RFA 9
I’ve interviewed close to 300 fighters across the country for Unlocking the Cage and I do my best to keep track of their careers. I’ve been to over a dozen fights since I’ve started this thing and watched several dozens more. I’m really looking forward to tonight’s Resurrection Fighting Alliance 9 because I’ve had a glimpse into the lives of three of the fighters on the main card.
When I was passing through Kansas City last summer I had the chance to talk with one of the guys affiliated with RFA. He told me their focus was to showcase the top contenders in the sport, resurrect the careers of big-name talent that had suffered setbacks, and launch all of them into the global spotlight. They’ve been following through with their mission and I’m sure tonight’s event won’t disappoint.
The fight is nearby at the StubHub Center in Los Angeles and I wish I could attend but my wife and daughter are performing at our local community theater and there’s no way I’m missing that (and staying happily married.) Good news is that I’ll be able to record the fights on AXS TV and watch them as soon as I get home.
First guy I’ll be rooting for is Lew Polley. I had the pleasure of talking with Lew last year down at Reign Training Center in Lake Forest, CA, but was so impressed with him that I want to do a much longer and more in-depth interview to really show who he is. Click on the photo to watch his interview.
Next up is Casey “Spider Monkey” Ryan from Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista. Casey was one of the first guys I interviewed at Alliance, a great example of the type of fighters that train there: friendly, intelligent, top of their game. Ryan is a BJJ black belt whose career is off to an incredible start and I can’t wait to finally see him fight.
In the main event Pedro Munhoz is taking on Jeff Curran for the RFA’s first Bantamweight belt. Pedro is an undefeated fighter that trains out of Black House in LA. I was fortunate enough to take one of his BJJ classes at Babalu’s Iron Gym and interview him afterward. Best of luck to all three of these men as they pursue their dreams.
