Mike Campbell, a resident of Franklin, MA and an MMA fighter coached by Tom Hafers, owner of United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) studio in Bellingham, MA and New England Boxing Champion Matt Phinney, is set for a nationally televised WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting) bout at the San Diego Sports Arena on January 25, 2009.
Campbell, at 5’8” and 170 lbs. will put his perfect 6-0 record on the line against his opponent, Danillo Villefort, a 6’1”, 170 lbs. fighter holding an established 8-2 record. The two will meet in the WEC, one of the largest mixed martial arts organizations in the world. Facing talented fighters is nothing new to Campbell however, as his past two fights have been against some of the toughest New England has to offer. Campbell was named “Fighter of the Month” in MassMMA in June after defeating top-ranked welterweight Rich Moskowitz by KO in the first round. He then went on to defeat Tim Pinney. That fight being televised later in a reality MMA TV show called Tapout that featured Campbell and followed him through his training.
“I’m very excited about the match. Both Tom and Matt at USMMA are great coaches who have helped me get where I am today. I’ve trained hard and I’m definitely ready to take on Villefort,” noted Campbell. Campbell’s training for Mixed Martial Arts competition is made up of a compilation of combat skills involving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Thai boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and judo. These skills, coupled with his conditioning, will be Campbell’s advantage in the cage on January 25th.
Campbell’s match precedes the World Lightweight Championship match between Jamie Varner and undefeated Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone main event and the co-main event rematch of Urijah Faber against Jens Pulver. This show is a step up in class, though the lights and cameras are nothing new to Campbell. “We’ve had the cameras around for the fights before and it wasn’t a issue. My focus is on the task at hand and I have a great team behind me that I know I can count on,” says Campbell.
Mike Campbell and his training camp will arrive in San Diego a few days before the event for final preparations. Weigh-ins are held the day before and Campbell will fight the following night. “This has been one of the toughest training camps I’ve run,” says Hafers. “Mike is in peak condition and his skills are there to match. I am very impressed by his work ethic; he has a very bright future ahead of him.”
With the training camp winding down and the fight date fast approaching, Campbell, Hafers, and Phinney put the finishing touches into training. Like so many great fighters from the past, Campbell appears to wear the mantle of a champion with a confident familiarity. His greatest test now coming before him, Mike Campbell is poised and ready to show the world in explosive fashion, the product of all his hard work.
The WEC event will be televised nationally on VERSUS at 9:30 p.m. EST (Visit the website versus.com/findversus to find the fight.) Tickets may be purchased through the San Diego Sports Arena Box Office or through Ticketmaster at 619-220-8497 or at ticketmaster.com.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
USMMA’s Matt Phinney Wins USA Boxing New England Championship Finals
Golden Gloves winner Matt Phinney, a manager and trainer at United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) studio in Bellingham, MA won the recent USA Boxing New England Championship finals held at the Portland Boxing Club in Portland, ME.
Phinney a resident of Medway, Mass, won a unanimous decision over Hector Martinez of Holyoke, Mass., in the novice welterweight division. The New England Championship is his second “big win” this year. Back in May, Phinney won the regional Golden Gloves boxing tournament in Lowell, going 5-0 to be named Champion in the 152-pound division in his first novice tournament.
Though the New England Championship match is an amateur event, it is well-respected with thousands in attendance. Phinney’s goal is to progress in the industry of boxing towards the Olympics.
Phinney trains with Tom Hafers, owner of USMMA and Peter Welch, a former Golden Gloves champion and boxing trainer. Mixed Martial Arts, a compilation of combat skills involving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Thai boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and judo, are incorporated into his training as a boxer.
Along with training for and winning tournaments, Phinney juggles being a student (majoring in Sports Management) at Mount Ida College in Newton with his job at USMMA which includes teaching adults and children jujitsu, wrestling, and mixed martial arts.
Hafers, who has been training Phinney for five years explained, “Matt knows what he wants; creates specific goals; focuses on them; works hard and succeeds in attaining those goals. He’s a great role model. I’m confident he will make it to the Olympics.”
The Portland Boxing Club
The 122 year-old, non-profit Portland Boxing Club promotes amateur boxing under the auspices of the USA Boxing, Inc. and provides its registered members with a wide range of Olympic style boxing techniques and strategies. For more information about the club, visit their website at PortlandBoxingClub.org.
About USMMA
USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.
USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.
Phinney a resident of Medway, Mass, won a unanimous decision over Hector Martinez of Holyoke, Mass., in the novice welterweight division. The New England Championship is his second “big win” this year. Back in May, Phinney won the regional Golden Gloves boxing tournament in Lowell, going 5-0 to be named Champion in the 152-pound division in his first novice tournament.
Though the New England Championship match is an amateur event, it is well-respected with thousands in attendance. Phinney’s goal is to progress in the industry of boxing towards the Olympics.
Phinney trains with Tom Hafers, owner of USMMA and Peter Welch, a former Golden Gloves champion and boxing trainer. Mixed Martial Arts, a compilation of combat skills involving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Thai boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and judo, are incorporated into his training as a boxer.
Along with training for and winning tournaments, Phinney juggles being a student (majoring in Sports Management) at Mount Ida College in Newton with his job at USMMA which includes teaching adults and children jujitsu, wrestling, and mixed martial arts.
Hafers, who has been training Phinney for five years explained, “Matt knows what he wants; creates specific goals; focuses on them; works hard and succeeds in attaining those goals. He’s a great role model. I’m confident he will make it to the Olympics.”
The Portland Boxing Club
The 122 year-old, non-profit Portland Boxing Club promotes amateur boxing under the auspices of the USA Boxing, Inc. and provides its registered members with a wide range of Olympic style boxing techniques and strategies. For more information about the club, visit their website at PortlandBoxingClub.org.
About USMMA
USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.
USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.
USMMA Coat Drive for “Project Just Because” Tops Expectations
There are a number of adults and children who will be much warmer this winter thanks to the Coat Drive held at USMMA (United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center) in Bellingham.
The annual Coat Drive promoted by Dorothy Handy for Project Just Because, was well-received by USMMA members and visitors alike who donated a total of 98 coats. Project Just Because is a local charity (projectjustbecause.org) that ensures that all of the coats collected are given to families in need. Personal requests from families in need throughout the area are made directly to Project Just Because and fulfilled.
According to Ms. Handy, “The generosity of the community in which you have created just amazes me. This helped us surpass our goal significantly. We collected 170 more coats this year overall. In these very challenging economic times, our capacity to help the less fortunate is a gift, as it truly is better to give than to receive.”
“We wish to thank all the donors, volunteers and businesses who helped make a difference. When people drop a coat or warm item into a box or bin, they sometimes wonder where it goes. 10 years ago, I started Project Just Because. In 2007 our auditors’ report has $4 million dollars worth of items we gave out to families in need. Our concept remains the same - to help as many men, women and children directly. If you donate a warm coat or pair of boots, it goes right into our bins and coat racks and the very next person who e-mails or calls for a warm coat in the size you donated receives a warm coat because you took the time and directly make a difference. I thank you from the bottom of my heart because without each of you opening your heart and helping, we would not be able to help as many as we do,” Cherylann Lambert Walsh, President, Project Just Because.
According to USMMA owner Tom Hafers, “Times are tough for everyone and we all need to help one another out whenever possible. Everyone really stepped up to the plate and we thank all who helped make the coat drive a success.”
To learn more about Project Just Because, visit the website projectjustbecause.org or call (508) 435-6511.
About USMMA
USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.
USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.
The annual Coat Drive promoted by Dorothy Handy for Project Just Because, was well-received by USMMA members and visitors alike who donated a total of 98 coats. Project Just Because is a local charity (projectjustbecause.org) that ensures that all of the coats collected are given to families in need. Personal requests from families in need throughout the area are made directly to Project Just Because and fulfilled.
According to Ms. Handy, “The generosity of the community in which you have created just amazes me. This helped us surpass our goal significantly. We collected 170 more coats this year overall. In these very challenging economic times, our capacity to help the less fortunate is a gift, as it truly is better to give than to receive.”
“We wish to thank all the donors, volunteers and businesses who helped make a difference. When people drop a coat or warm item into a box or bin, they sometimes wonder where it goes. 10 years ago, I started Project Just Because. In 2007 our auditors’ report has $4 million dollars worth of items we gave out to families in need. Our concept remains the same - to help as many men, women and children directly. If you donate a warm coat or pair of boots, it goes right into our bins and coat racks and the very next person who e-mails or calls for a warm coat in the size you donated receives a warm coat because you took the time and directly make a difference. I thank you from the bottom of my heart because without each of you opening your heart and helping, we would not be able to help as many as we do,” Cherylann Lambert Walsh, President, Project Just Because.
According to USMMA owner Tom Hafers, “Times are tough for everyone and we all need to help one another out whenever possible. Everyone really stepped up to the plate and we thank all who helped make the coat drive a success.”
To learn more about Project Just Because, visit the website projectjustbecause.org or call (508) 435-6511.
About USMMA
USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.
USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.
New Class Schedule at USMMA in Bellingham
USMMA (United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center) in Bellingham, has recently announced a new class schedule.
USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.
The new schedule includes these new classes:
According to USMMA instructor and owner Tom Hafers, “We have classes to suit everyone and every ability. Our focus is on total body wellness and we strive to help every one of our clients meet their personal fitness goals.”
About USMMA
USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.
USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.
The new schedule includes these new classes:
- A Fundamentals class will be held from 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. On Monday and Wednesday, Jiu Jitsu is offered, and Tuesday and Thursday, Thai Boxing is offered.
- A Multi-level class will be held from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- An Advanced class will be held Monday through Friday from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., with
- Thai Boxing and Jiu Jitsu on previously scheduled days.
- A new Power Yoga class will run on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m.
- A new Power Yoga class will be held on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
According to USMMA instructor and owner Tom Hafers, “We have classes to suit everyone and every ability. Our focus is on total body wellness and we strive to help every one of our clients meet their personal fitness goals.”
About USMMA
USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.
United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) training center offers free workshop and hands-on demonstrations
t is the fastest growing sport since NASCAR and giving professional boxing a run for its money, but what exactly is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)? Some say that it is the sheer violence and ferocity that surrounds the sport of MMA that has spurred controversy as well as impressive TV ratings.
USMMA, located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham, is hosting an open house and workshop, “What is an Ultimate Fighter?”, to introduce and demonstrate the sport of Mixed Martial Arts on Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 10AM – 1PM, at its Bellingham training and yoga center. As the fastest growing sport, especially among young people, there is much to be learned about MMA such as the athleticism involved and the real fighters and their stories.
Critics, including prominent politicians and concerned parents, have called for a ban on the sport. Presidential hopeful John McCain refers to it as “Human Cockfighting”. As many as 35 states have hosted sanctioned MMA events proving that there is no questioning the sports popularity.
SpikeTV was the first cable television network to showcase the sport with “The Ultimate Fighter,” reality series. Fans of the sport can easily tune in at almost any time and view a fight and it is taking off like wildfire outselling pay-per-view sales of boxing matches 10 to 1.
“It’s not just one of those cult sports anymore. It’s really become mainstream,” said Tom Hafers, CEO of the United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) program, in Bellingham, MA. “We are passionate about Mixed Martial Arts and are excited to share it with everyone interested in its explosive growth,” he said.
USMMA is home to International Ultimate Fighting Champions including co-owner Jorge Rivera, also known as “El Conquistador”, and several other emerging MMA stars like Mike Campbell. Campbell was recently chosen for the reality show “TapouT” on SpikeTV.
Just what is this sport all about? The goal of the workshop hosted by Hafers and Rivera, is to introduce Mixed Martial Arts with a brief presentation and hands-on demonstration. In addition to demonstrations, attendees will have the honor of meeting Ultimate Fighting Champions. They will answer questions for anyone wanting to learn about MMA or their fighting experiences. Light refreshments will also be provided.
The event, located at the state-of-the-art padded training center, will focus on the various mixed martial arts programs including:
The United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center, located on Hartford Avenue in Bellingham, focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. This is accomplished through a four-pronged approach to reality self-defense training centered in total body wellness.
The state of the art, 4 thousand-square foot training facility is complete with a 2 thousand-square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 15 hundred-square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. To contact USMMA, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.
USMMA, located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham, is hosting an open house and workshop, “What is an Ultimate Fighter?”, to introduce and demonstrate the sport of Mixed Martial Arts on Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 10AM – 1PM, at its Bellingham training and yoga center. As the fastest growing sport, especially among young people, there is much to be learned about MMA such as the athleticism involved and the real fighters and their stories.
Critics, including prominent politicians and concerned parents, have called for a ban on the sport. Presidential hopeful John McCain refers to it as “Human Cockfighting”. As many as 35 states have hosted sanctioned MMA events proving that there is no questioning the sports popularity.
SpikeTV was the first cable television network to showcase the sport with “The Ultimate Fighter,” reality series. Fans of the sport can easily tune in at almost any time and view a fight and it is taking off like wildfire outselling pay-per-view sales of boxing matches 10 to 1.
“It’s not just one of those cult sports anymore. It’s really become mainstream,” said Tom Hafers, CEO of the United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) program, in Bellingham, MA. “We are passionate about Mixed Martial Arts and are excited to share it with everyone interested in its explosive growth,” he said.
USMMA is home to International Ultimate Fighting Champions including co-owner Jorge Rivera, also known as “El Conquistador”, and several other emerging MMA stars like Mike Campbell. Campbell was recently chosen for the reality show “TapouT” on SpikeTV.
Just what is this sport all about? The goal of the workshop hosted by Hafers and Rivera, is to introduce Mixed Martial Arts with a brief presentation and hands-on demonstration. In addition to demonstrations, attendees will have the honor of meeting Ultimate Fighting Champions. They will answer questions for anyone wanting to learn about MMA or their fighting experiences. Light refreshments will also be provided.
The event, located at the state-of-the-art padded training center, will focus on the various mixed martial arts programs including:
- Mixed Martial Arts: Mixed Martial Arts is a compilation of combat skills involving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Thai Boxing, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Judo and Boxing, in what is quickly evolving into one of the most popular sports in the world.
- Thai Boxing: Thai Boxing, the national sport of Thailand, is a martial art that involves striking with the hands, feet, elbows and knees. Known as the “Art of the Eight Limbs,” Thai Boxing equips practitioners with the ability to execute strikes from eight different points, giving them a greater arsenal of defense techniques in contrast to boxing and kickboxing. The sport is widely practiced throughout Southeast Asia and is quickly gaining popularity in the United States.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, known as BJJ, is a martial art rooted in ground fighting and submission wrestling. First developed in Brazil by the world-renown Gracie family, BJJ promotes the belief that a weaker individual using proper leverage and technique can successfully defend his or herself from a larger, stronger opponent.
- Boxing: Boxing is often called the Western martial art, but it is more accurately identified as a martial sport. It probably originated in ancient Greece or Rome, as there is evidence that the Greek pankratium (also spelled pankration) competitions included a boxinglike event. The pugilistic sport then spread to most every Western country, and in the early 20th century it became a popular spectator sport. Boxing techniques have played an important role in the development of modern kickboxing, since they are often judged as being more effective than the hand techniques of the Asian martial arts. The techniques are now being added to the curriculum at many schools that teach eclectic martial arts.
- Judo: Judo was intended to be a martial sport derived from jujutsu. Created by Jigoro Kano in the 1880s, it enjoyed much popularity as its practitioners routinely defeated students of other martial arts. Kano created the Kodokan Judo Institute in 1882 as the governing body for the sport. Later, it was adopted into the curriculum of Japanese public schools. Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964, when the Games were held in Tokyo. Judo training emphasizes throwing an opponent to the ground by grasping his body or uniform. Once down, a variety of chokes and joint locks may be used to effect a submission. Two important parts of judo training- character development and morality-make judo a preferred martial art for children to practice.
- Wrestling: Wrestling is a combative sport that probably originated in ancient Greece and Rome. It is practiced in various forms in most cultures of the world (sumo in Japan, ssirum in Korea, khok in Armenia, Sambo in Russia, etc.). It formed the basis for the Japanese martial sport of shoot fighting, and many of its techniques are similar to those of judo.
The United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center, located on Hartford Avenue in Bellingham, focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. This is accomplished through a four-pronged approach to reality self-defense training centered in total body wellness.
The state of the art, 4 thousand-square foot training facility is complete with a 2 thousand-square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 15 hundred-square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. To contact USMMA, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.
Fighter of the Month for June 2008
Fighter of the Month - June 2008
by Greg Pomfred - Writer
When thinking about the fighters that grace local MMA, there are many adjectives that can instantly trigger the thought of a certain fighter. The word “explosive” is one of those adjectives, and it will conjure up images of Mike Campbell hurting opponents. Sporting a 6-0 record and finishing 5 of his opponents with strikes, it was his win over local veteran Rich Moskowitz that propelled him to June’s Fighter of the Month.
Campbell was coerced into joining the world of mixed martial arts by his friends three years ago. “Some friends asked me to come one day and check it out because I was pretty athletic. I got my ass kicked and didn’t like it. Came back to train and haven’t left since.” Soon enough, he made his MMA debut, winning a tight decision over mainstay Jason Dublin. That was his last fight that went the distance. From there, he took out grappling wizard Nolan Dutcher. Next, Campbell captured the Reality Fighting Welterweight Title from Justin Hammerstrum with a 3-second head kick KO. He followed that up by maing Brendan Hoxie tap from strikes.
Campbell then faced the biggest challenge of his career with top-ranked welterweight Rich Moskowitz. Moskowitz’s strong wrestling and fierce chin (he went the distance with the UFC’s Anthony Johnson) are the tools to defeat a striker like Campbell. Campbell answered with a TKO in less than two minutes. He followed that up by defeating Tim Pinney less than a month later.
Although Campbell is known for his striking and athleticism, when he trains he tends to focus more on his opponent’s strengths. ”Training for each opponent means different training camps each time. Doing this though allows me to grow and mature as a fighter.” When asked about his outlook for the future, Campbell is not shy about his goal: to hold an MMA World Title. “My biggest goal honestly is improve as a fighter and an individual every fight. The way I look at it is…if I’m improving every fight and learning from my mistakes…then a holding a world title is inevitable!”
Although Campbell doesn’t have any heroes (“My father always said, ‘Never think that you’re better than anyone, but at the same time don’t think anyone is better than you.’”) he lists his coaches as his biggest influences. He pays respect to Tom Hafers and Matt Phinney from USMMA, Tim Burrill from Burrill BJJ, Mark Dellagrotte from SitYodTong, Dave Borelli and Dave Picozzi of Borelli’s, and Rene Moyen of Next Level Fitness. “It is because of these guys I’ve even made it this far to begin with. As coaches no matter how well I was doing with my training it was never good enough and as family you’ll find no better. I give these guys who are like my brothers full credit for where I am today.”
There’s buzzing of Campbell moving on to bigger shows. No matter where he goes, his fans will continue to support him and MassMMA will be entertain by his explosive fights.
by Greg Pomfred - Writer
When thinking about the fighters that grace local MMA, there are many adjectives that can instantly trigger the thought of a certain fighter. The word “explosive” is one of those adjectives, and it will conjure up images of Mike Campbell hurting opponents. Sporting a 6-0 record and finishing 5 of his opponents with strikes, it was his win over local veteran Rich Moskowitz that propelled him to June’s Fighter of the Month.
Campbell was coerced into joining the world of mixed martial arts by his friends three years ago. “Some friends asked me to come one day and check it out because I was pretty athletic. I got my ass kicked and didn’t like it. Came back to train and haven’t left since.” Soon enough, he made his MMA debut, winning a tight decision over mainstay Jason Dublin. That was his last fight that went the distance. From there, he took out grappling wizard Nolan Dutcher. Next, Campbell captured the Reality Fighting Welterweight Title from Justin Hammerstrum with a 3-second head kick KO. He followed that up by maing Brendan Hoxie tap from strikes.
Campbell then faced the biggest challenge of his career with top-ranked welterweight Rich Moskowitz. Moskowitz’s strong wrestling and fierce chin (he went the distance with the UFC’s Anthony Johnson) are the tools to defeat a striker like Campbell. Campbell answered with a TKO in less than two minutes. He followed that up by defeating Tim Pinney less than a month later.
Although Campbell is known for his striking and athleticism, when he trains he tends to focus more on his opponent’s strengths. ”Training for each opponent means different training camps each time. Doing this though allows me to grow and mature as a fighter.” When asked about his outlook for the future, Campbell is not shy about his goal: to hold an MMA World Title. “My biggest goal honestly is improve as a fighter and an individual every fight. The way I look at it is…if I’m improving every fight and learning from my mistakes…then a holding a world title is inevitable!”
Although Campbell doesn’t have any heroes (“My father always said, ‘Never think that you’re better than anyone, but at the same time don’t think anyone is better than you.’”) he lists his coaches as his biggest influences. He pays respect to Tom Hafers and Matt Phinney from USMMA, Tim Burrill from Burrill BJJ, Mark Dellagrotte from SitYodTong, Dave Borelli and Dave Picozzi of Borelli’s, and Rene Moyen of Next Level Fitness. “It is because of these guys I’ve even made it this far to begin with. As coaches no matter how well I was doing with my training it was never good enough and as family you’ll find no better. I give these guys who are like my brothers full credit for where I am today.”
There’s buzzing of Campbell moving on to bigger shows. No matter where he goes, his fans will continue to support him and MassMMA will be entertain by his explosive fights.
A Natural In the Ring
A Natural in the Ring
By Susan Chaityn Lebovits
May 18, 2008
Matt Phinney threw his first right hook at the age of 7, accidentally knocking out his friend’s tooth as they sparred. Fifteen years later, Phinney won the regional Golden Gloves boxing tournament in Lowell for his weight class, at 152 pounds.
“Boxing takes coordination, balance, timing, and many other skills; he’s one of the lucky people who was born with a gift."
Phinney, 23, is a student at Mount Ida College in Newton majoring in sports management, and a trainer, instructor, and manager at the United States Mixed Martial Arts studio in Bellingham. He teaches muay Thai, jujitsu, wrestling, and mixed martial arts, a combination of skills involving Brazilian jujitsu, Thai boxing, judo, traditional boxing, and kickboxing.
“The whole Ultimate Fighting Championship scene has become very popular,” said Phinney, attributing some of the interest to pay-per-view and Spike, a cable television network.
He also handles a good percentage of the studio’s marketing, organizes and runs a summer camp for children, and contacts wholesalers for equipment.
The 4,000-square-foot studio is not a traditional weightlifting gym, but a conditioning facility with equipment such as heavy bags, speed bags, stability and medicine balls, and resistance bands. There’s also a 1,500-square-foot yoga studio.
But at the end of his work day, Phinney returns to the 12-foot-by-15-foot college dorm room that he shares with three roommates. Posters of bikini-clad women cover one wall (Phinney insists they were not his contribution), a bottle of Axe cologne sits on a desk, and a large candle that he says acts as a room deodorizer is the table centerpiece.
Phinney went through three high schools in six years before graduating.
He began at the Governor’s Academy, a private prep school in Byfield, but said that academically, he got buried. “I don’t have the attention or desire to sit down and do book work,” Phinney said. “I learn more from doing.”
The only positive aspect, he said, was his introduction to wrestling. He left Governor’s halfway through his sophomore year, and spent the remaining months working as a landscaper.
Phinney repeated his sophomore year at Medway High School. By the following year, he was getting into trouble and was shipped off to the Tilton School in New Hampshire.
“There were definitely a group of kids who, for them, the school was their last chance,” said Phinney. “But there were also a large number of students who choose Tilton because it was good. For me, the school was a place to succeed.”
Phinney’s first boxing lessons were self-taught, drawn from watching the sport on television while in middle school.
In high school, he began taking group classes at Gold’s Gym in Milford with Bobby Andrews, a pro boxer who later became involved with mixed martial arts. After two years, Phinney started sparring with some of the pros. It was then that he met Jorge Rivera, who is on Ultimate Fighting Championship programs. Rivera introduced Phinney to Tom Hafers, a Franklin resident whom Phinney credits for his success both in the ring and out. For five years, Phinney took private lessons from Hafers.
“He’s a best friend, a mentor, a brother, and a father figure,” said Phinney. “He had so many great ideas and would teach me about mixed martial arts, and the business world.”
Hafers, also a gemologist, owned Stardust Jewelers in Milford for 22 years, and taught boxing on the side. Eventually, he and Phinney began brainstorming about opening a gym, and created a business plan. Two years later, the United States Mixed Martial Arts studio was up and running.
“Matt is a natural athlete who would probably do well in any sport he chose,” Hafers said. “Boxing takes coordination, balance, timing, and many other skills; he’s one of the lucky people who was born with a gift.”
Through his boxing career, Phinney has hyper-extended both elbows, broken his nose, torn the medial collateral ligament in his knee, popped two ribs on either side, and had four herniated disks in his neck. During the first fight in the amateur Golden Gloves boxing tournament, he broke his hand, but that didn’t stop him. Phinney stepped up his footwork to get him through.
The tournament, which began on Jan. 15, ran for four weeks.
“Some guys don’t have a good feel for the ring, so you’ll see them backing into the ropes, running out of room, and getting cornered,” said Phinney. “But if you feel comfortable in the ring and understand it, you can set up your opponent.”
The second fight was against a southpaw from Worcester. Phinney said his biggest challenge was not having the use of his right hand.
“I tried to hook him to death,” said Phinney. “I won by points, but by far it was my sloppiest fight of the tournament.”
One week later, Phinney entered his third fight of the tournament, which he said went beautifully, even though he was still unable to use his right hand.
“I was able to control the distance, use the defense, and set everything up through a power jab, ripping shots off my left hand and slowing the pace down.” After he won the fight, tournament officials told him he was fighting again the next day. Phinney said he thought they were joking, as there are usually a few days of rest between fights.
The fourth bout was tough, Phinney said, because he was tired and drained, and the fight was held in the arena with no fans - just the fighters, their cornermen, ring doctors, and commissioners. Phinney said that no one wanted to warm up and shadowbox in fear they’d give something away.
He won the fifth match in front of a full house.
Phinney said his next goal is to get to the national level, and perhaps aim for the Olympics.
“I’m certainly impressed with the kid who didn’t say more than a few words when I first met him eight years ago,” said Hafers. “He’s a born entertainer.”
© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.
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