U OF MMA ANNOUNCES ‘DEAN’S LIST’ FOR CHAMPIONS OF TOMORROW! (PRESS RELEASE)

By jaytan May 31, 2012
0 Comments

Logo masthead (cropped)” src=”http://uofmma.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/U-of-MMA-Final-TM-Logo-masthead1-300×252.jpg” alt=”" width=”300″ height=”252″ />

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNIVERSITY OF MMA ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL ‘DEAN’S LIST’ PERFORMANCE REWARDS FOR ‘CHAMPIONS OF TOMORROW!’

Los Angeles, CA – On the heels of its biggest show to date, CHAMPIONS OF TOMORROW!, the University of MMA’s founder / promoter Turi Altavilla and matchmaker Jay Tan continue to establish traditions for the young, celebrated promotion. This week, ‘the U’ rolled out its inaugural Dean’s List, recognizing exceptional performances by fighters at U of MMA events.

The Dean’s List is sponsored by OTM Fight Shops and WSS, which have contributed $100 gift certificates to the winners.

“Fighters who demonstrate outstanding finishes and matches deserve the recognition. These types of incentives exist in the major professional MMA organizations and we’re looking to mimic those conditions,” commented Altavilla. “We’re very proud of each of these fighters.”

The Dean’s List is made up of four categories, including the traditional Fight of the Night (honoring both fighters in the match), Knockout of the Night, and Submission of the Night. The fourth category, Freshman Honors, is a new category exclusive to fighters who are making their University of MMA debut (not necessarily an amateur debut). Freshman Honors is an award bestowed on the fighter with the best overall U of MMA debut that night, including fighting skills, personality, & interview skills.

“We have amazing fighters up and down the card. The idea behind Freshman Honors is to encourage fighters not just to win, but also to come out of their shell and embrace that being a public figure is part of the job,” explained Tan. “In MMA, winning isn’t the only thing. You also have to be memorable to the fans.”

Dean’s List honors for the U of MMA’s CHAMPIONS OF TOMORROW! are:

Fight of the Night: ‘Gorgeous’ Georgie Garcia (10^th Planet Van Nuys / Saekson Muay Thai) x Chris Bonilla (Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA)

Knockout of the Night: Jose ‘Froggy’ Estrada (Brian Espinoza’s West Coast Jiu Jitsu)

Submisison of the Night: Drew Michealsen (Valhalla ETC)

Freshman Honors: Brooksie Bayard (FightworX)

*****                   *****                   *****                   *****                   *****

CONTACT: Either Turi Altavilla at turi@UofMMA.com and phone (310) 701-8339 or Jay Tan at jaytan@UofMMA.com and phone (213) 618-0332.

*****                   *****                   *****                   *****                   *****

About the University of MMA (www.UofMMA.com): The University of Mixed Martial Arts (aka “The U”) is a Los Angeles-based fight promotion specializing in exciting, high-octane, upscale amateur MMA events around the Southern California region. Its mandate is to provide a stage for young, aspiring fighters to hone their MMA skills and develop themselves as marketable personalities and respectable ambassadors of the sport. The U was founded in 2010 and has run six shows in Southern California. The U serves as a scouting show for professional organizations such as Strikeforce and King of the Cage. Each event is sanctioned by the California Amateur MMA Organization (CAMO), which upholds the highest safety standards in the nation for amateur competition. The team behind the U collectively has over 20 years of experience in promoting professional MMA at the highest level of the sport, including international and domestic events broadcast on pay-per-view, cable, and network television. For tomorrow’s MMA stars and champions … IT STARTS HERE!

About OTM Fight Shops (www.OTMfightshops.com):  On The Mat (OTM) is an American company and brand dedicated to the sport and lifestyle of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), submission grappling (no-gi), and mixed martial arts (MMA). Founded in 1996 by owner Scotty Nelson in Mountain View, CA, OTM has become best known for its website, OnTheMat.com, which provides the largest online library of jiu-jitsu and grappling footage, including video magazines, instructional videos, and tournament compilations. Its online store and eight retail fight shops in California, Nevada, and New Mexico offer the widest selection of fight gear and apparel for fighters from every discipline. Additionally, OTM’s clothing line is among the most recognizable brands in BJJ and MMA, including a custom made jiu-jitsu gi called Lucky Gi. OTM has sponsored dozens of BJJ / MMA household names, such as B.J. Penn, Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, Jeff Monson, Kenny Florian, and Diego Sanchez.

About WSS (www.shopWSS.com): WSS is a leading Southern California retailer founded in 1984. WSS (formerly Warehouse Shoe Sale) offers a wide variety of footwear, clothing, and accessories from all major brands. WSS carries over 3,000 of the latest styles from such brand names as Nike, Jordan, Vans, Converse, Sketchers, Reebock, Adidas, Puma, New Balance, DC Shoes, Timberland, K-Swiss, and many, many more. With over 25 years in business and 55 stores (Victorville, Bakersfield and Lancaster coming soon), WSS has an unrivaled reputation for having great values and great selection and for bringing customers the latest in the best styles. Participating in over 350 local events per year, WSS is also committed to giving back to the community.