Pros Pick: Weidman VS Silva 2

Every UFC PPV Sherdog runs Pros Pick, an article in which pro fighters are polled for their opinion on the outcome of the upcoming PPV's main event.  Jason Dent is a frequent contributor to these polls.

From Sherdog.com:

For one, the rematch represents a shot at validation. For the other, it serves an opportunity to enhance an already historic legacy.

Chris Weidman will defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight crown against former titleholder Anderson Silva in the UFC 168 main event on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Weidman captured the 185-pound championship a little less than six months ago, when he ended the reign of “The Spider” with a stunning second-round knockout at UFC 162.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 168 headliner:

Jason Dent: Who I want to win and who I think will win is definitely different here. My brains say Weidman while my heart is with Silva. I hope I end up being wrong, but I believe Chris’ wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills will be too much for Anderson. When you couple Chris’ ground skills with his heavy hands and willingness to get right in your face, it makes him the worst possible matchup for Anderson. I believe Weidman will find a way to submit Anderson before the fight is over after Anderson gets frustrated by Chris’ takedowns and ground-and-pound. Again, I really hope to be wrong on this pick because I’m a really huge Silva fan.

The rest of the article is HERE

Adapted by: Bob Donaghy

3rd Annual GR Christmas Party

The Holidays are done, and another Christmas Party is consigned to memory.  By any measure it was great. It peaked at over 100 in the gym (see picture above), but people were coming and going all evening.  From from the heaps of food piled on the community tables most heeded the Pot Luck Rule.  Even with three corn hole sets on the mat in the main room there was a line to play.  The kids (and kids at heart) kept the PS3 busy all night.  The Christmas Brawl saw good action; over twenty contestants and easily the most enthusiastic audience - which you might expect at a fight gym.  Boxing will become a regular Christmas Party event.  Andy Lesak had the winning ticket in the 50/50 raffle, the proceeds will go to new Muay Thai equipment.

As always the gym’s loyal sponsors showed strong support.  The Happy Moose provided great wraps for the community table.  Love & Frosting Bakery cooked up a GR themed cake, which went too quickly for me to get a piece.

But with all the competition, food and games, it’s clear the highlight of the night was the chance for the GR extended family to get together and just relax.  Jason Dent and the GR staff (and this writer in particular) want to thank that family for making GR a place anyone would be proud to be a part of.

Written by:  Bob Donaghy

Ahmad Douglas Wins at NAAFS

Ahmad Triangles Andrew Newman while Jason Dent looks on

Ahmad Douglas took the GR fight team to the end of 2013 in spectacular fashion at the NAAFS NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS event; a textbook perfect submission of his opponent brought Ahmad's record to 2-0. With a first round TKO in his first win, and a first round submission in his second, Ahmad is setting the bar high as a ‘all rounder’ in the cage.

Ahmad set himself up for these wins with his consistent training and focus.  When you come to class, one of the givens is Ahmad got there ahead of you.  When you see Ahmad, be sure to congratulate him on his win!

Full Event Results:
Timmy Bowman defeats Brandon Glarner via TKO (Injury) at 0:49 of Round 1
Nic Lute defeats Chris Kingsley via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:29 of Round 1
Kenny Locsei defeats Osahon Omo-Osagie via TKO at 2:38 of Round 2
Darion Peterson defeats Scott Mauck via KO at 1:09 of Round 2
Ahmad Douglas defeats Andrew Newman via Tapout (Triangle) at 2:42 of Round 1
Anthony Monteleone defeats Scottie Moritz via Disqualification at 1:41 of Round 1

2013 National Amateur Series Championship Bouts
Katlyn Chookagian defeats Vanessa Demopoulos via TKO at 2:11 of Round 3 – Chookagian wins the 2013 NAAFS Amateur Series Women’s title
Antwan Phillips defeats Jeff Hughes via Split Decision (29-28/28-29/29-28) – Phillips wins the 2013 NAAFS Amateur Series Heavyweight title
Nick Browne defeats Nick Foxhuber via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27) – Browne wins the 2013 NAAFS Amateur Series Lightweight title
Josh Krizan defeats Ivan Rodriguez via Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28) – Krizan wins the 2013 NAAFS Amateur Series Welterweight title
J.T. Miller defeats Cody Tominack via TKO at 2:15 of Round 2 – Miller wins the 2013 NAAFS Amateur Series Middleweight title
Seth Shaffer defeats Mario Micale via TKO at 0:47 of Round 1 – Shaffer wins the 2013 NAAFS Amateur Series Bantamweight title

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Adds Personal Training Program

GriffonRawl grows again with the addition of the Personal Training Program. Jason has named five instructors as sanctioned trainers for the gym. Jason and these five are the only people allowed to use the GR facility for private lessons.

If you're looking for a way to bring your game to the next level, to polish up some detail or just to get in better shape, a personal trainer can be a great investment.  The focused attention of GR's experts can put your training over the top.

In all, there are six trainers:

• Jeff Starr
• Donny Walker
• Chuck Schilling
• Aaron 'Juice' Veverka
• Jason Dent
• George Comer

Three Simple Rules:

1. Anyone can book time with any of the trainers, GR membership is not required.
2. Book your time directly with the trainer, not the gym.  Use email, Facebook or, or book with them face to face at the gym.
3. All lessons are pre-paid, no exceptions.  

Rates: 

All trainers, with the exception of Jeff Starr, are $40 per hour.  Jeff Starr is $60 per hour for GriffonRawl members, and $80 per hour for non-members.

Meet the Trainers:

Jeff Starr may have the deepest experience as a trainer of the group.  Jeff started in martial arts in 1988 and specialized in BJJ in 1993.  He is now a Relson Gracie Black Belt. Dozens of his students have gone on to win awards and accolades in both BJJ and MMA. His private lessons cover not just sport BJJ, also self defense (with and without, weapons). Jeff has been Head BJJ instructor for GR for the past 5 years.

Donny Walker can do it all.  A  pro MMA fighter with several fights in the UFC and titles in several promotions Donny has been Head Boxing instructor for GR for the past 6 years as well as been coaching/fighting for GriffonRawl for since its inception. Donny is a key member of the gym and his training and experience in law enforcement gives him excellent qualifications in self defense.

Chuck Schilling is a member of the GR Amateur Fight Team.  For 10 years Chuck was a coach for the Mentor High Wrestling Team, one of the best in the state.  He is currently Head Coach for GR’s Jr MMA program. Chuck tells us his instruction will  focus on grappling and strength and conditioning.  Chuck’s long background in coaching ensures a careful and complete training experience.


Kru Aaron “Juice” Veverka has been with GR since the “Danny days” (about 15 years)having fought under both Danny and Jason.

He is a certified Muay Thai instructor in Muay Thai in the Thai Boxing Association under Master Surachai Sirisute and has traveled the country to attend training seminars and camps to get his training.

Jason Dent is, of course, the owner of GriffonRawl, and one of the most experienced fighters and instructors in the Academy.  Jason was Head Instructor for the MMA program until turning the day to day responsibilities over to Chuck and George earlier this year. Jason has fought and won pro titles, won on the ultimate fighter, won in the UFC, and is currently a Brown Belt under Jeff Starr/Relson Gracie. Every current member of the gym has experienced Jason’s instruction at some point.  He is famously careful with detail and he remains the most requested instructor.

George Comer runs the GR Adult MMA program.  George, like Donny, can cover all the bases he’s another ‘do it all’ instructor with a formal certificate in personal training to back up his experience in the cage and in the gym. George was a 2x National Amateur NAAFS MMA Champion, is currently a 3-1 Professional MMA fighter, and has an extensive wrestling background both in high school and college.  If you're looking to take your conditioning to the next level, George is your guy.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

IGC 3 Results and Review

The third GriffonRawl InterGym Grappling Tournament is in the books, and it was a huge success.  While it was planned, of course, to be bigger and better than the previous two events it exceeded all expectations. 

This is the first year there was a real effort to attract teams from other gyms, and it really paid off in increased attendance and competition. Six gyms sent teams, a total of 55 competitors.  Special thanks to Strong Style, Rock Hard MMA, World Kickboxing Academy, Evolve and Rio Pro for stepping up and sending so many strong competitors.  They made the day shine.  And all those competitors brought friends and family to cheer them on.  The gym parking lot was filled to capacity by 2:30, people had to get creative and were parking down by the gymnastics school.  With results like this it’s a sure bet that planning for the 4th annual IGC will begin soon.  Jason has already put out the idea of hosting smaller smoker style events during year.  Be sure to give him your feedback when you see him at the gym.

The double elimination tournament was set out on two mats to determine 7 weightclass champions.  GR fielded nearly 20 competitors from its membership, of them, George Comer, Joe Callari, Josh Zivic, Steve Hetzel, Dan Ramiaciatto and Nikilai Gionti finished in the top two of their respective weightclasses.  Details are below.

GR Team: George Comer 1 @ 170, Jeff Offak 1 @ 135,  Joe Callari 2 @ 185, Josh Zivcic 2 @ 155, Steve Hetzel 2 @ 145 behind Isaiah Chapman  Dan Ramiaciatto 1st @185 something like 20 GR members competed.  Nikilai Gionti 2nd @ 135 trained GR for months and is now away at college.


Participating Gyms
StrongStyle - Marcus Marinelli
Rock Hard MMA - Brain Walsh
World Kickboxing Academy - Ryan Madigan
Evolve - John Cook
Rio Pro - Mike Riedel


Division Results
135:1st: Jeff Offak, 2nd: Nikilai Gionti
145:  1st: Isaiah Chapman, 2nd: Steve Hetzel
155: 1st: AJ Bondurant, 2nd: Josh Zivcic
170: 1st: George Comer, 2nd: Jeffrey Butkovich
185: 1st: Daniel Ramacciato, 2nd: Joe Callari
205: 1st: Josh Lasiich (Action Automotive Most Submissions prize), 2nd: Rusty Lockhart
265: 1st: William Harmon, 2nd: Rodney Wells

Special thanks to our tournament sponsors:

Written by: Bob Donaghy 

Pros Pick Hendricks vs St. Pierre

Every UFC PPV Sherdog runs Pros Pick, an article in which pro fighters are polled for their opinion on the outcome of the upcoming PPV's main event.  Jason Dent is a frequent contributor to these polls.

From Sherdog.com:

Georges St. Pierre has held sway over the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s welterweight division for more than five years.

St. Pierre will defend his title against the once-beaten Johny Hendricks in the UFC 167 main event on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 32-year-old champion will enter the Octagon on a career-best 11-fight winning streak, having already established himself as the greatest welterweight in UFC history in the minds of many.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 167 headliner: 

Jason Dent: Pulling for GSP to retain his title yet again. I believe GSP is more well-rounded and a smarter, more technical fighter than Hendricks. Even if Hendricks keeps GSP standing, I still think GSP can pick him apart with this being a five-round fight.

The rest of the article is HERE

Adapted by: Bob Donaghy

George Comer Elevated to Head Coach for MMA

 As GriffonRawl grows, it becomes necessary from time to time to make changes to the gym operations.  With all the different hats Jason wears it becomes impossible to do an effective job without spreading out some of the work.  So, starting immediately, George Comer will take over daily operations for the MMA program.  George's background as a certified trainer, and his great success in both Amateur and Pro MMA fights, make him eminently qualified for this new role.  This doesn't mean that Jason will be walking away entirely, he will still be teaching some of the classes. He will also be available for doing privates, and as always to corner, train, and mentor fighters. As the gym grows, more positions will open up, and Jason will always try to promote from within.  Gym members will always have the edge in the coaching positions at GriffonRawl.

It isn't generally known, but when George came to GriffonRawl five years ago he had no intention of fighting; he was attracted first by the conditioning classes (and by the one month free offer).  He was with the gym for several months before being tempted to even try the fight classes, but it was instant
love and he was hooked.  It didn't take long for Jason to recognize raw talent, and George saw his first Amateur action on 9/5/2008.  Two years and a 9 fight unbeaten streak later, George collected titles in two weight classes and two promotions and earned the right to go Pro.  George now holds a 3-1 pro record and is one of the highest regarded lightweights in the country.  The single biggest impediment to his career at the moment is finding him qualified willing fight opponents.  All of which is good news for the GriffonRawl MMA program.  In George Comer we have a smooth continuation of the excellent training Jason provided, though with his own flavor.  George is justly famous for his wrestling based strong top game, Jason is better known for a near invulnerable bottom defense based on BJJ.  On the face of it, their styles couldn't be  more different, but having both available to teach pros at the gym gives a balance to the the MMA program that other gyms can't match.

 When you see George be sure to congratulate him on his new position, then go sign up for MMA.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl MMA Respects Wrestling!

Do you miss the competitive atmosphere of the high school wrestling room? Are you looking to get back to your old fighting weight? Do you want to take the skills you learned in wrestling and begin a new career in MMA? GriffonRawl MMA Academy NEEDS YOU! The mental and physical toughness that you developed on the wrestling mat is the solid foundation needed to compete in MMA.

GriffonRawl MMA Academy, located in Mentor, is kicking off the wrestling season with a free offer for ex-wrestlers looking to take their wrestling skills into the MMA world. During the month of November, Jason Dent and the GriffonRawl MMA Academy, are offering ex-wrestlers a chance to see if MMA is for them! Jason Dent, owner of GriffonRawl, who trained under Legendary Wrestler/ UFC Star Dan Henderson on Season 9 of the Ultimate Fighter is offering a free intro class and free MMA for the rest of November to ex-wrestlers in the Greater Cleveland area. Bring your cauliflower ear and your old wrestling shoes to 6090 Pinecone Drive in Mentor, Ohio to see if you have what it takes to make it in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.

Please contact Jason, Chuck or George to start your free training in the month of November at (440) 358-9371 . See the list below of former wrestlers who have trained at GriffonRawl and have taken their wrestling skills to a new level! See the link below for contact information and to learn more about this FREE MMA offer right here in Mentor, Ohio.

Here is list of GriffonRawl's Official Fight Team Pro Fighter Page
http://www.ohio-mma.com/Programs/professionals ,
as well as the Amateur Fighter Page - http://www.ohiomma.com/Programs/amateurs

Fighter Wrestling History!

• George Comer (GR Professional Fighter) - Ledgemont High School, Mount Union-Freshman of the year-team captain.
• AJ Carl - Mentor-state qualifier
• Chuck Schilling - Mentor
• Jim Payne - Perry High School, 3 years at Baldwin Wallace
• Matt Hopkins - Madison
• Miguel Defina - Geneva, Lakeland CC Wrestling Club.
• Thomas Salvatore - Madison
• Daniel Ramacciato - 2 years St. Ignatius, 2 years at St. Joes
• Alex Frenk - Brush
• Cody Lewis - 3 years Ravenna Southeast, 1 year Grand Valley
• Ahmad Douglas - 1 year Riverside
• Paul Compton (GR Professional Fighter) - Madison-state qualifier, Heidelberg college
• Donny Walker (GR Professional Fighter) - 1 year Ledgemont, 1 year in the Army
• Brad Buckovics - 5th & 6th grade 
• Jason Dent (GR Professional Fighter) - 1 year Ledgemont, has traveled to Oregon to train in seminar with Legendary Wrestler/UFC Champion Randy Couture, trained under Legendary Wrestler/UFC Star Dan Henderson on Season 9 of the Ultimate Fighter.

Adapted from an original article by:  Bob  Donaghy
Original article on Mentor High Wrestling: HERE

Happy 10th Anniversary GriffonRawl!

Ten years ago this October Jason Dent opened the doors of 6090 Pinecone Drive and declared it the new home of the GriffonRawl Academy.  Just two years earlier when Jason took over the operation of GriffonRawl from Dan Rawlings and started its transformation, it was sharing space with a Karate School to make ends meet.  Jason grew GriffonRawl, along the way learning the lessons needed to create an independent school, and executed his plan.  Ten years on, growth in size, in services, in hard won experience, and most importantly, in members and friendships have built the academy we know today.  

 A great gym is more than equipment, mats, solid walls and a roof.   The key is the solid relationships forged inside.  Starting with the first members, who brought in family and friends, who became friends of the Academy, and later friends with those who joined afterwards at the urging of their friends.  Today there are literally hundreds of people connected through their past or ongoing association with GriffonRawl.  Even members who have dropped away, are influenced by their time with the Academy, and so they're still part of the GriffonRawl family.

One of the highlights is the development of the GriffonRawl Fight Teams, which are among the most accomplished in the state.  Few schools this size can claim of two UFC fighters, a TUF finalist, 4 national amateur champions and more regional champions than we have room for on the Wall of Champions.  And not just in MMA, GriffonRawl has an enviable record in Muay Thai as well, largely thanks to the efforts of Kru Aaron "Juice" Veverka.  This Saturday two of GriffonRawl's amateur fighters will make their debut on the NAAFS Combat Challenge card in Akron.  Take a moment to wish good luck to Jeff Offak & Ahmad Douglas when you see them.

Recently Jason stepped up the pace adding even more seminars and events to the Academy calendar, and that's a trend that will continue.  The Dan Rawling seminar from last weekend was very successful, and is only most recent.  Relson Gracie, Jeff Monson, Kit Cope have all taught on the GriffonRawl mats.  This November marks the third annual IGC tournament, bigger and better this year with the addition of more invited competitors.  GriffonRawl is growing, and getting better, and will continue to grow and change in response to the needs of it's members, family and students.

*To celebrate the 10th anniversary month, and give something back to the members, Jason has decided to put all merchandise on sale, even the new colors and sizes just arrived for Fall.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Ahmad Douglas Inducted to Fight Team

GriffonRawl has a new fight team member!  On Saturday October 5th Ahmad Douglas fought for GriffonRawl on the NAAFS card in Akron.  By winning his fight, (by TKO in the first round), Ahmad earned his way onto the team.

 GriffonRawl is different from most gyms where just expressing interest in fighting will get you, more or less, on a fight team.  At least sort of a fight team. 

Making the GR team isn't easy but it is simple: just win a state sanctioned fight.  The hard part is earning backing by the Academy and fighter support team, earning the right to wear GR's colors. 

Ahmad's path to making the team wasn't quick or easy.  In his roughly two years with GriffonRawl,  he's had a nearly perfect record in classes.  He's represented GR in Smoker fights, fought in the GR IGC tournament and even outside grappling tournaments.  Winning his  NAAFS fight debut was just the last barrier to cross.  We're all very proud of Ahmad's dedication and growth.  When you see him, be sure to congratulate him on his accomplishment.

Written by:  Bob Donaghy

Pros Pick: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos 3

Adapted from Sherdog.com

The two best heavyweights on the planet will converge in the center of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Octagon for a third time, as champion Cain Velasquez battles Junior dos Santos in the UFC 166 main event on Saturday at the Toyota Center in Houston.

Dos Santos dethroned the American Kickboxing Academy ace with a 64-second knockout at UFC on Fox 1 in November 2011. Velasquez, however, reclaimed his title with a lopsided unanimous decision at UFC 155 a little more than a year later. Now, they meet again to settle the score.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 166 headliner:

Jason Dent: I’m going with Cain on this one. Cain’s striking is just as good as JDS’s. However, his wrestling and intense pace will be too much for Junior in the rubber match. The first match ended too quickly, but their second meeting showed who the better fighter was, as Cain dominated from start to finish.

For the rest of the pro's picks, click HERE

Adapted by: Bob Donaghy

Combat Challenge 25 Review

Ahmad Douglas Makes a Knockout Debut

Last Saturday, October 5th, NAAFS held the 25th show in their Combat Challenge series.  The event was in Akron's Chapparell's Community Center and featured 14 amateur fights.  At least that was the plan.  JJ Offak and Ahmad Douglas were to fight for GriffonRawl on the all amateur card, but JJ had the misfortune of seeing three opponents come and go before fight night.  In the end, with only 48 hours notice, he was left without an opponent, and Ahmad became the sole representative of GriffonRawl.  But Ahmad fought brilliantly, winning his debut fight by TKO at 1:00 of the first round.

This is what cornerman Chuck Schilling had to say, (Ahmad) "was winning the standup, then hit a double, lifted and brought him to our corner.  Mounted until he rolled, put in hooks and punched until it ended"   The picture says it all.

Congratulation Ahmad on a terrific debut and welcome to the GriffonRawl Fight Team.

Full card results:

Josh Paulus defeats John Mumaw, TKO round one (1:00)
Ahmad Douglas defeats Jason Stull, TKO round one (1:00)
Scottie Moritz defeats Geoff Salyers, unanimous decision
Seth Shaffer defeats Ray Gillies, unanimous decision
Cody Tominak defeats Hassan Crutcher, unanimous decision
Nick Foxhuber defeats Fadi Shuman, RNC round two (1:20)
Jeff Hughes defeats James Bunn, RNC round 2 (1:17)
Josh Krizan defeats Caleb Fickert, unanimous decision
Jerrell Hodge defeats Cheyne Jenkins, arm triangle round two (0:55)
JT Miller defeats Cory Bresson, TKO round one (1:24)
Nick Browne defeats Izzy William, unanimous decision
RJ Buck defeats Tobiaus Taylor, armbar round 3 (2:43)

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Combat Conditioning Classes Expanding and Moving

In response to popular demand GR's Combat Conditioning program is moving to Tuesday & Thursday nights from 5:30-6:30pm starting the 1st week of October.  It will run in the same time slot as our very popular Jr. MMA program.

Thomas Salvatore, owner of YDM Fitness on Tyler Blvd, is in charge of the expanded classes.  A long time member of the GR family, he will be bringing his expertise and experience to GriffonRawl. 

Combat Conditioning will increase your strength, improve your cardio, burn fat, and improve your overall health. The program is mostly body weight exercises and can be easily modified to your needs if you are limited.  Thomas is fully qualified to make any adjustments you may need.

This is a 'go at your own pace' program, so do not feel the need to push yourself past YOUR Limits. You can make this extremely tough or make it a good workout. It will depend on your fitness level.  Our goal is to to see everyone have a great time and has fun getting fit.

Equipment/Gear needed - Work out clothes that you don't mind getting soaked with sweat.  That's it!

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl Adds Classes to New Life Church

As part of GriffonRawl's commitment to expand it's operations and support in the community.Jason Dent is conducting one hour MMA/Fitness Classes at the  private school operated by the New Life Church in Perry at 11:30 on Tuesdays.  The classes are part of the curriculum of the school and are a mix of general fitness, mixed martial arts and self defense. 

New Life Church
4080 Call Rd, Perry, OH  44081
(440) 259-3850 voice
(440) 259-3849 fax

http://www.newlifeinchrist.com/index.php/contact



View Larger Map

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Dan Rawlings Seminar Sells Out!

Last Saturday the founder of GriffonRawl came back to his roots and delivered back to back sold out seminars.  The Dan Rawlings seminar last Saturday delivered elite level instruction to all who attended.

Though the mats were full for both two hour sessions.  Each student had time with Dan, getting one on one training in Muay Thai and boxing.  Those who couldn't make it missed out on great training opportunity.  But do not despair, the plan is to have Dan back again in  May, June, or July.

After the seminar much of the group went to GriffonRawl's sponsor sports bar The Happy Moose for drinks and dinner.  As usual the Moose provided a good time for all.

SPECIAL THANKS to our sponsors for this weekends Dan "Tanis" Rawlings Boxing & Muay Thai seminar. Thank you Happy Moose Bar and Grill, Intimidation Clothing, Rock House, Action Automotive, & East Mentor Family Chiropractic!!!

 Written by: Bob Donaghy

Vanyo Kickboxing Smoker Results

Unlike the first Vanyo kickboxing smoker where we sent just one fighter (Khalil Khalil), this time we sent six fighters and a good crowd of supporters.  Thank you to Tim Stafford, Paul Compton, Russ Herbert, Khalil Khalil, Jon-David Reeves, and George Comer for stepping up and representing the academy so well.

Smokers are for fun and experience, the results are not recorded and do not become part of a fighter's record.  The GR crew made the trip to Strongsville last Friday night for the 2nd Vanyo Kickboxing Smoker of 2013.  The GR team covered the range of experience at GR from seasoned pros like George Comer to first time fighters like Russ Herbert.  Vanyo had their own well prepared team in place and invited one of the newer gyms in the area, The Wrestling Factory, to participate.  The event ran very smoothly, and the gym was packed with an enthusiastic crowd.

It was a night of surprises and great performances... Russ's high kick KO win out of nowhere was THE strike of the night in any fight, Comer's come from behind win over a much more experienced opponent (a former Lebanese national champion) was a lesson in conditioning and pressure, but Tim Stafford's overall performance was the demonstration of guts for the night.  Tim's first fight led off the event, and he won a tough decision.  He had under two hours to recover and fought a fresh opponent literally half his age and took him to a decision too.

Khalil Khalil and Jon Reeves had terrific back and forth fights with their opponents, and while the decisions didn't go in their favor, both fights could easily have gone the other way.  One of the differences between smokers and  official fights is that smokers use only one judge, so sometimes you get results that you may not agree with. 

Everyone fought well, everyone has reason to be proud of each man that fought and the entire team.  They represented the academy well and showed what team work and good training can do. 

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jeff Offak Promoted to BJJ Blue Belt

GriffonRawl and its Jiu-Jitsu program is pleased to announce that on Wednesday (Sept 4th), Head BJJ Instructor, Jeff Starr, promoted Jeff Offak to Blue Belt.  Jeff has been working steadily towards his belt since joining GriffinRawl.  He comes to class, competes regularly in grappling events, and is diligent and focused in his training.  Jeff's hard work will reward him beyond the BJJ mat, he will be representing GR in MMA as soon as his debut can be arranged.

If you get a chance, take a moment to congratulate Jeff on his hard work and achievement.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Pros Pick Henderson v Pettis

Every UFC PPV Sherdog runs an article which asks a number of pro fighters to give their prediction on the main event.  Jason Dent is a frequent contributor to the series.

From Sherdog.com

One formidable obstacle stands between Benson Henderson and his becoming the first man to ever successfully defend the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight crown four times.

Henderson will put his 155-pound title on the line against Anthony Pettis, the last man to defeat him, in the UFC 164 main event on Saturday at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee. Pettis outpointed Henderson under the World Extreme Cagefighting banner in December 2010, springing off the cage for his unforgettable “Showtime” kick and sealing a unanimous decision in the decisive fifth round.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 164 headliner:

Jason Dent: I always pick a winner, but I’m torn on this one, honestly. I like Pettis’ style more, but with the injuries and the distractions he had cutting weight to fight Jose Aldo, I’m afraid it may affect his performance. Henderson has been getting better with each fight and has gone five hard rounds a couple times now already. If there is a finish in this fight, it will be for Pettis, and if it goes the distance, it will be in favor of Henderson.

For the rest of the story on Sherdog, click HERE

Adapted by: Bob Donaghy

NAAFS Rock and Rumble 7 Results

Jason coaching Joe between rounds

Saturday August 24th delivered uncharacteristically fine weather for NAAFS 7 edition of Rock N' Rumble.  An event that's been plagued by sweltering heat and humidity and even near horozontal rain enjoyed near perfect fight weather.  Perhaps NAAFS got the hard part out of the way getting to fight day. The show suffered an unusual number of cancellations and last minute withdrawls making Greg Kalikas work overtime to pull the show together.  But he did it, and by all accounts it was a successful night with a near sellout of Jacob Pavilion and even a few suprising results to the fights.  But the last minute good luck for the show did not carry over to the two GriffonRawl fighters on the card. 

Joe Callari's record drops to 6-6 with his 3rd round submission loss to Eric Bledsoe (3-0 now).  Ironically, Joe was dominating the standup portion of the fight, and the former Toughman champ from Virginia, Bleadsoe, controlled the ground.  Unfortunately, in the third round, Bledsoe was able to lock in a arm triangle and Joe was forced to tap at 2:18.  Antony Disantis' fight was difficult, it was a back and forth war, and , according to some, possibly  the best fight on the undercard.  Neither fighter was able to finsih, and the judges had nearly as much trouble arriving finally at a split decision (29-8, 28-29, 29-28) for Tony's opponent, Zack Trout.  It's difficult to critisize either fighter when clearly both gave everything they had and even the judges couldnl't come to a clean decision. 

Both Tony and Joe are warriors, and while their pride is hurt, they know as a Team we win and lose as a Team, and they can count, as everyone on the Team can, on the full support of GriffonRawl as they work advance their skills.

Full results of the card (win/lose record includes RnR results)

Winner	Loser	Method	Round	Time
Jason Alexander (2-0)	Floyd Cisco (0-1)	Unan Dec	3
Nick Foxhuber (6-1)	Aaron McGraw (3-3)	Sub (RNC)	1	0:35
Tobiaus Taylor (3-0)	Adken Torchia (1-1)	Split Dec	3
Cheyne Jenkins (6-1)	Aaron Neighbors (7-5)	TKO	2	2:32
Bhrandon Poindexter (7-9)	Zach Forrester (2-5)	Unan Dec	3
Hassan Crutcher (3-0)	Steve Stocker (2-1)	Unan Dec	3
Eric Bledsoe (3-0)	Joe Callari (6-6)	Sub (arm triangle)	3	2:18
Scottie Weaver (7-3)	Rockey Clark (4-9)	Sub (strikes)	1	1:22
Zack Trout (3-0)	Anthony Disantis (2-2)	Split Dec	3
Darion Peterson (1-0)	Lillo General (1-1)	TKO	2	2:33
Nick Browne (8-1)	Corey Dulaney (5-1)	Sub (arm triangle)	1	1:35
Dave Vandevelde (1-2)*	Chris Tucker (0-1)	Sub (RNC)	1	4:10
Antonio Castillo Jr. (7-4)*	Brett Ewing (4-4)	TKO	2	0:58
Elias Theodorou (8-0)*	Travis Clark (7-2)	TKO	2	5:00
Josh Stansbury (5-2)*	John Hawk (8-5)	Unan Dec	3

Written by: Bob Donaghy

World Kickboxing Seminar with Grandmaster Bob Chaney

GR's Jason Dent and Russ Herbert attended the Muay Thai seminar at Ryan Madigan's World Kickboxing Academy down in Stow, Ohio on Saturday August 17th.  GR Instructors are always attending Seminars & Camps to get fresh ideas/insight from some of the worlds best to continually better our gym.

The seminar featured instruction by Grandmaster Bob Chaney and ran for 3 hours. Over 20 students were given personal instruction by one of the greatest living Masters of the art. WKA runs seminars throughout the year, and they're worth attending.

Russ Herbert, Grandmaster Bob Chaney, Jason Dent, Ryan Madigan

Written by:  Bob Donaghy