By Felix Rodriguez, TXMMA Staff | Photo provided by Mariana Fletcher

Former Texas Resident Survives Motorcycle Accident in Brazil Using BJJ Technique, Featured on National TV with Kyra Gracie

Mariana Fletcher (Top Row, Fourth from Left)

Mariana Fletcher is a native of Brazil who trained under Rilion Gracie and Roy Cantu while living in Houston, TX. Her training in BJJ recently saved her life during a motorcycle accident in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mariana, who is a three-stripe blue belt in BJJ, was wearing a scarf while riding her motorcycle and both of its ends got entangled in the bike’s chain. The scarf became a threat to Mariana because when it got stuck in the chain her head was pulled “fiercely” and “straight to the ground.” The scene that quickly developed was straight out of an action movie. Her face was extremely close to the tire, unable to move as her scarf slowly restricted her oxygen intake, in the same manner a Rear Naked Choke does.

When discussing how she cheated death Mariana explained, “I tucked my chin on my chest, controlled my breathing and curled my body to release the pressure of the choke caused by my scarf behind my neck. Soon someone cut the scarf and I was able to breath normally again.” Mariana is a woman of deep religious faith and credits divine intervention and having the training to know what to do in this type of situation for surviving. The scarf created a vice-like grip around her neck that could have killed or maimed her. The responding paramedic unit explained that the torque created by the scarf could have easily left her quadriplegic. Fortunately for Mariana the whole episode amounted to nothing more than a scare and an anecdote. “In the hospital the x-ray revealed my neck bones perfectly aligned. I’m doing very well thanks to my merciful God who granted me a miracle and that’s why I’m sharing this life changing experience,” said Fletcher. Thanks to Mariana’s ability to stay calm under pressure and her experience in similar type of choking situations she survived what could have been a tragedy for her family.

The scarf may have gotten the takedown, but Mariana defended well and avoided the fatal submission. Her ability to use BJJ to survive was featured in Brazilian news outlets. Recently she was invited as a guest, along with Kyra Gracie, to the popular talk show Encontro com Fatima Bernardes on the Globo Network to explain her remarkable escape. You can watch the video, which, is in Portuguese, below. Mariana is a great representative of BJJ, mother and friend. We are glad that she walked away from this experience relatively unscathed and that she can now claim with all certainty that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu saved her life both literally and figuratively.

http://tvg.globo.com/programas/encontro-com-fatima-bernardes/videos/t/programa/v/mariana-fletcher-sobreviveu-acidente-com-a-ajuda-do-jiu-jitsu/2736295/

By TXMMA Staff | Photos by Mike Calimbas (Sports and Fitness Photographer)

2013 Europa Games Expo this weekend in Dallas set to feature MMA, BJJ, Fitness Events and much more

DALLAS, TX, August 14, 2013 – With over 18-years of history in the sports and fitness industry behind them, the Europa Games Get Fit & Sports Expo has established itself as one of the leading events of its kind catering to the sports and fitness industry nationwide.

The 2013 Europa Expo Tour encompassing four cities (Orlando, Hartford, Dallas, and Phoenix) is expected to attract 150,000+ attendees and 35,000+ competitors in total this year with the third show scheduled for the Dallas Convention Center this weekend, August 16th and 17th.

The 2013 Europa Games Dallas event is set to feature a wide assortment of sport and fitness events, including the annual Fight to Win / World Grappling Circuit BJJ tournament and XKO 19 (MMA) along with CrossFit Games, sport karate, bodybuilding and physique contests, plus more.

With this weekend imminently on the way, we recently spoke to Europa Games co-founder Scott Templeton to discuss the upcoming event.

Interview – Europa Games Co-Founder Scott Templeton

Scott Templeton with UFC fighter Chad Mendes | Photo: Torque1.Net

Last year in Dallas seemed to be your biggest expo yet in the Lone Star State. How many attendees are you expecting this weekend and what can sports and fitness fans expect at this year’s event?

Yes, 2013 was the biggest to date in Dallas. We had just under 65,000 over two days. Our business, Vision Star Inc., is currently growing 15-20% per show. So we expect right around 75,000 people. There are 500 vendor booths, 600,000 square feet right in the middle of downtown Dallas. If you haven’t experienced a Europa Games Expo yet, it’s a very unique experience. There’s literally something for every type of sports and fitness fans under one roof. You will see; the largest 2 day crossFit competition in the country with nearly 1000 athletes competing for $20,000.00 cash prize. The largest grappling tournament in the state with nearly 1000 grapplers going for $5000.00, hosted by Fight To Win & World Grappling Circuit, XKO 19 Pro MMA with bleacher style and VIP seating for 2000 spectators, 500 youth at the Megatron Wrestling Youth & HS Championship competing for $5000.00, Professional IFBB International Body Building, Pro Fitness-Physique and Bikini competition, 500 Kids competing in the AAU Regional Tae Kwon Do Championship for $3000.00 in cash, NASKA Texas Open Karate Championship with nearly 400 competitors going for $3000.00, a National Arm Wrestling Championship, National Power Lifting Championship, a $10,000 Muscle Pharm Obstacle Course that you can run for free, and a kids zone with really cool bounce houses.

Backtracking a bit, how did the Europa Games Expo come about? Can you give us some history on the organization?

You bet. We get asked that a lot now. We call it the longest over-night success story you’ll hear. Most people don’t realize it, but we’ve been around for over two decades. My business partners Ed & Betty Pariso started the SW USA Health & Fitness Expo over 20 years ago. Their background is in the fitness industry and mine has always been in the martial art industry. I very much consider them the best promoters in the industry and was very fortunate to be introduced to them through mutual friends, over a dozen years ago. You simply won’t find a harder working team. I had an opportunity, and pretty much free-reign, to integrate the martial arts concept into the show and ran with it. We have vertically integrated ourselves with the right partners. 8 or 9 years ago, we sat down with Eric Hillman, the CEO & Owners of Europa Sports Products. They are the largest nutrition and supplement distributor in the world. We had this vision of grandeur on how we could expand the expo under his brand and extensive network. He’s essentially the gate keeper in the health and fitness industry. Thank God he gave us the green light and as they say, the rest is history. Since then we have now expanded into Orlando, Hartford and Phoenix as well with the same concept. Between all 4 shows we now essentially run the largest sports and fitness expos in the United States, with 175,000 attendees 15,000 athletes and fortunately many, many loyal supporters, vendors and industry-leading sponsors now behind us.

Templeton with another UFC fighter in Urijah Faber.

Now you personally reside in the Dallas area, is that right? What is it about Texas that makes it such a great hub for health, sports, and fitness?

Correct. I was born and raised in the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex. In regards to the expo, I personally think that being centrally located directly in the middle of the country and right next to an international airport, obviously helps. It’s significantly less expensive to take on an endeavor like this in Dallas as compared to other major markets. The Texas economy is strong and continually growing. The housing market is great and stable. And the ability to be outside year-round with the weather plays a key role. Sports is beat into us as early as we can walk here.

Between all the events at the Expo, what is your favorite to watch? What are you most excited about for this year in particular?

I’m a bit biased because I’ve been in karate forever so I still enjoy watching that. But after the doors open and the show goes on auto-pilot, I find myself stopping at every event and taking it all in. It is competition at the highest level and every athlete lays it on the line. I’m particularly excited about the Megatron Youth & High School Wrestling Championship this year. Amateur wrestling is going through a correction and we wanted to play our part in supporting the sport as a whole. Our director, Dan Peiffer, is a good as it gets. His finals are in the LA convention Center every December with 2000 kids. Also, I’m going to check out the XKO 19 Pro Fights. The set-up is crazy over there and these guys are ready to bang!

Give us your quick elevator pitch. Why should fans buy a ticket and get out to the Convention Center this Friday and Saturday?

If you’re in the health and fitness and/or the martial art industry either as a fan or competitor it has become a don’t-miss event. It’s a family environment where everyone is welcome. The kids go crazy over our kids zone bounce house area as well. Once you go, you’ll ask yourself why you haven’t gone every year. Not to mention you’ll probably leave with 2 or 3 months’ worth of free supplements and nutrition samples.

Anything else you want to add?

We are simply humbled and thankful for the continued support. We could never have gotten here without our partners everyone involved. Our mission is to have the biggest and best sports and fitness expo in the world right here in our own back yard. See you this weekend!!

Past Photos – Europa Games Expo in Dallas, TX

See more event past photos from Europa Expo events on www.mikecalimbas.com.

By Mike Calimbas

Jordan Watkins and his inspiring story of commitment to BJJ and how the sport has helped him back in his fight against testicular cancer

HOUSTON, TX, August 27, 2013 – Like training, life in general often throws unexpected roadblocks our way that test us as individuals. And like our training, we have to do our best to persevere through our struggles, to channel our bodies and minds in order to survive.

Such is the case with one individual. His name is Jordan Watkins. Like many of you out there reading this he’s fallen in love with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After finding the sport he tailored his life towards the BJJ lifestyle – sacrificing time and money so that he train and compete because it’s what he loves to do. Unfortunately for him his journey has been sidetracked because of one big life-altering event – finding out he has cancer.

Here’s his story.

Falling in love with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

“I was working a machining job and had been a fan of MMA for a few years but never thought to do it myself. I eventually became very bored of my job and needed to make a move. After a job offer from a neighborhood bar I decided I was going to bartend 3-4 days a week and train MMA on a whim. I showed up at the gym (Paradigm Training Center) to take kickboxing classes. For a month or so I avoided grappling but then one day for shits and giggles I tried a no-gi class and couldn’t get enough. I bought a gi the next day and completely forgot about kickboxing.”

From there Jordan Watkins went into overdrive with the training. Training two or three times a week was no longer enough for him so he started training 2-3 times a day, six days a week instead. He loved seeing his game grow in class and began competing not long after he started training.

Jordan Watkins even went to IBJJF Worlds to compete as a white belt.

“I love the rush of competition. I competed in Worlds that year and after seeing Mundials in person you have no choice but fall in even deeper love with BJJ. I lost my first match by one advantage but after that I made it a goal of mine to win Worlds.”

Focusing on the goal to win the BJJ Mundials

Not long after returning from the 2012 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Jordan was promoted to blue belt by his Professor, Igor Santos. That promotion drove him even more towards chasing his ultimate dream in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

“I told myself I would win Mundials no matter what it took this year (2013) as a blue belt. I was using every bit of the little money I was making at the bar to pay membership dues and bills. I had to figure something out. Shoyoroll craze had just started about this time so I would make multiple paypal accounts and use friends cards to purchase Shoyoroll gis and then resale them on eBay to the highest bidder.”

After two months of hustling, selling gis and saving money and doing whatever he could to tailor his life towards BJJ Jordan Watkings was able to save enough money to quit his bartending job and buy a ticket to fly to Brazil for two months to attend the GF Team Mundials Training Camp and go compete at the 2013 IBJJF Worlds.

“I was focused. I was going to win gold without a doubt in my mind.”

Discovering the cancer

Three weeks after arriving in Brazil the first tragedy hit for Jordan Watkins. His dog at home fell very ill and he had to make a big decision. Would he stay or would he go home?

“He is like a son to me so I had to make the decision to fly back home and use all the money I had saved for Brazil to give my dog the surgery he needed to survive. Everyone thought i was crazy for this but i did it anyway. I got back the Wednesday before the Superbowl just in time to pick him up from the vet after his surgery. After spending the rest of the week hanging out with my girlfriend and my dog I was going to resume my training for Mundials here.”

Then the second tragedy struck.

“The Monday following the Superbowl I felt a throbbing pain in one of my testicles. I went to the doctor that day because the pain was unbearable. That’s when they found the mass. I was sent for an ultrasound to confirm it was a mass that day, and sure enough it was. So I got scheduled and went to a specialist who draws blood, examines me, and informs me I have testicular cancer. They gave me a CT scan and removed the testis and that was that. On Valentine’s Day 2013 I was officially diagnosed with Stage 2B testicular cancer.”

Fighting Cancer with BJJ

By the time they had discovered cancer in his body it had spread to a lymph node in his pelvis. Right away the decision was made to start a chemotherapy regime.

“The doctors told me to put BJJ on hold while going through the chemo because the drugs used in my particular case are relatively brutal on your body. The treatments were 5 days a week and roughly 5 hours a day with one week of chemo then a two week break to help my body recover before the next part of my four cycles would restart.”

“So I had to move home with my parents as no one would hire me because i would have to miss so much work. Nobody would hire me then because I would have to miss so much work. I found a (BJJ) gym back home and was just going to watch since i had no money to pay dues there. After talking with the owner and telling him my story he offered to let me train whenever i felt up to the task. So that night I unpacked my gi and went to train. I went morning and night and noticed that I actually started to feel better.”

Against doctors’ orders and without them ever finding out Jordan trained every day and even competed, all in the midst of his chemo treatment.

“I was at the gym whenever it was open whether I felt good or bad that day. People started telling me it was inspiring them and then it turned from something I was doing for myself to something i was doing for others. I would leave straight from chemo and go to the gym to train to show everyone all you have to do is continue fighting no matter the situation.”

Surgery and Ongoing Treatment

Two months ago Jordan Watkins’ chemo treatments came to a close. A follow up CT scan revealed that the chemotherapy had done well but not well enough. The lymph node tract that was suspected to be cancerous had to be removed and surgery was required.

This past Monday, August 26^th he went in for the procedure and it went well. They removed the lymph nodes that were treated with the chemo and are now testing it for cancerous cells. If it comes back positive it will have to be another round of chemo for Jordan. If it comes back negative he will be considered in the clear for now and will be placed on surveillance with regular testing including CT scans and blood work for the rest of his life.”

Surviving Cancer with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; How to help

“The only way to deal with the pressures of this life-altering event and all the pains, aches, and side effects associated with it for me was Jiu-Jitsu,” says Jordan Watkins.

“I moved back to Houston after my chemo ended and Reed Shelger (co-owner of paradigm training center and local purple belt) graciously waived my membership fees so that I could continue to train and get my body in the shape it was before the chemo took its toll so that my recovery from surgery would be quicker and better.

Prior to cancer, my coach Igor Santos has always told me this phrase ‘bad weather all the time’ when I thought I was too tired to continue or when i was injured and wanted to be rolling. I knew this phrase meant that things will not always be the best but if we stand up and fight we can make it through them so I have carried this motto with me everywhere since, including with this fight against cancer.

If people are curious as to how they can help the best thing for me would be to keep my in your prayers and add me on Facebook if we are already not friends. I recently started to work with a charity organization and plan on teaming up with them and a BJJ company if all goes as planned. This project will raise the much needed awareness for testicular cancer and also help raise funds for cancer research so that hopefully one day no one will have to endure the cancer treatment process. This project will take a little time but by adding me on FB and keeping your eyes open i will constantly be posting updates as to my condition and that of the program.

Thanks to everyone for listening to my story and to Mike and TXMMA.com for reaching out to write it. Thanks for the kind words, the awesome pictures, and the continued support for the sport I love so much.

If we leave this article with anything it’s that I want all cancer patients to know that no matter how bad you feel, find an outlet – something that makes you sane and allows you to not only fight but fight hard. Whether it be BJJ, running, drawing, or basket weaving, just find something to fight for and NEVER stop.”

By Felix Rodriguez, Staff Writer

2x Iraqi War Vet Eddie Wittern serving a different tour of duty versus gender discrimination

FT. HOOD, TX – Edward Anthony Wittern is a trailblazer. The 30 year old from Orange, California has been involved in Judo and wrestling since he was six years old, he began fighting in amateur MMA when the fights were unsanctioned and the sport was known as “No Holds-Barred” beginning in 2000 and the army veteran has served two combat tours in Iraq, which included a stint, in limited capacity, with a Special Forces unit. Suffice it to say, the man fighting out of Killeen, Texas is no joke.

Eddie Wittern (Amateur, 2-0) was in preparations for his third official amateur match at Belts of Honorious’  September 7th event, Austin Championship, but Nael Chavez, the event promoter, pulled him off the card after his opponent was forced to bow out due to injury and no suitable replacement could be found. Rather than sit idly until another opportunity to compete materialized Wittern decided to take on a different fight. Eddie’s newest battle is against gender discrimination in a field notorious for its lack of male representation. This is the story of Eddie Wittern’s brave journey into the uncharted realm of ring boys; he is a pioneer, forging a path for other men so that they don’t have to; this is his RingBoyage.

TXMMA Interview – Eddie Wittern (Austin Championship)

TXMMA: Why did you decide to become a Ring Boy?

EW: I was supposed to fight on the 7 September card but about a month out my Opponent got hurt and that was that. I’ll be looking to take a fight after the IBJJF NoGi World Championships in November. Sad as it is that I’m not fighting for another belt I’ll Still be their supporting the card by being one of the First Ever Ring Boys for the Female fighters. Nael Chavez asked me what I thought about it, I told him I’d think about it. I asked River Wrath and my good friend Jason Norwood what they thought and they were overwhelmingly for it so I decided I would do it.

TXMMA: How do you feel about the actual practice of having ring girls, do you think it is dated and do you believe having ringboys is at the very least an equalizer for both genders?

EW: Well as far as ring girls go I understand that it’s mainly for the crowd, honestly whenever I’ve fought I was too busy to notice the Ring girls. I think that it’s going to be fun. I believe in equality and personally don’t have a problem with other guys being ring boys. I look forward to it and think it’s going to be fun for everyone.

TXMMA: You’re known for grappling and fighting in hot pink booty shorts, can we expect to see that nefarious piece of spandex in the Belts of Honorious cage when you perform your ringboy duties?

EW: I wear hot pink shorts when I fight for Breast Cancer Awareness, I’ve lost 3 members of my family and my coach lost his mother to breast cancer. Personally it’s a great conversation starter, a large, tan & tattooed man running roughshod over people for breast cancer awareness -if nothing else I’ll get they’re attention. Although not all Texans are ready for my kind of jelly I’ll gladly wear them if they ask me too, but I think they’ll have something, maybe not as pink and hot, ready for us to wear instead.

TXMMA: What sort of preparation goes into becoming a ringboy?

EW: Honestly I just kept doing my fight camp just as if I was going to be on the card, the only real difference is I added more cardio and a cleaner diet. There is an extra twerking routine and an intermediate level crumping class thrown into my schedule for good measure. Basically, my approach to preparing for this fight and life’s challenges in general is if you don’t leave those gym walls steamy you’re not looking dreamy.

TXMMA: Is there an equivalent to a fight camp for ringboys and if so how many reps of walking around the cage holding the cardboard are you doing per day to make sure you perform at an optimum level come fight night?

EW: I’m not sure about an equivalent camp for professional ring people but I know I’m definitely working it into my daily conditioning. I’m gonna be ready to hold that cardboard up with the right number during each round and walk around the cage in a perfect circle.

TXMMA: Let’s talk about the mental game involved in this activity; does a ringboy need thick skin or can you get by with a nice tan in this profession?

EW: The naysayers can choke on their haterade. I’m sure I’ll receive mixed reactions from the crowd but honestly there is no reason for anyone to be uptight. This is about the fighters. I usually keep a nice tan and with the usual level of foul language tossed around the gym and during cross fit I’m pretty sure I’ll have the mental game down.

TXMMA: How are you preparing for the mental aspect of the ringboy game? Are your coaches yelling vulgar propositions to condition you for the inevitable catcalls of the fans in attendance?

EW: I’m honestly looking forward to the catcalls and vulgar propositions from the crowd; I plan to play it up as much as I can. Maybe even meet some lucky lady.

TXMMA: Has it dawned on you yet that you could be the male Arianny Celeste or Shandella?

EW: Wow, no but that would be a lot of fun and I mean at least I’d be sitting next to her at fights right lol.

TXMMA: What advice would you give to other ringboy hopefuls looking to break into this business?

EW: My advice to other hopeful ring boys is to diversify their skill sets. I, for example, enjoy taking part in musicals, community-theater and interpretive dance. Outside of personal enrichment opportunities I would say the most important thing for aspiring ringboys is to hit the crunches and the tanning bed every day. A six Pack and a great tan may not be everything but it will certainly help you meet girls.

TXMMA: Is it fair to say that you are a badass?

EW: Not in the classical Chuck Norris beasting communism sense, no. I’d never call my self a badass; I consider myself as a Viking who is confident enough to fight in Pink vale Tudos.

TXMMA: Thank you for your time, is there anything else you’d like to add?

EW: I’d like to say thanks to BOH for allowing me to break ground in this and to TXMMA for giving me an opportunity to be heard as the voice of ringboyism.

By TXMMA Staff

Winner of Luis Vega vs. David Armas to determine next challenger for STFC featherweight champion Javier Obregon

MCALLEN, TX, September 5, 2013 – The South Texas Fighting Championship (STFC) returns to The McAllen Convention Center for another trademark fight card this Friday night. Following up on their last major event in the area this past May, the STFC organization and promoter Raul Ramos hope this one will highlight new young talent in the mold of UFC fighter Erik “Goyito” Perez, a graduate of the organization.

“We have a lot of talent here (in South Texas) and we like to showcase local fighters,” said Ramos about the event and STFC’s mission.

STFC 26 Vendetta is set for eight fights overall with many young fighters including Miguel Vega, Miguel Bustos Jr. and Joel Castillo (1-0 records) all looking to make a name for themselves.

The STFC 26 main event also features established South Texas MMA fighter Luis Vega (9-3) looking to advance his record and career against Houston’s David Armas (4-8). This fight will serve as a title eliminator to see who will face STFC featherweight champion in November.

“Luis has a good record and is very exciting,” said Ramos about Vega, the clear favorite in the bout on paper. “He not only has a strong ground game but he can strike too.” Likewise he mentioned that Armas is the type of fighter who can knockout opponents out at any time and that fans should expect fireworks in this one.

As for the rest of the card, there are some other interesting bouts as well.

Fans will get to see Santa Rosa’s Fabian Saldivar take on Corpus Christi’s Kirk Hubble in the co-main event of the evening.

“Fabian is tough and has taken fights on short notice and has won. Kirk is a strong wrestler and he can strike,” said Ramos about the fight. “Stylistically you cannot tell them apart.”

Luis Vega’s younger brother Miguel Vega will also be back for the first time since beating Mikey Sanez by split decision at STFC 21 when he takes on Edinburg’s David Salazar.

Salazar last fought with STFC when he defeated Yong Menquito by first round submission. “This one is getting a lot of hype because the two have been talking a lot on Facebook,” said Ramos. “David is saying he is going to do the same thing to Miguel that he did to Menquito.”

Without going on about details, the rest of the fights should be interesting as well.

“Fans can expect the guys to come out and fight,” said Ramos. “They will see a good STFC show like we always try to put on.”

By Felix Rodriguez, Staff Writer

The Cauliflower Chronicles: A Grappler’s Tale of Self-Discovery and Island Living
By Marshall D. Carper

What do I have to do to get rid of this stupid white belt and move up in rank?

For those who train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu this is a question we’ve all asked ourselves this at least once before. Earning a blue belt can be a long and daunting task for some and Marshal D. Carper’s personal journey from white to blue belt has managed to capture the struggles most people experience when first starting out in BJJ.

In The Cauliflower Chronicles Carper tells the story of how he decided to move to Hawaii for a semester of college after a romantic break-up and how he used his time in the island to earn a blue belt in jiu-jitsu at BJ Penn’s academy. Carper’s book foes an excellent job of illustrating the personal growth a person training in jiu-jitsu undertakes while transitioning from white belt to blue belt.

The beautiful Hawaiian landscape serves as the setting of Carper’s story, but also as a main character in the actual tale. Carper does a brilliant job of explaining the struggles Hawaiians of Polynesian descent have endured since becoming the 50th state of the country and how they often feel as strangers in their own land. Through this context Carper manages to illustrate the warrior nature of Island people and their indomitable fighting spirit.

Carper’s initial struggles with adapting to island living and to the rigors of training in BJ Penn’s camp at first are central to the book’s theme. The hardships, both real and imagined that Carper goes through, are what makes this book so special because they are totally relatable to the feelings of frustration and self-doubt every white belt in jiu-jitsu goes through. Carper has articulated most of the highs and lows that come with that first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt in a way that will give hope to those who are experiencing these peaks and valleys right now and make those who already endured them nostalgic.

The Cauliflower Chronicles: A Grappler’s Tale of Self-Discovery and Island Living is a book about jiu-jitsu on the surface, but it is also a book about life. Marshall Carper tells the story of how he got over a bad breakup by focusing his energy on earning a blue belt in jiu-jitsu from his favorite fighter, but most important of all, the book tells the story of how Marshall D. Carper became the confident person he is today through his experiences on and off the mats thanks to his decision to go live in Hawaii. The lessons that Carper takes from his time in the Island of Hawaii are all valuable ones, which we will not spoil in this review. TXMMA highly recommends this book to anyone who loves jiu-jitsu. Some of the people who may enjoy it the most are white belts who need reassurance that their skills will improve on the mats, Blue Belts and above feeling nostalgic about the “good ole” white belt days and fans of motivational jiu-jitsu stories. Fans of Sam Sheridan’s A Fighter’s Heart will enjoy Carper’s style and subject matter. People interested in Hawaiian culture and fans of BJ Penn will all love this book.

Make sure to give it a read, it is available as an e-book through nook and itunes, through online retailers like Amazon and in brick and mortar stores like Barnes and Nobles.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Cauliflower-Chronicles-Grapplers-Self-Discovery/dp/0982565879

By TXMMA Staff | Photos by Mike Calimbas Photography

Finishing bonuses now available to all Legacy FC main card fighters courtesy of Legacy FC and sponsor RES Nation

HOUSTON, TX, September 6, 2013 – Texas-based Legacy Fighting Championship is offering a new incentive to their main card fighters.

In a move announced on this week’s edition of AXS TV’s Inside MMA, the Legacy FC organization will now be offering an added incentive to fighters competing on their pro cards in the form of finishes bonus – available to fighters competing on every televised Legacy Fighting Championship card aired on the AXS TV network moving forward.

Legacy FC is partnering with lifestyle brand Ready Every Second (RES) Nation along with longtime broadcast partner AXS TV on this initiative. For Legacy FC promoter Mick Maynard, offering finishing bonuses is just one other thing the promotion can do to show appreciation for exciting fights and MMA fighters.

All in all the Legacy President had this to say in addition:

“We are extremely excited to be partnering with RES Nation. Jeff (Nowling) and Mike (White) are great people with incredible vision and love for MMA. This partnership between AXS TV, Legacy and RES Nation will allow us to not only help build their brand, but also provide the fighters an opportunity to receive finish bonuses. We see it as an all-around win for everyone involved.”

In an additional conversation with TXMMA.com earlier, one thing to note is that this incentive is available to all fighters on the main card who finish their opponent, as opposed to discretionary bonuses like Fight of the Night or KO/Sub of the Night as seen in other organization like the UFC.

According to Maynard the bonuses are slated to start off at $1,000 per finish awarded to main card fighters but could increase in the future as he’s leaving that amount open for consideration.

By Felix Rodriguez, Staff Writer | Photos via Rilion and Renzo Gracie

A conversation with Renzo before his upcoming visit to Houston

HOUSTON, TX – Renzo Gracie is a man that needs no introduction. His achievements in jiu-jitsu and MMA have gained near universal respect from fight fans around the world. Renzo is preparing to come to Houston for a seminar on September 22^nd at Rilion Gracie’s Jiu-Jitsu Academy and was kind enough to sit down for a chat where he talks about Texas fight fans, the technique behind his famous raccoon, makes predictions for Houston’s UFC 166 and much more!

Renzo Gracie talks Jiu-Jitsu History, UFC 166 Predictions for Houston, and more

TXMMA: We have Renzo Gracie on the phone, hello sir; it is a big honor to interview you, truly a pleasure!

RENZO GRACIE: No problem, the pleasure is all mine.

TXMMA: Before we begin I wanted to thank you for retweeting an article I wrote about Mariana Fletcher adapting Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense in a cycle accident. These days it seems jiu-jitsu can be seen everywhere and used for anything. Did you ever imagine how far reaching jiu-jitsu’s influence has become?

RENZO GRACIE: Man, I do believe jiu-jitsu is an amazing tool you know, I’ve been living out of this [BJJ] as a person making my life out of jiu-jitsu for my whole life, it’s like you take jiu-jitsu out of me and I’m like an empty shell. So to be honest, I honestly think jiu-jitsu took too long to take off. I always believed jiu-jitsu could achieve this.

TXMMA: You said jiu-jitsu is your whole life, but can you share what was the most special or unforgettable thing you got to do or experience thanks to jiu-jitsu?

RENZO GRACIE: Everything! Everything I do it [jiu-jitsu] is amazing, like in the sense that I’m   a teacher. So when I see a guy who is insecure without any confidence in their self and then I see him building the confidence, you know, guys who could barely speak and would stutter and be the perfect example, of an insecure man, grabbing these guys and helping them build their confidence by pointing them in the right direction through jiu-jitsu. Next thing I see these guys start running a business building a family, becoming a regular man. Its like jiu-jitsu gives you power to make a mold for people to improve. It’s the ability to help people, really and everyday I have an amazing experience. Every day that I walk into my academy that I see people learning and training to me is very rewarding.

TXMMA: MMA and BJJ fans in Texas and around the world all seem to appreciate your love for what you do and hold you in the highest regard. You’re coming to Houston for a seminar that’s open to all academies. Can you tell us about it and will you be showing students how to perform the raccoon?

RENZO GRACIE: Rilion Gracie was my teacher. [He was] my uncle, my teacher, my cousin; we grew up together you know, he has some of the most amazing jiu-jitsu I ever met (…) We have a lifetime of stories together…so many good memories of different situations. The seminar will be at his academy. I won’t be showing the raccoon (laughs) because there is not much to teaching this my friend, all you need is range and to know where to throw the punches… that’s it!

TXMMA: Speaking of Texas, the last time you were here you were cornering Frankie Edgar in Houston and you were also at the UFC Fan Expo, what did you think about Houston and the Texas combat sports community?

RENZO GRACIE: Man I really liked it; Houston to me is a special city I do believe jiu-jitsu fits right in there, the weather, the personality of the people who live there, you know people are very friendly, and it’s just a great atmosphere to have jiu-jitsu and to have fighting. You know, honestly I think it’s one of the best [groups of fans] in the country.

TXMMA: The last time you were here at the UFC Fan Expo I remember sitting with your son watching the gigantic line of people waiting to shake your hand and get something signed by you was one of the biggest in the entire place. What is the craziest thing a fan has ever asked you to sign or been willing to do at these types of meet and greets?

RENZO GRACIE: The craziest thing I was a part of was during a promotional event for the IFL fights [International Fight League]. For one event they announced in the radio that whoever came and let me choke them out would get a free ticket for the show. I do believe on that day I choked 70 or 75 people, not sure the exact number we gave away like 75 tickets (laughs)…. unbelievable.

TXMMA: The UFC is coming back to Houston for UFC 166, would you want to help me predict the main card?

RENZO GRACIE: Sure who’s fighting on the main card?

TXMMA: The first fight of the main card is John Dodson vs. Darrell Montague, who do you pick?

RENZO GRACIE: I like Dodson a lot, the other fighter I don’t know well but Dodson is a very tough guy.

TXMMA: The next fight on the main card is Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Shawn Jordan.

RENZO GRACIE: Yes, I think Gonzaga has all the tools and everything going for him to win that match.

TXMMA: Who do you pick between Gilbert Melendez and Diego Sanchez?

RENZO GRACIE: Ah, that’s a tough match, man; I love both! Melendez trains with my cousin Cesar and I love this kid [Sanchez] too. It’s a tough call so I’m just going to wish both good luck and enjoy the fight.

TXMMA: What about Daniel Cormier versus Roy Nelson?

RENZO GRACIE: Oh, that is another good match, man! That one, Roy is one of my black belts, you know, and Cromier is as tough as you can get them. I am gonna be like you for this one and sit right there watching that, you know!

TXMMA: OK last pick for the main event we have Cain Velazquez versus Junior Dos Santos, who do you think wins?

RENZO GRACIE: Oh the rematch huh? Wow! That’s awesome, the UFC is really bringing an unbelievable card to Houston, wow really unbelievable! This one is too difficult to call. Oof! This one is too difficult to call too, man, that’s the beauty of our sport, you know, I think they are one-to-one and this fight is gonna let us know who will pull ahead. You know, like I said it’s too difficult to call I can’t tell you.

TXMMA: Speaking of rematches, did you watch the second Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson fight? What were you’re thoughts on the armbar finish?

RENZO GRACIE: Yes, it was unbelievable! What an unbelievable show of [Pettis’] jiu-jitsu skills. That was a beautiful armlock!

TXMMA: Did you know that Pettis was a blue belt when he submitted Henderson?

RENZO GRACIE: Yes, yes, I knew this. But Listen, Pettis is an unbelievable fighter I mean he has all the tools to remain the champion for a really long time, I really love how tough he is.

TXMMA: Do black belts really turn to blue belts when you punch them in the face or do you think Pettis’ Jiu-Jitsu skills are higher than his ranking shows?

RENZO GRACIE: No, it’s not that you have to understand this guy trains at a very high level, they’re professional fighters, training with the same group for many years, it’s not about white belt or black belt or when you get punched. It’s about being a professional fighter, they live they train, that is their profession, their work anything can happen. You know, it’s like you can’t compare with a guy who has to support a family and himself you know, on the other hand, look at Jacare [Ronaldo Souza], Jacare is a black belt in jiu-jitsu, but he’s using his hands and knocking everybody out. He’s getting so comfortable from people avoiding the ground that he just doesn’t care and throws his hands. The reality is they’re all professional fighters you can’t measure like you do in a regular academy [if Pettis skills are blue belt level or not], you know.

TXMMA: Speaking of comebacks, any chance you will return to MMA at some point?

RENZO GRACIE: Oh yes, I just began training again. I can’t help it, I’m gonna be back in there for sure. I’ll probably be in top shape in about four months from now and from there I’ll pick a fight somewhere.

TXMMA: Thanks again for your time, Renzo!

RENZO GRACIE: My pleasure brother, see you at the seminar!

–

The Renzo Gracie seminar is open to all academies, here is more information for the event, please make sure to reserve your spot before the seminar fills out!

By Mike Calimbas | Photos provided by Reynaldo Rueda

Houstonian Kid Roman Rueda and his fight with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)

HOUSTON, TX – Just over a year and a half ago, young Houstonian Roman Rueda was just like any other kid in our community. He was energetic and active, played with his friends when not in school, and loved to train and compete in tournaments as part North Houston’s Team Tooke MMA/BJJ academy. Fast forward to present day and he can’t do much of that stuff due to Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA).

JRA is a term used to describe a common type of arthritis found in children. So far the causes aren’t conclusively known but it’s thought to be an autoimmune illness – the type where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. JRA causes stiffness in joints and intense pain. In short, it’s pretty debilitating.

Roman’s dad and MMA promoter / Youth Center Founder Reynaldo Rueda described their journey dealing with JRA to us:

“Just over a year and a half ago, we were at Austin Open tournament and he (Roman) had just lost his final no-gi match for the gold medal competing against 8 other kids who were older and bigger than him. Immediately following that match he started to cry and saying that he was in a lot pain, so Travis and I pulled him from the gi competition and that was the last time he competed. Since then he started to have pain in his knees, ankles, elbows and lower back. His pediatrician just thought it was growing pains until he got to the point to where he couldn’t walk.”

Since then it’s gotten worse. Roman cannot walk unassisted for more than ten feet or so and he struggles to get out of bed in the morning. Normal everyday activities like getting in and out of a car and going outside to enjoy normal daily activities with his friends have been more than challenging. He also has to take extra precautions so that he doesn’t get sick because the medications used to treat the condition also lower his immune system. A simple cold can turn into pneumonia.

“It has been very difficult and stressful and it’s been such an emotional ride as well. We just try to support each other as best as we can and tell ourselves that things can only get better and just leave it in God’s hands.” says Rey about how he and his family have coped with Roman’s JRA.

As far as treatment goes, that too has taken its toll.

“The shots were the worst because every time he got them, Roman yelled in pain and said that his body felt like it was burning. The other medications caused him to gain a lot of weight and it’s been a struggle for Roman to adjust both physically and mentally. He has his good days and he has his bad ones. If his pain level is low, he has a great attitude but if his pain level is high, he gets very irritable and miserable.”

Turning the corner with proper treatment and the right attitude

In the last month or so Roman Rueda’s JRA treatments, as tough as they have been, have finally made enough of a difference where he and his family are able to see a light through the darkness. The Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is now classified as in remission. He no longer has to take the shot treatments that have been so painful all this time. For him that’s definitely a good thing. He still can’t walk unassisted and has to go to school in a wheelchair. The doctors also have him on physical, aqua and nerve stimulating therapy so he can continue to get better.

Moving forward, Roman’s positive attitude will continue to help him and his family through his battle with JRA. He’s taken the same resilient attitude with his ongoing treatment as he has in the past competing in the kids divisions at those BJJ tournaments.

“There’s not much I can do right now but I’m going to continue to do what I can to get better,” says Roman. “I try to stay positive and being with my friends as much as I can and having so much support from my family and my dog Zeus helps. He lifts me up when I’m not feeling good and down. Not being able to walk on my own or play outside and having to go to school in a wheel chair…. I don’t like it but it makes it easier to get around.”

As for his family, Rey Rueda says they’ll continue to make all the necessary sacrifices in order to provide the best treatment and care for his son.

“It’s been very costly to treat JRA. From the medications, shots, doctor visits and physical therapy, it can add up. With medical treatments and medications ranging from $25 to $5000 a month, I would defiantly say it’s been costly but my wife and I both have good jobs. With a little help from our family, cutting back on a few things and sending our daughter to community college instead of the collage she was accepted too, we’re managing to keep our heads above water. We have all made some temporary sacrifices.”

Learn more about Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and Roman’s Fight

We asked Rey Rueda where the community at large can learn more about JRA and potentially help kids who are fighting through the illness.

“They can go to Arthritis.org or Kidsgetarthritistoo.org, Rueda says. “They have a lot of helpful information on there. The Arthritis Foundation has several events throughout the year in which people can donate too. Their next event is The Jingle Bell Walk that will take place in The Woodlands Dec.14th. Roman is participating in the walk and is raising funds to help other kids like him who could all could benefit from a cure.”

As for Roman’s own illness, they too have started a charity in order to raise funds for his care, but more importantly to raise awareness about JRA, especially in the Texas mixed martial arts and BJJ community that he is proud to be a part of.

“We started the RJ VS JRA FIGHT campaign to help raise money for the Arthritis Foundation by getting mixed martial arts community involved not just locally but all over Texas. We have window and bumper decals of Romans badge that we’re asking donations for. We will have gi patches soon and Cheeto (Musquiz) with Bull Prints and Bull Shirts are designing Roman his own campaign fight shirt that we will be selling. All the proceeds from this stuff will be going towards his fundraising goal for the Jingle Bell Walk. We will also be working together with some of the Arthritis Foundation representatives to have several local events. Anyone who wants to contribute, help or join the cause would be awesome but the main thing is I just ask that everyone continues to keep him in prayers. He’s a tough kid and deserves to get better and beat this thing.”

“I would defiantly like to thank you Mike, friends, family and all the TXMMA community all over Texas for all the support and prayers that we’ve been getting. We are looking for fighters (pros and amateurs) all over Texas and beyond to represent Roman by wearing his RJ VS JRA badge when they fight. This is my son’s campaign fight and has nothing to do w/ my CDM Youth Center or CDM Promotions so I am also reaching and calling out to all fight promoters, organizations and gyms. I can be reached via email at tomtomrueda@gmail.com.”

By TXMMA Staff

Nomination period underway for 2013 TXMMA Awards – BJJ / Sub Grappling Edition; Seeking best possible candidates in 60+ categories

November, 7, 2013 – It’s almost time for our annual TXMMA Awards and nominations are currently underway via our Official TXMMA Facebook Page.

For those that haven’t been around in previous years, the annual TXMMA Awards conducted by TXMMA.com is our way to recognize those in our Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling communities for outstanding years of performance. Though there is a fan voting mechanism (mainly to decide “People’s Choice” winners), our judges decide the winners based on diligent statistic analysis of actual quantifiable data.

Note that there are some awards which are entirely subjective by nature and may be decided purely by fan vote but when it comes to the serious stuff, we want the most deserving people / teams / schools to win!

Currently we’re in the nomination process for the BJJ / grappling portion of our 2013 TXMMA Aawards. What this means is that we’re doing the research on our end (scouring tournament results, video, etc. from the year) to identify worthy candidates for the 60+ awards we have on tap for the before announcing the finalists for these awards sometime in December.

While we’re doing this we’re also giving the community a chance to nominate who they feel are the most deserving for these awards also to help us along. Basically this is your chance to let us know about some of the potential candidates we may not be as familiar with but might be deserving of these awards.

We’re taking nominations using the comment threads on our TXMMA Facebook Page as listed up top and below to make it as easy as possible so make sure to “LIKE” our page and share your thoughts.

Make sure to take note of the nomination data requested for each category and remember, this is not the public vote yet but just an opportunity to bring forth some worthy candidates so please be as detailed as possible when providing your nominations.

Thanks and we look to bringing you the 2013 TXMMA Awards!

Click below for the 2013 TXMMA Awards – BJJ/Grappling Edition nomination threads

By Felix Rodriguez | Photo by Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Celebrating 20 years of KO’s in the Ultimate Fighting Championship

The UFC just turned 20 and to celebrate they released a compilation of their Top 20 knockouts. TXMMA took a look at their choices and analyzed each moment. Take a look at their picks and here is what we had to say!

#19 The Blitz – Vitor Belfort vs Wanderlei Silva: UFC Brazil – Oct 16, 1998 – Vitor’s barrage of machine-gun quick left and rights started at Vitor’s side of the cage and ended 44 seconds later with a helpless Wanderlei laying at the opposite end of the cage.

#18 Spinning Ish – Renan Barao Vs. Eddie Wineland: UFC 165 –Sept. 21, 2013 – Eddie Wineland is no slouch on his feet, but he fell victim to a perfectly timed spinning kick to the mid section by Barao. Wineland fell back spectacularly and was then swarmed by Barao.

#17 Sweet Chin Music - Yves Edwards vs. Josh Thomson: UFC 49 – Aug 21, 2004 –  Texas was represented well by the Thug Jitsu Master who chased down a fleeing Thomson and took a baseball like swing with his leg right on Thomson’s chin for the win.

#16 Shock Therapy - Rashad Evans vs. Sean Salmon: UFN 8 – Jan 25, 2007 - This was Rashad’s first statement victory. When Suga was done punting Salmon’s face into the stands Salmon lay stiff with his legs twitching in unconscious convulsion.

#15 Gone in 11 Seconds- BJ Penn vs. Caol Uno: UFC 34 – Nov 2, 2001 - It took Penn all of 11 seconds to evade a flying knee, pin Uno down against the cage and blast away at his face with one hand while holding the back of his head. Uno looked dead when Penn was done.

#14 Just Horse Meat- Travis Browne vs. Alistair Overeem: UFN 26 – Aug 17, 2013 – Alistair Overeem has a weak chin, while Travis Brown has anvils for hands and feet and combining these two elements in a cage resulted in a spectacular KO once Browne’s heavy foot connected with the Dutchman’s glass jaw.

#13 Lucky Number 3 – Rampage Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva 3:  UFC 92 – Dec 27, 2008 – It seemed as if Wanderlei had Rampage’s number with two previous stoppage wins in Pride FC, but it turned out the third time was the charm for Rampage. Jackson ducked out of a wild Wanderlei right and uncorked a beautiful left hook counter that vindicated his previous two losses against the Ax Murderer.

#12 Getting Hammered – Pete Williams vs. Mark Coleman: UFC 17 – May 15, 1998 – Petie Williams’ win over Mark “The Hammer” Coleman is particularly significant because it was the first time ever that a fight was finished by head kick in the Octagon. Furthermore, the thud that his foot made after connecting with Coleman’s face was downright scary.

#11 Craning Couture – Lyoto Machida vs. Randy Couture: UFC 129 – April 30, 2011 – Lyoto-San painted the fence with Captain America’s face after unleashing a Crane kick that would have made Mr. Miyagi proud. What other iconic movie kick will we see unleashed in the UFC next?!

#10 Holy Crap – Rashad Evans vs. Chuck Lidell: UFC 88 – Sep 6, 2008 –  This was the end of Chuck Lidell’s rain and the man went out on his shield. Rashad’s barbaric one two left the Iceman out cold for a scary amount of time. The KO was so brutal that a rumor began spreading amongst many hardcore fans that believed Chuck had actually crapped his pants after being knocked out by Rashad.

#9 New Sheriff in Town – Chuck Lidell vs. Tito Ortiz: UFC 47 – April 2, 2004 - Tito Ortiz had finally run out of reasons not to fight Lidell who was ready to take on the Huntington Beach Bad Boy. The fight was a title eliminator with the winner facing the winner of the Randy Couture and Vitor Belfort rematch for the 205 belt. Lidell stalked Ortiz and savaged him with a barrage of those wide looping punches that made him a staple of the Octagon for so many years.

#8 When Ace was King – Rich Franklin vs. Nate Quarry: UFC 56 – Nov 19, 2005 – Before there was Anderson Silva there was Rich Franklin. At one time Ace was considered a hard to beat champion. True Story. His vintage KO win over Nate Quarry helps illustrate why Franklin was the best of the rest after the Spider for so many years. Franklin starched an overmatched Quarry with a thunderous left hand that turned Quarry’s switch off for the night and made him a highlight reel for years to come.

#7 Solving the Riddle – Shogun Rua vs. Lyoto Machida: UFC 113 – May 8, 2008 – Many believed that Shogun had been robbed when he and Machida first met for the 205 belt. Shogun took what he learned from their first fight and made sure the judges would have no say in the matter the second time around though. He countered a knee to the body with a beautiful right that set the wheels in motion for the previously unbeaten Machida to lose in stunning fashion when Shogun KO’d him with strikes from the mount.

#6 The Farm Slam – Matt Hughes vs. Carlos Newton: UFC 34 – Nov 2, 2002 – Matt Hughes’ mentor, Pat Miletich, had lost the belt to Newton and Hughes was his first title defense. He did not disappoint, winning the belt by slamming his way out of a triangle. The win was not without controversy, as it seemed like Hughes was already asleep when he sent Newton crashing to the mat.

#5 The Iceman Cometh – Chuck Lidell vs. Randy Couture: UFC 52 – April 16, 2005 – This fight marked the beginning of Chuck’s memorable reign over the UFC’s light heavyweight division. It came in true Chuck fashion, the formerly iron-jawed fighter swung through traffic fearlessly, because he knew that all he needed to do was touch Couture’s chin. And that he did! A hurt Couture could not recover from vicious hammer fists and a new champ was crowned that night.

#4 ‘Merica!! – Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping: UFC 100 – July 11, 2009 – For people like Dan Henderson talk is cheap. Hendo would rather let you know how he feels with his signature H-Bomb right hand. If he’s feeling particularly chatty he’ll also express himself with a lunging forearm as an exclamation point. If you don’t believe us then go ask Michael Bisping.

#3 The Napao Nap – Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Mirko Crocop: UFC 70 – April 21, 2007 – Right leg hospital, left leg cemetery is how the saying used to go. Gonzaga got the memo and turned the tables on Crocop when he blasted him with a head kick that seemed right out of the Croatian’s playbook. This KO put Gonzaga on the map and left Crocop a shadow of his former self, undoubtedly one of the most brutal and surprising upsets in UFC history.

#2 The Robot – Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim: UFC 142 – Jan 14 2012 – Barboza went Jean Claude Van Damme on Etim and the results were cringe inducing. His spinning heel kick knocked Etim up on impact and stiffened him up on his way to the canvass. The kick was so ferocious that it looked as if Etim was pulling off a dance move, doing the Robot on his way to lala land.

#1A Is Normal Is Normal – Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva: UFC 162– July 6, 2013 –  It looked like Weidman was going to fall into the Spider’s trap and get baited into trading blows –a sure fire way to end up as another notch on Silva’s belt. Weidman was having none of it though and knew where to strike and not to let off.  The Spider was so out of it that he tried to recover guard…on Herb Dean!

#1B The Seagal Kick – Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort: UFC 126 – Feb 5, 2011 – Prior to this fight the traditional front kick to the face had been an underused strike in MMA. Anderson Silva had claimed that his training with Steven Seagal would play a key role in his victory over Belfort. Whether this was true or just the Spider being the Spider we’ll never know, but the kick was a thing of beauty. Silva used his front foot almost like a thrusting straight punch and knocked out an unsuspecting Belfort in a short and somewhat anticlimactic fight.

Photos by Mike Calimbas and Shaw Lord

A Texas Thanksgiving celebration; 2013 gives many reasons to be appreciative

It’s that time again.

Another year has almost passed and with today’s Thanksgiving holiday we as a community take another moment to reflect on all the people and events that make Texas Mixed Martial Arts (TXMMA) one of the best fight communities to be a part of in the entire world.

2013 in Texas Mixed Martial Arts has brought us a lot to be thankful for. It’s been an eventful year to say the least. We’ve been witness to many a fighter and organization accomplishing their goals while they and others continue to set new ones, building hope for an even brighter future. For now we can confidently say that the TXMMA community is bigger and better than it’s ever been and showing no signs of slowing down.

Considering the Thanksgiving holiday let’s take a look at just some of the reasons we in the Texas Mixed Martial Arts community have to be thankful this year.

5 Reasons To Be Thankful In Texas Mixed Martial Arts

The continued growth of Legacy Fighting Championship

By the end of 2013, Mick Maynard’s Legacy Fighting Championship will have hosted ten pro events this year, all broadcast nationally on AXS TV. Undoubtedly the top promotion in the lone star state, the promotion has shown no signs of letting up and has grown year-over-year since beginning operations under the Legacy FC brand name in November 2009. More recently the promotion has become known worldwide as a launching pad for prospects looking to graduate into the UFC and experienced veterans looking to make their way back. The promotion has graduated homegrown talent such as Daniel Pineda and Andrew Craig into the national spotlight as the first two of their fighters to sign with the UFC last year. And just these few weeks the promotion saw no less than 5 Legacy FC veterans make it into the UFC with Will Campuzano, Frank Trevino, Ryan Benoit, Alptekin Ozkilic, and Josh Sampo all making their way into the octagon. Former Legacy FC heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Jared Rosholt are also set to debut soon while another vet in Sean Spencer fights on the The Ultmate Fighter 18 Finale this Saturday. As a matter of fact, the TUF 18 finale has 4 Legacy vets on the card including the aforementioned Ryan Benoit taking on Josh Sampo and Rosholt taking on Walt Harris.
 

Texas-based fighters continue to ascend in the UFC

Speaking of the UFC, Texas-based fighters are making more noise than ever when it comes to what they’ve been able to accomplish in the big leagues. One of them practically beat the pound-for-pound top-rated fighter in the world just recently when Dallas-based Johny Hendricks fought Georges St. Pierre for the UFC welterweight title. We’re not going to rehash that controversy once again but let’s just say the majority of the world minus three NSAC judges saw the bout going the way of “Big Rigg.” Though he’s originally from Oklahoma, Hendricks put DFW on the map with that performance and there’s already talk of him facing GSP in a potential rematch when the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Dallas on March 15th of next year for UFC 171.

In addition to Hendricks, all the aforementioned names are also doing their part to make their way up the UFC ladder while other Texas fighters such as Carlos Diego Ferreira and Kevin Aguilar seem primed to make their way into the UFC at some point in the near future as the Texas pipeline into the big leagues continues to widen.

Promoters hosting more shows than ever all across the state

Aside from Legacy FC it’s important to note that many other promoters all across the state are doing their part to put Texas on the map. This includes pro shows like the Bussey’s Xtreme Combat (XKO) in Dallas-Fort Worth, Fabian Butler’s Twenty-Four Seven Entertainment promotion in Midland/Odessa, Garcia Promotions’ Fury Fighting Championship in Houston, Rock Balboa’s Rocks Xtreme Combat Rocks Xtreme Combat, James Jeda’s Rocktagon in El Paso, and all the others we fail to mention. Likewise amateur promotions are popping up everywhere as well – bringing even more events to cities that may not get them, like like Reynaldo Rueda’s CDM Promotions which debuts MMA in Angleton this December after going to College Station earlier this year and Nael Chavez’s Belts of Honorius which has held three shows thus far in Austin this year. Superior Combative Championships also went back to Pasadena recently and the list goes on and on but the point is that there’s more opportunity than ever for fighters and fans to be exposed to Texas mixed martial arts.

A loyal fan base that keeps pushing Texas MMA to grow and improve

From city to city and promotion to promotion, each part of Texas has its own distinct fan base that keeps pushing the state’s promotions and fighters to grow. The most dedicated ones have taken the discussion online as well, often talking about fights, suggesting matchups, and offering praise or criticism through the myriad of different platforms available including Twitter and Facebook. To date our Official TXMMA Facebook Page just went over 20,000 members this past week without hardly spending anything on advertising, a true testament to how engaged our community is with the goings on in Texas Mixed Martial Arts.

More quality sponsors starting or continuing to support the sport

We would be remiss if we closed this out without showing our thankfulness for all the great brands that continue to be ambassadors of Texas Mixed Martial Arts through their support of the sport.

Some of the brands that deserve mention for being staunch supporters of the sport include Ready Every Second (RES Nation) and War Tribe Gear, both of whom have come on strong with their influx of dollars and continual presence at events this past year. Many other brands including Furious Brand and more are also doing their part in support of Texas Mixed Martial Arts as well, giving many a reason to be thankful this year.

As for us here at TXMMA.com, we’re also trying to do our part in the form of interviews, articles, photos and all the other forms of exposure we can provide while promoting the sport here in Texas and beyond. We’ve also recently opened ourselves up to strategic partnerships for any brands looking to take their sponsorship of the sport to the next level in order to reach a vastly larger audience and achieve great ROI. We’re not big on solicitation since it’s not really all about the money for us anyways but interested parties can certainly contact us to find out more.

That’s it for us this Thanksgiving 2013. Enjoy your food and this day of appreciation with your loved ones. We’ll get back to talking fights on Monday!

By Felix Rodriguez | Photo – Mike Calimbas

FRISCO, TX, December 9, 2013 – Chris “The Westside Strangler” Brennan is a Compton, California native who has made Texas his home and martial arts his life. The self-confessed black sheep is the second oldest of four boys who didn’t come into his own until “well into his adult years.” Through hard work and dedication Brennan has managed to carve out a name for himself both as an accomplished MMA fighter and as a burgeoning businessman and coach.

Chris Brennan is the owner and head instructor of the NG (Next Generation) academies headquartered in Frisco, Texas. Since settling in the Lone Star State he has assembled a top-notch crew of instructors in order to bring what he feels is the highest level of martial arts training around. In the brief time that he’s been fully operational people have started to take notice and Brennan and crew have already begun to make a name for themselves in the local competition circuit and they are getting ready to do even bigger things in the coming years.

TXMMA caught up with Coach Brennan fresh off winning a 2013 IBJJF World Title in no-gi grappling.

Here is the part one of our Chris Brennan interview where he shares his experiences as a fighter throughout the evolution of the sport.

TXMMA Interview Part-One – Chris Brennan (Next Generation)

TXMMA: How were you introduced into the martial arts?

Chris Brennan: Like many old school guys I saw the first UFC on TV and I was hooked. Many people saw it and sat on their couch saying they could do it. I got off my ass and searched for a place to train and made it happen. Once I saw the first one there was no way I wasn’t going to fight in the UFC.

TXMMA: How long have you been training in BJJ and who have you trained under?

Chris Brennan: Great question… This coming month is 20 years of Jiu-Jitsu and MMA training for me. I have trained with Ken Gabrielson, John DeLaO, Royce Gracie, Roger Brooking, Jacare (Cavalcanti), Marco Ruas, and then from 4-stripe blue belt and on I have been on my own. No teacher, no other peoples videos, nothing. I took my knowledge as a 4-stripe blue belt and built everything I am today. I have never watched other instructional videos or anything. I have nothing against it but I did what I did without it. My style is my style, my game is my game, and from the second I took my GI off I created all that I do.

TXMMA: Can you tell us a bit about your connection to the Gracie family and what your experience was like training under them before the global boom of BJJ and MMA?

Chris Brennan: Well I don’t have a connection with them now but I did train with Royce for quite a while in the late 90′s. I like Royce a lot but I struggled with the overpowering of Rorion while at the Gracie Academy so I parted ways.

TXMMA: You trained in Brazil before it was the cool thing to do, what was that experience like for you as a person and fighter?

Chris Brennan: Man training in Brazil was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I didn’t know one person. I packed 4 duffle bags, bought a plane ticket and flew to Brazil. Got off the plane and took a cab to Alliance BJJ which at the time was Master Jiu-Jitsu. I walked in dropped my bags on the floor and that’s where I stayed. Slept on the mats with a sheet and pillow. I trained in the morning, was at the beach all day, trained in the evenings, and partied at night. Probably one of my best trips ever. After returning to the US I had a friend from Brazil, Roger Brooking, come to the US and so I trained privates with him every day for a long time. He was in my corner for my second and third Miletich fight. I competed in the first Mundials in Brazil in 96 with the GI and I was the first American to fight and rep BJJ in an actual NHB fight in Brazil. A lot of great things happened for me over that time period.

TXMMA: You were a part of a very special card representing Team Gracie in Pride’s Bushido series. Would you share an anecdote from fighting in that event?

Chris Brennan: Man that was an awesome event. I took the fight on Monday and the event was on Sunday so I didn’t have any prep time. I think I had a day of training and then I was flying. I wasn’t in shape because I had just opened a new school and had been working around the clock on that. Anyway I flew over there, they changed the weight on me 3 times while I was in process of cutting weight so that wasn’t fun and then the added pressure of representing the Jiu-Jitsu or Gracie side of the bracket. I was the first lightweight fight that Pride ever had and to make it exciting I had to submit my opponent twice because he didn’t have enough honor so say he tapped when I armbarred him. The second finish was a sick Kimura transition that he probably wished he tapped to the armbar when I applied it.

TXMMA: After retiring from MMA you transitioned to coaching, can you tell us about your academy, its location, instructors, and anything else you believe helps make it stand apart from your local competitors?

Chris Brennan: Well I’ve always been a coach and trained fighters but now I’m doing it full-time and not sharing it with trying to have a successful MMA career. The Next Generation MMA Frisco school is the Headquarters for all my schools. It’s located in the busiest shopping center in Frisco, Texas. As far as head instructors go, I teach all the MMA and Jiu-Jitsu, Kendall Cross (Olympic Gold Medalist) is the head wrestling coach, Master Thong (former Alpha Male head coach and coach of 2 seasons of TUF) is our striking coach, and Josh Bosquez (my second Black Belt) is the head GI instructor. We are in just under 9,000 square feet of amazingly laid out space and we are growing every day. I teach there full-time and that’s the first thing that sets us apart from most of the other schools. I still roll every day as well which is another bonus. Our fight team just started fighting and I would expect big things from us in the very near future.

TXMMA: You don’t compete in MMA anymore, but you are still an active competitor in BJJ, do you compete as an outlet for your athletic needs, to lead your students from the front or both?

Chris Brennan: I always wanted to compete more in BJJ but never had time to train for it when I was always training for fights. I didn’t even train for the ADCC I competed in I just did it. I mean I’m always training BJJ but there are career BJJ competitors who train for the points and how to win and I just train to rip your limbs off as quickly as possible. <laughs> I will definitely be competing more now that I’m retired from active MMA fighting.

Stay tuned for Part Two of our Chris Brennan Interview tomorrow on TXMMA.com.

By Felix Rodriguez | Photo – Mike Calimbas

FRISCO, TX, December 10, 2013 – Chris “The Westside Strangler” Brennan is a Compton, California native who has made Texas his home and martial arts his life. The self-confessed black sheep is the second oldest of four boys who didn’t come into his own until “well into his adult years.” Through hard work and dedication Brennan has managed to carve out a name for himself both as an accomplished MMA fighter and as a burgeoning businessman and coach.

Chris Brennan is the owner and head instructor of the NG (Next Generation) academies headquartered in Frisco, Texas. Since settling in the Lone Star State he has assembled a top-notch crew of instructors in order to bring what he feels is the highest level of martial arts training around. In the brief time that he’s been fully operational people have started to take notice and Brennan and crew have already begun to make a name for themselves in the local competition circuit and they are getting ready to do even bigger things in the coming years.

TXMMA caught up with Coach Brennan fresh off winning a 2013 IBJJF World Title in no-gi grappling.

Here is the part two of our Chris Brennan interview.

Check out part one of our series here.

TXMMA Interview Part Two – Chris Brennan (Next Generation)

TXMMA: What are some of the differences between competing in MMA vs. BJJ for you? Which do you enjoy more and why?

Chris Brennan: Well I can say I get more nervous for BJJ tournament than I do for MMA fights. I think the reason might be because I am a Jiu-Jitsu guy and that’s what I’m supposed to be good at. Obviously I’m supposed to be good at MMA as well but I’m a Jiu-Jitsu guy since day one. My Jiu-Jitsu has always been MMA oriented in the fact that I’m always assuming the guy can be punching me so I don’t do a lot of reaching under the legs and stuff from guard. I enjoyed fighting more I guess because I am a fighter at heart. I was doing it before the UFC came around, and then I’ve done it for the 20 years the UFC has been here, and through my schools I’ll continue to do it till I can’t.

TXMMA:  Speaking of competing, what recent medals or titles have you won?

Chris Brennan: Well I went to California a few weeks ago and won the Black Belt division at the IBJJF Worlds. It was a lot of fun and I won the finals with a flying Armbar.

TXMMA: It is fair to say your prime fighting days are behind you, you are a family man, a very busy coach, a father of some very talented grapplers in their own right so where does the drive to win another world championship come from?

Chris Brennan: Well my drive now definitely comes from my kids. My kids have only been training 2 years and they have accomplished 10 times as much as I ever have in BJJ. They have won everything they have entered including the Kids Worlds this last summer. I’m so excited for their future and what they may end up doing in the sport.

TXMMA: Could you share what your diet and training was like to prepare for worlds?

Chris Brennan: I was actually walking a few pounds under the max weight of my division so I was pretty small compared to the other guys. As far as training goes I just upped the amount of rolling I did and tried to roll with the higher ranked guys to stay sharp and then Josh Bosquez helped me a lot as always. I’ve never lost at anything with him in my corner.

TXMMA: What advice would you give to martial artists in their 30s or older who feel like they still have something left in the tank and want to compete?

Chris Brennan: I say go for it. If you are healthy enough then there’s nothing that should stop you. There are so many divisions now for people to compete in, it makes it really easy.

TXMMA: Let’s talk about Next Gen Frisco a little. When and why did you move to Texas?

Chris Brennan: I’ve been here about 8 years. I came out here with my family and we ended up buying a home the 2nd day we got here but didn’t open a school till 2 years ago. I had a few private deals set up so I wasn’t pushed to get the school going to quickly.

TXMMA: Getting Master Thong to handle the striking of your academy was a major score, between his standing and your ground coaching it looks like you will be producing some well-rounded fighters, can you tell us some of your guys and girls that we should look out for in the future?

Chris Brennan: Ya, Master Thong was a pretty good addition. As far as fighters go I have been very lucky to put together a team of great guys and one girl so far. Matt Lozano just fought and won in Legacy fights in probably the best fight and sub of the night against an undefeated 5-0 guy. Cody Walker just fought and won in XKO and Branden Seyler fought to a draw that same night. These guys are putting in the work and its showing. These guys along with Phat Chau, Bill Williams, Austin Broussard, Melissa Sarreal, Josh Gibson, Ian Hudgens, Greg Grigar, and Young Yu. At the moment that’s our whole team.

TXMMA: Speaking of Master Thong, does he wear the aviator sunglasses when he holds pads?

Chris Brennan: Haha no he doesn’t. Not very often anyway. <laughs>

TXMMA: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Chris Brennan: My brothers, my kids, and I will be launching an instructional video website this next month www.brennanbrosjj.com and it’s going to be pretty awesome. It will have new techniques daily, it will have a kids’ corner where my kids will teach techniques for other kids to learn from them and see how they win. It will have all out tournament footage, behind the scenes training footage and soon my night classes will stream live every night as well. It’s going to be very cool.

TXMMA: Chris it was definitely our pleasure to catch up with you so thanks for your time.

Chris Brennan: My pleasure! See you guys soon!

TXMMA Awards – Election Process

The election process set forth below will be the process in which the winners will be chosen for the 2013 TXMMA Awards. The process has been designed to allow for the unbiased election of the top nominees for each of the 2013 TXMMA Award Categories.

There will be two distinct entities for deciding the winners of the 2013 TXMMA Awards: A confidential panel of judges who have been appointed by TXXMA and deemed by TXMMA to be extremely knowledgeable in the Texas MMA and BJJ/Grappling community and an online populous vote. Below is a description of each of the two entities and their contributions to the decision making process:

The Confidential Panel

The confidential panel will consist of members appointed by TXMMA. Each member of the panel will be deemed extremely knowledgeable in the Texas MMA and BJJ/Grappling community by TXMMA. The panel members’ judgment will make up 75% of the overall decision making process with regards to determining the best nominees for each category. Each member of the panel will individually go through each of the categories and assign based on the criteria provided for each category on the ballot the person they believe to be the Best Overall Pick for that category. Each member will also choose a 1^st Runner Up as well as a 2^nd Runner Up from the nominee pool for that particular category. Once this had been done, the panel will convene at an undisclosed date and time to discuss each category in detail to guarantee each category and its nominees has been accurately analyzed.

The Populous Vote

The populous vote will be held in an online fashion. The vote will allow for the general public and Texas MMA/BJJ/Grappling community to cast their votes on who they feel should be the winners of each of the respective categories.  The populous vote will be held for a disclosed amount of time which will be forthcoming. Voting will not commence until the designated start time and only votes cast during the allotted time will be counted. The populous vote will make up the remaining 25% of the decision making process in choosing the winners for each of the 2012 TXMMA Awards. It will also be the sole factor in determining the People’s Choice Award Winners.

The links to the populous voting polls will be available on our TXMMA Facebook Group. Voting will run through December and we will give a one week warning before it ends.

The official decisions and winners will be based on a point scale system. Upon completion of the panel’s individual analysis, each nominee who receives a Best Overall Pick will be awarded 3 points. Each nominee who receives a 1^st Runner Up will receive 2 points. Finally, each nominee who receives a 2^nd Runner Up will receive 1 point. Upon completion of the populous vote, the nominee who receives the most votes will be deemed the populous vote’s Best Overall Pick and will receive 3 points. The nominee who receives the second most votes will be deemed the populous vote’s 1^st Runner Up and will receive 2 points. Finally, the nominee who receives the third most votes will be deemed the populous vote’s 2^nd Runner Up and will receive 1 point.

After completion of both processes, the numbers will be totaled for each nominee and the winner will be the nominee with the most points in their respective categories.

In the event of a tie the winner will be decided upon by the confidential panel based on a group decision. If a unanimous decision cannot be met then the majority will be used to determine the winner.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

The nominees for best grappler are:

► Joe

► Bob

► Bill

► Dean

Judge 1:

Best Overall Pick:                  Joe                  3pts

1^st Runner Up:                        Bill                   2pts

2^nd Runner Up:                      Dean               1pts

Judge 2:

Best Overall Pick:                    Bill                   3pts

1^st Runner Up:                        Dean               2pts

2^nd Runner Up:                       Joe                  1pts

Judge 3:

Best Overall Pick:                  Bill                   3pts

1^st Runner Up:                        Joe                  2pts

2^nd Runner Up:                      Dean               1pts

Populous Vote:

Best Overall Pick:                  Joe                  3pts

1^st Runner Up:                        Bill                   2pts

2^nd Runner Up:                      Dean               1pts

WINNER

► Best Overall Pick with 10 pts: Bill ( 2+3+3+2)

* Note: Number of judges may vary for the actual confidential panel.

By TXMMA Staff

The 2013 TXMMA Awards – BJJ Edition voting is ongoing now and will be continuing on until 6PM on December 29. 2013.  The community voting will decide the People’s Choice Award winners and will also be included as a percentage of the the Official TXMMA Award election process explained here.

In order to vote, Facebook requires that you MUST be a part of the group in which the polls are housed so join the TXMMA Community Group here then wait for approval before voting. This process will usually take 1-2 hours and no longer than 24 hours to get approved so please don’t message unless it goes beyond that time.

Once you’re in the group just click the links below to vote.

Thank you for participating and being a part of the TXMMA Community and congratulations to everyone mentioned as finalists for these awards. You’ve ALL already won in our eyes so we want to commend you on a fantastic competiton year in 2013!

2013 TXMMA Awards – BJJ Edition Voting Ballot

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Which is your choice for Academy of the Year?

• Alvarez BJJ
• Bastos BJJ Midland
• Gracie Barra Texas
• Elite MMA Baytown
• Guy Mezger’s Combat Sports Club / Keiser Girao BJJ
• Next Generation Frisco
• BQuick Jiu-Jitsu
• Paragon Texas
• Team Tooke
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Which is your choice for Association of the Year?

• Paragon Texas (Aurelio Gallegos)
• Gracie Barra (Vinicius Magalhaes)
• Nova Uniao (Bruno Bastos)
• SMAA (Alvis Solis)
• RCJ Machado (Carlos Machado)
• BQuick Jiu-Jitsu Network (Brandon Quick)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Black Belt of the Year? (M)

• Marcus Antelante (Soul Fighters)
• Bruno Bastos (Nova Uniao)
• Carlos Diego Ferreira (Team Ferreira / Atos)
• Alex Martins (Paragon)
• Robert Yamashita (Elite MMA)
• Rodrigo Pinheiro (Gracie Humaita / RPBJJ)
• Diego Gamonal Nogueira (Brazilian Top Team)
• Brandon Mullins (Gracie Barra)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Black Belt of the Year? (F)

• Fabiana Borges (Gracie Barra)
• Sue Austin (Travis Lutter) *write-in
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Brown Belt of the Year? (M)

• Julian Vega (Elite MMA)
• Jose Portillo (Paragon)
• Justin Ordinario (SMAA)
• Travis Orr (Octagon MMA)
• Nuno Reyes (Paragon)
• Evan Gideon (GFTeam)
• Raul Jimenez (Alliance)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Brown Belt of the Year? (F)

• Tessa Simpson (Gracie Humaita)
• Kristine Felts (Peak Performance)
• Monique Ricardo (Cobra BJJ)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Purple Belt of the Year? (M)

• Levi Mowles (BQuick)
• Ralph Sebexen (AFC/SMAA)
• Tony Casarez (Paragon)
• Jordan Burton III (GB Texas)
• Ryne Lee Sandhagen (Alvarez BJJ)
• Reed Shelger (GFT/Paradigm)
• Matthew Fox (Pinnacle GFTeam San Antonio)
• Vin Abadie (Alvarez BJJ)
• Cooper Cardinale (Alvarez BJJ)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Purple Belt of the Year? (F)

• Lana Hunter (Pinnacle GFTeam San Antonio)
• Veronica Mota-Messina (Revolution Dojo)
• Danielle Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ)
• Lora Hallock (Paragon)
• Gabriella Mueller (Alliance Gacho)
• Vickie Serrano (Dirty Bay MMA / SMAA)
• Kat Harrison (Trainer’s Elite) *Write-In
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Blue Belt of the Year? (M)

• Michael Esquivel II (Paragon)
• Cruz Ybarra Jr. (Soul Fighters)
• Jordan Shepler (Alvarez BJJ)
• Matthew Kim (Revolution Dojo)
• Cameron Graves (Team Tooke)
• Damion Oranday (Elite MMA Baytown)
• Jordan Henry (Gracie Barra)
• Kevin Williams (Academy of Martial Arts)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Blue Belt of the Year? (F)

• Misty McMillan (NDBJJ)
• Chasity De Leon Villarreal (Revolution)
• Natalia Biasca-Shepler (Alvarez)
• Audrey Drew (Mezger/KGBJJ)
• Karen Lingle Kovach (F3)
• Victória Maciel Cáceres (Soul Fighters)
• Crystal Tolentino (Mezger/KGBJJ)
• Ketra Bartek (Gracie Humaita)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for White Belt of the Year? (M)

• Jarrod Trotter (NDBJJ)
• Marshall Cevallos (Elite MMA Baytown)
• Aaron Villanueva (Revolution Dojo)
• Ryan Escobar (Revolution Dojo)
• Albert Tapia (Pittman BJJ)
• Chad Lutu (Pinnacle GFTeam San Antonio)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for White Belt of the Year? (F)

• Julie Ottolino (Cabral)
• Miriam Villar (Alvarez)
• Makenzie Nunnally (Lutter)
• Taylor Segovia (Paragon)
• Laura Heiman (Paragon)
• Montana Stewart (F3)
• Sarah Pate (Tier 1)
• Pearl Baez (Paragon)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Masters/Seniors Grappler of the Year?

• Daniel Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ)
• Bruno Bastos (Bruno Bastos Midland)
• Dave Smith (GFT)
• Jarrod Clontz (SMAA)
• John Morris  (TPC)
• Shannon Smith (Elite MMA Baytown)
• Raul Jimenez (Alliance Team Gacho)
• Robert Dembeck (Paragon Austin)
• Alejandoro Siqueira (Gracie Barra Dallas)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Teen Grappler of the Year? (M)

• Andy Cordova (GB Texas)
• Justin Rebolloso (Alvarez BJJ)
• Matt Hernandez (Paragon Texas)
• Mark Lozano (Ohana)
• Kendrick Chavez (Enlightened Warriors)
• Austin Oranday (Elite MMA Baytown)
• Xavier Urias (Relson Gracie SA)
• Lucas Brennan (Next Generation)
• Garrett Mowles (BQuick)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Teen Grappler of the Year? (F)

• Kayla Deleon (BJJ Revolution)
• Julie Rodriguez (Paul Thomas)
• Zoe Jones (Elite MMA Baytown)
• Julie Muldrow (Elite MMA Baytown)
• Kellsie Fritz (BQuick Jiu-Jitsu)
• Ahlysa Wise (BQuick Jiu-Jitsu)
• Isabel Cantu (Team Tooke)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Kids Grappler of the Year? (M)

• Tyler Brennan (Next Generation)
• John Abney (Ground Dwellers)
• Noah Alavi (NDBJJ)
• Matteo De Los Reyes (Elite MMA)
• Parker Richardson (Alvarez BJJ)
• Trent Evans (BJJ Revolution)
• Hector Griffin (Paragon Laredo)
• Roberto Jimenez (Alliance Gacho)
• Isaih Calderon (Team Tooke)
• Memo Rodriguez (Pinnacle GFTeam San Antonio) * Write-In
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Kids Grappler of the Year? (F)

• Cora Sek (Team Tooke)
• Sophia Schneckenburger (Roberto Kaelin)
• Audrye Brown (Gracie Barra)
• Jessica Crane (Alvarez BJJ)
• Nina Smith (Paragon Dallas)
• Summer Lynn (Brazil 021)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Which is your choice for Men’s Gi Match of the Year?

• Robert Yamashita vs. Rico Bastos (BJJ Classic)
• Albert Hughes vs. Leo Iturralde (IBJJF Dallas Open)
• Jared Dopp  vs. Pedro Migliano (2013 UAEJJ San Antonio Trials)
• Rafael Lovato Jr. vs. Rico Bastos (2013 IBJJF Houston  Open)
• Jeremiah Matthews vs. Josh Mancuso (2013 IBJJF Houston Open)
• Dallas Niles vs. Pedro Migliano (2013 IBJJF Houston Open)
• Daniel Pinheiro vs. Italo Lins (Matshark SA Pro)
• Carlos Diego Ferreira vs.Alex Martins (Gracie Grappling Cup)
• Carlos Diego Ferreira vs. Jake Mackenzie (2013 IBJJF Dallas Open)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Which is your choice for Men’s No Gi Match of the Year?

• Braden Masters vs. Michael Perez ( 2013 AGF Winter Classic)
• Jose Portillo vs. Ralph Sebexen (2013 F2W/WGC Texas State Championships)
• Colton Smith vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira  (AGF Southern Regionals 2013)
• Chris Brennan vs. Toby Imada (2013 Austin Open)
• Julian Vega vs. Jordan Henry (2013 Summer Classic)
• Carlos Diego Ferreira vs. Julian Vega (Matshark TX State Championship 2013)
• Justin Ordinario vs. Jarrod Trotter (Europa 2013)
• Jarrod Clontz vs. Dominic Brisbin (Naturally fit 2013)
• Julian Vega vs. Frederico Silva (2013 Austin Open)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Which is your choice for Women’s Match of the Year?

• Kayla De Leon vs. Julie Rodriguez (NAGA Texas)
• Lora Hallock vs. Erin Herle (2013 IBJJF Houston Open)
• Fabiana Borges vs. Mackenzie Dern (2013 IBJJF Dallas Open)
• Sarah Michelle Boyd vs. Gabrella Mueller (Matshark TX State Championship 2013)
• Tessa Simpson vs. Lana Hunter ( Matshark TX State Championship 2013)
• Stephanie Cantu vs. Paulina Granados (2013 F2W/WGC Texas State Championships)
• Julia Ottolino vs.Chastity Villareal (2013 Austin Open) TBD
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Which is your choice for Kids/Teens Match of the Year?

• Justin Rebolloso vs. Matt Hernandez (Matshark SA)
• John P Abney vs. Ethan Perkins (Austin Open)
• Brenna Tromble vs. Keegan Swindell (BJJ Classic)
• Andy Cordova vs. Matthew Kim (TOC 11)
• Justin Rebolloso vs. Xavier Urias (UAEJJ San Antonio Trials 2013)
• Andy Cordova vs. Mark Lozano (Matshark SA)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Which is your choice for (M) TXMMA Submission of the Year?

• Cody Williams – armbar on Brandon Mullins (NAGA)
• Jarrod Clontz – omoplata on Marshall Mooney (F2W TX State)
• Robert Yamashita – armbar on Misael Miranda  (F2W Texas Open)
• Carlos Diego Ferreira – standing wristlock on Albert Hughes (BJJ Classic)
• Pedro Migliano – loop choke on Bubba Bush (TOC 11)
• Jacob Allphin – triangle choke on Tim Buchanan (TOC 11)
• Alan Shebaro – collar choke on Jess Messina (2013 IBJJF Houston Open)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Which is your choice for (F) TXMMA Submission of the Year?

• Sarah Boyd – flying triangle on Gabi Mueller (Matshark)
• Kayla De Leon – anaconda choke on Julie Rodriguez (GPG)
• Ahlysa Wise – footlock on Ashley Westfall (AGF)
• Julia Ottolino – armbar on Gabi Mueller (Europa)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Texas Ironman of the Year?

• Daniel Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ)
• Carlos Diego Ferreira (Team Ferreira / Atos)
• Jarrod Clontz (AFC / SMAA)
• Dave Smith (GFT)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Texas Ironwoman of the Year?

• Miriam Villar (Alvarez BJJ)
• Danielle Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ)
• Sarah Michelle Boyd (Genesis)
• Julia Ottolino (Rodrigo Cabral)
• Lora Hallock (Paragon Texas)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for BJJ Family of the Year?

• Alvarez Family (Daniel, Sophia, Danielle)
• Urias Family (Greg, Margaret, Xavier, Ariana, Erika)
• Tromble Family (Lindsey, Brenna, Traci)
• Cordova Brothers (Kevin and Andy)
• The Machados (Carlos and Clan)
• Yamashita Family (Robert, Marisol, and kids)
• Oranday Family (Bambi, Austin, Damion)
• Muller – Jimenez (Raul, Gabi, and kids)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Inspiring Grappler of the Year?

• Jarrod Clontz (AFC /SMAA)
• Christopher Weinandt (Team Lutter)
• Daniel Alvarez (Alvarez JJ)
• Eddie Ricardo (Cobra BJJ)
• Garrett “Deaf Grappler” Scott (Ronny Lis)
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Referee of the Year?

• Brandon Quick
• Dustin Snow
• Eric Lincoln
• Roy Davis
• Jarrod Clontz
• Renan Chavez
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Which is your choice for Tournament of the Year? (People’s Choice Award Only, Must have 3 Texas events/year to qualify)

• World Grappling Circuit / Fight to Win
• Matshark
• American Grappling Federation
• Grand Prix Grappling
• Gracie Grappling Cup
• NAGA
• Newbreed
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Which is your choice for Seminar of the Year?

• Caio Terra (CTA Rockwall)
• Gabriel Vella de Freitas (Guy Mezger’s Combat Sports Club)
• JT Torres (SMAA)
• Nova Uniao Super Seminar
• Machado – 5 Brothers Camp 2013
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Texas BJJ Brand of the Year?

• War Tribe Gear
• Fear Tapping Out
• Cruz Combat
• Dom Fight Gear
• Gameness
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for Texas BJJ Sponsor of the Year?

• War Tribe Gear
• Ground Fighter
• Born2Bang
• Da Firma Kimono Company
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award / TXMMA Hall of Fame?

• Sergio Correa
• Pat Hawk Hardy
• Tim Mousel
• William Vandry
• Joseph D. Shelley
• Eric Williams
• Yousef Alirezaei
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (BJJ/NOGI) – Who is your choice for the 2013 Community Service Award?

• Guy Mezger Combat Sports
• UFFL
• Georgette Oden
• Girls in Gis
• Enlightened Warriors
• Other (write-in votes via comments)

By TXMMA Staff

The 2013 TXMMA Awards – MMA Edition voting is ongoing now and will be continuing on until 8PM on December 29, 2013.  The community voting will decide the People’s Choice Award winners and will also be included as a percentage of the the Official TXMMA Award election process explained here.

In order to vote, Facebook requires that you MUST be a part of the group in which the polls are housed so join the TXMMA Community Group here then wait for approval before voting. This process will usually take 1-2 hours and no longer than 24 hours to get approved so please don’t message unless it goes beyond that time.

Once you’re in the group just click the links below to vote.

Thank you for participating and being a part of the TXMMA Community and congratulations to everyone mentioned as finalists for these awards. You’ve ALL already won in our eyes so we want to commend you on a fantastic competiton year in 2013!

2013 TXMMA Awards – MMA Edition Voting Ballot

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for Texas-Based UFC Fighter of the Year?

• Johny Hendricks (1-1 in 2013, UFC title fight)
• Sean Spencer (2-1 in 2013)
• Andrew Craig (1-2 in 2013)
• Daniel Pineda (1-1 in 2013)
• Brian Melancon (1-1 in 2013)
• James Vick (1-0 in 2013)
• Tim Kennedy (3-0 in 2013)
• Jared Rosholt (5-0, 1-0 UFC in 2013)
• William Campuzano (2-1 overall, 0-1 UFC in 2013)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for (M) Texas Pro Fighter of the Year?

• Carlos Diego Ferreira (4-0, 2 TITLES in 2013)
• Leonard Garcia (3-1, 0-1 UFC, 1 TITLE in 2013)
• William Campuzano (2-1 overall, 0-1 UFC, 1 TITLE in 2013)
• Frank Trevino (2-0 in 2013, 1 TITLE, signed with UFC)
• Matt Hobar (2-0, 1 TITLE)
• Damon Jackson (4-0 in 2013)
• Jared Rosholt (5-0, 1-0 UFC in 2013)
• Rey Trujillo (3-1, 3 TKO in 2013)
• Elias Garcia (3-0 in 2013)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for (F) Texas Pro Fighter of the Year?

• Amber Stautzenberger (4-0 in 2013)
• Lauren Murphy (4-0, 1 TITLE in 2013)
• Jinh Yu Frey (2-0, KO of the Year Candidate in 2013)
• Alida Gray (4-0 in 2013, signed with WSOF)
• Sabrina Garcia (2-0 in 2013)
• Audrey Alvarez (1-0 in 2013)
• Tessa Simpson (1-0 in 2013) * Write-In
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Pro Fight of the Year?

• Carlos Diego Ferreira vs. Jorge Macaco Patino (LFC 25)
• Eliazar Rodriguez vs. BJ Harlin (Premier Fight Series 3)
• Leonard Garcia vs. Nick Gonzalez (LFC 23)
• Mitchell Hale vs. Gabriel Vasquez. (Rage on the River 4) ?????
• Derrick Lewis vs. Ricky Shivers (LFC 18)
• Leonard Garcia vs. Rey Trujillo (LFC 21)
• Will Campuzano vs. Allan Nascimento (LFC 19)
• Luis Vega vs. Chris Pecero (Rocks Xtreme MMA II)
• Javier Obregon vs. David Fuentes (STFC 25)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for (M) Pro Knockout of the Year?

• Geo Pacurariu vs. Steven Peterson (LFC 19)
• Ryan Hollis vs. Randy Villarreal (Best of Both Worlds)
• Chris Lopez vs. Michael Salazar (LFC 23)
• Mitchell Hale vs. Jarret Jones (24/7: Enemy of the State)
• Damacio Page vs. Patrick Ybarra (LFC 20)
• Stephen Banaszak vs. Mario Pinales (XKO 19)
• Allen Nelson over Cameron Martin (LFC 23)
• Rey Trujillo vs. Chris Jones (LFC 19)
• Danny Salinas vs. Jorge Cortez (STFC 25)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for (F) Pro Knockout of the Year?

• Jinh H Yu Frey vs. Darla Harris (SCS 18)
• Holly Holm vs. Allanna Jones (LFC 21)
• Alida Gray vs. Soannia Tiem (24/7: State of Emergency)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Pro Submission of the Year?

• Damon Jackson vs. Javier Obregon (LFC 24)
• Kevin Aguilar vs. Hunter Tucker (LFC 21)
• Derek Perkins vs. Rashad Coulter (XKO 18)
• Patrick Ybarra vs. Billy Buch (LFC 17)
• Hayward Charles vs. Christopher Gregoire (XKO 18)
• Matt Hobar vs. Angel Huerta (LFC 21)
• Damon Jackson vs. Anselmo Luna (24/7: Enemy of the State)
• Matt Lozano vs. Klayton Mai (LFC 24)
• Jorge Patino vs. Derrick Krantz (LFC 18)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for (M) Pro Rookie of the Year?

• Chris Lopez (3-0 in 2013)
• Xavier Siller (3-1 in 2013)
• Eric Lunsford (3-0 in 2013)
• Chris Gutierrez (2-0-1 in 2013)
• Eric Valdez (3-1 in 2013)
• Melvin Jordan (2-1 in 2013)
• Bull Lawal (1-0 in 2013)
• Travis Tooke (1-0 in 2013)
• Ricky Turcios (1-0 in 2013)
• Ryan Spann (4-0 in 2013) * Write-In
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for (F) Pro Rookie of the Year?

• Alida Gray (4-0 in 2013)
• Jinh Yu Frey (2-0 in 2013)
• Sabrina Garcia (2-0 in 2013)
• Paulina Granados (2-1 in 2013)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for (M) Amateur Fighter of the Year?

• Camron Couch (4-0, 3 finishes, 2 TITLE in 2013)
• Jason Langellier (3-0, 1 TITLE in 2013)
• David Acosta (3-0, 3 finishes 2 TITLE in 2013)
• Leomana Martinez (3-0, 3 finish, 1 TITLE in 2013)
• Garrett Scott (4-0, 4 finishes in 2013)
• Adrian Yanez (3-0, 3 finishes in 2013)
• Peter Caballero (5-1, 1 TITLE in 2013)
• Roger Reyes (3-0, 2 finishes in 2013)
• Alonzo Jordan (3-1, 1 fight pending in 2013)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for (F) Amateur Fighter of the Year?

• Karen Kovach (3-0, 3 finishes in 2013)
• Stephanie Alba (3-0 in 2013)
• Colbey Northcutt (2-1, 1 finish in 2013)
• Julia Ottolino (1-0, 1 finish in 2013)
• Monica Flores (1-0, 1 finish in 2013)
• Brittany Robertson (1-0, 1 finish in 2013)
• Jaime Hill (1-0 in 2013)
• Alyssa Cantu (1-0 in 2013)
• Nicole Duffy (1-2 in 2013)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Amateur Fight of the Year?

• Tim LeComte vs Eric Leija (BOH 1)
• Kevin Lieb vs. Eric Cody (SCC 4)
• David Acosta vs. Christopher Rivera (LAM 12)
• Arthur Ashton vs. Kyle Villareal (Cage Combat 13)
• Mike De Leon vs. Ramiro Ruiz (LAS 13)
• Shawn Cool vs. Tommy Guerrero (PCG)
• Kolton Englund vs. Luis Lara (LAM 11)
• Antonio Orozco Jr vs. Edward Longoria (Cage Combat 14)
• Jacob Silva vs. Roberto Sanchez (LAM 11)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Amateur Knockout of the Year?

• Kevin Holland vs. Terrance Moore (BOH 2: Austin Championship)
• Blake Wells vs. Will Hastings (Xtreme Fight Club 6)
• Peyton Burns vs. Steve Cordell (BOH 3)
• Leomana Martinez vs. Preston Anderson (SCC 3)
• Aaron Reeves vs. James Powell (Cage Combat 13)
• Andrew Kimler vs. Josh Ferguson (Texas Rage in the Cage 17) * write-in
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Amateur Submission of the Year?

• Justin Barker vs. Jason Delagarza (Rocks Xtreme MMA III)
• Dezmond Moore vs. Waylon Bronstrup (BOH 3)
• Christian Sutton vs. Trevin Giles (Cage Combat 14)
• Zack Hunter vs. Blair Chambers (LAM 12)
• Billy Clark vs. Joseph Rash (PCG 11/23)
• David Kelly vs Johnny Gaona (SCC 5)
• Eric Lunsford vs. Jermey Hardy (SCC 3)
• Eddie Wittern vs. Gabriel Trejo (BOH 2)
• Sage Northcutt vs. Clarence Brown (LAM 13)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for (M) Amateur Rookie of the Year?

• Jordan Carmona (3-0, 3 dinishes in 2013)
• Camron Couch (4-0, 3 TKO, 2 TITLE in 2013)
• Leomana Martinez (3-0, 3 finish, 1 TITLE in 2013)
• Garrett Scott (4-0, 4 finishes in 2013)
• Levi Mowles (3-0, 3 finishes in 2013)
• Dennis Sisson (2-0, 2 submissions in 2013)
• Sage Northcutt (3-1, 2 finishes in 2013)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for (F) Amateur Rookie of the Year?

• Karen Kovach (3-0, 3 finishes in 2013)
• Brittany Robertson (1-0, 1 finish in 2013)
• Jaime Hill (1-0 in 2013)
• Maylene Estudillo (2-0, 1 finish in 2013)
• Monica Flores (1-0, 1 finish in 2013)
• Julia Ottolino (1-0, 1 finish in 2013)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Female Pro Fight of the Year?

• Amber Stautzenberger vs Lacey Schuckman (XKO 20)
• Tessa Simpson vs. Paulina Granados (LFC 23)
• Lauren Murphy vs. Jennifer Scott (LFC 18)
• Sabrina Garcia vs. Jade DeHaas (XKO 19)
• Alida Gray vs. Soannia Tiem (24/7: State of Emergency)
• Maria Lopez vs. Monica Flores (STFC 27)
• Jinh Yu Frey vs. Darla Harris (SCS 18)
• Lauren Murphy vs. Sarah D’Alelio (Invicta 6)
• Lauren Murphy vs. Miriam Nakamoto (Invicta 7)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Female Amateur Fight of the Year?

• Colbey Northcutt vs. Brandi Cobos (LAM 14)
• River Fuller vs. Nicole Duffy (BOH 2)
• Maylene Estudillo vs. Jianna Denizard (Rocks Xtreme MMA III)
• Brittany Robertson vs. Catilynn Lassmann (BOH 1)
• Jaime Hill vs. River Fuller (PCG 4/6/13)
• Karen Kovach vs. River Fuller (BOH 1)
• Fatima Mallett vs Kourtnie Goodman (BOH 3)
• Julia Ottolino vs. Sarah Boyd Snow (BOH 2: Austin Championship)
• Halleigh Haak vs Jamie Buckey (Rage At The Osage)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for Breakthrough Fighter of the Year?

• Derrick Lewis
• Jared Rosholt
• Ryan Benoit
• William Campuzano
• Frank Trevino
• Amber Stautzenberger
• Matthew Hobar
• Damon Jackson
• Alida Gray
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for Ironman Fighter of the Year?

• Jorge Patino (5 fights, 3 TITLE FIGHTS in 2013)
• Carlos Diego Ferreira (4 fights, 2 TITLE and back-to-back BJJ tourneys day after fights in 2013)
• Xavier Siller (8 fights combined pro/am in 2013)
• Ryan Hollis (5 fights in 2013)
• Edward Longoria (7 fights , several short notice in 2013)
• Peter Caballero (6 fights, 1 TITLE in 2013)
• Garrett Scott (4-0 in 2013, took fight on day of weigh-ins)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Team of the Year?

• Octagon MMA
• RPBJJ / Pete Spratt Muay Thai
• Team Tooke
• Mohler Mixed Martial Arts
• Team 515
• Gold Team
• 4OZ Fight Club
• Gracie Barra
• Paradigm Training Center
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for MMA Coach of the Year?

• Sayif Saud
• Allen Mohler
• Jorge Patino
• Pete Spratt
• Bob Perez
• Travis Tooke
• Saul Soliz
• Freddy Medellin
• Rob Stucker
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for Comeback (Fighter or Fight) of the Year?

• William Campuzano (Back in UFC for first time since 2011)
• Leonard Garcia (3 wins in a row following 5 straight losses)
• Brian Melancon (Came out of retirement to go 1-1 in the UFC)
• Steven Peterson (XKO title win following move to Octagon MMA)
• Brandon Farran (3-0 w/ three finishes after losing 3 straight)
• Tristan Grimsley (Winning at XKO 17 despite broken arm)
• Rakim Cleveland (6-0 in 2013 after 0-3 streak)
• Bubba Bush (2 wins and title following DQ loss at LFC 11)
• Cody Williams (3-0 in 2013 after going 2-3 in 2012) * write-in
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Professional Event of the Year?

• 24/7: Enemy of the State (13 bouts, 11 finishes, 1 title)
• Legacy Fighting Championship 25 (9 fights, 5 finishes, 1 title)
• XKO 19 (8 bouts, 6 finishes, 1 title)
• Legacy Fighting Championship 21 (10 fights, 6 finishes, 2 title)
• Rocks Xtreme MMA II (9 bouts, 6 finishes, 1 title)
• Legacy Fighting Championship 19 (11 fights, 5 finishes, 1 title)
• STFC 25 (9 bouts, 8 finishes, 1 title fight)
• Legacy Fighting Championship 26 (9 fights, 6 finsihes, 1 title)
• Prize Fighting Championship 3 – Rebels (7 fights,  7 finishes, 1 title fight)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Amateur Event of the Year?

• SCC 4 (12 fights, 6 finishes, 1 title)
• Legacy Amateur Series 13 Legacy Amateur Series 13 (15 fights, 10 finishes, 2 title)
• Elite Amateur Combat 5 (13 fights, 10 finishes, 2 title)
• Cage Combat 14 (13 fights, 9 finishes, 2 title)
• BOH 2: Austin Championship (10 fights, 7 finishes, 1 title)
• SCC 5 (11 fights, 8 finishes, 3 title)
• Legacy Amateur Series 14(13 fights, 5 finishes, 3 title)
• Rocks Xtreme MMA III (13 fights, 9 finishes, 1 title)
• Premiere Combat Group – 8.17.13 (11 fights, 7 finishes, 1 title)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Moment of the Year?

• Ryan Benoit wins $100,000 bonus in UFC debut
• Johny Hendricks takes GSP to controversial split decision
• Mike Bronzoulis makes it to Bellator: Fightmaster Finals
• Brian Melancon upsets Seth Baczynski in UFC debut
• James Vick knocks out Ramsey Nijem at UFC Fight Night 26
• Waylon Bronstrup proposes to his GF at Belts of Honorius
• SCC dedicates SCC 4 to Dustin Creekmore and Family
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for Promoter of the Year?

• Mick Maynard (Legacy FC / Legacy Amateur Series)
• Bussey Family (Xtreme Knockout)
• Fabian Butler (Twenty Four Seven Entertainment)
• Rock Balboa (Rock’s Xtreme MMA)
• Raul Ramos (STFC)
• Eric Garcia / Jace Pitre (Fury FC / Cage Combat)
• Nael Chavez (Belts of Honorius)
• Reynaldo Rueda (CDM Promotions)
• Al Garza / Stephen Lawhorn (Superior Combative Championship)
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for State Official (Inspector/Official) of the Year?

• Dickie Cole
• Greg Alvarez
• Roberto Tapia
• James Moreno
• Arturo Martinez
• Ramon Gomez
• Duke Duet
• Gus Calderon
• Daniel Fells
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for State Official (Referee/Judge) of the Year?

• Kerry Hatley
• Jake Montalvo
• Frank Collazo
• John Shorley
• Steve Armstrong
• Joe Soliz
• Joshua Ferraro
• Don Turnage
• Danny De Alejandro
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for MMA Sponsor of the Year?

• WarTribe Gear
• Ready Every Second
• Wu-MMA
• Cruz Combat
• Ammo to Go
• Furious Brand
• Revolotus Fightwear
• Hoooters Texas
• Born2Bang Athletics
• Other (write-in comments)

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Which is your choice for the Lifetime Achievement Award; What have they done for the sport of MMA in Texas?

• Guy Mezger
• Dickie Cole
• Rick Blalock
• Saul Soliz
• Kru Pong
• Tim Credeur
• Other (write-in comments)

Past Winners: Steve Armstrong, Saekson Janjira

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards Voting (MMA) – Who is your choice for the 2013 Community Service Award?

• Marcia Ogasawara
• Fight Church Texas
• Enlightened Warriors
• CDM Boxing Center
• Abundant Outreach Association
• Other (write-in comments)

By TXMMA Staff

Texas MMA Community chooses People’s Choice Award Winners for 2013 TXMMA Awards

The 2013 TXMMA Awards People’s Choice Voting (popular votes) wrapped up last week with over 7,500 fans of Texas MMA and BJJ voting in this year’s annual polls.

On the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) side there were 32 awards up for grabs with the goal of highlighting the top fighters, performances, and contributors for 2013. The people’s choice award winners were 100% decided by popular vote (yes, popularity contest) but it’s important to note as well that all finalists were included due to merit so they all deserve to be recognized. People’s Choice is one way we want to highlight some of these individuals. An Official (Panel Chosen) Award will also be decided with winners being announced for those stats-based awards a little later on this month.

As for the People’s Choice Awards Winners, the full list is below but let’s highlight and summarize some of the top wins of 2013:

Team Takedown’s Johny Hendricks won the fan award for Top Texas-based UFC Fighter hailing from Texas. No doubt this win came in large part due to his split decision loss to Georges St. Pierre that many fans not just in Texas but the world over saw as a victory that was robbed from him. That loss notwithstanding, “Big Rigg” had yet another big performance earlier in the year when he beat Carlos Condit in a #1 contender match at UFC 158 that ended up being the fight of the night.

Mohler Mixed Martial Arts came through in droves to dominate a large part of the people’s choice voting in many of the regional categories with the group winning Team of the Year and Coach Allen Mohler winning Coach of the Year in the fan polls. A pair of Mohler fighters also won pro fighter of the year honors with Will Campuzano taking the win right of out Carlos Diego Ferreira’s grasp in the last 2 days of voting while Amber Stautzenberger won out on the women’s side for Fighter of the Year while also taking home Fight of the Year with her XKO clash versus Lacey Schuckman. Not to be outdone, Jinh H Yu Frey also made her presence known in these awards with her win in the Rookie of the Year and Knockout of the Year categories. Last but not least for Team Mohler was another dual fan award win on the men’s amateur side with “Big Comfy” Camron Couch taking home both amateur rookie and fighter of the year awards after going 4-0 in his first year in MMA.

Other big winners included Geo Pacurariu for his LFC 19 knockout of Steven Peterson and Damon Jackson for his submission of Javier Obregon to sweep the pro knockout and submission of the year categories for Octagon MMA.

San Antonio’s undefeated Chris Lopez took home men’s pro rookie of the year honors while Carlos Diego Ferreira took home the Ironman award for his year that included 4 fights, 2 title victories, and a back-to-back accomplishment of the ages when he took the redeye to compete in the IBJJF Worlds the day after fighting UFC vet Carlo Prater in the main event of Legacy FC the night before.

Check out the full complement of 2013 TXMMA Awards MMA Edition People’s Choice Winners below:

2013 TXMMA Awards – MMA Edition People’s Choice Winners

• Texas-Based UFC Fighter of the Year – Johny Hendricks
• (M) Texas Pro Fighter of the Year – William Campuzano (2-1 overall, 1 TITLE in 2013)
• (F) Texas Pro Fighter of the Year – Amber Stautzenberger (4-0 in 2013)
• Professional Fight of the Year – Will Campuzano vs. Allan Nascimento (LFC 19)
• (M) Pro Knockout of the Year – Geo Pacurariu vs. Steven Peterson (LFC 19)
• (F) Pro Knockout of the Year – Jinh H Yu Frey vs. Darla Harris (SCS 18)
• Pro Submission of the Year – Damon Jackson vs. Javier Obregon (LFC 24)
• (M) Pro Rookie of the Year – Chris Lopez (3-0 in 2013)
• (F) Pro Rookie of the Year – Jinh Yu Frey (2-0 in 2013)
• (M) Amateur Fighter of the Year – Camron Couch (4-0, 3 finishes, 2 TITLE in 2013)
• (F) Amateur Fighter of the Year – Karen Kovach (3-0, 3 finishes in 2013)
• Amateur Fight of the Year – Kevin Lieb vs. Eric Cody (SCC 4)
• Amateur Knockout of the Year – Kevin Holland vs. Terrance Moore (BOH 2)
• Amateur Submission of the Year – Dezmond Moore vs. Waylon Bronstrup (BOH 3)
• (M) Amateur Rookie of the Year – Camron Couch (4-0, 3 TKO, 2 TITLE in 2013)
• (F) Amateur Rookie of the Year – Karen Kovach (3-0, 3 finishes in 2013)
• Female Pro Fight of the Year – Amber Stautzenberger vs Lacey Schuckman (XKO 20)
• Female Amateur Fight of the Year – Halleigh Haak vs Jamie Buckley (Rage at the Osage)
• Breakthrough Fighter of the Year – Ryan Benoit
• Ironman Fighter of the Year – Carlos Diego Ferreira (4 fights, 2 TITLE)
• Team of the Year – Mohler Mixed Martial Arts
• MMA Coach of the Year – Allen Mohler
• Comeback Fighter of the Year – William Campuzano (Back in UFC for 1st time since 2011)
• Pro Event of the Year – Legacy Fighting Championship 25 (9 fights, 5 finishes, 1 title)
• Amateur Event of the Year – Legacy Amateur Series 13 (15 fights, 10 finishes, 2 title)
• Moment of the Year – Ryan Benoit wins $100,000 bonus in UFC debut
• Promoter of the Year – Mick Maynard (Legacy FC / Legacy Amateur Series)
• State Official (Inspector/Official) of the Year – Gus Calderon
• State Official (Referee/Judge) of the Year – Jake Montalvo
• MMA Sponsor of the Year – War Tribe Gear
• Lifetime Achievement / TXMMA Hall of Fame – Guy Mezger
• 2013 Community Service Award – Enlightened Warriors

By TXMMA Staff

Texas BJJ Community chooses People’s Choice Award Winners for 2013 TXMMA Awards

The 2013 TXMMA Awards People’s Choice Voting (popular votes) wrapped up last week with over 7,500 fans of Texas MMA and BJJ voting in this year’s annual polls.

On the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) side there were 34 awards up for grabs with the goal of highlighting the top grapplers, performances, and contributors for 2013. The people’s choice award winners were 100% decided by popular vote (yes, popularity contest) but everyone considered all deserved to be there considering the exemplary year they had in 2013 along with some worthy nominations.

Here’s a few quick notes from us on the 2013 edition of TXMMA Award People’s Choice Voting before we list this year’s winners:

• First and foremost, thank you to everybody who participated. Like we’ve been saying all along, ALL the finalists nominated were already winners in our book regardless of this voting stuff. People’s Choice is just another way to recognize everyone and rally team support while getting BJJ and TXMMA out to the masses. Thanks for being a part of this, and us. It’s pretty obvious that our community here in Texas continues to grow and that’s awesome!
• As far as the award winners themselves go, this year’s edition of People’s Choice represented a whole spectrum of individuals and academies across the state with plenty of representation from all. By the time the official stats-based awards are out, we hope to recognize even more.
• Voting-wise, we’d like to give a special nod to everyone who campaigned hard this year. This includes the Next Generation team who campaigned hard from day one and ended up winning Academy of the Year honors, quite an accomplishment for a team still relatively new on the Texas competition scene. Team leader Chris Brennan won match of the year honors in the nogi category while his boys Lucas and Tyler took home teen and kid honors respectively, all well-deserved.
• There were expected winners and definitely some surprises in the other categories as well with some contenders coming out of nowhere to beat the statistical favorites. Either way, all very exciting until the very end and it speaks volumes for the amount of support all these winners have at their backs. (BJJ Sponsors, pay attention!)
• Last but not least, a special note of congratulations to TPC’s Pat “Hawk” Hardy for winning our lifetime achievement award and making our TXMMA Hall of Fame. To be honest this is more of an ‘official’ award for us as opposed to People’s Choice but we’ll just say right now that Mr. Hardy will be winning both this year for contributions to the sport in the state of Texas. Starting officially under Royce Gracie back in 1994, Hawk was one of the first to further the sport of BJJ in the Houston area and East Texas and one of the first Americans (along with Eric Williams) to place at the international tournament level, winning the International Masters in Rio in 2005. We’ll go through more of Hardy’s achievements in our official awards but give him a pat on the back if you see him!

Without further adieu, here are the 2013 TXMMA Awards BJJ Edition People’s Choice Winners. Stay tuned in the next week or so as he we highlight the Official (Panel Chosen) Winners based on last year’s competition statistics as translated by our judges.

2013 TXMMA Awards – BJJ Edition People’s Choice Winners

• Academy of the Year – Next Generation Frisco
• Association of the Year – Nova Uniao (Bruno Bastos Jiu-Jitsu Association)
• Men’s Black Belt of the Year –  Carlos Diego Ferreira (Team Ferreira / Atos)
• Women’s Black Belt of the Year –  Fabiana Borges (Gracie Barra)
• Men’s Brown Belt of the Year –  Julian Vega (Elite MMA)
• Women’s Brown Belt of the Year –  Tessa Simpson (Gracie Humaita)
• Men’s Purple Belt of the Year –  Levi Mowles (BQuick)
• Women’s Purple Belt of the Year –  Danielle Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ)
• Men’s Blue Belt of the Year –  Damion Oranday (Elite MMA Baytown)
• Women’s Blue Belt of the Year –  Karen Lingle Kovach (F3)
• Men’s White Belt of the Year –  Marshall Cevallos (Elite MMA Baytown)
• Women’s White Belt of the Year –  Miriam Villar (Alvarez)
• Masters/Seniors Grappler of the Year – Shannon Smith (Elite MMA Baytown)
• Male Teen Grappler of the Year – Lucas Brennan (Next Generation)
• Female Teen Grappler of the Year – Zoe Jones (Elite MMA Baytown)
• Male Kids Grappler of the Year – Tyler Brennan (Next Generation)
• Female Kids Grappler of the Year – Nina Smith (Paragon Dallas)
• Men’s Gi Match of the Year – Robert Yamashita vs. Rico Bastos (BJJ Classic)
• Men’s No Gi Match of the Year – Chris Brennan vs. Toby Imada (Austin Open)
• Women’s Match of the Year – Tessa Simpson vs. Lana Hunter ( Matshark)
• Kids/Teens Match of the Year – Justin Rebolloso vs. Matt Hernandez (Matshark SA)
• Men’s Submission of the Year – Carlos Diego Ferreira – standing wristlock on Albert Hughes (BJJ Classic)
• Women’s Submission of the Year – Ahlysa Wise – RNC on Ashley Westfall (AGF)
• Ironman of the Year – Carlos Diego Ferreira (Team Ferreira / Atos)
• Ironwoman of the Year – Lora Hallock (Paragon Texas)
• BJJ Family of the Year – Alvarez Family (Daniel, Sophia, Danielle)
• Inspiring Grappler of the Year – Garrett “Deaf Grappler” Scott (Ronny Lis)
• Tournament Referee of the Year – Brandon Quick
• Tournament of the Year – American Grappling Federation
• Seminar of the Year – Nova Uniao Super Seminar
• Texas BJJ Brand of the Year – War Tribe Gear
• Texas BJJ Sponsor of the Year – War Tribe Gear
• Lifetime Achievement Award / TXMMA Hall of Fame – Pat Hawk Hardy
• Community Service Award – Girls in Gis

By TXMMA Staff | Photo: UFC.com, Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

UFC 171 headliners to share their thoughts on upcoming title fight main event set for March 15^th

DALLAS, TX, January 16, 2014 –Today our friends over at the Dallas Morning News / SportsdayDFW are hosting a LIVE chat with UFC 171 headliners Robbie Lawler and Johny Hendricks. The two are set to face off in the main event of the evening at UFC 171 set for March 15, 2014 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.

Just to refresh your memories, “Big Rigg” Johny Hendricks (15-2) will be fighting for the welterweight title for the second time in a row following his controversial split decision loss to Georges St. Pierre at UFC 167 last November. The general consensus amongst fans and pundits alike was that he won that fight, an opinion also shared by UFC president Dana White. The judges didn’t see it that way however he now gets his chance at redemption against Robber Lawler following the abrupt semi-retirement of GSP who chose to vacate the belt as opposed to facing Johny  and defending the title for the second time.

Meanwhile Robbie Lawler has earned his shot at the title as well. The longtime veteran fought his way back into contention after reappearing in the UFC following a long stint in the Strikeforce promotion. Since redebuting last February “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler has scored three wins in a row, including a very impressive victory against GSP’s Tristar Gym teammate and heir apparent Rory MacDonald.

Get your chance to speak to both Hendricks and Lawler today at 11am CST through the chat module below.

Also by participating you’ll get a chance to win two tickets to UFC 171 courtesy of Dallas Morning News. All you have to do is ask a question to Johny or Robbie and INCLUDE your e-mail address and you’ll automatically be entered. The winner will then be announced by the conclusion of the chat session.

Have fun!

Dallas Morning News Live Chat - Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler