Jamie Varner Excited About Gruesome MMA Signing

June 11th at Belfry High School in Pike County Kentucky is day that you need to have circled on your calendar. Not only will there be exciting Kentucky amateur athletes on display but some of the best professional talents that are available will make an appearance.


We broke the news of Rafaello Oliveira getting snatched away by the UFC. It was quickly announced by Brandon Newsome of Gruesome MMA that former WEC Lightweight Champion and there is no bones about it, Varner is looking to make it back to the octagon of the UFC.

Varner said: " I'm excited about fighting for Gruesome MMA.  This is an emerging fight promotion that is quicky growing. It's an honor to be on their roster as a featured fighter. Can't wait to entertain our fans."


Be sure to check out http://www.gruesomemma.com for all your "Provoked" information. Tickets are available now at discounted prices at http//www.gruesomefightwear.com

Our Interview With The Boss - Absolute Action's Dr. Parag Patel

Its fight week again here in the Commonwealth and we are very excited for Absolute Action MMA 14 coming up Saturday June 4th in Heritage Hall. This marks the return of AAMMA to Lexington and in a big way. We were fortunate to get some time from the owner, the boss and one of the driving forces behind Kentucky mixed martial arts, Dr. Parag Patel. 

• AAMMA 14 marks your return to Lexington and in a big way. Tell us what it means for your company to bring its talent to a big venue such as Heritage Hall in the confines of Rupp Arena.

PP: "Thanks for letting me take a few minutes with you today. The main thing about a venue is the reception that they give us in bringing MMA to them. I like going to places that are as excited about MMA as we at Absolute Action are. I am looking forward to continuing on this trend and continue taking the right steps to ensure that AAMMA is able to provide the fighters with an opportunity to display their skills at these 'big venues'."

• Huge fight card on deck for the show. Any of the fights that you just can't wait to watch?

PP: "Ryan and Troy with Evva and Sarah as a close second. More so, I want to see what other parts of Kentucky is ready to put in the AAMMA cage. Their are still those out for themselves promoters that aren't too happy that AAMMA is coming to Lexington but we are and its just, hopefully, going to push these others guys to push their products so that 'their' fighters can get more recognition that we strive to provide."

• Our philosophy at Bluegrass MMA is fighters first, fans always. Your company is a great model for that statement. How do you continually bring great athletes to Absolute Action and keep them competing for you?

PP: "I decided over a year ago that it wasn't going to be about the drama that MMA seems to breed. No 'if you do you cant do that'. Its up to the trainers and managers to see what is in the best interest of their fighters that they are supposed to be taking care of. Do you want your fighters to compete in events with no recognition or do you want you fighter to compete on broadcast network television? Seems like an east decision for me, but its not my decision. I try to put on a show that is fun for the fighters as much as it is for the fans"

• We know events are in the works for AAMMA to travel around. Do you enjoy taking the show on the road and bringing the action across the state and even surrounding states?

PP: "I enjoy bringing an opportunity that isn't otherwise there for some of these fighters. Frankly no, I don't enjoy taking things on the road, yet! I'm waiting for the day that I can have an advance team to set things up ahead of getting to the location. We do have a few faces in Lexington and Evansville that have been a great asset. Now once we get everything set up and get to hear the comments, that's when its fun again. Hearing the thank yous and the when are you coming back makes the stress and the foot work worth it in the end."

Honor and Respect

                                   

Taking a step back from the usual to pay tribute to some real American heroes. Bluegrass MMA is based in Morehead, KY. A small knit community in the eastern part of the state. Morehead lost two sons, two brothers and two of the finest, most selfless people our community has ever known. It just so happens that they are part of the Bluegrass MMA family. I, Gary Thomas, won't talk a lot about my personal life through this avenue. For this day, however, the least I could do is recognize members of my own family.

                         

Pictured on the left is Edward Earhart. A proud member of the Navy and a guy who could always put a smile on your face. He attended our Labor Day family reunion just before heading to the Pentagon for a new job assignment. He was never able to start that job. Edward Earhart died September 11, 2001 at the Pentagon.

On the right is Collin Thomas. Collin was the man's man. He was the epitome

of bad ass and as a Navy SEAL he lived the bad ass life. A great role model, a great son, brother and uncle - he was a true Thomas. (We tend to be proud of our name.) Collin was killed in combat on August 2010 in Afghanistan. It just so happens the announcement of Osama Bin Laden's death at the hands of Navy SEALS came just a day prior to his birthday.

Remember the ones who have given the ultimate sacrifice to ensure we get to do the things we love to do. Hug your family and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Hard Rock 34 - Results

Bluegrass MMA wasn't able to be at the show tonight in Campbellsville. However we are lucky that Brandon "Hardrock" Higdon was keeping us up to date 150 miles away. Be sure to follow him for great event results and more. (@rockhigdon77). Keep checking for updated fight cards and all things Hard Rock MMA at http://www.hardrockfight.com. 

James Brasfield defeats Michael Gay - Submission to Strikes 1:24 Round 1

Justin Higdon defeats Larry Vest - TKO 2:47 Round 2

Ryan Cruz defeats Justin Collett - TKO 00:12 Round 1

Jarret Jetter defeats Buster Mullins - Rear Naked Choke 1:37 Round 1

Alex Simms defeats Michael Townsend - TKO 1:16 Round 1

Jacob Byrd defeats Steven Hewitt- TKO 00:46 Round 1

Josh Dawson defeats George Campoamor- TKO 1:46 Round 1

John Gentry defeats Travis Rich - Triangle 2:13 Round 2

Michael Morrelli defeats Blake Gabehart - Rear Naked Choke 2:35 Round 1

Quinton Parks defeats Jacob Rabbeth - Submission to Strikes 00:34 Round 1

Chris Hansford defeats Derik Byrd - Unanimous Decision

Tony Scott defeats Jeremy Philpot - Rear Naked Choke Round 1

Chris Boyd defeats Josh Allen - TKO 2:51 Round 1

Main Event - Professional Fight

Kevin Powers defeats Chancellor Edomonson - Kneebar Round 1.

Hard Rock MMA 35 takes place June 17th at the Clinton County Fair.