The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

EMPIRE Mixed Martial Arts will once again look to the state of Florida to field bouts for its “Team Beastmode” group of fighters.

The trio of Tyson “Kamikaze” Isaacs, Pierre “Punisher” Simmons and Youkinny “Berserker” Neymour will be fighting under the Combat Nights at the Moon Nightclub in Tallahassee, Florida this weekend.

Tallahassee will be treated to their final MMA show of the year as organisers have promised the best collection of talented fighters in the Southeast for a spectacular night of fights in a premier venue.

Empire was founded and established in 2006 by Dr Kent Bazard, who boasts 33 years of experience in martial arts and extensive training in mixed martial arts.

Dr Bazard started the Empire MMA team with seven fighters and has seen that grow to nearly 30. He called it a great opportunity for exposure for the fighters. “There will be a number of UFC executives in attendance, so we hope for the guys to make a big impression.”

Last month, the team fielded several fighters. Giovanni Johnson and DJ Brown fought at Combat Night at the Hard Rock Casino in Fort Lauderdale. Brown won his fight by decision, while Johnson won by default over his opponent whose labs did not check out.

“It was definitely a success,” said Dr Bazard. “It is a shame Gio did not get to fight his scheduled opponent, especially after all the hard work we put in, but we definitely made an impression. The crowd was a bit harsh at first, but by the end of the first round they were cheering for us. All in all an exciting experience.”

Following that succes, Jasmine Wilchcombe fought at Real Cage Fighting 29 at the Space Coast Harley-Davidson Centre in Palm Bay, Florida. Her debut was another major stride toward the local development of the sport.

The group’s mission is “to establish and maintain high standards in personal conduct, competition, and promotion of the arts, and participating in Full Contact Fight Sport events in The Bahamas and internationally. Empire Mixed Martial Arts also fights to bring positive change and development to communities throughout New Providence.”

Empire MMA trains in Sanda (Chinese full contact striking), American freestyle wrestling, judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).

Its affiliations include the Bahamas Wushu Sanda Association, International Wushu Sanda Federation, World Sanda League, World Combat Grappling Alliance, World Cup of MMA, BlackHouse MMA, MMA Masters, SUDA MMA and Bolt Wrestling.

Empire MMA has trained at various camps, including the Jaco Hybrid Training Centre, Florida, and Sityodtong, and with coaches Mario Sperry, Kenny Johnson, former UFC light-heavyweight champion Rashad Evans and Bahamian UFC fighter Yves Edwards.