Accomplished wrestler Hepburn joins Friday’s stacked card

[CES Press Release]

LINCOLN, R.I. (Dec. 5th, 2013) – With roots already planted in three separate states, former national championship wrestler T.J. Hepburn is looking to plant one more in the competitive world of mixed martial arts.

Hepburn, a New Jersey native who grew up in Connecticut and wrestled collegiately in Nebraska, will return to the cage for the first time in more than a year on Friday, Dec. 6th, 2013 at Twin River Casino when he faces Rhode Islander Tundee Odumoso (1-1) on the undercard of “CES MMA XX” presented by Classic Entertainment & Sports.

Whether MMA is a legitimate career move or just a passing fancy for Hepburn (1-0, 1 KO) remains to be seen, but the scrappy, 5-foot-7 lightweight hopes to have an answer by the end of 2014, making Friday’s fight against Odumoso an important barometer as he moves forward with his career.

“I have a wife and two kids,” Hepburn said, “so if it doesn’t work for me this year, it’s the end of the road.

“Because I was a national championship wrestler, people automatically assume my goal is to get to the [Ultimate Fighting Championships], but the most important thing for me is to make sure my children have clothes on their back.

“I’ll see where this takes me.”

The 24-year-old Hepburn already has a backup plan; he’s a manager at the Grappler’s Lair in Kearney, Neb., where he currently trains, plus he has a bachelor’s degree in sports administration and physically education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and plans on becoming a certified personal trainer in 2014.

A career in MMA may or may not be the right move, but, given Hepburn’s impressive wrestling background, it would’ve been a shame if he didn’t test the waters at some point. After moving to East Ledyard, Conn., in 2003, Hepburn became a four-time state finalist and three-time state champion at East Ledyard High, finishing with a near-perfect record of 200-4.

At UNK, he exceled in the 157-pound weight class, earning NCAA Division II All-American honors three times before ending his career as the D-II national champion in 2012. The decision to step into the cage later that year wasn’t exactly spur of the moment; Hepburn fought two amateur MMA bouts in 2007 and 2008 as an 18-year-old up-and-comer and one more in March of 2012 before making his professional debut three months later.

Ironically, the highly-decorated wrestler won that fight by first-round knockout, using a flurry of punches to stop Jeremy Mier with one second remaining.

“People have the wrong perspective about wrestlers not being able to throw hands,” Hepburn said. “Wrestling is such a hard sport to learn. If anything, we pick things up a lot faster than most fighters.”

Since his debut more than a year ago, fights have been hard to come by for Hepburn. On three separate occasions, a potential fight fell through when the opponent pulled out at the last minute. Then a promoter asked him to drop to 145 pounds, which Hepburn – who walks around at 170 – refused to do. As the disappointments added up, Hepburn began questioning his future in MMA.

“Starting your training camp, cutting weight and preparing for a fight is a big sacrifice,” he said. “To do that three times with a wife and two kids and not have a fight in the end is tough.”

Even Friday’s fight almost fell through a few weeks ago, but CES matchmaker Pat Sullivan promised Hepburn he’d make sure he’d have an opponent, so Hepburn stayed up north with family and friends until he got the phone call.

In addition to the uncertainty surrounding his next fight, Hepburn also dealt with the death of his 33-year-old sister, who passed away recently following a 29-year, on-and-off battle with cancer.

“She was a fighter, that’s for sure,” Hepburn said. “Losing her was tough to handle, but the show must go on.”

What happens beyond Friday is anyone’s guess. Hepburn would prefer to fight in New England “two or three times a year,” but admits he still considers MMA a “hobby” until he figures out whether or not it can evolve into a legitimate career.

“I train, I work hard, and I have two kids,” he said, “so I definitely need to make money.”

Tickets for “CES MMA XX” are priced at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling 401-724-2253/2254, online at http://www.cesmma.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com, or at Players Club at Twin River.

Headlining the event, Boston, Mass., native Rob Font (7-1, 2 KOs), the reigning CES MMA featherweight champion, will put his record on the line in the main event against Canadian challenger Matt DiMarcantonio (4-3), while Providence, R.I., veteran Luis Felix (9-7, 3 KOs) and Boston’s Lucas Cruz (6-1, 2 KOs) will battle for lightweight supremacy in the highly-anticipated co-feature.

Also on the undercard, Woonsocket, R.I., featherweight Andre Soukhamthath (6-1, 3 KOs) will aim for his fourth win of the year and seventh consecutive overall, the latter which would make him the winningest fighter in CES MMA history, breaking a tie with the aforementioned Chattelle. Soukhamthath will face 5-foot-7 challenger Corey Simmons (5-5) of Defiance, Ohio.

In another battle between two of the region’s top fighters in the welterweight division, fifth-ranked Brett Oteri (11-5, 1 KO) of Dedham, Mass., will face Dennis Olson (13-7, 1 KO) of Amherst, N.H., formerly ranked No. 1 in the 185-pound weight class. Olson last fought at Twin River in April when he submitted Todd Chattelle in the opening round of their main-event rematch.

Not to be outdone, Providence light heavyweight Greg Rebello (15-5, 8 KOs) will end his short-lived retirement and return to the cage Friday following a loss in his last bout in June. Once considered the top fighter in his weight class in New England, Rebello won 11 consecutive fights between 2006 and 2010 before a tough loss to Dan Cramer at the Bellator Fighting Championships. After losing a split decision to Lewis Rumsey in June – his third loss in six fights – Rebello announced his retirement, but has decided to resume his career Friday in CES MMA’s 20th celebration show.

The undercard of “CES MMA XX” will also feature the return of fan-favorite Charles Rosa (5-0, 2 KOs), a rising star in the lightweight division who wrestled collegiately at Providence’s Johnson & Wales University before returning home to Boynton Beach, Fla., but still maintains a strong fan base in Rhode Island. Rosa made his CES debut in October with an impressive submission win over Steve McCabe and will now face the dangerous Ralph Johnson (6-8, 6 KOs) of Worcester, Mass., who is coming off an impressive, first-round knockout win over Jason Ward in November, making that six first-round knockout wins for the 6-foot-5 slugger in his career.

Looking to keep his perfect record intact, East Providence, R.I., lightweight Nate Andrews (5-0, 2 KOs) will step up face seasoned Miamisburg, Ohio, veteran Tyler Combs (13-11, 8 KOs), while another unbeaten prospect, Providence welterweight Eric Spicely (2-0) will return for his third and final fight of 2013 when he faces Connecticut native Tyler Rose (1-0) in a three-round bout. Providence featherweight Tom Evans (2-2, 1 KO) will look to snap a two-fight losing streak when he faces Ruso Khubejashvili (3-2) of Massachusetts. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

– CES –

Coliseum To The Cage ‘Rukus’ 12/6/2013 Teaser

It has been a while since the last Coliseum to the Cage event but they are returning this Friday on December 6th to the SportsZone in Derry New Hampshire. They have an 12 fight fight card which included 4 pro fights and there are several good match ups on this one.  Tickets start at just $30 and can be found here all the way up to $100 bux for the SuckerPunch Skybox!  Their last show took place in March so Warchild and I are very excited to cover the show for you all.  Throughout their hiatus they have revamped their website courtesy of Apocalypse MMA so check it it out here.  If you have never been to the Sports Zone it is a nice gym type area and there are plenty of beer and pizza sold which is always a bonus.  Not enough? Well, the beautiful Brittany Baldi will be in attendance. Let me break down the card down for you…

Tyler Jacques vs Brett Trahan 170

For the first fight of the evening Tyler Jacques takes on Brett Trahan at 170lbs.  Tyler has a 2-3 record in which he won both of his fights by tko/ko.  For his losses he lost two by decision and one by submission.  His opponent Brett has a 4-1 record.  He has won 2 by submission, 1 decision and one by tko/ko stoppage.  His only loss was to Tyler Jacques back in July of 2012 and he is looking to avenge that loss.  As you can see this is an exciting match up and Tyler will be looking to show how much he improved and that his first win over Brett was no mistake.

Mitch Barish vs Adam Neilson 175

At 175lbs Mitch Barish takes on Adam Neilson for the second bout of the evening.  Mitch will be making his amateur debut and I believe trains with Wai Kru.  Adam will also be making his amateur debut.  Not much insight on this one with both fighters being new but it should be exciting.

Tom Hutchinson vs Stephen Desjardins 125

At 125lbs Tom Hutchinson will face off against Stephen Desjardins.  Tom is 1-0 and fights out of Team Triumph.  He fought for NEF against Jason Bell and won by submission in round 2.  I remember the fight well and it was an exciting and Tom looked very comfortable in the fight on all levels.  His opponent Stephen is 2-2 from Team Irish.  He has won a submission and one by decision so far in his amateur career.  He lost one by ko/tko and one by submission.  This is a real good match up and a tough fight for both fighters.  I have seen Stephen fight his last two fights for NEF and he looks very well prepared as well so that should make this a solid fight.

Paul Gaffney vs Bobby Jones 170

At 170lbs Paul Gaffney takes on Bobby Jones.  Paul trains out of Team Link and has an undefeated 3-0 record.  He first won by tko from a slam, then won by tapout to strikes.  In his last fight he had a 3 round war against JT Harold and won the decision.  Now he is ready to put his undefeated record on the line again.  He is a warrior who puts everything he has in each fight and does it all for his children.  He is a real nice guy as well.  I wasn’t able to find out much about his opponent so we will have to wait and see how this one turns out.

Aaron Lacey vs Carl Langston 145

Next up Aaron Lacey squares off against Carl Langston at 145lbs.  Aaron fights out of Young’s MMA and has a 2-0 record.  He won both of his fights by submission and he looked real good.  His last fight he submitted a good wrestler Caleb Hall up at NEF in Maine.  He will be looking to improve to 3-0.  His opponent Carl is from Balanced Ground MMA and comes into this fight with an 0-1 record.  He lost his first fight up at NEF against Mike Pieterson by submission in Rd 3.  I give the slight edge to Aaron Lacey in this fight but Balanced Ground MMA guys come ready for a fight and are always in it!

Nate Charles vs Ryan Dibartolomeo 155

Then Nate Charles takes on Ryan Dibartolomeo in a 155lb battle.  Nate is from Balanced Ground MMA and has a 1-7 record.  He lost the majority of his losses by decisions and submissions.  In his sole win he won with a very quick knockout of Rob Vandastine.  He will be looking to break his 3 fight losing streak.  Ryan is a 1-3 fighter traveling from Massachusetts.  He won a split decision in his last fight against Nermin Zilic.  Before that he lost 3 fights by decision and 2 to ko/tko to strikes.  This is a good match up for both fighters and I think it will be a good stand up battle.

Xavier Vargas vs. John Gardner 195

Xavier Vargas takes a last minute fight against John Gardner at 195 lbs.  Xavier is dropping down to 195 for this fight and has a 2-1 record.  He won both of his fights by using his fists.  His one loss came by way of the fist as well.  John is from Frosty’s First Class MMA and comes into this fight with an 0-1 record.  He lost his only fight to Jeremy Stevens by tko stoppage to strikes in Rd 2 up in Maine at NEF.  He is hungry for his first ammy victory.  This is a nice addition to the card as both fighters have heavy hands which makes for a good time for the fans!

Dave Spero vs Erik Tseronis 170

For the last amateur fight of the evening Coach Dave Spero takes on Eric Tseronis in a 170lb showdown. Dave has a 2-2 record and runs his own school in New Hampshire.  His two losses came by decision and his two wins, one was by ko/tko and the other was a split decision.  He will be looking to break his .500 record.  His opponent Erik has a 3-3 record and trains out of Burgess MMA.  He lost two by submission and one by decision.  He won a decision and two by tko/ko to strikes.  As you can see on paper this is a dead even match up and it will be a good one.  Both fighters are very respectable guys and do so much for the sport of MMA.  I wish them both the best of luck and this fight is definitely a fight of the night potential!

Andrew Hughes vs Ricky Sylvester 170

For the first pro fight of the evening Andrew Hughes takes on Ricky Sylvester at 170lbs.  Andrew is from Team Irish and has an 0-1 record.  He was a 5-1 amateur and recently turned pro at a previous NEF and lost a decision to Joe Palazio.  He is very well rounded and won most of his amateur fights by submissions.  He will be hungry to get his first pro victory.  His opponent Ricky is a 1-1 record.  In his last fight he lost a unanimous decision to JT Harold and now he is turning professional.  I think Ricky will want to keep this fight standing and look for the knockout punch as it seems he is most comfortable standing while Andrew can stand and bang as well but if he needs to he will take it to the ground and try to work that submission.

RJ Letendre vs Dominic Warr 150

RJ Letendre is ready to battle Dominic Warr at a catch weight of 150lbs.  RJ is making his pro debut and fights out the Shop in NH.  He had a 2-1 amateur record with wins over Will Chan and Jesse Erickson.  I saw his last two fights and he did an excellent job at controlling the fight and getting the ref stoppage to strikes.  Dom is from Wai Kru and he is 4-3 as a pro. He is fresh off a submission victory over Keegan Hornstra at the last Cage Titans.  Dom loves to stand and bang and this is going to be a good one.  This one definitely has fight of the night potential!

Devin Powell vs Bruce Boyington 155

For the second to last pro fight of the evening Devin Powell faces off against Bruce Boyington at 155lbs.  Devin Powell has a 2-0 record and trains out of The Shop.  He has a decision victory and a submission victory so far in his professional career.  He hasn’t fought in over a year but is looking to return in a big way against Bruce Boyington.  Bruce trains with Young’s MMA and has a 5-6 record which includes Tapology’s 96th Greatest Knockout of All Time.  Also it should be noted that his losses were to New England beasts like Rick Hawn, John Ortolani, Dez Green and Smeef Cotito.  All 5 of his wins have come from striking so watch out fight fans!

Bill Jones vs Vovka Clay 145

For the main event Bill Jones takes on Vovka Clay for a 145lbs battle.  Bill is head coach from The Shop and has an 11-7 record.  The majority of Bill’s wins have come from submissions.  For his losses most of them were from submissions as well.  He has fought many tough fighters and always rises to the occasion.  His opponent Vovka is from Team Triumph and will be making his pro debut.  He has a stellar amateur career and went 6-2 with 5 out of 6 wins coming by way of submission.  He is fresh off a win over Dom Cofone by Peruvian Necktie from November 9th and will be looking to get his first professional victory.  This is going to be an interesting one as Vovka is giving up lots of fight experience in this fight from the professional side but however he did see lots of amateur action.  We will have to see how this one plays out and I for one can’t wait!

There you have the complete breakdown of every fight Coliseum to the Cage has to offer you all this Friday in Derry NH.  As you can see they are all solid match ups and it will make for a great night of fights.  Warchild will be there taking photos and I will be there doing the writing with the live play by play (as long as I have WiFi).  I would like to give a shout out to Coliseum to the Cage for keeping us up to date on their mma action.  They plan on closing out the year with a bang and this is in my opinion their best card to date.  Come on out and enjoy the mma action and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.  See you all there!