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Strikeforce (Santos vs. Carano) Salaries
Originally posted on MMAweekly.com MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS – Cristiane Santos $25,000 (includes $5,000 win bonus) def. Gina Carano $125,000 MAIN CARD FIGHTERS – Gegard Mousasi $2,000 def. Renato Sobral $75,000 – Gilbert Melendez $50,000 def. Mitsuhiro Ishida $30,000 – Fabricio Werdum $50,000 (includes $25,000 win bonus) def. Mike Kyle $14,000 – Jay Hieron $55,000 (includes $30,000 win bonus) def. Jesse Taylor $12,000 Click here to read the entire article on MMAweekly.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Scott Coker: Nick Diaz vs. Jay Hieron Strikeforce title fight could happen by year's end
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com Although skipping a mandatory drug test cost the fighter a welterweight title shot and a spot on this past Saturday's "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg" card, Nick Diaz could still get a shot at the belt by year's end. That's according to Strikeforce CEO and co-founder Scott Coker, who discussed the Diaz situation following Saturday's Showtime-broadcast event. If and when licensed by the California State Athletic Commission, Diaz (20-7) is expected to fight for the title against his originally scheduled opponent, Jay Hieron (18-4). Just a week before Hieron, who said he recently signed his deal with Strikeforce (and turned down an offer from the UFC) largely because of the promised title fight, was set to meet Diaz, who skipped a mandatory drug test and was knocked off the card. Hieron went from a fighting for the title on the televised main card to a meeting with Jesse Taylor, who took the fight on just a week's notice, on the un-aired preliminary card. Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Hieron official for "EA Sports MMA," exec says "growth of sport" a primary goal
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com SAN JOSE, Calif. – Just two weeks before he'll take center stage for the UFC at the company's first-ever fight card in Portland, Ore., former UFC champion Randy Couture today took the lead role for one of the company's newest sworn enemies. Couture joined EA Sports president Peter Moore for a press conference in San Jose, Calif., in which "The Natural" was officially announced as an "important part" of the software developer's 2010 MMA-themed video game, tentatively titled "EA Sports MMA." New Strikeforce signee Jay Hieron was also announced as a part of the new EA Sports offering, but it was Couture's smiling face – just 14 days before he appears in the main event of UFC 102 – that EA Sports focused on today. Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Jay Hieron passes the Gauntlet, Eyes Nick Diaz
 Originally posted on MMAweekly.com If you can find a high-level fighter who’s had more career ups and downs than Strikeforce welterweight contender Jay Hieron, let him know. He’s tired of carrying the mantle. It was one thing after another leading up to his debut at Saturday’s “Carano vs. Cyborg”: Affliction folding, Nick Diaz tuning in and dropping out, a more-than solid Jesse Taylor stepping in on a week’s notice. More than enough to distract, and it wasn’t even counting the turbulence since last June when the International Fight League (IFL) folded and left Hieron without a job. Until the day of the weigh-ins for Carano vs. Cyborg, he didn’t know if he’d get any of the money his sponsors promised him for the fight. The commitments were made when Diaz was the opponent and the bout was on TV. On the undercard, sponsors Full Tilt, Everlast, EA Sports, and Xtreme Couture didn’t want to pony up. “I was stressing because I wasn’t going to get paid,” said Hieron. “When I first got there, I was like, what the hell, I’m not on the main card? I guess Showtime didn’t want to speak about the Diaz situation.” Hieron had gone through the exact same situation in January, when his bout with Jason High was shuffled to follow the main event of Affliction's "Day of Reckoning." Click here to read the entire article on MMAweekly.comLabels: Jay Hieron
HDNet Fights Video Vault: Jay Hieron vs. Mark Miller at April 2008 IFL event
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com In anticipation of this weekend's "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg" event and his fight with late replacement Jesse Taylor, this week's HDNet Fights Video Vault installment features Jay Hieron. In the embedded video, Hieron (14-4 at the time) puts his IFL welterweight title on the line against challenger Mark Miller (8-2) at an April 2008 event in the now-defunct IFL organization. Each week HDNet and MMAjunkie.com release a new and exclusive fight from the ever-growing HDNet Fights video library. Stunning knockouts, slick submissions and shocking finishes are the norm for this weekly feature, and the Hieron vs. Miller bout is no exception. In his previous fight, Hieron, a former UFC fighter, scored a TKO victory over Delson Heleno to win the welterweight belt and to set up the fight with Miller. Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Former "TUF 7" contestant Jesse Taylor steps in for Nick Diaz at "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg"
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com The rotating cast of characters that will make up the main card of "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg" has taken another hit, and a welterweight title matchup has today gone up in smoke. After failing to appear for a pre-fight drug screen on Friday, and again today, Nick Diaz will not be licensed by the California State Athletic Commission for the Aug. 15 event at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker today confirmed with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that former "The Ultimate Fighter 7" contestant Jesse Taylor (13-3) will now face Diaz's original opponent, Jay Hieron. As MMAjunkie.com previously reported, Strikeforce was holding out hope that Diaz would still be approved for the bout, but the welterweight missed today's re-scheduled "second chance" deadline set by the CSAC. Forced to take action, Strikeforce called on Taylor to fight on just five days' notice. Infamous for his removal from "TUF 7" after qualifying for the season's finals, Taylor then lost by submission to C.B. Dollaway at UFC Fight Night 14 in July 2008. Taylor has since gone on to record seven-straight wins, including two victories in July. In fact, the bout will be Taylor's third in just five weeks. While Diaz and Hieron were scheduled to meet for Strikeforce's vacant welterweight title, Coker confirmed the rescheduled matchup will be a non-title affair. Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Strikeforce CEO confirms Diaz vs. Hieron bout in jeopardy, resolution may come today
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com Previous reports that Nick Diaz missed a scheduled pre-fight drug screen with the California State Athletic Commission on Friday were today confirmed by Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. The executive confirmed the report on today's media call promoting the Aug. 15 event, "Carano vs. Cyborg," and Coker also said Diaz is currently in the process of submitting a sample to the CSAC. Coker said he expects word from the commission on Thursday as to whether Diaz will be cleared to face Jay Hieron for Strikeforce's vacant welterweight title at the Showtime-broadcast event – though if the welterweight fails to show the bout could be scrapped today. Diaz missed his original screen on Friday, citing his training regimen for the absence. Coker went on state that the organization does have a back-up plan in place should Diaz be removed from the card – assuring Hieron would appear at the event – though he declined to elaborate on who would step up on short notice. Coker also would not clarify whether a potential replacement bout would still be for the organization's vacant 170-pound title. Hieron was originally scheduled to face Paul Daley at the recently canceled "Affliction: Trilogy" event on Aug. 1. That event was scratched after headliner Josh Barnett failed a pre-fight drug screen, testing positive for anabolic steroids. Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Jay Hieron replaces Joe Riggs, meets Nick Diaz for Strikeforce welterweight title on Aug. 15
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com After entertaining offers from both Strikeforce and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, notable welterweight Jay Hieron (17-4) ultimately chose the option that leads to an immediate title shot. Hieron has agreed to a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce and replaces Joe Riggs in an Aug. 15 championship fight with Nick Diaz (20-7) for the organization's first-ever welterweight title. Hieron's camp today confirmed the deal with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), though it hasn't been officially announced by Strikeforce. Earlier this week Hieron had reportedly already signed a deal with Strikeforce, though sources later told MMAjunkie.com he was still choosing between that contract and an offer from the UFC. Hieron had been slated to fight Paul Daley before the cancellation of the Aug. 1 "Affliction: Trilogy" event and was quickly contacted by multiple organizations. The former IFL fighter competed in the UFC twice before and suffered losses to Georges St. Pierre (TKO) at UFC 48 and Jonathan Goulet at UFC Fight Night 2 (TKO due to a cut). However, the Xtreme Couture fighter is currently riding a five-fight win streak (with seven wins in his past eight fights) with wins over the likes of Jason High, Victor Moreno and Mark Miller. Click here to read the entire article on MMAweekly.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Jay Hieron: ‘I have a lot of bills and no paycheck’
Originally posted on fiveouncesofpain.com A perspective that seems to be absent in the wake of today’s cancellation of ”Affliction: Trilogy” is the effect the news has had on the individuals who were preparing to enter the ring on August 1st (and bring home some well-deserved pay in the process). Months spent preparing for now-defunct bouts have ultimately resulted in tolls taken on fighters’ wallets and bodies. FiveOuncesOfPain.com has contacted welterweight Jay Hieron on Friday afternoon to get his take on the situation. Hieron, who is currently on a five-fight winning streak, was scheduled to compete against British striker Paul Daley at the event originally headlined by Fedor Emelianenko. “It sucks, man. Rough business,” said the Long Islander. When asked whether or not he knew if he would receive a percentage of his contracted pay, Hieron responded, “I don’t know, but I know I put everything on hold. We all put everything on hold…paid a lot of money for training…and I have a lot of bills and no paycheck.” The 17-4 “Thoroughbred” trains with XTreme Couture, a gym also associated with fellow “Affliction: Trilogy” victims Chris Horodecki and Vitor Belfort. Click here to read the entire article on fiveouncesofpain.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Hieron to Strikeforce, Expected to Face Diaz
 Originally posted on MMAweekly.com It appears that Affliction refugee Jay Hieron has found a new home. Three days after the clothing company ceased its prizefighting operations, the former International Fight League welterweight champion has agreed in principal to a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce, though a contract has yet to be signed. In his first fight, Hieron would be expected to step in for Joe Riggs to face Nick Diaz at Strikeforce “Carano vs. Cyborg” in San Jose, Calif., on Aug. 15. The fight will likely be for the first ever Strikeforce welterweight title. Carano vs. Cyborg, which boasted no less than four title fights, recently saw its championship schedule halved by injuries and withdrawals. Heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem, who was scheduled to defend his title in June, was forced to withdraw from a return against Fabricio Werdum due to a re-aggravated hand injury. Riggs withdrew last week after reportedly suffering an adverse reaction to prescription medication. Hieron (17-4) was on the front lines for the collapse of the IFL in summer 2008 and fielded offers from the UFC and Strikeforce before accepting an offer with Affliction. In January, he fought Jason High in the swing bout for Affliction’s second event, “Day of Reckoning,” earning a brutal knockout in 64 seconds. A native of Long Island, New York, he is a mainstay of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. Click here to read the entire article on MMAweekly.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Hieron Navigate Affliction Fallout
Originally Sherdog.com Affliction Entertainment, partnered with M-1 Global, announced Friday that it had cancelled its Aug. 1 event, leaving Vitor Belfort, Jay Hieron, Chris Horodecki, and Mark Hominick without a much-needed paycheck. “Where we are right now with all the fighters, is their managers and lawyers are looking at how (the fighters) are going to be compensated for lack of a fight,” said Tompkins. One source told Sherdog.com Friday that the clothing purveyors-turned-promoters are offering T-shirt deals to the ousted fighters to help offset their losses. Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio could not be reached for comment, while Tompkins said he had no knowledge of these dealings. “I know that there’s a big difference between postponing a fight and canceling a fight when it comes to your contracts and what the fighters deserve,” said Tompkins. Hieron, who became the International Fight League’s 170-pound titleholder, only to watch the promotion go under over the course of 30 months, said he was anxious to find out how Affliction will handle the 22-fighter roster affected by the cancellation. “I know we all put our lives on hold, and bills stacked up for these fights,” said Hieron. “I paid my trainers, my sparring partners for this fight.” Hieron’s manager, Ken Pavia, didn't have much time to talk about the fallout, though for a good reason. Hieron’s name has been thrown in the hat as a potential replacement For Joe Riggs, who withdrew Thursday from his Strikeforce 170-pound title fight against Nick Diaz on Aug. 15 due to a reaction to medication, and Pavia is in swift negotiations with the promotion. Click here to read the entire article on Sherdog.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Sherdog's Official Welterweight Rankings
Welterweight 1. Georges St. Pierre (19-2) Another title defense, another elite contender, another dominant victory for St. Pierre. GSP's lopsided decision over an elite challenger in Thiago Alves at UFC 100 showed why St. Pierre is one of the sport's pound-for-pound kings and has caused many fans and pundits to begin demanding a move to middleweight. However, St. Pierre's next challenge will likely come from the winner of the September bout between Mike Swick and Martin Kampmann. 2. Jon Fitch (19-3, 1 NC) Hardly flashy, but Fitch racked up yet another solid victory at UFC 100, taking a hard-fought unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Paulo Thiago. The victory moved Fitch's mark in the Octagon to an impressive 10-1. 3. Thiago Alves (16-4) Though Alves struggled to muster much offense in his 25-minute decision loss to Georges St. Pierre at UFC 100, the Brazilian stalwart showed considerable grit by making it to the final bell against the vastly superior St. Pierre. The other silver lining for the "Pitbull"? He's only 25 years old. 4. Jake Shields (23-4-1) He may have looked out of his depth for a minute or so, but Shields’ submission skills shined through once again June 6 against Robbie Lawler. The former EliteXC welterweight champion submitted the former EliteXC middleweight titleholder 2:02 into their Strikeforce bout, recording his 12th straight win. Shields’ unbeaten streak now spans almost five years. 5. Martin Kampmann (15-2) Kampmann said he is only interested in big fights at 170. Fortunately for Denmark's top MMA export, he's got one: Kampmann will take on Mike Swick at UFC 103 on Sept. 19. The winner is likely to be next in line for a crack at Georges St. Pierre's welterweight throne. 6. Paulo Thiago (11-1) Thiago finally got one put in the loss column at UFC 100. However, the still fairly unknown Brazilian did prove that he was tougher than previously thought following his upset over Josh Koscheck in February by dragging divisional elite Jon Fitch through three competitive rounds. 7. Josh Koscheck (12-4) A foot injury deprived Koscheck of a chance to get back into action against Chris Wilson at UFC 98 in May. Koscheck’s next bout will be even sterner now. His opponent for UFC 103 on Sept. 19 is former UFC welterweight title challenger Frank Trigg, who returns to the promotion and the division after a run at middleweight. 8. Carlos Condit (22-5) Condit was unsuccessful in his UFC debut in April, losing a hotly contested split decision to Martin Kampmann. However, the former WEC champ may have a crack at some extra money in his second Octagon appearance, as he'll take on regular "Fight of the Night" bonus recipient Chris Lytle at Sept. 16's UFC Fight Night card. 9. Mike Swick (14-2) Having put together a 4-0 mark as a welterweight, Swick's big moment at 170 has arrived. The fleet-handed AKA product will take on Dane Martin Kampmann on Sept. 19 at UFC 103 with the winner likely gaining the right to challenge Georges St. Pierre. 10. Dan Hardy (22-6, 1 NC) With his split decision over Marcus Davis at UFC 99 in June, Hardy has emerged as yet another contender in the UFC's startlingly deep welterweight division. The victory was his 11th in his last 12 fights, his lone loss in that span coming via contested disqualification against Yoshiyuki Yoshida in December 2007. Other contenders: Marcus Davis, Jay Hieron, Matt Hughes, Karo Parisyan, Nick Thompson. *With no wins in nearly 20 months, the currently suspended Karo Parisyan falls from sixth to the contenders list, just outside the top 10. Click here to read the entire article on Sherdog.comLabels: Jay Hieron, Martin Kampmann
MMAdness June Rankings
Welterweight (170 pounds) 1. Georges St. Pierre 2. Thiago Alves 3. Jon Fitch 4. Martin Kampmann 5. Mike Swick 6. Jake Shields 7. Marcus Davis 8. Carlos Condit 9. Paulo Thiago 10. Frank Trigg Also receiving consideration: Hayato Sakurai, Matt Hughes, Brock Larson, Josh Koscheck, Jay Hieron, Nick Thompson, and Karo Parisyan Click here to read the entire article at MMAdnes.comLabels: Jay Hieron, Martin Kampmann
Versus' Welterweight Rankings
Originally posted on Versus.com WELTERWEIGHT 1. Georges St-Pierre (18-2) – It seems as though a lot more people are picking Alves to defeat GSP at UFC 100 than I had previously thought. Alves may be a big welterweight, but I don’t see that happening. 2. Thiago Alves (16-3) – See above. 3. Jon Fitch (18-3, 1 NC) – As long as GSP is holding the 170-pound UFC title, it will be hard for Fitch to justify receiving a title shot. Especially with AKA teammates Mike Swick and Josh Koscheck beneath him. 4. Jake Shields (22-4-1) – Why do I have this strange feeling that Shields is going to look to stand and trade with Lawler? 5. Matt Hughes (43-7) – Not impressed with his lay and pray performance at UFC 98. I would like to see him against Koscheck next. 6. Martin Kampmann (16-2) – I understand why he turned down the T.J. Grant fight, but I also don’t. If you were that sure that you can beat him, why not just do it? 7. Josh Koscheck (12-4) – Paulo Thiago may be the answer to a trivia question someday. 8. Mike Swick (13-2) – Swick faces the dangerous Ben Saunders at UFC 99. 9. Carlos Condit (23-5) – Condit has quickly become the forgotten man at 170. 10. Matt Serra (9-6) – Hard to come up with what’s next for the “Terra.” How about a catch-weight fight against Sean Sherk? Honorable Mention: Dustin Hazelett, Karo Parisyan, Jay Hieron, Marcus Davis, Dan Hardy. Click here to read the entire article at Versus.comLabels: Jay Hieron, Martin Kampmann
USAT/SBN May MMA Consensus Rankings: Welterweight
Jay Hieron vs. Paul Daley reportedly set for Affliction III on Aug. 1
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com A bout between welterweight veterans Jay Hieron (17-4) and Paul Daley (21-8-2) has been signed for Affliction's upcoming third show, which takes place Aug. 1. The news comes from MMA FanHouse, which earlier this week reported that verbal agreements are also in place for a main event between Fedor Emelianenko and Josh Barnett. Although not officially announced, Affliction III is expected to take place in the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Hieron, a former UFC fighter who makes his second Affliction appearance, hasn't fought since his "Day of Reckoning" TKO victory over Jason High in January. The 64-second victory was Hieron's fifth consecutive win. Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Jay Hieron
After missed chances at Nick Diaz, DREAM, Jay Hieron looks to Affliction
Originally posted on MMAJunkie.com Currently riding a five-fight win streak, including an impressive win over Jason High at "Affliction: Day of Reckoning" in January, former IFL champion Jay Hieron (17-4) is itching to get back in action. And while "The Thoroughbred" agreed to a June bout with Nick Diaz at Strikeforce, Hieron recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) an August return for Affliction appears likely. "I'm pretty positive I'm on the next (Affliction) card, whether it's the [Aug. 1] or [Aug. 15]," Hieron said. "I haven't got a name yet, but I was supposed to be on that June 6 Strikeforce card and fight Nick Diaz." Hieron said he verbally committed to the bout with Diaz, but the organization elected to go with Scott Smith instead. Hieron said he hopes he can revisit the bout at some point. "I agreed to it," Hieron said. "[Strikeforce] asked me, and right away I said, 'Yes.' "I think that's a great opponent for me. I could get in the gym and get up for that. I get up for everybody, but that's definitely a fight I think I match up well with." Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Jay Hieron
"Inside MMA" preview: "Stitch" taps Hieron vs. Goulet as bloodiest fight
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com Jacob "Stitch" Duran has seem some cuts during his storied career as a cut man – some really doozies. And on tonight's new edition of "Inside MMA" on HDNet, he discusses the bloodiest one of all. "There was a lot of blood, man," Duran said. The veteran stitcher-upper was talking about a UFC Fight Night 2 bout between Jay Hieron and Jonathan Goulet. The October 2005 bout kicked off the night's preliminary card and was never shown on TV. And it'll likely stay that way. Goulet caught Hieron with a knee between the eyes. Hieron's face soon exploded with a flood of red. Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Edwin Dewees, Jay Hieron, Jonathan Goulet
MMAjunkie.com Radio: Jay Hieron (in studio) and Trevor Prangley
On May 2nd Phil Baroni,Martin Kampmann, and Jay Hieron Participate in First Championship Series in Edison NJ
Originally posted on GoFightLiveTv.Blog The First ever Asylum Championship Series Comes to Edison, NJ - 4/2/2009 Featuring Wrestling, Grappling, MMA Fights, and Seminars with Elite Pro MMA Fighters Edison, NJ - The creator of Asylum Fight League, Carl Mascarenhas, is pleased to announce the first ever Asylum Championship Series I, a day-long event featuring all aspects of Mixed Martial Arts competition, on Saturday, May 2. The event will be held at the Raritan Center in Edison, NJ a 150,000 sq ft of action packed space. Headlining the first ever Asylum Championship Series event will be seminars conducted by top level professional mixed martial arts fighters. Fighters Phil Baroni, Kurt Pellegrino, Martin Kampmann, Eddie Alvarez, and Jay Hieron will give educational and informative seminars about various mixed martial arts techniques. Click here to read the entire articleLabels: Jay Hieron, Martin Kampmann, Phil Baroni
An Old Jay Hieron Interview
Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings
Originally posted on Sherdog.com Martin Kampmann and Carlos Condit kickstarted the month of April with a fantastic welterweight scrap that has put the Dane on the map as a power player at 170 pounds, while affirming that the WEC's former champ belongs in the Octagon. Top 10 Welterweights 5. Martin Kampmann (15-2) Kampmann gutted out a split decision victory over Carlos Condit on April 1, and with his victory, Denmark's top MMA export firmly entrenched himself amongst the top 170-pounders in the world. Other contenders: Marcus Davis, Dan Hardy, Jay Hieron, Mike Swick, Nick Thompson. Click here to read the entire article at Sherdog.comLabels: Jay Hieron, Martin Kampmann
USAT/SBN March MMA Consensus Rankings: Welterweight
Jay Hieron: “The sky is the limit”
Originally posted on fiveouncesofpain.com Success in Mixed Martial Arts is typically measured by a fighter’s ratio of wins to losses, as well as the level of competition faced, and takes into account championship gold the individual has racked up along the way. With a professional record of 17-4 and the IFL’s final welterweight title-holder, it is fairly safe to say Jay Hieron has had a successful MMA careeer thus far. However, truth be told, Hieron’s success in the sport goes far beyond his accomplishments inside the ring, as he’s overcome a number of battles in his personal life and ultimately emerged victorious in each (as indicated by both his status as a top 170-pound Mixed Martial Artist and as a hard-working, intelligent, considerate human being). From growing up in a rough section of Long Island to a solid collegiate wrestling career cut short by a mistake to an arrest for drug trafficking to Phil Baroni’s assistance on the path towards enlightenment to being an original member of one of the elite training facilities in the world to his involvement in a battle so bloody the UFC refused to air it, Hieron has lived a fascinating, thought-provoking life and opens up candidly about his experiences therein, plus much more, in the following exclusive 5 Oz. of Pain interview… Conlan: I’d like to wind the clock back a bit before getting into current affairs or even looking forward to what the future holds. You first started boxing and wrestling in your early teens, in some ways taking your first steps on the career path you eventually chose to walk down. What originally sparked your interest in those particular sports? Did you ever think you would make a living incorporating either skill-set? Jay Hieron: Nah, I mean…you know…that’s what still amazes me…I always liked boxing, wrestling at the time was like WWF stuff, but I always liked a contact sport, a one-on-one type of combative sport. I never thought about pursuing it. I was a kid that didn’t grow until later on in my life so I was always small or my age. The reason I’m a boxer is that I started getting picked on, so one of my sister’s boyfriends at the time was boxing and took me to the boxing gym…that was right around the age of about thirteen…and when I was going into high school…you know, I’m not from the best place in the world…my high school was a little rough…so I that’s why I wanted to start defending myself. I couldn’t make it to the boxing gym anymore..it was too far away, I didn’t have a car, and I couldn’t depend on my sister’s boyfriend to take me all the time. They had wrestling at my high school so I ended up joining wrestling and I fell in love with the sport. Conlan: At one point in high school you quit wrestling. What influenced that decision? How much of your present success do you credit to your high school coaches’ persistence about getting you back onto the mat during your senior year? Hieron: Yeah, I mean…I was a young kid, I got my first car - it was like in eleventh grade - and, ya know, I was kind of over being in wrestling and sweating. Pretty much, I’m a strong-minded person so I just put…I was just like, “Man, I’m done with this, I just want to have fun right now.” Definitely I owe a lot to my coaches. They were like father figures to me. They tried to pursue me every day…they would sneak around and see when I would be gettin’ out of class and act like they were walking - just run into me down the hallway. That was my coach Russ Celland. My other head coach was Terry Haise. He was more tough love. But you know, I owe a lot to those guys…I mean, if I didn’t wrestle my senior year I don’t think I would be in this position I’m in now, because I don’t think I would have went to college for wrestling. So…definitely I owe a lot to those guys, and it’s one of those things where they give me guidance and they were definitely like father figures to me. Conlan: Just prior to the start of your senior season in college you tested positive for marijuana use and ended up serving a season-long suspension as a result. What was your immediate reaction to the school’s decision to keep you out of competition? Did you feel at that point you were completely done with wrestling? Hieron: Like I said before, I’m no angel - I’ve been through a lot of stuff, ups and downs in my life - and that’s something I did to myself, and it was one of those things where at that point in my life I was doing…you know, smoking herb and it came and backfired on me. When I tested positive for it, I didn’t blame nobody. I blamed myself. But also, I was just like, “Wrestling took me as far as it could anyways.” I mean, there (were) no professional sports like now there is with Mixed Martial Arts, but back then it wasn’t like you could make a living off of MMA because it was still new. So, I really didn’t pay attention to it really. I was pretty much like, “I’m done anyways with the sport. It took me as far as I can go and now it’s time to make money.” And that’s when I put my full focus on trying to make money. Conlan: When you left Hofstra you were only a semester or so away from graduating. Is that a decision you ever look back on and regret? Have you ever considered going back to school and finishing your degree? Hieron: Well, yeah, of course I regret that decision. I mean, I’m kind of a bull-headed guy. Like I said, wrestling for me was taken away and I just supressed all those feelings I had for competition and stuff like that. I dropped out…I just left the school. You know, of course I do. One day, I mean when I have time…my full focus right now is on my career…one day, I’m only fifteen credits away from my Bachelor’s Degree so that’s definitely something I would like to accomplish and finish, but it would have to be the right time, and right now all my time is in the Gym and trying to get my technique and skills better to be the best fighter I can be. Click here to read the entire article at fiveouncesofpain.comLabels: Jay Hieron
5 MMAagents.com Clients make the Top 25 BloodyElbow Welterweight List
Jay Hieron Trivia Contest Winners
 Congrats to Ian Curry, Ethan Fox, Kerrie Gonzales, Jonathan Stephens, and Frank Wiehl for winning the Jay Hieron trivia contest. Thank you all for participating! Stay tuned to MMAagents.com and MMAagents.blogspot.com for more news and contests! The winners will receive a prize package, including products from Bulletproof Athletics ( www.bulletproofathletics.com), Hoodlum Fight Gear ( www.hoodlumfightgear.com), Evo Energy Drink ( www.drinkevo.com) as well as Gammo-O ( www.gammao.com). Labels: Jay Hieron, Sean Frank
Jay Hieron Trivia Contest Answers
 1) Brooklyn. (*wikipedia and Jay's personal website had his place of birth wrong, we confirmed with Jay, and we did not mean for it to be a trick question) 2) Bas Rutten 3) Phil Baroni 4) Delson Heleno 5) Hieronymus *Sorry for the earlier typo *The contest was open to 6 winners, but there were only 5 correct entries. We will announce the winners shortly on the website. Labels: Jay Hieron, Sean Frank
170 Rankings (February, 2009)
Stay Tuned: Jay Hieron Trivia Contest
Jay Hieron Trivia Contest
1. What borough/town was Jay Hieron born in? 2. Who was Jay’s first LA Anaconda’s head coach? 3. What’s the name of Jay’s former collegiate wrestling teammate at Hofstra University, that also went on to fight in the UFC? 4. Who did Jay defeat for the IFL welterweight title? 5. What is Jay’s legal last name? Good Luck The first six contestants to e-mail the correct answers to info@MMAagents.com will receive a prize package, including products from Bulletproof Athletics ( www.bulletproofathletics.com), Hoodlum Fight Gear ( www.hoodlumfightgear.com), Evo Energy Drink ( www.drinkevo.com) as well as Gammo-O ( www.gammao.com). All participants must provide a valid mailing address. Please stay tuned to the News section at www.MMAagents.com for a chance to win and be sure to watch Inside MMA to find out when the contest begins! Contest Rules To win the contest you must be one of the first 6 contestants to answer each question correctly via email to info@mmaagents.com The winners must provide a valid mailing address. The winners will be notified via e-mail. MMAagents will officially announce the winners. MMAagents is in sole control of who decides which answers are considered correct. All decisions made by MMAagents are final. MMAagents will not pay international shipping costs to deliver prizes (U.S. only). MMAagents reserves the right to disqualify any entrants. Labels: Jay Hieron
Reminder: Jay Hieron Trivia Contest Begins Tonight; Stay Tuned to Inside MMA for Details
Tune in to HDnet for "Inside MMA" at 6 pm pacific (9 pm eastern) and log onto www.MMAagents.com news section for entry into the Jay Hieron trivia contest. The first six contestants to e-mail the correct answers to info@MMAagents.com will receive a prize package, including products from Bulletproof Athletics ( www.bulletproofathletics.com), Hoodlum Fight Gear ( www.hoodlumfightgear.com), Evo Energy Drink ( www.drinkevo.com) as well as Gammo-O ( www.gammao.com). All participants must provide a valid mailing address. Please stay tuned to the News section at www.MMAagents.com for a chance to win and be sure to watch Inside MMA to find out when the contest begins! Contest Rules To win the contest you must be one of the first 6 contestants to answer each question correctly via email to info@mmaagents.com The winners must provide a valid mailing address. The winners will be notified via e-mail. MMAagents will officially announce the winners. MMAagents is in sole control of who decides which answers are considered correct. All decisions made by MMAagents are final. MMAagents will not pay international shipping costs to deliver prizes (U.S. only). MMAagents reserves the right to disqualify any entrants. Labels: Jay Hieron, Sean Frank
Reminder: Untelevised Jay Hieron Affliction fight to Air on Inside MMA Tonight at 6 PM Pacific (9 PM Eastern)
 Press Release MMAagents.com is proud to announce that Jay Hieron will be in studio with Tank Abbott and Steve Cantwell for the lastest taping of Inside MMA. Jay will help recap Affliction: "Day of Reckoning" card, including his untelevised highlight reel knockout win over Jason High in its entirety. Tune in to HDnet and log onto www.MMAagents.com news section for entry in a Jay Hieron trivia contest. The first six contestants to e-mail the correct answers to info@MMAagents.com will receive a prize package, including products from Bulletproof Athletics ( www.bulletproofathletics.com), Hoodlum Fight Gear ( www.hoodlumfightgear.com), Evo Energy Drink ( www.drinkevo.com) as well as Gammo-O ( www.gammao.com) All participants must provide a valid mailing address. Please stay tuned to the News section at www.MMAagents.com for a chance to win and be sure to watch Inside MMA. About MMAagents: Established in 2005 by long time baseball and hockey agent Ken Pavia, MMAagents is an industry leader in mixed martial arts sports management. MMAagents is a full service sports management agency, providing its clients with fighting opportunities, sponsorships, appearances, legal assistance, commission compliance, media relations, fighter branding, career guidance, and much more. MMAagents philosophy is that fighters should worry about training and fighting while their agent handles everything else. MMAagents boasts a roster of over fifty world class mixed martial arts fighters, forty of which are current or former Zuffa fighters. Each client has fought in an elite organization such as the UFC, WEC, Pride, Strikeforce, Pro Elite, Affliction, or the PFC. In 2008 MMAagents clients competed in thirty five different promotional organizations in eight different countries. MMAagents has a staff of nine including a licensed attorney. The MMAagents team works hard twenty five hours a day, eight days a week, to make dreams come true. For More Information Contact Joe@MMAagents.com Labels: Jay Hieron, Joe Kalawi, MMAagents, Sean Frank
Reminder: Jay Hieron Trivia Contest Begins Tomorrow Night
Tune in to HDnet for "Inside MMA" at 6 pm pacific (9 pm eastern) and log onto www.MMAagents.com news section for entry into the Jay Hieron trivia contest. The first six contestants to e-mail the correct answers to info@MMAagents.com will receive a prize package, including products from Bulletproof Athletics ( www.bulletproofathletics.com), Hoodlum Fight Gear ( www.hoodlumfightgear.com), Evo Energy Drink ( www.drinkevo.com) as well as Gammo-O ( www.gammao.com). All participants must provide a valid mailing address. Please stay tuned to the News section at www.MMAagents.com for a chance to win and be sure to watch Inside MMA to find out when the contest begins! Contest Rules To win the contest you must be one of the first 6 contestants to answer each question correctly via email to info@mmaagents.com The winners must provide a valid mailing address. The winners will be notified via e-mail. MMAagents will officially announce the winners. MMAagents is in sole control of who decides which answers are considered correct. All decisions made by MMAagents are final. MMAagents will not pay international shipping costs to deliver prizes (U.S. only). MMAagents reserves the right to disqualify any entrants. Labels: Jay Hieron, Sean Frank
Affliction's Jay Hieron vs. Jason High fight to air on Friday's "Inside MMA"
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com A welterweight match-up between former IFL champion Jay Hieron and Jason High that didn't broadcast at "Affliction: Day of Reckoning" because of time constraints will air in its entirety on Friday's new installment of "Inside MMA" on HDNet. The fight was originally slated for the Jan. 24 event's HDNet-televised preliminary card. However, the swing bout didn't take place until after the night's main event between Fedor Emelianenko and Andrei Arlovski -- after the pay-per-view broadcast had also concluded. The fight, though, was one of the night's best and ended in dramatic fashion. High (6-1) entered the bout with a perfect 6-0 record and owned previous victories over UFC veterans Kevin Burns and James Giboo. However, Hieron (17-4) earned his fifth consecutive victory when he dramatically knocked out his opponent just 64 seconds into the fight. Hieron will appear on Friday's installment of "Inside MMA" as a panelist with veteran Tank Abbott and current UFC light heavyweight and former WEC light heavyweight champion Steve Cantwell. "Inside MMA" debuts Friday at 9 p.m. ET. Labels: Jay Hieron
5 Oz. Video: Jay Hieron talks about getting bumped at “Day of Reckoning” and KO’ing Jason High
Untelevised Jay Hieron Affliction fight to Air on Inside MMA
Press Release MMAagents.com is proud to announce that Jay Hieron will be in studio with Tank Abbott and Steve Cantwell for the lastest taping of Inside MMA. Jay will help recap Affliction: "Day of Reckoning" card, including his untelevised highlight reel knockout win over Jason High in its entirety. Tune in to HDnet and log onto www.MMAagents.com news section for entry in a Jay Hieron trivia contest. The first six contestants to e-mail the correct answers to info@MMAagents.com will receive a prize package, including products from Bulletproof Athletics ( www.bulletproofathletics.com), Hoodlum Fight Gear ( www.hoodlumfightgear.com), Evo Energy Drink ( www.drinkevo.com) as well as Gammo-O ( www.gammao.com) All participants must provide a valid mailing address. Please stay tuned to the News section at www.MMAagents.com for a chance to win and be sure to watch Inside MMA. About MMAagents: Established in 2005 by long time baseball and hockey agent Ken Pavia, MMAagents is an industry leader in mixed martial arts sports management. MMAagents is a full service sports management agency, providing its clients with fighting opportunities, sponsorships, appearances, legal assistance, commission compliance, media relations, fighter branding, career guidance, and much more. MMAagents philosophy is that fighters should worry about training and fighting while their agent handles everything else. MMAagents boasts a roster of over fifty world class mixed martial arts fighters, forty of which are current or former Zuffa fighters. Each client has fought in an elite organization such as the UFC, WEC, Pride, Strikeforce, Pro Elite, Affliction, or the PFC. In 2008 MMAagents clients competed in thirty five different promotional organizations in eight different countries. MMAagents has a staff of nine including a licensed attorney. The MMAagents team works hard twenty five hours a day, eight days a week, to make dreams come true. For More Information Contact Joe@MMAagents.com Labels: Jay Hieron, Joe Kalawi, MMAagents, Sean Frank
Hieron Scores a Knockout at Affliction II
 Photo courtesy of Sherdog.com Posted by Sean Frank Jay Hieron needed just over a minute to score a highlight reel knockout over Jason High in a "swing bout" following the Fedor-Arlovski fight at Affliction II. This marks Hieron's 5th win in a row as he looks to establish himself in Affliction's welterweight division. The future looks bright for the UFC veteran. Labels: Jay Hieron, Sean Frank
“Day of Reckoning” Salaries Released
"Affliction: Day of Reckoning" round by round updates and official results
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com JAY HIERON VS. JASON HIGH (Swing Bout) Round 1 - A touch of gloves gets us underway. High tries a kick to the body, then a shot. Hieron evades as High pushes forward. Hieron paws with a jab, measuring the distance. A right hand blasts High who is out before he hits the floor. Referee Herb Dean rushes in as High collapses in the corner. Hieron follows as Dean pulls him off. High is out only briefly, and he sits up in his corner, resting against the post. Impressive blow from Hieron. Jay Hieron def. Jason High via KO (punches) -- Round 1, 1:04. Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Jay Hieron Well Prepared for High
 Originally posted on MMAweekly.com Welterweight Jay Hieron doesn’t need church. He’s got Xtreme Couture. The Long Island, N.Y. native is always there, in good times and bad. Come to the gym at any hour of the day, and chances are he’ll be there, bouncing around the ring, sparring with the multitude of fighters that drop by the MMA Mecca. “I love this place, man,” he tells MMAWeekly.com. “This is my therapy, the gym. I could be having the worst day in the world, and coming in, leave all my stressing and feel better about anything that’s going on in my life. This is where I feel safe, this is where I feel the most relaxed out of anywhere. I’m married, and I love my wife, but even when we’re arguing, I come in the gym.” He’s been there even more these days, as he’s set to face Jason High at Affliction’s “Day of Reckoning” on Saturday night. High is not exactly a newcomer – he’s 6-0 in local competition and holds a TKO win over UFC vet Kevin Burns – but Hieron has limited tape to look at. All the more reason to stay in the gym. “Look at my resume man, I don’t take anybody lightly, says Hieron. “I could be fighting my last fight, if that’s the case.” Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Horodecki Denied License; Jay Hieron vs. Jason High Promoted
Originally posted on FightLine.com Meanwhile Affliction officials have announced a fight between former IFL champion Jay Hieron and Jason High will move from the undercard to the main card in order to fill the slot on the PPV left vacant by the injured Horodecki. Click here to read the entire article at fightline.comLabels: Jay Hieron
FCFighter Predicts Hieron W at Affliction II
Originally posted on FCfighter.com Jay Hieron vs. Jason High Before the International Fight League closed up their MMA shop and opened ice-cream stands around the country as the International Flavor League, serving such favorites as "Wolfpack" and "Razorclaw", Hieron won their welterweight title by knocking senseless a long line of opponents. High is undefeated, but has not faced anyone as athletic as "The Thoroughbred" yet. There is a good chance he will get a double-scoop of defeat this time. My Guess: Hieron by TKO. Click here to read the entire article at FCfighter.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Jan 24th Affliction show check out Jay Hieron
Originally posted on XtremeCouture On Saturday Afflictions highly anticipated second outing, will feature Jay Hieron (170), Chris Hordecki (155), and Vitor Belfort (185). Jay has been on a role since becoming the IFL’s welterweight champ. Our Dark horse is about to explode on the world this year so keep a look out for Jay Hieron. Click here to read the entire article at XtremeCouture.comLabels: Jay Hieron
BulletProof Athletics Exclusive
Limited Time Only! Jay Hieron's Fight Shorts from his fight at Affliction: Day Of Reckoning are on sale for $39.99. Choose from any color & style. Offer While supplies last! Click here to orderLabels: Jay Hieron
Jay Hieron Training for his Upcoming Fight
An Interview with Jay Hieron
 Originally posted on Final Image Jay Hieron is riding a four win fight streak coming into his Affliction debut and is ready to make a name for himself in the welterweight division. Hieron says, "I'm mentally and physically one hundred percent and I cant wait to put on a show for the fans." When asked about his game plan for Jasyon High Jay replied, "My game plan is basic, go out and impose my will, do what I do." Click here to read the entire articleLabels: Jay Hieron
Fightline Radio Recap: Hieron Wants GSP Rematch & More
Originally posted on FightLine.com Hieron On The Demise Of The IFL: "I can't say nothing bad about the IFL, I won a title through them. But also I had done everything I could do there. I won a title; I defended it. So, it was time for me to move on anyway. I think they had great ingredients, it was working out and then they tried to change up it too much. They had the team thing, then they changed it, then they changed the ring... so it was just a bunch of changes that hurt it." Hieron On His Future: "I'm 100% focused on this fight right here. After the fight we'll sit down and see what direction we're going to go in. Jason High is a tough dude. Anyone who puts on four-ounce gloves and puts their reputation and health on the line is a tough dude. Any thing can happen in the ring. I look passed nobody in this game. I train 100% for every fight I go into." Hieron On His Upcoming Opponent Jason High: "He's a southpaw so I've been sparring with southpaws. He's a wrestler so I've been wrestling, but at the end of the day I want to go out and impose my will and do what I do best." Hieron On Fedor Emelianenko Vs. Andrei Arlovski: "I just think Fedor's a beast, man. This guy's got a stone cold look in his eye. I'm a big fan. But Arloski's definitely top of the food chain for striking in MMA. He's working with Roach and he's got great footwork for how big he is." Click here to read the entire article at FightLine.comLabels: Jay Hieron
The Life and Times of Jay Hieron, Volume 1
 Originally posted on XtremeCoutureMMA This is the first installation in what will be a series of weekly (time permitting) entries on the life of Jay Hieron, as told by Jay. There is likely a lot you don’t know about Jay. For one he was involved in the bloodiest fight in UFC history. A fight UFC has kept the public, outside of the fans in attendance at the Hard Rock to watch UFN 1, from seeing. Jay dominated that fight but lost due to a cut. You also probably don’t know that Jay is one of the most intriguing and cerebral athletes in the fight game today. Check out The Life and Times of Jay Hieron and learn about this incredible young man. Jay Hieron isn’t his real name, but it is what everyone calls him. If you’re writing him a check make it out to James Hieronymous. Jay changed Hieronymous to Hieron for fighting purposes since he got tired of people mispronouncing his surname as “hairy mouse”. That mistake was made a lot during his High School and college wrestling careers. But ask Jay and he’ll tell you, “I love the name Hieronymous. I’m proud of my last name and my mother. I just don’t want to hear ring announcers saying here comes the hairy mouse.” Jay’s mother is Theo Hieronymous. She and her then husband John adopted Jay when he was a baby. Jay’s mother was a young woman from Coney Island in Brooklyn. She had some issues and wasn’t ready to raise a child. So Jay became a part of the seven child Hieronymous family, joining an adopted brother and two sisters to go with the three children Theo and John had together. The Hieronymous’ lived in Freeport a town on Long Island’s South Shore not far from the Queens border. Freeport is what is politely called a town in transition. It has a beautiful harbor area called the Nautical Mile where families sit on piers and enjoy local clams and lobsters in the summer. But Freeport is best known as a rough and tumble town where drugs, crime, shootings and stabbings cause the working class to never get too comfortable. It was in the rough edged Northern part of Freeport that borders on the shady sections of Baldwin and Roosevelt that Jay was raised. Click here to read the entire article at XtremeCouture.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Jay Hieron on Fightline Radio LIVE Tonight at 630pm! EST
Jay Hieron on the New Episode of FCF Radio
BloodyElbow's Top 25 Welterweights
MMA Hangover's Welterweight Rankings
Originally posted on MMAhangover.blogspot.com Welterweight 1.Georges St. Pierre 2.Thiago Alves 3.Josh Koscheck 4.Jon Fitch 5.Carlos Condit 6.Diego Sanchez 7.Jake Shields 8.Jay Hieron 9.Karo Parisyan 10.Matt Serra Potential Top 10 Fighter: Anthony Johnson *Johnson scored a spectacular head kick knock out over Kevin Burns at UFN 17 and is knocking on the 170 lbs. Top 10's door. Click here to read the entire article at MMAhangover.blogspot.comLabels: Anthony Johnson, Jay Hieron
3 MMAagents Fighters Make the Cut in Bloody Elbow's November Welterweight Rankings
 Originally posted on Bloodyelbow.com Former IFL champ #15 Jay Hieron owes his surge in the rankings due to Five Ounces of Pain updating their rankings and putting him in the top 10. The differences between #13 Brock Larson and #19 Chris Lytle are tiny and picking up a top 10 spot makes for a big jump in a tight field. Hieron's supposed to fight the undefeated Jason High at Affliction's January 24th event. Cross your fingers for that event happening. #25 Brad Blackburn will seek his second UFC win at UFC 92 against journeyman Ryo Chonan. That will be a stiff test for Blackburn. At UFC 93, #16 Marcus Davis and #21 Chris Lytle will throw down. The winner of that match will hopefully get back on the contender track in the UFC. NOTE: The Meta-Rankings are not the subjective opinion of the BloodyElbow team, but rather a compilation of the rankings of over twenty leading MMA web sites. It is our opinion that these are the most informative MMA rankings anywhere. Here's where they stand... 15. Jay Hieron 21. Chris Lytle 25. Brad Blackburn Click here to read the entire article at BloodyElbow.comLabels: Brad Blackburn, Chris Lytle, Jay Hieron
Affliction announces Hieron v. High for Jan. 24th Card
 Originally posted on MMAweekly.com Also on the card will be Jay Hieron making his Affliction debut against Jason High, Mark Hominick taking on LC Davis, Albert Rios versus Antonio Duarte, and Paul Buentello against Kiril Sidellnikov in a heavyweight bout. Brett Cooper is also on the card, though no opponent has been named yet. Affliction is expected to announce more fights in the coming weeks leading into the Jan. 24 card. Click here to read the entire article at mmaweekly.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Jay Hieron vs. Jason High expected to take place at Affliction’s “Day of Reckoning”
 Originally posted on fiveouncesofpain.com While yet to be officially announced, a welterweight encounter between Jay Hieron vs. Jason High is believed to be finalized for Affliction’s second-ever event on Jan. 24 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. FiveOuncesOfPain.com confirmed the news early Tuesday morning with a source close to one of the fighters. Hieron is the former welterweight champion of the now-defunct IFL and is a former UFC veteran. He is 16-4 lifetime in an MMA career that began in 2003 and holds notable victories over Mark Miller, Delson Heleno, Pat Healy, and Jake Ellenberger. Hieron last fought during SuperFights MMA’s “Night of Combat 2” on Oct. 11 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Originally scheduled to face Bryson Kamaka, Hieron ended up fighting Chris Kennedy on short notice after Kamaka was suspended for failing a drug test. The Xtreme Couture trainer was able to defeat Kennedy in a lop-sided unanimous decision. Click here to read the entire article at fiveouncesofpain.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Jay Hieron Post Fight Interview
"A Night of Combat II" salaries: Ramirez, Hieron and Pyle top earners
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com A trio of fighters that included main-event winner Hector Ramirez and Xtreme Couture notables Jay Hieron and Mike Pyle scored event-high $20,000 paydays last week at "A Night of Combat II." The event, promoted by Superfights MMA and Kim Couture's KC Concepts, took place this past Friday, Oct. 10, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today requested and received the salaries from the Nevada State Athletic Commission The total disclosed payroll for the event was $160,500. The full payout amounts included: Hector Ramirez $20,000 (includes $5,000 win bonus) Jay Hieron $20,000 Mike Pyle $20,000 Sean Salmon $7,000 (win bonus would have been $5,000) Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Hector Ramirez, Jay Hieron, Mike Pyle, Sean Salmon
Ramirez, Pyle, Hieron Grab Wins
 Originally posted on Sherdog.com From the ashes of a cancelled Affliction card rose a lineup Saturday inside the Thomas & Mack Center that featured up-and-comers and quality veterans from Xtreme Couture. Save for the lackluster main event between kickboxing legend Rick Roufus and UFC veteran Hector Ramirez, every fight on the Night of Combat bill was entertaining. Roufus, a six-time world champion in kickboxing, did well in the opening round. But once Ramirez took “The Jet” off his feet, it was all downhill for the middle-aged legend. Roufus found it almost impossible to scramble out from being pinned in side control and full mount -- a bad position he found himself in for virtually every second of rounds two and three. “I watched him through American kickboxing all the time when I was in junior high,” Ramirez said after he was awarded a unanimous decision via three tallies of 29-28. “I knew he kicked hard and I didn’t want to let him get going, so I needed to take him down. He caught me with a good head kick in the first, so I had to be smart and keep him off his feet.” In the only other match to go three full rounds, IFL champion Jay Hieron pounded last-minute replacement Chris Kennedy to win a lopsided unanimous decision, 30-27 on all three cards. Hieron battered and repeatedly slammed Kennedy -- a replacement for Bryson Kamaka, who had been scratched for failing a prefight urinalysis. ......... Mike Pyle slipped on a slick armbar to submit Brian Gassaway 4:21 into the first round. Pyle had a surprisingly easy time, as he scored a terrific takedown early and quickly moved to full mount. From there, he peppered his foe with various strikes, and when Gassaway tried to roll out to escape, the arm was there for the taking. “I had him down, and he was a bit sideways so I got the arm lock,” Pyle said. “I wanted to pound him out a little more and make him quit, but I’ll take the submission. That’s what I’m all about anyway.” Click here to read the entire article at sherdog.comLabels: Hector Ramirez, Jay Hieron, Mike Pyle
Pro MMA Exclusive: Jay Hieron
 Originally posted on ProMMA.info PRO MMA: Hey Jay, how’s it going man? Thanks for taking the time to speak with us as we know you are completing the final preparations for your fight this weekend. How are you feeling physically and mentally? Jay: Thanks man everything is good right now. I’m in great shape physically and my mind is clear. It’s been a long time man and I’m ready to go. PRO MMA: We last saw you in April of this year defeating Mark Miller via TKO in the first round. It’s been nearly 5 months since that IFL event, what have you been doing during that time span? Jay: I’ve been in the gym everyday training man staying in shape. A lot of the fighters I train with have had fights, so I’ve just been staying busy helping them get ready while staying in shape myself. You know I’ve had a couple of fights that didn’t happen so now that I have this opportunity I’m ready to go because it’s been a long time. PRO MMA: You were scheduled to fight on the “Affliction: Day of Reckoning” event. Do you have any idea of why that event didn’t come to fruition? Jay: I just know the event got postponed and then Affliction announced the partnership with Golden Boy. I think it’s a blessing. Oscar (De la Hoya) is a great fighter and a great promoter. I think we will get to see some big things happening because of this partnership. I think this will be great for the sport of MMA. PRO MMA: You are fighting Bryson Kamaka this weekend. Do you know much about him and how do you see this fight going? Jay: I know he’s Hawaiian and has a lot of pride. He will probably want to come out and bang. I’m cool with that, but I think I’m much more well rounded than he is. I’m definitely not looking past this guy, but it’s been a long time and I’m ready to go. I’m trying to let it all hang out and I’m going to try and finish him. If he gives me a opportunity to submit him, I’ll take it. If he puts his chin out there I’ll try to touch that as well. So I’ll just take what he gives me because I train for everything. Click here to read the entire article at ProMMA.infoLabels: Jay Hieron
Jay Hieron Interview on Fighthype.com
Originally posted on Fighthype.com PC: How is training holding up? JH: Training was great. I feel healthy, mentally ready…everything is good. PC: A little change of plans from the fight with Drew Fickett. How important was it for you to fight on October 11th still? JH: It was kind of big for me to stay active man. I haven't fought since April. I was really looking to fight on October 11th and thank God something came up on the same day and everything worked out. PC: How much will the late opponent change affect your approach to this fight? JH: Not much really. I'm going to go out and do the same things; go out and force my will and press the action for myself. PC: After the Affliction card was postponed, how did this opportunity come for you to fight on this card? JH: Kim Couture actually has a lot to do with the show so that's pretty much family right there. When the Affliction card got put off, I called them and asked them and they agreed to let me fight. Click here to read the entire interview at fighthype.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Hieron Ready to Fight…Finally
 Originally posted on FCfighter.com It’s been a weird six months for Xtreme Couture welterweight Jay Hieron. First, he was held in limbo by the shutdown of the International Fight League. He had offers on the table from the UFC, Elite XC, and Affliction. He signed with Affliction, a three-fight, non-exclusive deal (and the most lucrative of the three). Then he got held up by Affliction’s postponement of “Day of Reckoning.” The guy just couldn’t seem to catch a break. Around the same time Affliction postponed their second pay per view effort, Kim Couture and boxing promoter Skip Kelp were in limbo as well. They were supposed to mount their show, “Night of Combat,” at the Thomas & Mack Center on the 11th of October, the same date as Affliction, and had moved it to the 18th to accommodate the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Then Affliction postponed, and they were able to slide into the vacant slot on the 11th. One of their first orders of business was to offer Hieron a job. Instead of taking on Drew Fickett, he would face Bryson Kamaka on the main card of “Night of Combat.” No doubt, he breathed a little sigh of relief. “I’m thinking positive about the situation,” he fold FCF. “I’m happy that I got a non-exclusive contract, because I jumped right into another fight. I get to stay active.” Hieron hasn’t really been inactive, though, in his home base of Xtreme Couture. “There’s always fights,” he said. Someone is always getting ready, which keeps the training level intense. But training doesn’t pay the bills—he needs a real fight. “Night of Combat” features a laundry list of Xtreme Couture fighters; Mike Pyle, Hieron, Josh Haynes, and John Alessio, the bulk of the gym’s foundation. Hieron says he’s still looking forward to fighting for Affliction, and expects to be on their January co-promotion with boxing impresario Golden Boy. Click here to read the entire article at FCfighter.comLabels: Jay Hieron
Free of IFL's woes, Jay Hieron prepares for "Night of Combat"
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com The crippling financial problems that stung the IFL left many fighters without a venue to display their craft. IFL welterweight champion Jay Hieron was one of those left on the shelf. The Xtreme Couture product has been unsure of his fighting future for the last five months. On Oct. 11, Hieron will compete for the first time since the IFL went into hibernation at the newly announced "Night Of Combat 2" in Las Vegas. Hieron discussed his tenure as an IFL fighter, as well as his upcoming bout, while a recent guest on Thursday’s edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "My whole IFL career, personally, I never had nothing bad to say about them," Hieron said. "Of course they could have done better things with the company to make it last, but they didn't and it is what it is." While competing in the now-defunct league, the Hieron re-launched his career. Boasting a record of 7-2 in the promotion, Hieron ascended to the top of his division with a December 2007 victory over Delson Heleno and became the IFL's inaugural welterweight champion. Successfully defending the title against Mark Miller in April, Hieron built a solid reputation in the league. ............. Hieron also discussed the advantages his decision to hire his new agent, Ken Pavia. To hear the full interview, download Thursday's edition of TAGG Radio, available for free in the TAGG Radio archives. Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Jay Hieron, Ken Pavia
Goes, Pyle, and Hieron Confirmed for Xtreme Couture's First MMA Event
Originally posted on MMAweekly.com Sources within the popular training center confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that Xtreme Couture is promoting its first mixed martial arts event to be held in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center on Oct. 18. HD Net Fights will broadcast the event live. Confirmed Xtreme Couture fighters include Mike Whitehead, who will take on veteran Allan Goes, as well as welterweight John Alessio, who will tangle with Gideon Ray. Jay Hieron and Mike Pyle are also scheduled to participate, but their opponents are unknown at this time. Click here to read the rest of the article at MMAweekly.comLabels: Allan Goes, Jay Hieron, Mike Pyle
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