Josh Rich Fighting For Title Shot This Weekend at TXC in Michigan

Chatham Kent mixed martial artist Josh “The Ripper” Rich is set for a big step in his amateur fighting career this weekend. The 3-1 fighter out of Dresden is ready to take on Derek Smith in a bout to detemine the number one contender for the 135-pound TXC title. A win on Friday night will put Rich rght in line for a title shot sometime in the next few months, something he has been preparing for all his life.

Josh is coming off an impressive 1st round, armbar submission victory over Leslie Henley in the last TXC show held at the Pontiac Silverdome last November. He is hoping another victory will keep the momentum he needs for a few more amatuer fights this year and possibly a turn at becoming a pro next year. I got a comment from Rich yesterday.

“Honestly I don’t know much about Derek but I know he is 5-5 and if I win I get a title shot in May. That’s the goal. I want the title but I have to win on Friday first. Rich told CKSN via Facebook.

Rich has had much success in his early amatuer career and trains out of Gracie Barra Chatham under the tutelage of Thomas Armstrong. Armstrong says there is no secret to “The Ripper’s” success.

“The key to his victory is all the hard work and training he has put in. Josh has a very well rounded game with strong Wresting, BJJ and Muay Thai; his mental game is right there as well. He has a lot of experience against tough skilled guys and comes out on top, I think this fight will be no different.” Armstrong said with confidence.

This weekend’s fight result aside, Rich has some strong goals in mixed martial arts for the rest of the year.

“That’s the goal for 2012, like to get 3 or 4 fights this year and go pro next year if everything goes well.”

It all starts in Michigan on Friday night.

Triple X Cagefighting Presents…

Battle In The Burbs
Friday, March 30th, 2012
Doors Open @ 6PM | Fight Starts @ 7:30PM
www.txclive.com

Dwight Wakabayashi is the MMA Editor at CKSN.ca Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report MMA and guest blogger on Sportsnet.ca