MMA Coverage

Willie Gunter wants to be a mixed martial arts fighter when he grows up.

He already has a nickname picked out — “The Beast.”

He has a way to reach his dream, too.

Wrestling.

Already a winner of two state wrestling titles at Midwest City High, Gunter would hardly be the first wrestler to transition into the combat sport that has taken the country by storm. Fact is, mixed martial arts and its major league, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, have former wrestlers to thank for the surge in popularity.

Tags: Willie Gunter, Jake Rosholt, Shane Roller, Johny Hendricks by MMACoverage
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Jim Hughes, a long time student and friend of Royce Gracie, created a successful business model throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New England, with locations in West Hartford, Glastonbury, Southington, New Haven, Danbury, Norwich, UCONN Storrs, Springfield/Agawam, Boston, and Puerto Rico. Mr. Hughes said “it was was exciting to meet with Anthony Lin the CEO of Fairtex Worldwide and Mr. Wong, the founder of Fairtex, the most successful Muay Thai organization in the world, I was happy to see that they are as excited about what they do, as we are about what we do in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu MMA).”

Tags: Royce Gracie by MMACoverage
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At Saturday evening’s WFC MMA event in Minneapolis, Roger Huerta announced to the crowd that he is looking to have his next fight on the UFC’s December 29 event. I was able to speak to Roger for a few minutes after. He said he’d recently returned from London and is finalizing the details of the Dec. 29 date with the UFC. Huerta also stated there is no opponent lined up as of yet.On a different note, during the WFC event a gunshot was fired, injuring at least one person. Police arrested a man by gunpoint in the arena in clear view of the crowd in attendance. No word as of yet on any more of the details, including the status of the victim.

Tags: Roger Huerta by MMACoverage
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A man was shot during a martial arts competition at the Target Center late Saturday, according to witnesses.

Those in attendance told the Pioneer Press they saw a man at the top of a stairwell in Section 130 fire a shot from a handgun. As patrons scattered in panic, another man was seen falling or sliding down a stairwell.

A Minneapolis police operator said the victim ran off before officers could help, according to the Associated Press. No one was immediately taken into custody in the shooting, which was reported at 10:51 p.m.

Tags: Aaron Wetherspoon by MMACoverage
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West Texas Mixed Martial Arts will put on a grappling tournament on October 27th at the Midland Christian Game Gym.

The event will benefit the families of the three officers killed on September 8 in Odessa.

To help raise funds for the families of officers Scott Gardner, Arlie Jones and Abel Marquez the entry fee will be $30 and admission will be a $5 donation.

Head West Texas MMA instructor Brad Barnes said the event will also have MMA memorabilia donated to help raise funds.

Tags: West Texas Mixed Martial Arts by MMACoverage
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EliteXC’s Hawaiian debut on Saturday night promised to answer some questions about the promotion’s biggest names.

The verdict? Nick Diaz is as poised and talented as we remember him. Gina Carano had some gas left in the tank despite a worrisome appearance at the weigh-ins. And last but not least, “Ruthless” is more than just a clever nickname.

he crowd at the NBC Arena in Honolulu saw an EliteXC championship change hands for the first time in the company’s brief history as “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler beat Murilo “Ninja” Rua via TKO in the third round to win the middleweight title.

Tags: Gina Carano, Mike Aina, Nick Diaz, Marilo "Ninja" Rua, Robbie Lawler, EliteXC by MMACoverage
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Fans of mixed martial arts combat sports can watch live Saturday night when Fight Force International brings competition action to the Dothan Civic Center.

Main events are heavyweights Tony “The Tractor” Roberts of Biloxi, Miss., vs. Anthony Barbier of New Orleans and Jimmy “Cornbread” Mills vs. Joe “Outlaw” Namath.

Local competitors from Dothan Combatives include James Isler, Eric West, Horatio Rodriguez, Baraq Hunter and Rodney Clark.

Tags: Fight Force International by MMACoverage
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