MMA Explosion’s Top 10 east coast amateur fighters, Part 1

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A little while ago, I asked for readers to vote for who they thought were the top 10 amateur fighters in this blog’s coverage area, namely PA, NJ, NY, VA, MD, DE, and so on. The concept was hatched by Standthemup.org’s Matt Leyshock and I, with the idea that he would do the same for his readership (mainly western PA and Ohio). Then, we would see if we could match fighters up in sort of a fantasy matchmaker kind of way. At the same time, we thought it would be a benefit to everyone — fighters could get to know others from across the state who maybe they weren’t aware of. Same thing with promoters who might be on the lookout for new blood. In short, as politicians would say, it’s a win-win situation. Here we go .. oh, and if you have anything to add — agree, disagree, etc., feel free to post your comments. Note: I listed the first 5. Working on the second 5.

Friedeborn.

Matt Friedeborn, 7-1. This 135-pounder, called a “DFC badass,” by Daddis Fight Camps teammate Brylan VanArtsdalen, has tested himself in two of Philly’s toughest promotions, Matrix Fights and Locked in the Cage. Known as “Frida” by his fans, Friedeborn last fought against Travis Wynn at Matrix Fights IV in April, earning a unanimous decision victory. Friedeborn is an aggressive fighter, and is extremely skilled in takedowns and submissions.

Morales.

Jordan Morales, 5-0. Fought tough York County fighter Rome Dingle for the amateur featherweight title at Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge 12 in June, winning by decision. He will now defend that title at CPWC 13 on Sept. 17 against Rodolfo Santiago. Morales trains at Tim Boetsch’s Barbarian Combat Sports in Sunbury, Pa., and so no doubt he’s getting an all-around great game from the UFC middleweight and top trainer Drew Fatool.

Wojnarwoski.

Martin Wojnarowski, 5-0. Commanding legions of fans in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area, Wojnarowski, a light-heavyweight, has won all of his fights in the incredibly successful Cage Fight series, battling opponents at Cage Fight 1,4,5,6, and 7.

Pat Macke, 7-3. A fixture on the Philly MMA scene, this Rocco MMA bantamweight has fought for Locked in the Cage, Xtreme Caged Combat and XFE Cage Wars. Macke had fought for titles twice in his career, but unfortunately, came up short on both occasions, losing to Travis Wynn and Jimbo Hoffman. Third time was a charm for “Pistol”, as on July 15, at Locked in the Cage 8, Macke beat Javier Guzman by decision to win the World Mixed Martial Arts Council 145-lb. belt.

Albright.

Eric Albright, 6-1. A very successful collegiate wrestler at Pitt and Virginia, Albright made the transition to MMA, primarily using his strengths — takedowns and top control. Earlier this year, along with friend Jerod Phillips, he launched his own York-based promotion, FightRight MMA. Their first show was a milestone in PA MMA history, as Albright was undoubtedly the person to fight on a card, shower up and then work behind-the-scenes to promote the remainder of the evening’s card.

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