Chatham-Kent MMA Roundup: Eldridge to Fight, Gracie Barra in Niagara
Steve Eldridge training for his upcoming fight - Submitted Photo
Gracie Barra Chatham athlete’s Gain Success at the Niagara BJJ Open
Chatham-Kent athletes are in the full spring swing of things right now with two local mixed martial arts schools leading the way.
Four Gracie Barra Chatham athletes travelled to Niagara Falls this past weekend to compete in the Niagara Open BJJ. Under the tutelage of teacher Thomas Armstrong, competitors Justin Steele, Chris Halliday, Mike Halliday and Derek Vankoughnet all tested their jiu jitsu skills against some of the best athletes in Ontario.
Gracie Barra star Justin Steele continued his strong 2012 following up his great performance at the Arnold Classic last month by taking home a silver medal in the Adult Blue Belt Gi division, going 2-1 and being edged out on points in the final. Steele also gained a bronze medal in the No-Gi Submission Grappling division by going 3-1 with two wins coming via points and one by submission. Steele’s loss was on points. The results for Steele are made more impressive by the fact that he is competing in the adult division while still being only 16-years old.
Chris Halliday won a silver in his Gi BJJ division by going 4-1 on the day with his only loss coming on points in the gold medal match. Halliday’s division had 25 particiapants in it which makes his silver all the more impressive.
Next up for Gracie Barra Chatham is the 2nd Annual Jean Jacques Machado Open on May 6th, in Windsor, then on May 12th, Josh “The Ripper” Rich fights for the TXC 135-pound amateur title in Michigan.
Redemtion MMA’s Steve Eldridge Set To Fight This Friday In Michigan
Chatham Kent amateur athlete and Redemption MMA fighter Steve Eldridge makes his return to the cage this Friday night April 20th, in Michigan as he takes on Zach Thomas in the Michigan Combat League.
The fight will be in the 170-pound division as part of an exciting 15-fight card with 2-championship title fights on it. Eldridge is 3-1 in his early amateur career and a win this weekend will keep him right in line as a contender in the division.
The fights start at 7pm at the Lincoln Manor at 25160 Outer Dr. Lincoln Park 48146. Full bar and concessions are available
Newly crowned MCL 125-pound champion and Redemption star Tyler Kirk is still recovering from injuries sustained in his last fight and will be defending his title in late June. His opponent is yet to be announced.