247 Combat Sports Podcast

Ep.126 Dana White's Contender Series, Red vs Blue and Billy Quarantillo

A second coming of sorts. Maybe not what he'd refer to it as, but Billy Quarantillo has made the journey down the road that leads to the UFC. It didn't work out exactly how he envisioned when he was cast on The Ultimate Fighter ....... but he has another shot at the goal. The big train headed down the tracks and Red vs Blue Corner Series pulled into Tampa, Florida where MMA FanCast's Jim and Luke talked with Billy to find out why this time will be different. With a record of 11-2 as a pro, and carrying a 4-fight win streak into the UFC's new Apex Center, confidence in his fight game and strategy has never been higher. His camp and training partners at Gracie Tampa South can attest to the change, having felt it first hand and watched him lay the ground work for his students to follow. But Quarantillo is smart enough to know that you need to be a gamer, that no contract will ever be awarded because you're a good guy that practices hard. Dana wants to see killers, the ones that don't stop the assault on the opponent until their will has been broken. Quarantillo says he's just that type of guy. First fight of the night, Billy says he wants to set the example for the rest to follow ...... and he's setting the bar high. The Contender Series Week 5 can't get here soon enough. Listen in now to hear the whole story.

Ep.125 The Green Corner and Jonas Rubiano

Age, no matter what they tell you, is never just a number or a relative term. And it is never a pure indicator of your strength, machismo or intelligence. However, with age and experience, for the smart ones, comes maturity and wisdom. And if you surround yourself with the right people, you can begin to cultivate a raw talent. The Green Corner Series train pulled into the Burgh for a layover and MMA FanCast's Jim and Luke had the chance to talk with Jonas Rubiano. What some may have considered unbridled aggression, Rubiano would, too often for his liking as he recalls, find himself in an unsanctioned bout always near a brew house. But through his wife Jaymie's prodding, he got involved with Stout Training Center in Pittsburgh to tame his street skills and began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Every fighter has a story that draws him or her into the fight game. Listen in to hear Rubiano's.

Ep.124 Dana White's Contender Series, Red vs Blue and Armando "La Lumbre" Villarreal

Another town, another fighter, another story ...... it sounds kind of dull. But Big Train Red vs Blue Series is far from dull and this trip took us to Waco, Texas as MMA FanCast's Jim and Luke met with another fighter for Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Armando "La Lumbre" Villarreal will step into the UFC octagon on Tuesday for Week 4 and seeks to leave Las Vegas with a contract in hand. Villarreal daily puts in long hours before he even gets to Blitz Sport USA to sharpen his skills as an mma fighter. His story is similar to many others in the combat sports community, with having a career away from the gym and cage. But one aspect that clearly separates him from the pack, though, are his elite skills, not to mention his relentless drive and passion for the sport. We all have dreams that sometimes come to an early demise by our own doing. Villarreal has been down that road and he's been burned before. It's a lesson he's determined not to repeat. Listen in to this episode to get closer to the fire.

Ep.123 The Green Corner and Meghan Williams

"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses -- behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before you dance under the lights." You have to start somewhere, there's always a beginning and a price to pay. Rook, newbie, green ...... they all mean the same. A lack of experience ..... but not a lack of effort or hard work. In the first of our new Green Corner Series, which will feature amateur fighters or early stage pros, we talked with Meghan Williams, an amateur mma fighter from Pittsburgh, as she talked about putting in that work and learning the ropes of the fight game. Meghan is a BJJ Blue Belt out of Stout Training/Team Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh and also trains Muay Thai under Will Morrill. July 27th, she will test herself again in an atomweight fight at 247 Fighting Championships Brawl In The Burgh and looks to leave the cage with a statement victory and propel her into the beginning of her pro mma career. MMA FanCast's Jim and Luke have the rest of the story for you. Listen in to get the scoop.

 

 

 

Ep.122 Dana White's Contender Series, Red vs Blue and Stephen "The Predator" Regman

The Red vs. Blue Series train rolled into New Jersey looking to find another killer. Dana White's Contender Series for Week 3 was a smash hit and all winners were awarded contracts for dominant "killer" performances. Dana says he's looking for killers. MMA FanCast's Jim and Luke think there's at least one of those for Week 4 in Stephen Regman. Nicknamed "The Predator" ..... how could you not be. And fighting out of Killer B Combat Sports, well, it all seems to be a good fit. Regman will tell you it's his time to prove just that. A well seasoned mma veteran who knows how to get the job done and keep his eye on the prize, The Predator will lay it on the line in the main event for Week 4. On a four fight winning streak ...... with all victories by way of KO/TKO ..... and knowing what the MMA FanCast crew likes to see in the cage ...... well, we're just glad to be on the outside looking in. And if you click the link, you can listen in.

Ep.121 Dana White's Contender Series, Red vs Blue and Lance "The Tornado" Lawrence

The train known as Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series keeps rolling along. Forecasted for Week 4 is in the main event is a tornado. Lance "The Tornado" Lawrence, that is. In another edition of our Contender Series, Red vs Blue, MMA FanCast's Jim and Luke had a chat with Lance as he preps for a chance to earn a UFC contract. Many in the fight game will tell you that 'records are made for DJs'. And Lawrence echoes that same sentiment, albeit, with a perfect 5-0 record, saying he's felt the sting and anguish that comes with losing, having been down that road in BJJ and grappling tournaments. But for The Tornado, Week 4's opportunity isn't just about adding another win, but advancing on the path he believes that leads to a UFC contract and beyond. Listen in to hear what keeps him motivated.

Ep.120 UFC 239 Recap and Look Ahead

Dana White loves the finish. He got plenty of that, and in spectacular fashion, with UFC 239. Jon Jones had his hands full with Thiago Santos and won by split decision, but he's still making the case for best fighter to ever enter the UFC octagon. Amanda Nunes is making things difficult for matchmakers and finding someone who can pose a significant challenge, having ko'd her opponent, Holly Holm, to successfully defend her belt. And Jorge Masvidal made a strong case for a title shot with the fastest ever, record setting, 5-second knockout of Ben Askren. Is Jon Jones really a changed man? Did Amanda Nunes establish herself as the women's all-time champ and pound-for-pound queen? And is it time for Luke Rockhold to hang up the gloves? MMA FanCast's Jim and Luke cover all this and more in this episode. Listen in for the rest of the coverage.

Ep.119 Dana White's Contender Series, Red vs Blue and Joe Solecki

The Red vs Blue train made another stop ..... this time in Las Vegas. MMA FanCast's Jim and Luke caught up with Joe Solecki just 48 hours before his main event clash in Week 3 of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Solecki goes where the work is, which has meant, up to this point, traveling up and down the east coast to hone his craft and prove his worth inside the mma cage. Fighting out of Salty Dog Jiu Jitsu in North Carolina, he will tell you, for him, the road well traveled will lead to Vegas and a UFC contract. Listen in to get more from this road warrior.

Ep.118 UFC 239 Preview, Predictions & The Lock

UFC 239 features two title fights and each champ is a big favorite. But we all know that anything can happen in MMA. Holly Holms has proven she can fight the perfect fight .... as a big underdog .... and take home the belt. Thiago Santos is getting his first shot at a title and enters the main event as a huge underdog as well. His opponent, Jon Jones, is one of the best to ever step inside the octagon, regardless of weight class. Likewise, Amanda Nunes is approaching that category. But can Holly have two perfect fights in her career? Is there anything less than perfect for her that would get the job done? Santos has explosive power and patience. But he's at a disadvantage in size, skill and big stage experience. So .... how does Santos walk out of the cage with the belt? And Jorge Masvidal vs Ben Askren is not a snoozer fight either. MMA FanCast's Jim and Luke break down these 3 fights and who gets their hand raised. You also get another lock pick from this card. And you might be surprised what the lock is. Listen in to find out how it should all go down.

Ep.117 Mike Wilkins & Stout Fights Pro Grappling Tournament

Every city has plenty of favorites and for Pittsburgh, Mike Wilkins is one of those hometown favorites. Wilkins is 9-4 as an mma pro and has fought for Gladiators Of The Cage, CFFC and Bellator. He's competed in plenty of bjj tournaments, but this was his 1st pro grappling event, put on by Stout Fights. Featured in the main event of a submission only tournament, Wilkins and his opponent kept the crowd on the edge of their seats for the entire match as it went to sudden death. MMA FanCast's Jim and Luke give you the story behind the scenes ...... but you're going to have to listen in here to find out how the match ended.