The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

EMPIRE Mixed Martial Arts’ “Team Beastmode” fight team once again looked to the state of Florida to field bouts for its group of amateur fighters.

A four-member team of DiJonnaise Brown, Marcian Tucker, Giovanni Johnson and Kenny Neymour fought at ‘Combat Night at Passion’ at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida, Saturday January 24, and finished with a 2-2 record overall.

Empire MMA founder, Dr Kent Bazard, who also served as the lone corner man for all four fighters, said the group continues to improve with each outing against international competition.

“Overall the group of guys were happy with their performances for the most part,” he said. “We controlled the stand up like we wanted to and on the ground we were never in danger, despite the fact that we don’t work as often with our wrestling coach as we would like to, but we are on the way. This team of fighters has what it takes, we just have to keep at it and continue improving.”

DiJonnaise Brown delivered an impressive performance and moved to a 2-0 record.

“He dominated his fight standing up and on the ground. His opponent took the fight on short notice and we commend him for that but it was still good to see him have that type of fight,” Bazard said.

Marcian Tucker won his debut by decision and impressed with his grappling and submission techniques.

Giovanni Johnson went the distance but got edged out in the third round to lose by decision.

“He was dead even with his opponent headed into the third round, but the guy got in a few more kicks and a few more takedowns and that proved to be the deciding factor,” Bazard said.

Kenny Neymour was unable to answer the bell in the second round due to injury.

“Unfortunately for Kenny, he broke his hand in the first round. He finished the round first but couldn’t come out for the second,” Bazard said. “It was an even fight so far, they both scored good shots and it was looking to be a three-round war, but it couldn’t turn out that way because of the injury.”

Founded in 2006, the team consists of over 20 members who have been competing nationally and representing the Bahamas abroad at top level MMA events.

Dr Bazard said the exposure of the international fights has led to opportunities both at home and abroad.

Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company Limited and Sands Beer sponsored the team on their latest venture.

“Sands Beer was so important in  helping us out with this last trip and it has been a long road trying to expose corporate sponsors to the culture and how the sport operates. Many of them are beginning to realise that MMA is not a fringe sport, but one of the fastest growing sports in the world and advertising opportunities are always there. From a business perspective it promotes their brand internationally. At this event we were wearing the ‘Strong Back’ shirts and everyone asked us questions about where they can find it,” Dr Bazard said. “These guys are known over there now, so the exposure is working well, spreading the name and spreading the reputation of Bahamian fighters. Just the other day at home we had the opportunity to train with and learn from UFC fighter Donald Cerrone and that was a benefit of recent increased exposure.”

Next up, the team will be fielding a group to compete at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, March 5-8. Competing at the event will me Tyson Isaacs, Pierre Simmons, Johnson and Brown.