Tag: Shine Fight

Press Release

NEW YORK, NY (November23, 2010) – Shine Fight Promotions(Shine Fights) today the addition of two-time UFC veteran Mike Ciesnolevicz to its ever-expanding roster of fighters. The nine-time veteran of the IFL has carved out a reputation for himself as an ultra-tough competitor who is willing to face anyone at anytime. Now part of Shine, Ciesnolevicz is primed to prove he belongs with the best MMA has to offer.

“It’s an honor to bring a well-respected veteran like Mike into the Shine fold,” said Shine Fights COO Jason Chambers. “He is such a tough fighter, and is bound and determined to really make his mark on this sport.”

The six-foot tall Ciesnolevicz made his professional MMA debut in 2003, reeling off seven straight victories. As a result of his early success, he earned an invitation to the then-fledgling International Fight League. There, he faced past and future UFC competitors such as Reese Andy, Andre Gusmao, Alex Schoenauer, and Carmelo Marrero.

After running his record to 16-3-0-1, Ciesnolevicz made his Octagon debut at UFC 95against Neil Grove. After the fight hit the mat quickly, Ciesnolevicz locked in a heel hook submission, torquing the hold until Grove’s knee popped out of its socket. The tough Brit had refused to tap. Due to this shocking finish, Ciesnolevicz had made a huge impression in his Octagon debut.

In his next UFC bout, Ciesnolevicz suffered a TKO defeat at the hands of Tomas Drwal. He was released from the promotion following this bout, but has earned a submission victory in his only fight since leaving the UFC. Now signed to bolster Shine Fights’ heavyweight division, Ciesnolevicz is ready to show he is truly a force to be reckoned with.

To learn more about Shine Fight Promotions, visit www.shinefights.com or follow the organization on Twitter @ShineFightsMMA,Myspace (www.myspace.com/ShineFights), YouTube(www.youtube.com/ShineFights) or become a fan on Facebook.

Press Release

NEW YORK, NY (November 17, 2010) – Shine Fight Promotions (Shine Fights) today announced the addition of Rolles Gracie to its heavyweight roster. The son of legendary Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Rolls Gracie, and a member of MMA’s most famous family, Gracie is the latest member of the famed clan to carry on the familial legacy in the sport of MMA.

A brilliant grappler in his own right, Rolles’ recent titles include No-Gi American National Ultra-Heavyweight Champion, No-Gi Pan-American Champion, and 3-time Pan-American Champion.

“Rolles Gracie is one of the best grapplers in the world. He is consistently working on developing his game and he is ready to show his true capabilities in ring. If there is one thing history has taught us , it is that an in shape, ready to go Gracie, is a very dangerous thing,” said Shine Fights COO Jason Chambers.

Rolles (3-1) trains with another legendary member of his family in UFC/Pride veteran Renzo Gracie. Also a judo practitioner, a sport in which he is a 3rd dan black belt, the grappling specialist joined the International Fight League for his first MMA fight in 2007, where he promptly submitted his opponent.

After running his record to 3-0 with three submission victories, Gracie joined the UFC, where he faced Joey Beltran in his Octagon debut. After a strong showing early on, Gracie’s conditioning betrayed him, and he went on to suffer a stinging TKO defeat. Learning from the experience, Gracie is bound and determined to make it on his own merits in the world of MMA.

A featured coach on season eleven of The Ultimate Fighter, Gracie has trained former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans extensively in no-gi jiu-jitsu. Rolles is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, Sr., the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and is the son of Rolls Gracie, who is widely considered to be the Gracie family’s most legendary BJJ practitioner.

Standing 6′ 4″ and weighing 250 pounds, Rolles is physically the largest in the history of the Gracie clan. As a result, he brings a unique element to Gracie grappling. He is a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a multi-title holding champion, not only in BJJ, but also in judo and submission wrestling. He brings a mat pedigree to Shine that few can rival.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Shine organization,” stated Rolles. “I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to come my way, and I am confident that this is going to be a great partnership. I’m looking forward to doing big things with Shine.”

No date has been finalized for Gracie’s Shine Fights debut, but an announcement is expected shortly.

To learn more about Shine Fight Promotions, follow the organization on Twitter @ShineFightsMMA

Press Release

NEW YORK, NY (November 3, 2010) – Shine Fight Promotions (Shine Fights) today announced that they have signed UFC veteran lightweight Efrain Escudero to a multi-fight contract. The Mexican lightweight is best known as the winner of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter season eight. Training under recent Shine Fights Lightweight Grand Prix victor Drew Fickett, Escudero has carved out a reputation for himself as an exciting fighter that always lays it all on the line for the entertainment of fight fans.

“I’m very excited to have Efrain sign on with us,” stated Shine Fights COO Jason Chambers. “I have tremendous confidence in his abilities, and look forward to seeing him make waves in our growing lightweight division.”

A former All American wrestler, the 5’9”, 155-pound Escudero holds a 13-2 record overall, which includes a 3-2 mark in the UFC. The submission specialist began his career in respected regional promotion Rage in the Cage in 2006. In his first ten fights, Escudero went undefeated, with nine of his wins coming via submission. From there, he was chosen to join the cast of The Ultimate Fighter season eight, where he continued his undefeated streak. He faced and beat Ido Pariente to earn his spot in the TUF house. Escudero followed that up with submission victories over Shane Nelson and Junie Browning to garner a spot in the finals. There, he conquered Phillipe Nover by decision to become that season’s winner.

During the course of his career, Escudero has defeated Cole Miller and Dan Lauzon, in addition to Nover. He has also faced Evan Dunham and Charles Oliveira. Despite his winning record in the Octagon, Escudero was recently faced with the adversity of being cut from the UFC roster. Now, he’ll look to right his ship within the confines of Shine Fights.

“Going to Shine is the first step to becoming a world champion. As far as my career goes, things happen, and I don’t live in the past. I’m excited to get this show in the road…Shine, here I come!”

No date has been finalized for Escudero’s Shine Fights debut, but an announcement is expected shortly.

The Shine web site is currently under construction however, you can follow the organization on Twitter @ShineFightsMMA.

Fighting is, well, a difficult thing to be a part of. And nerves are very much a part of that. Even with over fifty professional fights, I still find myself a bit nervous every time I head out to the cage or ring. Yet, I also feel at ease. There is a part of all of us, as human beings, that seems to give us a desire to fight. To me, it’s not about incapacitating another man, though. It’s about simply seeing that when it comes to using your fists, your body, I am the superior man. It’s so much more mental than physical.

Heading into the Shine Fights Lightweight Grand Prix, my career had been on a downward spiral, one which my personal life seemed to be mirroring. I had won my last bout, but before that, I had lost eight of my last ten fights. And without going too much into detail, one could say my personal life had been in shreds, too. To me, the Grand Prix was a way to right some wrongs in my career. Most importantly, it was a way for me to be able to see my daughter again. And that’s what it’s all about for me. Focus had come into my life. My past problems with the law…those were behind me. My mind and body were focused on training. I was thinking about my daughter every second I could, and that drove me to train even harder. When the night of the Grand Prix came, I was ready.

First up for me was Charles Bennett. “Krazy Horse,” as he’s most well-known, is not an opponent to take lightly. I was willing to trade, but I wanted the takedown. And I got it. He swept me, which surprised me, and when I latched on an armbar, he tried to spike me on my head. But nothing was going to stop me. I stayed focused. I saw his head in the right position, and I caught him in a guillotine. He again tried to slam me on my head, but I had it in and he tapped. I appreciate the fight Charles gave me, but right then I knew this would be my night. Everything was falling into place.

Next up for me was Dennis Bermudez. I didn’t know much about him, but I had heard he was a good wrestler. I saw very early in the fight that this was the case. He had no intention of striking, and went for a takedown pretty quickly. Unfortunately for him, his inexperience gave him away. I slipped to the mat, and I encouraged him to follow. To my shock, he actually followed me down. Big mistake. I was able to utilize my positioning to eventually get a sort of chin-in choke. Bermudez defended well, but I got the hooks in, and eventually a body-lock on. Bermudez is young, and I think he’s got a good career in front of him. But, again, I knew this was my night. I was prepared to fight forty minutes if I needed to. The thought of my daughter was spurring me on. And now I was in the finals.

My team had been behind me, my girlfriend was behind me, and I was ready to take the Grand Prix title home with me. In the final with me would be Carlo Prater, who I’d actually submitted once before, back in 2004 in another tournament. Carlo had lost earlier in the night, but was in the finals with me as an injury replacement. I like Carlo, but all I saw in front of me was the last obstacle standing in the way of me seeing my girl. I wouldn’t be denied, not tonight. Carlo is a tough guy, but he’d already fought two full fights. I saw my opening early on when the fight went to the ground. We tested our wills against each other on the mat. I was able to maneuver him into position for the rear-naked choke, and though he fought it, he had to tap. I had done it.

The emotion just started pouring out. I couldn’t help it. I wept, I smiled, I laughed, and ultimately I went over and paid my respects to Carlo. It was all so humbling. But I’d done it. Thanks to my team, my friends, my girlfriend, and most of all to my little girl. I’d be on the next flight to go see her. And I didn’t feel nervous about that at all.

In the end, I felt like I’d been raised from the dead. I felt…resurrected. And in a lot of ways, it was a factual way of thinking about it. I had redeemed myself as a fighter, and as a man.