KJ Noons expects Diaz rubber match, catchweight with Daley, next fight with Billy Evangelista

by | Jan 13, 2011 | BLOGS

KJ Noons, on the mend after sustaining a broken left hand in his rematch with Nick Diaz, expects to return to the cage in April against undefeated American Kickboxing Academy product Billy Evangelista. Speaking with MMAFA.tv, Noons reflects on his loss to Nick Diaz. “I’m sure [Diaz] and I will fight again. Everyone wanted the rematch and it was voted Strikeforce’s most exciting fight of the year out of twenty some-odd shows. There are changes I could have made, but to be honest me and my corner thought it was two rounds a piece going into the final so I didn’t change it up. I fought at a weight class I’ve never fought at before and I did great. I moved forward the whole time, threw and landed more punches. I think the rubber match will definitely happen.” Noons was recently called out by Strikeforce welterweight Paul Daley following an impressive knockout of Scott Smith. Words were exchanged between both fighters in the press and accusations of ducking the match-up were waged against Noons. Not only does Noons claim to be open to the fight, but he expects it. There are conditions, however. “Paul is a great, exciting fighter and I think he’ll fight for the 170 lbs. world title soon. He deserves it. Am I afraid to fight anybody at any weight class? No, because I am a fighter, but my real weight class is lightweight. I only fought Diaz at 170 lbs. because we have history. I am not scared of Paul and I am definitely interested in the fight, but he would have to come down...

Mike “the Marine” Richman–Rising Star

by | Jul 18, 2010 | NEWS

RISING STAR As a former United States Marine and current member of the Minnesota National Guard, Mike “the Marine” Richman embodies the “Warrior Ethos.”  Upon graduation from Rosemount Senior High School in suburban Minneapolis, Richman enlisted with the United States Marine Corps.  Richman’s served four years of active duty based out of Camp Pendleton, California, and was deployed to Iraq on three separate occasions.  Richman received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in January 2008, achieving the rank of Sergeant, but still had the itch to serve.   The United States Marine Corps Reserves, however, did not have an infantry unit in Minnesota.  With a desire to stay close to family and pursue a career in mixed martial arts, Richman joined the Minnesota National Guard, and currently works full time as a recruiter and holds the rank of Staff Sergeant.   At just 24 years old, Richman boasts an impressive 8-0 record, with 7 submission victories and 1 knockout.  Standing at 5’9 and weighing 145 pounds with a background in boxing and brazilian jui-jitsu, this featherweight has already gained a reputation for continuously pushing the pace and engaging in exciting fights.  Richman currently trains with Sergio Cunha at the Minnesota Fight Factory located in Burnsville, Minnesota.   You can see videos of Richman’s fights by clicking here and here....

Lew Polley

by | Jul 18, 2010 | Official MMAFA Blog

A multi-sport star in high-school and life-long wrestler, the move into mixed martial arts was a natural progression for Lew Polley.  A fierce competitor who “hates losing more than I like winning,” Polley’s accomplishments to date are merely “preparation for a future highlight.”   READ...

United States Marine Corps and MMA Athletes Share “Warrior Ethos”

by | Jul 17, 2010 | NEWS

Marine_Core_LogoThe United States Marine Corps and the Ultimate Fighting Championship formed a new formal cross-marketing partnership early this year.  For fans and Marines, most probably saw this partnership as beneficial to the sport and for the image of the Corps.  In a February article published in the Marine Corps Times online, Gunnery Sergeant Pauline Franklin stated “we did a lot of investigation into it.  The image UFC [once] had was not as closely in line with our core values. A lot of people still think of it as a blood sport, but they are not familiar with the new organization.”  There is no doubt that Marines and UFC athletes both share what is considered the “warrior ethos.”  I believe this to be true for the vast majority of mixed martial artists, and one of the reasons mixed martial arts is an amazing sport.