Popovitch's BJJ- Mixed Martial Arts Blog
Archive for April, 2009
James Brasco Signs With Bellator For Non-Tournament Middleweight Fight In Inaugural Event
Posted in Pablo Popovitch Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Center Blog on April 2nd, 2009 by admin –by:Jos
eph Cunliffe
Pennsylvania-native James Brasco (2-1) fighting out of TeamPopovitch in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, steps up on just five days notice to face Kevin Abrante (3-0) fighting out of Gracie Barra in Orlando, Florida, in a non-tournament middleweight fight in the inaugural Bellator Fighting Championships this Friday, April 3, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The three-time NCAA Eastern Regional and AAU Grand National champion in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling made his MMA debut defeating William Parker by first round TKO at World Extreme Fighting in August 2007. Passed up by the UFC for Season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter, Brasco went on to defeat Gareth Joseph by Split Decision at Cage Warriors USA in March 2008. The 2007 World Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt Champion fell to Yosmany Cabezas by first round TKO at Real Fighting Championships in September 2008. With months of down time between fights, the self-named “Last Minute” has had a tough time securing fights. Now, the 34-year-old six-time N.A.G.A. champion and ADCC North American Trial Invitee steps back into the cage after another seven month lay-off from competition. ADCC News had an opportunity to get with Brasco shortly after he accepted the fight.
ADCC: You’re stepping up on just five days notice to fight this Friday in a non-tournament middleweight fight in the inaugural Bellator Fighting Championships. How did you secure the fight? BRASCO: I secured it when a bout fell thru at the show and they wanted to replace it. They wanted a local guy and my opponent is Latin (Puerto Rican), so I guess it fit just right for the show.. They are trying to target that market, as I guess it will be shown on ESPN Desportes? Our records are also similar, so it all just fell into place. Also the money purse was great so here I am ….ready to go man !!!!!!!!!!
ADCC: Who is your opponent and what do you think about him? BRASCO: My opponent is Kevin Abrante from Gracie Orlando, I guess. I think I outmatch him in every area and feel good. I do respect him for taking the fight with me on short notice. I look forward to the opportunity !!!!
