I train jiu-jitsu because I decided I would not be a victim. One key component to training is to “Never give up”.  For me, jiu-jitsu is the one sport that teaches you what to do, when you are on the ground. As a woman, you need to know this. Women need to know what to do if a guy attacks them and takes them down. There are several martial arts in the world but this one gives me peace of mind. Jiu-jitsu has given me the ability to feel safe again and be strong, not only for myself, but for my son. I don’t live my life hoping someone will come to my rescue because now I know what I need to do. I am ready now. Training isn’t about hurting someone or attacking anyone. I don’t train because I expect to be attacked. I train to give myself the mental and physical strength and personal protection in this violent and selfish world that we live in. I decided I would not be a victim but a survivor. I went from being left to be a broken woman, to being a strong, and self-sufficient survivor.

Hard WorkPreparing for the cage

Many people think that it is easy to get in the cage, that there is nothing to fighting. However, it requires a lot. It requires time, dedication and sacrifice. These men and women all have a reason, a purpose to be doing this, but we don’t know their story. All we see are two people throwing it down in a ring or a cage. These two people aren’t alone. They have coaches, teammates, friends and families there with them.  As the fighters throw a strike or go for a submission in the cage, there is someone watching that is feeling each strike and take down with them, as their nerves are going through the roof.  I have so much respect for the fighters and I love to see the result of their hard work. 

Twin River Casino

March 11, 2016

CES XXXIII was full with great fights and expected results. This event had was also very special since a champ was given his wings on Tuesday March 8, 2016. #DStrong. All the fighters that went into the cage went in with a champ in their corner. A special thank you to all the staff of CES and fans for honoring an amazing young boy that night.

All pictures were taken by Medina Photography http://www.medinaphotography.net/p735413406, Combat Sports Nation provided all the results to this event.

CES MMA XXXIII QUICK RESULTS

1. Flyweight – Noel Arcibal (2-1) vs. Shane Decristoforo (1-2)

         Winner Arcibal via Unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26)

2. Featherweight – Shah Bachok (0-1) vs. Matt Tullos (1-0)

         Winner Tullos via rear naked choke at 3:46 0f the 1st rd

3. Featherweight – Shah Bachok (0-1) vs. Matt Tullos (1-0)

        Winner Tullos via rear naked choke at 3:46 0f the 1st rd

4. Welterweight – Cruz Johnson (0-1) vs. Gary Balletto Jr. (1-1)

         Winner Balletto via straight ankle lock at 2:37 of the 1st rd

5. Featherweight – Joe Pingitore (6-2-1) vs. Taylor Trahan (5-6)

         Winner Pingitore via TKO at 1:55 in the 3rd rd

6. Lightweight – Nate Andrews (8-1)vs Julian Lane (9-5-1)

         Winner Andrews via TKO at 3:58 in the 2^nd

7. Heavyweight – Greg Rebello (20-6) vs. Keith Bell (7-8)

         Winner Rebello via TKO at 4:58 in the 1^st

8. Heavyweight – Chaz Morgan (10-2) vs. Juliano Coutinho (7-2)

         Winner Coutinho via split decision  (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

9. Featherweight – Matt Bessette (17-7) vs. Taurean Bogguess (18-13)

         Winner Bessette via triangle choke at 2:41 in the 1^st

10.  Bantamweight title fight Andre Soukhamthath (10-3) vs. Kody Nordby (6-4)

         Winner Soukhamthath via KO (Flying Knee) at 1:35 in the 5th rd

Friday Night February 26, 2016

Foxwoods

What a great night at Lion Fight #28. For those of you that were not able to attend this amazing Muay Thai fight night take a moment to look at the play-by-play pictures taken by Medina Photography: http://www.medinaphotography.net/p966004451

Referees: Bryan Miner ands Banlu (Coban) Aniwest

Judges: David Gingsberg, Eric Colon and Suzanne Sanidad

PRELIMS- Amateur (6PM NON TELEVISED) our EXCLUSIVE Punch by Punch

1. John Nelson (Boston, MA) vs Andrew Murray (Boston, MA)

Winner Murray by unanimous decision 30-27 x3

2. Greg Muldrow (Boston, MA) vs Doug Holland (Wakefield R.I)

Winner Holland by unanimous decision 29-28 2x, 30-28

3. Jimmy McDonald (Boston, MA) vs Julian Nguyen (Worcester, MA)

Winner Nguyen Unanimous decision 30-26, 29-27, 29-28

4. Maria Kritikos (Lebanon, NH) vs Brandy Young (Cambridge, MA)

Winner Kritikos by Unanimous Decision 29-28 x3

5. Kyle Brenner (Naples, FL) vs Mike Triana (Worcester, MA)

Winner Traina by unanimous decision 30-24, 30-27, 30-27

6. Niko Qirjazo (Peabody, MA) vs Stergos Mikkios (Hartford, CT)

Winner Mikkios by unanimous decision 30-27, 29-28 x2

7. Turan Hasanov (Brooklyn, NY) vs Asa Ten Pow (West Palm Beach, FL)

Winner Pow by TKO (shoulder injury) :40 0f the 3rd

8. Yeison Berdugo (Providence, RI) vs Bryce Lawrence (Naples, FL) Winner Lawrence by ko at 2:03 of the 1st

9.  Chris Mauceri (Kingston, NY) vs Nick Chasteen (Phoenix, AZ) Winner Mauceri by ko at 1:55 of the 1st

10. Ky Hollenbeck (San Francisco, CA) vs Justin Greskiewicz (Philadelphia, PA)

Winner Hollenbeck via tko at 2:09 2nd rd

Co-Main Event Lightweight Title:

11. Ognjen Topic (Lodi, NJ) vs Sergio Wielzen (Amsterdam, Holland)

Winner Wieizen by ko at :50 of the 3rd rd #And New lightweight champion

Super Welterweight Title:

12. “Smokin” Jo Nattawut (Atlanta, GA) vs Cedric Manhoef (Amsterdam, Holland)           

Winner #AndStill Jo Nattawut by unanimous decision 49-46 x2, 50-45

The results were provided by Combat Sports Nation http://combatsportsnation.com/2016/02/28/3918/

1. Jose Lugo (Rivera Athletics) vs Nick Mancinone (FAA)

Winner: Jose Lugo doctor stoppage (after 2^nd round)

2. Derek Trahan (Santos) vs John Douma (Plus One)

         Winner: Derek Trahan unanimous decision

3. Aaron Paul (Rare Breed) vs Marty Kelly

         Winner: Marty Kelly TKO 3^rd round 1:07


4. Aaron Hughes (Tri-Force) vs. Sean Murrin (Carlson Gracie)


         Winner: Sean Murrin KO 1^st round :40

5. Chriss Marriott (Team Anubis) vs Sean Bettencourt


         Winner: Sean Bettencourt TKO 1^st round 2:25

6. Matt Alger (Rivera Athletics) vs Alrex Dolan (Independent)

         Winner: Matt Alger rear naked choke 1^st round 1:08


7. Jon Gruber (Team BKJA) vs. Gary Watson

         Winner: Jon Gruber TKO 1^st Round 2:11

8. James Collins (Rare Breed) vs Marty Naves (Lakeville)


         No Contest

9. Richard Santiago (Rivera Athletics) vs Ryan Kane (Juniko)


         Winner: Richard Santiago rear naked choke 1^st round 2:27

10. Jose Rivera (Thornton MMA) vs Joe Giannetti (SSSF)


         Winner: Joe Giannetti unanimous decision

11. Don Shainis (Redline) vs Kris Moutinho(Rivera Athletics)


         Draw

12. David J Espino(Team Trifecta vs. Max Barrett (Juniko)


         Winner: Max Barrett 1^st round TKO

13. Dan Dubuque vs Manny Bermudez (SSSF)


         Winner: Manny Bermudez unanimous decision

14. Keenan Raymond Kay Ray vs Peter Barrett (Juniko)

Winner: Peter Barrett (doctor stoppage)

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