MMA WFC debuts new pro fighters in ‘Cage Wars’
By Astrid Bidanec

Cage Wars IV drew an enthusiastic crowd of fans and supporters to the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Florida, on July 13th, 2007. World Fighting Championships (WFC), a Tampa-based company promoting Mixed Martial Arts competitions, showcased 22 mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters who spilled their blood while competing in their respective weight divisions.

Photo by Alex Borsody

(left to right) Sene against Barlog

Two local martial artists, Joe Wissman and Brandon "Devil Dog" Sene, made their debut as MMA pro fighters after years of dedicated martial arts training. Each had a successful night and emerged victorious from his bout.

Sene’s coach, Rob Kahn, in a recent interview with the Tampa Tribune, said he expects him to “develop into a World Extreme Cagefighting competitor within the next two years.”

Photo by Alex Borsody

(left ot right) Sene with MMA Monthly Webmaster, Rob Billings

(picture above) Viera doing an arm bar on Jordan

Touted as the main event was David Viera’s fight with Benjamin “The Grind” Jordan. Viera, who is from Rio de Janeiro but lives in Tampa now, did not disappoint his local fans. He put on a great show and delivered another spectacular victory.

Allen "Monsta Lobstah" Berube, who was not on the fight card at this event, entered the cage immediately after WFC veteran Eric Reynolds' victory over Adron Morrison. Reynolds unleashed a load of insults on Berube in the after-fight interview due to bad blood between the two since WFC Turf Wars. With the standing crowd in uproar, Berube opened up a can of whoopass on Reynolds. Handlers inside the cage had their hands full pulling the two apart. Seems they'll have more to “discuss” next time they meet inside the octagon.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Viera,

David Viera Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym

(left to right) “Monsta Lobstah,” Reynolds

While MMA has enjoyed an intense growth spurt in the last couple of years, many people are not yet familiar with the sport and its origin. Based on several martial arts styles, it consists of grappling and striking techniques from judo, karate, boxing and wrestling. Even though Mixed Martial Arts looks more like street fighting, the WFC has developed rules to ensure the safety and protection of fighters in accordance with Florida Boxing Commission regulations. Eye gouging and head butting are prohibited, as are many other dangerous moves and techniques. Fighting fair is a priority, very much like in any other fighting sport. That does not mean no one will get hurt.

With eight different ways to win, a fighter does not have to apply deadly force, and can take advantage of less harmful techniques.

Nevertheless, fans get their money’s worth with every fight. Blood is spilled by the ambitious men in the cage, no matter their preferred style of fighting. No one wears silk gloves inside the octagon, and no one wants to leave a loser. The fans can feel the fighters’ adrenalin rush and smell the sweat of tough men in a tough sport, which is no doubt part of the attraction.

The next Cage Wars are scheduled for Friday, September 7th at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticket Master or Fighter Warehouse.

Fighters who think they have what it takes to fight in an upcoming MMAWFC event can contact the WFC Qualifying Facility by calling Tom Crowther at 813-350-0000, or by applying with the matchmaker at www.naccmma.com.

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