Senkai Promotions, in association with Daco Fightwear, will present BattleZone Fighting Championships 7 at the Regency Hotel on March 2.
Looking to make a strong start to 2013, the match-makers at BattleZoneFC have put together a stacked card with regional and international appeal for Irish fans of MMA.
Having launched the international series at BattleZoneFC 6, Team Ireland are back in action against Team USA at BattleZoneFC 7. Team USA will be represented by title holders, veterans of the amateur MMA game in the US and a fighter currently ranked number one in his amateur division.
Meet the Teams
Here are some views on the upcoming match-ups from some of the Team Ireland and Team USA fighters.
- Adam Caffrey (Rush Fight Academy) is one of the hottest amateur prospects in Ireland with wins over high calibre opponents like Ryan Curtis and Blaine O’Driscoll. Caffrey is not concerned where the fight goes. “From what I’ve seen on YouTube my opponent seems to be a decent grappler but I’m a well rounded fighter so I don’t really mind where the fight ends up,” he said.
- Trevor Ward (USA) is a highly decorated amateur MMA fighter with four titles currently to his name. He’s also ranked number one in the world by ISCFmma.com. Trevor tries to focus on himself rather than his opponent – “I train the same way for every fight. Be ready for whatever. If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail.”
- Wayne Nash (Tuath De Dannan) is a decorated Irish amateur boxer with a promising MMA career. “When I was boxing as a kid I always followed MMA as well. After watching MMA for a while I realised if you’re fighting someone bigger or with skills beyond striking you’d need to have more than boxing to win. After that I started doing MMA.”
- 33-year old Lex James (USA) is an MMA and BJJ instructor at his own facility in Springfield, Illinois. Lex is a veteran and knows not to underestimate the younger Irish opponent. “I expect Nash to be an all around good fighter with good stand up and ground skills. However, I see myself getting the takedown and finishing the fight by submission or ref stoppage.”
- Levi Kehoe (SBGi) comes from the fabled SBGi stable of fighters that now boasts some UFC fighters in their ranks. In addition to getting the win, Kehoe wants to make a point. “I got into MMA as a pastime but now it’s my whole life. I see the fight going my way. Whether its submission, knockout or decision, I’m coming away from there with a sharp performance and a win.”
- Phil Halverson (USA) is a powerfully built lightweight who has only lost once in six contests. Despite the trip across the Atlantic, Halverson is expecting a tough test and is preparing for war. “I’ve been preparing for this fight just like any other fight. My training never really changes, I live in the gym and I always expect a war! That’s how I view every fight.”
- Patrick Riley (USA) is the most senior member of the US Team and has packed quite a lot into his 36 years. Training since 2000, he has also spent four years in the US Marines. A title holder at 185lbs at home, Riley is hoping his valuable experience will overcome his opponent’s youth. “I expect my Irish opponent to be a scrappy young fighter with great cardio and heart. When the fight begins his youth will be his advantage. As the fight goes on my knowledge and toughness will be a lot for him to overcome.”
Fight card is subject to change and may run in a different order on the night.
Main Event
- Bantamweight Title: Keith Coady (SBGi) V Darren O’Gorman (Boxing Clinic)
Team Ireland v Team USA
- Flyweight: Adam Caffrey (Rush Fight Academy) v Trevor Ward (USA)
- Bantamweight: Wayne Nash (Tuath De Dannan) v Lex James (USA)
- Featherweight: Levi Keogh (SBGi) v Phil Harverson (USA)
- Lightweight: Daragh Harte (Rush Fight Academy) v Justin Langford (USA)
- Welterweight: Ciaran Daly (Boxing Clinic) v Patrick Riley (USA)
Team Ulster V Team Munster
- Featherweight: Carl McNally (ZKJ) v Paul Wallace (Boxing Clinic)
- Featherweight: Ryan Thomas v Kieran O’Brien (Boxing Clinic)
- Lightweight: Rowan Prendiville (ZKJ) v Andrew Murray (Waterford MMA)
- Welterweight: Gerard McKee (Evolve) v James Brennan (Boxing Clinic)
- Middleweight: Dennis Perry (Strabane Fight Team) v Staz (Boxing Clinic)
Undercard
- Bantamweight: Fran O’Kelly (Coolmine MMA) v Philip Lambe (Celtic MMA)
- Middleweight: Daragh Murray v Kaspers Jankovics (Southgate MMA)
- Welterweight: David Earls (SBGi) v Keith McCabe (Balance BJJ)
BattleZone FC 7 takes place on 2 March in the Regency Hotel, Swords Road, Dublin. Ticket prices start from €30. Doors open at 6pm with the first fight due at 7pm.
The event will be recorded for Setanta Sports to be aired shortly after. Tickets can be purchased from the fighters and clubs involved, from Ticketmaster or through the BattleZone Facebook page. Check the BattleZoneFC website for updates and you can follow @BattlezoneFC on Twitter and join the conversation using #BZFC7 or #bznation hashtags.
Pictures courtesy of In Cage Photography.
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