Gruesome MMA Inks Deal WIth Former WEC Champ

In the wake of losing headliner Rafaello Oliveira to UFC 130 Gruesome MMA announced late last night that former WEC Lightweight Champion Jamie Varner has stepped up to replace him. Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona with a record of 17-5-1 Varner is the former World Extreme Cagefighting Lightweight Champion is coming off of a first round knock out victory in his last outing. Varner takes on Jeremy Carper in the main event of Gruesome MMA 4.

Gruesome MMA 4- Provoked comes to Belfry High School on June 11th. Tickets are on sale at http://www.gruesomefightwear.com.  Bluegrass MMA will be there to cover this exciting Eastern Kentucky event.

Gruesome MMA Loses Oliveira UFC 130

May 21, 2011

For the last few weeks Gruesome MMA has been promoting its June 11th fight card headlined by UFC veteran Rafaello Oliveira. Brandon Newsome, owner of Gruesome MMA, told Bluegrass MMA that he has let Oliveira out of his contract. It has been announced that Oliveira will be fighting Gleison Tibau on May 28th as a part of the UFC 130 fight card.


Gruesome MMA is dedicated to bringing Eastern Kentucky top level talent which has included Joe Jordan,Jorge Gurgel and many others.  This is just a minor set back in their plans. Brandon Newsome said his wife put it best in reference to Oliveira signing to fight with the UFC; " Its like losing your girlfriend to Brad Pitt."


Gruesome MMA 4 - Provoked takes place June 11th at Belfry High School in Pikeville,KY. Tickets are available online at http://www.gruesomefightwear.com . Stay locked in to Bluegrass MMA as we will announce Oliveira's replacement when it becomes available.

A Bluegrass Rant...

This is something unusual to find here at Bluegrass MMA but these two things have been eating at me for several weeks now and I just want to throw it out. If I am wrong, tell me but I have a feeling that if you talk to anyone associated with the fight business they will agree with me. I have been to multiple local shows now and a couple observations have really started to get under my skin. So in the Jim Rome fashion, here is what I am burning on.

•  For the Fans:

The majority of your local MMA companies are working very hard to bring you great local talent and a mix of good professional level fights. If you see a fight poster it most often decorated with the Main Event of the evening. I know that each fighter or gym brings its contingent of fans which is very much appreciated. However, if you go to a local MMA show and you have paid for a ticket please do me a favor. Stay for the ENTIRE show. On more than one occasion I have noticed by the time the main event rolls around or even the last couple of fights the fans are leaving. Not just a few here and there but a whole lot of people don't stay for the duration. I find this very disrespectful. Not only is this disrespectful for the the company putting on the event but its also a knock at those fighters who are good enough to find themselves headlining a show. You pay good money to come to MMA shows across the state and it is worth every penny. Why not stay until its over? I have been told this is a fact of life and it happens to the best of companies but I think we can do better as fans. Guys like Greg Maynard, Billy Donovan, Terry Callihan and Brandon Higdon work countless hours putting together fight cards for us to enjoy. If I were one of them I would feel a sting when I see people getting up and leaving. Its not like you've paid 6 bucks to go watch a movie and halfway through it you decide  to get up and leave. These fighters and promoters work around the clock to bring you a good product. Stay in your seat, pick a favorite and cheer your guts out until the lights come on. We as fans drive this business. These fighters do their part, the companies do theirs so we should do ours and stick it out. Trust me, if you stay the course you won't be disappointed.

• For the Fighters

If you sign up for a fight, fight. No backing out, no rain checks and no excuses. When it gets to weigh in times and you see the monster of a man(or woman) that you are about to fight don't get cold feet and back out. Fight. This is so disrespectful to the guys that go out of their way to give you a chance to compete. This is also a slap in the face to the other person who has trained hard and is mentally & physically prepared. I have so much respect for the guys and gals who go into the cage. It is such a shame for the fighters that bring a strong following only to have to go back out in the crowd to break the news that they won't be fighting. This sport is built on honor and commitment. Have both and fight when you say you will or simply don't fight at all.

Ok now that I have this off of my chest I can focus on the day ahead and look forward to some great fights that take place starting June 4th at Rupp Arena when Absolute Action MMA 14 takes place. After that you can find us at Belfry High School for Gruesome MMA 4- Provoked. I am pumped, how about you?

Are You Not Entertained?

 

We are getting very excited for the beginning of June. Three huge shows back-to-back-to back brought to you by two of  the best fight comanies in the Commonwealth, maybe even in this part of the country. Absolute Action MMA and Gruesome MMA providing fans with shows that will sure to be worth the price of admission. Best part about it all is that Bluegrass MMA will be there to cover all the action.



Bluegrass MMA Live - New and Improved

Well we don't really know about the improved part but we are moving up in the world. Listen to our first hour-long episode. Great callers and great Kentucky MMA conversation. Steve Armentrout and Dave Stevens Co-host a great show that includes fighters Michael Gay and Two time Spartan Fighting Championship Title holder Eric Jarvis.

We are always looking for someone to promote so if you are interested in getting a fighter interviewd, being interviewed or want us to promote your website or company drop us a line at bluegrassmma@gmail.com.

Bluegrass MMA Live 05/16 by BluegrassMMA | Blog Talk Radio

Hard Rock MMA 33 Does Not Disappoint

Saturday night Hard Rock MMA put on great show at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green. Bluegrass MMA was cage side for all of the action. A packed house filled the room and provided a steady jolt of enthusiasm throughout the night. Most of the fighters were well prepared and with the exception of one small incident the show went nearly flawless.

Action was quick, fast and in a hurry as many of the fights did not make it out of the first round. Heavy hands and quick submissions excited everyone in attendance. The quickness was not due to poor match making but more to the nature of the sport. Knockouts happen and people slip up and get caught in submissions. It just so happened that several guys fell prey to these things.

Throughout the night and fight after fight guys poured their blood, sweat and tears in the Hard Rock Cage. New champions were crowned and some guys packed it up to start all over. Big action all night but here is the Bluegrass MMA awards for the show.

Submission of the Night- Jayson Hayden defeats Tyrelle Olding in both fighters professional debut. This bout started with a frenzy of action from both men. Hayden had booming kicks. Olding looked to be the aggressor early. Olding clipped Hayden with a strong knee that opened him up. Shortly after though Hayden got Olding's ankle to be what looked like an ankle lock. Olding feeling the pain pounded the mat, tapping out. Hayden at 18 years old looks to be a great prospect at 135 and gets the win despite of having to have 9 stitches placed in his head after the fight.

Knockout of the Night - I could not do what these guys do and damn sure would not do it on short notice. That is exactly what Lloyd McKenzie did when he stepped up at a moment's notice to fight Scott Stevens. My hat goes off to McKenzie but he should be worrying about his head. Very quickly Stevens pushed the action and after a brief stoppage due to an accident strike to groin Stevens unleashed a flurry of fists. With his back against the cage McKenzie was knocked out standing up.  Big fists and quick work get Stevens the nod here.

Fight of the Night - I feel guilty picking these things but if Dana White can do it so can Bluegrass MMA. So many good fights but there was a GREAT fight that sticks out to me. George Campoamor vs Paul Daugherty  was an absolute war. This was a back and forth battle for three rounds. Triangle chokes, slams, great standup and a whole lot of heart were on display for this one. I didn't want this fight to end but we all know they have to at some point. After going to the judge's score cards the announcer Shawn McClure proclaimed the split decision victory for the winner Paul Daughtery. This was close. I am no judge but I was leaning the other way on this one. That is a prime example of why to never let the fight go to the judges.

A good crowd combined with good fights always makes for a great night. Hard Rock MMA showed why they are successful and why they can be at 33 fights with more on the way. The execution of the show was very smooth. There was one bout when a fighter's foot went underneath a portion of the cage and he became stuck causing the fight to be a No-Contest. I really hope we get to see a rematch because Matt Sadler and Charles Clark were just getting warmed up.

If you have not been to a local MMA show here in Kentucky I urge you to go check it out. The casual fan will enjoy this and the avid fan will beg for more. Hard Rock is a great model for those looking to set out in the MMA world. We appreciate their hospitality and we will be back for more Hard Rock MMA shows very soon! Be sure to stay locked in here as well as our Twitter and Facebook accounts. We have some great pictures coming very soon.

The Root of All Evil - Money

I know its a scary thing to discuss. Money. It is what makes the world go 'round. We here at Bluegrass MMA are non-profit. We don't ask for a dime from anyone to advertise on our site. We do not ask for money or consideration to be able to bring you live event results from cage side. Pretty much we don't ask anyone for anything. That being said, we appreciate the support we have been given by the MMA community and love what we do. Some people have asked what it would cost to advertise, feature them or sponsor a Bluegrass MMA Live episode. That cost for now will remain the same, zero. However, if you feel like you would want to donate to Bluegrass MMA we would be gracious in accepting it. Please do not mistake this for a plea for money, it's not. We just want to give those people who have asked about paying us an outlet to do so without feelling obligated. We have installed a "Donate" button to the site via PayPal. There is no obligation to donate nor will donating any money get you any special considerations. This is just a tool that would go to help cover our expenses for travelling across the state bringing you the fan complete Kentucky MMA coverage.

So there you have it. If you want to donate, feel free. If not, we still love and appreciate all of our fans.