Pros Pick: Rousey vs McMann

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:

Ultimate Fighting Championship history will be made at UFC 170 on Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, as Ronda Rousey defends her women’s bantamweight crown against Sara McMann in the main event.

It will mark the first time two Olympic medalists have squared off inside the Octagon. McMann struck silver in freestyle wrestling at the 2004 Summer Games, while Rousey landed the bronze in judo four years later. Neither woman has tasted defeat in mixed martial arts competition.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 170 headliner:

Jason Dent: Rousey wins by armbar (laughs). It might be her toughest fight to date, but I pick Ronda to win.

The rest of the article is HERE

Adapted by: Bob Donaghy

Callari and Douglas Deliver Wins at Combat Challange 26

GriffonRawl went 2 for 2 tonight at NAAFS opening event for 2014.  The 26th edition of the Combat Challenge series unfolded Saturday night at Chapparell’s Community Center in Akron, OH.  A full crowd watched 36 amateur fighters put it all on the line.  GR was ably represented by Ahmad Douglas and Joe Callari.  George Comer and Miguel Defina did the cornering honors for the GR Team.

Joe Callari was up first and finished his opponent in the first round by Guillotine Choke, bringing his record to 7-6.  It’s worth noting that Joe came to GR with a 2-4 record, and with hard work and dedication has been 5-2 during his time with the team.

Ahmad Douglas was up next and his fight went longer. This is the first time Ahmad's opponent has lasted until the third round.   About half way through the final round Ahmad took his opponent’s back and locked in a tight Rear Naked Choke for the win.  Ahmad keeps his perfect record at 3-0, all finishes.

Be sure to congratulate these two GR Warriors when you see the at the Academy.

Both GR fighters were sponsored by

Pictures courtesy  of Ryan Heckert of Hexlinc Photos

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jacob Propst Makes Blue Belt, and Wins at NAGA

Jacob Propst had a pretty good week.  Like all of us he’s dealing with NE Ohio’s foul  weather, but his mood probably improved when he was called out before BJJ class last Monday by Head BJJ Instructor Jeff Starr, to be awarded his blue belt.  And this was following taking Gold and Silver in his class (heavyweight) at the Philadelphia NAGA on Feb 1st.

Jacob’s been with GR for about a year, his regular attendance and attention to training resulted in very rapid progress.  Getting to Blue Belt in a year is remarkable enough, but taking 1st place in No Gi, and 2nd in Gi, in the first NAGA Tournament he qualified for is a terrific achievement.  Be sure to congratulate Jacob when you see him around the Academy.


NAGA Philadelphia 2014 Mens White Belt Gi
Written by: Bob Donaghy

Josh Belle Promoted to Blue Belt

On February 3rd, Jeff Starr pulled Josh Belle out of the lineup and promoted him to Blue Belt.   Josh has dedicated himself to his training and it shows in his skills and rapid advancement.  We wish more fighters would spend as much time on their BJJ skills.

Josh fought twice for GR in the cage so far, his first attempt was a war and could have went either way with the judges however  it was in his second  attempt that he made the official GR Fight Team with a beautifully executed triangle choke submission.  Josh is tentatively scheduled to fight again on the April 28th NAAFS card in Akron.

Be sure to congratulate Josh when you see him in class.

Written by:  Bob Donaghy