Mark Khavinson stepped into the cage to fight for the first time in August on the CES MMA Philadelphia card.  It was a fight that many will remember as he and John Naji opened the evening with three rounds of non-stop action on the feet as they took turns battering one another.  Mark came out on the winning side of a split decision.  The former wrestler was very comfortable with his striking and I could see from cage-side that he had very nice footwork and plenty of power as well as a hell of a chin.

Grappling Nation and Strike Therapy head trainer, Troy Whodabull is wasting no time in getting Khavinson right back to work as he takes on Patrick Brady at Art of War 8 scheduled for October 5 in Philadelphia’s famed 2300 Arena.  I spoke to Mark on the phone (full interview below) and he tells me…

“For my first fight, I had to cut 25 lbs and this fight, I’m not cutting at all (220lbs).  I feel stronger, but my end goal is to still drop more weight in the future and compete in a lighter weight class.”

With his punching power, he is a very exciting prospect and someone to keep an eye on. I will be calling the fight from cage-side and MyMMANews will have up to the minute results and a full recap.

LISTEN BELOW:

'Beautiful' Bob Meloni

Commentator for Art of War Cagefighting. More than 15 years experience in the PA/NJ regional MMA circuit. Commentator/post fight interviews. Television/media/event production.  USKA Fight Sports media and production. The story of the fighter is what Bob loves about the sport. From the lowest level, to the highest, he only cares about the two warriors who do battle once the cage doors close. Everything else is secondary. Without their blood, sweat, and tears, he would not be here enjoying every minute.

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