World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) has signed costumed crime fighter and undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star Phoenix Jones aka Ben “Flattop” Fodor, who was the subject of a recent, in-depth feature story on ESPN SportsCenter, to a multi-fight contract.
WSOF Signs Costumed Crime Fighter Phoenix Jones
The 26-year-old Fodor (5-0-1), who has gained widespread attention for his exploits as a superhero-like protector of the Seattle, Wash. streets where he resides, will make his debut for the world championship MMA promotion against an opponent to be determined at WSOF 20: Branch vs. Markes at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. on Friday, April 10, live on NBCSN.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ben Fodor, who has not only been making waves as an unbeaten professional in our great sport, but who has also shown himself to be an incredibly courageous and selfless human being by risking his safety in the streets of Seattle to help and inspire others,” said WSOF President, six-time world champion and two-time Hall of Famer Ray Sefo.
Fodor, the brother of fellow MMA standout Caros Fodor, made national headlines as Phoenix Jones for the first time in 2011 after thwarting a number of street crimes, including burglary and assault, while clad from head to toe in a black and gold body suit.
That year, Fodor also launched the now-defunct Rain City Superhero Movement, a self-described crime fighting brigade consisting of over a dozen costumed activists dedicated to curbing crime in Seattle.
In the cage, Fodor, a protégé of retired MMA star and famed trainer Matt Hume, has become a ferocious force to be reckoned with, going unbeaten in his first 6 professional starts after amassing a stellar 15-2 amateur career record.
In his last effort on Feb. 21, Fodor submitted Jason Novelli with a rear-naked choke in the third round (3:06) of their matchup in Tacoma, Wash.
Priced from $39.99, tickets for WSOF 20: Branch vs. Markes at Foxwoods Resort Casino are on sale at Ticketmaster.com. The event will be headlined by the second matchup – David Branch (15-3) vs. Ronny Markes (15-3) – in the multi-event tournament that will crown its winner the inaugural WSOF world light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion.
The live NBCSN telecast of WSOF 20 begins at 9:00 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. PST onFriday, April 10.
