NAAFS Combat Challenge 27

Combat Challenge 27 was more of a challenge for GR than expected.  Two GR wariors, Josh Belle and Jeff Offak were set to compete for the team.

Josh Belle was to take on an opponent with twice his experience, and he trained hard to prepare.  Frustratingly, his opponent did not show up to weigh in, and the promoter was unable to replace him on short notice.  It made for a short night for everyone.

Jeff Offak was fully prepared for his long delayed MMA debut.  He was supposed to fight at Combat Challenge 25, but his opponent no showed (is there a pattern here?).  Putting that behind him, Jeff spent the rest of 2013 working on his skills, and along the way taking third in the OGC, first in his division at GR’s IGC tournament, a first in gi, and a second in no-gi at the NAGA Pittsburgh and earning his blue belt.

He was very excited to finally compete for NAAFS, the excitement may have been more than he bargained for.  After the fight he said he felt he let his nerves get the better of him.  Jason Dent (who cornered with George Comer) commented that Jeff was second guessing himself from the start; starting moves then abandoning them before they could work.  Jeff struggled through the first round, and in the second got caught in a triangle and was unable to break free.  The good news is first time jitters are just that, and with the support of the GR family Jeff will have many more opportunities to fight.  Experience only makes you stronger.

Many thanks to everyone who went to Akron to support our fighters,

Written by: Bob Donaghy