23 Fighters Who Could Earn A Spot On Ultimate Fighter

Everyone is making their lists of who they would like to see tryout and possibly earn one of the final five spots for the 115 Ultimate Fighter. With all lists you need to take several things into account. I will not address them because they are not bad things. But those things will make everyone's lists different. For example in mine, I chose to add some people who fight at under and over 115. I included a couple amateurs as well. Not everyone will do that with their lists. So here is my list of 23 people I would like to see tryout for and possible earn one of the last five spots. I am not ranking them in any specific order as they are listed alphabetically by first name.


Credit: Oliver Martinez

1. Amber Stautzenberger
After losing her pro debut, Stautzenberger is on a roll winning four straight against very good competition including her recent win over Lacey Schuckman. Stautzenberger is on a roll right now and could use that positive momentum to do well at the tryouts and win her spot into the house. Stautzenberger has all the tools to reach the top of the 115 list and this could be the next big step.


Credit: Amy Cadwell

2. Amy Cadwell
Cadwell has gotten her pro career off to a good start winning her first two pro fights, both via rear naked choke.She had suffered a losing streak as an amateur but that is clearly behind her and she seems to be hitting her prime at just the right time. Cadwell would make a nice addition to the house.


Credit: Invicta FC

3. Ashley Cummins
Cummins comes in 3-2 losing two straight. However many observers, myself included felt she won her last fight with Emily Kagan and Kagan is already in the TUF house. Cummins is a very well rounded fighter and can adapt wherever the fight goes and holds impressive wins over Stephanie Frausto and Sofia Bagherdai. Definitely deserving of a shot at making the TUF house.


Credit: Invicta FC

4. Cassie Robb
Robb is 0-1 in her pro career and had a very short amateur career. In her one pro fight with Invicta, she seemed to have won the first round before tapping in the second to Laura Sanko. Before the finish she showed she has great potential and has many victories in her future. She was set to fight Livia Von Plettenberg in her second pro fight but that fight was called off when her opponent missed weight. She would be moving up in weight to fight at 115 but she has deceptive strength and I think she could more than hold her own at 115.


Credit: Invicta FC

5. Cassie Rodish
Rodish had won four straight before her recent loss to Simona Soukupova. Able to finish in a variety of ways and a win or two could put her in line for an Invicta title shot. However trying out at 115 for TUF is a move many would like to see her make. An extra incentive for Rodish to make the house is the huge positive light she could shine on women's MMA.


Credit: Sanskrit Photography

6. Diana Rael
An experienced 105'er Rael has fought many top names and the rare times she has lost it has been against top flight opposition. She would bring a level of experience of smarts that would help her to adapt to whoever she is across the cage from. Considered one of the sports most underrated fighters, this could be her chance to shed that underrated label and show people she is a top level fighter.


Credit: Jimmy Range Photography

7. Gina Begley
While Begley is also still an amateur, she has said she will turn pro soon. She has an amateur record of 4-2 but her two losses are to opponents who have a combined one loss and that is only because they fought each other. Begley is a constantly improving fighter who if she wanted to try 115 could slide in there and go fro amateur fighter to very well know fighter on TUF.


Credit: Andrew DeMattos

8. Heather Clark
After suffering back to back loses to quality opposition in Stephanie Eggink and Felice Herrig, Clark bounced back with a November win over Hanna Cifers. Clark is an exciting fighter who win or lose, always brings it and would make for some exciting potential match-ups in the TUF house.


Credit: Jasminka Cive


9. Jasminka Cive
Cive has suffered only one defeat in her career, a fight with Bec Hyatt where Cive's emotions maybe got the best of her. The powerhouse is loaded with potential and an appearance on TUF would help more people become aware of her great potential.


Credit: Invicta FC

10. Jessica Philippus
0-1 as a pro, Philippus has not fought for a year. Philippus had a great amateur career and has big time pro potential. A trip to the tough Tryouts might be the kick start to giving many fans what they want, a Jessica Philippus return to the cage. Philippus is another one who having her in the house would shine a bright light on women's MMA.


Credit: Joe Pic Photography

11. Jordan McDonald
The Tuff-N-Uff champ has been out for an extended period of time, but a return at the TUF tryouts would make fans happy. Yet to make her pro debut, she has the tools required to compete as a pro. If Jordan were to tryout and make it, she would quickly become a favorite with viewers as she is tough as hell and has the kind of attitude fans can get behind.


Credit: Invicta FC

12. Katja Kankaanpaa
Kankaanpaa is coming off her first pro loss to Joanne Calderwood in a close fight that I personally felt she won. She has fought and beaten some very good competition and showed in the fight with Calderwood that she can hang with the best in the division.


Credit: Hex Linc Photography

13. Katlyn Chookagian
Chookagian is still an amateur but is 5-0 including four wins in 2013. She has stopped four of her five opponents, most recently Vanessa Demopoulos. While not yet a pro and she admits to wanting to make sure she is ready before turning pro, these tryouts could tell her where she is at. She is a future star and this could be a big introduction.


Credit: Invicta FC

14. Lacey Schuckman
Schuckman has proven she will fight anyone at any time. She arguably has fought the toughest competition on this list. While coming off a loss in her last fight, Schuckman is one of those fighters who on any given day can beat anyone and if she were to make it in the house, she could be that dark horse who surprises people and makes it to the finals.


Credit: Invicta FC

15. Livia Von Plettenberg
2-1 as a pro, perhaps 115 might work out well for Von Plettenberg. She failed to make weight in her last fight with Cassie Robb and instead fought and defeated last minute replacement Kathina Catron. Her previous fight with Joanne Calderwood showed she has heart and is tough to finish. While her goal may be to fight at 105, perhaps an opportunity to make it into the UFC at 115 will make her think of staying at 115.


Credit: Invicta FV

16. Mizuki Inoue
While her lack of English could be one of a couple roadblocks for her to fight on TUF, Inoue definitely is deserving. American fans will know her from her Invicta fight where she defeated Bec Hyatt. If Inoue were in the house, she would be a threat.


Credit: Invicta FC

17. Norma Center
Center stepped up on short notice in July to take on Joanne Calderwood and put on an impressive performance, doing much better than some expected. Even in losing, that performance showed that Center is going to be a force to be reckoned with and would definitely be a great asset for the TUF house.


Credit: Pearl Gonzalez

18. Pearl Gonzalez
After losing her first pro fight, Gonzalez has bounced back with two straight wins, including winning the XFC title against Cortney Casey. While still improving and we have yet to see her at her best, Gonzalez could fill that dark horse role, someone who comes out of nowhere and does really well in the house.


Credit: KMS Photography

19. Rebecca Heintzman
After going undefeated as an amateur Heintzman continued her winning ways when she recently won her pro debut finishing Allison Haynes with a rear naked choke. Heintzman posses freakish strength and is able to dictate where she wants the fight to go. Heintzman in the house would also be a nice step in shedding labels some may have about women's MMA.


Credit: Models By Design

20. Sarah McLeod
After a slow start to her amateur career, fighting without real training, the amateur veteran of twelve fights won three of her last four with the only loss being to Tecia Torres. McLeod has been out of the cage over a year while finishing school. With her ridiculous power and big marketability, McLeod would be a big fan favorite.


Credit: For Your Eyes Only Photography

21. Stephanie Eggink
The XFC champ is on a three fight winning streak and has looked impressive winning those fights against solid competition. She fights like someone with much more experience and if she made it into the house, she would be a real threat to go very far.


Credit: Hex Linc Photography

22. Stephanie Frausto
While Frausto sports a losing record, she is among the best in the sport with a losing record as she has faced great competition. Training with her sister at CSA and the great female fighters there will no doubt help her improve and show the world what she can truly do in the cage. Making the TUF house could be step one to the bright future Frausto has in front of her.


Credit: Real Time Moments

23. Stephanie Skinner
"The Scrapper" comes in with a 2-4 record as a pro but her short pro career can be divided in two. She started at 0-3 but will admit she was ill prepared at that point. She has since gone 2-1 and shown herself to be a well rounded fighter. Having to withdraw from her last scheduled fight due to an injury, this could be a perfect scenario where she has time to heal before the tryouts. Skinner could be a legit threat to be this seasons Jessica Rakoczy.

NAAFS Night of Champions Report

December 7th was NAAFS annual Night of Champions card. It is the event all the amateurs in the promotion work all year for, to try and become the series champion. It is the best at each weight class battling it out. The highlights included Katlyn Chookagian solidifying herself as one of the top female amateurs in the sport and impressive wins for J.T. Miller, Dario Peterson and Nick Browne. Here is my play by play of the event.

1. Amateur Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Brandon Glarner (0-2 Independent) vs Timmy Bowman (0-1 Independent)

RD 1: Both fighters missing a lot of strikes. Glarner misses a hook and his shoulder pops of ending the fight.

Results: Timmy Bowman via TKO (Injury) at 0:49 of Round 1

2. Amateur Bantamweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Chris Kingsley (0-1 Independent) vs Nic Lute (0-0 Full Force MMA)

RD 1: Cross by Kingsley. Takedown by Lute into guard. They stand and trade punches. Takedown by Lute and he gets his back and lands head shots. Lute gets mount and lands head shots. Lute gets his back and looks for a rear naked and gets it for the tap.

Result: Nic Lute via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:29 of Round 1

3. Amateur Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Osahon Omo-Osagie (1-1 Team Titan) vs Kenny Locsei (0-0 Strong Style Fight Team)

RD 1: They trade hard shots with Omo-Osagie getting the best of it. Body kick by Omo-Osagie. They trade hard punches. They clinch on the cage. Lucsei looks for a guillotine. Punch to the body by Omo-Osagie. They drop down with Locsei looking for the guillotine still. Omo-Osagie escapes and is in half guard. Body shots by Omo-Osagie. Lucsei is cut on his head. Omo-Osagie stands and drops back down and gets his back in north south. Punch to the body by Omo-Osagie.
I scored Round 1: 10-9 Omo-Osagie

RD 2: Leg kick by Omo-Osagie. Omo-Osagie catches a kick and they clinch on the cage. Uppercut by Omo-Osagie. They separate. Takedown by Omo-Osagie into side control. Sweep by Locsei into half guard. Head shots by Locsei. Locsei gets mount and lands head shots. More head shots by Locsei till the ref stops it.

Results: Kenny Locsei via TKO at 2:38 of Round 2

4. Amateur Middleweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Scott Mauck (0-0 Team Lock Haven) vs Darion Peterson (1-0 Strong Style Fight Team)

RD 1: Jab by Peterson. They clinch and a takedown by Peterson into guard. Peterson pushes him to the cage. Peterson stands and drops hard punches and then drops into half guard. Peterson gets side control and then mount. Head shots by Peterson. Hammer fists by Peterson. More head shots by Peterson.
I scored RD 1: 10-8 Peterson

RD 2: Jab by Peterson. Peterson hurts him with punches and Mauck is trying to run away. More hard punches by Peterson. Hook by Peterson. Jab by Peterson. Peterson drops him with a hook to end it.

Result: Darion Peterson via KO at 1:09 of Round 2

5. Amateur Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Ahmad Douglas (1-0 GriffonRawl) vs Andrew Newman (0-0 Team Adventure)

RD 1: Takedown by Douglas into guard. Punch to the body by Douglas. Newman defends well. Douglas pushes him to the cage. Douglas moves to side control. Punch to the body by Douglas. Douglas gets mount and lands body shots. Douglas goes for an armbar and then a triangle and gets it for the tap.

Result: Ahmad Douglas via Tapout (Triangle) at 2:42 of Round 1

6. Amateur Lightweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Anthony Monteleone (1-1 East Palestine Fight Club) vs Scottie Moritz (2-0 Instigator Fight Team)

RD 1: They trade hard punches. Monteleone drops him with punches and lands more. Monteleone lets him up and lands more punches. Hard hook by Monteleone. Now Moritz is landing hard punches. Moritz lands an illegal head kick and drops him. Moritz is deducted a point. They resume. Cross by Monteleone. They trade punches. Moritz lands punches on the cage. Moritz lands a knee to the head which is also illegal is is disqualified.

Result: Anthony Monteleone via Disqualification at 1:41 of Round 1

7. Amateur 120LB Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Vanessa Demopoulos (4-0 Ronin Training Center) vs Katlyn Chookagian (3-0 All Star BJJ/Team Renzo Gracie)

RD 1: Jab and body kick by Chookagian. Leg kick by Chookagian. Cross by Demopoulos. Leg kick by Chookagian. Hook by Chookagian. Double jab by Chookagian. They trade jabs. Leg kick by Chookagian. Push kick by Demopoulos. They trade punches. Hook by Chookagian. They trade hooks. Uppercut by Chookagian. Jab by Chookagian and another. Double jab by Chookagian. Leg kick by Chookagian. Jab by Chookagian. Demopoulos is cut under her eye. They trade leg kicks. Chookagian drops her with a hook and lands more shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Chookagian

RD 2: Hook by Demopoulos. Demopoulos's eye is swelling shut. Hook and leg kick by Chookagian. Demopoulos is now bleeding badly from the nose. Hard hook by Chookagian. Chookagian lands punches on the cage. Demopoulos is bleeding badly. They clinch on the cage but separate quick. Jab by Chookagian. Hook by Chookagian.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Chookagian

RD 3: Leg kick by Demopoulos and another. They trade punches. They clinch on the cage and separate. Hook by Chookagian. Cross by Chookagian. Hook by Demopoulos. Hard cross by Chookagian. Cross by Chookagian. Hook by Chookagian. Double jab by Chookagian and the ref stops it.

Result: Katlyn Chookagian via TKO at 2:11 of Round 3

8. Amateur Heavyweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Antwan Phillips (4-0 Premier Martial Arts) vs Jeff Hughes (11-2 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: Leg kick by Hughes. Phillips shoots but Hughes sprawls. They clinch on the cage. Head shots by Hughes. Slam by Phillips into half guard. Body shots by Phillips. Phillips gets mount and lands head shots. Sweep by Hughes and he gets in side control. Hughes gets his back and lands head shots. They stand clinched on the cage. They trade body shots. Takedown by Phillips into side control. Hughes gets half guard. Head shots by Phillips.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Hughes

RD 2: Leg kick by Hughes. Phillips shoots and they clinch on the cage. Head shots by Hughes. Phillips is trying hard for a single. Knee to the body by Hughes and another. They separate. Hook by Hughes. They clinch on the cage. Head shots by Hughes. Phillips is working hard for a takedown. Phillips is bleeding from the nose. Takedown by Phillips into half guard. Punch to the head by Phillips. More head shots by Phillips.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Hughes

RD 3: They clinch on the cage. Body shots by Hughes. Body shots by Phillips. Head shots by Phillips. Phillips is working for a takedown. Body shots by Hughes. Takedown by Phillips into half guard. Head shots by Phillips.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Phillips
My score card: 29-28 Hughes

Result: Antwan Phillips via Split Decision 29-28/28-29/29-28

9. Amateur Lightweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Nick Foxhuber (7-1 Ronin Training Center) vs Nick Browne (9-1 Uniontown Fight Club)

RD 1: They trade punches. They clinch on the cage. They trade body shots. Knee to the body by Browne. They separate. Hook by Browne. They clinch and move to the cage. Takedown by Browne into guard. Body shots by Browne. More body shots by Browne. Head shots by Browne.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Browne

RD 2: Hook by Browne. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Browne into half guard. Foxhuber gets full guard. Punch to the body by Browne. Head shots by Browne. Foxhole tries for an arm but can't get it. Hammer fist by Browne. Head shots by Browne. The ref stands them. Hook and leg kick by Browne.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Browne

RD 3: Take down by Browne into guard. Head shots by Browne. Browne stands and drops down punches to the head. Foxhole tries for a triangle but can't get it. Body shots by Browne. Head shots by Browne. Foxhole tries for an arm but can't get it. Browne gets mount and lands head shots.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Browne
My score card: 30-27 Browne

Result: Nick Browne via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

10. Amateur Welterweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Ivan Rodriguez (5-0 Bronx Hill MMA) vs Josh Krizan (7-1 Wrestling Factory Cleveland)

RD 1: Hook by Rodriguez. Cross by Rodriguez. Takedown by Krizan into half guard. Punch to the head by Krizan. Krizan gets side control. Rodriguez gets up but Krizan brings him back down in guard. Head shots by Krizan. Rodriguez escapes and they stand. They trade hard shots. Krizan shoots and gets a takedown but they are up quick. Krizan drops him with a hook but Rodriguez gets right back up. Rodriguez lands hard punches.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Krizan

RD 2: Cross by Krizan. Krizan shoots and they clinch on the cage. Krizan works for and gets takedown into half guard. Head shots by Krizan. Punch to the body by Krizan. Body shots from the bottom by Rodriguez. They trade head shots on the ground. They stand and trade hard shots. They clinch on the cage and separate quick. Hook by Rodriguez. Rodriguez lands punches. Takedown by Krizan into half guard. Head shots by Krizan.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Krizan

RD 3: They trade hard punches. Takedown by Krizan into half guard. Krizan gets side control. They stand. Hook by Rodriguez. Takedown by Krizan into guard. The ref stands them. Takedown by Krizan into guard. Punch to the head by Krizan. Rodriguez rolls and gets his back and lands hard head shots.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Rodriguez
My score card: 29-28 Krizan

Result: Josh Krizan via Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

11. Amateur Middleweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Cody Tominack (5-1 Ohio Valley MMA) vs J.T. Miller (5-0 Strong Style Fight Team)

RD 1: Takedown by Tominack into side control. Punch to the body by Tominack. They stand and trade punches. Hook and cross by Miller. They trade punches. They clinch on the cage. They trade head shots. Uppercuts by Miller. Knee to the leg by Miller. Uppercut by Miller. They drop down but are up quick. They trade hard punches. Miller hurts him with an uppercut. They trade hard punches.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Miller

RD 2: Jab by Tominack. Jab by Miller. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Tominack and another. Punches to the body by Miller. More body shots by Miller. Tominack goes for a takedown but as the go down Miller gets his back and lands head shots till the ref stops it.

Result: J.T. Miller via TKO at 2:15 of Round 2

12. Amateur Bantamweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Mario Micale (7-5 Evolve MMA) vs Seth Shaffer (5-0 Instigator Fight Team)

RD 1: Hook by Shaffer. Takedown by Micale into half guard. Micale stands and lands punches. Shaffer gets up. Micale shoots in and Shaffer lands punches to the head and the ref stops it.

Result: Seth Shaffer via TKO at 0:47 of Round 1


Submission of the Night: Ahmad Douglas

Knockout of the Night: Darion Peterson

Fight of the Night: Ivan Rodriguez vs Josh Krizan

Invicta Fan Predictions Results

Fan voting for Invicta predictions is over. Fans were allowed to vote on the winner of each fight and how it would end as well as predict the fight of the night. With Sarah D'Alelio coming in as a late replacement for Kelly Kobold to face Tonya Evinger, there was no voting for that fight. percentages may not add exactly to 100 percent as I rounded off. Fight of the Night is listed at the bottom. Don't forget Invicta can be seen on PPV or order on-line this Saturday.

1. Munah Holland vs Nina Ansaroff
Holland by KO/TKO- 31.13%
Holland by Submission- 13.21%
Holland by Decision- 34.91%
Ansaroff by KO/TKO- 6.60%
Ansaroff by Submission- 3.77%
Ansaroff by Decision 8.49%
Draw- 1.89%
Total- Holland- 79.25% Ansaroff- 18.87%

2. Vanessa Porto vs Zoila Gurgel
Porto by KO/TKO- 14.68%
Porto by Submission- 12.84%
Porto by Decision- 24.77%
Gurgel by KO/TKO- 13.76%
Gurgel by Submission- 11.93%
Gurgel by Decision- 22.02%
Draw- 0%
Total- Porto- 52.30% Gurgel- 47.70%

3. Julia Budd vs Charmaine Tweet
Budd by KO/TKO- 41.51%
Budd by Submission- 15.09%
Budd by Decision- 23.58%
Tweet by KO/TKO- 5.66%
Tweet by Submission- 5.66%
Tweet by Decision- 8.49%
Draw- 0%
Total- Budd- 80.18% Tweet- 19.81%

4. Joanne Calderwood vs Katja Kankaanpaa
Calderwood by KO/TKO- 55.12%
Calderwood by Submission- 3.94%
Calderwood by Decision- 27.56%
Kankaanpaa by KO/TKO- 3.15%
Kankaanpaa by Submission- 4.72%
Kankaanpaa by Decision- 4.72%
Draw- 0.79%
Total- Calderwood- 86.61% Kankaanpaa- 12.59%

5. Felice Herrig vs Tecia Torres
Herrig by KO/TKO- 6.67%
Herrig by Submission- 5.83%
Herrig by Decision- 28.33%
Torres by KO/TKO- 10.00%
Torres by Submission- 7.50%
Torres by Decision- 40.83%
Draw- 0.83%
Total- Herrig 40.83% Torres- 58.33%

6. Lauren Murphy vs Miriam Nakamoto
Murphy by KO/TKO- 12.17%
Murphy by Submission- 9.57%
Murphy by Decision- 10.43%
Nakamoto by KO/TKO- 58.26%
Nakamoto by Submission- 4.35%
Nakamoto by Decision- 3.48%
Draw- 1.74%
Total- Murphy- 32.17% Nakamoto- 66.08%

7. Carla Esparza vs Claudia Gadelha
Esparza by KO/TKO- 2.33%
Esparza by Submission- 8.53%
Esparza by Decision- 22.48%
Gadelha by KO/TKO- 19.38%
Gadelha by Submission- 38.76%
Gadelha by Decision- 7.75%
Draw- 0.78%
Total- Esparza- 33.33% Gadelha- 65.89%

8. Barb Honchak vs Leslie Smith
Honchak by KO/TKO- 7.34%
Honchak by Submission- 4.59%
Honchak by Decision- 28.44%
Smith by KO/TKO- 15.60%
Smith by Submission- 8.26%
Smith by Decision- 33.03%
Draw- 2.75%
Total- Honchak- 40.36% Smith 56.88%

9. Fight of the Night
Herrig vs Torres 34.62%
Honchak vs Smith 24.62%
Calderwood vs Kankaanpaa 10.77%
Murphy vs Nakamoto 10.77%
Esparza vs Gadelha 10.77%
Budd vs Tweet 5.38%
Holland vs Ansaroff 1.54%
Porto vs Gurgel 1.54%

Claudia Gadelha Interview

Due to the audio not being the best, here is a transcript of my interview with Claudia Gadelha in advance of her Invicta title fight with Carla Esparza.

Q: First, for people who may not be familiar, can you talk about how you got started training for the sport?
A: I am from a little town here in Brazil. I didn't have much to do and was very bad, a very bad kid. The coach for Nova Uniao showed me Jiu-Jitsu when I was fifteen years old. That changed my life. The gym is the same gym for Renan Barao, Jussier Formiga, Jose Aldo, guys from the UFC. From the beginning I had champions around me and it made me love the sport.

Q: Your last fight, you beat Ayaka Hamasaki, how happy were you with that fight?
A: Since I started in martial arts, my dream was to be champion. I always had that in my mind, that I wanna be a champion. I moved to Rio De Janeiro where I was far from my family and friends. I moved here to train with the best team in the world. I moved to train with them and be a champion. Fighting on a big show always was my goal. Fighting in the Invicta cage was a dream come true for me. Hamasaki is one of the best fighters in the division and meant so much to me to fight her. People expect so much from me here in Brazil and I have to give me best and that is what I did.

Q: Was it important to you to look good in order to make a big name in North America?
A: Yes! I always think that I wanna do more. I don't think I have a limit to my dreams and goals and always want more in my life.

Q: You are fighting Carla Esparza. You were supposed to fighter her earlier but got injured. Since you are fighting her anyway, was it kind of a good thing that you got injured and can prepare for her more?
A: Yeah, I think everything is in God's time. When I was getting ready, it was very hard for me, I really wanted that fight, I really wanted to fight her. I think it was a good thing because I have more training and have a title shot again. I think it made me more prepared for the fight, to show more work and be more professional. God knows everything. If he did that, it was because something was supposed to happen.

Q: Your specialty is BJJ and hers is wrestling, so do you expect most of this fight to be on the ground?
A: I will be ready for anything. I am a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt for sure, I will feel more welcome on the ground, but I do so much boxing and wrestling and will be prepared for anything. I am sure she will bring a lot of wrestling and from what I read, she wants to stand up with me. I have a very good stand-up game as well and am ready for anything. I will bring everything strong and hard and see what happens.

Q: You are always in great condition so if it goes all five rounds, I assume you are feeling good about your cardio?
A: Yeah, my cardio is insane right now. When Is tarted camp I realized I have to put in eight weeks of hard work and do my best. I made my cardio better than ever. I am ready to not get tired, to go more than five rounds and bring you guys a really really good fight.

Q: With her being a wrestler, if it goes down she will wanna be on top but with your submissions I assume you would be comfortable on your back?
A: Yeah, I have no problem being on my back. I will do my best and I don't think she will take me down, but if she does, I will get up.

Q: Are there any previous opponents you would compare her to?
A: Not Really. Maybe one that had a better ground game than her is a girl from Brazil named Davina Maciel. I fought her a long time ago but she stopped fighting MMA and does only Jiu-Jitsu now. That was my fourth fight and I submitted her with an armbar with my back on that mat. That was the hardest ground game girl that I fought.

Q: When will you leave Brazil to come here?
A: Monday morning.

Q: Does the long travel affect how you do your weight cut?
A: No! I start to loose weight ten days before the fight. I lose over two pounds every day. I loose a lot of weight to make 115. Everything is on schedule. That does not bother me. I have no problem with that.

Q: Do you have a prediction on how this fight will end?
A: I don't wanna predict, I just wanna say one thing. I don't wanna fight five rounds. I am going to fight like going to war. I don't wanna fight five rounds.

Q: I have two questions that people asked me to ask you. The first one is, outside of BJJ and MMA, what do you like to do for fun?
A: I am so busy because I am student also. I don't really have time for a lot of things. With all the training and studying, I don't have time to do things. Sometimes I have time to go to the beach, to walk around and look at the beautiful place.

Q: The other question is, for people here, are there any female fighters in Brazil that we may not know, that we should keep an eye on?
A: Yeah for sure. MMA is getting big here now. A lot of girls here are getting interested in being a professional fighter. We have a lot of good talent here that will be good fighters in the future.

Q: Is there anyone you want to thank?
A: I want to thank God for life and being healthy to do what I love. My team Nova Uniao and my coach and all my sponsors that help me.

Make Your Invicta Picks

The seventh Invicta card takes place December 7th, so it is time once again to make your predictions on the winners. As always, it is very simple how to vote, pick your winner and whether it be a knockout, submission or decision. Also at the end you make place your prediction for Fight of the Night.

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My Tribute To Jillian Reville

This is not an interview. This is not a story. You will notice I am not using my normal stage pictures or modeling pictures like I usually do. Instead you are stuck with pictures that include me. The reason is, I am not writing this in my normal fashion. This instead is my tribute to an amazing friend, Jillian Reville.

About four years ago, my journey from obese to a bodybuilding stage began. I met and talked with some awesome athletes. However their were two that I did not seek to communicate, because for some reason I was intimidated. Intimidated may not be the best word choice, but what I felt was similar to that feeling when you are intimidated by someone. One of those people were Jillian Reville. I don't know what it was exactly. We had mutual friends, and I was even afraid to have those friends ask her if she would do an interview with me. To be honest, I think part of it was, she seemed high maintenance, like someone who would look at me with a "who is this creep" look. I would see pictures of her on stage, and she looked different from most other competitors, not in a good or bad way, just different. Plus I knew she had some kind of important job, I just didn't know what it was.

Finally one day, I summoned the nerve to ask her to do an interview. The date was December 20th 2009. It wasn't until January 3rd of 2010 that she responded, and by that time, I figured she wasn't gonna respond, I was destined to remain in schmoeville with her. But she did respond and say she was interested, although the response, made me wonder if she really was. I messaged again, and she sent this response "ok cool:) yea send it to both. haha to be honest i am only home at night for about an hour before i go to sleep, and in the time i have to eat, shower and prep for the next day! so work email is great so i can work on it during the day if i have a minute here and there:) thanks for thinking of me and i look forward to checking out your blog!". Sounded interested, but I also felt she threw in her being so busy as sort of an out, a way to not have to do the interview, as back then they were by email and time consuming. But low and behold, she did the interview. And it was a really good one to.

Over time we shared facebook messages. Back then, I was still trying to drop weight and I had as many of you know, some real ups and downs. During one of those down moments, Jillian sent me this, "hey dont give up!! sometimes life sucks ass... believe me i have been through a lot over the past 4 months and i almost gave up too.. but this makes me happy, and i know training makes you happy, so dont give up... things will get better.... i promise...". I thought to myself "how cool, she hardly knows me and is taking time out to encourage me."

At the 2011 Arnold's Jerry Beck was kind enough to get me a pass for working his booth, even though I wasn't. Jillian was working that booth. With the pass, I got in early, before doors opened, and headed straight for the Iron Asylum booth because I had to meet her in person. She gave me a hug soon as she saw me. I soon learned, that is just how she is. If she cares about you, she really cares about you. I felt honored to be one of those people. Since then, a friendship really grew. I learned she wasn't high maintenance at all, in fact, she was the opposite. When I had problems or just needed advice, Jillian was and is a text or call away.

I am not gonna go over her competing career or anything. I will say I remember when she decided to go the physique route, I was excited. I wasn't sure of my thoughts of the division, but I thought Jillian had the right for physique and what they were saying the division would be like. She showed that when she won her pro card. I remember late night texts telling her how good she was gonna do at the next pro show, her sending me texts with progress pics and me being amazed at improvements. Those meant a lot to me, because it meant I was one of the people she trusted enough and thought enough of to send them to me. When she became Olympia qualified, I can not tell you how happy I was. She had worked hard for it and deserved it.

But as you probably know by now, something happened at the Olympia. I am not going to go into details, as Amanda Eva did an excellent job of that, so you can read all about it on her blog here. But long story short, after some medical issues, Jillian found out she had a hole in her heart and actually had a stroke. She texted me to tell me about it awhile back. I was at the gym, and even in the text I could tell how upset she was. I walked to the men's room so no one saw me cry. I cried for three reasons. 1. I was scared for her 2. I knew how upset she was 3. That she thought so much of me to tell me before she announced it, made even more special when she said she wanted to reveal it on my show.

Jillian is set to have surgery to fix it. It will keep her from training and most likely competing in 2014. In this sport, we spend so much time training are bodies, adding muscle wherever muscle can be added. In my mind, this is just time for Jillian to train another body part, her heart.

Jillian, I have had the honor to know you for four years and the honor of calling you my friend. This is something you will beat. Another obstacle that has been placed in your way for you to show the world what you can do. In that message I wrote earlier, you told me not to give up, and as you have since learned, when I set my mind to something, I do not stop. One of the people who taught me that, is you. This is not going to stop you. This condition made a mistake, it attacks the heart, but didn't know you have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. I know tons of people have said this to you, but as a friend, I love ya and am always here for you. Just like I will be on stage one day after I get this skin issue fixed, you will one day be back on that stage, and the whole world will know what you are capable of. I know tons of people have said this to you, but as a friend, I love ya and am always here for you.

"One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity."
Albert Schweitzer

NAAFS Combat Challenge 25 Report

NAAFS Combat Challenge 25 on October 5th was an exciting amateur card. It was the semi-finals for the amateur series titles with the winners meeting in December. A few very nice finishes and a couple results that I would not have predicted. In the main event, R.J. Buck continued to be one of, if not the most improved amateur in the area with a win in an exciting fight with Tobiaus Taylor. J.T. Miller continued his trend of early stoppage victories, Jeff Hughes showed he is more than just a knockout artist, Nick Browne put on a solid wrestling display and Jerrell Hodge looked really impressive gaining another win.

1. Amateur Welterweight 3x3x3 Rounds
John Mumaw (0-0 Independent) vs Josh Paulus (0-0 Savage MMA)

RD 1: Paulus drops him with a cross and gets side control. Paulus gets mount and lands head shots. More head shots by Paulus. Paulus goes for an arm and looks for a key lock but can't get it. More head shots by Paulus and the ref stops it.

Result: Josh Paulus by TKO at 1:51 of Round 1

2. Amateur Lightweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Jason Stull (0-0 Independent) vs Ahmad Douglas (0-0 GriffonRawl)

RD 1: Leg kick by Douglas. They trade punches. Leg kick by Douglas. Leg kick by Stull. Slam by Douglas into half guard. Douglas gets his back and lands head shots till the ref stops it.

Result: Ahmad Douglas by TKO at 1:00 of Round 1

3. Amateur Lightweight 3x3x3 Rounds

Scottie Moritz (1-0 Independent) vs Geoff Salyers (1-0 East Palestine Fight Club)

RD 1: Hard body kick by Moritz. Leg kick by Salyers. Hook by Salyers. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Moritz. They separate. Salyers shoots and they clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Moritz. Salyers is gassed. Salyers shoots but Moritz lands on top and gets mount and lands head shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Moritz

RD 2: Salyers shoots but can't get the takedown. Hook by Salyers. Leg kick by Salyers. Leg kick by Moritz. Hook by Salyers. They clinch on the cage but separate quick. Hook and leg kick by Moritz. Leg kick by Moritz. Jab by Salyers. Body kick by Salyers. Leg kick by Moritz. Jab by Moritz. Body kick by Moritz. They trade jabs. Leg kick by Moritz. Jab by Moritz.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Moritz

RD 3: They trade punches. Hook by Salyers. Salyers is really tired. Leg kick by Salyers. Salyers gets a takedown but Moritz lands on top in half guard and lands head shots. Body shots by Moritz. Head shots by Moritz. Salyers gets full guard. More head shots by Moritz. Moritz gets side control and lands more head shots. Salyers gets half guard. More head shots by Moritz.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Moritz
My score card: 30-27 Moritz

Result: Scottie Moritz by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

4. Amateur Bantamweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Ray Gillies (4-4 Dayton Vision MMA) vs Seth Shaffer (4-0 Instigator Fight Team)

RD 1: Leg kick by Shaffer. Jab by Gillies. Leg kick by Shaffer. Hook to the body by Gillies. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Shaffer. They trade knees to the leg. Knee to the leg by Shaffer. Knees to the body by Shaffer. Knee to the body by Gillies. They trade knees to the leg. Two uppercuts by Gillies. Takedown by Shaffer into side control. Punch to the head by Shaffer.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Shaffer

RD 2: They trade punches. Takedown by Shaffer into guard. Head shots by Shaffer. Gillies defends well. Head shots from the bottom by Gillies. Shaffer stands and drops down head shots. They stand and clinch on the cage. Punch to the body by Gillies. Knee to the body by Shaffer. Hard knee to the body by Gillies.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Shaffer

RD 3: Leg kick by Shaffer. Leg kick by Gillies. Shaffer accidentally pokes him in the eye stopping action. They resume and Gillies lands a jab to the body. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Shaffer and another. Punch to the body by Gillies. Uppercut by Gillies. Shaffer is working hard for a takedown. Body shots by Gillies. Slam by Shaffer into side control. Shaffer gets mount and lands a punch to the head. Gillies pulls guard. Body shots by Shaffer.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Shaffer
My score card: 30-27 Shaffer

Result: Seth Shaffer by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

5. Amateur Middleweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Hassan Crutcher (3-0 Rising Dragon) vs Cody Tominack (4-10 Ohio Valley MMA)

RD 1: They trade hooks. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Crutcher. Body shots by Crutcher. Knee to the body by Crutcher. Knee to the leg by Crutcher. Takedown by Tominack into guard. Punch to the head by Tominack. Crutcher is warned for holding the cage. Tominack gets his back and then mount. Head shots by Tominack. Crutcher sweeps and gets on top and then north south. Punch to the body by Crutcher and another.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Crutcher

RD 2: Leg kick by Crutcher. They trade hard punches. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Crutcher. Knee to the body by Crutcher. Punch to the leg by Crutcher. Hard knees to the body by Crutcher. Knee to the leg by Crutcher. They separate and Crutcher lands punches. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Tominack into guard. Crutcher defends well. Punch to the head from the bottom by Crutcher. Punch to the head by Tominack.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Crutcher

RD 3: Leg kick by Crutcher. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Tominack. Knee to the leg by Crutcher. More knees to the leg by Crutcher. Takedown by Tominack into mount. Tominack looks for a choke but can't get it. Punch to the body by Tominack. Tominack is cut over and under his eye. Crutcher gets half guard. Tominack moves to side control but the round ends.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Tominack
My score card: 29-28 Crutcher

Result: Cody Tominack by Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

6. Amateur Lightweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Nick Foxhuber (6-1 Ronin Training Center) vs Fadi Shuman (4-0 Mad Dog Fight Team)

RD 1: They trade punches. Hook by Foxhuber. They clinch on the cage and separate. Knee to the body by Shuman. Hook by Foxhuber. Body kick by Shuman. They trade hard punches. Hook by Foxhuber. Another hook by Foxhuber. Cross by Foxhuber and another. They clinch in the center. Knee to the body by Foxhuber. They separate. Foxhuber lands punches against the cage. Cross by Shuman. Cross by Foxhuber. Cross by Shuman. Body kick by Shuman. Shuman is cut under his eye. Cross by Shuman.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Foxhuber

RD 2: Leg kick by Foxhuber. Cross to the body by Foxhuber. Body kick by Shuman. Jab by Shuman. Foxhuber drops him with a hook and lets him up. Foxhuber drops him again with a hook and gets on top landing head shots. Body shots by Foxhuber. Foxhuber gets his back and a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Nick Foxhuber by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:20 of Round 2

7. Amateur Heavyweight 3x3x3 Rounds
James Bunn (3-0 Dayton Vision MMA) vs Jeff Hughes (10-2 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: Jab by Hughes. Bunn shoots in and they clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Bunn. They separate. Jab by Hughes. Hook by Hughes. Leg kick by Hughes. They clinch on the cage and separate. Hughes hurts him with punches. Hook by Hughes. They clinch on the cage and separate quick. Jab to the body by Hughes. Body kick by Hughes. Hook by Hughes. Bunn lands a knee low stopping action. They resume. Body kick by Hughes. Jab and uppercut by Hughes. They trade hooks. Hughes drops him with a hook and gets his back and lands a punch to the head.
I scored RD 1: 10-8 Hughes

RD 2: Jab by Hughes. Hook by Bunn. Leg kick by Hughes. Jab and hook by Hughes. They clinch on the cage. Bunn is trying hard for a takedown. They drop down and Hughes gets his back and lands head shots. Hughes gets a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Jeff Hughes by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:17 of Round 2

8. Amateur Welterweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Caleb Fickert (6-2 Peak Submission) vs Josh Krizan (6-1 Wrestling Factory Cleveland)

RD 1: Jab by Fickert. Takedown by Krizan into side control. Fickert gets half guard. Head shots by Krizan. Krizan gets side control. Punch to the head by Krizan. More head shots by Krizan. Krizan traps an arm and then gets his back and lands head shots. Body shots by Krizan.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Krizan

RD 2: Body kick by Fickert. Slam by Krizan into half guard. Punch to the head by Krizan. Krizan gets mount and lands head shots. Fickert escapes and stands and Krizan takes him right back down into side control. Head shots by Krizan. Knee to the body by Krizan. Punch to the head by Krizan. Fickert gets half guard. Punch to the head by Krizan.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Krizan

RD 3: Hook by Fickert. Takedown by Krizan into side control. Head shots by Krizan. More head shots by Krizan. Hammer fists by Krizan. More head shots by Krizan. Fickert gets guard. Body shots from the bottom by Fickert. Head shots by Krizan.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Krizan
My score card: 30-27 Krizan

Result: Josh Krizan by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

9. Amateur Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Cheyne Jenkins (6-1 Mad Dog Fight Team) vs Jerrell Hodge (8-1 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: Leg kick by Jenkins. Hook by Hodge. Takedown by Hodge into side control. Head shots by Hodge. Jenkins goes for an arm and they stand. Cross by Jenkins. Leg kick by Jenkins. Jenkins shoots but Hodge sprawls and gets on top in north south. Head shots by Hodge. Hodge gets his back and lands head shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Hodge

RD 2: Cross by Hodge. Uppercut by Hodge. Jenkins shoots but Hodge sprawls and then gets mount. Hodge gets an arm triangle and gets the tap.

Result: Jerrell Hodge by Tapout (Arm Triangle) at 0:55 of Round 2

10. Amateur Middleweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Cory Bresson (6-3 Warrior MMA) vs J.T. Miller (4-0 Strong Style Fight Team)

RD 1: Jab and cross by Miller. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Miller. More knees to the body by Miller. They separate. Cross to the body by Miller. Miller drops him with punches and gets his back and lands more till the ref stops it.

Result: J.T. Miller by TKO at 1:24 of Round 1

11. Amateur Lightweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Nick Browne (7-1 Uniontown Fight Club) vs Izzy Williams (5-1 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: Hook by Williams. Browne drops him with a hook and gets mount landing more head shots. Williams gets half guard. Browne stands and drops down a punch and lets him up. Takedown by Browne into half guard. Williams gets full guard. Browne stands and drops a punch and gets in half guard. They stand.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Browne

RD 2: Clinch on the cage. Browne is working hard for a takedown and gets it into side control. Williams gets half guard. Punch to the head by Browne. Williams gets full guard. The ref stands them. Hook by Browne. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Browne into half guard. Williams gets full guard. Williams defends well. Punch to the body by Browne.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Browne

RD 3: Uppercut by Williams. Takedown by Browne and he gets his back. Brown is bleeding for the forehead. Browne gets mount and lands head shots. Williams gets guard. Punch to the head by Browne. The ref stands them. Browne shoots in and gets a takedown but Williams looks for a guillotine as the round ends.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Browne
My score card: 30-27 Browne

Result: Nick Browne by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

12. Amateur Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Tobiaus Taylor (3-0 Rising Dragon) vs R.J. Buck (11-4 Strong Style Fight Team)

RD 1: Leg kick by Taylor. Leg kick by Buck. Leg kick by Taylor. Throw by Buck into side control. Taylor rolls and they stand. Hook by Taylor. Takedown by Buck and her gets mount. Head shots by Buck. Hammer fist by Buck. Taylor sweeps and they stand clinched on the cage. Slam by Taylor into half guard. Buck pushes him off and they are in north south and then stand. Leg kick by Taylor.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Buck

RD 2: Clinch on the cage. Knees to the leg by Taylor. Takedown by Buck into half guard. Head shots by Buck. More head shots by Buck. Taylor Defends well. Taylor gets full guard. Body shots by Buck. Head shots by Buck.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Buck

RD 3: Taylor hurts him with a hook and drops him. Taylor gets his back and lands head shots. They stand clinched on the cage. Takedown by Taylor into guard. Buck goes for an armbar and gets it for the tap.

Result: R.J. Buck by Tapout (Armbar) at 2:49 of Round 3

Submission of the Night: Jeff Hughes

Knockout of the Night: J.T. Miller

Fight of the Night: Tobiaus Taylor vs R.J. Buck