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Brawl In The Burgh 7

Are you sick of having nothing to do on the weekends? Well, Brawl In The Burgh 6 starts at 1pm and is the first of two events that gets the day started with a BANG! Followed by Brawl In The Burgh 7 starting at 7pm, capping off a fun-filled day of MMA. With things finally getting back to normal and events being held again, the Monroeville Convention Center is the only place in Pittsburgh you should be tomorrow! I can’t predict what will happen this Saturday, but I guarantee you 247FC’s 2021 debut is going to be absolutely breath taking.

Brawl In The Burgh 7

Kill or Be Killed

Now let’s take a deeper dive into the later of the two events, Brawl In The Burgh 7. An event that hosts eight action packed fights, 16 fighters ready to make the crowd roar, and a night full of mixed martial arts madness.

Brawl In The Burgh 7 is a fight card structured to make Pittsburgh go wild. Headlined by undefeated pro fighter Ethan Hayes and Fury Fight Team representative John Ramirez. Hayes is clearing a path of bodies straight to greatness, reeling off three consecutive first round submission victories. It’s all about “Tap, Snap, or Nap” for the All American MMA product. Hayes said when stepping into the 247 cage on Saturday, “it is simply kill or be killed”.

In the other corner, Ramirez has just nine fights and has already stood across the cage from some of the top competitors in the world. The experienced he gained against competition like top ranked UFC Featherweight Sodiq Yusuff and former Bellator vet Eric Wisely, is just one of the many factors to watch going into this highly anticipated main event. He also feels, he has nothing to lose taking the fight on short notice. Ramirez’s shared his final thoughts before fight night with me saying, “The weight cut is going good. When I get out there, you’re going to see a different animal. I am going to go out there and take care of business. That’s what I do”.

Dominance vs Experience

In the co-main event of Brawl In The Burgh 7, it’s the fans who win! As Jacob Lowry is defending home turf against Tony “Tiger” Charles. This is a fight that sees both competitors not only making their pro debut, but also making their 247FC debut. Lowry is one of five fighters on Brawl In The Burgh 7 carrying the torch into battle for The Mat Factory Wrestling Club. He finished his amateur career in dominant fashion going 6-0, picking up three finishes in the process. Lowry is leaving the amateur rankings as the #1 Light Heavyweight in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Paving a road to the top, Lowry intends on proving why he was placed in the co-main event.

Across the cage is an animal from San Jose, CA and he goes by the nickname “Tiger”. Tony Charles is a fighters’ fighter to the core. Sharpening his game at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) under well-known coaches Javier Mendez and “Crazy” Bob Cook. The same coaches that helped legendary fighters like Daniel Cormier, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Luke Rockhold achieve UFC gold. Well aware he’s marching into enemy territory Saturday night, in the words of the “Tiger” himself he said, “I am coming to spoil the party”.

This Means War

In war, many believe the king is the most important piece to victory. But it is the gladiators that carve the path of history on the battlefield. On Saturday, Chaka Worthy and Mike Johnson will be gladiators once again and the 247 cage will be their Colosseum”.

Chaka Worthy has followed in the footsteps of his older brother, UFC Lightweight Khama Worthy. Training with some of the best fighters in the world at The Academy Pittsburgh, Worthy is ready to become the lion that hunts its prey. A hurricane that destroys everything in its path. After a controversial split decision loss in his last fight, Chaka is aiming to take the judges out of the equation this time around. Worthy had one to thing to say about fight night, “I’ma be on my dawg s***”. If that’s any indication to how things will playout during the fight, we are in for an absolute war on Saturday.

On the other side of the battleground, Mike Johnson is a seasoned warrior out of Stars & Strikes MMA and is as eager as ever to put on a show in Pittsburgh. Traveling from Michigan and bringing the heart of Detroit with him, Johnson has zero plans of returning home with a loss. In combat sports a champion is not defined by the triumphs, they are defined in defeat. How they respond when they feel at the lowest of lows. Johnson is determined to prove that how he responds to adversity and overcomes obstacles, is exactly what will make him a champion one day. In regard to his fight this Saturday against Chaka Worthy, Johnson said, “The only thing I will promise, is it’s going to be a non-stop and fast paced kind of fight. I will look for the finish”.

No Judges Allowed

These next two gentleman are anything but gentle. 16 fights between the two, and only once has it ever reached the judges’ scorecards. At Brawl In The Burgh 7, when Marcus “Lights Out” Williamson and Damon “RosKo” Morosko enter the cage a presence will be felt. A Classic battle of two fighters that will stalk one another until the final bell. Bringing devastating power and a boxing background, Williamson’s last time in the cage resulted in his opponent tapping out to strikes in the second round. Heading into Saturday on a two-fight win streak, “Lights Out” prefers to paint his art in the form of violence.

Morosko makes the walk Saturday after delivering a VICIOUS 29 second knockout in his last fight. Although it has been over two years since “RosKo” competed, there are no worries in the mind of the Ground Zero MMA warrior. As the old saying goes, “Iron sharpens iron”. Never coming off as “cocky”, Morosko believes it is his dedication during his time away that will allow for another highlight reel knockout this Saturday.

Lethal Weapons

In a battle of heavyweights, The Mat Factory continues to provide lethal weapons for Brawl In The Burgh 7. As “The Incredible” Cody Gamble makes his return to the 247 cage after an extremely questionable split decision loss, to face off against debuting fighter Tim McFarland. Gamble enters just the third fight of his career as the largest favorite on the card. When Gamble steps into the 247 cage he has one thing on his mind, bad intentions. With his confidence soaring and the odds in his favor Gamble said, “I’m just looking forward to putting on a show for the fans. I’m coming GUNS BLAZING”.

Training out of Monroe Jiu-Jitsu, Tim McFarland is banking on his tricky ground game to make his opponent uncomfortable anytime the fight hits the mat. Saying McFarland is a big underdog is an understatement, but he believes it will just make the victory taste that much sweeter. Always confident in his Jiu-Jitsu, the debuting McFarland is looking to make a name of his own of Gamble by making him tap out.

A Worthy Foe

In this matchup we see a Mat Factory fighter in “Game” Jermaine Moye making his debut. Against a worthy foe from Delaware Terrell Brittingham. Training independently Brittingham is crossing enemy lines to cancel Moye’s coming out party. For Moye conditioning is a lifestyle, and he will apply pressure from the opening bell. “Game” Jermaine plans to throw bombs on fight night and test the threshold of his power. Moye’s last comment before Brawl In The Burgh 7 was, “I will win in devastating fashion. I will secure the last name MOYE in Pittsburgh history. You better not blink; this will be a knockout that’s never forgotten”.

But across from him is a man that has no plans to quit. Brittingham is walking into battle for the fourth time and will try to take his debuting opponent to places he’s never been before. Trying to bounce back after a tough loss, Brittingham is going out there to show Pittsburgh he will not stop until he is the last man standing.

Expect The Unexpected

The opening fight of Brawl In The Burgh 7 will have every fan in attendance on their feet! Two heavyweights prepared and ready to see who’s chin can handle the most damage. Getting in a fight is like throwing fire, while you stand in the flames. Luckily for us, diving into the “flames” is exactly what Justin “Blacc Mutant” Pippens and fellow PA native training out of The Shop David Krouse intend to do. Pippens intentions heading into his second fight are simple, continue to swing home runs when inside the 247 cage. Somehow Pippens last opponent endured brutal shots, and the fight ultimately went to decision. A decision that ended up being a SPLIT DRAW. The “Blacc Mutant” is aiming to make a statement and prove a point that he won the last fight, and he will be a problem moving forward. Pippens said one last thing before Saturday, “Expect the unexpected”.

But David Krouse believes he has all the answers to minimize the insane power his opponent has. Krouse has been grinding at The Shop and wants to forge his own route to the top. Normally, you would worry about a guy with no experience fighting a guy that’s went the full distance of a fight before. But with Krouse training at The Shop with tons of up and coming talent, it would be a foolish move to underestimate him.

Saturday May 22nd!!!!!! Fights start at 7pm @ Monroeville Convention Center. Buy your ticket HERE

Fight Card

Main Event

(3-0) Ethan Hayes vs (4-5) John Ramirez* (150lbs)

Co-Main Event

(0-0) Jacob Lowry vs (0-0) Tony Charles*(185lbs)

(3-3) Chaka Worthy vs (4-5) Mike Johnson*(140lbs)

(4-7) Marcus Williamson vs (2-2) Damon Morosko (170lbs)

(1-1) Cody Gamble vs (0-0) Tim McFarland (250lbs)

(0-0) Jermaine Moye vs (1-2) Terrell Brittingham (200lbs)

(0-0-1) Justin Pippens (250lbs) vs (0-0) David Krouse (240lbs)

[* Pro Fights]

Brawl In The Burgh 6

With an MMA double-header Saturday upon us, the earlier of the two events, Brawl In The Burgh 6, is STACKED from top to bottom. And, every single fighter plans to make a statement by bringing a “fan-friendly” style to the cage. This will be a card Pittsburgh never forgets!

BITB 6 Fight Card

Main Event (150lbs Catchweight)

(5-6) Ethan Goss vs (4-7) Matt Gaffney

The only thing I can guarantee you. An Ethan Goss fight brings you’re a** off the seat. It’s going to be fireworks!– Ethan Goss

Speaking to the two fighters involved in the main event of Brawl In The Burgh 6, Ethan Goss and Matt Gaffney, both competitors feel they have put in the work to steal the show on May 22^nd. Although, Goss is training out of Gorilla House Gym in Altoona and fighting out of Petersburg, PA, he is coming into the headlining bout as the clear hometown favorite. Having competed on three prior 247 cards he’s became a familiar face to the local MMA fans. We all know every time Goss steps in the cage it’s a must-see fight.

I’m ready to put on a Fight of the Night type performance for Pittsburgh– Matt Gaffney

However in the other corner, 247FC newcomer Matt Gaffney understands the magnitude of this main event and has given tons of praise to 247 for the opportunity. Traveling into hostile territory from Wisconsin, Gaffney feels his preparation at Stronghold Jiu Jitsu & Damage Inc Fight Club has him ready to showcase his skills for the Pittsburgh fans.

Co Main Event (175lbs Catchweight)

(1-1) Trenton Zdarko vs (2-3) Ken Hunt

Trenton Zdarko is one of many Mat Factory Wrestling Club fighters featured on Saturday’s cards. He had an impactful amateur career picking up five wins and just two losses, one of which came too undefeated Bellator prospect Dalton Rosta. In addition to the success he found at the amateur level, Zdarko opened his professional career with a first-round submission in 2019. Since, he has only fought one other time, where he dropped a submission loss at Brawl In The Burgh 2. Looking to get back on track, Zdarko feels the Mat Factory has him prepared to take home the win by any means necessary.

Ken Hunt is fighting out of Detroit, Michigan and trains at Stars & Strikes MMA. He is making his debut with 247. Hunt has experienced both wins and losses as a pro, but his plans are . For Hunt, he believes the win will be captured by applying that experience in his fight on May 22^nd.

135lbs Amateur Bantamweight Championship

(5-3) Justin Patton vs (4-0) Cameron Allgeier

How he clears that distance to get takedowns is very dangerous and I’m going to show him how dangerous it is– Justin Patton

Training out of The Academy of Pittsburgh, under UFC fighter Khama Worthy Justin Patton’s confidence is at an all-time high. After an inconsistent start to his amateur career (starting off 2-3), Patton has really came into his own as of late. He enters this contest riding a three-fight win streak and back-to-back finishes. For Patton though, this is all about putting the finishing touches on his amateur career. Becoming a champion is the last thing he has to do before moving to the next level.

It’s going to be a dynamic fight. I promise that– Cameron Allgeier

Cameron Allgeier trains out of Gorilla House Gym in Altoona, PA. Cam has started his career on fire, picking up four consecutive wins. With his latest being on UFC Fight Pass for the CFFC. The young PA prospect is humble but confident heading into his first title fight. When asked about his own transition to a professional career, Allgeier was clear that there’s no rush. Lastly, He wants fans to know his game is always evolving and he will bring all aspects of MMA to Brawl In The Burgh 6.

Amateur Featherweight Bout (145lbs)

(3-0) Edwin Vera vs (3-3) Juan Avila

I’m ready. By any means, I’m coming with that FIRE– Edwin Vera

Training out of the Mat Factory Wrestling Club in Altoona, PA. Edwin Vera is entering the fight undefeated and plans on leaving that way too. Also, Vera is a three-fight veteran of the 247 cage. Comfortable in his home turf, he’s ready to make a statement for all the fans. Vera is confident in his team and believes this is the best camp of his career so far.

Juan Avila is making the trip to Pittsburgh for Brawl In The Burgh 6 all the way from Lake County, IL. Training at Wrecking Ball MMA, Avila is poised and ready to take the zero off of Vera’s record. Although, Avila has a record with three wins and three losses, he should not be taken lightly. He is currently the #7 ranked amateur featherweight in the state of Illinois. Furthermore, he’s coming into this bout with double the number of fights as his opponent Vera.

Amateur Middleweight Bout (185lbs)

(1-0) Jarrion Manning vs (0-0) Mike Kocjancic

Jarrion “Boi Bandido” Manning trains out of Indio Dojo in Pittsburgh, PA. Manning is making his debut for 247FC at Brawl In The Burgh 6. But he isn’t a stranger to competing. He picked up a win at the Rio de Janeiro Regional event in January 2020. Manning is hoping to make it a short night for his counterpart on Saturday.

Expect VIOLENT striking-Mike Kocjancic

Mike “Kojo” Kocjancic is fighting out of Kane, PA and trains at the Titan Wrestling Club. Kocjancic is extremely prideful of what his hometown Kane means to him. One of the things that really stood out about the Titan Wrestling representative is his willingness to work with the youth classes at the Wrestling Club. But regarding his debut, Kocjancic is promising violence from the opening bell.

Amateur 175lbs Catchweight Bout

(0-0) Mante’ Barnes vs (1-0) Steven Lakes

I honestly plan on destroying this kid. Don’t mean to sound cocky at all. But I want to make him quit in the first round. He’s not on my level– Mante’ Barnes

Mante’ Barnes is eager to make his MMA debut. He has been sharpening his skills in Altoona, PA at the Gorilla House Gym. Barnes comes from a wrestling foundation and is looking to make his opponent quit by imposing his grinder mentality. Although, he is very confident in his preparation for his debut. Barnes wanted to be clear that it’s simply about levels and there’s no disrespect.

Steven Lakes is fighting out of Lockport, NY. The gym he calls home is Enoch Fighting Faith. Lakes is making his return to the 247 cage. The first time the New York native introduced himself to Pittsburgh MMA was in his debut last November. Where he got the best of Kailan Foster and brought a big win back to home to The Empire State.

Amateur 165lbs Catchweight Bout

(0-0) Taylor Cahill vs (0-0) Gabriel Tellez

The opportunity to pursue a mixed martial arts career has been the focal point of every decision I have made in my life. I am unbelievably focused-Taylor Cahill

Taylor Cahill is fighting out of Somerset County, PA and trains at Indio Dojo & The Shop. Cahill is dedicated to making a career out of fighting in MMA. Although, it’s on the wrestling mat where he found his competitive nature. Cahill is a former NCAA wrestler for Buffalo, Bloomsburg, and Clarion Universities. He is excited and prepared for his debut. But something he is looking forward to even more is supporting his older brother, Tanner Cahill, in his fight at the next 247FC card.

Gabriel Tellez is making the trip from Illinois alongside the other Wrecking Ball MMA representative on Brawl In The Burgh 6 Juan Avila. Although, unlike Avila, who has six fights under his belt already, Tellez is making his MMA debut on Saturday. He is an unknown name heading into his first fight like most debut fighters. But with the experienced talent he has around him at Wrecking Ball MMA he believes he’ll be leaving the steel city with some well earned attention.

Amateur Welterweight Bout (170lbs)

(0-0) Joshua Olsen vs (0-0) Julian Reza

Joshua Olsen makes the walk for the first time on Saturday night. Fighting out of McKeesport, PA and training out of PKKG & Stout MMA in Pittsburgh. Olsen is surrounded with the pieces at PKKG & Stout he needs to succeed. The same pieces that he believes will allow him to make that crowd roar in support of the hometown fighter on Saturday night.

I can’t wait to put on a show for the fans. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy– Julian Reza

Julian “Juju” Reza is fighting out of Danbury, CT and is one of the six fighters making their MMA debut at Brawl In The Burgh 6. Reza trains under highly respected UFC LHW title challenger Glover Teixeira at Teixeira MMA & Fitness. The amateur prospect knows he’s coming into hostile territory fighting against a Pennsylvania native. But this is the type of situation Reza thrives in. His plan is to come into PA as the enemy, but to leave a fan-favorite that we’ll never forget.

The first 247FC card of 2021 will be one you DON’T want to miss! The fights start at 1:00 pm @ the Monroeville Convention Center. Buy your tickets HERE

Patton vs Allgeier – Who Will Win Gold?

It was just 6 months ago when Patton vs Allgeier was supposed to take place. The battle tested Justin Patton and the undefeated Cameron Allgeier were scheduled to collide in the 247 cage in November 2020. Ironically, both Patton and Allgeier ended up contracting Covid-19, forcing the fight to be canceled. But in a rare occurrence for amateur fights that fall apart, 247FC Owner & President Ryan Middleton said, “This was a fight worth rebooking. This is a fight that HAD to take place.”

Thanks to 247FC that’s exactly what we get at Brawl in the Burgh 6 on May 22^nd. As Patton and Allgeier have been rescheduled to square off in one of two featured amateur title fights for the 247FC Amateur Bantamweight Championship. Despite this being the first title opportunity for both competitors, neither have admitted to feeling any type of pressure and remain confident in their preparation leading up to May 22^nd.

Patton vs Allgeier – “I’m going to show him how dangerous it is”

Patton (5-3) is coming into the bout, after nearly two years without a fight, riding a three-fight winning streak. But it’s the time he spent out of competition that has his confidence at an all-time high. Training out of Pittsburgh’s The Academy of Martial Arts and Fitness, Patton believes the high-level coaches and training partners he has will be one of the many factors in his favor heading into this title fight.

When asked about other advantages he believes he may have Patton said, “He’s a tough kid. He knows what he wants to do, he wants to come forward. He wants to take you down, take you into deep waters. But how he clears that distance to get takedowns is very dangerous and I’m going to show him. I’m going to show him how dangerous it is.”

With Patton’s confidence skyrocketing, he sees many avenues to victory in this matchup. In regard to watching tape on his opponent Patton said this as his biggest takeaway, “If he doesn’t get that takedown, he gets very desperate.”

Patton vs Allgeier – “It’s going to be a dynamic fight, I promise that”

Allgeier (4-0, #3 Amateur Bantamweight in PA Rankings) training out of Gorilla House MMA in Altoona has been wrestling since 6^th grade and he has imposed his grinding mentality on all four of his opponents thus far. But he wants fans to know that he is growing as a fighter every single day and is comfortable wherever the fight takes place. Talking about the “striker vs wrestler” aspect of this fight Allgeier said, “It’s not UFC 1 anymore. It’s not striker verse grappler. Patton may prefer striking, but I think he’s a brown belt or purple in BJJ. He’s tough on the ground and in my last fight I dropped my opponent on the feet. It’s going to be a dynamic fight, I promise that.”

A question both fighters were asked about was concerning Patton’s inactivity over the past two years. Allgeier gave some praise to his opponent saying, “I see him post 20 stories a day. He’s in the gym. The time off shouldn’t be an issue for him. I’m expecting the best Patton anybody has ever seen. He has the Bellator and UFC fighters in his gym. It’s not like he’s going to go out there and be out of his element.”

Patton wanted to address his inactivity by saying, “It’s not an issue. Our sparring is hard. Ask anyone in Pittsburgh. You come to The Academy we’re fighting. If we’re sparring, we’re fighting. So, it is what it is.”

Collision Course – Paths Finally Cross

This is a collision course where one fighter, Patton, believes he is ready to turn professional and this fight is his opportunity to make a statement. However, Patton’s opponent has motivation outside of turning pro heading into this fight. Allgeier believes that they are attempting to use him as a steppingstone to boost Patton’s career. He had this to say when commenting, “That’s the feel I get fighting Patton. He tried to turn pro three or four times. It fell through. Now he has to get one, an amateur fight, because he’s been out for so long. So, I feel like it’s that type of thing where I’m going to be used as the steppingstone to boost up the hometown guy. But I’m going to go in there and keep that from happening.”

While discussing his opponent further Patton highlighted The Mat Factory, where both competitors train on Sunday’s, as a secret weapon saying, “What I’ve seen from me and him on Sunday’s? I’ll keep that a secret for the fight. I seen what I needed.”

Patton vs Allgeier – Contrasting styles – Who can impose their will?

Both fighters have done a great job at rounding out their skillsets. But it’s no secret Allgeier is the stronger wrestler and Patton is the more seasoned striker. The question that can’t be answered until fight night is how the contrasting styles will play out in the cage and what factors will impact the fight. Commenting on how he believes the fight will play out Allgeier said, “At the end of the day we’re going to be good at whatever we’re good at. So, he can go practice whatever he practices, and I’ll practice what I practice. This is going to be about who imposes their will on who.”

This is a fight you DO NOT want to miss at Brawl in the Burgh 6! Get your tickets here!

This team seemed unmotivated. They had no emotion, didn’t seem to get fired up. They didn’t seem to get very upset when they were down 7, 14, 21 and 28-0, they didn’t play with fire, they didn’t show they cared. Now maybe that can be a good thing at times, but seeing a player angry every now and again at least shows they care as much as Steeler Nation.
Mike Tomlin is primarily to blame. I have never ever thought that the Steelers should get rid of, or fire, Mike Tomlin. I appreciate the fact that much of the Pittsburgh Steelers success has come because we don’t flippantly change coaches and there is consistency. But this team was unprepared and unmotivated and that starts at the top.
Ben Roethlisberger needs to figure out if he wants to put the work in. He has never been the type of quarterback that loves watching film, loves breaking down plays, loves the workouts. He is going to need to take all of those things to a new personal level if he wants to continue to compete at this level and for the Pittsburgh Steelers. If not, and that is fine, then he needs to hang it up. But offseason workouts and preparation needs to be taken to a new level if he wants to play in 2021.
There are many who believe that Ben is far more hurt than what is thought, that he may need knee surgery and he has been playing with a very significant injury. That my also determine if Ben decides for forgo his $40M salary in 2021 and hang it up.
Randy Finchner’s Pittsburgh Steelers offense is terrible. It’s like the poor man’s Patriots/Brady offense. Only major difference is the Pats offense is designed to create mismatches and get guys into open spaces. Finchner’s disaster of an offense is designed to get guys the ball as quickly as possible and hope they can make plays from there. It is bad, it is predictable and he needs to go.

After a really tough 7 months of not having any shows or planning any shows, it is amazing to be preparing for two shows in the next 2 weeks! 7 months of being out of business after having a show cancelled on the day of the show was terrible. But we are back and we are back stronger than ever!

We are so excited to announce that, as of today, we have 11 fights signed for November 25^th and the full 12 maximum signed for November 28^th. 23 signed fights and another possibly on the way!

Ross vs Summers – Elite Level Amateur Ladies Collide

There is only one flaw in Hannah Summers’ game plan against Sydney Ross.

But, it’s a big one.

De Jesus vs Simmons – Big Things Ahead

Both John de Jesus and Jamey Simmons feel that they are ready to take the next step in their professional mixed martial arts careers. The only problem is, each would have to go through the other to take that step.

Simmons and de Jesus are set to square off in Brawl in the Burgh 3’s main event on March 14. And, while both featherweights recognize that the 247 title is on the line, neither is prepared to let their dream of making it to a national stage take a hit—particularly given how confident they are in their own abilities heading into the match.

Simmons (6-2 as a professional) comes into the championship fight with a strong wrestling background. The 145-pound fighter out of Milwaukee’s Pura Vida BJJ & MMA has been wrestling since he was three years old, continued that career into high school, and now works with other high school and Division III collegiate wrestlers in his region to improve their own wrestling game.

“I’ve wrestled my whole life,” Simmons said. “I’m a student of the sport.

“I’d say my strongest point is taking you down. I think I’m hard to take down, and I’m hard to get out of position. I hand fight well too.”

Jake Schilling – A Terror… a Fireball, a Hurricane

It was only when Jake Schilling got laid off that he was really able to get work.

Schilling, who will fight on Saturday’s Brawl in the Burg 3 professional card at a 150-pound catch weight, has a day job in construction. He works in masonry, and he works outdoors. So, when November rolled around, weather worsened, and work slowed, Schilling was let go. And so, Schilling (1-0) turned right around and made preparing for his fight against Shawn Tarlton (0-0) his full time obsession.

“I’m just staying in the gym. Just staying busy in the gym…Just paying my bills., living modest. I think just being a martial artist, this lifestyle is a really modest lifestyle…When you first start out, you’re not making a lot of money, so this is just for the love of the game—for the love of the sport.”

Shuman vs Mitchell – Who Said That?

There used to be a voice inside of Jeromy Mitchell’s head that held him back.

That voice would crop up in the middle of an MMA fight, and sow doubt in Mitchell’s mind. The voice, Mitchell said, talked him out of a lot of wins that he felt he should have otherwise had. And, it was a voice that the 145-pound Mitchell couldn’t help but hear during a 2017 amateur fight in Tennessee, when his nose was broken by his opponent’s punches in the first round. Blood was pouring out of Mitchell’s nose for much of the rest of that fight. And, after taking the loss by unanimous decision, Mitchell would require reconstructive surgery for a deviated septum.

But, that loss was also about the time that Mitchell decided to stop listening to the voice as well.

Worthy vs Johnson – More Hours Please!

If Chaka Worthy could get 25 hours out of a day, he’d love it.

Worthy is always on the go. According to the 155-pound fighter from Pittsburgh, he gets about four hours of sleep a night, waking up at 5 a.m. to squeeze in a six-mile run and lift weights, before heading off to his day job as a social worker. Worthy said that he then logs another six miles on his lunch break before heading back to work. His night are spent at The Academy of Martial Arts and Fitness, working in eight five-minute rounds of sparring. Later on, he’ll head to LA Fitness to get another hour in on an elliptical machine and core work. Somewhere in between all of that madness, Worthy manages to spend some time with his young son and his girlfriend. And maybe, just maybe, take a moment to breathe.

“It’s hectic, and I’m always on the go. But that’s what I like about fighting, if you keep grinding and grinding,” Worthy said. “It’s kind of weird, because I’m always busy and doing multiple things at the same time, but…You have to keep everything in its own focus, so that everything gets the right attention.”

Expectations Clear in Pippens vs Grybos Bout

Both fighters are new to mixed martial arts and, as amateurs, Grybos (0-1) and Pippens (0-0) are getting set to square off on the preliminary card of the 247 Fighting Championships’ Brawl in the Burgh 3. But that doesn’t stop them from also understanding exactly what fans want. After all, they are heavyweights. They realize that people want to see them knock someone out.

As Pippens remarked, “That’s what they say about heavyweights—it just takes one shot.”

Fortunately, both fighters seem willing enough to take that shot heading into their March 14 fight at the Printscape Arena in Canonsburg. Grybos comes into the match with a background in kickboxing, while Pippens just wants to put his striking on display. And, neither fighter has a plan to take it to the ground—if they can help it.

“Well, it starts standing up,” said Grybos, who plans to weigh in at 245 pounds. “So, we’ll start there and take it from there.”

“I’m not doing anything else” – Allgeier vs Harnish

Allgeier vs Harnish – Cam Allgeier is here because he couldn’t make his sixth grade soccer team.

Allgeier, who came up through the Pittsburgh Public School system, tried out for the soccer team because his friends had done the same. But, due to what Allgeier attributes to a lack of foot-eye coordination, things just didn’t work out. That’s when a wrestling coach for the school noticed Allgeier in the hallway, and asked how things were going. Allgeier told the coach that he had been cut from the soccer team. So, the coach invited Allgeier to give wrestling a try.

“I thought, ‘I guess I’m not doing anything else, so I’ll go down and try it,’” Allgeier said.

Joey Munoz vs. Yuli Vellifort- Co-Main Event

We are just five days away from the biggest event in our promotion’s history. On November 16, Brawl in the Burgh 2 goes down from the Printscape Arena in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. You’ve already got to know many of the fighters on this star-studded card (including the main event participants), and now it’s time to be introduced to the two men who will square off in the co-main event. Joey Munoz will battle Yuri Villefort in a matchup of battle-tested veterans with a lot of experience under their belts. These are two of the toughest fighters around and you are not going to want to miss this showdown.

Red Corner- Joey Munoz

Fans who attended our promotion’s inaugural event will remember the name Joey Munoz, and for good reason. He went the distance with our former lightweight champion and now UFC fighter Khama Worthy in the main event on that card. Despite battling some health issues on that night, Munoz took some of Worthy’s absolute best shots in that fight and kept coming forward. Anyone who saw that fight will not be the least bit surprised to learn that Munoz has never been finished by strikes in his entire MMA career. Making the trip to the Steel City from Nebraska, Joey Munoz is in a much better place physically now than he was back in April.

John de Jesus vs. Ethan Goss- Main Event

With less than a week to go until Brawl in the Burgh 2, it’s time to take a closer look at the two men involved in the main event of the evening. 247’s inaugural featherweight championship will be on the line, as John de Jesus of Pittsburgh takes on Ethan Goss of Altoona. This battle of two of the top featherweights in Pennsylvania is the perfect main event for our action-packed year-end fight card.

Red Corner- John de Jesus

John “Platano” de Jesus will be fighting out of the red corner in this all-Pennsylvania matchup. Coming into this fight as the number three featherweight in the state, de Jesus has fought for promotions like LFA and King of the Cage. He has a lot of experience competing against top competition, with 18 career fights under his belt so far.

Chase Boyde vs. Cody Reece: Battle of Unbeatens

In the main event of the amateur card of Brawl in the Burgh 2, Chase Boyde and Cody Reece are set to throw down for our inaugural amateur welterweight championship. This fight is a match made in heaven and we cannot wait to see it go down. Both of these fighters come into this fight undefeated, with nine combined fights between them. Someone’s “0” has to go, and it gets even more interesting with gold on the line.

Red Corner- Chase Boyde

Representing Pittsburgh in this fight, Chase Boyde is ready to fight for the first title fight in his young career. At just 20 years old, Boyde is already 4-0 with three of his wins coming via stoppage. Boyde’s top level jiu-jitsu skills make him a serious threat if/when the fight hits the mat.

“I started fighting because I was picked on at a younger age for being smaller and not being well off,” Boyde said. At age 15, he started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Rodrigo Junqueira. Due to financial problems, Chase Boyde had to make the switch to Fusion Fighting. There, he would win numerous jiu-jitsu tournaments, as well as his first two MMA fights.

Quincy McCombs vs. Austin Toon Preview

With our huge year-end event now 11 days away, it’s time to take a closer look at two more fighters set to do battle at Brawl in the Burgh 2. Quincy McCombs takes on Austin Toon in an advanced amateur lightweight contest. Both fighters are coming into this fight humble but also ready to make a statement in front of the Canonsburg crowd.

Red Corner- Quincy McCombs

Fighting out of the red corner in this action-packed matchup will be Quincy McCombs. You might remember McCombs from his very closely contested split decision loss back at Brawl in the Burgh. In that fight against Pat Carrasquillo, McCombs had a lot of success on the feet and thought he should have had his hand raised after the final horn.