Popovitch's BJJ- Mixed Martial Arts Blog

by:Joseph 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 !!!!

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Tecia won by unanimous referee decision.She is now 2-0.

Congratulations!!!

Tecia will be fighting her 2nd Kickboxing bout tonight at the Coliseum in Daytona Beach, Fl.

Good Luck !!!

Here is the event information:

Night Club Knockout Productions Presents

“CLASH AT THE COLISEUM II”
THE COLISEUM
Daytona Beach, Florida, USA

IKF Amateur Kickboxing

This highlight video features incredible submissions from different positions and angles. If you are a bjj fan that likes MMA, you will enjoy this.

I am proud to announce that we are now offering a WOMAN ONLY BOOTCAMP.

The bootcamp consists of russian keetlebelt training, plyometrics, cardio and strength exercises. Our instructor Camila Silva will be teaching the program and she is one of the few certified instructors to teach Keetlebelt .  Classes will be held in the Ft Lauderdale Beach, for directions and to take advantage of our 2 week FREE trial please contact the school at (954)771-0084.

Congratulations to Joe”The Deal” Heink for displaying outstanding jiujitsu technique to finish a brown belt in the XFC event this past weekend, he has been doing great in competition and it was time to get promoted. Watch the video of his last MMA fight and the surprise promotion.

Pablo Popovitch

P-S. Joe is also the Head instructor of Highlander/ Popovitch Team of Kentucky

Derek Sheffer VS Mark Tyler

Team Highlander/Popovitch Derek Sheffer made quick work to finish with an arm lock from the mount in the 1st round.

Johnny Cardonna VS Nate Jolly

Next was Johnny Cardonna, after a quick right hand Johnny almost KO Nate Jolly in the 1st round, it was a really good matched fight. After a couple exchanges, Nate Jolly won the 1st round. Johnny came back strong and dominated round 2. On the 3rd round Johnny was winning but after attempting a leg lock, he got caught up in a bad position, unable to recover lost by referee stoppage. Great Fight and it was probably the fight of the night. A lot of action and both fighters displayed tremendous heart.

Joe Heink Vs Scott Porter

Joe made quick work to take Scott Porter down, pass his guard and almost submit him with an arm bar, after a good scramble they were back on their feet. After a quick exchange Joe got the KO with fast combinations of jabs and crosses. Also Joe was awarded his brown belt from Team Popovitch/ Highlander Mike Yanez.