Posts Tagged ‘Lights Out Promotions’

Climbing Back Up the Mountain: Chase Gormley a Heavyweights Journey

Posted: August 1, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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chaos5

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Realizing a dream, and living one are completely different animals. The first is beset by big league aspirations where hard work and determination get you to the big show. The later is rarely an ambition until the earlier is in the rear view mirror. Most mixed martial artists dream of making it to the UFC. Few have the foresight to learn how to stay there.

Early success often teach harsh lessons later in life. Athletes often mature physically way before they develop mentally enough to handle such success. Chase Gormley (9-4 MMA) at one time was 6-0 with only 2 decisions to his credit. He was exciting to watch, and his powerful hands left opponents asleep and the fans cheering. His size, strength, grit and blue collar mind set made him ripe for the picking. And before he was ready, like many others, Gormley was plucked from the regional vine and thrust into the maelstrom of The UFC.

Physically he was a gifted specimen and riding the win streak when the UFC came knocking Gormley was more than willing to open the door. “When the UFC calls, you answer the call!” Gormley said. “My first fight was cancelled because my opponent was injured.” This led to a long layoff, which left him out of peak form, and according to the lumbering heavyweight “The UFC is not the place for you to knock off the ring rust!”

That rust was removed rather quickly by 7 foot heavyweight Stefan Struve, who was able to submit Gormley with a triangle choke in the first round of their fight. The first fight in the UFC for Gormely, ended with his first loss as a professional.

Chalking it up to the aforementioned ‘ring rust’ Gormley returned at ‘UFC Live 1 Vera vs Jones’ and faced a very tough Brendan Schaub. Ready to make his splash in the big pond, Gormely was set to make his mark. The fight lasted just :47 seconds.

In just :47 seconds Chase Gormley went from ‘Promising UFC heavyweight’ to being cut by the promotion after just 2 fights. Wondering what was next? Gormley continued fighting on the regional circuit. Alternating wins and losses, his once promising career now toiled in the balance.

“The love wasn’t there anymore!”, Gormley said. “I was only training twice a week, the losses started building, and I just lost the love!” Gormely said. “I retired, because I didn’t have my heart in the sport anymore.”

For almost 2 years, Gormley was content to remain ‘the guy that made it to the UFC’, but a phone call from a well known UFC fighter changed everything. “I got a call from Roy Nelson, who wanted me to help him train for the Cormier fight.” Gormley said. That phone call reignited the fire that once fueled a promising career.  After that training camp Chase returned to training but this time with a completely different mind set.

Winning his first fight back (a tune up fight in Kuwait), Gormley is now training full time with several different teams. Currently working with Antonio McKee’s Bodyshop, Mark Munoz’s Reign MMA, and with Tracy Hess at Subfighter, Gormley is again looking to make a name for himself as a fighter. This time, he plans on taking his time and building slowly to become the kind of fighter who can stay at the top!

His next test is against savy cage veteran Tony Lopez (34-14 MMA)  at ‘Chaos At The Casino 5‘. Lopez, a well known So-Cal native has fought in every major organization except the UFC. He has notable wins over Kyle Kingsbury, Wes Combs, and Joey Beltran, and is looking to build a winning streak for one last run in the sport. This fight will test Gormley, a test he is ready for, pass or fail.

A more matured Gormley although optimistic, is very measured when he discusses his chances. “Tony is no slouch, the guy has fought all over the world.” Gormley said. “I know he is real tough, and win or lose its a good situation for me. If I can beat him its a huge win, and if I lose then I will know what I have to work on, its a win win situation! ”

For Gormely each fight used to be the last. As a young fighter his physicality alone was able to carry him all the way to the UFC. Now that his technique and demeanor have matured, he seems back on course. Still fairly young, the future is again ahead of the once promising heavyweight. Chase Gormley has been to the top before, and there is no reason to think he can’t once again achieve his octagon dreams.

For now though, Gormley continues to climb the mountain one step at a time. Each foothold is secured, and each harness fastned. His movements are deliberate and planned. No longer living punch to punch, a more mature fighter is left again at the foot of the mountain. His goal this time is not only getting to the summit, but this time Gormley is making certain he stays on top!

 

 

 

 

Tony ‘Kryptonite’ Lopez: Time to Right The Ship!

Posted: July 24, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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KOTC TL22

For Lights Out Promotions Ticket Info: http://www.teamlightsout.com

 

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

At the end of the day the sun sets. “Time waits for no man” my teacher Mr Procacinni used to say. As an athlete your window of opportunity is limited. As a fighter, that window is even smaller.

At 40 years old Tony Lopez(34-14 MMA) should be looking back at his career with a margarita in one hand and his lovely wife in the other. Time would have you believe his best days were behind him, and maybe they are, but make no mistake Tony Lopez is not done fighting. He is motivated again, and that makes him a very dangerous animal.

More often than not hindsight is very cruel to the older fighter. Hanging on too long leaves bitter memories that are hard to shake away. Those cautionary tales are usually punctuated with a once granite chin now fractured. Guys like Chuck Liddell who once took a freight train to the jaw, now crumbled as if a button had been pushed.

You can’t paint Lopez with that brush though. Sure he has lost a few fights and those fights are the reason he is still lacing them up. “I have really messed up my career with the last few fights, and now I want to put together a win streak and end on a high note.” Lopez said. Refreshingly honest from a man who at one time was a fighter no one wanted to face.

At 6’5 and near 225 lbs, Lopez has fought in pretty much every weight class between 185 and super heavyweight. His fantastic stand-up, defensive wrestling, and iron jaw made him a nightmare of a prospect for even the most seasoned opponent. Lopez at one time held three King of The Cage Titles concurrently (Super Heavyweight, Heavyweight, and Light Heavyweight),  and has notable wins over UFC veterans Wes Combs, Kyle Kingsbury, Darril Schoonover, and Joey Beltran.

For Lopez his career is coming full circle. Now back with his original coach Colin Oyama, Lopez has his weight where he wants it to be, and appears to be in prime form. In his way is heavy-handed striker Chase Gormely.

Gormley is hungry and looking to get back to the UFC. A win over Tony Lopez would certainly be a feather in his cap. However Lopez is not ready to be a stepping stone, and if Gormely is gonna add his name to the win column he is certainly going to have to earn it.

“I know Chase, he is going to come out and bring the pressure from the start.” Lopez said. “He is gonna try to get me against the fence or take me down, so I have to remember not to give up good positions, and it should be my fight all the way”

For Lopez the chance to right the ship in his own back yard is priceless. His last fight in California although a victory was marred with controversy, when Lopez held a choke too long after the referee tried to stop the fight. A contrite Lopez accepted his suspension, paid his fine and re-applied for a license, which he was granted.

With his past transgression as his only blemish in a otherwise amazing career Lopez deserves this shot at redemption. A measured redemption. One not rewarded with gold belts, but with the honor and dignity that a warrior like Tony Lopez deserves. Who knows when his fighting days will end? He already has another fight lined up in Hawaii after this bout. With his chin intact, and his ticket selling striking style, Tony Lopez will continue.

Warriors like Tony Lopez don’t fade away into obscurity, they ride off into the sunset, of their own accord!

 

Tony would like to thank his wife, whom he credits as both his inspiration and his motivation.

 

Tony Lopez is Sponsored By:

Avengers Cycle

Iron Fist

Unbreakable Mouthguards

Reps For Life Gym

Tony is also available for MMA fighters looking for private lessons at his Gym Planet Krypton

Contact him on facebook for information

 

 

For Lights Out Promotions Ticket Info: www.teamlightsout.com

 

 

Past, Present, and Future The Supernova From Moldova Marina Shafir

Posted: July 18, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Marina Shafir

Marina Shafir

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

All Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

The Past:

Pedigree can only carry you so far. God given ability without a champions work ethic may get you to the dance, but it certainly is not enough to ensure your tenure at the top. Becoming the best is one thing remaining there however, is a completely different animal. One only tamed by embracing the grind that accompanies everyday training. Champions live, they don’t simply exist. They are fueled by a different fire, cut from a different cloth. Sacrifice their only constant, and pain their only guarantee.

For Marina Shafir, that sacrifice began long ago. As a world class Judoka, Shafir cut her teeth competing against some of the best judo players in the game. Along the way becoming very close friends (“sweat sisters”), with UFC Champion Ronda Rousey. Together they trained to become the best, along the way forming a bond that would continue as Ronda transitioned from Judo to MMA.

“I have seen her transition from an athlete to a machine” Shafir said. “We used to eat peanut butter whole wheat bagels, because that was all we could afford. Now each meal is planned and only the finest fruits and ingredients! Its overwhelming to think about how much she has evolved to become this champion!” Shafir said.

The gulf between hype, and champion is wide. The chasm is filled with the crushed potential of pretenders who although once promising,dared to contend. Proper preparation is the only way across this divide. Still, there is no guarantee. Walking the tightrope of expectation can be a daunting task even for the most confident.

However for Shafir the motivation is simple. She fights for her brothers, she fights for her mother’s brutal honesty. She fights for the gym in Moldova her father opened to keep kids off the street. “I am my mom, I am my dad, I am made from them! I fight for them, for the last name they gave me. Not to make me something, but to make our name something.” Shafir said. 

In a world where prize fighters fight for, well…the prize, Shafir’s take offers a fresh breeze in a rather stale locker room full of hyperbole.

The Present:

The past is a majestic world filled with accomplishments, and stepping stones that have led to this moment. Unfortunately the present for Shafir is a cruel bitch named reality. Sure the reasoning is pure. Yes, her camp is sexy. But without the wins nobody cares. The great WWF manager Jimmy Hart was once asked why he dressed the way he did and he said, “The minute I dress like everyone else, I’ll have to sit with everyone else!”

And although not a wiry weasel with a megaphone, Shafir is not unlike Hart, at least for now. Until its her turn, she is perfectly content playing her part. As long as she is still on the players side of the fence. To stay there Shafir must simply do one thing, win!

Without the wins, the ends just won’t justify the means. Justification resumes August 10. On trial, will be Amanda Bell. At only 1-2 Bell would appear like fodder for the touted Shafir, however a close look at Bell’s amateur career reveals a glaring TKO win over Shafir’s teammate Jessamyn Duke. So, the plot thickens…well…a little anyway.Bell a well known grappler is a tough test for Shafir, however she is confident in all aspects of the game.

“If she wants to stand and bang, we can stand and bang. If she wants to grapple, well thats fine too we can grapple.” Shafir said. “I have been training very hard on my striking with Edmond Tarverdyan and would like to showcase it[my striking], but you have to see where the fight goes.”

Wise beyond her years, Shafir has a patience that allows her to enjoy the ride, without taking anything for granted. A ride she is extremely grateful to be on. “I really want to thank my coaches and training partners (Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke, and Jemyma Betrian), they all know who they are! My mom and dad, for making me, and George Bastmajyan for booking my fights.” Shafir said. “George goes out of his way for all the fighters, not just me. He is easy to fight for. I want to put on a good show for him!”

The Future:

Trusting in uncertainty is your best bet. At least it is when you are built fundamentally sound. Each building block serves as a stepping stone for the next. Each step rewarded with another waiting to be taken. The future is only a breathe away from the present, and moments from being in your past. Marina Shafir walks in some pretty big footprints, that carry high expectations. Unlike Rousey, Baszler and Duke, Shafir fights at 145 lbs. A weight class that doesn’t even exist in the UFC. However she believes its only a matter of time before it does. Maybe Shafir can serve as the defacto 145 lbs ambassador as Ronda did, to help usher in the new weight class. Maybe a stint in Invicta will be on the docket. Either way her patience and her surroundings never let the future blind her.

“I can never get lost in the shuffle, because of the people around me.” Shafir said. “You are the company you keep, and my company is pretty fucking cool!” Shafir said.

Wherever the future takes Marina Shafir, and whatever it holds for her, one can only make an educated guess. It may be here… It may be there.. However it will never be far from her past, and it will never be far from where she currently sits, whether on the brink or years past the break, Marina Shafir like her moniker claims, is a Supernova. The light from a distant burning star that can last long after the star itself fades.

It may not be set in stone, but it appears to be a ‘sure thing’, that in the sport of MMA Marina Shafir’s legacy will burn on, long after she is gone.

 

 

Marina Shafir trains at Glendale Fighting Club and is Sponsored by: Virus, Cucuone, Core Power

You can follow Marina Shafir on Social Media Here: Twitter, Facebook

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‘Chaos in The Casino’ A Night of Combat: MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai

Posted: December 2, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Sevak Magakian unable to walk, but still gets the win!

Sevak Magakian unable to walk, but still gets the win!

By:Jonathan King The Clinch Report
Photos By:John Walsh The Clinch Report

What makes a great mixed martial artist? If you were to create a sort of MMA ‘Frankenstein’ what characteristics would you start with? The myriad of skills that make up a fighter can be debated for ages, as to which is the most important. However, there is only one that cannot be taught: Determination.

There have been many instances where a fighter has simply refused to loose, despite injury or adversity. Team Hayastan fighter Sevak Magakian (13-4 MMA) is the latest artist to enter that pantheon of gritty, scrappers that make this sport such an enjoyment to watch.

Early in his fight with TUF Alumni Chris Saunders (10-6 MMA) at ‘Chaos in The Casino’ at Hollywood Park Casino, it became apparent that Magakian suffered a devastating leg injury. Later on the extent of the injury was revealed to be a dislocated ankle, and a broken leg! Not only was he able to finish the round, but with a double leg take down, and his counter strikes, Magakian was able to win the frame.

Once in his corner, a look of concern washed over everyone in the corner. Magakian told his coach Gokor Chivichyan the extent of his injury. However, quitting was not an option. So, into the second round he limped.

Once again Magakian was able to land the cleaner strikes, and again appeared to be building a clear advantage with points. Saunders who began attacking the injured leg, for some reason relented his assault, and ended up playing right into Magakian’s game plan.

Once the third round began, Saunders appeared to be in desperation mode, but a foot injury also hampered his efforts. Magakian was able to cruise to a unanimous decision victory, in a fight that will be remembered by all who watched as one of the most incredible displays of courage ever witnessed inside of a cage.

Unlike the cliche states, not every ‘win is a win’! In this case,  a win defines much more than a number in a column. In this case ‘the win’ represents the best in people. Magakian has a bright future ahead, one that will certainly place him on a larger stage, however this fight maybe the one that defines him best.

Lights Out Promotions also featured several Muay Thai and Boxing fights that evening as well, making it an all round combat sports card. Please check out the photo gallery bellow.

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