Recently in LionHeart MMA Category

Here's a message from Chad Dubin of LionHeart Management, about top prospect Paul Bradley, who at one time trained in State College:
We had a fight scheduled for Paul Bradley on December 18th that was cancelled so we are trying to find another fight in December or January for Paul.

Here are Paul's quick facts:
· Currently fighting at 170 or 185
· Pro record is 12-1
· TUF Season 7 Veteran
· NCAA Collegiate All American

You can also visit www.lionheartfighters.com for more info.

If there is any interest please contact me:

Chad Dubin

chad@lionheartfighters.com
(814) 280-1982

LOS ANGELES, CA- November 14, 2009 - Phil Davis won the Gold Medal at the BJJ NO GI World Championships held last Saturday November 7th, outside Los Angeles, CA.

Competing in the HWT Division, Phil Davis won 3 matches to claim the Gold Medal. The first match was won by Rear Naked Choke submission in :25 seconds of the 1st Period, the second match was won by Arm Bar submission in 2:00 of the 1st round, and the Gold Medal match was won by a dominating score of 12-0.

Congrats to Phil on his success outside the octagon.

For more information please contact:

Chad Dubin
chad@lionheartfighters.com

Paul Bradley (11-1) left, squares off against Levi Avera (12-5) for their welterweight fight tonight. Bradley, who used to train at LionHeart Fighters in State College (now known as Central PA Mixed Martial Arts), trained at Minnesota Mixed Martial Arts for this fight, which is his Strikeforce debut.

Location: Bixby, Okla.
Venue: SpiritBank Event Center
Broadcast: Showtime

MAIN CARD

Zak Cummings vs. Tim Kennedy
Kevin Jordan vs. Ray Sefo
Zach Light vs. Tyron Woodley
Travis Calonoc vs. Thomas Longacre
Daniel Cormier vs. Gary Frazier

PRELIMINARY CARD
Lacey Schuckman vs. Jeri Sitzes
Levi Avera vs. Paul Bradley
Brandon Gaines vs. Trey Houston
John Carson vs. Kenny Giddens
Nick Gibbons vs. Josh Pulsifer
Lemont Davis vs. Dillon Smith

From LionHeart Management: Next up for LionHeart fighters is Paul Bradley (11-1) who will make his Strikeforce debut on September 25th in Tulsa Oklahoma. Paul, who was featured on The Ultimate Fighter a few seasons back, was one of the first fighters to train at LionHeart Fighters in State College.

MAIN CARD (BEGINNING AT 10:00PM/CT):
Tim Kennedy (11-2) vs. Zak Cummings (10-0) - 3X5 - 185lbs
Ray "Sugarfoot" Sefo (1-0) vs. Kevin "The Shaman" Jordan (11-7) - 3X5 - Heavyweights
Tyron "T-Wood" Woodley (5-0) vs. Zach "The Lisbon Outlaw" Light (6-8) - 3X5 - 170lbs
Thomas Longacre (4-0) vs. Travis "The Dark Night" Calonoc (4-0) - 3X5 - 147lbs
Daniel Cormier (debut) vs. TBA - 3X5

NON-TELEVISED UNDERCARD (BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY 8:00PM/CT)
Lacey "The Ladie" Schuckman (2-0) vs. Jeri "Fists of Fury" Sitzes (2-2) - 3X5 - 120lbs
Levi "The Marine" Avera (12-5) vs. Paul Bradley (10-1) - 3X5 - 170lbs
Trey Houston (1-0) vs. Brandon Gaines (4-10) - 3X5 - 185lbs
Kenny Giddens (8-5) vs. John Carson (7-1) - 3X5 - 155lbs
Nick Gibbons (13-0) vs. Josh Pulsifer (11-4) - 3X5 - 145lbs
Lemont Davis (2-3) vs. Dillon Smith (1-0) - 3X5 - 170lbs

LionHeart Fighter Dave Sachs will be travelling to Worcester, MA to compete in the Wartown Beatdown 3 in Worcester, MA. Dave will be putting his 5-1 record on the line against tough lightweight Chris Foster who also holds a 5-1 Record. Sachs vs. Foster will headline the fight card as the main event of the evening.

For more details and ticket information: www.wartownbeatdown.com

What's better than an MMA event at a strip club? Um, I can't really think of anything right now ...

From Chad Dubin, LionHeart owner:
Over this last year we have had a few of our fighters sustain injuries that could have had a serious effect on the development of their careers. About 9 months ago I was introduced to a group of Orthopedic Surgeons based out of PA that specialize in working on elite athletes that participate in wrestling, football and now MMA.

I can honestly say that finding this Orthopedic Group was one of the best things to happen to our organization since our inception.

When I was checking out the Onslaught Fights Web site for the Hanover guys, I noticed that newly-signed LionHeart Fighters fighter J.C. Cuffee was also on the card. Cuffee, who goes by the nickname "Concrete," is 1-0 as a welterweight pro and is fighting Nate Grebb, who is 1-1 and fights out of Maryland BJJ Academy.

J.C.

This video was sent to me by Chad Dubin at LionHeart. Here's the lowdown on LH's fighters: "Phil Davis improved his unbeaten professional record to 4-0 with another 1st round TKO over David Baggett. In his first four professional fights, Phil has gone into the second round only once.

Paul Bradley got back to his winning ways to improve his record to 11-1 with a dominating performance over Leonardo Pecanha. Paul won another stand up war by unanimous decision."

Mixed martial arts has been legal in Pennsylvania for a little over two months and in that time, there have been several events, but the state has yet to see two female fighters step into the cage.

Two amateur fights booked for the WKU Warrior Challenge event on June 26, appear to be the first overall, but probably the first high-profile women's fight will be the next night, June 27, when LionHeart Fighters' Meghan "The Babe" Wright takes on Angela Magana at Ultimate Cage Fighting Challenge's Rumble on the Rivers in Pittsburgh.

Armezzani Improves to 2-0

Congrats to LionHeart Fighter Lou Armezanni who was victorious this past Friday night at the NE PA Cage Fights in his hometown of Scranton, PA. Lou increased his professional record to 2-0 with a 2nd round verbal tap out over Nick Tinko.

Lou returns to action in 2 weeks on June 26th at the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge in Pocono Manor, PA.

For tickets and details please contact:

Chad Dubin 814-280-1982 or chad@lionheartfighters.com.

NCAA Champion and Undefeated Professional Fighter Phil Davis to make Pennsylvania Debut.
LionHeart Management will hold a press conference for ALL interested media.

Currently 3-0 as a professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, Phil will look to improve to 4-0 as he makes his Professional Debut in Pennsylvania. Davis, a 2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Champion for Penn State, and a Harrisburg native, will be fighting on June 27th at UCFC "Rumble on the Rivers" at the Mellon Arena in downtown Pittsburgh.

Phil Davis Press Conference Details:

Date: Monday, June 22nd
Location: 127 Sowers Street, State College, PA
Time: 2PM
RSVP: chad@lionheartfighters.com

Contact: Chad Dubin for additional information at (814) 280-1982 or chad@lionheartfighters.com

Three LionHeart fighters are on the card at Rumble on the Rivers.

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.

Here's some more information from LionHeart Fighters on Rumble on the Rivers:

SAVE $$ ON TICKETS: for discounted ticket packages that include tickets and FREE VIP WRISTBAND please contact:

Chad Dubin
chad@lionheartfighters.com
(814) 280-1982

Also on the card: Dream and WEC veteran Micah Miller and former Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro Carlton Haselrig have also been booked to compete.

$49 to JOIN THE FAN BUS......STATE COLLEGE BUS & TICKET SPECIAL

Includes:
Coach bus from State College to Pittsburgh and return trip to State College
Ticket to the event
Special VIP meet and greet with Tito Ortiz
FREE VIP wristbands

Contact Chad Dubin (814) 280-1982 or chad@lionheartfighters.com

Just received an update from Chad Dubin, head honcho at LionHeart Fighters in State College. Three of his fighters are on the UCFC: Rumble on the Rivers event, to be held Saturday, June 27 at the Mellon Arean in Pittsburgh:

Phil Davis (3-0) will be coming back East after 5 weeks of training with Cain Velasquez and Brandon Vera. He is looking to improve to 4-0 and make his much-awaited fighting debut back in his home state of Pennsylvania.

Phil Davis unleashes the gnp.

Sherdog has a "prospect watch" story on LionHeart Fighters' Phil Davis, whose fights have been chronicled on this blog in detail:
The globalization of mixed martial arts and its frenetic pace makes for easy parallels between the sport and society. Phil Davis has trouble with the pace, though not in the way one might think.

The most difficult part of the four-time collegiate All-American wrestler's transition to MMA has been the wait.

"In wrestling, you wrestle every week, twice a week," says Davis, who starred at Penn State University. "In MMA, you fight like every three months."

Just received an email from Chad Dubin at Lionheart fighters:
Lou Armezzani, looking for his second consecutive win in PA, (his most recent win was at the Iron Will event in Johnstown) will continue his professional career on June 12th at CAGE FIGHT 1. Returning to his hometown of Scranton, PA, Lou will be fighting at the Riverfront Sports Complex on Friday June 12th.

For Tickets Please contact:

Chad Dubin
(814) 280-1982 or chad@lionheartfighters.com

For Details on the Venue go to:

www.pacagefight.com

STAY TUNED!!

Mark your calenders for Saturday June 27th in Pittsburgh. We will be sending out final details on Monday regarding Phil Davis, Paul Bradley and Dave Sachs fighting on a big show at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.

LionHeart Fighters, for those of you who don't know, is a big-time MMA academy in State College. Established last year by Chad Dubin, the academy has gropomed such MMA fighetrs as Phil Davis, Paul Bradley, Lou Armezzani, Dave Sachs, and York County's own Biff Walizer.

Today I received an update from Chad, so here goes:

Congrats to Lou Armezzani who was victorious in his professional Debut winning by submission in :37 seconds of round 1 at the Iron Will Fighting Championships in Johnstown, PA.

Next up for Lou will be an exciting return to his hometown to fight in Scranton, PA on June 12th. Stay tuned for more details.

State College, PA - May 12, 2009 - This Saturday at the Iron Will Fighting Championships in Johnstown, PA, Lou Armezzani will take the next big step in his MMA career. After years of training and fighting in the ametuer ranks, Armezzani is ready for pro status.

Charlie "The Spaniard" Brenneman, a Tap or Sleep-sponsored fighter, is co-headlining the card.

Lou Armezzani

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.

I wanted to let you guys know - if you haven't noticed already - of a few changes to the blog. First, I had a video player installed. It's to the right of this column, near the top of the page. On the player, you'll see videos that Tom Joyce and I generate, whether they are The First Round prediction shows, or interviews from people at Hooters on a UFC night or other videos of local fighters and academies that we make.

The latest video is one of York County wrestler Casey Bush, who is gunning for a LionHeart Fighters scholarship in State College.

The second change is that I had some RSS feeds set up. They're in the skinny column to the right of the big column that this post is in, under "National and International MMA News." So, we've got feeds from some of the top MMA sites like sherdog, mmajunkie, and mixedmartialarts.com, That way, you can catch up on all of the news around the country and abroad, and I can concentrate on the MMA news in York and around Pennsylvania.

So, no big whoop, but I hope you like it.

I met Pittsburgh native Mark Miller - who has competed in both K-1 kicboxing and pro MMA - at LionHeart Fighters in State College last year. Prior to being hired to train LH's fighters like Paul Bradley, Phil Davis and Biff Walizer, Miller had trained at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. Before that, he trained at Miletich Fighting Systems. Not long after we met at LH, he lifted up his shirt to show me a nine-inch scar down the middle of his chest. He had undergone open-heart surgery a couple years ago and said he was planning his comeback to the fight game. The casual observer might scoff, but they don't know the will of the Fight Shark. Check out the trailer.

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.

By Mike Fridley of sherdog.com:
Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET: Former Big Ten standout wrestler Phil Davis is now 3-0 after his destruction of Terry Cohens (4-3) at UWC "Capital Punishment."

A four-time All-American at Penn State University, Davis punished his opponent from a variety of positions before putting him away with punches from the mount at 4:29 of the opening period.

Davis provided one of the best interviews the Sherdog Radio Network has ever aired some months ago when he spoke with Jordan Breen, but he kept it short and sweet Saturday night in Fairfax, Va.

"I did what I could," said Davis.

The 24-year-old prospect could make waves in the sport at 205, but I think his frame is best suited for the middleweight division. I believe it's only a matter of time before we see this kid handing out beatdowns in the Octagon.

State College, PA - LionHeart Professional Management and Promotions is proud to announce two new sponsors: Dirty Dog Hauling and Reid Fight Wear.

www.dirtydoghauling.com

Based out of Harrisburg, PA, Dirty Dog Hauling ™ Junk Removal Services is a professional company that specializes in removal of junk from homes, apartments, businesses, and construction sites. The company has acquired the rights to use LionHeart Fighter and Harrisburg native Phil Davis as their official spokesperson for the company's print and TV advertising. "Don't wrestle with your Trash, Call the Experts at Dirty Dog Hauling".

"This is a true win/ win relationship. Phil Davis gets to help a company from his hometown and we get financial support for one of our athletes to continue training. It will also be great for Phil to work with Leland Nelson, the owner of Dirty Dog Hauling because he is such a unique and innovative businessman." - Chad Dubin, owner LionHeart Management

www.reidfightwear.com

Based out of Sunbury, PA, Reid Fight Wear is an urban clothing label that combines stylish clothing with the honor, respect and true warrior spirit of combatants of past eras as well as representing what the Mixed Martial Arts Lifestyle is all about. The clothing company has signed a sponsorship deal with LionHeart Fighter's Paul Bradley and Phil Davis.

"Tony Reid, the owner of Reid Fight Wear is someone we are proud to align ourselves and our fighters with. He is a perfectionist and a professional and takes pride in the quality of his products. He is building a different brand outside of your traditional MMA apparel companies and is passionate about the sport." - Chad Dubin, owner LionHeart Management



For more details on LionHeart sponsorship contact Chad Dubin at:
chad@lionheartfighters.com
(814) 280-1982

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.

Lou Armezzani - fresh from a win, and is that that fresh blood on his gloves?

York went 2-1 at the recent Onslaught Mixed Martial Arts Cage Fighting event in Virginia. Jerod Phillips, of Tap or Sleep fightwear, was there to support the guys: Lou Armezzani, who at one time lived in York, and now trains at LionHeart Fighters in State College, and Steve Kaufman and Nate Vantassel of Hanover Academy of Mixed Martial Arts.

The boys from Hanover, including Steve, Zach, Nate, Jay and Ryan.

Steve gets his hands wrapped by Hanover head trainer Bob Bitner.

Just talked to Jerod Phillips of Tap or Sleep again and he told me that Lou Armezzani of LionHeart Fighters won his fight by KO - kick to the head - in the second round.

Hanover Academy of MMA's Steve Kauffman lost his amateur debut by submission - strikes from the mount.

I just spoke with Jerod Phillips of York-based Tap or Sleep fightwear. He's down at the Sportsplex in Winchester, Virginia, supporting some local guys fighting on the Onslaught Mixed Martial Arts Cage Fighting card, titled "Unleashed."

Jerod said Hanover Academy of Mixed Martial Arts' Nate Vantassel won in the second round of his welterweight fight against Shawn Hill with a knee to the face. Nice work, Nate.

Still to come on the card are two middleweight fights: Hanover's Steve Kauffman takes on Aaron Carter and LionHeart Fighter's Lou Armezzani faces Nick Robinson. I'll have details on those ifghts hopefully later on tonight. Steve and Lou - best of luck to you guys.

Just received this email from LionHeart Fighters in State College:
We are proud to announce Diego Coloma as our new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts instructor at LionHeart. Born and raised in Brazil, Diego is a BJJ Black Belt under legendary instructor Leo Vieira and brings over 20 years of BJJ experience with him. He holds a professional MMA record of 6-1 with 3 KO's and 2 submission victories.

"We are thrilled to be aligned with Robert Drysdale and his BJJ organization which is one of the best BJJ schools in the world. Through this relationship we were able to land Black Belt Diego Coloma as our head BJJ and MMA instructor. Diego is a perfect fit at LionHeart. In addition to his BJJ and MMA experience that will help elevate our fighters to the next level, he is a passionate teacher who will continue to help grow our MMA and BJJ school. I am grateful to the guys at Drysdale that worked with us over the last few months to find the right fit." -Chad Dubin, owner of LionHeart.

For details regarding class schedule, private lessons, or special programs please contact Chad Dubin at (814) 280-1982 or chad@lionheartfighters.com

LionHeart has a ton of fights coming up, including Phil Davis at Ultimate Warrior Challenge, Paul Bradley at Respect Is Earned's Brotherly Love Brawl, York County's Biff Walizer at The Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge and Brotherly Love Brawl and Dave Sachs at BLB.


Diego Coloma

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

One other thing I ran across on the Respect-Is-Earned Web site: Looks like they're planning an event at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg on June 20, featuring none other than LionHeart Fighters' Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis. Davis, a Penn state All-American, is a light-heavyweight with a 2-0 pro record. Davis also has a fight later this month at an Ultimate Warrior Challenge event. More information on the R-I-E event as it becomes available.

I mentioned yesterday that besides the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge, Greg Sirb mentioned two additional MMA events in Pennsylvania: one in Oaks, the other in Johnstown. Well, the one in Oaks is being promoted by a group known as Respect-Is-Earned, and near the top of the card we'll see State College MMA academy LionHeart Fighters' Paul Bradley in action.

The event, since it's being staged just outside Philadelphia, is being called "Brotherly Love Brawl ... The Beginning." It takes place on April 30 at 7:30PM at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks. Click here to order tickets.

Bradley is undefeated at 10-0 and recently dropped from middleweight to welterweight. His last fight was a split decision, fight-of-the-night slugfest against Team Quest's Nathan Coy at WCA Pure Combat in February.

Paul Bradley

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 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."

LionHeart Fighters' Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis will take on Cody "Donnybrook" Donovan at the next Ultimate Warrior Challenge, Capital Punishment, on April 25.

Davis, a four-time All-American from Penn State, is 2-0 as a pro.

Donovan is 4-1 and last won against John Doyle by TKO (punches and elbows) at UWC's Man -"O"-War event on Feb. 21. As it turns out, Davis was originally scheduled to fight Donovan at UWC's Man O War, but was injured, so fellow teammmate Doyle stepped into the cage on short notice.

Here's an email I received from LionHeart Fighters about an upcoming BJJ seminar featuring Tony Passos.

Passos is:
- One of the best BJJ instructors on the east coast.
- Black Belt under De La Riva
- Part of a select group of De La Riva Black Belts wich includes professional MMA champions such as Antonio Rogério "Minotoro" Nogueira and his brother Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira.

Training/Instruction Sessions
Sunday March 22nd from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Monday March 23rd from 11:30am to 1:00pm
Private Lessons are available before or after group instruction

Cost is FREE to current LionHeart Fitness members and $10/person per session for non-members
Stop in Sunday March 22nd or Monday March 23rd for some World Class BJJ Instruction!

LionHeart Management
(814) 238-4617
127 Sowers St.
State College, Pennsylvania 16801
www.lionheartfit.com

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

Here's an email I received from Chad Dubin, owner of LionHeart Fighters:
LionHeart Professional Management & Promotions, Inc. in conjunction with LionHeart Brands, LLC is proud to announce the establishment of the "LionHeart Training Scholarship Fund"

State College, PA - After 3 months of fundraising and coordination, we are pleased to announce the establishment of a very unique opportunity in today's world of developing MMA athletes. The LionHeart Training Scholarships will help to fast track a developing fighter's skills by taking them completely out of the workplace and keep them in a gym where they can learn and train MMA as their full time job. We feel this tool will provide a very competitive advantage to any serious athlete aspiring to become a great professional fighter.

The LionHeart Training Scholarships are available to only serious athletes from any background, that are willing to dedicate their lives to becoming great fighters. Each scholarship would pay for all of the living, training and travel expenses the athlete would incur for at least one full year. The fund is currently big enough to be able to award at least 15 FULL scholarships every year to candidates that apply and meet the proper criteria.

I spoke with Chad Dubin, head honcho at LionHeart Fighters, by email a few days ago. Here's the latest from the MMA academy in State College:

Dubin recently signed 145/155-pound fighter David Sachs, who has a 4-1 professional record.

Local pro Biff Walizer is going to fight in Monte Cox's Extreme Challenge in Atlantic City on March 28th.

Light-heavyweight Phil Davis will fight in the Ultimate Warrior Challenge on April 25th in FairFax, VA

Here's an email I just received from Chad Dubin at LionHeart Fighters:

Hey LionHeart Fans,

Just a heads up that we have new video footage up on the site:

· Phil Davis vs. Josh Green highlights from PFC 1/20
· Paul Bradley vs. Nathan Coy hightlights from UWC 2/6

FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS REEL. Check out these 2 videos that show highlights from some of their past fights with music and photos:

· Phil Davis Highlights
· Paul Bradley Hightlights

- These videos were edited by Matt Kocher.

Visit www.lionheartfighters.com for LionHeart videos, pictures, and news.

Hope you enjoy.

Chad

LionHeart Fighters' Paul Bradley Defeats Nathan Coy in 3 Round, Stand Up Slugfest

Atlantic City, NJ-In what Guy Metzger from HD Net Fights called, "the fight of the night," and "the most entertaining fight to call," Paul Bradley won an impressive decision Friday night against Team Quest's Nathan Coy.

In front of a packed house at Boardwalk Hall, Bradley used a vicious counter attack on his feet and some crushing leg kicks, to beat Coy at the inaugural World Cagefighting Alliance (WCA) event. The fight was a 3-round, stand up slugfest that only went to the ground twice during the entire fight for a combined 30 seconds.

Bradley has improved to 10-0 in his professional MMA career and looked great after dropping down to his new weight class of 170. "I started my career at 205, dropped to 185, and now, after a few months of very strict dieting, felt awesome fighting at 170 pounds. At this weight, I am ready to take on any and all challengers. I really mean that. I feel that I am finally ready to get back to the biggest MMA stage in the world and, if the UFC is interested, I would fight for them tomorrow. I want to test myself against the best in the world."

Contact:
Chad Dubin
LionHeart
(814) 280-1982
chad@lionheartfighters.com

LionHeart Fighters welterweight Paul Bradley is now 10-0 as a pro, thanks to last night's split decision win over Nathan Coy at WCA's Pure Combat. Congrats to Paul - hopefully this win will secure his place in a major organization, like maybe under the new Strikeforce/EliteXC banner. Here's the details from sherdog.com:

After a botched run on "The Ultimate Fighter," Paul Bradley earned a reputation as a human Lunesta pill. However, he shed that label in his showdown with Team Quest product Nathan Coy, as virtually the entire match was spent on the feet with both men trading strikes.

Bradley (10-0) had the quicker and more powerful hands, but Coy's rangy southpaw punches and leg kicks kept him from cutting loose. The decision was ultimately left to the judges, who awarded the unbeaten Bradley a split decision. Fittingly, the decision split the crowd, as a smattering of boos showered the cage; Coy (5-2) exited with a disgusted look on his face.

Paul Bradley

The World Cagefighting Alliance is set to make its debut tonight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. and conducted weigh-ins for the event on Thursday.

Courtesy of the New Jersey Athletic Control Board is the complete lineup for the show with weights listed in parenthesis:

Chris Liguori (156) vs. Marcus Aurelio (155.6)
Paul Bradley (170.8) vs. Nathan Coy (170.8)
Tom Gallichio (170.4) vs. Rich Ashkar (170)
Matt Lee (156.8) vs. Dave Jansen (155.4)
Steve D'Angelis (145.5) vs. Felipe Arantes (145.6)
Kevin Roddy (145.6) vs. Anthony Morrison (145)
Joey Camacho (145.2) vs. Lester Caslow (146)
Anthony Leone (146) vs. Pat White (145.2)
Ryan Smith (169.8) vs. Phillip Wyman (170.4)
Ken Foster (155.2) vs. Mark Getto (155.6)
Daniel Tavares (155.2) vs. Brian Danner (155.4)
Brian DeMuro (174.4) vs. Eric Henry (175.2)
Al Buck (169.4) vs. George Sullivan (173)
Mike Medrano (170.4) vs. Doug Gordon (171.2)

Ted's Take: Two guys I'm rooting for in this event - Paul Bradley from State College's LionHeart Fighters and Tap or Sleep sponsored fighter Chris "The Story" Liguori. Good luck guys.

Chad Dubin of Lionheart Fighters sent me this email on Paul Bradley's upcoming fight:

Paul Bradley is featured as the Co-Main event at the World Cage Fighting Alliance February 6 in Atlantic City, NJ. Bradley looks to improve his record to a perfect 10-0 against Nathan Coy (5-1) fighting out Team Quest in Portland, Oregon. The fights are to be held at Boardwalk Hall and are slated to start at 7:30 PM.

For tickets please contact:

Chad Dubin
(814) 280-1982
chad@lionheartfighters.com

For accommodations, Bally's Hotel & Casino is offering a rate of $79 for Thursday and $179 for Friday, February 5 and 6. Call 1-800-345-7253 or visit their website to make a reservation.

Two Pennsylvania fighters will be on the upcoming Man 'O' War card at Ultimate Warrior Challenge on Feb. 21.

Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis, of LionHeart Fighters, fresh off his victory at Palace Fighting Championship, takes on Cody "Donnybrook" Donovan in a light heavyweight fight. Donovan, who fights out of Denver, Colorado, trains at High Altitude Martial Arts.

And in a heavyweight scrap, David "Steel City Legend" Brytus, who trains at Pennsylvania House of Martial Arts, makes his pro debut at 235 pounds against Brendan Schaub, 240 lbs., who has a 2-0 record, and fights out of Aurora, Colorado at T's KO Fight Club. Both guys have football backgrounds, as Brytus was a punter for Pitt and Schaub was a fullback for the University of Colorado.

from mmajunkie.com:
PHIL DAVIS VS. JOSH GREEN

Round 1 - The two stand toe-to-toe early, and after trading leather Davis shoots in. Green defends the shot well, but Davis maintains an underhook while working for a single-leg takedown. Green immediately looks for an arm bar underneath, but Davis escapes. Green manages to claim half-guard, but Davis is able to switch to mount. Short elbows start the offense from the top, but Davis quickly postures up and brings heavy hands. Green is unable to roll as he absorbs the majority of the blows. The referee quickly jumps in to call the contest. Phil Davis def. Josh Green via TKO (punches from mount) -- Round 1, 1:49.

LionHeart Fighters' Phil Davis

Just received this email from Chad Dubin of LionHeart Fighters:
Phil Davis and Paul Bradley wrap up a solid month of training on the West Coast. Both Phil and Paul spent the last month training 6 days a week at the Alliance Training Center in San Diego with current UFC veteran Brandon Vera and also current WEC veterans Mark Munoz and Domonic Cruz. They capitalized on an awesome training environment and got an opportunity to spar with some great new training partners.

Good luck to Phil Davis as he makes his West Coast debut and tries to improve his professional record to 2-0 at the Palace Fighting Championships this Thursday January 22nd versus Josh Green. The fights will be live streamed at
http://www.sherdog.com/events starting at 6pm PT (9pm EST).

Phil Davis

Due to an injury to Roan Carneiro, Paul Bradley's opponent for his upcoming Feb 6th fight has been changed. Bradley will now face Team Quest's top new prospect Nathan Coy training under Matt Lindlan in Gresham, Oregon. This will be the Co-Main event at the World Cagefighting Alliance in Atlantic City, NJ. Details on tickets coming soon!

Paul Bradley

Phil Davis will return to action on the East Coast when he fights Cory Donovan in the Ultimate Warrior Challenge on February 21st. For details, go to
http://www.uwcmma.com.

Thanks for the support.

Chad

Just had a conversation with Chad Dubin, head honcho at LionHeart Fighters, and he got me up-to-date on all of the goings-on there at one of the biggest and best MMA academies in the state.

First of all, unfortunately, Jim Hettes and Lou Armezzani lost their fights last month at Combate Extremo in the Dominican Republic. Hettes was submitted and Armezzani lost by split decision, Dubin said.

"No excuses. They got beat," Dubin said.

Both Hettes and Armezzani will return to action at a King of the Cage event Jan. 17, Dubin said.

LionHeart light-heavyweight Phil Davis and middleweight-turned-welterweight Paul Bradley are in California right now, training for their upcoming fights. They'll stop to train with Brandon Vera in San Diego and then with Dan Henderson in Temecula.

"They're totally pumped about it," Dubin said of the West Coast training tour.

Davis fights at the Palace Fighting Championship on Jan. 22 and Bradley takes on UFC veteran Roan Carneiro on Feb. 6 at a World Cagefighting Alliance event.

In addition, new LionHeart member Shannon Slack will fight for Palace Fighting Championships on Feb. 6, Dubin said.

Best of luck to all the LionHeart Fighters from MMA Explosion.