James Smiley-Combat Athletix

Jacksonville Florida is a ticking time bomb of mixed martial arts on the East coast, just waiting to explode. The scene in Jacksonville is a very young vibrant group of professionals that are just waiting for a chance to be seen. On September 4 one of the most popular teachers and fighters in Jacksonville will defend home turf. James Smiley is the owner and head trainer of Combat Athletix in Orange Park, just south of Jacksonville. Known simply as "Smiley", he is a testament to the martial arts holding black belts in the disciplines of jiu jitsu, kenpo, and tae kwon do. He will be making his professional mixed martial arts debut on the Apocalypse fight card versus Fort Myers heavyweight Mike Dunaj. Smiley also has several students of his fighting on the same card in wrestler Jamie Harrison and brawler, Terry "The Polar Bear" Blackburn. For information on training with Smiley visit his website at CombatAthletix.com. 

Other Jacksonville Fighters to look out for:

Charles Blanchard

Angelica Brotherton

Juan Mott

Jahmal McLennan

Josh Montoro