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

Donnie Liles Victorious again at MFW

Colorado Springs, CO June 28^th 2013- To the delight of a capacity hometown crowd Friday night, Donnie ”Fear the Beard” Liles outfought, and outmaneuvered  a game Jason “The Juggernaught” Clayton for a hard fought first round submission victory as the main event of Made For War.  The rematch proved to be every bit as action packed as fans had hoped with continuous back and forth action that had Liles starting strong then seemingly in trouble after a glancing knockdown and tight standing guillotine.  Demonstrating his mettle, Liles transitioned smoothly from two on one to crotch lift to a sit out that created a scramble and escape with him standing over Clayton raining shots.   Defending well, Clayton seemed to be regaining composure when Liles with foot in hand unexpectedly sat back for the fight ending heel hook victory and submission of the night honors.  With this win, Donnie Liles advances his record to 16-6 with his only blemish in his last 8 fights being a decision loss to Joey Villasenor in the Jackson fighter’s hometown.  He has compiled a growing number of accolades ranging from top 185 lbs. pro in Colorado to multiple fight and submission of the night honors. Unbeknownst to many, Liles was also one of the final cast cuts for this season’s launch of the Bellator reality series in late December a move that most would agree was to the detriment of the network and promotion as Liles popularity, action packed style and trademark beard continue to grow.   One thing is certain, a revolution is forming around the Fear the Beard movement and Donnie Liles, cannot and will not go ignored for long.

For booking and or sponsorship information:

Gabe Charboneau

gabe@nuworldmedia.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.

Respect & credit your wisdom By Gabe Charboneau

Respect & credit your wisdom
By Gabe "Kuya" Charboneau

The sport of mixed martial arts often times today presents a double edged sword:

The great thing about MMA today is it allows easy access to training.
The bad thing about MMA today is it allows easy access to training. 

When does access become too easy and the wisdom imparted by a good coach or instructor undervalued?  The great coaches of our era are fast becoming extinct.  Men with names like Eddie Futch, Cus D'mato, and many others who's lives read like an encyclopedia of knowledge on the subject of combat. 

In today's society if one wants to learn from Greg Jackson, Freddie Roach or any of the famed Gracie names one has only to log on to you-tube to obtain a private one on one.  For the right price one can simply "send away" for an internet learning program complete with the instructor who will fly in periodically to belt your students in an odd format that allows white belts to teach so they can continue to generate enrollment for the academy. This creates a situation where the head of the program is forced to rank the instructor of the academy in a matter of months vs the traditional method so the new white belts can advance their stripes.  Still others, claiming no allegiance to any one gym or school utilize the drop in policy and relaxed atmosphere most mma gyms maintain under the guise of "cross training." They are often welcome to the same quality of instruction enjoyed by the paying full time students at a fraction of the cost and once fulfilled are able to move about freely to the next academy.  Right or wrong, this is part and partial of the sports continuing development and man's unquenchable thirst for want it all and want it now.

What is the value of a good teacher?

To this end I maintain that the best coaches are bound to their students by chemistry.  One has only to see the relationship between Freddie Roach and Mannie Pacquiao to realize that the magic made by those two may never have happened between another combination.  In era's past the student had to gain the trust and acceptance of the teacher, tasks were assigned and standards set to gain entry to the inner sanctum.  Respect, loyalty, sweat and hard work were not only expected but demanded. I am a firm believer in preserving the teachings and contributions of the old guard so that this knowledge may be shared for generations to come. This lies at the heart of the paradox described in the first paragraph of this article.  It cannot and should not be taken for granted.  It has become too easy to gleam once guarded material and continue to do so with little regard for the source from whence it came. I had to travel around the world over the years for my martial education. I saved my money and went to the sources to get it. I never expected free, was respectful and worked hard. Along this journey my pads have touched the gloves of elite level pros and beginners alike yet I have never failed to credit knowledge shared with me. Even today if working with another coach or instructor at their gym I ask permission if there's something I particularly like and I ask them if I may reshare it. 

Teaching is often soul work and most fighters today pay little for wisdom gained over a lifetime of a good coach. Honor them by helping their teachings live on

Gabe Charboneau's Pacific Warrior MMA CMTA's newest affiliate gym.

Pacific Warrior MMA and Bombers boxing in Pueblo, Colorado have joined the ranks of the Colorado Muay Thai Association.  Pacific Warrior Island Arts Academy, long known as a premier source for striking instruction and a destination for SE Asian combat arts in Southern Colorado looks to uphold the proud tradition that founder "Kru Oscar Martinez" of Colorado Muay Thai has become synonymous with in the region. "We look forward to continuing the organizations efforts to build a localized platform for Thailand's national sport." Stated Coach Charboneau of PWIA.   "There are so many beautiful regionalized variations of the art throughout South East Asia, from Thailand, to Burma, Cambodia to the Philippines and we are proud to perpetuating the rich cultural traditions of the area.

More info on the CMTA can be found below:

We established the Colorado Muay Thai Association in 2011 with the goal to promote and protect the art of Muay Thai.  Our focus is to increase the overall awareness and participation in the sport.  Our mission is to spread the popularity of the sport within the State of Colorado and to provide fighters with a platform to showcase and grow their skills through certified instruction, world class seminars, amateur tournaments and promotions. 

Our judges and referees have been trained under the direction of the Sport Authority of Thailand and WBC Muay Thai licensed referee and judge Dej "Nokweed" Sri-Ampai. 

Check out our membership page on more ways that you can become involved in this community

Donnie Liles Says “Fear the Beard” Wins at No Mercy

March 22^nd 2013 Colorado Springs CO- The shaven head and magnificent beard that has become the trademark of Strikeforce and IFL Veteran Donnie Liles are fast becoming a brand that stands for high impact slams and bone twisting submissions.

True to that brand, Liles defeated veteran Michael the “Minister” Riggs in short order Saturday at No Mercy Extreme Fighting with Riggs succumbing to a ligament stretching arm bar early in round one.  With this win Liles moves to 15-6 overall.  Striking trainer/mentor Gabe Charboneau stated, “Donnie has had so much success over the last several years and has made a very public sentiment that he will not back down, will not be ignored and will do what it takes to retain his standing on the bigger stages.”

His career has not been without its share of setbacks however, as he was released from the final roster of the Bellator Reality show just prior to entering production and a secondary offer on Bellator’s New Mexico debut fell through just two weeks prior to the show due to an opponent injury.  

Liles Ready For War

Charboneau adds, “If you look at Donnie’s last seven fights, he’s won and or dominated every one earning several fight of the night and several submission of the night honors in the process, he definitely comes to handle business.” Left in the wake of the aforementioned carnage were then and since undefeated Jason “The Juggernaut” Clayton, Pete "The Weapon" Spratt, Seth Baczynsky and the highly touted Jeremy Kimball of Team Wildman.

The only blemish of his longstanding win streak was a 3 round decision loss to Strike force/Pride veteran Joey Villasenor as the headline event on the Jackson’s MMA series. (Noteably held on the reservation in Villasenor’s backyard.)  The decision was subsequently contested via the Isleta tribal commission yet despite video review and a lengthy appeal process,  the decision held firm in a mire of red tape and unanswered calls.  

Moving Forward

Donnie Liles continues to push forward in his quest to regain his former glory.  Returning to his early roots with Fight Factory (Now Pariah MMA) in Colorado Springs he is armed with a list of short term fight obligations, elite training partners and new found optimism.  The trademark scowl and bearded appearance that have become his hallmark cry marketability and echo the resounding warning.. Fear the Beard, Donnie Liles is here.

Sponsors and or booking agents may contact:

gabe@nuworldmedia.com