Donny 'Eagle Eye' Walker "UFC 132"

Griffonrawl's own Donny 'Eagle Eye' Walker, coming off an impressive 7 fight winning streak has inked a multi-fight contract with MMA's premier organization, The Ultimate Fighting Championship. Donny is a late replacement and will take on Jeff Hougland on July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information visit one of the following links below. Congratulations to Donny on the this tremendous accomplishment!
http://mmajunkie.com/news/24107/bantamweights-jeff-hougland-and-donny-walker-added-to-ufc-132.mma
http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/06/23/donny-walker-jeff-hougland-to-make-ufc-debuts-at-ufc-132/
http://www.profighting-fans.com/articles/ufc-donny-walker_062111.html
http://www.gatewaymma.com/ohio/2011/06/23/donny-walker-signs-with-ufc-debuts-against-jeff-houghland-at-ufc-132/

profighting-fans.com "Donny Walker Interview"

Donny "Eagle Eye" Walker recently sat down to discuss his recent past, and his plans for the future with profighting-fans.com. Click the direct link to view the interview in full. http://www.profighting-fans.com/articles/donny-walker-interview_061311.html

GriffonRawl "Wristbands"

The pro shop at Team GriffonRawl has recently been stocked with wristbands. A great way to show team pride, stop by and pick yours up today!

Relson Gracie "Seminar 6-6-11"

On Monday, June 6, 2011, GriffonRawl was once again visited by Master Relson Gracie. Relson's visit was on short notice yet the eleven participants were treated to the lessons only Relson can bring. This was considered (just by chance) to be an advanced seminar since the lowest rank in attendance holds the rank of blue belt. The seminar was highlighted by the promotion of Tony Reel to brown belt and the self-defense test Jeff Starr took as part of his ongoing black belt assessment. We look forward to seeing Relson again in the very near future.

Tony Reel "Belt Promotion"

Following the Relson Gracie seminar on June 6, 2011, Master Gracie acknowledged the dedication Tony Reel has committed to the study of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After years of study, in both gi and no-gi training, Relson promoted Tony to the rank of brown belt. Pictured in the center, Tony is flanked by Master Gracie and head instructor of the academy, Jeff Starr.

GriffonRawl "Lanyards/Keychains"

New GriffonRawl lanyards/key chains are now being stocked at the GR Pro Shop. GriffonRawl continues to expand the products available at the academy. This is just the latest way to show your team pride!

George Comer "NAAFS 3 Fight Contract"

From the NAAFS: 5/31/11 (North Canton, OH): The NAAFS is pleased to announce that two time national amateur champion George Comer, has inked an exclusive three fight deal with the promotion. Comers professional debut is slated for July’s “War on the Shore” card in Geneva, Ohio.
Comer, an undefeated GriffonRawl product, won the 2009 NAAFS national lightweight title when he defeated Kevin Rothacker then followed that up the next year by winning the NAAFS welterweight title to become the first ever amateur to win national titles in two different weight classes.
“George is one of those fighters who you can see has the talent and mind set to make it to the highest level of this sport. We are looking forward to watching George continue to develop as a professional inside the NAAFS cage.” stated NAAFS president Greg Kalikas.
The NAAFS is expected to announce several more pro signings in the days and weeks to come.

EFC 8 "Bragging Rights"

On Saturday, May 21, 2011 Paul "Str8outa" Compton faced (on about a week's notice) Matthew DiMarcantonio in a featherweight bout at EFC 8 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Several teammates accompanied Paul to Erie. What follows is a brief recap of the fight.
Paul started out extremely strong in round one, controlled the pace and action throughout the fist round and appeared poised for a similar course of events in round two. However, Matt showed his heart and skills and did enough to probably win the round. Round three, showed Paul's heart and his cardio training as Paul hit a nasty take down, slamming Matt's face into the canvas where it appeared he was dazed from the slam. Paul wasted not time in unleashing a barrage of hammer fists and elbows. Round three was the deciding round, and Paul earned not only a unanimous decision from the judges, but also his 5th professional victory!

George Comer "Cleats Sponsorship"

Recently turned professional fighter "Bonesaw" George Comer recently agreed to a sponsorship with Cleats Club Seat Grille in Mentor, Ohio. Along with the fight sponsorship, Cleats has hosted private UFC showings for GriffonRawl MMA Academy members and friends. The management at Cleats also put up two plaques showcasing George in action. George is looking forward to his working relationship with Cleats as his begins his professional MMA career.

NBC Local Affiliate WKYC "Mixed Marital Arts Surges in Popularity"

In mid-March NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC, visited the GriffonRawl MMA Academy in preparation for a piece they were preparing on the sport of mixed martial arts. The piece aired on the 11pm news. From the WKYC website:

MENTOR -- It's a sport that not only has become a TV ratings powerhouse, kids of all ages are lining up to learn their mixed-martial arts, or MMA.

"A lot of people think we just grab these people off the street, and go at it," says Jason Dent, owner of GriffonWral MMA Academy in Mentor. "MMA is the furthest thing from street-fighting you're going to find."

Channel 3 recently visited the academy to see what the sport is all about.

We wanted to find out why kids and adults, men and women are getting in the cage to duke it out, rid themselves of stress and get a good workout all at the same time.

Click the link for the full story: http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/182317/45/Mixed-martial-arts-surges-in-popularity