MMA notebook: Davenport's Dietz climbing ladder

Originally posted on QCtimes.com

The Quad-Cities never has had a shortage of representation in the professional mixed martial arts world, and another fast-rising competitor from the area will step up in class Sunday night.

Although his fight might not make the national telecast on Versus, Davenport native Kyle Dietz will make his World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) debut against Rafael Rebello.

For Dietz, a bantamweight who trains with Spencer Fisher, it will be his biggest fight to date.

"You can't really go to the WEC out of shape," Dietz said. "Everyone's a world-class fighter."

With an undefeated record of 13-0, Kyle will face an American Top Team member in Rebello, whose record is 5-3-0.

"I don't think anyone's going to have the moves or technique I have," Dietz said. "After training with Spencer and Matt Pena, my striking is going to be hands down one of the best in the WEC."

Click here to read the entire article at QCtimes.com

WEC 41 Preview

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

Rafael Rebello vs. Kyle Dietz

American Top Team bantamweight Rafael Rebello takes on the highly touted undefeated Kyle Dietz. Rebello is a late replacement for an injured Charlie Valencia. Dietz will look to keep the fight on the feet, where he can frustrate Rebello, much like Kenji Osawa did. Rebello needs to stick to his roots and take the fight to the ground, where he will have a definite advantage over Dietz. A classic battle between striker and grappler, this fight isn't likely to go the distance.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.com

WEC 41 Preview

Originally posted on Sherdog.com

Rafael Rebello vs. Kyle Dietz

This bantamweight duel features the undefeated and highly touted Dietz (5-0) taking on a journeyman. If it has not become apparent by now, Rebello is the sacrificial lamb pegged to launch Dietz’s run in the WEC. Granted, Rebello (5-3) is a solid grappler, but he struggles against more well-rounded opponents, and Dietz will have no qualms about bullying around his foe and turning this into a mauling. Expect Rebello to buckle under the pressure of Dietz’s offense and end up taking a one-sided TKO loss.

Click here to read the entire article at Sherdog.com

Kyle Dietz vs. Charlie Valencia official for 10-fight WEC 41 card

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

A bantamweight bout first reported by MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) between WEC newcomer Kyle Dietz (5-0 MMA, 0-0 WEC) and Charlie Valencia (10-5 MMA, 3-3 WEC) has been officially added to the WEC 41 card.

The bout is slated for the evening's un-aired preliminary card.

Featuring a featherweight title fight between current champ Mike Brown and challenger Urijah Faber, "WEC 41: Brown vs. Faber II" is scheduled for June 7 at ARCO Arena in Sacramento, Calif. The main card airs live on VERSUS.

Dietz is an undefeated four-time veteran of Extreme Challenge. The WEC rookie went 4-0 in 2008, earning all four wins by first-round stoppage.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Kyle Dietz signs with WEC, meets Charlie Valencia at WEC 41 in June

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

A bout between recent signee Kyle Dietz (5-0) and veteran Charlie Valencia (10-5) will take place in June at World Extreme Cagefighting's "WEC 41: Brown vs. Faber II" event.

Deitz's manager, Nate Brodnax of MMAAgents.com, today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) verbal commitments are in place and that bout agreements are in the process of being finalized.

WEC 41 takes place June 7 at Arco Arena in Sacramento, Calif.

The show, including the night's main event between UFC featherweight champ Mike Brown and former title-holder Urijah Faber, airs live on Versus.

The Dietz vs. Valencia fight will likely end up on the night's un-aired preliminary card.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

PRO MMA rising star: Kyle Dietz

Originally posted on ProMMA.info

Kyle Dietz is a 22-year-old young man who grew up in Iowa and is living his dream. No, he did not win as a contestant on American Idol and he is not a well-known actor reaping the benefits of fame and fortune.

Kyle Dietz is an undefeated professional mixed martial arts fighter who has finished his last four opponents in the first round with a combined total time of under six minutes. He has fought in the “Extreme Challenge” and “Courage Fighting Championshps” organizations and is currently teaching out of Spencer Fisher’s new Evolution Gym in Moline, Illinois.

He is living the dream of making a living as a professional athlete. Sure, he has not received a multi-million dollar Gatorade endorsement or fought for a UFC Title…yet. But there are whispers a WEC contract could be in his near future and he is definitely in the right camp and has the right people behind him to make things happen. It is for all these reasons Kyle Dietz was our pick for the “PRO MMA (promma.info) Rising Star of the Month.”

PRO MMA: You train out of Spencer Fisher’s camp is that right?
KYLE: Yeah, I used to be at Miletich Fighting Systems but Spencer Fisher just opened his own gym so I’m teaching and training there now.

PRO MMA: What is the name of Spencer’s new gym and where is it located?
KYLE: Evolution MMA in Moline, Illionois.

PRO MMA: Where are you from Kyle?
KYLE: I’m from Davenport, Iowa.

**********

PRO MMA: How do you think you match up with Miguel Torres?
KYLE: I think stand up wise it will be great, it’ll be a great fight. On the ground he’s a black belt, he’s been on the ground a lot longer than I have. That’s probably where I need the most work. If it was standing up, I think it would be great, it would be a great muay thai match, stand up kickboxing, boxing, I think that would be a great match. We’re both aggressive. We both like to mix it up I would say. Training with Spencer, he teaches a lot of combos normally you wouldn’t see. So I think it would be a great match up.

PRO MMA: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us at PRO MMA (promma.info). Do you have any sponsors you would like to thank?
KYLE: I want to thank Hitman Fight Gear, Bodybag MMA, Iceman RX, Cageside MMA, and MMA Agents.

Click here to read the entire article at ProMMA.info