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ALAINA “The Queen” DUTILL – READY FOR CAGE WARS TITLE

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CAGE WARS 62 – MAIN EVENT
STRAWWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT
WOMEN WARRIORS READY TO HIGHLIGHT CAGE WARS 62

QUEEN MMA Media
ALAINA “The Queen” DUTILL is hunting for her first amateur MMA title and ready to rise to the challenge.
Alaina Dutill brings a stout (3-2) amateur record into her Cage Wars debut under the Rivers Casino & Resort bright lights. She fights out of Pennsylvania and trains under the guidance of coach David Harr and CFS Academy.  Dutill is an intelligent and effective striker who continues to evolve in a positive direction with every bout.  She has smooth footwork for an amateur and is always ready to unload a blast of offense.  “The Queen’s” aggressive style and bursting strikes can bring a fight crowd to full attention. CFS Academy works in all styles and has allowed Dutill to continue rounding and polishing her skills.  When asked if she was comfortable on the ground she replied, “Absolutely, I enjoy being on the ground and maintaining pressure to make my opponent uncomfortable.  I enjoy ground and pound experiences when I get the opportunity.”

“Ever since I was a little kid I loved to fight and loved watching UFC, and my parents knew I was trouble always trying to fist fight the boys around the neighborhood, so they put me in karate.” – Alaina Dutill


Alaina has always trained in some type of martial arts since the age of seven.  Currently she trains in BJJ, muay thai, kickboxing, and boxing.

“My whole life revolves around training and being in the gym 5-6 day a week.” – Alaina Dutill


Dutill has been training in kickboxing and Muay Thai for five years and just recently won gold in Nationals for kickboxing and is hoping to be off to Worlds in 2024. When asked what can the fight fans at Rivers Casino expect to see from “The Queen”, Dutill replied “They can expect to see a show from me.  I was always told I am a scrappy fighter, who is exciting to watch.  My power, speed, and aggression are what make me the all around fighter I am today.  I would love to end this bout with a TKO/KO.”

TATIANA CIRILO won the vacant Cage Wars strawweight championship title back in July of this year with a unanimous decision victory over a tough Erica Valentine.  The champion fights out of New York and brings a (4-2) amateur record into the title contest.  On November 3rd she will attempt to defend her Cage Wars belt against what could very well be her biggest test inside the octagon, Alaina “The Queen” Dutill. 

Northeast fight fans get ready for war as Alaina “The Queen” Dutill sets her sights on the Cage Wars strawweight champion, Tatiana Cirilo.  Cirilo versus Dutill looks to be an explosively exciting matchup that screams ‘fight of the night’ possibilities.

CAGE WARS 62 / Rivers Casino & Resort / Schenectady, New York
Ticket Info – CageWarsMMA.com  

By: Tommy Vickers – Combat Sports Journalist – QUEEN MMA Media

McCORMACK vs WOJCIK – BOSTON

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INVICTA FC 54 – BOSTON – STRAWWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT

INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS SET TO DELIVER ALL-WOMEN’S MMA ACTION TO BOSTON

DANNI “Mac” McCORMACK PUTS HER INVICTA FC TITLE ON THE LINE AGAINST KAROLINA “Polish Assassin” WOJCIK

QUEEN MMA Media

INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS is an all women’s professional mixed martial arts promotion launched in April of 2012 by industry veteran Shannon Knapp.  For over a decade Invicta FC has presented what many fight fans already knew, ‘Girl fights are the best fights’.

On October 27th Invicta FC 54 will light up Boston’s House of Blues with major league combat sport fireworks.

DANNI “Mac” McCORMACK captured the INVICTA FC Strawweight Championship back in March of this year with an exciting unanimous decision victory over Valesca Machado at Invicta FC 52. 

McCORMACK is a southpaw who fights out of Dublin, Ireland.  She made her professional MMA debut in September of 2019 under the Bellator promotional banner in her hometown of Dublin where the Irish mixed martial artist produced a unanimous decision win against Camila Rivarola.

The thirty-three year old Champion brings a strong (7-2) pro record into the cage alongside the Invicta FC strawweight championship belt.  McCormack always comes out of the gate hard at the start of every round.  She likes to push forward and likes to unleash big flurries during standup exchanges.  She knows how to put her punches together inside the cage but will not hesitate to take the battle to the ground.  She has proven herself to be tenacious, durable, and aggressive.  October 27th IFC’s first Irish champion will defend her newly claimed title via the main event against formidable contender Karolina Wojcik. 

KAROLINA “Polish Assassin” WOJCIK fights out of Krakow, Poland and carries an impressive (11-3) professional record into the cage.  The twenty-eight year old Wojcik is considered to be the #1 pound-for-pound female MMA fighter in her homeland of Poland as well as ranked the #1 pound-for-pound female in Eastern Europe and #2 pound-for-pound female in the United States.  The ‘Polish Assassin’ is coming off a split decision co-main event win at Invicta FC 52 versus a (12-3) Ediana Silva.  Wojcik turned pro in April of 2018 after building a solid (8-1) amateur career.  She has demonstrated some power with two of her eleven pro wins coming via KO/TKO.  Wojcik began boxing at the young age of eleven years old before shifting over to MMA.  The Krakow native can be gritty when she needs to be.  She is scrappy and can scramble on the ground.  She generally fights orthodox style and tends to keep her hands on the low side during standup.  Karolina has decent foot movement and knows how to effectively utilize the left jab. 

These two 115 pounders are very aware of one another having first collided inside the cage as amateurs back in 2017 under the promotional lights of UK Fighting Championships 3.  It was a fight that ended with Wojcik mauling out a unanimous decision win.  Another interesting note worth making is the fact McCormack is coming off winning the Invicta FC strawweight title against Valesca Machado where as Wojcik faced Machado back in 2022 at IFC 50 and came up short via unanimous decision.  This adds another layer of interest to this strawweight title matchup.   

DANNI “Mac” McCORMACK versus KAROLINA “Polish Assassin” WOJCIK looks to be an explosive title fight between two evenly matched strawweights.  Both of these warriors are hungry, fearless, and ready to bring the heat to Boston.  It is a championship fight that could go one way or the other.  Both combatants always show up in top shape, have the tools to grind hard round after round, and are fully capable of walking away with the ‘W’ and the IFC belt.  Do not be surprised if the contest ignites into an epic standup war.  It may come down to who has the deeper gas tank and who can take control of the later championship rounds (4th and 5th) if necessary.  It may come down to who has the willpower to keep the pressure on. The pride of Ireland versus the pride of Poland.

Boston fight fans are in for a heavy dose of pure electric as INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS brings a full card of professional women’s MMA action to the heart of New England.  Do not miss out on this high impact action! 

Our first #Irish champ Danni McCormack ready to make history again in #Boston for the Invicta Fighting Championships East Coast debut!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! #InvictaFC54🎟

https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/01005F28B3CA2C9D

QUEEN MMA Media
By: Thomas Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist) 

CAGE WARS MMA STRAWWEIGHT TITLE ON THE LINE

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ERICA VALENTIN vs TATIANA CIRILO-SANTOS
CAGE WARS STRAWWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT
JULY 7, 2023 / RIVERS CASINO & RESROT / SCHENECTADY, NY

QUEEN MMA Media

On July 7, 2023 at Cage Wars 59 Erica Valentin will square off against Tatiana Cirilo-Santos for the vacant Cage Wars amateur Strawweight (115 lbs) Championship Title.
 



ERICA VALENTIN PRIMED FOR CAGE WARS TITLE BOUT

Erica Valentin has battled her way into the top twenty New England and New York women’s amateur MMA pound for pound rankings in less than two years.  Valentin made her amateur MMA debut in October of 2021.  She trains out of Underdog Mixed Martial Arts in Connecticut and continues to build solid experience having fought under the promotional banners of Cage Titans, AMMO Fight League, Reality Fighting, Dead Serious, Maverick MMA, and Cage Wars.  Valentin made her first appearance with the Cage Wars promotion against a game opponent, Kali Zervos back in September of 2022.  Valentin charmed the New York crowd and delivered a strong unanimous decision victory.

In November of 2022 Valentin returned to Cage Wars 54 to face Eymie Moreno for the vacant Cage Wars amateur Strawweight Championship Title.  Valentin came up short in a hard fought decision loss to Moreno.  Despite the setback Valentin bounced back in her very next bout.  In December of 2022 she captured the Dead Serious vacant amateur MMA catch-weight (122 lbs) Championship Title with a win over Gabby Marques in another co-main event.  Valentin continues to improve step by step with each amateur matchup.  She has shown she can throw hard in standup exchanges and can hold her own on the ground.  Valentin brings a (3 – 4) amateur MMA record into the cage.  The amateur’s is the place to develop experience.  It is the place to grow and mature.  Valentin’s progress is noticeable and her evolution is becoming more defined with every bout.  She is becoming a very dangerous and formidable amateur MMA fighter. 



Valentin is heading into the Cage Wars 59 Strawweight Championship fight coming off a disappointing championship title fight loss due to a cut stoppage against a talented up and coming prospect Janii Rosario back in March of this year at Maverick MMA 22.  Shortly into the first round of the Rosario bout Valentin received a nasty cut that prompted the stoppage.

“The fight got called off because I got cut bad, but I wasn’t like knocked out or anything like that.  I got right back into the gym the next day.  Been working on my redemption,” – Erica Valentin

Valentin is happy to be back at Cage Wars.  Even though she is out of Connecticut Valentin has come to think of the New York based Cage Wars as being her home.

“I feel alive when I perform in front of Cage Wars at Rivers Casino & Resort.  I want to put on the best show that you guys will see from a strawweight contender.” – Erica Valentin


Valentin’s fights always bring energy and excitement.  She always shows up for war. 

“I feel like it’s a good matchup.  She’s 3-2 and I’m 3-4.  I just feel like stylistically we are good for each other,” explained Valentin about her upcoming title bout against Tatiana Cirilo-Santos.

When asked if she would like to see the fight be settled via standup or on the ground, Valentine’s reply – “I’m good where ever the fight goes.” 

A win over Tatiana Cirilo-Santos would be a big victory for Valentin.  It would give her the Cage Wars Strawweight title belt and allow her to gain another step closer to the summit of the northeast amateurs. 

TATIANA CIRILO-SANTOS

Tatiana Cirilo-Santos fights out of New York and trains under American Killer Bees.  She is ranked among New York’s pound for pound top fifteen women’s amateur MMA fighters.  Cirilo-Santos made her amateur MMA debut in December of 2019 with a unanimous decision win against Kelly Knight at Triton Fights 16.  She has gone on to produce a (3 – 2) record as an amateur with all three of her wins coming via decision.    

This will be Cirilo-Santos first time under the bright lights of Cage Wars.  A win over Valentin would bring Cirilo-Santos her first amateur title belt and push her higher up the amateur rankings.  Both North East MMA Media and Queen MMA Media reached out to Cirilo-Santos for comments however she was unresponsive. 

This looks to be an exciting, competitive title fight.  These lady warriors have the firepower to bring the fight fans to the edge of their seats.  These are two hungry strawweights ready for battle.  With the winner grabbing the Cage Wars title and sending a clear message to the New York State and New England amateur strawweights who is who and what is what. 

(All bouts are subject to change)


By: Thomas Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

QUEEN MMA Media

Northeast’s top heavyweights battle for Cage Wars title – CAGE WARS 59

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TWO OF THE NORTHEAST’S TOP HEAVYWEIGHTS SET TO BATTLE FOR THE CAGE WARS TITLE

NORTH EAST MMA Media – CAGE WARS 59

Elshaddai Vanhoesen fights out of New York and is ranked among the top ten amateur heavyweights in the northeast.  In September of 2022 Elshaddai Vanhoesen entered amateur MMA like a wrecking ball on a mission electrifying the New York fight fans with a smashing first round TKO/KO victory against Mark Moses at Cage Wars 53.  Vanhoesen steamrolled a win over his second opponent via first round stoppage at Cage Wars 54.  In January of 2023 at Cage Wars 55 he captured the Cage Wars amateur Super Heavyweight Championship Title by destroying the reigning champion by way of first round TKO/KO.  Despite coming off a loss in his most recent bout, a fight for the K4F vacant Heavyweight Title Vanhoesen has proven himself to be a serious obstacle inside the steel cage.  Vanhoesen has generated a stout (4 – 1) amateur MMA record.  He is considered by many to be one of New York’s top amateur heavyweights. A victory over Giorgi Kvirchishvilli would bring him his second Cage Wars title belt and put him back on the winning track. 


Giorgi Kvirchishvilli fights out of New York and brings an undefeated (3 – 0) amateur record into the title fight.  He made his amateur MMA debut back in October of 2021 with a quick finish of Jesse Pastore via first round submission.  Kvirchishvilli knows how to end a fight having finished all three of his opponents, two by way of submission and one via TKO/KO.  His performances as an amateur have been impressive.  Kvirchishvilli is coming off a major victory over a highly talented Trevor Gibbons (6 – 1) back in October of 2022 to win the vacant amateur Flex Fights Heavyweight Championship Title.  Giorgi Kvirchisvilli is currently the fourth ranked amateur heavyweight in state of New York and is considered to be ranked among the top five amateur heavyweights in the northeast.  He is fast becoming a real quality prospect among the amateur northeast heavyweights.  A victory over Vanhoesen would clearly cement Kvirchisvilli as being one of the best current amateur heavyweights in the northeast.   

This is a fantastic Cage Wars 59 heavyweight matchup between two of the best amateur heavyweights in the region.  Both Giorgi Kvirchishvilli and Elshaddai Vanhoesen have what it takes to walk away with the Cage Wars title.  Both of these heavyweight monsters are capable of unloading dynamite.  This fight is an explosion set to go off July 7th at Rivers Casino & Resort.  Cage Wars has once again put out a top notch amateur title bout.  Northeast fight fans be prepared to see what easily could become FIGHT of the NIGHT. SUPER STACKED FIGHT CARD / CAGE WARS 59

 (Note- Bouts are always subject to change)

Ticket info – https://cagewarsmma.com/

NORTH EAST MMA Media

By Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

FIGHT NIGHT NEW ENGLAND SET FOR RUTLAND, VERMONT

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FIGHT NIGHT NEW ENGLAND SET TO BRING BACK COMBAT SPORTS TO RUTLAND, VERMONT

June 24, 2023 FIGHT NIGHT NEW ENGLAND is set to premier its first combat sports event in Rutland, Vermont.  The event is said to be hosting approximately fifteen bouts on the card.  The event will spotlight amateur MMA and Muay Thai competition. It has been several years since the Rutland area has had combat sports on the menu. NORTH EAST MMA Media caught up with the promotions majority owner Jarred Keefe and asked him what made him decide to unveil FIGHT NIGHT NEW ENGLAND.

“I wanted to bring a professional stage to the amateur fighter, a stage to showcase their skills to make the next step to pro.” – Jarred Keefe.


Keefe is excited about their first event and anticipates one thousand plus to show up in attendance.  “They can expect to be on the edge of their seats and wanting more after each show.” It would appear if all goes to plan this will be the first of many FNNE events.

LOCATION – 134 Community Drive, Rutland, Vermont
June 24, 2023 / Doors open at 6pm
Food Carts & Booze Tent on Site
Free Parking
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/fight-night-new-england-llc-65310786523?fbclid=IwAR3svwDfw9PcLv4UIZUzYXOpTsLK70_0ekaPwK7ieFg34I6EuhVReRAFGmM

As a bonus for the fight fans FNNE has arranged for UFC legends Matt Hughes and Tim Sylvia to be on hand.
 

NORTH EAST MMA Media

By Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

MARQUES vs LEE: BATTLE in BARRE 10

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KYRA LEE vs MICHELLE MARQUES
BATTLE in BARRE 10 ? MAY 13, 2023
Amateur MMA Bantamweight Bout


KYRA LEE vs MICHELLE MARQUES set to square off in Amateur Bantamweight MMA action BATTLE in BARRE 10.

NORTH EAST MMA Media

 By: T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

KYRA LEE hails from Canada and fights out of Vermont.  She trains under Combat Fitness MMA and is riding a two fight winning streak.  Lee made her amateur MMA debut in November of 2022 with a first round victory over Shannel Butler (0-1) by way of knee injury at Cage Wars 54.  Lee went on to win her second amateur MMA bout in March of 2023 via first round arm-bar submission at Cage Wars 57.  Kyra is no stranger to striking considering she currently holds a (1-1) record in amateur muay thai.  On May 13th at DonnyBrooke Fight Promotions ‘BATTLE in BARRE 10’ Kyra Lee will be aiming to add win number three.  Lee noted she is feeling good heading into the matchup and looking forward to fighting in front of a home crowd.  “Fight camp is going well.  I’m lucky to have very good coaches and training partners at COMBAT FITNESS,” Lee stated.  “Especially Miriam Wolpert who has a kickboxing fight on the same DonnyBrooke promotion card as well.” 

MICHELLE MARQUES was born in Brazil and fights out of Massachusetts.  The thirty-one year old trains under the guidance of Defensive Edge MMA and brings a (1-0) amateur MMA record into the contest.  Michelle Marques brings considerable grappling experience along with knowledge in judo.  Marques made her amateur MMA debut in May of 2022 with a second round arm-bar finish over Logan Weaver at Victory Cage Fighting Championship. 

BATTEL IN BARRE 10 / 20 Auditorium Hall, Barre, Vermont


“I definitely feel Michelle Marques will be my biggest test to date.  She is a very accomplished grappler and I look forward to testing my skills against her,” explained Kyra Lee.  “I expect to see her looking to grapple.  Vermont fight fans can expect a fun fight between two skilled competitors.” Marques no doubt will be Lee’s toughest challenge as an amateur.  This looks to be a well matched bantamweight bout that will surely get the crowd’s attention.
FOR TICKET AND FIGHT INFO – www.donnybrookefightpromotions.com  

By Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

PROVOST vs McNEIL: MAIN EVENT

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BATTLE IN BARRE 10 / MAIN EVENT
ANDREW PROVOST vs JOSEPH McNEIL
Professional Lightweight MMA Bout
NORTH EAST MMA Media

ANDREW PROVOST vs JOSEPH McNEIL: PRO LIGHTWEIGHT MAIN EVENT

BATTLE IN BARRE 10 / MAY 13, 2023 / BARRE, VERMONT

ANDREW PROVOST fights out of Plattsburgh, New York and brings a (1-1) professional record into the cage.  Provost trains under the guidance of Robert Hugus BJJ and will be looking for his second win as a pro May 13th under the bright lights of the Barre Auditorium.  The thirty-five year old New Yorker made his amateur MMA debut in March of 2010.  He gathered up three regional MMA championship titles during his amateur career and produced a formidable (7-1) record. Provost made his professional debut in September of 2021 at Battle in Barre 5 delivering a unanimous win over a tough Chris Rooney.  In May of 2022 Provost came up short in his second pro bout, a unanimous decision loss to Nathaniel Grimard (1-0) at NEF 47.  Provost wields an aggressive wrestling style and can unleash considerable power inside the cage.  Andrew is a tough fighter.  On March 11th of this year Provost leaped at an opportunity to compete on POWER SLAP, a TBS new reality TV show promoted by the UFC’s very own DANA WHITE.  The show centers on two competitors standing face to face.  Both competitors trade slaps to the side of the face and head.  Not just any kind of slap, but the kind of slaps that come from hell.  Slaps that produce thunderous knockouts.  Competitors are not allowed to move their head or face during the impact.  With just a one week notice Provost was on his way to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete in POWER SLAP 1.  Provost walked away with a win, turning off the lights for his opponent and sending his opponent flat to the ground like a tree falling in a field.  There is little doubt that Provost brings real in your face toughness and has the power to back it up.  Provost proved beyond a doubt that he is a beast that goes beyond the borders. A victory over McNeil would point Provost’s recently established pro career in the right direction.

JOSEPH McNEIL will be making his pro debut at Battle in Barre 10.  His opponent Andrew Provost makes for a big test.  McNeil fights out of Massachusetts and trains under the leadership of Worcester MMA.  He made his amateur MMA debut in December of 2019, a win via second round rear naked choke finish over Jarett Turnbaugh.  In September of 2021 with only one amateur fight to his credit McNeil took a shot at the vacant DonnyBrooke Fight Promotional amateur MMA lightweight championship title, the opponent undefeated Romano Medina (5-0) whom many within the fight community considered to be a future pro prospect.  McNeil fought hard for three rounds before the referee had seen enough, stopping the bout in favor of Romano Medina via KO/TKO.  Joseph brings more than just bravery with him.  He also carries muay thai experience having generated a (1-0) record in muay thai as an amateur.  The Massachusetts fighter is going to need to be prepared to dig deep into his fight kit.

I see Provost as the favorite in what looks to be a very entertaining main event.  With that said, this is the fight business, and one can never count out a fighter’s chance.  Yes it is true, every fighter has a puncher’s chance and it only takes one shot to win a fight.  It is also true one poor decision or one bad move and somebody is tapping out.  If McNeil can find a home for his striking or is able to execute an aggressive ground game it is fair to say anything can happen. 

Northeast fight fans don’t miss this pro lightweight main event as DonnyBrooke Fight Promotions continues to bring combat sports to the state of Vermont.  I took a brief moment to speak with Rex Thompson, the promoter of DonnyBrooke Fight Promotions. I asked him his thoughts on DonnyBrooke and how it has grown. “To be honest I’m very pleased at our growth in the New England fight scene, we just added a brand new production crew to our staff for this show, so we can take our video production to the next level,” he replied. Rex explained to me the importance of not growing too fast. He explained how slow steady growth is important in building a solid foundation. The promotion is looking to expand their small glove muay thai kickboxing fights both amateur and professional. “We have some huge fights lined up for this year,” exclaimed Rex. The future is looking bright for DonnyBrooke and New England fight fans can continue to expect pure excitement at every event. Andrew Provost versus Joseph McNeil looks to be a stout main event. “This is one of the most even matchups I could make,” stated Rex Thompson. Even fights make for action packed fights and action packed fights make for energized fans. New England fight fans do not miss BATTLE in BARRE 10.

By Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

GUNNER SPAIN vs COREY BUTTS : CAGE WARS 58

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GUNNER SPAIN vs COREY BUTTS
Professional Lightweight (155 lbs) Bout
Cage Wars 58 / Rivers Casino
June 3, 2023 / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NORTH EAST MMA Media


Pennsylvania’s GUNNER “The Real McCoy” SPAIN set to face New York’s COREY BUTTS in Pro Lightweight Action
By: T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)


CAGE WARS 58 is set for June 3, 2023 at Rivers Casino in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Just one of many exciting bouts scheduled includes GUNNER “The Real McCoy” SPAIN versus COREY BUTTS, a pro lightweight fight that very well could turn into one of the most entertaining matchups of the night. This looks to be a competitively matched pro lightweight contest.

GUNNER SPAIN is a colorful and charismatic fighter who is carrying the momentum of a seven fight win streak.  He fights out of Pennsylvania and hosts a (1-0) MMA record as a professional. Spain made his amateur MMA debut back in December of 2019.  He went (6-0) winning the Maverick MMA welterweight championship title on two occasions and the Dead Serious MMA welterweight championship title as an amateur before making his professional debut in March of this year (2023) at Ring of Combat 79. Gunner managed to grind out a split decision win over Chris Guariglia (1-1) in his pro debut.  Spain has the energy in his corner coming off a win and having never been defeated inside the cage.  “I’m feeling great! Went back to the workshop after my last fight and worked on some things and I’m ready to get back in there,” explained Gunner Spain. Gunner brings a strong wrestling background and at only twenty-one years of age he also brings youth.  Corey Butts is a solid challenge for Spain’s second pro fight.  A win over Butts would up Spain’s young pro record to an undefeated (2-0) and extend his winning streak to eight. 

COREY BUTTS fights out of New York.  He is a veteran of the Cage Wars promotion having fought six times under the promotional banner as an amateur.  Corey has built a (7-3) amateur MMA record.  He demonstrated considerable success as an amateur capturing two Cage Wars championship titles and two Glauis Fights championship titles. June 3rd at Cage Wars 58 the thirty-three year old Butts will be making his pro debut.  He will be entering the cage as a pro after a five year amateur run.  Corey is tough, durable, and scrappy.  He always brings a hard fight and is always ready to leave it all inside the cage.  The New York Lightweight is a seasoned competitor with an accomplished amateur career, but to walk away with the ‘W’ he will need to bring his ‘A’ game into the cage against Spain. To be successful Corey will need to find a way to control Spain’s wrestling game.  If Butts can neutralize Spain’s ground game the opportunity for victory could become more visible.  A win over Spain would give Butts a big ‘W’ over a rising young professional prospect and generate a strong start to his pro career. 

As always the number one rule will be to avoid making mistakes.  With two colliding warriors both extremely early in their pro careers chances of critical mistakes could be high.  The fighter who can take maximum advantage of their opponent’s mistakes could dictate the direction of the fight and perhaps decide the outcome. Corey Butts faced ten opponents as an amateur with a combined total of sixty-seven bouts of experience between them.  Gunner Spain faced six opponents as an amateur with a combined total of thirteen bouts of experience between them. I asked Spain if this could give Butts the edge in experience.  “I started training to fight when I was four years old.  I’m twenty-one now that’s’ seventeen years of experience I have.  I am not worried about it. I have trained with many fighters with many more years of experience than myself and they fight at the highest levels.  I will be prepared,” responded Spain.  The Pennsylvania based fighter is confident and will most likely have the crowd in his favor. Spain brings an arsenal that includes wrestling and jiu jitsu.  Spain believes these weapons will produce big dividends and be a major factor throughout the fight.  Spain is quick to remind everyone he brings a striking game as well and is always expanding his well rounded fight tool box. 

GUNNER “The Real McCoy” SPAIN
COREY BUTTS

It will be interesting to see which of the two combatants will gain the edge in strength.  All things considered I see Spain coming in as the favorite, however do not drop your guard on Butts.  The New York fighter has what it takes if he can muster up, use his experience, and take it to the next level.  Corey Butts and Gunner Spain make for a good regional pro lightweight bout. Age versus youth, this battle has the fixings to be a hard fought pro lightweight fight that the fans will definitely enjoy.

By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

NORTH EAST MMA Media

Cover Photo Credit – Cage Wars MMA

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