A Journey of Self Discovery Donnie Liles makes a comeback

A Journey of Self Discovery
Donnie Liles makes a comeback
By CFL Publicity department
July 25th 2011, Pueblo Colorado-For Donnie Liles fighting is as natural as breathing.  The former IFL and Strikeforce standout has been fighting as long as he can remember. “I was pretty much a street-fighter,” laughs Liles as he recalls his early days in the sport.  “I did well as an amateur not because I had the best technique but pretty much because I was willing to do whatever it took to stop you, to shut you down.”  Liles tenacity and determination carried him through much of his formative years as a perfect 12-0 record rounded out his days in the amateur ranks. He bounced around a bit from Chuck Daly’s Kongo Do then onto what was at the time the Toolshed where he found a home early on as a rising pro.   Donnie’s noticeable talent soon caught the attention of the burgeoning International Fight League and he was recruited as part of team Razor-claws alongside Frank Shamrock and other names who would go onto star status.
Highs and Lows of a career
Despite parting ways with his then camp only a week before the biggest fight of his life on Strikeforce and versus the dangerous Pete “The Weapon” Spratt, Donnie gathered around him his veteran grappling Coach Keith Wilson and teammate Tori Adams, made a commitment to fight harder than ever and prevailed in a knockdown drag-out affair that would see Liles the victor.  Reality soon set in however, and finding himself suddenly without a training gym after such a prestigious win led the trio to open their current home Roughhouse MMA and Fitness in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Donnie’s plan to continue his winning ways and furthermore prepare the decorated Adams for her debut would soon come to a screeching halt as the injury bug would strike a seemingly grim blow for the fighter.  “My knee had been messing up and when I say that, it pretty much worked independently of the rest of my body chuckles Liles”, “I wanted to fight but knew that without surgery I was done”.
   
The Long Road to Recovery
 Surprisingly, despite a 2 year layoff and as many surgeries, battling with weight issues as a result of inability to train and finding himself with a new baby on the way, the same tenacity that brought Liles success in the cage echoed in his daily life.   The doctors were speechless at his recovery time and his tireless dedication has seen the weight continue to come off as he propels himself toward his former welterweight glory.  Liles was who was 13-0 before he ever lost a fight and 4-0 as a pro realized that he was the same fighter he was the last 13 fights and has since expanded his camp which still includes Wilson and Adams, but now also includes Standup Coaches Gabe Charboneau and Pat Cross, respected corner-man Haven Torres and new management with the team at NuWorld Athletics.  He is scheduled at present to fight Standout Colorado KO specialist Jeremy Kimball on October 1st and the plan to return to Strikeforce and beyond has been launched.
The Man formerly known as “Mad-Dog” should change his name to the “second coming”.. Donnie Liles my friends.. is back.

For booking information email gabe@nuworldmedia.com or by phone at 719-369-1138
Liles at right unloads

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5 minutes with Vallie Rae Mead

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Colorado Fight League Newsletter (Steel City rumble Feature) 5 minutes with Vallie Rae Mead

by Gabe Charboneau on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 11:23am

STEEL CITY RUMBLE FEATURE
SPOTLIGHT ON
VALLIE MEAD
By CFL Contributor Liz Solano

To a simple passer by, Vallie Rae Mead seems like a beautiful woman, and that's that! Anyone who knows Vallie, knows that she is more than what meets the eye and she will prove it!

BEING A FEMALE IN A MALE DOMINATED SPORT

In a sport where men seem to reign superior, Mead is a women who never let her gender be a handicap. Having been exposed to Martial Arts since the tender age of 13,  Mead never let her gender get in the way, “In this sport, it's kill or be killed”, Mead says. She was never babied or treated any different because she's female telling us, “My very first instructor told everyone in our student body, DO NOT treat her any differently”. Starting with Kempo Karate at 13 and then graduating to kickboxing at 18, she knew the discipline and strength it took to train. Training very hard, Mead began to teach students very early, “I felt like I had to establish dominance and show my students who many times were older men, that I knew exactly what I was doing and I would prove it.” Once she stepped onto the MMA scene she says, “I couldn't see myself as a good fighter until I got onto the ground and mastered my ground skills.” While she never felt at a disadvantage due to her gender, she did feel as though she had to prove herself.

BALANCING BEING A MOM WITH TRAINING

Being a parent is trying on anyone. This is even more so the case when you are a single parent, couple that with training and you have a full time job! Vallie has three wonderful children and balancing the three of them with training is the hardest part. Mead is a Martial Artist saying, “This is what I am and what I want, it makes it easier when you know who and what you are... This is what I want!” Mead finds it important to cherish every moment stating, “One day I will be a coach and only a coach, I want to cherish this moment right now!”

HOW SHE PREPARES FOR  FIGHT

When I ask a fighter, “How do you get ready for a fight?” The response is often something in the realm of watching the opponents past fights, or making themselves hate their opponent. Not Vallie, she prepares in a way that is very unique.
“I start two weeks out from my fight. I let the adrenaline build and then I ground myself. I use a lot of visualization and disburse the adrenaline and nervousness I feel to my limbs. It's a full body awakening. At that point, my nervousness takes the shape of confidence.”
On top of visualization, the song that the fighter enters the arena with is also very important. “It has to have that certain vibe that releases everything” Unlike many, to Mead, a fight isn't about hating her opponent, but rather, a test of herself. She finds it to be an opportunity to learn more about herself. She doesn't know much about her opponent and she doesn't need to, “I always imagine that my opponent is bigger, faster, and stronger and I have to push myself to be equal.”

WHO SHE WOULD LIKE TO THANK

Like many, she would love to thank her parents, training partners and coach at Team Hitman MMA, and of course her children; but there is a man who passed away that she would like to thank as well, Bill Packer. Bill Packer was her first instructor, a man who was very near and dear to her, and a man who has trained the best with 122 World Champions. Mead remembers her first fight, “It wasn't like the big productions that we have today, it was more underground. I walked into the ring and my feet had dust on them and I was afraid of slipping. I turned to him and said, 'Mr. Packer my feet are dusty' he did what I never expected, he sat me on the stool and proceeded to wash my feet, this man who has trained champions got to his knees and washed my feet. It was a very surreal moment for me.” When Packer passed away, Mead didn't train for a while, “It's hard to find someone to train you after you have learned so much and you have developed such a deep bond with an instructor.” Packer shaped Mead into what she is today and she is grateful.

A Man Apart: Life, Family and MMA with Kreg Hartle

Colorado Fight League Newsletter (Steel City Rumble Exclusive) A Man Apart: Life, Family and MMA with Kreg Hartle

by Gabe Charboneau on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 11:13am

A Man Apart
Life, Family and MMA with SCR’s Kreg Hartle
By CFL Contributor Liz Solano

Walking into a fighters gym you may expect something out of the box office hit, “Million Dollar Baby”, speed bags, heavy bags, a ring, and fighters lined up to voluntarily get punched in the face. As I walked into the PWIA Animal House Gym, I saw all of the equipment but no string of fighters. Only one, Kreg Hartle, main event for Steel City Rumble 7 who will be facing the biggest challenge of his career on his professional bout with veteran Cruz Chacon of Denver.  If that name sounds familiar its because Chacon’s record of over 30 fights includes wins and losses over UFC stars like: Noah Thomas, Joe Stevenson, Donnie Liles, Diego Sanchez and Josh Koshchek. While Hartle’s overall record of 9 and 4 pushes forward successfully since his pro debut, the talented and zany pro fighter from Pueblo will have his hands full.

HOW IT FEELS TO BE THE MAIN EVENT ON A MMA CARD

Despite, his awesome skills and some what crazy look as he enters the ring, Hartle is a very humble guy. For him most of the time being a main event on a fight card isn't a big deal. As he puts it, “It's another day to get punched in the face.” He has been the co-main event on many other cards and definitely feels that is an honor saying, “We all train hard to be here and I respect almost all of the opponents that I have fought.” Right now smack talk is all the rage in places like UFC. When asked about smack talk  Hartle responds, “a lot of times some has to talk themselves up for their fight, in this sport you can't show any weakness of you will get eaten alive.”
While he doesn't generally place a large emphasis on being the main event, SCR7 is a little bit different, “It's my first pro-fight in my hometown,” he says. For an athlete playing on your home turf is definitely special. It brings to life a sense of energy that only your home city can do. He says, “This is my hometown, and my fight is going to be a good fight.”

HOW HE'S PREPARING FOR HIS FUTURE IN MMA

Hartle has been training MMA for a long time and has found training and fighting to bring about an odd aura of calmness in the form of a giant release.  He isn't striving to be mediocre in anyway. He's adopted the, “Go Big or Go Home” ideology saying, “You have to build up your fight record and you are bound to have some really tough fights, but, every fighter wants to be on top. Every fighter wants to be in that Big Show.” For him, it's the UFC.   “I have a great camp and team with the PWIA /Rough house family” Coaches like Gabe and Keith Wilson, Tori Adams and Donnie Liles, I have made many friends in this sport and  try to train as much as I can. I’ll occasionally get together with Tamboura and the guys from Canon city  and The guys at Rude effex were cool enough to let us come by to get some different body types to work with for this fight”. While Kreg trains like a spartan he does have one bad habit, smoking. “I do have a bad habit of smoking, but, even though I do smoke I always get on my cardio.” Cardiovascular exercise is essential for fighters, Hartle explains, “People don't understand that when you're in that ring and you get tired, your body will lose it's functionality. When that happens, you don't want a guy like me on top of you.”

HIS HOME LIFE AND HIS SUPPORT SYSTEM
Hartle lives alone, but, I'm sorry to inform the ladies, he isn't single, “I have a great girlfriend who is really supportive.” He also has two sons, Wade and Kody. “My boys bring a huge amount of confidence and calmness to my life,” he says, “and knowing that the people that I love and care about are proud of me, means the world to me.” Aside from his sons he also has his fight family, “The Pacific Warrior fight family is something that has always been great to have and it is something that I hold very dear.” At times it can get very stressful, “I don't get nervous at all before my fights, but if I am coaching, I will puke!” He explains, “Coaching is so hard, you aren't the one in the ring, all you can do is tell them what to do and hope that they listen.”
One very special part of his and the Pacific Warrior fight family is Patty Trujillo-Esquibel. Patty is an inspirational women to many. She is fighting her own battle, one with breast cancer. She has beaten it twice so far, “That isn't abnormal,” Hartle explains, “It is amazing, not many people can say that.” Patty has nicknamed Hartle her fighter. She goes to every fight of his that she can, and win or lose, she is there to give him all the love and support that she can.

At the end of the day skill and technique will almost always beat quickness and Hartle has all three. His opponent for SCR7 does as well, “I would like to say that I will be the winner at the end of that fight, but you never know and my opponent has fought some really tough people. Having fought top level competition he has a track record but at the end of the night, we'll see who the winner is.”

OF HEART AND FIRE THE FUTURE BURNS BRIGHT FOR JOSE EL FUEGO CARO

COLORADO FIGHT NEWSLETTER: OF HEART AND FIRE THE FUTURE BURNS BRIGHT FOR JOSE "EL FUEGO" CARO

by Gabe Charboneau on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 6:12pm

The Future burns bright for Jose “EL FUEGO” Caro
By CFL Publicity department
Mexico has always been synonymous with competitive greatness. From Julio -Cesar Chavez to Marco Antonio Barrera the iron will and never quit mentality of such champions is substance of legend and lore. Enter Jose Caro, the 23 year old mixed martial arts champion from Pueblo by way of Chihuahua, Mexico is one of the most sought after amateur prospects in the Southwest . At 185 lbs of ripped muscle with good looks and smile to match he could just as easily be a model as a cage fighter. Transcending multi-cultural, age and economic boundaries his fan base continues to grow each performance with die hard fans and newcomers alike. While his amateur career is soon coming to a close, he has reached a very exciting and embryonic crossroads as he prepares for his transition to pro status, a blossoming career, and quite possibly a UFC contract. The flame continues to burn for Jose.

One Second Longer
Known for his tireless work ethic and in your face style Jose has racked up an impressive early library of fight content that reads like a highlight reel garnering him top CFL honors for both the coveted hardest working athlete and 2010 Fight of the year award in last years knock down drag out Steel City Rumble slugfest with noted Hawaiian prospect Kaleo Gambill, a fight he was not supposed to win.
Says Caro, “Everyone kept saying, “Oh he trained in Hawaii with BJ Penn, your going to lose!” “I told them“ “So what? “I believe in MY training, and MY Coaches he is the one that is going to lose!” True to form, “El Fuego” battered the much bigger Gambill for two rounds with an amazing display of standup, wrestling and ground skills, submitting Kaleo via rear naked choke to secure the victory. “Kuya, (Gabe Charboneau, Jose’s coach) always says “One second longer, don’t quit on your opponent, don’t quit on yourself!,” “he yells a lot at me when I am fighting and people may see this as mean, but I like it and it is the kind of motivation that works for me, it makes me want to work harder and he has put so much into me that I will never let him down.”

The Future
While as of this writing, Jose Caro continues to work 12 hour days pouring concrete, followed by a quick meal and training until 9 or 10pm at night he maintains a positive outlook on his future. His exciting fight performances, marketability, access to the fast growing Hispanic consumer and dedication to the Pueblo community via his youth outreach with the Colorado Fight League’s ambassador program are rapidly gaining both attention and sponsors. He is a firm advocate of bi-lingual literacy programs for kids and adults, he aspires to attend CSU Pueblo and continue with the sport that he loves. Says Caro with his trademark grin,” Life is too short to only give half the effort!” With that outlook the man they call “El Fuego” will burn on for years to come.
　

Of Heart & Fire

Chantel Cordova Pretty Little Hate Machine!

Chantel Cordova Pretty Little Hate Machine!

by Gabe Charboneau on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 8:04pm

CHANTEL CORDOVA
PRETTY LITTLE HATE MACHINE
By Colorado Fight League Publicity dept.
_______________________________________________


Pueblo Colorado April 28th 2011-
Fire, Fury and Iron willed are all common nouns that one would ascribe to the typical archetype of Mexican fighter. In this case the only difference being that he happens to be a she. Enter Chantel Cordova, The sleek slugger from Pueblo Colorado has amassed a wonderful record of 8-2 with her second and most recent loss coming in competition for the vacant IBF flyweight crown in Mexico City in March 2011. “It was a great feeling to fight in Mexico,” Stated Cordova. “The people are so warm and supportive, it was like no other feeling in the world.” While Cordova has drawn some criticism from boxing purists as to the level of competition she has been paired with in the past few years, the reality is that both the division and opportunities are too thin to get the amount of diverse match ups that can really allow her skill set to shine. Says Chantel; “Everyone who knows me, knows I will fight anyone, my heart or determination has never been in question.” A single mom who often works two jobs to support her dream of training full time, Cordova has simply not had the management/
matchmaker support staff to pound the pavement for opportunities.
GO BIG OR GO HOME

At 25 years old in the sport of boxing the clock begins to tick and the moment of step up or step down becomes unavoidable. Chantel sought the help of fellow friend, trainer and professional MMA Manager Gabe Charboneau of Nu-world Athletics. “I saw what she was going through and wanted to help her as a friend but knew that to do so would not be easy. The world of boxing and mixed martial arts are two different animals and professional circles.” “So I made some calls to my various promotional partners around the U.S to find good managers for her.“ Despite several offers being placed on the table it seemed not a single one had Cordova’s best interest in mind and a disheartened Cordova was ready to toss in the towel. Finally, She suggested to Charboneau “You make matches and do this for the mma fighters, why not for me“? After a firm discussion about managing expectation and the understanding that it would be a learning process from an industry perspective, an agreement was made and Chantel Cordova was brought on to the Nu-World roster as the solo boxing act amongst a large group of MMA Professionals.
Chantel Cordova is working harder than ever to fuel her competitive fire. She trains throughout Southern Colorado including Colorado Springs where Olympic Dreams become reality often running the world renowned Manitou incline in the morning followed by sparring at Roughhouse MMA and Fitness where Charboneau is a trainer mid-day, working two jobs and still continues to train with her mentor and father in Rocky Ford.
This young prospect does not know the meaning of quit, won’t accept the word defeat, and is now looking.. To Pick a Fight. I ask for your faith in putting this young athlete on your next card only once and promise I’ll never have to ask again.
Chantel Cordova can be reached for booking and consideration via Nu-World Athletics at 719-369-1138 or by email at gabe@nuworldmedia.com

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READY FOR WAR- EDWINA WHITES TIME HAS COME

READY FOR WAR- EDWINA WHITES TIME HAS COME

by Gabe Charboneau on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 8:59am

For most male athletes in the sport of mixed martial arts, the ability to find fights is a luxury enjoyed with relative ease. The influx of male participants has exploded in recent years leaving their less plentiful female counterparts to bid for remaining slots on unfilled fight cards. Prior to a very surprising recent endorsement by UFC president Dana White it seemed that even Strike force’s female contingent, long seen as a pulpit to justify high level co-ed involvement in the sport might itself be dissolved in the inevitable Zuffa acquisition.

As unfortunate a situation as it is unfair to serious X chromosome competitors it is a complex and paradoxical issue that is threefold:

1. The pool of females is smaller and therefore often self cannibalized in an attempt to maintain consistent activity. It is not unheard of for females to have to fight the same opponent two or more times.
2. Dare I say it? Plain ol’ inequality. Many, like “Dola-White” are still stuck on the traditional mindset that nothing good can come out of the women’s ranks in much the same manner as female boxing resulting in smaller audience share. In the rare circumstance that female fighters do get a public platform it is often a very misogynistic and narrow male driven idea of what a female fighter should look like, having more to do with looks than actual ability. This is in stark contrast to the Japanese audience which revels in the female ranks to the extent of all promoting all female pro cards and even designing action figures in the likeness of their favorite “femme fatales.”
3. Lack of marketing power and brand imaging. Until now, promoting female mma to the masses has simply not been a priority to major organizations leaving an untapped well of female resources and relegating big budget marketing assets to Nike commercials and tennis stars. While we see the male faces of the sport everywhere we have yet to consider the opposite as household names. Says noted Colorado corner/cutman Haven Torres, “This is going to continue until we lobby for the equality of these athletes“. “I wrap and corner hundreds of fighters a year and can say without reservation that many of these females outwork their counterparts in the gym, cage and ring“.
For Edwina White the aforementioned article hits especially close to home. The PWIA standout fighter has had 6 calls to compete over the last year and only one opportunity to actually do so. “Every time we get an offer it seems that something ends up falling through.” states Head Coach Gabe Charboneau. “ Edwina works harder than a good percentage of even my male pro’s and to see her work go unrewarded is a tough pill to swallow.” White started out a year ago at 220 lbs and is now walking around at a very ready 157 due largely to her tireless work ethic which includes 3 a day training sessions, healthy diet, and wonderful support of her family and kids. Her outlook remains overtly optimistic despite being repeatedly disappointed by lying promoters, pre-fight opponent injuries, and more often than not plain old fashioned fear by the occasional scout who happens upon the video of her only mangling/fight. Edwina’s last scheduled bout itself was a debacle as she was slated to appear alongside main event pro stable-mate Angie Hayes May 20th “I am not even sure what happened but apparently, I didn’t even end up on the final card, was not told until weigh ins and because I was not included on the bout sheet turned into the boxing commission I couldn’t fight even though there was another girl my weight who’s opponent pulled out, talk about a let down!“ says White through her trademark amicable grin. While as of this writing, Edwina White is searching for a replacement fight on an upcoming CFL card June 11th, she is reluctant to demonstrate any signs of early anticipation for fear of something happening yet again. Says Edwina, “Right now I am simply at a place where I am grateful to the sport for what its done for me and my health, I am blessed to train with a ton of great guys and coaches and share the fight stable with amazing females like Tori Adams, Angie Hayes, Chantel Cordova and some up and coming amateurs like Chelsea Barajas and Vallie Mead, when my time comes I will live in that very moment not a second before or after, and simply be thankful.”



Edwina White (far Right) stands with CFL females
Edwina White can be reached for booking via Nuworld Management at
Gabe@nuworldmedia.com or via phone at 719-369-1138

STEEL CITY RUMBLE PRESENTS: 5 MINUTES WITH ADAM SOTO

Colorado Fight League Newsletter (STEEL CITY RUMBLE PRESENTS: 5 MINUTES WITH ADAM SOTO

by Gabe Charboneau on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 11:00am

Adam Soto

Defeat is a part of any athlete's game. Simply put, someone will always lose. Avondale's Son, Adam Soto is not letting this stop him from his victory!

ON MOVING UP TO THE 170 LB DIVISION

Any wrestler or fighter could tell you that one of the toughest pieces of any fight preparation is cutting weight. “This makes it easier for me, I can still eat,” Soto says. Cutting down to 170 from his normal weight of 185, is healthier to Soto saying, “ My frame is a better fit at 170.” Soto knows however, that since he is at a heavier weight class, his opponents may be harder. He isn't worried about this though stating, “Yeah, it may be harder, but my strength is better at 170... It won't be a problem.”

ON HIS BIG LOSS IN PUEBLO

No one ever wants to lose. Competition has been engrained in us for many years, so when we lose it takes a toll. Soto doesn't beat himself up over the loss, “It was a let down for my fans, I trained so hard just to get knocked out.” But that fight served as a learning tool for Soto, it made him train harder and he says it made it more alert, most importantly, “I learned to keep my hands up!”

For some having a fight end so quickly would shake their confidence, not Soto. These things happen often and his take is, “It's the name of the game, it could have easily been him, he just landed the contact first.”



REDEMPTION AT JACKSONS?

After his big loss, Soto had a fight in Albuquerque, NM on the Jackson's Card at the Hard Rock Cafe. For Soto, it wasn't a moment of redemption, it was like any other fight, just more of a confidence builder. “It felt good to fight that caliber of athlete at the #1 gym in the nation...Fighting in front of Clay Guida and Diego Sanchez and then winning in their camp, it was great!” Soto says with a smile.

ON WHAT HE EXPECTS GOING INTO THIS FIGHT

The opponent Soto is fighting on Steel City Rumble 7 Mike Zaragosa was nominated for the CFL KO of The Year last year, despite having lost against Adam once before in their amateur debut. When asked what he expected from the KO of The Year nominee, Soto responded with a chuckle, “Well I hope he doesn't get another one.” All jokes aside, Soto feels ready for this fight saying, “I'm taller than him and have a greater wingspan, I won't let him close.” He's trained hard for this fight has certainly improved since our debut and he will give it his all!


TRAINING

Soto trains and fights out of Pacific Warrior’s Animal House Gym under he guidance of veteran trainer Gabe “Kuya” Charboneau along with decorated grappler’s Keith Wilson and Tori Adams at Roughhouse in Colorado Springs where Charboneau also teaches 2 days a week. “Soto loves it saying, “They have great athletes, Strike Force Veterans, the top grappling instruction the nation, combine that with all the stuff Gabe teaches and you have a great camp, I am surrounded every day by great pro fighters.”

SO, WHAT'S NEXT?

Soto has a fight to prepare for June 4, “I would like to take it fight by fight and see what happens.” Keeping your eyes on the prize is something that many throw by the wayside. Even though he is playing it by ear, Soto has a goal, “Hopefully I'll have a few more amateur fights and then, I want to go pro.” Determination and endurance and things that make a great fighter, along with footwork of course, look for Soto at Steel City Rumble 7, April 24, 2011.
By CFL Contributor Liz Solano
STEEL CITY RUMBLE FEATURE