SSF Fighters Move Up In The World Of MMA
Online, June 29, 2012 (Newswire.com) - This past weekend was a busy one for three local fighters and their coach. Ron Dayley, owner of SSF Submission Academy, turned two amateurs pro this weekend and saw another pro, Chris Coggins, defeat the number one ranked 155lb fighter in the state, and that's not even Coggins' normal weight class.
Coggins, a former Northwest High wrestler, fought on Empire Fights' card in Memphis on June 23rd against Austin Lyons. At 155lb, Lyons has an impressive resume. Ranked best in his weight class for the state, a cast member of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter, and a Bellator vet Lyon's would be an intimidating adversary for any competitor. Normally, a 145lb fighter, Coggins stepped up a weight class to take this fight and it paid off huge; defeating Lyons in under a minute and a half in the first round. Coggins came to SSF to prepare for this fight.
"I made several changes for this fight including switching gyms to SSF Submission Academy where we have a lot of good guys. I also began working out at a Circuit Athletics for my strength and conditioning. Both of which paid off big time in defeating Lyons so quickly. I plan on continuing to train at SSF, which I now consider my family, and to continue winning fights. My next fight will hopefully be at XFC 20 in Knoxville in September," noted Coggins.
Michael Graham and Nate Landwehr are SSF's newest pros making their debuts June 22nd in Nashville on XFC's highly touted card, XFC18 Music City Mayhem, aired live on HDNet. As pro debuts, Graham and Landwehr were on the undercard, but each had a stellar performance that all but guarantees them an invitation back to fight on the main event.
At 135lbs, Graham is a former Clarksville High wrestler who began training with Dayley at SSF Submission Academy four years ago. Graham beat Cory Robison in a unanimous decision (30-27). A Pan Am World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion and Black belt; Robison was the heavy favorite and was plugged as the next big thing in the 135 pro weight class. Robison is one of only 8 non-Brazilians to win the Pan Ams and the only World Champion from TN.
Graham's ability to nullify Robison's world class BJJ with his clean striking and strong wrestling foundation has heads turning. "Defeating Robison was vindicating because no one but my team thought I could do it. I knew I was better-rounded than many thought and I proved it that night. My wrestling roots and Sambo and Catch wrestling training helped me stay on my feet in order to work my stand up."
Nate Landwehr made his pro debut in the 145lb weight class at XFC against Billy Mullins. Mullins was the winner of the large 3FC tournament in Knoxville, which earned him a multi-fight contract in the XFC. Landwehr is a former Rossview High wrestler and was considered the underdog against the heavily favored Mullins. The former ISKA TN 155 State Title holder; Landwehr vacated that title to turn pro.
Like Coggins, Landwehr is a recent addition to SSF's fight team. "Coming to SSF was a smart choice for me. I felt prepared and ready for my fight, I couldn't have asked for a more dominating performance and that just encourages me to push harder every day."
Coggins, Graham, and Landwehr are just three of the fighters on SSF's team. With a large team of amateur and pro fighters, SSF is garnering quite a bit of attention. A regular competitor in neighboring states and beyond, SSF's fighters have competed throughout the US and Canada. Another SSF pro and former Northwest High wrestler, Cory Alexander, will compete on Operation Octagon in Sterling, VA July 28th. For more information on upcoming events the SSF fight team will be competing in please visit mmaclarksville.com.
