On Friday, March 16, Cut Throat MMA returns to action with Invasion Chicago. The night of mixed martial arts fights will take place at the Congress Theater in downtown Chicago. Doors will open to the public at 6:30pm with the first fighter stepping into the cage at 8pm.

Several notable locals on the card include Patrick Murphy, Matt Giancarlo, Bill Jessie and Jeremiah Pollock. Additionally the start of the bantamweight tournament will kick off with the likes of Camacho, Guerrero, Williams and Gee.

Teams represented on the card include Emerald Smoke MMA, Team No Comment, G2, Carlson Gracie, Counterstrike MMA and more.

For more information visit CutThroatMMA.com or watch the video below.

Jake Nauracy will be making his professional debut and his Bellator debut in the same night on Friday March 9th at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. As an amateur he remained undefeated finishing all ten of his opponents. Nauracy was on RecapRadio and discussed his upcoming fight with Cory Galloway and more.

How’s things going?
What’s going, how’s it going.

You are making your pro debut at Bellator 60, talk to us a bit about getting the call to fight for such a major promotion for your first pro fight.
You know it’s pretty much like any other fight. It’s something that I have always wanted, I wanted to make it up to the pro level. I am glad to be fighting for them. Bellator its pretty cool. Its something I never imagined to happen.

Your opponent is Team Curran’s Cory Galloway who is also making his pro debut. What can you tell us about him?
No I didn’t know who he was until a week or two ago when they mentioned his name. I couldn’t really find much on him, but I got a couple details on him.

From what we understand it was difficult finding an opponent for you, how many opponents were you presented with before Cory signed to fight you?
Man I was getting calls left and right saying “We got you an opponent and then he’d back out”. It sucks because you are putting in all this hard work and training and it’s was just let down after let down after let down. They found me a good opponent and I am looking forward to it.

Typically when guys are making their pro debut there isn’t a lot of tape on guys, but is that something you look for or do you just say hey I gotta train everywhere?
Pretty much. I train for any obstacle. Be it a wrestler, boxer, jiu jitsu guy, whatever. I train my ass of for every type of fighter.

One thing that I noticed when I saw you last weekend at Babes and Brawls was that you are extremely tall for a bantamweight. Do you think that will play a factor into the fight in both the weight cut and a size advantage?
I get that a lot that I am big. I am used to the cut. Every fight I have had has been at bantamweight except for one. It does play a big factor having a size advantage over everybody. My cardio is still there. It is something I am kind of used to cutting down to the 35.

All of your wins have come via first round finish leading some to question if you have the gas tank should the fight go into the later rounds. Are you expecting this fight with Galloway to go into deeper waters or do you think it will be another quick finish for you?
I always expect the fight to go the distance, but I always look for a quick finish. I am always training and worried about my cardio. I am always thinking what if it goes the distance. I do the shark training which is one new opponent after another and work on it.

Being that you train out of Torres Martial Arts, should we expect to see Miguel in your corner and is there any sort of rivalry between Torres Martial Arts academy and Team Curran that helps hype this fight up more?
Not really there’s no local feud. It is an opposing gym so we will have fighters that clash.

You were undefeated as an amateur, having fought most of your fights for Cut Throat MMA. You are their current bantamweight champion what was it like fighting for Cut Throat?
It is pretty cool fighting for them. I never expected to get up to the champion level. I had my first fight with Cut Throat, then I fought three times for Total Fight Challenge. Cut Throat got a hold of me cause they saw I was finishing fights in the first round. I had one more fight before I got to fight for the title. It’s been an honor to fight for them.

Where can the fans find you at?
Facebook and Twitter. Just look me up at Jake Nauracy on facebook or @jnauracy135 on twitter.

Any sponsors or people you want to thank?
I want to thank Gene my striking instructor, Andre my jiu jitsu instructor, Miguel cause he’s been like a big brother to me looking after me, everyone at Torres Martial Arts, my brother John, my mom and everyone who has helped me out for this fight.

Cory Galloway at XFO 42 - photo by Joey Hill

Galloway is the current XFO featherweight champion after defeating Pedro Velasco at XFO 42. Galloway, a Team Curran standout spent his entire amateur career fighting for Xtreme Fighting Organization. He compiled a record of 7-1 while fighting under the XFO banner fighting in both the featherweight and bantamweight divisions.

Nauracy meanwhile fought for several amateur organizations around the Chicagoland area including Total Fight Challenge and Cut Throat MMA. He is the current bantamweight champion for Cut Throat, and will be relinquishing his title for his pro debut.

Bellator 60 will be headlined by two time Bellator tournament winner Pat Curran as he tries to defeat Joe Warren to claim the Bellator featherweight title. The event will also showcase the opening round of the season six featherweight tournament as well as several other Chicago area fighters.

Click to view the photos…

Cut Throat MMA returned to Atlantis Gentlemen’s Club in Ford Heights, Illinois for Babes and Brawls X. The event featured seven amateur mixed martial arts fights highlighted by the beautiful girls of the club.

Kicking off the night of fights was a lightweight contest between Mike Manning and Adam Meneou. The fight looked like it was going to be all over quickly as Manning quickly took the fight to the ground and got the mount. He bloodied up his opponent and worked for a guillotine choke. Meneou was able to escape but took a big beating during the round. The second round was a close round with Manning working for a guillotine most of the round but Meneou was on top and in side control. Once Meneou was able to get his head free he worked punches to the body and head. Manning tried to escape and was able to reverse the position and rained down punches in bunches. The third round Meneou opened the round with good kicks and was able to get the mount himself. Manning was nearly finished but he found his escape and then worked to finish Meneou. As time was running out in the round Meneou nearly had a triangle choke, but Manning punched his way out.

Justin Hughes came out swinging for the fences against Sean Cooley and never let up. He landed a big combo that hurt Cooley, but Cooley was able to recover quickly. Hughes just picked Cooley up and threw him to the ground and as Cooley stood up he ate several more punches. Hughes got the back of Cooley and threw him to the ground again. Just like the previous time he let Cooley stand up and made him pay with several punches. Hughes continued his assault but was briefly stalled as he left his neck partially open and Cooley tried to capitalize on it with a guillotine. Once free Hughes landed a big right that dropped Cooley. Hughes followed it up with one more punch before the ref called the fight.

Josh Bulak entered the cage to talk about the fund that is now set up for Jeff Dunbar. He gave a small update on Dunbar’s status in that Dunbar has some minor use of his hands.

Returning to action Mike Perry took on Nikola Colovic. The two touched gloves and then immediately went after each other. Perry landed a straight right and Colovic returned the favor with a right of his own. Colovic started to land the better of the two, but Perry was throwing hoping to land. Unfortunately for him, Colovic landed a punch that sent Perry to the canvas and the fight was ended there.

Heavyweights were up next as Cody Murray battled Robert Little in an exciting back and forth battle. The two came out and looked to clinch and work a dirty boxing game. Little seemed to be landing more of his punches and then opted to shoot for a takedown. He couldn’t get it and Murray decided to work some knees. Murray tried for a takedown, but Little countered with a guillotine attempt. As Murray escaped, Little shot for a takedown and was successful. Unfortunately he got reversed and Murray worked punches from the top. Murray started to transition to a different position and Little yelled out in pain and the ref stopped the fight.

From the start it looked like Alfonso Bray would be too much for Shane Camp. Camp wanted to land little leg kicks, but Bray countered with a right hand forcing Camp to shoot for a takedown. Bray sprawled and looked to keep his top position with punches to the body of Camp. Camp stayed busy from the bottom trying to escape and throwing multiple hammerfists to Bray’s ears. He did escape and when both fighters stood, Camp landed an accidental knee to the groin of Bray. After the restart the two fighters clinched and exchanged knees. Camp jumped and grabbed a guillotine. Bray tried to summersault out, but Camp held on, adjusted and squeezed. Bray had not choice but to tap to the submission.

In the co-main event Anthony Corder took on Gregg Tigner. If you blinked you might have missed what happened. Tigner landed a punch and Corder immediately went for a takedown. The two were battling for position on the ground when Corder was able to get on top. Unfortunately Tigner used it to his advantage as he secured an armbar. Corder tried to roll out, but Tigner held on tight and forced the tap.

Andrew West and Mike Reid headlined the great night of fights with an exciting Muay Thai fight. West came out with a big front kick, but Reid countered with a right hand. Reid continued with a leg kick and the two fighters clinched. Both fighters exchanged knees before separating. Reid then connected with a spinning backfist that dropped West. West was able to get up within the eight count and was ready to continue on. Reid immediately pressed the action and landed another spinning backfist that knocked West out.

Quick Results
Mike Manning defeated Adam Meneou by unanimous decision
Justin Hughes defeated Sean Cooley by TKO at 1:49 of round 1
Nikola Colovic defeated Mike Perry by TKO at 0:49 of round 1
Cody Murray defeated Robert Little by verbal tapout at 2:41 of round 1
Shane Camp defeated Alfonso Bray by guillotine at 1:49 of round 1
Gregg Tigner defeated Anthony Corder by armbar at 0:33 of round 1
Mike Reid defeated Andrew West by knockout in round 1

photo by Shane Carpenter

Kicking off the night of action were two Muay Thai bouts. Axel Mendez needed just over a minute to dispose of Mike Girton. Mendez came out with a big leg kick, but Girton countered with some good jabs and a hook. Mendez returned the favor landing a big combo that forced the fighters to clinch. Good knee work by both fighters before separating at which point Mendez unloaded a barrage of attacks. Girton went down but was able to get up within the ten count. Mendez again swarmed starting with a big body kick, followed by body punches and a head kick that sent Girton down again. He was unable to stand by the ten count and Mendez was announced the winner.

Women were up next with an exciting Muay Thai bout. Dorothy Schultz brought a massive fight to Katie Fry. Schultz came out with kicks that forced Fry to work a clinch game. Unfortunately she didn’t get the better of it, as Schultz landed multiple knees. As the round was ending, Schultz nearly landed a head kick to the crowd’s delight. Schultz opened the second round with two big front kicks and Fry again went to clinch. Schultz landed knee after knee to the body of Fry. She let go of her clinch and landed an uppercut as Fry was waving off the fight.

After the two Muay Thai fights it was time for some MMA action. Tim Kallas took on Anthony Corder in the lightweight division. Corder came out with a high kick that just missed. He landed a leg kick and Kallas came forward with massive punches. Corder shot forward and looked to grab a heel hook. Kallas spun free and landed punch after punch while taking Corder’s back. Corder turned into Kallas and wound up in a triangle choke. Corder tried to punch his way out, but Kallas adjusted the choke and squeezed. Two more punches by Corder and he knew he was going out so he tapped.

Brandon Conner and Travis Simpson came out swinging with bad intentions. Neither fighter was throwing crisp punches, but the wild hooks were landing for both. Conner shot for a takedown, but Simpson grabbed his neck and worked for a guillotine choke. He couldn’t get it as Conner was trying to roll out of it. As he adjusted to prevent Conner from escaping, he did just that and rained down hammer fists onto Simpson’s face. Conner looked to stand back up, but realized that Simpson left his neck open and grabbed a guillotine choke. He fell back and torqued the choke forcing Simpson to tap.

Andrew West came out with a big front kick to the belly of Mike Zahn that sent Zahn stumbling back. West pressed forward and hip tossed Zahn to the ground landing in side control. West tried to lock in an arm triangle choke before moving to mount. He kept the choke on and squeezed while on top of Zahn. Zahn tried to punch his way out, but West continued to squeeze and forced a tap.

Fight of the night went to Michael Manning and Shane Camp. The first round Camp likely won as he was able to land some massive punches on Manning. Manning threatened with a guillotine and an armbar submission, but Camp was able to escape by punching Manning in the head. At the end of the first round Manning was developing a mouse under his eye. The second round Manning turned up the pressure as he put Camp in submission after submission and nearly always had the better position. Manning was a little hesitant to punch Camp as he seemed to be setting up his submissions, but regardless he won the round. All tied up at the start of the third and Camp shot in for a takedown. Manning again worked a guillotine choke, but Camp was able to escape. Manning with his long legs kept pressure on Camp and switched to his back. Camp turned into Manning and was on top, but Manning wanted to secure an armbar. Camp escaped and got Manning’s back and locked in a rear naked choke with just twenty seconds left of the fight.

After the exciting battle between Manning and Camp, it would have been difficult to have another exhilarating fight. But that’s just what Jon James and Kyle Kurt did. The first round James looked for a takedown but got reversed. It wasn’t long however until he rolled and took the mount. James unloaded punch after punch after punch and Kurt was in danger. Kurt managed to grab a leg and escaped the bad position, but was nearly finished by a kimura as time ran out. At the start of the second round it was apparent that Kurt had more in his gas tank than James did. White spent most of the round on top of James raining down punches from James’s back. James finished the round with a takedown, but it wasn’t enough to win the round. The third round started and the crowd went wild. Both fighters looked to finish with a big single punch, but it was Kurt who scored first with a big knee that hurt James. Kurt rode James’s back again landing punch after punch. He nearly finished the round that way, but again James was able to escape and score a takedown as time expired. It was clear that Kurt had won rounds two and three, and the judges were all in agreement that that was the case awarding him the fight.

Best takedown of the night went to Anthony Nichols who just powered his way through Tom Shoaff and drove him not only into the cage, but also into the canvas. But Shoaff was extremely comfortable working off his back. Nichols did little to try and advance his position as Shoaff threatened with multiple submissions. Shoaff nearly finished the fight with an arm triangle from the bottom, but Nichols was able to escape. In the second round Nichols again scored a big takedown and again Shoaff threatened with a triangle. Nichols slammed his way out, but Shoaff used the opportunity to go for a takedown of his own. Shoaff quickly took the mount and from there went after Nichols’s arm. Three different versions of an armbar were attempted, but the third was the one that secured the win.

The heavyweight title was on the line as David Hammons challenged Eddie Castillo for his belt. Hammons immediately shot in for a takedown, but Castillo defended well. Castillo landed a knee and an uppercut that seemed to rock Hammons. Hammons shot for another takedown, this time eating three more knees. Hammons went down and it looked like the ref was stepping in to call it but Hammons said he was fine. Castillo came in again and landed several knees that sent Hammons to the canvas. Castillo continued his attack with several punches and the ref was forced to stop the action.

The main event feature Sam Ferguson and Ryan Kirwan battling for the vacant middleweight title. Ferguson came out looking for a takedown, but Kirwan was swinging for the fences. Ferguson worked a Thai clinch and landed a couple of knees. Ferguson then scored a takedown but was nearly rolled. As he was punching Kirwan, he did get rolled. Kirwan on top throwing punches, but Ferguson threatened with an armbar. Kirwan postured out of the submission and then just started throwing massive left hands. Ferguson visibly hurt by the left hands, but they still kept coming. Kirwan continued the assault until the ref mercifully stepped in and stopped the fight crowning Kirwan the new middleweight champion.

Muay Thai Quick Results
Axel Mendez defeated Mike Girton at 1:29 of round 1
Dorothy Schultz defeated Katie Fry at 0:47 of round 2

Mixed Martial Arts Results
Tim Kallas defeated Anthony Corder by triangle choke at 1:07 of round 1
Brandon Conner defeated Travis Simpson by guillotine choke at 1:00 of round 1
Andrew West defeated Mike Zahn by arm triangle choke at 0:45 of round 1
Shane Camp defeated Michael Manning by rear naked choke at 2:39 of round 3
Kyle Kurt defeated Jon Jones by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
Tom Shoaff defeated Anthony Nichols by armbar 1:49 of round 2
Eddie Castillo defeated David Hammons by TKO at 0:46 of round 1
Ryan Kirwan defeated Sam Ferguson by TKO at 2:16 of round 1

photo gallery to follow in the coming days

CutThroat MMA returned to Bourbon Street for another one of their exciting Wednesday night cards with Brawl @ Bourbon Street.  The night of action saw eight amateur mixed martial arts contests highlighted by impressive submissions, devastating knock outs and exciting fights.  Read on for the full recap and results of the night.

Tim Armstrong vs. Andrew Edborg
Both fighters are swinging at each other like wild men. Andrew tries for the takedown, but Armstrong reverses into the mount. Several punches follow and the ref rescues Edborg.

James Yarbrough vs. Justin Hughes
Good knees from Yarbrough in the clinch to begin the fight. Solid takedown from the clinch shown by Hughes and ends up in the half guard. Punches followed from Hughes while Yarbrough looked for an escape. Hughes secured the mount and quickly took the back of his opponent. Yarbrough turned it around and ended the round in Hughes’ guard throwing punches.

A hard slam and then directly into the mount position from Hughes that started the second round. Yarbrough drove forward to reverse the position. Yarbrough looked for the rear naked choke early in the round, but came up short. He quickly gave that up and found the mount position. Hughes worked for an escape and the fighters are back to clinch work against the cage. Round two ends with both men against the cage battled for position to favor the judges.

Round three started with Hughes landing outside leg kicks. Fewer punch combos and more single strikes were now being thrown. Kicks and punches were exchanged between both fighters. Hughes scores a takedown and rained down punches. Yarbrough tried for a leg lock, but was stuffed by Hughes and he continued to land punches, from side control. Hughes let his opponent up late in the fight to score another takedown soon after. Fight ends with Hughes raining punches and Yarbrough looking for a single leg takedown.

Jason Crose vs. Matt Brown
Both fighters mixed it up well early with punches and kicks. Brown started to swarm on this opponent after a huge left hand to the Crose’s jaw. Crose hasn’t fully recovered and but kept looking for a single leg takedown. Brown found a home for another punch and Crose was forced to tap in the turtle position.

Dan Bravo vs. Andre Ford
A good hook to the temple landed on Bravo from Ford early in the fight. Bravo countered that strike with huge slam takedown. From the clinch against the cage, Bravo scored a leg trip takedown into half guard, and then he found his way to the full mount position. Bravo punched away at Ford’s head until the ref stopped the fight. Ford was not fighting back and held his hands in front of his face.

Darrell “The Mud Villain” Edmonson vs. Travis Simpson
Edmonson landed a solid right hand on his opponent’s face to start the beginning of the end of the fight. Simpson covers, bends forward and starts to peddle backwards until Edmonson caught him with a kick to the collarbone. Simpson rolls towards the cage. Edmonson backs away because Simpson did not show any sign that he wanted to get back up and fight. Ref called the fight.

Jeff Szakas vs. Jerry Elsner
Both fighters show respect and touched gloves to begin the fight. Szakas moved the fight into the clinch position early in the fight and pushed his opponent against the cage. Szakas secures the double leg lift and slammed the 65 year-old ex-police officer to the mat. Elsner quickly capitalizes on Szakas only mistake of leaving his head in Elsner’s armpit. Elsner closed his guard and secured his hands together for the choke. Szakas was forced to tap the canvas.

Brandon Conner vs. Bill Jessie
A wild and far-away takedown attempt came from Conner to start the fight. He looked for a leg lock when he was unsuccessful. Jessie defended well and landed a few punches against the cage from the top position. Fighters broke the ground position and began again on the feet. Another diving takedown attempt came from Conner, this time Jessie countered and ended up in the mount position. He quickly finished the fight with a rear naked choke.

Main Event: Tyler Isley vs. Jason Ignacek
Great clinch work displayed by both fighters that started the fight. No one was getting the better of his opponent until Ignacek countered a takedown with the mount position. Isley began to drip blood from his nose. Several punches follow and Isley turns and gives up his back. A pool of blood is now collecting on the mat when more punches came in from Ignacek. The ref stopped the fight due to lack of activity from Isley.

Submission of the Night goes to Jerry Elsner for a 21 second Guillotine Choke.

Knockout of the Night goes to Darrel Edmonson for a 10 second punch and kick combo.

Fight of the Night goes to James Yarbrough vs. Justin Hughes for great back and forth action during all 12 minutes. (NO PHOTO)

View the photo gallery here: Brawl @ Bourbon St. – Fightography

Quick Results

• Tim Armstrong defeated Andrew Edborg by TKO at 1:33 of round 1
• Justin Hughes defeated James Yarbrough by unanimous decision
• Matt Brown defeated Jason Crose by tapout due to strikes at 1:28 of round 1
• Dan Bravo defeated Andre Ford by tapout due to strikes at 1:54 of round 1
• Darrell Edmonson defeated Travis Simpson by TKO at 0:10 of round 1
• Jerry Elsner defeated Jeff Szakas by guillotine choke at 0:21 of round 1
• Bill Jessie defeated Brandon Conner by rear naked choke at 1:32 of round 1
• Jason Ignacek defeated Tyler Isley by tapout due to strikes at 1:26 of round 1

Click to view the photos…

Click to view the photos…