[Combat Zone Press Release]
SALEM, NH— The main event of Combat Zone MMA promises to rock The Rock when the undefeated Andrew Tripp (5-0) attempts to take back the top ranking in the 170-pound class from the also undefeated Paul Gaffney (3-0) in the "Winter Brawl", which features a stacked all-amateur card featuring six fighters ranked No. 1 in their respective divisions at Rockingham Park on Friday, January 31.
Tripp represents Team Irish and Gaffney fights for Team Link out of Hooksett, NH, where Ken Murphy, who stands at 5-0 and is top ranked at 125 pounds, also trains. Murphy is set to battle the always tough and #1 ranked Jay Perrin (4-1) out of Nashua’s Triumph MMA in the co-main event at 130 pounds, which sets up as another evenly-matched and intensely competitive test.
In other action of top ranked fighters, Javier Velasquez (3-0) battles Xavier Vargas (3-2) from Spero MMA in Atkinson, NH in the heavyweight ranks and XCP light heavyweight title holder Jesse Baughman (4-0) matches up against Dan Burke (3-1) from Manchester's Team Burgess.
To add even more excitement to the evening, Winter Brawl will be the first Combat Zone promotion since the New Hampshire State Boxing Commission changed the rules governing amateurs. Now the fighters will not have to wear shin guards, kicks from the ground to the head will be allowed , and fighters are able to use their elbows more and wear more nimble four ounce gloves.
"All of our guys are prepared for the rules changes and are excited about this card," said Team Link's Ed Carr, who also trains Nick Alley (1-1) for his fight against Shane Mulligan (2-0) at in the 170 pound division. "With the new rules, there's really not a heck of a lot of difference between the pros and the amateurs."
Doors open at 6:30 PM and the first fight kicks off in Rockingham’s Sports Club at 8 PM. Tickets for the event are $40 for general admission, $50, $75, $90 or $120 for ringside seating and parking is free. Tickets may be purchased at www.combatzonemma.com.
Fans are invited to the weigh-in, where they have the opportunity to meet their favorite fighters and get their autographs. This free event will be held on Thursday, January 30 in the Sports Club beginning at 6 PM.
The card, which is subject to change, is as follows:
145lbs Paulo Alves De Sousa 1-0 (BMAC) vs Ivan Sanchez 1-3 (Intenze MMA)
185lbs Kristian Lombari 0-3 (Team Fury) vs Brad O’Brien (Triumph MMA)
150lbs David Sousa 1-2 (CNBJJ/Intenze MMA) vs Danny Abad 0-2 (CNYMMA)
170lbs Corey Bowhall 1-1 (CNYMMA) vs Dave Spero 3-2 (Spero MMA)
140lbs Jake Pilla 1-0 (Wai Kru) vs Jordan Yantin 0-1 (Untamed MMA)
170lbs Nick Alley 1-1 (Team Link Hooksett) vs Shane Mulligan 2-0 (CCFA)
210lbs Xavier Vargas 3-2 (Spero MMA) vs Javier Velasquez 3-0 (Connors MMA)
205lbs Jesse Baughman 4-0 (Team Link North) vs Dan Burke 3-1 (Team Burgess)
130lbs Ken Murphy 5-0 (Team Link Hooksett) vs Jay Perrin 4-1 (Triumph MMA)
170lbs Andrew Tripp 5-0 (Team Irish) vs Paul Gaffney 3-0 (Team Link Hooksett)