Posts Tagged ‘Up and Comers’

The future for Chris ‘The Cutt’ Honeycutt seems bright, Relive his MMA Debut!

Posted: January 28, 2016 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King

Photos By: John Walsh

Chris ‘The Cutt’ Honeycutt (6-0 MMA) is set to take on Bellator MMA’s Paul ‘The Gentlemen’ Bradley in a rematch of their first fight that ended in a no contest, due to an accidental eye poke. Honeycutt, a former all american wrestler and NCAA finalist now a welterweight, has long been considered one of the top prospects in the sport. His unique combination of speed and strength, coupled with his dominate pedigree make him a legitimate threat to the Bellator MMA 170 lbs division.

His first professional fight took place in January of 2013, under the ‘Up and Comers’ banner in Palm Springs CA. His opponent Jesse Torres came in looking to keep the fight standing, however his plans were quickly scrapped with the first single leg of the day.

Honeycutt then went on a 4 fight tear before signing with Bellator MMA, picking up the UPC 185 title along the way. Making his debut at 170 lbs in September of 2014, Honeycutt has remained undefeated picking up 2 notable wins over former UFC fighter Aaron Wilkinson and the previously undefeated Clayton MacFarlane.

A win over Paul Daley will certainly put Honeycutt on a short list of fighters worthy of a shot at the 170 lbs crown.

 

The American National Team Set for Brazil

Posted: January 11, 2016 in Combat Sports
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The Breaking Point: Amanda Jones Tosses her opponent to the mat at The Fighters Source Finals

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report
Photos By: John J Walsh The Clinch Report
Photos By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

Harrah’s Resort Southern California served as the host as Fighters Source finalized the champions in their National mixed martial arts tournament. Each participant earned their way to this point by winning previous competitions across the country. With the champions earning a trip to Brazil to represent the United States in a competition against their host nation.

With so much at stake, the commitment of the fighters stood out first and foremost. With many fighters riding undefeated streaks one might think that protecting that zero was of primary importance. That sentiment quickly got thrown out the window as fighter after fighter came into the cage chomping at the bit; ready for a donnybrook.

The resulting carnage left an indelible mark, perhaps the world of MMA may have found their minor league.

Many fighters stood out on the entertaining card. But these two made the most impressive statements.

1: Amanda Jones: Jones systematically dissected her opponent and did so with clinical precision. Coming in the smaller of the two fighters, Jones needed a few moments to figure out Elizabeth van der Horst’s reach, but once she did the fight was never in question. Jones stepped on the gas about half way through the first round, but did so without getting sloppy. Knowing her opponents grappling pedigree, Jones alternated between securing position and posturing for strikes, when the fight was grounded. On her feet she bounced in and out of her opponents range and changed levels effectively well.  The bell tolled for van der Horst about 20 seconds before the end of the second round. Jones, utilized her position to quickly toss her transitioning opponent with one arm to the mat. If that didn’t punctuate the round, the vicious shot at the end of the frame certainly did. van der Horst could not continue and quit on her stool before the start of the 3rd round. With the win Jones not only secures another amateur title, but earns her spot to compete in Brazil as a representative of the United States.

2:Ahmed White: Grappling is truly an art form. Ahmed White was able to display his prowess with a slick triangle finish over a very tough Nick Lancaster, early into their middleweight bout. Once the bout made its way to the mat, White quickly elevated his legs and set up the finish with an effortless stroke.  Lancaster did his best to survive, and seemed to be fighting the choke effectively, however once White cleared his opponents arm he was able to cinch up the technique forcing the stoppage. White could possibly be the best of all the athletes on the ground, and could turn some heads in Brazil beating them at their own game!

Joining them in Brazil to round out the talented American team are Edwin Rivera, Patrick Mix, Justin Gonzalez, Justin Vazquez, Courtney King,  and Alexander Lopez.

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Fighters Source National Finals: The Organization of The Amateur Ranks

Posted: January 8, 2016 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

“The Pedigree of Honey does not concern the Bee!” Dickens

One of the most consistent problems in the burgeoning sport of MMA has been and continues to be, the opacity of pedigree. Countless times undefeated amateurs step up in competition only to learn a very painful lesson: State to state, organization to organization there really is no way to measure pedigree in amateur MMA.

Hopefully ‘Fighters Source’ can alleviate that problem, or at least increase the discussion. ‘Fighters Source’ team owner is ‘Up and Comers’ promoter Jason Weiner in concept is quite interesting. Essentially teams were set up in different cities around the country, featuring the top talent in that specific area. Those teams then took on other teams in a round robin tournament across the country. This accomplished two tasks with one fell swoop. First it collected the best fighters in a region, then through natural selection (in this case winning or losing fights) the elite began to emerge.

Not only is the concept intriguing to avid fight fans, but it seems to be translating to the general public as well. The semi finals leading up to this event were the first ever amateur MMA fights shown on network television. The CBS Sports Network covered the semi finals, and will also be televising the finals which takes place on January 9th at Harrahs Resort of Southern California in San Diego.

One of the finalist is local fighter Amanda Jones (4-2). Jones who fights for the San Diego Valor has been one of the busier fighters in the area the past year competing in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts. She will need utilize all of that experience tomorrow when she takes on a very tough Elizabeth Vanderhorst (3-0). Vanderhorst who fights for the Syracuse Gladius team comes into hostile territory ranked #5 in the State of New York.

In other competition Alexander Lopez (12-3) a local fighter who also competes for the San Diego Valor team will be taking on Brooks Conley (7-1) out of Alabama. Both fighters enter the bout as their States respective #1 contender, the winner will leave with the ISKA National Welterweight Title.

In total the event will feature 15 bouts, with 8 titles on the line. However glory is not all that is on the line. The winners will also receive trips to Brazil, where their fight training will resume with some of the pioneers in the sport. With so much at stake, the fights will certainly be closely contested. However there is more than just individual glory on the line. This promotion could be on to something that could change the sport entirely.

The consolidation of amateur ranks will serve as a better feeder system to the professional ranks. Major League Baseball has a national amateur system (AAA, AA, A etc), The NFL uses the NCAA the same way, the NHL (AHL) has the minor leagues and the juniors systems, and the results cannot be argued. Those that emerge are battle tested, vetted, and in most cases conceptually able to live the life of a professional athlete.

Amateur Mixed Martial arts is often one sided and generally not very appealing to the average fan. However this promotion could very well change that way of thinking. Bringing together all of the regional scenes, in a national setting may very well end up being a game changer for the sport. As the standard continues to improve with promotions like this perhaps too will the meaning of the amateur record. At one time we lauded amateur pugilists as national heroes. The Fighters Source could be the avenue the sport needs to take. After all the Fighters Source may end up becoming the”Golden Gloves” type of minor leagues the sport of MMA has been needing.

For more information on the promotion go to:www.fightersource.tv

Below is the entire Main Card for Fighters Source National Finals at Harrahs Resort of Southern California

 

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UPC 18: ‘Up and Comers’ Champions Arise in the Desert

Posted: January 7, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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And Still……

By: Jonathan King ‘The Clinch Report’

Photos By: John Walsh ‘The Clinch Report’

Not many are born into the UFC as professional fighters. Most rise through the regional rankings, fighting in front of half empty houses, and usually with very little that differentiates the scrap from a back yard brawl. UPC or “Up and Comers” is a promotion that offers the same grass roots level MMA, but with a much classier look and feel. 

The Agua Caliente Casino plays an amazing host, featuring a professional ‘in the round’ arena, that has stadium seating and atrium concessions, just like the big events in Las Vegas. Promoter Jason Weiner does an amazing job creating this environment, that really allows the fighter to feel like an athlete performing on a grand stage.

As a promoter, all one can do is set the stage, eventually though the fighters have to hold up their end. If you sign a contract to fight, the least you can do is show up! UPC  “Up and Comer’s 18”  was one of the oddest fight cards in recent memory. Only one fight went the distance, another ended early in the 2nd frame. All others, lasted less than 5 minutes. Among the winners were Jaime Sierra, Kyle Stewart, Chris Honeycutt, Everett Cummings, and Steven Swanson. 

Chris Honeycutt was able to defend his UPC Middleweight title while dominating his opponent throughout the first round. Although Jake Gallagher was able to defend at first, Honeycutt’s smothering attack and relentless pressure forced the TKO stoppage late in the first round. Honeycutt, now stands undefeated at 4-0, and continues to be one of the sports top young prospects.

The night, however belonged to TRU MMA. Although Troy Guerrero lost a close decision (to a very gritty David Lopez), Jaime Sierra and Steve Swanson were able to get the hometown crowd charged up, with exciting stoppages. Gareth De La Cruz, however was left without a fight, as his opponent never showed up. 

Also having a big night were the military fight team from Fight Club 29. Coach Mark Geletko’s marines had a great night, as both Kyle Stewart, and Marcus Baungard were able to secure dominating wins. Unfortunately, a few other fighters also lost their opportunity too fight, because again, opponents never showed up!

Not every card can be a memorable night of fights. The hurt business can be very unpredictable. Last second injuries, and replacements can mar a fight card and cause resentment with the fans. However, in this instance both the commission and the promoter were not too blame. This time unfortunately, unprofessional fighters are the reason. It comes down to being a man of your word. One can only imagine the opportunity that was taken from another deserving fighter.

By not showing up you disrespect the sport, the fans, your opponents, and the martial arts in general. 

 

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

Posted: December 25, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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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/

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Chris Honeycutt Earns First MMA Strap!

Posted: July 21, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Cage Side Video By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

UPC Unlimited 16 took place at Agua Caliente Casino and Resort on July 20, and crowned the first ever promotional champion. Top MMA prospect Chris ‘The Cutt” Honeycutt utilized his wrestling pedigree to smother the heavy hands of Team Quest’s Manny Murillo in the evenings main event. The 5 round title fight was everything the fans expected it to be.

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Below you will find video of rounds 1-4. Round 5 will be added later.

The End of Round 5, sorry about the video issues.

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These videos and photos are the property of The Clinch Report, LLC all rights are reserved.

UPC 16 Streaming Live Results

Posted: July 20, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Amateur Bout #1

Sonny Sweet v Daniel Gonzales  145lbs

Sweet landings heavy hands and drops Gonzales. Sweet swarms, and takes the back sinks the choke, and forces the tap.

Rd 1 :38

Winner: Sonny Sweet Rd 1 via RNC :38

Amateur Bout#2

Jeremy Osborne v Arthur Powell 155 lbs

Rd1: Jeremy Osbourne scores a take down and pulls guard. The choke is in, but Powell escapes. Both fighters land hands. Powell lands a big right hand as he is poked, but Osbourne is out.

Winner rd 1 TKO Arthur Powell via TKO 1:50

Tim Quiroga v Alex Natividad 155lbs

rd1: Big hands from Quiroga have Natividad rocked, but he gets back to his feet, and both trade in the center of the cage. Now Natividad instigates the clinch, and presses Quiroga against the fence momentarily. Big body shot but Natividad, but both trade. Natividad lands some nice shots in the clinch.

Rd2: Back and forth exchange starts the round. Quiroga warned for a high knee. As the action restarts Natividad landing the better blows, and pressuring Quiroga against the cage. Natividad explodes off the cage with wild body shots that land. Rd comes to a close with Natividad in control.

Rd3: More dirty boxing in the clinch from Natividad. Quiroga looks gassed. His corner is pleading with him to get off the cage but he cant get away from Natividad. More pressure see Quiroga escape the fence, and land with a jab. Ten second left both fighter trade. Natividad gets caught and appears out, but it is after the bell.

Winner via UD Tim Quiroga Rd 3

Amateur Bout#3

Adam Lobatos v Tom Eaton 185lbs

Great takedown by Eaton, and he starts to soften up Lobatos with punches. Eaton looks to mount but as soon as he does Lobatos sweeps into guard and begins landing ground and pound. Round ends with byt shots from Lobatos.

Rd 2: Lobatos immediately lands with heavy hands, Eaton is hurt. Eaton able to grapple.  Eaton scores the take down, but he is cut badly. Eaton now in control, but he is bleeding badly. Rd comes to an end with Eaton in top position.

Rd3: Eaton starts out landing but Lobatos counters well and grabs a neck momentarily but Eaton breaks free. Eaton scores the take down, and starts landing from side control, then from north south. Lobatos pinned against the cage. Eaton looks for the choke, but Lobatos turns in. Now Eaton has the back. Round ends.

Winner Tom Eaton via UD Rd3

Amateur Bout#4

Sam Morales v Sammy Morales 145lbs

Rd1: Sammy Morales starts landing a flurry after a long feeling out process. He floors Sam with a leg kick. Sammy with an impressive two punch combo finished nicely with a leg kick. Sam Morales is able to land a few shots in the clinch, and draws blood from the mouth.  But we have Sammy landing the more effective strikes.

Rd2: Immediately Sammy lands a 1, 2. Just misses with the flying knee. Nice body kick by Sam. Sam starting to land a little more, but eats a few knees to the body.  However Sammy continues to land the more effective shots. More jabs and right hands from Sammy land. Rd comes to an end.

Rd3: Nice leg kicks from Sam start off the round, but Sammy responds with a knee to the body. Big kick to the body by Sam. Immediately lands a knee to the mid section, but its called low. Referee Larry Landless gives him a few minutes. Off the re set Sammy lands a nice counter body kick. Another right hand from Sammy. Nice left hand from Sammy lands stiff as the round comes to a close.

Winner via Split decision 29-28 Sammy, 29-28 Sam, 29-28 Sammy Morales 

Pro Bout #1

Miguelito Marti (1-0) v Gareth Del Cruz (2-1)

Rd#1 Veteran referee Larry Landless calling the action. Martil lands a jab as Del Cruz lands a nice leg kick, walks through a big shot, and takes down Marti. Marti back up. Del Cruz attacks the legs. Big shots from Del Cruz to Marti’s body, and hi pulls the guillotine from guard. Marti is out.

Winner: Del Cruz via Submission Rd 1 Guillotine 1:09

Pro Bout #2

Mike Ryan (1-2) v Steve Stryker (1-1)

Rd1: Referee Jason Herzog in charge of the action. Stryker immediately countering leg kicks with big right hands. Ryan very busy with the legs, but Stryer contnuews to starch him with the jab. Nice knee by Stryker. Ryan busted open.  Stryker lands a big left hand, and Ryan backs away, he has had enough.

Winner: Stryker via Submission due to strikes rd1 :59 

Jared Muir (0-0) v Dionisio Ramirez (5-?)155 lbs

Rd1: Larry Landless gives the last minute instructions. Dionisio  Eats a jab and a leg kick befor exploding with a left hand that sends Muir across the cage. Clinch by Ramirez, and he slams Muir to the mat. Now in side control, Ramirez works some elbows. Nice sweep by Muir, but Ramirez throws the switch and starts reigning down punches and elbows. He takes the back, Muir stands, but the choke is in he falls. Winner Ramirez.

Winner Ramirez via RNC rd 1 

TJ Davis v Adrian Cabral 155lbs

Rd1: Cabral lands a big right hand but eats a huge left. Davis is swarming. Cabral busted wide open. Bleeding from the nose rather. Davis grimacing as he throws, but here comes Cabral. Davis is on dream street. Big knee from Cabral. Both fighters are gassed as the round ends.  Great Round!

Rd2: Cabral comes out determined, and lands a big right hand that has Davis on his bicycle. Cabral takes the clinch, and starts landing big knees. Davis seems out on his feet. But he is still firing shots, and landing. Cabral lands forcing Davis to the mat, Punches reign down, and referee Jason Herzog has seen enough.

Winner Adrian Cabral via TKO rd 2 

Alex Gutierez v Jaimie Sierra 145 lbs 1:18

Rd1: Larry Landless is the man in charge. Sierra immediately lands heavy hands that have Guitierez scrambling.  Sierra takes him down, and slams him again. Gutierez is in trouble. Sierra swarming with shots. And the fight is stopped at 1:18 of rd 1.

Winner via TKO Jaimie Sierra rd 1 1:18

Donald Palmer v Everett Cummings 205 lbs

Rd1: Cummings aggressive at the bell landing a nice right hand, and immeditaely takes Palmer to the mat. Palmer tries to control the posture, but Cummings is dropping bombs. Referee Jason Herzog has seen enough.

Winner Everett Cummings via TKO rd 1 0:31

Manny Murillo v Chris Honeycutt 185 lbs Title Fight

Video will show later.

Winner Chris Honeycutt via UD 49-46 on all cards and is now The UPC Middleweight Champion of the World.

Rd1: Larry Landless in charge of this 5 round title fight.

 

 

 

Manny Murillo: Faith, Fighting, and the Quest!

Posted: July 16, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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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
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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/

 

Building off of Pedigree.

Posted: May 4, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Champions are made, they are not born. It takes years of work, unyielding dedication, daily sacrifices, and even a little luck to get to the top of the mountain. In the world of MMA, that mountain is made up of the souls you’ve defeated. Each victory brings with it a target, which beams brighter and looms larger, with each win.

There is a “Ying and Yang”, to be recognized in a sport early on in your career. Pedigree can open doors for you and exposure can add zeroes to paychecks, however the learning curve is steep and unforgiving. For every Peyton Manning, there is a Ryan Leaf.

So although those doors may be unlocked with your name, your performance ultimately is what keeps the doors open. For some this ‘target’ can be an uncomfortable burden, for others it can be their ultimate motivation. For Chris Honeycutt (1-0 MMA), the latter is true! “I’m used to having a target on my back!”, Honeycutt said. “That target on my back is a positive thing, it means I am doing the right thing!”

For many this ‘target’ carries with it extraordinary pressure to perform. Often times the anxiety to perform stifles the performance. This is not the case with Honeycutt. “If you don’t feel pressure you are not doing something right!” the affable young fighter said. “It motivates me, I don’t plan on being average, I plan on being the best.” Honeycutt said.


To ensure his success Honeycutt has surrounded himself with a top notch team of advisers, managers and trainers. Training primarily in Fresno CA, the east coast native has found a home at Dethrone Base Camp where he trains with owner and MMA legend Josh Koscheck (Fellow Edinboro College Alumni). Now training full-time under the watchful eye of John Salter and ‘Kos’ Honeycutt focuses on every aspect of the game.

Methodically he began to transition from the power wrestler, into a well rounded and disciplined martial artist. As rapid as his growth has been, each day at the gym serves as a reminder that there is still much to learn. “I have a hard time keeping up with these guys!” Honeycutt said. “It’s not easy working with Lavar(Johnson), Koscheck and Salter, but each week I’m getting more fluid, and more confident.” Honeycutt said.

When his future calls, Honeycutt will rely on the wisdom of his team. “DeWayne Zinkin and Bob Cook have been in business a long time, they guide my path.” Honeycutt said. For now, “It’s my job to get better and to train hard.”

Last year Honeycutt made his successful debut with the UPC Unlimited Promotion winning with impressively with his trademark ground and pound. With the win and a few more months on training under his belt, for Honeycutt the skies the limit!

His next fight will be May 11th in Fresno CA at the Sierra Athletic Club (For tickets http://upcunlimited.vbotickets.com/event/upc_15/3032) for the UPC UNLIMITED Promotion, and will also be featured on there June card at the Agua Caliente Casino.

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