Harley, ranked number 1 in the world in his division, took part in the first youth cage match held by a high venue.  The event was so ground breaking that UFC creator Art Davie was on hand to give a speech concerning the fight, stating, “We knew we started something big when we got this all started… now the kids are ready to step up to this level of competition.  Where before kids had no idea what these techniques were or meant, now a whole generation is ready to step up” (as stated by Harley Esparza Sr.).

Fightpros: Harley, congratulations!  That was a great fight.  It’s hard to believe that someone so young could be involved in something like this.  Here you are before a large crowd of people who are all holding ticket stubs they purchased.  Your name is on the fight card.  how does this feel Bud?

Harley: Like a superstar.

Fightpros: Harley, you demonstrated technique out there that would make a lot of adults jealous.  How long have you been doing this?

Harley: I have been training at Muai Thai for a little while, and have been working my jujitsu techniques for about 9 months.  I owe a lot of credit to my instructors Richard Arrey and Frank Romero from Riverside Submission.

Fightpros: What rank are you Harley?

Harley: After I won the match, my teacher gave me my green belt.

Fightpros:  Very cool!  I know you won, but how do you think you did in your match?

Harley:  I did good.  My opponent was good to, but I was able to get into position to win.

Ezparza Vs. Dumas: Gladiator Challenge

Fightpros: You said that you felt like a superstar.

Harley: yes.

Fightpros: Well do you see superstardom in your future?  Is the MMA world your future?

Harley:  Yeah, when I am older I want to be able to compete in the UFC.  That is my dream.  My other dream is to be able to help kids learn jujitsu.  I want to be an instructor and help kids.

Fightpros:  Very commendable Harley.  Well, what is next for Harley Esparza?

Harley: I have been invited by the U.S. pancrase team to go to Poland.  We will be competing against a team from the Ukraine.

Fightpros: Wow.  Your gonna follow up Gladiator Challenge with an international competition?  How incredible is that for a 13 year old.

Harley: Yeah, it is very cool.

As Art Davie put it, “They are ready.”  The sport of MMA is no longer what it once was.  No more are obscure names being pulled from around the globe to collide in a test of styles to see whose style reigns supreme.  Today the sport has evolved and has gone mainstream.  The sport is regulated, and it has evolved into a recognizable fighting system of its own.  Where once children yearned to be in the NFL or the NBA, now they are in cages and on mats everywhere learning the styles and signatures moves of their favorite fighters.  Longing themselves to one day step into the cage and inspire others with their mastery of the cage.

Harley, fighting out of Riverside, CA., has his sites set on becoming like his idols, Rampage Jackson and Urijah Fabor; world champions.  With credentials and technique such as he is bringing to the fight scene, one can only wonder how long before his dreams become reality.  Keep an eye open for this breed of young blood.  He is walking up the road of stardom!

As always, What say you?

~Pastor Bob

You can follow Pastor Bob on Twitter @pastorbobmma

Without dreams we are so lost.  When we follow our dreams we are so powerful.  As long as a fighter has hope he holds his hands high, he picks himself from the mat.  When hope leads, the fighter can point his hand at his opponent, and utter those famous words, “One more round!”

Though Travis “Hapa” Browne hasn’t faced too many beat downs (9 wins 0 losses in fact), he has certainly delivered them.  Hapa continues to entertain every crowd and to dominate every opponent placed before him.  Over these last few weeks I, as well as the rest of the fightpros.com community, have been wondering how much longer Hapa could be ignored by the larger venues.  That question has now been answered, and not by just anyone, but by the largest of all venues.  The UFC.

Though other sites have reported that Travis Browne had signed with the UFC, they were mistaken.  It was reported that Travis was to fight McSweeney ay UFC 115, and they were wrong.  It is now my distinct pleasure to inform the world, direct from the mouth of Travis Browne, that he has as of  Monday, March 8th at 8:40pm, officially signed with the UFC.  Hapa is scheduled to face James McSweeney at The Ultimate Fighter Finale on June 19th in Las Vegas. You heard it first, legitimately, from fightpros.com.

According to Travis Browne, “I am very excited about this opportunity, and I am very excited and happy that the UFC has put their faith in me.  That they see potential in me.  I am very excited but I have mixed emotions.  As great as it is to be signed, I won’t realize my dream until I am wearing that belt.  I’m not here to be lukewarm, I am here to be a dominating force in the UFC.  No mediocrity.”

From all of us at Fightpros.com, a heart felt congratulations to Travis “Hapa” Browne!  You earned it Bra!  Make us proud!

~Pastor Bob

You can follow Pastor Bob on twitter @pastorbobmma

We all know the story of Jens Pulver, and if you don’t then I suggest you stop reading right now and go find it out through some research.  Last night “Lil Evil” suffered his fifth consecutive loss within the WEC and his seventh loss in his last eight fights.  Pulver hasn’t even won since first joining the WEC back in 2007.  A man on a 4 fight losing streak going into Saturday night’s bout would usually never find himself on the main card, let alone fighting in the WEC.  Unless of course that man is Jens Pulver.  I think that in itself just shows how important this man is to the sport as he’s an icon and a hero to many people, with myself included.

The crowd in Columbus gave Pulver nothing but love as he received the largest reaction of the night from the crowd during his entrance, fight and even following the loss.  United as one, all fans in attendance (and likely many fans around the world) began a loud and resounding “Pulver! Pulver!” chant as the beginning seconds ticked away.  Even in less advantageous positions the fans cheered hopelessly for the legend as it seemed their cheers continued to fuel him to continue.  He was met in positions on the ground that the BJJ black belt Javier Vazquez should’ve held him in with ease but the resilient Pulver drew strength from the affection of the crowd and his own desire to win, which helped him remain alive for as long as he could.  Pulver was capable of reversing a Vazquez, who held him in a mount position, and was able to escape the dread “crucifix” position that even likes of BJ Penn have struggled to escape from.  Pulver made one fatal mistake and left his arm fully extended will Javier had him mounted.  Javier did what every BJJ practitioner knows and snatched the arm, locking Jens in an armbar of which he couldn’t escape.  As Vazquez released the submission, Pulver held his arm in obvious pain, likely having it hyper extended without any major damage.

During the post-fight interview Javier was nothing but classy as he stated even he was a fan of Jens Pulver and that he had the utmost respect for the man.  A devastated and upset Pulver began to cry in his corner as he struggled to come to terms with what had just occurred.  As he was called over to conduct his post-fight interview the audible cries of Pulver’s name through out the arena brought him into lighter spirits as the crowd began to roar like he had captured the championship instead of losing.  Jens remained upbeat and even cracked a few jokes about how “everyone knows grappling isn’t his thing”.  Pulver thanked everyone he could and stated that the most important person to thank was Dana White for giving him more than one chance and that he was thankful for the opportunities.  He also went on to state that his fans “made his life a miracle,” and that even though he makes only a little money fighting, he “does it for us “. When finally asked if this was it for Pulver, Pulver replied, “I’ll never say that directly….I love you all way, way, way too much to put you all through this again”.  As Pulver spoke he received a stand ovation from those in attendance, showing their undying respect for all Pulver has done for this sport we hold dearly to our hearts.  I’m not in the slightest embarrassed that I stood up off my couch and clapped for the man and said “Thank you Pulver,” because that man is truly an inspiration and one of my heroes.  It was heartbreaking to see him lose yet again last night, but one thing is certain, this will not be the last time we see “Lil Evil” Jen Pulver.

Written by FightPros.com contributor Dylan Routledge.  You can follow Dylan on twitter @Dylan_geezus

Preliminary Card

Ricardo Lamas def. Bendy Casimir via KO (Knee) at 3:43 of the first round

Fredson Paixao def. Courtney Buck via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:39 of the first round

Leonard Garcia and George Roop fought to a Split Draw as the judges scored the bout 29-27 (Garcia) 29-27 (Roop) and 28-28.  A point deduction was given to Roop for a shot to the groin of Garcia.

Anthony Pettis def. Danny Castillo via KO (Head Kick) at 2:17 of the first round

Chad Mendes def. Erik Koch via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Scott Jorgensen def. Chad George via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 0:31 of the first round

Main Card

Bart Palaszewski def. Karen Darabedyan via Submission (Armbar) at 4:40 of the first round

L.C. Davis def. Deividas Taurosevicius via Marjority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-29)

Javier Vazquez def. Jens Pulver via Submission (Armbar) at 3:41 of the first round

Joseph Benvidez def. Miguel Torres via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 2:57 of the second round

Dominic Cruz def. Brian Bowles via TKO (Injury) at 5:00 of the second round to become the new WEC Bantamweight Champion!

The following fighters were awards $10,000 in bonuses:

Fight of the Night: Leonard Garcia vs. George Roop
KO of the Night: Anthony Pettis
Submission of the Night: Joseph Benavidez

XFL stands for X-treme Fighting League and was put together by one of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s favorite sons and kickboxing legend, Dale Apollo Cook. This week, the XFL puts on its first show of 2010, March Badness, one that follows up a spectacular event that closed out 2009, a card that included such notable MMA names as Tim Boetsch, Jeremy Horn, Jeff Monson, Rich Clementi, and Houston Alexander. That particular card also produced one of the UFC’s newest and promising fighters, Joey “The Mexicutioner” Beltran who won his UFC debut against Rolles Gracie, of the famed Gracie clan.

The XFL is no joke. You won’t find anyone named “He Hate Me” in this league. What you will find, though, is a great local promotion that puts on an entertaining fight card with highly-skilled fighters who know how to put on an action-packed fight.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with XFL founder, Dale Apollo Cook, and main event fighter Levi “The Marine” Avera leading up to the March Badness event.

Dale Apollo Cook is a Tulsa native, local fighting legend, and XFL founder.

FightPros: Dale, it’s an honor and a great pleasure to be able to talk to you. FightPros appreciates you taking time out of your very busy schedule to have a talk with us.

Dale Apollo Cook (DAC): It’s my pleasure. Thank you for doing this.

FightPros: Can you give those that may not know you a little insight into your martial arts background?

DAC: I started in tae-kwon-do in 1974, made my black belt in ’76, and back then there wasn’t a whole lot going on in the fight world. But to become a kickboxer back then you also had to become a promoter. So I started                 promoting and fighting in my own shows and did that for 22 years. Along the way I won 5 world kickboxing titles. I’m too old to fight now, so I’m still promoting.

FightPros: What drew you to MMA?

DAC: Man, to me this is just an extension of kickboxing, the evolution of the sport. To me, I rank everything that has to do with fighting as combat sports. I’ve been a huge fan and advocate of combat sports for a long time. In my opinion, Bruce Lee was the first real mixed martial artist, and that’s what got me into martial arts. I’m glad to see the sport now of mixed martial arts getting the dues it deserves. When I fought in Japan, I saw how this could be a big sport, you know, there were 60,000 people in the Tokyo Dome when it was on free TV. So I believed that this sport had a future because I saw that future in Japan. Of course, now, people talk about coming to the big leagues. It’s here, it’s not in Japan and that’s because of the UFC.

FightPros: How did you get involved in fight promotion?

DAC: I had no choice. If you were in Oklahoma in the mid-70’s and you wanted to be a kickboxer, you had to become a promoter.

FightPros: How did the XFL come about?

DAC: The XFL is really just an extension of the promotion company I started back in 1977. We started doing mixed combat fights way before UFC. Our bouts were judo versus boxing, and tae-kwon-do versus kickboxing, that sort of thing, so we were doing that a couple years before UFC.

FightPros: MMA is easily one of the fastest, if not the fastest, growing sports in the world. What are your thoughts on its growth and where does the XFL fit in the equation?

DAC: I think the sport still has a way to go. It’s eclipsed boxing and wrestling in this country, but still, it’s going to rival football. I really believe that.

Where does the XFL fit in that equation? I think the XFL will probably become a feeder league for Strikeforce, that’s what I think. Sort of like The King of the Cage became a feeder for bigger events. At least that’s our hopes, anyway.

FightPros: Where would you like to see the XFL five years down the road in the fight promotion landscape?

DAC: A league that champions fight and win in the UFC and Strikeforce. A league that was here before those guys and that will be here for a long time. We’d really like the XFL to go to the next level. I really don’t think we’ll be a Strikeforce, but we could be a good partner for Strikeforce or UFC.

FightPros: Alright, let’s get into this weekend’s event…tell us about March Badness.

DAC: It’s a 14-bout card of MMA. It features the return of one of Oklahoma’s favorite sons in Jake Rosholt. Jake attended Oklahoma State University where he was a four-time All-American and three-time National Champion. He progressed, won a couple of MMA fights and XFL produced a show on HDNet that starred Jake and got him his big break. He made it to UFC and had a big win over Chris Leben. He lost his last fight and, I think, got temporarily cut. It’s one of those ‘go win a few fights and we’ll have you back’ kind of things, and this is that fight. We’re glad to have Jake back in the XFL, but we hope it’s not for very long. But, he’s taking on a really tough guy in Rudy Lindsey. Rudy is the current XFL 205lb champion. Prior to that, he held the heavyweight title for three years. He’s coming down to 195 and Jake’s coming up to 195. They’re going to compete at that catch weight. It’s a 50/50 fight, in my opinion. But that’s not the main event. Levi Avera (pronounced Avery) from Team Nogueira, here in Tulsa, will be defending his 170 lb title against Mike Keyon Jackson who is a BJJ fighter who trains now with Matt Hughes, and that’s going to be a barn burner. The guy’s going to try and take the title away from Levi, a title he’s held for three years. That’s the main event. It’s a good full card. It’s our first show of 2010, so we hope to get it started with a big one.

FightPros: What would you tell the average sports fan, or even an avid fight fan, who hasn’t seen a live MMA event? What would you say to get them to come check out this weekend’s event?

DAC: This weekend’s event pits some of the bravest and most skilled athletes that you could ever see competing in…I don’t like the term cagefighting…I believe mixed martial arts is like the ultimate one-on-one competition. You’ve got to be so much smarter in mixed martial arts than boxing and kickboxing because there’s so many ways to win and so many ways to lose. If you want to see the drama of two brave, skilled athletes one-on-one, this is the sport for you.

FightPros: Dale, thank you for your insight to the XFL. Now let’s get to your main event fighter, Levi Avera. Levi, thanks for taking the time out of your fight week to talk with us.

Levi “The Marine” Avera (LA): No problem, man.

FightPros: Tell us a little bit about your background. What did you do before MMA?

LA: I wrestled for about seven years growing up and in high school. Then I went to the marines, and that’s about it. I really didn’t do any martial arts before then. I just played   sports through school, and then just decided to train one day.

FightPros: What got you into MMA?

LA: I was just training because I was a little overweight. I thought I was fat. I always had a six-pack growing up, so after sitting around on the couch drinking 12-15 beers a   night I lost that six-pack. So, I decided to come try out the training. I didn’t even want to fight. I just wanted to train and get myself into better shape. Then about three or four months into training, I was approached about fighting, so I thought I’d try it out.

FightPros: What do you like most about being a fighter?

LA: I just like the competition. Like I said, I played sports my whole life. From the time   I was five and all the way through high school, I played sports, whether it was baseball or whatever. I even tried tennis and soccer. I didn’t care. I just liked sports and the competition. It’s like Dale said, ‘it’s one-on-one.’ You can’t double-team or play zone like in basketball. It’s you against that one guy. There’s nothing better.

FightPros: With a nickname like “The Marine,” you obviously have a military background. Tell us a little about that.

LA: Yeah, I graduated high school and went to the marines. I got to go to Japan and spent a little time in Behrain and Iraq and even spent a little time in Afghanistan.

FightPros: How has that background helped you in MMA?

LA: I don’t fear a fight. I get nervous and I get the jitters just like everyone else, but there’s no fear. That guy can’t kill me. I’ve been to Iraq, and I’ve been shot at, and I’ve seen my buddies die. I’ve had bombs dropped close to me. I’ve held compression on my buddy as he’s gushing blood. This man can’t do that to me, so I don’t have that fear. I just go out there and fight my hardest. Being from the marines, I have a lot of pride, so I don’t want to lose and make the marines look bad.

FightPros: So, you said you’ve seen friends die. Obviously, they didn’t come home like you did, so do you use the memories of your friends who gave the ultimate sacrifice as motivation in your fights?

LA: Yeah, that’s my #1 motivation. I fight so I can win, so I can tell people about them. If I had lost 13 fights and only won 6, I probably wouldn’t be getting this interview and no one would know about my friends and how I fight for them. It drives me to win, so I can tell more people about them and the things they did.

FightPros: What are your goals as a fighter?

LA: I’ve heard some good things from people, so I’m hoping to win a few more fights and move up to a bigger show, maybe Strikeforce. Which I fought the Strikeforce Challengers card and lost but, you know, they’re coming back. So, I hope to win a few more fights and maybe get on another Strikeforce card. If not, then, maybe the UFC or MFC in Canada will want to take a look at me.

FightPros: What’s your style of fighting? What are your strengths?

LA: I’m pretty good on the ground. I got some wrestling experience. When I first started training, we just trained jiu-jitsu. We didn’t do a whole lot of standing. But, I focus now about 90% on my standup because that’s my weakness and I want to get better at it. But I do well on the ground and my standup is getting better every day.

FightPros: Do you have a favorite technique/move?

LA: In the gym, I like to hit the D’Arce choke. For some reason, that’s what I seem to get people into in the gym, but I’ve finished quite a few fights by armbar. I like chokes because if you choke someone and they don’t tap, it’s OK ‘cause they’re going to pass out and you win. It’s easy to fight off an armbar rather than a choke.

FightPros: What do you know about your opponent, Mike Keyon Jackson, and how do you match up with him?

LA: He’s left-handed. They say he’s a pretty good wrestler and he’s a brown belt in JJ, so I think he’s going to be real good on the ground. I heard he doesn’t have real good standup, so I think we might try to push it there. If he takes me to the ground, I think we’ll be pretty even there. Standing, I know I’m goingn to have the edge, so we’re going to push to keep the fight on our feet. If he gets me to the ground, he gets me to the ground. I’m comfortable there.

FightPros: Did you do anything special or make any changes in your training to prepare for Keyon?

LA: I’ve been training super hard. Been doing a lot of cardio and strength training. I train so hard that usually I have to cut 20lbs a month, but because I’ve been pushing my cardio so hard I can’t put weight on. I’ve been training for ten five-minute rounds.

FightPros: You were recently picked up by Triumph United to sponsor you. What does that mean to you as a fighter to have a big sponsor like Triumph step up and sponsor you?

LA: It feels great. I didn’t really know who they were and definitely didn’t think they knew who I was. They sent me some packages and said, ‘Here, wear our gear.’ It helps out a lot getting gear. It helps you train and focus on other things. You’re not worried about stupid stuff. You know you have someone backing you. Free gear is good. Any kind of sponsorship is amazing. I looked at their website thinking it was going to be some small, local sponsor. But when I see the site, there’s huge UFC stars wearing their gear and Dana White wearing their gear, so I was really excited.

FightPros: This weekend, you have the hometown advantage, growing up in Claremore, OK, just a few miles up route 66. How does that play into the fight for you? How big is that for you as a fighter?

LA: It’s pretty big. When you walk into an event and everyone is screaming your name, it’s pretty cool. I remember my second fight walking out, and I only had 12 fans yelling for me and I thought that was cool. Then the guy I was fighting walks out and he has about thirty people screaming for him. It was a huge difference. For this event, I’ve sold at least 200 tickets, so I’ll have at least 200 people yelling for me. And I don’t even know how many tickets they’ve sold at Apollo’s. So, yeah, I guess I’ve become popular so that’s gonna be an advantage for me.

FightPros: What can friends, supporters, and fight fans expect out of you on Saturday Night?

LA: Expect a good fight.  I try not to let anybody down. It’s gonna be a good fight. I’m gonna go out there and do everything I can to win. I hope it’s going to be exciting. I try to get in there and get out. I don’t like to get punched too much. I’m gonna get in there and do what I do, then go out afterwards and have a few drinks with friends.

FightPros: What’s a final message you’d like to give those people?

LA: Just come out and watch me. It’ll be a good show. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.

FightPros: Is there anyone specific you’d like to thank?

LA: I’d like to thank my wife, Jenny. She puts up with a lot of crap. I’ve been dieting for a couple weeks now and I get edgy. I get real snappy, so I just want to tell her thanks for putting up with my crap. I know it’s hard to deal with somebody that gripes just for being asked to open a ketchup bottle. She really does do a lot and she supports me, so I want to thank her.

FightPros: Levi, good luck this weekend. I’m sure that, win or lose, you’ll do your friends, family, and the Marines very proud.

I attended the last XFL event of 2009.  Honestly, I was surprised at how smoothly it ran and how action-packed and entertaining the fight card was. I’ve also had the privilege of attending a live UFC event, UFC Fight Night 19 in Oklahoma City. While the UFC may have the big name and the popular fighters, each one of the fighters of the XFL displays the heart and fight of a champion. Come out to March Badness this Saturday at the Spirit Bank Event Center in Tulsa, OK. The doors open at 7:00pm and the fights start at 8:00pm. I agree with Levi, you won’t be disappointed.

–Brandon Wofford, FightPros Contributor

The event includes a 14-bout fight card headlined by former UFC fighter Jake Rosholt and local hometown hero, Levi “The Marine” Avera.

Jake Rosholt, a UFC veteran and three-time NCAA wrestling national champion out of Oklahoma State University returns to Oklahoma after a 1-2 stint in the UFC.  He begins looking to climb back to MMA’s main stage.  On the main card he’ll be taking on Bellator Fighting veteran and the current XFL Light Heavyweight champion, “Rowdy” Rudy Lindsey.  Lindsey is coming off a recent loss against another former UFC vet, Tim Boetsch. Rosholt and Lindsey will be competing at a catch weight of 195 lbs.

In the main event, Levi “The Marine”Avera will be defending his Welterweight XFL title against  the 9-4 Mike Keyon Jackson, a protégé of Matt Hughes and a member of the HIT Squad. Avera (pronounced Avery), touts a 14-6 record and fights out of Team Nogueira in Tulsa, OK.

Doors open at 7:00pm and the fights begin at 8:00pm.

Stay tuned to FightPros.com as interviews with XFL promoter, Dale Apollo Cook, Levi “The Marine” Avera, and Jake Rosholt will follow.

March Badness fight card:

1-MMA 170LBS BOUT
Ronnie Hopkins (Team Roller) VS Clay Simpson (Ft. Smith)

2-KICKBOXING 155LBS BOUT
Bill Rothrock (Apollo’s Owasso) VS Toby Spencer (XFC)

3-MMA 155LBS BOUT
Chris Underwood (LA Boxing) VS Luke Newell (All Star Fight Club)

4-KICKBOXING 150LBS BOUT
Jerod Rouse (Team Rouse – Apollo’s Karate) VS Tyrese Jackson (Ft. Smith)

5-MMA 170LBS BOUT
Richard Fernandez (LA Boxing) VS Jerod Stidham (All Star Fight Club)

6-MMA 150LB BOUT
Demarco Whitley (Muskogee) VS Charlie Mills (LA Boxing)

7-KICKBOXING 155LBS BOUT
TC O’Neal (Apollo’s) VS Matt Ludwick (All Star Fight Club)

8-MMA 180LBS BOUT
Steve Adams (Oklahoma Fight Club) VS Myron Dennis (Team Coleman)

9-MMA 140LB BOUT
Trey Simpson (Apollo’s Owasso) VS Tim Pirtle (All Star Fight Club)

10-MMA 150LBS SUPERFIGHT
Paul Linam (OFC and Mikey Burnett protégé) VS Ramon Barber (XCF champ)

11-KICKBOXING 205LBS SUPERFIGHT
Randy Blake (Apollo’s) VS TBA

12-MMA XFL 185LB CHAMPIONSHIP
Undefeated Trey Houston (Miletich/Apollo’s) VS 185 lb XFL Champ Brandon Gaines (Miami)

13-MMA 195LBS SUPERFIGHT
Jake Rosholt – Extreme Couture [3 TIME NCAA WRESTLING CHAMP AND UFC VET]
VS
“Rowdy” Rudy Lindsey (Garage Boys) [XFL 205LB CHAMPION]

14-MMA XFL 170LB CHAMPIONSHIP
Levi “The Marine” Avera (Team Nogiera) [XFL 170LB CHAMPION]
VS
Mike Keyon Jackson (The Hit Squad) [MATT HUGHES PROTÉGÉ]

The UFC and James Toney finally negotiated a viable contract amongst the two parties today after months of Toney claiming he belonged in the UFC.  Starting in late 2009, James Toney began to “stalk” Dana White around the world, following him to various UFC events.  Toney was finally cast into the spotlight at the UFC 108 post-fight press conference when he finally tracked Dana down and made his voice heard.  The two would meet behind closed doors but Toney would reject the initial offer, stating that “what the UFC offered was a joke”.  So now one must question, what are the parameters of this contract?  Did the UFC offer more money or is there something more lucrative within the contract that is unbeknownst to fans and media alike at this very moment?  At the age of 41 and well passed his prime, what kinda of impact (if any) can Toney make on the UFC at this point?  At this moment, no opponent or official date are set for Toney’s MMA and UFC debut.

Shinya Aoki is the current DREAM Lightweight Champion and is an MMA sensation in Japan.  He is seen as one of the greatest grapplers in MMA today and with good reason as 14 of his 23 wins have come by way of submission.  Widely seen as the #2 Lightweight fighter in the world, Shinya most recently fought on New Years Eve on the Dynamite!! 2009 card, which featured DREAM fighters taking on the fighters of the Sengoku organization.  Shinya would face off against the Sengoku Lightweight Champion, Mizuto Hirota, and defeat him in impressive fashion.  But controversy would surround him following his post-match antics.  Shinya would break the arm of Hirota with a Hammerlock-like submission for the technical submission victory but following breaking Hirota’s arm, Aoki leapt up to the canvas and instantly threw the middle finger into Hirota’s face as well as at Hirota’s corner.  The backlash from his actions would be heard through out the MMA community for his lack of sportsmanship.  Now Aoki looks to make the jump into Strikeforce and become more widely known amongst North American fans of the sport.  With a victory over Melendez, Aoki could easily make a claim as the #1 Lightweight fighter in the world.

Strikeforce: Nashville is set to take place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee and will feature 3 title fights.  The event will be the second time Strikeforce has broadcast on the CBS channel.

th

Casey Watson

Two of the key fighters on the card are Mike Smith(2-0) and the current Barbarian Fight Club Featherweight Champion, Casey “Pretty Boy” Watson (4-6).  Both will be fighting in the Lightweight division for the event, although not against each other.  Smith will be taking part in his 3rd fight against Justin “Irish Hand Grenade” Wood (1-0) and Casey “Pretty Boy” Watson will be facing off against Nick Tissue (3-2).  Mike and Casey both train out of The Cave MMA in Fredericksburg, VA, with world Sambo Champion, Matt “The Barbarian” Douglas. Mike’s fighting style is heavily influenced by his good wrestling background.  Casey brings experience in the department of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the table for his fights.

In the realm of female MMA, Barbarian Fight Club will have a Featherweight fight that pits Amanda Jenkins against Cammie Jurkowski, as both woman will be making their MMA debuts.  Amanda trains in the M.A.S.T.E.R. System at Master Guy’s United Martial Arts, and competes with their fight team, Team Blitz, out of Baltimore, MD. Cammie has a Muay Thai, BJJ and Wrestling background and trains at Ivey League MMA, and competing with their fight team, Team Lloyd Irvin SP, out of Severna Park, MD.  With this loaded card, Barbarian Fight Club is sure to bring the heat!

You can find BFC on Twitter @BFCFights , Facebook, and at http://www.barbarianfightclub.com/

You can follow Mike MaZZacane on Twitter @mikemazzacre

There are many other fights on the card which is as follows*:

*Card is Subject to change

• 1.	John Calloway (1-2) Independent Richmond, VA	VS	Shaine Adams (0-0) Warrior MMA Culpeper, VA
  MIDDLEWEIGHT – 185 LBS.
  	Justin Ayd (2-0) Team Blitz Baltimore, MD	VS	Joe “The Hammer” Yates (2-1) The Kennel MMA Fredericksburg, VA
  WELTERWEIGHT – 170 LBS.
  3.	Victor Valencia (0-0) Independent Virginia Beach, VA	VS	Daniel Moreno (0-1) Warrior MMA Culpeper, VA
  4.	Bruce Abramski Jr. (1-1) Fit Club Rocky Mount, VA	VS	Brett Glass (1-0) The Kennel MMA Fredericksburg, VA
  5.	Kevin Mendoza (1-0) The Cave MMA Fredericksburg, VA	VS	Brandon “The Creature” Smithson (0-0) The Kennel MMA Fredericksburg, VA
  LIGHTWEIGHT – 155 LBS.
  6.	Alan “The Heartbreaker” Herzog (3-2) The Cave MMA Fredericksburg, VA	VS	Alan “A-Train” Stephenson (2-4) 8 Corners MMA Goochland, VA
  7.	Casey “Pretty Boy” Watson (4-6) The Cave MMA Jacksonville, NC	VS	Nick Tissue (3-2) Maryland Martial Arts Timonium, MD
  8.	Tré Salih (0-1) Team Manuel Fredericksburg, VA	VS	Jermaine “Dragon” Winborne (0-1) Dragonnine Staten Island, NY
  9.	Mike Smith (2-0) The Cave MMA King George, VA	VS	Justin “Irish Hand Grenade” Wood (1-0) Team Warrior Buena Vista, VA
  FEATHERWEIGHT – 145 LBS.
  10.	Craig Machado (3-3) Baltimore BJJ Baltimore, MD	VS	Nick “Hercules” Hanzivasiis (3-4) Warrior MMA Culpeper, VA
  11.	Daniel “Yeager-Bomb” Yeagley (3-1) Pandemonium Fight Club Fredericksburg, VA	VS	Nate “Bones” Miller (3-1) Top Game Academy Richmond, VA
  12.	Amanda Jenkins (0-0) Team Blitz Baltimore, MD	VS	Cammie Jurkowski (0-0) Team Lloyd Irvin SP Severna Park, MD
  BANTAMWEIGHT – 135 LBS.
  13.	Saige Thomas (2-1) Pilsung Martial Arts Fredericksburg, VA	VS	Charles Kessinger (1-3) Projectile Combat Athens, WV
  14.	Jon Savage (0-0) Pilsung Martial Arts Fredericksburg, VA	VS	Harley “The Hitman” Pertee (0-1) Projectile Combat Athens, WV

Undefeated Brittany Anic will be featured in the main event card for Xtreme Fight Party March 6th

Brittany was easy to spot when I walked in the gym and not because she was the only female fighter in the room (because she wasn’t) but because she was laying some serious leather on the focus mitts. Her stand up training sounded like someone hitting a side of beef with a two-by-four and her feet had a similar effect. She was more than brute strength though, this young lady had quick jabs, good movement, and excellent combinations.

Nineteen year old Brittany has been training in TKD and kickboxing since the ripe old age of nine. Since she started competing in MMA she has a perfect 2-0 record. Her next fight at Xtreme Fight Party on March 6th will be her first time participating in a main event. This will also be her final fight as an amateur before turning pro.

Brittany typically trains five days a week only taking Sundays and Fridays off. When she has an upcoming fight her schedule goes to seven days. Training goes from 3:30 – 6:30 pm every night and she trains exclusively at Finney’s MMA in St Louis, Missouri. The time is divided equally with kickboxing/boxing, ground n’ pound, grappling/wrestling, clinch fighting, and strength and conditioning.

I asked her about her thoughts on women in the sport of MMA. She says “Kim Couture, Kerry Vera, Chris “Cyborg”…. they are making a name for themselves in the sport. I think Strikeforce has done a great job at promoting woman’s MMA.  There’s a place for it and a demand for it. Hopefully other organizations will catch on”.

Brittany is facing a very competitive opponent in Amanda Burch. Amanda, an Iowa native, sports a 3-1 record and is known to have an excellent wrestling and jiu-jitsu game. I asked Brittany if she trains differently when facing someone who likes to take the fight to the ground. “I train as a complete martial artist. Whether the fight goes to the ground, stays on the feet, or in the clinch I train for everything because anything can happen in a fight” . When asked about how she sees the fight going Brittany said “I want to give the crowd what they came for – three rounds of good fighting. I’m excited to be in the main event and I want to put on a good show for the audience”. In the future, Brittany sees herself continuing to compete with professional top-tier athletes and there’s no doubt she has the tools, talent, and heart to do so.

Twenty one year old Jimmy Donahue is another fighter who is one bout away from his professional debut. Jimmy has an excellent 7-1 amateur record (four by KO/TKO, three by submission).Jimmy has been described by club/promotion owner Rob Donaker as one of those guys who “lives in the gym”.  Aside from his rigorous training schedule, Jimmy works at Finney’s as a personal trainer and an instructor.  He is one of the lucky few who get to work and train at the same time and place.  At 6’1”, Jimmy is a big 155 pounder. His influences are Georges St. Pierre and B.J. Penn and, like his influences, Jimmy is a well rounded fighter and is equally comfortable on the ground or standing. I definitely look forward to watching Jimmy’s career take off and I’m sure it will only be a matter of time before we see him with professional success under his belt.

This article was written by FightPros contributor Scottie Farrow.  You can follow Scottie on Twitter @yodade37

7-1 Jimmy Donahue is a fast rising member of Finney's MMA of St Louis, Missouri