On Friday April 11th, BATTLEQUEST returns to the Denver area with its eighth installment entitled TAPOUT!. 

In the main event Team Jackson fighter John "The Magician" Dodson will take on Vern Baca of Gumm MMA. 

Dodson hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico and has a record of 7-3. The charismatic fighter has been described as having a "Sakuraba Style". Flips, spins, cartwheels and smiles are all part of Dodson's arsenal. His exciting style has earned him a trip to Japan and soon after a spot on a ROF affiliate event. Promoter Sven Bean was impressed and offered a shot at the ROF 135 Belt. Dodson wowed the crowd from bell to bell, but in the end lost a decison to Joe Doherty. Dodson can take risks that thrill the audience, but he also backs it up with determination, athleticism and skill. His camp at Jacksons is a who's who of MMA, and training there gives him the confidence to pull off his acrobatic attacks. He is looking to make a big impact at Battlequest and take the next step in his MMA career, and hopefully get noticed by a national promotion.

As a senior in high school, Vern Baca compiled a perfect 35-0 season. He captured the State Championship that year which led to a wrestling scholarship to the Colorado School Of mines. The agressive wrestler is long time veteran of RING OF FIRE. Originally fighting at 155, and facing some of the strongest lightweights on the roster, Baca always came in as the much smaller opponent. In early 2007 Baca dropped to his more natural walk around weight of 145, and immediately racked up a win against Gerald Lovato of FIT NHB. At Battlequest, Baca will drop to 135 for the first time in his fight career. The cut to 135 isn't a big deal, according to coach and UFC veteran Brad Gumm. Gumm feels this is the perfect weight class, and that the compact powerhouse will finally settle into his MMA groove. 

BATTLEQUEST is known as a breeding ground for new talent and is the feeder show to the popular RING OF FIRE Championship Fighting promotion. The night will feature at least 10 matches and will take place at the Softball Country Sports Pavilion. The Sports Pavilion is a great venue for fight events as it also the home of Poor Boys Professional Boxing series. 

**TAPOUT WILL BE AT BATTLEQUEST** 

You have watched their show on the Versus Network! 

You have seen them cageside at the UFC and WEC events! 

Now this is your chance to join MASK, PUNKASS and SKYSCRAPE live and in person as their TV show rolls through the Mile High city. 

"Traveling around the country in a tricked out tour bus, the crew is on the hunt to discover a fighter who has what it takes to represent the TapouT label; and before these up and comers fight their way out of the cage, they have to fight their way in with the TapouT crew. The crew bonds with their fighter testing out his personality, and in between the usual TapouT mayhem makes sure their new protégé gets the proper training before the big fight. In each episode, it's all on the line in the dramatic conclusion as each fighter gets one shot to impress the crew and show off his skills in the cage."

Last year TAPOUT filmed at a RING OF FIRE event. The episode was seen by millions of MMA fans across the world, and helped to launch the career of Donald COWBOY Cerrone. 

Come and be a part of the national TV show filming, live, April 11th as they hit the Battlequest 8 event in search of their next big MMA breakout star!

Tickets can be purchased at any KING SOOPERS location or online at www.ticketswest.com. You can also charge by phone at 866-464-2626. Doors will open at 6:30 and the first bout will start promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Rows 1-2 $50.00, Rows 3-6 $35.00, Rows 7-14 $25.00, Bleachers $25.00

Visit www.rofmma.com over the next few weeks for updates to the fight card, in depth interviews and fighter bios.

Comments (45)

Killaking173 said:

so is berg pro??? what about Brandon Thatch?

March 22, 2008

ninja said:

i believe this is thatchs first fight as a pro...just something i heard not actual fact

March 22, 2008

Killaking173 said:

yeah last i spoke to him he was gonna go pro.. he's 170 right?

March 22, 2008

same ninja said:

yeah and he is definitely a much bigger 170 then his first two fights

March 22, 2008

nasTY1 said:

when will we see the whole fight card?

March 24, 2008

Yourmom said:

WTF!! When is the fight card comming out for this??

March 26, 2008

Team Danger said:

Ian Berg will be fighting for the Battle Quest amateur 185 lb. title. He is not going Pro at this time.

March 28, 2008

nasTY said:

fight card....

March 31, 2008

MMAbuzz said:

Fight card is updated.

March 31, 2008

Dinstitute said:

This is going to be a great fight. If you've never seen John Dodson fight, you're in for a treat. He is acrobatic and fun to watch. The Defense Institute also has two fighters on this card with Roberto Rodriguez and Joe Kaderli.

March 31, 2008

money mike said:

This is gonna be a great show. Pacific warriors has 3 on the card - Phil Gonzalez, Jimmy Park, And Justin Shrewsbury. Good luck to your guys at the D.I. And also good luck to everyone else on the card.

April 01, 2008

Dinstitute said:

Mike, good luck to you guys as well. Looks like we have two of our fighters matched up directly with Joe Kaderli and Justin Shrewsberry. I look forward to meeting you guys on the other side of the cage. Hopefully their fight will make it on the Tap Out show.

April 01, 2008

MMAbuzz said:

From Brandon Thatch's MySpace Bulletin " I wanted to let everyone know....... I have a pinched nerve in my neck and a possible bulged disc. I also wanted to apologize to my apponent. I know it's hard to get ready for a fight mentaly as well as physically. I plan on fighting on the next Ring of Fire. Again to all my supporters I'm sorry but if I did end up fighting and lost I would destroy myself mentaly wondering what if I was healthy...... B RUKUS!!!"

April 01, 2008

tattooedMailman said:

Good Luck to all on the Card! especially to the Pacific Warriors/Major fitness fighters!! We will be in your corner.

April 02, 2008

Yourmomsfavorite said:

Aaron Trujillo backed out of the fight with Roberto Rodriguez due to health reasons.

April 09, 2008

MMAbuzz said:

That's too bad to hear about Aaron. Hope he gets well soon. I know Roberto's been training like a mad man for this fight, I'm sure he's bummed it's not gonna happen. Maybe sometime soon.

April 09, 2008

Yourmomsfavorite said:

I think they may have found a replacement fight for him at 145... but we will see. I know hes dieing to get in the ring/cage.

April 09, 2008

OK said:

WHAT HAPPEN TO THE RING OF FIRE

April 09, 2008

ChrisZacher said:

they are throwing a show soon. Flyers were at the UFC in Broomfield.

April 09, 2008

Dinstitute said:

Nothing happened to the Ring of Fire. Sven has always used the Battlequest as a feeder show for up and coming talent. A lot of fighters on Ring of Fire started out on Battlequest.

April 09, 2008

S2H said:

There is an updated card. Julie Kedzie is fighting Angela Hayes.

April 10, 2008

ChrisZacher said:

where does Angela Hayes train at in COS?

April 10, 2008

ChrisZacher said:

I also liek watching Kedzie fight, but man, she got w hooped in ShowXc. hopefully she will come back strong here.

April 10, 2008

MMAbuzz said:

A very solid card. Thanks for the update Scotty.

April 10, 2008

S2H said:

Thanks for posting it. Going to the weigh ins?

April 10, 2008

MMAbuzz said:

Eh, not gonna make the weight ins. Funny, out of all the shows I've covered I've not been to one weigh in....yet.

April 10, 2008

tattooedMailman said:

when did Joe Kaderli pull out of the fight!! We were never notified. I just happened to notice our fighter Justin Shrewsbury not on the card..........

April 10, 2008

Quinn said:

good luck guys phil/justin/jimmy. kick sum ass

April 10, 2008

Kate said:

Go Ralston and Rory!!!

April 10, 2008

Kate said:

oh yeah, and Im *so stoked* to see the Hayes/Kedzie bout!

April 10, 2008

S2H said:

Yeah Kate, maybe a future opponent there. FYI there will be tickets available at the door. The weigh ins were alot of fun. My kids dressed up as "mini tapout". Mask, Skyscrape and my 1 and 1/2 year old daughter was punk azz, but she was sleeping. Got some good pics of mini tapout with large tapout.

April 11, 2008

MMAbuzz said:

Scotty, you gonna post those pics somewhere? I'd love to see that. Especially the 18 month old Punk Azz!

April 11, 2008

S2H said:

I can post the ones my wife took here if you want.

April 11, 2008

MMAbuzz said:

If you post them in your profile only the registered users can see them, not the ninjas.

April 11, 2008

ChrisZacher said:

you can look at my avatar mike, I know you think he is hot.

April 11, 2008

Kate said:

S2H well, I dont think Ill be beefing up past 120lbs any time soon- but I am a big fan of Kedzies well-rounded abilities! Oh, and you definatly have to post those pics! That sounds too cute! Oh, and Mikes old avatar was *hillarious*- Im sad it got changed :(

April 11, 2008

MMAbuzz said:

Eh...thanks a lot Kate...

April 11, 2008

ChrisZacher said:

ohh yeeeaaah

April 11, 2008

Kate said:

LMAO

April 11, 2008

Kate said:

btw cool new comment boxes *kudos*

April 11, 2008

mrmusclemaker said:

Chris what the hell is that?

April 11, 2008

mrmusclemaker said:

A wilted wilderbeast? LMAO

April 11, 2008

ChrisZacher said:

it is the essense of man, just like I am.

April 11, 2008

nasTY said:

a merman... (from zoolander)

April 11, 2008

JRSFITNESS said:

Battlequest 8: TAPOUT Written by J. R. Gordon Sven Bean's Ring of Fire and ColoradoFightEvents.com held the eigth installment of the Battlequest show at The Softball Country Sports Pavilion. THis show appropriateply titled, "TAPOUT" was attended by the Tapout crew as they scouted fighters and sponsored bouts for an upcoming episode(s) of their show on the VS network. There were two women's matches on the card and one title bout. Greg Jackson's school out of New Mexico had a strong contingent of fighters on the card and several other states were also represented. Now on to the action. Bout one: Matt Simms Vs Travis Ramirez. Sims scores in succession three takedowns. On the last one he kept it on the mat, worked his GNP, transitioned to back control and sunk in the RNC for the submission victory at 1:13 of round one. Bout two: John Doremus Vs Phil Gonzalez. Nearly all of round one was technical, fast paced stand-up fighting with Doremus having the advantage. In the last ten seconds of the round Doremus scored a takedown and worked GNP from side mount. Doremus landed an accidental groin kick to start roune two, and after the restart Doremus again got the takedown into side mount including strong knees to the body of Gonzalez. Gonzalez tried to buck and roll to escape, and nearly did so, but Doremus took back control and sunk in the RNC for the tapout win at 2:02 of round two. Bout three: Roberto Rodriguez Vs Kevin Lucero. Lucero took control early with a takedown into mount, then GNP, then a transition to back control into a RNC attempt when Rodriguez tried to roll to escape. When rolling in to escape the choke Rodriguez gave Lucero top control and from half-mount Lucero he got the TKO win with GNP when the referee stopped the bout at 2:22 of round one. Bout four: Cody East Vs Zac Mathews. Mathews started off with a leaping superman punch. East caught him in mid-air and scoop slammed him. From his back Mathews tried for a triangle choke, but East passed guard and tried for aKimura. Mathews escaped, scrambled to standing, but East got another takedown into side control and this time he got the Kimura sunk in for the submission victory at 1:14 of round one. Bout five: Rob Celani Vs Jay Wymer. Celani got a double leg takedown into north/south, then he transitioned to back control for some GNP before setting in the RNC for the tapout win at 1:29 of round one. Bout six: Angelo Gallegos Vs Tyler Rodgers. Gallegos got the early takedown off of a trapped kick, and when on the mat both fighters traded sweeps, submission attempts and defensive maneuvers until the bell ended round one. Round two Had Gallegos again getting a takedown off of a trapped kick and on the mat he worked GNP while Rodgers worked submission attempts off of his back. Gallegos improved his position by taking half mount and from there he locked in the Kimura for the tapout victory at 1:13 of round one. Bout seven: Coy Sasse Vs Rory O'Farrell. While clinched both fighters threw good knee strikes and O'Farrell scored several takedowns, but Sasse managed to scramble back to standing several times. After landing a crisp punching combination O'Farrell scored another takedown, but in a scramble Sasse set in a triangle choke and he was able to close it off for the tapout victory at 2:33 of round one. Bout eight: Ryan McKee Vs Ralston Baker. Both fighters landed strong kicks early and McKee was kept busy defending multiple takedown attempts from Baker. Baker nearly took back control while standing, McKee defended the position. Then, off of a takedown Baker took mount to work a strong GNP attack that had the referee intervening to stop the match and give Baker the TKO win at 2:02 of round one. Bout nine: Krystal Macatol Vs Cat Albert. Albert started quickly with a strong flurry of punches after a high kick. After initiating the clinch Albert scored a hip-toss takedown into side control. From there she transitioned to back/side control to set up the armbar. At :51 of round one Macatol tapped out and Albert got took home the victory. Bout 10: Vadian La Luz Vs Ian Berg for the Battlequest middleweight championship. La Luz initiated an early takedown, but Berg landed in side control and worked GNP until the fighters worked their way back to their feet. The rest of the round was mostly clinch work with each landing strong knee strikes, trying for and defending takedowns. After an early clinch to start round two Berg got a takedown into half-mount. La Luz however regained guard and each worked GNP. Berg secured back control after a scramble just as round two ended. Round three had the combatants working in and out of the clinch with each landing punches and knees. Berg scored a takedown and in quick succession had to defend an triangle, then an rrmbar as La Luyz worked from his back. The bell signaled the end of the bout and when the scores were tallied Berg was announced as the winner by split decision. Congratulations to Ian Berg for getting to take home the belt. Bout 11: Julie Kedzie Vs Angela Hayes in a the CO-Main event; a TAPOUT sponsored bout. Kedzie shot for a takedown off of a Hayes leg kick and Hayes defended by setting a standing guillotine choke. Kedzie defended the choke and scored with a takedown into side control. Off of her back Hayes again tried for a guillotine, but Kedzie escaped and worked her GNP attack from hal mount whild Hayes worked for a sweep from the bottom. Kedzie passed guard into full mount and used a GNP flurry to set up an armbar submission that had Hayes tapping out at 4:26 of round one and Kedzie taking home the win. Bout 12: John Dodson Vs Vern Baca in the Main Event; another TAPOUT sponsored bout. Dodson got a leg sweep takedown after trapping a kick. Baca scrambled back up and each fighter showed good clinch work off of the fence. Baca scored a leg trip takedown, but Dodson quickly got back to his feet and out of the clinch both fighters had a good punch flurry. Dodson then landed a head kick and there was a good punch exchange before Dodson got a slam takedown. Baca had a deep guilotine choke set in off of the slam as the round ended. Round two had Dodson defending a deep shot of Baca, and once rebalanced Dodson got a big scoop slam takedown that had Baca (unintentionally) landing on his head and severly wrenching his neck. Dodson closed in for a GNP finish, but the referee intervened and stopped the bout. Baca remained on the canvas for several tense minutes, but after Baca stood and congratulated Dodson the referee raised the hand of Dodson and he was announced as the winner at 1:06 of round one. Battlequest is primarily a feeder show for the bigger Ring of Fire show. If the fights of this night are used as an indicator of up and coming talent then the fight fans of Colorado are in for good fights for years to come. Best in Health and Training, J. R. Gordon.

April 12, 2008