Tag: Maximum Fighting Championship

Maximum Fighting 2011 Year-End Awards Part 1

Tweet Drew Fickett vs. Matt Veach MFC 28 – February 25, 2011 Press Release – For the past several years, the Maximum Fighting Championship has welcomed the holiday season with the Z-Files’ MFC year-end awards, generally focusing on the Top 10 Knockouts and Submissions. This year, the awards return but with a few new twists. […]

Click here to view the embedded video.

Drew Fickett vs. Matt Veach MFC 28 – February 25, 2011

Press Release – For the past several years, the Maximum Fighting Championship has welcomed the holiday season with the Z-Files’ MFC year-end awards, generally focusing on the Top 10 Knockouts and Submissions.

This year, the awards return but with a few new twists. While the “Top” aspect is back for Knockouts, Submissions and Fights of the Year, the Z-Files has added a handful of one-off honors – tributes to individual fighters for making the 2011 memorable in one way or another.

Round 1 features the Top Submissions of the Year, and some of the new awards. Past winners of the MFC Submission of the Year are Jay Whitford, Ryan Machan, and last year’s top dog, Douglas Lima, while past honored nominees include John Alessio, Bobby Lashley, Roger Hollett, and David Heath.

Here are the MFC’s Top Submissions for 2011:

5. Andreas Spang def. Cody Krahn (MFC 30) – The noted striker Spang faced the well-documented submission specialist Krahn, but it was a complete reversal of game plans. Spang got Krahn in a guillotine choke, briefly let it go only to re-establish the lock, and ultimately forced a stunning tapout only 1:18 into the fight. The result earned Spang the Submission of the Night. See Spang’s surprising result at http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xj8kc0_andreas-spang-vs-cody-krahn_sport.

4. Cody Krahn def. Ryan Chiappe (MFC 31) – Quite the turn of events for Krahn, who was again facing a hard-edged striker in Chiappe. It was all Chiappe early on, including some vicious ground-and-pound which very nearly brought a quick halt to the bout. But Krahn’s smooth transitioning, especially his quick scoot out the back door, turned the tide as did Krahn’s ability to capitalize on mistakes. At 3:45 of Round 1, Krahn was able to secure the fight-ending guillotine. Get a get glimpse of the finish at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gGBN0BV16c.

3. Kajan Johnson def. Richie Whitson (MFC 31) – This wasn’t just a great submission from the slick-working Johnson, but a clear definition of how a wizardly jiu-jitsu demonstration can dominate a fight. Johnson was all over Whitson from the get-go, taking his back repeatedly and grinding away towards the finish. With hooks in and full control established, Johnson torqued a rear-naked choke that squeezed what remaining will there was right out of Whitson. The fight-ending finish, and the Submission of the Night award, were both locked up at 3:52 of Round 1. All the action is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s80upq97FH4.

2. Pete Spratt def. Demi Deeds (MFC 29) – A previous winner of the MFC Knockout the Year, it seemed more likely that Spratt would have another shot at that award in facing the newcomer Deeds. But the crowd at Caesars Windsor and on HDNet were delightfully surprised when one of the MMA’s most vicious strikers, who had started to break down and punish Deeds with his fistic arsenal, seized the opportunity to end the fight with an armbar. It was textbook execution from Spratt who forced Deeds to tapout at the 4:19 mark of Round 2. Check out the whole fight at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obHCwm-ot5k.

And the MFC’s 2011 Submission of the Year goes to …

Drew Fickett def. Matt Veach (MFC 28) – In the year’s first event, submission specialist Fickett made his organizational debut. It was short-lived yet spectacular experience, and the performance was evidence that there are few fighters in the world who work better off their back than “The Night Rider.” Fickett needed just 36 seconds to secure an armbar win over the larger Veach who despite the size advantage barely was able to get his feet wet before he was forced to bow out. It was MFC 28’s Submission of the Night, and ultimately, the year’s best tapout finish. Check out just how terrific Fickett’s work was at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu979mYs5uM.

Best Defense of Hometown Pride Award:

Ali Mokdad def. Andreas Spang (MFC 29) – It was only fitting that for the MFC’s first venture into Ontario that a fighter ready to hit the big stage in his own home town come up big. Windsor’s own Mokdad did just that when he took down the striker from Sweden and secured a dominant rear-naked choke that brought the fight to an end only 1:35 in. “The Monster” delighted his fervent followers who put forth quite the roar of approval inside The Colosseum.

Best Hometown Invader Award:

David Bo Harris def. Chuck Mady (MFC 29) – A border was in store when Windsor’s Mady attempted to fend off the advances of the Detroit-based Harris. But it wasn’t to be … in a big way. Harris executed his own game plan to perfection as he avoided Mady’s strikes, took down his opponent, and locked up the rear-naked choke 3:07 into Round 1.

Controversy of the Year Award:

“Headbutt Gate” (MFC 28) – Was it or wasn’t it? It’s an argument that still rages to this day whether Ryan Jimmo used a headbutt to get a dramatic advantage over Dwayne Lewis in their MFC light-heavyweight title fight. Lewis’s face was mangled by the contact (be it head or fist), and it led to a doctor’s stoppage TKO win for Jimmo. Lewis’s corner was enraged, and the heated opinions carried on when Jimmo debated HDNet Fights analyst Frank Trigg prior to MFC 29.

Maximum Fighting McGillivray Hosting Cornerman Contest To Raise Funds For Stollery

Tweet ‘The Kid’ giving back to kids’ hospital McGillivray hosting cornerman contest to raise funds for Stollery Press Release – If there’s anyone who knows how vital the care given at the Stollery Children’s Hospital is, it’s MFC fighter Ryan “The Kid” McGillivray. So it’s only fitting that McGillivray has found a way to give […]

‘The Kid’ giving back to kids’ hospital

McGillivray hosting cornerman contest to raise funds for Stollery
Press Release – If there’s anyone who knows how vital the care given at the Stollery Children’s Hospital is, it’s MFC fighter Ryan “The Kid” McGillivray.

So it’s only fitting that McGillivray has found a way to give back to the facility located in his home town of Edmonton, Alberta. McGillivray is awarding a chance to be in his corner at MFC 32: Bitter Rivals when he takes on Diego Bautista in one of the night’s highlighted bouts.

All that is necessary to get a shot at this exciting opportunity is to make a donation to the Stollery Children’s Hospital through McGillivray. Any size of donation is eligible, and all fans have to do is stop in at McGillivray’s gym, Legends Training Centre, and fill out a form with their donation. The form can also be found at www.legendstrainingcentre.com.

At this time of year, it’s a great chance to do something for kids who are going to be spending the holidays in the hospital. And McGillivray knows first-hand how difficult a long stay at the Stollery can be.

“I spent some time there when I broke my back, and they do so many good things there,” said McGillivray, who suffered the massive injury at 16 years old while playing lacrosse.

“In my mind, there’s no better cause to support than the Stollery, not only because I was a patient there, but also because I’m a father now and I would want the best care and comfort possible for my daughter if it was ever needed.”

McGillivray (11-5-1) will make the winning draw on Monday, Jan. 23, just five days before his showdown with Bautista (7-0) which takes places live on HDNet Fights from the Mayfield Conference Centre in Edmonton. The winner is invited to be on stage with McGillivray at the official weigh-in on Jan. 26, plus they will be in the locker room as he prepares for his fight, join the rest of his crew on the walkout to the ring, and enjoy the action from the corner.

“I always have a third person in my corner along with my dad and another coach,” said McGillivray. “Sometimes that third person is a sponsor or a friend, whoever I want it to be for that fight. But this time, I thought it would be a great way to raise some money, and I hope it’s a big success.”

For more details on McGillivray’s fundraising and corner contest, email info@legendstrainingcentre.com.

Bruno Carvalho Signs With Maximum Fighting, Faces Dhiego Lima In Debut At MFC 32

Tweet Carvalho charts course to meet Lima at MFC 32 Welterweight showdown completes lineup for Bitter Rivals main card Press Release – The Maximum Fighting Championship’s arduous search for a fitting opponent to take on Dhiego “Maluco” Lima at MFC 32: Bitter Rivals has come to fruition. Stepping up to battle the undefeated welterweight prospect […]

Carvalho charts course to meet Lima at MFC 32

Welterweight showdown completes lineup for Bitter Rivals main card
Press Release – The Maximum Fighting Championship’s arduous search for a fitting opponent to take on Dhiego “Maluco” Lima at MFC 32: Bitter Rivals has come to fruition.

Stepping up to battle the undefeated welterweight prospect Lima (6-0) is judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Bruno “BC” Carvalho, who has signed a multi-fight deal with the MFC. Carvalho (13-5), who was born in Brazil and now splits his home base between Sweden and the United States, has won eight of his last nine fights, and will be Lima’s toughest test to date when they square-off on main card of the HDNet Fights broadcast emanating live from the Mayfield Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, on Friday, January 27.

The HDNet broadcast, with Michael Schiavello and Frank Trigg handling the commentary, begins at 10 p.m. ET/8 p.m. MT/7 p.m. PT (check local listings for channel designation).

The matchup will be Carvalho’s first in North America, having predominantly fought throughout Europe in Sweden, Slovenia, Germany and the Netherlands, along with previous contests in South Korea and Brazil. The six-foot-one, 29-year-old holds five victories by knockout and five by submission, with five victories coming inside the first round.

Among Carvalho’s most notable victories are a second-round submission of Kyacey Uscola coming in April of this year, and a first-round knockout of Vitor Nobrega in March of 2010.

Lima is on a tear in 2011, racking up a pair of big wins and becoming the top contender for the MFC’s 170-pound division belt. In his last appearance, the Atlanta, Georgia, product needed only 2:47 to finish off Jamie Toney via knockout at MFC 30.

The MFC 32: Bitter Rivals main card lineup is complete with the following bouts:

Wilson Gouveia vs. Dwayne Lewis – light-heavyweight

Brian Cobb vs. Antonio McKee – MFC lightweight title

Diego Bautista vs. Ryan McGillivray – welterweight

Bruno Carvalho vs. Dhiego Lima – welterweight

Adam Lynn vs. Mukai Maromo – lightweight

Jamie Toney vs. Cody Krahn – welterweight

Tickets for MFC 32: Bitter Rivals are going fast and available exclusively via the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024.

Jimmo Signs With UFC; Debuts Opposite Vemola at ‘UFC on FX 1? Jan. 20


(Jimmo will trade his precious metal to finally test his mettle in the UFC)

The UFC announced today that it has signed Maximum Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion and CagePotato guest blogger Ryan Jimmo to face Czech wrestler Karlos Vemola on the inaugural UFC on FX 1 card January 20 in Nashville, Tennessee.

“The Big Deal” will put his 16-fight undefeated streak on the line as he steps into the Octagon for the first time against Vemola, who is 1-1 in two UFC starts.


(Jimmo will trade his precious metal to finally test his mettle in the UFC)

The UFC announced today that it has signed Maximum Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion and CagePotato guest blogger Ryan Jimmo to face Czech wrestler Karlos Vemola on the inaugural UFC on FX 1 card January 20 in Nashville, Tennessee.

“The Big Deal” will put his 16-fight undefeated streak on the line as he steps into the Octagon for the first time against Vemola, who is 1-1 in two UFC starts.

We spoke with Ryan today, and as expected, he was ecstatic about “the big deal,”  but couldn’t disclose any of the details of his new multi-fight contract as per Zuffa policy.

“I’m very happy and excited to be joining the UFC and to be given this opportunity to prove myself on the world’s biggest stage. I started training 27-years ago with my father and have worked very hard to get to where I am. I’d like to thank Joe Silva, Dana White and the Fertittas for giving me my shot and everyone who helped me achieve this goal including my manager Bobby, all of my sponsors, training partners, family, friends, and Mark and the MFC for helping me get here,” Jimmo said. “Without all of their help and support I never would have gotten to where I am. Karlos Vemola is a stiff test for my first UFC fight and I’m going to make sure I entertain the fans and put on a great fight on January 20.”

A handful of other match-ups for the event, which will be headlined by a lightweight tilt between Jim Miller and Melvin Guillard, were announced for the card, bringing the number of scheduled bouts to eight.

UFC on FX 1
Saturday, January 20, 2012
Bridgestone Arena
Nashville, Tennessee

Jim Miller vs. Melvin Guillard
Eric “Red” Schafer vs. Jorge “El Conquistador” Rivera
Josh ‘The Dentist’ Neer vs. Duane ‘Bang’ Ludwig
Christian Morecraft vs. Pat ‘HD’ Barry.
Mike Brown vs. Vagner Rocha
Reza “Mad Dog” Madadi vs. Rafaello Oliveira
Ryan “Big Deal” Jimmo vs. Karlos Vemola.
Kamal Shalorus vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Maximum Fighting Champ Ryan Jimmo Going To The Movies

Tweet Press Release – Manos: The Hands of Fate is recognized as one of the worst films of all time. In fact, it was so bad when it was released in 1966, it transformed itself from a sci-fi horror flick into a comedy cult classic for the ages. It’s baaaack. Ryan “The Big Deal” Jimmo […]

Press Release – Manos: The Hands of Fate is recognized as one of the worst films of all time. In fact, it was so bad when it was released in 1966, it transformed itself from a sci-fi horror flick into a comedy cult classic for the ages. It’s baaaack.

Ryan “The Big Deal” Jimmo is recognized as one of the best fighters to come out of Canada. In fact, he is so good, he’s transformed his 0 – 1 record into a 16 – 1 record in a dangerous light heavyweight division. He’s baaaack.

What may be most exciting about the return of Manos and the return of Ryan Jimmo is they are doing it together. That’s right, MFC fans. Your light heavyweight champion is starring in the 2012 sequel of Manos. The new film is called Manos: The Search for Valley Lodge, and Jimmo says this time the Manos franchise is coming out with a high-quality product, “Rupert Munch, the director, wanted to make a sequel that’s a great movie. We have Gene Snisky and Marie Kanellis (both of WWE fame). We have special effects people who worked on X-men, Spiderman, AVP, and Hellboy. We have sound people who’ve worked with So You Think You Can Dance Malcolm in the Middle, Batman: Beyond, and American Idol. It’s going to be great.”

Soak it in for a minute. This is a B-grade cult classic sci-fi horror flick sequel starring former WWE superstars and MFC light heavyweight champion, Ryan Jimmo. The producer is shooting for high quality and bringing in the industry experts to make it happen. Do you even need to read more?

Either way, there’s more to read because Jimmo gave a sneak peek into the plot; although, he’s keeping some secrets until the release date, “The basis of the original movie was a hidden portal that people drove through by mistake. All these people go missing and end up in this place called Valley Lodge where there’s an evil and magical villain – The Master – and his harem of women. In the sequel, we head back in there and kick some evil polygamist cult ass.” Fans familiar with Jimmo, Snisky, and Kanellis can respect the type of evil ass-kicking bound to happen, and it’s hard to go wrong with a movie that involves a “harem of women,” especially when the director of photography, Jay Lee, produced and directed Zombie Strippers.

The team will be filming in El Paso, Texas, and it sounds like Jimmo is working hard to get the role down. It’s not all hard work, though. Some parts of the character come naturally to him, “My character, he’s a bad ass dude. He’s got a soft side, but he can kick ass, and he loves smoking cigars – just like I do.” Smoking cigars and beating down evil doers? It sounds like Jimmo’s acting and MMA careers are more similar than one might think. In fact, the MFC superstar finds a number of parallels in preparing for fights and preparing for movies.

Jimmo said success comes the same way no matter what you do in life, “In anything you’re going to do, the general principles are all the same. Whether it’s being an accountant, a chess player, or a fighter – any one of those pursuits requires the same thing. It requires understanding the landscape of what you’re doing, understanding what skills you need, building those skills until you achieve excellence, and putting in a lot of hard work.” That sounds like sound advice from a guy who just finished second in Alberta Provincials wrestling on top of a string of successes in theatre, breakdancing, and MMA. He plans to continue building on all those successes, and those standing in his way better watch out.

Fighters may think now is a good time to get after Jimmo with his focus being spread between fighting and acting, but opponents thinking about going for his belt better not get too comfortable figuring he’ll go soft filming a movie, “I’ve got a jiu jitsu coach right there on site.” The team working on this film are dedicated to MMA action and enlisted the aid of 5-time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion Pedro Carvalho to choreograph the action sequences. In addition, Jimmo will have access to full gym facilities during shooting, and, really, it’s only a couple weeks at any given time.

Having access to training resources during shooting means Jimmo can destroy bad guys on film and then continue the destruction in the MFC ring, and although there are no signs of stopping his MMA career, he keeps a keen mind to the future, “I want to get into acting. After I’m a fighter, I want to be an actor.” Considering he’s already starring in this much-anticipated remake, the champ is off to a great start, and he has great backing behind him thanks to companies like the Maximum Fighting Championship, Good4You, and X-Factor.

Manos: The Search for Valley Lodge is scheduled for release in 2013, and fans can check out the movie’s Facebook page or website (www.torgolives.com) right now. Ryan Jimmo will be back in action soon as well; although, his next opponent has yet to be named. After a very close fight with Sokoudjou and a soon-to-be superfight occurring between Wilson Gouveia and Dwayne Lewis, fans can only speculate on who it might be. Regardless, The Big Deal will be making moves. He’ll be shooting the film, building on his MMA training, helping his fight camp team mates, and maybe working on some surprises for MFC fans in the future. His good character and excellence in everything he does make him a true champion of the people, and his positive attitude shone through again when asked if he would consider branching out to something way different, like testing his well-known breakdancing skills on So You Think You Can Dance.

“I would absolutely love to do that.”

Gouveia Eager For Comeback Battle With Lewis, Eyes Quick Win At MFC 32

Tweet Healed and healthy Brazilian talent eyeing quick win at MFC 32 Press Release – Despite more than a year away from action, it took Wilson Gouveia nothing more than a quick instant to agree to face his upcoming opponent at MFC 32: Bitter Rivals. With a wholly healed body and a fighting spirit back […]

Healed and healthy Brazilian talent eyeing quick win at MFC 32

Press Release – Despite more than a year away from action, it took Wilson Gouveia nothing more than a quick instant to agree to face his upcoming opponent at MFC 32: Bitter Rivals.

With a wholly healed body and a fighting spirit back intact, Gouveia eagerly accepted the challenge of taking on heavy-handed Dwayne “D-Bomb” Lewis. There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation, not a pause to ponder things over, and absolutely not one bit of doubt in his response.

“I’m a real fighter and I don’t handpick my opponents so of course I accepted it quickly,” said Gouveia.

“Fighting is my job and I really wanted to come back as soon as I felt I could come back at 100%.”

Gouveia was in the moment the offer was extended, and the Maximum Fighting Championship had its co-main event for MFC 32, tagging alongside the lightweight title matchup between Antonio McKee and Brian Cobb to highlight the HDNet Fights event that emanates from the Mayfield Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, on Friday, January 27 at 10 p.m. ET/8 p.m. MT/7 p.m. PT (check local listings for channel designation).

Following his lone appearance under the MFC banner – a one-sided decision loss to current light-heavyweight champion Ryan Jimmo at MFC 25 in May 2010 ­­– Gouveia opted to take a much-needed break and focus on healing himself physically. A lingering back injury was ultimately deemed to need full treatment and the Brazilian who calls Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home underwent intensive therapy.

Physically ready to go again, Gouveia just need something to push him mentally. An opportunity to derail Lewis’s own comeback bid was just the incentive required.

“Nothing has changed in my style but this time I have found a re-motivation to come in and give 100%,” said Gouveia. “I am recovered 100%. I see holes in his game and I’m going to use those during the night of the fight to win.”

Gouveia’s career certainly needs a significant boost, though his resume boasts past successes against big names including Jason MacDonald, Jason Lambert, Carmelo Marrero, Seth Petruzelli, and Jon Fitch. A well-rounded tactician, Gouveia holds four career wins by knockout and seven via submission.

Some may expect Gouveia to meet Lewis head-on in a fistic showdown at center-ring, but Gouveia believes he’ll gain an edge with a more slick approach in the MFC’s first-ever five-round, non-title fight.

“I’m going to take him down and I’m going to submit him,” predicted the 33-year-old jiu-jitsu black belt. “I’m training for five rounds but I’m expecting to end it sooner.

“Now that I’m healthy and motivated I know that I can be the MFC champion.”

Tickets for MFC 32: Bitter Rivals are going fast and available only through the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024.