former Illinois wrestlers now competeing or competed in MMA

[Lawrestling]

Originally Posted by BIRDMAN66

EIU Former Wrestlers
Mike Russow - Now in UFC
Clay French - KOTC Former Champ, fought in Pride
Brian Ebersole - butt load of fights
Lewis Taylor - Up and coming
Matt Veach - now fighting in UFC
Matt Hughes - Duh
Kevin Knabjian - on TUF

Shonie Carter - ufc
Titus Taylor
Sal Woods
Keith Hackney - classic ufc
Marvin Eastman - ufc
Terry Martin
Brian Gassaway
CJ Fernandes
Justin Robbins
Clayton Guida - Awesome
Jeff Curran
Pat Curran
John Kading
Tommy Lee
Joey Gilbert - Lost in a ufc event to BJ PENN
Mike Kimberlin
Jason Guida
Chase Beebe
Rory Markham - I think he is from Illinois
Monte Cox - Adrenaline MMA promotor

Clay french was a top fighter at his weight, and when he tried getting in the ufc they denied him due to him only having 1 eye. He most likely would have eventually obtained. Belt.

[outofshape]

Tyler Hurry??

[Blonjuan44]

Originally Posted by Lawrestling

Clay french was a top fighter at his weight, and when he tried getting in the ufc they denied him due to him only having 1 eye. He most likely would have eventually obtained. Belt.

I could see that, the most common major injury might be detached retina. At least one that I've heard a common reason why guys don't get into it. That & being choked out and punched in the face are much different than wrestling...& world of competition - when was the last time you saw a brazilian get out-wrestled? lose yes, out-wrestled not - Except possibly Spider Silva last fight but I didn't see that fight & he won anyway...will be interesting in July...

So the most successful IL ex-wrestlers would be? - ?

1. Matt Hughes
2. Chase Beebe (he held the wec belt quite a while)
3. Shonie Carter?/Clay Guida (just # of appearances)

HM - Martin from NIU, was in possibly one of the best fights ever...vs the dude that dies his hair red...Chris Leben, the crippler - that is a good fight, check it out if you get a chance...

I would guess the most successful state for UFC origins is California...but just a guess...

[Tap or Snap]

Brian gassaway & jeff curran never wrestled & gassaway is not even originally from illinois. There are to many fighters out there now plenty with wrestling experience. Many great wrestlers but fighting just wasnt there thing. Some of fighters mentioned have less than 5 fights & dont fight anymore. Gotta narrow this thread down. Oh ya, Terry martin & lewis taylor both CPS wrestlers.

[Dad N Coach]

Dan Hornbuckle of Champaign Centennial has had a great career in MMA...Knocked out Gomi in Japan, fought Askren in the Bellator finals a year or two ago....Has made a nice living at it...

[Mencoe]

Originally Posted by Tap or Snap

Brian gassaway & jeff curran never wrestled & gassaway is not even originally from illinois. There are to many fighters out there now plenty with wrestling experience. Many great wrestlers but fighting just wasnt there thing. Some of fighters mentioned have less than 5 fights & dont fight anymore. Gotta narrow this thread down. Oh ya, Terry martin & lewis taylor both CPS wrestlers.

Mike Marrello, (185-205 weight class) Mike wrestled for Barrington (three of his lifelong friend's are good buddy's of mine) He spent a few years in the Marines. Mikes first fight was about 9 years ago I had just met him. I belive he went 6-0 Befor going pro for team Curran. Then 12-4 (18-4-1 overall), winning a re-match loss. He held the XFO belt for a while. His last fight was 18 months ago, and has had only 2 fights sence his 2009 retirement (married and a kid).

Mike was also On Spike TV's "Ultimate fighter 7"

Its no suprise that nobody mentioned him... He never placed in Champaign... BUT Mike has been a MAIN EVENT or CO-ME fighter at some of the mentioned wrestles/fighters fights over the years.