GIORGI KVIRCHISHVILI MAKES STRONG PRO DEBUT AT CFFC 131
NORTH EAST MMA Media

“MY GOAL IS THE UFC.  I THINK THAT’S WHERE I’M GOING AND I’M READY FOR ANYTHING ALONG THE WAY.”
– Giorgi Kvirchishvili

When GIORGI KVIRCHISHVILI enters the MMA cage it is difficult not to notice his towering physique that resembles that of a Eurasian Brown Bear.  Once the bout begins it is easy to notice he has the brutal potency to match.   Giorgi Kvirchishvili brings serious determination, colossal strength, and heavy punching power into every fight. The thirty-three year old heavyweight generated an impressive undefeated (4 – 0) record as an amateur.  Kvirchishvili destroyed all four of his amateur opponents, two via knockout and two by way of submission.  His amateur highlights include capturing the vacant Flex Fights Heavyweight Title and the vacant Cage Wars heavyweight title.  As an amateur he climbed the rankings quickly becoming the top heavyweight in the northeast. 

Kvirchishvili is considered by many inside the sport to be a true heavyweight prospect with real promise. He has the ability to unload big strikes and dominate with powerful grappling. 

On April 12, 2024 Giorgi Kvirchishvili made his professional debut as the opening bout on the Cage Fury Fighting Championships 131 stacked card at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Kvirchishvili overwhelmed a debuting Mike Curiel with thunderous shots to deliver a crushing first round knockout victory.

GIORGI KVIRCHISHVILI stops Mike Curiel in the first round to gain pro debut win at CFFC 131

Climbing to the summit of the pro heavyweight division is an enormous challenge.  Most are not up for the brutal task.  Kvirchishvili is ready to rise to the occasion.  “This sport is an important part of my life.  I use every opportunity to progress.  I work hard, I have very good team, and I have no right to disappoint.  I love when I leave the cage victorious,” explained Kvirchishvili.      

Giorgi is open to any offer.  His goal is the UFC and based on his successful amateur career and explosive pro debut performance most fight fans believe this goal could someday become a reality.  It doesn’t matter to Kvirchishvili who the opponent is or will be.  He is always ready to engage anyone who wants it.  Fight fans keep your eyes on this up and coming pro heavyweight.  He has the right stuff to make a major impact.  Don’t be surprised to see him holding the CFFC heavyweight title belt someday soon.  As long as Kvirchishvili continues to grow, evolve, and destroy opponents he will be on course to becoming an excellent future fit for the UFC heavyweight roster.  Perhaps the UFC should begin making room now. 

NORTH EAST MMA Media
By: Thomas Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
Photo Credit – CFFC

ELSHADDAI VANHOESEN vs MALIK SMITH READY TO COLLIDE FOR VACANT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
NORTH EAST MMA Media

CAGE WARS 65 PRIMED TO UNLOAD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE EXCITEMENT WITH VANHOESEN VS SMITH
CAGE WARS 65 is set to deliver a hard hitting heavyweight title bout April 5, 2024 at Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York. This heavyweight title bout is just one a many explosive matchups on tap.

ELSHADDAI VANHOESEN fights out of New York and brings a (4 – 2) record into the fight.  He is a fan favorite and veteran of the Cage Wars promotion. The upcoming title bout will be his fifth time entering the Cage Wars cage. Vanhoesen has finished three of his four wins by way of KO/TKO, all coming in the first round.  Vanhoesen always delivers action accompanied with high excitement. He is looking to turn around a two fight losing skid. This title fight will provide Vanhoesen the opportunity to show the fight fans he is ready to start stacking up the heavyweight W’s. Vanhoesen knows how to win a championship title having captured the Cage Wars super heavyweight title back in January of 2023 at Cage Wars 55, defeating an undefeated champion in Cory Quintana. 

MALIK SMITH fights out of Long Island, New York and brings a (6 – 5) amateur MMA record into the title fight.  He is coming off a third round submission finish over Travis Streeter back in November of 2023 at Cage Wars 62. Four of Smith’s wins have been via finish.  He has a strong kickboxing background. This will be his fourth time entering the Cage Wars center stage. In November of 2021 he won the Cage Wars vacant Super Heavyweight Championship Title against a tough James Chaplin.  In April of 2022 he lost the Cage Wars title in his first defense against Cory Quintana via unanimous decision. On April 5^th Smith will be on the hunt to regain the championship belt.

It will be interesting to see how this heavyweight war plays out considering Smith lost his title to Quintana and nine months later Vanhoesen won the title from Quintana.  Cage Wars 65 will give Smith the opportunity to regain the title.  It will give him the chance to climb back up that mountain.  A win over Vanhoesen would lift Smith considerably in the amateur heavyweight northeast rankings. 

NORTH EAST MMA Media’s Tommy Vickers got the opportunity to have a quick chat with Elshaddia Vanhoesen leading up to the Cage Wars heavyweight title bout set for April 5, 2024 at Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York. 

TOMMY V. – “How has your preparation for the fight been coming along for you?”

ELSHADDIA VANHOESEN – “My preparation has been good.  I’ve been getting a lot of work in sparring with different partners.  I helped Al Marro prepare for his fight a little at Heavy Hitters Club in Connecticut.  I’ve also been frequenting Tristar in Montreal.  Of course my daily training at Clever Combat in Latham.”

TOMMY V. – “Do you have a good idea of what Smith will bring to the table on fight night?  Do you feel he will bring any surprises?”

ELSHADDIA VANHOESEN – “Smith is an experienced fighter that has been through every scenario in the cage.  He’s been trending upwards and improving every fight.  I think he will show diverse striking and look to use his length to keep distance between us.  I’m not sure what surprises he could show but if I did it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it.  LOL”    

TOMMY V. – “What can the Cage Wars fans expect to see from you during the title bout?”

ELSHADDIA VANHOESEN – “Cage Wars can expect to see a new improved big pisser exciting as always.  WINNING isn’t enough for me I want to do it in exciting fashion.  I want to give everyone a night to remember.”

TOMMY V. – “And lastly, how do you see the Smith fight playing out?”

ELSHADDIA VANHOESEN – “I see Malik getting overwhelmed by pressure I looking to show my finishing ability with grappling so look for my first submission finish in the cage.”

NORTH EAST MMA Media – Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

DAVID GALLI vs MARCO BERREONDO
CAGE WARS 65 CO-MAIN EVENT
BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT

NEW YORK WARRIORS HUNGRY FOR CAGE WARS BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
CAGE WARS 65 is set to go down April 5, 2024 at the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York. The featured co-main event will host two of New York’s finest amateur bantamweights primed to battle it out for the vacant Bantamweight Championship Title – David Galli and Marco Berreondo. This co-main title fight will be just one of many explosive bouts scheduled on what looks to be a monster sized card.

DAVID GALLI is out of New York and trains under the guidance of Brian Beaury Jiu Jitsu.  He carries a (3 – 1) record as an amateur.  Galli has proven his submission prowess with all three of his wins coming via submission.  Galli is coming off a strong first round submission win over Juan Willett at Cage Wars 61 back in September of last year. On April 5th Galli will be making his fourth appearance inside the Cage Wars cage with this being his second attempt at the Cage Wars Bantamweight Championship Title. Galli made his first run at the title back in March of 2023 but came up short against Vincent Constantino. The fight ended by way of doctor stoppage due to a disappointing ankle injury.  Cage Wars 65 will bring him a second chance at the bantamweight belt.

MARCO BERREONDO brings a (6 – 3) record into the title fight.  He hails from New York and trains under Warriors Nation MMA.  Marco is riding the momentum of an impressive four fight winning streak. He has a solid wrestling, BJJ, and kickboxing background. Berreondo has produced four of his six victories via finish. This will be his second time competing under the promotional bright lights of Cage Wars. In March of last year Berreondo captured the Parabellum New York vacant amateur bantamweight title with a first round submission over Vincent Pagnotta. In September of 2023 Berreondo won the NEF bantamweight title with a third round rear naked choke finish against a (6 – 1) Teddy Politis.  He is coming off a five round unanimous decision win in February of this year, a successful defense of his NEF bantamweight title against an undefeated Nate Dorr.  With two regional title belts to his name Marco Berreondo will be looking for number three, the prestigious Cage Wars bantamweight championship title.

TWO NEW YORK WARRIORS – ONE CAGE WARS CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

Both GALLI and BERREONDO have their eyes on the CAGE WARS vacant bantamweight title.  Both are hungry and both are extremely capable.  Can Galli put an end to Berreondo’s red hot winning streak and claim the Cage Wars bantamweight title?  Or will Berreondo use his experience and evolving fight game to gain his third amateur northeast bantamweight championship belt?  This co-main event is ready to deliver serious smoke to the fight fans and could easily be a ‘Fight of the Night’ in the making.     

NORTH EAST MMA Media
Combat Sports Journalist – Tommy Vickers

(November 3, 2023) Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady NY – CAGE WARS 62 delivered a monster fight card filled with bigtime action. Seven championship title bouts highlighted a dynamite event in front of a sold out crowd.

NORTH EAST MMA Media

CAGE WARS 62 / PRELIM – ACTION

Rodney Johnson put on a solid performance in his amateur MMA debut defeating Derrick Brown (0-4) via round two TKO in Light Heavyweight action.  Johnson moves to (1-0) as an amateur with the debut win.  Derrick Brown drops to (0-4) with the loss.

Gannon Odierno won debut bout with big arm-bar submission first round finish over Matthew Dequarto (0-3) in cruiser heavyweight action.  Odierno moves to (1-0) as an amateur with the debut win and Matthew Dequarto falls to (0-4) with the loss.

Bryan Betts gained a strong victory over Aidhan Callighan via unanimous decision in 185 lbs action.  All three judges scored the fight (30-27).  Betts upped his amateur record to (2-0) with the win while Callighan falls to (0-1) with the debut loss. 

Chris Hidley (Team Jucao) delivered a destructive combination that ended his bantamweight matchup against Billy Everett in the first round by way of knockout.  Billy Everett had a good quick start but fell short in his amateur debut.  Hidley ups his amateur record to (2-0) with the big KO win.  Billy Everett falls to (0-1) with the debut loss. 

Rich Lang (MVMMA) pulled out what many in the crowd saw as a controversial split decision win over Bryce Ward (Team Jucao) in a 165 lbs catchweight matchup.  Rich Lang climbs to (3-0) as an amateur while Bryce Ward goes to (0-1) with the debut loss. 

CAGE WARS 62 / UNDERCARD ACTION

Braeton Lawton gained his second win as an amateur with a second round doctor stoppage victory over Dalton Jaquish (Garage MMA) in cruiser heavyweight action.  Lawton moves to (2-5) with the win and Jaquish drops to (1-2) with the loss. 

Malik Smith defeated Travis Streeter (Black Lotus Fitness) via round three verbal tap in super heavyweight action.  Smith moves to (4-2) as an amateur with the victory.  Streeter falls to (3-4) with the loss. 

Jeff Gregory (Garage MMA) gained his first amateur win by way of round one doctor stoppage due to cut versus Rich Cloudhammer (Team Jucao) in light heavyweight action.  Gregory moves to (1-2) with the win.  Cloudhammer sinks to (3-3) with the loss. 

CAGE WARS 62 / MAIN CARD ACTION

Marco Berreondo battled his way to a split decision victory over Ryad Hilali (JKS) in bantamweight action.  Berreondo goes to (5-3) as an amateur with the win while Hilali drops to (2-4). 

Paul Lafond delivered a fast first round finish via ground and pound against John Flansburg for the Cage Wars light heavyweight title.  Lafond climbs to (3-2) with the victory and takes his place as the new USMTA light heavyweight champion.  Flansburg falls to (2-2) with the defeat.

Paige Wilcox (Apex Combat Sports) stopped Erica Valentin (Underdog Mixed Martial Arts) via first round submission to capture the USMTA strawweight championship title.  Wilcox remains undefeated and moves to (4-0) as an amateur.  Valentin drops to (3-6) with the loss.

Marcus Hardiman (Lehigh Valley Fight Club) captured the vacant Cage Wars welterweight championship title by way of split decision over Kenny Correa (Mohawk Valley MMA).  Hardiman gains the welterweight title, remains undefeated, and moves to (5-0) as an amateur.  Correa falls to (3-2) with the loss.

Tony Bourizk (10^th Planet Allentwon/Finishers MMA HQ) won the Cage Wars heavyweight championship title by way of split decision against James Carroll (Brian Beaury Jiu Jitsu).  Bourizk climbs to an undefeated (4-0) amateur record with the win.  Carroll drops to (4-4) with the defeat.

Joe Crowley (Apex Combat Sports) battled his way to a third round knockout victory over Darnell Parker (Fusion MMA) to capture the Cage Wars middleweight championship title.  Crowley climbs to (5-1) with the win.  Parker falls to (6-1) with his first amateur loss.

Matthew Santos (Finishers MMA HQ) won the Cage Wars bantamweight championship title by way of unanimous decision over Hayden Speckhardt (Team Jucao).  Santos ups his amateur record to (5-5) with the title win.  Speckhardt falls to (3-3) with the loss. 

Alaina Dutill (CFS Academy) won the Cage Wars women’s strawweight championship title with a unanimous decision victory over the defending champ Tatiana Cirilo (Finishers MMA HQ).  Dutill climbs to (4-2) with the win.  Cirilo sinks to (4-3) with the defeat. 

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Photo Credit – NORTH EAST MMA Media
T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

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 7^th 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 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)

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 13^th 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. 

“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)

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 13^th 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 11^th 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
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 3^rd 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. 

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