Posts Tagged ‘Steve Swanson’

Cub Swanson Deserves, What Some Feel Entitled Too!

Posted: June 30, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
TRU MMA

Cub Swanson with Brother Steven Coach Joel Diaz and his TRU MMA Team

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

To begin the story of Cub Swanson (21-5 MMA), lets start halfway through the tale, to eliminate the 300 lbs elephant. In June 2009, Swanson ate a knee :08 seconds into his fight with Jose Aldo that ended the night for Swanson. ow he lost has since been the screw his haters turn whenever Swanson gets close to that title shot again. The problem is, it appears the UFC is listening, or at least agreeing.

Cub Swanson is a throwback fighter, in a world where title shots are talked into existence, Swanson prefers to let the wins pile up. His 6 fight win streak was punctuated with a 5 round dismantling of Jeremy Stephens at UFC Fight Night. Still after the win Swanson stayed true to his mantra, “I don’t beg!” Swanson said. Should he have too?

His current win streak has seen him beat Denis Siver, Ross Pearson, Dustin Poirier, and Charles Oliveira, as well as the aforementioned Stephens, with four of those six wins coming via stoppage.

Currently champion Jose Aldo is set to face Chad Mendes in Los Angeles in August. What is odd is that the same stereotype that haunts Swanson (vicious loss to Aldo) should also haunt Mendes (who was also KO’d by an Aldo Knee), however for some reason it doesn’t. Both fighters have been on a roll since the tile loss. Mendes has maintained an unblemished record, where as Swanson stumbled once when he was caught in a triangle by former title challenger Ricardo Lamas. (A fight Swanson was dominating before getting caught in the submission!)

So, whose next? If the UFC had its way, they would probably lobby for Connor MacGregor. Who is quickly replacing Chael Sonnen as the mouth of the UFC. Will he be able to talk his way into contention? What happens if Mendes gets hurt while preparing?

Hopefully Swanson’s status as a headliner at a Fight Night Event, was the UFC’s way of seeing if he was a viable headliner. As the UFC grows glaring hole has been the amount of legitimate headliners that can sell a PPV. Recent declines in numbers have people wondering if the amount of events (some weekends now how 2 events!) have watered down interest.

Sure this is all conjecture, and monday morning quarterbacking, but I question anyone to find someone more deserving of a title shot than Cub Swanson. Its been 5 years since he lost to Aldo the first time. In that time, no featherweight has shown more improvement. Each win has been punctuated by drastic improvements.

Swanson is also not the type to ‘ride out a win’. As his win over Stephens showed, even when clearly ahead on points, Swanson is constantly looking for the finish. Winning decisively is not enough for ‘Killer Cub’, he has to finish. This determination is what makes him one of the UFC’s most entertaining fighters to watch.

To deny a fighter what he has earned, because of what others perceive is shameful. It reduces effort, and makes the sport look more and more like a popularity contest, than a combat sport competition!

Maybe if the sport was actually regulated by the ranking system already in place, we wouldn’t run into these issues. The Bottom line is the UFC decides who fights who, not the rankings.

We can only hope that the deserving, and the anointed are one in the same!

Up and Comers 18 Live From The Agua Caliente Casino

Posted: January 4, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
1

First Fight: Marcus Baungard v Levi O’Connell 135 lbs:

Rd 1: Brief exchange before Baungard lands a huge left right combo that drops O’Connell in a heap. Referee Maylan Ayers calls a stop too the bout.

Winner:Marcus Baungard via TKO Rd 1 :13

Second Fight: Jesse Basillio v Christian Santiago

Rd 1: Crafty hands from Santiago land several hard shots. Basilio able to take them and then reverses position on a takedown.  Both back to there feet. santiago rolls through and takes Basillio’s back. Choke looks deep as time is running out. Larry Landless sees the tap and halts the bout with only seconds remaining.!

Winner: Christian Santiago via RNC  1:49

Third Fight: David Lopez (1-0)  v Troy Guerrero (1-0)

Rd 1: Guerrero very loose with his hands, but Lopez staying tough and even lands a few of his own. Nice kicks from Guerrero but Lopez gets a leg and secures the take down. Lopez riding out the round in top position reigning down some serious Ground and Pound!

Rd 2: More aggression from Gerrero to start, and his takes down Lopez before letting him up. Nice combo before the clinch from Lopez, presses the action against the cage. Guerrero breaks free and lands a huge right hand.  Lopez hangs tough, and eats a few more hard shots from Guerrero. Lopez looks for a take down, but the round ends.

Rd 3: Busy legs from Guerrero, and a nice upper cut find there home.  Lopez leaking a little from his nose, as Guerrero gets the take down. Lopez looks for the neck, but Guerrero breaks free. Now looking for a leg, Lopez looking for the arm bar, but Guerrero roll through. Still has the arm, but Guerrero able to hold in until the bell.

Winner: David Lopez via UD (29-28) 

Fourth Fight: Chris Honeycutt v Jake Gallagher for 185 Lbs UPC Title

Rd 1: Deep leg kicks from Honeycutt, as Gallagher circles away. Honeycutt able to bring the fight to the mat, where he is able to obtain mount. Gallagher doing his best to stay alive, but punches are coming in bunches, and Larry Landless calls an end to the fight. Gallgher with the doctor for  prolonged period justifying a great stoppage by a veteran referee.

Winner: Chris ‘The Cutt’ Honeycutt via TKO Rd 1 and Still 185 lbs UPC Champion

Fifth Fight: Joe Cisneros v Everett Cummings

Rd 1: Nice take down from Cisneros as Cummings wraps up with the rubber guard, before closing the traditional guard. Nice roll through by Cummings, and he immediatley get an arm. Cisneros tries to break free but the tap comes quickly.

Winner: Everrett Cummings via Arm bar Submission And New UPC 205 Lbs Champion

Amateur Bout: Jeremy Barrett v Kyle Stewart

Rd 1: Kyle Stewart moving forward right away, a brief exchange leads to a clinch and Stewart tosses Barrett to the mat. Quick transition to the back from Stewart, and he pulls the RNC, forcing the tap/

Winner: Via RNC Kyle Stewart.

‘Lil’ Steven Swanson: “Organized Destruction” the Desert Breed

Posted: January 2, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
1

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Watching ‘Lil’ Steven Swanson fight is eerily reminiscent to watching his younger brother, UFC Fighter Cub Swanson. Both have aggressive styles, that lead too entertaining scraps that rarely contain a wasted moment. Going back too last year, Swanson was 10-0, at the top of a burgeoning division, and admittedly even he was drinking his own cool aid!

Then after dominating his 11th opponent for most of the fight, a flailing triangle choke from bottom came out of no where, and cost him the fight and his undefeated status. A few months later another submission loss followed, this time an armbar not only ended the  night, but caused a serious injury.

“It wasn’t just the ground fighting, my cardio was gone as well.” Swanson said.”What I have come to realize, is that 90% of people need to feel the loss, in order too stay hungry.” Swanson said. The consecutive losses not only gave Swanson perspective, they pointed out glaring holes in his game. Holes not in technique or in skill, but in his general approach too the sport. “When I was 10-0 I was on top of everything, I wasn’t training as hard, and I let my ego kind of slip in.” Swanson said.

Now, Swanson has rededicated himself too his craft. With younger brother (UFC Featherweight contender) Cub Swanson in his corner, the elder Swanson has learned to harness and organize his ruthless aggression. “One of the hardest things for me is the controlled aggression, because I want to go in there and rip there heads off, but if you throw a few of those swings, then there goes your gas tank!” Swanson said. “I’ve learned how to control that,  and its a lot harder than people think…to be calm when someone is wailing punches at you.”

With him every step of the way is his brother, sometimes with just a word of advice. “Its sometimes difficult for me being the older brother taking advice from my younger brother, but he is so level headed and so its hard for me to argue.” Swanson said. “I can’t tell you how much he has helped me, and when I’m fighting its all business!”

That business is thriving in the desert. “We are a different breed in the desert!” Swanson said. With the Swanson brothers, Dionisio Ramirez, Jaime Sierra, Gareth de la Cruz, Troy Guerrero, Christian Santiago and the rest of his TRU MMA teammates, it would be difficult to argue. Together they have amassed one of the most impressive records on the regional scene, placing several fighters on the UFC and Bellator MMA’s  immediate radar.

Swanson will make his next appearance fighting under the UPC banner, at “Up and Comers 18” on January 4th at the Agua Caliente Casino. As of the interview, he still had not received his opponent yet. “Typically I just look at the record, and watch a little video, but I dont like too dwell on him.” Swanson said. “I’d rather concentrate on my own training.”

For Swanson, the return to the cage offers a chance to display his new found “organized destruction” in front of a large crowd and in a grand venue. “Not only is the venue absolutely beautiful, its in my home town, and my family is from that tribe so it makes it that much sweeter!” Swanson said.

A win in front of his family and friends will not only return the elder Swanson too his winning ways, but it might be enough to carry him to the next level.

Tickets for the event can be found here: http://bit.ly/18QWiAE

And information about the Promotion and Event can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/552369111513557/

Fight Club 29: Mixed Martial Arts in Purest and Most Amazing Form

Posted: December 25, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Competition in its most basic form, exists simply, well,  because!  The desire to compete  does not require victory, or even decisions. As humans, it can’t be denied that in our nature is a fundamental desire too compete. Woven into the fabric of our being is the need to test our own skills against that of another.

Mixed martial arts offers a very pure form of competition that can satisfy that urge on a very raw, and basic level. Although it is cliche to compare fighting too warfare, as Josh Barnett once said, mixed martial arts is a ‘watered down’ version of combat. And although some people fight for the glory of having there hands raised, others find solace in competition alone.

Like fighters, soldiers are a different breed. They possess a different mind set, and the experience of warfare has offered some of them life lessons most of us cannot even imagine. The daily discipline, and regiment based life is not for everyone, and in many ways the daily goal based regimen resembles the training of a fighter in many ways.

At Fight Club 29 in 29 Palms California, head trainer Mark Geletko formed a fight team made up entirely of military members, mostly Marines and their immediate family members. Geletko, a  former  kick boxer with a strong boxing background first started the team as a way to stay in shape. “I started Fight Club 29 in 2005, when I first got returned from Iraq” Geletko said. Since then, the gym has seen a constant rotation of young men and woman, who are all at different stages of their military careers.

The reasons vary for those who choose to train at Fight Club  29 vary. “A lot of us, just need to stay busy!” Geletko said. “As military personnel, we all tend to be ‘Alpha’ personalities, but we are also very much team oriented.” Others train simply because they love to compete. “Fighting is a high level of competition, and a lot of these guys are just looking for the next challenge!” Galetko said.

Three fighters from the team are actually competing on January 4th at The Agua Caliente Casino, under the “Up and Comers” or “UPC” banner. Promoter Jason Weiner has been a constant friend to the Fight Club 29 Team, and is giving three of Galetko’s fighters an opportunity too shine on a grand scale. “Our guys love fighting for Jason, especially at Agua Caliente, they have huge dressing rooms, and always treat the fighters really well.”

Fighting on January 4th, are: Kyle Stewart 170 lbs  (4-1) who has completed 3 tours of duty, Justin Robinson Heavyweight (3-2) who is a fireman at 29 Palms and is also the current BATCH Fights Heavyweight Boxing Champion, and Omar Romero 185 lbs (3-0) who served in Iraq, and is a Purple Heart recipient. Ryan Donnelly (3-0) is not on the card, but is an Afghan vet who will be fighting for Cali Cage Wars.

“Currently we have about 12 guys, 8 are fighting in MMA.” Geletko said. “We even have one woman fighting for us, Kathryn Proudfoot (1-0) as a boxer.” Unfortunately, the military’s ever changing schedule only has each fighter averaging about 2 years of training, before they move on, or get out of the military. Its a transit fight club, but one that serves a very important purpose.

Unfortunately, recent military cuts have left the Fight Club 29 to rely on private donations. Currently companies like Oscar Mike, Dethrone Royalty, Bad Boy, and Ecko have helped out with clothing, but our soldiers deserve a lot more. For those interested in helping Fight Club 29 with either Gear, Equipment, or Financial support please contact MGeletko@yahoo.com.

UPC 18 will be taking place on January 4th. The card will feature 2 World Title fights, and Top MMA Prospects Chris Honeycutt, Steve Swanson, Everett Cummings, and Jaime Sierra will all be in action at The Agua Caliente Casino here is the link for details: https://www.facebook.com/events/552369111513557/

UPC-18-MMA-Poster

Cub Swanson’s “Beautiful Destruction” Philosophy Shows in The Desert

Posted: July 22, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
2
This video is owned by The Clinch Report, LLC all rights reserved.

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Before UFC featherweight contender Cub Swanson dismantled Denis Siver at UFC 162, he told a reporter that he wanted to display “Beautiful destruction”, Swanson said. That is exactly the picture he painted. Siver was outmatched by the aggressive Swanson who seemed to consistently be in his opponents face. That athletic, intelligent form of aggression is something as a fighter Swanson thrives on. As a coach, and one of California’s best young developers of MMA talent, that is what he demands.

UPC Unlimited 16 at the Agua Caliente Resort and Spa, featured several of Swanson’s TRU MMA fighters.  Both Dionisio Ramirez and Jaime Sierra brought that consistent pressure and aggression that is eerily reminiscent of their coach. Ramirez landed a jab that sent his opponent staggering, and then like Swanson, Ramirez utilized unrelenting pressure to take his opponents back and secure the choke, early in the first frame.

Jaime Sierra also won in dominating fashion. Sierra utilized his tremendous wrestling skills to dominate position, and immediately had Alex Guitierez in trouble. Once he was able to posture up, Sierra unleashed a swarm of stinging ground and pound that forced the stoppage at just 1:18 of the opening round.

With Ramirez and Sierra making waves with the UPC unlimited organization, and with older brother Steve at (12-1 MMA) the future looks pretty bright for TRU MMA. With Swanson racking up wins in the UFC, the present looks pretty solid too!

All Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Manny Murillo: Faith, Fighting, and the Quest!

Posted: July 16, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

UPC Flyer

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

A fighters bravado can ultimately be attributed to necessity. Mohammed Ali mastered the art of winning the fight months before the event, not in the ring but with his mouth. In mixed martial arts young fighters often need to voice that confidence, because otherwise they recognize the chance that they may loose. For some fighters, that possibility is crippling. For others, its part of the game.

For Manny ‘Seargant’ Murillo (5-1 MMA) its just part of the journey. Murillo found his way to the sport, like many others first as a fan. Then one day he decided to give it a try.”I started going to some of the smaller gyms in the area, and did really well on the first day against some of there best guys.” Murillo said.

The sport appeared at first to come easy to Murillo, until that is he found his way to the doors of Team Quest. It was an eye opening first day “Once I got there, I couldn’t move anybody.” Murillo said. “They were on a whole different level!”

With Dan Henderson as a coach and sparring partner the results are staggering. “Its really different with Dan.” Murillo said. “Standing toe to toe with him, is like having a lion charging at you.” Working with the former two division champion has improved Murillo’s game steadily. “Dan shows you something new each time you work with him, weather its a position, a technique, or correcting your posture, he has so much knowledge.” Murillo said.

Murillo is going to certainly need to channel his in inner ‘Hendo’ when he takes on Chris Honeycutt for the vacant UPC Middleweight title at “Up and Comers 16” July 20th at The Agua Caliente Casino and Spa. Honeycutt is a former NCAA finalist as a wrestler, and is widely regarded as one of the sports biggest prospects. Murillo though, seems prepared.

“I am sure his wrestling is going to come into play.” Murillo said. “We have been working specifically on that.” However, its not only Honeycutt’s wrestling that concerns Murillo. “Even though I’m sure he is gonna try to take me down, I think it is going to be more of a back and forth fight.” Murillo said.

Although Honeycutt has the clear edge in the wrestling department, Murillo is the more experienced striker. Murillo also maintains a huge experience advantage as far as cage time. Murillo will undoubtedly be relying on this to carry him through any tough situations, should Honeycutt obtain a positional advantage. “No one wants to say they are going to loose and neither do I, but in reality it comes down to who lands the better blows, and who can hold the better positions.” Murillo said.

Although this may be the biggest fight of Manny Murillo’s career, it by no means defines him. For Murillo it is just another stop on the journey. Faith is what defines Manny Murillo, not wins or loses. “I’m just thankful to be here.” Murillo said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPC 16: A Grand Stage for Jaimie Sierra’s MMA Debut

Posted: July 13, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

UPC Flyer

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Every amateur mixed martial artist anticipates the day when they will turn pro. The idea of finally being paid, as an athlete, is the type of career highlight that each fighter shares. However the path that leads to this decision is often quite individualized. Sometimes in life need arises that forces the decision, other times false confidence plays a role.

However, once you turn pro it counts. Amateur records can be excused but professional losses are difficult to over come. They can be especially debilitating early on in a young fighters career. This is why it is crucial for a young fighter to have a coach, or set of coaches that he can trust with essentially his livelihood.

Lucky for Jaime Sierra (0-0 MMA 5-0 Amateur Record), he has coaches that not only care about him, but they have garnered his total trust. “Cub Swanson is the man, he is my head coach, and I do whatever he says.” Sierra said. “He has been in this game a long time, and I want to be like him as a fighter, aggressive and always in your face!”

Many fighters have and are currently in the same exact position as Sierra, but according to his coach, he posses an intangible that very few fighters have. “He has that toughness, that you don’t always see in a fighter.” Cub Swanson said. “Jaime takes shots, but keeps moving forward.” This according to Swanson is something that can’t be taught. “He has good instincts.”

Recently Swanson said he has been working with Sierra on preparing for going the distance. “We have to train for a 3 round fight, so I want him to be patient.” Swanson said. “But I like my guys to finish, so I’d like to see a TKO!” The coach said with a chuckle.

Sierra will need to rely on those instincts when he takes to the cage on July 20th. “UPC is a big show, they have like two thousand people at their shows” Sierra said. The event will be held at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa, which is a larger than most of the regional venues.  “But I think I will be able to block it out.” Sierra said.

Sierra will be fighting on the same card as teammate Steve Swanson so the hometown crowd will definitely support his efforts, However once that cage door closes, it will be all up to him!

UPC 16 will be held JULY 20, at The Agua Caliente Resort in Palm Dessert. For more information on the event go to: http://www.upcunlimited.com/

 

UPC Unlimited Returns to Fresno: UPC 15

Posted: May 2, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
1
Error
This video doesn’t exist

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

The State of California has more mixed martial arts events than anywhere else in the country. So, very often the product becomes watered down. Many promotions have been in business for so long, that the display of exciting fights becomes secondary to running a business. This is why it is refreshing to see a fairly young promotion breaking through the model of ‘regional’ mixed martial arts promotions.  UPC Unlimited based out of Fresno Ca, has created an exciting environment for some of the sports best prospects!


Going to a regional event becomes that much more exciting when you see fighters that are destined for Bellator or the UFC. Much like the minor leagues in other sports, these regional promotions can and have developed some of the sports most recognizable names. Creating an environment for young fighters to grow while also allowing veterans to re-tool their games is the goal for every promotion. Consistently achieving this goal, is what separates UPC Unlimited from the rest of the pack.

The roster of fighters is quite an impressive mix of young stars, and savvy veterans including: Poppies Martinez, Steve Stryker, Steve Swanson, Billy Evangalista, Zac Bucia, Tim Eastom, and several fighters that are featured on NUVO TV’s Fight Factory including Ron Kessler, Chris Honeycutt, Gabriel Carrasco, and many other great fighters. The impressive and extensive roster allows the promotion and matchmakers the flexibility to stack several exciting cards in succession, that leave each fighter hungry, and each spectator enthralled.

UPC 15 is scheduled to take place May 11th in Fresno at The Sierra Sport & Racquet Club. For tickets go to http://upcunlimited.vbotickets.com/event/upc_15/3032.
If you are a fan of Mixed Martial Arts, this is a show you can not miss!

Up and Comers Unlimited XIV

Posted: January 28, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , , ,
0

By Jonathan King

Up and Comers Unlimited XIV at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Palm Springs California provided an extremely entertaining night of fights. Amateur fighters began the night, throwing with reckless abandon. All of these fighters made the most with the opportunity of fighting in a pretty large arena, and in front of a packed crowd.

With a total of 6 professional and 5 amateur fights, promoter Jason Weiner worked feverishly to produce an exciting fight card, even as the event was under way. In a very strange twist, Co Headline fighter Anthony Shifflet (0-2 MMA) disappeared after having his hands wrapped. Leaving Dethrone Base Camp prospect Chris Honeycutt without a fight. Honeycutt, who has been featured on NuvoTV’s “Fight Factory” had several family members fly in for his debut, including his father from China.

Weiner made the Honeycutt family’s trip worth while, finding a local fighter Jessy Torres (who was sitting at home when he got the call) to step in for the absentee fighter. His fighting spirit, enabled the co main event to go on as scheduled  However he ran into the juggernaut that is Chris Honeycutt.

Honeycutt was able to secure an early take-down  and transition to Torres’s back. Once he was able to flatten out Torres, Honeycutt began raining punches from the back mount forcing the stoppage. The crowd reacted with boos, as they thought the stoppage was early. However replay shows Torres was not defending himself.

Steve Swanson (brother of UFC fighter Cub Swanson) added to his reputation for finishing fights quickly, defeating Eric McMorris in just :17 seconds. Swanson immediately landed a chopping leg kick to McMorris’s knee, leaving the young fighter unable to stand. Swanson swarmed with punches that seemed academic as the referee stopped the fight.

Swasnon has now won his last three bouts in less than :45 seconds. At 10-0, Swanson seems destined to join his talented brother in the UFC. His power and speed will translate well in the UFC 125 lbs division.

Thoughts on UPC Up and Comers XIV: Jason Werner has created an incredible promotion that blends together a talent pool of young, hungry amateurs with seasoned professionals creating an intoxicating cocktail of fights for both the casual and the hardcore fight fan. Not many fighters ever get to fight in the UFC, but the UPC offers a great chance for those who are trying too, to showcase their skills on a large stage. A great night of fights!

Pictures By: John Walsh