Valor Fighting

    In Association with Brass Knuckle Promotions Presents

Medford Mayhem

Twelve days after we celebrate our nation’s independence on The Fourth of July, Valor Fighting will look to create a whole different type of “fireworks,” by bombarding a live audience at The Medford Armory with an “Entertainment Overload ™” in the form of the first ever Professional Mixed Martial Arts fighting event in Southern Oregon. The spectacle, “Medford Mayhem,” will feature 8 big fights and some very special guest appearances. Before getting into the details of this historic night, here is some background on Valor Fighting.

Since its inception in 2004, Valor Fighting and Management (VFM) has made big waves in the fighting world, quickly establishing itself as “The Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts.” Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an intense and constantly evolving combat sport in which competitors utilize interdisciplinary forms of fighting including Boxing, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, Karate and other styles to their strategic and tactical advantage. MMA bouts, truly the ultimate challenge in one-on-one competition, are now recognized and regulated by the world’s most prestigious sports regulatory bodies. Valor’s mission is to produce exciting, high quality, professional live events in North America while developing superstar talent with the skill and presence needed to compete on the world stage. With a North American-wide DVD distribution deal through Rock Steady Entertainment, and a partnership with Japan’s K-1 (the largest fighting organization in the world), VFM is certainly off to a great start! In fact, VFM has sent over 20 of its most skilled warriors including Sylvester “Predator” Terkay, Tom Howard, former WWE pro wrestler Sean O’Haire, and Battle at The Bellagio III Champion Mighty Mou to compete on K-1 pay-per-views and live events held all over the globe. Valor was also well represented recently by fighting legends Kimo and Tank Abbott who each earned victories at The Rumble on The Rock 7 in Hawaii. 

Valor did not just materialize out of thin air; VFM features strong ownership and depth of management. The principals, Rick Bassman and Eddy Millis combine their collective wealth of experience across a spectrum of live event sports, television production, and ancillary business development. Bassman is also the President of Ultimate Pro Wrestling, Inc. (UPW) which produces live events and content for release on DVD. He also owns and operates “Ultimate University” considered the best wrestling school in world, and develops talent for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Bassman was responsible for launching the careers of current WWE Standouts Heidenreich, Victoria, and current WWE Champion and multi-media superstar John Cena among others. Eddy Millis is the President of The Shark Tank, Inc. known as one of the top fighter training organizations in the world with four locations. As such, Millis has amassed a successful track record of producing and staging kickboxing events. Rounding out Valor’s ownership team is Oregon’s own Robert Trujillo. Trujillo, a physician in Southern Oregon holds an MBA and has played a significant role in the business management of this company. Doctor Trujillo also has an extensive background in full contact martial arts and this experience along with his business acuity combined with the talents and experience of Rick Bassman and Eddie Millis has led to the continuing success of Valor Fighting. He had this to say in regards to bringing Professional MMA to his hometown area, “I have a passion for this great sport, and feel privileged to be a part of bringing an event of this magnitude to Medford.” 

That being said, the founders of Valor are chomping at the bit to unleash and exhibit the skills of the company’s diverse group of modern day gladiators to fight fans everywhere through their own Valor Fighting live events. They will have a chance to do just that when they unleash “Medford Mayhem” live from The Medford Armory on Saturday July 16. Helping Valor to stage the event are Olin Anderson and Rob Hisamoto of Brass Knuckle Promotions LLC. 

Rob and Olin are both skilled in martial arts and have developed their own roster of amatuer fighters “Team Samurai” all of whom are trained at the Samurai Fighting Arts Dojo in Medford. They have experience in promoting amateur MMA events in Oregon, specifically Medford. At their most recent event, “Samurai Showdown”, Hisamoto himself stepped into the cage and was victorious in his battle. Rick Bassman commented on the association with Brass Knuckle Promotions, “Rob and Olin have been a big help in familiarizing us with the venue and the surrounding area. They have also bolstered our marketing efforts for this event.” Olin Anderson stated, “Working with Valor is an excellent learning experience for Rob and I. It will be a great aid to us in our future endeavors.” For more on Brass Knuckle Promotions, check out www.samuraifightingarts.com  

Ken Shamrock to appear at “Medford Mayhem”!

The eyes of the MMA world will be on Medford on July 16. Some big time heavy hitters (no pun intended) in the fighting business will be on hand to take part in the festivities. Among them will be fighting legend “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” Ken Shamrock. 

Shamrock is a true Icon of MMA. He is one of the warriors who first put this intense form of competition on the map. With an impressive record of 26-8-2 against the toughest competition in the world, this legend’s key wins include a pair of victories over fellow Hall of Famer Kimo, and a huge win over Dan “The Beast” Severn for the Superfight Championship. At 41 years of age, the battle-tested veteran continues to fearlessly step into the octagon and ring as his legacy continues to grow. In addition to taking in all the action, Shamrock will make a very special live appearance at “Medford Mayhem.” Trujillo commented, “We are thrilled that Ken will be on hand. His presence should really add to the “Big Fight” atmosphere and set the tone for all of the great action that will go down at The Armory.” For more on Ken Shamrock, check out his official website: www.kenshamrock.com 

 “Medford Mayhem” is an aptly named event as the action and atmosphere will be wild and intense. Valor has hand picked a colorful and talented group of fighters, and is working hard to put together extremely compelling and well-matched fights. Millis remarked, “Medford has never seen a fighting event of this magnitude with fighters of such a high caliber. I firmly believe that this show will blow the roof off The Armory!” All of the warriors will personify bravery when they step into the confines of the octagon. Speaking of which, some very tough and respected fighters have already been confirmed for battle on the big night. Those who will be in action on July 16 include: 

Vernon “Tiger” White

Vernon “Tiger” White is a gleaming example of how the best fighters in the world are coming to Valor to display their skills. White, a 12-year veteran of professional fighting is one of the most dynamic and entertaining fighters in Valor. With a passion for “Bruce Lee anything” as he puts it, White incorporates breath taking spin and jump kicks into his arsenal. Although he is flashy, he is equally deadly with a strong shootfighting background. With Ken Shamrock’s involvement in the event, Vernon is a fitting addition as he is fighting out of Shamrock’s Lion’s Den. White has collected some championship gold along the way. He is a former IFC World Heavyweight Champion. Vernon handed the previously undefeated Vladimir Matyushenko his first loss to win the Title. He is also a former King of The Cage Middleweight Champion with experience fighting for Pride and UFC as well.

Dennis “Superman” Hallman

Dennis Hallman is yet another big name fighter who will be in action on July 16. With nine years of professional fighting under his belt, Hallman is most inspired by, “The thrill of competition.” Not just anybody can live up to the nickname “Superman”; Hallman fits the bill having built an excellent record of 32-10-2 in MMA competition. He holds the distinction of defeating current UFC Welterweight Champion on two occasions. Hallman’s first victory over Hughes took place at Extreme Challenge 17. “Superman” defeated Matt in just 17 seconds with a guillotine choke. The two would meet again at UFC 29 with similar results. Hallman took out Hughes quickly once again, this time in 20 seconds with an armbar. No, your math was correct, that is two victories over Matt Hughes in a combined time of 37 seconds! Dennis is a self-proclaimed Master of “Cowboy Karate” (Black Belt. 10th Dan). When asked about his fighting style, Hallman remarked, “Cowboy Karate is a combination of upper body Karate and lower body Karate. I meditate, I bow…there are a lot of Black Belts that know what I’m talking about. My Karate is strong. Karate is the way!” 

“The Green Beret” Tom Howard

Tom Howard is not only a huge part of Valor Fighting, but he is the heart and soul of Valor’s sister company Ultimate Pro Wrestling as well. Howard is the Head Instructor of Ultimate University, and also at Valor’s new state-of-the-art fighting gym, The O.C. Dojo in San Clemente, CA. “The Green Beret” has become an international star in both MMA and professional wrestling representing Valor and UPW in K-1 and Zero-ONE. Howard effectively utilizes Sambo, and he was also an accomplished and decorated amateur wrestler. Howard competing at “Medford Mayhem” is a strong example of the partnership between Valor Fighting and K-1. Howard is an official contracted K-1 Fighter. In fact, at the time of this release, the tough as nails Howard is on his way to Hiroshima, Japan where he will compete in a Super Fight at K-1 World GP 2005. His opponent is the monstrous Hong-Man Choi who stands over 7’ tall and tips the scales at nearly 400 lbs.! Although pro wrestling and MMA are vastly different, Howard’s pro wrestling experience will come in handy as he is used to being in the ring with men of this stature and is familiar with how they move. This eliminates the intimidation factor that would severely handicap most of Choi’s opponents. Howard had this to say when it comes to courage, “Courage is resistance from fear, mastery of fear-not absence of fear.” K-1 is allowing Howard to compete on July 16 as one of his K-1 contracted bouts. Howard is further proof of how Valor is bringing some of the world’s best warriors to compete at “Medford Mayhem”!

  Kengo Ura

If you take a look at the scowl that seems to be a permanent fixture of Kengo’s face, it is obvious that he is a no nonsense and intense competitor. Originally from Ishikawa, Japan, Watanabe now represents Valor while fighting out of the R-1 Training Center in El Segundo, CA. With 3 years of professional experience, Kengo is out to make a name for himself in Valor. In a recent interview, he listed, “To be known and respected the world over” as his goal and inspiration. His specialty is Shooto in which he was crowned Amateur Champion. The “Japanese Assassin” has knock out power in his punches. If his opponent is not careful, he will find himself on his back, the recipient of a tan courtesy of the lights at The Medford Armory!

In a special attraction fight just added to the card, two ‘Hometown Heroes” will lock horns. Local fighting favorites Alex Garcia and Luis Haro will be given an opportunity to battle for supremacy under the bright lights of Valor! Robert Trujillo who selected the local fighters had this to say, “Both Garcia and Haro have great presence and potential. I am very excited that the local fans will be well represented by two of their own. I can’t wait to see who comes out on top!” 

As mentioned before, Valor promises an all out “Entertainment Overload ™.” Bassman elaborated, “The pre-show will feature a promo put together by our fantastic production team which will introduce the audience to Valor and its fighters. All fighters will come to the ring with signature music and big screen entrance videos. Also, the sexy “Valor Girls” and our sultry dance team, “The Knockouts” will bring a whole new meaning to “America the Beautiful!” “Medford Mayhem’ will be filmed for North American wide DVD release by Rock Steady Entertainment. As a result, the live audience will be immersed in a big broadcast environment within the intimate setting of The Medford Armory. 

 Make sure you are on hand live to witness this HUGE night of action and entertainment!

Who: Valor Fighting in association with Brass Knuckles Promotions

What: “Medford Mayhem”: 8 big fights featuring professional stars of MMA Including Vernon “Tiger” White, “The Green Beret” Tom Howard, Dennis “Superman” Hallman, Kengo Ura and many more!  Also featuring a very special appearance by Ken Shamrock.

Where: The Medford Armory: 1701 South Pacific Highway. Medford, OR 97501    Phone: (541) 776-6054

When: July 16, 2005.  Doors open at 6:30 pm, event begins at 7:30 pm

Tickets: Tickets are available at all Safeway Tickets West Ticket Centers, by phone: Portland (503) 224-TIXX, All other areas (800) 992-TIXX, on-line: www.ticketswest.com  Tickets are subject to a convenience charge.   

 Check out www.valorfighting.com for all of the latest news on “Medford Mayhem”.