Sunday, December 4, 2008
DC ARMORY HOSTS MIXED MARTIAL ARTS SHOWDOWN ON DECEMBER 13
"Battle of the Nation’s Capital” features 16 all-pro fighters including Howard alum and boxing legend James “The Professor” Cook and breakout contender Taylor Dixon
WASHINGTON, DC — TThe DC Sports and Entertainment Commission welcomes the return of mixed martial arts to the District when the “Battle of the Nation’s Capital” comes to the DC Armory on Saturday, December 13 at 7 pm.
This inaugural showdown features 16 all-pro MMA fighters representing teams from across the United States including exciting breakout contender and winner of two amateur titles, Taylor Dixon of Alexandria, Virginia; Howard University Alum and Muay Thai boxing legend, James "The Professor" Cook; from Rockville’s Yamasaki Academy, U.S. Army Military Police Officer Ron Foster; and Ring of Combat Lightweight Tournament Champion, James "Binky" Jones of Baltimore.
“The popularity of mixed martial arts has exploded in recent years and it is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the world,” said Erik Moses, Chief Executive Officer for the DCSEC. “They have put together a great lineup of fighters and it has shaped up to be a must-see event.”
Ticket prices range from $30 - $175 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1.877.750.4400. VIP tickets include floor seats, a VIP tent with a premium bar and an autograph session with MMA Superstars and honored guests.
“Battle of the Nation’s Capital” is brought to the Armory by District Combat Productions – the brainchild of Geoff Dawson, owner and founder of Bedrock Management Company, and Jonathan Reff, an Olympic Taekwondo fighter and trainer at SomaFit in DC.
MMA fights showcase a wide variety of full-contact martial arts forms including Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, submission wrestling, Muay Thai, Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo, and Capoeira.
“Battle of the Nation’s Capital” match highlights include: Legendary Team Quest fighter, Zac “The Red Devil” George (15-3 record) versus LA Boxing’s “fight to the finish” veteran Rick Screeton and from Ultimate Fighter Season 7, the undefeated (8-0) Paul Bradley defends his record against tough newcomer Rafael Sapo of Team Renzo Gracie.
Additional fighters on the ticket include:
- Undefeated lightweight Dave Jansen
- Ferocious Kyle “The Alley Cat” Baker
- Dave Branch, six-time Grapplers Quest Champion
- Talented newcomer Robby Houston
- John Cholish, Renzo Gracie’s newest talent from New York
- Lloyd Baldwin, undefeated amateur and two-time featherweight MMA champ
- Beau “Blackjack” Baker, the lethal KO king
- Buck “The Coach” Grant, multi-title winner who is making a return to fighting after seven years
Internationally recognized Mario Yamasaki and Fernando Yamasaki of the award-winning Yamasaki Academy in Rockville, Maryland, consulted on the fight ticket. In addition, Fernando Yamasaki will referee all eight matches. Other elite talent, including MMA Superstars, Maurice Smith and members of the Gracie Family, are scheduled to attend.
Sponsors include On Tap Magazine, Miller Brewing Company and Knucklehead Fight Wear.
The DC Armory is located at 2001 E Capital Street, SE in Washington, DC and is accessible by the Metro (orange/blue lines) and multiple bus lines. Secured parking is also available.
For more information on the “Battle of the Nation’s Capital”, please visit www.districtcombatproductions.com.
About DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC)
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia government founded in 1995, is responsible for attracting, presenting and hosting sports, entertainment and special events in the Washington, DC area. The Commission is also responsible for the management and operation of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and the DC Armory Complex.
About District Combat Productions
Newly created by Geoff Dawson and Jonathan Reff, District Combat Productions brings MMA Fighting to the Nation’s Capital. Future plans include producing three more fights in 2009, garnering television coverage, and acquiring additional top-notch sponsors. |
