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Owatonna, Minnesota

CWFC Fight Night 3: Speer v Nilsson

From: http://www.cagewarriors.com/news/article/cwfc_fight_night_3_speer_v_nilsson

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 6 finalist Tommy Speer will make his Cage Warriors debut next month when he tackles Mats Nilsson in a middleweight bout at Fight Night 3 in Lebanon, Beirut on February 11.

Speer (19-5-0), who fights out of Fiore MMA in Illinois, has fought twice in the UFC but was released by the organisation following his 2008 defeat to Anthony Johnson. The 27-year-old Minnesota native lost to Mac Danzig in the TUF 6 finale but is currently on a four-fight win streak stretching back to May 2010.

Hailing from Helsingborg in Sweden, Nilsson (7-1-1) is unbeaten in his last three outings and picked up impressive wins in 2011 against Nikos Sokolis and M-1 veteran Gregor Herb. The 28-year-old has also beaten fellow Swede Magnus Cedenblad, who signed with the UFC earlier this month.

“The Cage Warriors team spent a long time looking for a worthy opponent for Tommy Speer and I feel Mats Nilsson has the credentials to test him,” said CWFC matchmaker Ian Dean.

“He was in Thailand training when he accepted the fight and I’m really pleased to have secured another high-level European fighter for Fight Night 3. I think this bout is a superb addition to a card which already features several talented European fighters facing opposition from the US.”

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CFX/Extreme Challenge 188 Quick Results

Eric Davila def. Brock Larson by R1 KO.

Paul Bradley def. Eddie Larrea by R1 sub (arm triangle choke).

Tommy Speer def. Tat Romero by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

Melvin Blumer def. Courtney Buck by R1 KO.

Travis Reddinger def. Rocco Maggiore by R1 sub (rear-naked choke).

Mitch Jackson def. Gabe Greenberg by R3 sub (guillotine choke).

Marvin Blumer def. Jeremy Stetz by R3 sub (armbar).

Jeremy Lang def. Shane DeZee by R1 sub (rear-naked choke).

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Extreme Challenge 188 Just One Day Away!

• 170  Brock Larson (31-5) vs Eric Davila (19-10)
• 145  Mitch Jackson (17-2) vs Gabe Greenberg (14-2)
• 170  Tommy Speer (13-5) vs Tat Romero (18-3)
• 155  Ashkan Morvari (12-4) vs Travis Perzynski (30-6-1).
• 185  Jeremy Lang (20-2) vs Shane DeZee (20-14)
• 145  Courtney Buck (10-4) vs Melvin Blumer (3-1)
• 135  Travis Reddinger (15-3) vs Rocco Maggiore (2-0)
• 135  Jeremy Stetz (10-2) vs Marvin Blumer (4-1)
• 170  Paul Bradley (17-2) vs Eddie Larrea (11-14)

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CFX/Extreme Challenge 188 Fightcard

170: Brock Larson (31-5) vs. Eric Davila (19-10)

155: Ashkan Morvari (12-4) vs. Travis Perzynski (30-6-1)

170: Paul Bradley (17-2) vs. Robbie Gotreau (9-1)

185: Jeremy Lang (20-2) vs. Shane DeZee (20-14)

145: Courtney Buck (10-4) vs. Nate Schut (17-5)

170: Tommy Speer (13-5) vs. Tat Romero (18-3)

145: Mitch Jackson (17-2) vs. TBD

135: Travis Reddinger (15-3) vs. Chris Barrera (13-4)

135:  Jeremy Stetz (10-2) vs. Marvin Blumer (4-1)

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Extreme Challenge 170 Quick Results

LHW - Branden Noetzel def. Justin Rheaume by R1 sub (strikes).

LW - Dan Moret def. Corey Anderson by R1 sub (rear naked choke).

LW - Mike Zimmer def. Randy Lene by R2 TKO.

BW - Mitch Jackson def. Frank Johnson by R1 sub (D'arce choke).

MW - Jake Immel def. Kevin Peterson by R1 sub (triangle choke).

WW - Justin Kratzke def. Ryan Harmdierks by R2 sub (strikes).

LW - Ashkan Morvari def. Bobby Ferrier by R1 sub (rear naked choke).

WW - Jay Wood def. Dominic Oliver by R1 sub (guillotine choke).

WW - Tommy Speer def. Ryan Williams by R3 sub (triangle choke).

HW - Travis Wiuff def. Richard White by R1 sub (strikes).

HW - Kevin Asplund def. Reese Hernandez by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

WW - Paul Bradley def. Ted Worthington by R3 sub (neck crank).

SHW - Tim Sylvia def. Vince Lucero by R1 sub (strikes).

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CFX/Extreme Challenge 170 Just One Week Away!

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CFX/Extreme Challenge 170 Tickets On Sale Now!

• Jens Pulver vs Frank Johnson
• Tim Sylvia vs Vince Lucero
• Travis Wiuff vs TBA
• Kevin Asplund vs Resse Hernandez
• Tommy Speer vs TBA
• Paul Bradley vs TBA
• Adam McDonough vs Jay Wood
• Ashkan Morvari vs TBA
• Brandon Girtz vs TBA
• Corey Anderson vs Dan Moret
• Eric Yngsdal vs Mike Zimmer
• Justin Rheaume vs Brandon Noetzel
• Justin Kratzke vs Ryan Harmdiericks

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Pulver Returns To Minnesota; Target Center Card Taking Shape

The much-hyped CFX/Extreme Challenge promoted event scheduled for December 12 at Target Center has it's headline figher: former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver.  Nicknamed "Little Evil," Pulver brings in a career record of 22-14-1.  Having fought all around the world, Pulver has faced notable fighters like Joe Stevenson, Din Thomas, Caol Uno, Dennis Hallman, Takonori Gomi., Hayato Sakurai, Urijah Faber, and Javier Vazquez. He is one of only two fighters to have two victories over B.J. Penn.

The scheduled opponent for Pulver is West St. Paul native Frank Johnson.

The entire fightcard, which will include several top amateur fighters, should be announced sometime during the week.

Tentative Fightcard:

• Jens Pulver vs Frank Johnson
• Tim Sylvia vs Vince Lucero
• Travis Wiuff vs TBA
• Kevin Asplund vs Resse Hernandez
• Tommy Speer vs TBA
• Paul Bradley vs TBA
• Adam McDonough vs Jay Wood
• Ashkan Morvari vs TBA
• Brandon Girtz vs TBA
• Corey Anderson vs Dan Moret
• Eric Yngsdal vs Mike Zimmer
• Justin Rheaume vs Brandon Noetzel
• Justin Kratzke vs Ryan Harmdiericks

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Wiuff, Speer win at Gladiators in Rochester

Article from Rochester Post-Bulletin
By Ben Pherson

Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN 

Tommy Speer and Travis Wiuff were victorious Saturday night during mixed martial arts event "Gladiators" at Graham Arena.

Eyota product Logan Clark suffered a first round knockout loss to Jason Guida in his main-event fight at 205 pounds. The fight lasted just seven seconds before Guida landed on the second punch of a combination.

Speer earned a unanimous decision victory over Travis Perzynski at 170 pounds. Perzynski was impressive, though, and Speer was unable to finish the fight. Still, the Elgin native was dominant in all three rounds.

Wiuff's fight against Waylon Goldsmith didn't last long. Goldsmith took Wiuff down immediately, but from the bottom, Wiuff locked in an arm bar, and Goldsmith submitted just 20 seconds into the heavyweight matchup.

Chuck Parmelee pounded Mike Wenzel for the 170-pound Gladiators championship belt, winning by TKO in the third round.

Former Byron wrestler Heath Rud lost his MMA debut, falling by unanimous decision to Iowa native and fellow wrestling standout Blaze Gill at 170.

In other fights, Iowa native Matt Gabel defeated Grand Meadow native Tyler Knutson, Rochester's Josh Leithe beat Lake City's Cameron Befort and Rochester's Chris Barden downed Rochester Mike Hansen.

Wiuff, Speer, Clark set to fight tonight at Graham Arena

Article from Rochester-Post Bulletin:
By Ben Pherson

Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN

While the three main event-type fighters on Saturday's local mixed martial arts card all have new opponents, it appears that two of the three have taken a step up.

	If you go What: Professional and amateur mixed martial arts fights. When: 8 p.m. Saturday. Where: Graham Arena at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds. Who: Local fighters include Travis Wiuff, Tommy Speer, Logan Clark, Travis Perzynski, Chris Barden, Mike Hansen and Heath Rud. Other fighters will be announced in Friday's event preview. Tickets: $20 for general admission in advance, $30 at the door. Reserved seating is $45. Tickets are available at Kathy's Pub, all Andy's Liquor locations and from participating fighters. Info: UFC veteran Clay Guida was to make an appearance, but due to a scheduling conflict, Guida will not be able to attend.

Travis Wiuff, Logan Clark and Tommy Speer all will fight Saturday at Graham Arena during "Gladiators," an eight-fight MMA card being hosted by Kathy's Pub.

Originally, the three local standouts were scheduled to fight Chris Albandia, Dan Stittgen and Jason Guida, who all train at the Midwest Training Center in Illinois. That's the home camp of UFC veteran Clay Guida, who is the brother of Jason.

Last week, though, deals for the fighters from Midwest Training Center couldn't be worked out, so they backed out of the event, leaving organizers scrambling to find new opponents for Wiuff, Clark and Speer.

Stepping up to fight Speer was local product Travis Perzynski, who is a former Zumbrota-Mazeppa wrestler. Perzynski normally fights at 155 pounds, but he'll meet Speer (11-3) at 175 on Saturday.

It's a big jump in weight for Perzynski, who has more than 20 wins at 155 and only two losses.

Speer said he expects the weight difference to be a major advantage.

"Perzynski is tough, but I think my ground game is better than his," Speer said. "I think size and strength will be a factor. I'll weigh 190 pounds by the time the fight comes. Plus, I'm more experienced. He has more fights than me, but I've been in bigger fights."

Speer became sick recently, which is why the fight is at 175 instead of his normal 170.

"When I got sick, we tried to find an opponent for me at 185, because it's tough to cut weight when you're sick," Speer said. "When we couldn't find someone at 185, I guess Perzynski stepped up."

Speer has been doing most of his training for this fight with Mario Roberto at Fourth Street Gym, but he's also traveled to Winona to train with Mike Howell.

The former Plainview-Elgin-Millville and Rochester Community and Technical College standout said he hopes to use this fight as another steppingstone. He'd like to be fighting for a bigger promotion by the end of the year.

"I believe my manager has me fighting in Canada some time soon, but other than that, nothing is set up," Speer said. "I'd like to take another fight, get another win, and then be in Strikeforce or with someone big. Anything can happen, but that's what I'm hoping."

Guida steps up

When Clark's original opponent backed out, organizers lined him up with Iowa native and wrestling standout Josh Marsh. But Marsh became ill this week and had to back out of the fight.

Jason Guida, originally set to fight Wiuff in a heavyweight bout, stepped up and took the fight with Clark on short notice.

It's an intriguing matchup, since Guida is a large 205-pounder who fights often at heavyweight, and Clark is small for 205 pounds and normally fights at 185.

Clark says Guida's size and strong wrestling background pose problems. But he's still confident he will come away with a victory.

"I think it will be mint to fight Jason Guida," Clark said. "His power will work for him, especially when it comes to his wrestling. He's obviously a more accomplished wrestler. But I expect my conditioning will be sufficient to outweigh any power advantage he'll have."

A new wrestler

With Guida out of his fight against Wiuff, the former RCTC All-American needed a new opponent. Stepping up was former Briar Cliff wrestler Waylon Goldsmith.

Goldsmith is just 2-2 as a professional, though many of his fights around the Sioux City, Iowa, area aren't listed on his professional record.

Wiuff said he doesn't believe Goldsmith presents any significant challenge.

"He's a big guy," Wiuff said. "That's about all I know about him. But that's nothing new. It's unfortunate, but it happens. I don't prepare any differently."

Wiuff said his training has been going well. He's worked extensively on his striking, and he hopes to display some of those skills Saturday.

"But I always say that's my strategy, and then it changes when I step in the cage," Wiuff said. "I'm looking to entertain the fans. I feel stronger than I've ever been, so I think that will help."

Wiuff said his added strength can be attributed to his new strength coach, Wes Emmert, who writes a fitness column for the Post-Bulletin. "The guy's awesome," Wiuff said. "He's taken my strength training to a new level. I always thought I knew what I was doing, but his workouts are crazy."

Other local clashes

Former Rochester resident Mike Wenzel will fight for the "Gladiators" 170-title against Chuck Parmelee (27-9-1)

Parmelee is a veteran who has been in the cage against some of the sport's best, and he's very big for 170. He normally fights at 185.

Wenzel is a deadly striker who defeated local product Joel Schrimpf in his last Rochester fight. Wenzel has struggled to make weight in the past, and if he fails to get to 170 this time, the fight will not be for the title. It's scheduled to be a five-round fight.

In a highly anticipated rematch, Rochester fighters Mike Hansen and Chris Barden will clash at 205.

Barden knocked out Hansen in their last meeting, but Hansen feels the outcome will be different Saturday. He's been training regularly with Clark at Rochester MMA and feels he's improved greatly since the first matchup against Barden.

"I've been training very hard, and since I've been under Logan's wing, I've improved a lot," Hansen said. "I feel a lot more comfortable in there. My boxing, my jiu-jitsu, my wrestling, it's all better. This is an important fight. I want that loss back."

Hansen lost his last fight due to a brutal cut. He said he took about six months to let that cut heal, and he hasn't had trouble since then. "It won't be a problem. It hasn't opened up again," Hansen said.

Hansen said he doesn't have a specific game plan for Barden, who is a wild yet powerful striker.

"It's always my goal to put on a good show for the fans, win or lose," Hansen said. "I think my conditioning will be a really big advantage for me because I've been putting in the training."

Former Byron wrestler Heath Rud will make his MMA debut. Rud, who is training with Clark at Rochester MMA, is a former state wrestling place-winner, and he'll meet another former state place-winner in Blaze Gill, who placed at the Iowa high school tournament.

"Heath is the most accomplished wrestler we've trained with," Clark said. "I think he'll do well. If Heath Rud can throw a three-punch combo in his first ever MMA fight, then I'm a winner. I don't think I could do that in my first MMA fight."

Local fighters Josh Leithe, Cameron Belfort and Tyler Knutson also will be on the card. Knutson is fighting Iowa product Matt Gabel, and Leithe will square off against Belfort.

The eight-fight card is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Saturday. Minnesota MMA standout Brock Larson will make a guest appearance, replacing Clay Guida, who won't attend due to a scheduling conflict.

Tickets are $20 in advance and are available at Kathy's Pub, Andy's Liquor locations and from participating fighters. Tickets at the door are $30.

Extreme Challenge coming to Rochester

Promoter Monte Cox will see his promotion Extreme Challenge make its way back to Minnesota on January 31, when EC 119 will be held at Olmstead County Fairgrounds in Rochester. The event will feature top local fighters Travis Wiuff and Mike Wentzel. UFC TUF veteran Tommy Speer will also make an appearance.

Larson to face Speer in St. Cloud

Tom Speer will face Brock Larson in a submission grabbling match.

Tommy Speer to WEC

PHOTO BY: JESSE KELLEY

From Rochester Post-Bulletin:
Elgin ultimate fighter Tommy Speer released from UFC contract
5/12/2008 8:52:27 AM
By Ben Pherson
Post-Bulletin-Rochester, MN

Losing two consecutive fights appears to be unacceptable to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

After a pair of setbacks, Elgin mixed martial artist Tommy Speer recently was released from his Ultimate Fighting Championship contract.

Speer was a contestant on season six of hit reality TV show "The Ultimate Fighter." He finished as that season's runner-up, winning three fights before losing to Mac Danzig by first-round submission during the live TUF finale in December.

In Speer's most recent fight, he suffered a devastating 51-second knockout loss to Anthony Johnson last month at UFC's Fight Night 13.

Speer became a casualty of the UFC's most recent cuts; the organization is reportedly trying to trim its roster by 25 percent. Other big-name fighters, like Din Thomas, Jake O'Brien and Travis Lutter, also were released by the UFC.

Speer is 9-3 as a professional but 0-2 in the UFC (his three victories on the reality show don't count on his official record).

After his release, Speer said his manager, Monte Cox, was immediately contacted by World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC). Speer had been fighting for the WEC before he made the cast of "The Ultimate Fighter." The WEC is owned by the UFC and is considered the No. 2 mixed martial arts organization in the world. Eyota's Logan Clark also fought for the WEC, though he is not currently under contract with the organization.

Speer said the WEC has welcomed him back.

"They're pumped to have me back because they never wanted to lose me in the first place," Speer said. "We haven't talked about the money or length of contract yet, but I'll definitely be in the WEC. They're planning to get me on their next big event after their June event, probably in August."

When Speer first learned of his UFC release, he was disappointed. But now he's comfortable with the move.

"I didn't agree with it right away; it was depressing news," Speer said. "But now I know I lost to a great fighter, and he surprised me and everyone by how well he fought. I don't think it's too bad of a thing for me to be going to the WEC. There are great fighters there, too. I need to keep learning and working on my game, and the WEC is a great place to do that.

"I can't complain about what's happened, because have I put in as much time and effort as other people who have gotten to the UFC? No, I haven't. But I'm going to keep working on it as much as I can."

Speer is currently working on his family's farm outside Elgin. He had hoped to fight outside of the WEC prior to August, but a spider bite has halted his training.

"The doctors at Mayo (Clinic) said I was bit by a brown recluse spider (on my calf), so I'm on antibiotics," Speer said. "They said it might take a month to heal up. So I'm not training now, and I probably won't be able to fight until August, because I'll need some serious training time when I get back."

Speer said he still intends to travel to Missouri to train with former UFC champion Matt Hughes at his gym, H.I.T. Squad, prior to his fights. He spent a month training with Hughes prior to his last UFC fight.

"I won't be down there full-time because I still need to help on the farm. But I'll get down there whenever I can, and for sure before fights," Speer said.

Speer in The Ultimate Fighter finale

Minnesota native Tom Speer (9-1) will be fighting on Saturday in the finale of The Ultimate Fighter Season 6. The fights will air on SpikeTV at 8 PM.

Speer, who lives in Elgin, will face MMA veteran Mac Danzig (16-4-1) for the TUF welterweight contract with the UFC. Danzig has fought all around the country, including several matches in Gladiator Challege and King of the Cage. His last fight was against Japanese star Mach Sakurai at Pride 33 in Las Vegas. Sakurai won by KO late in the second round.

Speer has primarily fought in regional shows in the midwest, but his last official fight was in May with the Zuffa owned WEC. Speer won by KO over Sidney Silva (6-2).