Next MMA Fighter

We are coming to you cageside from the North Charleston Coliseum for Fury Fight Promotions “The Storm”. The crowd is taking their seats and the anticipation is building for what will surely be a fantastic night of fights.

If you cant join us here in the Charleston, stay tuned for live fight results with photographs and video interviews later this evening.

The following is the official fight card which has been approved by the South Carolina Athletic Commission.

Nathan Hammes vs. Sean Young 165lbs

First round begins and both fighters are tentative to engage on the feet. Young scores a quick takeout which Hammes reverses and goes for a RNC. Young is able to gain control on the ground and then works an RNC himself. Young spends most of the round in a dominant position over Hammes. Before the round ends Young scores another takedown.

Round 2 begins and Young scores a takedown which Hammes transitions into a guillotine attempt. Young gains control and rolls Hammes on his back where he looks to score with ground and pound while Hammes works for a triangle. The round ends with Hammes dangerously close to finishing Young.

Round 3 begins and we are greeted by a thunderous leg kick to the cup by young, it looked close to the guts, but we cant be sure. Hammes goes down and takes his recovery time. The round continues and both fighters exchange until Young rocks Hammes with a right stunning him. Young follows up with a takedown and finishes off the round in a dominant position, in my opinion winning the fight by decision.

Sean Young wins by Unanimous Decision

Paul Ellis vs. Drew Ridgeway 150lbs

A great back and forth round where some serious wrestling is being displayed. Both fighters are jockeying for position looking for an advantage in their MMA Debut. Ellis pulls guard and works towards a guillotine but Ridgeway is able to fight it off and move to a RNC. The round ends on the ground where it started, tough one to call.

R2 begins with some thai clinch action, it isnt long before ellis executes a great judo throw as both fighters go crashing to the mat. Ridgeway is able to get control on the ground and posture up as he delivers some body blows as he works towards mount. Ridgeway maintains control on the ground with a d`arce to end the round.

The round begins and we are treated to a gigantic slam by Ridgeway as he slams ellis to the mat and finishes in full mount. From there Ellis gives up his back and its only a matter of time before ridgeway finishes with the RNC.

Ridgeway wins by submission (RNC) @ 1:39 of R3

Antonio Reyes vs. Travis McGruder 205lbs

The fight begins and Reyes throws a huge bomb of a right that Mc Gruder ducks out of. Its then Travis`turn and he just throws an absolute flurry of punches that stuns Reyes and Mc Gruder follows him to the ground. From here, Mc Gruder mounts, throwing some huge ground and pound shots. Reyes escapes to his feet but Mcgruder hunts him down and delivers a huge shot that likely breaks the nose of Reyes. Mc Gruder then follows him to the ground again, this time brutally finishing Reyes with strikes from the mount position.

Travis McGruder wins by TKO @:40 of R1

Jason Hicks vs. Jeff Tharington 150lbs

This fight is over in a flash. Hicks comes out looking to throw, he does so with a big leg kick and Tharington catches it. This catches Hicks off balance and he falls to the ground but takes his time to sink in a super slick straight armbar finishing the fight.

Hicks wins by submission (armbar) @:45 of R1

Chris McNally vs. John Bryant 185lbs

Chris McNally begins the fight working some strong knees while looking for the big takedown. He lands an inadvertent blow to the weener and the fight is stopped while Bryant recovers. The round continues and McNally finishes his takedown but Bryant works towards a kimura and when it looks like he has it, Chris` wrestling takes over. McNally gains control of Bryant as he pushes him into the cage then throws bombs until Bryant cant take anymore and taps out.

McNally wins by submission (tapout due to strikes) @ 2:04 of R1

Bobby Peavler vs. Josh Lening Heavyweight

Peavler and Lening meet in the middle and immediately go into a clinch which Peavler is getting the better of. He drives knees into the guts and throws some light uppercuts before he pulls guard on Lening. Once on the ground Peavler works to a north south position and finishes Lening with a North South choke.

Peavler wins by submission (North/South Choke) in R1

Joe Elmore vs. Joseph Carroll 155lbs

The first round starts with a frenzied pace and doesn’t let up. Joe Elmore is throwing amazing combos and connecting on Carroll as Carroll decides to try his luck on the ground. Once there Carroll is very insistent on getting an armbar, while Elmore is happy to slam him on his head over and over. It is crazy how many times they crash to the ground as Elmore continues to slam Carroll who is still trying to finish by armbar or triangle.

The second round begins and Carroll is very comfortable on the ground. He looks to bring Elmore into his world and he eventually does. While on the ground Carroll is able to take Elmore’s back and spends almost the entire round looking to finish Elmore with a choke but Joe will not quit. The round ends as Elmore is nearly finished by a Choke.

Round 3 begins and Elmore looks tired, but that goes away when the round stars. Elmore lands a left which has Carroll take a step back. They go to the ground and Carroll looks to finish Elmore by armbar, again getting very close. Elmore rolls out and is able to mount Carroll while delivering some sound strikes on the ground. The struggle continues as Carroll looks to finish on the ground and Elmore is throwing bombs from the top. Carroll moves to side control and looks to deliver some shots before Elmore transitions out and ends up in Carroll’s guard once again. While Elmore is working there is a knee to the face on the ground which Elmore is warned for. The fight continues and Carroll pulls Elmore into his guard once again as time runs out on a fight that both guys gave their all. This is for sure the fight of the night so far, what a battle.

Joe Elmore wins by unanimous decision

Tim Goodwin vs. Preston Marks 135lbs

The round begins and both fighters are looking to setup some standup combos. Marks aims to throw his opponent by switching stances but it doesn’t faze Goodwin. Marks tries very hard for a takedown that Goodwin sprawls well on before he decides to pull guard and look for a guillotine finish. Marks is able to work out of the guillotine and then move to a choke with 10 seconds in the round as he flattens out Goodwin nearly finishes him as the bell rings.

Round 2 is immediately taken to the mat and Marks is working in side control as he looks to point with elbows on Goodwin. It doesn’t take long before Goodwin is smothered and Marks is all over his back. Marks is absolutely punishing a flattened out Goodwin and actually going over what strikes are legal as he has an open dialog with the ref. He attacks from all angles as Goodwin doesn’t show any signs of fighting back and the referee stops the bout.

Marks wins by TKO (Strikes) @ 4:13 of R2

Jerrod Sanders vs. Anthony Christodoulou 150lbs

The fight begins and both fighters are looking to establish themselves on the feet. This goes on for a bit and then Christodoulou decides to work for a single leg. Christodoulou spends alot of time looking for this but Sanders wont budge. They go to the ground and Christodoulou works to a kimura with no avail. From here they go back to the feet and Sanders begins to take control, he is landing knees and even has an elbow find its mark while both fighters are standing. From here the standup continues with Sanders finishing strong as the bell is rung to mark the end of R1.

R2 begins and Sanders is patient as Christodoulou is looking for something off of his back on the ground. Sanders maintains his position and points on Christodoulou as he has his back. From here he rolls Christodoulou over and finishes with a very slick D`arce choke.

Sanders wins by submission (D`Arce choke) @2:14 of R2

Josh Robertson vs. Shah Bobonis 145lbs

Shah bobonis is called the showstopper and he quickly shows us why. This is the fastest I have ever seen someone be taken down, setup and finished by D`Arce choke. Ill be the first to say it, this is a D`Arce choke EXTRAVAGANZA tonight. Not much to write about here folks, Bobonis went out here and finished his opponent in no time at all calling an end to the fight @:23 of R1

Bobonis wins by submission (D`Arce Choke) @:23 of R2

Justin Dalton vs. Jason Nicholson 145lbs

Dalton and Nicholson are establishing themselves in the standup. Dalton looks for a big headkick but slips in doing so. Nicholson follows him to the ground where Dalton is able to transition into Nicholsons guard. From here Dalton postures up and starts to rain down blows on the side of Nicholson’s head before he taps out, ending the fight.

Dalton wins by submission (Tap due to strikes) @ 1:13 of R1

Anthony Lapsley vs. Dave Mewborn 185lbs

The important thing to note about this fight before it begins is that Mewborn has “Clampunchers” written in cursive across the back of his trunks. The fighters throw a few combos on the feet but isn’t long before this one goes to the ground as Mewborn finishes a single leg. Lapsley is showing some good wrestling and is able to spend alot of time in Mewborn guard. He constantly works to full mount but doesn’t quite get there. He is landing some good strikes on the ground but Mewborn is defending well and even is able to roll over Lapsley as he lands in full mount. The time expires on a great first round.

Round 2 begins and both fighters are happy with grinding it out on the ground. Mewborn is working his butterfly guard while Lapsley rains down shots from above, landing a few but Mewborn seems unfazed. They go to the feet and work some knees in the clinch before Lapsley works mewborn down with a judo throw. Lapsley then moves to full mount before Mewborn is able to roll out of it and pins Lapsley against the cage. From here they continue to battle it out on the ground as Mewborn is getting the best of the struggle as he works inside Mewborn guard.

Round 3 begins and its alot more of the same as Mewborn pulls guard and Lapsley works from a dominant position. Lapsley pins Mewbornagainst the cage and starts throwing some looping rights that find their mark. The round runs out as Lapsley works on Mewborn inside his guard grinding out a tough win on the mat.

Lapsley wins by unanimous decision

Ran Weathers vs. Billy Stamp

Our main event is underway and both fighters are establishing their standup. Stamp delivers a gutbusting leg kick. Weathers handles this then takes Stamp to the ground. From here they both rise to the feet and clinch against the cage where stamp is staying more active while weathers looks like he is setting up a whammer. Both fighters are swinging with bad intentions as the rounds comes to an end with Stamp landing a nice knee on Weathers to close out the round.

Round 2 begins and Stamp stuns Weathers with a punch and follows him to the ground. From here Stamp sees an opportunity to finish and starts throwing some hammerfists as Weathers defends and tries to setup a triangle. Weathers is defending as Stamp is keeping the heat on as he works to mount. From mount he transitions to an RNC that Weathers defends and Stamp rolls to mount. Stamp postures up and looks for an opening but there isn’t one there. The fighters land in a north south position as Stamp lands in side control. Stamp looks for a keylock but Weathers defends as he looks for an answer to Stamps pressure.

Round 3 starts and an unintentional headbutt causes a brief break in the action. Stamp is once again showing that he can push the pace on Weathers and he lands in Weathers` guard as they go to the ground. Stamp postures up for a moment and Weathers nearly catches him with a big upkick. As Stamp goes to the mat again with weathers he continues to work from side control as weathers is waiting for his chance to go. Time runs out with Stamp in side control on weathers working big elbows to the head.

Stamp wins by unanimous decision

Thanks to Fury Fight Productions for putting on a great show and we will see you next time! Make sure to check back tomorrow for Event Photographs and Video interviews with the winners.

NextMMAFighter will be on hand live for Fury Fight Promotions “The Storm” from Charleston, SC this Saturday. We will bring you live event results with full round by round summaries following the next day. It goes without saying that this card is going to be spectacular and showcases some of the best up and coming talent in the Southeast. We have featured 5 fighters on this card previously so make sure to check them out.

Chris McNally is a solid wrestler who we have seen fight before and brings a tenacious ground game that is backed up by a solid wrestling base. Also on the undercard is Us Army Combatives undefeated fighter Travis McGruder, who will look to make a statement on the undercard. Always exciting Joe “The Hitman” Elmore will be in his first fight since winning by TKO over John Cofer last month facing Joseph Carroll. Carroll also won his last fight in Duluth, GA at Wild Bills Fight Night with a brutal armbar.

Bobby “Big Pappa Country” Peavler will bring his strong Jiu-Jitsu into the cage opposing Josh Lening who is looking to avenge a past lost to Peavler. In the co-main event Anthony Lapsley a well seasoned fighter will go up against Dave Mewborn who is a very young and hungry fighter.

The main event will shape up to be a great one as Ran Weathers is always a treat to watch and can win anywhere the fight takes him. He will go up against Billy Stamp who is riding a 3 fight win streak.

I highly recommend you bring yourself to the fight in person because this is going to be a good one. Tickets are still available through ticketmaster so get one and we will see you at the fights!

Full Fight Card is listed below and we will bring you the official card once the weighins are completed.

A young and explosive fighter in the Southeast, we were happy to take some time with Joe “The Hitman” Elmore as he prepares for his fight on Saturday night at Fury Fight Promotions presents “The Storm” in Charleston, SC.

NextMMAFighter : It’s good to catch up with you Joe and we appreciate the time. How goes your training for this weekend as you are fighting at Fury Fight Promotions “The Storm”?

Joe Elmore : I’ve trained four hours a day, six days a week with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black belt Mike Israel. I’ve also done wrestling training with John Hannerhan, Harry Lesster (Olympic Bronze Medalist) and Brian Stann. I’ve been training my Stand up with Bryan Santee, Will Kuhn, Sonny South, and last but not least Mateo Cutbill from Hard Knox.

NextMMAFighter : You fought in early February and won by KO, has the quick turnaround affected your training at all?

Joe Elmore : My training with fights signed or not stays consistent, however it is a good thing that I got another fight this quickly. It keeps me occupied doing something that I love and its always good to stay busy in the fight game.

NextMMAFighter : There’s a couple of different official records listed for you online. Since we want to get it from the source what is your official record going into this fight?

Joe Elmore : My official PRO record is 2-1. My unsanctioned record (which means I fought in AL where there is no commission) is 10-0.

NextMMAFighter : As you lost the first fight of your career after you turned pro, how did this affect your focus going forward?

Joe Elmore : It didn’t effect it in any negative way, I took my first fight here in Atlanta, Ga against Sonny South who fights at 185. It was something that was apparently meant to happen as Sonny and I have become really close friends and training partners. He has been in my corner ever since the defeat. Truly, had it not been for that, I would not be training and living in Atlanta today.

NextMMAFighter : Without giving away your gameplan, what do you think are your best attributes as a fighter?

Joe Elmore : My best attribute is my well-rounded abilities. I am not just a wrestler, or just a stand-up fighter and I utilize everything I have as a weapon. From my slams, to my kicks, to my knock-out punches; I have the ability to fight off my back, in guard, or on my feet and that’s what I bring to the cage.

NextMMAFighter : Do you know much about your opponent on Saturday night? Do your alter your preparations significantly based on opponent or is it all the same once the cage door closes?

Joe Elmore : I definitely recognize my opponents skills in BJJ, but I do not let it fool me into forgetting the other aspects of his game. I have prepared myself for whatever he may bring, just as I would to fight any of my other opponents.

NextMMAFighter : Every fighter turns pro with plans for the future, tell us what yours are.

Joe Elmore : My plans are to become a world champion. I go big or go home and I didn’t start fighting to settle. Regardless of my record of wins or where ever my fighting career goes, I will always want more.

NextMMAFighter : Looking at fighters past or present, tell us some of your favorites and why?

Joe Elmore : Clay Guida come to mind of course as he is one of the fastest pace fighters and most fun to watch. I m also a big fan of Chuck Liddell, the KO king of all time. Last but not least, I have to say BJ Penn, because he is one of the most well respected fighters in the game and I would love to have his spot at the top one day.

NextMMAFighter : We are looking forward to your fight on Saturday and we expect fireworks. In closing is there anyone you would like to thank?

Joe Elmore : Of course! All of my training partners, Sonny South, Will Kuhn, Bryan Santee, Harry Lesster (Olympic Bronze Medalist), John Hannerhan (PENN STATE WRESTLER), Brian Stann (UFC) Mike Israel (BJJ Black Belt) BJ Hedger (My corner man) Mateo Cutbill (Muay Thai coach) All of my sponsors: Sponsored Fan, Born2Bang owner Houston Murphy Born2BangMMA.com, Out Law Custom Tattoo’s (Montgomery, AL) Ink Factor Tattoo (Montgomery, AL) EastSide Grill (Montgomery, AL) Brawl Nutrition, VPX Supplements, Redline Energy Drinks, Randy Sewell (RSL Images) and Terri Hillman (Phatlip MMA) and last but not least, all of my family and friends that have supported me. Love You Guys!

Joe is part of a great card taking place in Charleston, SC on Saturday night. Well see you at the fights!

While making the final preparations for his fight on Saturday night in Charleston, SC we caught up with Travis McGruder. He will bring an extensive Army Combatives background into the cage with him as he fights at “The Storm” presented by Fury Fight Promotions.

NextMMAFighter : Thanks for speaking with us Travis, as a active member of the US military, how do you balance your fighting career with the demands of the service?

Travis McGruder : Wow…..its hard and very painful…but I deal with it. I train 2 times a day and I work from 0400 until 1700.

NextMMAFighter : How did you become a fighter and what attracted you to the sport of MMA?

Travis McGruder : I actually started fighting back in 2003 when I first went to Combatives in the Army. After day one of class, they couldn’t pull me off the mats. When I went to Level 3 combatives it opened up so many doors for me, that I just kept pushing forward.

NextMMAFighter : Are there any comparisons you can draw between preparing for a fight in the cage and going out to defend your country?

Travis McGruder : There really is no comparison with the two, I mean with MMA if you make a mistake, you live to fight another day. WWhen it comes to defending my country that one mistake could cause me and my troops our lives. But on the other hand, that’s why we train hard, so we don’t make those mistakes.

NextMMAFighter : There was a historic sanctioned MMA event that took place in Iraq and you were lucky enough to fight on, tell us about it.

Travis McGruder : “Fight Night For Heroes” was my first actual MMA fight and not the best place to be for a fight like this. I mean with the heat and the sandstorms it made it very difficult to fight there, but it was great. Monica Sanford brought out some fighters from the states to square off with us. Once they were out there they were matched up with some soldiers and we put on a show. I had a team of 4 including myself, it was our first MMA fight and we pushed our guys hard for this event. The event had a turnout of over 1000 troops and Iraqi civilians.

NextMMAFighter : Boosting Morale comes to mind as some of the obvious positives for holding a fight for the troops in wartime. How do you think this affected your battalion and you personally in a positive way?

Travis McGruder : Well it gave us a chance to show that combatives works. My team taught combatives with me out in Iraq. We trained and certified over 500 troops in level 1 and level 2. After the Fight Night for Heroes was over, you could tell the morale was lifted. As a member of the Personal Security Team for the Brigade Command Sergeant Major, he pushed us even harder for the fights. He would tell me “If you make it to the second round you would have to walk home” because i’m an instructor and he expected me to lead by example. Once I heard that its no wonder I won @ 18 sec in the first round. When we returned back to COB Q-West that next week, there was an overflow of students signing up for combatives.

NextMMAFighter : Tell us a bit about the Army Combatives program and how it became an integral part of training our troops?

Travis McGruder : “Modern Army Combatives Program” is an everyday part of the war on terror, some people say that they will never use it but trust me, it comes in handy. With the current Rules Of Engagement, hand to hand is the best way to go to safely detain a prisoner.

NextMMAFighter : Fighters like Tito Ortiz are very vocal in voicing their support for our troops and even have gone on multiple USO tours. What does it mean to you to have guys come out there and visit while you are far away from family and friends?

Travis McGruder : It definitely means alot to have celebrities and fighters come out to show their support for troops. It would be nice to host an actual UFC fight out there, so hopefully that can happen some time soon.

NextMMAFighter : What are some of your goals for your MMA career going forward?

Travis McGruder : I would like to continue fighting and get a chance to fight on “The Ultimate Fighter” and then maybe in the UFC. I train hard, work hard, am a very patient person and Im not in a huge rush.

NextMMAFighter : Its great to get a chance to talk to you and we thank you for your time. In closing is there anyone you would like to thank?

Travis McGruder : I would like to thank my wife, everybody that stays on me to train and the people that push me to be better. My team out in Iraq, Germany and my band of Brothers the A-Team “We All We Got”. Thanks everybody for your support of the troops!

Check out Travis on Saturday night, its going to be a great fight!