Jerod Phillips of Hanover-based MMA clothing company Tap or Sleep recently uploaded this video on his YouTube channel. Both Walizer and Haas will be on the upcoming Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge III card on Oct. 23 in Lancaster. For tickets, click here.
Recently in Biff Walizer Category
Windsor pro Biff Walizer has an opponent for the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge III: Joel Roberts, 27, is 5'6", 154 pounds and has a 1-1 pro record. Walizer, 34, is the same height, 155 pounds and has a 3-5 pro record.
Biff, for those who don't know, was York County's first MMA pro, is a former collegiate wrestling All-American (at Penn State) and coaches the Red Lion High School varsity wrestling team. He has trained at LionHeart in State College in the past, but I believe now spends most of his time training in York County.
Roberts had a 4-1 (with one no contest) amateur record. As a pro, he beat Scott Bickerstaff by arm bar at King of the Cage: Explosion on 6/15/07. He then lost to Dustin Pague, who also beat Walizer, at Inkosi .... It's Time in Bushkill, Pa., on 7/11/09 by TKO at 3:14 of the 3rd round.
Roberts has another fight scheduled before his bout with Walizer: He's facing Bradley Cook at Crime and Punishment: Cops vs. Cons on Oct. 3 in Reading.
To order tickets for the CPWC III, held in Lancaster on Oct. 23, click here and then go to "ticket information."
Bad camera work, but maybe I'm just bitter because my boy Biff lost. Jerod Philips, whose company, Tap or Sleep, sponsors Biff, said Biff's left eye was swollen shut and so he called it off. Warrior that he is, Biff would've kept on fighting. Congrats to Paige, he did a great job striking and countering Biff's wrestling. Hope everything heals up quick, Biff.
Just a reminder that Biff Walizer fights this Friday in Scranton at PA Cage Fight's "Cage Fight 1." Both Walizer and Jimmy Hettis, who is also on the card, are sponsored by Hanover-based fightwear company Tap or Sleep.
I've already talked about LionHeart Fighter's Lou Armezzani fighting in front of a home-town crowd at PA Cage Fight's Cage Fight 1, on June 12 at the Riverfront Sports Complex in Scranton.
Well, Jerod Phillips, whose Hanover-based fightwear company, Tap or Sleep, sponsors York County pro Biff Walizer, told me last night Biff will be on the card as well.
Biff, an All-American wrestler at Penn State, is now 3-4. His last fight was a third-round submission loss on April 30 at Respect Is Earned's inaugural event. Biff mangled his foot in that fight and took some time off, but recently got back to training.
Biff will be taking on Spencer "The Punisher" Paige (5-2), in the event's "Feature fight", just below the main event.
Jerod Phillips, owner of Tap or Sleep fightwear, went down to take a look at some of his guys as they trained at George McGinnis' York Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Red Lion on Wednesday night. Featured are lightweight pros Biff Walizer from LionHeart Fighters, and featherweight pro Jay Haas from Hanover Academy of Mixed Martial Arts, in addition to Casey Bush, who makes his amateur debut in Virginia later this month. Nice work, guys.
According to Jerod Phillips, owner of Hanover-based MMA fightwear company Tap or Sleep, York County pro Biff Walizer was at York Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Red Lion, to get some training in with George McGinnis and his crew.
Although Biff is still managed by LionHeart Fighters, it just doesn't make sense for him to travel up to State College on a semi-regular basis. George is a legitimate teacher in BJJ and his academy is very close to where Biff lives.
George has also hooked up with Bob Bitner from Hanover Academy of Mixed Martial Arts to do some training between the two camps. The partnership of sorts is mutually beneficial: Bitner, who comes from a striking background, gets his fighters exposed to an advanced ground game. McGinnis, whose focus is the ground, gets striking experience for his fighters.
Also in Red Lion, Mark Jovich brought his fight team from his traditional martial arts school in New Cumberland, to MACE. There, Jovich's fighters have integrated with James Olewiler's fighters to create what I can only think will be a formidable fight team.
In addition, I have heard that quite a few people from various academies in the area are going to Academy of the Combative Arts to see BJJ 2nd degree black Daniel Beleza.
All of this cross-training makes sense. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among the fighters, trainers and academy owners in the area, and it pushes fighters to be at their best and develop a willingness to learn something new, or something old in a new way.
It was a great night of fights at Hooter's of York last night. The place was packed and many of the MMA academies in the York area were represented.
Tom and I were there, doing some filming, so hopefully that video should be up later today.
Fresh from a training session with "Tatu" Taborda - and working as an extra in "Warrior" George McGinnis of York Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Red Lion, stopped by.
James Olewiler, who owns MACE in Red Lion, was there with one of his top students, Jimmy Chappell.
York County pro Biff Walizer and aspiring fighter Casey Bush were there, along with Tap or Sleep owner Jerod Phillips.
I also met Sibora Chan, a guy I had heard a lot about, but had never met. He runs Sibora Chan's American Kenpo Karate Studio.
Tom and I also ran into Red, who had helped us do a wrap-up show a while back, so we had to do it again.
Dustin Pague vs. Biff Walizer
Respect is Earned, which held the first all-pro MMA event in Pennsylvania, has videos of the fights from the show, called Brotherly Love Brawl: The Beginning, on their Web site. Click here to see them.
The event, held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, just outside of Philadelphia, featured such well-known fighters (at least to readers of this blog) as Paul Bradley, Biff Walizer and Dave Sachs.
Jerod Phillips, owner of Hanover-based Tap or Sleep fightwear, one of Biff Walizer's sponsors, sent me this photo of Biff's foot. Apparently, he injured it during his fight on Thursday at Respect is Earned. So, it looks like Biff will not be fighting at the Iron Will Fighting Championship later this month, Jerod said. Hopefully, Biff can recover in time for the next Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge, scheduled for July 18.
Biff Walizer, Jerod Phillips, and Charlie "The Spaniard" Brenneman
Jerod Phillips, owner of Hanover-based Tap or Sleep fightwear, was at the Respect Is Earned event last night in Oaks, Pa. (near Philly).
As I reported yesterday, Biff Walizer lost in the third round - after a war of a fight - by RNC to Dustin Pague. Two other members LionHeart Fighters had fights there as well: Paul Bradley lost by unanimous decision to Mike Pierce and Dave Sachs won in the third round over Jacob Kirwan by tapout to a rear-naked choke, according to the Pa. State Athletic Commission.
Dave Sachs stands center, joined by two unknown dudes on the left, Jerod Phillips with the Freddie Roach-style glasses and Dave Klick from Cage of Chaos on the far right.
Spoke to Jerod Phillips - he said Biff Walizer lost in the third round of his fight at Respect Is Earned.
"It's a tough loss," Jerod said. Tough, because, Biff was winning after the end of the second round, Jerod said.
"He (Biff) had him in the 'bread n butter' (scarf-hold with a triangled arm) and was pounding his face the whole second round," Jerod said.
Unfortunately, in the third, Biff got hit with a knee that had him reeling and then on the ground, his opponent sunk in a rear-naked choke. Biff never tapped, he passed out, Jerod said.
"It was a great fight," probably fight of the night, Jerod said.
Just got a call from Jerod Phillips of Hanover-based Tap or Sleep fightwear, who is in Oaks, Pa., just outside Philadelphia, for the state's second MMA event - and the first all-pro event - since the sport was legalized.
The event is called Respect Is Earned, a new relatively new, but seeminly well-financed promotion that has also held events in the western part of the country.
When Jerod and I spoke, he had just wrapped Biff Walizer's hands. He said Biff's fight is third on the card, so it shoudl be over while the night si still young, and I'll have the info. up here as soon as I get it from Jerod.
Besides Walizer, there are two other LionHeart Fighters fighters - Dave Sachs being one, and in the main event, Paul Bradley.
Round 1 and half of round 2 of the main event at the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge.
An email I received from Chad Dubin, head honcho at LionHeart Fighters in State College:
George Mason Univeristy, The Patriot Center - Fairfax, VA Saturday April 25th - The Ultimate Warrior Challenge "Capital Punishment"
Phil Davis v. Terry Cohens
George Mason University, the Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
The biggest MMA event in the Mid Atlantic Region (last show had over 6,000 fans!)
Tickets and Fight Details: www.uwcmma.com
Philadelphia - Thursday, April 30th - RIE-MMA "Brotherly Love Brawl: The Beginning"
*Featuring 3 LionHeart Fighters - Paul Bradley, Biff Walizer and Dave "King" Sachs.
There have been some changes to the card for the state's FIRST EVER MMA event, so if you're interested, click here to see the entire card.
There's a total of 17 fights, with two pro fights: LionHeart Fighters' Biff Walizer vs. Rob Guriano, and making his pro debut, Hanover's Jay Haas vs.William Childs. The pro fights are three 5-minute rounds; the amateur fights are three 2-minute rounds.
Not too long ago, I mentioned that there would be an MMA event in Johnstown. Well, I did some digging, and found out a little bit more about it. Here's a message I found on a message board. From the looks of their card, ( a lot of "TBDs") they still might be looking for fighters.
"As some of us know mma has become legal in PA WE are looking for some pro fighters and amateur fighters various weight classes. For an event in Johnstown Pa at the Cambria County War Memorial May 16 2009 Contacts Ironwillfighting.com josh.breto@ironwillfighting.com Regalas @ Breto Promotions 209 Grant St , South Fork Pa 15956 Cambria Martial Arts Academy Cambriamartialarts.com"
Also, Jerod Phillips of Tap or Sleep said Bill Walizer will be on the card, facing Corey Mahon. Another Tap or Sleep-sponsored fighter, Charlie "The Spaniard" Brenneman, will be there, taking on Marcus Ajian. In addition, two guys from LionHeart Fighters are the card, Lou Armezzani, who recently won in Virginia, and Matt Kocher.
I've known York County's Biff Walizer for about two years now, and never known him to have a nickname. ... Well, he told me that while wrestling at Penn State, he got the name "The Funkmaster" because of all the funky positions he managed to get himself in during a match, while later getting the win.
But the "Funkmaster" moniker did not make the cross-over to Walizer's career in MMA. I guess I figured with a first name like Biff, he wouldn't need a nickname. And it is his real name, by the way. Maybe he could go with Biff "Yes, it's my real name" Walizer, to cut down on the confusion.
Anyway, I was on the Respect Is Earned Web site yesterday, checking out what's new - Biff has a fight outside Philly at the end of this month - and saw that Biff now has a nickname: "First Blood." And I gotta say, I like it. I never known another fighter to have it, so it's got some originality. Also, it conjures up images of Sylvester Stallone - especially the part in the movie where he sews up his arm - so that's cool.
I don't know how he got it, but he just had a fight in which he dominated the first round, cutting his opponent, so maybe that's where it came from. Let's hope he continues the tradition.
By the way, Biff is sponsored by York-based Tap or Sleep fightwear and trains at LionHeart Fighters in State College.
Just spoke with Mark Jovich, promoter of the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge. With the event less than two weeks away, the card's pretty such solidified and all the fighters are ready to go, he said.
Mark talked about a few of the fights. In a fight that was supposed to happen last year, York County's Biff Walizer takes on Rob "Rhino" Guriano.
Biff fights out of LionHeart Fighters in State College and is sponsored by Tap or Sleep Fightwear.
The second pro fight on the card - and with both fighters making their pro debuts - are Hanover Aacdemy of Mixed Martial Arts' Jay Haas taking on William Childs.
Haas has had great success fighting in Virginia on its amateur circuit, winning a belt recently at Operation Octagon. Jovich said Childs is Georgia's all-time winningest high school wrestler.
"That's gonna be a good one," Jovich said of the Haas-Childs fight. "The kid (Childs) just fought Friday night," and lost by split decision.
Then there's York County's Mike Oberdick versus Williamsport's Louis "The Beast" Rumsey.
"Oberdick's a beast too," Jovich said.
Two more fights Jovich was excited about were Central Pennsylvania Martial Arts Academy's Justin Scott fighting Bret Evans and Hanover MMA's Ryan Heflin vs. Ray Eltringham.
Jovich said there are still a few tickets left at the Warrior Challenge's Web site.
The event takes place at Wisehaven Banquet Hall. Weigh-ins start at 10 a.m. and the fights begin at 2 p.m.
A news release I just received from Chad Dubin of LionHeart Fighters:
Saturday April 25th - The Ultimate Warrior Challenge "Capital Punishment"
Phil Davis v. Terry Cohens
George Mason University, the Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
The biggest MMA event in the Mid Atlantic Region (last show had over 6,000 fans!)
Tickets and Fight Details: www.uwcmma.com
Thursday, April 30th - RIE-MMA "Brotherly Love Brawl: The Beginning"
*Featuring 3 LionHeart Fighters*
Paul Bradley (10-0) v. Mike Pierce (7-1) Main Event
Biff Walizer v. Dustin Pague
Dave Sachs v. Jake Kirwan
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA
This is the first MMA event in Philadelphia and should be sold out
Tickets for this event: www.rie-mma.com
Enter the following promotional codes when ordering:
Paul Bradley: rie24
Biff Walizer: rie32
Dave Sachs: rie28
Also fighting in April
April 19th - Biff Walizer v. Rob Gaurino at the Central PA Warrior Challenge, York PA.
Tickets and information: www.warriorchallenge.info
Here's the video for Biff Walizer vs. Kevin Roddy at Mayhem at the Marina. I might be a bit biased since I know Biff, but I would give him a 10-8 first round. Biff had excellent ground control, showed vastly improved jiu-jitsu - he had guard passes, side control, north-south, an armbar escape, a submission (it was either a kimura or an Americana, I'm not sure) - plus opened up a cut on Roddy.
It seemed as though, like Tap or Sleep's Jerod Phillips said, Biff might have gassed a little in the second round, and Roddy was able to get his spindly legs around Biff and force a tap-out to triangle. NOTE: this is the first few minutes of the fight; to see the entire thing, go to http://gofightlive.tv/playVideo.do?videoId=871&resolution=Medium&playerSize=Medium
Binky Jones, Jerod Phillips and Biff Walizer.
Bad nights happen in MMA. Jerod Phillips, owner of York-based MMA clothing company Tap or Sleep knows it, but that doesn't make it any easier.
Case in point was last weekend's Extreme Challenge: Mayhem at the Marina in Atlantic City. York County's Biff Walizer, who is sponsored by Tap or Sleep, fought at 155 pounds, losing in the second round to Kevin Roddy by triangle.
"Biff controlled the fight in the first round," Phillips said. "Biff cut him. ... He landed the better strikes on the feet."
But by the end of the first, Phillips said he could tell Walizer was winded. During the break, Walizer asked Phillips to shake out one of his arms, which had been caught in a tight armbar during the round.
In the second round, Walizer shot in for a single-leg takedown, but it was negated by Roddy, who then punished Walizer with strikes before submitting him.
"If he would have had cardio, that would've kept him on his feet for the second and third rounds," Philips said of Walizer.
Walizer, who trains at LionHeart in state College, teaches at Red Lion Area High School and coaches the school's varsity wreslting team. But now that the season is over, it's Phillips' hope that Walizer can concentrate on his cardio. And he won't have too long - his next fight is at the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge, the state's first MMA event, to be held at Wisehaven in York Township on April 19.
Also that night, new Tap or Sleep-sponsored middleweight fighter Mike Johnson, who fights out of Philadelphia's Fight Factory, lost to Jay Silva by TKO/referee stoppage from strikes in the second round, Phillips said.
In addition, Matt Kocher, who is the strength and conditioning coach at LionHeart, lost by rear-naked choke to Troy Maxwell in the second round of their welterweight fight.
So it was a bad night, but Phillips is looking ahead to the Warrior Challenge, where he'll have sponsored fighters and a table to sell his
merch.
I'm bummed I have to report this, but here it is, thanks to Jim Genia of mma journalist:
"It's time for Kevin Roddy of Team Pellegrino vs. Biff Walizer of Lionheart MMA. Once again, Roddy is firing sub attempts like a Marine M60 gunner firing off rounds at Taliban irregulars, but Walizer dodges them all and punishes him return. Round 2, however, is when Roddy finally finds his groove, as he rocks Walizer on the feet then nails the triangle off a scramble. The official time of the tap out is 3:19 of the second round, and Roddy proves he's still got it."
Earlier today, I spoke with Jerod Phillips, whose York County -based MMA clothing company, Tap or Sleep, sponsors local pro Biff Walzer, about Biff's fight tonight in Atlantic City.
Jerod told me that for tonight's fight, Biff weighed in at 155.2 pounds, and the guy he's fighting, Kevin Roddy, weighed in at 153.
I asked Jerod what his thoughts were pre-fight, and he said, "What I'm worred about is Biff trying to muscle him around and getting caught in an armbar."
Jerod said they might try to stand-up with Roddy for a while, since he is not known for his striking ability.
Jerod also said that at weigh-ins, the scale had to be replaced because it was weighing everybody heavy. Biff, who trains at LionHeart Fighters in State College, had to shed about three pounds early Friday, but it was no problem for the life-long wrestler.
"He did a little running and then went to the sauna," Jerod said.
Earlier this month, I reported that York County pro Biff Walizer was scheduled to take on Adam Cunningham at Extreme Challenge's Mayhem at the Marina in Atlantic City on Saturday.
Well, Jerod Phillips, whose company, Tap or Sleep, sponsors Biff, told me today that something happened with Cunningham and that the fight was off. Then he told me Biff got a new opponent in Kevin Roddy.
Can't say I know much about Roddy, other than he's 7-7 as a pro. Biff, who is 2-2, is an All-American from Penn State and trains at LionHeart Fighters in State College. I've known Biff for about two years now and have to say he's definitely the pride of York County, as far as I'm concerned. So let's get another W, Biff, bring on the "Bread and Butter."
Frank "The Crank" Camacho
James "Binky" Jones
I received a message last week from James "Binky" Jones, a.k.a, The Baltimore Submission Machine, who said he's training hard for his next fight, April 25 at the GMU Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va. The lightweight fight is part of a card put on by Ultimate Warrior Challenge, called "Capital Punishment."
UWC is one of the most dominant MMA promotions on the East Coast, consistently producing quality events, from top to bottom. They seem to have a knack for attracting tough veterans and hungry up-and-comers, and they sign fighters from big camps like those run by Greg Jackson, Lloyd Irvin and Renzo Gracie.
Jones, who has fought for EliteXC and BodogFight, trains at Ground Control, an excellent facility in Baltimore. Jones' last fight was for UWC, ended with a unanimous decision loss to Kyle Baker at UWC - Confrontation in October 2008.
Jones is sponsored by York County MMA clothing company Tap or Sleep Fightwear.
I've met Binky and the man is gracious, humble and giving. He trained with Biff Walizer on several occasions, wanting to help the Windsor Township fighter start his career off right.
Jones is facing Frank "The Crank" Camacho, who fights out of Lloyd Irvin's gym. Camacho is 5'9", and has a 3-2 record. Jones is 5'8", has a 7-7 record, and trains out of John Rallo's Ground Control academy.
I think we might see one hell of a ground war here. I mean, we've got the Baltimore Submission Machine versus The Crank, not to mention the schools they come from, although they are full-service MMA schools, both Irvin and Rallo have their roots in jiu-jitsu.
Windsor Township's Biff Walizer - who fights as a pro at both 145 and 155 - has a fight scheduled for March 28th, said Chad Dubin, owner of LionHeart Fighters, where Walizer trains.
Dubin sent this information to me on the fight:
The promotion is legendary fight promoter Monte Cox's Extreme Challenge, Mayhem at the Marina. It will be held at the Trump Marina Casino, Atlantic City, NJ.
The fights start at 8pm, Saturday, March 28th, and Walizer will be facing Adam Cunningham.
Cunningham is listed at Sherdog.com as 0-3. Walizer, if I'm getting this right, is 2-2. He has losses to Eddie Fyvie and Dom Stanco and submission wins over Rick Screeton and Mick Berwanger.
For tickets, please contact Chad Dubin, (814) 280-1982 or email: chad@lionheartfighters.com
Jerod Phillips of Tap or Sleep sent me this slide show he put together on York County's lightweight pro, Biff Walizer. Nice group of shots - we see Biff with James "Binky" Jones, and Biff's wins in Kentucky, and most recently, the one in D.C. last weekend.
Just got these photos from Jerod Phillips, manager for Biff Walizer and owner of Tap or Sleep fightwear. These were taken before Biff's 148-pound fight last weekend at Battle at the Nation's Capital with Jerod wrapping up Biff's hands. Biff, who trains at LionHeart Fighters in State College, took the fight on short notice, dropping 12 pounds in a couple of days. In a little over a minute, Biff submitted his opponent, which made for a nice payday, when you look at the dollars-to-seconds ratio.
... and Biff's opponent tapped, said Jerod of Tap or Sleep fightwear. He just called me and said Biff won in 1:08 of the first round. The fight went to the ground, Biff nearly got caught in an arm-bar, but was able to sink in a guillotine choke from the bottom and his opponent was left with no alternative but to tap.
"We just came back and did a little redemption fight," Jerod said. From now until the spring, Biff will concentrate on coaching Red Lion's wrestling team, he said.
Jerod said he saw James "Binky" Jones there, who was scheduled to fight, but had to bow out to injury. Binky, a great competitor, has trained with Biff before and works out at Ground Control in Baltimore.
York County's own Biff Walizer, of LionHeart Fighters, will be fighting at the first-ever Battle at the Nation's Capital at the DC Armory. Biff told me he took the fight at the last-minute as a fill-in. The fight's at the curious weight of 148 Biff said. Curious because it's sandwiched in between the staple fighting weights of 145 and 155. Biff had a couple days to shed some pounds, but he did it. Fights start at 8 p.m. tomorrow, but I'm not sure where he is in the line-up. I'll keep you guys posted on how he does. Hopefully, he gets another arm for his collection, like Steve Cantwell.
I think I mentioned this in the radio show, but I also wanted to say here that I talked with Jerod Phillips from Tap or Sleep fightwear about York County pro Biff Walizer last week.
Walizer, who I profiled in the Daily Record, lost by knock-out to Dom Stanco at Ring of Combat. he currebtly trains at LionHeart Fighters in State College.
Jerod told me several things about Biff: he'll stick to fighting at 145, no more fights at 155. The guys he's fighting at 155 are cutting 20-25 or so pounds, and are just too tall and too muscular. Phillips doesn't doubt Biff's strength or athleticism, but those odds may be too much. We see this happen all the time, fighters dropping weights classes to get to where they need to be to have success.
Also, Biff will be taking the winter off so he can dedicate himself to the Red Lion High School varsity wrestling team. From all that I have heard, Biff is a great coach - so much that parents have moved to the school district just so their kids can get on the team.
Third, Biff will be looking into different training techniques - like crossfit - to get in top condition when he starts fighting again.
All in all, great news about Biff. We wish him the best, and until the next fight, here's to a great wrestling season.
Bradley
It was a night of title changes at Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat on Friday night in Atlantic City.
Paul Bradley of LionHeart Fightersimproved to 9-0 and grabbed the ROC middleweight belt from Dante Rivera, scoring a TKO just 34 seconds into round one.
Tap or Sleep fighter Chris Liguori submitted Cory Mahon at 3:41 in the second round, grabbing the ROC lightweight belt in the process.
Pittsburgh's Dave Sachs beat Tim Troxell by submission at 4:40 in the second round, earning the ROC featherweight championship.
Unfortunately, York County's Biff Walizer suffered a knock-out loss to Dom Stanco, 40 seconds into the second round. ... Biff, I wish you the best, I hope the hospital trip was a short one and I hope to see you back to training very soon.
Thanks to mixedmartialarts.com for the results.
This week, Tom and I talk about what's next for Brock Lesnar, Goran Reljic saving two lives, Strikeforce -Destruction and Ring of Combat XXII.
Big show coming up Friday at Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat.
-- York County's own Biff Walizer, who trains at LionHeart and is sponsored by Tap or Sleep, takes on Dom Stanco from Bellmore Kickboxing.
-- Tap or Sleep-sponsored fighter Chris Liguori is fighting Cory Mahon for the ROC lightweight title.
-- Dave Sachs, who recently trained at LionHeart clashes with Tim TRoxell for the USKBA featherweight title.
-- LionHeart's Paul Bradley is gunning for the ROC middleweight title when he squares off against Dante Rivera.
Good luck guys.
To buy tickets, click here.
If you want to see the event streaming, click here. I think there is a fee for this.
It would surprise me if Biff responded to some of the disparraging comments left online in response to my story on him. Biff's too humble of a guy, and would take the high road. Me, I'm not those things.
here's what John Kilker wrote: "Wow I think the real story here is that this guy is a teacher. With all his gambling issues and drinking issues this guy needs to lose his job. I think I will e-mail this link to the Red Lion school district so they can see what their teacher is doing outside of work. Drinking it up and Gambling.. Way to go Biff.. you a great role model teaching the kids to play blackjack?"
Have you ever lived? Made a mistake? Been addicted to anything? Biff was honest and brave enough to seek help. What have you done but simply critcize another? Not to mention the kids he helps in class and on the mat. Tell me you've done something like that, John.
And this gem from someone who calls himself "Knute Rockne," you know, the famous Notre Dame football coach: "This is not a sport, it is plain brutailty, and it should probably be banned."
Probably? Make up your mind first before posting. You named yourself after a guy who coached football when they didn't even wear helmets, or maybe just the leather ones. And I'd be willing to bet you football today is more violent than MMA, in terms of injuries. You don't have to like it, but face it, MMA is here to stay.
Biff in training.
My story on Biff Walizer and MMA hit the York Daily Record on Sunday, if you missed it. Click here to read the story.
Here's the video on Tap or Sleep's Jerod Phillps:
Binky Jones, Jerod Phillips and Biff Walizer
My MMA story - titled "Living and Fighting - That Competitive Edge" will be out this Sunday, Nov. 9, in The York Daily Record/Sunday News and online. The main story is about local fighter Biff Walizer, his battle with a gambling addiction and his quest to gain redemption. There's also a sidebar on Jerod Phillips, owner of Tap or Sleep fightwear. Other York MMA luminaries, like Mark Jovich, Bob Bitner and George McGinnis will be in one of the stories online. There will also be a video of Biff and Jerod. Click here on Sunday to log on to the Web site.
This past weekend saw LionHeart Fighters host a great training session. York County's Biff Walizer makes an appearance at about the 20-second mark and can be seen later in the video as well. Other LionHeart fighters like Paul Bradley, Phil Davis and Jim Hettes give it their all. Thanks to purefight.org for the video.
Here's the latest from LionHeart Fighters:
LionHeart Fans!!!
Don't forget that 2 of our fighters, Paul Bradley and Biff Walizer, are fighting on one of the biggest fight shows in the Northeast, the Ring of Combat on Friday, November 21st at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, NJ. We are selling tickets for the fights at our website www.lionheartfighters.com
SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER: Each ticket purchase gets you a FREE LionHeart T-shirt!!
Get your tickets now to see Paul Bradley and Biff Walizer in ROC XXII.
Also:
Congratulations to Jim Hettes who won by 1st round tapout from Armbar to improve his amateur record to 4-0.
Upcoming fights: Jim will be fighting again, along with LionHeart Middleweight, Lou Armezzani at a Superior Cage Fighting event on Nov. 14th in Cleveland, Oh.
Details at: www.superiorcagefighting.com
Biff Walizer
Paul Bradley
Bradley v. Rivera:
Ultimate Fighter Veterans to collide at Ring of Combat XXII
Paul Bradley and Windsor Township's Biff Walizer will represent LionHeart at Ring of Combat XXII on Nov. 21 in Atlantic City, NJ.
Bradley, 8-0 as a professional, will face Dante Rivera, 10-3, in a battle for the R.O.C. Middleweight Championship. Both Bradley and Rivera are veterans of Spike T.V's, The Ultimate Fighter. Rivera performed well in season 7 defeating Matt Riddle on the season finale. Bradley, a veteran of season 9, was undefeated on the show but forced to leave early due to a medical condition.
Lightweight Biff Walizer, 1-1, will take on Dom Stanco, 5-2, of Bellmore Kickboxing in a Main Card Matchup.
For tickets please contact Chad Dubin:
chad@lionheartfighters.com
814.280.1982
Event details available at www.ringofcombat.com.
Here's another Tap or Sleep video, featuring Biff Walizer, Tonya Evinger, Josh Bernal and Binky Jones.
Biff Walizer, some lucky guy who got Jerod's sweatshirt, and Jerod.
Jerod Phillips, who runs Tap or Sleep fightwear, sent me this photo taken after Biff Walizer's recent win at Intimidation Cage Fighting in Florence, Kentucky. Biff, who fights for LionHeart Fighters, used an unorthodox (at least in MMA) submission, which Jerod calls "Bread 'n' Butter" for the win in the third round.
State College, Pa:
LIONHEART FIGHTERS READY FOR ACTION:
4 LionHeart Fighters will be competing over the next 4 weeks
Phil Davis - Friday, September 19th, NAAFS- "Night of Pain"- 6:30pm- The Hoop Sports Complex, Columbus, OH
Lou Armezanni - Saturday, September 27th, Gladiator Fight Club- 6pm- Sportsplex, Winchester, VA
Paul Bradley & Biff Walizer - Saturday October 4th, NAAFS- "Caged Fury"- Gray's Armory, Cleveland, OH
For more details and ticket info please contact Chad Dubin at:
chad@lionheartfighters.com
Good luck to all the boys at LionHeart from MMA Explosion!!!
This was the last one Tom Joyce and I recorded - where we interview Biff Walizer over the phone and I have to take off because of some crazy stand-off in the city - that apparently no one could listen to. I'm practically computer illiterate, so excuse me. Anyway, I hope it works this time. Later.
Just got a call from Jerod Phillips, who said Biff won his fight in the third round. Mick Berwinger tapped out to a combination arm lock/neck crank. Congrats, Biff. You da man.
Biff
Just got a call from Jerod Phillips, owner of Tap or Sleep fightwear, who is with Biff Walizer in Florence, KY for Biff's fight tonight at Intimidation Cage Fighting.
Jerod said Biff made weight last night - right on the money at 155 - and has already gained back about seven pounds. They've spent the day just hanging out, watching football on TV.
Right now they're at the fairgrounds where the fight's going to happen, just waiting to hear from the promoters and check out the cage.
The weather's fair, no clouds, which is a good thing, considering it's an outdoor event.
Did a little checking on Michael "Mick" Berwanger, Biff's opponent. According to his myspace, he's a 31-year-old construction worker from Covington, KY. I couldn't find out where he trains, or what he favors in a fight - groundfighting, striking, etc. He's also 5'11", so we'll see if that's a factor in the fight, as Biff is several inches shorter.
Berwanger is, like Biff, 0-1, having lost on May 10, 2008 by TKO in the second round.
I'll post more updates as I get them. Biff's fight should start around 10:30 p.m. There's a ton of amateur fights they've got to get through first.
Berwanger
Tom Joyce and I talk about the latest Rampage news, Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock and call Biff Walizer for an exclusive interview. Biff fights in his second pro bout Saturday night in Kentucky. Just after we get Biff on the line Tom has to take over, as I get called out to a police stand-off in York (Gotta do the cops reporting when there's breaking news).
From LionHeart Fighters in State College:
LionHeart MMA announces the signing of Penn State All-American wrestler Biff Walizer to a professional MMA career management contract.
Walizer is the 4th fighter to sign with LionHeart MMA in the past two months and will compete at 155 lbs.
LionHeart founder Chad Dubin says Walizer is a welcomed addition to the team. "I always admired Biff's work ethic and leadership when he was at Penn State. Signing him adds an experienced lightweight to our team and shows our committment to creating an elite MMA team here in State College."
Walizer's first scheduled competition as a LionHeart team member will be Friday Sept. 12 at The Ring of Combat XXI at The Tropicana in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Venue information is available at www.ringofcombat.com
Tickets for the fight are available at www.lionheartfighters.com
Biff, a LionHeart student, Phil Davis, Ricardo de la Riva, Jeff Rockwell and Lou Armezzani.
Local lightweight pro Biff Walizer has been soaking up the MMA like a sponge in preparation for upcoming fights in Kentucky next Saturday and one on Sept. 12 in Atlantic City.
Biff gets wrapped.
Last week, Biff and some of the other fighters at LionHeart Fighters in State College attended a seminar led by Ricardo de la Riva and Tony Passos. De la Riva is a BJJ blackbelt who holds wins in BJJ tournments over three Gracies.Passos is a black belt under de la Riva.
Biff and some of the LionHeart Fighters also drove to Pittsburgh to train striking with K-1 fighter Mark "The Shark" Miller:
LionHeart Fighters Phil Davis, Paul Bradley, Biff Walizer, and Tap or Sleep owner Jerod Phillips.
Phillips was up at LionHeart Fighters in State College on Friday, where he said they now have their cage set up. Walizer, who lives in Windsor Township, has a fight on Aug. 30 in Kentucky. Go get 'em, Biff.
Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!
If you've been on this site with any regularity, you know Jerod Phillips from Tap or Sleep fightwear, York County lightweight pro Biff Walizer and Baltimore's James "Binky" Jones, a lightweight fighter from Team Ground Control. Well, here's your chance to see them as you've never seen them before, thanks to the folks at Jib-Jab.
Biff
I've already announced that local lightweight pro Biff Walizer has a fight on Aug. 30 in Kentucky. He's also scheduled to take on Rob "Rhino" Guriano at Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat in Atlantic City on Sept. 12.
Guriano is owner and head instructor of the Rhino Fight Team out of Manchester, NJ.
According to his Web site, he is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has cornered more than 50 pro fights.
"Rob Guriano has trained with some of the best fighters in the world and has been in the fight game for over 15 years. Rob started the rhino fight team over 4 years ago witch has won over 7 title fights in the last 2 years. The rhino fight team is the most active amateur and pro fight team on the east coast," according to the Web site.
Rob Guriano
York County's own Biff Walizer, a lightweight pro out of Windsor Townhip, is scheduled to get back into the fighting game, after a series of mishaps and injuries. He's been training in York and also with Team LionHeart in State College.
Biff has a fight later this month with this promotion:
And, if all goes well then, he's got another fight on Sept. 12 in New Jersey with Ring of Combat:
