Parisyan’s last contest, in UFC 94, was determined “No Contest” by NSAC after he tested positive for banned painkillers during a drug screening post-fight.  Parisyan stated that he had a prescription for the drugs due to back and hamstring injuries.  Prior to this overturn, he won with a split decision over Kim Dong-hyun of South Korea.

Because of his hearing which ruled the decision “No Contest” and suspended Parisyan for nine months, Hazelett will be his first match up since the incident.  Can Parisyan come back with enough strength to pick up a win, fair and square?  Or will Hazelett prove to be the better man after his last match up?

Hazelett last faced off against Tamdan McCrory in UFC 91.  Hazelett won by submission using a painful-looking reverse arm bar.The match is shown below.  Watch as Hazelett uses his legs and arms to secure McCrory’s arm and then begin twisting it until he submits.

Click here to view the embedded video.

He was set to fight in UFC 96 but had to withdraw because of an injury.  He will return to the octagon in his match up against Parisyan.  Can Hazelett set himself up for an arm bar, a popular move winning him submissions in the past? Or will Parisyan have a few tricks up his sleeve to prevent it?

Both fighters have 9 wins by submission and have gone almost a year without a fight.  This fight will be particularly interesting to see whose comeback can win the match.  Parisyan will have to watch Hazelett’s arm bar as it has won him Submission of the Night honors in past match ups including in UFC 91.  Hazelett might have to watch as Parisyan has the stamina to last an entire match.  They two will prove to be a solid match in UFC 106 this November.

Click here to view the embedded video.

MMA pioneer, Erik Paulson, will be making his annual Combat Submission Wrestling(CSW) Seminar visit to Titan Fitness, State College, PA on October 24th and 25th, 2009.  To reserve your spot please contact Paul Zelinka or Bruce Lombard @ 814-235-1015 or info@titanfitness.com.  You can also visit www.titanfitness.com or www.lombardmma.comfor more information.  Do not miss this opportunity to learn from one of the top MMA Coaches and former fighter’s in the world.

Erik Paulson is the former 2-time light heavyweight Shooto World Champion.  He is the only American ever to achieve this title.  Coach Paulson travels around the world to share his MMA knowledge and fighting system.  His seminars are known for the abundance of information, interaction, and charisma.

Erik Paulson is the founder of Combat Submission Wrestling(CSW).  CSW is regarded as the most dominant MMA system in the world.  This fighting system encompasses three areas: kickboxing, clinching, and grappling.  Combat Submission Wrestling is a blend of many systems which includes: Muay Thai, French Savate, Western Boxing, Greco-Roman, Freestyle Wrestling, Shooto, Judo, Brazilian Jui Jitsu.

Erik currently trains some of the top MMA fighters in the world, including: Josh Barnett(UFC veteran, Pride Veteran, Affliction #1 heavyweight contender); Bobalu Sobral(UFC veteran, Affliction light heavyweight); and coach/cornerman for Brock Lesner(current UFC Heavyweight Champion.

Please visit Erik @ www.erikpaulson.com

For more information, Jim Fortunato can be contacted at (856) 343-4722.

Katz, 21, is a Pennsylvania State University student majoring in Information Science and Technology who is from Monroeville, Pa. Typically, Katz has trained at Titan Fitness about three times a week for the past 10 months. In the months before the fight, however, he upped his training to between eight to 10 times each week.

When UofCombat spoke with Katz the week before his fight, he was confident that his training with Titan Fitness had prepared him, and he knew that he had done everything he could to be prepared for the fight. In an interview after his fight, Katz talks about his emotions throughout the fight, factors he attributes to his victory and when he knew he had his opponent beat.

UofCombat.com: What were your emotions as you entered the facility?
Jordan Katz: I felt kind of uneasy. I didn’t know what to expect since it was my first fight, (so) I think that’s where the uneasiness came from.

UofC: How did they change throughout the match?  Were you feeling positive during the fight, or wondering if your opponent would win?
JK: Honestly, I don’t remember much from the fight; my head was empty the whole time. I wasn’t thinking about winning the fight; I was just fighting.

UofC: What were your initial thoughts when your first saw your opponent?
JK: “That’s him? Okay, let’s go.”
I don’t think it would have mattered to me whether he was stocky, lanky, or whatever; I was just going to go out there and do what I came to do.

UofC: When did you realize you had your opponent beat?
JK: When the ref broke us up and I saw the towel had been thrown in.

UofC: Going into the match, did you feel you were prepared enough?
JK: Absolutely. I didn’t have any nerves or second-thoughts walking into the ring, and I know that’s because of how prepared I was.

UofC: What do you feel you did well in the match?  What’s something you feel you need to improve on?
JK: I just finished watching the video, and my hands looked fast and accurate, but I wasn’t setting up my kicks very well.

UofC: Did you have supporters in the audience?  How did they influence your performance?
JK: I had family and friends in the stands, but during the fight I couldn’t hear any cheering, and before the fight I didn’t want to talk to them so I could stay focused. So I would say they didn’t influence my performance, but it was great to see them after the fight, and I loved having them there to support me.

UofC: How much of an influence do you feel the staff at Titan Fitness had on your win?
JK: This is as much their win as it mine. Without Bruce Lombard my coach, Shawn Slater my training partner and Paul Zelinka along with everyone else that helped me train, that fight wouldn’t be possible. I have them to thank for everything.

UofC: What are your plans now?  Will you take some time off or get right back into training?
JK: I’m home now because I couldn’t afford to stay (in State College) for the rest of summer, but I’m staying in shape and would like to continue training during the school year.

The event includes 6 professional and 7 amateur fights, and begins at 7:30 PM.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. They can also be purchased at deathrollmma.com or by calling 724-222-2664. General admission is $35, ringside seats are $50, and balcony seats are $65.

Anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pro Card

140 lbs – Donnie Kacher (6-1) vs. Robbie Walker (1-1)

145 lbs – Mike Nesto (0-2) vs. Khristian Geraci (2-9)

Brian Smiley (3-3) vs. Joe Wahlberg (0-0)

170 lbs – Jeremy Bennett (7-5) vs. Nikolaos Bascarino (0-3)

185 lbs – Andy Cooper (0-2) vs. John Opfar (0-1)

205 lbs – Billy Vucick (4-3) vs. Joel Wyatt (4-0)

Amateur Card

135 lbs – James Miller (0-0) vs. Gannon Krebs (0-0)

145 lbs – Rick Bauer (0-0) vs. Jon Sleber (0-0)

155 lbs – Andy Yackabouskey (1-1) vs. Aaron Aburradd (0-0)

Joe Miani (0-0) vs. Julian Barona (0-0)

Jay Morris (1-1) vs. Ryan Kaintz (0-0)

170 lbs – Ron Allen (0-0) vs. Artie Spelcher (0-5)

265 lbs – Peter Cartella (0-0) vs. All Ahmed (0-0)

Tickets can be purchased by calling (757) 589-0427.  Free parking is available, and concessions and beverages will be provided by AJ Gator’s Sports Bar and Grill

Interested fighters can still register for the event online.  For more information, William & Elaine Varner can be contacted at 757-468-6488.

Fight card:

170lbs– Zach Allen vs Jonathan Wertz

145lbs– Kenneth Bush vs Chase Delong

170lbs– Antwan Hayes vs David Cavanaugh

170lbs– Scott Cozart vs Christian Diaz

170lbs– Frenchie Buchinni vs Zac MacDonald

205lbs– Brad Smith vs Daniel Singletary

185lbs– Kyle Bell vs A.J. Aguilar

185lbs– Mike Clements vs Paul Collins

145lbs– Chris Huntington vs Daniel Davis

155lbs– Justin Fowler vs Edis Starnes

170lbs– Cody Pearson vs Preston Hocker

170lbs– Dane Smith vs Pat Diamond

155lbs– Kyle Hornung vs Charles Robbins

205lbs– Cody Smith vs Wayne Hunter

265lbs– Clem Stuart vs TBA

205lbs– Brad Smith vs TBA

160lbs Muay Thai title bout– Vladimir Borodin vs Chase Walden

112lb Muay Thai bout– Sophia Adkins-Belsby vs Sarah Whisman

145lb Muay Thai bout– Tyler Holland vs Devonte Smith

135lb Muay Thai bout– Angie Hines vs Patricia Ramirez

Doors open at 6:30 PM and the action begins at 7:30 PM. There will be 19 amateur MMA fights with 11 fighters making their debut.

Tickets are available for $50 ringside, $30 reserved, and $20 general admission and can be purchased at Convenient Food Mart on 248 E. Main Street, St. Clairsville, Ohio (740-695-1594) & 16 S. Huron Street, Wheeling, West Virginia (304-233-6430).

For further questions and ticket information, please call 1-800-296-3897 or visit HKCF-MMA.com.

Fight Card:

135 lbs:

Kayla Varney (0-0) vs. TBA

145 lbs:

Kenny Wilson (0-0) vs. TBA

Brandon Horner (2-1-0) vs. TBA

155 lbs:

Gary Miller (1-0) vs. Brandon Snyder (1-2)

Josh Baker (3-1) vs. TBA

170 lbs:

Todd Beven (0-0) vs. Ben Horner (0-0)

Mike Drescher (0-0) vs. Justin Hoffman (0-0)

Travis Fluharty (0-0) vs. Shane Gilmore (0-0)

Josh Oppenheimer (2-1) vs. Anthony Johnson (1-1)

185 lbs:

Dave Forysth (1-1) vs. Matt Debarr (1-0)

205 lbs:

Matt Garretson (1-1) vs. Ryan Barnett (0-0)

Chris Perkins (2-0) vs. Phillip Clark (3-0)

265 lbs:

Mike Sharp (0-0) vs. Allan Ray Patrick (0-0)

Lateff Keaton (0-1) vs. Jon Reed (1-0)

Nathan Bryant (4-1) vs. Nathan Loughran (7-3-1)

Fight Card

Okey Lawrence (4-2-0) vs Adrian Yarboro (3-0-0)

Ty Perry (1-1-0) vs. Corey Nichols (1-2-0)

Doug Hodges (2-3-0) vs. Rodney Hurkman (0-1-0)

Mike Linza (5-0-1) vs. Phillip Estes (1-1-0)

Brock Menzil (2-0-0) vs. Sean Santella (0-1-1)

 Ron “Night Train” White Jr. (2-2-0) vs. Corey Frantz (2-1-0)

Jessica Wolbert (0-1-0) vs. Amanda Jones (0-1-0)

Adam Farrell (4-1-1) vs. James Moore (3-5-0)

James Rank (0-0-0) vs. TBD

Theodore Dobson (0-1-0) vs. Hazelton Elkins (1-1-0)

John Heynoski (0-0-0) vs. Cody Hinson (0-0-0)

Troy Musil (0-0-0) vs. Arthur Byrne (0-0-0)

Jason Galvin (0-2-0) vs. James Ingram (0-0-0)

Donnie Lennox (0-0-0) vs. Scott Rendos (0-0-0)

Noe Quintanilla (3-3-0) vs. Norman Alexander (4-9-0)

Jacob Spuck (0-1-0) vs. Thomas “Primetime” Ellsworth (0-0-0)

David Spinelli (0-0-0) vs. Randy “Rage” Owen (0-0-0)

Chris Jones (0-0-0) vs. Ian Knecht (0-0-0)

Choking, stress, anxiety and other mental blocks happen frequently in all sports, and MMA is no exception.   However, it is how one deals with these situations that determines the success of the athlete.  For example, the athlete could learn how to handle, deal and overcome their anxiety, or instead they could let it affect their performance.

Every athlete has been nervous or in a tense situation when performing.   If an athlete practices mental preparation he or she will be better equipped to deal with anything that is thrown at them.  Meditation and progressive muscle relaxation, a technique where you slowly relax every muscle in your body, help to keep the mind clear and the body loose, relaxed and ready to make a move.

All athletes need to be prepared mentally, as well as physically, to be successful in their sport.  If an athlete does not practice sport psychology, they are more likely to quit the sport or sustain an injury.

Practicing sport psychology also helps to make an athlete more self-aware.  One’s awareness of their feelings then reflects to their physical performance, and makes one able to adapt to different situations.

Whether they realize it or not, most athletes have participated in some type of sport psychology exercise, whether it’s setting a goal they want to accomplish or closing their eyes and taking a deep breath before a game to ease nerves.

Successful mixed martial artists that also include training mentally in their regimens include Jens Pulver, who met with a sport psychologist to prepare for a fight in 2008 against Leonard Garcia, and Georges St Pierre.

After St Pierre lost to Matt Serra in 2007, the strength of his mentality was questioned and debated.  To regain his mental focus and confidence, he began consulting with a sports psychologist.

Despite this, many athletes still feel that sport psychology and mental training are unnecessary and are only techniques used by athletes with issues or those that are ‘crazy’. 

Brian Cain is one of the MMA’s leading sport psychologists and has worked with top fighters, such as Keith Jardine.  In an interview with performance coach Eric Wong, Cain shared his thoughts on the difference a fighters’ attitude may have on their performance.

“Having an) ‘I don’t give a crap attitude’ is the guy that will slack in his training and slack in his conditioning and think, ‘Aww sports psychology I don’t need that (because) I’m not crazy at all… I can miss that conditioning session.  I’ll miss out for it and work twice as hard tomorrow,’” said Cain.

“(But) when they step in the cage (and) they’ve slacked… they think, ‘Oh my God, what are all these things I didn’t do.  I’m not as prepared as I should be.’”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sport psychology works by taking an average athlete that may not be reaching his full potential, and teaching him useful skills. This helps to give the athlete an edge in both physical and mental competition by eliminating mental roadblocks.

Using imaging is also a good practice for athletes.  Imaging helps athletes achieve their goals by having the athlete form an image of what they want to accomplish in their minds, whether it be regaining strength after a recent injury, or beating their opponent to win the championship.

Imaging, goal setting and other sport psychology and mental exercises are commonly done after an athlete receives an injury, because he may feel depressed over not performing or fearful that the injury will occur again.

If you play a sport, expect to get injured at some point during your playing career. Certain sports are more likely to hurt you than others. The injury rate in football, for example, is 100 percent.

MMA is no exception to injury, and its athletes are prone to a few not too pleasant injuries.

Something noticeable about fighters’ appearances is their swollen ears. This is an external deformity known as “cauliflower ear” and is seen in many of today’s fighters.

Cauliflower ear, or auricular hematomas, is caused by direct trauma—a blow to the ear is one way it is caused. When trauma occurs, the ear bruises and the torn vessels bleed. This leads to blood and fluid collection in the ear, which separates the cartilage and often causes new cartilage to form. This new cartilage does not usually grow symmetrically, which is why fighters’ ears look swollen and deformed.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Athletes prone to cauliflower ear include wrestlers, mixed martial artists, grapplers and rugby players, and it is sometimes thought of as a badge of honor by athletes.

Despite this, cauliflower ear is not something to take lightly because it brings major health effects and risks, as well as pain. The ear could possibly become infected, so antibiotics may be needed. If it remains untreated, the ear will harden and the ear drum often ruptures, making stitches necessary. Hearing loss often occurs with cauliflower ear.

To drain the fluid, a compress is needed to help strengthen cartilage and to avoid future fluid buildup. To prevent cauliflower ear, wearing some type of headgear is highly recommended.

Fighters often choose to still compete when suffering from cauliflower ear. However, other serious injuries may occur in a match, leaving fighters unable to compete in future events for some time.

According to an injury report from John Hopkins University School of Medicine Department for MMA (2002-2007), it was reported that in over 600 professional MMA matches, there was a reported general injury rate of 23.6 percent (300 out of 1,270 fighters).

The most common injury reported was lacerations. Other injuries included hand, nose and eye injuries, as well as various upper extremity injuries. This confirmed a previous study done by the same university from 2001-2004, which also reported that up to four injuries may have been recorded for each fighter during a match.

Hand injuries have been common in recent events. In a June 2009 fight against Mike Brown, Urijah Faber broke his right hand during the match and fought through the pain to lose by decision. His left hand also was injured as well.

Also noted in the study is that concussions were documented in three percent of matches. Concussions are a brain injury that occurs occasionally in full-contact sparring sports due to a blow to the head. They often lead to long-term damage. Every year, there are around 300,000 sports-related concussions.

The study concluded that overall risk for sports-related injury in MMA is fairly low. This is often attributed to the strict rules that the sport has in place to prevent injury.  In addition, depending on the severity and type of injury received, a medical suspension may prohibit a fighter from competing for a set amount of time.  This allows a fighter time to rest and heal.

Despite precautions, mixed martial artist Zach Kirk broke his neck and was paralyzed in May 2009 in an event in Iowa. Doctors are unsure if Kirk will regain his ability to walk.

Other injuries that mixed martial artists are prone to are broken bones, knee ligament tears and ankle or shoulder sprains. These injuries usually do not occur in training situations.

Well-known fighters to receive other various injuries include B.J. Penn who broke a rib during a match against Matt Hughes, and Matt Serra who suffered from a herniated disc.