The Academy becoming a Bellator breeding ground

November 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

November 2nd, 2013….”CRACK!” Another Mike Richman left hand connects on his opposition, putting Akop Stepanyhan on the canvas before Richman finished the fight with a Double hammer fist otherwise known in the gym as a “captain Kirk”. This win put Richman at 5-2 in B.F.C and put The Academy at 4-0 over a 3 week span for Bellator.

With Bellator fighting championship growing as a promotion and growing in popularity due to big name acquisitions such as “Rampage” Jackson, Cheick Kongo, and other UFC veterans, it has become a great company to fight for no matter where somebody is in their career.  The Academy Currently has 4 Fighters under contract with the Viacom backed promotion.

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Mike Richman (16-3, 5-2 BFC) – a veteran of 2 145lb tournaments Mike is now well known for his boxing acumen and ability to end fights fast by fist or foot. After his Latest stoppage on the November 2nd card nothing is official for him next but a 3rd time in their tournament is a good bet.

 

 

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Brandon Girtz (10-3, 3-1 BFC) An over powering wrestler with heavy hands and fast submissions. 2 quick armbar victories in 2 weeks has put Girtz in line to be part of the 155lb tourney that begins in late January or early February .

 

 

 

Andre Tieva (7-0, 1-0 BFC) The 23 year old freestyle fighter took a fight for Bellator on 2 weeks notice this past October against a Local journeyman and finished the fight via TKO in round 1. Its not known when he will fight for the promotion again but its looking like march/april as he works his way up the Ladder.

 

Nick Kirk ( 9-3,0-3 BFC) the stand out wrestler has had a tough go in Bellator. Dropping 2 controversial split decisions to hometown fighters and just recently losing via triangle armbar to Joe Warren in the semi final round of the 135 lb tournament. It is unknown when Kirk will get back in to the Bellator FC cage.

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Mike Richman Moves on to tournament final over “popo”

March 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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Heated, is a good way to describe the official Bellator weigh in between Academy Product Mike Richman and Alexandre “popo” Bezzera. After both men weighed in “popo” got in Richmans face and made contact, Which prompted Richman to give him a solid shove. Immediately after the stage was swarmed by people from both camps and bellator officials holding them back from each other. The next night there wouldnt be anybody holding them back.

 

The first round saw a relentless takedown attack by Bezzera for the first minute, Richman was able to stuff the first couple attempts and even countered with a front choke off of Bezzera’s single leg takedown attempt. A front choke in which Mike is known for hitting alot in the practice room. After getting Richman to the ground “popo” got Mikes back and would stay there for the rest of the round attacking with choke attempts and punches from behind. (10-9 Bezzera)

Round 2, was all hands. Richmans world class striking would be the story of round 2. Bezzera showed his grit and concrete jaw by staying on the feet and trying to go punch for punch with the superior boxer, of course he attempted to shoot for a takedown ocassionally, but Richman wasnt allowing it. Bezerra’s head was knocked back countless times by stiff jabs and quick straight left hands by the deadly southpaw ( 10-9 Richman)

Round 3 left off where round 2 ended, on the feet for the first minute and a half. Finally Bezzera secured the takedown he had been searching for. Ground and pound at first from top position, then getting richmans back again he attempted more rear naked chokes. Richman would get back to guard then spring up to his feet and throw everything but the kitchen sink at Bezzera for the final minute of the 145 lb. tourney quarter final.

In easily the fight of the night and possibly fight of the tournement so far. Mike “the Marine” Richman takes the 29-28 split decision victory to move on the the Finals of the $100,000 tournement. His Opponent will be Magomedrasul “Frodo” Khasbulaev (20-5) a super tough Russian with a hard hitting free style approach.

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The Academy’s MMA updates: news & notes

March 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Here at the Academy Competing is our business… And business is good.

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This coming Thursday (march 7th) Mike ” the marine” Richman is set to do battle with Alexandre “popo” Bezzerra in the semi final round of Bellator’s featherweight tournament. The winner will go on to the tournament final on either march 28th or april 4th. This is Richmans second tournament run under the bellator promotion. During his run he has gone 3-1 with all 3 wins by knockout.

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Jordan “pretty boy” Parsons was scheduled to fight March 2nd for CFA (cage fighting alliance) in Miami, Florida at 145 lbs in a rematch against Danny Chavez who Parsons beat to win CFA’s Featherweight title just last summer. Coming off his 1st career loss in his defense of the belt, “pretty boy” has been chomping at the bit to get his hands on anybody they will give him. Hungry for battle, to say the least. The fight has now been pushed to April 20th.

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On March 23rd Donald williams, Ben Locken, Jesse Midas, and Sean Richman will all fight for SEG/Driller promotions in Burnsville, MN. The show is nearly sold out, the only way to get tickets in the next few weeks is from the fighters themselves. One of the more anticipated fights of the night will be Sean Richman vs Nick Spina for the promotions 145lb Amatuer belt.

Stay Tuned for news, notes, and match ups for April!

Filed Under: Fight Results, Fighter Spotlight, Mixed Martial Arts Tagged With: , , , , , , ,