Ring of Fire Mixed Martial Arts Championship Fighting

ROF 37 QUICK RESULTS

"RING OF FIRE 37: Warlords" took place at the Omaha Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Nebraska and had another night of great action. Only three of the fourteen bouts on the Ring of Fire card went the distance in a night that featured a huge upset and several UFC veterans.

The night began with an amateur bout between John Devall and Justin Seffron. It didn't take long for John Devall to bring the fight to the mat, and once he got there, he submitted Seffron via rear naked choke in the first round.

The most exciting bout on the card hands down was a lightweight bout between Peter Grimes and Donavon Winters. In round one Grimes came out like a house of fire when the fight was standing early, however the minute Grimes looked to take the fight to the mat, Winters countered with a beautifully attempted kimura and when the fight went back to the feet, Winters landed a beautiful front kick to the chest of Grimes. Rounds two and three saw both men exchanging, and Grimes ending on top anytime Winters tried to make the fight into a grappling match. Peter Grimes won via unanimous decision.

In what has to be considered the upset of the night Sean Wilson scored a second round technical knock out win over UFC veteran Luke Caudillo. Caudillo looked to have Wilson's number in the first round and picked Wilson apart on the feet, and capped the round off with a takedown. Early In round two Wilson landed and overhand right, followed up with a right hook and then landed some strikes on the ground defeating Caudillo by technical knock out.

Justin Wren got back in the win column after making short work of wrestler Josh Henry by taking him down and landing devastating punches to get the win via technical knock out in round one.

UFC veteran Chad "The Grinder" Reiner lived up to his nickname as he grinded out another victory over Brian Green by unanimous decision. All three rounds saw Reiner taking Green down with some powerful takedowns and passed the guard of Green on several occasions. To Green's credit he never gave up once during the fight and managed to scramble to his feet on a few occasions, and valiantly fought for position against Reiner.

In the co-main event John Alessio made short work of veteran Matt Delanoit by submitting the fighter in round one by way of rear naked choke. After the bout Alessio made it known that he wants to return to the UFC and fight on the UFC 115 card in Vancouver, Canada.

In the main event local fan favorite Alonzo Martinez took on Demi Deeds in lightweight action. Deeds fought hard to bring the smaller Martinez to the mat in the opening minutes of the bout, however Martinez defended the takedowns well and scored a takedown of his own and ended up submitting Deeds by way of rear naked choke in the first round.

Full Ring of Fire 37 Results:

MAIN EVENT:
Alonzo Martinez defeats Demi Deeds by submission via rear naked choke in round 1

FEATURE BOUTS:
John Alessio defeats Matt Delanoit by submission via rear naked choke in round 1
Chad Reiner defeats Brian Green via unanimous decision
Sean Wilson defeats Luke Caudillo via technical knock out in round 2
Justin Wren defeats Josh Henry via technical knock out in round 1
Pete Grimes defeats Donavon Winters via unanimous decision

PRELIM BOUTS:
Vinny Lopez defeats Andy Smith via unanimous decision
Enrique Thomas defeats Steve Luccino by submission via rear naked choke in round 3
Justin Linner defeats Brett Hodgen by submission via rear naked choke in round 1
Roberto Rojas Jr defeats Jason Prorok by technical knock out in round 1
Joel Frandsen defeats Matt Williams by technical knock out in round 2
Johnny Nunez defeats Jeremy Harper by submission via armbar in round 2
John Devall defeats Justin Seffron via rear naked choke in round 1

Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa and living and training in Omaha, Nebraska at Elite Performance MMA, Explosive Edge, with Grover Wiley and Downtown Boxing, it shouldn't surprise anyone that "Zo" has stayed close to home, and close to his roots. "Coming from a large family, 3 younger sisters and 3 older brothers, I think made things perfect for me as a person. My brothers beat me up and made me 'tough' I guess, and my sisters probably gave me a little bit on the soft side of life."

Getting ready to battle Des Moines fighter Demi Deeds at the Ring of Fire March 5th event, MFF caught up with Alonzo to get his thoughts on the fight, and MMA in general. "For fighting, although I wrestled since the age of 5 all the way through High School, I think that as a freestyle fighter, I don't really have any particular strength or weakness. I simply like to push the pace and make the fight what it is, a fight. I will be pushing the pace March 5th that's for certain."

Asked if there was anything in particular he would like to improve in his game, Alonzo stated "I think I'm pretty well rounded for MMA, and I normally train for fights according to what I and my coaches think needs to be addressed for that particular matchup. For this fight, I'm training heavier on the striking aspects. I think Demi is coming down from 170 to 155 for the first time, so I don't think he's going to be quite used to 55 yet. I've been really hitting the striking for a reason, and I'm just saying with all respect to him that this is going to be a great, great fight because I know we are both bringing it for this one".
With a record of 26-11-1, and fighting many of the top names not only in the Midwest but some around the world as well, the matchup with Deeds is said to be bringing some attention to both fighters for consideration with the UFC. That's meets with Alonzo's approval as he said he of course has set some goals for himself, and he believes that he needs to "Beat Demi, stay focused and continue to win, then make my way into the UFC", so this could potentially play right into his plans.

Alonzo told me that he hasn't always been as disciplined in the sport as he should have been and his regrets during those times are many. " Really, if you are going to be a pro fighter and take it serious, I think you have to take it to the full time level. I take it serious...no drinking, good diet, staying in peak physical condition in all areas so that nothing can hold me back. I have to be smart and take advantage of this right now because right now is where its at. I'm taking aim at the UFC and I have to be "professional" about this because this isn't a game for me. It is what I do for a living".
He went on to say "Getting into fights all the time (outside the cage) caused me a bunch of problems, plus I was shot in 2003 and that took a bit to get back from. Basically, it all came back around to me and at a party, things happened and it's too bad, but in a strange way, it put me in the place I am today".

"As an example, Yves Edwards was my toughest fight, but that was mostly my fault for not coming in to the fight in the shape I should have been in from a cardio standpoint. I think I had him at a point in the fight, but the thing is, he's a professional, and he came in like he needed to. I would add that a lot of the times, I have some of my toughest competition in the gym. But, that just makes the fights easier".

Continuing, Martinez said "I love it this sport. Growing up I was in and out of trouble, my brothers were beating me up, kind of feels like I was made just for the sport because the competition aspect of it is unequalled. There is no more "high" than you can get by being locked in a cage with another man to see who has better prepared for and is more technically sound for a fight."

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DEMI DEEDS FROM THE 515 TO 155

Born, raised, and fighting out of Des Moines, Iowa and Des Moines MMA with Anthony Porcelli, Josh Neer, and a host of other outstanding Mixed Martial Artists, Demi Deeds comes to Omaha and the Ring of Fire fighting Alonzo Martinez at 155 pounds. Stepping down from 170 hasn't been as difficult for Demi as he first believed it was going to be.

"Cutting the weight is going well actually, and I want to stay there because I think that's the weight I want and need to be at if I get the chance to fight at the next level. Within the year, I'd like certainly like to make it to one of the big shows like the WEC or UFC and I also think that's
why I need to make this jump to 55 and fight one of the top guys around."

Raised by his grandmother on a fixed income his entire childhood, Demi says "She was STRICT on me for sure. I never got into any trouble ever, she wouldn't allow me to. She was pretty much my world until I had my son Jaiden 3 years ago and became a father of a child myself. It was good that I eventually got old enough to work a bit and start helping us out though".

He added that he did have a great mentor and father figure growing up in Garth Starboe. "He has been like a father to me since the age of 7. He helped me start in business and more importantly in life. He has been instrumental in my making to where I am today in so many ways, and there really aren't enough ways to thank him".

Asked about how he thinks he will match up with Alonzo, Demi says "Cardio has been a problem in the past because I used to try to always win in the 1st round and was so tense that it caused me to gas a bit. I think now I've learned to relax and take the fight as it comes, plus I feel that I'm in the best shape of my life right now".

Demi adds "Standing has always been my best assett, but I've had to work hard on my ground game and in fact won my last 3 fights by submission so the hard work is paying off and I really feel comfortable there now".

Continuing, he says "I'm a 3rd Degree black belt in TaeKwondo, been in it since I was four. I did some wrestling through high school as well. I guess the way I see it is I think this is going to be a good fight. He's going to come ready. I've watched him fight a lot. He seems to like to push the pace and he's a smart, smart fighter. I think if we stand and bang, I'd have the advantage, but we could go anywhere and really, I just expect this to be a great fight".

Finishing our conversation, Demi stated "I've always been one who loves competition, always trying to push myself, I love the contact in the sport and it's seriously fast paced. I never was the type to fight on the street, but fighting in a cage is a rush! I look forward to this fight quite a bit because Alonzo represents a huge challenge, and I love that kind of competition".

Demi Deeds is sponsored by: www.SmokinMAA.com, Full Tilt Poker, Slycord Electric, Perfection Heating and Cooling, Starboe Farms

See Demi Deeds and Alonzo Martinez battle it out at the Ring of Fire in Omaha, NE, March 5th!

BRIAN GREEN FULLY HEALED, FULLY FOCUSED

Training and fighting at one of toughest gyms in the Midwest with Anthony Porcelli at Des Moines MMA, Brian Green has fought some of the toughest and biggest names in the region to include Joe Vedepo, Nick Thompson, Rory Markham, Rob Kimmons, Crafton Wallace and Steve Carl. Having gone through most high level fights with a shoulder that would pop out of socket with even limited use (torn labrum) had Green on the ropes as he contemplated his future in the sport.

Meeting up with one of the Midwest’s premiere surgeons in Dr. Jacobsen saying “the Great Lord blessed me with a pro-bono surgery by Dr. Jacobson, the best shoulder surgeon in the state, and I got a new shoulder. Now I'm really kind of just starting my MMA career over, WITHOUT a handicap.”

“I have had a very severe shoulder injury that limited me from being able to throw my right hand standing up, as well as limit me from takedown defense and my ability to take people down. I haven't taken someone down for a long time, so I don’t know exactly what I'm going to do. I have a wide arsenal of techniques I'm excited to utilize.”

Asked about his younger days, Brian says “I had a childhood that wasn't fancy. I was in and out of alternative schools, and was always in trouble. None of the teachers wanted to deal with me because of my ADHD. My parents got divorced when I was 13 and things just started going downhill from there.”

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REINER LOOKS TO SHINE AT ROF WARLORDS

Growing up in the small town of West Point, Nebraska, Chad "The Grinder" Reiner has entered about every cage in the Midwest and beyond, and additionally spent time with the ultimate Fighting Championships. One of his goals is to get back to the UFC, and he feels it's fights like the one he has with Des Moines fighter Brian "Smokin" Green that can help him get there.
Chad felt he was picked on a lot when he was young, until one day he "learned to start fighting back". He thanked his father for not only that,
but for making him work a lot when he was a kid because "I feel I really learned a lot from that".

Training at Elite Performance in Omaha, Nebraska, Chad says "I like the submissions, and I like to stand up and throw. Either way, I'm pretty happy. My background is of course a lot of wrestling, amateur boxing, and Jiu Jitsu". "And really, I just absolutely love every aspect of this sport. The sweat, the tears, the teamwork and the experience are simply profound".

Chad added that "I had been doing this full time for about two and a half years, but I work part time now as a loan officer as well. Regardless,this looks like a great card and the event and the fight should be exciting!"

Sporting a 30-2 amateur MMA record and a pro record of 23 wins with just 10 losses gives Reiner a huge amount of experience in MMA. Talking about some of his past fights, he related that "Man, I can remember my fight with Brandon wolfe, who I fought to defend my Welterweight Title Belt in Hawaii. Definitely my toughest fight to date because we went all 5 of the 5 minute rounds and I ended up losing by split decision".

Adding to some past experiences, he says that "I even remember fighting Jason Percel, and I completely jumped over him when throwing a flying knee". Chad went on to say "I have found over time that turning away from distractions is what helps me inside the cage. Too many can be detrimental in the fight game. Also, some struggles in the past were not really knowing what dream I wanted to settle with. This is before I found MMA".
Chad seemed pretty excited to be fighting in Omaha in front of a friendly and supportive crowd. "I really need to thank all of my teammates who beat my butt everyday, my family for supporting me and the good Lord above for keeping me able to do so".

You can see "The Grinder" in action at the Ring of Fire March 5th at the Omaha Civic Auditorium!

Chad is Sponsored by: 8 Ball Nutrition

ALESSIO WANTS TO MAKE NEW FANS IN OMAHA

John “The Natural” Alessio is a man that’s been in this sport for awhile, boasting a 30-12 pro record. With 11 years of MMA experience, Alessio has fought the top fighters in the world on multiple occasions in the highest venues possible. Going through the UFC, WEC, PRIDE, he has faced the likes of Diego Sanchez, Carlos Condit, Pat Miletich and Thiago Alves, who was Alessio’s toughest fight so far, saying “He kicks hard!”
Alessio is currently coming off of a tough, earned win that ended with a knockout at 1:34 in the third round over Luigi Fioranvanti. With an upcoming fight on March 5th in Omaha, Nebraska, Alessio will be going up against another tough opponent on the Ring of Fire card against Omaha's own Matt Delanoit. While Alessio is looking forward to building a fan base in Omaha, he did say, “I think I have a tough fight on my hands.”

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Alessio now lives and trains in Las Vegas, Nevada. As of late, John has been training with the Xtreme Couture Gym and the Tapout Training Center. With a great group of training partners, like Robert Drysdale, Gil Martinez, and Shawn Tompkins. Alessio can only take his skills and techniques to the next level now.
Even after great success, Alessio always looks for the opportunity to praise others. “I want to thank God for allowing me to live my dream, my parents and girlfriend for so much support and my best friend Josh for believing in me so much,” he said.

If Alessio has his way, you will see alot more of him in the future. John plans to "put some hard work in" to become the world champion again, starting with the Ring Of Fire card on March 5th in Omaha, Nebraska.

John is sponsored by: Tapout, Gamma-O, and Shaw Chiropractic.

ROF signs WEC/UFC veteran Alessio

The ROF 37 WARLORDS talent stacked card just got a strong boost to the star power.

UFC/WEC veteran John THE NATURAL Alessio has signed with the promotion and will face local slugger Matt Delanoit in a welter weight match up.

Alessio had the following comments about the match up and the event:

"I've never been to Omaha or Nebraska for that matter, but I'm looking forward to putting on a good show and making some new fans. Im fighting a local kid Matt Delanoit who seems to be a scrappy tough kid thats going to look to make a name for himself against me, going to be my job to stop that and get one step closer to a UFC return."

"I'm excited to fight in ROF, a great show that a lot of great fighters have competed in, I've fought in a lot of shows and I'm happy about a chance to make new fans. I'm always greatful for these great opportunities."

ROF promoter Sven Bean said "I've known John for a long time now, going back to his early days with KOTC. He always been impressive and it's an honor to have him on the ROF roster. He's facing a very aggressive striker in Delanoit, and the match should be really exciting for the fans."

ROF SIGNS BROADCAST DEAL

Today ROF President Sven Bean announced that he has signed a multiple event broadcast deal with the FIGHT NETWORK.

The terms of the deal will include the broadcast rights in Canada to air previous and upcoming Ring Of Fire MMA events. The first event to be broadcast will be RING OF FIRE 36: DEMOLITION that featured a main event clash between UFC vets Vinnie Magahales and MIke Nickels. The March 5th RING OF FIRE 37: WARLORDS event will be the second in the broadcast series. There are also plans to do create a "BEST OF RING OF FIRE" from previous ROF events over it's 10 year history. The brodcast dates will be announced shortly.

Ariel Shnerer, The Fight Network Programming Manager had this to say about the agreement,

"Ring of Fire has been consistently delivering mixed martial arts at the highest level. The Fight Network is dedicated to bringing its fans MMA events from all over the world. We are thrilled to add Ring of Fire to our extensive programming lineup as fans will be treated to some tremendous fights never before seen in Canada."

ROF President Sven Bean followed up with "I am really excited about the agreement. It will give the Canadian MMA fans a chance to see what ROF is all about. It will also help to spread the overall footprint of the brand, and bring an awareness to a whole new fanbase. RING OF FIRE has had some amazing battles over the years and now we get to showcase these fights to some of the best fans in the world."

http://thefightnetwork.com/

MEET THE ROF HOTTIES, WIN TICKETS

Look for the RING OF FIRE HOTTIES promotional teams during the UFC broadcast Saturday night at any of the following locations. There will be ROF 37 ticket give aways at each location:

Hooters Omaha
Omaha, NE
Phone: 402 333-4087

D.J.s Dugout
Bellevue, NE
Phone: 402 292-9096

D.J.s Dugout - North
Omaha, NE
Phone: 402 498-8855

Fox & Hound @ Omaha I
Omaha, NE
Phone: 402 964-9074

Fox & Hound @ Omaha II
Omaha, NE
Phone: 402 334-3133

The List (Murphys Lounge)
Omaha, NE
Phone: 402 339-7170

Buffalo Wild Wings @ Omaha/Maple
Omaha, NE
Phone: 402 492 9464

Buffalo Wild Wings @ Omaha/48th & L Street
Omaha, NE
Phone: 402 734-8008

Buffalo Wild Wings @ Omaha/SW Plaza
Omaha, NE
Phone: 402 861-9464

Buffalo Wild Wings @ Omaha/ 76th St
Omaha, NE
Phone: 402 343 3017

Buffalo Wild Wings @ Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs, IA
Phone: 712 366-0067

Buffalo Wild Wings @ Papillion NE
Papillion, NE
Phone: 402 596-9464

Buffalo Wild Wings @ Bellevue
Bellevue, NE
Phone: 402 991-9464

ROF 37 WARLORDS PRESALE

If you recieved an e-mail regarding the ROF 37 Internet Only Presale and would like to purchase tickets earlier than the general public, please click the link below: