SteelFist Fight card crowns two ammy champs, Valentine wins submission-only bout

 

A large crowd enjoyed a night of combat sports Friday night, Oct. 2, at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City. 

At SteelFist's 116th card, amateur middleweight Alex Johnson improved to 5-0 and won the title, stopping aggressive John Henderson via tap out in round 2. The photo above shows Johnson (at right) putting the finish on Henderson a mere second before the bout ended.

Also, amateur bantamweight Angel Diaz improved to 4-0, winning the promotion's title, stopping Aaron Jennings in the first round. After even fighting early in the bout, Diaz took control, wearing his opponent down.

In a pro submission-only bout scheduled for seven minutes between former MMA Northern Utah headliners, John Valentine tangled with Sooksan Simpleman. After a feeling out minute or so, Valentine got Simpleman on the canvas. Simpleman survived a finish attempt and was back on his feet. However, Valentine (seen in above photo at right behind Simpleman) flipped him down and successfully submitted his opponent.

As Utah Fight Game blog reported earlier, this bout is part of a charitable effort to raise funds for a memorial for the victims of the Oct. 1, 2017, mass killing of innocents at a Las Vegas music event. 

There were 11 other mostly well-matched amateur bouts:

MMA: Brandon Meikel used a strong final round to decision Adrian Licea; Alden Robison submitted Joseph Marshall, round 1; in a particularly exciting fight, Jace Saxton decisioned Maya Saavedra; Zach Montoya stopped Nash Goddard in round 1; and Anthony Mondragon stopped Saw Kyi in round 2.

In a Muay Thai bout, Itzel Valdez used good ring generalship to stop a tough Ana Jester early in round 2.

In amateur kickboxing bouts: Super heavyweight Courtlynd Swanigan (seen in the above photo at left) used a good body jab and occasional right hand to decision Nathan Davis, whose use of the occasional left hook reminded this reporter of Butterbean the long-ago King of the Four Rounders boxer. Both fighters fought in spurts; they have talent but need improved conditioning.

In an entertaining heavyweight kickboxing bout, Jared Genera used better boxing skills against shorter Rod Payne. Payne was aggressive, with wild shots that reminded this reporter of the 1930s and '40s heavyweight contender Two-Ton Tony Galento. Genera won the decision.

In other kickboxing bouts: Agamyrat Atayev ended his bout against Perry Fietkau with a first-round stoppage; In a good matchup, Kendrid Wolf scored a dramatic second round KO over Chuck Page; and in another strong matchup, Sam Medel decisioned Damon Munoz.

It was a fun four-hour card that the crowd enjoyed. Many of these still-novice fighters displayed God-given skills that they have enhanced through hard work at the gym. Some also have normal, early-career liabilities that need to be corrected, such as poor head movement, insufficient breathing through the nose, an unfortunate excess of adrenaline, insufficient conditioning, careless defense... Those who can correct these normal early mistakes and get better we'll likely see in pro bouts in the future.

-- Doug Gibson

SteelFist card part of a big combat sports weekend in Utah

 

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It's a busy, big combat sports weekend in Northern Utah. On Saturday there's a UFC card in Salt Lake City. A big highlight is that Utah MMA icon Court McGee will have his final bout. McGee has excelled in combat sports since he was a high school wrestler a generation ago. He won UFC's annual Ultimate Fighter tournament in 2010 and has stayed in the top tier of mixed martial arts since. We're all rooting for Court in his final UFC bout. He fights Eric Nolan. The Delta Center card starts at 4 p.m.

Saturday afternoon in Ogden Foley's gym will have an amateur card. It starts at 2 p.m. Foley's gym itself will have about a dozen amateur boxers competing, including 168-pounder Luciano Salazar, who's hoping to continue a winning streak at Foley's gym. This reporter, Doug Gibson, will be there. It's at 375 31st Street in Ogden.

I'll also be at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City, 235 N 500 West, Friday evening for a combat sports card from SteelFist Fight Night. The fights include: MMA, Muy Thai kickboxing; kickboxing; and submission-only. Above on the graphic is the main event. It's for the promotion's amateur middleweight title, matching Alex Johnson, 4-0, of Mori Academy, versus John Henderson, 4-3, of Nevada Jiu-Jitsu. A bantamweight amateur title bout match matches Aaron Jennings versus Angel Diaz.

For information on more fights on the card, and ticket information, go to SteelFist's website here. Bouts start at 7 p.m. You can buy tickets at the SteelFist site.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article (link here) about a submission-only 8-minute pro bout between former MMA pros John Valentine (I interviewed John) and Sooksan Simpleman. I loved watching both compete in the past. This bout is part of the Forever Now effort to raise funds for a memorial to the 58 people tragically killed, and many more injured, by a gunman in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, 2017. The aforementioned, linked article, has information on how to donate to Forever One and/or apply part of your SteelFist ticket price to the memorial.

-- Utah Fight Game

Two combat sports veterans fight to raise funds to remember Harvest Festival victims and survivors

 

On October 2, 2026, at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City (235 N. 500 West 84116), SteelFist Fight Night will provide another combat sports card. SteelFist has been doing this for a long time and it’s always a great card. 

On the fight roster will be a submission-only bout between two older fighters who have fought on SteelFist cards in the past. John Valentine, of Las Vegas, and Sooksan Simpleman, of Sunset, Utah. Valentine, 55, last fought MMA in 2017 for SteelFist, a memorable war with ex-pro Rowdy Akers. Simpleman, 58, a fixture on Northern Utah cards, last fought MMA in 2015.

But there’s a special meaning for this submission-only bout. On Oct. 2, John Valentine will step into the cage for a fight with a purpose far bigger than winning. And he has a message for fight fans.

John and his wife, Christina, have spent years fighting for causes that matter. Together, they have supported veterans, families and communities in need, including raising more than $50,000 for veterans through John’s fights and fundraising efforts.

But this fight is personal.

Christina was at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on October 1, 2017. She was shot that night – and survived. Since then, she has dedicated herself to honoring the 58 people who lost their lives, supporting survivors and families, and making sure the world never forgets what happened.

Now, John is fighting alongside her.

On October 2, he will compete at SteelFist Fight Night 116 in Salt Lake City to raise funds for the Forever One Memorial in Las Vegas.

Help Build Forever One

The Forever One Memorial will honor the 58 lives lost on October 1, 2017, recognize the survivors and families whose lives were forever changed, and acknowledge the first responders who ran toward the chaos that night.

The permanent memorial will feature a Tower of Light, 58 vertical candles representing each victim, and a community plaza – creating a place to remember, reflect and heal.

Your donation helps make that memorial a reality.

One hundred percent of donations made through the link go directly to the Forever One Memorial. And you don't have to be in Salt Lake City to be part of this fight.

Donate. Share this campaign. Tell someone about the memorial.

Every action helps.

If you plan to attend SteelFist Fight Night 116, a portion of ticket sales will also benefit the Forever One Memorial. When purchasing tickets at SteelFistFight.com, be sure to enter “JOHN VALENTINE” in the notes at checkout so the designated portion of your ticket purchase is directed to the memorial.

This fight is for the 58 who never made it home.

For their families.

For the survivors.

For the first responders.

For the thousands who were there that night – and the millions who have carried its impact with them.

And for a promise that we will never forget.

To help John Valentine make this fight count, here is our Utah Fight Game interview with him.:

UFG: Tell us about the charity.

Valentine: Forever One Memorial is about remembering the lives lost and the hundreds of people who were injured during the Route 91 Harvest Festival tragedy, while making sure their stories and their families are never forgotten. For me, this is deeply personal. My wife, Christina, was there that night, a shooting victim so this isn’t just a cause I decided to attach my name to. It’s part of our lives.  She’s one of the most powerful and positive people I know.  She has made the cover of every magazine in her sport and always carries her purpose with her.  Her and our amazing children are what we both fight for as well.  

The memorial represents a $7 million remembrance that provides a healing monument and brings people together. If stepping into a cage at my age can help bring attention, awareness and resources to something that means so much to so many people, then that fight has a purpose far beyond winning or losing.

UFG: Tell us about how you came to organize the bout to benefit the charity?

Valentine: I’ve spent more than two decades in combat sports, and it has given me a lot: discipline, friendships, lessons, and some incredible experiences. At this point in my life, I wanted to use it for something bigger than myself.  

When the opportunity came together with SteelFist, I knew I wanted the fight to have a purpose. Our submission-only fight is the first in SteelFist history so I hope we open the door for generations to come.  I’m not fighting because I need to prove that I’m the toughest guy in the room. I’m fighting because I believe we can take something as difficult as a fight and turn it into something positive.

October 2 happens to be an especially meaningful date because the Forever One Memorial groundbreaking is also taking place. So, the timing felt almost symbolic. October 1 was the night of the tragedy.  One fight, one night, and hopefully a lot of people coming together to remember, support and give back.

UFG: How can people buying tickets make sure a portion goes to the charity?

Valentine: Show up if you’re going. … As mentioned, the easiest way is to purchase tickets through SteelFistFight.com and put JOHN VALENTINE in the notes section when checking out. That allows the ticket purchase to be connected to my fight and the charitable effort.  SteelFist Pat, Kevin and the family make a difference, so support them! 

Donate: People don’t have to attend the fight to make a difference. They can also donate directly to the Forever One Memorial. The most important thing is simply to get involved in whatever way you can. Buy a ticket, make a donation, share the story, or encourage someone else to participate.  See the link as everything makes a difference.  

UFG: Tell us about your training. How can older males train like this in middle age?

Valentine: I think the biggest misconception is that getting older means you have to stop challenging yourself. It means you have to become smarter about how you challenge yourself.

I’ve been involved in martial arts for 24 years, and I’ve learned that training at this stage of life isn’t about trying to be 25 again. Recovery matters. Mobility matters. Strength matters. Nutrition matters. And probably most importantly, your mindset matters.

I’m not trying to prove that I’m young. I’m trying to prove that age doesn’t get to decide when you stop pursuing something that matters to you.

There are plenty of men in their 40s, 50s and beyond who are capable of doing incredible things. You just have to respect the body you have, train intelligently and stay consistent. The goal isn’t to destroy yourself in training – the goal is to be better tomorrow than you were yesterday.

UFG: What’s your opinion on Sooksan Simpleman, your opponent?

Valentine: Sooksan has my respect. He’s a legitimate fighter, he’s highly experienced, and he’s been doing this at a very high level for a long time. I don’t take him lightly for a second.  He’s also a great human who’s also donating his portion to the charity.

But once that cage door closes, respect goes out the window for those few minutes. We’re going to compete, and I’m going to give him everything I have.

What makes this fight interesting is that we’re both experienced enough to understand what we’re walking into. There’s no pretending this is something it isn’t. He wants to win, and I want to win but we both want to make a difference.  

But at the end of the night, I hope we can shake hands, look each other in the eye and know that we gave everything we had for something bigger than ourselves.

That’s really what this fight represents to me: two competitors willing to put themselves through something difficult in order to create something positive for other people.

UFG: Sum up your feelings in a paragraph, John.

Valentine: I’m not fighting to prove that I’m young. I’m fighting to prove that you’re never too old to fight for something that matters and this fight is about something much bigger than me.

Editor’s note: This will be a great night on October 2 in Salt Lake City. Come to the fights, enjoy the usual great matchups, and make sure you donate to this admirable effort to remember those, and their families and friends, who suffered on that horrible night in Las Vegas. 

I’ve seen many fights that John and Sooksan participated in and it will be a pleasure to watch both compete. They both have accomplished a lot in their lives in combat sports. John, for example, is a multi-champion in Jiu-Jitsu, including a world championship.

-- Utah Fight Game

Valentine, Guillemin win bouts, boxing card scheduled

Saturday night, in an MMA card in Colorado Springs, Colo., a couple of Northern Utah fighters participated. Amateur Brittany Guillemin, of Layton, scored a decision win over Brandi Hancock (29-28 on all cards).

In a professional bout, Eric Munoz, of Ogden, suffered his first loss as a pro against veteran Josh Watson. In the second round a punch from Watson broke Munoz' nose, leading to a stoppage.

In Las Vegas, in a no-submission match, John Valentine stopped Arron Carson at around two minutes. Both fighters had their moments before Valentine managed a leg lock to force a tap from Carson. Valentine's win came on a card that raised money to assist our Troops.

MMA fighter turned boxer Clay Collard fought on the Alvarev versus Kovalev super-card at MGM Grand in Las Vegas two weekends ago. Collard had enjoyed success barnstorming the nation, defeating prospects. However, his opponent, Bektemir Melikuziev, of Uzbekistan, is one of the top prospects in the world. The UFC fighter Collard was stopped in this bout.

This Friday in Salt Lake City, DiBella Promotions is putting on a boxing card at the Salt Palace. The main event matches heavyweight contender Junior Fa against former Olympian Devin Vargas. The  card is here, on bottom of page. More information is on the poster above.

Some reminders: Super middleweight boxer Larry Gomez has a big fight on Nov. 30, in Las Vegas, fighting undefeated Brian Mendoza on an ESPN Plus card. And SteelFist is back on Nov. 22 in Salt Lake City, at the Union Event Center. Hayden Brown and Lehi Dominguez are professionals competing in separate bouts.

John Valentine chats about upcoming bout with Arron Carson

One of the featured super-bouts on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Las Vegas at Sam's Town features John Valentine versus Arron Carson in a submission-only contest. They have fought previously with Valentine earning a win. It's Operation Knockout card, which is designed to help our Troops through Xtreme Couture's G.I. Foundation. 

Valentine, who lives in Las Vegas, enjoyed a long relationship with the Utah Fight Game, overseeing a women's' MMA program at Shadow Valley Gym and working with SteelFist MMA. He also is a former pro MMA fighter who continues in combat sports as a world-class no-submission competitor. We appreciated the opportunity to chat with him about Saturday's bout.

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1) How is training going for the bout? 

Valentine: My training has been solid, strong and consistent.  I changed a few things around this time starting with my lifting and dieting protocols.  I’ve had some really tough training partners who have taken every liberty of beating me up on a daily basis which is what you need to be strong going into the match.

2) What is a typical training day? 

Valentine: Typical training day starts at 4:30 a.m. in the morning six days a week where I lift and get in cardio work.  It can be grueling some days.  In the afternoons following work and family obligations I get in targeted training focused on three disciplines in Jiu Jitsu, Judo and wrestling training from 6-8 p.m. about four days per week.  It’s exhausting but the event and the cause keep me focused and motivated.  A sense of purpose is powerful thing.

3) Tell us about Arron Carson? What are you expecting in the rematch? 

Valentine: First I have nothing but respect for him.  He reached out to me almost a week after our last match last year long before we had another opponent selected and asked for this rematch.  He had some family situations that led him to want to do It again.  His brother, a former vet who walked him out for our last match, passed shortly after that night and Arron wanted to honor his memory and give back to the vets.  I was honored to see this and glad we could make it work.  While he will bring war neither of us care much about winning, simply supporting the vets that night by killing each other live! I know he will bring his A game. 

Our last match he was much stronger than I expected and his wrestling was in point as he slammed me and clearly out-wrestled me in the early part of the match up until I caught in the rolling heel hook.  I expect him to be focused and more aggressive this go round.  At 48 I am over 22 years his elder and I am sure he wants to test my cardio and that’s fine with me.  I have a good game plan and expect nothing but fireworks.  I am honored he stepped up and cares as much as he does.  We both respect each other and I know when the doors close we are not friends again until they open.  That mentality ensures a great show!

4) How has the effort to help the troops gone as the card approaches? 

Valentine: The response has been overwhelming. The arena is almost completely sold out.  Since the fight was announced response from my supporters have been crazy. Once again in the history of the 10-year event with the help of everyone and private donors I was able to generate almost $15,000 for the troops and in the end that’s all that counts, that’s all I care about.  That's a lot of revenue for a sub grappling match. That’s what makes the training, weight loss and grind worth it.  I am humbled that again we broke revenue records.  We all can give back we just need to want to. 

5) What are your fight plans after this? 

Valentine: Following this fight I would like to get 100 percent healthy and either compete in the Jiu Jitsu Pan-American games in March followed by taking another crack at The World Championship in November 2020.  I plan on dropping two weight classes from where I won previously in 2017.  This will take some time to do it correctly.  I also have some grappling super fight options on the horizon I’d like to explore. 

6) Is there anything else you wish to add to our readers?

Valentine: I want to say thank you to my family, friends and coaches at Robert Drysdale Jiu Jitsu.  My cage-side coaches have been with me for years. The decorated black belts, Utah’s own Brandon Guzzo and Gregory Kaleteich, have me laser-focused physically, spiritually and mentally so I thank them for their commitment.  

Most importantly I want to say is thank you, thank you to all of those who stepped up and showed actionable support for our men and women in uniform.  For those who stepped up so that the event could be a success.  I am humbled and honored as is my opponent to put on a show that night for them as well.  We both feel winning or losing really doesn’t matter all that matters is the people in the crowd and that the veterans benefit from one special night.  

Thanks to everyone the Randy Couture Operation Knockout 10 for the Troops will be a success! 

Good luck, John and Arron, we're proud of both of you. 

Akers wins at Steelfist; Olquin wins boxing belt

In an 150-pound pro bout, Rowdy Akers stopped Gregg McFarland in the main event at the SteelFist MMA card in Salt Lake City on Oct. 19. Results of all bouts on the card are available at the Fighting Out of Utah MMA News Facebook page.

Also on Oct. 19, at a UFC MMA card in Boston, Utahn Court McGee dropped a three-round decision to undefeated Sean Brady.

Speaking of Akers, he was scheduled to fight in a submission-only limited-rules 7-minute bout in Las Vegas Nov. 9 at Sam's Town against John Valentine. The pair fought a memorable MMA bout a couple of years ago that Akers won. However, this past week Valentine announced on social media that Arron Carson will be replacing Akers. It will be the second bout between the pair. Valentine won the first match.

SteelFist's next card is Nov. 22 in Salt Lake City at the Union Event Center. Bouts include professional fighters Hayden Brown and Joe Maama fighting at 175 pounds. Also, Lehi Dominguez will fight Jordan Marriott in a lightweight pro bout.

BOXING

In Salt Lake City on Oct. 11, heavyweight Helaman Olquin won the FKF promotional state pro heavyweight title with a majority decision over Joseph Jones. In two other pro boxing bouts, both super-lightweight, undefeated Ignacio Chairez scored a decision over Anthony Curtiss and Joey Borrero decisioned Edison Charley.

According to state athletic commission website, DiBella Entertainment is planning a pro boxing card on Nov. 15 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. I have heard no information on that card as of yet.

KICKBOXING -- This week professional kickboxer Kaecy Raddon, who now lives in Colorado, is competing in Sarajevo in the 22nd WAKO Masters World Championships. Raddon is Mountain Force Kickboxing promotional pro champion. On Wednesday Raddon was defeated in the tourney by Marzaq Soufiane of Morroco. Mountain Force Kickboxing plans a kick boxing card in Ogden on Nov. 16.

Valentine, Akers set to fight again in submission-only bout

On Nov. 9 in Las Vegas, at Sam's Town, John Valentine and Rowdy Akers will meet in a submission-only match, scheduled for seven minutes. It's part of a card that is designed to raise money to help assist our U.. Armed Forces troops and veterans.

Utah fight fans will recall that Akers defeated Valentine in a memorable 2017 SteelFist co-main event. It was Valentine's sole loss. Since then, Valentine, who lives in Las Vegas, has competed successfully in submission-only events, including earlier cards, from the Nov. 9, promotion, Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, that were also to benefit the troops. Akers, who now lives in Idaho, continues to compete in professional MMA and also recently won a promotional title belt in bareknuckle boxing.

The two have remained friends. "(Rowdy) has been part of my training camp," Valentine said, adding that they "banter back and forth" and both thought that participating in the Nov. 9 card was a chance to both do something good for the troops
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Valentine has been rehabbing from a snapped Achilles but is getting stronger as his training has been going on. "I've been lifting since February," he said, tagging his weight at about 170. The match is set for 155 pounds.

In October, Utah Fight Game plans to interview both combatants prior to the Nov. 9 card. I asked Valentine to share information on the card with readers. He was kind enough to do so.

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On November 9, 2019 Randy Couture’s ROUND 10: OPERATION KNOCKOUT Fight For Our Troops.  Partnering with Randy himself, this events' founder Vinnie Mannino, has been going strong for 10 years running and to date has raised over $316,000.00 to benefit the troops.  A part of Randy’s Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, it is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation with all proceeds we raised goes directly into the hands of soldiers wounded in action.  Each year Randy Couture visits Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and writes $10,000 checks to families in need. With your help for this event your donations you can rest assured it is going directly to help a soldier.
For John it is an honor to be the featured co-main event for four years running and thanks to all your help I (we) hold the revenue and ticket record for any other single fighter in the 10-year history of the event.

Last year John was asked to join the Operation Knockout Board of Directors to help organize, raise awareness and revenue and this year will be the best year ever.  Along with his fight you will all also witness some of upcoming MMA greats as they leave it on the line in Vegas.
 
There are 3 ways you can help support:

Attend the event and contact me for tickets.  Seats are selling out quick.
Purchase a ticket(s) to sponsor a veteran and their family to go to the event even if you are unable to attend.

Reach out on ways you or your company can help sponsor the event or Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, or Operation knockout.  The event presents an opportunity for your company to highlight their commitment and support some of our nation’s finest.

The Akers vs Valentine Match-up

The fight will be limited rules submission-only and with no points.  Along with other fellow fighters, Both Rowdy and John are honored to be a part of this event help raise money and awareness for those wounded in action and their families whose courage, strength and determination to win this battles for us on and off the battlefield make it possible that we live the lives we do in this country.

NOTE:  John is also active in the Utah community and partnering with SteelFist MMA donates free tickets to their shows for various causes.

Their Last Fight 2017

In one of the bloodiest and most entertaining fights of that year in 2017 for SteelFist, Rowdy won via TKO, halting John, the former Jiu Jitsu world champion’s attacks, through effective elbow strikes.  John says he’s ready for redemption and will ensure their encounter will not only be entertaining but destructive. In addition to the night being special for the troops it is also special for Rowdy as it is his birthday.

"I intend to give him a very special present he won’t forget for years to come," Valentine said.

Rowdy and John are friends; in fact after their bloody fight Rowdy drove to Vegas and was part his fight training camp in his Las Vegas televised fight against decorated black belt Mark Wells.  This fact however seems to be lost when they face each other.  Both Rowdy and John are excited to give back to the troops and entertain the fans.
 
More information:

Date: November 9, 2019
Age: All Ages Show
Location: live at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, NV.
Ticket Prices: $20, $35 and $55

John Valentine: Athlete bio

John Valentine is sponsored professional athlete and sought after speaker and self defense, MMA and Jiu Jitsu fight trainer who was born and raised in Las Vegas  where he was a decorated athlete in multiple sports.  John went on to college at the University of Nevada Las Vegas where he earned a degree in Biology and wrestled on the university's club wrestling club team as the official program had be scrapped due to university budgets restraints.  John continued to train competing and fighting in several disciplines including Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA.  In these events, he gained notoriety and was also asked to train other top level professional fighters and athletes.  While best known for his MMA and Jiu Jitsu accolades here are more details on Johns accomplishments:

-MMA

5-1 pro record
Former cage side commentator and TV Host for SteelFist Fight Night
Previous head MMA Coach for one of the nations largest all-female fight team
Former female MMA MATCH maker and manager for some females fighting at some of the largest organizations in the world
One of the fastest TK0s in Utah history at 10 seconds

-Jiu Jitsu

Black Belt under the famed multiple-time World Champion Robert Drysdale
IBJJF Jiu Jitsu Gold medalist and World Champion
Pan-American games medalist
Multiple time IBJJF Jiu Jitsu National Champion and medalist
Over three dozen gold medals and championship belts in Jiu jitsu in the expert division with organizations such as NAGA.
Undefeated Jiu Jitsu Super fight Champion (televised events)
4-time Randy Couture’s Operation Knockout Co-Main event (Next scheduled for 11/9/19)
Submission Hunter Pro Grappling, Black Belt Main Event Las Vegas, NV
Proving Grounds Invitational Utah, Co-Main Event

-Muay Thai

Kru under Legend and Master Sakasem Kanthawong
Decorated athlete and coach
Head Coach at Hidden Valley MMA and Muay Thai

Other:

John has been the main featured in on radio, print and his fights have televised on regional and national TV such is NBC sports.

John donates 100 percent  of everything he makes back to charity.  John holds the record for most revenue and ticket sales by a single fighter having raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity.  This comes through his fan base and large collection of corporate and private sponsors.

Chairez brothers, Raddon, Aguirre have fights on calendar

Some fights news of the past couple of months:

Tonight, at the 801 Event Center in Salt Lake City, there is a boxing card and undefeated professional boxers/brothers Ignacio and Gabriel Chairez are scheduled to meet opponents.

Tomorrow night in Denver, Colo., at the National Western Complex, Kaecy Raddon fights in a 165-pound Sparta Combat League Muy Thai title belt. Raddon, along with Utahn Jarrett Kelton, recently competed internationally for the U.S. Kickboxing team. Kelton, by the way, recently won the pro 170-pound kickboxing belt at the inaugural Mountain Force Kickboxing promotion, in Logan.

This Thursday night, Dec. 6, at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, Calif., super welterweight Christian Aguirre (seen above at left in an earlier bout) meets undefeated pro and former international amateur star Andreas Katzourakis in the top bout of the card. Aguirre, 8-3, scored a KO win over a previously undefeated boxer, Joey Alday Jr., at The Hangar earlier in the fall. The card is scheduled to be streamed on Facebook Live. SoCal Fights is the FB page. According to boxrec.com, Aguirre's last five opponents have met with with combined records of 31-1-1.
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Zac Cavender, a Tooele MMA heavyweight who had a lot of success as an amateur with Steelfist and Fierce Fighting Championships, continued that success in the pro ranks in mid November, scoring a win in his pro debut at a Final Fight Championships card.

Utah amateur MMA fighter Brittany Guillemin traveled to Nevada for a Tuff N Uff card, suffering a defeat.

SteelFist had a fight card on Nov. 16. Here are the results. On the card, local amateur Trevor Mortimer scored a stoppage win over Brandon Lemmings. It was Mortimer's second straight win. Sadly, this past week Mortimer died. He turned 24 on Nov. 27. We express our sadness and prayers for Trevor, his family and friends.

Fierce Fighting Championships had an MMA card on Oct. 27 in Price. Here are the results. In an ongoing 155 pound pro tournament, Thiago Alves and Bobby King won semi-final tournament bouts and will meet in an upcoming championship bout.

Another SteelFist card is scheduled for January 5. Pro bouts include Joe Rodriguez versus Hank Weiss and Kaytlin Neil versus Andrea Miller. Amateur bouts include Alonzo Salas versus Aldyn Ashcraft and an amateur title bout, 135 pounds, between Augustin Valdez and Thomas Prestriedge. Here is the SteelFist Facebook page.

John Valentine, former MMA pro, continues to have success as a grappling competitor. He recently scored a win over Arron Carson in a submission-only grappling competition. You can watch the bout here.

AND I ALMOST FORGET!!! USA Boxing amateur qualifying tournament in Salt Lake City starts Dec. 2. The bouts, which through the next week, are at the Salt Palace. Here is some information. Louie's Boxing Gym, 855 W California in Salt Lake City, is offering free training for credentialed competitors, tomorrow from 10 am to 1 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 8 pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 6 pm.

Junior Olympics amateur boxing results

The Utah State Junior Olympics tournament was held last Saturday at Foley's gym in Ogden. Here are the results, including title winners, who can move on to compete at Nationals in New Mexico:

56 pounds: Austin Garcia, Maximus Boxing, defeated Corbin Lloyd, Payson
170 pounds: Tate Johnson, Maximus Boxing, defeated Tod Pachecko, Foley's
98 pounds, TITLE: Colin Toilevuka, defeated Joe Gibson, Foley's (photo above shows Colin (at right) and Joe in corners between first and second round).
70 pounds: Giovanni Gonzales, Lights Out, defeated Shane Saunders, PAL
95 pounds: Elijah Willett, Maximus Boxing, defeated Erik Castaneda, Fullmers
80 pounds: Gizelle Alvaraez, LALO, defeated Estrella Hernandez, Lights Out
75 pounds: Sergio Sanchez, Maximus Boxing, defeated Saul Gamino, Lights Out
120 pounds: Juma Uredi, PAL, defeated Andre Lopez, Louie's
85 pounds: Anthony Charlie, Lights Out, defeated Fernando Quintanilla, PAL
65 pounds: TITLE: Adrian Ggamino, Lights Out, defeated Valentin Ssanchez, Maximus Boxing
110 pounds: Carson Matthews, Foley's, defeated Leonardo Sanchez, PAL
116 pounds: Lesly Hernandez, Louie's, defeated Aliyah Garcia, Oogden
132 pounds, TITLE: Javy "Danny" Melgar, PAL, defeated Giovanni Rodriguez, Oogden.
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Unopposed champions were 8 yrs to 10, Diego Cabrera, Austin Garcia, Giovanni Gonzales, 11 yrs to 12, James Cox, Saul Gamino, Sergio Sanchez, Jesus Guzman, 13 yrs to 14, Eduardo Lopez, Jr., Leonardo Sanchez, Carson Matthews, Sol Rodriguez, Jaqueline Garcia, 15 yrs to 16, Aaron Garcia, Adrian Lopez, Tanner Gurule, Alex Avila, Robert Chairez, Jayden Lopez, Lalo Zimora.

A reminder that local Rocky Mountain Open Golden Gloves champs Diego Alvarez (Los Gallitos) and Jon Bryant (Lights Out) are in training for the upcoming national Golden Gloves in Nebraska.

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Last weekend was The Proving Grounds Invitational 4. Results included Jon Valentine submitting Chris Wells and Lucus Montoya was also a winner via submission. Ethan Alejo, of Park City Jiu Jitsu, was injured in competition but his gym says that he is on the road to recovery. The gym also expressed appreciation to fighters, PGI and others for raising money to help with Ethan's medical expenses. For photos, etc., go to PGI's Facebook page.

In MMA action, Kerry Lattimer, an Idaho pro well known to Utah MMA fans, was stopped by Nathan Stolen in round 2 at Front Street Fights 17 in Boise, Idaho, last weekend. Another fighter known to local cages, William Dunkle, lost a decision to Joe Boerschig. Card is here.

Local MMA pro Brenda Enriquez fights on a Combate card in Sacramento on Friday, against Lizbeth Lopez Silva. It's the main event and the card will be streamed on UFC Fight Pass.

SOME BOXING NEWS: Next week we will preview the May 26 Imperial Boxing card in Layton. Interviews will include Christian Aguirre and Larry Gomez, meeting for both a state and ABO title. ... The Complex will host another boxing card on June 1. Bladimir Estrada, Ignacio Chairez, and Gabriel Chairez, will be on the card.

Interview with jiu-jitsu pro John Valentine, fight update

Before we start our interview with jiu-jitsu professional John Valentine I(above), competing in Farmington on May 5 in the Proving Grounds Invitational, here’s a little fight news in Utah:

Last weekend in Denver Colorado at Sparta Combat League 68, some fighters with local ties competed. Kaecy Raddon, a highly ranked amateur at 155, lost a close decision to another top amateur, Johnson Nasona. In a kickboxing match, Jarrett Kelton lost a close nod to Brandon Taylor, and 185-pounder Hayden Brown was stopped by Anthony Cordova. A stablemate of the trio, Alie Kane, lost to Mdegan Winick in a 115-pound MMA bout. All are amateurs. Your reporter had Kelton, Raddon, and Kane winning narrow decisions on his card. (All results are here.)

Saturday, in Casper, Wyo, Rowdy Akers, MMA pro out of One Hit MMA, meets Houssam El Kasri  in a bout (card is here.) And the same night in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in pro MMA bouts, Kerry Lattimer meets Gabe Pelayo, and Fabio Serrao fights Andrew Cruz (card is here). The three bouts are all at 145 pounds.

Finally, Imperial Boxing has made it official: a pro boxing card May 26 at the Davis Conference. Main bout is 160 pounds pro state title Larry Gomez versus Christian Aguirre, both undefeated.

Now, our interview with John Valentine, who meets Chris Wells in an intriguing co-main bout at PGI: John, now out of Las Vegas, has a long tenure locally with MMA, including coaching a women's MMA team at Hidden Valley Gym, matchmaking with SteelFist, and managing MMA women fighters.

Tell us about the fight in May?

Valentine: The fight in May is going to be an exciting one. It is with the invitation-only and submission-only tournament Proving Grounds invitational (PGI), hosted by Dave Casteo and Carl Sims. I am one of the featured super fights and the co-main event for the tournament. I will be taking on one of the most decorated black belts in Utah, Chris Wells, who is a third-degree black belt under Pedro Sauer. In addition to my fight there will be three, eight-man brackets where people are fighting for prize money. In my fight specifically it is a winner take all. For me this will definitely be one of my toughest challenges that I have faced; but also one of the most exciting for me as I get an opportunity to once again give back to some special causes.

How is training going?

Valentine: My training, diet, spiritual, mental and physical preparation are all on point. I built a team for this fight compiled of some of the most talented and decorated world champions in the sport. Training under arguably one of the top five practitioners in the world, Team Robert Drysdale, I was able to pull and partner with a great group of coaches, including, world champions Antonio Lopez, Bendy Casimir and my long-time friend and former MMA coach, Utah Black Belt Brandon Guzzo.

Tell us about the charitable effort to raise money?

Valentine: The response to the charity and causes has been phenomenal. It’s been overwhelming, we’re reaching out to people who don’t even live nearby. The causes all center around suicide awareness. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem and something that has plagued many folks in our own life, but it’s taken the lives of many folks in the Utah area as well recently. My main focus charity wise is “Kimonos for Kai,” which was created by James Wright, a close friend of mine in the memory of his son who passed Kai Wright. The message of the organization encourages parents and others to talk to your children about their feelings. Too often children take their own lives because they feel they have no one to talk to or turn to. The organization gives talks and provides support and tools to encourage dialogue between parents, coaches and our youth. James’s message really centers around the idea that you were not replaceable and that you can always talk to someone if you cannot talk to a parent and find a friend. If you can’t talk to a friend, find a coach. But the point is always be sure to talk to someone; there’s always someone here to help you. The second way I have shown support through my previous MMA fights and this event is to get sponsorships. This allows people who want to support others to attend these events who otherwise would not have the financial means to do so. I have already purchased blocks of tickets that will be distributed through the tournament organizers for Proving Grounds Invitational and they are working to distribute those to those in need. It’s important for folks to get out and see these events as they start to chart and plan their own future goals in jiu-jitsu or whatever sport they choose. Anyone interested in supporting can contact me directly. I’m excited at the opportunity to not only compete but compete with purpose in a class

Also, what are some long-term goals in your fight career?

Valentine: As I made the transition in November from the cage as an MMA fighter I still stay centered and focused on the concepts as a transition into jiu-jitsu. Meaning, I still love to compete and still able to do so at an age when many people were throwing in the towel. I want to believe that with training and focus I could be doing this for years to come. Coming off the world championships last year, a lot has changed. I was promoted to black belt after 17 years of training, which was one of the most exciting, and humbling experiences of my life. I feel like my journey now has just started. My main goal this year is to win a second world title, but in the black belt division. The medals and the titles don’t matter as much as my primary goal, which is just to be the best practitioner I can be. The medals in tournaments are just one way to measure that. So is learning, growing and developing as not just a practitioner, but becoming a better teammate. And representing the sport and my gym is also key. I plan to stay active this year and I have some exciting news that I’ll be announcing shortly about a submission-only super fight in the cage in Las Vegas where I will be the featured co-main event. All the proceeds will go back to our troops. Stay tuned!

Is there anyone else you'd like to thank John as you work up to your superfight?

Valentine: Yes, in addition to all the fans and supporters and my gym, I'd like to thank my sponsors, who have done such an amazing job of financing this journey and the charitable causes: Buckedup pre-workout, Breakpoint fight company, RK Fleming Photography and finally Carl Sims and David Casteo of Proving Grounds Invitational for putting on such an amazing event, giving back to the community and for giving me the honor to compete.

In a further conversation with me, Valentine, 47, said the bout with Wells is scheduled for nine minutes. There will be overtime competition, if needed, in which “they start you over, and you both take turns in one position,” he said. The competitor who does better in the OT will be the winner. The fight is at 155 pounds. “I started my weight cut a week ago,” John said. His only prediction? “I’m going to grow. That’s all I care about – to become a better martial artist.”

He also talks with pride about his sons, all active in sports, three of whom are active in jiu-jitsu. Citing their ability to motivate him, he said, “they are probably my best training partners.”

Collard versus Gregory highlights SteelFist MMA card

There's a lot going on locally in MMA and other combat sports ... Thomas Hughes plans to fight soon, as does Rowdy Akers, as well as Jarrett Kelton. And in a submission-only card in Davis County, John Valentine will compete. In boxing, Jose Haro's next televised fight is pushed back a week to May 19. But today we'll focus on the Friday the 13th MMA card in SLC from SteelFist. There's a terrific main event, a promotional welterweight pro title bout between former UFC competitor "Cassius" Clay Collard, and undefeated Carson "The Perfect Storm" Gregory. It's scheduled five rounds.

Over the course of a year in 2014 and 2015, Collard fought four UFC bouts and acquitted himself well, winning one, losing two via decision and being stopped in round three by Max Hollaway. He took two years off before returning to action on a SteelFist card, stopping a tough fighter, Troy Dennison.

Gregory, 5-0, has been very impressive. He last win was over an excellent pro, Mike Jones, which he ended in round two. He's improved a lot since I first saw him outslug and eventually submit Kade Lindstrom in SLC a year ago. Gregory had only one loss as an amateur, a majority decision several years ago against Thomas Hughes.

On paper Collard would be the favorite; a lot depends on how good Gregory is at this stage in his career. If he beats Collard, he likely rapidly moves into a higher echelon of competition. Even if he were to be defeated, he would still be considered an excellent prospect. Collard, obviously, moves farther away from the UFC orbit if Gregory wins.

I chatted with Carson Gregory, asking him for comments on training and preparation for the bout, and what it's like to step into the cage with a veteran such as Collard. He was kind enough to provide these thoughts:

GREGORY: Clay it's just like any other opponent! I respect everyone the same in the ring because everyone has a fighting chance! Therefore, I treat every fight as if it's a championship for the world. I'm constantly upping my training no matter who is in my way. I believe the true enemy is within ourselves. When we beat the enemy within, then we are ready to face any challenges that lie ahead of us.

I think the biggest challenge has been trying to stay true to my morals. There have been a lot of things said over social media that definitely pushed my buttons during this camp, but I had to remind myself that I am not the judge. I am merely a man and have made mistakes and said things that I regret in the past, so why would it be any different with any other man? I feel the calm before the storm, I'm ready for this fight. Friday night is my night! Friday night The Perfect Storm will arrive and destroy anything in its path!

Here are some of the other scheduled bouts on the SteelFist card that I find intriguing. I wish all the fighters the best. The entire card is here.

-- Bryce Edminister versus Karl Grace, 135 pounds: Edminister is returning to SteelFist as a professional. He had success here as an amateur. He trains out of KOA in Davis County, scheduled three rounds.

-- Lehi Dominguez will attempt to defend his 170-pound SteelFist amateur belt against Ului Papanue, scheduled five rounds.

-- Two undefeateds meet with Bryce Scanlon trying to wrest away Ranu Meah's amateur promotional heavyweight title belt, scheduled five rounds.

-- Two amateur middleweights, Ogden's Eric Munoz, and Cole Shafer, meet in a scheduled three rounder.

Card is at Union Event Center in Salt Lake City. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Weekly update of the fight game in Utah

Last Saturday was a fight night at Foley's, an amateur boxing card. Winners included Jon Bryant, Michelle Maya (seen (at right) fighting Mary Quinn below) and Jesus Saldana. There was a 10 count prior gto the fights in memory of the late boxer/MMA fighter Pat Reeves. In the other photo trainer Dave Foley tends to fighter Joe Gibson between rounds.

There were three events last weekend devoted to Pat Reeves memory, and at the memorial service on Sunday it was announced that Boston University researchers will study Pat's brain as part of an effort to learn more about potential damage to the brain after years of fighting. This is a good effort that may help increase our ability to protect fighters. Read about Pat here and it includes a link to a Go Fund Me page to assist his family with funeral costs.

--- Tomorrow night is SteelFist MMA action at the Union Event Center (235 N 500 West) in Salt Lake City. Card starts at 7. It's a big card (see it here). I'm very interested in the main event between Fabio Serrao and Cody Bunderson and a pro bout between Trever Bradshaw and Benjamin Daniel Grass. Amateurs competing include Jayden Marshall, Jordan Marshall, Brittany Guillemin, and Hayden Brown.

-- We have learned that two undefeated Utah boxing prospects, Bladimir Estrada and Christian Agguire, will meet in March for a state pro title (super middleweight). Also in boxing, local pro Tim Carroll traveled to New York recently, losing a decision to Akeem Mauzon. ... In MMA action, local Josh Burkman fought on last week's UFC card in Omaho, Neb., losing to Alex Morono. ... Also, pro grappler John Valentine will be competing in Utah on May 5 at the Proving Grounds Super Fights.

Boxing, MMA Jiu Jitsu results and more

A quick blog this week:

Some boxing news: There was a pro/am card last weekend at The Complex in SLC. I'm a bit frustrated at not getting results but here is what I have: Undefeated young pro Bladimar Estrada is now 5-0 after logging a win. Female boxer Lisa Carroll was a winner as was amateur boxer Jay Wright of Foley's gym. If we get more results we will share them.

The Complex may have another card in March. Also, as we have mentioned, West Jordan pro boxer, and world ranked featherweight Jose Haro will fight March 17 on ESPN, nationally televised, at Madison Square Garden in New York City against another world-class boxer, Jean Carlos Rivera.

Jiu Jitsu -- As we mentioned last week, John Valentine, who is competing in Jiu Jitsu and has won a world belt, competed professionally in a Submission-Only card alongside his three sons, Cody, James and Kyle, in five-minute bouts. All competed well and you can read about the fights, see photos and watch a video at John Valentine's Facebook page. Valentine went the distance, meaning a draw, with Mark Wegener.

On social media this past week Valentine announced he will have another sub,mission-only bout soon in Utah. We'll keep on top of that.

In MMA, Rowdy Akers, a pro fighter from One Hit MMA, headlined a pro card in Casper, Wyo., but came ups short against Kehlin Rozsel. (You can see a photo spread of the card via the local media here). Unfortunately, Rowdy broke his hand in that bout and will miss a planned March fight.

More info: Amateur MMA fighter Destiny McCubbin will fight at FitCon in April in SLC for a Utah belt. Pro Jarome Hatch is also on that card. Amateur Brandon Rease will be fighting for a Fierce Fighting Championship belt soon. Pro Bryce Edminister of KOA gym plans to fight again soon. Kaecy Raddon, who has relocated to Colorado the past year or so, fights Dean Cotton for the Sparta Combat League amateur featherweight belt in Denver on Feb. 10. 

And remember The SteelFist MMA card this month is on the 24th at the Union Event Center in SLC. Cody Bunderson versus Fabio Serrao is a strong main pro bout but there are a lot of bouts, including a pro bout between Trever Bradshaw and Benjamin Daniel Grass. Here is the promotion's Facebook page.