Los Angeles, CA – University of MMA: Fight Night 7 will set several new milestones, as no less than three title matches headline the event. Additionally, for the first time ever, a pro wrestler will make his U of MMA debut, leading what is guaranteed to be a full night of exciting MMA action at Club Nokia at L.A. LIVE. Tickets are now on sale at www.UofMMA.com and www.axs.com.
The University of MMA lightweight, light heavyweight, and welterweight championships will all be defended at Fight Night 7, as Derion ‘DC’ Chapman, Ozzy Diaz, and Roman ‘The Gladiator’ Todorovich put their respective titles on the line for the first time, each against his most credible and dangerous challenge to date.
In a collision-course that sparked at the U’s Fight Night 6, the Nigerian-American Pious ‘Voodoo’ Enilolobo, Jr. (BJMUTA/Flying Kick Martial Arts) vies for Derion Chapman’s (House of Champions) lightweight championship. Both men reign undefeated, sharing eight cumulative victories since their respective debuts in early 2013. Likewise, Chapman and Enilolobo are among the U’s most popular and recognizable fighters, known for memorable post-fight celebrations in addition to matches that always pop the crowd. Enilolobo has demonstrated an innate ability to adapt to and counteract his opponent’s strategy, while Chapman continually excels beyond expectations, utilizing strength and aggression unexpected (but perhaps fitting) of his background as a hip-hop dance instructor.
At the U’s previous event, Fight Night 6, reports circulated that Enilolobo and Chapman called each other out backstage even before the event ended. Enilolobo solicited for a title match against Chapman in his post-fight interview (viewable on Youtube). When Chapman, who was in attendance at the fight, heard about the mention, he reportedly went looking for Enilolobo and said “June 1st. Let’s do this.”
University of MMA light heavyweight champion Ozzy Diaz (NZT Pankration) faces Dominick Reyes (Cage Combat Academy), a wrestler and New York state collegiate football player originally from Victorville. Sporting a 4-1 record, Diaz is a homegrown U of MMA star, having fought his entire MMA career at the U since his debut at the inaugural Fight Night on March 3, 2013. With two wins by KO/TKO and two by submission, Diaz’s versatility is undeniable. Moreover, Diaz is the #3 amateur light heavyweight in California, according to CAMO rankings for April 2014. Reyes, however, boasts an unquestionable 3-0 record, also with even striking/submission finishes. This will be both men’s tallest and most competitive challenge to date.
The U of MMA continues to reach new milestones with the debut of Schuyler Andrews, better known as the pro wrestler ‘Scorpio Sky’ (The Experience) A multi-time pro wrestling champion who’s appeared in Japan and on national television, including the WWE and TNA/Impact Wrestling, Sky has held notable belts such as the NWA International Television championship and the CWFH (Championship Wrestling From Hollywood) Heritage Heavyweight championship. Sky faces Orlando Itza (Venice Beach Boxing Academy), a longtime Tae Kwon Do black belt and longtime martial artist who also makes his U of MMA debut. Both men’s respective debuts have been in the works for some time, and come highly anticipated.
“All six fighters in our Fight Night 7 championship matches involve among the very finest examples of ambassadors of the sport. Our champions demonstrated the best qualities in their quests for their titles, and the men challenging them are undeniable stars on the rise,” said U of MMA matchmaker Jay Tan.
Confirmed matches for University of MMA: Fight Night 7 include:
University of MMA Lightweight Championship:
155 lbs. – Derion ‘DC’ Chapman (House of Champions) vs. Pious ‘Voodoo’ Enilolobo, Jr. (BJMUTA/Flying Kick Martial Arts)
University of MMA Light Heavyweight Championship:
205 lbs. – Ozzy Diaz (NZT Pankration) vs. Dominick ‘The Devastator’ Reyes (Cage Combat Academy)
195 lbs. catchweight – Bruno ‘Pelo Loco’ Casillas (Valhalla Elite Training Center) vs. Jordan Taylor (Team Quest)
170 lbs. – Dean Bo Moskowitz (House of Champions vs. Ronald Minera (Nelson’s Boxing)
165 lbs. catchweight – Craig ‘Grasshopper’ Plaskett, Jr. (Hayastan MMA) vs. Michael ‘Myke Da Woo’ Woods (Desert Karate/Python Jiu Jitsu)
145 lbs. – Tommy ‘The Spaniard’ Aaron (Elite Training Center) vs. A.J. Bryant (XFit)
170 lbs. – Schuyler ‘Scorpio Sky’ Andrews (The Experience) vs. Orlando ‘The Tommy Goff’ Itza (Venice Beach Boxing Academy)
145 lbs. – Sergio ‘Surge the Kid’ Perez (Hayastan MMA) vs. Julian Baez (Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA Gym)
155 lbs. – Carnation ‘Flash’ Contreras (Krav Maga Unyted) vs. TJ Scot (Team Lagano)
145 lbs. – Jason ‘The Naked Author’ Mitchiner (JFM Boxing) vs. Albert Veloz (Cage Combat Academy)
170 lbs. – Steve Quick (Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA Gym) vs. Jacob ‘Yoshi’ Wasano (Team Quest)
“I think our last two events (Fight Nights 5 & 6) have easily been our two best events to date. We’re always trying to outdo ourselves and Fight Night 7 is no exception. From start to finish this is going to be one exciting event,” noted U of MMA founder Turi Altavilla. “We have three champions defending against three ultra-tough challengers and of course the debut of pro wrestler Scorpio Sky.”
The University of MMA: Fight Night 7 takes place at 5:00pm on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at Club Nokia at L.A. LIVE, 800 West Olympic Boulevard. Doors open at 4:30pm. Fight card is subject to change. Tickets are now available and can be purchased through www.UofMMA.com and www.AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or 888-929-7849, and from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Mon-Fri at the STAPLES Center Box Office located at 1111 S. Figueroa St. Applicable fees may apply. The Club Nokia box office will open at 2:00pm the day of the event.
