On February 9, 2013 the Mixed Martial Arts community will come together for “Buckley MMA Fight Night”, Presented by Ring Of Fire MMA and in conjunction with Shameless MMA. This great night of fights features a main event that pits two strikers against each other as UFC vet Tyler THUNDER Toner takes on Bellator veteran Cody Connell. In the co-main event Brazilian fighter and BJJ black belt Fabio JUNGLE BOY Serrao will go head to head with undefeated wrestler Jarred Mercado.
This event marks the first time an MMA event will be held on Buckley Air Force Base and those in attendance will be comprised of both current and former military. Although this event is closed to the general public, Shameless MMA has all MMA and military fans covered with a LIVE PPV stream thanks to Ustream, the leader in live online video broadcasting. Proceeds of the stream will go toward The Wounded Warrior Project. MMA fans worldwide will have the opportunity to watch the broadcast on Ustream’s platform, which will help insure that the PPV donations will ensure those involved in the Wounded Warrior Project have the resources necessary to make a difference in the lives of those that have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.
“Ustream’s platform allows event producers to extend their viewership, while providing them with the flexibility and tools to cater to their fans,” said Brad Hunstable, CEO of Ustream. “Despite the exclusive nature of this event, Shameless MMA clearly illustrates a true commitment to MMA fans, as well as the service members that are part of the Wounded Warrior Project.”
UFC veteran Tyler THUNDER Toner takes on Bellator veteran Cody Carillo. Both fighters are known for their striking abilities and come from great camps. Toner fights out of EASTON BJJ and the famed GRUDGE Training Center. Toner has been a fixture with ROF since 2006. His position in the sport quickly gained traction with successful bouts in Strikeforce, WEC, UFC and Shootboxing, where he upset World Champion Kenichi Ogata by KO in Ogata’s home country of Japan. Carrillo has a Muay Thai background and hails from Janjira Muay Thai Kansas. He amassed a 14-4 amateur career before turning professional in 2011 on a Bellator FC event. Since going pro he has fought 12 times with a 7-5 record, with his last 3 bouts all ending by KO or TKO.
Toner quotes on bout:
“I am a big supporter of our troops and am excited about fighting in front of them. It’s an honor to be included in this event, and hope to give the crowd an exciting performance. I love fighting for Ring Of Fire and to be part of this first event on base is awesome. I know that both me and my opponent like to stand and bang, and I am always down to let the gloves fly. It’s should be a great fight!”
Carrillo quotes on bout:
“It’s an honor for me to fight for those that serve our country. What I do is a sport, these men and women put their lives on the line every day. I have the utmost respect for them. Toner is a great fighter and I am looking forward to the fight. I think our styles match up well, but this is MMA so you never know what’s going to happen. I’m just going to come in as well prepared as possible and put on a show for the troops.”
Brazil’s Fabio JUNGLE BOY Serrao was originally slated to face UFC veteran Alvin KID Robinson, but Robinson had to withdraw from the bout due to a knee injury. Several replacement fighters were discussed with Serrao’s camp but ultimately the spot has been filled by undefeated wrestling standout Jarred SHUT OUT Mercado. Mercado steps in on two weeks notice but is in fight shape as he just competed on Friday the 25th stopping his opponent Rocky Johnson improving his undefeated record to 7-0. The win makes him one of the top prospects in the region, and hopes that a win against Serrao would elevate him to national status. The fight also has a special meaning to Mercado
Mercado quotes on bout:
“My friend and wrestling teammate Sandrino Plutino passed away in combat leading his team of Army Rangers. I can’t think of a better way to use my fighting to pay tribute to him than fighting at Buckley Air Force Base with only troops in attendance.”
Fabio JUNGLE BOY Serrao hails from Manaus, Brazil. He is a 2nd degree black belt under BJJ Grand Master Osvaldo Alves. Alves has been trainer to some of the biggest names in the sport including Vitor Belfort, Paulo Filho and the Nogueira brothers. Serrao has a professional MMA record of 5 wins with 2 losses. In grappling competition Serrao is a 4 time NAGA World Champion, Brazil JiuJitsu National Champion, and Amazon State Champion. He is a Team Link competition member and training partner to UFC heavyweight Gabriel Gonzaga.
Serrao quotes on bout:
“I wish Alvin Robinson a speedy recovery, as I look forward to fighting him when he is healthy. I like the match up with Mercado as the style is very similar and has trained with Alvin. I want no excuses and liked that Mercado was in shape and ready to fight. I want no excuses in the bout. I will also be fighting for the troops of the world with my military school background. I represent a big team and a big social project called “Jungle Boy Project” that teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for free to the poor kids in my hometown Manaus. My victory is their victory…I will use the money from the Fight to help the kids of the project.”
In addition to the main and co-main events, BUCKLEY MMA FIGHT NIGHT will also feature the following matchups:
- Former 505th Parachute Infantryman Sam Rauch vs. Brian Maronek
- Todd “Captain America” Meredith vs. Former U.S. Marine Reed O’Malley
- Women’s feature bout with Shannon Culpepper vs. Mercedes Timmerman
- Bouts featuring members of the Army, Air Force, Air Force reserves and Marines.
FIGHT! Magazine is proud to be a sponsor of the Buckley MMA Fight Night. FIGHT! is the world’s leading Mixed Martial Arts magazine, covering all aspects of the ever expanding MMA universe.www.fightmagazine.com
The LIVE PPV Ustream will be $14.95 USD with proceeds from each purchase going to The Wounded Warriors Project. The stream will be available to all via http://www.shamelessmma.com,http://www.facebook.com/shamelessmma and can be purchased and viewed from Ustream directly at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shameless-mma.
