Adrenaline MMA has finally released some more details about their initial fight card via a press release today. The June 14 event is scheduled to take place in Chicago, IL at the Sears Centre.
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — As a Chicago policeman, Mike Russow has become accustomed to dangerous situations.
So, it is understandable when Russow only smiles and refers to fighting veteran Jeff Monson in a professional mixed martial arts bout as a “great opportunity.” Russow, 9-1 in his pro career, takes on Monson, 23-7, in the heavyweight main event of Adrenaline MMA on June 14 at the Sears Centre.
A total of 13 pro bouts are scheduled in the inaugural Adrenaline event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and fights begin at 6 p.m.
“Monson is far more than just a veteran,” said Adrenaline CEO Monte Cox. “He has fought in every major event in the world and competed for countless titles, including the UFC heavyweight title. He comes into the event having won 18 of his last 20 bouts and is looking to prove Russow is not yet ready for the big time.
“Russow, on the other hand, has been crushing opposition and has been tested twice in major events… losing to then No. 6 ranked Sergei Kharitonov in Pride, then crushing Roman Zentzov in Japan’s Yarennoka event last New Years Eve. He’s ready to show he should be considered among the world’s best.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Sears Centre Box Office, online at www.searscentre.com or by calling 1-888-SEARSTIX.
A foursome of UFC veterans make up the two feature bouts. Chicago’s Terry Martin (16-4) will face Japan’s Daiju Takase (7-11) while Chicago’s Brian Gassaway (25-17) takes on Las Vegas’ Tony Fryklund (14-9).
Martin is a knockout artist, but will need to be cautious of the submission ability of Takase, who owns wins over UFC champion Anderson Silva and former UFC champ Carlos Newton.
Gassaway and Fryklund are two of the sport’s true veterans and both prefer the standup game, which should make for an exciting bout.
The International Fight League has allowed two of its standouts with Chicago ties — Bart Palaszewski and Mark Miller — to compete on the card as well as Zac George. And EliteXC provided striker Aaron Rosa and all-around standout Hector Urbina.
Other Chicago area fighters include Rory Markham, Herc Hayes, Kerry Schall, Clay French, Mike Stumpf, Ryan Williams and John Hosman.
Here is the current fight card as listed by Adrenaline MMA:
- Jeff Monson vs Mike Russow
- Terry Martin vs Daiju Takase
- Alberto Crane vs Clay French
- Tony Fryklund vs Brian Gassaway
- Jeff Cox vs Bart Palaszewski
- Rory Markham vs Taiwon Howard
- Mark Miller vs Jame Gibo
- Kerry Schall vs Herc Hayes
- Rob Kimmons vs Hector Urbina
- Ron Fields vs Aaron Rosa
It is interesting to note that the IFL is “allowing” several of its fighters to fight on the card, especially considering the recent tenuous relationship between the IFL and Adrenaline President Monte Cox. Cox made waves when several of his fighters including heavyweight Ben Rothwell did not resign with the promotion and were not allowed to compete in the first IFL World Grand Prix.
