Today’s Georgia Athletic & Entertainment Commission had a medly of interest as the battle between Mateo Cutbill/Steve Headden vs HardKnox MMA/Black & Blue Entertainment ensued.
The major focus is that the owners of HardKnox MMA had plans to put on an MMA event on Saturday, April 24 at West Georgia College. The promoter’s application was submitted some 45-60 days ago. At the time, Mateo Cutbill was a head trainer at the gym putting in sweat equity to ultimately become a partner, as Nathan Webb (Hardknox owner) said at today’s GAEC meeting.
Black & Blue Entertainment (a spinoff of HardKnox MMA) put down themselves and Steve Headden and Mateo Cutbill as matchmakers for their April 24 event.
Mateo said he didn’t want to be a part of the event and didn’t support it, and ultimately was let go by HardKnox MMA on Monday, March 22. 
In the meantime, allegations have been that HardKnox MMA was matching the fight with no matchmaker’s license and nobody that has any experience with the sport of MMA. It was also mentioned that HardKnox MMA received its license to promote under false mention that others were involved in the promotion, when they never were.
Mateo said he never wanted to be involved in the event because the gym has lost money for two years in a row and as a possible future part-owner of the gym, he didn’t want to see money wasted on a fight that he thought would lose money (especially because the budget for the show is so high at $45,000).
Nathan Webb explained that the money involved in the show has nothing to do with the money involved with the gym as they are two different businesses.
Nathan said that Mateo did make it clear that he didn’t want to be involved in the show, but had agreed to help with matchmaking, and that’s why his name appeared on the match permit application. Nathan also said that since being let go by the gym, Mateo has done everything he can to kill the show and ruin the gym.
Steve Headden seconded Mateo by saying that Mateo said from day one that he had no desires to be involved with the show in any way, shape or form. He said that he believes documents were falsified and believes this shows a negative character trait with HardKnox MMA / Black & Blue Entertainment.
After about a 30 minute discussion behind closed doors, the GAEC decided that the event will take place, but that Nathan Webb will be on probation for one year and he has 24 hours to get to Andy Foster a matchmaker’s license for the event. 
On the promoter’s facebook, they describe this event as being “the 2nd biggest event in Georgia MMA history below the UFC.”
The current card is listed below.
Douglas Lima vs Brandon Ezzo
Ururahy Rodriguez vs Joesph Carroll
Mark Adams vs Chris Mcnally
Frank Millsap vs Keith Richardson
Nick Smiley vs Robert Peavler
Matt Sword vs Josh Downing
Daniel Norton vs Jeremy Wallace
Russell Benes vs Jacob Allman
Leon Morriss vs Jon Bloodworth
Nic Kosvok vs Dusty Crowder
Matt Pierce vs John Downing
In other news from today’s GAEC Meeting:
*Shea Bailey was approved for a boxing event on July 23.
*Southeastern Fighting Championships was approved for an mma event on May 1.
*Full Throttle Ent / Undisputed Productions was approved for an mma event on April 18.
*Gladiator X was approved for a boxing event on May 1.
*Sin City Fight Club was approved for an mma event on May 1.
*Dana Pitcher Productions was approved for a boxing event on May 22.
*Valdosta Martial Arts Center was approved for an mma event on June 19.
*The GAEC voted to post rule changes to 85-1-1 to not allow promoters to move the date of a match permit once it’s been approved.
*Tyler Scott (aka Humza Mutaalib) was suspended until he appears before the GAEC board. He’s an amateur mma fighter that has shown up late several times for weighins and fights and would not give his real name to Andy Foster at a previous event.
*The GAEC put on next month’s meeting to review a two-tier system of fight promotions that allows gyms and clubs to put on events. This would only be used in all amateur events, where there is no alcohol being sold and a max of 399 tickets could be sold.
*The GAEC requests that mma promoters use the database on mma.tv for $50 per event to see which fighters are suspended.
*Andre King, a 43-year-old, requested to become a pro boxer. He has no amateur or pro experience, but through answering questions and a demonstration the GAEC agreed to grant him a license to box as a pro.
THAT IS NOT CORRECT !!
Bobby “Big Country” Peavler is the MAIN EVENT! oh and the opponent.
Jeremy Wallace is not fighting. Norton is not fighting. John Bloodworth is not fighting.
But Bobby Peavler sure is!!!!
“Nathan also said that since being let go by the gym, Mateo has done everything he can to kill the show and ruin the gym”
I think a gym firing their head muay thai trainer and losing their head jiu jitsu trainer sets them well on their way to “ruin the gym” by themselves…
Wow crazy shit!!!
is anyone supporting these clowns???
Wow, it is amazing how little people know about the REAL truth about what is going on. Those clowns have TONS of people supporting them.
I was at the meeting and sounds like disgruntled employees playing childish games to me! Fabio Costa teaches BJJ there now and is the one that gave Headden his black belt. They now have a pro muay thia fighter teaching Thai now and not a pretend fighter! Sounds like the gyms getting waaaaay better to me!!!!
I trained with Steve Headden and Mateo Cutbill. Mateo was fired for always being drugged up. They are both crackheads and anyone that truly know them knows this.
Every time he gets fired its never his fault. the guys from hard knox never said why they fired him which leads any half wit wondering how bad it had to be that they dont want to humiliate the guy. I know all the owners and trainers at hard knox and they are all class acts. all the trainers are current fighters and the owners both own other reputable companies. they always speak highly of other gyms and i see fighters from other gyms at hard knox training all the time. i say if you have been in a business for more than 10 years and you dont have anything at all to show for it then you have to ask your self is it me or every one else….im just saying.
I’ve heard both sides and what mateo and steve are pulling will prob ruin both of there
Repetations. Its not professional to run around bad mouthing others no matter the situation. No one wants be be a part of such negative energy. I wish them both the best of luck but I
Will never ask them to be a part of anything I do just for the simple fact they may try ruining
Me and my business if they feel I’ve crossed them. Even if I really haven’t!
Wow…we certainly aren’t dealing with any English majors on this post are we? You’re really lost without the spell check aren’t you…
Lol….people in the fight world aren’t exactly known for using proper grammer….are they!?
I have lost total respect for Steve Headden and Mateo Cutbill. If they only tried this hard at their own job instead of trying to shut down a business or show, they would be a lot more successful. I’m sorry but I will not ask them for help on anything else again because they will pull this on anyone. They are burning a lot of bridges and I wouldn’t suggest them to stop if I were them….
would*
Lololol!! I’ve been tellin folks for yrs that mateo and steve were jokes! Them cats can’t fight so why the f do they think they could teach??? Learn more watchin youtube!!! Bahahahahaha
Sounds like everyone involved in this is a joke. Including the card and the “Main event” Leave promoting to real promoters like David Oblas!
I wish you guys were right about the gym being better off… Unfortunately, I have not seen it. The place has been a deserted for 3 weeks now… I joined another gym. Even though it didn’t work out for me, I hope it works out for all other parties involved. The facts I am 100% sure of are that Nathan and his brother have stuck their necks out and invested a lot of money in the gym in the worst economy since the great depression and I know that Mateo has made many sacrifices most importantly time away from his son. I am sorry to see that so many of you chose sides and took cheap shots at these guys… on of all places…the internet.
Hey guys this is Nathan. Everyone, lets not forget that MMA is all about the fighters, not the gym owners or trainers.I promise you there is not a owner getting rich right now. Georgia is full of great fighters but they have to have a avenue to display their talents. There are more fighters than shows and if this great sport is going to grow then the fighters have to have fights and a lot of them. if you want to be a real supporter of MMA then support you favorite fighters where ever they may be fighting and which ever gym they are training at. This will grow the sport and in turn make even better fighters. Lets make this the last post on this matter and all take our positive energy and apply it to cheering on our Georgia fighters.they are the ones sacrificing and working there ass off.
Ya’ll wanna get high?
N Webb your right man the fighters do need a place to showcase their talents. On real shows like Wild BIlls or Sin city. Your show is a joke. Why not just put on a show in a puny little moose lodge somewhere an call yourself fuzions.
claiming to have the second best card ever in Georgia shows just how out of touch with REAL mma you are. I mean your main event is boobs mcgee for crying out loud. Your lost.
And dont forget to bring a fresh towel.
TATERS, SPEAKING ABOUT JOKES AND WILD BILLS. THOSE SHOWS HAVE BEEN THE BIGEST JOKES IN TOWN FOR A LONG LONG TIME NOW. JUST LAST WEEKEND, THE MAIN EVENT GETS CANCELLED 24HRS PROIR TO WEIGH-INS. THREE OTHER FIGHTS GOT CANCELLED THE LEADING UP TO THE EVENT. TIME TO HANG IT UP OBLAS! BTW BOOBS MCGEE IS UNDEFEATED AND COULD KICK YOUR ASS!
I’m simply amazed at the # of comments that bash promoters, fighters and trainers.
These guys all do the best that they can do in whichever proffession it is.
Of course it’s much easier to sit behind a computer and bash others when you don’t have to show your face.
But I think we all have to recognize that these people all put forth a lot of time and work in their professions.
Whether you like them, support them or don’t care for them; at least we can all respect them for providing us with good entertainment for our dollar.
PINK your the only joke, and pink must be the color of your bra! WB is the best, they had one little issue but consistently they are the best in Georgia.
And if I want to see Boobs, I will go to the Oasis, not west georgia. Wild Bills rocks! Cant wait for their May 7 show, gonna blow it out! Yeah C’mon!
Hello, first off, I am involved with this because
I was the first person Nathan asked to go into
the gym n fight school business with, i was to busy
to do it, he then offered Mateo the same partnership,
he took it, and then Mateo n Sheri built Hardnox
with Todds money and Mateos name and Sheri’s
name, I heard from Nathan they were suppose to
be partners and that’s how the gym was represented ,
so when Mateo was fired, I left I did not think it was
fair or just, when Mateo recieved half his check were the
remaining went to a buy in, if they would have given him
his differance in salary back, I would not be involved,
I felt I was standing up for what I believe to be right,
thankyou and good day, does any one know how the
show went, I’m in fla on vacation, I hope cooks gym and
Bobby won,
Everyone please lets stop the shit talking! The show last night, which I put a ton of hard work and effort into, went very well! Ask anyone who was there and they will verify!(hopefully)lol.
And Steve Headden, Cooks guys went 3 for 4! Thanks and congragulations Mark for bringing your guys out and representing. Id also like to thank Brian and Defkon1 for all of their help and support. Ururahy looked awesome last night as he absolutely dominated a very tough Joey Carroll! And of course I have to thank my buddy Cornbread for comming through in the clutch! Last but not least Bobby “Big Country” Peavler did his thing and finished Big Nick Smiley in the first round. Way to rep Gracie and Hard Knox Bobby. The respect and gratitude everyone showed towards each other last night was amaxing! Thanks to everyone who supported me and this event!!! I will be announcing the next card soon!
And now a few words of wisdom from a onece very wise man “Cant we all just get along?” Rodney King lololol
Im tired of all of this. People can run their mouths so much when they are behind a computer. Im glad these guys threw this show. Which turned out to be very good and had good fights. If Georgia stuck with the same guys throwing fights forever then MMA itself would die. That would be like me saying no one else new can fight in the UFC because they have people that have been fighting forever and they dont need anymore people. Its time for new people to come in guys. If the people who have been in the business for 10 – 15 years and still arent successful thats their fault. Out with the old and in with the new! Show was great last night guys…congrats.
First off, Mateo Cutbill, Sherri Thompson, and Steve Headden did nothing but bust their ass for Hard Knox and Nathan, but when push came to shove Nathan didnt give a fuck about the people who put in work to build that gym and make it successful. Mateo wanted nothing to do with the show because how can you put 45,000 dollars into a show when you cant even pay your own employees on time???? Not to mention that Nathan has showed some shady business ethics throughout his ownership of hard knox. Steve drove an hour from Douglasville 3 nights a week just to help build the BJJ program. There were other fighters in that gym to train with Mateo and Steve. Why dont people who know about the sport of MMA actually get involved and not someone tryin to make a quick buck off other peoples sweat. Steve left because he has principles, he still has a very successful gym in douglasville. Funny how people talk shit on a website but would never say any of this to peoples faces because they dont know shit or are too scared to voice their own opinions except here like cowards. Sherri, Mateo, and steve have did nothing put bust their asses for the GA fight community and they all got stab in the back for their hard work. Congrats that the show did well as im always glad for new promoters but dont let the hearsay or your own personal feelings cloud your judgment that what happened at hard knox was complete and utter bullshit
I hope Steve and Mateo are successful wherever they go.
I hope that the show last week was profitable.
And I hope that we can all move on folks!
PS- anyone got any Amateur Fighters ready for May 20th?
Hey XXX….since you want to spread more crap i’ll lay it out. Sherri got fired because she stole over $6,000 from the gym and was using the company card to buy her groceries. Second, Mateo was hooked on drugs so bad his students quit coming to class because he was so drugged up. You couldn’t understand half the crap he was saying and he would pass out in his car before class even started. Not to mention he would stay in the bathroom for 30 – 45 mins while class was going on and leave his students hanging. Steve left because Mateo told him a bunch of bullsh*t. And him driving an hour away? He called in half of his classes anyway. So maybe YOU should get your facts straight before you post stuff.
Hey “Really?” since you know all of the facts, can you tell me what drugs Mateo was hooked on?
Really? where do you get your facts?
And Sherri stole from Hard Knox this is the first i ever heard of this? why wasnt this brought up in recent posts? sounds like more bullshit being spread to bad mouth people who built that gym and made it possible for Nathan to put on a MMA show. Where did you get your “facts” or is this just more hearsay from a computer?
This is getting out there, I did not call in half
my classes, I have my pay stubbs to prove it,
this is silly, if any one talking smack,will man up
and stop hiding behind their computers long
enough, to make the ride to Douglasville
knuckle- up I will be glad to train with you, even
big pun love to give you private, and by the way
knuckle up Douglasville is the largest most modern
MMA/ Bjj/Thai/ boxing/and fitness training center in
GA. Not that it matters, but get your facts straight!
Or be man enough to put your real name, truth starts
and ends with just that the truth, so if your signing
your post with a fake name , your probally a fake person
making a fake statement, I will be back Thursday night
6pm class , please come see for yourself everyones
welcome, 5955 Stewart parkway, Douglasville GA
I was woorking at Hard Knox to build
a program at a friends gym ,
Time to get back to training, get all of our fighters and bjj guys ready for fights and tournaments. Lets try to help instead of slinging mud. Lots of rumors and it will be hard to ever know what to believe. I believe in the sport and we all should try our best to support it. Its easy to talk about the bad things, but lets try to focus on the positives, GA is becoming more known for the quality of fighters we have here!!!!!!
I feel like I am on Springer/Maury … Again. Great fights Saturday. Everyone can talk all they want, but everyone’s concerns should be on the fighters and only the fighters. Not to accuse someone of drugs, stealing, or even being a sleazeball promoter. To each their own. I have no bias towards anyone… Best of luck to all.
Just an additional note to add since everyone keeps saying we should all be focused on the fighters, it is all about the fighters… You might want to remember, that a successful gym stays in business because of money which usually comes from the gym members. Ultimately, someone has to give a shit about the gym members otherwise they will leave and no money is coming in anymore.
Brian, its members like you that bounce from gym to gym…loyal to no one…that make me ill. You have nothing to do with this issue yet you continue to comment!? You already mentioned since these incidents occurred you’ve since signed up at another gym. So, instead of focusing on your training and goals you decided to sell out and add to the problem! You go to one gym and stick your nose in everything you can then go to the next gym and wipe it everywhere! Wherever you are now…its prob the 4th or 5th gym you’ve joined! lol Try being loyal sometimes and then talk about it being all about the members! Members create revenue and residual income to support a gym! But, fake members such as yourself that continously change gyms are usually to blame for gyms downfalls!
Good Luck to You and Your NEW GYM!!
Wow that is the dumbest statement Ive ever heard. So if your gym is full of idiots you should stay there just to be loyal. God damn thats brilliant. And if your car insurance over charges just stay. If your day care is abusing your kid, Stay there cuz its not good for his esteem to move around.
Your a dumb ass, point blank. If a gym doesnt have their shit together, LEAVE dont reward stupidity with loyalty. Find a gym that you feel best with, your comfortable with the trainers, its clean, it makes you feel good about you, you can see your self getting results. If your gym doesnt do all the above, thats THEIR problem not yours. If they lose members there is a REASON. And if you are losing members at your gym JKS, dont blame them, FIX IT.
But based on your genius statement I doubt youd put two and two together.
JKS…I was responding to the post saying we should be loyal to the fighters and their gym. That’s what I was doing…stop being a dumbass and go renew your blog police license.
JKS…I agree with you. I am fighter and often I train at other gym beside my own and alot of times I see guys or girls training at gym I visit that train at my school. I ask them why and they say “this gym offered me lower/free price” or “the trainer took time off”. As trainer I have to take time off to train my fights or learn new technique to teach class. Gyms try to cut each other throat and members go from one professor or coach to next! Loyalty seems lost in most martial arts. Its sad but true! Everyone should work together not against each other! I been to Hard Knox recently and place is beautiful and was very busy. I see you all again soon!!
Wow! Really!?! First, I’m not hiding behind a fake name. Second, I was not just an employee, I also trained there. That means I practically lived there for quite some time. So, whoever the individuals are who are hiding behind the XXX’s and such are doing so because they know the crap that they are spreading is just that. Crap.
I think everyone should wait until this is all done and said and you’ll get all the proof you need to see that all the so called “truth” that’s been put out above is not true, not that it should be needed if you really know them and those individuals above who have written that and in turn sold out Sherri, Mateo, and Steve, you’ll be feeling quite stupid.
But hey, that’s cool. Karma is a bitch and what’s going around will come back around and kick your ass.
Those that are distancing yourselves well, you were never really friends and I don’t think you’ll be considered much of a loss.
These are 3 great people and outstanding trainers who have made it their lives to share what they know with others and have given up much to do so. They deserve better than this.
Corrine….lol!!! Werent you fired from Hard Knox too?!?!?! Band together Oh fired ones!! Slackers and drug addicts! Match made in heaven….or should I say Hard Knox! bahahahahha
Well not personally knowing any of the parties involved I can say Sherri, Mateo, and Steve are all very respected in the mma scene. I visited hard knox once and would have loved to attend there regularly but my money situation wasn’t where it needed to be. I ended up joining a local gym whose fees were a bit cheaper and it seemed all my trainers who led my classes went to hard knox to learn from mateo. To continually throw dirt on people when you don’t the situation is pretty irresponisble. No matter what side of the fence you stand on I think everyone can agree that Sherri, Mateo, and Steve are huge and vital parts of the local mma scene and mma suffers when they’re not involved
ive been to hardknox a few times, even back when diego was teaching the bjj.. i dont know crap about the politics, i dont care. I will however teel you as a student i was always treted well by all the staff. the trainers you guys are mentioning above have all be wonderful to me, steve headden is an excellent instructor..i learn everytime i see him..and his students are excellent at bjj..Also i have been around sherri and mateo..alot, never seen them “drugged” up.
Taking sides on the politics is pointless, we do not truely know what was going on, mateo and sherri and the others involved do. the real question is , do you feel you got the workouts and instruction you payed for? i for one did every time..
Steves a great guy, he paul and casey have done alot for me..
and i have no need to hide behind a fake name..
Josh cochran
Outlaw fight team
Back to the point of this thread. The show was garbage, I attended both this show and the one in McDonough this weekend that looked like a pro show, while this one looked like an ametuer show. Im not wasting my money on these fools again.
Mark M., or whatever your name is…I am truly sorry you did not enjoy our show in West GA. I am glad you continously go to shows only to bad mouth them afterwards. Please, throw a show if you are so inclined on determining what is a good show or a “garbage” show. I will gladly attend and critique. I believe and have been told by numorous people the show went great and without a hitch! Everyone must also realize this was our very first show. So, I do appreciate the critism however there are better ways of voicing your opinion. And I agree that the show in McDonough was a great show. Sportfightx does an excellent job and I aspire to have great shows and status like them eventully. But, we must first take baby steps. We are all here to entertain the public and get exposure for the fighters and gyms involved. I have great respect for anyone that sticks their neck out to do what they love to do. And we will continue to do just that!! Look for big things from Black and Blue Ent in the future and thanks for adding fuel to our fire!!
Justin Simpson
678.622.8954
1719 North Roberts Rd
Kennesaw, GA 30114
I haven’t commented on this thread as I have no involvement in the drama.
But for what it’s worth, I heard the show was good. Congrats. I think a lot of people are getting into promoting fights and opening up mma gyms. Both are huge financial risks that require working a lot of tireless hours. While fighters deserve enormous admiration for putting their lives on the line, it’s promoters that give them an opportunity to showcase their skills and gym owners that give them an opportunity to hone their skills.
I don’t see why so many people talk negative about both. But oh well.
I remember my first show in June of 2002 at the Roxy in Buckhead wasn’t very good. I think the shows I’m a part of have gotten a little bit better since then, as will Black & Blue’s shows and all others.
Your boxing show at Earthlink was good Dave. The one with Cedric Boswell as the Main Event.
Thanks Dave! Your a vet in the biz and your shows are very well known!
I just love sites like this where there is no real good information, just a format for people to stay the dumbest shit behind fake screen names. And then all stroke each others cocks anonymously.
You want to seperate the men from the boys make a log in system, you would cut down on all the two faced jabbering you keyboard warriors are so good at. And sportfight is king, end of discussion.
You mean like the name “Hardcore” is your real name? You’re a pussy just like everyone you make fun of for posting with a fake name. And what the hell is sportfight??
Hey.I am very interested in this.Where can I learn other blogs about this? Any ideas?
Black and Blue Entertainment stiffed me for money for security guards on 8/17/11. Unable to reach a person… Don’t loan them money and get cash for any transaction!