Amateur boxing results, MMA pros Chandler and Castillo fights

Above is a photo of fighters, trainers and supporters at last night's New Beginnings amateur boxing card at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington. The card was sponsored by All Heart and Lights Out boxing gyms.

Below is the results of the card. I was going to type them in then realized, light bulb, that I could post the photo. The winners are circled. The last bout, the main event, won by Santana DeCarlo of All Heart, was voted Fight of the Night.

NOW, SOME MMA news ...

At the Fierce Fighting Championship card in Price last night, 155 pounder MMA pro Jordan Chandler of Ogden, who trains at One Hit MMA in Layton, won his final pro bout, stopping previously undefeated Cy Nelson late in round one.

Here's a recap from Jeffrey "Dutch" Dutcher, posted on his Fighting Out of Utah MMA Facebook page: "Nelson was winning the round till Chandler landed a mean right that dropped Nelson, then followed him to the ground to finish it."

In the main bout, 170 pounder Mike Jones stopped Ben Robinson in round one. All the result are at Dutcher's Facebook page.

And Saturday night in Council Bluffs, Iowa, veteran MMA pro David Castillo, who runs The Garage MMA gym in Layton, lost a three round decision to Dakota Cochrane. The bout is scheduled to be televised delayed on UFC Fight Pass. Here's Castillo's assessment last night via social media: "Lost a decision. Good fight. No quit. Hats off to Dakota. He earned it. No regrets."

Chan, Welk talk before SteelFist MMA clash, plus more

UPDATE ON DAVID CASTILLO MMA BOUT SATURDAY: David Castillo, who runs The Garage MMA gym, fights Saturday in Council Bluffs, Iowa, meeting another veteran, Dakota Cochrane. Card is here; good luck David. ... Today we are chatting with the two MMA professionals meeting in the co-main even on June 23 in SLC at the SteelFist card. Both were successful local amateurs. Miles Welk, of The Garage MMA, is 1-0 and Steve Chan, of Victory MMA, is making his pro debut. This is a tough match for novice pros but even a loss is better than five wins over outmatched competitors. The whole card is here.

So, here we go with the interview:

1) Tell me a little about yourself. What got you interested in MMA, who are some MMA athletes you admire?
 
CHAN (Seen below) When I was younger my dad would teach me karate and Kung Fu, We would watch a lot of martial arts movies like Jackie Chan and Jet Li, So I've always been interested in combat. When I got a little older I started watching shows like Dragon Ball Z and Power Rangers and started reading X-men comics, So I got really into the whole superhero/combat/ fighting atmosphere. Later I found an interest in boxing and then discovered MMA one night flipping through the channels. It was Ben Henderson fighting and I was immediately hooked. I started watching the local late-night MMA shows and was very impressed with the sport: the grappling, striking, everything. I continued boxing and later decided to try Muay Thai and my obsession just grew from there. I admire Anderson Silva because of his unorthodox style, it is really exciting to watch. I also admire Zach Zane, his heart, passion and aggressiveness for the sport taught me that you don't have to walk around like a tough guy to earn respect outside of the cage. Chan Sung Jung, Jose Aldo, Demetrious Johnson are also fighters that I enjoy watching. 

WELK (Seen below with trainer David Castillo): I'm 27. I wrestled for a while and after school I missed wrestling and that type of workout and competing. I admire my coach David Castillo and my stand-in big brother Lucus Montoya, Chris Weidman, George St. Pierre Matt Hughes and Jeremy Horn are fighters I admire.

2) Where are you training for the bout. Who are your coaches? What other fighters are training, or sparring with you?

WELK: I'm full time at The Garage in Layton, Utah. My coaches are David Castillo, Jason Tafoya, Anthony Lobato. I have a solid group of teammates who I would be nothing without. (They include) Bryce Edminister, Anthony Miller, Bobby King, Nathan Owens, Brandon Rease.

CHAN: I am training at Victory MMA, where we have amazing coaches that make sure we are prepared for war. My coaches are: Jake Paul, Kam Tuller, James Foster, Matt Raines and Kyle Herrera Some of my teammates I am working with are: Brenda Enriquez, Clay Abrams, Jayden and Jordan Marshall, Kelleck Diamond, Drew, Erick, Dan, Joshua Tauteoli, Ethan Shepherd, Pedro and a handful of other guys and girls.

3) What are your strengths, what are your opponent’s strengths and what’s your strategy to come out on top?

CHAN: I believe I am a well-rounded fighter and I am looking to come away with the win wherever the fight goes. My opponent likes to wrestle, and I like to do all of it, wrestling included. 

WELK: My opponent is a tough guy with a deep gas tank I know he's training hard. He has good hands and decent ground awareness from the video I've watched. I'm just working hard to get better everywhere so I'm comfortable no matter where the fight goes.

4) Where do you hope to be in your career a year from now?

WELK: In a year I would like to be 4-0 maybe 5-0 with a local title.

CHAN: A year from now I will be an even better fighter, with much sharper tools and farther in my journey to become the best mixed martial artist I can be.

We wish the best to both Welk and Chan, two great competitors with strong futures in the sport.

SOME MORE NEWS:

On Saturday, there is amateur boxing at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington. The card is sponsored by All Heart and Lights Out gym. We hope to have results and perhaps photos to share on the blog.

Also on Saturday is Fierce Fighting Championship MMA card in Price. Of particular interest is the Jordan Chandler versus Cy Nelson fight. It's likely the last fight for Ogden's Chandler as he moves with his wife to Arizona to continue his education.

June 9 there is a pro/am boxing card at The Complex in SLC. Undefeated local pros Ignacio Chairez and Larry Gomez are in separate bouts and Utahns Tim Carroll and Christian Aguirre fight for the state middleweight title. Chairez, by the way, was noted as one of the top 12 prospects in boxing by Inside Boxing.

Next week we'll have interviews with Carroll and One Hit MMA's LJ Schulz as he prepares for his main-bout fight at SteelFist on June 23.

Finally, remember that Utahn Jose Haro is fighting for a national featherweight title on June 10 in Sloan, Iowa, against Daniel Franco, and the fight will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.

Read our interviews with amateurs Ben Guymon and Kaden Weston, who are fighting on the SteelFist card,

MMA amateurs Kaden Weston and Ben Guymon matched at SteelFist

Today we start previewing some bouts at the SteelFist MMA card on June 23 in Salt Lake City. Two amateur prospects, Ben Guymon, of Foley's gym and The Pack MMA, (seen at top/behind working out with Pack teammate Eric Munoz) will meet Kaden Weston of One Hit MMA (seen at right sparring at the gym). Here are interviews with both, and we'll have other interviews with members of the card through June.

1) What got you interested in MMA? Who are some of the fighters you admire?

Guymon: I saw a couple UFC DVDs as a teenager, and thought it looked like fun. GSP is my favorite fighter, but I also like watching Connor McGregor, Jose Aldo, Fedor, and others.

Weston: What first got me into MMA was my cousin Gavin. I was always a fan, but never really considered doing it myself. He started training a few years back before he left on his mission. I decided to try a few classes with him, and I really liked it. I never really got into it until after he returned home though. We decided to check out One Hit MMA and we loved it, so we've been there ever since. There are many MMA athletes whom I admire. I have always been a big Belfort fan. I've always loved his style and heart he brings into fighting. Some of the athletes who have inspired me the most are those whom I train with, though. 

2) Where are you training? Who are your coaches? With whom are you training?

Weston: I am training at One Hit MMA with my coaches Aldo Oreggia, Bruno Antunes, and Jordan and Crystal Smith. Me, my cousin Gavin, LJ Shultz, and Cory Rose all fight June 23. Jordan Chandler fights June 3 and Rowdy Akers fights on June 17 so we have all been pushing each other and training daily together. There are many other teammates who aren't fighting those days so they are sparring with us and helping us prepare.

Guymon: (At Foley's and The Pack) Pat Reeves, Justin Roberts and Billy Zumbrun are my coaches. My training partners are Geovanni Gavilanez, Eric Munoz, AJ Garcia and Dom Gero.

3) What are your strengths? What are your opponents strengths and how do you plan to neutralize that?

Guymon: I'm getting much more comfortable inside the cage. My cardio and fitness are some of my best strengths. I work very hard on being the best I can be, and do not quit.

Weston: I have always felt that I am strongest on the ground, but over the past couple of months and with the help of my stand up coaches I feel my stand-up has improved greatly. I am comfortable taking the fight anywhere. I haven't seen all of my opponents fights, but he fought one of my teammates in his last bout and during the fight I noticed he was a really durable guy. He took some early shots but was able to come back for the win. My strategy is to come out strong and keep him under pressure for the whole fight.

4) Where do you hope to be a year from now with your career? 

Weston: A year from now I hope to be able to fight for the belt and go pro eventually!

Guymon: In a year I plan to be on a several fight win streak, and preparing for my pro debut.

We wish the best for both of these competitors and thank them for taking the time to speak with Utah Fight Game blog. Next we'll chat with young pros Steve Chan and Miles Welk, who are fighting each other on the card.

JUST A COUPLE MORE THINGS ... In MMA, local pro Jordan Chandler is moving to Mesa, Arizona to start his doctorate in physical therapy. He's been a credit to the sport for years and we wish him well. His final MMA bout will be June 3 in Price against Cy Nelson at Fierce Fighting Championship. ... On The Ultimate Fight show last night, Ramsey Nijem, who has a history with the Utah MMA scene, returned after two years off with a win over Julian Lane. ... In amateur boxing, some locals will be competing in Junior Olympics nationals. We'll be looking to see how they do.

Some local boxing, Utah MMA updates

Welcome to Part 3 of this week's Utah Fight Game blog. Lots of news. Above is Ogden MMA pro Jordan Chandler (on top) fighting Kerry Lattimer last month in SLC. . He is fighting June 3 in Price as part of the Fierce Fighting Championships. It's at the Carbon County Fairgrounds. He's fighting undefeated Cy Nelson in the co-main. Main bout matches Mike Jones and Ben Robinson.

Here's the card from Mixed Martial Arts.com website. Fierce Fighting Championships also has a strong presence on Facebook.

Later in June, on the 23rd, SteelFist is having its 50th card at Riverbend in SLC. LJ Schulz and Anthony Miller headline and Steve Chan and Miles Welk are co-main. Ben Guymon fights Kaden Weston in a good amateur match up. SteelFist also has a strong Facebook presence with info on all the bouts. I'll be sending interview requests to the four headliners, and others,

--

MORE BOXING NEWS: Last week there was Junior Olympics amateur competition in SLC. From Lights Out gym in Clearfield, Dylan Bahena won, as did Ozmanny Sanchez. Deontay Nish and Manny Reyes lost decisions.

All Heart Boxing in Weber County had Adrianno Benn, in 15-16 125 pounds, competing, and Mehki Benn, 15-16, 101 pounds, competing. "Adrianno is going to Colorado on May 26 for regionals," said Jason DeCarlo of All Heart.

One more thing about All Heart. The gym, along with Lights Out in Clearfield, has scheduled an amateur boxing card on June 3 at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington. More info here.

Finally, undefeated pro boxer Larry Gomez will be fighting on June 9, at The Complex in SLC. We'll let you know more information as we get it.

Here is a list of upcoming events via the state athletic commission website.

DON'T FORGET TO READ OUR TWO PREVIOUS POSTS THIS WEEK.

This one features an interview with MMA amateur Bryce Edminister.

This one includes a Golden Gloves recap and interviews with amateur boxer Jon Bryant and MMA pro John Valentine.

Neal holds title, Chandler, Garcia among other MMA winners

Jon Neal (10-0), of Ogden (One Hit MMA) successfully defended his SteelFist 145-pounder title Saturday night in Salt Lake City, but it wasn't easily accomplished.

Skyler Frazier (5-2) (Absolute MMA) who Neal eventually stopped in round three via a shoulder choke tap out, came as close as anyone has to defeating Neal. The challenger dominated in the first round, stunning Neal with strikes and outmaneuvering him on the ground.

In the second round, after failing a low-percentage guillotine choke attempt from the ground, Neal (seen advancing at Frazier above) seemed to settle down and take charge on the ground, slowly wearing Frazier down.

But the challenger seized back control early in round three, hurting Neal with strikes, driving him back and throwing a barrage of unanswered punches. Neal was able to pick off most of the follow up shots. When the fight went back to the ground, Neal stepped up the pressure over his tiring opponent, forcing the tap at 2.40 seconds.

As always, Neal showed the heart and talent to recover from tough spots and use his strong ground game to gradually rough up opponents.

It was an exciting fight and Frazier certainly established himself as a top 145 pounder and a likely candidate to fight again for the SteelFist belt if Neal, as many think, eventually gets to prove himself with a major national/international promotion. The champion admitted afterward that he shares the dream of all MMA fighters, which is a call from the UFC.

Certainly among regional fighters who have not moved beyond state promotions, Neal merits a shot with UFC, or Bellator, or WSOF, etc. But Frazier revealed at least one improvement Neal needs to make before taking a step up -- his striking defense.

CHANDLER STOPS LATTIMER

Ogden's Jordan Chandler (One Hit MMA) got back on the winning track stopping the tough Idaho veteran Kerry Lattimer via a tap out at 1:34 of round 2 with a rear naked choke.

After staggering Lattimer with a strike in round one Chandler (seen on top above) took the bout to the ground and dominated most of round one. Lattimer managed to get on top near the very end of the round.

However, Chandler quickly seized control in round two over his Idaho opponent and managed the rear naked choke tap out win at 1:34 of round two. It was a nice win for Chandler after having dropped three decisions and being stopped once.

Afterwards, Chandler plans to fight again in June and, if he begins graduate school, will then announce his retirement.

GARCIA WINS DEBUT

In a professional bout that was a rematch from amateur days, Ogden's AJ Garcia, who trains out of Foley's gym, scored a three round decision over Rowdy Akers (4-3) of One Hit MMA. It was Garcia's pro debut. He had defeated Akers in an amateur bout as well.

Akers was game but Garcia (seen on top above) managed to get his opponent to the ground and keep him there for most of the bout. Akers rallied early in round three but Garcia regained control by round's end. The decision was unanimous.

In other pro bouts, Carson Gregory (2-0), of X Cite MMA, took a beating for about eight minutes from Absolute MMA's Kade Lindstrom (1-2) before rallying to stop Lindstrom in round three via a tap out (rear naked choke). And showboating Josh Bateman (5-3) Four-7 Training Center "talked the walk" by putting Trevor Cook (5-8) University of Grappling, to sleep via a choke at 1:51 of the first round.

AMATEUR BOUTS

Two SteelFist amateur champs retained their belts. Former University of Utah football star, and NFL player Ben Moa (4-0) One Hit MMA, stopped Curt Liefson (2-2) Factum MMA in 44 seconds to retain his heavyweight belt. Moa was cheered by attendee Ron McBride, former Utes football coach.

Joel Haro (9-1), Absolute MMA, barely retained his 135 pound amateur belt after a spirited 5 round battle from smaller but stronger Austin Strehle (4-1) Tooele MMA. An edge in experience helped Haro to a close split-decision nod.

In other amateur bouts:

125 pounds: Jordan Marshall (3-0), in a see-saw bout, managed to stop Robby Miner (1-3) in round two.

205 pounds: A very tall Zach Cavender (3-0) stopped Thomas Harper (1-4) in round one.

135 pounds: Debuting Joey Revelli won a very competitive fight via decision over Tre McCoy (2-1).

155 pounds: One Hit MMA's Rico Valdez (1-1) stopped Kris Ricks in round one.

170 pounds: Andy Black (0-1) landed the first punch, a jab, against Charles Zimmerman, but Zimmerman (1-0) landed the next several, dropping Black, with the bout halted after 8 seconds.

155 pounds: Bobby Simpson (1-1) outlasted Josh Heath (1-2), stopping him in round two.

125 pounds: Brandon Lemings (2-2) dominated most of round one against Daryl Sullivan (0-2), who was unable to answer the bell for round two due to a foot injury. Winner Lemings announced to the crowd that he's getting married in two weeks.

It was a nice crowd at Riverbend Sports Complex, which has a venue ideal for boxing and MMA. The venue will host the next SteelFist card on June 23. Main event is LJ Schulz (One Hit MMA) against Anthony Miller (Garage MMA). Co-main is Miles Welk (Garage MMA) versus Steve Chan (Victory MMA).

-- Doug Gibson

MMA chats with Lattimer and Akers, Haro gets new boxing date

In this week's Utah Fight Game blog we chat with professional MMA fighters Kerry Lattimer and Rowdy Akers, which is appropriate since we interviewed their opponents at the SteelFist card April 15 in Salt Lake City, Jordan Chandler and AJ Garcia, last week.

First, popular Utah super featherweight boxer Jose Haro will not be fighting in SLC on April 1. Instead, he's accepted a bout April 28 in Tijuana, Mexico, which is just south of San Diego, Calif. An opponent is still to be named. Undefeated Utah boxing prospects Ignacio Chairez and Larry Gomez are still slated to fight April 1 in SLC if opponents are signed.

So, here's an interview with 145-pounder Kerry Lattimer, of Pocatello, Idaho, who I recall seeing triumph in one of the best SteelFist fights I have seen, a few years ago, when he rallied to defeat Thiago Alvez.

Me: What motivates you in MMA, what keeps you enthusiastic despite the grind of training. What about this fight is most important?

Lattimer: All fights are important to me because I truly enjoy the experience! Win or lose, I just want to have an action-packed bout that the fans will enjoy! To have such a bout, intense training is necessary! So definitely worth it! (Lattimer seen below)

Me: What's your fight style? What do you think is your opponent's strength and how will you neutralize that? 

Lattimer: I believe I'm an aggressive fighter, yet fun and entertaining. Jordan is skilled in all departments, and is a veteran of the game. To overcome his strengths, I am going to have to train hard in all categories of MMA! Cardio, I believe, is what is most important!

Me: What is your training like? Who is coaching you and training with you?

Lattimer: I work 50-80 hour weeks, plus have kids in sports, as well as HVac (heating ventilation and air conditioning) school! So my training is usually from 7-10 at least twice a week during the weekdays and I train both Saturday and Sunday! I currently am training BJJ at The Elite BJJ Academy, instructed by BJJ Blackbelt Mark Massey. I also train at The Mandrill Combat and Fitness Academy, instructed by BJJ Blackbelt Bill Gathrite, BJJ Brownbelt Joel Bocanegra, and Boxing coach Jan Muhle. We train stand up, and ground game. I spar with whoever, whenever I can!

Me: How has being an MMA fighter improved you and your life? What's next if you win this bout?

Lattimer: MMA has taught me that if you put enough effort into anything, that anything is possible! It is a really humbling sport! Nobody is the best forever, and everyone can be beat! The harder you work, the greater the reward! I never know what's next with fighting! I fight who I'm offered to fight. If I win, cool! If I lose, cool! As long as it's a badass fight, I'm satisfied!

--

And here's our interview with Rowdy Akers, another 145 pounder readying for his April 15 bout. 


Me: What motivates you in MMA, what keeps you enthusiastic despite the grind of training. What about this fight is most important?

Akers: Me and AJ went to battle before and went all three rounds. I feel if there was another round in that fight I would have taken it. I'd really like to prove myself to everybody and change the outcome of something. I love training and I love mixed martial arts. It helps me walk the straight and narrow; it helps me be a father to my son; it helps me be your friend and a teammate. (Akers seen below)

Me: What's your fight style? What do you think is your opponent's strength and how will you neutralize that? 

Akers: Although I train jiu-jitsu and stand up hands and feet every day I would say pressure. My cardio is way good and I plan to push the pace of this whole fight. What is the key strength of my opponent? He's going to try to take me down; he's going to try to use it to take me down and control me. I want to stuff the take down and deal out punishment. I'm welcoming him to professional MMA, (which is) fighting a little bit different than the amateurs.

Me: What is your training like? Who is coaching you and training with you?

Akers: It usually consists of running three to five miles or more if I'm feeling energetic. I strength train and lift weights I train at One-Hit MMA daily striking and wrestling jiu-jitsu. My coaches are Aldo and Bruno. (Teammates include) LJ Schultz Jordan Chandler Crystal and Jordan Smith and all of my team in One Hit MMA. Whomever shows up we spar a couple days a week and we really push the pace getting close to fight time.

Me: How has being an MMA fighter improved you and your life? What's next if you win this bout?

Akers: MMA has improved my life. It's helped me want to stay sober, it's helped me want to stay out of b******* situations. It just gives me direction and drive to be better every day. If I win this fight or if I lose this fight my next goal is just to take the next fight. SteelFist has its 50th show in June there's King of the Cage in June and a few other promotion that I'd like to get involved with. My next goal is just to continue to better myself as a mixed martial artist and a friend a father and a teammate to everybody at One Hit MMA.

We wish Kerry and Rowdy the best and appreciate both for talking with Utah Fight Game blog. We are still hoping to complete interviews with MMA pros Jon Neal and Skyler Frazier, who are headlining the April 15 SteelFist Card. In the weeks ahead, we will have interviews with MMA fighters competing in South Valley Slam in Hurricane in May. We may have an interview or two with FitCon participants next month.

ONE MORE THING: Dave Foley of Foley's gym says he'll have some amateurs competing April 8 at Legends in Sandy. Here's a list of Foley's fighters: Alex Treadway, heavyweight; Eduardo Arreguin, 138 pounds; Lizber Herrara, 147 pounds; England Patu-Pauulu, heavyweight; Macy White, 125 pounds; Andy Gold, 175 pounds; and Luis Cornejo, 135 pounds. Patu-Pauulu and Macy White are making their amateur debuts. Also, Foley's will host an amateur card on April 15.

Chandler, Garcia previewed for SteelFist, Siler, Hughes to fight

Today we began a series of preview interviews of SteelFist's MMA card on April 15 in SLC. One pro bout matches two Utah 155-pound veterans, Jordan Chandler, and Kerry Lattimer. We interview Chandler and we hope to have an interview with Lattimer next week. Another 145-pound pro bout matches debuting AJ Garcia against 4-2 Rowdy Akers. Garcia is interviewed today and we hope to have Akers' interview next week.

JORDAN CHANDLER:

About the fight, what motivates you and got you started as a fighter?

Chandler:  I started fighting after being pressured into it by my buddies; I continue to fight because there is nothing harder to do. This sport not only challenges me physically but mentally and emotionally as well. To be able to think clearly and keep your composure in a fight when it gets pushed to the later rounds or to finish out a fight camp after going through 8 weeks of pure hell is an accomplishment of its own. I am motivated by knowing that if I can prepare myself for a fight I can do anything I put my mind to. (Chandler, below)

Your fight style, your opponent's strengths and how you hope to neutralize that?

Chandler: Honestly my fight style is a mixed martial artist. I have been in this sport for so long that I am comfortable in all aspects of the fight. I know Kerry is not only a good wrestler but he is just all around tough. I mean he is from the same town in Idaho that I am from; I know they build us tough over there. There is no quit in him. I am preparing for a 3 round war and I plan on pushing the pace. I will take the fight to where I want it to be.
How goes training, who coaches you and who do you train and spar with?

Chandler: I wake up every morning at 4 am and go to the gym for strength and conditioning, I go work two jobs and then Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 5:30-7:30 I’m at One Hit MMA in Layton training with Aldo Oreggia and Bruno Antunes doing Kickboxing and Brazilian Jujitsu, on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings I go to Lindon to train at University of Grappling with Marc Brewer. I train with so many guys that push me through my fight camps its hard to name them all but a few of the guys include, Jon “hands of steal” Neal , LJ Schultz, Gavin and Kaden Weston, Tyson and Jake Barnhart, Chris Johnson, Mike O’laskey, Joe Rodriguez and Jordan Smith. But there are many more in there as well so I’m sorry I couldn’t list everyone.
How has fighting improved your life, what is a long-term goal?

Chandler: Through fighting I have met some of the most amazing people someone could only ask to know. I have been able to make some lifelong friendships and learn to never judge a book by its cover. I have many adventures going on in my life that nothing is certain yet. All I know if after this fight I would like to get back in the cage as soon as possible. I don’t want to waste anymore time in my career. Its time to stay busy.

--

AJ GARCIA:

About the fight, what motivates you and got you started as a fighter?

Garcia: This fight is very important to me because I'm coming off a loss right now. I've dedicated all of my fights to my grandfather, Elias, because he's been battling cancer for years and the day of my last fight, I found out he didn't have much time. I'm not blaming my loss on that but I also can't say I was 100 percent focused either. I got to spend a few more weeks with him before he passed and now I want to go out and win this fight for him. I also know my opponent is working harder then ever since I beat him once so I know I need to be working just as hard. (Garcia, after a win, below)

Your fight style, your opponent's strengths and how you hope to neutralize that?

Garcia: I'm a freestyle fighter. I love mixing things up and catching guys off guard, shooting take downs when they think I'm gonna punch and punching when they think I'm gonna take them down. Rowdy's best attributes are his toughness and his cardio. I dominated him the first two rounds of our last fight but he came out in the third like nothing was wrong and never gave up. I have a serious grappling advantage though, and I'm looking to get a finish this time.

How goes training, who coaches you and who do you train and spar with?

Garcia: I've recently changed gyms from the Garage MMA, to Foleys and working with Pat Reeves, Justin Roberts, Eric Munoz and Ben Guymon. It's been a breath of fresh air working with these guys and I'm glad they've welcomed me in. I'm still doing work with Anthony Lobato, who has been my coach since I started fighting, and one of the best jiu jitsu guys in the state. Anthony is a coach who really cares about his fighters. ... Anthony is a guy that wants you to succeed in life, just as much as he does in fighting. How has fighting improved your life, what is a long-term goal?

Garcia: Being an MMA fighter has helped turn my life around completely. I suffered from addiction for years and struggled to get clean. Once I finally got clean, I needed something to do with my time and always had a passion for fighting. I decided to start training and tried out a few gyms until I met Anthony and found myself a home. Once I started I traded my addiction for drugs to fighting and have now been clean for years and have custody of my 6 year old son. Without fighting I have no idea if I would've ever stayed clean. After I win this fight I'm looking to take another one right away and keep this train moving. I'm not getting any younger and wanna do everything I can in this sport before my time is up. Most of all, I want to continue being a role model for my son and showing others that suffer from addiction that they can get out if someone like me can get out. There is hope and I'm proof of that. Extra question: What's it like to make a pro debut?

Garcia: I'm very excited to be a pro fighter. I fought 12 times as an amateur and fought the best guys from all over the state. Too many guys only take a few ammy fights or only take easy match ups and aren't ready when they become pro. I wanted to make sure I was ready for anything when I went pro and I feel like I did that with my ammy career. This fight with Rowdy is gonna be non stop action so bring your popcorn and be ready for a war!

MORE NEWS ... Kick boxer Thomas Hughes, who has also fought MMA, will headline the Muay Thai FitCon card April 22 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Hughes is a member of the U.S. Kickboxing team and has fought in international events. He meets 145-pounder Pedro Curiel in his first Utah bout since 2014.

And, as we have previewed, this Saturday Ogden MMA pro Steven Siler fights on the WSOF 35 card in Verona, NY. Siler's featherweight bout against Hakeem Dawodu will be televised online at WSOF.com's prelim card beginning at 6 p.m. We will have a recap of Siler's bout Sunday.

... Take a peek at the state athletic commission's scheduled events page. It's been updated.

Boxer Jesse West has important bout Saturday in Washington

Davis County cruiserweight boxer Jesse West has what is arguably his most important fight as a professional when he travels to Lacey Wash. Saturday to meet Marquice Weston. PNW Professional Boxing is the promoter.

While interest in the main event bout is still contained to the western United States both fighters are considered top prospects and the winner will be in a position to entertain more lucrative bouts. West, 8-1, is on a several-bout win streak after losing a split decision in California to a heavyweight a few years ago. He has since decided to fight as a cruiserweight.

Weston, 7-1-1, suffered a majority decision loss in his last bout when he also traveled away from home base to the eastern United States. West will have the task of taking a win in an opponent's home base.

I chatted with West briefly earlier this week. "Day four of the training camp has been OK. Yes, I mean day four," he said laughing. "They gave us a 10-day notice," which is tough, he added. (Here's a photo of West stopping Nick Rossborough in a recent bout, courtesy of Justin Hughes)

Both West and Weston have a common opponent, Price, Utah's David Sanchez (4-2). West stopped Sanchez in Utah, Weston decisioned Sanchez in Washington. Weston also recently stopped Utah boxer/MMA professional Mike Crisman. West and Weston had successful amateur careers. West, fighting as a heavyweight, was the Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves champion.

Earlier in his career, West had relied on his punching power to win bouts. In his most recent bout against previously undefeated Anthony Johnson, he showed strong boxing and defensive skills in earning a decision.

MORE AMATEURS FIGHTING IN BRIGHAM CITY

I talked to a couple of Northern Utah gyms who provided me the names of fighters who will be competing in Brigham City on Saturday:

"Jon Bryant, 152 pounds,  is fighting for a belt. John Daniels, 170 pounds, is fighting his first bout. (Also fighting are) Preston Tiffany, 90 pounds, Chris France, 135 pounds, and Ozmanny Sanchez, 70 pounds," Julian Stevens, of Lights Out gym in Clearfield, said.

"(We) have McKayla Gabaldan, 145 pounds, Kamryn Santiago, 141 pounds, and Santana DeCarlo, 125 pounds, fighting this weekend in Brigham City," Jason DeCarlo of All Heart Boxing in Ogden said.

SOME MMA NEWS

SteelFist's next MMA card is set for April 15. There are three pro bouts that I consider must-see for MMA fans. They are Jon Neal defending his 145-pound pro belt against Skyler Frazier, 155-pounder Jordan Chandler and Kerry Lattimer tussling, and 145-pounders AJ Garcia and Rowdy Akers meeting in a rematch from their amateur days.

We'll be trying to get interviews will all six of these fighters in the weeks ahead.

MMA winners include Whitmore, Guymon, Carlson at SteelFist card

We have the results of Saturday's SteelFist MMA card in Farmington. They are courtesy of the Fighting Out of Utah MMA News Facebook page. Any comments next to results are courtesy of Jeffrey Dutcher, who runs the page. We appreciate his regular updates:

205lbs pro: Trever Carlson def Eric Wallin via 1st round verbal tap to strikes. "Carlson was taking a beating and then turned it around at the very end of the round."

185lbs Pro Belt: Ed Whitmore defeated Carl Dieckmann via 2nd round TKO. "Whitmore timed an amazing kick when Carl went for a takedown."

135lbs Pro Belt: Anthony Miller def Jeremiah Guzman via 2nd round TKO.

145lbs ammy: Ben Guymon (seen below) def Kyle Frazier via 1st round RNC. "Frazier was landing hard shots, Guymon was able to persevere and end up taking Frazier's back finishing the fight with only seconds left."

130lbs ammy: Jordan Marshall def Ahmed Alkhafji via 1st round guillotine. "Alkhafji didn't tap and went to sleep. Both of these guys show promise to be good fighters."

205lbs ammy belt: Cole Shafer def Justin Oswald via unanimous decision. "A HARD fought win. Both fighters overcame being rocked and dropped multiple times. I also believe I heard Oswald say, "you're a tough son of a bitch...keep hitting me...I love it."

170lbs ammy women's: Lyza Hermosillo def Heidi Wollebaek via unanimous decision.

185lbs ammy: Ryan Wilkerson def Jason Horrocks via tap "to what I believe was an injury to his arm?"

170lbs ammy: Mike O'Laskey def Derrick Bates via 1st round RNC. "More of a jaw crusher than choke."

190lbs ammy: Jordan Taylor def Ryan Thaxton via unanimous decision.

150lbs ammy: Nick Birch def Ahmed Kareem via 1st round tap due to strikes.

205lbs ammy: Sean Pollock def Thomas Harper via unanimous decision.

185lbs ammy: Jon Wixom def Jake Memmott via 1st round TKO.

More news: At the fights it was announced that Jon Neal would defend his 145-pound SteelFist belt against Skyler Frazier on April 15 at Riverbend in Salt Lake City. The co-main will match 155 veterans Jordan Chandler and Kerry Lattimer.

MMA pro Ed Whitmore readies for SteelFist title bout

Ed Whitmore, an 185-pound MMA pro with an 11-5 record, from Provo ((see above), has enjoyed success with Team Unbreakable. In fact, most of his recent bouts have been for regional titles, including SteelFist and The Clash,

He's part of SteelFist promotion's Feb. 18 card at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington, where he'll fight another Utahn, Carl Dieckmann, for the SteelFist 185-pound pro title. It's an intriguing match. Dieckmann, of Team Extreme, 11-2, is returning after a three-year absence. Whitmore has wins over Cody Udy, Cisco Alcantara and Mike Crisman. Dieckmann has wins over Alcantara, Crisman and Shawn Conroy.

I chatted with Whitmore as he prepares for the five-round bout:

On training: Whitmore: My training for this bout is about the same as always. It includes several sparring sessions and several grappling session per week, along with lots and lots of cardio conditioning. 

On Carl Dieckmann: Whitmore: I don't know very much about my opponent's fighting style. I heard that he got hurt somehow and wasn't expected to return to MMA. Having over two years off might be a good thing for him or it might be a disadvantage. It's hard to say. 

On his fight style: Whitmore: I define my fight style as Mixed Martial Arts. You have to be good at everything in this sport and so that's what I focus on: everything. I hate watching boring fights and I hate being a part of boring fights even more. I'm not here to just win; I'm here to bust people up and make them never want to fight me again. I'm motivated to train hard for two reasons: hurting my opponent and giving a good show. I've always been into fighting, often unsanctioned. I grew up moving around a lot so there were always new people to throw down with. When I was 21 I discovered an MMA gym close to me and started training there. That was almost 8 years ago now. I see myself as having the discipline and skill of an athlete mixed with the aggression and toughness of a brawler. 

On long-term goals in MMA: Whitmore: My long term goals are to get to the highest level that I can. I'm here to fight because I love it and I don't anticipate stopping anytime soon. I haven't even reached my physical prime yet!

"Fighters that I admire are guys who put it all on the line, fighting with relentless fury. I like guys like Robbie Lawler, Diego Sanchez, Dan Henerson, and Cody Garbrandt.

Thanks a lot for the interview Ed, and we wish you the best on the 18th. It will be a good matchup. Dieckmann is a strong opponent; kudos to SteelFist for the match. More info on card here.

SOME BOXING NEWS

Chatted with Julian Stevens of Lights Out gym in Clearfield. He had a couple of amateur boxers compete on a card in Idaho last weekend. Here's his report:

STEVENS: "Ozmanny Sanchez, 9 years old, fought Ty Harris from Pocatello 11 years old. (He) lost a close decision in his first fight but improved every round. Destiny McCubbin (also an amateur MMA fighter) won against Hailey Russel, out of Mori Academy. She looked phenomenal. We couldn't get our elite fighters matched but John Daniels, Josh Morales, Chris France and Jon Bryant should all be fighting on the 25th in Brigham City."

FINAL BLURBS

Professional boxer from Logan, Christian Nava, says he's likely to be in the ring again soon, perhaps in March. ... MMA professional from Ogden Jordan Chandler will be fighting on the SteelFist April card. Opponent is yet to be named. ... Pro boxer Jose Haro of West Jordan says training is going well as he rehabs from a foot injury. ... Also, please spare some thoughts and prayers for the aforementioned pro boxer Josh Morales, who was seriously ill earlier this week.