I was checking out MMA Melee, an MMA social networking site, (originating out of PA, but open to anyone, I’m sure) when I came across some blogs by a guy named Derek Leyrer.
Leyrer, it seems, is helping Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone prepare for his upcoming WEC fight against Ben Henderson for the interim lightweight championship on Oct. 10.
Here’s Leyrer’s blog from 9/7:
“So it’s 11:57pm Saturday in Albuquerque and our second day with Donald Cerrone and his crew. we had a pretty easy day today we slept in later after a late night out with the cowboy. around 5pm we headed over to Albuquerque Kickboxing and rolled some bjj with all the guys. long story short everyone is a great match and there are a lot of hammers here.. im looking forward to some great training.. my last match i rolled with the cowboy and enjoyed the tough roll getting armbarred wasnt too bad either. after an hour and half training session we came back to the house cleaned up and rolled to the movies in the cowboy/tapout bus.. watched gamer (whatever) now we are winding it down and getting ready for tomorrow.”
Leyrer, a 4-0 amateur (5’8″, 170 pounds), is a BJJ brown belt and trains with the Migliarese brothers at Balance Studios in Phialdelphia, Aaron Meisner, and someone named “Chip.” (Leyrer didn’t ID this guy any further).
Here’s Leyrer’s bio from the Fight Firm Web site: “Derek Leyrer is a very accomplished Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner. In an amazing short span of 5 years, Derek received his brown belt under Relson Gracie liniage. He is also an instructor at Balance Studios, one of Philadelphia’s premier Gracie Brazilian jiu-jitsu schools. He is currently one of the most if not the most active Jiu-jitsu competitor on the east coast, placing either 1,2 or 3rd 28 times in top level grappling tournaments. Recently in 2009, Derek placed 3rd in the Pan Ams, competing against top competitors from around the world.” Leyrer is an instructor at FF, located in Philadelphia.
