‘White Chocolate’ Matt Turnbull – “I have to fight Shawn for my MMA career to move on”
Interview with Matt Turnbull below:
Art of War Cage Fighting kicks off our 2024 season on March 23rd at the beautiful Valley Forge Casino, PA. There are many hungry, regional fighters looking for a fight, and AOW President Mike Bickings, and matchmaker Jillian Peterson, are about to take care of that at AOW 34: Turnbull v Stefanelli.
On the under card, there are a bunch of great matchups. At 185 lbs, Algeo MMA‘s Joey Milano is a fierce wrestler and competitor and I love his energy. He is in a great spot with Bill Algeo, who is currently fighting in the UFC, coaching a large fight team, and building his academy which all comes after being a loving, family man. He faces Grindhouse MMA‘s Temur Dvalishvili. Temur is also a tough competitor and also trains with some great coaches and partners, including Shawn Stefanelli, who is in the main event. Dvalishvili is a US citizen now, who came over from the Republic of Georgia years ago. Temur is very smart and in peak physical condition. This is going to be a crazy one.
Stephen Gresko vs Brad Eisenhauer collide at middleweight. Liam O’Toole, who was very impressive in his debut, welcomes debuter Michael Garcia at featherweight. Nikoloz Tsinsadze tangles with Antonio Aquaro. Droogs MMA leader AJ Discanni makes his MMA debut against Lee Moringo. Brandon Bohannan and Isiah Torres are both lightning at 125 lbs and both well-schooled.
Pro bouts
Josiah Swarr makes his pro debut, and it’s a tough one as he faces Vinny Oristaglio at featherweight. Swarr has been on a roll. Vinny is 1-2, but don’t let that fool you. He’s talented and tough.
Will Dill and Davi Young meet at lightweight. Dill hits like a hammer and has been grappling for 15 years. He’s comfortable anywhere and gets his iron sharpened at Martinez BJJ. Young has cardio for days and is always in great shape. He may need to try and drag this fight out. These gentlemen leave it all in the cage. I’ve seen it first-hand. A certified banger right here.
Christian Carr returns to AOW to take on Ricardo Jiminez at 145 lbs. Jiminez is gritty and NY tough fighting out of Animals MMA. Carr has been called a “Ninja”by our leader here at MyMMANews, Eric Kowal. Christian is 3-1 and looking to gain some momentum starting the year after a first round armbar finish in his last fight in 2023. Ricardo coming off of his first win, also wants that momentum.
Main Event
“White Chocolate” Matt Turnbull vs Shawn Stefanelli is finally happening, and it is at 145 lbs. These two are what Philly MMA is all about. Grinders…dogs…guys who had to work for everything and were given nothing. Stefanelli went from drinking a beer on his couch watching the UFC, to training at Grindhouse MMA and now having seven (4-3) career pro fights, including his last bout at PFL. He did not get the decision but represented himself and his team very well. Turnbull has been fighting since 2012 and bleeds Martinez BJJ blood. Matt has been a vital part of their team whether fighting himself, or helping other fighters prepare and improve. Mike Bickings President has said that the winner of this bout will get an opportunity to challenge 145 lb champion Christian Lopez so there is a lot at stake.
MyMMANews checked in with Matt Turnbull to see what was on his mind about the fight with Stefanelli. He told us…
“Shawn is tough. I have to fight Shawn for my MMA career to move on. Aside from the title shot, Stefanelli is the fight I have to complete before I can say I fought everyone in the area. Once I take him out, there’s no one else in the area besides Christian Lopez, who is a very good fighter and I’m looking forward to eventually mixing it up.”
Please check out our interview on the link above. Matt talks about The Fitness Spot, which is his new business venture as well as the fight and his Martinez family. MyMMANews will be all over this card as I will be on commentary and post-fight interviews as well as hosting the pre-fight show and post-fight press conference and sharpshooter William McKee will be catching the flying limbs and blood on the lens.
AOW 34 at Valley Forge Casino PA…March 23rd…Doors open 6pm… First bell 7pm
This event will be streamed on the Starfund App and be available as a PPV.
