Fighter Focus: Jake Bagley (Nostos MMA)

Travis Lizotte

On Saturday June 15th Cage Titans 44 will take place at it’s home in Plymouth, Massachusetts from historic Plymouth Memorial Hall. Former Ultimate Fighter Finalist; Joe Giannetti (7-1) will face his most experienced opponent to date in D’Juan Owens (17-13) in the evening’s Main Event. Thirteen fights including seven professional bouts highlight the evening that includes some of the biggest names on the promotion’s roster including; Giannetti, Zach DiSabatino, Peter Barrett, Don Shainis and Kin Moy. But it may be one of the lesser known fighters on the card that leaves their mark on the Cage Titans crowd, and if he is to have it his way, that statement will be made by Nostos MMA Flyweight; Jake “The Bull” Bagley. I got together with Bagley this week in anticipation of his 130 pound catchweight bout with Andrew Valdina (0-0) to get an idea of what Bagley plans to prove to Cage Titans fans and New England MMA as a whole:



Name: Jake Bagley
Nickname: The Bull
Division: Flyweight
Record: 1-0
Affiliation: Nostos MMA/ Team Kaos
Coaches: Devin Powell and Bill Jones
Age: 25
Born: Sanford, Maine
Fighting out of: Wells, Maine
Style: Brawler, Wrestler
Last Fight: Amateur Debut; February 1st, 2019 at NEF 37 Sub Zero, Unanimous Decision over Canadian; Brady MacDonald (1-2).
Next Scheduled Fight: June 15th 2019 at Cage Titans 44 against Andrew Valdina (0-0, Lauzon MMA)

What lead you to pursue competitive MMA?

Jake: In school, I was never a great student but my athletic ability was on match with most of my peers, what set me aside was my drive to be greater than everyone! I am here to leave a legacy, I want people to remember my name when I am long gone, leave a mark on the world! In High School I was a wrestler, I won Maine State Championships in 2008 and 2009 while at Wrestling Powerhouse; Noble High School (in North Berwick, Maine)! Following High School MMA became my way to continue training and continue to push myself towards greatness.

Who do you look up to in the sport and do you model your style after anyone in particular?

Jake: I would have to say my biggest role model in this sport would have to my coach Bill Jones; the guy has been killing it for the last 14 years...not to mention he gets out of bed every morning to train before going to work, swinging his hammer, to make sure that his family never needs to want for anything!

You’ve mentioned before that you relish being the underdog, tell me a little bit about your first fight (against Brady MacDonald at NEF 37), and what you love so much about being an underdog?

Jake: Oh man! My fight with Brady is something I will never forget, what a WAR! That kid had some clean, fast standup; an unbelievable talent. But I have a drive; a determination that I don’t think many people can match. I’ve always been the person to see something I want and work for it...go out and get it! I’ve got something to prove!

What you have learned in preparation for your fight with Andrew Valdina at Cage Titans 44?

Jake: In my first fight I went into the cage just wanting a brawl, it wasn’t pretty but I didn’t want it to be. This time I have focused a lot more on fundamentals and technique, like keeping my hands up so this tall ass kid (Valdina) doesn’t kick me right in the head!

Tell me about your team, who is helping you prepare for your fight at Cage Titans?

Jake: Well of course you have my Head Coach Devin Powell and the entire crew at Nostos MMA. But I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the rounds with Bill Jones, Bill and I work tirelessly to make sure that I am familiar with all types of situations, Bill has some unique techniques...I have seen em all.

I understand that competing in this sport not only requires preparations in the gym but outside of it, tell me a little about what you do outside the cage, and what does your family think of you punching faces for fun?

Jake: Well outside of the gym I wake up everyday and work, I put in 40 hours at work, and countless hours in the gym throughout the week. I have two beautiful children and an extremely supportive family behind me, they always want what is best for me, for me to reach my fullest potential, the rest is up to me. I can go as far as I set my mind to in this game...I just know I need to work for it, I have all the support in the world!

The Sport of MMA is about testing yourself, often times fighters set goals they wish to achieve both short term and long term in order to test themselves, what are some of your goals as a fighter?

Jake: Right now my goal is to just stay busy, which I have no problem doing being a full time father and working full-time, sometimes it isn’t the easiest to get to the gym, lots of late nights and early mornings. I just want to remain consistent, stick to my schedule, because if I do, I will have put the work in and everything will work out!

I’m a big music fan, tell me what is playing in those headphones during hard training sessions, and during your walk to the cage?

Jake: Music is all about mood to me, I like to listen to something that helps me put my life into perspective in the moment! On any given moment you can catch me listening to anything from Limp Bizkit, to Fall Out Boy or even Reggae just enjoying my day!

You are typically a Flyweight but your fight with Valdina will take place at a weight of 130 pounds, with that said, what is one food you miss during weight cut/ fight camp?

Jake: To be honest with you, I haven’t missed a meal, 130 isn’t really a cut for me at all, I wrestled at 132 in High School and I’m comfortable down here. I was hoping to take my next fight at 125 but Andrew wasn’t able to make the limit for Flyweight, it’s pretty upsetting not being able to find opponents in my weight class, even my debut against Brady (MacDonald) was at 130, but 125 is where I belong, where are all the New England Flyweights?

Cage Titans is quickly becoming one of the top regional promotions on the East Coast, what do you expect from the experience of fighting for Cage Titans, and what can Cage Titans fans expect from Jake “The Bull” Bagley?

Jake: I view this fight as I view most things in life, it’s an opportunity, Cage Titans has been widely publicized and well respected for a while now, people are going to see my name, a win in their cage opens all kinds of doors; doors I plan on knocking down and running through!

Last but not least, we know no one makes the walk to the cage alone, tell me about your support group; Sponsors, Coaches, Training Partners anyone who has helped you prepare for your fight June 15th in Plymouth, Massachusetts….

Jake: Again my main guy is Bill Jones, his Team Kaos/ The Shop logo will be front and center on my walkout shirt. Of course Devin Powell, both have always been open and honest with me and continue to train me to the best of their abilities. Huge shout out to my sponsors; Green Gold, Sneakers Graphics, Brooks Mechanics, Dan Kelley at Skull and Snake Tattoo, Langevin Drywall, Hall Brothers Roofing, The Tranch Ranch and Uncle Pete’s Relief. You guys all jumped at the chance to join my team and be in my corner, when others were all talk you guys had my back and I am 100% grateful for you all! June 15th wouldn’t be possible without my incredible team. Get Ready Plymouth, Massachusetts, here comes Team Bagley!

Cage Titans 44 will take place Saturday June 15th from Plymouth Memorial Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts starting at 6pm eastern time and will be streamed live on flocombat.com. For tickets visit CageTitansFC.com

FEATURED FIGHTER: Mike "ManDown" DiNella

Name:  Mike "ManDown" DiNella
Age: 27
Height:  5'8"
Fight Weight: 155
School:  South Shore Sportfighting
Record:MMA 1-0 ammy
City/State Born:  Born and raised in Braintree,MA currently live in Abington.
Achievements: (list any kickboxing, muay thai, boxing, nagas, any type of awards.)

I won my NAGA bracket in Connecticut last year.

1. When and Why did you get into MMA??

 I got into MMA about a year ago out of love of the sport, as a spectator, and belief in myself as a competitor.

2. Did you have a background in martial arts, boxing , wrestling etc prior to being a licensed in MA?

 I've been doing MMA for a year but always been active. I played football, basketball,  and baseball in high school and in leagues after.

3. What's your nickname, how did you get it?

Before my first fight I suggested it. My coach Bill Mahoney liked it. So ManDown it is.

4. How did you get into the sport of MMA?

 I got into MMA after years of being a spectator and finally testing myself at what happened to be the best MMA gym in all of New England. South Shore Sportfighting.

FEATURED FIGHTER: Pat Casey

Name: Pat Casey
Age:  26
Height: 5ft 8in
Fight Weight:  155, 170 and 185
School: Team Link
Record:MMA  5-1
City/State Born: Born and raised in Springfield, Ma.

1. When and Why did you get into MMA??

I started seriously pursuing MMA in the fall of 2014. I've always loved all forms of fighting. It has always an interest of mine but I was a serious football player.  I just started playing at AIC when my daughter was born and I realized going to school full time, playing football full time, working full time and being a full time father wasn't going to be realistic . So I stop playing but I told myself once I get a stable job and stable schedule I was going to turn my athletic focus to MMA. Specifically I told myself while sitting in a dorm at AIC,  that I was going to turn myself into the best fighter in the world LOL.  I had no real combat sports experience but I just believed I was born to do this so I started to pursue it.

2. Did you have a background in martial arts, boxing , wrestling etc prior to being a licensed in MA?

 I had no prior experience.

Featured Fighter : Devin Powell

By Travis Lizotte 

Now that the world has turned its calendars to 2017 and many of us have set our minds on new goals and new resolutions let’s take some time to reflect on 2016 for a minute. 2016 was an amazing year for North East MMA and its pool of talent. Fighters like Bessette, Andrews, Boyington and Font had amazing years racking up wins on the sport’s biggest stages; but I one would be hard pressed to argue that anyone’s career took bigger steps in 2016 than that of Devin Powell. Powell added four fights to his resume in 2016 and each fight being bigger than the last by monumental proportions. In February Devin dispatched Bellator veteran Jeff Anderson by Decision at Combat Zone. In April Devin knocked out Jesse Erickson in the first round to become the New England Fights Lightweight Champion, after the belt was vacated by Bruce Boyington as he pursued a contract with World Series of Fighting. Then in June Devin became the next Lightweight Champion from NEF to get the call from World Series of Fighting when he took Tommy Marcellino to a hard fought split decision victory.

I visited  Devin at his Academy (Nostos MMA in Somersworth, NH) following his fight with Marcellino, Devin had suffered some injuries in the fight and told me that he had to take a little time off and not go directly into another fight camp. It was days later when Devin was at a concert with his fiancée; Carol Linn, when his phone rang again. It was Matt Peterson from New England fights he was looking for a replacement to fight Jonathan Lemke in front of UFC President Dana White on Dana’s reality show; Looking for a Fight. In August, Devin did just that, he stepped into the cage again, battered and bruised but not beaten. Devin suffered a pretty gruesome broken nose around the two minute mark of the fight but it did not faze him. Devin used a combination to drop Lemke to the mat where he sunk in a Rear Naked Choke that ended Lemke’s night and inevitably earned Devin a Multi-Fight Contract with the World’s Biggest MMA Promotion the UFC.

Featured Fighter: Yann Oliveira

Name: Yann Oliveira
Age: 24
Height: 5.11"
Fight Weight: 135lbs-145lbs
School: Renzo Gracie NH/Sityodtong Boston
Record: MMA 2-0
City/State Born: Conselheiro Pena, Minas Gerais, Brazil

1. When and Why did you get into MMA??

I started doing MMA in High school when a friend of mine told me about a place that his cousin used to train at, so I decided to try it because I was sick and tired of getting bullied by certain people. I wanted to learn how to defend myself properly and earn my respect from the ones that never gave it to me and if fighting the guys that use to bully me was the only way of getting it then I was going to do what I had to do, but not at any point did I think I would do MMA just to get revenge on anyone.  I just really wanted to learn and get better.

WMMMA Featured Fighter - Chad 'Machine Gun' Kelly

Name: Chad Kelly
Age: 21
Height: 5'7
Fight Weight: Flyweight (125)
Fight Team: FAA
Fight Record: 4-2 Amateur
City/State Born: Winchendon, Ma









1. When and Why did you get into MMA??

 It was November 2009 I started watching the UFC with my friends starting with UFC 100 spent a little time looking for places to train few months later found FAA in Gardner which is a sister school kinda of FAA in Springfield. It's run by my coach Mike Gibbs who is one of FAA's longest students. I just felt me and Mike's coaching style worked really well together from day 1.

Featured Fighter: Cody Sargent

Name: Cody Sargent
Age: 23
Height: 5'8"
Fight Weight: 135
School: Balanced Ground MMA
Record:MMA 0-1 amateur
City/State Born: Blue Hill, Maine

1. When and Why did you get into MMA??

In 2008 a couple of friends of mine brought me to Team Irish in Brewer, Maine. I got to meet and learn the basics from Marcus "The Irish Hand Grenade" Davis and Garth Krane. Both of those guys are incredible to work with. Marcus is one of my favorite fighters and a huge inspiration to me.

Featured Fighter: Buck "Knuckles" Pineau

Name: Buck 'Knuckles' Pineau
Age: 27 years old
Height: 6’3”
Fight Weight: 185 lbs middleweight
Fight School: Choi Institute
Record: 4-1 2KO 2RNC
City: Born in Millinocket, Maine and from Ashland, Maine

1. When and why did you get into MMA?

When I was 13 or 14 my mother’s husband brought home a VHS copy of UFC's ultimate knockouts; since then I’ve been addicted. I’ve always been involved in competitive sports and been a fan of combat sports. When I was in the Navy my shipmates and I spent a lot of time watching Mixed Martial Arts. I had always dreamt of competing in Mixed Martial Arts. When I returned home, I knew this was something I wanted to explore to see if I had what it takes.

2. Did you have a background in Martial Arts, boxing, etc. prior to being licensed in Mass.?

I had no background in combat sports. The closest I had come to MMA was trying to choke out my buddies after watching fights on paid per view.

Featured Fighter: Allen Edgecomb

Name:Allen Edgecomb
Age: 24
Height:5'6
Fight Weight:135
Fight Team:Shaolin Kempo Martial Arts/The Bushido Jiu-Jitsu Academy(Team Pedro Sauer)
Fight Record: 0 - 1
City/State Born: Vernon CT

Featured Fighter: Billy Giovanella

Name: Billy Giovanella
Fight Weight:135lbs
School: Connors MMA
Record:2-0 Pro
City/State: CT

Featured Fighter: Joe "The Wild Ginger" Leonard

Name: Joe Leonard

Age: 33

Height: 5'8"

Fight Weight: 145lbs

School: Ravenous MMA
Record:MMA 2-2 Amateur
Wins via 1st Rnd K.O./ 1 Submission and Losses via 2 1st Rnd Ref Stoppages

City/State Born: Holyoke, MA

Fighting out of city/ state: Greenfield, MA

Featured Fighter: Mike Flores

Mike Flores
Age:25
Height: 4'11"
Fight weight: 125 lbs.
Fight record: 4-0-1
Born in Hartford Ct,  (live in Enfield Ct.)

Featured Fighter: Peggy "The DayWalker" Morgan

Name: Peggy Morgan
Age: 30
Height: 6’1”
Fight Weight: 135
School: Triumph BJJ
Record: MMA Amateur 2-0; Pro 0-0
City/State Born: Biloxi, Mississippi
Achievements: list any kickboxing, mauy thai, boxing, nagas, any type of awards. New England Golden Glove Champion, 2nd Place at Golden Glove Nationals, Second Place at P.A.L. Nationals, Second Place at U.S.A. Boxing Nationals, Third Place Savate World Championships. A couple of weeks ago I placed first in the intermediate division at NAGA.

1. When and Why did you get into MMA??

Featured Fighter: Leon Campbell

Name: Leon Campbell
Age: 30
Height: 5'11
Fight Weight: 145lbs
School: Sityodtong
Record: MMA 3-0
City/State Born: Malden, Mass
Achievements: list any kickboxing, Mauy Thai, boxing, nagas, any type of awards.


1. When and Why did you get into MMA??

I am a muay thai fighter through and through.... I transitioned to MMA because I was tired of the rarity of Muay Thai events. Sometimes I would go a year without a fight.

2. Do you have a background in martial arts, boxing , wrestling etc?

 When I was younger I dabbled in the typical kids martial arts but never took any of it serious. In my teens I took Caporiera for a couple years and boxed but I always loved traditional Muay Thai. I used to watch Thai movies and fights with my father, along with badass Bruce Lee movies.

Featured Fighter Video Interview: Jeremy "The Ronin" Ross

Last night I had an opportunity to sit with Western MA's Newest Title Belt owner, Jeremy Ross.  His victory has garnered him the American Fighting Organization's 170lb Champion.  Watch along to see what Jere thought of his fight, his coaches, and plenty of other great info he was willing to share.

Joe Leonard is a writer and photographer for WesternMassMMA.com as well as a student of Team Ravenous MMA located at The Web MMA Training Center in Greenfield, MA.  Please leave your comments, questions, criticism, or suggestions on our Face Book page or our site by clicking the radio buttons below.

Featured Fighter: Soap Am

Name: Soap Am
Age: 26
Height: 5'9
Fight Weight: 145
School: TPS
Record: MMA
City/State Born: Chelsea, Ma.
Achievements: list any kickboxing, mauy thai, boxing, nagas, any type of awards.

I have a little experience in a bunch of fighting, but nothing serious. Everything I have learned has been fairly recent. I did do very well in NAGA which was a while ago but my ground game is different now.

Featured Fighter: Jefferey "Killa" Watts

Jeff likes to be different.  He decided to answer our Featured Fighter questions in a video.  It came out pretty damn good if you ask me.  Jeff is set to fight Rico Disciuillo at Cage Titans on May 5th, 2012.  The fight is gonna be awesome.  Thanks Jeff for taking the time and going the extra mile to make us this special featured fighter.

---

If You Enjoyed This Article Please Comment. Support us by following our twitter and our facebook fan page. It is the best way to stay up to date on local MMA! Any news you would like us to share email us at westernmassmma@gmail.com. Thanks!

---

Featured Fighter: Mike Drohan

Name: Mike Drohan 
Age: N/a (haha) 
Height: 6'1 
Fight Weight: 170(185 for my upcoming title fight on march 17th) 
School: Maxx training center 
Record:MMA  3-1(ammy) 
City/State Born: Bangor,Maine
Achievements: list any kickboxing, mauy thai, boxing, nagas, any type of awards.
Cfx 170 amateur champion

1. When and Why did you get into MMA??

I didn't start training till later in my 20's, my best friend Tony Leite was tearing up the lightweight scene at the time he held the reality fighting belt for about two years. I used to get so pumped watching him fight, so he asked me to come and try out some training.  I thought sure I'll come roll around, at the time I was about 220 and kinda strong from lifting at the gym, so I thought I'll just crush all those wimpy jiu jitsu guys. I come in and start rolling with my buddy Tony(155lbs) and long story short I was instantly humbled and addicted.

Featured Fighter: Eddie "The Sultan" Saldana

Name: Eddie Saldana
Age: 29
Height: 5'8"
Fight Weight: 185 lbs
School: Sityodtong Muay Thai Academy
Record: MMA 4-2 professional
City/State Born: Salem, MA
Achievements: list any kickboxing, mauy thai, boxing, nagas, any type of awards. 2nd place Naga HW Blue Belt where I earned my purple belt after placing. AGC No Gi Advanced 1st place, Naga Intermediate No gi 2nd place


1. When and Why did you get into MMA??

I first got in to MMA at the age of 17 years old when I first trained. I was getting a tattoo done and the tattoo artist was a MMA practitioner. He asked if I had ever done any type of training and I explained that I had done karate as a kid but that was it. He invited me to join his club and give MMA a try. I came down and trained for approximately 6 months. It was like a "fight club". There were some pretty crazy skilled guys there and we would train pretty heavy beating the crap out of each other, haha. He showed me some basic grappling moves and some striking, but I was pretty green at the time. Later on, I had to stop training because I was a varsity lacrosse player at my college and couldn't afford to get injured.

Featured Fighter: Terin Swanson

Name: Terin Swanson
Age: 18
Height: 5'10
Fight Weight: 135lbs
School: Gladiator MMA
Record MMA: 0-1-0
City/State Born: Hamden, CT
Achievements:  

2010: XFC Pro MMA Trial finalist at 16 (elimated by default in finals due to age requirements)
NY Open 1st Place
2009 American Top Team Student of the Year
2009 Junior Olympic Boxing Qualifier "Oustanding Fighter"
2009 Junior Olympic Boxing Qualifier "Fight of the Night"
2008 American Top Team Student of the Year
2008 Hamden Boxing Role Model of the Year
2008 PKF -Tri State Kickboxing Champion
2007 Warriors Cup Muay Thai "Fight of the Night"



1. When and Why did you get into MMA??

I actually started MMA, by fighting in every other sport before finally stumbling upon one where that kind of behavior wasn't frowned upon. After a fight in Lacrosse, my coach pulled me off the field and was yelling "If you want to fight join a boxing gym!"... So we looked up gyms the next day and did just that. And that was 7 years ago now when I was 11.