Interview with Eddie “The Smashing Machine” Smith

Fiore MMA fighter and trainer, Eddie Smith, recently fought at CCCW VII and won in dominating fashion – showing some brutal ground and pound.  He’s wasting no time in getting back into the cage as he will be fighting less than 1 month later this Friday, 11-11-11, in a special Veterans Day event for FIGHT ME Promotions inSt. Charles,IL.

Eddie took some time to chat with me on the day before his big bout.

CCCW:  Hey Eddie, thanks for agreeing to this interview for us.

ES:  No problem, man.

CCCW:  So, since this is your first interview with CCCW, can you tell me a little bit about how you get into MMA and why you fight?

ES:  I wrestled for a while.  And, after wrestling I didn’t have any other way to compete.  So, I was looking for something.  Then, an opportunity came up to take a MMA fight – so I jumped at it.  I didn’t really train that much for that fight, but after that I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.

CCCW:  Cool.  How long ago was that.

ES:  About 3 years ago.

CCCW:  I’ve heard people using a nickname of “The Smashing Machine” for you.  And, it was pretty obvious how good of a fit that name was after watching your last fight where you ground and pounded your way to an impressive win at CCCW VII.  But, I am curious as to who gave you that nickname?

ES:  You know, I’m not really sure where it came from.  It just happened I guess.  That’s what everyone’s called me for the last couple of years.

CCCW:  I have to admit that it was a bit counter intuitive as I see you as a really gentle and more soft spoken kind of guy.  But, again, it was very evident that you can turn on that aggression when you want to when I saw you fight.

ES:  Yeah, I guess you can say that the “Smashing Machine” is kind of my alter ego (laughs).

CCCW:  I know that you have a very close relationship with your Head Coach Marc Fiore.  Can you tell me how you two met?

ES:  I was dating a girl who went to school near the HIT Squad.  So, I moved out here to be with her, but it didn’t work out.  However, I did meet Marc when I started training in MMA at the HIT Squad (Marc’s former gym).

I was always in his office, talking to him and annoying him.  After a while, we got to be pretty close.  So, when he moved out to Springfield to start Fiore MMA, he knew that I was kind of looking for where I wanted to make my next move.  And, he actually offered to let me come and live with him and his family and train here.

CCCW:  At Fiore MMA, many of the fighters are also trainers for the various classes. And, you’ve actually gained a reputation as one of the best trainers they have.  How did you come to develop this skill?

ES:  Training has been an interest of mine for a long time.  I actually opened up a personal training studio inNew York when I got out of school.  I also coached wrestling for a while.

But, I really felt like I’d rather compete while I’m young as opposed to training right now.  So, I’m more focused on fighting than I am on training.  I would say that I’m sure I’ll go back to working as a trainer full time after I’m done fighting.

Training is something I’ve been into since I was 13 or 14.  I always enjoyed helping other athletes achieve their goals, and I get a lot of satisfaction out of that.

CCCW:  This Friday you have a big fight.  It’s very unique, in that you’re fighting on 11-11-11, and obviously that it’s on Veteran’s Day.  So, there are many men who have served in the military on the card.  What can you tell me about your opponent?

ES:  I’m not really too sure, to be honest.  I know that my opponent is making his pro debut.  I usually don’t get too worried about what my opponent is going to do, but just try to focus on what I’m going to do in there.  That’s the only thing that I can control.  And, I feel pretty good about what I’m going to do in there.

CCCW:  Anything that you’d like to say to your friends and fans?

I’m just excited for the opportunity to represent Fiore MMA.  Marc has been a great friend to me, and I’m glad that we’ve had an opportunity to continue working together.  Also, thanks to all of  my training and sparring partners who have helped me prepare for this fight.

CCCW:  Cool.  Well, thanks again for your time, Eddie.  Good luck tomorrow night!

Exciting KO victory for Cody Griffin at ProElite “Big Guns” on Saturday, 11-5-11

Although the fight didn’t really start in Griffin’s favor, it was certainly good to be Cody at the end of his first bout in the 8 man ProElite tournament.  After being on the losing end of the first two rounds based on the controlling ground game and wrestling of the much larger Justyn Riley, Cody Griffin showed why he deserves to be fighting on HDNet.

He caught Riley with a powerful punch which absolutely rocked the fellow former football player, and then pounced on him with strong ground and pound to put a very exciting end to their bout early in the 3rd.

Our congratulations go out to this CCCW veteran from Scottsville, IL who recently came under Fiore MMA  management.  More details to come on Cody’s next bout for ProElite on HDNet as details are available.  But, that was certainly the biggest win of Cody’s career – and a very exciting victory as well!

Full fight video is can currently be found on youtube at this link (not sure if it’ll stay up there or not):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUkzjdE6-0Q&feature=related

Below is a more detailed description of Cody’s bout from mmamania.com:

In the second Pro Elite hevyweight grand prix match up of the night, Cody Griffin faced off against Justyn Riley for the right to advance to the next round of the tournament.

For the first two rounds, this one was all Riley. For ten-plus minutes, Riley backed Griffin down, took him down and hung all over him, brutalizing him with ground and pound. At the end of the second round, Riley very nearly got the finish by way of a rear-naked choke.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Griffin isn’t good at a ton of things. “Quitting” appears to fall into that category.

Needing the finish, Griffin came out in the third looking to land a punch that would keep the fight from going to the scorecards of the judges. He was able to do just that.

Griffin was able to clip Riley with a straight punch to the face that wobbled him. Griffin wasted no time, using a flurry of punches to send his opponent to the ground. He instantly pounced on him, causing the referee to call a stop to the action at 0:32 of the third round.

The victory came by way of a TKO (strikes) as Griffin will move in grand prix bracket. Big win for Griffin. Fairly devastating loss for Riley who let this one slip away.

Red-Hot Finisher Brian Foster Ready to Stir Up Bellator Welterweight Division and Make Title Run

by Press Release

CHICAGO, Ill. (November 1, 2011) — Brian Foster has a message for the Bellator welterweight division and its champion Ben Askren:

“I’m coming.”

The former UFC fighter who won his last two fights in the UFC and who sports a 18-5 record as a welterweight has recently signed with Bellator Fighting Championships in a deal that adds another legitimate contender to Bellator’s already stacked welterweight division. Currently riding a four-fight win streak, including a TKO win over Forrest Petz and a submission victory against Matt Brown during his UFC run, Foster, who has finished all 18 of his career wins, is hitting his stride and has one thing on his mind.

“I’m getting that belt,” Foster said. “I want to fight the best. I want to fight Ben Askren and take home that belt. I ran through my last two opponents and I’m better than I’ve ever been. I’m very happy to be a part of Bellator and I’m coming for the top spot.

The Springfield, Illinois fighter has never gone to a decision in his career. With 10 wins by submission and eight by TKO/KO, the exciting Foster should add another threat to an already stacked welterweight division. Despite a medical setback in his career, Foster says he’s now 100 percent healthy and ready to start on his road to the championship.

“I’ve been seen by two of the best doctors in the state, they’ve medically cleared me and I feel great,” Foster added. “I’m looking forward to facing Bellator’s best and becoming the next welterweight champion.”
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

Dustin Jacoby loses decision to Clifford Starks at UFC 137

It was a frustrating night at UFC 137 for most readers of this blog.  Jacoby had a decent first round, where he got the better of the stand up, but gave up a take down in the last 30 seconds which probably cost him that round.  The following two rounds he fell victim to Starks strong take downs, and was unable to work off of his back.  Additionally, I would say that Dustin was less aggressive than he has been in previous fights.

No one maintains a perfect record for long in this game, and it’s no secret that fighting a wrestler with Division I credentials is always a tough match up.  Also, comfort can be found for the 23 year old UFC newcomer in the fact that a blueprint has been laid for areas of improvement before his next bout (which will also most likely be in the UFC).  Additionally, Joe Rogan was complimentary of DJ’s footwork, timing and punching repertoire.

For those interested in a blow-by-blow for this fight, I copied this one from MMAmania.

Dustin Jacoby vs. Clifford Starks

Round one: Starks takes the center of the cage and probes with a jab. Both men are hesitant early and Starks has landed a few right hands. Jacoby hits Starks with a right of his own. Starks tags Jacoby with a nice right hand that snaps his head back as both men continue to size each other up. Starks finds another home for the right hand and he’s not using his wrestling at all yet. Jacoby connects with a looping left as Starks is on the way in and Starks responds with a right to the body. Either man can win this round if they do something big in the last minute. Jacoby closes the distance and Starks drops for a takedown, advancing to half guard while Jacoby latches on a Kimura as the round ends. 10-9 Starks

Round two: Both men still a bit hesitant here. Jacoby lands a few jabs and throws a big spinning back kick but it misses. Starks opens up with some nice right hands, his reach is effective here and he has found a home for the right hand. Starks closes the distance and as he gets inside, Jacoby leaves an opening and gets taken down into full guard. Starks lays there for about 30 seconds and finally starts dropping some punches. Starks postures up and drops a few nice left hands. Jacoby isn’t offering much off his back here. Starks pins Jacoby’s hand behind his back and drops some right hands until the round ends. 10-9 Starks

Round three: Starks lunges in with a big right hand and eats a right from Jacoby. Jacoby needs to open up and get a finish here or he’s likely going to lose a decision. Jacoby throws a nice combination and lands a knee but Starks shoots in, turns the corner and takes Jacoby down again. Jacoby grabs an underhook but can’t pop up to his feet. Starks postures up and throws a couple nice right hands. Jacoby ties up both of Starks’ hands but Starks passes to side control. Jacoby attacks Starks’ left arm as he’s in half guard with a minute left in the fight. Starks drops a few right elbows to the body and Jacoby gives up on it with 45 seconds left. Jacoby is quickly running out of time here. Starks opens up with punches in the final 10 seconds of the bout and finishes strong. 10-9 Starks

Final result: Clifford Starks defeats Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Jacoby enjoys significant height advantage over Starks at UFC 137

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost upon us.  Local standout Dustin Jacoby will make his UFC debut against a talented wrestler in fellow UFC newcomer Clifford Starks.

One does not need to grill Jacoby’s world renowned Head Coach, Marc Fiore, to know the strategy for this fight.  It couldn’t be more obvious.  He wants to use his height advantage, and keep Starks at the end of his strikes.  If Starks is able to successfully take Jacoby down, Dustin can certainly work off of his back (as proven by his triangle submission win).  But, there’s few men in the world who can stand and trade with Dustin when he works at his range.  And, there’s a body of evidence to prove that (which most people reading blog have laid witness to in person).

I would imagine that Clifford Starks is as good as anyone Dustin has faced.  And, if he is somewhat one dimensional as a wrestler, he’s only been able to get this far because he’s really an exceptional wrestler.  So, this will be a nice test for Jacoby.

At the end of the day, I feel confident that Jacoby’s reach advantage combined with excellent footwork and timing will be too much for Starks.  Dustin has very consistently performed well, due not only to his physical tool but also his mental stength, and I see him coming out with a win tonight.

Check here for details on how to watch the fight tonight.

Also, if you are interested in training where Dustin trains, check out Fiore MMA in Springfield, IL.  It’s absolutely open to those who are simply looking for a new and more interesting workout, or would just like to drop a few pounds, as well as competitive athletes.  All classes are coed, they offer free babysitting, and there is a children’s program for children 5 and up.  Get more information at their Grand Opening next Saturday, Nov. 5th from 10-2, or simply visit their website at www.fioremma.net

Fiore MMA Heavyweight Cody Griffin to fight on HDNet Saturday, Nov. 5th for ProElite

CCCW veteran heavyweight Cody Griffin, now under Fiore MMA management, will have the opportunity to compete in the highest profile fight of his career next Saturday, November 5th on HDNet for ProElite.  He’ll be joined on this televised card by former UFC Heavyweight Champions Andre Arlovski and Tim Sylvia.  The action is set to take place at the Wireless Center in Moline, IL.

ProElite is running a special 8 man heavyweight tournament, and Cody was officially added to the card just this afternoon.  Our best wishes go out to Cody as he prepares an opportunity to jump into the MMA spotlight on HDNet.

Tickets for “ProElite 2:Big Guns” are on sale to the general public at the i wireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800)745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and www.proelite.com

Watch Dustin Jacoby at UFC 137 for FREE on Facebook Saturday, Oct. 29th at 4:50CST

Goto the UFC Facebook page and “Like” their page to gain free access to the preliminary fights for UFC 137.  You will need to have a Facebook page to watch the fights.

Please note that the preliminary fights start early at 4:50 Central Standard Time.  Don’t be late, as Dustin is the first scheduled fight of the night.

Also, you can catch the weigh ins for UFC 137 at 6pm CST tonight (Friday, 10/28).  If you have issues with this link, go to http://www.ufc.com.