To become the best you have to learn from the best and on Monday, the Empire Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) squad had a chance to do just that.
Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) No.3 ranked lightweight fighter Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone stopped by the club's training facility for an impromptu visit to meet with some of the local fighters and to offer some words of advice on how they can improve their techniques and workouts going forward. He is considered one of the best UFC fighters in the world.
"It wasn't scheduled at all. I just heard that he was in The Bahamas and I sent him a message," said founder and head coach of the Beast Mode Fight Team Dr. Kent Bazard. "He was very accommodating and very friendly. He said that he would be willing to come in and train with the team and he brought one of his fighters with him as well. He also added that he really enjoyed his experience in The Bahamas."
Bazard said that although their operation is on a smaller scale, Cerrone was impressed with the local fighters and said that they have the right system in place to produce good professional fighters.
"This was a very enlightening experience, to be able to compare what you're doing with someone who does it professionally," said Bazard. "One of the things that Donald said was that a lot of the drills and even the space that we train in, it's up to par as far as producing professionals is concerned. He said that our basic techniques are sound and intact."
One of the biggest tips that Cerrone left behind was the key to his patented move.
"At the end of the fight, he lays in a series of very powerful leg kicks to his opponent," said Bazard. "We went over that technique, as far as putting your weight and power behind your strikes and also making sure that you have a firm foundation when you strike. He said that even at the professional level, a lot of fighters' weight is not equally distributed or their footwork isn't proper. He said that is one of the most important things to remember, to always practice the proper way."
"Cowboy" Cerrone has been a professional fighter since 2006 and currently holds a MMA win/loss record of 27-6 with four of those wins coming by way of knockout and 15 by submission. He also has an unblemished kickboxing record of 28-0, with 18 of his wins coming by way of knockout. Cerrone holds the record for most post-fight bonuses (fight/performance of the night, knockout/submission of the night) in UFC/World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) history, with 15.
Last weekend, the Beast Mode Team took part in Combat Night at the Hard Rock Casino in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Two of the four fighters who traveled scored victories. Dijonaisse "D.J." Brown and Marcian Tucker both won their fights by unanimous decision. Giovanni Johnson lost a close fight by decision and Ukinnie Neymour suffered a technical knockout (TKO) loss due to a broken hand that he suffered in the second round. The club is also getting plans together for the Bahamas Mixed Martial Arts Open Invitational that it is hosting in March.
Empire MMA trains in Sanda (Chinese full contact striking), American Freestyle Wrestling, Judo and Brazilian JiuJitsu (BJJ). Its affiliations include the Bahamas Wushu Sanda Association, the International Wushu Sanda Federation, the World Sanda League, the World Combat Grappling Alliance, the World Cup of MMA, BlackHouse MMA, MMA Masters, SUDA MMA and Bolt Wrestling.
Empire MMA has trained at various camps, including the Jaco Hybrid Training Centre in Florida, with Sityodtong, and with coaches Mario Sperry, Kenny Johnson, former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans and Bahamian UFC fighter Yves Edwards.
The group's mission is, "To establish and maintain high standards in personal conduct, competition and the promotion of the arts; and participating in full contact fight sport events in The Bahamas and internationally". Empire MMA also fights to bring positive change and development to communities throughout New Providence.
Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone (Photo: http://bleacherreport.com)
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