Burkman defeated in Brazil, announces MMA retirement

UPDATED WITH MORE AMATEUR BOXING RESULTS: It was a tough night for veteran UFC MMA pro Joshua Burkman. The Salt Lake City fighter, 28-15, was stopped in the first round in Fortaleza, Brazil, by Brazilian Michel Prazeres, 22-2. The nationally televised bout was part of UFC Fight Night 46.

Burkman, staggered early, withstood a tremendous barrage of punches in the first minute from Prazeres. In the second minute of the fight, Prazeres got past Burkman's guard on the ground to take side control, and administer a left-to-right choke, forcing a tap from the veteran, 36.


After the bout Burkman announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. He'll be missed as he was a credit to the Utah MMA scene, one who attained world contender status.

SOME QUICK MMA NEWS: Heard through the grapevine, otherwise known as social media, that undefeated amateur Jessica Kruger, who trains with Hidden Valley MMA, will be fighting at Fitcon next month. ,,, Also, amateur Bryce Edminister, who trains at The Garage, will be fighting at the South Valley Slam in May. We'll have an interview with Edminster in the weeks ahead.

AMATEUR BOXING: A lot of amateur boxing the past two days in Salt Lake City, with some fighters trying to move on to regional contests. As I get information, and I need to rely on gyms, trainers and fighter to pass on the news, I'll post results. Have a few results: From All Heart Boxing, Santana DeCarlo won both nights and Jesus Saldana also competed. On Friday, Lights Out Boxing: John Bryant defeated Ryder Campo and was scheduled for a Saturday bout; Youngsters James Cox and Deontay Nish won on Friday, and Giavonni Gonzales competed. Besides Bryant, Chris France, Jose Torres, John Daniels fighting for championships, and also Gonzales and Dylan Bahema scheduled to fight Saturday.

If we get results, we will post them. UPDATE: Lights Out's Bryant won his championship bout Saturday, and other Lights Out fighters included Jose Torres advancing to regional Golden Gloves and Chris France losing in the finals of his division. And 132-pounder Gabriel Chairez, brother of pro boxer Ignacio, won his division and moves to regional finals for the fourth time. Chairez is an independent fighter.