Blog - 247 Fighting Championships

Podcast: BitB10 Ticket Giveaway + Novice Amateur Breakdown

Want free tickets to Brawl in the Burgh 10?

Our Feb. 5 show at the Monroeville Convention Center is booking up quickly –– but we’re giving you the opportunity to snag two tickets at no cost.

Here’s the deal:

Predict the outcome of UFC 270’s main event between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane. Closest prediction wins.

Now, that’s not just picking the winner.

We’re talking winner, method, round, and time. We need specific answers, and the closest prediction wins.

For example, if you think Ngannou wins via early KO, your guess would be something like: “Ngannou via KO, Round 1 (2:12).”

If two people make identical predictions and they’re both correct, the first person who said it win. Easy tiebreaker, eh?

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

Thanks, Billy Mays (RIP).

After laying down the UFC 270 prediction challenge, 247 Fighting Championships GM Hunter Homistek and Owner Ryan Middleton dig into the Brawl in the Burgh 10 card, breaking down all the novice amateur action set for Feb. 5.

Spoiler alert: There is a lot to get excited about here. This card is loaded top to bottom, and Hunter and Ryan discuss exactly why (while sharing a few behind-the-scenes secrets along the way, of course).

Brawl in the Burgh 10 takes place Feb. 5, and it’s headlined by local legend and former UFC lightweight Khama Worthy. This one’s going to sell quickly, so:

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

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The future of local MMA prospects is here.

And the next step in their journey takes place Feb. 5 at Brawl in the Burgh 10.

It’s a beautiful thing.

MMA in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region is as strong now as it’s been in years. (And this holds true despite a certain virus lingering and complicating life at all levels.)

For us at 247 Fighting Championships, the MMA prospect pipeline is particularly interesting and encouraging. Obviously, we want to put on the best fights possible for our fans.

Spoiler alert: That mission’s just a little easier when blue-chip athletes make the transition to MMA.

Brawl in the Burgh 10 marks the perfect representation of this fact, as several debut or one-fight MMA prospects are ready to throw down.

For starters, four-time PIAA champion wrestler Gavin Teasdale makes his MMA debut Feb. 5 in Monroeville. Wrestling fans know Gavin well. He’s one of just 13 wrestlers to ever take states all four years, putting him in elite and rare company.

Now, Teasdale’s building his MMA skill set with Danillo Villefort at Indio Dojo, making him a hyper-intriguing prospect to watch when the lights go down at the Monroeville Convention Center.

Teasdale discussed this opportunity and more with Luke Payson on MMA Fancast ahead of his showdown against Central PA MMA’s Tyler Fry:

It’s not just Teasdale on this card, either.

Another former Division-1 wrestler out of Clarion University, Evan DeLong, looks to make it 2-0 in his young career at Brawl in the Burgh 10 when he faces Teixeira MMA’s Kenyon Moore (2-0, and yes, it’s that Teixeira).

DeLong’s wrestling was on full display in his MMA debut back in August at Flood City Fight Night, and now he hopes to show off the new tools he honed with Isaac Greely and company at the Mat Factory out in Lower Burrell.

And that highlights the real beauty of our current MMA prospect situation.

The sport is evolving, and the blue-chip prospect of yesterday isn’t the same as today’s. We’re getting not just elite one-sport athletes but elite fighters, and that makes future fight cards all the more intriguing.

In Pittsburgh, training options are at an all-time high. If you want to start your MMA career, you can pick exactly where you want to go –– and top-notch instructors and training partners will greet you there.

Take Craig Perry for example.

Perry, a former hockey player, saw Khama Worthy compete inside the legendary UFC Octagon and realized a future for an MMA fighter in Pittsburgh was a real possibility. He signed up at the Academy, and his career is in motion.

Despite little combat sports experience, Perry debuted at the age of 19 at Brawl in the Burgh 9 back in October and looked slick and polished on the feet. He didn’t boast the combat-sports pedigree of some other guys mentioned in this article, but his skills inside the cage impressed everybody who tuned in, live and at home.

(P.S. Both Worthy and Perry are back in action Feb. 5 at Brawl in the Burgh 10. You don’t want to miss this fight card, friends. Get those tickets today.)

Perry actually lost that Brawl in the Burgh 9 fight via split decision to another top-quality prospect in Scorpion Fighting Systems’ Sean McGuire, but McGuire’s coach, James Gray, shared a message with us immediately after the fight:

“That kid is good.”

Hard to disagree –– but the fun doesn’t stop there.

Julian Flenory (2-0) makes his 247 Fighting Championships debut at Brawl in the Burgh 10 after beginning his career with two straight knockout wins. He faces debut heavyweight Matt Vanderhoff in a fight that almost certainly won’t go the distance.

Mike Kocjancic (0-1) out of American Top Team – Happy Valley squares off with another local prospect in Sam Wahby (1-0) in a perfect showcase of the current landscape unfolding for us.

Ready for a cherry on top?

This is all to say nothing of the homegrown advanced-amateur prospects you already know and love on this Brawl in the Burgh 10 fight card.

Syd Ross fights for a title. Cam Allgeier fights for a title. Edwin Vera brings the heat in advanced amateur action (Ju heard?).

Good luck picking the fight or the prospect you’re most excited to see.

Better training in Pittsburgh and beyond attracts better prospects, then those prospects put in work with each other, sharpening skills and raising the bar for everyone around them.

It’s a snowball effect, and Pittsburgh is rolling right now.

If you’re not on board yet, now’s the time.

It only gets better from here.

Our next Brawl in the Burgh 10 prospects article digs into the advanced amateurs… Stay tuned.

Musa Alsulaimani is built different.

Yeah, yeah, that phrase is a bit of a cliche nowadays. But let me frame it this way:

2019 National Champion boxer out of Penn State
Two-time All-American
Wins his MMA debut via … submission (obviously)
Trains alongside Bo Nickal and company at American Top Team – Happy Valley
Started a successful company in college

And, oh yeah, he’s doing all this while juggling life as a 25-year-old father and husband pursuing a career inside the steel cage … and he’s crushing it.

“Moose” is still young in his fighting career, but there’s no doubt he’s taking all the steps to ensure a successful run to the top. American Top Team – Happy Valley has emerged as one of central PA’s elite training facilities, and Alsulaimani will only improve from here.

Speaking with 247 Fighting Championships General Manager Hunter Homistek on the Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast (subscribe here) Alsulaimani details his journey from boxer to MMA fighter. From that first wrestling session with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club to his current routine at ATT – Happy Valley, Alsulaimani’s putting in that work –– and his goals are mighty.

Beyond the cage, Alsulaimani discusses life as a new father, his business venture (you’re going to want to hear this), and much more.

Throw on some headphones and enjoy the show.

P.S. Alsulaimani’s teammate Mike Kocjancic competes at our next event! Brawl in the Burgh 10 takes place Feb. 5, and it’s headlined by local legend and former UFC lightweight Khama Worthy. #BitB10 also features a trio of title fights with Ethan Goss, Cam Allgeier, and Syd Ross taking center stage at the Monroeville Convention Center. This one’s going to sell quickly, so:

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

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Want to give back to those who sacrifice so much for us?

Donate Brawl in the Burgh 10 tickets to a veteran today!

Every event, we donate tickets ($1,500 value) to Vet Tix, giving U.S. military veterans the opportunity to attend our shows at no cost.

From Vet Tix:

Give Something to Those Who Gave.

Vet Tix provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life. We support our troops by honoring their service and providing positive family and life experiences, during and after their years of service to our country.Vet Tix provides tickets to all branches of currently-serving Military and Veterans, including immediate family of troops KIA.

That’s a mission we can (and do) get behind.

For Brawl in the Burgh 10, though, ticket demand was so outrageous that our contribution covered just a small portion of requests.

Vet Tix told us almost 200 veterans entered their 24-hour lottery to get their tickets. And unfortunately, the majority of them left empty-handed.

As much as we’d love to give everybody free tickets to the show, we also want to make sure we have a show for them to attend.

That’s where you can help.

For the first time, we’re opening up a “donation” section on our ticketing page. With this, it’s quick and easy to donate tickets for veterans.

Show these veterans you appreciate their service by buying them a ticket to the show. You may even wind up sitting near them so you can thank them in person.

Here’s how it works:

Head to our ticketing page (click here).
Scroll down.
In the “Donate Tickets for Veterans” field, enter the amount you’d like to donate. (Every ticket costs $50, so to donate two tickets, enter $100, etc.)
Complete checkout like usual from there.

That’s it.

From there, we’ll take the donations and reserve tickets for veterans who were unable to secure their tickets during the Vet Tix 24-hour lottery.

Then, they’ll get to see Khama Worthy, Ethan Goss, Cam Allgeier, Syd Ross, Gavin Teasdale, Edwin Vera, Justin Patton, and the rest of the stacked Brawl in the Burgh 10 fight card up-close and personal.

It’s going to be a great night, ladies and gentlemen.

Let’s get some veterans their tickets to the show.

New Year, New You, right?

We all have resolutions heading into 2022, and for many of us, those resolutions include joining a local gym. Some of us, of course, crave a little more than the treadmill or the elliptical for our workouts in 2022.

If you’re looking to join a gym to hone your fighting skills, Pittsburgh boasts plenty of options. Combat sports such as wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai represent some of the best workouts you can possibly give your body.

These sports are physical and grueling, and they’re taxing mentally just as they are physically. Sure, I’m sweating a little bit just thinking about it, but if you’re looking to burn some calories and get in shape, these martial arts will help you hit your goals in short order.

And the best news is this: Even if you don’t want to compete, the gyms on this list represent perfect places to sharpen your grappling and striking skills alongside some of the area’s best fighters.

Stepping onto the mats for the first time can be intimidating, but every gym listed here offers friendly, safe, and professional environments suitable for everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals (consider them 247 Fighting Championships-certified).

Steel City MMA is back on the rise, ladies and gentlemen, and these gyms are a major reason why.

In no particular order, here are six Pittsburgh-based gyms worth checking out to kickstart your grappling, striking, or MMA journey.*

* You might be asking, “Why six gyms, Hunter? Six is such a weird number. Can’t you just pick five?” The answer is no. No, I can’t. All six of these gyms deserve recognition, so all six gyms are getting it.

The Academy of Martial Arts and Fitness

Khama Worthy. Cody Garbrandt. Adam Milstead. John De Jesus. Mark Cherico.

When talking about Pittsburgh-based fighters who made it to the next level, you’ll quickly see that many of them developed their skills at the Academy.

Between the expert instruction of Dave Sachs, Christopher Williams, and company and the stable of talented training partners, The Academy established itself as Pittsburgh MMA royalty years ago and kept on chugging ever since.

The impressive alumni here is no coincidence. The Academy is flat-out one of the best gyms in Pittsburgh, and the results speak for themselves.

Today, you’ll find up-and-coming talent such as Chaka Worthy, Justin Patton, Craig Perry, Chase Boyde, Dalton Macri, and Miguel Francisco regularly honing their skills on the Academy’s mats.

Located in GreenTree at 24 Woodville Avenue, The Academy is just a short trip from downtown, making it the ideal location to begin your journey.

How to contact: Facebook | Instagram | Pittsburghacademy@outlook.com | 412-920-7426

The Mat Factory

If any gym in Pittsburgh can give the Academy’s notable alumni a run for its money, it’s Lower Burrell’s Mat Factory Wrestling Club.

UFC and Bellator veterans such as Chris Dempsey, Dominic Mazzotta, Steve Mowry, Dalton Rosta, and Cody Law have all called the Mat Factory home. Yeah, not too shabby.

The upcoming generation is in strong hands, too, with the likes of Jake Lowry, Vinny Dias, Trenton Zdarko, Cole Macek, Ferdaws Nayimi, Edwin Vera, Cheyenne Hall, Beksultan Egenberdiev, Julian Flenory, Justin Pippens, Cody Gamble, Evan DeLong, Chris Huselton, Peyton Manko, and more putting in work in Lower Burrell.

Just look at that list of names –– and then realize we could’ve kept going but didn’t want this post to look like a phone book.

The Mat Factory is simply loaded with talent –– past, present, and future –– and it’s all thanks to the expert guidance and knowledge of head coach/owner Isaac Greeley. Besides being an outstanding person, Greeley is one of the brightest minds you’ll find in the game, and his students are a reflection of the time and passion he puts into the Mat Factory on a daily basis.

While the Mat Factory is most known for its strong wrestling/grappling programs, there’s no doubt they can accommodate enthusiasts of all backgrounds and skill levels. You just can’t go wrong here.

How to contact: Facebook | Instagram | matfactoryinfo@gmail.com | 724-272-5958

Want to watch these gyms in action? Our next event, Brawl in the Burgh 10, takes place Feb. 5 and features some of the area’s BEST fighters. These gyms will be well represented. Come see what they can do. (Tickets here)

Indio Dojo

Located at 393 Vanadium Road in Bridgeville, Indio Dojo might not have the local pedigree of those first two gyms here –– but it’s only a matter of time before they enter the fold. Indio is the newest player on the scene, and they’ve already made a big-time splash.

An absolute combat sports legend in Danillo Villefort runs the show there, and his high-level process shines through with all of his students. A third-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo black belt who has competed for the UFC, Strikeforce, and PFL, it’s unlikely to find a more credentialed instructor than Villefort anywhere, let alone in Pittsburgh.

We already see Villefort’s influence with students such as Hope & Brigid Chase, Taylor Cahill, Gavin Teasdale, Tanner Cahill, and Aidan Nichols, and his stable only grows stronger every day. It feels like it’s only a matter of time before Indio Dojo sends a fighter to the big show.

If you’re looking to start your MMA journey or if you just want to tune up your skills, Villefort’s school is a great option.

How to contact: Facebook | Instagram | indiodojo@outlook.com | 412-706-1404

Stout PGH

Ever heard of Renzo Gracie?

Yeah, thought so.

Stout PGH is Pittsburgh’s own Renzo Gracie affiliate, and as you’d expect, they offer nothing short of world-class instruction and training from each of their three locations (the Strip, Monroeville, Zelienople).

Whether you’re working under black belt Mike Wilkins, Will Morrill, Warren Stout, or any of Stout’s other gurus, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting some of the best work in the city when you hit the mats at Stout.

Making Stout even more appealing, they frequently hold seminars from some of the best combat sports athletes on the planet. That’s a valuable resource and opportunity for anyone looking to get into the game locally.

How to contact: Facebook | Instagram | Contact Form | 412-888-9797

PTT – Personal Training Tactics

I’ll be honest: I hadn’t heard of Don Kaecher’s Personal Training Tactics before Brawl in the Burgh 9, where two of his fighters –– Shane Nuttall and Cliff Richards –– competed inside the 247 FC cage.

When both Nuttall and Richards won in emphatic fashion, PTT instantly became a gym I’d never overlook again.

Located between Brentwood and Carrick at 2554 Brownsville Road, there’s no doubt Kaecher and company are doing something right inside those walls. They might not have the reputation and the long list of alumni just yet, but there’s no doubt the quality coming out of that gym is ultra-high and only on the rise.

Kaecher’s worked with fighters such as Cherico, Khama Worthy, Dempsey, Cameron Allgeier, Tijuan McCray, Dave Gabig, John Lepovich, Chris Deep, and Shawn Downs, so if you want quality work, PTT has you covered.

If you’re in the area and looking to get started, you won’t be disappointed with Kaecher’s gym.

How to contact: Facebook | ptt_mma@yahoo.com | 412-888-9797

Armezzani Jiu-Jitsu

Out in the Monaca/Beaver County area, you’ll find Armezzani Jiu-Jitsu, led by owner and head instructor Louis Armezzani.

Besides boasting a wicked kitchen game (no, seriously, you should see his pastrami and/or homemade sausage sometime), Armezzani is one of the area’s premier instructors –– and for good reason.

Armezzani fighters such as PJ Mastrangelo and Boyde (who began his fighting career with Lou) made awesome impressions inside the 247 Fighting Championships cage, proving that Lou and his crew have what it takes to prepare athletes for the highest levels of competition.

Always professional and welcoming, you’ll find yourself right at home inside Armezzani Jiu-Jitsu if you’re just looking to get started in 2022.

How to contact: Facebook | Instagram | loujitsu@gmail.com | 412-742-9368

Want to watch these gyms in action? Our next event, Brawl in the Burgh 10, takes place Feb. 5 and features some of the area’s BEST fighters. These gyms will be well represented. Come see what they can do. (Tickets here)

Tom Kizer is here to stay.

At 6-0, Kizer –– the 247 Fighting Championships amateur welterweight champion –– feels ready to take the next step in his MMA career. And at 30 years old, Kizer feels it’s now or never for that dream to become a reality.

Speaking with 247 Fighting Championships General Manager Hunter Homistek on the Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast (subscribe here) Kizer breaks down his journey to date on the regional MMA scene and much more.

Beyond that, Kizer reveals his hidden talent (spoiler alert: memes) and his outstanding mullet game from a past life, so you’re going to want to kick back and enjoy this one, friends.

P.S. We’re crowning three more champions at our next event! Brawl in the Burgh 10 takes place Feb. 5, and it’s headlined by local legend and former UFC lightweight Khama Worthy. #BitB10 also features a trio of title fights with Ethan Goss, Cam Allgeier, and Syd Ross taking center stage at the Monroeville Convention Center. This one’s going to sell quickly, so:

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

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Syd Ross is BACK –– and she’s fighting for gold!

Always a fan-favorite fighter, Syd (6-4) returns to the 247 FC cage Feb. 5 to face Atty Belanger (4-2) in an amateur flyweight title-fight showdown.

And she is ready to roll.

On the latest episode of the Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast (subscribe here) 247 FC Owner Ryan Middleton and GM Hunter Homistek speak with Syd about this upcoming opportunity, her journey through her first 10 amateur fights, and much more.

There may be a little Ronda Rousey talk too if you want to know how Syd feels about the WMMA legend…

Enjoy the show!

P.S. You probably don’t want to miss Syd’s upcoming fight. Our next event, Brawl in the Burgh 10, takes place Feb. 5, and it’s headlined by Khama Worthy! It also features a trio of title fights with Ethan Goss, Cam Allgeier, and Syd taking center stage at the Monroeville Convention Center. This one’s going to sell quickly, so:

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

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247 Fighting Championships Brings Khama Worthy, Gavin Teasdale to Monroeville Feb. 5 with Brawl in the Burgh 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

247 Fighting Championships Brings Khama Worthy, Gavin Teasdale to Monroeville Feb. 5 with Brawl in the Burgh 10

The pro-am MMA event features the return of former UFC lightweight Khama Worthy, three title fights, the MMA debut of four-time PA state champion wrestler Gavin Teasdale, and more.

[Pittsburgh, Pa.] — Mixed martial arts (MMA) returns to the Steel City of Pittsburgh Saturday, Feb. 5, as 247 Fighting Championships brings Brawl in the Burgh 10 live to the Monroeville Convention Center.

The pro-am fight card features the return of former UFC lightweight and Pittsburgh MMA legend Khama Worthy (16-9) in the main event, as he takes on 8-6 South Carolina-based pro Jeremiah Scott.

“This is the type of fight card Pittsburgh deserves to kick off 2022 –– with a local MMA legend in the main event,” 247 Fighting Championships Owner Ryan Middleton said. “A Khama Worthy fight is always a special occasion, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him back inside the 247 FC cage fresh off his five-fight UFC stint.”

Worthy began his UFC run with impressive back-to-back wins, one via knockout and one via submission, but lost his next three. The UFC chose not to renew his contract, and now he returns to the 247 Fighting Championships cage, where he went 2-0 in 2019 to earn his call-up to the UFC.

In addition to Worthy’s main-event fight vs. Scott, Brawl in the Burgh 10 features the MMA debut of PIAA four-time Class AA champion wrestler Gavin Teasdale.

After taking the state title four times out of Jefferson-Morgan High School and posting a 162-2 record overall, Teasdale wrestled at Penn State University and the University of Iowa, two of the most prestigious Division-1 programs in the nation.

Now, he turns his focus to MMA, and he’ll make his debut at Brawl in the Burgh 10 against Central PA MMA’s Tyler Fry, an 0-1 fighter with a background in both Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai.

“Anybody who follows the sport of MMA knows how devastating a strong wrestling base can be inside the cage,” 247 Fighting Championships General Manager Hunter Homistek said. “And anybody who follows the sport of wrestling knows how tough the competition is in the state of Pennsylvania. What Gavin did is practically unheard of, and we are proud to host his debut against a super tough opponent in Tyler Fry at Brawl in the Burgh 10.”

Along with Worthy and Teasdale, Brawl in the Burgh 10 features three title fights with some of the region’s top athletes taking center stage.

Altoona’s Gorilla House Gym will have three fighters competing for gold Feb. 5, as Ethan Goss (7-6) takes on Knoxville MMA’s James Adcock (7-4) for the professional featherweight title, 247 FC amateur bantamweight champion Cam Allgeier (6-0) defends his title against Renegade Combat Sports’ Hunter Starner (6-0), and fan-favorite Syd Ross (6-4) faces Ludus Martial Arts Center’s Atty Belanger (4-2) for the amateur women’s flyweight title.

Also confirmed for the Feb. 5 fight card is an amateur heavyweight showdown between Julian Flenory (2-0) and Matt Vanderhoff (0-0) and a professional bantamweight fight between Justin Patton (0-1) and Josh Armstrong (0-1). More bouts will be confirmed in the upcoming weeks leading to the show.

“This show truly has it all from top to bottom,” Homistek said. “We have the highest level pros as well as some debuting or one-fight amateurs looking to make a major splash. There are several fighters on this card we think you’ll be able to look at in five years and say, ‘Wow, I was there when he or she just got started!’ That’s always an exciting component of regional MMA shows, and Brawl in the Burgh 10 is loaded with intriguing storylines.”

Tickets to Brawl in the Burgh 10 begin at $50 and can be purchased online at 247fighting.com. The all-ages event is also available to purchase via PPV on the promotion’s website.

For media opportunities, sponsorship opportunities, or general information, contact Hunter Homistek at info@247fighting.com.

###

Let’s take a trip down memory lane…

Wow. There’s no doubt 2021 marked an incredible year of fights for 247 Fighting Championships. From wild knockouts to slick submissions to back-and-forth brawls, fight fans across Western PA and beyond were treated to a little bit of everything throughout our five events in the 2021 calendar year.

But which performances were the best of the best?

On the latest episode of the Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast (subscribe here) 247 FC Owner Ryan Middleton and GM Hunter Homistek review all the action from 2021, listing the best knockouts, submissions, and fights that took place over the last year.

And holy crap were there ever some MAJOR contenders!

Ryan and Hunter narrowed down their list to a top three in each category (along with some honorable mentions) –– and that task proved difficult. Who registered the best KO of the year? Who snagged the best submission? What was the best fight?

Those questions –– and much more –– are answered on the Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast. Enjoy the show.

P.S. You probably don’t want to miss the next classic 247 FC moment. Our next event, Brawl in the Burgh 10, takes place Feb. 5, and it’s headlined by Khama Worthy! It also features a trio of title fights with Ethan Goss, Cam Allgeier, and Syd Ross taking center stage at the Monroeville Convention Center. This one’s going to sell quickly, so:

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

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Khama Worthy is BACK!

Fresh off a five-fight stint inside the UFC Octagon, Worthy, a Pittsburgh MMA legend and former 247 Fighting Championships lightweight champion, returns home.

Worthy will headline Brawl in the Burgh 10 Feb. 5 at the Monroeville Convention Center, where he’ll face Jeremiah Scott in a hot-fire main event showdown.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

On the podcast, Worthy joins 247 FC Owner Ryan Middleton and GM Hunter Homistek to discuss his return to the Pittsburgh scene and more.

After Worthy’s appearance on the podcast, Ryan and Hunter are joined by another pair of Brawl in the Burgh 10 competitors.

Ethan Goss joins the show with some breaking news regarding Feb. 5, then the Mat Factory’s Julian Flenory hops on for an announcement of his own.

P.S.: The Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher! Follow this link to subscribe on the platform of your choice.

In between those appearances, Ryan and Hunter break two more massive fights for Brawl in the Burgh 10, including the return of Justin “The General” Patton and the MMA debut of four-time Pennsylvania state wrestling champion Gavin Teasdale.

This card is huge –– and this podcast, which streamed live Thursday, Dec. 16 on Facebook –– sets the stage. Enjoy the show, friends.

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Just how good is Taylor Cahill?

At 2-0, Indio Dojo/the Shop’s Taylor Cahill is off to a strong start in his amateur MMA career.

But he wants more.

Like … a lot more.

Speaking with our GM Hunter Homistek on the Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast, Cahill breaks down his long-term goals –– and exactly how he’s going to get there.

Full of confidence but equally humble and willing to put in the work, Cahill embraces the MMA grind to the fullest, making him a fighter to keep an eye on moving forward.

You’re going to like this one, friends.

Pop on some headphones and enjoy the show (audio-only embedded below or available via your favorite podcasting platform):

P.S.: The Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher! Follow this link to subscribe on the platform of your choice.

Want to watch Cahill’s first two fights? Find his debut right here and his sophomore appearance here.

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So you pulled the trigger and decided to attend a local MMA event.

Smart decision.

While some MMA fans dabble only at the most mainstream levels of the sport, watching UFC pay-per-view events and high-profile Bellator MMA cards, others want a deeper, more intimate look at the glorious sport of mixed martial arts.

That’s where local MMA comes into play.

Not only does a local MMA show provide an exciting and entertaining night out, it also gives MMA fans a glimpse of the future of the sport in a way the big-time shows simply can’t replicate.

But don’t just take that from me. Listen to legendary UFC commentator Jon Anik discuss the appeal of the local MMA scene on the Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast:

Anik gets it. Local MMA rules.

Still, your first event can be intimidating, so what should you expect when you finally snag tickets to a local MMA show? Let’s break it down.

1. It. Gets. Loud.

And I don’t just mean the crowd.

Sure, the audience gets crazy, and I probably got tinnitus from the chants of LOW-RY! LOW-RY! at Brawl in the Burgh 8, but that’s not exactly what I’m talking about here.

Yes, local MMA shows bring that electric atmosphere you may know from smaller concerts or club shows, but it’s the action inside the cage that will surprise you with its sheer power and volume.

A huge slam practically rattles the venue, and a strong body kick generates a sickening sound you just can’t miss. It’s definitely possible to appreciate the force and athleticism of fighters on TV. But when you experience it in person, everything gets cranked to 11.

2. Ready to meet some fighters?

If you’re expecting to meet fighters and coaches at the show, well…

You’re right.

One of the major benefits of the smaller, more intimate atmosphere is the likelihood of bumping into a fighter or a coach in the crowd. You’ll almost definitely be able to personally congratulate your favorite fighter after a big win, and you’ll probably be able to get a picture or 20, as well.

Beyond the fighters and coaches competing on a given evening, though, you’ll see athletes aplenty in the crowd supporting friends and teammates. At a 247 Fighting Championships show, you’ll regularly find former UFC and/or Bellator studs such as Chris Dempsey, Dominic Mazzotta, Khama Worthy, John De Jesus, and Adam Milstead mingling with fans.

Out-of-town coaches such as Glover Teixeira and Corey Anderson (heard of them?) have been to our shows, too, and they’re always more than happy to stop and say hi.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 247 FC – Pittsburgh MMA Events (@247fightingchampionships)

Keep your eyes peeled and get ready to meet a celebrity or two.

3. It’s Family-Friendly!

I know, I know.

The stereotype of the sport says the crowd should be a bunch of rowdy JUST BLEED! guys walking around in Affliction shirts and spilling beer.

That’s just not the case.

We pride ourselves on hosting all-ages, family-friendly shows. Sure, the atmosphere can get a little rowdy and excited, but it’s always in a fun, positive fashion. As former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight Adam Milstead was telling me on the podcast, acting aggressively at a local MMA show isn’t just rude … it’s dumb.

As we mentioned in point No. 2, you literally never know who could be sitting near you or around you. The guy you’re picking a fight with –– or his best friend sitting next to him –– might be a trained pro.

We do serve alcohol at our shows, but we’re always mindful of keeping it clean and respectful both inside and outside the cage. We encourage you to bring the whole family without worry!

Our next event, Brawl in the Burgh 10, goes down Feb. 5 at the Monroeville Convention Center. Tickets go on sale soon. Bookmark this page and get ready.

Jon Anik joins the Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast!

If you’ve watched a UFC event in the last, oh, decade, you probably recognize the sweet, sweet tones of Jon Anik from the commentary booth. A former ESPN anchor, Anik rose to fame working for the UFC over the past 10 years –– and his success is no secret.

He speaks with our GM Hunter Homistek, breaking down the grind of the UFC schedule, his experiences in Pittsburgh, his background, and so much more.

You’re going to like this one, friends.

Pop on some headphones and enjoy the show (audio-only embedded below or available via your favorite podcasting platform):

P.S.: The Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher! Follow this link to subscribe on the platform of your choice.

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And now for something completely different!

Why did our GM Hunter Homistek chat with local Pittsburgh artist Cody Sabol during the latest Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast?

Two main reasons:

Cody loves Pittsburgh
Cody is awesome

Really, you can end it there, but as an added bonus, Cody is no stranger to 247 Fighting Championships and the local MMA scene.

He previously painted inside the 247 FC cage, and his friendship with 247 FC owner Ryan Middleton stretches years.

Hunter and Cody discuss that before digging into Cody’s rise in the Pittsburgh art scene, which includes work for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and dozens upon dozens of the city’s finest athletes, past and present.

There, they uncover an interesting revelation: Cody’s journey isn’t all that different from a regional fighter’s rise to the big leagues.

How so?

Grab a beverage, pop on some headphones, and enjoy the show.

P.S.: The Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher! Follow this link to subscribe on the platform of your choice.

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Brawl in the Burgh 10 tickets are here!

247 Fighting Championships takes over the GreenTree SportsPlex Saturday, Dec. 4 with its biggest event EVER.

Recently, 247 FC Owner Ryan Middleton joined General Manager Hunter Homistek to discuss Brawl in the Burgh 10 (BitB10) and to announce a few more fights going down at the year-end event.

The two spoke as tickets went on sale –– and all the VIP tables sold out mid-podcast.

There’s no doubt this event –– headlined by Pittsburgh boxing superstar Bill Hutchinson –– is going to rule, and the demand for tickets is ultra-high as a result.

Get yours now!!!

— GET BRAWL IN THE BURGH 10 TICKETS RIGHT HERE —

P.S.: The Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher! Follow this link to subscribe on the platform of your choice.

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Welcome back, Hutch.

Pittsburgh pro boxing superstar Bill Hutchinson is back in action Saturday, Dec. 4, in the main event of Brawl in the Burgh 10 –– and he’s been itching for this one for quite some time, friends.

At the event, Hutch looks for his 20th career victory, and to hear him tell it, he’s not gonna be content with a decision. He speaks with 247 Fighting Championships General Manager Hunter Homistek on the Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast about that and much, much more.

Recently, Hutchinson has been forced out of action due to COVID for almost two years, but he’ll be looking for his 10th straight win when he takes the ring to cap off a beautiful night at the GreenTree SportsPlex.

With Hutch in the main event and a stacked pro boxing/pro-am MMA fight card surrounding him, this event is extremely likely to sell out.

Tickets go on sale MONDAY, NOV. 8, at 10 AM. Mark your calendars and get ready.

— GET BRAWL IN THE BURGH 10 TICKETS RIGHT HERE —

Enjoy the show.

P.S.: The Pittsburgh Combat Sports Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher! Follow this link to subscribe on the platform of your choice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS