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Jun 20, 2009 - 1:04:47 PM By: Jason Bent, MMATorch Columnist MMA BIG SHOW BRINGS "CONVICTION" TO THE MMA WORLD
Live on June 20th at Belterra Casino Resort & Spa
Indiana (USA): MMA Big Show, one of the top mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions in North America, is ready to bring "CONVICTION" to the Belterra Casino Resort & Spa at Veevay, Indiana on Saturday, June 20th. In the main event, MMA Big Show Middleweight Champion Mojo Horne taking on former Revolution Fight League Middleweight Champion John Troyer. Originally, MMA Big Show Welterweight Champion "Relentless" Roger Bowling was to put his title on the line against UFC/The Ultimate Fighter veteran bad boy War Machine, a.k.a. Jon Koppenhaver. Unfortunately, Bowling broke his wrist and ripped a tendon from his thumb in a work-related accident. This fight was highly-anticipated, and will hopefully be held down the line at another exciting MMA Big Show extravaganza.
"Adorned For Life"...the undefeated Mojo Horne (6-0) sports a unique tattoo on his chest, one that is very appropriate for a fighter. These words, written in Latin, signify Horne's pride in his scars and cauliflower ears, earned over the length of his fight career. He counts former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin as a training partner, and is prepared for his battle with former RFL champ John Troyer (8-3). "He's a southpaw, which gives guys trouble, but I've been training with Franklin, one of the best southpaws in the business, for 10 years. He's got a good chin, he's tough, but I wouldn't take a fight I don't think I could win. I hope it goes into the 2nd round at least, and I hope we put on a good show." About Big Show, Horne says, "MMA Big Show has come a long way, and I think it'll be around for a while. Jason Appleton is a great promoter, and a great manager. He has done things the right way; hasn’t tried to get too big too quickly. I'm excited about 'Conviction,' and the future."
The co-main event will feature former MMA Big Show Lightweight Champ Joe Ammerman taking on Team Tarhe's own former Navy Seal Danny Woodruff. In addition to all the hot MMA action, a special Playboy Playmate attraction is scheduled to entertain the crowds, as new MMA Big Show ring girl Lauren Leigh will debut on June 20th. She will also be available for photo-shoots after the show. FOX Sports' Jeff Piecoro will call the action alongside world class boxing trainer Rob Radford, who has trained the likes of Joe Riggs, Rich "Ace" Franklin, and Jorge Gurgel, and with 12 fights total scheduled, "CONVICTION" is sure to take hold in the MMA world. Tickets are $35, $45 and $55, and are on sale through TicketWeb.com, BelterraCasino.com, or MMABigShow.com.
Bent's Analysis: UFC 100 serves as proof of just how far this sport has come in a short time and one of the many reasons MMA is thriving can be found in Veejay, Indiana on Saturday night courtesy of MMA Big Show. I will be perfectly honest and say that too many small promotions do way more harm than good in the big picture of this sport, but I feel that we should take notice of those who do the sport justice. The UFC makes it so every fan can follow them even if they cannot make it the arena and the smaller promotions are often responsible for allowing many people to actually see MMA live and in person for once.
Except this isn't what you would call a "small" show. Welcome to the MMA Big Show.
MMA Big Show can not only bring live fights to the fans but will also be bringing their brand of MMA to the masses by way of a nationally syndicated television deal with Goliath Productions and AMG Networks which now includes the SKY network of the United Kingdom. The programming will begin airing in the Fall and showcase the best fights from the past before moving to new matchups with the ultimate goal being live two hour events. It all starts somewhere, and if you have not become familiar with MMA Big Show, now would be a good time to do so.
I was able to get in touch with MMA Big Show Owner Jason Appleton and MMA Big Show Middleweight Champion Mojo Horne regarding this event on Saturday and they had the following to say:
MMA Big Show Owner/Promoter Jason Appleton: "MMA Big Show is really making some moves in the fight world. We've got the new TV deal, and with young stars like our middleweight champ Mojo Horne and our welterweight champ 'Relentless' Roger Bowling, the future is bright. Fans that want action, great fighters, and an entertaining event will not want to miss 'Conviction,' or any of the other upcoming MMA Big Show events."
Mojo: (About his opponent, John Troyer) "I hope he comes into the ring at 100%. This isn't personal for me, I have nothing against him, and I hope he doesn't have anything against me. We'll try to knock each other's heads off, then go get a drink afterwards. This is what I love to do, and that's what it's all about for me."
Mojo: (To the fans) "I hope you have a good time, I hope you enjoy the show, and I hope I put on a good fight for them. And they should offer to buy me a drink after the fights!"
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