Posts tagged new York
Matt Hamill to Meet Tito Ortiz at UFC 121
Jul 22nd
Matt ”The Hammer” Hamill will be taking on Tito Ortiz at UFC 121 in Anaheim, Califormia October 21st, according to a report in MMAJunkie.com. The New York light heavyweight, who was coached by Ortiz during his season on the Ultimate Fighter show, returns to the octagon following a unanimous decision victory over Keith Jardine. Hamill’s win in that fight resulted in Jardine’s release from the UFC, a fate that could easily befall Ortiz should he lose this fight. The Huntington Beach Bad Boy enters this fight without a win in his last four outings (0-3-1). With a movie about his early life about to be released and some good momentum building in his fight career, things are looking good for the Hammer.
Pat “Awesomely Awesome” Audinwood Signs With the UFC
Jul 9th
Pat “Awesomely Awesome” Audinwood signed a four fight contract with the UFC today according to sources close to Team Bombsquad. Talks are currently underway for him to debut against Aaron Riley at UFC 119 in Indianapolis. Audinwood, an undefeated lightweight fighter from Elmira Heights, New York currently holds a professional record of 9-0-1. He is the cousin of WEC veteran John Franchi. Pat joins an ever growing list of Bombsquad fighters that have fought in the UFC and other major promotions including Jon Jones, Mike Massenzio and Kevin Jordan (UFC), Anthony Leone and John Franchi (WEC), Pat Bennett (Bellator and Strikeforce), and Colin Schrader, Mike Geurin and Tom Gallichio (M-1). Team Bombsquad, headed by Ryan Ciotoli, is increasingly known for producing top level fighters while situated in one of the few states that have yet to sanction the sport of mixed martial arts. As a result of Audinwood’s and others success, the BombSquad will be moving their camp to Ithaca NY where they are set to open a 20,000 sq ft state of the art MMA training center by the end of the summer.
For an interesting look into the life of Pat Audinwood and his cousin John Franchi, be sure to check out Episode 2 of Mac’s MMA’s Bombsquad documentary series at www.macsmma.com.
Renzo Gracie Instructor Rafael Sapo Natal Gets Picked Up by UFC
Jul 9th
Rafael “Sapo” Natal, a jiu jitsu black belt middleweight who teaches at Renzo Gracie’s academy in NYC, just signed a four fight deal with the UFC, according to Renzo’s website. Sapo, who holds a 12-2 professional mma record, most recently dispatched Ultimate Fighter 4 winner Travis Lutter at the Moosin MMA event in Massachusetts. Another New Yorker, by way of Brazil of course, joins the big show.
Dave Branch Loses UFC Debut
Jul 3rd
New Yorker Dave Branch was knocked out in his octagon debut at UFC 116 tonight. The Brownsville Brooklyn native who trains under Renzo Gracie, was attempting a triangle when Gerald Harris body slammed him to the mat. knocking him out. Branch, now 6-1, earned his BJJ black belt from Gracie and has three Pan-Am championships to his credit. Hopefully we will continue to see this Brooklyn fighter in action in the UFC.
New York Senate Approves Bill to Legalize MMA
Jun 17th
By a 32-26 margin, the New York Senate approved a bill to legalize mixed martial arts in New York, according to the Wall Street Journal. A similar bill is working its way through the Assembly where it still faces some stiff opposition, headed by Assemblyman Bob Reilly who has called the sport barbaric. If it can make it through the Assembly, it would then be in the hands of the Governor who has been in favor of legalization and will very likely sign it into law. New York would then join the other 44 states who have legalized the fastest growing sport in America. Its getting close – keep the faith!
Raphael natal Signs with Shine fights
Feb 8th
According to Renzo Gracie tweet, Raphael Natal just signed with Shine Fights. The middlweight from Brazil Who is 11-3 now trains in NYC with Renzo Gracie’s Team. Defintely someone to watch in the future.
