No big deal, but I'm not sure that this has ever happened with an organization. Check it out:
SaveMart Center at Fresno State - Fresno, CA
Friday, November 6, 2009 - 8:00PM/PT (prelims at 6:00PM)
Sears Centre Arena - Hoffman Estates, IL
Saturday, November 7, 2009 - 8:00PM/CT (prelims at 6:00PM)
Email from LionHeart management, about Bradley, who used to train and live in State College:
Paul Bradley (12-1) showcased his impressive stand up and well rounded fight game this past Friday night at the Strikeforce Challenger Fights in Tulsa, Oklahoma by dominating Levi Avera (12-5). Bradley, who improved his record to 12-1, won by a unanimous decision over Avera with all 3 judges scoring the fight 30-27.
"I was pleased with the win Friday night and felt like I was able to dominate the fight no matter where it went. I am going to go back to the gym Monday and continue training full time to move closer to a Strikeforce title. Fighting in a great organization like Strikeforce was awesome and it feels great to be a part of such an impressive fight league. I am looking forward to fighting for them as soon as possible."
We would like to thank the sponsors listed in the column on the left that have generously helped Paul during his training camp.
And special thanks to Minnesota Mixed Martial Arts and Greg Nelson for helping Paul get ready for this fight.
Round 1 - Quick touch of gloves. Bradley scores a quick jab, then shucks off Avera's advance, tossing him to the side and falling into top position. Avera settles into half-guard underneath, and he looks to use his long legs to attack. Avera gains full guard as Bradley lands a few shots from top position. Avera ties up the arms, and Bradley tries to posture up. Bradley pulls his left leg through to half-mount. Avera tries to look to his right for a potential kimura, but instead settles for establishing full guard. Two minutes remain in the round. Bradley delivers a few shots to the ribs. Slow action, and the referee brings it back to the feet. Avera fakes a right kick and lands a left kick to the body. Avera grabs a single leg, but he has to let it go. Bradley works in a few quick hands, and Avera tries to answer. Bradley shoots in and powers him to the floor. Bradley drags his opponent to the cage as time expires, and he secures the opening round on the MMAjunkie.com card, 10-9.
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
Lyle Beerborhm, a former meth addict and inmate at Washington State Penitentiary, called his shot like Babe Ruth, saying he was going to choke out Duane "Bang" Ludwig with a schoolyard choke. MMAjunkie.com's Brad McCray has the story:
KENT, Wash. - With a nickname like "Fancy Pants," it's fairly easy to conclude that Lyle Beerbohm (10-0) is not your typical fighter.
At Friday night's "Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg," Beerbohm added another chapter to his quickly growing legend, borrowing a page from baseball history.
Reminiscent of Babe Ruth's pointing to centerfield, Beerbohm picked a finishing move before his preliminary card fight began, then went out and did it, choking out Duane Ludwig (18-9) with a schoolyard choke at 4:27 of the first-round.
They don't call him "Fancy Pants" for nuthin.' His mom makes his shorts - seriously - says mmajunkie.com.