Idaho (active fighters) MMA Club Listing:
(If your school or club is not mentioned here/ or a correction is needed please
contact Suzanne at prepforbattle@aol.com
Sidekicks USA Black Belt School- Chris Reyna Nampa, ID
Snake River Fighting Team- Darrin Moe Boise, ID
Gorilla Taktics- Dean Donlon Meridian, ID
Zoy Campf- Dan Belen Guam/Boise, ID
Team Hardcore- Brandon Shuey Boise, ID
Team Assylum- Steven Juda Mt. Home, ID
Savage Instincts- Jerod Jeffcoate Meridian, ID
Primal Tribe Fighting Team- Tom Supnet Meridian, ID
Raw Products- Robby Martinez Nampa, ID
TKO Gym- Mike Stegemann Boise, ID
Cobra Klan - Daniel Davison Payette, ID
Team HillBilly- Daniel Wilson Harper, OR
Idaho Team Extreme- Ben Antunes Nampa, ID
Team Savage Rudy Martin Caldwell, ID
White Knuckle Fight Team- Tag Hawks Mt. Home, ID
Lions Den Idaho- Derrek Cleveland Couer d’ Alene, ID
Twisted Genetics- Nate Pettit/Ray Perales Boise, ID
Rick Reyna’s Brazzilian Ju Jitzu Rick Reyna Ontario, OR
D-Boy Fight Club- Chris Gibson Boise, ID
Team Anarcy Matt Revira Twinfalls, ID
Team Davis Darin Davis Idahofalls, ID
Team McCall Chase Andrews McCall, ID
FIGHT CLUB/SCHOOL UP-DATE:
Please notify us if any information is not correct or if changes need to be
made: prepforbattle@aol.com
Sidekicks USA Black-Belt School: idahokickboxer@yahoo.com
Nampa, Idaho
Comment: (All the years of delivering classic fights to and for the community)
Memorable bout: Chris Reyna vs. Jason Rush “Contrast of Styles”
“Sidekicks” in Nampa, Idaho has been a main stay of fighting for the entire
state since the beginning. Owner Chris Reyna runs an outstanding program for
youth athletes, and offers several different courses of mixed martial arts.
Sidekicks continues to bring forth some of the best fighters in the state. One
of Sidekicks most celebrated undefeated heavyweights (Lenny Torres) recently
made a comeback after a 7 year absence, however Sidekicks is loaded with up and
comers like. Josh Maggart. Kick Boxers; AJ Paulson, John Ladd and Virgil San
Nicolas also continue to chew through local opposition.
Snake River Fight Team:
Boise, Idaho
Comment: (Converging wrestling skill with MMA and showing its success)
Memorable bout: Dustin Moe vs. Ryan Narte “What a War”
Snake River is Back! In the early 2000’s, Dustin Moe, Tom Jenkins and Nate
Dunham made up much of what SR was all about. Manager Darrin Moe has got things
back and rolling so to speak for the brothers Moe and SR. Besides Dustin Moe,
Nate Dunham has made a return as well in late 2006. Both should be active for
2007. 2007 also brings in some new and newer faces to SR.
Former Middleweight stand-out Michael Lowe (Detroit-Michigan)- now Mountain
Home, is now represented by SR, and Converting over from D-Boy Fight Club is
Chris Dunn and Eddie Belen. Also back will be Brandon Christianson who looked
very impressive in 2006.
Gorilla Taktics: gorillataktics.com
Meridian, Idaho
Comment: (Devotion to the sport developing “Toughness” in the fighter)
Memorable bout: Jay Grimsley vs. Gabriel Miranda “Classic Re-Match”
Gorilla Taktics blasted onto the scene in 2006. Fighters, Jay Grimsley, Mike
Peterson, Chris Stiles, Mike Stephens and newly added “Big” Mike Grijalva give
this group, some balance. Gorilla Fighters are trained in Meridian, Idaho and
managed by Dean Domlin. Grimsley has already turned pro and picked up more then
one big XFS win. Peterson is on the move and holds a current “Ring Warriors
Title. Expect to see Grijalva continue to smash his way through the heavyweight
division. Gorilla Taktics has other fighters as well like Jassan Michealson whom
fit right into the Gorilla persona. Look for Domlin and the Gorilla Taktics to
make some noise in 2007.
Team Hardcore: mmahardcore@aol.com
Boise, Idaho
Comment: (Hardcore commitment to Idaho MMA, Idaho Ju Jitzu Origninal)
Memorable bout: Brandon Shuey vs. Shawn Sudduth “6 years later”
Team Hardcore is getting a whole new up-grade so to speak for MMA. With a brand
new facility, opening soon, Brandon “Big-Dawg” Shuey, fighter and manager for
Team Hardcore has trained several different fighters over the years. Current
Welterweight Champion Gabriel Miranda sports the colors of Team Hardcore as do a
slew of other talented athletes. Being the very first MMA athlete in Idaho to
Compete, Shuey brings an array of different fighting techniques he has learned
over the years to the training table. Look for Shuey/Team Hardcore to introduce
several new fighters in the coming year.
ZOY Campf:
Boise, Idaho
Comment: (It all starts with the idea, to fight or not to fight……Fight!)
Memorable bout: Don Cole vs. Rudy Martin “Size Matters”
Zoy Campf, brought forward by Dan Belen, brothers Scott Cole 150 and “Concrete”
Don Cole Heavyweight. Also, for a time “The South Pacific Express” Eddie Belen,
“The Animal Mother” Mike Sullivan and Tyler Hebdon, were managed by Zoy Campf.
Zoy Campf originally started out of the garage training style and is not
currently operating.
Team Asylum:
Mountain Home, Idaho
Comment: (Mt. Home, Idaho is more on the MMA map than we thought)
Memorable bout: Justin Fusco vs. Whit Albertson “El Switcho-Chango”
Team Asylum is based in Mountain Home and Managed by trainer and referee Steven
Juda along with professional fighter Justin Fusco. The two have put together a
good early crop of fighters. Fusco and Juda have brought forth the likes of Zach
Costa, Joe Trenn, Brandon Adviento and Charles Markland. We’ve seen many out of
state fighters competing over the years from Mountain Home (military) I’m sure
we’re going to see a whole lot more with the rise of Team Asylum.
Savage Instincts:
Meridian, Idaho
Comment: (Want to stand-up…ok….want to go to the ground….ok)
Memorable bouts: Jarod Jeffcoate vs. Terry Floyd (“Pow! X2)
Savage Instincts is another new club, founded by Jarod Jeffcoate. Besides
Jeffcoate, whom blasted onto the scene in 2006, Instincts offers Lightweight
Zach Hansen, Welterweight Tyson Jardine, Middleweight Gary Lindsey, and
Heavyweight Scott Norton. “SI” seems to be growing, this is a rugged bunch,
mostly wrestling but they can punch too. Trained in Meridian, Idaho; Savage
instincts could have impact on the local area.
Primaltribe Fighting Team: primaltribefighting.com
Meridian, Idaho
Comment: (Managing/ Fighter Negotiations……want to travel?)
Memorable bout: Mike Kyle vs. Kauai Kupheaha (It’s under control….…right?)
Primal tribe owner/manager Tom Supnet has helped many fighters get fights in
programs out side of Idaho. Tom has taken many fighters from the area to big
shows. Tom is currently working with XFS fighters Kacey Uscola, and Scott
Lincoln. Primaltribe has a few new faces up-and-coming, one being George Stork
who is slated on the next CCF bout card. Primaltribe has been busy with
Training seminars and marketing, watch for Primaltribe on BoDog.
RAW Products:
Nampa, Idaho
Comment: (Age has nothing to do with it, let’s rumble)
Memorable bout: Robby Martinez vs. Jason Reed (That’s a close decision)
Raw Products is based out of Nampa Idaho. Lead by former Super Heavyweight
contender (One of Idaho’s original Bare knuckle fighters from the early 80’s)
Robby Martinez, Light-Heavyweight Dustin Paulus is also a Raw product. Expect
more new comers that weren’t able to represent RAW in 2006, to do so in 2007.
TKO GYM:
Boise, Idaho
Comment: (Did someone say, Super-Heavyweight?....I’m back!)
Memorable bout: Mike Stegemann vs. Robby Martinez (Boom…its over)
TKO Gym started as a partnership between Dan Huff and Mike Stegemann. TKO
sponsored events “Rumble in the Octagon” caught on for awhile and delivered some
classic talent. Since then the Gym concept has fallen off after the recent Cage
Party programs, however TKO Gym diehards, Manny Mendez and Mike Stegemann
remain. Both fighters plan on comebacks in 2007 and are currently set for the
up-coming CCF.
Cobra Clan:
Payette, Idaho
Comment: (An old school mentality……I’ll fight anybody)
Memorable bouts: Daniel Davison vs. Chevo Vadalez (Up-set City)
Originally from Emmett, Idaho Daniel Davison now has set up shop in Payette,
Idaho. The most active fighter in Idaho has no plans to slow down either. The
first Cobra to turn Pro, was Stephen Rodgers. Davison is set for the CCF in
February, and many other Cobra’s are active and ready to go. 2007 should mark
the return of Dave Pegram, Brain Knewl and Kasey Dunbar and the debut of Matt
Wallace, amongst others.
Team HillBilly:
Boise, Idaho
Comment: (Yeeee-Hawwwwww, *&$%^#@+* YOU!)
Memorable bout: Daniel Wilson vs. Rudy Martin (Get up………..)
Team Hillbilly is headed off by The Harper Hillbilly Daniel Wilson. Wilson has a
straight forward approach to fighting and it shows in his managing as well. He’s
blasted a few dudes but has slowed. “Fast” Eddie Carr also fights out of Team
Hillbilly. Team Hillbilly has adopted the Love us or Hate us approach to
fighting, and either way- you get some Bark with their bite. Team Hillbilly has
been on the down swing lately, maybe we’ll see more of em’ in 2007. Fast Eddie
is set for CCF 2, February 15, 2007.
Idaho Team Extreme:
Canyon County, Idaho
Comment: (One of the Classic Originals that started it all in Idaho)
Memorable bout: Marcos Rodriguez vs. Anthony Marriani (Lightweight War)
Now there’s a name you don’t hear much about anymore. What great group of
fighters. At one point it was one of the most feared fight clubs in the Treasure
Valley. Ben Antunes, Marcos Rodriguez and Brian Weiber were familiar with “ITX”.
If this group jumps back into the full swing of things, 2007 could see some
major changes.
Team Savage:
Caldwell, Idaho
Comment: (What, Bad list? One last who-hah…..I want Moe!)
Memorable bout: Rudy Martin vs. George Johnson “Throwing Down”
Team Savage has for the most part been based out of Caldwell. Rudy Martin, a
name long associated with the local fight game has started things up again. A
big pairing showdown with Dustin Moe could be on the horizon for Martin who is
scheduled for the February CCF main event. Also representing Team Savage are
new-comers Eddie Lopez, Josh Anderson and possibly Kiefer Kemp.
White Knuckle Cage Fighting:
Mountain Home, Idaho
Comment: (Will Big City fighting return to the small town arena’s?)
Memorable bout: Jim Wallace vs. AJ Hutchison “2006 Idaho fight of the year?)
White Knuckle Cage fighting ran several programs in 2006, however political
struggles seemed to bury a once bright opportunity. Its doubt full that “WK”
will return to the MMA format anytime soon, however Tag Hawks brought forward
several small town programs that showed us all that fighting in Idaho is here to
stay big town or small.
Lions Den Idaho: lionsdenidaho.com
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Comment: (Old School Professionalism, High and Tight, Northern MMA Wiz)
Memorable Bout: Brian Stromberg vs. “Buffalo Head” Josh Kerran (Oh, my!)
Promoter/Matchmaker Derrek Cleveland is one of the sports originals, whom is
responsible for massive growth in the Northern sector of the State. Cleveland
brought forth names like Josh Thompson, Trevor Prangley, Mike Whitehead, and
many of today’s top pro fighters, all from the Northern Idaho. The tradition
continues for Cleveland who is now Matchmaker for the XFS programs in Boise.
Look for the arrival this year to southern Idaho, names like Armondo Valadez,
Travis Bush, Arley George and of course a big return of Zach Lari.
Twisted Genetics:
Boise, Idaho
Comment: (All the potential to create numerous champions, A+ Training)
Memorable bout: Ray Perales vs. Damion Hatch (Relentless!)
Twisted Genetics is made up of the former 5-Duce Fight Team (Ray Perales)
corporated with Nate Pettit. Twisted Genetics holds the keys of some of the
valley’s top talent. Besides long time local favorite “Relentless” Ray Perales,
Twisted also brings to the cage Eric Smith, Scott Jorgenson, Bill Pate, Jesse
Brock and a host of other MMA Bad-Boys. Twisted Genetics is on route to a
stellar year with a group that holds unlimited potential.
Rick Reyna’s Brazzillian Ju Jitzu:
Ontario, Oregon
Comment: (Ontario is Tough…..Real Tough……Come see)
Memorable bout: Lenny Torres vs. Mike Grijalva (Unearthly power!)
Rick Reyna is an undefeated Heavyweight fighter that not only fights but
promotes programs just across the border in Ontario, Oregon. Teamed with cousin
Chris Reyna (Sidekicks) the duo have been entertaining the Ore-Ida fans to
delight. “RRBJJ” has some impressive up coming talent and events for 2007.
Undefeated Ontario Fighters include Heavyweight Pedro Nunez who has been nothing
short of impressive as well as current 200 pound Ring Warriors Champion Paul
Rangal.
D-Boy Fight club:
Boise, Idaho
Comment: (I’ve got several fighters, question is… who’s gonna step up this time)
Memorable bout: Eddie Belen vs. Jason Shifflett (Sweet Revenge)
Manager Chris Gibson is known for spotting off street talent whether female or
male. He helped manage Eddie Belen to a victory and has worked with new comer
Chris Dunn now with (Snake River). D-Boy is likely to come up with some suprise
fighters in 2007.
Team Anarcy:
Twin Falls, Idaho
Comment: (We are “All” ready to fight, ……..just say when)
Memorable bout: Matt Rivera vs. Kevin Roach (What a finish!)
Team Anarcy is based out of twin Falls Idaho. Most of these guys are big
heavyweights. Up front are “The Mohawk Massija” Matt Rivera, Ryan Heinstock, and
“Big” Kyle Segovis, however a new middleweight has been added to their roster as
well, 185 pounder, Nick Sites. Anarcy is a colorfull bunch, who always put on a
great show. Look for the Anarcy banner to waive in 2007.
Team Davis:
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Comment: (More Amy Davis, and more CJ Beard Please….)
Memorable bout: Amy Davis vs. Sumie Sumi (How long are these rounds?)
Team Davis, managed by Darin Davis is Based out of Idaho Falls, Idaho and brings
a whole new look to the area. Amy Davis has scored big points with the local
fans and we expect to see more of her by the years end, MMA or Kick Boxing. CJ
Beard scored big on his debut at the Big Easy CCF, so we await him, as well as a
possible debut by the towering Preston Bloodworth.
Team McCall:
McCall, Idaho
Comment: (Andrews deserves a Title shot……..he can fight!)
Memorable Bout: KC Hurless vs. Ryan Heinstock (That eye don’t look good)
Team McCall or we shall refer to them as that; at the moment, consists of Chase
Andrews who has been wrecking his way around with some impressive wins, as well
as fellow team mate KC Hurless. An off shoot of the original Team Jeffcoate now
(Savage Instincts) Team McCall brings wrestling and striking to a new level.
Both Andrews and Hurless have extreme potential.
IDAHO MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
A Brief Historical Perspective
(10 year Anniversary)
For years, many credited kickboxing programs sprang up in and across Idaho.
Consisting of local enthusiasts and a small number of devoted followers. The
popularity of stand-up fighting, outside the boxing community was growing.
Wrestling was becoming more and more popular, however since the sport of
wrestling was offered and accepted in Jr. and High Schools, its foothold was
eminent. Summer programs like “Freestyle & Greco Roman” wrestling were making
way for a new type of youth athlete in the area. The concept of kickboxing style
programs never lost any ground either. It's distant cousin "Boxing" was
certainly on the move. Hardcore fans would support and attend the kickboxing
events, however during that time there wasn’t a lot of numbers to support. It
seemed as if the public wanted the thrill of striking and kicking, but leaned
toward the more violent nature of it. A new concept began to rise in the mid
1980's. Street fighters from around the surrounding areas where beginning to
form underground fist fighting get-togethers (smokers). Back yards, oversized
garages and horse barns gave way to underground fighting. It was really the
first kind of format that at that time most felt was just to dark and scary, and
it was. In fact most ended up late/early morning parties, often associated with
illegal activity. Wrestling & Boxing continued to grow and the kickboxing
events, where still gaining ground. For roughly 10 years nothing would change.
Emmett cruiserweight boxing champion, Kenny Keene was becoming a household name,
and many area wrestlers where having an impact on the media as well. In the
early 1990's "concept" fighting returned and the "Ultimate Fighting
Championships" where born. Television pay-per-view had instant impact. The
"Tough-Man" series was growing, however the birth of Ultimate Fighting, was an
instant hit. As with most states, the early fighting concepts, had all seemed so
"Harsh" at least until now. Even in the early days of Ultimate Fighting,
no-weight classes and head butts were considered "OK". The early Idaho roughens
really weren't too far off with the basic's. The difference was the format. Gone
was the idea of hay bails placed in a ring. Gone was the illegal betting circle
and gone was the days of "No rules". The barns were replaced with arenas,
Implemented was gloves, a cage, a ref., and later weight classes were added.
What was once a dark and dangerous underground form of entertainment was now
fast becoming a sport in the spot light? The idea of Wrestler, kick boxer, and
street fighter together was becoming widely accepted and expected. Light's,
Camera’s, ring-girls and all together prestige set the stage.
Rundown to date: 1996-2007
(1996)
On June 22, 1996 Idaho officially entered into the MMA record books. It was a
hot summer night, and the first event of its kind to the state, at least above
ground, with a Ring, a ref, judges etc... The one difference on this card was
the 4 MMA bouts newly added. The storey broke and quickly spread. The big story
was that four wrestlers inquired from hearing of the event. Four Mixed Martial
Artists obliged. The Maple Grove Grange Hall sold out quickly.
(1997)
Soon after, (1997) Sidekick's promoter and long time kick boxer, Chris Reyna
started adding MMA bouts to his card that jumped the acceptance of the sport in
itself altogether. More local favorites began bursting onto the scene, as did
promoters.
(1998)
By 1998 Brandon Shuey and group of young fighters joined promoter, Dave Griffen
(Ultimate Fitness & Defense) in promoting The Rose Room Fight's in Downtown
Boise. This fight was the first fight to really step up the production,
marketing, advertising, posters etc... It showed that the popularity of MMA
eventing was very inviting.
(1999)
Programs at the Les Bois Park (Horse Track) and Summer Fight Series at the
Western Idaho Fairgrounds had a major impact locally and it would also be the
first year the Northern fighters would really partake in Southern MMA eventing.
Suddenly Local MMA wasn't so local anymore.
(2000)
Many new programs were in full swing. In 2000, more events, more fights, and
more local star's began being showcased. Civic Center's, Event & Field house's,
Gyms, Fairgrounds nothing could contain the popularity of MMA. Fighters, Clubs,
Managers and fans began to spring up everywhere.
(2001)
The Big Easy Concert House and Boise Centre on the Grove began playing host to
MMA as well. Many promoters were in motion and the number of area fighter lists
where surprising. Most rating papers now had at least 8 divisions with more than
30 names in each division. Some local standouts had moved on and had success out
of state. This only increased the flames of a sport stretching with growth.
(2002)
By 2002, the (Shuey vs. Sudduth 1996) bout had prompted enough response for a
re-match at “Super fight". That six year rivalry had a profound effect on the
community and to this day is the fight that has generated the most "Pre-fight
Hype" yet. The Super Fight series ran for 4 events at the Big Easy Concert
House. The O'Conner Field House in Caldwell, and the Idaho Center in Nampa,
would not be left off the event list either and both entertained programs in
2002.
(2003)
The Cage" was introduced to Idaho. Though "Ring" fighting is still popular, the
day of the Cage has certainly arrived. The first Cage fight ushered in, many
more to come. The Cage Party Series and the “Rumble in the Octagon Series used a
cage as well as the then Bank of America Center. The programs attracted healthy
crowds and featured some big name guests.
(2004)
Rules changes marked the year of 2004. The Idaho State Athletic/Boxing
commission takes over sanctioning of all programs, professional and amateur.
dubbed the year of the Out-Door events. Several programs across the state
started holding events more frequently outside.
(2005)
2005 was a transition year, with most programs trying to meet the demands of the
commission. 50% of the time a cage was being used in MMA fighting. More
involvement from smaller cities across Idaho began to rise.
(2006)
Promoter Kasey Thompson of "Knockout Promotions" (XFS & CCF) gets the MMA Baton.
Success has already come in the form of 6,500 screaming fans packed into the now
Quest Arena. 2006 was also the year of the “Small-Town” shows. Mountain Home,
Filer, Glens Ferry and Kuna all hosted programs along with Nampa, Boise and
Worley, Idaho.
(2007)
Now we watch the sport, as it enters its next phase.
Idaho Event list: Location:
XFS- Extreme Fight Series Qwest Arena Boise, Idaho
PFA-Professional Fighting Association CDA Casino Worley, Idaho
Sidekicks- Championship Fighting Sidekicks Gym Nampa, Idaho
CCF Championship Cage Fighting Big Easy Concert House Boise, Idaho
Ring Warriors Championships Ontario Armory Ontario, Oregon