Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Prelude to Sportfighting

*originally published in April '06 on fullcontactfighter.com*

When: April 22nd. Where: St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. What: Sportfighting III. On Saturday night, the latest installment of promoter Brian Cimins’ MMA show returns to the Garden State, bringing with it a fresh batch of young MMA studs hoping to make their mark. With a featherweight title is up for grabs, and representatives from Jungle Gym, Rhino Fight Team, Team Renzo and Lloyd Irvin stepping into the ring, it promises to be an action-packed night. Here’s a look at some of the fighters:

Justin Garcia – Jungle Gym

He’s 2-0 in MMA competition, but his reputation a grappling beast is a strong one. At Sportfighting II, Garcia practically ran through his opponent utilizing those ground skills. Will we see more of the same from him at Sportfighting III? Or will Garcia throw some leather?

Glenn Sandull – Cornerstone Martial Arts

He was the Reality Fighting Heavyweight Champ until a pair of crushing fists dethroned him. Now, ground-and-pound monster Sandull returns to action on April 22nd after a year off, so expect some unstoppable takedowns and some punches as he stakes his claim for a future shot at the Sportfighting belt. The first man standing in the way of that shot: Sherman Pendergarst.

Sherman Pendergarst – Ground Control

A heavyweight banger from Baltimore, Pendergarst is a man who’s not afraid to throw down. Fresh off a win in Massachusett’s WFL, he’s got momentum – and a solid grappling team – behind him. Does he have what it takes to withstand Sandull’s strong top game?

Travis Roesler – Balance Studios

He made his MMA debut in impressive fashion almost a year and a half ago, defeating a dangerous Norm Schack with a knee to the midsection after weathering a storm of punishment. Paired up with a strong jiu-jitsu camp, Roesler should be returning to action with a wider range of submission skills to compliment his toughness and heart. Is he back to makes waves in the North East’s heavyweight ranks?

Kevin Roddy – Rhino Fight Team

A wiry grappler and protégé of Kurt Pellegrino, Roddy got a taste of his own submission medicine at the last Reality Fighting via a rear naked choke. Will he redeem himself at Sportfighting III?

The full card as of 4/18/06:

FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BELT MATCH:
Michael La Duke (Empire MA) vs. Bill Pounds (Philadelphia JJ)

#1 LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER MATCH:
Brian McLaughlin (Rob Kahn) vs. Khristian Geraci (Real Combat)

Justin Garcia (Jungle Gym) vs. Mario Marin (Red Planet)
Glen Sandull (Planet JJ/Cornerstone) vs. Sherman Pendergarst (Ground Control)
David Kaplin (Lloyd Irvin) vs. Rich Swawola (Real Combat Martial Arts)
Andre Gusmao (Nago Capoeira Head Instructor/Renzo Gracie) vs. John Swangler II (Independent)
Tom Galecio (Rhino Fight Team) vs. Marc Stevens (Tai Kai/Streetwise Fightwear)
Travis Roesler (Balance Studios) vs. Chris Harding (Real Combat Martial Arts)
Mike Murray (Jerry Jones) vs. Kevin Roddy (Rhino Fight Team)
Julio Cruz (Renzo) vs. Scott Argott (Bare Knuckle)
Thomas DeNicola (Full Circle) vs. Leandro Hernandez (Alex Wilkie)
Diego A. Jimenez (Adrenaline Gear/Santos/Rodriguez) vs. Scott Malloy (Rhino Fight Team)
Tracy "Supreme Commander" Taylor (Rodrigo Vaghi) vs. Doug "Flash" Gordon (RIO BJJ/Robson Moura)

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