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Friday, Dec 06, 2002

A Prelude To Combat



A Prelude to Combat
By Jim Genia

      Promoters Lou Neglia and Ray Longo are at it again, this time bringing their "Ring of Combat II" show to the Meadowlands Exposition Center, in Secaucus, New Jersey. The action begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 7th — and it’s the usual mix of kickboxing, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts bouts. As usual, the card is subject to last-minute changes, but stepping into the ring will be representatives from Martin’s Jiu-Jitsu/Team Renzo Grace, Team Tiger Schulmann, Serra Jiu-jitsu, Pitts Pen, Combined Martial Arts, and the Dog Pound. Here’s a brief look at some of the fighters:



Steve Anshelewitz attempts a takedown on Jose Rodriguez at Ring of Combat 1
Steve Anshelewitz
Anshelewitz, of Martin’s Jiu-jitsu/Team Renzo Gracie, was crowned the East Coast 195-pound MMA Champ at the last Ring of Combat show – defeating a very-tough Jose Rodriguez via a controversial ref stoppage [Anshelewitz is pictured here attempting a takedown on Rodriguez]. Known for neutralizing his opponents’ offenses and capitalizing on their mistakes, Anshelewitz will be putting his new Brazilian Jiu-jitsu brown belt to good use on Saturday night.



Elvis Garcia
Hot on the heels of a solid victory at Reality Fighting II last month, Garcia looks to keep up his winning MMA momentum. Representing Team Tiger Schulmann, he brings into the ring some strong stand-up skills and a solid knowledge of the ground game – which he’ll need, as he’s tentatively scheduled to face Themi Papadimtriou, a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu purple belt. "It’s kind of like a revenge match," he says. "He beat two of our guys, so I’m going to beat him. I’m just going to beat him any way I can."



Themi Papadimitriou ready for action at Vengeance at the Vanderbilt 14
Themi Papadimitriou
Representing Combined Martial Arts, and sporting a purple belt under Marcelo Mello, Papadimitriou is no stranger to MMA-style competition. Or to the kickboxing ring. Or to grappling tournaments. Not the slightest bit afraid to test himself, Papadimitriou is an extremely active competitor. "Themi doesn’t care who he fights," says trainer Carmine Zocchi. "He just likes to fight."



Shennen Maceo cracks Keith Nesbitt with an uppercut at Ring of Combat 1
Shennen Maceo
Stepping into the ring for some Muay Thai kickboxing action is Team Tiger Schulmann representative Maceo. "He’s a 145-pounder who hits like a heavyweight," says trainer Shihan Schulmann, and judging by Maceo’s performance in the ring, this isn’t too far from the truth [Maceo is pictured here blasting Keith Nesbitt with an uppercut]. This time, however, the competition goes up a notch, as Neglia has flown in Cuban kickboxer Miguel Arayo to test the TSK bruiser. "I’m feeling real good, training real hard," says Maceo. "And I never underestimate any opponent."



Ted Govola
In an intriguing match-up of wrestler versus jiu-jitsu stylist, Govola comes to Ring of Combat to face Pete "Drago" Sell, and brings with him an impressive list of credentials. He represent the Dog Pound, is a former Division III wrestler from Trinity College, is the undefeated Mass Destruction Middleweight Champ, and is known for outlasting his opponents. Will Govola be able to outlast Drago?



Pete Sell mounted on Vlad Koulikov at Vengeance at the Vanderbilt 14
Pete "Drago" Sell
Drago is a rising star out of Serra Jiu-Jitsu, and will be looking to shine at Ring of Combat. He’s also known for outlasting his opponents — having gone the distance with Vlad Koulikov at "Vengeance at the Vanderbilt 14" [Sell is pictured here mounted on Koulikov] — and with his purple belt in jiu-jitsu, is a submission threat from any position. Says his trainer, UFC lightweight stud Matt Serra: "He’s in phenomenal shape. It’s going to be 10 minutes of hell for his opponent."

posted by Full Contact Fighter @ 8:00 pm
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