Denver, Colorado – 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 by Watching LIVE iPPV at either http://rofmma.com/v2/live/ or www.GFL.tv.
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 region’s most dangerous fighters 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 its 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 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. After 3 opponents dropping out, Strikeforce veteran Lacey THE LADY Schuckman has agreed to face Blalock for the belt. Shuckman has a 6-4 MMA record and is coming off of her pro boxing debut, where she TKO’ed her opponent in the first round.
The fighter making the fastest rise up the ranks is high level wrestler Justin THE HIGHLIGHT Gaethje. He has moved 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 than one MMA reporter has noticed his resemblance in style to an early Matt Hughes, if that is any indication 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.
Full Fight Card:
145: TYLER TONER vs NICK MACIAS
125: YOUNG GUN CHAMPIONSHIP: MICHELLE BLALOCK vs LACEY SCHUCKMAN
145: RYAN SHULTZ vs ANGELO DUARTE
155: JUSTIN GAETHJE vs DONNIE BELL
125: MIKE BALDWIN vs CZAR SKALOS
155: LT NELSON vs SCOTT CLEVE
170: AARON ROMERO vs SANTANA MARTINEZ
145: JAMES DEHERRERA vs JOHN ZAHN
205: CODY MUMMA vs JARED LOWE
155: RANDY CARUSO vs ANDREW KAUPILLA
125: TYSON GRIPPEN vs JEFF MALATERRE
170: BERNARDO FANTI vs NOLAN McCLAUGHLIN