Photo by William McKee
ROC 79 hosts pro debut of Gunner “the Real McCoy” Spain
Video interview with Gunner Spain above
Ring of Combat, brought to you by former world kickboxing champion, Louis Neglia Jr and Dead Serious Promotions, kicks off their 2023 schedule on March 3rd. ROC 79 will be hosted as usual in Atlantic City, NJ inside the Showroom at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel Resort. Neglia is a pioneer in the combat sports world and takes extreme pride in providing the forum for mixed martial artists to display their hard work and skills. Nothing makes him happier than seeing them succeed and go on to bigger things such as the UFC. Over 160 fighters are ROC alumnus and have gone on to achieve success, including 6 world champions.
There are several fighters making their pro debut. 21-year-old Gunner Spain is among them. Spain is a fighter that I have followed since he started his career three short years ago. He has fought to a 6-0 amateur record and has wrestled for Drexel University, where he is currently enrolled. The young man has his stuff together as he continues his studies to become an aerospace engineer.
“The Real McCoy” Gunner Spain will face Chris Guariglia, who is 1-1 and has gone the full 15 minutes in both of his fights. McCoy will not be intimidated at all. He started his training at Nick Catone MMA and has since relocated to Philadelphia for school and now calls Marquez MMA and Daniel Gracie Philly home. They have welcomed him with open arms, including the host of UFC fighters in the room. One of his main training partners has been Patrick Sabatini.
I reached out to Gunner and asked him what his plans were for fight week. He tells us…
“Mostly school, and cutting weight is on the agenda. I actually have an exam on so I will be studying and taking the test during the cut while I’m at the Tropicana in Atlantic City. Wednesday take the test. Thursday make weight, and then Friday night we’re putting on a show. Bring your hat.”
Please check out our interview on the link above.
I’ve heard so many good things about Gunner and am excited to see him up close. I will be cageside on commentary and will have a recap with results right here at MyMMANews where we continue to give regional combat sports the time it deserves. If you can’t make it to the event, you can download the Airy.TV app or visit the website and stream it absolutely free.
