MAINLAND, BEWARE!
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has finally been developing into a welcomed mainstream sport. With the continuing rise of current head company Zuffa, LLC. which brought the UFC to incredible popularity and legitimizing MMA bouts throughout the world. They’re slowly buying out other heavy hitters and making moves to increase their reign over the sport. But most people in Hawaii already knew about the sport for quite some time, with previous events like SuperBrawl, Rumble on the Rock, ICON Sport, Gracie Proving Grounds, etc. and the more recent X-1 and Destiny. So locals know Hawaii has been breeding fighters for awhile, and not just the beefing at Sandy’s kine. And some of the big names are putting themselves out there to be noticed!
With the success of UFC and Dana White’s television show “The Ultimate Fighter”, where the participants fight to earn a UFC contract, a lot of very good lesser known fighters from around the world are getting great opportunities at the big show. And Hawaii boys have proven to be a force. Maui’s Kendall Grove participated in season 3 of TUF and fought his way to win the season and contract, and seasons later found more Hawaii locals making a name for themselves. Anthony Torres (s2), Troy Mandaloniz (s6), Shane Nelson (s8), Scott Junk (s10), Brad Tavares (s11) and upcoming season 14 is currently holding try-outs in where numerous fighters from the 50th state are trying to stand out above the rest and make it onto the show. Among them are Ecosystems’ friends Bryson Wailehua-Hansen and RUSSELL DOANE
Besides the UFC there are other events and brands that hold a great reputation and are considers big names for the sport. These mainland companies are offering great money to local fighters as well. YANCY MEDEIROS has been fighting for Strikeforce, where most recently he fought the undercard for the Fedor/Werdum matchup! Also Hawaii superstar and Strikeforce/UFC alum FALANIKO VITALE, who just smashed Dylan Clay to retain his X-1 belt a few weeks ago, decided to vacate his title and sign with Bellator! Niko already has a ton of heavy-hitters on his Sherdog list, including Aaron Riley, Matt Lindland, Jason Miller, Robbie Lawler, Jeremy Horn, Frank Trigg and current UFC #1 Middleweight contender Yushin Okami.
Basically Hawaii MMA is on the rise… Mainland, BEWARE!!! Support Local!!!
