MMA "Grows up" Pueblo MMA Coach joins ranks

Several years ago MMA was considered more entertainment than sport, much like Pro Wrestling. Fighters lacked any real identity with the general public hence UFC's big push to develop 24/7 style shows in the spirit of HBO's popular namesakes. To see MMA even considered alongside traditional collegiate, scholastic sports was almost unheard of, until 2013. Pacific Warrior MMA in Pueblo is proud to announce head coach Gabe Charboneau was voted a silver award at the annual Best in Pueblo awards for committment to the sport and community. Charboneau digressed, stating that the award was a byproduct of the positive efforts of the coaches, students and family around him at Pacific Warrior than his own efforts. The award was not relegated to simply combat sports but coaches throughout the area in track, baseball, wrestling etc. Charboneau states "The real credit should be given to our amazing staff of coaches Steve Stickler (BJJ) Haven Torres (grappling /kids) Bruce Ries (Wrestling) Zach Valdez (Wrestling) Jeff Santos (Striking) and our wonderful advisors Donnie Liles and Tori Adams who aid in the development of our programs. We are proud to make good fighters but we would rather develop better people along the way." To see the official awards site follow the link below: http://www.bestofpueblo.com/2013/places-faces/coach-2/

Setting up the Takedown With Striking Coach Gabe Charboneau

Video Courtesy of Fight Life Media, Fight Life Las Vegas Professional MMA and Striking Coach Gabe "Kuya" Charboneau shows how to integrate strikes with clinch and takedowns. Kuya has worked with elite level athletes in Boxing, MMA, Muay Thai and more for over 20 years, is a frequent coach at CBD Tuff Camp alongside Matt Lindland, All American and Team Noguiera coach Eric Alberricin, Keith Wilson and more.

FEAR THE BEARD

Donnie Liles Above

Donnie Liles Pushes Forward Toward Big Show

Pueblo, CO Augst 14th 2013-In the stark landscape of Colorado MMA’s middleweight division one name rings above all others, Donnie Liles. The former Strike Force and IFL contender (16-6) who was recently named atop his category by Spartan labs Inc. has been on a tear in his last eight outings with only one minor blemish, a controversial decision loss to fellow Strike Force powerhouse Joey Villasenor in his backyard of Albuquerque, New Mexico. With every one of his last five outings nominated with F.O.N or S.O.N accolades and dominating performances over newly signed Bellator talent like Jeremy Kimball, Colorado standout Jason Clayton and impressive finishes against top level veterans like Seth Baczynski and Pete Spratt one has to beg the question.. When will UFC take notice? A little known age stipulation which caps participation in TUF tryouts at 34 has since barred Liles from taking part in the casting process and relegates him to traditional matchmaking measures for consideration.

Sporting the trademark beard that is the hallmark of Liles persona is becoming somewhat of a social media phenomenon with fans and supporters alike taking on shave challenges, uploading their own photos and even spurring cause-related marketing ideas for charities. When asked about the symbolism behind the imagery to Donnie Liles states: “Fear the Beard” stands for defiance. It means standing strong in the face of adversity despite the insurmountable challenges we face in life.” Fittingly enough, Liles will face his next big life challenge when he meets Factory X up and comer Adam Stroup as the main event for Sparta Combat Leagues which is slated for September in Loveland Colorado. Stroup, whom as of this writing is undefeated at 4-0 will no-doubt have his hands full with the unshaven one when they meet. A striking technician who stands well over 6 foot, he will be looking to keep the fight standing where he can use his full arsenal of tools. However, school and reputation notwithstanding, his wins have all come primarily by submission a deceivingly important fact that will come into play in the later rounds where Liles seems to shine.

Liles longtime friend, mentor and striking trainer Gabe Charboneau noted: “We are thankful to Jeff Cisneros for giving Donnie a shot on Sparta Combat League.” There is very little competition left regionally for him and it get’s increasingly tough to match him with every fight but Jeff has really risen to the occasion and been supportive in every way.” When asked about a possible strategy for the anticipated match-up he added: “Not a lot will change preparation wise for this fight.” “Donnie has great sparring partners, team mates and coaching available to him at Pariah and Pacific Warrior MMA along with the love and support of his best friend and other- half Tori Adams, an elite grappling competitor and pro fighter herself so she understands the intricacies of an athletes home based needs.” “There may be a few strategic surprises but you have to wait for fight night for those.”

One thing is certain, Fear the Beard has become so much more than a catch phrase.. It is at its core symbolic of pride, vigilance and a never ending quest that says: “Open up the door Big Show, because Donnie Liles is here. For media requests, booking info, or sponsorship of Donnie Liles contact: gabe@nuworldmedia.com for ticket information or show details: www.spartcombatmma.com

Musgrave and Grelck Collide at Rumble 10

Promotional Powerhouse Rolls on in Pueblo

Musgrave Courtesy of CMO Photo

Pueblo, Colorado May 2nd 2013-At a time when most professional fighters struggle to remain consistent, Ricky Musgrave has had a whirlwind last couple of years racking up an impressive 10 fight resume in the process.  The 29 year old who fights out of Pariah MMA in the Springs is a rising star on the Colorado MMA scene and rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with at 145 lbs.   

Musgrave who started his Colorado career as a welterweight has found a home in the lighter divisions and while he’s known for his dynamic Muay Thai which was honed in it’s homeland he has come full circle with wins over talented grapplers including Bryant Craven and Travis Coyle.   Musgrave credits his success largely to his trainers and teammates at Pariah MMA which plays host to a multitude of world class talent.

Talent level notwithstanding, Musgrave will be taken to task when he faces Kickdown and Cage Wars Champion Brad Grelck as the main event for Steel City Rumble 10 May 18^th in Pueblo.  Grelck, a Wyoming native will enter the cage the larger of the two at 6 feet and a catch weight of 152.5 from his normal 155.   According to Kickdown president Steve Ally, “You couldn’t ask for a more exciting main event, Grelck sets a fast pace and never disappoints.” 

Brad Grelck

 Grelck has been on a tear as of late with his last two wins coming by way of submission victory in the first round.  Grelck will look to derail Musgrave’s rise in the ranks when they meet as the main event of Steel City Rumble 10 at the Colorado State Fair Events Center in Pueblo, not just another show.. It’s an experience!

For more information log on to www.steelcityrumble.com tickets available at the Colorado State Fair Box office or via the website link. 

Ries Returns to Rumble Ten

Amateur veteran comes full circle 

Bruce "The Moose" Ries

Pueblo, Colorado May 1,2013- Moose sightings are not uncommon in Colorado as recent efforts to protect the species have made headlines as of late in Southern Colorado.  For Bruce “The Moose” Ries however, it means returning to his roots at the show he started on five years earlier; Steel City Rumble.  The burgeoning pro will face fellow Coloradoan Santana “Sol” Martinez as the co-main event for Steel City Rumble 10 at the State Fair Events Center in Pueblo.

Ries now 24 years old is coming off wins over veteran Jose”Luis” Murillo at Mayhem 3 in Lamar and Pueblo's Kevin Carter previously and will be looking to garner a repeat performance at Rumble.  “It was a big fight for me because Murillo has fought wars in the ring.” stated Ries.  I have a ton of respect for Jose, knew that he would come forward and would not quit so we put together a dirty boxing strategy to beat him in the clinch and not on the ground where he thought we would want to go and it worked.”   Work it did, as the Moose battered and bruised the aging warrior for 3 rounds with a combination of knees elbows and dirty boxing tactics. 

Enter Santana Martinez who enters the cage with almost as many fights as Murillo and is known for the same tenacity and drag out brawls as the former and you have a recipe for an amazing co-main event.  Martinez will no doubt seek to add another plus to his current record which reads like a who’s who in both columns of Colorado mma with wins over Grudge fighter Vinnie "The Assault" Lopez and Bellator veteran Aaron Romero and losses to Ramico Blackmon and Josh Cavan.

“I expect Santana to come in every bit as tough and prepared as Murillo states Ries.  The last couple of years have really been a struggle to dial myself in, get my diet in check and conditioning right.  

Santana Sol Martinez

We took some fights at different weights that proved I need to be back at 155 and possibly even lower. I guess we will see but for right now I feel better than I ever have!”

One thing is certain we will see at Steel City Rumble 10 and that is fireworks when Bruce Ries and Santana “Sol” Martinez collide.

For more information log on to steelcityrumble.com Tickets available at Colorado State Fair Box Office.

Press release courtesy of:

M&L Landscaping, Print Pros, Anderson and Lopez attorneys at law and Wicked Paint in Pueblo.

The Importance of Drilling and “Proper Sparring” in MMA

I have said it before and often that one of the biggest downfalls of the popularity in the sport of mma is that it grew too big too fast. What ensued after the popularity boom of the late 90’s (and still continues today) was a mass race to cash in on popularity, perceived cash flow, and social status. The end result was a mix of good and bad with the bad being largely unregulated less than credible instructors, trendy wanna-be tough guys, non-standardized curriculum and sometimes greedy promoters looking to make a buck.  To this end, the fact that anyone can rent a storefront, hang a sign and say they are an mma school can make finding a place to train a sometimes daunting endeavor. 

GO HARD OR GO HOME?

I have seen gyms that base their entire syllabus only on sparring and rolling hard every class. These are the knuckleheads I often hear coaching cage side who's idea of corner instruction is relegated to: “BE STRONGER” or “TAP HIM OUT!”  Now, let me follow the aforementioned statement with my affirmation that yes, sparring is important but of even more importance is where it lies within your overall training regimen and how it’s structured.  If you take one thing from this article take this “Sparring without proper drilling is useless.”  Let me expand by taking for a second Manny Pacquiao or any other high level boxer during a pre-fight camp where making a living is on the line.  Sparring is purposeful and pre-planned with each session focusing on individual attributes, defense, or offense that is being emphasized for the upcoming opponent. It is based upon controlled drilling, specific pad work to reinforce the behavior and solidified by starting slow and building the response in a free flow environment i.e. sparring.  If the fighter is worried about getting his head taken off every session, he will revert to what is natural for him to do and never absorb the new behavioral patterns. This becomes even more apparent in the world of mma where trainers are often faced with the task of transforming wrestlers into strikers and vice versa.  If the fighter in question enters every sparring session with a “balls to the wall” mindset he will always resort to his base and will largely remain the same fighter over the course of his career, one dimensional and predictable. When you couple this with the injuries that tend to result as part of this teaching method it becomes painfully apparent that neither participant is learning, merely only testing their manhood to the enjoyment of fan boys turned coaches who believe sparring is the fight and not a tool.

Drill the Skill

Technique sessions should beget drilling sessions which should in turn be broken up into various scenario options with variables on ways to lead into the desired behavior.  

Example:

As part of my program I often teach the left hook sets up the double leg with the penetration step to the left side of the body. Now, upon breaking down the individual technique of left hook, change levels, step through and turn the corner I will begin the drilling process.  This often looks like:

1. Jab, Cross, Hook Go.

2. Then, Hook Cross Hook Go.
3. Then adding defense I may add in the context of pad work jab, slip his cross, hook and shoot etc. breaking the technique into different lead ins to get there.

4. The fighter should reinforce the pattern with a live partner loose and lightly adding the normal prefixes like exchanging jabs or kicks before hitting the new technique set.  You can round robin this approach with different partners to get different feels with the end result being that by using platforms and building intensity slowly the fighter will gain newfound confidence and comfort using the sequence in real time.  Also, a good segue into hitting the combination is to ascribe a codename for it that only he knows cueing him in sparring to hit the go button when as a coach you see opportunities arise while in the 3^rd party perspective  of the corner.

The resounding lesson here is that sparring is not a fight, it is a tool that should be used to reinforce desired behaviors, work functional cardio, gain experience, dissect shortfalls and prepare you for success.  Pissing contests belong in barroom brawls, not in the sport of mma. Train smart, fight hard and succeed!

Gabe Charboneau MMA Coach, Presenter, Speaker

                                     

Gabriel Charboneau

Martial Arts Resume

·         Wrote the first Anthropology work on cultural and ethno-geographic similarities of the Polynesian Warrior class (“Toa” Contrasts in the Island Warriors 2001)

·         One of very few accepted from the mainland to learn and study traditions of  the forbidden Hawaiian Warrior art of Lua at Kamehameha in the Hawaiian School system (Nu’uanu Hawaii)

·         Member of Lua Halau O’ Kaihewalu Hawaiian Martial Arts Society

·         Highest ranking Filipino Martial arts instructor in Southern Colorado specializing in striking, boxing grappling and weaponry arts as well as mixed martial arts (32 years)

·         Recognized by worldwide Kaptiran Mandirigma Association of Filipino martial arts instructors under Shelly Millspaugh, Kyno Valle, Tim Mills and Jhun Pecao

·         Recognized Instructor World Kali Silat Organization (Negros Occidental Philippines)

·         Certified instructor in JKD concepts under Richard Aragon (boxing, trapping, striking grappling)

·         Brown belt in Japanese Aikido Sensei Henry Duran

·         Green belt in Shotokan karate Sensei Leroy and Louanne Razo

·         Endorsed by Vee Arnis jitsu trainers of Special forces and law enforcement (Sensei’s Eric Lalone, Mike Swayde and John Petrone)

·         Endorsed by World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee and Judo Blackbelt Donnie Martinez

·         Endorsed by Jacksons MMA Manager Rick Kottenstette and former Jacksons matchmaker Dickie Chavez

·         Endorsed by noted boxing and mma management firm Mezereon Managements, Lisa Hudson Webb

·         Endorsed by Colorado State Athletic commission members for professionalism (Eric Heinz, Ginny Mackelroy and Master Level Instructor Tim Mills.)

·         Endorsed by UFC level boxing trainer former GTC Striking Coach and head of Finisher Boxing Paulino Ibarra.

·         Endorsed by Tale of the Tape Radio owner, Tapout Magazine and Ultimate MMA Worldwide writer and BJJ specialist Adam Villareall

·         Endorsed by former owner of the world’s largest MMA Management firm and MMA legend Ken Pavia.

Have trained in the following other various martial arts over the span of the last 30 years:

·         Southwest representative for constellation  Afro Carribbean combatives via the foremost experts on the subject in the United States, Kawaun Adon and Daniel Marks of Brooklyn New York and Zab Judah’s gym in 52 blocks, Western boxing  and traditional martial arts of the Diaspora

·         Traditional Polynesian and Maori Martial arts under Make Clawson of Laie, Hawaii, Dr. Pita Sharples, Matai, Siaosi Talitimu and Iriangi a Tiakiawa

·         Saylor Japanese style Judo and Juijitsu James Branson Marquina and Eddie Armijo

 (Japanese Judo and traditional swordsmanship)  Judo under Blackbelt and Hall of Famer Donnie Martinez

·         Indonesian Thai and SE Asian styles under Guro Bob Orlando, Guro James Branson Marquina, noted authors Chas Clements and Steve Gartin and occasionally Dan Inosanto or his styles representatives Mike Brewer and others.

·         Filipino Kickboxing “laban sa tama” Guro James Branson Marquina

·         Traditional Meso-american martial arts Kyno Balles and Manuel Lozano

·         Wrestling under National Champion Mark Villalobos, Larry Wagner and Elite World class Coach Keith Wilson along with submission grappling under Tori Adams and Donnie Liles

·         Boxing at Olguin’s Salt Creek Boxing Gym, Armando Montoya, Gareth Pacheco, Leroy Baca, AJ Yamar Resto, and others

Accomplishments

·         Former MMA, Toughman, boxing, grappling and no rules Stick-fighting competitor

·         One of the first mma competitors in Colorado circa 1994-98 alongside Nate Mardquart, Duane Ludwig, Ron Waterman and other pioneers such as Donnie Martinesz, Oscar Martinez, and Joe Montalvo etc. (Lone wolf tournament and Bas Rutten invitational an early UFC talent pool tourney)

·         Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for contributions to the martial arts Pueblo Warrior Conference held at Sangre De Cristo Arts Center in 2002.

·         Traveled with 11x World Full contact and WKL hamp Angie Hayes as head coach to Amaan Jordan where she became the first female fighter to ever compete in public there

·         Designed the first implemented program in the country (Team Pueblo) to use the sport of mixed martial arts as a platform for philanthropy which would also become the pedestal behind Colorado’s biggest show tens of thousands of dollars raised for charity and countless man hours in the service of our local communities.

·         Secretary of the Board for Bully Management inc. which works to use athletes as a conduit to speak out against bullying and its negative social effects in schools.

·         Pueblo Sheriff’s Department CQC tactics instructor for commander Mccain

·         Fort Carson Military Police Police CQC Instructor (Special Response Team)

·         Led the top #2 and #3 mma team in Colorado 2009/2010 (source: MMA buzz.com)  advocate for change in format to present Team points concept.

·         Coached more champions than any other gym in Pueblo Colorado and its surrounding area spanning over 27 title champions not counting out of area athletes.

·         Led international MMA Business Development and Marketing team for 3 years alongside top personalities Matt Lindland, Ken Pavia and former UFC competitor Bill “The Butcher” Mahood. (Takedown Fight Media)

·         Developed small local promotion into Colorado’s biggest concurrent running mma show averaging 3000-5000 an event steelcityrumble.com and fightbrigademma.com

·         Matchmaker and or key resource for over 26 MMA shows across the Southwest.

·         Founder of Colorado’s one and only professional coach and corner-man camp with Doc Alex Constantinides (Ringside physicians association, Sports weight cutting expert Neil Kirby, Corner-man Haven Torres and others.

·         Founder and promoter of the first MMA Awards show in the Southwest Colorado 2009-2010 which targeted Southern Colorado Fighters and their achievements but included statewide promotions and nominees

·         Multi-time invitee to the world’s most elite grappling/combat sports camp CBD Tuff Camp with Team Nogueira head wrestling Coach Eric Albericcin, Matt the Law Lindland, Keith Wilson, Enrique Montiel, former San Francisco 49r’s player and Olympian Steve Neil and Olympic coach Tadaaki Hatta

·         Multi Time guest instructor “Rocky Mountain Combat Conference” alongside elite tactical instructors.

·         Have been invited as a guest seminar instructor at over 50 gyms, conferences, camps and other training opportunities over the years.

  

Has worked with, ran training or mitt-work sessions for, aided in camp strategy or other MMA duties for:

·         UFC featherweight Jon Dodson

·         Strikeforce IFL competitor Donnie Liles

·         Sharkfights competitor and knockout artist Jeremy the Grizzly Kimball

·         Top Elite female Tori Adams

·         11x World full contact champion Angela Hayes

·         Former TUF competitor Ran Weathers

·         Sharkfights/Strikeforce veteran Lionel Lanham

·         Legacy Fights Donnie the Bomber Bell

·         Team Nogueira coach Eric Alberricin

·         UFC competitor Eddie Yagin

·         XFS champ and Marine MMA Team champ Jered Lowe

·         KOTC veteran Ryan Axtell

References, Letters and Testimonials:

Paulino Ibarra former Grudge Training Center Boxing Coach Denver-

"Gabe is more then a coach and trainer he's more of a professor historian on the sport. He's educated on what he teaches and is always a student of the game. He lacks no heart and puts it in his teaching. He's one of those real trainers you want to be around to learn all you can from him.Don't let the opportunity pass to work with Professor Gabe Charboneau". Recommended by me Paulino Ibarra @Finisher Boxing!

Mike Swayde MMA Instructor Certified strength and conditioning coach and MMA competitor-

"I met Gabe Charboneau while fighting in his second Steel City Rumble promotion. Since that time I have moved on to becoming an MMA instructor myself with students of all ages. Kuya Gabe has been not only an outstanding promoter and MMA coach, but also a mentor to all who come in contact with him. His knowledge of combative sports exceeds most. His willingness to assist other coaches and teams is always present. I have the utmost respect for not only his coaching skill, Martial Arts knowledge, and innovative techniques, but also his moral compass and dedication to his students, family and his efforts to improve the communities that surround him. I cannot say enough good things about Gabe, nor could I recommend him any more highly". - Sensei Mike Swayde, Bushido Sei Shin Jitsu Instructor

Neil Kirby- Strength and conditioning coach, weight loss specialist for sport athletes author of An Athletes guide to scientific weight cutting- "Gabe’s training is Top Notch, not to be missed!"

JR. Gordon Owner and head Content Writer at MMA Buzz- (attached)

Ken Pavia Owner at MMA Agents (attached)

Adam Villareal (attached)

Zara Shirwin, Publicist UK MMA (attached)

 

Gabe Charboneau MMA Coach, Presenter, Speaker:

Following are a few visual slides that will help you gain get a better insight to the the mind behind Manupyourstandup.  Gabriel Charboneau is available along with Strikeforce and IFL athlete Donnie Liles and or womens elite Olympic competitor Tori Adams for lecture, individual or group training, seminars and or fight camps. Professional to beginner level padwork and implementation strategies.

Lecture topics can include: Personal power, Keynote address, Gang intervention and or anti-Bullying topics (age specific) or the business of mixed martial arts.   Please send all email inquiries to: gabe@nuworldmedia.com

The Mad Dog Bites Back

Liles Eyes Big Stage Not looking past Craven

October 2nd 2012 Pueblo Colorado-War will be waged October 27th in Colorado Springs Colorado as the "Mad Dog" Donnie Liles takes on  veteran Bryant Craven at Evolution Combat Sports fight night produced in association Lashley Management.
(http://www.evolutioncombatsports.com/liles.html)  Liles, 14-6 175 lbs will seek retribution after a rare formally contested and controversial decision loss against Joey Villasenor on June 2nd at the Hard Rock Cafe in Albuquerque that aimed to derail Liles 5 fight win streak. Both Craven and Donnie Liles see the upcoming bout as a pivotal point in their careers that will largely assess the direction they move next.

Gabe Charboneau, Liles longtime mentor and striking trainer maintains that the marquee value is still there provided the right opportunity. "Donnie has everything it takes to remain a valuable asset to any organization who picks him up whether Bellator, UFC,  or any number of the other up and coming savvy promotions." He is marketable, skilled and never loses sight of the discipline and work ethic it takes to compete at that level whether it be in training here with us at Ultimate Performance/Pacific Warrior or cross training with Drew Lawrence and our friends at ATT/Pariah in Colorado Springs. I don't have to push him, he's a professional who knows what needs to be done and just does it".  This relentless pursuit of perfection is evidenced further by Liles continued string of victories over reputable up and comers, veterans and undefeated prospects who have recently made it on the latest season of TUF. One thing is for sure, Donnie Liles is here to stay.

The October 27th Evolution card will feature a slew of other talent including Donnie Liles UP/PWIA stablemate pro Bruce "The Moose" Reis who makes his return to the cage after almost a year of inactivity. Reis will have his hands full when he squares off with Jose Louis Murillo who enters the cage with almost 25 fights to his credit  Southern Colorado fight fans get ready there's a steam train a-comin.

Colorado Pro All Stars Set For War!

The minds behind SCR bring Fight Brigade full circle Pueblo, Colorado August 9th 2012-The Final Pro roster for Fight Brigade’s anticipated Colorado vs. New Mexico II at the 140th Colorado State Fair was unveiled Wednesday. The event, slated as one of the hottest mixed martial arts tickets in Southern Colorado memory will take place during the Fair August 24th and features a slew of pro veterans and exciting newcomers.” stated matchmaker Gabe Charboneau. This is the quality of card one could only expect to find at such a historic event for Pueblo. Below is released Pro lineup. The General leads the way Ramico Blackmon vs Martin Sano In the exciting 170 lbs main event former Olympic wrestler standout turned fighter Ramico “The General” Blackmon of Colorado Springs will meet the talented Martino Sano of Team New Mexico.

“I’m so stoked for this bout” stated Charboneau. “It is very timely with the recent Olympic coverage and especially now with Blackmon’s team mate Clarissa Chun bringing home bronze in England.” “Having had the opportunity to cross train with Ramicos camp many times over the last year I can say that he is far beyond the one dimensional image that his wrestling stature might have you believe, his game is very tight.”

And tight it will have to be to beat Sano. The 915 MMA champion currently maintains a 90% TKO average and will seek to nullify the relentless takedown attacks and pace of The General to launch some vicious strikes of his own. The Captain and Aide de camp Jeremy Kimball vs. Richard Villa

In the exciting co-main event, SCR veteran and knockout artist Jeremy “the Grizzly Kimball will match hands with veteran Richard Villa of New Mexico. In his last Steel City Rumble outing, Kimball bested Shark-fights and Strike-force veteran Artenas “Chico” Young for a decision victory that left the fans clamoring for more. Villa, a very talented striker in his own right is not to be judged by appearance. At 5 foot 8 and 185 lbs he looks a far cry from his normal 55 lbs weight class, tell that however to middleweight Rocky Ramirez of Jacksons MMA who suffered defeat at the hands of Villa on the Jacksons series 8 show June 2nd.

“I became an instant fan of Richard the moment I saw him fight Diego Brando, stated Gabe Charboneau,” This is the guy who won the last TUF series and this little cholo looking kid was giving him all that he could handle!” “Once I began looking further I saw that he had a good record of 12-5, was a King of the Cage feature fighter and had competed against a lot of talent holding wins over Drew Fickett and Danny Davis.” One punch can end it all in this fast paced co-main event. Man at Arms Prentice Ingram vs Russell Wilson Once an overlooked local talent relegated to fighting outside his hometown, “The Menace” as he is known has come full circle. A three year veteran of the Steel City Rumble series, Prentice Ingram returns to the platform that launched him to steel city household status for an encore performance of Pueblo Ass-kickery.

The 2009 KO of the year award recipient continues his path to greatness and has shown a dynamic mix of takedown defense, strategic striking and 5 round cardio over his last few fights. He will undoubtedly need it when he faces Russell Wilson of Albuquerque New Mexico. Let’s take a closer look at Wilson.

A 4-0 pro veteran Russell Wilson hails from the grail of New Mexico wrestling “Lovato Total Fitness.” Head coach Lenny Lovato is one of the top wrestlers to ever come out of the land of enchantment and he breeds that champion drive into his fighters. His pro roster of “cut from the same cloth” athletes includes sons Mikey and Lenny who Wilson is proud to call teammates. Russell, not one to be complacent with having a single skill set also trained for some time under the tutelage of renowned striking coach Ray Yee and considers himself as comfortable standing as on the ground. Prentice “The Menace” Ingram will be holding down the hometown fort for the Steel City as the two collide at the gates of the pro card. Welcome To The Hurt Locker Marcus Edwards vs. Dustin Center

Set as the staging point for the main card of the evening, one of the hottest products in Colorado MMA Marcus Edwards of Denver will take on Jacksons protégée Dustin Center. In an era of super athletes like Jon Jones, GSP and Silva, Marcus Edwards epitomizes that continual gravitation toward an evolutionary milestone in the sport. He pushes a breakneck pace and possesses a spring-like agility that allows for unorthodox attacks from traditionally awkward angles. He can wrestle and strike on the run and blends the two effortlessly in a package that belies his recent transition to pro.

Enter the Center, Dustin Center that is. The former wrestling standout from Ohio trained in Muay Thai in its homeland and was heralded as one of the top prospects of 2010 before 2 losses forced him to refocus and head to another mecca, that of Jacksons mma in New Mexico. Oddly enough the beginning of the evenings pro entertainment could as equally be the main event and the minds that brought you Steel City Rumble and the first mixed martial arts event in history to the 140th Colorado State Fair are proud to see this dream come to fruition for Southern Colorado. For more information log on to fightbrigade.com Tickets available at Ticketmaster outlets or at the Colorado State Fair Box Office For additional information call the info line at 719-214-4049

Exclusive! Seasons Beatings Bell and Lowe Set Sights on December ROF

Seasons Beatings

Bell and Lowe set sights on December ROF

By Liz Solano CFL Publicity department

November 22, 2011 Pueblo, CO- Tis’ the season, the familiar smells of cider, pumpkin and spices fill the air. Thoughts of family, food and the impending sound of both ringing registers and jingle bells heralding the arrival of December. And while Santa’s proverbial elves are hard at work preparing for their 4th quarter overtime rush so too are Mixed Martial Artists Donnie Bell and Jered Lowe who will make their respective debuts at Ring of Fire December 17th in Denver. The PWIA/Roughhouse veterans, both since displaced to other cities around the U.S are ready to return and hammer home their indelible mark on this Happy Holiday season.

Captain America
Jered Lowe Returns Home

For US Marine Corporal Jered Lowe serving up an ass whooping comes as natural as serving his country. The 21 year old from Southern Colorado has garnered an unblemished amateur record of 5-0 fighting both at home and abroad. A proud member of the US Marine Corp Fight team Jered was featured in Marine Magazine and recently returned from competition in Beijing China where he bested local favorite Wang Peng in under a minute. And while barely of legal age to drink, Lowe fights with an unmatched resolve and wisdom well beyond his 21 years. However, at Ring of Fire December 17th he will need every tool in his soldier arsenal to take on Grudges highly touted Cody Mumma for the Young Guns 205 lb. strap.

CFL: Jered, tell us about some of your accomplishments it’s been a hectic 2 years for you.

JL: (“laughing”) Yeah well, where do I start? I recently got married to my wife Emmie who is home in Pueblo. I am originally from Lamar Colorado and have been fighting since I joined the Marines. I just got back from fighting overseas in China which was a huge honor for me as an amateur. I am the current 205 lb. CFL champ, and am now 5-0.

CFL: Wow sounds like you have been busy, who are you training with?

JL: It’s a combination, when I am here in San Diego I train with the Marines at The Compound and Bellator vet Sean Loeffler he's been great and guides me a lot out here. When I’m home, I train with the coaches and guys from PWIA and Roughhouse they have been with me since day one.

CFL: Any thoughts of going pro?
JL: Coach Gabe and my coaches here have talked to me about it. I’ll probably go pro sometime next year but I’m not in a huge hurry I want to be battle ready when that day comes.

CFL: So, Ring of Fire one of the biggest cards around are you excited? What do you know about your opponent?

JL: Just that he’s a strong wrestler big and hulked up. And yeah, I’m always excited when I get to fight at home and especially on a big card like ROF. As for game plan, I just work hard and prepare myself for whatever comes and let my coach’s map out the strategy they think would be best. Hopefully, if I show well and win this title the promotion will continue to give me opportunities because it’s the show guys like Duane Ludwig, Nate Mardquart and a lot of those guys got their start on.

CFL: Well, looks like you know exactly which direction you want to go any shout outs or last words?

JL: Of course! My Sponsors: Columbine Chateau, Inkd Out and Wicked Rigs. Conquest MMA, “Take a Nap” clothing and PWIA/Roughhouse. “Big” Sean Loeffler and the crew. My friends, family and wife Emmie. And most of all God and my brothers serving in the US Military.
Thanks for having me!

Hitman for Hire
The “Other” Donnie Bell has a hitlist

In the blockbuster movie The Bourne Identity, our hero played by Matt Damon is an ex-CIA agent who due to a failed asassination attempt develops amnesia. And while possibly not as dramatic a situation, a similar twist of mistaken identity hits close to home for ROF competitor Donnie “The Bomber” Bell. “There is another Donnie Bell who fights out of Colorado.” states the fighter, his soft spoken Texas drawl ever apparent. “That Donnie who fights at heavyweight is older, I fight at 155 and he is not a pro so we always have to be clear when talking to promoters.” Similar in name only, “This “Hitman” Donnie Bell is 155 lbs of solid muscle with a strong wrestling pedigree and extensive early mixed martial arts resume. He will face the daunting task of taking on unbeaten wrestling prodigy and Grudge product Justin Gaethje at Ring of Fire Young Guns Dec 17th. We caught up to Donnie recently who despite making his home in Grand Prairie Texas, has ties to the PWIA Roughhouse fight camp in Colorado often employing their support for cornering strategy or for pre-bout preparation. Here’s what Donnie had to say:

CFL: Does it bother you when people mix you up with the other Donnie?

DB: Not really it is just a detail that we try to warn promoters about beforehand it takes an extra step in the process of negotiating a fight. Especially if their wondering how I can cut to 55 from heavyweight.

CFL: You have been on a tear as of late Donnie tell us about your training regimen:

DB: Well I don’t like excuses and never want to think that others may be training harder than me. I try to stay in the gym and the staff at Metro Flex sports science in Arlington always pushes me to the next level. I’m blessed to have a great training gym in The Fury MMA with good coaches and partners, and I am bringing in the folks from Roughhouse up in Colorado again for this camp. I haven’t had the chance to work with Gabe and Donnie since we fought and won on the Jacksons series and they can benefit me a lot for this fight.

CFL: Tell us about how you see this fight going?

DB: I know he’s a real good wrestler and that’s obviously something he’s going to rely on, but I always believe that people change and adapt especially a gym like Grudge so I am preparing for wherever he would like to take it. I do me, have a lot of faith in myself my training and god and that gives me the strength I need to push the limits every time I train.

CFL: So this being Ring of Fire is a big step for you Donnie what’s next?

DB: I take it fight by fight and remain humble so I don’t get caught up looking past the guy in front of me..

CFL: Thanks for taking the time who would you like to thank?

DB: My friends and family who support me, my mom Sharon, Metro-Flex, F.W. and Team the Fury. All of my training partners, coaches and management, Will Florentino, Gabe, Donnie Liles and Colorado Fam, Ring of Fire and God without whom nothing is possible.