Three fighters represented Team Jackson’s at last night’s “UFC 109: Relentless” event, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. two of which, fell short on the night.
Nate “The Great” Mardquart (29-9-2) fell short in the night’s co-main, dropping a unanimous decisioin loss to Chael Sonnen (25-10-1), with all three judges scoring the bout (30-27).
Brian Stann (8-3) also dropped a decision last night, to Phil Davis (5-0) who was making his debut appearance in the UFC.
Melvin Guillard (41-9-3) earned the sole Team Jackson’s win on the night, with his unanimous decision victory over Ronys Torres (18-1), with all three judges scoring the bout (29-28).
The WEC has recently confirmed that they will make the move to pay-per-view, the first event being set for Apr. 24th at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, CA. Current WEC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo (16-1) will head the card, as he defends his belt against former champ Urijah Faber (23-3).
Team Jackson’s member Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (14-2) will be featured in the night’s co-main, as he is given a second chance at WEC gold when he meets current Lightweight Champion Ben Henderson (11-1). Cerrone lost a bout to Henderson last October, and has since defeated Ed “9mm” Ratcliff (7-2).
The first WEC pay-per-view event can be purchased for $44.95.
by James Lindenmuth
Ladies and Gentleman, what a weekend for combat sports!
This is my first blog for NewMexicoCage.com and I can’t think of a better time to start. After an amazing night of boxing on Friday, fight fans were treated to a great night of Strikeforce fights on Saturday. There were a few matchups that gave me pause but, overall, it was a good card. More on that later . . . Click here for more
Column by Robert Casaus
Max Muscle of Rio Rancho has generously offered to take care of my nutrition plan for the remainder of my training.
Team Jackson’s member Rocky Ramirez, who works at Max Muscle, and operates the Fight City Fight Shop out of the same vicinity, will head up my diet, and monitor my weight throughout the duration of my training . . . click here for more
David “The Crow” Loiseau (18-9), who frequently trains at Jackson’s MMA, has recently secured a fight to help raise money for those affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti. Loiseau, whos family is from Haiti, will face off against Isidro Gonzales (16-13) on Feb. 27 at the Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Two dollars from every ticket sale will go to benefit the victims of the Hatian disaster.
After a win at Saturday night’s Strikeforce Event, Nick Diaz (21-7), wasted no time before calling out Team Jackson’s member Georges St. Pierre (19-2). “I want to fight St. Pierre,” Diaz told reporters after his victory over Marius Zaromskis (13-4) on Saturday. “That’s the one fight I’m talking about.”
The potential matchup between St. Pierre and Diaz is very unlikely, with GSP still on contract with the UFC, and Diaz set as the current Strikeforce Champion, but a public war of words can most likey be expected.
Professor Art Monsavaiz, has announced an upcoming Kickboxing/Grappling promotion slated for April 10th. The event is scheduled to take place at the Days Inn and Suites on Avenida De Mesilla. Fighters interested on competing on the card can contact Professor Monsavaiz at 575-527-4028. Stay tuned for more information on the event as it becomes available.
From the Rosales Amateur Smoker, last night in Albuquerque, NM. Rosales’s own Brandi Montoya pulled off a split-decision victory over Amanda Ortzow from the Ortzow Kickboxing Academy in a hard fought battle. Also representing Rosales Karate, Eric Henson, pulled off a TKO victory over Martin Alvarado of the Escobedo Gym. Click here for the remaining results from last night’s amateur smoker. Read more »
Team Jackson’s member Kyle Noke (16-4-1), has been added to “The Ultimate Fighter: Season 11” lineup. Noke, is the current Xtreme Fighting Championships Middleweight Champion, and former Elite XC middleweight contender. He is expected to appear on the show alongside Victor O’Donnell, Cleburn Walker, Warren Thompson, Charles Blanchard, Charley Lynch and Kris McCray. Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell have already been named as this season’s coaches, and can be expected to battle it out at the conclusion of the show.
Team Jackson’s member Jon “Bones” Jones (9-1), has been scheduled to appear at a UFC Q&A/Autograph session next week during the organizatioin’s pre-fight events.
Jones, alongside Josh Koscheck, Renzo Gracie, and Brandon Vera, will all be on hand to greet the fans and answer their questions on Feb. 5th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. The weigh ins for “UFC 109: Relentless” will follow immediately after.
Live from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mesacalero, NM. King of the Cage presents “Vengeance” on Feb. 12th. Two titles will be on the line, including New Mexico’s Donald Sanchez defending the 145-pound KOTC interim belt. Read more »
Recently elected Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry visited Albuquerque’s Jackson’s Martial Arts on Tuesday, and presented gym owners Coach Greg Jackson and Coach Mike Winkeljohnwith a certificate in recognition of the gym and their many recent accomplishments. The day was declared a ”Team Jackson’s Day” in Albuquerque.
Jackson’s MMA recently received recognition as the world’s best MMA Gym for 2009, and Coach Jackson was recognized as the world’s best MMA Coach for 2009 at the World MMA Awards.
Saturday’s Rosales smoker is set. The amateur boxing/kickboxing and grappling card begins at 12; first bell is at 1 p.m. Two co-features will headline the show: Brandi Montoya and Amanda Ortzow will fight for the N.M. junior amateur atomweight title and Eric Henson takes on Andre Escobedo for the junior amateur featherweight state belt.
After a brief layoff due to a staph infection in his hand, Team Jackson’s member Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit (24-5) is back in the gym, and has already agreed to an upcoming bout against Rory MacDonald (10-0). The bout will most likely take place at “UFC 115” in June.
You can watch a full interview with Condit about his return to the gym at Jacksons.tv.
Team Jackson’s member Carey Vanier (7-2), has been added to the Bellator Fighting Championship roster. In an interview with Bellator, the All-American Wrestler credits his recent success to the world famous Jackson’s camp.
“To work with a world-renowned trainer like Greg and to train alongside guys like Keith Jardine and Donald Cerone, it just elevates your game,” said Vanier. ”Over the past few months, I’ve started to realize that I’m getting pretty close to their level, which gives me a lot of confidence going into the Bellator tournament. Now I have my sights set on shocking the world and taking home that belt.”
Vanier is currently riding a five fight win streak, with all but one of his victories coming either via submission or knockout.
Richard Montano (11-9-1) has been named as current KOTC 145lb Champion Angelo Sanchez’s (7-2) next opponent. Montano has agreed to the non-title bout against Sanchez at “KOTC: Native Warriors” set to take place at the Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino in Santa Fe, NM. on March 6th.
Since the title will not be on the line, win or lose, Sanchez will face off against the winner of the Interim Title bout between Donald Sanchez (12-10) and Victor Valenzuela (9-4-2) at “KOTC: Vengeance,” which is set to take place at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, NM. on Feb 12th.
The FIT/NHB Gym in Albuquerque has a smoker set for Friday, Feb. 5 at their gym, 110 Lomas Blvd. NE. Grappling, boxing and kickboxing matches are lined up. Tickets are $15 at the door, or $10 RSVP or by wearing FIT/NHB gear. Check out www.fitnhb.com for more info.
