Colorado MMA
News
RING OF FIRE
42:
Who's Next
11-24-2011
Pancrase Newswire
Denver,
Broomfield, CO
THUNDER
TONER RETURNS, IFL CHAMP SHULTZ DEBUTS AT 145, BLALOCK
AND GAETHJE DEFEND TITLES AT ROF 42: WHO'S NEXT DENVER
CO
RING OF FIRE MMA returns to Colorado!! For the past
eleven years ROFMMA has launched the careers of
countless superstars of the sport.
Carwin. Cerrone. Condit. Ludwig. Henderson. Garcia.
Schaub. The list goes on and on...
On Saturday Dec 17th at the 1STBANK Center mma fans will
get the opportunity to find out WHO'S NEXT.
Headlining the event will be a battle of two of the top
Featherweight prospects in the country. Former ROF
Champion Tyler THUNDER Toner (12-3) will be going after
another "W" against one of the regions most dangerous
fighterss Nick Macias (9-4).
After the conclusion of ROF 41 there was no one more
deserving of a standing ovation then Colorado's Tyler
Toner. In one of the most amazing displays of heart and
tenacity, Toner struggled to hold off a stronger
opponent, JR Sims for 3 rounds. In what became a
comeback for the ages, Toner stunned Sims late in the
3rd and continued to press the attack until the referee
was forced to stop the fight. The entire arena was on
it's feet and the feeling was electric. In that moment
Toner also cemented his spot in the main event for ROF
42: WHO'S NEXT.
ROF Promoter Sven BOOGIE Bean was so impressed he
immediately made up his mind to bring Toner back for the
next event. "Tyler is exactly the kind of fighter the
ROF fans want to see. He has a never give up mentality
and is always looking to finish fights, even when the
chips are down. He has been a a fixture with Ring Of
Fire since 2005 and I am proud to have him headline this
show."
Toner was able to string enough wins on ROF events to
get the call to the WEC and eventually the UFC. Under
the Zuffa banner he had 3 wars that were great battles,
but after losing two decisions, the talent laden
promotion was forced to cut him loose with the familiar
"go out, get a couple wins, and we'll bring you right
back"
Toner is just one win from that goal, and is looking to
finish his opponent Nick Macias in any means necessary.
Nick Macias is known for his hard hitting, aggressive in
your face style of fighting. He has amassed a 9-4 MMA
record, and is riding a 4 fight win streak. Macias might
just be the perfect foil for Toner's plans and also has
his sights set on a larger contract. A win against Toner
would put Macias in position to advance his career to
the next step and steal some of Toner's THUNDER along
the way. Macias is coming into the fight fresh off a
victory of one of Toner's stable mates, BJJ Black Belt
Josh Ford. Macias was able to use his style to control
the bout against the decorated grappler, and win a
unanimous decision. Macias trains with UFC vet Chris
Camozzi out of Factory X Muay Thai. This camp is quickly
making waves in the fight community and is showing that
it is a team to be reckoned with in the talent heavy
region.
Making his debut to the RING OF FIRE and the 145lb
weight class is former IFL Champion Ryan THE LION
Schultz. Schultz is an American mixed martial artist
that has competed in some of the world's most recognized
fighting organizations including the WEC, Sengoku, and
the IFL. With a strong background in wrestling, several
years of experience, and an explosive fighting style,
Ryan is a fierce competitor and one of the sport's most
exciting fighters to watch. Shultz was always known as
one of the bigger 155 lb fighters and will be huge at
145. Shultz started his career with the famous Team
Quest in the Pacific North West. But the Nebraska native
moved back towards his roots and now runs TRIALS MMA in
Ft. Collins, CO with UFC fighter Ed Herman.
Michelle BOBCAT Blalock is quickly becoming a fan
favorite at ROF. Her high energy entrances to the cage,
and high intensity inside the cage gets the fans on
their feet. Her trademark growl across the cage has both
her opponent and some of the VIP's front row having
second thoughts. Blalock is a Sambo based fighter and
has a perfect record of 7-0. She has finished all but
one of her opponents.She will be making her 2nd defense
of the promotions' 125 lb Young Gun Belt at ROF 42:
WHO'S NEXT. A win here will put her in the top rankings
and open up opportunities internationally as well.
The fighter making the fastest rise up the ranks is high
level wrestler Justin THE HIGHLIGHT Gaethje. He has
mowed through every opponent put in front of him and has
a perfect 9-0 record. After his first few fights ROF
promoter Sven Bean gave him the nick name "THE
HIGHLIGHT". "This kid is a stud, if he gets his hands on
you there is a great chance you will be flying through
the air. The nick name was a natural because after every
one of his fights we have 4-5 highlights for the next
fight. He is going to go as far as he wants in this
sport." said Bean. Already more then one MMA reporter
has noticed his resemblance in style to an early Matt
Hughes, if that is any idication as to his future..it is
very bright. Facing Gaethje will be Donnie THE HITMAN
Bell from Grand Pararie, Texas. The 21 year old fighter
has Record 6-1 record, and a strong wrestling background
as well. He was Texas State wrestling champion, and at
the college level wrestled in Iowa under Luke Moffat.
Industry insiders are already laying odds as to this
bout taking Fight Of The Night Honors.
As always the ROF card will be stacked from top to
bottom with the best fighters in the region. This event
will feature the return of a few fan favorites and some
fighters making their ROFMMA debut as well. Mike
Baldwin, Tito Solis, and Joey Banks all have established
fan bases in the area and will aim to please them on the
17th. And LT Nelson, Josh Goldberger, and Randy Caruso
will all make their ROFMMA debut.
Full Fight Card to be released later today on
ROFMMA.com
Stay Tuned!!
VENUE INFORMATION:
ROF 42 also marks the promotion's return to the 1STBANK
CENTER, formerly known as the Broomfield Event Center.
The arena is located just 15 minutes from both Downtown
Denver and Boulder. The venue just received a
multi-million dollar face lift and has hosted UFC and
STRIKEFORCE events. It is known as "the Venue" for MMA
events in the area.
Tickets are priced at $25.00, $35.00 and $45.00* and can
be purchased online at www.TICKETHORSE.com
Tickets also available at:
TicketHorse charge-by-phone (8am - 8pm M-Sat., 9am - 5pm
Sun.): 866.461.6556.
TicketHorse Kiosks located at all Dicks Sporting Goods
*price does not include $4.00 facility fee, additional
charges may apply
VIP TABLES: As always if you would like to see
the event is style, VIP GOLD and VIP SILVER tables can
be purchased. The VIP tables seat 8 people and are
catered by Brothers BBQ. Cocktail service is available
to the VIP tables. Call 303-521-0966 or e-mail beanz4@msn.com
to reserve your table!
****LIMITED AVAILABILITY ON VIP TABLES RESERVE TODAY****
