|
Art of Fighting
Professional Mixed Martial Arts
PRESS RELEASE
MMA EVENT
Art of Fighting 7:Pay Day
Saturday, April 3, USF Sun Dome
WORLD TITLE RETURNS TO TAMPA
TAMPA GETS A SHOT AT MMA FOOTHOLD
HAITIAN FIGHTER BERTO RETURNS TO CAGE AFTER TRAGIC LOSS
SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT WWE WRESTLER TO HEADLINE FIGHT CARD
World Title Returns to Tampa -
On April 3, 6 Time World Jiu-Jitsu champion and Current WFO World Champion, Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz will defend his title against Tampa's own knockout artist, Dave “Pay Me” Yost. Marcio Cruz has defeated fighters like UFC Heavyweight Frank Mir, Florida's top heavyweight Tom Sauer, and now looks to add another victim to his heavyweight list.
Cruz grew up in Brazil and started learning Jiu Jitsu at a very young age, eventually earning his black belt from Carlos Gracie, Jr. His accomplishments on the mat are legendary: 6 Time World Champion, 8 Time Pan American Champion, 5 Time Brazilian National Champion, Abu Dhabi World Champion. After being crowned the greatest jiu jitsu practitioner in the world, Cruz made his mixed martial arts debut in the UFC winning his first two bouts including a devastating TKO over former heavyweight champion Frank Mir. After two controversial loses in the promotion Cruz was released from his contract and hasn't lost since. On August 22 Cruz was crowned the WFO World Champion, the same sanctioning body as the IBO in boxing with champions like Manny Pacquiao, Wladimir Klitschko, and Chad Dawson.
Tampa gets a shot at MMA foothold -
Tampa has had a lot of quality MMA fighters surface in recent years, but none have had the opportunity to really cement Tampa Bay as a stronghold for mixed martial arts. Tampa is known for being home to a few world champion boxers, but on April 3 Tampa will get its first chance in Dave “Pay Me” Yost at being home to a World Champion mixed martial artist.
Yost grew up in the bay area and started boxing at a young age. After several years spent as a “collector” for a local bookie, Yost decided to focus his talents on something more legal, and has since turned his life around. He is now one of the most feared heavyweight fighters in the country and spends his off time doing charity work.
In Yost's last two appearances inside the AOF cage, he has dominated in impressive fashion, earning a shot at the World Title. If Yost can win on April 3, Tampa will win its first ever mixed martial arts World Championship Title.
Haitian Fighter Berto Returns to Cage After Tragic Loss -
Edson “Little Tiger” Berto now resides in Winterhaven, but his family is Haitian. In fact his undefeated WBC Welterweight Champion brother, Andre Berto, represented Haiti in the 2004 olympics. Edson currently holds the Florida State Lightweight title for mixed martial arts but will not be defending it on April 3 as he faces a tough well known fighter from Ireland in Greg Loughran.
Edson's Brother, Andre Berto, was slated to fight Shane Mosley to defend his WBC title back in January, but that was before the earthquake occurred in Haiti. Andre pulled out of his fight with Mosley to focus his efforts and emotions on his family and friends in Haiti. The Berto family tragically lost at least 8 family members. The Berto's are a true testament to perseverance and are well known and loved in the professional fighting community. Edson will look to uphold the honor of his family, country, and the State of Florida as he faces the tough Irish scrapper on April 3.
Andre Berto on ESPN after the tragedy in Haiti:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4842242
Super Heavyweight WWE Wrestler to Headline Fight Card -
In Imani Lee's last bout at Art of Fighting 5 in Sarasota, it took only a minute and forty seconds to dismantle highly ranked Californian Super Heavyweight Sal Farnettie via a devastating leg kick. Imani is a former WWE Wrestler and Movie Actor that has appeared in many films such as “Blood and Bone” which premiered last year.
The last time Imani stepped on the scale he weighed in at a daunting 328 lbs. Despite his 6'5” frame and weight, Imani moves extremely well around the cage and possesses unparalleled striking speed and prowess. Imani has fought in the infamous K-1 Kickboxing tournament in Japan and is looking to lead the Art of Fighting Super Heavyweight division. Lee will be facing French M-1 fighter, Sofian Elgarne, who is known for his pure strength, boxing, and athleticism. This bout will be the Co-Main event of the evening on April 3 at the USF Sun Dome.
Other Fights/News -
Women's Bout-
Art of Fighting will be hosting it's first ever Women's MMA bout between two great competitors in Tiffany Connell and Michelle Gutierez. Tiffany Connell is a well known local amatuer Muay Thai Champion who will be making her professional debut inside a mixed martial arts cage. Michelle has a couple of professional fights and hails from Las Vegas. Tiffany will look to make an impressive professional debut and defend her home ground against the Vegas brawler. Both girls bring everything to the table that fans want to see in mixed martial arts, they are beautiful, well trained, and great athletes. Look for this to be one of the most exciting fights of the night.
Florida's Best Fighters Return-
Florida is home to some of the best mixed martial arts fighters in the country, some of whom will be returning to action in Art of Fighting 7 on April 3. Making his third appearance in the cage for Art of Fighting, Mark Serkez will look to three-peat his previous two honors of “Fight of the Night” and “Knockout of the Night” as he faces fellow brawler the “Red Bearded Assasin” Keith McCabe.
CT Turner has won two straight fights in Art of Fighting including a three round decision over Chris Baten in the Main Event at Art of Fighting 5 back in October. CT will be facing long time rival hailing from Palatka, FL in Terry “T-Rex” Cohens. Both fighters are looking to make a mark in the stacked 205 lbs. Weight division.
AOF will host a myriad of undefeated fighters as well. Raul Amaya out of Champions MMA in Bradenton is a rising star inside AOF and will look for his fourth straight victory to solidify his undefeated record against another tough competitor.
Possibly the winner of best submission in the State of Florida, Jim Alers will look to defend his undefeated record after a jaw dropping last second submission over well known Freddy Assuncao at Art of Fighting 6 in November.
This event will be televised at a later date on Sun Sports via FightZone.
Full Fight Card and Details are under the “Events” section of our website at www.artoffighting.tv.
Art of Fighting 7: Pay Day
Saturday, April 3
USF SUN DOME
Tampa, FL
Facebook.com/artoffighting
Myspace.com/aofmma
For Press inquiries call:
888-748-8862 or
email: info@aofmma.com
Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com and the
USF Sun Dome Box Office.
(813) 974-3002
|
