SHREDbyCROM™: 10 Week Battle Ready Nutrition Program Blog 1

by Nathan Aripez

This is my first blog entry for what I expect to be a great lifestyle change for myself. For those not familiar with me, my name is Nathan and I run MuayThaiAuthority.com. I love Muay Thai and Kickboxing and providing the best information available on the sport. I first started training Muay Thai when I was 20 years old, and now at 31 I am nowhere near the shape I was in back then. As the years go by the distance between myself and training becomes greater and so has my gut, life just gets in the way. I really noticed the change about 3 or 4 years ago when I stopped being active as my day job and website duties made it hard for me to get in the gym. 

Aside from not having time to train, I love to eat food and that has made things worse. I finally decided enough was enough and I reached out to Chris Romulo who had been contributing some great fitness and nutrition articles to Muay Thai Authority. We decided to do this blog with his SHREDbyCROM™: 10 Week Battle Ready Nutrition Program and use me as the subject. I looked at it as the perfect way for me to get back in shape and live a healthier lifestyle. Being that my journey would be documented; having people read my blog weekly would hold me accountable.

Chris and his team, Sarah Romulo and Marycatherine (MC) are great. Being that they are in New York and I am in California we had a phone conference where they explained how the entire program would work. They sent me a detailed guide structured for my first week on what I could eat and what workouts to do.

Week one started out rough, but I was prepared as they explained to me that the first few days would be hard because I was going to be taking in less carbohydrates than I was used to. I was the type of guy that got to the point of basically eating 3 things, burritos, cheeseburgers (with fries), and pizza. I decided I was focusing on sticking to the diet and not what I was eating so I made very basic meals for the week that I prepared in advance. I wasn’t thinking about how good the food tasted just making it past the week. 

I felt really tired the first 3 days from Monday to Wednesday because of this I was only able to work out one day. I tried to go to bed as early as possible so I would not be thinking about food. I was getting plenty of food but not the fatty greasy food that I was used to. It was lean meats and vegetables that I was eating now.

Thursday I started having a bit more energy and by the weekend I was feeling like a champion. I had been planning my earned meal all week. They don’t call it a cheat meal on this program because cheating is something you’re not supposed to be doing, an earn meal you achieve by being dedicated and working hard, and therefore you should not feel guilty. I was feeling so great on Saturday that when I got to the restaurant instead of ordering what I originally intended to order (which was a great huge sandwich at this restaurant called The Mill by my house) I opted for an omelet and some potatoes that were a normal portion size. I felt like I had done so well and I didn’t want one crazy meal to send things out of control. 

I ended the week strong with some exercise and was able to continue to eat well the rest of the weekend. I went shopping for the second weeks supplies after Chris sent me the updated plan for week 2, and I prepped everything at home on Sunday. What made the first week easier was the plan was simple. I am not nutrition expert and the plan laid out how it should work and I just stuck to it. If I had a question I messaged the CROM team and they would tell me if I could do or not do what I was thinking about. I have tried to do things like this before on my own and after a few days it is easy to fall off, but I know it is time for a change and with my mind set and the CROM team behind me I am more than 100% sure I will succeed. Now I am looking forward to the new exercises that the plan calls for and this week upcoming week I am actually trying to get creative with meals.

I started by weighing in at 243.4 LBS on Monday 11-16-2015 and when I weight in Monday 11-23-2015 my weight was at 232.6 LBS. The CROM teamed prepared me by informing me that the first week weight loss would be fast, but as you start getting leaner as the program goes by it will get a little harder as your body starts adapting. I am definitely pumped for week 2 after those week 1 results.

SHREDbyCROM™ Goal Tracker:

FEELING: Great! First few days were tough, but now I am more focused and determined after seeing the results.

WEEK 1 STARTING WEIGHT: 243.4 LBS

WEEK 1 ENDING WEIGHT: 232.6 LBS

WEIGHT LOSS FOR WEEK 1: 10.8 LBS

You can get the SHREDbyCROM™: 10 Week Battle Ready Nutrition Program at http://chrisromulo.com/nutrition/

Muay Thai - UpperCut K.O. Nong-O Fight Breakdown | Evolve University

Multiple-time Muay Thai Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao from Evolve MMA, breaks down his own Uppercut K.O. on Kiatpetch Suanaharnpeekmai.

You can catch more great breakdowns from Evolve University on the Muay Ties You Tube channel. They have not only some great breakdowns but also some of the best fights from Thailand.

CROM’s Corner: Finding Your “CORE 8”

by Chris Romulo

The history of the kettle bell dates back to the 1700’s, primarily used by Russian farmers to weigh crops.  Those same farmers eventually evolved in to using them to show off their strength at local festivals.  Today, kettle bells are the ultimate tool for any combat/martial athlete, if used efficiently. 

I believe there are 8 key athletic attributes that every fighter has to some degree: agility, balance, endurance, flexibility, power, speed, stability and strength.  Every individual has different capacities with each attribute.  As fighters, our goal is to exploit as many weaknesses in as many of those attributes in our opposition as possible in hopes of dominating in a convincing fashion.  At the same time, we want to enhance our own “CORE 8” to increase our physical abilities. 

The kettle bell is one of the best ways to change the game in your training.

As I started my amateur Muay Thai journey in the mid 90’s I was only versed in minimal strength & conditioning methods that I picked up on my own as a kid.  Pull ups, pushups, benching, and biceps curls were my staples.  They were sufficient enough at the time I suppose, but as always “you don’t know what you don’t know”.

After years of dead end jobs after high school, at 27 years old, I ventured in to the world of personal training.  This opened up a whole new world of training and well being for me.  It wasn’t until 2006 when I turned PRO as a Muay Thai fighter that I understood the importance of having a complete team around to help prepare me for battle.  I sought out a strength & conditioning coach who specialized in athletic performance and as it turns out, was responsible for my love of this ancient tool.  I will never forget my “ah ha” moment when I realized that this was the way EVERY fighter should train.  It was after a 5 round scrap with an ultra tough dude from Nebraska.  I hit him with everything but the kitchen sink for 5 rounds.  I dropped him a couple of times for a standing 8 count and carefully placed a shin to the side of his head, but he still kept coming!  I stayed composed and won the fight, but after those 5 rounds I felt something I’d never felt in my previous 20+ fights…..swollen and aching fists for days. 

I believe through working with the kettle bell in a dynamic and ballistic manner, it kept my arsenal of weapons a huge threat in that fight.  I felt my opposition was off balance and kept at bay due to the quality of my attacks and counters.  Alongside power development, I was in better shape to deliver a heavier assault.

A great kettle bell complex that you can add in to your training regimen is a combination of 4 basic movements:

•    Dead Snatch

•    Windmill

•    Hang Snatch

•    Front Squat

Check out this instructional video of 4 movements and follow along at the end to enhance your “CORE 8”.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Gh6E_PnJ8

 *****Be sure to comment on what movements you would like to see in next week’s article!

Visit Shred by CROM on YouTube to receive a complete breakdown of each movement along with the full length work out to follow along with.

Chris Romulo is a retired Muay Thai champion, Muay Thai & Strength & Conditioning Coach, owner of CROM Physical Culture and Creator of SHREDbyCROM™. After a total of 32 years of trial and error through fitness, conditioning, martial arts, sports, and “play” Chris has taken what works, sculpted away what doesn’t and painted a different way to engage in Physical Culture.

Visit www.crompc.com for more info.

FB: Chris Romulo AKA CROM, IG: SHREDbyCROM

Lion Fight 26 title bout between Tetsuya Yamato and Greg Wootton off

Lion Fight 26 is three days away, and unfortunately for fight fans the night's main event title bout between Tetsuya Yamato and Greg Wootton is off. Wootton was not cleared to fight after failing his pre-fight physical. Our source informed us that Lion Fight secured two solid fighters that were willing to step in and replace Wootton on short notice, but Yamato refused both offers.

Lion Fight has now bumped the co-main event bout between Nick Chasteen and Turan Hasanov to the main event slot. Victor Saravia vs. John Nofer has now been moved to the co-main event slot.

Lion Fight 26 takes place this Friday, November 20 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. The event will air live on AXS TV.

Lion Fight 26 Fight Card:

Nick Chasteen vs. Turan Hasanov

Victor Saravia vs. John Nofer

Josh Shepard vs. Ben Peak

Julio Pena vs. Tim Amorim

Perdro Gonzalez vs. Sean Fagan

Julio Pena talks upcoming Lion Fight 26 bout with Tim Amorim

Julio Pena is set to fight Tim Amorim at this week's Lion Fight 26 event. Pena, who works as a Sheriff's Deputy will be looking to earn another big win under Lion Fight. We were able to catch up with Julio and talk about the upcoming bout against Amorim and discuss his how he manages his day job and his professional fight career, his training and more.

MTA: Big fight against Tim Amorim coming up at Lion Fight 26, how familiar are you with Tim?

Julio Pena: Yea, I fought Tim as an amateur about 6 years ago! I saw his fight against Tom and Pedro. I know he's very technical. It'll be a fun and exciting fight to watch.

MTA: Can you tell us about your training camp, what it consists of?

Julio Pena: Training has been great. Pad work, running, the usual. Was able to get some work in with Justin Greskiewicz from Stay Fly Muay Thai and Ben Peak whose on the same card!

MTA: How important is it for you to study tape on your opponents and is it something you use to set your game plan?

Julio Pena: I just watch a little bit of tape. I focus on what I can control and that's my training and my physical preparation. The reason for that is that my opponent on tape appears to be a certain way and then he's different once we are in the ring. 

MTA: For fight fans that might not be familiar with you how did you get started in Muay Thai and how long have you been training?

Julio Pena: I started back in 2007 after I saw my close friend and corner in his 1st fight. After that night I said I want to do that, and that was it! Been training and fighting for 8 years now.

MTA: Where do you feel you will hold advantages over Tim in this fight?

Julio Pena: My aggression and ability to adjust round to round! My power could also be an advantage.

MTA: Is fighting your full time profession or like most fighters is it something you do on the side to your every day job?

Julio Pena: I actually have a full time job. I work for the Suffolk County Sheriff's Dept. +40 hrs a week. Not easy, takes a lot of time management skills.

MTA: Time management between your job and preparing adequately for a fight has to be difficult. How do manage both a professional fighting career and your job for the Sheriff's department? 

Julio Pena: Ha ha, its not easy to say the least! Its constant schedule manipulation. I can't control my job or my work schedule so I usually make changes to my training schedule. So far its worked out awesome, because I have a great team that helps me out!!

MTA: Working for the Sheriff's department seems it can definitely help you in the ring and being a fighter seems like it might help you in your day job. Have you noticed any intertwining advantages?

Julio Pena: Absolutely! It works both ways, they compliment each other! At work you have that never give up attitude because if you give up you may not go home after your shift, and I bring that same mentality into the ring. When I'm at work my discipline and training helps me de-escalate situations that can escalate!

MTA: Muay Thai is clearly going very well for you. Why Muay Thai over any other combat sports, MMA, BJJ, Boxing etc?

Julio Pena: I subconsciously made Muay Thai the priority. Not sure why, kind of just happened. I'm glad it did! 

MTA: Not looking past Tim, but do you already have you eyes set on anyone else in the division you would like to fight next?

Julio Pena: No, I never look past my next fight. I always keep my focus on my upcoming opponent. If i think about anything past my next fight it is how I'm gonna spend time with my wife and family! My R&R!

MTA: Who are some of the favorite fighters in Muay Thai?

Julio Pena: John Wayne Parr, he's an amazing, multi-talented, multi-skilled fighter. He's fought the best in the world. I admire his attitude, he's happy to share the ring with his competitors. He has fun, enjoys what he does, and respects the art. I try to be the same.

MTA: Where do you see yourself in the next few years as far as Muay Thai goes?

Julio Pena: I never try to look past my next fight. I take it one fight at a time. Where I'll be in a few years I have no clue, I leave all that up to my (coach) Kru Bill Newcomb & my (management team) Prime Elite Management; all I know is that I'm feeling great and I'm having fun!!

MTA: Any words for your supporters? 

Julio Pena: I want to thank my wife, I seriously would not be able to do this without Aimee's unconditional love and support. My Kru and best friend thanks for always pushing and believing in me. To my team, trainers/training partners/students for helping me prepare and keeping me ready. All the gyms that welcome me to cross train there. To Prime Elite Management (a division of Prime Athletics Corporation) thank you for making life easier and all the work that you put in. Thank you to Prime Athletics partners: Northeast Financial Strategies and The Patino Diet. Thank you to my sponsors, The Fairmount Grille (81 Fairmount Ave, Hyde Park 02136), The Fill-a-Buster Restaurant (142 Bowdoin St. Boston, MA 02108), X-ion-X (www.xionx.us) and Clean Eats (www.cleaneatsdelivery.com) for believing and supporting me. To my friends and family, and fans thank you for the support!!!

Muay Thai - Armtrap Left Elbow K.O. Fight Breakdown | Evolve University

3x Lumpinee Champion Orono Wor. Petchpun from Evolve MMA, breaks down a Left Elbow K.O. by Krobsud Fairtex on Rakchart Sor. Tubtim.

You can catch more great breakdowns from Evolve University on the Muay Ties You Tube channel. They have not only some great breakdowns but also some of the best fights from Thailand.

CROM’s Corner: Inside the Mind of a Nak Muay

by Chris Romulo

Do you have the right mindset to excel in Muay Thai?

Do you understand or even have a “why” for training?

Do you have a vision in your mind of where you want to go in your journey?

My motto, which is written on the wall of my gym, and has been a concrete thought for me since 2003 is “All it takes is heart”.  I do my best to pass this on to anyone and everyone I come across in a conscious or subconscious way.  Not just for fighting or training but in a lifestyle sense.  Not only for living with courage but also for living with love, passion, and spirit.  As Nak Muays I believe that we can all relate on this level.  None of us got involved in this sport/art to become millionaires.  What helped us find Muay Thai was a deep seeded desire for something different in our lives, to feed the unknown craving for a real sense of being, your “why”.  Without your “why” you will be lost, similarly to not having a GPS in this day and age.  Whether you rely on a GPS, map, or your own instincts, along your Muay Thai journey you will come across setbacks, challenges, stumbles or flat out failures.  Are you equipped with the right mindset to keep you moving forward when you are under a relentless attack from all angles?  Do you acknowledge your lessons learned as a true warrior or do you result to placing blame on people who have no control over your own thoughts and emotions?  Are you a “keyboard killa” with experiences of watching fights and not actually earning your battle scars in the arena while telling other people how it should be done?  If you have time to talk it’s because you have time to talk, put in your work and let your actions speak! 

A key mindset that I attempt to live by that might apply to you as well is “my actions speak so loud you can’t hear what I’m saying”.  Believe, accept and understand as a fighter, enthusiast or coach that disappointment will be a part of the process.  To think otherwise will only make getting through difficulty a much harder process.  This mindset will be a major tool in your Muay Thai path.  Through all of my injuries, losses, and life’s unexpected surprises, I took the time to go back to my “why”.  I believe my version of physical culture has been the number one factor in getting me through all of the major obstacles in my life.  In turn, my “why” is to help others understand that whatever interpretation of physical culture that you choose, it can and will be your main weapon in this fight of life.

**My version of Physical Culture is a lifestyle of dynamic thinking, eating and moving.

What I see for myself is being a practitioner of Muay Thai until the very end.  I fell in love with this art 20+ years ago and it has given me the life I never could have dreamed of.  I met my wife, who helped me raise my 1^st son at the height of my fight career.  We started a Muay Thai gym together in an old school little town where some people still mistake us as the karate people 7 years later ;-).  We added to our family with another son who has been growing up in our gym since 6 weeks old, starting his physical culture early.  Outside the gym I have faced many challenges such as being homeless with my family for 6 months after Hurricane Sandy destroyed our home and gym here in Rockaway Beach in 2012.  What kept me on the path was again, my fighting spirit that I honed through my career in the ring.  There are many things to be learned through the trials and tribulations through combat sports that will directly make life seem like a stroll in the park.

3 years post Sandy, having taken some solid shots to the chin, backed up in a corner, fighting off of the ropes, and taking a few standing 8 counts we have been blessed to be able to recover in the championship 5th round with a facility triple the size of what we lost in the storm, a membership which has quadrupled, and a community inspired to change their lives.  I am not writing any of this to impress you, my goal is to impress upon you in hopes you will take the time to answer the 3 questions we started with….

Do you have the right mindset to excel in Muay Thai?

Do you understand or even a have a “why” for training?

Do you have a vision in your mind of where you want to go in your journey?

Chris Romulo is a retired Muay Thai champion, Muay Thai & Strength & Conditioning Coach, owner of CROM Physical Culture and Creator of SHREDbyCROM™. After a total of 32 years of trial and error through fitness, conditioning, martial arts, sports, and “play” Chris has taken what works, sculpted away what doesn’t and painted a different way to engage in Physical Culture. Visit Shred by CROM on YouTube for free workouts and instructionals! 

Visit www.crompc.com for more info

FB: Chris Romulo AKA CROM, IG: SHREDbyCROM

Victor Saravia talks upcoming Lion Fight 26 bout with John Nofer

Victor Saravia will be fighting John Nofer at Lion Fight 26 in Connecticut on November 20. The Californian will be looking to keep is perfect record in tact as he continues to amaze fight fans. His aggressive and exciting style have made him a fan favorite.

We were able to talk to Victor about his upcoming fight against Nofer, the importance of clearing his mind, and his recent switch to being vegan. Enjoy.

MTA: Victor you have a fight with John Nofer coming up at Lion FIght 26. Are you familiar with him as a fighter?

Victor Saravia: Yes I am fighting John Nofer. I am familiar with his style, yes I've seen a lot of his clips on YouTube . John Nofer is a really well rounded fighter he's fought though competition and has won . We both match perfectly.

MTA: You are currently undefeated, does keeping a zero in that loss column add more pressure or motivate you?

Victor Saravia: Me having a zero on my record does not put any pressure on me at all . Why because my goals is to go in the ring and win because I train super hard every fight. I don't take ANYONE lightly, everyone I fight is tough. So I don't feel pressure.

MTA: Can you describe what a typical fight training camp for you is like?

Victor Saravia: I train twice a day, run twice a day, and do my strength training and focus on getting my mind right.

MTA: Is fighting your full time profession or like many fighters do you have another job?

Victor Saravia: Yes fighting is my full time job right now.

MTA: Since turning pro you have been nothing but spectacular. What do you think it is that has made that transition from amateur to pro so smooth for you?

Victor Saravia: Just the confidence and the belief in my abilities and hard work.Taking care of what I call my body, my temple as well as my mind has helped me overcome any obstacle I come across.

MTA: This fight is in Connecticut which is closer to Nofer's hometown so he will probably have the crowd in his favor. How do you tune out the crowd come fight to me and does it ever affect you?

Victor Saravia: I don't mind the crowd, I'm pretty good at blocking everyone one out and going in the ring and doing my job. After the fight that's when I can hear everyone and hear the cheers. Everyone can cheer him on, I train to beat my opponent and to come out safe. The crowed and the celebration can be after the fight.

MTA: You mentioned taking care of your mind. The fight game is just as much mental as it is physical. What are some of the things you do to make your mind stronger?

Victor Saravia: Things I do to keep my mind sharp are I meditate every day. I'm vegan so that helps my mind be in harmony with my body too.

MTA: How long have you been vegan and what made you decide to go vegan?

Victor Saravia: I been vegan for about 5 months now. Reason why I went vegans is because it won't destroy our would and it hurt our animals. Second because I have more energy more power and more important keep mind in harmony with all my body.

MTA: How important do you think that dietary change is when you prepare for fights?

Victor Saravia: It's easy to cut weight begin vegan. I don't ever drag my self to the gym, if anything it keeps me wanting more. I recover faster it's just amazing what being vegan has done to my body and mind.

MTA: It seems Muay Thai is your primary focus, do you find it necessary to step away from Muay Thai at times and when you do what kind of things do you do?

Victor Saravia: Yes definitely, it's important to step away form the gym once in a while. Things I enjoy doing, I love being active I usually go to different hikes or to the beach. I go watch a movie or spend time with the family and girlfriend. Just catch up since when I have a scheduled fight it's hard for me to spend time with them.

MTA: Victor what are your goals that you wish to accomplish in the next few years?

Victor Saravia: My goals to accomplish in the next few years are to inspire the world that believing and having confidence can change your life and make your dreams a reality. To show people that you can change your life to something you love. To win titles to fight international to inspire those who need it. 

MTA: Can you tell us a little about your gym and your trainers?

Victor Saravia: Our gym is a family based gym with hard working fighter and trainers. We look out for each other. No body is above ANYONE everyone is treated equally..

MTA: Lastly any words for your supporters?

Victor Saravia: Chase your dreams weather it is fighting, being in the best shape, the best artist. Anything you CAN imagine comes true. I'll always have love for those who support me and those who don't.

Muay Ties Thai Fight of the Week: Muangthai PK.Saenchaimuaythai vs. Seksan Or.Kwanmuang

In this week's Muay Ties Thai Fight of the week Muangthai PK.Saenchaimuaythai and Seksan Or.Kwanmuang do battle. This fight took place on the "PetKiatpet" promotion at the New Lumpini Stadium in Bangkok. Enjoy this great fight filmed by Timo Ruge.

Muay Ties has one of the best Muay Thai library's available online. Make sure to follow them onYou Tube to see some of the best fights from Thailand.

Enfusion Live #33 Results

Enfusion Live # 33 took place this past weekend in Martigny, Switzerland. In the night's main event Diogo Calado and Rafael Ilorda fought for the vacant Enfusion 75kg title.

It was a eminated from Switzerland this weekend in a night where the Enfusion Live 75kg title was decided, with Diogo Calardo walking away as the new champion. Calardo kept constant pressure on Ilorda and in the third round after connecting with several unanswered punches the referee decided Ilorda was finished and called the fight.

In the co-main event Jonay Risco and Christophe Pruvost went toe to toe with neither fighter willing to give up and inch. It was an exciting fight and in the end the judges awarded Risco the decision.

Enfusion Live #33 Results:

Diogo Calado def. Rafael Ilorda via (T)KO in Rd. 3 - Wins vacant Enfusion 75kg Championship

Jonay Risco def. Chrisophe Pruvost via Decision

Pedro Barros def. Andriy Unhuryan

Ulrik Bokeme def. Cheick Sidibe via Decision

Shkodran Veseli def. Adelino Boa Morte via Decision

Janique Avanthay def. Amandine Falck via Decision

WCK Muay Thai: USA vs. China 2015 Fight Card

WCK Muay Thai: USA vs. China is set to take place November 13 at the the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The event is the promotions annual Wulinfeng event which features a USA vs. China portion.

Josh Aragon and Ryan Roy will serve as the night's main event as they battle for the WBC Muay Thai National USA Middleweight Championship. Aragon was originally set to face Landon Simmons for his WBC Muay Thai title, but Simmons was forced to withdraw and Roy stepped in on short notice and the fight was moved up a weight class. Aragon will be looking to keep his undefeated record in tact as he takes on Roy.

Other notable fighters in action will be Jo Sittisak as he takes on Tie Yinghua, and Lerdsila "Mr. Lightning" taking on Zeqi Deng. Adam Rothweiler will also be looking to keep his undefeated record as he takes on Jin Jintao in the USA vs. China portion of the card.

Fight Card:

Josh Aragon vs. Ryan Roy

Raul Rodriguez vs. Xingjun Liu

Vicky Church vs. Wang Kehan

Jo Sittisak vs. Tie Yinghua

Matt Sayles vs. Yang Zhuo

Lerdsila "Mr. Lightning" vs. Zeqi Deng

Adam Rothweiler vs. Jin Jintao

Kronpet DeJat vs. Wei Rui

Shavone Warren vs. Qiu Jianliang

Mike Wenger vs. Liu Dancheng

Liu Yong vs. TBA

Nick Chasteen talks upcoming Lion Fight 26 bout against Turan Hasanov

Nick Chasteen returns to the Lion Fight ring at Lion Fight 26 against Turan Hasanov in the night's co-main event. Chasteen is one of the United States' top up and coming fighters. He has been dubbed the "Golden Boy" and we recently had the chance to talk to Chasteen about his upcoming fight against Hasanov. 

He has been training in Thailand for this fight, and it is very clear that he breathes, eats, and sleeps Muay Thai. He is clearly a student of the game, who looks to grow and develop. Enjoy.

MTA: You have a fight at Lion Fight 26 coming up against Turan Hanasov. How familiar are you with Turan?

Nick Chasteen: I'm very familiar with Turan. I've kept an eye on him and have watched the East Coast game since day 1, they have a lot of sleepers out there that don't get alot of exposure but I know who to look for and what to look for . He's been off and on for a while and takes fights at multiple weights, which I can understand cause you gotta hustle out here to get fights in the Muay Thai game. He's not the first match up we had for this co-main event. I've had 3 different opponents, not sure what happened. If they were injured, got sick or just solely pulled out. Let’s just say 2 of the match ups would of made for one hell of a match up.

MTA: For this fight you have been out training in Thailand, how has training been over there?

Nick Chasteen: Training has been heavy, hard and exhausting like it should be. I landed here at night and got right to bed, woke up at 6 am and got my training in. No time for jet lag it's go time. I had to make them know I'm ready to work and to be pushed, no candy ass foreigner pad work just straight to business, everything heavy as possible. Having Thai’s my size here is the best part too. The turnover rate for foreigners is not to high here but you do get them. But "Pee A" the gym boss knows the game and can see when someone is really ready to work and soak up everything they have been showing. It is duper detailed small stuff that I'm grasping from my pad holder which makes a world of difference. 

MTA: What gym are you training at over there and how did you choose that are your gym to train at?

Nick Chasteen: I chose Sitmonchai of course because the rugged style of bangers they have had come out of this camp. Pornsanae, Mr. Knock, Thepnimit, and Yodkhunpon all really heavy handed guys and just rough and tough. I put myself with guys like this cause I need to be beat up and pushed like that and if I ever run into that style I'm prepared for it. If your into Muay Thai and haven't heard of Sitmonchai you need to go home and do some homework before you step back into the gym.

MTA: "No candy ass foreigner pad work", probably the best quote I have heard all year. I have seen some of your pad work while you have been out there. You have always seemed like you have had that fire in your eye but for some reason you seemed more determined than ever. Is there any reason for what seems like extra motivation?

Nick Chasteen: I'm just more determined to perform in the ring as an athlete. And if I wanna be a champion down the road I have to PERFORM on stage, not just in the gym and in sparring but when the eyes are actually on me.

MTA: You are pretty lengthy for your weight class. How important is that in a fight, being able to have the height and reach advantage?

Nick Chasteen: Having the height and reach is a wonderful thing if you use it and use it correctly. I stopped using my reach when I hit the pros for some reason. Uneducated people want to see people bang away and just see a brawl so I've tried to stay in the pocket a little more so I'm not doing what comes natural to me and that's dance around people and move. If I'm gonna be in the pocket and stand there and not move than I need to train like that and I don’t. When I spar I move freely and don't put boundaries on my movement but at the end of the day it's not traditional Thai Boxing anymore. I stopped using my teeps which in the beginning was my best asset and people couldn't get past it. I just need to realize the assets I have and work them over and over and use them. I crouch when I fight and we are really breaking that here at Sitmonchai gym. I'm giving up an easy 4 inches when I hunch over.

MTA: You have been dubbed the "Golden Boy" do you think being a young fighter that has eyes on him like you do adds extra pressure and if so is that pressure good and motivating for you?

Nick Chasteen: It does add pressure for sure, I use to think it doesn't but it does, people count on you to look a certain way or perform 100% every time. You’re only as good as your last fight. Everyone wants to see crazy spectacular knockouts and they hack on just good basic strong Muay Thai. The one thing that motivates me in there is just to not be average. I like being pushed and breaking boundaries in what I do. 

MTA: Not a lot of people focus on Muay Thai outside of their general vicinity but you said you have kept up to date with the east coast scene. It is safe to assume you are a fan of the sport, and not just a competitor. Do you like to spend time when you aren't preparing yourself watching fights and who are some of your favorites?

Nick Chasteen: I focus on Muay Thai 100% day in and day out. You have to keep up to date on big fighters and see if gyms around the world are decreasing or getting better and if they are constructing champions and keeping an eye on up and comers is crucial cause you might have to fight one of these guys so you wanna know the little mistakes they make and where they are strong at. If you’re not doing your homework in college you’re not going to succeed it's the same for this sport if you ain't doing your homework it's gonna be a little tougher for you in the end. Some of my favorite Thai Boxers are Superlek, Sumluk, Pornsanae, Namkuban, Jongsanan, Sakmongkol, The Diamond Ramon Dekkers hands down, and my all time fave Samart Payakaroon. He was just so clean made it look so easy and was a WBC Boxing Champion. He was smooth.

MTA: You definitely seem like you treat Muay Thai more like a science, you are very analytical. Has this been something you have recently started doing or have you been like that since day 1?

Nick Chasteen: I've always broken things down like that with this art, every little thing has to be picked apart and every little detail has to be analyzed. I think I overdo it though and at the end of the day you just need to go out there and fight and let your heart, mind, and spirit take over. But yeah I feel like I have always done that and not sure if it helps or not , it's just what I have always done.

MTA: Is going to train in Thailand something you might start doing before all your fights?

Nick Chasteen: I planned this trip I while but I had to keep putting it off, my girlfriend was having fights and I wanted to be there to motivate her and push her and be in her corner. Life happens ya know so I took care of some things before I left, I had bought my plane ticket in advance and planned on being here for about 6 months than about a week before I left Lion Fight told me about this fight so automatically I took it. I've fought once this year and 2 times a year is just not enough to stay clean and crisp .but the gym I fight out of gets it done for me back in AZ which is Best Muay Thai with my trainer Bob Karmel. He wanted me to come out here to experience the birthplace of the sport and to just train with these heavy-duty Thai’s. It just makes you tougher and stronger and nothing less. Especially when you gotta play catch up with most these guys who have been doing it their whole lives, but I will be back and forth from Thailand to the states to soak up fights out here when I'm not fighting state side.

MTA: Muay Thai is clearly a huge part of your life, but when you step away from it what are some of the ways you unwind or clear your mind?

Nick Chasteen: I really never step away from Muay Thai. When I'm done fighting or in fight camp I may take 3 to 4 days off but I'm right back in the gym helping or doing privates, The little time I take a mental break I would have to say is me just getting in time with my family, my Pitbull, and work on my cars that are also my babies.

MTA: In the internet age everyone has an opinion on you. How difficult is it to deal with stuff that people say even though you don't know them and are likely a better fighter than they can dream? Does it get you mad, make you push harder?

Nick Chasteen: This Internet social media craze is pure and plane garbage. I know it's needed these days to build a fan base and have your name out there, but everyone runs there moth until you see them in the crowd or backstage at fights than they wanna shake your hand and be fake. Everyone has a comment about something or someone or something that happened in a particular fight. I brush it off cause I know my worth and my capabilities, every fight is different and people love to talk and post without doing any homework and research.

MTA: A lot of Muay Thai fighters in the states end up making a move to MMA as there are more opportunities. Is that something in your future?

Nick Chasteen: A lot are making a move to MMA for the wrong reason and that's to make money, not because they are passionate for that sport so they never ever do quite well. I have always grappled or done some type of cross training since I started doing Muay Thai specifically 8 years ago. It's just been off and on. I tried to make the move as an amateur but had 3 fighters pull out for a King of the Cage show and I said to hell with it and took a Muay Thai fight that was within my grasp. Just keep your eyes and ears open about that one cause you never know what's next for The Golden Boy, but first and foremost my first priority is Lion Fight and Muay Thai.

MTA: What can fans expect to see from you Nov 20 when you step in the ring for Lion Fight 26?

Nick Chasteen: Fans need to keep an eye out for me just being explosive and keeping pressure on Turan but also feeling free enough to move. I do better when I just plainly want to hurt somebody and dislike somebody, not saying I dislike Turan. I have respect for any man who steps into the ring, I just have to turn on a switch in my head that says hey this one person is trying to take everything from me that I've ever earned and built in my lifetime. I won't let that happen again out in the east coast. He's going to come in head first with his heavy looping punches and I'm gonna counter like I always do, but add 1 more of everything. One more knee, one more kick, I’m gonna out work him, hit him harder and look more relaxed doing it. He's gonna rush me, but I know every little thing he wants to throw. He hasn't developed anything new. It's not a boxing match, this is Muay Thai and if your kicking game, knee and elbow game ain't up to par with your hands then it’s gonna be a rough night for anybody. I spar heavy with guys at 180 lbs so I'm sorry someone at 142 doesn't possess the hand power to put me down. Catching a kick to the face is different but I don't see that coming from him either.

MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Nick Chasteen: To people who keep an eye on what I do, thank you for the love and support just the little Facebook likes and etc. Keep my name in the game. I'm out here to perform my best for the people and fans. I'm not here to brag about East Coast vs. West Coast Muay Thai, I'm here to just build Muay Thai in our country and make it stronger and stronger and we should all look at it the same too. We need to be able to compete wherever we go around the world. 1 love, 1 sport ...Muay Thai.

SUPERKOMBAT World Grand Prix 2015 Final Results: Jorge Loren stuns Andrei Stoica

The Superkombat World Grand Prix 2015 Final took place this past Saturday in Bucharest, Romania. The main event featured Andrei Stoica vs. Jorge Loren for the WKN Super Cruiserweight Championship. 

Loren was looking to collect his second victory over one of the Stoica brothers. He defeated Bogdan Stoica in early 2014 and up next was big brother Andrei. Many had Stoica as the favorite, he was on an 8-fight win streak with half of those wins coming by (T)KO. This fight was over early, Loren struck hard an fast working behind a stiff jab. A left hook connected that stunned Stoica and as he back peddled into the ropes Loren pounced and the referee immediately intervened and gave Stoica a standing 8-count. Despite the fight continuing it was clear this was the beginning of the end for Stoica as he did not seem to fully recover.

A second knockdown came from a right hand as Stoica tried to get aggressive and Loren countered. Stoica stumbled to the mat and was able to get back to his feet to beat the referee's count. A few seconds later Loren knocked Stoica down for a third and final time with another right hand. The fight was waived off immediately by the referee in a great performance by Loren to capture the WKN Super Cruiserweight Championship.

In the night's heavyweight tournament Tarik Khbabez of Morroco and Roman Kryklia of Ukraine met in the final. It was Khbabez who ended up victorious, winning a unanimous decision over Kryklia and the tournament crown.

Results:

Jorge Loren def. Andrei Stoica via (T)KO in Rd. 1

Alexandru Negrea def. Noureddine Echiguer via KO in Rd. 1

Claudiu Badoi def. Mika Tahitu via Unanimous Decision
Nikola Cimesa def. Robert Stoica via Unanimous Decision
Sebastian Cozmanca def. Cosmin Ionescu via KO in Rd. 1
Dumitru Topai def. Alexandru Nedelcu via Majority Decision
Dimitiris Chiotis def. Ionut Stanciu via Unanimous Decision
Cristian Spetcu def. Cristian Foustino via Unanimous Decision
Crisitan Milea def. Rafael Dudek via Split Decision
Bogdan Nastase def. Mario Blanas

Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Finals:

Roman Kryklia def. Ivan Pavle via Unanimous Decision

Tarik Khbabez def. Nicolas Wamba via Unanimous Decision

Heavyweight Tournament Final:

Tarik Khbabez def. Roman Kryklia via Unanimous Decision

Kevin Ross and Gaston Bolanos set for action at Muaythai 72 in Peru

Kevin Ross and Gaston Bolanos are scheduled to be in action at Muaythai 72 in Lima, Peru on November 27, 28, and 29. The event will be a three day Muay Thai festival from Peruvian National Muaythai Federation. There will be four WMC title on the line at the event.

Kevin Ross will fight Brazil's Leonardo Duarte for the WMC 63.5kg Intercontinental title. Ross will be looking to get back on the winning track with a victory. The former Lion Fight champion will look to claim his first WMC title with the win.

Gaston Bolanos will fight Argentina's Juan Allevato for the WMC 63.5kg South American title. Bolanos is one of Muay Thai's soaring young talents who is currently undefeated. The Peruvian native will be looking to capture his first major title since turning pro. He has built his reputation with impressive and exciting knockouts.

Two more WMC South American titles will be on the line as Giovanni Mazzetti from Peru and Israel Roldan from Argentina will fight for the WMC South American 75kg title. Luna Tobin from Peru and Araceli Fornera from Paraguya will fight for the WMC 57kg South American women's title.

Fight Card:

Kevin Ross vs. Leonardo Duarte

Gaston Bolanos vs. Juan Allevato

Giovanni Mazzetti vs. Israel Roldan

Luna Tobin vs. Araceli Fornera

Glory 25 Results: Sittichai loses controversial decision to Robin van Roosmalen, Petrosyan successful in Glory return

Glory 25 took place today in Milan, Italy. The promotion made it's debut on ESPN 3 with Robin van Roosmalen and Sittichai Sitsongpeenong fighting for the Glory Lightweight Championship in the main event and Giorgio Petrosyan making his return to the Glory ring in the co-main event.

Sittichai Sitsongpeenong looked sharp against Robin van Roosmalen. He delivered a steady stream of left kicks to the body and legs of van Roosmalen with some strong knees mixed in. He controlled the fight as van Roosmalen didn't seem as active as we have come accustomed to seeing from him. He opened up a bit more in the third round but Sittichai dictated the pace of the fight from start to finish. It seemed a new Glory Lightweight Champion would be crowned, but much to the displeasure of the fans in attendance van Roosmalen was declared the winner by unanimous decision with scores of 48-47 from all three judges. Fans booed the decision and van Roosmalen told them he didn't care if they booed afterwards during his post fight interview. Definitely a controversial ending and an unfortunate one for Sittichai.

In the co-main event Giorgio Petrosyan returned to Glory for the first time in two years. Looking to spoil his return was Canada's Josh Jauncey, but despite his efforts Petrosyan was on point. The Doctor was surgical with his strikes. He was very accurate and his evasive defensive skills were near perfect. Jauncey put forward a valiant effort as he did not back away from Petrosyan, but it was impossible for him to land anything significant on Petrosyan while not being able to avoid Petrosyan's strikes. In the end it was a successful return for Petrosyan who took home a unanimous decision victory.

In the welterweight contender tournament Murthel Groenhart and Karim Ghajji met in the finals to see who would win a shot at Nieky Holzken's welterweight title. Groenhart made it to the finals by scoring a stoppage over Nicola Gallo after a knee opened a cut that forced the fight to be stopped. Ghajji defeated Yoann Kongolo by majority decision in his semi-final bout in a very close fight.

In the tournament final Groenhart came out looking to end things early. A right hand knocked Ghajji down and after he answered the count Groenhart went in for the kill unleashing flurry after flurry trying to put Ghajji out, but he was able to survive the round. In the second Groenhart looked a bit slower than the first and Ghajji started to get back into the fight with some nice combinations. In the third round Groenhart and Ghajji went toe to toe and when it was over Groenhart took home a unanimous decision. With the win Groenhart will now face Nieky Holzken for the Glory Welterweight title.

Glory Featherweight Champion Gabriel Varga was unsuccessful in his first title defense. Serhiy Adamchuck was crowned the new champion with a unanimous decision win in what was a close fight.

Results:

Giorgio Petrosyan def. Josh Jauncey via Unanimous Decision

Serhiy Adamchuck def. Gabriel Varga via Unanimous Decision

Artem Vahkitov def. Danyo Illuna via Unanimous Decision

Vittorio Lemano def. Samir Boukhidous via (T)KO (Cut) in Rd. 2

Stefano Bruno def. Hosam Radwan via (T)KO in Rd. 2

Anatoly Moiseev def. Teo Mikelic via Unanimous Decision

Welterweight Contender Tournament Semi-Finals:

Murthel Groenhart def. Nicola Gallo via (T)KO (Cut) in Rd. 2

Karim Ghajji def. Yoann Kongolo via Majority Decision

Welterweight Contender Tournament Final:

Murthel Groenhart def. Karim Ghajji via Unanimous Decision