Article and interview posted on: MMAMania.com

2011 was a breakout year for Douglas Lima, winning the Bellator season five welterweight tournament which included consecutive highlight-reel knockout and a selection on Jordan Breen’s “All-Violence Team.”

His brother, Dhiego, is hoping that 2012 will be his moment to shine.

He’s already off to a good start, recently listed as the number two welterweight prospect in the world by Leland Roling.

After having a potential star-making fight with Terry Martin scrapped due to a rib injury, Dhiego Lima is back in action this Friday night (January 27, 2012) as he takes on Strikeforce veteran and former All-American wrestler Nathan Coy on the main card of MFC 32.

The 21 year old Brazilian sports a perfect 6-0 record as a professional with all of his victories being stoppages. With the inclusion of Brian Stann to his training team at Ascension MMA in Atlanta, he feels he’s more prepared than for any fight in his life.

Lima spoke with MMAmania.com during a special guest appearance on The Verbal Submission this week where he spoke about recovering from his injury, how hard Brian Stann hits and what he expects against Nate Coy this Friday night.

Check it out:

Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): I know that you’re complete healthy now, but what was the nature of your injury that prevented you from competing at MFC 31 and how long did it take you to recover?

Dhiego Lima: It was cartilage man, separated cartilage on my rib and it actually took a while to heal. It took about two months to actually get back in there and go 100 percent. I had to sit out for a month without doing anything. I couldn’t train, I couldn’t run, I couldn’t do anything. I just had to rest. It sucks because it was an injury that there’s no quick cure for, you just have to sit down and wait.

Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): And that takes us to a couple weeks ago, you were all pumped because you were set to fight Bruno Carvalho for this upcoming MFC 32 show and then he’s the one that goes and gets hurt, it wasn’t even two weeks before your fight, less than that. Were you just freaking, out like, “Oh god, not again!”

Dhiego Lima: Yeah, a little bit. I was at first but Mark [Pavelich] promised me he was gonna find somebody so then I relaxed a little and I was like, “Alright, we’ll just wait and see,” but yeah, I was kinda worried because that scouting report from Bloody Elbow came out, they said I was the number two prospect in the world so now I don’t think guys want to take the fight on two weeks’ notice but they found a pretty good opponent for me.

Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): Yeah, I was planning on asking you about that scouting report. Leland Roling, he doesn’t mess around. He puts a ton of research into these scouting reports, watches a ton of film and he said you were the number two welterweight prospect in the world. Was that a huge confidence boost for you?

Dhiego Lima: Yeah, man, for sure, for sure. I got really excited when I saw that and it really just keeps driving me even more because I want to keep that up. I want to be number one soon and I just want to keep fighting hard, keep winning, keep putting on a show and we’ll get the recognition.

Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): I want to talk about your upcoming opponent, Nathan Coy, he’s faced some top level competition in his career. He’s got a 9-4 record and he’s fought guys like Rick Story, Mike Pierce, Tyron Woodley, he has fought some great guys.

Dhiego Lima: Yeah, he’s fought some great guys and I’m like, man, I’m really excited. He’s a great wrestler and his stand-up is getting there so he doesn’t mind banging too so it’s gonna be a great fight. A lot of people are probably sleeping on this fight but it’s gonna be an all-out war. The guy’s got great wrestling, great stand-up, I cannot wait.

Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): I’m excited for it too because this is gonna be a very interesting test for you because this is a guy that’s gonna be, I know he’ll occasionally stand and trade, but he does have really good wrestling credentials to fall back on.

Dhiego Lima: Yeah, he’s an All-American wrestler so he’s probably gonna try to get me to bang a little bit but that’s just to boost my confidence up and then he’s gonna shoot so I’m ready for it. I’m ready, man. I trained really well for this fight, I only had a week to prepare for him, get the gameplan but I fought a great wrestler before and I learned a lot from that fight so I think I’ll be ready, man. I’m very ready. I’m pumped. He’s a great wrestler but hey, they don’t like to get hit in the face and that’s one thing good that I have. We’ll see what happens.

Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): Can you talk about that last fight that you had against a great wrestler? That was in your amateur career, right?

Dhiego Lima: No, that was actually an exhibition fight. He was a professional but it was an exhibition fight. I pretty much, I didn’t know how good of a wrestler he was and I trained a lot of straight stand-up and I didn’t train strictly wrestling like I was supposed to because I didn’t know the opponent and I just got outwrestled. That was pretty much it. I locked in a triangle choke that should have choked him out, should have tapped him out but, but I look at that fight, it was all a lesson from god. It’s just testing me. I know why I lost. I did a couple things wrong and I learned a lot from that fight. After that fight, it was like my wake-up call. These wrestlers will try to wrestle you and you have to prepare for a wrestler so that’s one thing I learned a lot from that fight. It was great. It didn’t count on my record but it’s still a loss. It sucks, especially being controlled and not able to do anything.

Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): I heard that in some of your preparation for this fight, you worked with Brian Stann. Can you tell me about what it was like training, preparing and sparring with Stann at your gym down at Atlanta?

Dhiego Lima: It’s great, man, because he’s actually doing his camp down here now. He’s not going anymore to Albuquerque. He’s a great trainer, he’s a great person, man. This guy, he’s got some crazy heavy hands. That guy will wobble your head even if you’ve got headgear on and the 16 ounce gloves, man. That guy can hit hard. He’s got great wrestling. he was my main trainer for this fight a little bit because Jucao and my brother had to go to Brazil so they were out for about three weeks and he took over. He trained me really well and then Jucao and Douglas came back two weeks ago and we finalized so I’m in the best shape, man. I’m very confident. I’m ready, man. This was a great camp, a great, great camp.

Ben Thapa: One of the honors given to your brother was a spot on Jordan Breen’s “All-Violence Team.” I was wondering if you had any ambitions of being on the 2012 rendition of that.

Dhiego Lima: Oh for sure, man. That would be awesome. I saw it and I was like, “Wow!” but he was definitely deserved. He came out as a wake-up call, he got hit in the first fight of the tournament and it was pretty much a wake-up call for him and he comes back and just knocked these dudes out and he’s fighting for the belt now. He’s very well deserved and that’s really something I’m looking forward to at the end of this year, getting more recognition. If everything goes good, I want to be on that. Following in the footsteps, you know?

Ben Thapa: I was wondering about your earlier days as a fighter. You started out as an amateur, you had what, three amateur fights or did you have more than that?

Dhiego Lima: I’m actually 5-1 amateur. I lost my first fight ever as a stupid decision. I was in the guy’s hometown, one of those. I pretty much outwrestled him and I lost that fight. That was my biggest wake-up call. After that, I came out, I won five straight, a lot of them were quick knockouts and my last one was actually for a belt. I fought a real hard decision with this guy, his name was Mike Lail and he had like 20 amateur fights and we pretty much brawled it out and I got the unanimous decision in the end. After that fight, my coaches were like, “Dude, you’re ready, man. After a fight like this, there’s no way you shouldn’t be getting paid for all this.” That’s when I decided to go pro and I’m doing okay.

Ben Thapa: Were you going to school or working at this time when you started out as an amateur?

Dhiego Lima: I was still working. When I was first an amateur, I had just graduated. I was a party guy. That’s when I really didn’t care. I was trying to fight amateur just so I could get the attention, just so I could be popular and get all the girls and just go out and have fun and after my first amateur fight that I lost, my brother came up to me and he told me, “This is not what this is all about, man. If you want to make a career out of this, you’ve got to put your focus into it. You’ve got to quit all this bullcrappin’ around,” and I turned my life around, finally had a baby, got married and that was it, man. That’s all that’s on my mind now.

Ben Thapa: Are you going to get your own Genghis Con series soon, the Fist of Fury that your gym and your brother stars in and you’re in occasionally.

Dhiego Lima: He lives in Florida, the guy that does all the nice videos. We told him whenever he’s in town, we’re gonna try to shoot one for me as well. The guy is great. He makes some great videos. It’s something we’re working on in the future.

Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): You’ve mentioned that you think you can knock Coy out, right?

Dhiego Lima: Well, yeah. Apparently that’s his weakness. He’s been knocked out a few times before. I’m just gonna put my hands on this guy. I’m gonna try to stay away from his wrestling and not get in that scrambling game that wrestlers like and just, whatever happens, happens. I’m ready. I’m ready for any position. If I have to wrestle, I will but I’m very confident for this fight. I’ve been training for nine months for this fight so I’m just gonna let the fight come. I just feel really good for this fight. I had a great camp, I’m confident. Let’s just go, man. Let’s go. Let’s fight. I want to put my hands on this guy. I just can’t wait to fight.

Brian Hemminger (MMAmania.com): So what do you think the fans can expect when they tune in on Friday night?

Dhiego Lima: I’m gonna give you guys a show. Whatever I do, it’s not gonna be a boring fight. I’m not gonna let this guy take me down and hold me like they do. I’m gonna do whatever I can to make it an exciting fight. That’s not what he wants, but that’s what he’s gonna get into.

Dhiego would like to thank Brian Stann, Roan Carneiro, his brother Douglas Lima and all his training partners for giving him a great camp. He’s also like to thank his management team SuckerPunch and Mark Pavelich for finding a great opponent at the last minute. You can follow him on Twitter @DHLima121.

Rachel Oliver was featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition. She went from nearly 400lbs to weigh-in at 202 at the shows finale weigh-in. Her journey was not only chronicled on the show, but she has gone on to inspire millions with the concept of “If I can do it so can you”.

Rachel will be a guest at Wild Bill’s Fight Night 43 this Friday night and will help with the debut of the latest edition of Georgia Fighters Magazine. She is also included in the magazine, featured in the Trainer Tip.

Rachel next ambition is to fight in an amateur boxing match this year!

Be sure to head on out to Wild Bill’s Fight Night 43 this Friday night and meet Rachel Oliver.

WILD BILL’S FIGHT NIGHT #43
FRIDAY, JAN 27
TWO OF THE SOUTHEAST’S BEST STRIKERS FINALLY MEET
DYMOND JONES FIGHTS MUAY THAI AND MOE TRAVIS MAKES MMA DEBUT
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AT TICKETMASTER

Joe Elmore and Ronnie Rogers have seen each other fight. They’ve fought the same opponents. They’ve warmed up in the same locker room before fights. And they’ve been known for knocking out their competition and earning fight of the night honors several times over.

Now, finally, on Friday, Jan 27 at Wild Bill’s Fight Night, they will fight each other. It’s a fight that many are titling a 2012 Fight of the Year candidate due to the standup style that both fighters possess. While every fighter claims in pre-fight interviews “I wanna stand and bang with my opponent,” not many end up doing such. Elmore and Rogers are two unique fighters that do.

Also on the card is MMA fighter Dymond Jones making a transition to fight muay thai to take on Alabama’s difficult Adrian Miles. And in a reversal, Knuckle Up Fitness’ undefeated muay thai fighter Moe Travis, will be switching from muay thai for her first MMA fight against the more experienced Ivey Turner.

There are currently 4 pro fights and 5 amateur fights on the card.

Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets or by clicking HERE. For more info on VIP seats call the Fight Hotline at 678-TKO-0115.

PRO MMA
Joe Elmore (X3 Sports) vs Ronnie Rogers (HIT Fight Squad)
Andrew Higgins vs Jesse Wable (Full Throttle Fitness)
Shawn Snow (Valdosta Martial Arts Center) vs Dustin Chovanic (Legacy Fight Club)

PRO MUAY THAI
Dymond Jones (Unit 2 Fitness) vs Adrian Miles (Spartan Fitness)

ADVANCED AMATEUR MMA
John Bloodworth (Iron Clutch Fitness) vs Clay Haley (Thunderhouse MMA)
Gabe Leatherman (Legacy Fight Club) vs Dudley Spence (Submission Academy)

AMATEUR MMA
Females: Moe Travis (Knuckle Up Fitness) vs Ivey Turner (Legacy Fight Club)
Brandon Longano (Iron Clutch Fitness) vs John Brown (Thunderhouse MMA)
Franklin Twiggs (Rodriguez MMA) vs Kolby Plant (American Submission Academy)

Last night at the Battle of Rome x, the main event between Tex Johnson and John “Vodoo” Walsh only lasted about 10 seconds.  Figuring out who won or lost took about 20 minutes.  At the end the fight was scored a no contest by the Georgia State Athletic & Entertainment Commission (GAEC) as they reviewed this video (below) in the cage soon after the fight was waived off by referee George Allen.

GAEC Executive Director, Andy Foster did assure Tex Johnson that he will further evaluate the video from different angles and if he indeed sees that Walsh was hurt from the punch then he will award him with the victory.

The video below runs at full speed, then three consecutive slow motion shots progressively slower.  Be sure to comment below and let us know how you saw it.

WILD BILL’S FIGHT NIGHT #43
FRIDAY, JAN 27
MOE TRAVS VS IVEY TURNER

This week GeorgiaFighters.com writer Nate Mann interviewed Ivey Turner who will be fighting versus Moe Travis in MMA at Wild Bill’s Fight Night #43 on Friday, January 27.

Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster by clicking HERE.

On Friday, January 27, Muay Thai standout Moe Travis will make her Mixed Martial Arts debut at Wild Bills Fight Night 43. Coming off a big Muay Thai win at Lion Fight Promotions in Las Vegas against a seasoned Veteran, she will jump in the ring to face off against Ivey Turner who is coming off a 2nd round loss to Tecia Torres who was one of Moe’s teammates and training partners.

Ivey is a talented and hard working fighter, who is looking to get back to her winning ways against a very tough and dangerous opponent. Ivey trains with Legacy Fight Club andis trained by local standout fighter Dustin “The Villian” Chovanic. She is considered a “freestyle” fighter having never been trained exclusively in one art rather training in many different styles of fighting. Ivey will be bringing a 1-1 record into the ring on Friday night. Ivey looks to fight the best fighters around to test herself, and Moe is no exception.

Moe” The Giant” Travis is a proven champ in Muay Thai competition and is coming off a huge win in Las Vegas. She is looking to roll that success over to MMA. Moe is making her mixed martial arts debut on the 27th however; she does sport a 12-0 record in Muay Thai and holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “The Giant” also has many medals and 1st place finishes in grappling competitions, so the aspects of MMA are nothing new to her. Moe trains at Knuckleup Fitness in Atlanta with some of the top talent in Georgia MMA such as Stephen Upchurch, Master Ricardo Murgel, Dave Vitkay, grappling standout Laura Hart, and many others that will guarantee she will be prepared. This should be a great fight for both fighters and I myself am looking forward to this fight perhaps more than any other match that night.

Nate: How do you feel with this fight coming of a loss to Moe’s old teammate and training partner? Are you approaching this fight different than the last?

Ivey: There is defiantly a fire to win. I would be lying if I stated otherwise but Moe is a champ in the Muay Thai world and just to have an opportunity to compete with someone of her caliber is very exciting…. just being the competitor that I am, I hate losing at anything so I am very hungry…. and when it comes to training…everyday is a chance to get better to be stronger to be faster…I keep that pumping thru my veins. Dustin is an amazing coach and he really teaches us to be smart to be humble and have fun….

Nate: YOU’VE GOT MMA EXPERIENCE WHERE MOE DOES NOT. HOW DO YOU EXPECT THAT TO PLAY INTO THE FIGHT?

Ivey: Moe has a lot of fight experience and comes from a good camp and trains with some of the best so I’m sure the ground is nothing new to her

Nate: MOE HAS A LOT OF MUAY THAI FIGHTS. HOW IS YOUR STANDUP SKILLS?

Ivey: Moe has the experience but I’ve been working hard just trying to get better everyday

Nate: AS A FEMALE, HOW DID YOU GET INTO FIGHTING? DO YOU HAVE A PAST IN ATHLETICS?

Ivey: Dustin Chovanic trains a few guys at our gym and it was something my husband and I wanted to give a shot and one year later here we are….I’ve been playing basketball and every other sport since I was born I was a d-1 basketball recruit in high school. Sports in general have always been a huge part of my life

Nate: DIDN’T YOU JUST GET MARRIED? HOW DID THAT PLAY INTO YOUR CAREER AND IS THIS THE FIRST FIGHT SINCE THE MARRIAGE?

Ivey: I did! This is the first fight since and nothing has changed:) it’s been business as usual but it’s great to walk around and we both have black eyes from training and people kind of give us that look like hmmmmmm

Nate: HOW DOES YOUR HUSBAND FEEL ABOUT YOU FIGHTING? IS HE INVOLVED IN FIGHTING AT ALL?

Ivey: Junior is my backbone. We are the same person our lives revolve around our dogs the gym and sports center. When Chovanic is in Carolina he gives the reigns to Junior. He is my strength and conditioning coach and really knows how to push me to that next level. He has one fight under his belt and looking to take several this year….

Nate: WITHOUT GIVING AWAY YOUR GAMEPLAN AT ALL, DO YOU HAVE ANY KIND OF PLAN IN THE FIGHT WITH MOE AT ALL? I’D IMAGINE WITH YOU BEING MORE EXPERIENCED ON THE GROUND YOUR PLAN IS PROBABLY TO TAKE IT THERE?

Ivey: It’s a fight period. Just adapt and trust my training that’s all I can do if it stays up it stays up if it’s on the ground it’s on the ground

WILD BILL’S FIGHT NIGHT #43
FRIDAY, JAN 27
TWO OF THE SOUTHEAST’S BEST STRIKERS FINALLY MEET
JOE ELMORE VS RONNIE “BAM BAM” ROGERS
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AT TICKETMASTER

 GeorgiaFighters.com spoke to Joe Elmore this afternoon in response to the interview yesterday with Ronnie “Bam Bam” Rogers. The two will fight in the main event of the Friday, January 27 at Wild Bill’s Fight Night.

FIGHTING BAM BAM IS A STEP UP FOR YOU. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HIS ABILITIES AFTER HE BEAT DIEGO SARAIVA TWICE HERE IN ATLANTA?

I’ve always been a fighter that like’s a challenge. As far as his abilities go, he has proven that he likes to fight, and stand to fight at that. His fighting abilities are a good match for mine. I think it will make for a great war.

HAVE YOU WATCHED ANY FILM OF BAM BAM? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HIM?

I’ve got sources that I use to my advantage when fighting an opponent; and like I previously said, I requested this fight because I enjoy going to war and that’s what he has to offer as well. He’s one of the better guys I have fought and I just hope he’s training for this fight on Fri, Jan 27 at Wild Bill’s as hard as I am!

YOUR STAND UP SKILLS ARE WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM THE REST. HIS STAND UP SKILLS ARE TOP NOTCH AS WELL. WHAT KIND OF FIGHT DO YOU ANTICIPATE?

Truthfully, I don’t anticipate any specific kind of fight, I hope for a stand up war but I have prepared myself for anything to happen and hope he has done the same. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tries to take the fight to the ground once I land a few on him.

IS A STAND UP BLOOD BATH WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

EXACTLY. I don’t mind to get hit, and I love to hit back. He said on GeorgiaFighters.com yesterday that it’s going to be my blood in the blood bath. Umm, ya, ok.

WHEN WE POSTED ON THE WILD BILL’S FIGHT NIGHT FACEBOOK PAGE WHO PEOPLE THINK WILL WIN, MOST RESPONDED AND SAID BAM BAM. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU THAT AS THE LOCAL GUY, MOST PEOPLE ARE PICKING HIM OVER YOU?

Well, that’s expected because he beat Diego twice last year here in Diego’s stomping ground. Not to mention most of my fans are not gained from Facebook, they are people that I know in real life. I have spent my entire life proving people wrong; it encourages me that much more to win. His fans seem to spend more time on Facebook, that’s ok with me. If you look at his Facebook profile, it’s like a 12-year-old girls Facebook. He posts non-stop about his relationships and drama. This should be a fun fight.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE FIGHTING IN THE MAIN EVENT OF WILD BILL’S? IT’S PROBABLY THE BIGGEST SHOW IN GEORGIA AND POSSIBLY THE SOUTHEAST AND ALWAYS A PACKED VENUE.

It feels good to fight at Wild Bill’s again as the main event on the card. There’s always a packed house and regardless of the Facebook comments on the Wild Bill’s Page, I love to hear the cheers for Hitman coming from the crowd at Wild Bills. I have a lot of local support and enjoy the venue. I’d just like to thank David Oblas and Amy Lynn for having me back and giving me a shot.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HIM AND HIS TRADEMARK PINK SHORTS AND PINK TSHIRTS. DO YOU HAVE AN OUTFIT TO MATCH HIS???

To each his own; regarding his clothing, it doesn’t distract me, I make my statement through my fighting abilities not the color of my clothing. I want people to remember me for my talent and fighting skills, not by my appearance. The guy has pink outfits, has his name “Bam Bam” tattood on his stomach like a tramp stamp in the front and spends 22 hours a day posting on Facebook. The pink shorts are the least of my worries with him. But my girlfriend thinks it’s cute. Maybe after I knock him out he’ll give her a tshirt?

I’d like to thank Born2Bang and my new gym X3 sports proudly.

To read Bam Bam’s interview about Joe from yesterday, click HERE.

BATTLE OF ROME X
SATURDAY, JAN 21
THE ROME FORUM
SPECIAL GUEST JASON “MAYHEM” MILLER
www.BulletEvents.com

Once receiving the notice that Saturday night’s Battle of Rome X main event fighter Kevin Brooks was forced off the card due to medical reasons, Bullet Fights promoter Tony Metcalfe went to work.  The cards were starting to get stacked against his event since mere days before finding out about Brooks fate; Georgia’s top 145lb fighter Lawson McClure suffered similar consequences and was also forced to pull out due to injury. 

With the experience of promoting for over eight years which include over 30 events and 400 matchups, Metcalfe was up to the task of finding pieces to the puzzle with time ticking and the looming fight night just days away.  After exhausting his resources and utilizing text messages, Facebook and other avenues he was able to salvage the show.  The promotion will continue, but this will be Tony Metcalfe’s last hurrah at promoting MMA.

For the past few years, the Bullet Team has hinted that their time was up, and after yrs of successful events in Atlanta, Peachtree City, Kennesaw, and co-promoting the first MMA event in Phillips Arena, they had scaled back to one event per year in Rome Georgia.

“We’ve had a good run, I never dreamed that attending a Brett Moses event, and becoming a fan of Steve Headden, George Allen, Cole Miller and Andy Foster would result in 8 years of promoting MMA. Promoting in this economy is a gamble, and we still found a way to win a lot more than we lost. After so many events, so many fights, and fighters, profits and losses, specifics seem to become a blur, but the important things, and relationships created remain,” said Metcalfe.

“Seeing a 17 yr old high school kid step in our cage for the first time, and instantly realizing how special Douglas Lima was. Witnessing how the Georgia fight community adopted Brent Weedman as one of their own, and then refusing to give in and allow the first main event in Phillips Arena to be anything other than Weedman vs Lima.”

“I’ll also never forget Robi “Rick James” taking his opponent through the cage wall and onto the floor at Cowboys and George Allen saying, ‘I though them going through the wall was the crazy part until I realized Robi was still trying to punch his opponent on the concrete floor!’”

“Stout and Duffee KO’s, Raphael vs. Kevin G, Lockhart vs Harper, Dymond vs VooDoo, and Harvison vs Dyer seem to stand out to me,” added Metcalfe. “Feeling like we played a small part in the story of the fighters, and becoming fans and friends of these guys, was the ‘good stuff.’  Cale Yarborough, Franz Mendez, Jon Q, The Octopus, VooDoo, Lockhart, Weedman, Duffee, The Assuncaos, Blizake, UFC Clay, Random Weatherspoon, Lima, Harper, Stout, Micah and Cole, Bernard, Byron, Curby, Dyer, Chip, Brooks, Ethan, and Jacob seem to come to mind, though this list could be filled several times.”

“I was lucky enough to work with several people that I respect and admire during the past 8 yrs, including Chris Stolzman, Morrison Butler, Steve Headden, Cory Nestlehutt, Jeff Chassner, Will McCallister, Brian Brown, Mike Elwood, Jay Shell, Chad Hullander and Brett Moses. All partners in the past or present, but more importantly all still friends today. Through all the different versions of our product, two pieces remained the same, and remain irreplaceable. What more could a guy want than to truly build something with his two best friends? Peter Lachnicht and Robi Ramey have always been the driving force, and the best part of Bullet. I joke that Peter is the cool one, and Robi is the good looking one, so they let me be the mouthpiece.”

“We will concentrate on the concert side of the promotion now, and we will be speaking with a few promoters, in hopes that the Battle of Rome will continue, and I will try to attend every one. We saw all other promoters as allies and friends. David Oblas was my first call when I knew it was time to walk away. I hope the managers felt that we worked with them, the fighters felt we treated them fairly, and the great fans of MMA in Georgia enjoyed the show.”

“John Tyson and Jeff Chassner from Miller Lite have always been our key sponsor and have treated us better than we deserve. In keeping with that tradition, they have purchased 1,000 tickets for this Saturday’s event, and have decided any Police Officer, Military Member, or Firefighter with proper ID will be given a free ticket to this Saturday night’s Battle of Rome. I convinced Jeff and John to also give a free ticket to anyone who has ever fought on any card at any of our events. Former fighters can send me an email tmet30066@yahoo.com with your name and Battle of Rome in the subject line.

A few people below have commented on Tony Metcalfe. We’re hoping some of you take the time to comment as well.

Brett Moses: The Georgia Fight scene has always been ripe with jealousy, lying and out of control ego’s, but Tony is one of the few you could always trust and count on.

Brent Weedman: Tony and his partners seeing potential in me, and giving me opportunities in their shows played a big role in the fighter that I am. No way do I end up in Bellator without their support.

Clay Harvison: Tony, Robi and Petey are a big part of my success, Tony has always been a promoter who knows how to take care of the fighters and throw a Sick Ass show!

David Oblas: Tony has always, and will always be, a friend that I have in the fight community. Although we both have been promoters for many years, he always made it more enjoyable for me. I’ll miss his goofy smile, super tight Affliction tshirts and extra large watches. Although he might be done promoting, I hope we’ll see him at all the Georgia fight nights for years to come.

Megan Swartzlander: Tony Metcalfe has always been professional and excited about all of his shows and matches.  I have enjoyed watching his work since the days of having to have Douglas Lima’s mom sign a waiver for him to fight because he was only 17 at the time.  I will miss being able to work with Tony, who was respectful and fun to be around.  Georgia has lost one of its better fight promoters with the retirement of Tony Metcalfe.

WILD BILL’S FIGHT NIGHT #43
FRIDAY, JAN 27
MOE TRAVS VS IVEY TURNER
(IVEY TURNER INTERVIEW TO BE POSTED TOMORROW)

This week GeorgiaFighters.com writer Regina Trolman sat down with Moe “The Giant” Travis who will be making her MMA debut at Wild Bill’s Fight Night #43 on Friday, January 27.

Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster by clicking HERE.

During this interview, Moe shares her vision of why she loves what she does, how she sees the sport of Martial Arts for women and why she believes she will never quit training!

Read for yourself. Moe is definitely an inspiration to our Martial Arts Community!

GeorgiaFighters.com: Moe, When was your last fight and when is your next fight?

Moe Travis: My last fight was a Muay Thai fight in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 19, 2011. I fought for Lion Fight Promotions and I had so much fun. I fought Patti Terran who has a beautiful Push Kick.  The fights were held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and it was my first time to Las Vegas!  My record became 12-0 there.

My next fight will be at Wild Bill’s Fight Night #43 on Friday, January 27^th. That will be my first MMA fight!  I am very excited!

GeorgiaFighters.com: Wow! Your MMA Debut! What made you decide to make the move to MMA at this particular time in your career and what does THIS fight mean to you?

Moe Travis: I decided to try MMA because I am 12-0 as a Muay Thai fighter and so far have won 4 titles.  Three of which are World Titles. I love to challenge myself.  MMA is defiantly not my comfort zone.   I know in order to grow as a fighter, I need to get out of my comfort zone!  This fight is the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I have not said “first” anything in a long time. I will never forget this fight!  I am also happy I am fighting a very tough opponent – Ivey Turner with Legacy Fight Club. Ivey does not quit or give up!  I look forward to the challenge and many more to come.

GeorgiaFighters.com: How did you get involved to this sport?

Moe Travis: I initially started fighting to lose the last 20 something pounds that I could not get off.  I knew if I had a reason to get it off, I would actually try. I was told if I fought at 150lbs, I would be fighting very big girls ( no offense to the 150lbers out there!) I am 4’11’’ so I was told to get down to 120-125 lbs.  When I weighed in for my first fight, I weighed 126lbs.  I was so excited to see those numbers.

GeorgiaFighters.com: What advice would you have for somebody who wants to get started in MMA?

Moe Travis: I would suggest train, practice, drill, and repeat.  I was told that you learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai and you train Mixed Martial Arts. What that means is you have to have some knowledge in both to really train MMA.  You have to engulf yourself in MMA.   I spent the past 5 years fighting Muay Thai, learning BJJ for the past two years and training MMA for the past year and half.   Also make sure you have a good coach and team to help you along the way.  It is not a one man type of show.

GeorgiaFighters.com: What advice would you have for a woman who wants to get started training in any combat sport, not necessarily with the goal of competing, but just for fitness and self-defense and self-confidence?

Moe Travis: Make sure you want to learn for the right reason.   Combat sports are rough and the training is hard.   Since combat sports are male dominant, make sure you come with an attitude to learn and not just socialize.  If you put the time and effort into the training, which ever martial art you decide to do will begin to make sense and the pieces will come together. You just have to be patient. 

GeorgiaFighters.com: What advice would you give to the women who are at the beginning of their Mixed Martial Arts or Jiu Jitsu journey? 

Moe Travis: Be patient.  I have seen so many women come and go in the past 5 years.  It makes me sad they are not still doing whatever martial art they decided to start with.  Experience, practice, putting forth the effort and time in are what will get you better as a competitor.  You cannot expect to win a tournament with just going to BJJ twice a week.  You have to train hard!  Women are feisty and want the same thing you want.  It is a matter of how much time you put in your training, your conditioning and of course heart and the will to not quit come game time.

GeorgiaFighters.com: How can we get more women involved in this sport?

Moe Travis: Good question.  I think people have this stereotype when they hear someone is a fighter.  I think if women see other women doing this sport, it might spark some interest to try.  I am a mother to a crazy 5 year old. I am also married and work full time. I do work at my gym but I work a lot and train in between my work. I am also very little and very short.  I believe I am not the typical fighter.  You don’t have to act like a man to fight. I love how there are beautiful women out there who can kick booty!   I also think every female should take BJJ classes for self defense.  In reality, if a woman gets attacked, she will be taken to the ground and mounted.  I would rather have a little bit of knowledge on how to get away than lay there not doing anything.  I am just saying…

GeorgiaFighters.com: You are a BJJ Blue Belt under Master Ricardo Murgel.  Can you describe what it means to train under him and exactly how he has influenced you as a fighter.

Moe Travis: I was promoted under Master Ricardo Murgel to blue belt.  I feel honored to train with him. I also feel very blessed that he has helped me so much in the past 2 years with BJJ and fighting.  He is very wise and makes every move look effortless.  When I am in class I like to think of myself as a 5 year old who does not know how to color in the lines and he is the artist that can create masterpieces.  I hope to one day be as good as him in BJJ.

GeorgiaFighters.com: What weight classes do you compete in? 

Moe Travis: I fight anywhere from 108-115 lbs .

GeorgiaFighters.com: Where do you currently train? 

Moe Travis: I currently train at Knuckle Up Fitness in Sandy Springs. GeorgiaFighters.com:  Tell me who are all of your Coaches?

Moe Travis: Aside from Master Ricardo Murgel – Stephen Upchurch and Jim Abrille.  I also get a lot of help from CJ Wilson, Steve Shaffer, Dave Vitkay, Laura Hart, Gui Curry and Coach Andrew Lamar.  I have a great team. 1.2.3. Knuckle Up!

GeorgiaFighters.com: Who influences you most in your training?

Moe Travis: I believe my coaches and team mates all influence me.  I am blessed to have so much support and so much help from great competitors!   It is nice to have people making sure I am going to training and not slacking!

GeorgiaFighters.com: Have you ever quit or considered quitting (competition)? Why/why not? 

Moe Travis: I have not considered quitting in anything. I am a competitor and I love to challenge myself.  I told CJ that if I ever decide to stop fighting Thai, I know I will always do BJJ because I will never stop learning in BJJ.  I am such a perfectionist and it will take decades to even come close to perfecting BJJ.

GeorgiaFighters.com: Would you describe yourself as addicted to training? If yes, what about it is so compelling? If not, why not?

Moe Travis: Ha.  I guess you can say I am addicted.  Some days are harder than others.  I believe it is the goals I give myself that make me “addicted” to training.  If I have a goal, I put my mind and body into everything that involves achieving whatever goal I gave myself.  I don’t quit until I reach that goal and I push myself as hard as I can to make sure I come out on top. I always train for the worst.  I also love the progression of training.  I love how every week everything gets smoother with the transitions and everything starts to flow.

GeorgiaFighters.com: Your given name is Monique but everybody calls you “Moe” and you fight under the fight name of Moe “The Giant” Travis”. Can you tell me how that nickname came to be? 

Moe Travis: My first coach named me. He said I fight like I am 6 ft tall.

GeorgiaFighters.com: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Moe Travis: Man, I have a lot of people who inspire me. I would say my daughter. I want her to grow up and realize she can be and do whatever she wants regardless if she is a girl and small.  She tells me she is going to be an artist, ballerina, and fighter when she grows up. I love it!!  Sherri Thompson also inspired me. When I was 21 years old, I used to watch her backing up grown men!  She was fearless in the ring!  I hope one day be as ruthless as her as a fighter.  Rachel Seltzer and Tiffany Vennie also inspire me because they train so hard.  They make me want to train even harder!

GeorgiaFighters.com: What does it mean for you to be a fighter?

Moe Travis: I still think it’s weird when I call myself a “fighter”.  I really am just a lil’ person who was fat and I found a way to lose the weight.  Fighting just happened to be the key to my success in getting the weight down.  I did not mean to become a fighter but I truly found something that I love and have a passion for.  I really enjoy training and testing myself.  I guess it means I don’t mind getting punched in the face!

GeorgiaFighters.com: What separates you from every other fighter in your division?

Moe Travis: I do know I train my butt off for my fights and competitions. I do know I don’t go down without a fight and I do know I pour my heart into that ring when I fight.  I am also not sure there are very many MMA fighters out there with a Muay Thai background like mine besides one person I know.

GeorgiaFighters.com: What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your career?

Moe Travis: I want to be remembered for being the “Little Engine That Could” -  I am kidding!  I just want to be remembered for being humble and being a technical fighter.

GeorgiaFighters.com: If you could have one dream fight with anyone, any level, male or female, who would it be?

Moe Travis: George St. Pierre.  I just want to “try” to take him down so I can say I touched him.  Totally kidding…  (Geof don’t get mad!)

GeorgiaFighters.com: Who are some fighters that you admire?

Moe Travis: Zoila Frausto.  Sherri Thompson.  Gina Carano. Christine Toledo.  Valentina Shevchenko. Vanessa Janjira.  Saekson Janjira.  Khunpon.  Manu. Rhonda Rousey.  Samart Payakaroon. Kevin Ross. Chike Lindsay.   Jeremy Barrett. Raymond Dekkers. John Wayne Parr.  Julie Kitchen.  Jose Aldo.  Uriah Faber.  Anderson Silva.

GeorgiaFighters.com: What do you like most about being a fighter?

Moe Travis: I like the fact that I give myself a goal, train for it and accomplish whatever goal I gave myself.  I also love the progression of being a fighter. With each fight, I have added on a little more to my arsenal and I can remember more during a fight.  At the beginning everything was a blur!

GeorgiaFighters.com: What are some issues you deal with as a woman in a male dominated sport?

Moe Travis: The only issues I have had are when some weekend warrior guys at the gym go a little too hard with me.  I have feared for my life with certain males at the gym while sparring and I don’t like that feeling.  I have also feared for my life on the mat with certain guys.  Some guys just can’t leave their egos at the door and would rather use ALL their strength then get punched or tapped by a 120lb female.

GeorgiaFighters.com: Anything else you’d like to add to help our readers get to know you better?

Moe Travis: Most people don’t know this about me but I love to draw and paint.  I also love my daughter and husband very much. They are my world aside from fighting. 

GeorgiaFighters.com: Is there anybody you’d like to thank?

Moe Travis: I have many people I would like to thank.  I always thank my husband for dealing with me a couple of weeks prior to my fights.  I promise I will clean the house on Saturday.  Thanks to Stephen Upchurch , Jim Abrille and Master Murgel for all the help these past 6 months.  I felt lost at one point but you guys helped me back to my passion.  I love to fight and I am happy to be a part of such a great team.  Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to keep going.  Stephen, you know how much I appreciate you. Thanks for putting in so much time and effort to help me get ready for my fights.  I can’t even explain in words how much I appreciate all the help you have given me.  Thank you to all my training partners. Y’all know who you are! I appreciate all the help you have given me and face punching!

I started as a member of Knuckle Up and was brought up by Matt Callahan in the fight scene.  I thank him for starting me off.  Even though we are not training together anymore, I still appreciate all he did for me.  I wish the best to him and his family.  CJ and Paulina Wilson, you guys saved my job and my second home. For that reason, I am not going anywhere. People don’t realize what WE (Knuckle Up) had to go through the first few months to keep the doors open. I am happy the gym is doing great now.  Thank you for always being there for me and always listening to me when I needed to be listened to.

I just wanted to thank the members of Knuckle Up – Old, New, and Former members that are still in my life and follow me. I thank y’all for all the support all these years. Thank you to those of you who have helped sponsor me and thank you to those of you who have come to my fights, and take my classes.  Although I have nothing physical to give back in return, please know all your actions are truly appreciated from my heart.   To my Mom and Laura & Ryan Hart: Thank you for helping me with my child when I have needed to go out of town.

WILD BILL’S FIGHT NIGHT #43
FRIDAY, JAN 27
TWO OF THE SOUTHEAST’S BEST STRIKERS FINALLY MEET
DYMOND JONES FIGHTS MUAY THAI AND MOE TRAVIS MAKES MMA DEBUT
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AT TICKETMASTER

 GeorgiaFighters.com shared emails with Ronnie Rogers this afternoon, only 9 days before his showdown with Joe Elmore on Friday, January 27 at Wild Bill’s Fight Night. His words will definitely strike a cord in Atlanta MMA fans as he prepares to do battle with Elmore in what should be a standup war.

Elmore’s response on GeorgiaFighters.com will come tomorrow.  

BATTLE OF ROME X

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

SPECIAL GUEST JASON “MAYHEM” MILLER

Bullet Events is back at it again for its 10th installment of the Battle of Rome! This one is set to take place THIS SATURDAY NIGHT at the Rome Forum. This bi-yearly event has always had a blockbuster special guest and this year is no different with Jason “Mayhem” Miller contracted to come in and meet fans.

Miller was recently a coach on The Ultimate Fighter and battled Michael Bisping in the TUF 14 Finale.

The fight card also looks stacked as the promoters will be bringing several key Georgia matchups to the night.

Tickets are available for only $25 for General Admission, $65 for VIP meet and greet tickets with food included (must be purchased in groups of two) or $600 for a VIP table of 10 with food included.

You can purchase tickets using the Paypal buttons below and your tickets will be left at the will call window to be picked up the night of the fight. All tickets will be left in the name of the purchaser. Must bring driver’s license to pick up tickets.

Ticket Prices

General Admission Tickets $25.00 USD VIP Meet and Greet (for 2 tickets) $130.00 USD VIP Table of 10 $600.00 USD

Haralson County Highschool Auditorium will serve as host for Rebel Invasion II scheduled for Saturday February 11th.  Promoted by Nathan Webb’s Black & Blue Entertainment, the night of MMA fights will feature many of Haralson counties home grown along with other Georgia talent.  A portion of the proceeds will be funneled  back to the high school’s athletic department.

Featured on the card and set to do battle are:

Charles Kitchens, Josh Cook, Jarred Batton, Will Kuhn, DJ Cook, Sid Hunt

The special guest for the evening will be wrestling legend Lex Luger.

For ticket info call 770 574-2883 or Hard Knox Gym at 770 792-2999