGHT! 3#2 KNOCKOUT
5 MINUTES
MINUTES WITH...
BRAD TAVARES
BY DUANE FINLEY // PHOTO BY JAYNE KAMIN-ONCEA-USA TODAY SPORTS
You are a young ghter on the rise and Im sure things are So you just packed up all your things and
getting hectic for you these days. took off for Las Vegas?
Im in the middle of moving right now and its about to get crazy. Yeah, bro, and it all happened really fast. I was
Over the past year I was pushing for big ghts against big names, working for an airline at the time and I put in a
but this year, I just want to go in there to ght and have fun. I want transfer to go from working in Hawaii to working
to be a better version of myself every time I get in there. I want to in Las Vegas. Upon getting it I had to be in Vegas
go out there and put on some fun and exciting ghts. in two weeks. So I had to pack up all my things,
put them in boxes and suitcases and ship them and
Well, lets get down to business. The last time I saw you was get it to Vegas so it would be there when I arrived.
at the WSOF show and you had some tight fashion going It was crazy and I would say that was probably the
on. Your shirt was fresh and your watch and shoes were on hardest part of it all.
a coordinated colour scheme. Is fashion something Brad
Tavares takes seriously? You were a young ghter on the rise when you rst
Im not one of those dudes who needs to stay y all the time came to Xtreme Couture and now you are on the verge of
like that (laughs). I remember when I was really young, my breaking through into the coveted top-10 rankings of the
mum used to dress me, but it was always something I wanted middleweight division. What has it been like experiencing so
to do for myself. When I got a little older she let me have more much growth since you rst landed at the gym?
responsibility and Ive kept things going from there. I have a Ive denitely experienced a lot of growth since rst coming
decent sense of what looks good on me and what colours go to the gym. Im also not really one of those guys who sits and
together. But Im not one of those guys who are like, I gotta stay thinks about things like that. Im not one to try to put myself
fresh. I gotta stay y. Thats not me, bro. I like to look good but into different positions, but I also dont mind when I have the
nothing crazy. I think that comes naturally to me. opportunity to become a leader. I hope I can lead people in the
best way possible, but Im not out there striving or looking for
You are a proud Hawaiian ghter and you are always rocking that. I just want to enjoy it with them and be part of the team.
the gold chain. Now that look has come and gone and is Im proud to represent Xtreme Couture and Im excited to help
coming back in the States, but the Hawaiian contingent has the young guys who are coming up.
always represented when it comes to the gold. What is the
story with that? Anyone who has ever watched you ght has seen how
I think its funny that more and more people have been noticing serious your tattoo game is. What is your ink all
it recently. Its weird for me because Ive been wearing this chain about for you?
every day since Ive been a freshman in high school. In Hawaii My Poly [Polynesian] tats make up most of them, and everything
nobody really notices it because gold and gold chains have never Ive done Ive done for a reason. From the rst tattoo I got when
gone out of style there. But I think in mainstream, like in hip hop, I was 16 up to getting the rest of the tattoos I have now, Ive
and whatever is going on now, there are a lot of rappers getting always thought it through and made sure it was something
back into it. I think thats why people are starting to notice. But I really wanted. Too many times you hear people talk about
its always been something Ive had. regretting getting tattoos and wishing they never got something.
I never wanted to feel that way about my ink and made sure
Recently Frankie Edgar was asked if he was bringing it back whatever I got I did so for a reason. The things I have Im super
and he said, Bro, it never left. So you are on the same vibe proud of and they represent me and who I am.
as The Answer when it comes to rocking the gold then?
Oh, for sure. I think those guys out in New Jersey have always Your ght game is based off of a strong striking skill set and
kept it as part of their fashion as well. your footwork is up there with the best in the middleweight
division. That said, if you were in a position where you had
You left Hawaii to move to Las Vegas so you could train and to throw down in a dance off with any of your peers, would
ght full time at a young age. What was it like making that Brad Tavares be able to rise to the occasion?
move and all the adjustments that surely came with it? I probably wont win any dance competitions anytime soon, but if
I was 19 years old when my coach Brandon Wolff took myself it were to save my life Im sure my life would be saved (laughs).
and a bunch of the up-and-coming guys in Hawaii and set a
path for us. The way he saw it, we were going to spend two years So if you had to dance to save your life, what would be your
on Oahu and conquer the Hawaiian MMA circuit, and once that go-to move to get the job done?
was accomplished, we were going to Las Vegas. At that time There wouldnt be any breakdancing, but I can stand in the back
Vegas was the Mecca of ghting. It was the ght capital of the and sway side to side with the best of them. If I were forced to
world and everybody was there to train as well. My coach set come up off the wall then I would hit the bump-n-grind. Maybe
forth this plan and I was very eager to see it through. throw in a cabbage patch if things get desperate.

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FIGHTER OF THE YEAR
AWARD
PHOTO BY BILL STREICHER-USA TODAY SPORTS

Each year, along with everyone
else under the sun, FIGHT!
chooses the best performer
from the world of MMA. We
had some tough choices to
make, but ultimately, we feel we
made the best pick possible,
so here he is. Your 2014 FIGHT!
Magazine Fighter of the Year.
Agree or disagree? Let us know
online at: facebook/FightAustralia
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FOR GALLERY

FIGHTER OF THE YEAR
Donald Cerrone lands a punch

on Jim Miller during a ve-round
lightweight bout at Revel Casino
FIGHTER DONALD COWBOY

of the YEAR CERRONE
T
raditionally, our selection for Fighter of the Year has of the UFCs unforgiving lightweight division. But honestly,
been one of the UFCs current division champions. were not sure what is tougher, actually winning four fights in
Robbie Lawler, for example, would have been a solid a year or staying injury free long enough to actually take the
choice and no one would have batted an eye, but fights in the first place.
ultimately it was Donald Cerrone who made the cut not A decade ago there were only a handful of truly talented
because he holds a belt, but because he had one hell of a year. fighters, but as the pool of MMA talent has grown ever larger,
After dropping a fight to Rafael dos Anjos, Cerrone so too has the challenge of maintaining a position at the top
rebounded in November of 2013 with a win over Evan of the field. For a fighter in this position, whether fighting
Dunham. Still, many were wondering if Cowboys best days for the belt or welcoming a completely unproven newcomer
were behind him. Eager to get back in the cage as soon as to the UFC, the danger of being sent to the back of the line
possible, Cerrone soon went on to dispatch Adriano Martins via looms greater now than ever before. The fact that Cowboy
head kick in January of 2014 his first fight of the new year. went out of his way to take on all challengers and was
But it wasnt until a submission victory over rising lightweight victorious in doing so is a rare accomplishment indeed. When
dynamo Edson Barboza in April that is was clear that Cerrone you consider the mental aspect of overcoming two losses in
was back in top form. Next up was Jim Miller in July; a KO via 2013, his current streak of seven wins (four in 2014 and five
head kick and punches put that one in the books. Then he took within the span of 12 months) makes his performance over
on Eddie Alvarez at UFC 178. Considered by many to be the the past year that much more impressive.
best lightweight outside of the UFC at the time, Alvarez entered Lately it seems MMA has become a sport where
the contest carrying a considerable amount of hype and Bellator protecting your record has become far too common. In
gold to boot. Cerrone sent him to the locker room with a loss stark contrast, Cerrones dauntless confidence, fearless
too, this time by unanimous decision. attitude, and his ability to overcome, embody the fighting
Four fights in 2014. Four victories. Difficult by any stretch spirit that we all admire and that is why he is our choice for
of the imagination and incredibly difficult in the shark tank Fighter of the Year.

2014: YEAR IN REVIEW
Ronda Rousey prior to the start of

her ght against Sara McMann
PHOTO BY STEPHEN R. SYLVANIE USA TODAY SPORTS

4 JANUARY kkkkkk
UFC Fight Night 34 kicked off the new
year with its rst event in Singapore.
Tarec Safedine won by UD over Hyun
Gyu Lim in the rst Fight of the Night
of 2014.
15 JANUARY kkkkkk
Luke Rockhold wins KO of the Night
honours with a body kick over Costa
Philippou at UFC Fight Night 45. The
event led live into the pilot episode of
The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada
vs. Australia.
25 JANUARY kkkkkk
UFC on Fox 10 featured Benson
Henderson and Josh Thomson, but it
was Alex Caceres and Sergio Pettis
who delivered the Fight of the Night
(Caceres also earned Submission of
the Night for his rear-naked choke
over Pettis).
1 FEBRUARY kkkkk
UFC 169: Barao vs Faber II boasts a
new record of the most decisions (10)
on a UFC card. Abel Trujillo and Jamie
Varner pleased the masses with a Fight
of the Night performance as Trujillo
KOd Varner.
15 FEBRUARY kkkkk
UFC Fight Night 36: Machida vs
Mousasi; Jaragua do Sul, Brazil was
A
lot can happen in a year the crowning of champions, the rst event to feature UFCs new
post-ght bonus structure with
thrilling comebacks, trash-talking to thrill (or disturb) the Performance of the Night honours as
masses, cringe-worthy news snippets and fights that make opposed to KO or Submission of the
Night. Ten decision wins make this
us remember why we fell in love with the sport in the event tie the most decision victories in
one event (UFC169) and its overall time
first place. The year 2014 has been one hell of a roller-coaster ride, of 2:53:32 made it the longest event in
but arent you glad you were strapped in for the journey? While UFC history.
we dont have nearly enough pages to provide a fully inclusive list,
22 FEBRUARY kkkkk
heres a good shot at last years highlights. Reminisce and enjoy! UFC 170: Rousey vs McMann. The
champ breaks away from her signature
armbar to deliver her rst TKO victory
at 1:06 of the rst round.
28 FEBRUARY kkkkk
Bellator MMA kicks off Season 10,
focusing on middleweight and light
Luke Rockhold (red gloves) ghts heavyweight four-man tournaments.
Costas Philippou (blue gloves)
1 MARCH kkkkk
TUF China Finale; Macau, SAR, China.
Headliner Dong Hyun Kim delivers the
rst spinning back elbow KO victory in
UFC history over John Hathaway.
8 MARCH kkkkk
UFC FN: Gustafsson vs Manuwa;
London, England, UK. On his path
PHOTO BY JOSHUA S. KELLY USA TODAY SPORTS
back to Jon Jones, Alexander

Gustafsson levels Jimi Manuwa
with a TKO via knees and
punches in the second round.
15 MARCH kkkk
UFC 171: Hendricks vs Lawler. One of
the most exciting ghts of the year,
Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler
gave new meaning to the phrase
barnburner, mixing it up in Dallas,
where Hendricks walked away with a
UD win over Lawler.

23 MARCH kkkk Glover Teixeira ducks under a kick

UFC FN 38: Henderson vs Shogun II; from Jon Jones during the UFC light-
Natal, Brazil. Dan Henderson proved heavyweight championship ght at
that age aint nothin but a number Baltimore Arena. Jones retained the belt
and hometown advantage dont mean
a thing by handing Mauricio Shogun
Rua a TKO loss.
11 APRIL kkkk
UFC FN 39: Nogueira vs Nelson;
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
In the UFCs second showing
in Abu Dhabi, Roy Nelson KOs
PHOTO BY TOMMY GILLIGAN USA TODAY SPORTS

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
Bellator 116: 43-year-old Belarusian

figther Vladimir Matyushenko
announces his retirement after a
submission loss to Joey Beltran.
Matyushenko accumulated a 27-8
career record over 17 years.
16 APRIL kkkk
TUF Nations Finale: Bisping vs
Kennedy; Quebec City, Quebec,
Canada. In the nals of TUF Nations:
Canada vs. Australia , Elias Theodorou
TKOs Sheldon Westcott to become
the middleweight winner. Chad
Laprise wins via split decision over
Olivier Aubin-Mercier to become the
welterweight winner. Coach Patrick
Cote beat Coach Kyle Noke via UD.
18 APRIL kkkk
Bellator 117: Douglas Lima defeats
Rick Hawn in a second-round doctor
stoppage to become the Bellator
Middleweight Champion.
26 APRIL kkkk
UFC 172: Jones vs Teixeira. In his
seventh UFC lightweight title defence,
Jon Jones earns a UD victory over
Glover Teixeira. Anthony Johnson
returns to the UFC after more than two
years with a UD victory over Phil Davis.
9 MAY kkkk
Bellator 119: Daniel Weichel defeats
Desmond Green to become the Bellator
Season 10 Tournament Final winner.
10 MAY kkkk
UFC Fight Night 40: Brown vs Silva
set the record for second-most wins
by those considered underdogs.
Among the gems, a Performance
of the Night KO by Johnny
Eduardo over Eddie Wineland.
17 MAY kkkk
Bellator 120: Quinton Rampage
Jackson defeats Muhammed Lawal via
UD to become the light heavyweight
tournament winner. Alexander Volkov
becomes the heavyweight tournament
winner by submitting Blagoi Ivanov.
24 MAY kkkk
UFC 173: Barao vs Dillashaw.
Team Alpha Males perceived
underdog T.J. Dillashaw became
the UFC Bantamweight champion
with a TKO victory over Renan
Barao. Daniel Cormier increases
his stats to 15-0 with a technical
submission over Dan Henderson.
Chris Weidman and Lyoto
31 MAY kkkk Machida prepare to strike
UFC Fight Night 41: Munoz vs Mousasi;
Berlin, Germany. The UFCs rst event
in Berlin was one of two events held on
the same day.

TUF Brazil 3 Finale: Miocic vs
Maldonado; Sao Paulo, Brazil. Antonio
PHOTO BY KYLE TERADA USA TODAY SPORTS

Carlos, Jr is crowned the heavyweight
nalist of the series and Warlley Alves
Robbie Lawler the middleweight nalist.
7 JUNE kkkk
UFC Fight Night 42: Henderson vs
Khabilov. With its rst event in New
Mexico, Benson Henderson submits
Rustam Khabilov with a fourth round
rear-naked choke.
12 JUNE kkkk
Chael Sonnen announces his
retirement from MMA following
controversy over failed drug tests.
By months end, UFC and Fox Sports
terminated his contract as a UFC
analyst. A month later, Nevada
State Athletic Commission (NSAC)
suspended him for two years from
MMA competition.
14 JUNE kkkk
UFC 174: Johnson vs Bagautinov;
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
In his fourth title defence, Mighty
Mouse retains his UFC yweight title
via unanimous decision.
18 JUNE kkkk
Changing of the Guard: Bjorn Rebney,
chairman and CEO, and Tim Danaher,
president, both part ways with Bellator.
Former founder and CEO of Strikeforce,
Scott Coker, steps in as president of
Bellator MMA.
28 JUNE kkkk
UFC Fight Night 43: TeHuna vs
Marquardt; Auckland, New Zealand.
Nate Marquardt earns a Performance
of the Night bonus for his armbar
submission over James Te Huna.
UFC Fight Night 44: Swanson vs

Stephens. First-time UFC host city
San Antonio saw Cub Swanson and
Jeremy Stephens put on a Fight
of the Night performance, with
Swanson taking home a UD win.
5 JULY kkkk
UFC 175: Weidman vs Machida. In his
second successful title defence, Chris
Weidman remains the UFC Middleweight
Champion with a UD win over former
champ Lyoto Machida. Ronda Rousey
KOs Alexis Davis in 16 seconds.
6 JULY kkkk
TUF 19 Finale: Team Edgar vs Team
Penn. Corey Anderson becomes the
light heavyweight winner and Eddie
Gordon becomes the middleweight
winner of the season. BJ Penn debuts
at featherweight and announces his
retirement after losing to Frankie Edgar
for a third time.
16 JULY kkkk
UFC Fight Night 45: Cerrone vs Miller.
In his third win of the year, Donald
Cerrone KOs Jim Miller.
19 JULY kkkk
UFC Fight Night 46: McGregor vs
Brandao; Dublin, Ireland. In front
of a home-town crowd, Conor
McGregor backed up all his ery
trash talk with a rst-round TKO
victory over Diego Brandao.

25 JULY kkkk
Bellator 122: Andrey Koreshkov
defeats Adam McDonough by
UD to win the Summer Series
Welterweight Tournament nal.
Brandon Halsey armbars Brett
Cooper to win the Summer Series Robbie Lawler defends
Middleweight Tournament nal. against Matt Brown
26 JULY kkkk
UFC on Fox 12: Lawler vs Brown.
With a winner to receive a title
shot against Johny Hendricks for
the welterweight title, Robbie
Lawler decisions Matt Brown
and prepares for his spot in
UFC history. Anthony Johnson
continues his UFC comeback
tour with a 44-second KO over
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
29 JULY kkkk
UFC President Dana White
announces that Anderson Silva will
return to action in 2015 at UFC 183
to face Nick Diaz.
2 AUGUST kkkk
UFC 176 was due to feature Jose
Aldo vs Chad Mendes in their

second matchup, but when Aldo
withdrew from the event citing
injury, the event was scrapped
altogether, marking the second
time in UFC history that an event
was cancelled due to the lack of a
high-prole headlining ght.
23 AUGUST kkkk
UFC Fight Night 48: Bisping vs
Le; Macau, SAR, China. This
event crowned the TUF: China
featherweight winner Ning
Guangyou. Michael Bisping TKOs

his way to victory over Cung Le.
Demetrious Johnson ghts Chris
Cariaso during a yweight title bout
UFC Fight Night 49: Henderson
vs dos Anjos. In the main event, on the UFC 178 card
Rafael dos Anjos KOs Benson
Henderson in the rst round.
30 AUGUST kkkk
UFC 177: Dillashaw vs Soto. In
what was to be Dillashaw vs Barao
II, Renan Barao was admitted to
hospital the day of weigh-ins after a
severe weight cut. Joe Soto stepped
in on a days notice to face Dillashaw,
and was KOd for his efforts.
5 SEPTEMBER kkkk
UFC Fight Night 50: Jacare vs
Mousasi. In the main event,
Jacare Souza submits Gegard
Mousasi with a third-round
guillotine choke. Ben Rothwell
rings Alistair Overeems clock with
a rst-round TKO and Joe Lauzon
and Michael Chiesa ght to a
bloody doctor stoppage, earning
Fight of the Night honours.
Bellator 123: For the first

time in Bellator history, the
organisation hosts an event the
same night as a UFC event
within kilometres of each other.
Patricio Freire upsets Pat Curran
to become the new Bellator
Featherweight Champion.

12 SEPTEMBER kkkk
Bellator 124: Liam McGeary defeats
TJ Dillashaw Kelly Anundson to become the Light
Heavyweight Tournament winner.
Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion
Emanuel Newton KOs Joey Beltran with
a spinning backst to retain his belt.
13 SEPTEMBER kkkk
UFC Fight Night 51: Bigfoot vs Arlovski;
Brasilia, Brazil. Andrei Arlovski brings
Antonio Bigfoot Silva down with a
rst-round KO.
19 SEPTEMBER kkkk
After seemingly ducking out of random
drug testings, Wanderlei Silva, a
17-year veteran of MMA (35-12-1-1),
announces his retirement, and follows
up with a series of YouTube videos
trashing the UFC.
20 SEPTEMBER kkkk
UFC Fight Night 52: Hunt vs
Nelson; Saitama, Japan. Mark
Hunt KOs Roy Nelson and Myles
Jury defeats Takanori Gomi
via TKO in the rst round.
23 SEPTEMBER kkkk
The World Series of Fighting
announces it will be entering the pay-
per-view market in 2015 along with
plans for an aggressive revenue model
splitting pay-per-view earnings with
its ghters 50/50.
26 SEPTEMBER kkkk
Bellator 126: Brandon Halsey defeats
middleweight champion Alexander
Schlemenko by rear-naked choke to
become the new Bellator Middleweight
Champion. Marcin Held defeats
Patricky Freire to become the
Lightweight Tournament champion.
27 SEPTEMBER kkkk
UFC 178: Johnson vs Cariaso. In
his fth successful title defence,
Demetrious Johnson defeats Chris
Cariaso by Kimura. Donald Cerrone
spoils the much-anticipated UFC debut
of Eddie Alvarez, and Conor McGregor
TKOs Dustin Poirier. Relegated to the
prelim card, former champion Dominick
Cruz TKOs Takeya Mizugaki.
4 OCTOBER kkkk
UFC Fight Night 53: Nelson vs Story;
Stockholm, Sweden. Rick Story defeats
Gunnar Nelson via split decision.
UFC Fight Night 54: MacDonald vs

Safedine; Halifax, Nova Scotia,
Canada. Rory MacDonald defeats Tarec
Safedine by TKO.
10 OCTOBER kkkk
Bellator 128: Joe Warren decisions
Eduardo Dantas to become the
undisputed Bellator Bantamweight
Champion after becoming interim
titleholder at Bellator 118.
25 OCTOBER kkkk
UFC 179: Aldo vs Mendes II; Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil. In a Fight of
the Year contender, the champion
retains his featherweight strap,
defeating Chad Mendes by UD. The
win marks Aldos sixth decision
victory of his nine title defences.

8 NOVEMBER kkkk
UFC Fight Night 55: Rockhold vs Bisping;
Sydney, Australia. Luke Rockhold defeats
Michael Bisping by guillotine choke.
UFC Fight Night 56: Shogun vs St. Preux;

Uberlandia, Brazil. Ovince St. Preux KOs
Mauricio Shogun Rua in 34 seconds.
15 NOVEMBER kkkk
UFC 180: Werdum vs Hunt; Mexico City,
Mexico. With its rst showing in Mexico,
21,000 tickets were sold out in eight hours.
Fabricio Werdum capped off the night with a
TKO over Mark Hunt. Henry Briones and Guido
Cannetti collected Fight of the Night honours
for their preliminary-card ght that aired on
UFC Fight Pass.
Bellator 131: The highest rated Bellator event,

with a 1.2 million viewership, featured former
UFC ghters Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar in
a grudge match that saw Ortiz walk away with
the split-decision victory. Will Brooks became
the vacant Bellator Lightweight Champion,
defeating Michael Chandler for the second
time in a row, this time by TKO.
22 NOVEMBER kkkk
UFC Fight Night 57: Edgar vs Swanson. Frankie
Edgar amazed with his last-minute neck crank
submission over Cub Swanson at 4:56 of the fth
round the latest stoppage in UFC history.
2 DECEMBER kkkk
UFC announces a landmark six-year deal
with Reebok to provide the promotion and its
ghters with athletic wear, with a new athletic
outtting policy to follow.
6 DECEMBER kkkk
UFC 181: Hendricks vs Lawler II. TUF Season 20
coaches Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez
battled for the lightweight title, with Pettis
sinking in a guillotine choke to retain the strap.
In the main event, Robbie Lawler wins by split
decision over Johny Hendricks to become the
new UFC Welterweight Champion.
During the UFC 181 broadcast, it was

announced that former WWE star Phil CM
Punk Brooks had signed a multi-ght deal
with the UFC and would debut in 2015.
12 DECEMBER kkkk
TUF 20 Finale: A Champion Will Be Crowned.
Carla Esparza becomes the inaugural
UFC Women's Stawweight champion after
submitting Rose Namajunas.
13 DECEMBER kkkk
UFC on Fox 13: dos Santos vs Miocic. In the
UFCs rst event in Phoenix, headliner Junior
dos Santos won by UD over Stipe Miocic. In
more big-boy news, Alistair Overeem wins by
TKO over Stefan Struve. Nate Diaz, in his only
ght in 2014, loses via UD to Rafael dos Anjos
and is ned 20 per cent of his purse for not
making weight.
15 DECEMBER kkkk
News breaks of a class-action lawsuit against
UFC and Zuffa led by three law rms
representing former UFC ghters Cung Le, Nate
Quarry and Jon Fitch. It alleges unfair practices,
conspiring to keep ghter pay low and violation
of anti-trust laws, among other things.
PHOTO BELLATOR
Tito Ortiz makes his

20 DECEMBER kkkk traditional appearance at
UFC Fight Night 58: Machida vs Dollaway;
Barueri, Brazil. Lyoto Machida defeats CB Bellators rst PPV event
Dollaway with a body kick and punches at
1:02 of the rst round. The UFC announces the
return of Quinton Rampage Jackson.

Stipe Miocic and Junior dos Santos

PHOTO BY MARK J. REBILAS USA TODAY SPORTS

RUMBLE
Anthony Johnson
strikes Phil Davis
A RUMBLE
BECOMES A
ROAR
TOMMY GILLIGAN-USA TODAY SPORTS

After barking up the wrong tree for so long,
Anthony Rumble Johnson realises his full
dimension as a light heavyweight contender.
BY CHUCK MINDENHALL
I
can remember being cageside when Anthony Johnson Johnson went up two weight classes rather than down one. It
stood in against Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC 104 and speaks to the lunacy of his earlier career. And it speaks to his
marvelling at the ridiculous difference in height, weight, evolution as a fighter, something that has been a little lost in
musculature and overall shadows cast. Johnson a the narrative.
voluminous Atlas figure who insisted on competing as a Think about how it all went down to get an idea. Before UFC
welterweight had missed weight for the second time in his 172, Johnson was brought back into the UFC to face Phil Davis.
UFC career, and this time it was a true red flag. People were Why? Because Davis needed an opponent, UFC president
pissed. When he waxed Yoshida in 41 seconds, the feeling Dana White said at the time. Even after winning six in a row,
wasnt joyful so much as expected. What, exactly, was Yoshidas including a heavyweight decision over Andrei Arlovski in
path to victory? There wasnt one. WSOF, Johnson was being fed to Davis, who was already taking
Rabbits dont run over Humvees. jabs at Jon Jones to set the table for a future fight. That night in
Then Johnson lost to Josh Koscheck less than a month later Baltimore, Johnson raised a lot of eyebrows. He not only stood
and everything about Anthony Rumble Johnson feltjust in like an oak and thwarted the takedown attempts, but he
sort of lost. If he was going to whittle himself down from his punished those attempts with his striking. From the middle of
225-pound (102 kg) frame to 170 pounds (77 kg), he sure as the first round on, Davis was tentative and bewildered. So were
hell better win. And if he wins, hed sure as hell better make we all along press row. The Johnson who returned as a light
the weight. It was a bad set-up, but Johnson remained stubborn heavyweight was a maximised version of himself.
about it for a long time. Finally, after missing the middleweight He was realised.
maximum (by five kg!) and losing to Vitor Belfort in what His follow-up fight against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira was a
ended up being his last-straw fight with the UFC, Rumble showcase in which Johnson unleashed another level of hell on
finally had his moment of clarity. Lil Nog just 44 seconds into the fight. It all led to a fight with
It actually occurred on the return flight home from Brazil, Alexander Gustafsson.
when his new coach at the Blackzilians, Henri Hooft, got to That fight, like the one with Davis, was stacked against him.
pouring out some wine. Johnson and Hooft, through the He travelled to Gustafssons native Sweden, and was meant to be
mystical power of drink, agreed that he should fight as a the warm body that stood between Gustafsson and his rematch
light heavyweight. He was out of the UFC, so what was there with Jones. What did Johnson do? He stormed the gates. He
to lose? He would fight in lesser organisations and get some walked right through Gustafssons range and landed the big
experience in his more natural weight class. He would train shots. Though Gustafsson is considered a dynamic striker
well and harness his power. He would eat better. He would the best in the division, says his coach Eric del Fierro he
stop killing himself in plastic suits and saunas. Rumble had nothing for Johnson. Within moments of landing a big
would be more humble. right hand, it was over. Johnson did in 125 seconds what Jones
The wine acted as a truth serum. couldnt do in 25 minutes at UFC 165 he put Gustafsson
Flash forward to 2015, and here is Anthony Rumble away. Gustafsson fell in front of 30,000 of his countrymen.
Johnson back in the UFC after six fights elsewhere. Not only Just like Yoshida fell over five years earlier, and plenty of
is he back, but hes the next contender to fight Jon Jones for others since. Johnson has the ability to beat anybody. The
the light heavyweight title. Not only is he fighting for that difference is that these days hes no longer beating himself.
title, but suddenly he looks like a legitimate threat to end Theres something about that epiphany that stands out in his
Jones historic run. fights. Hes still revelling in the revelation. Its like he found
Thats quite a turnaround. himself along the way, and everything that was wrong before is
Johnsons reimagining as a light heavyweight has been now in perfect accord.
nothing short of remarkable. It is reminiscent of Robbie Lawlers Now hes a win away from becoming the greatest example
turnaround to become the UFCs welterweight champion after of fulfilled potential the UFC has ever known. Its been
a 1-3 skid as a middleweight. Only its more remarkable because quite a turnaround.

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ADRIAN PANG
HUNTING
SEASON
ADRIAN
THE HUNTER
PANG
DOWNLOAD
YOUR FREE
IN-SITE APP
& SCAN PAGE
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ADRIAN PANG
B
Australian ghting legend oarding his plane, Adrian Pang
leaves behind a comfortable
ADRIAN PANG nally Australian summer. The
returned to the cage in 2015 temperature sits around the
mid-20s, which is a stark contrast to
after two years of injury and what he is set to endure in Beijing,
limbo left the Queenslander China as he prepares for his debut with
on the sidelines. Now, ONE Fighting Championship (ONE
FC). Its a cold and bitter winter when
following his ONE FC debut at the plane lands; its not ideal for weight
Dynasty of Champions, Pang cutting by any means, and it certainly
doesnt make for the most comfortable
is ready for action again. conditions to prepare for a fight in.
His father, of Chinese desent, has
made the trip over to watch the fight,
BY NEIL ROOKE // PHOTOS COURTESY ONE FC and the ONE FC experience is a whole
new thing for Pang. Having his father
watch his return to action after spending
almost two years on the sidelines was
always going to be a big deal, and
while there were never any question
marks on whether Pang still had what
it took when it came to fighting, there
were indeed a few stumbles along the
way. Being an experienced fighter, that
didnt matter for Pang, though. All that
mattered was the fight ahead of him,
and while outside the air was cold and
the snow began to fall, inside the ONE
FC cage, things were just starting to heat
up. In front of an electric live crowd
and a televised audience that spanned
across the globe, Pang put on a show
to remember. And he made sure that
everyone knew just what he is capable
of inside the cage.

ADRIAN PANG
The weight cut was definitely

the hardest part, says Pang. All the
strength training that Ive been doing
over the years has just seen me get a lot
more solid, so I wasnt really carrying
any extra weight, I was really lean. Even
though I hadnt fought in a while, I
wasnt that nervous. The main thing
is that because it was my debut I knew
that I really had to perform. I think
that having my dad there put a lot
more pressure on me because I wanted
to win for him as well. I had to make
a statement for my debut and I had to
make a statement for all the fighters
back in Australia to show that I am
still the best in the country. I believe I
showed that Ive still got an iron chin
and that I can just destroy my way
through anyone I want [laughs].
Being able to show his skills on the
world stage again almost didnt come
to fruition. During 2012, Pang was
the victim of a brutal assault during a
celebratory night out. That incident
almost saw the end of his fighting
career; however, with a full recovery
Pang managed to find his way back into
the cage to compete again. It had been
a long time since he had fought, but he
still managed to win in highlight-reel
fashion and that was the beginning of
his path towards ONE FC.
After my injury I was out for
18 months and then I fought [Jai]
Bradney, Pang says. And then after
that I couldnt get a fight. ONE FC had
been trying to sign me for quite some
time since I was a Legend [FC] champ. I
signed with them and then it took about
six months to get a fight. It was just
good to fight again. It was really good to
get back to that high level international
competition and it was good to show
that Aussie MMA fighters can do well
overseas it was even better to get the
stoppage. It was my first submission win
in like seven years [laughs]. I didnt even
realise itd been that long.
It was almost midway through the
third and final round of his bout in
China that Pang was able to lock in
the guillotine choke on Dutchman
Vincent Latoel to secure the win. He
was tired and running on empty but he
continued to push through. As it had
many times before, his fighting spirit
began to shine through.
It felt great, Pang says. I felt pretty
heavy in there. I felt like I was a hundred
kilos [laughs]. I had a feeling that I was
going to catch him with something but
it just took time. With his taller body
build compared to my stockier build,
I was really confident I was going to

ADRIAN PANG
catch him. He was a very experienced

opponent; hed had like 30-odd fights,
so I knew that there probably wasnt a
lot he hadnt seen before. At the same
time, Ive been doing this for 14 years,
so I think my experience inside the cage
definitely played a part, too.
With his return to international
competition done and dusted, life went
back to normal for Pang. It didnt take
long for him to seek out a new project
shortly after his bout, and it wasnt
long until he was back to working hard
both inside and outside of the gym.
Soon after his fight, plans began to see
the Brisbane Integrated MMA location
undertake some remodelling that would
see it expand to potentially become one
of the best facilities in the country.
Were a self-made gym, Pang says.
For 14 years weve been going and I
think it has been about 10 years that
weve been doing Integrated MMA
where weve all trained together. Weve
just gotten bigger and bigger. Like Ive
told people before, in the beginning
everything we owned was just in one
small box. Now weve got 450 square
metres of gym space and everything is
all new. Weve put down new mats, new
wall pads, weve got a new cage coming
and our Fairtex boxing ring going back
up. Everything is going good and now
well have our own world-class gym
right here in Brisbane.
Now that Pang has had his successful
debut with ONE FC, the question begs as
to what will be next for the 37-year-old.
Many fans, along with the international
media, have suggested that Pang should
be the next fighter to challenge the
ONE FC lightweight champion for the
belt; however, Pang isnt as quick to put
his name at the top of the surging ONE
FC lightweight division.
Ive just gotta take it one fight at a
time, Pang says. Because I have been
out for so long, I feel that Ive really
gotta earn my place and my shot at a
title. I dont wanna be one of those guys
who is just given a title shot, I wanna go
through and fight the best guys and beat
them and then have my chance. But Im
busting to get back in there. After that
one I definitely dont wanna wait a long
time again cause the clocks ticking for
me [laughs]. A lot of people are talking
about me going up against Koji Ando.
I think that Koji has done enough to
earn his shot at the title, so I think Ill be
having another fight before they match
me with him. There are a ton of fights in
there that would be great and match up
with my style. Im hoping to fight in the
middle of the year.

CODY GARBRANDT

CODY GARBRANDT
A PROMISE
FULFILLED
In his UFC debut, bantamweight Cody Garbrandt defeated Marcus
Brimage via third-round TKO at UFC 182. But that victory couldnt
compare to the bigger picture hed painted over the previous four years.
BY HUNTER HOMISTEK // PHOTOS BY SHOOTITMMA.COM / @MMASHOOTER
C
ody No Love Garbrandt he just touched me, man. He had a I hear the crowd. I see the fans,
wheeled eight-year-old Maddux little smile on his face, he had no hair, Garbrandt said.
Maple around the MGM he was going through chemo, he was Lights. Theres the Octagon. Theres
Grand Hotel & Casino early a few months into it. But every time my battlefield.
Saturday morning, 3 January. Playfully, I came to his house, every time he I walk out and I see section 216,
Garbrandt turned Maples wheelchair into talked to me, hed get a little smile on where a bunch of my hometown fans
a motocross bike, popping wheelies and his face. and supporters are sitting, Garbrandt
zipping around the arenas hallways with In less than four years alongside said. I look and I turn to my left and I
unbridled enthusiasm. The two laughed as Maple, Garbrandt transitioned from hear the 9-2-2 chant from section 216
they played. a life of crime and desperation to a where theyre all at.
Later that evening, Garbrandt would life under the bright lights of the UFC Theres Maddux. Theres his flag.
make Maple cry. Octagon. During the same stretch, Maple He waves the 9-2-2 flag every time he
No Love first met Maple as an forced his cancer into remission. Their walks me to the cage, Garbrandt said.
amateur fighter competing on the local simultaneous reversal of fortune is no I saw that flag just waving like crazy. He
Ohio circuits, where, at the request of coincidence. They forged a symbiotic was whipping it back and forth real hard.
his brother, Zach, he raised funds for relationship of love and welded it I could tell how excited he was from how
the Maple family before a fight against together with a promise. hard that flag was waving.
Jerrell Hodge in February of 2012 at He just told me, Cody, Im going It gave me a nice, weird tingle down
NAAFS: Caged Vengeance 10. Growing to beat cancer, Garbrandt said. And my spine. It was like, This is my time to
up in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, I said, I know you are, buddy, and Im keep my promise to him. Im here.
everybody knows everybody, and Zach going to get to the UFC and Im going to From the bouts onset, it was
heard of Maples fight against cancer. win. Youre not in this fight alone. clear Garbrandt belonged. The Team
He knew Codys upcoming fight would At an age when most kids are Alpha Male standout landed crisp
provide a nice platform to educate the concerned with playground shenanigans combinations at will, picking his spots
town on the matter. and chicken nuggets, Maple was trapped and avoiding damage in the process.
Introductions were made. Bonds in a steel cage, tossing haymakers in an Save a few low blows which were
were formed. effort to preserve his life. He never gave met with blistering chants of 9-2-
From there, the relationship between up, and he won. 2 from Section 216 Garbrandt
Garbrandt and Maple took shape, and With an entire county and more emerged from the first five minutes
suddenly, the bad-boy lifelong fighter behind him, Garbrandt continued of his UFC career unscathed and
with tattoos lining his flesh from neck to his winning ways, too. Five straight supremely confident.
ankle found himself learning a lesson in knockouts as a pro earned him a shot at Ten minutes later, his hand was raised
combat from a five-year-old boy. From UFC 182 against Brimage, the former The in the centre of the Octagon. A crisp
their first nervous encounter to their Ultimate Fighter competitor coming off a two-three-two rake-hook combination
Supercross hot lap around the MGM ferocious first-round head-kick knockout put Brimage on skates in the waning
Grand, Garbrandt absorbed a speed victory over Jumabieke Tuerxun at UFC moments of Round 3, and No Love
course in humility, in strength, and in Fight Night: Rockhold vs Bisping. sealed the deal, forcing a referee stoppage
the power of human will. Garbrandts moment arrived. Maple shortly thereafter.
That little kids been through so made good on his promise, and now he The win was monumental.
much, Garbrandt said. He lost out sat in Section 216, waving a flag with For Garbrandt, it signified a lofty
on a lot of life. He didnt get to do a 9-2-2 (the countys area code) written achievement. It sealed a promise, and
lot of things regular children did. I on it with wild passion and excitement, even in the wake of the biggest win of his
remember the first time meeting me, cheering on his hero. career, Maple was on his mind.

CODY GARBRANDT
Cody Garbrandt and Marcus
Brimage at UFC 182
// PHOTO BY JAYNE KAMIN-ONCEA-USA TODAY SPORTS

Theres a little boy out here, Maple uses Apple products, and with role model Ive been knocked down
since he was five years old, hes been Garbrandt being stuck with an out-of- many times in life, but Ive never
battling leukemia, and he promised me date Android phone, he wanted his hero stayed down. I never will until Im six
years ago, three-and-a-half years ago, to be more readily accessible. feet under.
hed beat leukemia, Garbrandt told He was like, Man, Codys always on While Garbrandts immediate future
UFC commentator Joe Rogan in his his phone, so now every time he has his remains unclear hes looking for
post-fight Octagon interview. And I phone, hell think of me, Garbrandt a fight and he loves a matchup with
promised him Id make it to the UFC said. Thats just how amazing that little Brad Pickett but negotiations arent
and win, and right here he is, hes in kid is. He knows he cant see me all the underway just yet his present
section 216Maddux Maple, I love time, but he just wants me to know he communicates sans interference.
you, buddy. This ones for you. does love me. Cody Garbrandt, 23 years old, 1-0
Garbrandt found Maple immediately. Now, Garbrandt looks to use his as a UFC bantamweight, defied the
After being whisked backstage by officials experience with Maple to inspire even odds. He emerged from a withering
for a litany of post-fight tests, interviews, more of those blue-collar warriors small town and left behind a seed of
and check-ups, Garbrandt recalls an populating Tuscarawas County. hope and promise. With his win over
encounter with his muse, the eight-year- Garbrandts hometown overflows Brimage, he gave that seed a little water.
old with a flag and a promise. with people just like his 2010 self, The tears that streaked down Maples
I see Maddux down there, they let and No Love wants to change that face post-UFC 182 fed it further.
him down to the first section, and hes unfortunate reality. Now, expect that seed to blossom.
crying, Garbrandt said. He had tears Giving back to the kids and being Garbrandt has visions hes always
rolling down his face. I held back a bunch a hero, a role model for them, is huge, had visions and they just keep
of mine. Ive seen him in tears of pain and Garbrandt said. A role model is coming true. Now, he sees success
everything, but those were happy tears, something I searched for my whole life. inside the Octagon, he sees gold, and
you know? Just to see those coming down I didnt have a role model. I love my he sees a continued friendship with one
his face, I told him, Hey, man, we did it. mum, but my mum is my mum. She Maddux Maple.
And he told me he loved me. was my hero, but a role model would Maybe 10 years down the road, Im
That was even more special than be someone like myself who came and 30-some years old, Im world champion
winning the fight You can have that beat the odds. at this time, and were sitting at dinner,
gold title, that world title, and have it I remember what its like to be a I have the UFC belt, and I just say, Hey,
collecting dust, but changing peoples lives kid. I remember when a high school man, you dont understand, this belts
and making memories with them, thats football player said Hi to me or a here, and you have a lot to do with it,
what Ill hold on to when Im retired. wrestler said Hi to me. It pumps you Garbrandt said. You have a lot to do
Before leaving Las Vegas, Maple left up. It felt good. So I know what they with me becoming the champion of the
Garbrandt with a gift, an Apple iPhone. feel like, and its an honour to be their world.

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NAMES IN THE GAME
BACK IN
THE GAME
For Neil Magny, a pair of losses in 2013
wasnt the end of his UFC career, it was
the start of a blistering new run.
BY TRENT REINSMITH // PHOTOS BY PAUL THATCHER
Y
ear 2013 was not the best year of Neil Magnys his dream to become a contender in the UFC. Magny
professional fighting career. said he thought, Whatever happens happens, and God
It started out well enough, with a unanimous will provide for me and take care of me. He was not going
decision victory over Jon Manley in his UFC to allow fear to freeze him. He was not going to worry
debut, but things went downhill from there. In his next about anything other than getting better as a fighter. He
two fights, Magny tapped to a Sergio Moraes triangle choke was going to focus on training, put his faith in God, and
and dropped a unanimous decision to Seth Baczynski. Two believe that things were going to work out for the best.
losses in a row for a relative newcomer to the UFC. Things Back on form and dishing out the damage, Magny ended
were not looking good. 2014 by becoming just the second fighter in UFC history to
The November 2013 loss to Baczynski saw doubt begin to win five consecutive fights in a calendar year.
creep into Magnys mind, and rightfully so. The unwritten Magnys path to the UFC had inauspicious beginnings.
rule with the UFC is that once a fighter hits three consecutive After spending the first 12 years of his life in New York,
losses, they more often than not are in line for a demotion. Magnys family moved to Chicago, where the junior high
Or to be more blunt, shown the door and forced to find student started to run with the wrong crowd. Magny said of
employment with another less well-known fight organisation. those times, There was a lot of gang activity and things like
With that knowledge ricocheting around inside his head, that I was starting to get involved in.
Magny began to wonder about his future. As 2014 neared, he Like many young men before him, Magny found his
debated if a career as a mixed martial artist was the right path salvation in sports namely wrestling. Magny recalled of
for him or if he should go to his fall-back plan, using his BA in his days in the Thornwood, Illinois, High School wrestling
Criminal Justice from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville room, The coach that I was fortunate enough to have in
to pursue a career in law enforcement. Magny said those doubts high school was the guy that taught me all about faith and
became strong enough that he went so far as to take an exam love outside of working hard and continuing to pursue your
for a position with the Denver Police Department. dreams. He had a huge influence on me at the time.
Eventually, his desire to fight prevailed, and putting Another man who influenced Magny was former WEC
those uncertainties aside, Magny refocused on pursuing bantamweight champion Miguel Torres. Magny and two

NAMES IN THE GAME
friends happened to walk into World Gym in Hammond, It was during his time with the National Guard that
Indiana, to do some weightlifting when Magny spotted Magny joined the cast of season 16 of The Ultimate Fighter.
Torres in the corner of the gym teaching a jiu-jitsu class. As part of Shane Carwins team during the reality show,
Intrigued by what he saw, Magny ventured over and tried Magny made it to the semifinals that season, defeating
his hand with grappling. Cameron Diffley and Bristol Marunde before falling to Mike
In short order, Torres asked the young interloper if he Ricci via first-round knockout.
had ever trained before. Magny answered to the negative It was while living in the TUF house that Magny made
and was invited to spar with Torres an offer he accepted, the acquaintance of UFC veteran Nate Marquardt. As a
and, to hear Magny tell it, the brief encounter was a jiu-jitsu coach on Team Carwin, Marquardt saw something
memorable learning experience. I just threw on a pair of special in Magny during their time together on the show
gloves and stepped on the mat thinking it was going to be and invited him to move to Colorado to train with him. I
something easy. I just walked in there with no mouthpiece saw a few things, Marquardt said of Magny. Number one
and started sparring with Miguel. For a guy that weighs 145 was his character. He was a very humble, good guy. He was
pounds (66 kg), he hits pretty hard. trustworthy, hard working and talented. He just had a lot of
Bitten by the fighting bug, Magnys training did good traits, and he just seemed like the total package.
not stop when he joined the army after graduating The call from Marquardt came when Magny, fresh off
high school. While stationed overseas during his two his stint on TUF, had come to the realisation that he had
tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Magny found outgrown his training in Illinois and needed to move to a new
like-minded individuals who had experience in various gym to further his development as a fighter. California and
martial arts. When done with their duties for the day, the Florida were on Magnys radar, but Colorado was not. Right
small group would meet up and train each other in their after the show (TUF), Nate called me up and said, Hey, if youre
respective techniques. serious about wanting to move, you can come out to Colorado
After returning stateside, Magny took that training with and stay with me for however long you need to and just go
him when he joined the Illinois National Guard and Illinois from there. At first I thought, Man, I cant go to Colorado.
Combative Team, earning a third-place finish in the 2010 I cant just leave my job, leave my family and just go, but I
Army Combatives Championship. Magny would become an thought about it for a week or so (then) packed up my car, gave
Army National Guard Combatives champion the following everything away and headed out west to Colorado, and it was
year, winning the cruiserweight competition. pretty much the best decision I could have made.
Neil Magny eats shots from

Seth Baczynski on his way
to a submission loss at UFC
Fight Night 31.

NAMES IN THE GAME
Neil Magny rains punches down on

William Macario during UFC 179 at
Ginasio do Maracanazinho.
// PHOTO BY JASON SILVA-USA TODAY SPORTS

There was an adjustment period for Magny and his Despite winning five fights in 2014, Magny, who became
coaches following the move to Colorado, something that a full-time fighter in early 2014 when his National Guard
Eliot Marshall, Elevation Fight Teams Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach, service came to an end, has yet to break into the top 15 in
acknowledged. He came to Colorado right after (TUF). He the UFCs welterweight division or crack the main card line-
had a fight right away. He won that one, but didnt show a lot up on a UFC fight card. Thats fine with the 14-3 fighter.
of improvement. He then lost his next two. It takes time for Its more motivating, Magny said of his under-the-radar
coaches and a fighter to blend and thats really all I think that status. I honestly believe the only way to get better at
was. We got used to him and he got used to us. fighting is just by doing it, so the more time I have in the
Once the team all got on the same page, Magny embarked cage and test myself as a fighter, the better for me. Once I
on his current run of five straight victories. Marshall was quick get to the point where Im able to start testing some of the
to give the bulk of the credit for that streak to Magny himself. guys that are in the top 15 in the UFC, Ill just be there to
Neil has shown us a lot of growth. We as coaches can only stay. There might be guys that have one big year, and then
take so much credit. Most of it goes to Neil and his hard you forget about them, so I can concentrate building on
work. The things that I try to focus on the most with him are this year, and just carry it on to the next fight. Once that
basics. I think strong fundamentals are the key to high-level time comes where I can fight bigger-name guys, I dont
grappling and its application in MMA. When Neil isnt in want to lose and have (people) forget about me. I want
camp, I try to get him grappling with guys that are better than to fight and have people say, Oh wow, this kids pretty
him so that he can improve. impressive, where did he come from?

AY THA I & KIC KBO X ING
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BALANCING
Arlene Blencowe
Former womens World IBA boxing champion
and Aussie MMA stand-out Arlene Blencowe
recently became the rst Australian female
to be signed to ght for Bellator MMA.
BY NEIL ROOKE // PHOTOS BY LINDA
T
he dial on the speedometer all that she can think about. She misses
bounces between 110 and her two kids, she misses the calm Mid
120 clicks; heat from the North Coast. Its just a few short hours
blaring sun radiates on the away, and a detour from her current
hood of the car as the air conditioner destination of Newcastle could make
circulates as much cold air as possible. that trip even shorter.
Its a comfortable enough drive; its World champions arent prone
has to be for the amount of times that to taking shortcuts, though. Taking
Arlene Blencowe does it. The Pacific shortcuts is not how Blencowe won
Motorway, which is the pathway her two boxing world titles, and taking
between Sydney and Newcastle, has shortcuts isnt what helped Blencowe
a steady flow of traffic. That always begin to flourish as a mixed martial
seems to be the case; the traffic never artist. While it may be a hard thing
really stops. to think about, the fact is that her
As the radio plays its daily rotation kids her life just have to wait. Its
of top-10 hits, all that is going through all about sacrifice for Blencowe, and
Blencowes mind is getting home. Each perhaps more so its about the rewards
and every time she makes the trip its that just keep coming.

ARLENE BLENCOWE
When I first started out with boxing

it was just about chasing a dream,
Blencowe says. It was about being
able to represent Australia and go to an
Olympics and a Commonwealth Games.
But Ive never done anything in life that
has pushed me like this and even more
so, now that I have started MMA, its so
ridiculously hard and it tests me both
mentally and physically every single day.
Ive just learnt so much about myself.
There was a day a while ago where Id
just done two training sessions that day
and Id been up since 4:40am, I was
ridiculously tired and all I wanted to do
was drive home and see my kids because
I hadnt seen them for five days. I was
supposed to stop at Newcastle to do a
double session there with my coaches
and the whole time from Sydney to
Newcastle on the two-hour drive I was
thinking, I should just drive through;
the coaches would understand because
they understand I train hard and that
Ive got commitments with the kids.
I just came up with all these excuses
as to why I shouldnt do it but then
I pulled straight in, went to training
and had an awesome session.
For Blencowe, the time that she
spends travelling back and forth along
the Pacific Motorway is the perfect time
for her to reflect. As a hard-working
mother, a fighter and a personal trainer,
there is always something going on in
her mind and for some people there
would be many excuses on why not to
train. Blencowe doesnt let anything
discourage her, and she knows that she
has a completely different fight that will
often take place long before she even
actually has the chance to compete.
There are little voices inside your
head and youre constantly fighting
and youre pushing yourself and youre
digging deep these are all the little
battles that you go through before you
even step into the cage, Blencowe says.
When you step in there and youve got
that whole thing of testing yourself and
finding your will and pushing yourself
and coming up against an opponent
that has done the exact same thing as
you, its just an amazing experience.
Its hard enough being a professional
fighter. Add onto that what it takes to be
a mother of two and for a lot of people it
would all get too much. Sure, Blencowe
has her days when she questions why
she does what she does, but like any
high-calibre athlete, she pushes through,
and knows just what she needs to do to
get the job done.

Balance for me is really important, and its tough, but at the same time its
Blencowe says. Im a single mum really rewarding.
with two kids and they are, and always With a three-fight winning streak to
have been, my number-one priority. her name, Blencowe was able to secure a
Im really thorough with everything I contract with Bellator MMA, the second
do with them, and because I am one biggest mixed martial arts company in
of those mums, I find it hard to be North America, and arguably, also the
thorough as well as be an elite athlete. second biggest in the world. Blencowe
Obviously its really rewarding too; became the first Australian woman ever
theyre growing up, they are 13 and to be signed to the company, and it was
seven now, and I just see the amazing yet again proof that eventually, hard
things they are learning from me being work always pays off.
a strong mum, who by herself is still I was over the moon, Blencowe
achieving everything she wants to do says. Bellator as a company is
and living the fighter lifestyle. Its hard something that I was more aware of over
work doing what I do, I dont work a Invicta [FC]. Invicta was a promotion
nine-to-five job, Im pursuing a dream that I had learnt about when I started
that Im passionate about and Im able getting into MMA because Id seen
to give it 100 per cent and still make Bec Rawlings, Fiona Muxlow and Alex
things work for my family. Its hard, Chambers fighting on it. I knew they
and I have my days. Since the start of were the stepping stone to the UFC but
January, Ive been in full fight camp Id been watching Bellator for years, so
with training, dieting and everything, it was really good to get signed to such
and that can take its toll on an athlete a big promotion. Everyone keeps asking
by itself, and then youve got the me now, once your contract is up with
kids and work commitments as well them, will you be using that as a path to
as trying to make everything work the UFC? and stuff like that, but Id be
financially to be able to pay for it all more than happy for my career to stay

ARLENE BLENCOWE
with Bellator I recognise them as a big

fight promotion and Im very lucky and
thankful to be signed with them.
Not long after signing her contract
with Bellator there was an opportunity
for Blencowe to step up on short notice
to expedite her debut. In the past that
would have been something she would
have jumped at the chance to do,
but with the stakes a little bit higher
now, patience is going to be the key to
Blencowes success on the world stage.
This is the big-time, she says.
Thats a reason why I dont want to
take fights on short notice or anything
like that. For me to be fighting
on Bellator now, Im going to be
recognised as an MMA fighter and an
athlete, so I want to be stepping out
on the big stage like that at my 100 per
cent best. I dont want to be umming
and ahhing and I dont want to risk the
chance of a bad performance because I
wasnt prepared properly.
BY STEVEN MARROCCO // PHOTOS BY PAUL THATCHER
32
All of Blencowes mixed martial arts 26
Fights
Fights
bouts have taken place in Australia, and

to her credit, back in 2013 she even 25 W
fought three times in the one night. With 21 W 6L
her one-night tournament experience 5L 1D
behind her, Blencowe went on to win
her next three fights all by way of
stoppage, and in the process she derailed
the undefeated streak of Storm Damage finally doing what I want it to do but sessions with the ground game. Training
featherweight champion Faith Van Duin. I dont want to get overwhelmed with three times a day gives me the full range
Although her opportunity on the world it all. of everything I need to cover.
stage under the Bellator banner is yet Even though her sights are firmly I am still looking at pursuing my
another big step up in competition for set on mixed martial arts for the near boxing career. I still have the goals that
her, Blencowe isnt letting the perceived future, Blencowe hasnt closed the door I want to achieve; Ive got a bucket list
pressure of her international debut entirely on boxing. Having success in a mile long that will probably take me
change her mindset. both sports isnt going to be an easy into another lifetime [laughs]. At this
Ive taken all my fights like they feat, but true to her nature, Blencowe is stage what Im doing for 2015 is just
are the hardest fights of my career, always up for a challenge. waiting for my first fight with Bellator to
Blencowe says. Thats one of the In the past, when I first started in be done. After that, Im hoping to step
reasons I think I won one of the world MMA ,I stepped back from the boxing straight into the boxing ring in early
title fights in boxing, I didnt let it all scene and focused a lot more on my May. The number-one priority for me
get to me much, it was just another ground game and picked up on areas in this year is Bellator and then, providing
fight and I was just going there to my fight game that were lacking, she Im not injured or anything, stepping
fight. Thats kind of how Im taking it says. I found that my striking actually straight into the boxing ring and having
with Bellator, too. I know its a huge deteriorated, so what Ive done now is a few non-title fights some four or six
opportunity and its one of the biggest Ive maintained what I have been doing rounders to keep me active, and then
things to happen to me. My career is with my boxing and incorporated more well see what happens from there.

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G E T L E A N : A D VA N C E D F A T L O S S S T R A T E G I E S
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WSOF
NEW KIDS
ON THE BLOCK
Ray Sefo and the World Series of Fighting are hanging tough.
BY DUANE FINLEY
T
hings move quickly on the what has become a global sport over the a vision and slowly those things are
modern landscape of mixed past 10 years, everywhere fight fans turn shaping up to be reality. Ive been in
martial arts and even quicker there is a new promotion sprouting up. martial arts and fighting for most of my
for those who are at the helm That said, in order to gain any type of life and knew getting talent and putting
of entertaining the legions of faithful traction with the action-hungry masses, on a show was the easy part. The
fight fans. World Series of Fighting is an organisation has to get a grasp on tough part was going to get a television
still relatively new to the ranks of major the complex animal that is delivering network to broadcast our events, and
promotions in combat sports, but the exciting live events, and then hit the that happened with NBC. That was a
Ray Sefo-led operation has made quite a mark with tremendous frequency every big part of the puzzle and dream that all
splash over the past two years. time out. came together. Starting this promotion
From broadcasting their events on That is a task few have been capable would have been really tough to be
television giant NBC Sports to crafting of accomplishing, and WSOF had the in the market without a network, and
a roster filled with established names correct formula for success from the having NBC, NBC Sports and IMG as
and up-and-coming talent alike, WSOF get go. partners is a dream come true.
showed from the jump they were here Its been a lot of hard work, Sefo Just like the action inside the cage,
to stay. Due to the surging popularity of said. We started out with a dream and outside, MMA business is undoubtedly

WSOF
WE STARTED OUT WITH

Marlon Moraes defeats
Cody Bollinger at WSOF 13
A DREAM AND A VISION

AND SLOWLY THOSE
THINGS ARE SHAPING UP
TO BE REALITY.
a dog-eat-dog environment. That said,
WSOF is doing more than just surviving.
With a handful of cards still remaining
on the calendar, the organisation is
thriving in 2015. And with a projected
move into the pay-per-view market
in the coming year, the future looks
even brighter for the upstart turned
contender.
Yet, even with ambitious plans on
the table for the next years campaign,
Sefo and company are making sure
to keep things moving at their pace.
Plenty of promotions before them
have jumped into the deep end of the
pool too quickly and died a brutal,

WSOF
WSOF president Ray Sefo sits cageside at WSOF
public death at the hands of falling moving forward at the rate we can discovering more future stars as his
trends and inflated contracts. MMA afford to expand at. Right now we company continues their global push
history is littered with flash-in-the-pan are in 90 countries all over the world in the future.
shows and WSOF is determined to not thanks to our partner IMG. We just Im very excited with the talent
repeat the mistakes so many others had a show in Canada and we are we have, Sefo said. Ive always
have committed. looking to go global in 2015. There are said the world at large is a huge
There is no shortage of ambition definitely some big things in the works place and there is so much more
where WSOF is concerned, but the for next year. talent out there. We are trying to go
organisation has no qualms with With WSOF having the major aspects global and build more fighters like
making progress one step at a time. of their delivery system locked down, Marlon Moraes and Justin Gaethje.
In terms of moving forward and the next major element is making sure Another example is David Branch.
growth, there is so much that is in the the product they are putting on display Hes a guy who was kind of under
works right now, Sefo explained. We is top quality. Where big-name talent the radar for a while but has racked
feel like we are improving every single is typically what pushes viewers to up five straight wins and has become
time we have a show. We made history fight cards, it is marketable prospects our middleweight champion. Hes
right out of the gate with our first show that ultimately aid in the longevity defending his title against Yushin
being on a major sports network. We department. In that particular regard, Okami who is a legend in the game.
made history again in July with our WSOF has been firing on all cylinders We also have the number one ranked
show being on the NBC mothership as two homegrown fighters, Marlon strawweight in the world in our
and we had another one in November. Moraes and Justin Gaethje, have not only champion Jessica Aguilar. These are all
Its been a lot of hard work but its become champions in their respective people we are very happy and proud
something Im very passionate about divisions, but have garnered buzz from to have, but they are fighters the next
and love to do. the MMA community in the process. generation looks up to and admires.
Moving into pay-per-view is Sefo is extremely satisfied with We are going to continue to grow
something weve been talking about the talent his promotion has landed young talents and build our roster
for a while now. But again, we are thus far and has every intention of going forward.

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MARTIN NGUYEN
DOWNLOAD
YOUR FREE
IN-SITE APP
& SCAN PAGE
FOR VIDEO

MARTIN NGUYEN
h
T ee Three-and-a-half minutes.
Thats the amount of time that
it took for Martin Nguyens life to
change forever. On a warm November
night in 2013, an action-packed night
of fights was drawing to a close in
Australias capital of Canberra. Two
O n a rt i
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E FC
ing
and
gs wit
undefeated prospects were squaring
off with the Brace featherweight title
on the line. After some back-and-
forth, Nguyen secured a takedown
and followed it up by teeing off with
some of his signature ground-and-
pound, which saw the referee step in
and call a stop to the bout. With his
arm raised in the middle of the cage,
Nguyen was handed a stack of paper.
It was a life-changing contract with
ONE Fighting Championship.
Right there, after those three-and-a-
half minutes of work, he was handed
what was set to be his ticket to
fighting in Asia. It was an opportunity
that he had often thought about, but
certainly not something he expected
quite yet with only three professional
fights to his name. Nguyen was set to
continue his career in a region where
mixed martial arts was beginning
to experience growth like never
before. When it came to fighting
ce feath ger thin
professionally, for Nguyen, nothing
the Bra t o b ig er. was ever going to be the same again.
o w m o ving on C la s t Novemb d It was a dream come true,
n EF eate
ut in ON e undef Nguyen says. I was really
his deb ure is o n t h
self overwhelmed. I almost started crying
e press ove him
Now th -come r t o p r
s best.
[laughs]. After I won the fight I was so
up-and f th e w o r ld happy, I just wanted to get everyone
some o in to the cage so that we could take
against a photo, but Kya [Pate, Brace CEO]
told me to wait and I thought, wow,
this is getting pretty serious [laughs].
He waited a bit and thats when he

MARTIN NGUYEN
announced that Id been signed to

ONE FC. It was a huge surprise. The
fight had been hyped up a fair bit but
b e i n g pa irdte
a c e r l dw
I never expected that to happen, not
in a million years. I never thought
that it would happen so soon. Thats
the kind of thing that we work for as
WoiftOhNBEwrFoCrsk,wwroiwneniignhgt t
fighters to be able to fight on such
a big stage. This is the big league now
ntheet feaasthteh e peerffoecr
and I plan to go out there and make
the most of it. I have been working
hard to get to where I am and I dont
tisttleepwpni ntgo sftuorcntahreerehri.s
plan on stopping now. Its exciting
and its my chance to continue to
build my brand and be seen by a huge
audience all over the world.
Nvgeuryye you ng
Signing the contract, I was really the featherweight title was the also gotta be humble, you cant let
over the moon. I wouldnt have perfect stepping stone for Nguyen to your ego get ahead of you. You also
chosen any other organisation in further his very young career. And gotta perform your best every time
the world, even if they put out the chasing after that kind of stepping you hit that cage because youve
platter for me. With ONE FC, when stone is something that he would only got the chance to do it one time
I did make my debut, the whole recommend for all up-and-coming when you get in there, and with that,
thing was just so professional and fighters. All around Australia there if they want ya, they want ya, its
compared to any event Ive ever are fighters working tirelessly every all about making an impression and
been to over here, it was just so day to get their opportunity to fight being able to perform all the time.
different. Everything they did from internationally, and with so many Nguyens first fight under the ONE
when you arrived, to the hotel fighters all vying for their own FC banner took place on 7 November,
rooms to the photo shoots and video opportunities, its always going to be 2014 in Singapore, where he came
shoots and with all the interviews important for them to make a good up against previously undefeated
it all just ran so smoothly, first impression well before they get prospect Rocky Batolbatol, who had
everything was really perfect. their big chance. won five fights in a row. Nguyen
With Brace being part of ONE Youve gotta put your head down took the fight on short notice and
FCs worldwide network, winning and work hard, Nguyen says. Youve impressed with a second-round
Nguyen punishes Rocky Batolbatol at ONE FC 22

MARTIN NGUYEN
submission victory to extend his own finish. I think you always have a little
undefeated streak. The victory saw bit of pressure before you get in there
the 25-year-old make a great first but once you step into that cage, you
impression for his new employers, overcome it pretty quickly with the
and it was an experience that he will crowd cheering and all of that and then IF THERE
certainly always remember. it becomes about getting the job done. IS NO
It was a bit nerve-racking at the Something that would prove to be STRUGGLE,
start, Nguyen admits. I was pretty a whole new experience for Nguyen
confident going in because Id been leading up to his debut was the
THERE
training so that I could fly out if there pre-fight atmosphere in Singapore. IS NO
was going to be a short-notice fight, so Heading into the bout as a relatively PROGRESS
it worked out well. Everything played unknown fighter from Australia who
out the way that we wanted it to and was stepping up on short notice,
I was very happy with it. There was a Nguyen didnt exactly expect to have
lot of pressure on me for taking the the attention of fans, but sure enough,
fight on shorter notice and also being people wanted to get their photo taken
undefeated and people in the crowd with the Situ-Asian, and the whole
not really knowing who I was; the experience just became even more
Filipino guys are pretty well loved in surreal, but all the extra attention isnt EXCLUSIVE
Singapore as well. In my head I was
just telling myself hes not even that
something that Nguyen is going to let
go to his head.
OFFER FOR
good, but that was just my ego talking I think it was because I was a FIGHT!
[laughs]. A lot of people were talking
him up before the fight, so that put a
little bit different. Im Australian, and
with my swagger and hairdo and my READERS
little bit more pressure on me as well. nickname, people were just interested.
There is always that pressure of
when you go into a fight undefeated.
Youve just gotta fight through it and
fight your game as per normal and
whatever they throw at you, you throw
My family and my team at KMA are
keeping me level headed, Nguyen
says. Ive got a lot more fans and
Ive gotta be a lot more careful with
things that I say and do on social
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back harder. Youve just gotta work in media. My lifestyle is still the same,
there to get your hand raised thats Ive still got the same friendship
what I always work for, I work for the circle, so none of that is really gonna
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MARTIN NGUYEN
r e s s u r e ot f
e d .
a y s t h a t h p
t u n d e f
o euag h
e r e i s a lw
i n t o a f ifgi g h t t h
a r
s p e r
e n yo u st g ot u r g a m h e y t h ro.w
T h g o ta e
whYouavnedj uf i g hwt hyaotevbearctk harde r
iortmal,aynodu th row
n at you
change, Im just getting hungrier
Nguyen claiming victory at ONE FC 22 for it all really [laughs].
Almost a year had passed
between Nguyens last two fights,
and being more active in 2015
is at the top of the priority list
for the Sydney-based fighter.
Nguyen has eyed fighting at least
twice this year and will take on
whatever challenge is thrown
his way. For the young up-and-
coming fighter its not so much
about protecting his undefeated
record, its about shooting to the
top and staying there.
Ive been petitioning
to get back in [laughs], Ive
been training hard during the
Christmas off-season, Nguyen
says. I weighed around 76
kilos on New Years Eve, so I
had let myself go a bit but a
few weeks after that I messaged
[ONE FC matchmaker] Matt
Hume and told him that I was
70 kilos on the dot and ready
to go. Whether it was short
notice or long notice, I didnt
care, I just wanted them to
know that I was ready to fight
again and now I am ready to
go and do it all over again.
No matter who they put me
in there against, Im gonna go in
there and fight my fight. I fight
to finish and I fight to impress.
Im ready to make my statement
and continue to show the ONE
FC fans my style. Every time I go
into a fight I go in thinking that
I am gonna leave with my hand
raised there is no doubt about
that. Every single time that I
enter that cage you can expect
a good, fun fight and hopefully
this year theres gonna be a
whole lot more opportunities for
me to show that.

Georges St-Pierre:
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The Way of the Fight details the trials and tribulations
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career, GSPs book is an intimate, gritty look at a ghters
journey; a moving account of commitment and power,
achievement and pain, dedication and conviction from
one of the worlds greatest champions.
CALL (03) 9574 8460 OR VISIT FIGHTAUSTRALIA.COM.AU TO ORDER

BEHIND THE BRAND
HK CLOTHING
Michael Prokos
Before we get started, tell us a As mentioned earlier, HK Clothing
bit about yourself. How did you represents resilience, toughness and
become involved in the industry? encompasses the various strengths
I had a passion for the arts from a very required to stand up and achieve. Its
young age and began training under about that fighting spirit in all of us.
Sam Greco when he had his dojo on
Sydney Rd, Brunswick. After a short Do you have any stories
stint under Sam, I moved to the Fitzroy of a happy customer/
Stars, training under the late master someone your business has
Dana Goodson. I spent a few years there changed or inspired?
before training in the art of aikido under The HK Clothing story itself has
Joe Thambu. I stopped training when proven to be a major inspiration for
my mother fell terminally ill and only all people who have come into contact
Michaels sons training
recently began training again and took at Brizzi Brothers with our business. They are amazed by
on the FightFit Challenge under the what we have been able to achieve in
guidance of Paul Fyfield and won my such a short period of time. It truly is
fight via second round TKO. And now assist vulnerable and isolated young an inspirational story.
my own two boys are training at Brizzi people with the intent to improve
Brothers boxing gym. their pathways to accommodation, Tell us a little about any
employment and education. In sponsored athletes.
What can you tell us about addition, and through sponsorship, we We currently sponsor two professional
the origins of your business? support young athletes in pursuit of boxers in Marcos El Matador Amado
Is there an interesting story their dreams, aspirations and goals in and Joel CamaKo Camilleri. Marcos
behind this endeavour? the combative sports. was the recipient of the 2014 ANBF
Approximately five to six years ago, I Victorias Most Courageous award for
unfortunately became homeless with Why do you think it has his efforts in China. Marcoss next
my two young sons. It was one of the been so successful? fight is against Ben Harvie on 27
darkest and most challenging periods Success has come through our genuine March at Malvern Town Hall. Joel is
of my life. Life is pretty hard as a single passion and commitment in driving scheduled to fight Adrian Campbell on
parent but to then become homeless the HK Clothing brand. The quality 20 March at the Melbourne Pavilion.
compounded it tenfold. HK Clothing of our products are a true reflection In addition, we sponsor two amatuer
was born out of the hardships endured of our brand and ethos. We are not boxers: Stevo Dugec (Peninsula
while living on the streets. The hardships merely selling apparel with our logo Boxing) and Jack Denahy (Brawl
and challenges endured during this on them, but rather selling and Australia, Ballarat).
very difficult and dark period have been promoting a brand that has genuine
embraced to give others the strength and substance and meaning. A brand that What does the future hold for
will to succeed. HK Clothing represents will entrench itself in the combative your business?
resilience, toughness and encompasses sports. Our mission is twofold. To To continue to grow our brand,
the various strengths required to stand provide quality apparel at affordable support our athletes and to move into
up and achieve (mental, emotional, prices and to give our athletes the other disciplines of combat sports such
physical and psychological). The mental exposure and support they deserve. as Muay Thai and MMA.
strength required to succeed in life is no
different to the mental strength required What does your company Anything else you
to succeed in the ring. Hence why HK offer that others dont? would like to add?
Clothing is a martial arts-inspired and What sets you apart? In addition to our sponsored athletes,
lifestyle apparel brand. Our customers and people in general we have sponsored the HK Clothing
can relate to us. Life isnt easy and 2014 Lionel Rose Cup and the 2014
What inspired you to start it? we have all experienced some degree Aus-Boxing HK Fight of the Year.
While on the streets, I met many of difficulty, misfortune or struggled Looking forward to a big 2015.
young children and young adults through some difficult and trying
in a similar predicament. It really times. HK Clothing is no different. In
touched me deeply to see so many
people struggle and lost in their ways.
fact, it was born out of adversity and
through my personal struggles. Its
If there is no
HK Clothing is a means for me to put
back into the community. We donate
something that we can all relate to. The
HK logo is a symbol of this challenge
struggle, there
to various charity organisations that that we all face throughout our lives. is no progress.
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Call (03) 9574 8460 or visit www.fightaustralia.com.au

MMA LIFE
WHERE THE ROAD LED ME

Or how I renewed my love for MMA during a weeklong road trip: Starring
Jim and Dan Miller, Frankie Edgar, Matt Serra, and more.
BY HUNTER HOMISTEK // PHOTOS BY DAN SWEENEY
T
ucked away in the northern the sports biggest names changed my Now, however, he would be
New Jersey wilderness, camping mind, allowing me to find peace with travelling east, to New Jersey and
on the leafy, dirty forest floor this slumping (or is it?) sport. to New York, and his Nissan Altima
alongside UFC brothers Jim And Ill tell you how it came to be would speed right past my Pittsburgh,
and Dan Miller and their father, Mike, I Pennsylvania home on its way from
found peace. THE JOURNEY BEGINS his Indiana starting point. I called up
Not peace of mind. Not world peace. Longtime MMA writer and fellow a college friend and photographer/
Not some kind of solution to get Ford Fight! Magazine and Bleacher Report videographer, Dan Sweeney (who will
and Chevy lovers together to calmly contributor Duane Finley texted me go by his nickname, Parm, for the
discuss their differences over some chai one evening, and I couldnt say no to rest of this story), and we were in. We
tea (of the three, this is probably the his proposition. both had to work that week, and the
least likely). He was about to embark on the trip would put us out a bit, but what is
No, this was a different kind of third installment of his Road Trip living if not a series of risks which vary
peace. I found peace with mixed martial series for Bleacher Report, and he in disaster (and reward) potential?
arts, the sport which I so dearly loved, needed a co-pilot. During his past As it turns out, our decision to hop into
then only sort-of loved, then questioned trips, he trekked cross-country to meet Duanes Altima Fighter would prove wise.
and mildly resented. Its no secret to some of the sports biggest stars The week ahead contained treasures and
anyone who follows the sport that Carlos Condit, Cub Swanson, Gilbert gains we never could have foreseen.
MMA is at best flat-lining and at worst Melendez and Joseph Benavidez graced
tail-spinning toward the canvas, but his travels, to name a few and this CAMPING WITH THE
one East Coast journey to meet some of trip would be no different. MILLER BROTHERS

MMA LIFE
After a radio appearance on ESPN radios

Rattling the Cage, in Pennsylvania, to
discuss our road trip with the shows
host, Tony Reid, we set our sights
on Sparta, New Jersey. The first leg
of our journey would take us to UFC
lightweight Jim Miller and his brother,
UFC middleweight Dan Miller, and we
did not intend to just lounge around
the gym and chat all day.
Instead, the Millers were taking us
into their territory: the New Jersey wild.
Upon arriving at the Millers new
gym in Sparta, Miller Brothers Mixed
Martial Arts, we were greeted by a
Jim Miller trusts his Randalls Adventure knife for all his survival duties quite
firm handshake and a smile from Jim, possibly the only thing on the planet tougher than a Miller brother.
a symbol of greeting repeated by his
father, a mountain of a man, Mike.
Its important to paint Mike in the heavy bag hangers courtesy of Jim and Whoops.
proper light, so allow me to elaborate Dan, respectively, a cage, and 2,800 After what felt like a five-mile trek
on his exterior appearance. Long-sleeve square feet of mat space we marched through the woods, Jim and Mike
camo shirt. Camo pants. Leather hunting off to our campsite. agreed on a place to stay for the night.
boots. Camo hat. A delicately manicured Upon parking our cars, Jim stepped Mike began to clear a space for a fire,
pork-chop sideburns/handlebar out of his silver Jeep Wrangler boasting Jim began to chop wood, and Duane
mustache hybrid (it was super badass). an impressive array of camping supplies. and I searched for kindling.
Six feet, three inches of pure man. At A knife a customised ESEE Five, Parm, our fearless cameraman, took
first, I sensed a bit of uneasiness from he would later note a homemade pictures and laughed.
Mike why are these guys in our gym longbow, a stocked quiver, and The evening would see us hunt
interrupting our work? but by days copious amounts of water, brandy and for squirrel (and fail), build a fire
end, we would see the impressive human homebrew completed his get-up. something which Dan Miller executed
being within in all his glory. This man was prepared. I wore with a bow drill, wood, string and a
After a brief tour of the facility American Eagle jeans, an Under Armour whole lotta friction make coffee, eat
complete with homemade benches and hoodie, and a snapback. homemade venison sausages, drink

MMA LIFE
Jim Miller instructs Hunter on the

ner points of bowmanship
The Miller Brothers gym, newly outtted

in shiny new Zebra Mats equipment
booze (their homemade red ale is find out who these guys were, what they method to Duanes madness and his
fantastic, by the way) and talk. were about, and why they did what they approach to interviewing, and it opened
Boy, did we talk. did. It was a friendly adventure, and me up to the Millers true selves.
Traditionally in the world of we learned more by shooting the shit Yes, they are rugged and they are
journalism, any interaction between over beers and deer sausage until the incredible outdoorsmen. Every term
a journalist and an interview subject wee hours of the morning with them you hear to describe their fighting
is to remain professional at all times. than even the best interviewer could style hard-working, relentless,
Thankfully, we werent there to interview have possibly uncovered in one evening grinding also applies to their
Jim, Dan and Mike. We were there to of traditional journalism. There was a everyday demeanor.

MMA LIFE
But theyre also downright hilarious

dudes, and the sibling rivalry between
older brother Dan and younger brother
Jim is a sight to see. Jim cannot let
Dan have one up on him in anything
even Dans successful usage of the
bow drill was called into question
and the two bicker like a caricature of
competitive siblings.
Jim listens to Wham! and allegedly
knows the famous factory dance scene
in Footloose front to back. He grows
his own hops for his beer, and he has
a mind built for marketing (even if he
doesnt want to tweet). He understands
the politics of the fight game, but in
the end, hes there to show up and do and his son, Danny Jr., battled kidney to find Dan threading a tube up his
his job. Hes there to fight. The online problems after birth, requiring daily nose and into his throat.
bickering does not appeal to him, and check-ups and nutrition via feeding If I have to do that to Danny, I at
hes not going to sacrifice his character tube. This while Dan was still an active least have to know what its like, Dan
for a few bucks. UFC fighter, mind you. told him.
Dan, on the other hand Dan Because of his sons condition, Dan And yet Dan smiles. And yet he
Miller is one of the most impressive made a temporary home at his dads laughs. And yet he jokes that my hands
human beings Ive ever met in my life. place in Sparta. Mike lived closer to the look empty as he tosses me another
And thats not to belittle Jim, Mike, or gym, so Dan could stay with Danny Dales Pale Ale.
anybody else Ive crossed paths with Jr and make it to practice more easily And yet he fights.
during my 23 years of existence on than if he stayed at his own place With plumes of campfire kissing
this planet. some 30 minutes away. Every day, Dan my face and the cool New Jersey air
But the fact that Dan can come would have to check on his son, insert penetrating my poor excuse for a
out and camp with his family and his feeding tube through his nose and camping uniform, I realised that Jim,
some relative strangers with a smile down his throat into his stomach, and Dan and Mike Miller needed MMA as
on his face and a chuckle on deck is drive to practice, a journey which was much as MMA needed them real,
an absolute miracle. The elder Miller clouded by tears. honest, salt of the earth people.
brother lost his daughter, Alexis, in One night, Mike recalled, he heard Despite the various twigs poking
2009, just one day after she was born, somebody gagging in his kitchen, only my back and the piles of dirty leaves

MMA LIFE
contemplated making his first on-screen

appearance before deciding against it,
scampering away with a joyous squeal.
From that point, Edgars mood
visibly brightened. He was positive
and warm from the get-go, but after
connecting with his son on a more
intimate level during those few seconds,
he became more upbeat, more satisfied.
While the steel cage earned him that
Cadillac Escalade, that Cadillac CTS-V,
that MTV Cribs-esque pool/lounge area,
and that impeccable landscaping, his
infiltrating my sleeping bag that evening, MMA community. They might not life couldnt be farther from the lights,
I slept easily. I felt a tinge of hope and tweet about it, but theyre there. camera and action of the UFC.
of satisfaction. I knew, thanks to the With Edgar, this feeling was reinforced, His life was pitter-pattering around
inimitable character of the Miller family, as the former champ invited us into his the house, scampering away from a
I was beginning to love MMA again. house, showed us around, stopped for a camera with a childlike wonder and
chat, and poured us a glass of water before excitement. Hes a family man, and
REINFORCING THE FEELING heading off to a sparring session. nothing, not even recalling his latest
After a breakfast at the Jefferson Diner Duane conducted a lengthy masterpiece, a victory over Penn at
with the Miller family, Duane, Parm interview with Edgar from the fighters The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale, could
and I hopped into the Altima Fighter living room, and between talking about bring him the same joy one look from
and steered south for Toms River, New his (then) upcoming fight with Cub Santino could generate.
Jersey, to meet up with former UFC Swanson at UFC Fight Night 57, his past Thats special. Thats Frankie Edgar.
lightweight champion and current fights with BJ Penn, and other landmark And my love for MMA grew even
featherweight contender Frankie Edgar. moments in his career, Edgars true more upon seeing it all unfold.
Already, the trip provided a payoff purpose in life became clear.
for me. The characters involved in It was when his youngest son, A NEW YORK STATE OF MIND
MMA drew me into the sport in the Santino, ducked into the room for a But I know what Im needing/And I
first place it was old-man-but-still- second camera still rolling that dont want to waste more time/Im in a
somehow-doing-the-damn-thing Randy Edgar flashed a wide grin and went into New York state of mind. Billy Joel
Couture and Chuck vs Tito who initially dad-mode, revealing the man behind Matt Serras voice booms from
captured my attention and the Miller the fighting mask. inside Serra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in
family showed me that good, interesting Say hi to the camera! Edgar joked Huntington, New York. Hes giving a
people are alive and well within the with Santino. For 10 seconds, Santino private lesson to a student inside the

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MMA LIFE
facilitys cage, but that doesnt stop responses to a childs call, the loving the week, wondering how the trip
him from being the boisterous, loud, smile, the intimate embrace that forge was going and how the fighters were
and funny Serra I expected. the real Matt Serra. Hes a jokester, sure, treating me.
Did you think that was just for TV, and one that his daughters will come I would tell them, but words dont
for The Ultimate Fighter? Thats me, to appreciate and to love (or, in their quite do it justice. You have to get out,
man! Serra said. teenage years, theyll meet his quips meet the players, shake their hands, and
And he wasnt kidding. From a box with a roll of the eyes and a reluctant maybe share a drink or two with them
of garlic knots in his gyms fridge to a giggle, Im sure) as time draws on. Thats to receive the full picture.
training session filled with jokes and Matt Serra the family man, and even The world of MMA might be
snappy remarks, Serra was 100 per with tough competition among Matt frustrating at times, but knowing
cent as advertised during our stay in Serra the trash-talker, Matt Serra the UFC that people like Jim and Dan
the Empire State. He led us around the champion, Matt Serra the BJJ instructor, Miller exist in the space sure makes
facility, proudly pointing out the little and Matt Serra the TV personality, its by me feel more comfortable about
details as we went. far his most natural persona. it all. They can make fire with
Do you see that picture? he asked as Its him. sticks; surely they can carry the
we passed beneath a photo of a younger MMA sphere to safety, right?
Serra, arms raised in victory while a THE DRIVE HOME While neither Jim nor Dan Miller
defeated Georges St-Pierre lay feet away. Duane, worn down from days of nor Frankie Edgar could be classified as
Thats the last guy that ever called me a interviewing, prepping, and life on the expert fight promoters like a Conor
midget on record. I knocked him out. road, turned the wheel over to me to get McGregor or a Chael Sonnen, they are
Amid the jokes, the jabbing, and us home. Thankfully, the trip on I-83, expert human beings.
the verbal beatdown handed out to his I-76, and, finally, I-376 was a familiar And theres plenty to be said for
friends at the gym, Serra, like Edgar and one for a Pennsylvania native such as that. Theres character, values, grit,
the Millers before him, showcased a myself, and I was able to guide us safely determination, and, above all, purpose
deeper personality during our stay. His back to my Pittsburgh abode. behind the personalities involved in
wife and three daughters were on site, Despite little sleep and a hectic this tumultuous sport.
and this was all the ammo the real Serra schedule during the week, I felt Theyre fighting for their families
needed to fire away. rejuvenated when I got home. Like past, present, and future and theyre
After collecting his daughters for a the Millers, Edgar, and Serra, I had fighting for themselves. Unbeknownst
family picture, Serra returned to the a support system waiting for me at to them, theyre also fighting for
cage to continue his private lesson. home. I had a girlfriend waiting up my heart, and with their generosity,
Sophie, his youngest, began to cry. in my bed at 2am to make sure I was honesty and good-heartedness, they
Sophieeeeee, Serra safe, and her parents, coincidentally, won it.
called from the cage. were in to visit that weekend as well. I love MMA, and I wouldnt have
She stopped. My own mum and dad sent me various known that if I didnt hit the road with
Its the little details the one-word texts and shot me calls throughout Duane and Parm.

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KEVIN LEE
A LESSON IN
CONTROLLING
DESTINY
PHOTO BY STEPHEN R. SYLVANIE-USA TODAY SPORTS

Kevin Lee
celebrates his
victory over Jon
Tuck during a
lightweight ght
during UFC 178.
PRETTY MUCH ALL THE GUYS I GREW UP WITH, AND I MEAN

REALLY GREW UP WITHTWO OF THEM ARE ACTUALLY DEAD
AS FAR AS THE FIVE GUYS I HUNG OUT WITH. ONE OF THEM
IS IN JAIL, AND I HAVENT HEARD FROM THE OTHER TWO IN I
DONT KNOW HOW LONG. ITS PRETTY MUCH EVERYBODY.
72 | FIGHT AUSTRALIA fightaustralia.com.au

KEVIN LEE
Living in a brutal neighborhood of Detroit, Kevin Lee

watched his friends get swallowed up by lives of crime
and delinquency. Following them down that road
would have been easy, but he instead took control of
his future and carved a divergent path.
BY HUNTER HOMISTEK
K
evin Lees upbeat positivity Once he saw the exit sign, Lee I remember my mum picked me
wanes for a second as kicked his work ethic into overdrive, up that day after school and we just sat
he remembers old faces. pushing day after day to round out in the car for like an hour, Lee said.
Growing up in Detroit, the his skills and to become a legitimate We just sat there until we eventually
22-year-old mixed martial artist has mixed martial artist. The results were drove over to my aunts house. But I
already lived dozens of lives. Hes remarkable. had to stop wrestling because of that. I
felt the struggles real struggles like He made his amateur debut as didnt pick it back up until I got to the
homelessness and excessive violence a teenager at King of the Cage: 11th grade, which could have made a
of growing up in the inner city, and Underground 70, winning via first- huge impact as far as who I am today if
hes watched his friends get picked off, round submission. A few months later, I didnt start back up.
one by one, by the mean streets and in March of 2012, he made his pro With Lee, those two lettersI and
the temptations they bring. debut. Another victory. Then another. Fcarry a significance that simply
Pretty much all the guys he Then five more before the big dogs in cannot be quantified. If he had
considered his brothers growing up are the UFC came barking his name. followed the easier, more accessible
either dead or in prison, and Lees own Escape achieved. path and stuck with his friends, where
persistence and success is a product of This ascension wasnt bad for a kid would he be today?
dedication and a head-down-eyes-ahead who started wrestling in ninth grade If he didnt learn to love the grind
approach to life and fighting alike. and who quit just one month into the of MMA, how soon until he was
Im from Joy and Evergreen season. While most high schoolers back on Joy and Evergreen, joining
(Detroit), Lee said. Anybody who would voluntarily give up the grind the thousands just like him who
knows that area knows that you on the wrestling mats, Lees removal squandered their potential and gave in
pretty much have to fight to survive. from the sport was forced, a product of to the street life?
Especially me, Im light skinned. Im necessity, not desire. Its an outcome hes seen play out
educated, Im college educated. They I only stayed around (wrestling) too many times in his young life, one
couldnt stand that shit. for a month, and that was just to that was omnipresent and convenient
The dope boys, the gangs and learn how to sit in a stance, Lee said. at every turn. It wasnt until he found
stuff like that, they dont really mess It was just enough time for me to wrestling and, eventually, MMA, that
with athletes. They mess with people get my foot in the door. And I had to he realised there was more to life for
if youre just sitting around and not stop because we ended up becoming him than hustling and scraping by.
doing much. But they respect the homeless. I think a lot of kids dont realise
athletes actually You hear it a lot, Lee jumped from house to house, their potential, Lee said. They dont
Oh, MMA saved me from the streets, finding shelter wherever he could with realise what they got I didnt realise
blah blah blah, but I think for me, it his family in the wake of a foreclosure I was a good athlete until I got out and
allowed me a way out. that put them into desperation mode. I got into it.
fightaustralia.com.au FIGHT AUSTRALIA | 73

KEVIN LEE
PHOTO BY STEPHEN R. SYLVANIE-USA TODAY SPORTS

Lee ghts
Jon Tuck
during
UFC 178
When youre from there, youre hes a regular at world-class Brazilian jiu- today, and he makes it a point to go
always told, Oh, those boys up in West jitsu Black-belt Robert Drysdales academy, home from time to time and talk to his
Bloomfield, the white boys, theyre and he polishes his hands under the former high school about the importance
training hard. Theyre scrimmaging tutelage of boxing legend Roy Jones Jr and of having goals and of following a dream.
right. Theyre good. It does put you the Mayweather Boxing Club. The Detroit streets still flow with
down a little bit. And it happened to This initiative to get out and to throw talent and potential, but most of it
me, too. It wasnt until college when I himself into adverse situations on a daily funnels into the sewage drains.
started working out with those guys that basis, Lee says, will contribute to his A lot of those guys, the kids I grew
I realised Im pretty damn good at this. prolonged success under the UFC banner. up with, were better athletes than me,
Pretty damn good might be Just on Saturday, I got to spar with a monster athletes, Lee said. Once
putting it just a tad mildly. After the 7-0 world-champion boxer, Lee said. The MMA starts getting some brothers in
start to his professional career, Lee made kid was like 20-0, a Russian monster. it, its going to be different. And Im
his UFC debut in February of 2014 Thats what gives me a lot of confidence. not talking about, like, (UFC light
against former The Ultimate Fighter I dont think a lot of MMA fighters are heavyweight champ) Jon Jones. Jon
runner-up and current top-15 UFC doing what Im doing. Im training with Jones has the physical capabilities,
lightweight Al Iaquinta. Black-belts over at Drysdales and then and he grew up in New York, but he
For the first time in his career, Lee world champions at Mayweathers or didnt grow up in Queens or Harlem or
was bested. He suffered a knockdown Roys. Thats going to be a huge asset for wherever. Hes college educated, too. Im
in Round 1 courtesy of Iaquintas my game in the coming years. talking once they get some brothers in
sledgehammer fists, and despite taking From the streets of Detroit to a it some brothers in it its going to
Round 2 with some savvy grappling prosperous career as a lightweight be a whole different ball game.
and submission attempts, he could not fighter inside the UFC Octagon, Lee I know somebody that can knock out
sustain that success, and Iaquinta stole provides a lesson in controlling ones the top 10 in one night drunk and high.
the final frame, sealing the unanimous- destiny. After he realised the path he There are so many guys like that, and
decision victory in the process. wanted to take didnt exist, he simply they just never realise their potential. But
But Lee learned from that loss. It fuels put his head down and started walking, it takes somebody to change that, and I
him, and its a primary reason why he trudging forward and plowing a think I can be one of the ones to do that.
now enlists the help of top trainers across walkway only he could see. At 22, Lee finds himself in a position
all disciplines to round out his game. He followed his heart, his instincts, to create a better life for himself, for
He tasted defeat, and he spat it out, and his intuition, and thats made all his family, and for all the untapped
bouncing back by notching consecutive the difference. Others, though, arent potential back on Joy and Evergreen and
victories over Jesse Ronson and Jon Tuck. so determined. They slip into whats everywhere else in the Detroit metro area.
He calls Las Vegas Xtreme Couture more readily available, the crime and Once homeless, hes now found his
home for most of his MMA sparring, but the violence. Lee still sees it happening home.
74 | FIGHT AUSTRALIA fightaustralia.com.au

EDDIE
BRAVO
AN INNOVATIVE
APPROACH TO JIU-JITSU
Eddie Bravos approach to
jiu-jitsu is so unusual and
innovative that its literally a
completely separate branch
off the jiu-jitsu tree. And its
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Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator
WATCH EDDIE
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MASTERING THE RUBBER GUARD

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BRITTANY RHEA
76 | FIGHT AUSTRALIA
BRITTANY RHEA
BELLATOR
A proud Mississippian, Brittany

Rhea embraces a career in
modelling, as well as ring card
girl duties with Bellator, with
grace and beauty. Well bet
that, like us, you cant keep
your eyes off this 20-year-old
Magnolia State blossom.
BY TERRY E. BUSH // PHOTOS BY SHANNON FONTAINE

BRITTANY RHEA
W
hat was the best thing about growing up in lasted only about 12 seconds before one of the opponents was
Mississippi? knocked out. I was impressed that it was so quick!
The best thing about growing up in the Magnolia
State is the Southern hospitality. People are generally so nice Its obvious youre in amazing shape. What hard work
and outgoing here. goes into achieving that?
I basically just watch what I eat and make working out fun!
How did your modelling career begin? Was it always a
dream of yours? Is it true youre into kickboxing?
Modelling was definitely always a dream I started when I I have tried kickboxing and enjoyed it. It is definitely
was approached by two local photographers. After I shot with something I would like to get more into.
them, I was later approached by other people and my name
just eventually grew.
Lets talk about Bellator. How did you get hooked up

with them and what was it like being a ring card girl
with them?
Bellator had a three-part competition in Memphisand I
I loved the excitement
won. It was awesome winning the chance to ring with them
and being able to see how they do things. and then later grew
Are you a huge MMA fan and, if so, how did that
come about?
even more fascinated
I definitely love MMA! It came about after I was asked to ring
my first fight. I loved the excitement and then later grew
even more fascinated with the sport.
with the sport.
Who is your favourite ghter?
Ronda Rousey, because she is an inspiration! Do you have any other hobbies that you enjoy?
When Im not modelling, Im either out with my friends,
Whats the most memorable live ght youve attended? pursuing acting, partying in Cali, working on fitness, or
My most memorable fight was a local amateur fight that being adventurous!

BRITTANY RHEA

BRITTANY RHEA

BRITTANY RHEA
MORE ABOUT BRITTANY
A girl walks into a bar You wont even stand a Your sexiest jammies:
and orders: chance with me if you: My birthday suit!
A Cosmopolitan. Are cocky.
Thanks for the interview,
Worst pick-up line ever: Sexiest features on any guy: Brittany. Youre our
Are you from outer I love men with large arms. undisputed favourite
space? Because your ass Mississippi girl!
is out of this world! Sexiest features on me:
My eyes or my chest [laughs]. Follow Brittany Online
Pick-up line that might @brittanyrhea_
just work: Skinny-dipping: yay or nay? @brittanyrheafan
No pick-up lines, just If there is enough alcohol!
condence. To date me you @brittany_rhea_p
must be strong, respectful, and Your favourite song today:
have a great personalityoh, Wicked Games by The BrittanyRheaModel
and chemistry. Weekend
Whats the quirkiest thing about you

that we might not expect?
I have a tendency to be really clumsy.
What are your favourite food

indulgences?
Definitely Pizza Hut cheese-stuffed
crust pizza and chocolate ice cream
with lots of toppings like cookie dough
and sprinkles.
What can we nd you doing on a

rainy day?
My favourite thing to do on a rainy
day would be playing Xbox, watching
movies, or just relaxing.
The movie Fifty Shades of Grey opens

this month. Did you read the book or
do you plan to see the movie?
I never got a chance to read the book, but
I am definitely going to see the movie!
Whats on your iPod playlist?

I have a wide variety on my playlist,
from Usher to Breaking Benjamin. It all
just depends on my mood.
Whats next for you? Any goals you

want to accomplish next?
One of my dreams is to become a
Playboy Playmate and to work with
Maxim. Maybe that will be next! I would
also love to travel to new places!

LAST CALL
Middleweight Tim Kennedy

HESITANCE
loses via TKO to Yoel Romero Fighters careers are on the line. A loss can have a huge
at UFC 178 impact on their careers, so understandably, a referee has
to be SURE before he does something that may affect the
outcome. Imagine the backlash a ref faces for docking a
point and the fighter losing a fight because of it. Imagine
a dominant fighter gets docked a point and loses the fight
because of it the ref would get blasted. But we are talking
hypotheticals here; it isnt the norm.
But what about the fighters on the other end of the
infringement? A fighter could lose vital points for NOT getting a
takedown on a repeat fence grabber, or get repeatedly eye poked
and lose because of that. Surely they deserve the rules being
enforced; they didnt do anything wrong.
The MMA scoring system needs reform. The 10-point Must
System is not good enough anymore, but thats not what I am
talking about here. I am talking about right now, in 2015, and
in the current rule set.
Lets talk Anderson Silva who doesnt want to watch
the catlike matrix movements of one of the greatest fighters
of all time? But during the second Sonnen fight he was
WILL THE REAL quite blatantly grabbing and holding onto Sonnens shorts.
STEPHEN R. SYLVANIE-USA TODAY SPORTS
The ref batted his hand away but he kept doing it anyway. I
MMA RULES doubt it swayed the outcome of the fight and perhaps it was
more likely done to really irritate Sonnen rather than a plan
PLEASE STAND to win the fight, but perhaps it was done because these sort
of things never really get enforced anyway. If fighters knew
UP, PLEASE there was a genuine risk of getting a point docked, they
wouldnt risk breaking the rules.
STAND UP? REPEAT OFFENDERS
I can see a fence grab as being instinctive when someone is
The rules exist for a reason, so why arent trying to uproot you and bash you in the face, but there are
instances of serial offenders. You know who they are. And eye
they being enforced? pokes? Yeah, you know who were talking about there, too.
BY FRANCIS ABRAHAM Again, oftentimes a ref gives a verbal warning or even threatens
to dock a point, but no real repercussions are happening. Its
toothless all bark and no bite.
A
pologies for the Eminem reference in a lame The practice of actually docking a point will send a clear
attempt to spice up a topic that may seem boring message to fighters and almost guarantee a new awareness
to some: MMA contest rules, or more specifically for fighters and the result will be a dramatic reduction of
the blatant and flagrant breaking of rules that repetitive behaviour.
receive no penalty whatsoever. Lets take a look at why At UFC 178, Tim Kennedy pointed out that his opponent
referees need to be stricter and start docking points. Yoel Romero, and his corner, broke a rule they didnt
answer the bell at the end of a one-minute rest period
REPEAT OFFENDING between rounds. It was controversial, with accusations and
When was the last time you saw a ref dock a point? OK, explanations thrown around in equal measure, but there
some smartass is probably going to write in the comments was never any actual penalty enforced. A rule was seemingly
that one happened last week, but lets face it, most of the blatantly broken, whether by accident or on purpose, but
time nothing more than a warning occurs, if that. ultimately nothing happened. There was just an awkward
We hear refs warn they are going to dock a point if the minute or so with people scratching their heads and shouting,
fighter commits an offence a second time, but still nothing then the fight carried on, with Romero winning amid
happens when the fighter commits the offence two minutes seemingly unparalleled controversy.
later. Rules matter in all sports and there doesnt appear to There have been many examples of these types of instances
be a lot of enforcing going on in MMA. This isnt UFC 1 where point deductions could have (and should have) made a
the rules are there for a reason. difference. Its time breaking rules actually carried a penalty.
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CONTENTS
04 FIGHTING FOOD
14 Health & nutrition facts
08 ASK THE DOC
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Anderson Silva
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ghtaustralia.com.au FIGHT TRAINING GUIDE | 3

FIGHTING FOOD
Foods to fight pain

Are you sore after training or competing?
Did you know that pain and inammation are your bodys
way of trying to tell you that something is wrong?
BY IAN COLLINS // PHOTOS BY STOCK.XCHNG
ain, redness and swelling is your
P bodys response to anything that

irritates it. Inammation can be the
result of training injuries, insect bites, poor
diet, lifestyle and stress.
Food has the power to reduce
inammation. The following foods are
powerful anti-inammatory foods.
SALMON
Salmon is an excellent source of EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) two strong
omega-3 fatty acids that have been
shown in numerous studies to reduce
TURMERIC inammation.
Curcumin found in turmeric gives it
its yellow colour and powerful anti- KOMBU
inammatory, antioxidant and liver- Fucoidan found in kelp is a type
protective properties. Also available in of complex carbohydrate that is anti- TAKE ACTION TODAY
tablet form. inammatory, and antioxidative. Managing inammation through diet,
The high bre content of kelp lifestyle and natural anti-
BLUEBERRIES also helps to induce fullness, inammatory supplements is
Anthocyanins found in blueberries give slow fat essential in your training.
them their blue-red pigment. Anthocyanins absorption
may also offer anti-inammatory protection and promote
against many problems such as dementia. weight loss.
But whenever
possible, buy
only organic kelps
harvested from unpolluted sea. INFLAMMATORY FOODS
Foods that can increase inammation
GREEN TEA include high sugar foods, heavily
The avonoids in green tea are potent processed foods, trans and saturated
natural anti-inammatory compounds that fats, articial colours, avours and
have been shown in numerous studies to preservatives, excess alcohol and caffeine.
reduce the risk of heart disease as well. These types of foods are best avoided.
4| FIGHT TRAINING GUIDE ghtaustralia.com.au

FIGHTING FOOD
Foods to boost your

immune system
We all know that large amounts of stress negatively affect the immune
system. Rather than rushing to book your next holiday, simply add the
following foods to your diet in order to make sure you are covered this winter.
BY IAN COLLINS // PHOTOS BY STOCK.XCHNG
BLUEBERRIES SUPPLEMENTS
Blueberries are very high in antioxidants In addition to the intake of these foods, it is
and assist in your bodys ability to destroy also best to follow up on a regular basis by
invading germs and bacteria. Blueberries supplementing your diet with the below to
also contain vitamin C and magnesium, two ensure your levels are adequate.
nutrients that are essential in maintaining
the strength and function of your immune NUTRA-LIFE KYOLIC
system. Simply add blueberries to your diet This is an extract that provides all the
by including them in fruit salad or blending benets of fresh garlic in an easily absorbed
them into smoothies. form without the garlic breath.
FUSION ASTRA 8
Contains herbs traditionally used to promote
a healthy immune system and promotes
BROCCOLI recovery and support.
Broccoli contains high levels of both
calcium and vitamin K, both of which are ACAI BERRIES
important for bone health and prevention Acai berries contain over 42 antioxidants
of osteoporosis. In fact, one cup of broccoli and an exceptional amount of
boosts the immune system with a large superfood nutrients including omegas,
dose of beta-carotene. Trace minerals, vitamins, minerals and amino acids
such as zinc and selenium, further act to to boost your immunity.
GARLIC strengthen immune defence actions.
Garlic contains alliin, which converts to a
form called allicin when garlic is crushed. TOMATOES
Allicin is often mentioned as an antibiotic Tomatoes are high in vitamin C. There is
agent and helps your immune system defeat also lycopene in tomatoes that acts as
bacterial, viral an antioxidant, helping white blood cells
and even fungal resist the damaging effects of free radicals.
infections. Antioxidants give back the oxygen that had
been stolen from your cells from the free
radical to begin with.

FIGHTING FOOD FIGHT FUEL
Best Pre-fight
Food
If youre training hard, you need to give your
body fuel that helps you maintain strength,
stamina and focus throughout your workout.
BY SAM BUORDOLONE // PHOTOS BY STOCK.XCHNG
f youve ever felt not present, or a little improved absorption of nutrients, which
I out of it during a sparring session,

chances are that it will come down
to what you have eaten (or possibly what
can then translate into performance-
enhancing advantages.
Classic healthy carbohydrate alternatives
you have not) and a good diet consists of within a gluten-free diet include all varieties of
selection and timing. rice, axseeds, organic corn, tapioca, potato,
When it comes to ght training, the quinoa, amaranth, nuts, beans and tofu.
intensity required within your workout will
need to be sustainable. Consuming products HEALTHIER SNACKS
such as iFORCE CONQUER before can FOR ATHLETES
boost your energy, endurance, strength Energy bars and breakfast bars:
and stamina during those long, gruelling be able to refuel correctly, or become Bars are fast, quick and easy. Be sure
workouts. It is wise to understand that we decient in bre, B-vitamins and some to read the label carefully as its about
must continually push our bodies past their forms of iron. the calories. Do not believe all the labels
breaking point to initiate muscle growth, Gluten is the protein that nourishes and what they say about enhancing your
strength increases and enhanced endurance. wheat during germination from seed to performance. Its the calories you are
It is also advantageous to follow up your plant. The gluten in wheat our gives consuming that will give you the energy,
sessions/workouts or competitions with dough its elasticity and allows leavening; not some magical ingredient. Ensure you
supplements such as GENR8 VITARGO gluten also contributes to the chewiness read the label carefully!
for quick recovery as carbohydrates are of baked goods. Dry cereal: Try some cereals, plain
the bodys preferred source of energy. Unfortunately, many people struggle or mixed with nuts, raisins or dried fruits.
Fast-acting carbohydrates like this will to digest these proteins correctly while If you do not have time to add milk, then
ensure that your energy levels are restored others are diagnosed with coeliac disease, simply take your cereal blend with you
immediately. Additionally, you may want to leaving them unable to eat wheat-based and eat it dry.
include glutamine, which will help support items. Common symptoms include Instant oatmeal: Simply add water
healthy muscle tissue repair and recovery. headaches, muscle pain, bloating, fatigue and add some nuts, seed and sultanas to
and digestion problems. avour the snack naturally.
The reasoning as to why many athletes
GLUTEN tend to follow a diet free from gluten is to
What are the good and bad for an simply ease the digestive problems during
athlete? competition. Improved digestion leads to
Carbohydrates are a signicant source of
energy, particularly during exercise. Pasta,
cereal, bread, rice and fruit are foods that
an athlete is likely to select, irrespective
of whether youre operating at an elite
level or simply for recreational
purposes. When these foods
are avoided, there is a chance
that an athlete may not

FIGHTING FOOD
Snack Attack
You need to give your body meals that help
you maintain strength, stamina and focus
throughout your workout, but you will need
smaller healthy snacks to get you through
to those meals.
BY HELENA DAVIS, NATUROPATH, AND IAN COLLINS // PHOTOS BY STOCK.XCHNG
nacks are extremely important to
S provide your body with the macro-

and micronutrients required for you
to function 100 per cent.
They keep your metabolism working
evenly, which helpsweight control
andassists with your recovery.
Here are some great options for healthy
snacks that you can enjoy and feel good about.
UNHULLED
TAHINI SPREAD
Made from 100 per cent sesame seeds, this
is a great source of protein and omega-6 fats.
CELERY
CARROTS High source of silica, dietary bre,
High source of dietary bre, carbohydrates carbohydrates and a fantastic diuretic to
and beta-carotene to help protect your eyes help you get rid of excess uid. Carrots and
and provide your body with essential nutrients. celery are also good options with any of the
nut spreads.
ALMOND SPREAD
CHEESE Made from 100 per cent almonds, this
If you like cheese do NOT have soft cheese delicious spread is a great source of protein
such as brie or camembert too high in and omega-6 fats.
fat. Go to your delicatessen and ask for the You can place any of the spreads on water
hardest cheese they have that means carckers no fat; or the carrots and celery.
lower fat. Low fat milk and cheese both
provide calcium important for muscles PROTEIN
and bone structure. Whey protein isolateprovides your body
with the building blocks required to create
an optimum anabolic environment for
muscle gain. A good example is Horleys
Ice Whey, and Ascend Recovery, containing
ultra active whey protein peptides that help
to accelerate muscle recovery post exercise.
Both products contain almost no fat or
sugar, and make you feel content.
Protein bars with low carbohydrates and
low sugar are another good option.
Keep training and keep snacking.

FIGHTING FOOD HEART ATTACK
Heart-smart
Nutrients
Keeping active alone doesnt guarantee immunity from
one of the nations top killers. Heart disease and related
conditions such as stroke and heart attack account for
over 30 per cent of deaths in Australia each year.
BY CLAIRE-ELYSE EDEN, N.D // PHOTOS BY STOCK.XCHNG
ont stress, as there is some good
D news. Research shows that eating

a healthy diet alongside a regular
exercise routine is the best lifestyle choice
you can make to keep your heart healthy.
Here are some tips to tweak your diet to
include an abundance of heart-smart
nutrients to keep you ghting t.
OLIVE OIL AND AVOCADO

Avoiding foods such as olive oil and
avocado because of their high fat content
means youll miss out on vital heart-loving
nutrients. Unsaturated fats include poly- and
SALMON monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in sh such oil, avocado, nuts and seeds. Studies show
as salmon, sardines and mackerel and these that when monounsaturated fat replaces
healthy fats play a role in reducing bad saturated or trans fats in the diet, levels
LDL cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids of HDL cholesterol increase, promoting
also increase good HDL cholesterol, which elimination of the bad LDL cholesterol via
promotes exibility of arterial walls and the liver.
OATS regulation of blood pressure.
Whole grains such as oats are an excellent CO-ENZYME Q10
source of both soluble and insoluble bre. BERRIES Co-enzyme Q10 is an antioxidant nutrient
Soluble bre is especially important for Berries are not only delicious but they responsible for providing energy to
heart health as it assists with lowering LDL deliver a whole host of health benets every cell in the body. During exercise
cholesterol, while insoluble bre helps with due to their incredible nutrient prole. there is an increased demand for
moving waste through the digestive system. Berries are high in cardio-protective this nutrient to provide energy to the
antioxidants and polyphenols that cardiac muscle. Supplementation can
MAGNESIUM may help to prevent cardiovascular help increase energy levels and help
Magnesium is a mineral accountable for over disease and promote healthy ageing. ensure heart function is optimal.
300 enzymatic reactions within the body and
due to its role in muscle contractility, FURTHER INFO
it is essential for heart health. If you need help please contact us at Evelyn
Magnesium helps relax arterial Faye Nutrition, 360 Bourke St Melbourne, phone:
walls to maintain healthy (03) 9670 1346 OR 269 Clarendon St South
blood pressure, reduces Melbourne, phone: (03) 9686 0086.
LDL cholesterol levels and www.completehealth.com.au also
enhances heart function overall. has information.

ANDERSON
SILVA
IF SOMEBODY
DISRESPECTS
ME THEY
WILL PAY
FOR IT.
I PROMISE MY ULTIMATE GOAL
IS TO GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE
MOST EFFICIENT AND TECHNICAL
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Anderson Silva unveils for the Defense for MMA, Anderson
rst time ever all the striking breaks down and examines one
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DOCTORS CORNER
Ask the Doc

Doctor Peter Lewis takes the time to answer some of the common ghter
medical questions we get asked here at the magazine.
Sam Soliman could
be peaking at age 40
At what age should I stop ghting? Fighters in the lighter weight divisions have a much shorter
This depends on what ght system you compete in, your weight use-by date than heavyweights. This is because of the gradual
division, your goals in life, and how mad you are! development of intra-abdominal fat as the years go by. One of the
Sports that require a lot of exibility, i.e. taekwondo, are hard to causes of intra-abdominal fat accumulation is the yo-yo dieting
do after the age of 30. Similarly for above-waist kickboxing. Not only that many lighter weight ghters undergo, in which they starve
does it get harder to get the kicks up to head height as you age, but themselves for a few weeks before a ght and then eat up big
the training for high kicks puts a lot of strain on the hip joint, and after a ght, regaining a lot of fat.
you can get premature osteoarthritis of the hip joint. One of the reasons why Soliman has been so incredibly
Freestyle kickboxing, with more low kicks, allows us older fellows durable as a ghter is that he has never stopped training or put
to stay in the sport longer, maybe into the mid-30s. Boxing is even on any signicant amount of fat. He has been ready to ght,
more forgiving of ageing, as exibility is not required. Sam Soliman, for constantly, for 20 years.
instance, is rewriting the rules on ageing and ghting. He is about to turn Finally, it is not age so much as life changes that often
40 and is peaking in his career with his win over Felix Sturm in Dusseldorf spell the end of ones career. This is especially so of marriage
to retain his number-one IBF ranking in the middleweight division. and children. Ones other career, i.e., earning a living, is often
Many ghters are discovering that when they have reached their age important because serious ghting takes up a lot of time and
limit in kickboxing, they can extend their ght careers by a few more many ghters have to stop ghting because they can make
years by moving down to the ground with MMA. One of the reasons for more money from their regular work. Only a few professionals in
this is that height/weight ratios are very important in stand-up ghting Australia have ever made any serious money from kickboxing.
where range is very important. As we age, it becomes harder to make There is now a revolution in ageing and lifestyles in Australia.
the lighter weight divisions. Range is not as important when you are We live longer than nearly any other nation with a life expectancy
rolling on the ground as when you are standing up. Maurice Smith was of 83. We also have the emergence of middle-age crisis
a ghter who was able to keep ghting and winning in MMA when behaviour such as purchasing motorbikes and whitecollar
he was too old to do well at kickboxing. MMA is probably easier as boxing. This is affecting many middle and upper-class males.
strength and tactics are more important than tness in this sport, while I have a class at MHF we call the Masterclass for those who
kickboxing rewards extreme tness. As we age, it is harder to keep up want to stay physically and emotionally young in a ring. Many
the training required for kickboxing tness. members of the masterclass are over 50.
10 | FIGHT TRAINING GUIDE ghtaustralia.com.au

DOCTORS CORNER
If you dehydrate to weigh-in and then try to rehydrate will research despite my request to multiple universities. I have on
before competition, how long does it take your body after the record, proposed the dry brain syndrome as a mechanism
rehydration to replace the uid around the brain? accentuating concussion in dehydrated athletes and military. Not
This is an excellent question. It is important as we want to be sure only is less water in the skull a mechanical problem, but there
that ghters do not get into the ring dehydrated as we believe is a rebound phenomenon when they drastically rehydrate. Not
that dehydration, especially when it is associated with reduced only do we have to contend with raw uid, but the restoration of
cerebrospinal uid, contributes to brain damage. There is a lot of electrolytes for nerve impulse transmission and glucose necessary
debate about when the weigh-in should be held, either same day or for brain healing after ghts. What factor does the blood-brain-
the day before, or even 30 hours before, or the latest idea is two or barrier play in this process? How long for the H2O, lytes, and
even more weigh-ins with a limit on how much the ghter is allowed glucose to equilibrate?
to gain between weigh-ins. Dr Robert Cantu, the author of the textbook on boxing brain
I have researched the subject extensively and have asked some trauma, also conrms that there has been no research on this
of the doctors involved in subject. The importance of this information is vital for us to know
boxing internationally and how much uid ghters can safely lose before a ght, how long
I cannot nd any scientic before a ght the weigh-in should be held and what is the best
research that gives a denite way to rehydrate after the weigh-in.
answer to the question. Joe I have thought of a way of researching this subject and I am going
Estwanik, the head of the to start seeing if we can get some facts together. I have designed
Association of Ringside an experiment wherein we check ghters cognitive speed before,
Physicians, says I have asked during and after rehydration. The problem is that no-one wants their
this question for over 10 years! No one cerebrospinal uid drained before a ght. It is very painful.
Randy Couture was still a

UFC contender at age 47

DOCTORS CORNER
What is your opinion on the state of drug testing in our sport What is your opinion regarding headgear versus no headgear?
and what direction should we be heading? There is a presumption that helmets make the sport safer and that is
This issues questions are two of the most controversial questions in why they are compulsory in the amateurs. This is not the case. This
the sport today. Well I am a bit biased when it comes to drug testing was discussed at length at the WBC conference on boxing injuries
because I am a director of Suretest, which supplies drug testing in Aruba. In reality, the reason for headgear in the amateurs is more
cups for many sporting events, including motorbike races and world political its to distinguish themselves from the pros and because
title boxing and kickboxing. in some countries, such as England, where the British Medical
The obvious advantage of testing is that we can promote the Association is very active in its calls to ban boxing, it is thought that
sport as safer and cleaner and more politically correct. I think it is the use of headgear is more acceptable.
important for ghter safety that they are not using stimulant drugs Many people believe that more protective gear means a safer
that impair judgment. This is for the safety of both ghters. sport. Gridiron proves this wrong. There have also been some
There are problems with drug testing. The main one is cost. studies on the effects of bicycle helmets and road safety that show
There is no way that we could afford to test every ghter for every they have almost no direct effect on head injuries.
drug. Because we can only test for some drugs, the effect of testing Wearing headgear in ghting does reduce cuts and I would
means that we will only catch out the ignorant and poor drug users. recommend it for a ghter in the fortnight before a ght just to
Pro athletes with expensive sports scientists behind them can prevent being cut.
always get around the tests. One of my favourite sayings is: Pad the weapon and not the target.
The biggest problem with I believe that the key issue is design of boxing gloves. There should be
drug testing is that the very
existence of the testing
program implies that ghters
have an unfair advantage if
they are using drugs and I am
not sure that that is the case.
Some young people will think
that if we test for drugs, they
must work and therefore they
will try them out because theyll
do anything to win.
PAUL THATCHER
I think we need a drug

education campaign in
conjunction with testing to make
it quite clear that we test to ensure
THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH

DRUG TESTING IS THAT THE VERY
EXISTENCE OF THE TESTING
PROGRAM IMPLIES THAT FIGHTERS
HAVE AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE IF THEY
ARE USING DRUGS AND I AM NOT
SURE THAT THAT IS THE CASE.
ghter safety and that drugs do not give the ghter an advantage. Most
good ghters do not use drugs. They are t, they train hard and they have
good skills. Many of the ghters who use drugs are lazy and they lose.
A problem with drug testing can also be seen in the Soliman/
Sturm controversy where Sam Soliman was vilied because
the Germans alleged that they had detected a trace amount of
methylsynephrine in Sams urine. Methylsynephrine is also known as
citrus extract and it is present in many over-the-counter nutritional
supplements. This is clearly the case of drug testing gone mad.
Drug testing should be rst about ghter safety, and secondly, to
prevent unfair cheating, but as I said above, I am not sure that we
can achieve this. Drug testing has gone mad when it comes down
to testing for obscure supplements that you can get in health food
shops, and when it gets to an AFL-type situation, even the experts
are arguing about which supplements are legal and which are not.
GETTY
Next edition I will talk more about supplements.

DOCTORS CORNER
excellent padding across the knuckles.

The problems with headgear: Unfortunately, gloves are rated according DR PETER LEWIS
t It creates a false sense of condence. Fighters wear the blow to their weight. There is a presumption
instead of blocking or weaving.
that heavier gloves have more padding
t It makes the head target bigger so it is harder to weave out of
on the knuckles. This is often just plain
the way of a shot.
t It makes the head target heavier and therefore slower to move wrong, especially with older gloves, which
to weave. Therefore, people do not bother to move the head and are sometimes really heavy and have no
become lazy. This becomes a habit. knuckle protection. I spar with 10oz gloves
t Because the head target is larger and slower to move, it with excellent knuckle protection, and
becomes an easy scoring option. This has meant that amateur I like my partners to do the same. This
boxing has now become dominated by headshots and the art of encourages fast, quick shots without the
the body shot has been lost, which has made head trauma more wind-up and follow-through. Dr Lewis is internationally
common in boxing and I think has made boxing less interesting, The thing that causes the most brain recognised as a medical
as I am a big fan of the body shot. damage is repeated blows, rather than authority in the martial
t Headgear reduces vision. You can close your eyes and wear an occasional sharp blow. I think the best arts eld. He has also
the blow. way to really shake the head up is to put been studying and
t Headgear can cause overheating of the head, which teaching martial arts for
headgear on and then pound that head
contributes to dehydration and reduced mental clarity. 34 years.
repeatedly with 16oz gloves. Dr Lewis is best
known as a ringside
physician. He is often
seen on televised shows
in many countries. He
has worked in 28 cities
internationally, 22 of these
on world title standard
events. He has performed
every ringside role,
including doctor, referee,
judge, rules co-ordinator,
timekeeper, commentator,
ringside announcer,
matchmaker, trainer,
cornerman, cutsman
and has competed in
karate, taekwondo and
kung fu. He has had the
pleasure and honour of
looking after some of the
most important ghts
and ghters in history.
Dr Lewis is also well
known as an international
lecturer and writer on
martial arts medicine.
He has consulted at
ReCreation Medical Centre
THERE IS A for 24 years.
He has also has a
PRESUMPTION clinic at Malvern Martial
THAT HELMETS Arts, which is especially
for martial artists. Dr
MAKE THE Lewis works with a
SPORT SAFER team including a nurse,
AND THAT IS physio, chiro, podiatrist,
psychologist, exercise
WHY THEY ARE physiologist, dietitian and
COMPULSORY IN masseurs who all have
extensive experience in
THE AMATEURS. martial arts.
Contact info@
malvernhealthandtness.
com.au

FIGHT SCHOOL
ANDERSON SILVA
THE SPIDER
With a strong background in Muay Thai, the great Anderson

Silva has a myriad of weapons with which he can attack. Here
are just a few of the options at his disposal, courtesy of the art
of eight limbs. Practice these moves and your arsenal will be
deadlier than ever.
TECHNIQUE
1 2
Muay Thai
Clinch + Knees
1) The Thai clinch is one of Anderson Silvas
most dangerous weapons. Here, he reaches
around his opponents head with his lead hand
to secure his initial grip, commonly referred to
3 4 as the clinch or Thai plum.
2) He follows immediately with the other

hand, covering his initial grip while sinking
his elbows down tightly around the sides of
his opponents neck. This helps generate the
leverage needed to control his opponents
posture while preventing his opponent from
getting his arms inside to break the grip.
3) Once the clinch is secured, Anderson goes

to work. As he pulls his opponents head down,
Anderson brings his rear leg forward, driving
his knee upward towards his opponents
midsection, using his hips to generate force in
combination with the downward pull.
4) Alternately, Anderson can throw his knee

to the head, or use a fake to the midsection
followed by a knee to the head when his
opponent takes the bait.

FIGHT SCHOOL
1 2 TECHNIQUE
Reverse Upward
Elbow
1) Anderson squares off in an orthodox stance.
2) As the right hand approaches, he slips his

head off centreline to the outside of the punch.
3) As he slips, he simultaneously drops his right

hand and turns it out to load up the elbow.
4) Anderson then res the elbow back up

under the chin of his opponent for the nish.
3 4 TECHNIQUE
Spinning Back
Elbow
1) Anderson squares off against his
opponent, anticipating the next shot.
2) As the right hand approaches, he

steps across his body to the outside of
the punch and rotates his head. His torso
follows the motion naturally.
3) As Andersons torso comes around,

he delivers a vicious back elbow to his
opponents face.
1 2 3

FIGHT SCHOOL
ALEX CHAMBERS
& LIAM RESNEKOV
VT1 ACADEMY SYDNEY
VT1s Alex Astro Girl Chambers is a UFC ghter and a martial artist. Originally an
atomweight ghter (under 48kg), she moved into the heavier division to test herself on
the rst ever womens TUF. Although she is the smallest in her division, her victories
over American and Japanese ghters are a result of her evasive and precise style.
Her coach, Liam Resnekov, Gracie jiu-jitsu Black-belt, runs VT1 Academy with his
brother, Muay Thai world champion Dylan Resnekov. Together they have coached two
UFC and TUF alumni and many jiu-jitsu and Thai boxing champions. They created the
CORE MMA system to help bring the unique fundamentals and transitions of MMA to
other martial arts styles, particularly wall work.
TECHNIQUE
The Twist Off a double leg

The general publics perception is that Australian ghters have one sturdy vertical surface is unique to MMA and requires a unique system to
big weakness wrestling. The VT1 team believe that it is a strategic untilize it both offensively and defensively. The technique shown is way of
misunderstanding and the real answer is the mastery of wall-work. The turning a defensive position into a potential ght ender.
1 2
Alex and Liam square off. Liam shoots a cage double under her punches.

FIGHT SCHOOL
Alex imediately
assumes a defensive
stance, always facing She peels his grip off.
the head of the Key point: Her palm
opponent. Her right faces up as she grabs
arm acts as a whizzer, the opponents wrist.
preventing her back This prevents a follow
3 being taken.
4 up leg attack.
She pivots into the

Maintaining the open space while
wrist, her other hand pulling her right elbow
reaches for his nose. to her hip The
When she releases Twist and his head
the whizzer, she with it. Key point: She
presses into the cage, maintains the grip on
5 protecting her back.
6 his wrist.
She follows the

knee with a rolling
She knees him with elbow again still
her left leg while maintaining the wrist
maintaining the grip on grip to avoid a counter
7 his wrist.
8 double or clinch.

FIGHT SCHOOL
ADRIAN PANG & DAN HIGGINS

INTEGRATED MARTIAL ARTS
Australian MMA ghter Adrian The Hunter Pang is a warrior who has tested himself at the
highest level in Australian MMA. Pang grew up among the tribal natives in Papua New Guinea,
quickly learning the value of self-defence in this primitive, dangerous land for a young boy of
mixed Asian/European descent. Because of his willingness to fearlessly defend himself and his
family against any odds, he was given, as a young boy, the nickname Man Bilong Pait, which
means warrior or man that likes to ght in Papua New Guineas native tongue.
Pang has developed into a very technical but explosive ghter, winning the Warriors Realm
lightweight title and twice defeating top Japanese MMA ghter Takumi Murata and also
submitting Japans Taiyo Nakahara and Dave Moreno from BJ Penns team. Running out of
opponents at 65kg in Australia, Pang moved up to the 70kg division and captured the CFC
Lightweight title and then went on to also take the Legend FC belt in Asia and is now ghting
for top Asian promotion ONE FC.
His coach, Dan Higgins, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced MMA coaches
in Australia, with over 30 years of experience in martial arts and has trained overseas with
many legends of the sport in Japan and America.
TECHNIQUE
Overhand right to single-leg takedown

Adrian Pang and Dan Higgins demonstrate an overhand right to single-leg takedown. Pang has proven
the effectiveness of his explosive single-leg takedown during many of his ghts in the past.
1 2
Dan Higgins and Adrian Pang shape up. Higgins throws an overhand right and Pang covers.
3 4
Higgins uses it to take a nearside single-leg. As Pang defends, Higgins switches leg to the outside

LEARN THE
5
GRACIE
WAY!
Discover
the training
secrets and
history of
the worlds
most
famous
fighting
family
and takes the double-leg and runs Pang to oor.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu:

Theory and Technique
The Brazilian jiu jitsu style stems from the
premise, garnered from analysis of actual
street ghts, that the outcome of many ghts
is decided on the ground. While most martial
arts deal only with the initial punching and
kicking stages of combat, Brazilian jiu jitsu
concentrates on ground combat. Photographs
and step-by-step instructions show how to
master the techniques of Brazilian jiu jitsu and
increase your combat effectiveness.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Black Belt

Techniques
Jean Jacques Machado now presents his entire
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu system in book form for the
rst time. Detailed is a complete repertoire of
Jiu-Jitsu moves to handle any situation that
arises, whether on the mat or on the street.
Higgins lands in side-control, making sure to keep Pang at on his back. Techniques are not presented in isolation, but
rather through a series of moves that guide
practitioners from an initial threat or opportunity
7 all the way through to a submission hold.
More than 100 step-by-step positions are
demonstrated.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Submission

Grappling Techniques
The 145-pound Royler Gracie has won three
consecutive ADCC titles and four world titles,
along with victories in Pride, Vale Tudo, 21st
Century Warriors, and many more. Here, he
spills his secrets for the rst time, showing
102 positions designed specically for the
slippery, fast-paced, unpredictable world of no-gi
grappling. It offers Roylers tips on successful
combination moves, garnered from his more
than 300 professional ghts, as well as advice on
training routines, mental stamina, and avoiding
injuries.
Mastering Jujitsu
Renzo Gracie instructor of elite ghters
and champion of many grappling and MMA
events will help you progress from isolated
skill-development to a full set of tactics and
ght plans, and introduce you to the concept
of combat phases, teaching you to attack from
any phase. You will learn how to react to your
opponent in any situation. Whether youre
Higgins squares up and gains a solid side-control position to dominate on the ground. caught in a bottom position or attacking from
the top, in the clinch, Gracie reveals the key
strategies designed to give you the upper hand
and drills to learn them.
ghtaustralia.com.au Call (03) 9574 8460 or

visit fightaustralia.com.au
FIGHT SCHOOL
ELVIS SINOSIC
SPMA
Elvis Sinosic is a retired Australian professional mixed martial artist. While

he is perhaps best known for his seven-ght stint in the Ultimate Fighting
Championship (UFC), he has also competed in the Cage Rage Championships,
K-1, and Pancrase. He has fought all over the world, including Tokyo,
London, Montreal and Las Vegas. He fought for the UFC Light-heavyweight
Championship at UFC 32. He currently runs Sinosic Perosh Martial Arts
(SPMA) with business and training partner Anthony Perosh. Having trained in
various arts for over 30 years, the King of Rock N Rumble has been exposed
to a myriad of art forms including: freestyle wrestling, taekwondo, boxing, Jeet
Kune Do, Filipino martial arts, silat, Muay Thai, capoeira, kickboxing, judo, JB
Will shootghting, pankration, jujutsu and Machado BJJ.
TECHNIQUE
Far underhook escape into DArce choke

Featured in this technique with Elvis Sinosic is SPMA MMA ghter Andrew Mills. Here, they demonstrate a
far underhook escape into DArce choke. The far underhook escape can be used to setup a DArce choke
when your opponent attempts to pass your guard using a crossface and knee-slice pass.
1 2
Elvis Sinosic has been taken down and manages to recover guard. Sinosic scoots his hips back to an open guard in preparation
Sinosic has his hands on Mills biceps as a control for when Mills to attack with submissions or to stand up. Mills counters by
tries to ground-and-pound. pinning his knee to try and pass the guard.
3 3 detail
Mills begins the pass by driving his knee over Sinosics Detail Sinosic controls Mills right arm as he prepares to escape.
pinned leg and gets the crossface. Sinosic begins to defend
by diving his right arm under the far armpit of Mills.

FIGHT SCHOOL
4 detail
4
As Mills clears the leg to pass, Sinosic traps his arm with his own
left arm as Mills goes to catch the crossface. Sinosic drives his right Detail close-up of Sinosics hand positions.
arm up and walks his legs away to begin escaping.
5 6
Sinosic continues to walk until his head is out from underneath. He Sinosic continues to walk his leg, joining his hands and pulling tight so
then scissors his legs and grabs Mills head with his right arm. Mills cannot free his right arm. Sinosic keeps walking until Mills collapses.
Detail close-up of Sinosics gable grip.
7 8
Now that Mills has collapsed, Sinosic locks his arms in a Sinosic continues to walk his legs until he catches Mills legs
gure-four grip, locking in the DArce choke. with his own right leg to stop Mills from escaping. He continues
to squeeze until Mills taps or passes out from the choke.

FIGHT SCHOOL
DHIEGO LIMA
WITH RAPHAEL ASSUNCAO
This issue, TUF 19 standout Dhiego Lima and featherweight

contender Raphael Assuncao run us through a nasty Kimura
defence against a single-leg takedown attempt.
TECHNIQUE
Defending the single leg with a Kimura

1 2
Dhiego and Raphael both begin in an orthodox stance. Dhiego leads with the jab, but Raphael changes levels.
3 4
Raphael drops beneath the jab and catches the lead leg for a single. Dhiego immediately goes to a gure 4 wrist control on Raphaels left
arm, which he will not let go of the entire time. Notice the position of
Dhiegos left leg at this point (between Raphaels legs).

FIGHT SCHOOL
5 6
Dhiego is looking to drop to a seated position as quickly as possible Dhiego uses the momentum from sitting down to rock backwards while
while Raphaels head is still low and he hasnt had time to adjust. simultaneously using the instep of his left foot on the inner thigh of
Raphaels left leg to elevate Raphaels lower half, forcing him to forward roll.
(All while maintaining his gure-4 control on Raphaels left wrist/arm).
7 8
When Raphael completes the forward roll, both ghters will momentarily Dhiego needs to quickly switch his hips in order to turn
be on their backs at the same time (or close to that position). to his knees and seize the top position (side control).
9 10
Dhiego steps over Raphaels head with the his left leg. This will Finish him!
give him a solid base, make escape more difcult, and provides
greater leverage to nish the Kimura.

FIGHT SCHOOL
PAMORN MARTDEE
CHAMPIONS GYM
Pamorn Martdee is a former Australian champion and Muay

Thai coach from Perth, Western Australia. He started ghting
at 13, under his father Phon Martdee, and six-time world
champion Sanapar Noi. Pamorn lived, trained and fought in
Thailand out of Sangmorakot Gym in Bangkok.
Pamorn is the founder of Champions Gym and teaches Muay
Thai to men, women and children for tness, self-defence and
competition. He is also the director of Origins Fight Promotions.
Here he demonstrates the basic set up for the cartwheel kick
or in Thai Mah Deet Khalok, which translates to horse kicks
the skull an attacking technique that can be mastered by
anyone with practice and persistence and is devastating when
landed correctly. You may have seen this technique used often
by Muay Thai legend Saenchai.
TECHNIQUE
Cartwheel Kick
1 2
Stand ready for attack. If you are a right-hander, aim to catch your opponents right
roundhouse kick ensure to lock it tight at the ankle.
3 4
While the kick is caught, re through with a straight right Using your left hand, control your opponents leg,
to the jaw with intent to rock your opponent. preparing to throw him off balance.

FIGHT SCHOOL
5 6
IMPORTANT: Instead of throwing across the body to your right, throw As your opponent is off balance, throw your left hand to the canvas and
the leg to your left to create an opening in your opponents guard. propel your body in a cartwheel motion, aiming your right shin at your
opponents upper body.
With the cartwheel in motion, aim the right shin to angle downwards, coming down on your opponents head or clavicle with force.

FIGHT SCHOOL
JOHN WAYNE PARR

BOONCHU GYM
One of the greatest Muay Thai ghters in the world shows us some of his best
training tips.
In ghting, its never a good idea to stand in front of your opponent. You
want to be either out of range from your opponent or moving side-to-side,
cutting your angles so youre never easy to hit. This is a great technique to
practise on while doing pads and while sparring until it becomes natural. When
it comes to ght time, youre not going to fall over yourself.
If youre in orthodox stance, at the end of your combo use your left hand
like a hook to catch the back wrist.
But instead of using your knuckles, use the thumb and forenger, or the
palm to grab your opponents wrist. Once you have control of the hand, take a
deep 45-degree step backward with the lead leg, pivot on the lead leg so you
end up 90 degrees to your opponent, still keeping control of the hand so your
opponent cant came back and hit you with it.
You need to take a deep enough step so while youre 90 degrees to your
opponent, youre still at arms length away.
From there, spring off your back leg and deliver a heavy kick either to the
leg, body, or, if lucky enough, to the head.
Performing this technique as a southpaw is pretty much the same, but as
you nish your combo, throw a right hook, catching your opponents lead wrist.
Once its secured, step out 45 degrees with your back leg to the right-hand
side of your opponent. Once it lands, pivot so your lead leg goes nice and deep
into southpaw stance, still controlling the wrist with your right hand, keeping
your opponent at arms length. This makes just the right distance, so when you
deliver the kick, the shin lands ush into your opponents target area.Once you
have nished your technique, keep circling away so youre out of danger, and
you can reset and start all over again.
TECHNIQUE
90-Degree Angle Kick (sequence 1)
1 2

FIGHT SCHOOL
TECHNIQUE
Southpaw 90-Degree Angle Kick (sequence 2)
1 2
3 4
PHOTOS BY SHARON RICHARDS
3 4

FIGHTING FIT
MATT DAQUINO
BEYOND GRAPPLING
Matt DAquino is one of Australias most accomplished judo

players. He has won the Australian and Oceania Championships
multiple times as well as competed in five world championships
and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Back in 2009, Matt made
history when he became the first and only Australian male to win
the 2009 Pac Rim Championships.
Today Matt coaches judo on a national and international level by
running seminars and training camps all over the globe. You can
follow Matt and his judo at www.beyondgrappling.com
TECHNIQUE
Sandbag movements for fighters

If you have done judo, wrestling or Brazilian jiu jitsu for more the weight is moving all the time making a 20 kg sandbag very
than ve minutes then you would know that your opponent is difcult to maneuver. Using s,andbags in your weekly strength and
constantly shifting and moving their weight. It is also hard to conditioning schedule can help you develop functional grappling
replicate this sort of moving pressure in the gym using barbells strength while also working your grip strength, core stability and
and dumbbells because they are deadweight objects; although, overall muscular endurance. In the sandbag movement below I
the use of sandbags is a great way for grapplers to mimic an ever show you how to do alternate sandbag slams with a squat added in
moving, shifting opponent. When lifting and moving a sandbag, there to target the legs and to make you work a bit harder.
1 2
Start with a ve, 10 or 15 kg sandbag in front of you. Keeping your head up and back straight, bend your knees and grab the
sandbag. Try not to use the handles, but use your ngers to grip the bag.
3 4
Drive through the oor as you begin lifting the bag off the ground; use Rest for a brief second while the sandbag is on your shoulder. You may
your hips to lift the bag up onto your shoulder. use your other hand to hold the bag and assist with balance.

FIGHTING FIT
5 6
Getting as low as you can, perform a squat, (you can also do a lunge instead). Return to the starting position.
7 8
Throw the sandbag onto the oor. Bend down and pick up the sandbag. Keep your head up and back
straight.
9 10
Begin driving the sandbag up onto your other shoulder. Repeat the process on the other side.

FIGHTING FIT
DENIS KELLY
AND PHIL LAI
TEAM NEMESIS
Denis and Phil are the head coaches at Team Nemesis MMA.
Their ghters have competed all across Australia and also
internationally. Denis is a BJJ Black-belt, Former Professional
MMA ghter and certied trainer with the Australian strength
and conditioning association. Phil is an expert Muay Thai striking
coach, experienced grappler and is also a Level 1 CrossFit
instructor. As coaches, they are both constantly learning and
improving their skills and researching new training methods in
order to get the best results for their ghters and students.
TECHNIQUE
Fight-specific conditioning circuit

This is a circuit that we use with our ghters to simulate the him to adapt and recover quickly between rounds. Each station in
demands of an MMA ght. This is typically done 23 times a week the circuit will last for 45 seconds; the athlete will then immediately
in the weeks leading up to a ght. This is based on the ght having move on to the next station. The entire round will last for six
ve minute rounds but can be adjusted accordingly for three minute minutes. The athlete will then rest for one minute then begin the
rounds. The aim is to make the ghter as tired as possible, forcing next round. We will aim to get through four rounds in total.
1 2
Station 1 Kicks off each leg onto Thai pads. As many sets as possible Station 2 Rope swings with heavy rope for 45 seconds.
in 45 seconds.
3a 3b
Station 3 Jab and cross onto focus mitts then... ...immediately shoot in for a double leg takedown. Do as many reps as
possible in 45 seconds.

FIGHTING FIT
4 5a
Station 4 Box jumps. As many as possible in 45 seconds. Station 5 Picking up and slamming the heavy bag. As many
reps as possible in 45 seconds.
5b 5c
6 8
7
Station 6 Continuous knee strikes on the Station 7 Sprawls. As many reps as Station 8 Continuous dumbbell
pads for 45 seconds. possible in 45 seconds and coming back punches for 45 seconds.
up to ghting stance after every rep.

FIGHTING FIT
HEALTHY JOINTS
HARDER PUNCHES
Have you ever wondered how a relatively small and lean individual has the ability to KO a
guy twice his size? Technique aside, one of the main reasons is kinetic energy. The
ligaments and tendons in our joints act as stiff elastic bands that can store the vast
amounts of kinetic energy needed for a jaw-shattering punch or a rib-cracking
kick.
Thus it is important that your strength and conditioning coaches do not neglect
joint-specic training days. The abuse of constant punching, grappling and other
impacts can lead to inamed joints or tendonitis, which can severely affect your
training and performance.
Demonstrated below by Ohio Combat Club instructor and radio host Jeremy Loper
are seven simple but key exercises to condition your major joints for the rigours of
combat while keeping them happy and healthy.
TECHNIQUES
EXERCISE 1
Banded Tricep Extensions
This exercise will stimulate the connective
tissue around the base of the elbow and
develop the small head of the triceps that
ties into the joint. This is an exercise that
can and should be done daily.
Execution of the Lift
From a standing position grip the mini
band with a hammer grip. Extend your
arms downwards while maximally
contracting the triceps and turning
your hands outward. Do not worry
about maximal speed as that is not the
objective. A pace of 60 per cent will
sufce. DO NOT let go of the bands
until all the reps have been completed!
(1 set 300 reps)
EXERCISE 2
Bandbell Bar
This bar causes kinetic vibrations as you
bench that in turn maximally stimulates
the connective tissue around the shoulder
joints. This is a very versatile bar and can
be used for overhead pressing and upright
rows for other forms of joint stimulations.
Begin by unracking the bar and keeping
your upper back and stomach tight. Begin
to lower the weight under control until it
touches your chest then press back up
keeping the elbows out.
(1 set 25 reps)

FIGHTING FIT
EXERCISE 3
Hammer Curls
This movement is well known but it must be performed with light
weight if one is to get the most out of it for joint development. It is also
useful as therapy for tendonitis. Choose a weight that is light enough
for you to get roughly 50 reps in a row, but heavy enough for those
reps to be a challenge. If you suffer from elbow tendonitis, combine
this exercise with the banded tricep extensions described at the start
before you work out and it will help to greatly reduce the pain and
inammation.

Grab the weights with a hammer grip and stand with your feet
shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Keeping
your elbows as tight to your body as possible, extend the weight
upwards, keeping the hammer grip and maximally contracting the
bicep as you raise the weight. Lower under control then switch to
the opposite arm and repeat the same motion.
(4 sets of 50 reps per arm) EXERCISE 4

Neck Raises
The neck is the most important area to train in my opinion. It needs
to be trained constantly because a weak neck leads to a weaker
ability to take a punch, to clinch or grapple and can lead to severe
career-ending injuries.
At Westside Barbell we use a neck harness as our main neck-
straining tool as it is quick, portable and easy to use. There are
many variations you can perform, but the fundamental exercise to
do is the standing neck raise. However, dont forget you must train
your neck in all planes of direction. Choose a lightweight that is
challenging but allows you to get 50 reps in a row.

From a standing position with your head held high, lean slightly
forward so that weight does not hit your torso. Then lower
your head while trying to tuck your chin towards your sternum.
Slowly return to the start position.
(3 sets of 50 reps per arm)
EXERCISE 5
Seated Calf Raises
The seated calf raise allows you to train
one aspect of your ankle joint while
simultaneously stimulating the joint tie-
ins from the top of the calf to the bottom
of the knee joint. Expect your calves to
burn no matter what you do and choose
a light weight that is challenging but will
allow you to get at least 30 reps in a row.

Place the top of your feet on the footpad
then roll onto your toes while contracting
your calves maximally. Try to get as much
exion on your toes as possible before
returning to the start position.
(4 sets of 30 reps)

FIGHTING FIT
EXERCISE 6
Lying Hamstring Curls
This exercise is a main staple of any ghter
as it conditions the hamstrings joint tie-ins
for knee exion and the rotation of the
shins. This is an exercise that should be
done daily, morning and night.
Lie face down on a bench with your legs
straight and your knees a couple of inches
away from the edge. Curl your heels
toward your glutes, focusing on maximally
contracting the hamstrings on the way up.
Lower under control.
(1 set of 200 reps)
(Sets 5 Reps 25)
EXERCISE 7
Reverse Hyper
The Reverse Hyper decompresses the spine and
places no vertical compression on it at all. It gently
provides traction and depressurises the vertebrae
during the process while lling the spinal column
with spinal uid and the lower back muscles with
blood. This in turn relieves any pressure on the
spine while pumping blood to all the ligaments and
tendons that surround it.

Lay your torso and waist upon the pad and grab
handles that feel the most comfortable. Your feet
should be above the oor with legs straight or
slightly beneath you. Begin the movement by exing
your abs against the pad. Simultaneously raise
your legs by contracting the lower erectors until
your legs are nearly straight. Make sure you are
pulling the pendulum arm with the backs of your
heels. Then lower your legs underneath the Reverse
Hyper as much as possible and repeat.
(3 sets of 30 reps)
(Sets 5 Reps 25)
Ligaments and tendons have a very poor blood

supply in comparison to muscle so in order to
develop them, high reps with light weight must
be used to stimulate the joint with blood and help
ush out inammation. Other activities such as
swimming or Airdyne bikes are good low-impact
ways to develop and condition joints in conjunction
with your gym-based training.
S TRAINING GUIDE
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