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By MFC Staff - Jun 24, 2009
Welterweight kingpin has several eyes upon his title belt
Pat Healy won the MFC welterweight title in style, in survivor mode for much of the fight before turning the tables and using his well-tuned veteran skills to sew up the victory.
"Bam Bam" has since defended the title once coming away with a decision victory in the rematch, and soon it would seem likely that a second defence of his belt is in order. Since he basically has to bulk up to compete as a welterweight, Healy has intentions of making a run in the lightweight ranks in the near future but it is unlikely he'll make the move to 155 with Antonio McKee as the current MFC lightweight champ.
MFC and HDNet Renew Broadcast Agreement
By Keith Grienke MFC Staff - Jun 22, 2009
“HDNet will continue to showcase the premiere MMA promotion in Canada to millions of fans in North America,” announced Andrew Simon, the CEO of HDNet Fights. HDNet and Maximum Fighting Championship have extended their agreement to continue broadcasting MFC events exclusively on HDNet.
HDNet is the “Home of MMA” and having the MFC on its roster enables the broadcaster “to continue to provide more MMA content than any network in the world,” claimed Andrew Simon. The MFC/HDNet partnership began in early 2008 and has proven to be mutually beneficial to both companies. “HDNet works closely with MFC to put on events that local fans will want to buy tickets to and HDNet customers will not want to miss,” the HDNet Fights’ CEO continued.
Who's in line for crack at McKee?
MFC Staff - Jun 20, 2009
Fine crop of lightweights could get shot at title when MFC 22 rolls around
Antonio McKee touted a take-on-all-comers attitude on the subject of defending his MFC lightweight title.
"Mandingo" gutted out a convincing five-round decision over Derrick Noble at MFC 20 back in February to take the crown and then promptly served notice that he wouldn't back down from any challenger the MFC brass could throw in front of him. So who is in line to face McKee (22-3-2) in the likelihood
that the 155-pound belt is up for grabs come Oct. 2 at MFC 22: Payoff?
Behind a Successful Man is a Great Manon
MFC Staff Keith Grienke - Jun 18, 2009
A successful MMA fighter needs a great cornerman. The corner influences strategy, supports, and instructs their fighter. Not only does the corner celebrate their fighter's victory, but they are also there when the opponent’s hand is raised. The corner rarely gets the spotlight, but they are always in close proximity to the action. A successful promoter needs a great cornerman as well. Mark Pavelich's corner is covered by his wife, Manon Pavelich. Mark Pavelich has received many accolades as the President of Maximum Fighting Championship and he is the first one to say that a major reason for this success is his cornerman, or rather cornerwoman, Manon Pavelich.
Fans know all about the MFC president and are getting more familiar with his son, HeatXC frontman, Dave Pavelich – but what about Manon? Manon is modest and does not boast about all she has helped her husband to accomplish. After overcoming her initial reluctance to talk about herself, one is amazed by how outgoing she becomes as she discusses, in her charming French-Croatian accent, her business, her friends, and most importantly, her family.
John Alessio: "I Haven't Ducked Anybody"
By Kelsey Philpott, MFC Staff - Jun 16, 2009
John Alessio was victorious and in impressive fashion last month - choking
out Calgary's Andrew Buckland at MFC 21 and winning both submission and
assassination of the night honours - but it wasn't enough to please
everyone.
There are some people that feel as though Alessio ducked the likes of Derrick Noble and Jake Ellenberger in favour of fighting the less experienced Buckland at MFC 21.
Alessio is well aware of the chatter and obviously sees things differently. "Derrick Noble was never brought up to me by my manager," said Alessio. "Still, it's ridiculous, because I would fight Derrick Noble in a heartbeat. No disrespect to him, but I think we're both two veterans in the game and we'd put on a good fight.
Payoff on the Move
Jun 14, 2009
MFC 22 will take place on Oct. 2
The Maximum Fighting Championship is pleased to announce that the
organization has secured a new date for MFC 22: Payoff in order to continue
its outstanding relationship with HDNet Fights.
MFC 22: Payoff will move from Friday, September 25 to the new date of Friday, October 2 in order to guarantee that the fight card featuring the hotly anticipated return of homegrown superstar Jason "The Athlete" MacDonald airs on HDNet Fights. More details on the action-packed lineup will be coming soon.
The power of the pen - or in this case the keyboard - is amazing
Z-Files #41 - Jun 12, 2009
One short quote and an “international” incident is created. It’s not often that Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald fires off a shot during an interview. J-Mac tends to pick his words carefully and is 99.9% of the time very respective of opponents.
But in his interview about returning to the MFC, MacDonald hit Defcon 3 when the subject turned to “Mr. International” Shonie Carter, saying he likely wouldn’t consider a rematch with Carter since he now considered the longtime veteran “a joke” at this point in his career.
Carter didn’t take to kindly to those words and spouted off on his own saying he would “make him bleed” if they fought again.
J-MAC Disses Mr. International
By Web Staff, SPORTSNET.CA - Jun 10, 2009
Jason MacDonald said he's seeking quality opponents as he eyes the MFC title -- (Mr. International) Shonie Carter doesn't qualify.
Jason (The Athlete) MacDonald doesn’t have a next opponent yet but he is already making waves since re-joining his hometown promotion, the Maximum Fighting Championship.
The veteran fighter from Red Deer stirred up a bit of controversy by referring to fellow fighter Shonie Carter as "a joke."
Touted Goncalves Looking to Prove Himself
By Kelsey Philpott, MFC Staff - Jun 07, 2009
Does any touted fighter ever truly live up to his hype? It’s a difficult question to answer because the issue of hype is quite subjective and relative from one person to another.
There are safer bets than others, of course, and when you look at the MFC’s newest welterweight acquisition, Thiago “Jambo” Goncalves, you can’t help but think that he’s got the credentials to live up to some of his hype.
“I don’t know about all these people talking about me!” said Goncalves. “I don’t understand, really and it’s not something I think about. I just try to train hard and be the best I can.”
Goncalves, a native of Maceio, Brazil, not only sports a record of 12-2, but also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and has spent significant time training muay thai with Anderson Silva.
The Case for Legalization: A Fundamental Shift
By Kelsey Philpott - Jun 05, 2009
The recent developments in New York and Ontario would seem to bring about the proper timing for yet another discussion about legalizing mixed martial arts.
In lieu of my recent debut television appearance for Rogers Sportsnet’s MMA: Connected, speaking on this very subject (in addition to a host of other business-related MMA issues), I’ve also decided to comment in print.
I’ll say this much: the legalization scale seems to be slowly tipping in MMA’s favour. The ball is now rolling so to speak – despite the enormous amount of work still left to be done – but, in order for MMA to move any further, I believe that a fundamental shift in the sport’s approach to seeking legislation needs to occur.
J-Mac attack is back
By MFC Staff - Jun 03, 2009
Jason MacDonald is the very definition of the catchphrase "hometown hero."
In the early days of the Maximum Fighting Championship, "The Athlete" was
one of the main attractions on fight cards. His popularity grew at an
incredible rate. MacDonald became the star - legions of fans turned out for every show and those loyal followers helped the MFC get credited with having the marketplace's "sexiest crowd in sports."
And now MacDonald has returned to the MFC, more popular than ever before
and with his eye on a prize that eluded him during his previous tenure with
the organization. Speaking on the day of his 34 birthday, MacDonald wanted
only one gift and it is one that he can wrap up for himself.
Prangley Reflects on MFC 21; Future
By Kelsey Philpott, MFC Staff - Jun 01, 2009
"I wasn't really comfortable enough with my performance - I'm really
critical of myself and when I'm out there fighting as I never think I'm
doing as well as I maybe truly am - so I thought I needed a big finish,"
explained Prangley. "I went in for the shot, but [Emanuel Newton] caught me
and pushed me off. It looked like he was just content to circle away and end
the fight that way, so I just came forward and threw the kick."
It was a head kick that sent both men crashing violently to the ground at
the end of the fifth and final round of their title fight at MFC 21. And,
for a brief moment, the outcome of the fight was in question: had Prangley
scored a KO victory or were we headed to the scorecards?
Maximum Meltdown Contest
May 28, 2009
It all started innocently over a luxurious dinner. It turned into a heated debate and has now become the first-ever Maximum Meltdown Contest.
Two of the MFC’s major corporate sponsors are going head to head in a showdown, but this is one is outside of the ring. And their weigh-loss rivalry could lead to you getting an all-expense-paid trip to see MFC 22: Payoff on Friday, September 25 at the River Cree Resort and Casino.
Jennifer Bell-Fields of the River Cree Resort and Casino and Craig Anstead of Paradise RV were among a group having dinner before MFC 21: Hard Knocks. When talked turned to weight loss, the pair decided in good-natured fashion that it was time to drop some pounds but then their competitive streaks took over. Challenges went back and forth, and right in front of MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich - a good friend of both sponsors.
Best of the best
MFC website to host 'Fight of the Week' retrospective - May 25, 2009
Classic confrontations. Home-grown talents. The new breed of stars.
The Maximum Fighting Championship's top-rated website is going to be the place to be Monday nights when the MFC unveils its very best all-time fights. The MFC "Fight of the Week" will be launched on June 1 and each Monday afterwards a new fight will be selected to air.
The fights will range from MFC 4: New Grounds to MFC 21: Hard Knocks and feature a who's who of MFC fighters from an all-star cast that includes Jason "The Athlete" MacDonald, Patrick "The Predator" Cote, Marvin “ The Beastman” Eastman, John “ The Natural” Alessio, Antonio “Mandingo” McKee, Pat “Bam Bam” Healy, Paul “Semtex” Daly, Nick “The Goat” Thompson, Travis "The Gladiator" Galbraith ,Dan "The Beast" Severn, Bill "The Butcher" Mahood, Blake "The Snake" Fredrickson, Roger "The Hulk" Hollett, Fabio "The Mastermind" Holanda, Brad Zazulak, Aron "The Poster Boy" Lofton, Jason Kuchera, and many more.
MacDonald’s confidence in high gear
By MFC Staff - May 23, 2009
Welterweight sensation signs with MFC/Heat XC
It’s not considered cockiness when you can back it up.
Cory MacDonald is out to prove that he is full of confidence and the talent to reinforce his boastful statements. He is eager to cut a swath through the MFC’s welterweight division and put the championship belt around his waist.
MacDonald (9-2) will get his first opportunity to be the new buzzsaw at 170 pounds when he holds main-event status at Heat XC 3: Ruthless on July 17 at the River Cree Resort and Casino. The 31-year-old from Kingston, ON, will then stand on the big stage for the first time at MFC 22: Payoff on Sept. 25.
Triton Fight Center - One of Oklahoma's Finest
By Kelsey Philpott, MFC Staff - May 21, 2009
Oklahoma is best known for three things – football, wrestling, and tornados – but soon Oklahoma may also be well-known for something else: it’s mixed martial artists. And with fighters like David Heath, Aron Lofton, Matt Grice, and Mike Budnik all emerging from The Sooner State, who could argue?
Triton Fight Center is one of the gyms currently at the forefront of Oklahoma’s ascension up the MMA ranks and has helped to develop some of the aforementioned talent including Lofton and Budnik.
Not surprisingly, Triton also has one of the best instructors in the state, Piet Wilhelm. A four-stripe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt (out of American Top Team’s Renato Tavares) and a former fighter himself, Wilhelm, knows what he’s looking for when he sees it.
MFC and Heat XC to share spotlight at River Cree
May 19, 2009
New schedule will showcase both brands at dynamic casino-resort
The Maximum Fighting Championship and its developmental organization Heat
XC are excited to jointly announce that they are teaming up with the River
Cree Resort and Casino which will now become the exclusive host for both
shows.
Heat XC will then assume the previously announced MFC date of Friday, July
17. The MFC will maintain its schedule of Friday, September 25, and Friday,
December 4, and Heat XC will add a second soon-to-be-determined date at
River Cree.
Prangley steals the show
By Mario Annicchiarico, The Edmonton Journal - May 17, 2009
South African takes advantage of lost point to capture world
light-heavyweight belt
They got their money's worth, and then some.
Trevor Prangley and Emanuel Newton poured every ounce of energy into the
main event on the MFC 21: Hard Knocks card at River Cree Resort and Casino
on Friday.
In the end, Prangley, a tough South African, proved to be a little too much
in stealing Newton's MFC world light-heavyweight belt in a unanimous
decision scored 48-46, 49-46 and 49-46 by the judges.
Bobby Lashley made quite the quick impression in Edmonton
THE CANADIAN PRESS - May 16, 2009
ENOCH, Alta, -- Former WWE star Bobby Lashley took another step in his fledgling mixed martial arts career on Friday night, submitting Mike (The Animal) Cook in just 24 seconds at "MFC 21: Hard Knocks" at the River Cree Resort and Casino.
Lashley grabbed a guillotine choke from the first contact and quickly submitted underdog Cook. The former NAIA wrestling champion needed to throw just one punch before locking in the submission. A prone Cook, his face down, had no time to offer anything in response.
Lashley, a six-foot-three 249-pounder, was not impressed that Cook (7-4) came out wearing a wrestling mask.
Prangley crowned new MFC champ
By MFC Staff - May 15, 2009
Lashley, Alessio, Eastman among winners at Hard Knocks
Veteran Trevor Prangley outlasted defending champion Emanuel Newton to take a five-round unanimous decision and the MFC world light heavyweight championship at MFC 21: Hard Knocks Friday night at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Edmonton, Alberta.
After a weathering an early storm and appearing to be out of gas, Prangley (20-5) picked up the pace after three rounds and began to wear down Newton (11-4-1) with crisper strikes and kicks. By the time the fifth round came around, both of Newton’s eyes were half-closed due to precise shots and the effects of well-placed bodyshots from punches, knees, and kicks had taken, their toll on Newton.
MFC 21: Hard Knocks Results
By Kelsey Philpott, MFC Staff - May 15, 2009
MFC Light Heavyweight Championship:
205 lbs.: Trevor Prangley vs. Emanuel Newton
Main Card:
265 lbs.: Mike Cook vs. Bobby Lashley
205 lbs.: David Heath vs. Travis Galbraith
170 lbs.: Andrew Buckland vs. John Alessio
205 lbs.: Mychal Clark vs. Ryan Jimmo
205 lbs.: Marvin Eastman vs. Aron Lofton
Undercard:
265 lbs.: William Richey vs. Ryan Fortin
170 lbs.: Jeremy Combrink vs. Jason Heit
205 lbs.: Dwayne Lewis vs. Jay Whitford
170 lbs.: Nolan Clarke vs. George Belanger
Andrew Buckland – There Will Be Blood
By Kelsey Philpott, MFC Staff - May 15, 2009
He looked angry and bloody miserable as he stepped up to the scale on Thursday night, but the 19 lbs. weight cut was worth the price of admission for Andrew Buckland. He’s now an MFC fighter and will take on John Alessio Friday night in the third fight of MFC 21’s HDnet-televised fight card.
“It’s going to be a blood bath [Friday],” Buckland claimed. “You can expect lots and lots of blood.”
Might that imply a dislike for his opponent, Alessio? Not necessarily, but the weigh-in itself was tense enough to suggest that neither man is fond of the other.
MFC 21 Weigh-in Results
By Kelsey Philpott, MFC Staff - May 14, 2009
MFC Light Heavyweight Championship:
205 lbs.: Trevor Prangley (205.5) vs. Emanuel Newton (204.5)
Main Card:
265 lbs.: Mike Cook (234.0) vs. Bobby Lashley (249.0)
205 lbs.: David Heath (205.5) vs. Travis Galbraith (205.0)
170 lbs.: Andrew Buckland (171.0) vs. John Alessio (169.5)
205 lbs.: Mychal Clark (205.0) vs. Ryan Jimmo (205.0)
205 lbs.: Marvin Eastman (204.0) vs. Aron Lofton (205.5)
Undercard:
265 lbs.: William Richey (232.5) vs. Ryan Fortin (262.5)
170 lbs.: Jeremy Combrink (170.5) vs. Jason Heit (170.5)
205 lbs.: Dwayne Lewis (203.5) vs. Jay Whitford (214.5)*
170 lbs.: Nolan Clarke (170.0) vs. George Belanger (170.0)
*Whitford forfeits 25% of his purse to Lewis. The fight will still take place.
Lashley's career heads in new direction
By Chris O'Leary, Freelance - May 14, 2009
Had major role in Trump vs. McMahon pro wrestling showdown.
Two years ago, Bobby Lashley helped Donald Trump shave Vince McMahon's head.
A star on McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment roster, the six-foot-three, 275-pound Lashley represented Trump in a billionaire vs. billionaire match at Wrestle-mania 23, where the mogul whose client lost would be rendered bald in front of a sold-out crowd on pro wrestling's biggest stage.
Lashley defeated MacMahon's protege -- a Samoan wrestler named Umaga (who happens to be a relative of former Edmonton Eskimo Joey Annaoi) -- which led to a red-faced and bawling McMahon having his silver locks sheared to the delight of tens of thousands.
Travis Galbraith - The Problem
Rhett Butler
- May 13, 2009
Travis Galbraith was a problem child growing up. Running between life in
British Columbia and Alberta threw a slew of misnomers his way and each was
dealt with negatively. Travis doesn't ever get into too much detail because
talking isn't hi style and it reflects in his present hobby turned
aspiration, MMA. The vague details still provide a clear enough picture of
the old Travis and one can be assured you didn't want to meet him out back
during adolescence.
"Growing up in Edmonton was just like growing up in any other place. I got a big family, I have three brothers no sisters I'm not very tight with my
family. I didn't play much sports when I grew up I grew up in Youth
Detainment Centers so I was in and out of corrections was kind of my thing
when I was a kid. I can't even count how many fights I've been in. I've
been in enough fights that I don't like it that much anymore. Once I turned
18 I kind of got my shit together and started getting into MMA a little
bit."
Pavelich, Lofton & Lashley go 'Inside Sports'
Lots of hype all week long for MFC 21: Hard Knocks - May 12, 2009
Tonight the first blast of hype for MFC 21: Hard Knocks hits the airwaves.
MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich, top-ranked MFC light heavyweight Aron "The Poster Boy" Lofton, and MFC superfight competitor Bobby Lashley will be guests on "Inside Sports" with guest host Dave Campbell airing on 630 CHED. The dynamic trio will be on the air at 10:35 p.m. MT/9:35 p.m. PT/12:35 a.m. ET with the streaming broadcast available at www.630ched.com.
Pavelich will be bringing MFC and mixed martial arts fans all the latest updates as MFC 21: Hard Knocks approaches this Friday, May 15 at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Edmonton, Alberta. The fight card will also be broadcast live on HDNet Fights starting at 8 p.m. MT/7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET.
David Heath - Conditioning Breeds Confidence
By Kelsey Philpott, MFC Staff - May 12, 2009
They say the fight game is more mental than physical; but, while most would
not disagree, there remains something to be said for the mental edge a fighter can gain as the result of his physical capabilities.
The relationship between the mental and physical is well illustrated by the career of MFC light heavyweight contender David Heath.
"I used to go into a fight like, 'Man, 15 minutes? I'm going to have to be smart. If I get into this position or that position, I'm going to have to pace myself because I don't want to gas out,'" Heath admitted. "Now, I go into a fight and I don't care if we need to sprint for 15 minutes because I
know that I'll be ok."
Heath (11-4) will take on Edmonton's own Travis Galbraith (16-5) this Friday at MFC 21: Hard Knocks live on HDNet from the sold-out River Cree Resort & Casino, looking to continue the latest upswing in a topsy-turvy career that
he began in 2003.
JOHN ALESSIO LOOKS TO REBOUND AT MFC 21
by Mick Hammond - MMAWeekly.com - May 11, 2009
After having lost his last two fights, former UFC and WEC welterweight John Alessio found himself at a crossroads.
He could either resign himself to possibly never getting back to form, or he could make some serious changes to improve himself and get back on track.
Alessio chose the latter.
As he explained to MMAWeekly.com, “I had to re-evaluate what was going on. I had to do a little soul searching to figure out what I thought might have been wrong. Whether it be in training or my personal life, I just re-evaluated everything.”
Top 10 Questions for MFC 21
Z-Files #42 - May 10, 2009
MFC 21: Hard Knocks promises to be the Maximum Fighting Championship's
best-ever lineup of bouts with a hotly anticipated title fight, a superfight
with worldwide attention, and a strong cast of main card and undercard
encounters.
And as with every MFC event, each fight poses unique possibilities and each
fight has its own unique set of circumstances - all of which beg some
intriguing questions:
1. Can John Alessio rebound? One of the original Canadian-bred MMA
stars, Alessio has dropped two straight fights including a devastating TKO
loss to Paul Daley in the MFC (the first KO/TKO loss of Alessio's storied
career). With 36 career fights under his belt, one hopes Alessio's best days
aren't behind him. He'll get a stern enough test from Andrew Buckland to
determine whether Alessio is still a force.
MacDonald Taking "Much Needed" Time Off
By Kelsey Philpott, MFC Staff - May 9, 2009
The news, by now, has circled around the MMA community, but in case you haven’t heard, Jason MacDonald, for the time being, is no longer a UFC fighter. It probably comes as somewhat of a shock, too.
While, granted, his performance against Nate Quarry at UFC 97 marked his second consecutive lacklustre performance, many took UFC President Dana White’s post-fight remarks as a sign that “The Athlete” would live to fight another day in the organization.
The bottom line, however, is that the UFC remains a business with performance objectives no different than any other business; and, it was a business decision that resulted in MacDonald, in addition to fellow Canadian David Loiseau, being released this past week.
Bobby Lashley – When The Cage Door Closes
By Rhett Butler MFC Staff Writer - May 7, 2009
If you are like many other non-believers, you look at Bobby Lashley as an enigma. The one question that has probably crossed your mind when looking at his image is, “why leave the millions you made in professional wrestling to start over in MMA?” That enigmatic query within itself lies the truth behind the man we all know as Bobby Lashley; that the pursuit of the ultimate challenge burns at the core of his being. In this case the challenge is the behemoth known as mixed martial arts and as we all know, wrestlers are ripe for the challenge.
“The whole time I was in the WWE I was still kind of training with a boxing coach working on my hands and I was kind of just doing that for cardio and to stay in shape. I had the desire to continue to compete and that desire got greater and greater as some of my friends began to excel in the sport. At the time I was successful in the WWE, however, I just wanted to get away and train and fight and make it to the top in MMA.”
Emanuel Newton - Redefining Adversity
By MFC Staff - May 5, 2009
What is adversity?
At first glance it's a pretty benign question, but upon deeper reflection it's really not that easy to answer.
In the sports realm, adversity has become one of the all-time great clichés and rarely does it refer to anything beyond the misfortune or calamity which
occurs within the context of the contest itself.
However, to some like MFC Light Heavyweight Champion Emanuel Newton, the meaning of adversity hits far closer to home than anything he could possibly
experience inside an MFC ring.
In May 2007, Newton was riding his motorcycle on a Los Angeles freeway when he was bumped by another vehicle at high speeds and sent crashing to the pavement.
‘Big Deal’ on big winning streak
By MFC Staff - May 3, 2009
Jimmo looking for title shot after victory at Hard Knocks
Ryan Jimmo is as jovial as guy as you’ll find outside the ring. But when it’s time to do business, Jimmo is as serious as they come.
The demeanor of “The Big Deal” has garnered him a nine-fight winning streak and a return to the MFC with a multi-fight deal that launches at MFC 21: Hard Knocks against Mychal Clark.
“I started my career in the MFC and I’m excited to be back,” noted Jimmo, a former standout competitor in karate who participated in the Pan American Games.
“I always had positive experiences in the MFC and expecting more to come.”
