SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI GETS NEW 10,000 SQUARE FOOT MARTIAL ARTS / FITNESS FACILITY

Ground Zero Training Complex offers a blend of
Fitness Bootcamps and Martial Arts Classes

Ground Zero Training Complex in Springfield, Missouri is now open. The facility is Springfield's newest addition to the local Mixed Martial Arts scene. Mixed Martial Arts has been gaining popularity in the region since around 2005 according to Ground Zero owner Eric Stevens.
Stevens originally came on the scene as a fan back in 2005 attending local Mixed Martial Arts competitions commonly referred to as "cagefights". According to Stevens the first time he attended an event he knew he wanted to get involved in the sport. Originally Eric intended to become an event promoter but found himself training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as his first step toward getting involved in the sport.
  In March of 2008 Stevens opened his first gym along with a couple of other local MMA fighters in Nixa, Missouri. As the gym grew the need to be in a bigger market pushed Stevens to open a facility in Springfield. According to Stevens his first gym in Nixa was only the size of a garage and a small office.
  After relocating operations to from Springfield to Nixa, Stevens was able to grow the operation to a 5,000 square foot gym in the heart of Springfield. As the gym grew so did the amount of work and Stevens added some partners to the business. In 2017 Stevens began the process of selling the business to his other partners to pursue a different business model.
  Over the years according to Stevens he came to realize that there was a huge part of the population that wants to exercise and get in shape and would like to try Martial Arts as a way to achieve the goal. However, Stevens says that people are intimidated to go to a "fight gym" for fear of having to fight someone to become a member.

ZeroFit™ is an exclusive program offered at Ground Zero
designed to help people reach their weight loss goals

 Fast forward to March of 2019 and Stevens has now opened a 10,000 square foot facility that has more to offer the public than just "cagefighting". Ground Zero Training Complex is also located in the heart of the Springfield Metro Area just off Battlefield on Golden Avenue. The facility offers everything you would expect to find such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for men and women and martial arts for kids as well as training for would be MMA fighters in addition to a complete setup for boxing training including a boxing ring and a large variety of boxing training equipment.
  Most notable according to Stevens however is the amount of gym area devoted to fitness equipment and the new bootcamp and weight loss programs available at the new facility. Stevens says that he is specifically looking to help people that are looking to lose weight but have struggled reaching their goals.
  According to Stevens there are plans in place to make some major announcements in the month of May regarding new coaching staff for several new programs. The facility is installing equipment to allow its members 24 hour access to the facility as well. Stevens says it will be the first facility in the region to offer 24 hour access to Mixed Martial Arts training.
  People interested in membership are being directed to call 417-414-0269 for more information.



Contact Information:
Phone: 417-414-0269
Website: https://www.groundzero417.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundZero417
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/groundzero417

FREE Girls Night Out in Springfield This Saturday!

So this article is for the ladies... Make sure you read the details so you will know where to go and get your tickets FOR FREE instead of paying $25 at the door.

As an MMA promoter for the last 6 years it has always amazed me how people stereotype MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) as a mans sport. At the end of the night I always stand at the exit and listen to what people are saying as they are leaving the venue.  It has always surprised me that it's usually the women who are all excited and talking about what a great time they had.

I can only speculate as to why the women enjoy the events as much as they do. Maybe it has something to do with the bare chested, muscled up, sweaty alpha male fighter types doing their best to take each other out in one of the most brutal sports in the world?

Maybe it's the atmosphere, the loudspeakers pumping out bass and good music. Maybe it's the full bar and food available?

To be honest I have no idea why the ladies love it as much as they do but what I do know is that on Saturday, Feb 3rd the doors at University Plaza in Springfield will open at 4pm and the action will start at 6pm.  Normally it would cost $25 each to get in the door but Adrenaline Fight League has made special arrangements with several local Springfield business sponsors to make FREE tickets available for this event (no purchase necessary). All you have to do is head over to ANY Springfield area Rapid Roberts, 417 Vapor, Premier Pawn, Never Say No Auto or Team Fusion Martial Arts and pick up your tickets for FREE, NO strings attached!

See you at "Fight Night" Ladies!

More details: aflcagefights.com

Springfield, MO - FREE MMA Tickets

  This Saturday LIVE in Springfield, Missouri at the University Plaza Convention Center, Adrenaline Fight League presents "REVELATION".  This is a Mixed Martial Arts event also referred to as "cagefighting".  This type of event is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and has largely been popularized by The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).
  Springfield based fight promoter Eric Stevens has opened up the General Admission section of the show for free admission. Tickets for these seats are normally $25 each but are available at no charge at local area businesses that sponsor the event (see list below).
  When asked why the tickets are free Stevens said, "this event raises money for the Springfield based Give A Child A Voice Foundation. The Give A Child A Voice foundation prints a free book called 'Tell, Tell & Keep Telling' that educates and empowers children to speak out if they are victims of abuse.  This mission of the Give A Child A Voice Foundation is an important one and helps reduce child abuse in the Ozarks region through increased awareness.  Giving away free tickets helps us raise more money through donations from people that attend the event. Every dollar helps and most people that get a free ticket donate a few bucks at the show although it is not required."

  The event is family friendly. Although a full bar is available at the event security is tight and excessive drinking and belligerent behavior is not tolerated. All music is profanity free.  Stevens says "these events are great entertainment for everyone. Most people are very surprised by the overall professionalism of the staff and fighters at these shows. If you have never been to one you should definitely come check it out! This is a great event for a great cause!"

Free ticket locations:
Club Rodeo
417 Vapor
Show-Me-Tint
Altec Computers (both locations)
Never Say No Auto
Premier Pawn (both locations)
Ozark Fence
Rapid Roberts (all 15 Springfield locations)

More details available at aflcagefights.com

VIP Seating available by calling 417-448-0758 or visit aflcagefights.com

1 Day Left:FREE Tickets for LIVE MMA SHOW in Springfield, MO on Saturday!

Have you ever been to a LIVE Mixed Martial Arts Show? If you have, you probably paid $20 or more to get in the door. If you haven't been this is the perfect opportunity for you to see what all the buzz is about.
One local Mixed Martial Arts Promoter in Southwest Missouri has made partnership arrangements with several local businesses to GIVE AWAY General Admission Tickets to the Adrenaline Fight League "Fight Night" at The Springfield Expo Center.
Promoter Eric Stevens says "this is possible because our sponsors have helped cover some of the costs associated with putting on this type of event. Most people don't realize the amount of expenses associated with putting on an event like this. There is an incredible investment made in officials, medical personnel, blood testing, insurance and sound and lighting for the event."
Event Sponsors helping to cover these costs have made it possible for the promoter to provide a certain amount of FREE General Admission Tickets available by visiting one of the sponsor locations and picking them up.
According to Stevens there is a limit of 2 tickets per person and there is no purchase necessary to get the tickets.
The event will be held Saturday, August 6th at The Springfield Exposition Center or "Expo Center" for short located in the heart of Downtown Springfield. There is plenty of parking in area parking lots or in the parking garage directly next to the facility.
 Here is a list of locations where you can pick up your FREE MMA Fight Night Tickets
All businesses are located in Springfield, Missouri. Please "google' the business name for the addresses:

• Never Say No Auto 
• Marty's Sports Bar
• 417 Vapor 
• Premier Pawn (2 locations)
• Wireless Trendz (All 3 locations)

Heavyweight Title Fight Goes Down In Branson This Saturday

  Two Midwest Fight Promotions have joined forces to bring one of the best title fights in local MMA history to the Branson Convention Center on Saturday, October 3rd, 2015. The St. Louis, Missouri based Rumble Time Promotions and the Springfield, Missouri based Adrenaline Fight League have brought together Max McNeely VS. Quinten Goodie in what promises to be a Heavyweight War that MMA fans won't want to miss.
  Max McNeely, the more seasoned veteran of the cage touts a record with 9 wins inside the cage and only 3 losses. McNeely is the current Brawl Inc., and Devistation Fight Club Heavyweight Champion.
  While McNeely is the more seasoned fighter his opponent, Quinten Goodie is undefeated with a record of 4 wins and zero losses. Goodie has finished all of his opponents in devastating fashion with only one of his four bouts lasting longer than one minute.  Some would say that Goodie has had easier opponents than McNeely and that Goodie isn't ready for a fighter of McNeely's caliber and experience.
  McNeely stated that he "has been training for 5 years" while Goodie has only been in the sport for 2 years.  McNeely has an additional advantage in that he is a single man with plenty of time to train while Goodie is a father to his son Quinten Goodie Jr. and also a business man working as a self-made day trader in futures and commodities. Goodie says this won't matter much because he is dedicated to his training even though he has a full plate of commitments and responsibilities outside the gym.
  McNeely who works as a freelance cameraman and video editor says that he "has lots of time for training". When asked what words of wisdom he had for his opponent he said "bring it and let's put on a show".
  McNeely trains and coaches fighters with Gladiator MMA out of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Goodie trains under Aaron Kimball with TCB Fight Factory out of Rogers, Arkansas.  Both of these athletes are top caliber fighters. When asked his opinion of this matchup, Eric Stevens, promoter for Adrenaline Fight League said "This is the kind of matchup that would leave the odds makers baffled. Both fighters are very big, very strong and very well trained. I just hope they don't break the panels off my cage! This fight has the potential to be one of the most exciting fights you can experience at the local MMA level."
  The card also features a list of local who's who fighters including some very exciting female fights as well as two additional title fights in the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Divisions. General Admission Tickets will be available at the Branson Convention Center beginning at 6 pm with the first bout scheduled to take place at 7:30pm. Fans seeking VIP Seating accommodations are advised to call 417-448-0758 to reserve premium seating in advance. Any unsold VIP seating will be sold on a first come first serve basis at the door at 6pm.
  Fans who would like to meet some of the fighters are encouraged to attend the weigh-ins which are open to the public. The weigh-ins are set to take place at CJ's Neighborhood Bar & Grill located at 2001 State HWY 248 in Branson beginning at 7pm on Friday evening.

Toughest MMA Battle in 417 History Goes Down This Saturday!

  If you are a fan of Local MMA in the 417 Area Code then chances are you know who Tyler 'Honey Badger' Johnson is. With an impressive record of 11 wins with only one loss he is by far one of the best pound for pound fighters to come up in the area in recent times.

Tyler 'Honey Badger' Johnson putting the
punishment on another opponent.

  In his most recent bout on November 10th 'Honey Badger' devastated his previously undefeated opponent with a viscous knockout that left the fighter motionless on the floor of the cage for some time. Finding challengers for the Adrenaline Fight League Champion has been difficult at best says AFL Promoter Eric Stevens.

  According to Stevens multiple attempts have been made to get the Middleweight Shofight Champion Marco Hutch to accept a challenge from Johnson. The challenge has been denied citing a myriad of excuses for ducking Johnson including a refusal to accept the fight on the basis of not liking the fighters coach.

  Stevens says "Excuses are like ***holes. Everyone has one. But some stink more than others. None stink more than the excuses being given by Marco Hutch's management for not taking the fight against Johnson".

  In a recent Shofight event Shofight Champion Marco Hutch was hand-fed another underqualified opponent with a 7-6 record and barely managed to squeak out the win via decision. According to Stevens, Shofight Promoter JT Tilley is well known for hand feeding his 'Champions' from his Branson Fight Club fight team easy fights.

  Enter Curtis 'GourndNPound' Eller. Hailing from Taylorville Illinois with a mind blowing record of 19 wins with only 4 losses. This fighter holds titles from 4 different promotions in the Welterweight and Middelweight Divisions. Eller has submitted nearly every one of his opponents with a ground fighting style rarely seen outside the pro level of the sport.

Curtis 'GroundNPound' Eller holding his
Championship Belts.

  According to Stevens a true champion seeks to fight the best available competition and that is exactly what Johnson has done. "You won't find the 'Honey Badger' hiding behind his coach slash promoter taking easy fights to retain his belt. In fact, this fight, happening right here in Springfield on Saturday January 24th is arguably the best fight fans could ever ask for from a local MMA promotion. I just hope the Honey Badger hasn't bitten off more than he can chew", says Stevens.

 In light of Marco Hutch ducking Johnson and barely getting a win over a marginal fighter, Johnson says he feels that a victory over Ellis who is a far more suitable opponent for a championship belt will cement his position as the top fighter in Southwest Missouri and make it clear that Marco Hutch has no chance of beating him hence the excuses from his camp for not taking the fight.

 The only way to find out how this quest by Johnson to be the best fighter in 417 will unfold is to be at the Shrine Mosque in downtown Springfield on Saturday, January 24th.

Local MMA Coaches Chase and Apprehend Muggers After They Robbed One Of Their Students

 Wednesday night around 9:15 pm as Team Fusion Jiu-Jitsu & MMA coaches and students were locking up the dojo for the night a student was approached by an unknown individual that claimed to be armed with a gun in his waistband and demanded the students keys.

Montgomery (far left) and Stevens (far right) apprehended
two robbery suspects after they robbed one of their students
at Team Fusion Jiu-Jitsu & MMA in Springfield.

 The student who's identity has not been revealed refused to surrender his keys but gave the man his wallet.  The student then drove around to the front of the building where coaches Eric Stevens and Brad Montgomery were locking up for the night. Their student informed them that he had just mugged. When Stevens asked "Who mugged you"? the student pointed to a red truck pulling away on Bennett Street at the Glenstone Avenue intersection. Stevens then ran towards the vehicle as it came to a stop at the red light. The assailants in the red Chevy pickup truck saw Stevens approaching and ran the red light heading southbound on Glenstone Avenue.

 Montgomery pulled around in his vehicle and picked up Stevens and followed the truck for several blocks eventually cornering them in a one way apartment complex parking lot near the MSU campus.

 Stevens and Montgomery detained two of the thieves while a third man ran and got away.

Jeremy Shrewsbury apprehended by
Stevens and Montgomery has been
charged with 2nd Degree Robbery

Tiffany Hert apprehended by
Stevens and Montgomery has been
charged with 2nd Degree Robbery

   Springfield Police responded within minutes to Montgomery's 911 call. The two individuals were taken into custody and charged with 2nd Degree Robbery.

 The third suspect has been identified and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. At the time this article was written the Springfield Police Department has yet to respond to our inquiry regarding the name of the third suspect.

  Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the individual that got away is asked to contact Det. Cole at (417)864-1755.