MMA Chatter: NAFC BMO Harris Bradley Center: Meerschaert vs. Alvey; Smith vs. Magdaleno
MMA Chatter: NAFC BMO Harris Bradley Center: Meerschaert vs. Alvey; Smith vs. Magdaleno
As fighters approach the final hours remaining of their weight cut before tonight’s weigh-ins, tempers become short, words begin to fly in the direction of their opponents. NAFC’s weigh-ins are tonight for their historic event at Milwaukee’s largest stage, the BMO Harris Bradley Center. The home of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks will be filled with loyal MMA as they cheer on their fighters in two rematches taking place for the main and co-main event Saturday night.
Gerald Meerschaert III plans to repeat the result of last fight, after submitting “Smile’N” Sam Alvey in the fifth round of an epic battle. In the co-main event, Rachael Smith intends on reversing the decision loss she suffered during an amateur five round war against Raquel Magdaleno.
Last night on twitter the chatter began when Roufusport fighter Meerschaert III made a reference to Alvey that he’s going to beat him up inside the cage to the point the Team Quest fighter, Alvey, won’t be able to fight in his bout on June 7.
“@smilensam you know I’m not letting you out of that cage in any condition to fight June 7th.” Said Meerschaert on the social media network Twitter.
Last time these Wisconsin natives battled inside a cage, they went five epic rounds, putting on a battle for the Brew City. Alvey got caught in a choke hold, then did a somersault, which resulted in him tapping out with fifty-two seconds remaining in the match.
“I believe my wrestling is stronger than her striking! It’s what helped me get the W last time.” Said Madaleno, referring to her amateur battle with Smith. “I was always moving forward and had takedowns on her so that’s really what got me the W,” said the Roufusport female Strawweight.
Her zero lack of confidence will play a major factor in her second professional bout Saturday night, when she meets Smith at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Magdaleno plans to push the pace and continue using her decade of wrestling experience.
Magdaleno mentioned she’s been improving her transitions from wrestling control to submission attacks. She continues to train at Roufusport for little over a year and believes it has been “life changing.”
“I plan on taking the fight to her and will be looking for a first-round submission,” said Smith. Smith is making her professional debut when she enters the cage Saturday night at the BMOHBC.
Smith has changed her training regimen slightly during this camp. In past camps she felt she’s done too much strength and conditioning compared to specific fight training. In this camp she’s add an abundant of shark tanks, less pad work, and more live sparring.
Even though this is the professional debut for Smith, she’s no stranger to winning. On the amateur circuit she earned three MMA titles and one Muay Thai title.
“I have obtained 3 MMA titles and 1 Muay Thai Title as an amateur. MMA titles are for Donofrio Promotions, Total Warrior Combat and National Fighting Championship. Muay Thai was for Thai Boxing Association National tournament in 2011.” Said Smith, mentioning her amateur belts.
“I have gained many new skills in all aspects of the game, and I am mentally focused and ready to go.” Said Smith. She’s learned a lot about Rocky from the first fight and learned the most about herself from that fight. Smith is confident and ready for Rocky’s wrestling.
“Rocky does have good wrestling, I’m not going to take that away from her. Is my striking better than her wrestling? She has been wrestling her whole life. I started 5 years ago, but I took the time out to compete in Muay Thai and in boxing. Her wrestling may be great, but that just gets you to the ground, and I am very confident in my jiu jitsu skills. So, between the striking and the jiu jitsu, I believe that I have more tools in my toolbox.” Said Smith.
These two rematches should be excellent main and co-main events at the BMO Harris Bradley Center tomorrow night. Be sure to get tickets and in your seat when these fights get under way.
Pre-Fight Kick Off Party 2-3:30 pm at BMOHBC hosted by UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis features music by Milwaukee’s Dan Nathan and Well-Informed Citizens, plus a few more surprises.
Over 20 fights are planned on this mega fight card including women’s MMA! Doors 3:30 pm, undercard 4 pm, main card 7 pm CST.
Tickets ($35-$125) for the May 31st event are on sale at Ticketmaster.com and the BMO Harris Bradley Center Ticket Office. Private VIP Suites are also available for group rental. For more information and Fight Card, please visit NAFC.TV.
The BMO Harris Bradley Center Ticket Office is located at 1001 North Fourth Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203, 414-227-0894.
NAFC Contact: Scott Joffe, scott@nafc.tv.
