May 21st 2011
Mohegan Sun

 After months of training, our own Joe McGann made his way to the cage at the center of the Mohegan Sun Arena where Ryan Quinn(5-2), 2-0 Bellator Alum, was waiting for him. 

 Both men were collegiate wrestlers, but Brian had a history of defeating tough wrestlers on the ground.  After 3 rounds of gritty back and forth action the judges called it a draw, though it’s worth mentioning local figures/fighters gave the edge to Joe in post-fight conversation.

The fight was a technical grappling contest with occasional strikes from both parties but Joe landing more often.  The first round was comprised of Joe pumping his jab, stuffing repeated takedowns, and getting the better of dirty boxing in tie-ups.  The second was primarily a standup contest with Ryan trying to get past Joe’s jab and eventually getting a takedown near the end of the round, but Joe was able to get to a neutral position before any damage was done.  The third round Ryan gets an early takedown, but Ryan isn’t very active so the referee stands them up.  Joe lands a number of stiff jabs on the feet before taking Ryan down and assaulting him while postured within his guard.  Ryan is eventually able to get up but Joe continued to push the pace and did not take any more damage that round.

 Anyone able to see Joe after the fight saw he was no worse for the wear, the same cannot really be said of his opponent.  Joe is a tough kid and I am sure we will see him back in the ring despite the disappointing decision.  Since the fight, being the excellent training partner and worker he is, he has been helping Jim Pitner prepare for his WCF battle with Eddie Brito on June 18th.  Those interested in seeing our hometown fighters compete please don’t be shy about asking the fighter or front desk about the best place to get tickets.

-About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga. USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org <http://www.usmma.org/>