Check out David Round G4 MMA's interim Spartan FC Champion in the Fight Lounge....
Photo courtesy: G4 MMA Fighters
Tuesday 14 December 2010
David Round in the Fight Lounge
Photo courtesy: G4 MMA Fighters
Looks like a feisty year in 2011 read on - http://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/i-want-a
Friday 19 November 2010
Lewis Long signs with G4 MMA Fighters
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| Lew Long courtesy G4 MMA |
Lewis started Judo at the age of 10 and then kickboxing at the age of 12
Was ranked 3rd best judoka in Wales at 17 with black belts in both disciplines
Won the Welsh KYU grade, North Welsh and West of England Judo Championships
Placed 2nd for kickboxing in the Welsh Open and West of England Open.
Began Muay Thai training under Lee Power, the coach of the Cardiff Eagles
Represented Wales in the World Amateur Thai Boxing games in Thailand and won Bronze
Unbeaten pro Muay Thai with four wins including the Welsh under 85kg Thai Boxing title
Unbeaten in K1 with 3-0-0 record and holds the Welsh under 80kg K1 title
Trains MMA at Fight Academy Wales, Dogs of War and Gracie Barra Swansea
Teaches his own Judo class twice and Muay Thai once a week
Studying forensic science at Glamorgan University during the week
Working in Security at weekends
Representing Wales at the World Muay Thai Championships Nov 2010
Semi Pro MMA record 4-1-0
- Loss – Scott Clist via Arm Bar the AFL Welterweight title
- Win – Nathan Forester via guillotine choke R2 for the AFL Middleweight Title
- Win – Nick McFadden via KO R2 for the AFL title eliminator
- Win - Neil Shorter via guillotine choke R1
Pro MMA record 2-1-0
- Loss – Chris Oban via choke R3 (OMMAC 5)
- Win – Josh Dennis via Guillotine Choke R1 (Ready to Rage)
- Win - Ken Jacobs via Arm Bar submission R1 (Angrrr Management)
Sunday 31 October 2010
Gary Cross Delighted With Growth Of G4 MMA Fighters; Thinking Big
By Dean Parr
Gary Cross is the forefront figure of G4 MMA Fighters, an MMA management company which seeks to look after fighters and act in their best interests, with the aim of them fulfilling their potential and getting as far as they can in the sport. Cross caught up with BritMMA for a Q&A to discuss numerous topics, including what has turned out to be a boom period for the organisation, during which a lot of promising talents having recently been signed.
Q: For those who don't know or haven't yet understood, what exactly is the role you play with fighters?
A: The service that G4 MMA Fighters provides makes fighters lives far simpler, as they can focus on preparing to fight, fight without any distractions, and then start preparing for their next fight. Plus, I negotiate their rewards, review their contracts and collect their money and rewards after the shows.
Coaches see the value in the service as they can focus on coaching and understand that they are included in the matchmaking and fight preparation process.
Finally, the promoters like working with me because they know that as business people we get everything agreed and signed before the show, which in turn make the payment process much easier.
Q: What in your opinion, makes your job important and worthwhile to your clientelle?
A: As I said previously, the fighters and coaches are able to concentrate on what they do, while the commercial matters are all taken care of. Managing involves organising and making key decisions for the fighter’s future. Fighters tend to be more emotional which can cloud their judgement, whereas I do my best to make rational decisions that will achieve the best outcome for the fighter.
Q: Recently, G4 has hit a bit of a boom period. Who have you signed recently, and how far do you see them going?
A: Yeah, it's been manic lately with gyms inviting me along to see their fighters. We’ve signed contracts with Bradley Scott, David Round, Costas Doru, Kiel Tucker and Dale Wood. While Josh Ramage, Lew Long and Kent Kauppinen are reviewing their contracts with the intention (I hope) of signing in the near future.
Every fighter on that list has great potential, they all work extremely hard on every aspect of their game. Bradley (6-1-0) has a hand injury but is working his ground game, having already established himself as one of the most promising fighters in the welterweight division at 21 years of age. Kent Kauppinen (4-1-0) just beat the experienced Paul Rocha for the Extreme Brawl interim Title with amazing composure, as he’s only 18. Kent previously stepped into the cage with Ali Arish went three rounds. David Round wins fight of the night almost every time I watch him and his ground game is starting to come on thanks to Ollie Ellis. Costas Doru is unbeaten (4-0-0) and is reducing his working hours to spend more time training, and Kiel and Dale are tipped by Alex ‘The Boy’ Owen as great prospects. Lew Long is taking a short break but will start training again in November where my aim is to get his MMA career back on track.
Q: Who did you have on your roster anyway before this? How do you see them doing in the sport?
A: Until recently it looked like I only worked with Welsh fighters, as Tim Newman, Nathan Beer, Rus Smith and Mathew Ross-Francombe are all from South Wales. My other fighter is Rodolfo Amaro da Silva a black belt BJJ and former LHW Shooto champion based in Sao Laurenco, Brazil. If all goes to plan Rodolfo will be working in the UK by the end of Nov as the Head Coach at a top UK gym, with me managing his fight career. Again they all have massive potential and work ethics to sign with big US shows.
Q: What was your background before coming into MMA management? How long have you been doing it now, and how do you feel you've adapted to it? Were there any surprises?
A: I started out in Telecommunications and held several Senior Executive positions, and then worked for a Government Agency in the Middle East for 10 years, and then set up my own consulting agency 8 years ago delivering multi-million dollar projects for my clients. My last assignment was at the Celtic Manor Resort helping them prepare for the Ryder Cup for two year prior to the event. It was at this time that I met Tim Newman and was introduced to MMA, as my fitness and boxing instructor we became friends and Tim asked me to manage him. G4 MMA Fighters was founded in July 2009 with Tim as my first signing, by May 2010 I transitioned to full time MMA management, and as of this month we now have 11 professional fighters and 2 semi pro prospects with several young fighters working their way through the amateur and semi ranks ready to sign with us as they turn professional.
I feel I’ve adapted extremely well, which could be down that I try to be fair with the promoters, organised with the fighters, and I love working in the industry.
We had a couple of shock defeats which came as surprises, I really expected Nathan to beat Matt Sellars, and Tim to beat AJ Wenn on BAMMA 4 recently, but I’ve learned that anything can happen in MMA on the night.
Q: What are your personal goals in MMA? Is it the dream to get one of your guys in the big organisations?
A: Yes, I would be thrilled for any of my guys to get on the big US shows. We’ve already had four fighters across two BAMMA shows, Tim’s fought on OMMAC and Josh recently fought on the revived Cage Warriors Show in London. And Kent’s Title Belt win on Extreme Brawl was great. I have communication with Joe Silva and frequently send him footage and information about the guys, and he writes back with advice.
I’m achieving a personal goal each day as I entered MMA at the bottom and I’m working my way closer to the top every day, in terms of the roster and my reputation in the sport.
It’s not possible right now, due to the economic climate and the mainstream perception of domestic MMA, but my aim is to get sponsorship for my fighters in the future that will enable the to become full time professionals, and not have to supplement their fight career with a job.
Q: Are you still recruiting and taking on fighters?
A: Again, its been manic in October signing new fighters, but I’m always interested in looking at new fighters for the future. Jamie Hughes of Celtic Pride and Rikki Fortuna of Newport MMA are both working under their coaches until they turn pro and then we can look at signing them up.
More than ever, I’m getting fighters asking me for advice and more people recommending me to fighters, which is nice as it shows that I’m getting recognition for the effort I put into the sport.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to say?
A: Just thanks really to everyone in the industry that has welcomed me and that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. I just want my guys to fight on the best shows for the best rewards, and the shows that will get them taken seriously by the US promotions, because thats the only way the UK fighters will make a living out of the sport as professionals.
For more information on G4 MMA Fighters, please visit http://www.g4mmafighters.com.
Gary Cross is the forefront figure of G4 MMA Fighters, an MMA management company which seeks to look after fighters and act in their best interests, with the aim of them fulfilling their potential and getting as far as they can in the sport. Cross caught up with BritMMA for a Q&A to discuss numerous topics, including what has turned out to be a boom period for the organisation, during which a lot of promising talents having recently been signed.
Q: For those who don't know or haven't yet understood, what exactly is the role you play with fighters?
A: The service that G4 MMA Fighters provides makes fighters lives far simpler, as they can focus on preparing to fight, fight without any distractions, and then start preparing for their next fight. Plus, I negotiate their rewards, review their contracts and collect their money and rewards after the shows.
Coaches see the value in the service as they can focus on coaching and understand that they are included in the matchmaking and fight preparation process.
Finally, the promoters like working with me because they know that as business people we get everything agreed and signed before the show, which in turn make the payment process much easier.
Q: What in your opinion, makes your job important and worthwhile to your clientelle?
A: As I said previously, the fighters and coaches are able to concentrate on what they do, while the commercial matters are all taken care of. Managing involves organising and making key decisions for the fighter’s future. Fighters tend to be more emotional which can cloud their judgement, whereas I do my best to make rational decisions that will achieve the best outcome for the fighter.
Q: Recently, G4 has hit a bit of a boom period. Who have you signed recently, and how far do you see them going?
A: Yeah, it's been manic lately with gyms inviting me along to see their fighters. We’ve signed contracts with Bradley Scott, David Round, Costas Doru, Kiel Tucker and Dale Wood. While Josh Ramage, Lew Long and Kent Kauppinen are reviewing their contracts with the intention (I hope) of signing in the near future.
Every fighter on that list has great potential, they all work extremely hard on every aspect of their game. Bradley (6-1-0) has a hand injury but is working his ground game, having already established himself as one of the most promising fighters in the welterweight division at 21 years of age. Kent Kauppinen (4-1-0) just beat the experienced Paul Rocha for the Extreme Brawl interim Title with amazing composure, as he’s only 18. Kent previously stepped into the cage with Ali Arish went three rounds. David Round wins fight of the night almost every time I watch him and his ground game is starting to come on thanks to Ollie Ellis. Costas Doru is unbeaten (4-0-0) and is reducing his working hours to spend more time training, and Kiel and Dale are tipped by Alex ‘The Boy’ Owen as great prospects. Lew Long is taking a short break but will start training again in November where my aim is to get his MMA career back on track.
Q: Who did you have on your roster anyway before this? How do you see them doing in the sport?
A: Until recently it looked like I only worked with Welsh fighters, as Tim Newman, Nathan Beer, Rus Smith and Mathew Ross-Francombe are all from South Wales. My other fighter is Rodolfo Amaro da Silva a black belt BJJ and former LHW Shooto champion based in Sao Laurenco, Brazil. If all goes to plan Rodolfo will be working in the UK by the end of Nov as the Head Coach at a top UK gym, with me managing his fight career. Again they all have massive potential and work ethics to sign with big US shows.
Q: What was your background before coming into MMA management? How long have you been doing it now, and how do you feel you've adapted to it? Were there any surprises?
A: I started out in Telecommunications and held several Senior Executive positions, and then worked for a Government Agency in the Middle East for 10 years, and then set up my own consulting agency 8 years ago delivering multi-million dollar projects for my clients. My last assignment was at the Celtic Manor Resort helping them prepare for the Ryder Cup for two year prior to the event. It was at this time that I met Tim Newman and was introduced to MMA, as my fitness and boxing instructor we became friends and Tim asked me to manage him. G4 MMA Fighters was founded in July 2009 with Tim as my first signing, by May 2010 I transitioned to full time MMA management, and as of this month we now have 11 professional fighters and 2 semi pro prospects with several young fighters working their way through the amateur and semi ranks ready to sign with us as they turn professional.
I feel I’ve adapted extremely well, which could be down that I try to be fair with the promoters, organised with the fighters, and I love working in the industry.
We had a couple of shock defeats which came as surprises, I really expected Nathan to beat Matt Sellars, and Tim to beat AJ Wenn on BAMMA 4 recently, but I’ve learned that anything can happen in MMA on the night.
Q: What are your personal goals in MMA? Is it the dream to get one of your guys in the big organisations?
A: Yes, I would be thrilled for any of my guys to get on the big US shows. We’ve already had four fighters across two BAMMA shows, Tim’s fought on OMMAC and Josh recently fought on the revived Cage Warriors Show in London. And Kent’s Title Belt win on Extreme Brawl was great. I have communication with Joe Silva and frequently send him footage and information about the guys, and he writes back with advice.
I’m achieving a personal goal each day as I entered MMA at the bottom and I’m working my way closer to the top every day, in terms of the roster and my reputation in the sport.
It’s not possible right now, due to the economic climate and the mainstream perception of domestic MMA, but my aim is to get sponsorship for my fighters in the future that will enable the to become full time professionals, and not have to supplement their fight career with a job.
Q: Are you still recruiting and taking on fighters?
A: Again, its been manic in October signing new fighters, but I’m always interested in looking at new fighters for the future. Jamie Hughes of Celtic Pride and Rikki Fortuna of Newport MMA are both working under their coaches until they turn pro and then we can look at signing them up.
More than ever, I’m getting fighters asking me for advice and more people recommending me to fighters, which is nice as it shows that I’m getting recognition for the effort I put into the sport.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to say?
A: Just thanks really to everyone in the industry that has welcomed me and that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. I just want my guys to fight on the best shows for the best rewards, and the shows that will get them taken seriously by the US promotions, because thats the only way the UK fighters will make a living out of the sport as professionals.
For more information on G4 MMA Fighters, please visit http://www.g4mmafighters.com.
Tuesday 14 September 2010
G4 MMA Fighters Tames Savage...
G4 MMA Fighters Tames Savage...
Aston Clinton (G4MMA) 14th Sept 2010 – two of UK MMA’s most dynamic emerging forces G4 MMA Fighters and Team Savage have united to ensure young fighters get the best coaching and fighter management. G4 MMA Fighter’s founder Gary Cross commented “It’s just the kind of opportunity I’ve been looking for. Having been down to the Team Savage gym and seen their intense training under the guidance of one of the UK’s most prolific fighters Alex ‘The Boy’ Owen, I’m convinced the relationship will be highly successful for everyone involved.”
Gary formed G4 MMA Fighters with his friend and personal trainer at the time Tim ‘Super Human’ Newman just over a year ago. The company has grown significantly with the roster approaching professional 10 fighters, with Nathan ‘Neggy’ Beer and Rus ‘Rage’ Smith having fought on BAMMA 2, and Tim preparing for BAMMA 4. The team has fought on most of the major domestic shows across the UK over the 12 months.
Alex ‘The Boy’ Owen’s Team Savage is based on the South West coast with several potential future champions such as Josh Ramage, Kiel Tucker and Dale Wood.These guys have promising careers in MMA. Therefore with G4 MMA steering their careers commercially they should maximise business opportunities, while Alex focuses on preparing them for battle.
Team Savage are just settling into a new gym with a larger open matted area and boxing equipment. The Monday night session starts at 6pm for a two hour ‘tear up’ working all areas of Mixed Martial Arts – see http://www.teamsavage.co.uk/ for full details.
In addition to the commercial benefits for the fighters both G4 MMA and Team Savage are sponsored by PAS Online for Supplements and Nutrition. The innovative nutrition company fronted by Olympic Silver / Gold medallist and MBE Darren Campbell offers a great range of protein and nutrition supplements – see http://www.pasonline.co.uk/ for details of offers available and the complete range of products. Quote (G4MMA) after your name on the order form for a free shaker.
About G4 MMA Fighters Ltd:
We offer MMA fighters a comprehensive management service to ensure they focus on training, fighting and recovering. The service includes full commercial representation with Promoters, Sponsors and any other bodies associated with Mixed Martial Arts. We operate as a family on a personal level, in addition to being a highly commercial business, seehttp://www.g4mmafighters.com for full details.
We are always on the lookout for new talent or experienced fighters that need their commercial interests taken care of by a management company that will really look after them.
Contact: Gary Cross
Friday 10 September 2010
G4 MMA Fighters Tim Newman and David Round make BAMMA debuts
Welsh firepower headed to BAMMA 4
G4 MMA Fighters Tim ‘Super Human’ Newman and David ‘One More’ Round make their BAMMA debuts against AJ Wenn and Harvey Harra respectively at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham on the 25th September 2010.
Aston Clinton (G4MMA) 10th Sept 2010 - G4 MMA Fighters will be represented by two of Wales most explosive fighters Tim ‘Super Human’ Newman (6-1-0) and David ‘One More’ Round (3-3-0) at the next instalment of BAMMA 4 at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, on the 25th September 2010.
With Newman v Wenn both fighters bring a wealth of experience with hard hitting stand-up and well executed ground games, but Newman has taken his game to another level by adding wrestling to his armoury. Working with the Welsh Commonwealth squad has boosted his all round wrestling ability and more importantly, his confidence.
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| 'Super Human' Newman |
The Newport based fighter racked up six consecutive wins against some of the UK’s top opposition, winning the Spartan Fight Challenge title against Jamie Bryan and the Angrrr Management belt against the tough Lithuanian Antanas Jazbutis. His only loss came against Jason Ball earlier this year, but served a huge purpose in identifying an area that needed attention – take down and wrestling. Having added these elements now makes Newman even more dangerous and confident of his first BAMMA win.
Meanwhile, G4 MMA newcomer David ‘One More’ Round takes on the experienced Harvey Harra. For those that witnessed the three round war between David and Rus ‘Rage’ Smith earlier this year, pronounced it the UK’s welterweight battle of the year, where both men pounded each other while standing and on the ground for the full 15 minutes.
Like Newman, David has made a major change to his game but instead, he’s cutting down to his true fighting weight of 70kg, which undoubtedly makes him one of the biggest and most powerful lightweights in the division. He has great Muay Thai with the heart of a lion, so this is a great opportunity to scalp one the UK’s top fighters Harra in front of the BAMMA 4 audience.
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| 'One More' Round |
Props to Jude Samuel for the remarkable effort involved putting the card together, and for making the Watson v Reid bout happen at last. Plus we are all grateful at G4 MMA Fighters to be part of such a prestigious UK MMA event.
For the latest information about the show go to: http://bamma.com/index.php/component/content/article/35-bamma-news/84-the-bamma-beatdown-whats-coming-up-on-sept-25th-.html
About G4 MMA Fighters Ltd:
We offer MMA fighters a comprehensive management service to ensure they focus on training, fighting and recovering. The service includes full commercial representation with Promoters, Sponsors and any other bodies associated with Mixed Martial Arts. We operate as a family on a personal level, in addition to being a highly commercial business, see http://www.g4mmafighters.com for full details.
We are always on the lookout for new talent or experienced fighters that need their commercial interests taken care of by a management company that will really look after them.
Contact: Gary Cross
Thursday 9 September 2010
Josh the Young Gun ready to bring it to ‘journeyman’ Edwards
Making his debut appearance under the G4 MMA Fighters banner, Josh Ramage is stepping up his game in taking on the ‘journeyman’ Adam Edwards on the Cage Warriors ‘Young Gun’ show at the HMV Forum on the 1st October 2010
Aston Clinton (G4MMA) 9th Sept 2010 – G4 MMA Fighters will be represented for the first time on a Cage Warriors show with Josh Ramage, as he makes his G4 MMA debut at the prestigious HMV Forum in Kentish Town, London on the 1st October 2010.
The show aptly titled “Young Guns” will showcase some of the finest young MMA talent and promises to offer a great Friday night with the capital’s finest MMA action. With Graham Boylan heading up the new management team at Cage Warriors and the UK MMA figurehead Ian Dean match-making it has all the ingredients for a new dawn in UK MMA promotions.
MMA Clinic’s Adam Edwards has reputedly one of the best ground games in the division, but took a long break from MMA and since made a semi pro comeback against the then unbeaten Jay Cucciniello winning by Rear Naked Choke in the first round. Josh is fully aware of the threat Adam brings but the 22 year old youth worker from Weston Super Mare will be fully prepared with his lightening ground game and great striking ability.
No doubt, the bout will be explosive but Josh wants to make his living from MMA and is ready to step up to any opportunity that makes his dream become reality.
For the latest information about the show go to http://www.cagewarriors.com/article.508.htm
About G4 MMA Fighters Ltd
We offer MMA fighters a comprehensive management service to ensure they focus on training, fighting and recovering. The service includes full commercial representation with Promoters, Sponsors and any other bodies associated with Mixed Martial Arts. We operate as a family on a personal level, in addition to being a highly commercial business, see http://www.g4mmafighters.com for full details.
We are always on the lookout for new talent or experienced fighters that need their commercial interests taken care of by a management company that will really look after them.
Contact:
Gary Cross, Director & MMA Manager
G4 MMA Fighters Ltd
gary@g4mmafighters.com or call 07899 808962
Tuesday 7 September 2010
Pro Athlete Supplementation (PAS Online)
Darren Campbell MBE and Gold / Silver Olympic medallist and his management team at Pro Athlete Supplementation Online (PAS Online) has teamed up with G4 MMA Fighters with their fantastic range of nutrition products.
G4 MMA Fighters Tim Newman and Mathew 'Franky' Ross Francombe are worki ng under the guidance of PAS Online Senior Nutritionist Jon Williams (Bsc and RNutr) for weight management, rehydration and recovery ahead of Tim's contest on BAMMA 4 against AJ Wenn, and Jon will help Mathew "Franky" Ross Francombe with his weight cut later in the year as he drops from 84kg as a MW to the WW division at 77kg.
Having sampled the PAS range of products and used their Phase 3 Pro Grade Protein it tastes really great when mixed with water, unlike most protein powders that make me gag unless mixed with milk.
PAS are offering a free shaker with every order received via the banner advert on the G4 MMA website, but watch out for future offers and just enter (G4MMA) after your name when placing an order and use G4MMA as the promo code.
So if you're looking for a really great tasting protein drink or superb range of sports nutrition products the check out PAS Online at http://www.pasonline.co.uk/
Monday 23 August 2010
UK MMA Governing Body
Project Brief for UK MMA Governing Body – Gary Cross / G4 MMA Fighters
UK MMA needs a Governing Body just like boxing or any of the Martial Arts. Fighters are in danger of becoming infected with HIV, AIDs or strains of Hepatitis. The problem with a Board of Control is that unless everyone from the UK industry has a chance to elect the Board, it will never be taken seriously. Rosi Sexton has suggested that UK MMA self regulates as opposed to a self appointed business attempts to sanction our sport. In order for the self regulation to formulate there are a number of tasks that need to be considered, and agreed. This would involve eventually creating a UK MMA Association with Stewards, Director / Administration, Representatives, Non Directors, Area Councils, Inspectors and Promoters.
Here is a list of tasks to be considered (not exhaustive):
a) Decide upon the best platform to unite the UK MMA community in order to communicate the mandate effectively – most likely Facebook (Rosi has formed the group “The people’s MMA Governing Body”
b) Communicate this brief in order to build the interim membership
c) Propose volunteer positions for a steering group with the following roles to get the Association established:
1. Chairperson
2. Secretary
3. Treasurer (optional)
4. MMA Doctor
5. Officials representative
6. Fighters representative
7. Promoters representative
8. Risk Manager (optional)
d) Using the interim platform, elect the people to the steering group
e) The steering group formulate the mandate with a clear set of objectives and timeframe (and budget) with the proposed organisational structure.
f) Conduct a feasibility study across the platform and collect feedback from everyone
g) Prepare the Mandate and Objectives for the Governing Body
h) Finalise the mandate, form the Association with a Name, Logo and Brand
i) Initiate membership to the association to build the true membership
j) Elect the operational Board of Control
k) Establish an organisational chart with the following:
1. Directors / Non Executives / Advisors
2. Membership – licensing, Affiliations for clubs, promoters, fighters, managers and coaches
3. Health & Safety – venues, equipment
4. Disciplinary Committee
5. Rules & Regulations
6. Ranking system - Titles & Belts
7. Medical Board
8. Official & Referees
Commence the transition from the interim steering group to the operational association
Communications will play a massive part of the project with roadshows to attract promoters, registration of clubs and fighters, managers, venue owners, medical and regulatory people to the Association. The first phase of the project might take 12 months to get the Board of Control in place and the associated departments.
The Association will provide governance across the sport in Britain with disciplinary, medical, inspection, experts and management departments as part of the Governing Board of Control. These departments will create a ranking system, unified set of rules, regulations for promoters and venue owners, structure for young fighters to progress their career in MMA, with a path for successful fighters to become National and World champions.
As an aside, if the Ministry of Sport (Sport England) were to recognise the UK MMA Association as a regulated sport as an Official Association and introduced licenses for clubs, fighters and promoters, the chance of getting MMA into the Commonwealth and Olympic games increases dramatically which has the benefit of gaining recognition and major sponsorship across the sport.
The values of the Association must be founded on health & safety, professionalism, ethics, presence in the world marketplace, knowledge of MMA, project management experience and the determination to get the job done.
The benefits will be:
a) Safety of the Fighters with blood, eye, brain scans etc
b) Investment from corporate sponsors
c) Control of the sport via official databases
d) Disciplinary measures in place
e) A self elected association that works for everyone involved
f) Representation for everyone involved
g) Recognised training for officials, managers, promoters
h) Increased advertising opportunities for the media
i) Larger events due to sponsorship
j) Increased purses for the fighters as attendances increase
k) Sponsorship for the fighters
l) Governance with legal, medical and ethical regulations
m) Regular inspections of events and venues
n) Increased medical supervision of fighters
o) Long term careers for young MMA athletes
p) Inclusion of MMA in the Olympics (one day)
q) MMA as a national and global sport
Tuesday 10 August 2010
Can MMA weight cutting work for UK MMA manager using Pro Athlete Supplementation (PAS) products?
Weight cutting is now a major science where fighters can drop 9kgs in the final days before their weigh in, which led to UFC fighter Thiago Alves forfeiting 20% of his purse to John Fitch for failing to shed the final ½ lb before UFC 117.
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| Gary Cross with UFC Anthony Johnson earlier this year |
London (G4MMA) 10 August 2010 - UK based G4 MMA Fighter’s CEO Gary Cross has decided to cut 60lbs in weight. The first stop for advice and products was G4 MMA’s new sponsor Pro Athlete Supplementation (PAS) http://www.pasonline.co.uk backed by British Olympic Gold Medallist Darren Campbell MBE and Senior Nutritionist Jon Williams. The aim is to drop from 284lbs to 224lbs using PAS products with their nutrition plans, combined with a rigorous training schedule comprising kettle bells and circuit training put together by top G4 MMA Fighter and Personal trainer Tim Newman http://www.g4mmafighters.com/G4-MMA-Tim-Newman.html
You can follow Gary’s quest here as he sheds the pounds and gets fitter on a weekly basis, and transforms his bulky businessman frame into a well honed MMA fighting machine. The campaign starts today with a high protein diet for the week combined with PAS Phase 3 protein http://www.pasonline.co.uk/products/index.aspx?prid=7 and CLA tablets http://www.pasonline.co.uk/products/index.aspx?prid=11 just quote promo code G4MMA when purchasing products on the PAS website.
Details of the workout sessions will be published each week along with weight loss results and the diet can be obtained from gary@g4mmafighters.com
Wednesday 16 June 2010
Time for regulation of MMA in the UK
Unlike the gladiators of the Roman times, the modern day MMA or Cage Fighter in Britain never intends to fight to the death. However without Government regulation it will only be a matter of time before someone contracts AIDS or deadly disease through lack of mandatory testing that causes a death or the subsequent end of a fighter’s career.
Therefore UK MMA fighters, unlike professional boxers or athletes, are nothing more than modern day gladiators, training daily for combat and the honour and respect of the cheering crowds, with little financial reward, and the dream of freedom by signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC with its own official rules and where MMA is regulated across 43 states in North America. Needless to say the sport in the UK is way behind the USA in terms of regulation and health & safety.
The G4 MMA Fighters management agency was founded in July 2009 with a clear set of objectives, to:
Emphasise professional ethics among fighters and promoters
Embrace a regulatory Board of Control in the future, making MMA safer for the fighters
Help UK fighters elevate to the UFC and generate sponsorship
Become the No 1 MMA Fighter agency in the UK within two years
The initial activity was to lobby the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the time, and the Minister of Sport with a call for action to formalise an MMA Board of Control. A year later shows no progress in terms of an official governing body with regulations and external governance for the following:
Set of official Rules & Regulations
Licensing Committee for Fighters, Officials and Promoters
Health & Safety committee
Promoter & Fighter Contracts
Means for mandatory Blood & Drug testing
Disciplinary Committee
Medical Board with Chief Doctor
Archives and Records and Ranking system
Lack of regulation prompts major fears, as the fighters have no way of knowing:
If their opponent has AIDS, HIV or Hepatitis or used abusive substances
How many official fights they’ve actually had and who their opponents were
Difficulty progressing to the top as there is no ranking system or official title belts
Therefore, the sport needs action from the Government in recognising MMA as an official sport, by appointing a representative with a Board of Control and a clear mandate from the Ministry of Sport. It would be unthinkable for G4 MMA Fighters or any single UK private company to attempt to regulate the sport, due to conflicts of interest.
The UFC President Dana White was able to exhume the UFC and regulate the sport with 43 of the Athletic State Commissions, even after the US presidential candidate John McCain branded the sport as “human cockfighting” and banned UFC broadcasts on TV. This proves its not impossible to replicate the work of the UFC by regulating the sport here in the UK, but it desperately needs help from the media. So G4 MMA Fighters will continue to campaign for regulation so that our gladiators can become recognised sportsmen with strict conditions and a safer environment.
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Grandmaster Clothing to sponsor G4 MMA Fighters with walk in tees
Grandmaster Clothing will sponsor G4 MMA Fighters with walk in tee shirts. Grandmaster Clothing founder Mark Woods is putting the custom design together ahead of the Ready 2 Rage II show at Newport Leisure Centre on the 19th June 2010, the tee will be available on the G4 MMA Fighters webstore or on the Grandmaster Clothing websites shortly.
G4 MMA Fighters founder Gary Cross commented "We were looking for boutique MMA brands to support our fighters, so Grandmaster Clothing is a perfect partner for us. The GMC designs are amazing and they're a dynamic company based close to G4 MMA in Aylesbury. We are always grateful to any companies that sponsor our fighters and show our appreciation by actively marketing our sponsors and wearing their products with pride."
Several companies are working with G4 MMA Fighters supplying products and services, these are: Physicool, MMA Pics, JBC Nutrition and Advanced Satellite Solutions...
We are always keen to speak any companies interested in sponsoring G4 MMA Fighters so please contact gary@g4mmafighters.com or call 07899 808962
G4 MMA Fighters founder Gary Cross commented "We were looking for boutique MMA brands to support our fighters, so Grandmaster Clothing is a perfect partner for us. The GMC designs are amazing and they're a dynamic company based close to G4 MMA in Aylesbury. We are always grateful to any companies that sponsor our fighters and show our appreciation by actively marketing our sponsors and wearing their products with pride."
Several companies are working with G4 MMA Fighters supplying products and services, these are: Physicool, MMA Pics, JBC Nutrition and Advanced Satellite Solutions...
We are always keen to speak any companies interested in sponsoring G4 MMA Fighters so please contact gary@g4mmafighters.com or call 07899 808962
Thursday 20 May 2010
Brazilian LHW Rodolfo Amaro da Silva joins G4 MMA Fighters
We are proud to announce that Rodolfo Amaro Da Silva has joined the G4 MMA Fighter roster. Rodolfo is based in Sao Laurenco, Brazil and holds the Lithuanian Shooto Title, a black belt in BJJ and Muay Thai. His undefeated MMA record shows an impressive 5-0-0 as a pro and 1-0-0 as a semi. Rodolfo has competed in more than 140 Jiu Jitsu tournaments. He brings a wealth of experience to the team and is looking forward to returning to Europe.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Tim Newman v Jason Ball BFC
British Cage Fighting Simply Stunning Stand Up...
Tim Newman came to Barnsley for a war, which is exactly what you have to do when you step into the cage with Jason Ball. What followed was an explosive stand up battle of bombs, dynamite kicks and a brutal ground and pound to finish the contest with 2 minutes remaining in the final round...
Barnsley (G4MMA) 20 Feb 2010 – The MC announced it as the BFC co-main event of the evening, but it was by far the “fight of the night”, if not one of the most thrilling displays of stand up striking ever seen on a domestic MMA contest.
Both men circled reminiscent of two gladiators from back in the day of the slaves in the great Coliseum of Rome. The locals boomed out “DADDY COOL” while the Celtic fans countered with “NEWMAN”, as the fighters threw spear like jabs, with hammer hooks and combinations of head punches and body kicks. Newman looked composed as he countered almost every punch thrown at him, and showed no respect by slamming leg kicks into the thigh of his opponent. Blood trickled from Ball’s nose soon as Newman stuck to the task of trading blows at a relentless pace.
The hooter sounded to bring the first round to a close, neither man attempted taking his opponent to the ground. Round two and Newman confidently countered punches followed with leg kicks. Ball stalked the centre of the cage while Newman continuously pacing the periphery trading bombs and jabs. Newman tried to shoot but Ball was too quick, so again the stand up battle continued with Newman attacking with a spinning leg kick that whistled past Ball’s head. The fans bayed for their heroes to stake the claim on the bout as the blood flowed from Ball’s nose, while Newman’s face was bruised and swollen. Newman was tipping it with his aggressive striking and counter punching.
Final round and Ball started to find his range, perhaps the pace got to Newman as he bravely stuck to the counter punching that had kept Ball at bay. Then mid way through the round came an onslaught of upper cuts from Ball as he hooked his glove around Newman’s head. As Newman moved backwards covering up from the blows Ball attacked with a flying knee catching Newman to the head, dazed Newman dropped to a crouching position propped against the cage and Ball came in to finish. Newman lunged from his position and drove against Ball’s thighs to force him back and managed to get back to his feet, albeit groggy and dazed, then another knee to the head, as Newman dropped face down to the canvas and Ball pounced with a brutal ground and pound. The referee dragged Ball from his prey thrusting his hand into the air – it was over for Newman...
Whilst its difficult to swallow a loss, its comforting knowing that the crowd showed appreciation for Tim Newman coming into their domain standing toe to toe with their hero, who is without a doubt one of the top fighters in the UK and still the RFC champion. No doubt Jason will go on to bigger things immediately, but Tim Newman has etched his name among the UK’s elite fighters and will continue his quest to the greater things in MMA. Its fantastic to see two men with such a promising future – good luck to both as the swelling subsides and the battle scars heal for the next war.
By Gary Cross, G4 MMA Fighters
Tim Newman came to Barnsley for a war, which is exactly what you have to do when you step into the cage with Jason Ball. What followed was an explosive stand up battle of bombs, dynamite kicks and a brutal ground and pound to finish the contest with 2 minutes remaining in the final round...
Barnsley (G4MMA) 20 Feb 2010 – The MC announced it as the BFC co-main event of the evening, but it was by far the “fight of the night”, if not one of the most thrilling displays of stand up striking ever seen on a domestic MMA contest.
Both men circled reminiscent of two gladiators from back in the day of the slaves in the great Coliseum of Rome. The locals boomed out “DADDY COOL” while the Celtic fans countered with “NEWMAN”, as the fighters threw spear like jabs, with hammer hooks and combinations of head punches and body kicks. Newman looked composed as he countered almost every punch thrown at him, and showed no respect by slamming leg kicks into the thigh of his opponent. Blood trickled from Ball’s nose soon as Newman stuck to the task of trading blows at a relentless pace.
The hooter sounded to bring the first round to a close, neither man attempted taking his opponent to the ground. Round two and Newman confidently countered punches followed with leg kicks. Ball stalked the centre of the cage while Newman continuously pacing the periphery trading bombs and jabs. Newman tried to shoot but Ball was too quick, so again the stand up battle continued with Newman attacking with a spinning leg kick that whistled past Ball’s head. The fans bayed for their heroes to stake the claim on the bout as the blood flowed from Ball’s nose, while Newman’s face was bruised and swollen. Newman was tipping it with his aggressive striking and counter punching.
Final round and Ball started to find his range, perhaps the pace got to Newman as he bravely stuck to the counter punching that had kept Ball at bay. Then mid way through the round came an onslaught of upper cuts from Ball as he hooked his glove around Newman’s head. As Newman moved backwards covering up from the blows Ball attacked with a flying knee catching Newman to the head, dazed Newman dropped to a crouching position propped against the cage and Ball came in to finish. Newman lunged from his position and drove against Ball’s thighs to force him back and managed to get back to his feet, albeit groggy and dazed, then another knee to the head, as Newman dropped face down to the canvas and Ball pounced with a brutal ground and pound. The referee dragged Ball from his prey thrusting his hand into the air – it was over for Newman...
Whilst its difficult to swallow a loss, its comforting knowing that the crowd showed appreciation for Tim Newman coming into their domain standing toe to toe with their hero, who is without a doubt one of the top fighters in the UK and still the RFC champion. No doubt Jason will go on to bigger things immediately, but Tim Newman has etched his name among the UK’s elite fighters and will continue his quest to the greater things in MMA. Its fantastic to see two men with such a promising future – good luck to both as the swelling subsides and the battle scars heal for the next war.
By Gary Cross, G4 MMA Fighters
Saturday 16 January 2010
Thursday 14 January 2010
Press Release - Tim Newman v Jason Ball BFC Barnsley
G4 MMA Fighter Tim Newman steps into the cage with internationally acclaimed Jason Ball on his home turf at the BFC at Barnsley Metrodome on the 20th February 2010.
Newport, Wales (G4MMA) 13 January 2010 – G4 MMA Fighters are in the thick of the action in February with Newport’s Tim Newman (6-0-0) travelling up to Barnsley for the biggest fight of his career against the hugely experienced Jason Ball (16–7-0). By which time Nathan Beer (8-1-0) and Rus Smith (3-0-0) will have battled it out on the BAMMA show in London on the 13th February 2010.
This match offers something very special for anyone with a passion for UK MMA in 2010, as two of the UK’s most exciting fighters put everything on the line. Newman’s steady climb up the Lightweight division beating a string worthy opponents has lead him to face arguably the #5 fighter in the UK Lightweight division, with the four above signed to the UFC (Terry Etim, Paul Kelly, Ross Pearson and Andre Winner).
However let’s not overlook the fact that Newman holds the Spartan Fight Challenge and Angrrr Management belts beating the TUF contender Jamie Bryan and dogged Lithuanian Antanas Jazbutiz respectively in 2009, and then tapped out the Wolfslair’s Aaron Wilkinson with a slick armbar in the second round on OMMAC3. So the time has to be right to take his rightful place in the UK top 10.
It’s refreshing to see Paul Murphy promoting high quality shows in the North of England again with the BFC, and we must thank Paul for inviting the G4 MMA Fighters team on to his new show, against top opposition.
For more information about the show and a full listing of the fighters appearing on the card see
http://www.cagewarriors.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47810&highlight=barnsley
More about G4 MMA Fighters
We offer MMA fighters a comprehensive management service to ensure they focus on what they do best – training, fighting and recovering for the next one. The service includes full commercial representation with Promoters, Sponsors and any other bodies associated with Mixed Martial Arts. Our roster currently includes four successful professional MMA fighters, all from the Newport area of South Wales. We operate as a family on a personal level, in addition to being a highly commercial business, see http://www.g4mmafighters.com/for full details.
We are always on the lookout for new talent or experienced fighters that feel they need their best interests taken care of by a management company that will really look after them.
Contact:
Gary Cross, Director & Fighter Manager
G4 MMA Fighters Ltd
gary@g4mmafighters.com or call 07899 808962
Tuesday 12 January 2010
13th Feb 2010 London
BAMMA Returns as Welsh MMA Descends on London for St Valentine’s Day Massacre
G4 MMA Fighter’s Nathan “Neggy” Beer takes on Rob Sinclair for the vacant BAMMA Lightweight Title, while his stablemate Rus Smith looks to extend his unbeaten record against the rangy Mike Ling at the Roundhouse Theatre in Camden, London on the 13th Feb 2010.
Newport, Wales (G4MMA) 12 January 2010 – G4 MMA Fighters are fully represented by two of Wales most promising Mixed Martial Artists Nathan “Neggy” Beer (8-1-0) and Rus Smith (3-0-0) at the long awaited return of BAMMA 2 at the Roundhouse Theatre in Camden, London, on the 13th February 2010.
Nathan’s title match with well respected Rob Sinclair will be aired the following week on Bravo TV for what promises to be one of the most explosive domestic matches ever televised in the UK. Both fighters bring a wealth of experience with hard hitting stand-up and well versed take down & ground games.
Nathan from Cwmbran, South Wales racked an amazing eight consecutive wins against some of the UK’s top opposition, taking the scalps of Ian Jones in the final of the Spartan Four Man Challenge, and the dogged Lithuanian Antanas Jazbutis for the Knuckle Up Lightweight Title.
Nathan lost his Knuckle Up belt to the experienced Matt Sellars to a close split-decision it came as a devastating shock, but has served a very special purpose to ensure nothing is overlooked in his preparation and training for any of his future fights.
Meanwhile, Rus Smith captained the Wales National Rugby side as a teenager on tours to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, but is now busy going through his daily rigorously gruelling training in readiness for the experienced Mike Ling. Rus works harder than anyone in MMA to be the best that he can be and shows natural dedication to the sport he loves with a passion.
Welsh passion, power, dedication and pure controlled aggression are the key factors the guys bring to the cage every time they step into it.
Hats off the Jude Samuel for the remarkable effort involved in putting a show of this magnitude together, we are all grateful at G4 MMA Fighters to be part of such a prestigious event.
For more information about the show and a full listing of the fighters appearing on the card see http://www.bamma.net/?q=node/5
About G4 MMA Fighters Ltd
We offer MMA fighters a comprehensive management service to ensure they focus on what they do best – training, fighting and recovering for the next one. The service includes full commercial representation with Promoters, Sponsors and any other bodies associated with Mixed Martial Arts. Our roster currently includes four successful professional MMA fighters, all from the Newport area of South Wales. We operate as a family on a personal level, in addition to being a highly commercial business, see http://www.g4mmafighters.com/for full details.
We are always on the lookout for new talent or experienced fighters that feel they need their best interests taken care of by a management company that will really look after them.
Contact:
Gary Cross, Director & Fighter Manager
G4 MMA Fighters Ltd
gary@g4mmafighters.com or call 07899 808962
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