Rich Patishnock - Photo by William McKee
Rich Patishnock and Matt Semelsberger meet head-on at AOW 17 on February 8
After more than a year away from the cage, Rich Patishnock will return to action in the first quarter of 2020 as he meets Matt Semelsberger at Art of War Cage Fighting 17 in Philadelphia.
The announcement came via the promotion’s Facebook page:
“AOW is excited to announce the return of Rich Patishnock (8-5) as he welcomes Matt Semelsberger (5-2) to the AOW cage February 8th. Two HIGH CALIBER welterweights ready for WAR!!”
“Rich is an OG,” Art of War promoter Mike Bickings told MyMMANews. “When I first got into the sport he was a high-level fighter. He’s fought members of the Gracie family and Justin Gaethje. He also had a big recent win over Paul Simms so he obviously is still sharp as ever. We are super excited to bring him to Art of War.”
Both fighters are entering AOW coming off wins for Maverick MMA.
Patishnock submitted Phil Simms in his last fight, a hard fought battle at Maverick 9 in September 2018.
Semelsberger recently defeated Kris Gratalo at Maverick 15. After a cageside physician would not allow Gratalo continue to compete following an injury sustained in the second round, Semelsberger won the night’s main event by way of TKO.
Art of War will be holding back-to-back nights of fights at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The Patishnock-Semelsberger fight is scheduled for the second of the two events.
