Freesyle Combat Challenge 41

Welterweight Spotlight: Gerald Meerschaert of Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy

Last Friday at Madtown Throwdown 16 – Red, White, and Bruised; Racine resident and Freestyle Combat Academy fighter, Gerald Meerschaert defeated Mike “The Volt” Vaughn with a rear naked choke submission in the second round. Vaughn is the owner and head instructor of Blast Martial Arts in Madison, Wisconsin and holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the world famous Marcello Monteiro and held a (2-1) MMA record going into the fight with his only loss coming at the hands of Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis in 2006. With the win Meerschaert ups his MMA record to (7-2) with five straight wins, all of which have come in 2008. Meerschaert’s last loss came a year ago in August against Pancrase and Deep veteran, Daisuke “13” Hanazawa of Osaka, Japan.

In February at Freestyle Combat Challenge 33, Meerschaert defeated previously undefeated fighter Caleb Krull of Serrano’s Combat Gym via unanimous decision. Krull (4-3) was riding a four-fight win streak but has since dropped two more fights to the very tough Ted Worthington (20-11) and David Gaston (4-0). Despite defeating Caleb Krull, Meerschaert was absent from the WCS 1st quarter rankings while Krull was ranked at #3.

With wins over tough opponents in Caleb Krull and Mike Vaughn, Meerschaert’s other three wins this year have come over complete tomato cans in Kenneth Allen (1-27), Alex Carter (4-23), and Ryan Scheeper (2-6). At first glance one could blame the matchmaking or organization but a fighter like Kenneth Allen has fought in three Wisconsin organizations that include Madtown Throwdown, Gladiators, and Freestyle Combat Challenge in 2007 and 2008.

At only 20 years old it appears that Meerschaert has a good start and a bright future in MMA. He trains under and with high level fighters such as Nick Agallar, Dave Strasser, Brian Geraghty, Sergio Gomez, and Jameel Massouh that have fought in the big shows and know what it takes to make it to the next level. Whether or not this submission specialist will make it to the next level remains to be seen but I think he’s an up and coming welterweight you might want to keep your eye out for in the future.

Freestyle Academy’s Brian Geraghty to fight Dustin Neace

Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy fighter Brian “Duke” Geraghty will face off against Dustin “The Beast” Neace at the Revolution Fight League this Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky. The two fighters were originally slated to fight at Freestyle Combat Challenge 33 for the vacant 145lb featherweight belt this February but the fight didn’t happen. Geraghty instead fought Shaun Kuhl (0-1) and quickly stopped Kuhl with an arm bar submission in the first round.

Brian Geraghty hasn’t fought since the February bout with Kuhl and was scheduled to fight at Gladiators: Fight Night at the Fair on August 4, 2008 in West Allis but pulled out of the event to take the fight with Neace in Kentucky. Geraghty sports an MMA record of (19-12-1) dating back to August of 2000 according to Sherdog with his biggest win coming against Tommy Lee of the Gilbert Grappling/Hellhouse Gym. Riding a three fight win streak, he was cast on the Ultimate Fighter season 5 but had little success on the show losing to the very talented Joe Lauzon in episode 6 via a rear naked choke in round one. In the finale, Geraghty faced off against “Handsome” Matt Wiman but lost via TKO in June of last year. Geraghty would take five months off before fighting again. In November of 2007, he would fight long time Shooto vet, Hatsu Hioki (15-3-1) at Heat 5 in Nagoya, Japan losing a unanimous decision. Since the show, Geraghty has decided to drop from lightweight (155lbs) to featherweight (145lbs), a class where he will be the dominant and stronger fighter.





Dustin “The Beast” Neace hails from Indianapolis, Indiana and sports an MMA record of (15-11-1). You may remember from my Freestyle Combat Challenge 32 article in January that Neace won a single night four-man featherweight tournament in Kenosha. Neace defeated Rich Taylor in the first round with a guillotine choke and in the finals scored a TKO victory over his teammate Jeremy Ashley, also in the first round. Since the tournament, Neace has gone (1-2) and hasn’t fought since April. Neace holds a win over local fighter Eugene Crisler and two losses to Geraghty’s teammate Jameel Massouh.

This should be an interesting matchup as both fighters are submission specialists with almost two thirds of Geraghty’s wins coming via submission and 80% of Dustin Neace’s wins coming by way of submissions. While both fighters have similar records Geraghty has five more years of experience and has bigger name fights on his resume. Geraghty doesn’t fight as frequently so there’s no way to tell if ring rust is going to be a factor, but the fact that he normally fought at 155lbs means he should have a size advantage as well.

I’ve read on the UnderGround forum that the winner of this fight will face off against reigning Revolution Fight League featherweight champion, Stephen Ledbetter for title in Macon, Georgia on October 04, 2008. Ledbetter is a WEC vet and is from Georgia and lost a unanimous decision to Jeff Curran in August of last year. He recently defeated Johnny Bedford for the title in May of this year with a first round triangle choke.

Fighter Interview: Racine’s Nick Agallar of Agallar Combative Systems

I recently caught up with Nick Agallar after the last Freestyle Combat Challenge show in Racine two weeks ago. I had the opportunity to talk to him about his fight that night with Shane MacDonald in front of his hometown crowd. We also discussed the Art of War television show, in which he is a captain of the GI team and his upcoming fight with Chris Brennan in the season finale.

Also, if you haven’t heard, Agallar is opening his own gym in Racine called ACS or Agallar Combative Systems. We discussed how that will affect his future with the Freestyle Academy and lastly, we talk about up and comers from the Kenosha, Racine, and Waukegan area.

Wisconsin Combat Sports: First off, why don’t you tell us what happened in the fight tonight?

Nick Agallar: First, I just want to apologize to everyone who watched it because that was horrible. He went out there and he’s fought one of our guys before and he usually comes out swinging and comes out hard. He’s good on his feet, his ground kind of sucks. You know, he tagged me a couple of times with the leg kick. That was decent because I got a swollen leg. I threw a couple of high kicks and missed. I hit him with a left hook when I came in, not the biggest, but I know it hurt him a little bit. Then I body locked him and threw him down and then he started screaming about his nutsack.

WCS: Other than tonight’s fight, how did it feel to fight in front of your hometown crowd? You went to high school here and you were a wrestling star.

NA: It felt good, I love fighting at home and we have the best crowd and everybody loves me here at home. On the same token, I almost feel bad about the fight and having him whine about his nuts, it was embarrassing the whole way the fight went down.

WCS: I saw the fliers, you’re opening a gym or is it already open? Why don’t you tell me about that.

NA: Yeah, I’m opening a gym called Agallar Combative Systems or ACS.

WCS: Do you have a website for it yet?

NA: The website will come soon. It’s located in Curt’s Sports Complex or the old YWCA. He’s also going to have a pool and a sports medicine area separate from my gym. It will have physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture. It will be like a one stop shop for everything.

The gym is 1600 square feet and I have it all matted with an 18 by 18 foot ring, so it will be real nice with great locker facilities and showers and everything, so come on down and get beat up.

WCS: Are you still going to train at Freestyle Academy?

NA: Yeah, we’re still going to train at Dave’s and we’re still a team.

WCS: How about instruction, are you still going to teach at Freestyle Academy?

NA: I don’t know. I’m still going to train with those guys when I have a fight those guys will come down and if Dave has a fight, I’m still going to go down because we’re buddies. The problem is that he has his two gyms that he owns and I have to pay rent on this one. I have to put classes on and the more classes the more money and so on, but I’ll be there working out with those guys off and on.

WCS: Alright, so you’ll be teaching and instructing there. Is there anyone else you’ll be bring in for instructors?

NA: Yeah, we’ll get into that in the future.

WCS: Like a Jiu-Jitsu coach or a certain striking coach?

NA: Well not yet, my brother is a high school wrestling coach and I have a lot of really good wrestling friends who are going to join, so we are going to be based on wrestling. After that, I’ll be the main guy but I have a couple people in mind for some standup.

WCS: Alright, with Art of War, is it like nine separate shows that they are going to turn into episodes or what’s the deal with that?

NA: As far as I know, it’s nine separate episodes on TV starting in like July. Well, it’s posted somewhere, I don’t remember and it ends in September. The first show we did on April 19th was for the first two episodes. On May 24th in Oklahoma is the next one. I’m not fighting there I know that much. Me and Brennan will be there as coaches. I just got an e-mail like two days ago from the main guy named Clyde and he said that they are trying to put a show together June 7th. I don’t know if I’m supposed to say that, but every month there is supposed to be a show.

WCS: So are you going to be on the June show?

NA: They want us both to fight once before the finale and I think they are looking at June and then me and Brennan would fight in August, which would get aired as the final episode in September.

WCS: So you have no idea who your opponent would be in June?

NA: No, no idea.

WCS: Chris Brennan, he’s been around for like ten years, he’s been in all the big shows, he’s got good wrestling, pretty good standup, and he’s got a good submission game. What’s your game plan for the fight?

NA: Me and Brennan are going to brawl I think. A good fight really brings the best out of two people and I think he’s really looking forward to it and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve talked to the guy, I like the guy, he cracks me up, he’s kind of cocky but he cracks me up. I don’t think that lately he’s fought at his peak, well I don’t want to say he’s past his prime, but I don’t think he’s trained as hard. But for this fight I think he’s going to train really hard. He’s going to come out there and try to prove something. Both of us have kind of been on the backlight a little bit and this fight will get us some recognition again. So it’s a big fight for both of us.

WCS: Yeah, the way I look at it is, this is a big fight between two big name fighters. Obviously that’s why it’s headlining the season finale. Where do you see his advantages being in this fight?

NA: I think we’re both pretty equal all the way around.

WCS: My opinion is that I think on the feet your both pretty equal, wrestling is pretty close, maybe he is a little better at submissions.

NA: So your saying I’m going to lose? (Laughs)

WCS: No of course not. (Laughing)

NA: My ground, I guess I don’t use it much since I’m usually on top. I’m actually good on the ground. If you ever roll with me, I’m very good at Jiu-Jitsu.

WCS: I haven’t, but my brother tells me that your incredibly strong and that your one of the strongest guys around.

NA: I’m dick diesel strong for 155, put that in there, dick diesel.

WCS: Well, I’m going to have to look that up because I have no idea what that means.

NA: (Laughs) Anyway, I know Chris is going to be very strong. He’s very big for 55 and he cuts down.

Actually, now that we’re going through this, I would give me the advantage on the feet. I think I’m a little bit more aggressive and a little bit more wild on the feet. Not to say that I couldn’t get tagged, or that he couldn’t either. In wrestling I’m good, but my real strong point is that I can control people. My strength is a big factor, if your going against a guy who is just as slick as you, and you can out muscle them, that’s a part of the game. Anybody at the gym will tell you that I’m strong.

WCS: So give me a prediction on the fight?

NA: I don’t want to do that. I think I’m going to win and I’m going to train my ass of for it. It’s a big, big fight and I’m looking forward to it. I think I can finish it, I just have to keep working and overwhelm him, just keep it rolling.

WCS: Back to the Art of War. After August, have you signed any kind of long-term deal with them or is it just this season and then we’ll see what happens? Have you talked to any other organizations?

NA: No, right now I’m just talking with them. What’s funny is, I don’t have any contract signed. We’re still negotiating on the Brennan fight. It’s going to happen obviously because they’re paying me to fly out to all the other shows. I don’t have a contract to fight in June even. They just want to get me in there.

It’s weird because people hear things before I hear them. Like that WEC thing a while back that said I’d be fighting at 145.

WCS: Oh, your talking about Pequano.

NA: Yeah, the guillotine guy. I didn’t even hear about that until I read it on Sherdog. That was crazy because since then they haven’t really said anything to me.

WCS: Well, he’s also a 145er. How much do you cut by the way?

NA: Not much, I’m big framed, but I don’t cut that much. I usually weigh like 170 maybe.

WCS: Well that’s all I have for you. Anything else I should know.

NA: Just that I have a beautiful wife and an eight-month old beautiful girl at home. They’re beautiful and I love them.

WCS: Oh yeah, one more thing. Is there anybody we should keep an eye on? Any up and comers from Strassers?

NA: Well, you probably know most of them. Jameel’s (Jameel Massouh) doing well, he turning it on. Sergio (Gomez) lost those two in the WEC but they were both kick ass fights with very tough guys. Brian (Geraghty), same thing, he’s tough, he just hasn’t fought at the right weight for a while. He’s going to be a 45er from hell, very tough and very technical.

WCS: Well, I know about those guys, give me an up and comer to keep an eye on.

NA: I think an up and comer that’s going to be good is Gerald (Meerschaert). He’s young and he’s only 20 years old. I think Gerald is going to be very good.

WCS: Yeah, I think he’s like (6-2) now.

NA: “300” is going to be tough. Adrian Gutierrez.

WCS: Yeah, I saw him fight a couple shows ago and he fought a much bigger opponent and came back from behind to win it.

NA: What’s nice is we have that foreign exchange thing going on. We have some tough Japanese guys. Ricardo Damm is going to be here starting a belt system.

WCS: You mean Ricardo Damm is going to move here to Wisconsin?

NA: Yeah, he’s moving to Kenosha but he’ll teach and train at Kenosha and Waukegan.

WCS: What do you mean by a belt system? Jiu-Jitsu?

NA: Yeah, like I know Jiu-Jitsu really well but I’m not certified in a belt. Who else do we have? We had two guys tonight at 155 who fought each other Andy (Holm) and Ryan (Anderson). Both of those guys are going to be extremely tough.

WCS: Yeah, Andy looked like Corey Hill when I saw him.

NA: What is he like 6’9”? (Laughs) And Ryan has a lot of heart and is very strong for his size. Hopefully, I didn’t forget anybody.

WCS: Well, thanks a lot for the interview and good luck in the Brennan fight.

NA: Thank you.

Freestyle Combat Challenge 35 – An International Affair

Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Combat Challenge had a distinct international feel to it that featured Japanese MMA fighters Kiuma Kunioku and Daiki “DJ Taiki” Hata as well as Brazil’s MMA Barbie, Carina Damm. Team USA went (0-3) for the evening, but it didn’t matter as it was a spectacular evening of fights. Jonathan “Blue” Chasse won the lightweight tournament and a contract to fight in Japan later this year.

Knock out of the night

The first fight of the evening pitted Freestyle Academy’s Bobby Glavin of Racine and Team Hodown’s John Lemon of Indiana against one another. Glavin (1-0) wasted no time and the fight was over before it even got started. A monster left hook sent Lemon (0-0) crashing to canvas like a sack of potatoes 11 seconds into the bout. That KO was a sign of things to come in the evening.

Andy Holm of Kenosha fights for the Freestyle Academy in Wisconsin and weighed in at 150lbs, which was surprising since he stood a whopping 6’1”. Holm did battle with Ryan Anderson who also fights for the Freestyle Academy, but Anderson trains out of the new Freestyle Academy gym in Waukegan.

In the first round, Glavin showed some heavy punches and knees in the clinch before scoring a takedown. Holm managed to threaten with a triangle choke, rolling into mount, but Anderson survived the final thirty seconds and kept his hopes alive.

In the third round, Andy Holm got side control and threw knees until Ryan Anderson reversed him. Back on the bottom, Holm used his long legs to go for yet another triangle similar to the first round; he then rolled Anderson until he had full mount and unloaded ground and pound punches. With one minute remaining in the round Anderson tried to hold on and survive because he was unable to escape the triangle of Holm. Holm then unleashed seven to eight elbows until referee Warren Kekabah stopped the bout.



Welterweight Gerald Meerschaert of the Freestyle Academy wasn’t in the ring to put on a show, he was looking to get in, take care of business, and get out. It only took him 40 seconds to submit Ryan Scheeper of Clinton, Iowa with a triangle choke. Meerschaert extended his win streak to four straight wins in as many months and his record is now (6-2) since going (2-2) in 2007.

In a heavyweight bout, Kevin Kelley does what he does best; knock out guys who think they have what it takes to fight in MMA. Anthony Heider who was making his debut never threw a single punch in the 14 seconds the fight lasted before he was knocked out. Kelley’s record is now at (6-1) with 2 no contests.

Eugene “the Crippler” Crisler of Third Heaven Martial Arts faced off against the south paw, Marco Daniels of the Freestyle Academy in Kenosha. Daniels started the bout with a standing guillotine but it wasn’t enough to make the Jiu-Jitsu fighter Crisler tap. Crisler pulled his own guillotine attempt on Daniels before finishing his opponent with an arm bar at 2:30 in the first round. Crisler’s MMA record increases to (7-6) while Marco Daniels loses his fourth straight bout to drop to (1-5). Eugene Crisler won the Wisconsin Combat Sports Submission of the Year with a Gogoplata over Bill Flinn at Madtown Throwdown 13 in October of 2007.

Fight of the Night

Matt Morin and Jonathan “Blue” Chasse fought in the finals of the lightweight tournament to decide what fighter would earn a contract to fight in Japan later in the year. The fight started out with Chasse throwing a combo of punches that I believe broke Morin’s nose followed by a right body kick. Morin quickly took Chasse down. It then became apparent that Morin was losing a lot of blood from his nose as he worked a cross face from guard. He continued with some ground and pound from the top and the fight was beginning to look like a blood bath. A stand up ensued and Chasse attempted a takedown, which was stuffed. Morin did a Judo throw and ended up back on top of Chasse. Chasse looked for a kneebar from the bottom but Morin was having nothing of it. Morin was then in side control and gave Chasse knees to the head. Morin then got the back of Chasse and peppered him with shots to the side of the head. Morin sunk in a deep rear naked choke with one-minute left in the round and it didn’t appear that “Blue” was going to survive the round. With thirty seconds left in the round “Blue” was still fighting to stay alive. Morin loosened it up with about ten seconds left in the first he peppered Chasse with shots to the head.

In round two, Chasse got a takedown and ended up in Morin’s guard. Morin looked for a Kimura before they were pulled back into the center. Morin attempted another Kimura but was not successful. Chasse then began to drop some elbows from Morin’s guard. The referee stood them up and Morin threw out a jab. Chasse came in with bad intentions but didn’t connect. He followed up with a right body kick and Morin punched him for his efforts and gave him a right leg kick. Morin had his hands very low and appeared to be getting very tired. The fighters clinched and Morin gives Chasse some knees. Morin ate a very big punch and followed up with a takedown. Chasse ended up on top throwing some big shots. Morin looked to be trying to get his wits back and he attempted to roll into a knee bar and Chasse attempted a stomp and ended up back in Morin’s guard. Morin went for a second knee bar and it looks likes it is very deep. He didn’t give it up and Chasse ended up in side control. He easily took full mount and Morin looked to be in trouble. Chasse was grounding and pounding and Morin tries to umpa out. With one minute left in the round Morin rolls over, it doesn’t look like he wanted to be in there anymore. He covers up and stops defending. With thirty seconds remaining Chasse sunk in a rear naked choke and Morin was forced to tap.

Chasse vs. Morin was an absolute non-stop war that could have been over many times. Both fighters showed great heart and it was hands down the best fight I’ve witnessed in Wisconsin this year. Morin falls to (5-4) and Chasse increases his record to (6-1). His only loss was in the opening round of the tournament, he filled in as a replacement due to injury in February to earn a spot back in the tourney.

Daiki “DJ Taiki” Hata of Japan defeated David Love by tapout in the third round after throwing a kick to the body. The two engaged in a stand up battle that could have won fight of the night easily if not for the Chasse vs. Morin battle earlier. The two gave and took a ton of punishment from several dozens leg and body kicks.

Submission of the night

Kiuma Kunioku of Japan attempted a flying knee halfway across the ring to start out his fight against Neutral Ground’s Jay Ellis. After a brief clinch, Ellis was able to get a single leg takedown. Kunioku attempted an arm triangle from the bottom but was unsuccessful. Ellis threw some ground and pound and Kunioku got an arm bar but Ellis escaped. Ellis was throwing strikes on the ground giving all Kunioku he could handle and Kunioku rolls over and subs Ellis with a toe hold at 1:47 in the first round.

In the final international bout of the evening, Carina Damm (8-3) of Brazil knocked out newcomer Lashonda Knox (0-0) with a big knee to the face. The bout lasted only 11 seconds. After the win Damm did a Capoeira celebration in the ring.

The main event consisted of hometown hero Nick Agallar fighting at the high school where he was once a standout wrestler. The fight itself was disappointing. Agallar fought Shane MacDonald of Team Hodown. The fight started out with each fighter throwing kicks. Agallar then used a combination to set up a takedown, but on the ground MacDonald was hit with an unintentional groin shot and was not able to continue. The fight was a victory by TKO (Injury) for Agallar. It perhaps should have been ruled a no contest.

Despite the main event being lackluster and Carina Damm fighting a girl who had no business fighting, the event featured some great fights in Morin vs. Chasse, Andy Holm vs. Ryan Anderson, and Dave Love vs. Daiki Hata. It was very difficult to choose the fight of the night, knock out of the night, and submission of the night as there was many good choices to choose from.

Dave Strasser's Freestyle Combat Challenge 35
Racine Case High School Gymnasium
Racine, Wisconsin
05/03/2008

155lb – Lightweight Bout
Nick Agallar – Freestyle Academy – Racine, WI
vs.
Shane McDonald – Team Hodown – Cornersville, IN
Nick Agallar defeats Shane McDonald – TKO (Injury) – RD 1

130lb Catchweight Bout
Carina Damm – Alliance BJJ – Brazil
vs.
Lashonda Knox – Independent – Milwaukee, WI
Carina Damm defeats Lashonda Knox – KO – Knee to the face – RD 1 – (0:11)

155 lb Lightweight Bout
Kiuma Kunioku – Freelance – Japan
vs.
Jay Ellis – Neutral Ground BJJ – Milwaukee, WI
Kiuma Kunioku defeats Jay Ellis – Toe Hold – RD 1 – (1:47)

145lb Featherweight Bout
David “Dr.” Love – Mario Roberto
vs.
Daiki “DJ Taiki” Hata – Japan
Daiki “DJ Taiki” Hata defeats David Love – Tapout – Kick – RD 3

155lb Lightweight Bout
Jonathan "Blue" Chasse – Freestyle Academy – Kenosha, WI
vs.
Matt Morin Serrano’s Combat Gym – Milwaukee, WI
Jonathan "Blue" Chasse defeats Matt Morin – Rear Naked Choke – RD 2 – (4:37)

Eugene “The Crippler” Crisler – Third Heaven Martial Arts
vs.
Marco Daniels – Freestyle Combat Academy – Kenosha, WI
Eugene “The Crippler” Crisler defeats Marco Daniels – Armbar – RD 1 – (2:30)

Heavyweight Bout
Andy Heider – Independent
vs.
Kevin Kelley – Freestyle Combat Academy – South Milwaukee
Kevin Kelley defeats Andy Heider – KO – RD 1 – (0:14)

170lb – Welterweight Bout
Gerald Meerschaert – Freestyle Combat Academy – Kenosha, WI
vs.
Ryan Scheeper – Philbrick’s Gym – Clinton, IA
Gerald Meerschaert defeats Ryan Scheeper – Arm Bar – RD 1 – (0:40)

Andy Holm – Freestyle Academy North – Kenosha, WI
vs.
Ryan Anderson – Freestyle Academy South – Waukegan, IL
Andy Holm defeats Ryan Anderson – TKO (Strikes from mount) – RD 3 – (2:30)

155lb Lightweight Bout
Bobby Galvin – Freestyle Academy – Racine, WI
vs.
John Lemon – Team Hodown – Cornersville, IN
Bobby Galvin defeats John Lemon – KO – RD 1 – (0:11)

Fight of the night: Jonathan Chasse vs. Matt Morin
Knock out of the night: Bobby Galvin – Left hook KO
Submission of the night: Kiuma Kunioku – Toe Hold

Sherdog was used for all fight records.

This article was originally published on Wisconsin Combat Sports on 05-05-08.

Freestyle Combat Challenge 35 Quick Results

Dave Strasser's Freestyle Combat Challenge 35
Racine Case High School Gymnasium
Racine, Wisconsin
05/03/2008

Nick Agallar defeats Shane McDonald – TKO (Injury) – RD 1
Carina Damm defeats Lashonda Knox – KO – Knee to the face – RD 1 – (0:11)
Kiuma Kunioku defeats Jay Ellis – Toe Hold – RD 1 – (1:47)
Daiki “DJ Taiki” Hata defeats David Love – Tapout – Kick – RD 3
Jonathan "Blue" Chasse defeats Matt Morin – Rear Naked Choke – RD 2 – (4:37)
Eugene “The Crippler” Crisler defeats Marco Daniels – Armbar – RD 1 – (2:30)
Kevin Kelley defeats Andy Heider – KO – RD 1 – (0:14)
Gerald Meerschaert defeats Ryan Scheeper – Triangle Choke – RD 1 – (0:40)
Andy Holm defeats Ryan Anderson – TKO (Strikes from mount) – RD 3 – (2:30)
Bobby Galvin defeats John Lemon – KO – RD 1 – (0:11)

Fight of the night: Jonathan Chasse vs. Matt Morin
Knock out of the night: Bobby Galvin – Left Hook KO
Submission of the night: Kiuma Kunioku – Toe Hold

A Preview of Freestyle Combat Challenge 35

There have been a number of changes to the FCC 35 fight card and I talked to Dave Strasser yesterday to get the scoop. Nick Agallar will headline the show and Carina Damm will be a co-main event, as well as the final 155lb tournament match between Matt Morin and Jonathan Chasse to determine who gets to fight in Japan. Unfortunately, Sergio Gomez, Rodrigo Damm, and Jameel Massouh have been scratched from the card. There will be about 11 fights on the card.

Racine native, Nick Agallar will return to action this Saturday against Shane McDonald in his hometown at Racine Case High School at Freestyle Combat Challenge 35. His previous opponent, Phillip Tomblin was injured and had to be replaced on short notice.

Nick Agallar sports an MMA record of (20-5) according to Sherdog and was slated to fight Nuri Shakir at the Art of War show two weeks ago but had to pull out of the event due to a minor injury. It was then announced that Agallar would face Chris Brennan in the Pros vs. Gis finale. I incorrectly stated that it would be in May when it turns out that he will fight Brennan sometime in August.

The finale will be the capstone of the nine-event deal that Art of War’s parent company Sun Sports & Entertainment Inc., recently signed with Fox Sports Net or (FSN). In an e-mail from Agallar, he stated that he would also be fighting against a yet to be determined opponent in the Art of War prior to the Chris Brennan fight which would more than likely occur on a June AOW card.

16-man lightweight tournament finals

Matt Morin will also fight Jonathan Chasse to decide which fighter will earn the right to travel to Japan and fight. The tournament, which started as a 16-man tourney, dates back to FCC 31 in November of last year. Morin is currently listed at (5-3) according to Sherdog and is riding a four-fight win streak all via submission. Chasse is listed at (5-1) according to Sherdog and most recently defeated Mike Sanchez at FCC 33 to earn his spot back into the tourney. Morin who is the current KTK lightweight champion will also defend his title at KTK 21 on June 21st in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Rodrigo and Carina Damm

Rodrigo Damm recently obtained his visa and was offered a fight in Japan and had to cancel his bout this Saturday, according to Dave Strasser. His sister Carina Damm is still going to fight on the card against Jasmine Davis.

Pancrase and BodogFight veteran from Japan, Daiki “DJ Taiki” Hata will fight Dave Love. Dave “Dr.” Love who is (8-8-1), put up a decent fight at the last FCC event before suffering a knock out from Kiuma Kunioku due to a big knee. Hata has hit a rough patch recently suffering two straight losses in Pancrase and Bodog. His most recent win was against Kenosha’s own Jameel Massouh in Japan in May of 2007.

Gerald Meerschaert of Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy will look to extend his win streak to four straight victories against Ryan Scheeper of Philbrick’s Gym in Clinton, Iowa. Meerschaert most recently defeated Alex Carter at FCC 34 via triangle choke and also holds a decision victory over Caleb Krull at FCC 33. Scheeper picked up a win at FCC 33 defeating Ken Allen by arm bar.

Kiuma Kunioku will also be returning to the ring at FCC 35. He’ll put his (33-22-9) record up against Jay Ellis’ (5-16) MMA record. He will definitely have his hands full with Kunioku. Kunioku holds wins over Frank Shamrock, Nathan Marquardt, Guy Mezger, Genki Sudo, and Masakatsu Funaki. Ellis has not won a bout in his last seven attempts although he has faced some formidable foes in Mike Stumpf, Caleb Krull, Sherron Leggett, and Joe Jordan and I don’t see him picking up a win at FCC 35 against top talent.

It should be a great night of fights and Wisconsin Combat Sports will have coverage available the day after the event.

Dave Strasser's Freestyle Combat Challenge 35
Saturday, May 3rd, 2008
At Racine Case High School Gymnasium
Racine, Wisconsin
Doors Open - 7:00 pm
Fight Starts - 8:00 pm

Confirmed Cards (Subject to Change):

The Main Event - 155 lbs & Under 5 min / 3R
Nick Agallar (USA / Freestyle Academy) vs. Shane
McDonalds (USA)

Women's 130 lbs & Under 5 min / 3R
Carina Damm (Brazil / Alliance BJJ) vs. Jasmine Davis
(USA)

155 lbs & Under Bout 5 min / 3R
Kiuma Kunioku (Japan / Freelance) vs. Jay Ellis (USA)

145 lbs & Under Bout 5 min / 3R
David Love (USA / Freelance) vs. DJ taiki (Japan /
Freelance)

155 lbs & Under FCC Tournament Final 5 min / 3R
John "Blue" Chesse (USA / Freestyle Academy) vs. Matt
Morin (USA / Serrano Jiu-jitsu & Judo)

Heavyweight Bout 3 min / 3R
Andy Heider vs. Kevin Kelly

150 lbs & Under 3 min / 3R
Andy Holm vs. Andy Webber

155 lbs & Under 3 min / 3R
Ryan Anderson vs. Luke Nichols

170 lbs & Under 3 min / 3R
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Ryan Scheeper

155 lbs & Under 3 min / 3R
Bobby Galvin vs. John Lemon

This article was originally published on Wisconsin Combat Sports on 05-02-08.

Carina and Rodrigo Damm to fight at FCC 35

Two of the most famous siblings in MMA will be fighting on the Freestyle Combat Challenge 35 show this Saturday. Carina and Rodrigo Damm of Brazil are both slated to fight in Racine, Wisconsin against yet to be announced opponents. The sister and brother team are most well known for fighting in the BodogFight organization. The FCC 35 card appears to be the biggest card of the year for any Wisconsin organization featuring big name fighters in Nick Agallar, Sergio Gomez, Jameel Massouh, and Kiuma Kunioku. Carina Damm sports an MMA record of (8-3) according to Sherdog. She is currently riding a three fight win streak and most recently defeated Sophie Bagherdai last month in Los Angeles by armbar in the second round. The fight was on Fatal Femmes Fighting 4 – Call of the Wild, an all girl MMA organization. Bagherdai was undefeated at (3-0) when Damm defeated her. Carina Damm began her MMA career in October 2004.

Carina Damm vs. Vanessa Porta

Carina Damm vs. Rosie Sexton

Carina Damm vs. Molly Helsel

Rodrigo Damm

Rodrigo Damm sports an MMA record of (7-1) according to Sherdog and also began his MMA career in October of 2004. Damm lost that first match against Luciano Azevedo at Shooto Brazil via split decision but has not lost a fight since then. His seven fight win streak dates back to July of 2005.

Damm is a very talented grappler and holds a black belt in BJJ under Pedro Andade, Eduardo "Jamelao" Conceicao, and Fabio Gurgel. He earned his black belt in 6 years and is highly decorated in both BJJ and wrestling in Brazil. He is a Mundial Champion in BJJ and a four time national wrestling champion.

Neither Carina or Rodrigo Damm have opponents listed but I sent an e-mail to FCC matchmaker Shu Hirata and will keep you posted if I find out who their opponents will be. Expect more FCC articles as the week unfolds.


Rodrigo Damm Highlight Video

Rodrigo Damm interview with OTM

Rodrigo Damm vs. Jyu Do Fan

Rodrigo Damm vs. Naoki Seki

Here is the fight card thus far:

Freestyle Combat Challenge 35: Beauty and the Beast
Team Strasser vs. Team World
Racine Case High School
Racine, Wisconsin

Carina Damm (Brazil) vs.
Nick Agallar vs. Phillip Tomblin
Sergio Gomez vs.
Jameel Massouh vs.
Rodrigo Damm (Brazil) vs.
Kiuni Kunioku (Japan) vs. Joel Blanton
DJ Taiki (Japan) vs.
David Love vs.

Freestyle Combat Challenge 34: Dave Strasser Triumphant in MMA Return

Freestyle Combat Challenge 34 would mark the return of Dave Strasser to MMA after a two-year hiatus from competition. Special guest Kiuma Kunioku, a former King of Pancrase from Tokyo, Japan would also make the long trip from the Land of the Rising Sun to fight in the Wisconsin show. Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy would have a successful night going (5-0) in the evening. The Freaks of the Industry fight team based out of Indiana would not however, dropping all four of the fights they were involved in.

Fight of the Night

The night started out with Racine resident and Freestyle Academy fighter Gerald Meerschaert taking on Alex Carter of Chicago, Illinois in a 165lb catchweight bout. Meerschaert is coming off his unanimous decision win over welterweight Caleb Krull last month and was looking to extend his win streak to three victories. Meerschaert was overlooked by the ranking committee despite defeating their number three choice for welterweights.

In the fight with Alex Carter last night, Meerschaert had trouble in the first round defending the constant barrage of takedowns from Carter. Meerschaert did finish the first round strong with hammer fists and a big knee to end the round, but it may not have been enough to steal the round back.

Carter may have blown his wad with takedowns in the first round and looked tired to open the second. Meerschaert opened with a big left head kick but missed the mark. Meerschaert rushed in and threw a left jab to the chin and attempted a throw. Both fighters exchanged punches and Carter went for a single leg takedown but Meerschaert sprawled against the ropes. Carter then switched to a double leg and dumped Meerschaert to the floor and ended up in full guard. Meerschaert attempted and arm bar but was unsuccessful. He then gave Carter an upkick from the bottom to the face. Carter then jumped right into a triangle choke and both fighters were under the ropes. Referee Warren Kekahbah pulled up the ropes and Carter tapped out from the triangle choke. Good job by the referee to not break the action.

Meerschaert improves his record to (5-2) with the win and Alex Carter falls to (4-22) according to Sherdog.

Submission of the Night

Evan Martinez of Racine, Wisconsin took on Damian Chamberlain of Freaks of the Industry. Martinez started out the bout with a nice left kick to the body of Chamberlein. He then got himself into trouble in the round and took at least four big knees to the face opening up a cut above his left eye before pulling guard. After a failed arm bar on Chamberlein’s right arm, Martinez transistioned nicely to the opposite arm to tap Chamberlain after weathering a big storm from what looked like a much larger opponent.

Martinez increases his MMA record to (1-2) and Chamberlain falls to (0-2) with the first round arm bar.

Jordan Jackola of Zion, Illinois trains at both Freestyle Academy North and South. He took on Chad Leroy of Freaks of the Industry in a three round battle. Both fighters had their moments in the fight and Jackola was superior in the stand-up realm but Chad Leroy had a better ground game getting many takedowns and using a control game. In the third round, Jackola would force Leroy to tap by applying a guillotine choke.

Knock Out of the Night

In a heavyweight bout, 290lb Gabe Garcia of Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy took on 250lb Dave Oliver of Freaks of the Industry. Gabe Garcia put on a display of pure dominance from start to finish pounding away on Oliver. Once Oliver turtled up the ref stopped in to call a halt to the action. Gabe Garcia defeats Dave Oliver via TKO referee stoppage due to strikes. Garcia improves his record to (3-4) while Oliver falls to (0-2).

Ryan Scheeper of the Philbrick’s Gym in Clinton, Iowa improved his record to (1-4) with an arm bar victory over Chicago’s Ken Allen in the final seconds of the first round. Ken Allen’s record falls to a laughable (1-27).

Javi “The Lowrider” Vega of Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy in Kenosha was a fan favorite. Vega showed off some good takedowns and ground skills and got the back of his opponent. He won the first round easily but was deducted a point for illegal strikes to the back of the head. Late in the first round, an inexperienced Wolfren continued to go for a guillotine choke despite not having half or full guard. In the second round, Vega again got the back and again Vega continued to fire shots to the back of the head of Travis. With less than a minute remaining Travis finally reverses with a takedown and falls right into a triangle choke. Vega improves his record to (2-2).

Main Events

Kiuma Kunioku, a former King of Pancrase from Japan traveled all the way from Tokyo, Japan to fight on the show. Kiuma Kunioku sports a (31-22-9) record according to Sherdog and has fought in K-1 Hero’s, Pancrase, and Deep. All three are major organizations in Japan. Kunioku’s fought a who’s who list of opposition including Bas Ruten, Nate Marquardt, Yuki Kondo, Sean Sherk, Evan Tanner, Frank Shamrock, and many other big names. Four of those names are former UFC champions.

In his bout last night, Kunioku fought against Dave “Dr.” Love in a 155lb lightweight bout. Love was a game opponent and while Kunioku had the better footwork, Love actually landed the better strikes. It was on a kick from Love that Kunioku was able to capitalize on a takedown and bring the fight into his world. He was not able to get beyond Love’s guard before the round ended. In the second round, the fighters traded kicks but Kunioku was able to again get the fight to the ground. Love used some rubber guard tactics to keep Kunioku from posturing up. Kunioku backed Love up to the corner, let him up and smashed his face in with a knee, at which point Love immediately jumped out of the ropes to avoid punishment. Kunioku wins by TKO in round two.

In the final bout of the night, Dave Strasser made a triumphant return quickly dismantling Steve Connelly with a slam from mount proving that he hasn’t lost a step. In his post-fight speech, he also announced that on April 12th he is having a grand opening at his newest gym, Freestyle Combat Academy South in Waukegan, Illinois. The last time Strasser had seen action was April of 2006 when he traveled to England to fight Paul Daley at Cage Rage 16. Strasser will again return to action on May 3rd in Racine, Wisconsin.

Full results:

Freestyle Combat Challenge 34
Marina Shores
Kenosha, WI
03/29/2008

Gerald Meerschaert – Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Racine, WI
vs.
Alex Carter – Chicago, IL

Gerald Meerschaert defeats Alex Carter via Triangle Choke – RD 2

Alex Carter (4-22)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=13051
Gerald Meerschaert (5-2)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=21501

Evan Martinez – Freestyle Academy – Racine, WI
vs.
Damian Chamberlain – Freaks of the Industry – Resler, IN

Evan Martinez defeats Damien Chamberlein via Arm Bar – RD 1


Evan Martinez (1-2)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=22959
Damien Chamberelein (0-2)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=27239

Jordan Jackola – Freestyle Academy – Zion, IL
vs.
Chad Leroy – Freaks of the Industry – Lemiac, IN

Jordan Jackola defeats Chad Leroy via Guillotine Choke – RD 3

Jordan Jackola (1-0)
N/a
Chad Leroy (0-2)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=24847

Gabe Garcia – Freestyle Academy
vs.
Dave Oliver – Freaks of the Industry

Gabe Garcia defeats Dave Oliver via RD 1 – TKO (Stoppage Due to Strikes)

Gabe Garcia (3-4)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=8324
Dave Oliver (0-2)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=29300

Ryan Scheeper – Philbrick’s Gym – Clinton, IA
vs.
Ken Allen – Chicago, IL

Ryan Scheeper defeats Ken Allen via Arm Bar – RD 1

Ryan Scheeper (1-4)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=14267
Ken Allen (1-27)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=13050

Javi Vega
vs.
Travis Wolfren – Freaks of the Industry

Javi Vega defeats Travis Wolfren via Triangle Choke – RD 2

Javi Vega (2-2)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=14041
Travis Wolfren (0-1)
N/A

Kiuma Kunioku – Tokyo, Japan
vs.
Dave Love – Animal House – Indianapolis, IN

Kiuma Kunioku defeats Dave Love – TKO (Knees) – RD 2

Kiuma Kunioku (32-22-9)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=864
Dave Love (8-8-1)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=8586
Dave Strasser – Freestyle Academy – Kenosha, WI
vs.
Steve Corley – Freaks of the Industry – Lafayette, IN

Dave Strasser defeats Steve Corley – Verbal Submission (Injury) – RD 1

Dave Strasser (25-8-4)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=615
Steve Conelly (6-6)
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=14740

Freestyle Combat Challenge 34 Quick Results

Gerald Meerschaert defeats Alex Carter via Triangle Choke – RD 2
Evan Martinez defeats Damien Chamberlein via Arm Bar – RD 1
Jordan Jackola defeats Chad Leroy via Guillotine Choke – RD 3
Gabe Garcia defeats Dave Olive via TKO (Stoppage Due to Strikes) – RD 1
Ryan Scheeper defeats Ken Allen via Arm Bar – RD 1
Javi Vega defeats Travis Wolfren via Triangle Choke – RD 2
Kiuma Kunioku defeats Dave Love – TKO (Knees) – RD 2
Dave Strasser defeats Steve Connelley – Verbal Submission (Injury) – RD 1

Dave Strasser to Return to the Ring at FCC 34 After Two-Year Hiatus From MMA

Wisconsin MMA Legend and UFC veteran, Dave Strasser will return to action on March 29, 2007 at Freestyle Combat Challenge 34 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. I received an e-mail that had been forwarded from Dave Strasser this afternoon verifying the information. When I last saw Dave Strasser at FCC 33 one month ago, I asked him if he was officially retired due to his extended absence from competition. He stated that he was not retired and that he had just been busy with his business and opening a new gym in Illinois.

Dave Strasser is one of the most experienced and noteworthy fighters to ever fight out of Wisconsin. In July of 1996, Strasser was the first person ever to fight Travis “The Iron Man” Fulton whom he defeated with a rear naked choke. Fulton has gone on to record nearly 240 fights since then. In over a decade of fighting, Dave Strasser sports an MMA record of (24-8-4) according to Sherdog but has not seen action since April of 2006. That fight was at Cage Rage 16 where he faced off against the very tough Paul Daley of England and lost via unanimous decision.

Strasser is only one of two Wisconsin fighters to own a UFC victory in the Octagon, with Eric Schafer being the other. That UFC win came over Romie Aram at UFC 42 in April of 2003. In his time in NHB and MMA, he has fought many notable fighters including Karo Parisyan, Hidetaka Monma, Ansar Chalagnov, Ron Juhn, Seichi Ikemoto, Chris Lytle, and Georges St. Pierre. In addition, he has fought two epic battles with another Wisconsin legend, Adrian Serrano.

Who will Dave Strasser fight?

No opponent was listed for Dave Strasser but a familiar welterweight by the name of Dave Garcia was on the poster. Dave Garcia sports a (5-3) record according to Sherdog and has fought notable fighters such as Thomas “Wildman” Denny and Chris Wilson of the IFL and UFC. Garcia himself has not fought since September of 2005 and it is unknown at this time if he is Strasser’s opponent.

Another possible opponent listed on the poster is Kiuma Kunioku, a former King of Pancrase from Japan. Kiuma Kunioku sports a (31-22-9) record according to Sherdog and has fought in K-1 Hero’s, Pancrase, and Deep. All three are major organizations in Japan. Kunioku’s fought a who’s who list of opposition including Bas Ruten, Nate Marquardt, Yuki Kondo, Sean Sherk, Evan Tanner, Frank Shamrock, and many other big names. Four of those names are former UFC champions. His MMA record dates back to 1996 and he also holds a loss to Milwaukee’s own Adrian Serrano in April of 1998, in Japan.

I will keep you posted when I find out who Dave Strasser’s opponent will be and any other matchups that may be listed on the card. With the addition of Freestyle Combat Challenge on March 29, we now have three major local shows holding MMA events in Wisconsin on that date. KTK has a show in Oshkosh, as well as the Gladiators show in Milwaukee. It should be an action packed weekend for MMA in Wisconsin.

This article originally appeared at Wisconsin Combat Sports on 03-18-08.

Breaking News: Nick Agallar to Fight Dan Lauzon in the Art of War

Fresh off his victory last Saturday at Freestyle Combat Challenge 33 in Kenosha, I ran into BodogFight veteran Nick Agallar. Nick Agallar fought Luke Nichols in the main event and breezed through his opponent in less than one minute. Agallar told me that his next fight will be in the April 19th Art of War show against Dan Lauzon.

Last week Sherdog inaccurately wrote an article stating that Nick Agallar had signed with the WEC and was slated to fight Alexandre Franca Nogueira. The article also stated that the bout would be fought at the 145lb featherweight class. Agallar said that he was in talks with a few organizations and he had not signed a long-term deal with any of them as of yet. In addition, he stated that he is happy fighting in the 155lb lightweight class.

Dan Lauzon sports a (9-2) MMA record according to Sherdog and has also fought in the UFC. He is also the younger brother of UFC lightweight contender Joe Lauzon. Lauzon as you may remember fought Spencer Fisher at UFC 64 in October of 2006. He gave Fischer a good fight but lost via TKO late in the first round. He dropped his next bout but has since rattled off five-straight wins. His most recent is a first round triangle choke victory over Frank Latina in the WCF or World Championship Fighting on February 8.

To read more about Nick Agallar please read my other articles. I have also linked the Sherdog article I reference above.

Freestyle Combat Challenge 33: Agallar, Geraghty, and Massouh Victorius

Freestyle Combat Challenge 33: Agallar, Geraghty, and Massouh Return to Wisconsin

‘Pequano’ Expected to Sign with WEC

This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Combat Sports or www.wicombatsports.com where I am a writer.

Freestyle Combat Challenge 33: Agallar, Massouh, and Geraghty Victorious

Dave Strasser filled up the Marina Shores Ballroom last night with fans eager to see some of the biggest MMA stars in the area. Rumors buzzed throughout the crowd that talent scouts from major organizations were on hand to take a look at the skills of Brian Geraghty and Nick Agallar.

Knockout of the Night

Warren “Warden” Kekahbah of Strasser’s Freestyle Academy opened the night of fights and wasted no time quickly diposing of his opponent Scott Furr from Freaks of the Industry. The bout was announced as an openweight bout and the 204lb Kekahbah gave up fifty pounds to his opponent. The weight difference didn’t matter as he viciously attacked the bigger man with a flurry of strikes and a jumping knee. The referee halted the bout only 19 seconds in and Wisconsin Combat Sports awarded Kekahbah with KO of the night.

In the second bout of the evening, Steve Conley of Freaks of the Industry, applied an arm bar to his opponent Brandon Thomas of Strasser’s Freestyle Academy. Thomas slammed Conley on his head in an attempt to escape the submission but Conley never let the arm loose. Conley was the only one of his four team members to pull out a victory on the card.

Kevin Kelley of Strasser’s Freestyle Academy came out wearing his classic, “Greetings Taco Lovers” shirt and used knees from a clinch to set up a takedown in his heavyweight bout. From the top position he unleashed a ground and pound attack to defeat Dave Oliver of Freaks of the Industry – Indiana in the final minute of the first round.

Jacob Kuester of Adrian Serrano’s Combat Gym defeated Ryan Sheeper of Clinton, Iowa. Kuester’s size was too much to deal with and his ground and pound shots echoed throughout the ballroom. Scheeper was forced to tap out from strikes at 1:46 in the first round. If I were a welterweight pro fighter in the state of Wisconsin I would think twice before accepting a fight with Jacob Kuester. He looks unstoppable at welterweight since dropping down from middleweight.

155lb Lightweight Tournament

Mike Sanchez of Racine, Wisconin fought Jonathan “Blue” Chasse also of Racine for a right to fight in the finals of the 155lb Lightweight Tournament against Matt Morin of Adrian Serrano’s Combat Gym next month. Sanchez came out and showed good striking ability but ended up in the guard of “Blue” off a throw. “Blue” then pulled off one of the cleanest arm bars I’ve seen in a while and almost earned himself submission of the night honors. The winner of the Morin vs. Chasse fight next month will get to fight a pro fight in Japan later this year.

Fight of the Night

The fight of the night was also the most controversial. Caleb Krull of Adrian Serrano’s Combat Gym squared off against Gerald Meerschaert of Strasser’s Freestyle Academy in a welterweight bout. Despite having a height and reach advantage Krull was outstruck by Meerschaert in most striking exchanges in the first round. Later, Meerschaert sank in a triangle choke in the final minute of the first round but Krull managed to survive the submission attempt.

In the second round Meerschaert won most of the striking exchanges again but Krull managed to get an attempted arm bar that flowed into a triangle choke. Meerschaert attempted to stomp his way out of the submission and closed the second round out with strikes from the guard of Krull.

Down two rounds to none, Krull needed to finish Meerschaert if he wanted to win the fight, which is exactly what he attempted to do. Krull dropped Meerschaert with a big punch that sent Meerschaert crashing to the canvas near the ropes. Krull rushed in to go for the kill and referee John Pasarelli halted Krull and gave Meerschaert time to recover. He then restarted the fighters in the center of the ring and it appeared Meerschaert was on wobbly legs as they restarted the action in a standing position. Later in the round Krull again drops Meerschaert with strikes.

Meerschaert wins the fight by decision with the scores read (29-28), (29-28), (29-27). It will be interesting to see if there is a rematch between these two fighters since it was evident to all in attendance that Meerschaert was saved by referee John Paserelli.

In other action Alex “The Warrior” Windsor of Racine, Wisconsin defeated Rob Sweet of Union Grove via TKO (referee stoppage) at 0:44 in the third round. Windsor had Sweet in a crucifix leaving Sweet unable to defend himself.

Ed Sunderland of Xion, Illinois may have been the smaller man in his bout against Racine, Wisconsin fighter Ed Nelson, although the Freestyle Academy student showed he had a bigger heart. Sunderland was able to successfully defend against multiple guillotine attempts by Nelson. Sunderland won the fight via majority decision with scores of (29-28), (29-28), and a (29-29) draw being scored by judge Pat O’Malley.

Main Events

Freestyle Combat Challenge 33 featured three main events. It was evident that Nick Agallar, Brian Geraghty, and Jameel Massouh were guys that the fans came to see. All three of Strasser’s disciples delivered and not one of their fights went over the two-minute mark.

Submission of the Night

Jameel Massouh took on Craig Howard of the Freaks of the Industry based in Lafayette, Indiana in an open weight bout. Massouh weighed 140lbs while his opponent weighed a whopping 180lbs with a record of (1-1) according to the accouncer. Massouh made short work of Howard with a takedown from the clinch. Upon achieving full mount, Massouh unleashed some elbows. Massouh then got the back of Howard and applied a reverse triangle quickly transitioning into an arm bar earning submission of the night honors that we were planning on giving to Jonathan “Blue” Chasse.

Up next, “Dangerous Duke Danger” Brian Geraghty fought Shaun Kuhl of the Bulldog Fight Team in South Bend, Indiana. The (5-1) Kuhl managed a takedown against the UFC veteran, but Geraghty made him pay by submitting Kuhl via arm bar at the 1:42 mark in the first.

Lastly, in the final match Nick Agallar completely destroyed his opponent Luke Nichols of Nietz Defense. Immediately the (1-0) Nichols realized he was in over his head as Agallar came at him with a right straight kick followed by a left high kick. Agallar then tied up Nichols and threw him to the ground like a used rag doll. Agallar unleashed big elbows so explosive that Nichols did the most intelligent thing possible, he tapped out due to strikes at 55 seconds in the first round.

In conclusion, it was a quick night of fights as eight bouts never left the first round. Massouh, Geraghty, and Agallar all looked impressive against relatively inexperienced opponents, although I can’t imagine anyone in the state being able to beat them in their respective weight classes of 135, 145, and 155lbs. The referee did a poor job in the Krull vs. Meerschaert fight that inevitably cost Krull the win. I personally would like to see a rematch or have Krull’s teammate Kuester attempt to avenge his teammate’s loss. Strasser’s fighters showed that they are all well rounded in the striking, submission, and wrestling departments. Matt Morin vs. Jonathan “ Blue” Chasse will be a great bout on the next FCC card to determine which local fighter will earn the right to fight in Japan. Strasser always does a good job bringing talent from all over the Midwest and last night’s fights featured fighters from Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Wisconsin Combat Sports would like to thank Dave Strasser for having us cover the action. We’ll see you at the next FCC and hope to do more preview features leading up to the event. Full results are listed below.

Freestyle Combat Challenge 33 Quick Results
Madrigrano’s Marina Shores
Kenosha, WI
02/24/2008

Openweight Bout
Warren “Warden” Kekahbah – Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Kenosha, WI
vs.
Scott “Irish Pitbull” Furr – Freaks Of The Industry – Lafayette, IN

Warren Kekahbah wins by TKO (Referee Stoppage) – RD 1 – (0:19)

Welterweight Bout
Steve Conley – Freaks Of The Industry – Lafayette, IN
vs.
Brandon Thomas – Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Racine, WI

Steve Conley wins by Arm Bar – RD 1 – (0:26)

Heavyweight Bout
Dave Oliver – Freaks Of The Industry – Lafayette, IN
vs.
Kevin Kelley – Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – South Milwaukee, WI

Kevin Kelley wins by TKO (Referee Stoppage) – Ground and Pound – RD 1 – (2:32)

Welterweight Bout
Jake Kuester – Serrano’s Combat Gym – Milwaukee, WI
vs.
Ryan Scheeper – Philbricks Gym – Clinton, IA

Jake Kuester wins by Submission due to strikes – RD 1 – 1:46

Lightweight Bout
Mike Sanchez – Racine, WI
vs.
Jonathan “Blue” Chasse – Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Racine, WI

Jonathan Chasse wins by Arm Bar – RD 1 – (0:59)

Welterweight Bout
Caleb Krull – Serrano’s Combat Gym – Milwaukee, WI
vs.
Gerald Meerschaert – Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Racine, WI

Gerald Meerschaert wins by Unanimous Decision – RD 3 – (3:00)
Scores read (29-28), (29-28), and (29-27)

Middleweight Bout
Rob Sweet – Union Grove, WI
vs.
Alex Windsor – Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Racine, WI

Alex Windsor wins by TKO (Referee Stoppage) – RD 3 – (0:44)

Light Heavyweight Bout
Ed “The Machine” Nelson – Racine, WI
vs.
Ed Sunderland – Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Xion, IL

Ed Sunderland wins by Majority Decision – RD 3 – (3:00)
Scores read (29-29), (29-28), (29-28)

Openweight Bout
Jameel Massouh – Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Kenosha, WI
vs.
Craig? Howard – Freaks Of The Industry – Lafayette, IN

Jameel Massouh wins by Arm Bar – RD 1 – (1:11)

Featherweight Bout
Brian Geraghty – Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Kenosha, WI
vs.
Shaun Kuhl – Bulldog Fight Team – South Bend, IN

Brian Geraghty wins by Arm Bar – RD 1 – (1:42)

Lightweight Bout
Nick Agallar – Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Racine, WI
vs.
Luke Nichols – Nietz Defense

Nick Agallar wins by Submission due to strikes – RD 1 – (0:55)

Freestyle Combat Challenge 33: Geraghty, Agallar, and Massouh return to Wisconsin

Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy has produced more notable MMA stars in Wisconsin than all other gyms combined. His fighters have fought in the UFC, the WEC, BodogFight, Japan’s Pancrase and have also appeared on the Versus TV show Tapout, as well as Spike’s The Ultimate Fighter. This Saturday Dave Strasser will hold Freestyle Combat Challenge 33 in Kenosha and he has some of the biggest names in Wisconsin MMA on the card. Fighters like UFC veteran Brian Geraghty, BodogFight veteran Nick Agallar, and Pancrase veteran Jameel Massouh will be fighting in the ring.

As you may remember from my Freestyle Combat Challenge 32 article last month, Dustin “The Beast” Neace of Indianapolis, Indiana won the 4-man 145lb Featherweight tournament that evening. According to Sherdog, Neace holds an MMA record of (14-10-1) and the tournament win has earned him a title shot against UFC veteran and Ultimate Fighter 5 cast member Brian “Duke” Geraghty.

Brian “Duke” Geraghty who holds a (17-11-1) MMA record according to Sherdog and fought at 155lbs on the Ultimate Fighter show. He is currently riding a two-fight losing streak that includes a fight in Japan last November and a fight against Matt Wiman in the TUF 5 finale last June. It appears that Geraghty will be a stronger and more dominant fighter at featherweight and is making the necessary adjustments to get back on the winning track and revitalize his career, which would be better suited in the WEC’s featherweight division. Judging by their comparable records and from what I saw of Neace at the last FCC event, this fight has the making of a great main event title fight.

Also on the card is one of the most successful MMA fighters in Wisconsin history. That man is 155lb lightweight fighter, Nick Agallar. Agallar holds an MMA record of (19-5) according to Sherdog and has fought in the WEC, the UFC, and BodogFight. He is currently riding a two-fight win streak that includes a split decision win over James Jones at BodogFight: Alvarez vs. Lee in July of 2007 and most recently, a first round TKO win over Japan’s Shinya Kumazawa at FCC 31 in November. Agallar is (8-2) since making his return to MMA, which was halted due to a 16-month layoff from the sport while he fought in the Iraq war.

Jameel “The Sergeant” Massouh will also be fighting on the card at bantamweight or 135lbs. Massouh sports a (14-3) record according to Sherdog and is coming off a unanimous decision loss in Japan’s Pancrase organization to Miki Shida last December. His other two losses came at the hands of Japan’s Daiki Hata and Tristan Yunker who holds wins over notable fighters such as John Hosman, Clay Guida, and John Halverson. He has also fought on many Madtown Throwdown shows as well as Freestyle Combat Challenge shows and began his career winning 11 straight fights. According to Dave Strasser, Jameel Massouh will face Kyle Dietz. Dietz holds a (3-0) MMA record according to FC Fighter.

Accrding to Chris Geraghty’s website, www.theringannouncer.com, Japanese fighter Kazuki Okubo is also slated to fight on the card. Despite a (7-9) MMA record, Okuba has fought in Rings, Deep, M-1, Pancrase, and Pride. He has fought notable fighters such as Jeremy Horn, Kurt Pellegrino, Daijiro Matsui, and Ikuhisa Minowa. The article also states that Okuba will stay in Wisconsin after the fight and continue to train with Strasser’s camp and fight again in future FCC shows in 2008.

All in all, MMA cards in Wisconsin don’t get stacked with bigger name talent than this card so I would recommend taking the trip down south to Kenosha this weekend if you are planning on seeing some upper level talent and recognizable fighters. Wisconsin Combat Sports will be covering all the action this weekend including Combat USA, Titletown Combat Championship, and Freestyle Combat Challenge. We hope to see you there.

Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Combat Challenge 32

Saturday's Freestyle Combat Challenge show took place in downtown Kenosha at the Marina Shores Ballroom. The event was highlighted by a four-man 145lb featherweight tournament, which began the evening featuring fighters from all over the Midwest including Indianapolis, St. Paul, and Fargo. In addition, the card also featured a semi-finals bout of an ongoing 155lb lightweight tournament to decide which fighter is going to get the opportunity to fight in Japan. Also on the card was a main event that featured Wisconsin MMA legend Adrian Serrano.

145lb Featherweight Tournament

In the 145lb tournament Jeremy Ashley of Indianapolis, Indiana showed off his submission prowess with multiple attempts against Zach Schumack. He finished the bout via arm bar in the second round to advance to the finals. In the other semi-final match Dustin “The Beast” Neace, also of Indianapolis, Inidana, wasted no time disposing of Rich Taylor via a guillotine choke quickly in round one, knowing that he need as much energy as possible for his finals match-up against Jeremy Ashley.

Jeremy Ashley and Dustin Neace would both fight again in the final bout of the night. Ashley would attack early but Neace ended up with full mount and began to throw some heavy leather. After getting the fight back to the feet, the fighters showed some standup before Ashley was able to secure his own takedown. Neace immediately sweeps Ashley and gets side control. With only one minute left in the first round Neace was able to quickly get full mount. Ashley would attempt to muscle his way out to avoid the barrage of leather Neace was unloading. The referee finally came in to save Ashley. Neace, the most experienced of the four fighters, wins the tournament by TKO (referee stoppage) from ground and pound with one second left in the round.

16-man 155lb Lightweight Tournament Semi-Final Bout

Matt Morin of Adrian Serrano’s Combat Sports Gym moved one step closer to Japan last night. Freestyle Combat Challenge has had an ongoing 16-man tournament in which the victor gets to fight in Japan through Dave Strasser’s fighter exchange program.

Morin’s opponent Alberto Ramirez of Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy was definitely the fan favorite in this bout and the crowd went crazy when his name was announced. As the fight began, the taller Morin used his Muaythai clinch to throw knees and control the smaller Ramirez. Ramirez responded by getting a takedown and side control. Morin quickly regained half-guard, and then full guard. Morin attempts an arm triangle from the bottom and the two combatants spill out of the ring. As the fighters are brought back in and the fight begins, Morin attempts a heel hook. In a strange turn, Ramirez jumps out of the ring to avoid the heel hook. The referee attempts to start the fight again in the same position (Morin with the heel hook) and Ramirez’ corner complains. The referee in one his controversial and questionable calls of the evening, decides to just start the fighters standing. Morin gets a takedown from the clinch, gets full mount, and cross-faces Ramirez, traps an arm, postures up and goes for the armbar. With the arm extended, Ramirez is forced to tap in round one.

With the victory, Morin now faces the winner of the other 155lb semi-finals bout in February at FCC 33. Morin and the winner will then face each other in the March show at FCC 34. The winner of that bout will be crowned champion and get an all expense paid trip to fight in Japan.

Main Event

The crowd went wild as Wisconsin MMA legend Adrian Serrano was announced during his fight with Josh “The Crowbar” Horsch of Piqua, Ohio. The “Crowbar” didn’t let the crowd phase him as he quickly shot in for a takedown. As Horsch worked from half guard he stayed busy landing body shots, elbows and the Bas Ruten favorite “cross-face”. It was apparent early that one of the combatants was bleeding and as the match continued the blood began to flow more and more, it became obvious it was Serrano’s. This fight was beginning to look like a blood bath as both combatants were covered in blood. Horsch attempted some kimuras on Serrano but the cagey veteran was not about to be caught. Horsch went back to his half guard and finished the round working more elbows, his cross-face, and about a half dozen body shots to finish out the first round.

The doctor entered the ring in between rounds to check on Serrano’s cuts. The doctor decides to let the fight continue and the second round begins. The fighters touch gloves and Horsch immediately goes to his bread and butter move, the single leg takedown into half guard. The second round looked to be a continuation of the first round as Horsch goes back to working his cross-faces, elbows, and body shots from half-guard. Horsch manages to pass the guard this time, but Serrano is able to escape and get the fight back to the feet. Horsch executes a standing guillotine before pulling guard. Serrano quickly taps to the choke. Being the classy fighter that he is, Serrano holds the Horsch’s arm up and gets the crowd to acknowledge the feat of the younger fighter.

Other Highlights

I’d think knockout of the night would have to go to Kevin Kelley of Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy. Kelly who came out sporting a t-shirt with the saying: “Greetings taco lovers”, muscled his much taller opponent Joe Cooper around the ring and to the canvas. As Cooper threw some shots from bottom, Kelley stood up and stomped on the head/face of Cooper immediately ending the fight.

I’d give fight of the night to Shane McDonald vs. Adrian “300” Guitierez. McDonald of Team Ho Down was sizably bigger than his opponent Adrian Guitierez of Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy South. Early on McDonald was out striking and muscling around Guitierez. He also used a Muaythai clinch to his advantage and attempted a guillotine choke. Once on the ground the fight was a back forth battle of reversals. As McDonald attempted an ankle lock, Guitierez turned the tables and quickly mounted MacDonald. Guitierez turned up the heat with relentless strikes to McDonald and the referee was forced to stop the fight. A nice come from behind TKO victory via ground and pound for Guitierez who showed why his nickname is “300”.

All in all it was a great night of fights in a very nice venue. The show didn’t do a good job explaining the fighter exchange program and the significance of some of the bouts, although the bouts themselves were very exciting. The show did a good job bringing together fighters from all over the Midwest including North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The Vale Tudo rules made for some exciting yet dangerous bouts and the promotion kept a good flow on the show with very few breaks or lulls in action. The only real complaint I had was that the referee made multiple bad calls throughout the night with restarts in the wrong position in the Ashley vs. Schumack and Morin vs. Ramirez bouts when he was visibly confused. I’d like to thank Dave Strasser for having Wisconsin Combat Sports cover the action. The full results are listed below. Expect photos of the event sometime later this week.
Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Combat Challenge 32Marina ShoresKenosha, WI01/12/2008

145lb Featherweight Tournament Bout
Jeremy Ashley – C4 – Indianapolis, IN – (5-4)
vs.
Zach Schumack – Fargo, ND – (6-3-1)

Jeremy Ashley wins by Armbar – Round 2

145lb Featherweight Tournament Bout
Rich Taylor – Minnesota Martial Arts Academy – St. Paul, MN – (2-1)
vs.
Dustin “The Beast” Neace – Boiler Room – Indianapolis, IN – (15-9-1)

Dustin Neace wins by Guillotine Choke – Round 1

205lb Light Heavyweight Bout
Dustin Keller – Shark Bite – Sullivan, WI – (0-1)
vs.
Gary Weir – Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Kenosha, WI – (1-0)

Gary Weir wins by Unanimous Decision – Round 3

195lb Catchweight Bout
Joe Cooper – Freaks Of The Industry – De Motte, IN – (1-4)
vs.
Kevin Kelley – Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – South Milwaukee – (4-1-0-2)

Kevin Kelley wins by TKO/KO (Stomps) – Round 1

155lb Lightweight Bout
Shane McDonald – Team Ho Down – Cornersville, IN – (2-2)
vs.
Adrian “300” Guitierez – Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy South – Xion, IL – (2-0)

Adrian Gutierrez wins by TKO (Ground and Pound) – Round 1

155lb Lightweight Bout
Matt Morin – Adrian Serrano’s Combat Sports Gym – Milwaukee, WI – (5-2)
vs.
Alberto Ramirez – Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Academy – Kenosha, WI – (0-2)

Matt Morin wins by Arm Bar – Round 1

160lb Catchweight Bout
Steve Corley – Freaks Of The Industry – Lafayette, IN – (0-1)
vs.
Scott Wagner (1-2)

Scott Wagner wins by Arm Bar – Round 2 – (0:43)

170lb Welterweight Bout
Ryan Scheeper – Philbricks - Clinton, IA - (0-2)
vs.
Fernando “Fists Of Fury” Gomez – Rockford, IL – (2-1)

Fernando Gomez wins by Submission (Strikes) – Round 3

180lb Catchweight Bout
Kenneth Allen – Chicago, IL – (2-23)
vs.
Gerald Meerschaert – Racine, WI – (3-2)

Meerschart wins by Triangle Choke – Round 1

185lb Middleweight Bout – Main Event
Josh “The Crowbar” Horsch – Piqua, OH – (4-0)
vs.
Adrian Serrano – Adrian Serrano’s Combat Sports Gym – Milwaukee, WI - (55-28-4)

Josh Horsh wins by Guillotine Choke – Round 2

145lb Tournament Championship Bout
Jeremy Ashley – C4 – Indianapolis, IN – (4-4)
vs.
Dustin “The Beast” Neace – Boiler Room – Indianapolis, IN – (15-9-1)

Dustin Neace wins by TKO (Ground and Pound) – Round 1 – 4:59

Results for Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Combat Challenge 32

Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Combat Challenge 32
Marina Shores
Kenosha, WI
01/12/2008

145lb Featherweight Tournament Bout
Jeremy Ashley (5-4) sherdog vs. Zach Schumack (6-3-1) fcfighter

Jeremy Ashley wins by Armbar – Round 2

145lb Featherweight Tournament Bout
Rich Taylor (2-1) sherdog vs. Dustin “The Beast” Neace (15-9-1) fcfighter

Dustin Neace wins by Guillotine Choke – Round 1

205lb Light Heavyweight Bout
Dustin Keller (0-1) vs. Gary Weir (1-0)

Gary Weir wins by Unanimous Decision – Round 3

195lb Catchweight Bout
Joe Cooper (1-4) sherdog vs. Kevin Kelley (4-1-0-2) sherdog

Kevin Kelley wins by TKO/KO (Stomps) – Round 1

155lb Lightweight Bout
Shane McDonald (2-2) fcfighter vs. Adrian “300” Guitierez (2-0) fcfighter/sherdog

Adrian Gutierrez wins by TKO (Ground and Pound) – Round 1

155lb Lightweight Bout
Matt Morin (5-2) sherdog vs. Alberto Ramirez (0-2) fcfighter

Matt Morin wins by Arm Bar – Round 1

160lb Catchweight Bout
Steve Corley (0-1) vs. Scott Wagner (1-2) sherdog

Scott Wagner wins by Arm Bar – Round 2 – (0:43)

170lb Welterweight Bout
Ryan Scheeper (0-2) fcfighter/sherdog vs. Fernando Gomez (2-1) fcfighter & sherdog

Fernando Gomez wins by Submission (Strikes) – Round 3

180lb Catchweight Bout
Kenneth Allen (2-23) fcfighter vs. Gerald Meerschaert (3-2) fcfighter & sherdog

Meerschart wins by Triangle Choke – Round 1

185lb Bout – Main Event
Josh Horsch (4-0) fcfighter vs. Adrian Serrano (55-28-4) fcfighter

Josh Horsh wins by Guillotine Choke – Round 2

145lb Tournament Championship Bout
Jeremy Ashley (4-4) sherdog vs. Dustin Neace (15-9-1) fcfighter– Indianapolis, IN

Dustin Neace wins by TKO (Ground and Pound) – Round 1 – 4:59



All fight records have the most accurate source listed with the win or loss added.

Fighter Profile: Wisconsin MMA Legend Adrian Serrano

On Saturday, Adrian Serrano is slated to fight on Dave Strasser’s Freestyle Combat Challenge 32. Ten years ago this month, Adrian Serrano had his historic rematch with Dave Strasser at the Brat Stop in Kenosha at Extreme Challenge 13, a fight he won via split decision for the Extreme Challenge 170lb Middleweight Championship. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Serrano and talk about his career, his legacy, his fighters, and retirement.

When I think of the most influential pioneers of Mixed Martial Arts in Wisconsin, the names that come to mind are Dave Strasser, Henry Matamoros, Eric Schafer, and Adrian Serrano. Adrian Serrano’s website has his MMA record at (89-27-4) and he has been fighting for almost 12 years. In his 120 professional fights he has fought all over America and has also fought in Japan and Brazil on multiple occasions. He has fought some of the world’s toughest opponents including Wanderlei Silva, Dave Strasser, Shonie Carter, and Ikuhisa Minowa. Serrano also holds a win over the first ever UFC Middleweight Champion, Dave Menne. He has fought in at least 3 different weight classes in some of the world’s largest and most respected organizations such as the UFC, Pancrase, Rings, and Deep. He has been crowned a champion 11 times in almost as many organizations including Hook ‘n’ Shoot, Extreme Challenge, and Iron Heart Crown.

Training:

Despite not yet knowing whom he will be fighting this Saturday, Adrian Serrano says he trains the same way for every opponent. The only thing he does different is altering his pre-fight visualizations depending on the fighting style of his opponent.

Retirement:

I read an interview from Serrano in 2005 where he discussed retirement. I asked him what had changed and why he remained fighting. He stated that in the spring of 2005 he had a flesh eating disease that nearly took his leg and in 2006 he was sidelined with a knee injury. He said he refused to let those factors keep him from going out on his own terms. He has recently decided that he is going to fight three or four more times this year and then retire from fighting. He said he wants to fight in shows that are close to home so his closest friends and family can come out and see him before he hangs up the gloves.

Legacy:

I asked Adrian how he wants his fighting legacy to be remembered once he retires. He said he wants to be remembered as a fighter with a good record and a pioneer here in the area. Also, to be remembered as a guy who took some chances and some questionable fights, but a fighter who was never afraid to take a chance or fight top level competition. In addition to the many titles he has held in smaller shows, he said his legacy is going to continue through his fighters at Adrian Serrano’s Combat Gym.

Fighters:

I asked Adrian Serrano who were the top prospects in his gym currently. He stated Matt Morin, Jake Kuester, and Caleb Krull were fighters from his gym who show the most potential. Information below is from Adrian’s website.

Matt Morin (8-5)
Weight Class: 155lb Lightweight
KTK interim Lightweight Champion
Combat USA Lightweight Champion

Jake Keuster (6-1)
Weight Class: 185lb Middleweight/170lb Welterweight
KTK Middleweight Champion

Caleb Krull (9-3)
Weight Class: 170lb Welterweight
KTK Welterweight Champion

Thanks:

Adrian Serrano would like to thank On The Border, The BBC, Carnivore Steakhouse, and Mikey’s Restaurant. He would also like to thank the Tap Out crew. Tap Out has sponsored him since the summer of 1998. He stated that he was wearing FC Fighter shorts during a fight. After the fight, Mask and Punk Ass, who were not yet the rockstars they are now, offered him a sponsorship and they have been friends ever since.

I would highly recommend going out and catching one of Adrian’s fights before he does hang up the gloves. He is one of the few MMA legends we have here in Wisconsin. He’s seen it all and has many stories to share from the No Holds Barred, bare-knuckle days of MMA to the professional wrestling circuit. If we had a hall of fame, he’d be an inductee.

Here is the fight card according to Bout Review USA:

Strasser's Freestyle Combat Challenge 32
At Marina Shores, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Saturday - January 12th, 2008
Doors Open - 7:00 pmFight Starts - 8:00 pm

Confirmed Cards (Subject to Change):

145 lbs & Under Title Bout - Tournament Final 5 min / 3R
The winner of first round A vs. The winner of first round B

Super Fight - 185 lbs & Under 5 min / 3R
Adrian Serrano (USA / Serrano Jiu-jitsu) vs. TBD

Super Fight - 185 lbs & Under 5 min / 3R
Warren Kikaba (U.S.A. / Freestyle Academy) vs. Norman Paraisy (Brazilian Top Team France)

Lightweight Rookie Tournament Semi-final 5 min / 3R
Alberto Ramirez (U.S.A. / Freestyle Academy) vs. Matt Morin (U.S.A.)

Lightweight Rookie Tournament Semi-final 5 min / 3R
Nick Edwards (U.S.A.) vs. John Chasse (U.S.A. / Freestyle Academy)

145 lbs & Under Tournament First Round A - 5 min / 2R
Johnny Frachy (Brazilian Top Team France) vs. Javi Vega (U.S.A. / Freestyle Academy)

145 lbs & Under Tournament First Round B - 5 min / 2R
TBD vs. TBD

Lightweight Rookie Tournament Alternate Bout 5 min / 3R
TBD vs. TBD

Light-heavyweight Bout 5 min / 2R
Lucas Bowers (U.S.A. / Freestyle Academy) vs. TBA

http://boutreviewusa.com/FightNews/FCC/011208.html