Ring of Combat 53: Dana White is “Looking for a Fight”

In September, the UFC debuted the pilot episode of its new web series “Looking For a Fight” which will feature UFC President Dana White visiting local MMA shows to scout up-and-coming talent, with the help of White’s friends such as Nick “the Tooth” and former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt “The Terror” Serra. In the inaugural episode, White and company visited a local promotion in Lake Charles, Louisiana and discovered Sage Northcutt, who has since signed with the UFC and made a huge splash in his first fight. On November 20th, Dana White will touch down in Atlantic City for Ring of Combat 53, with the hopes of discovering another promising, unsigned talent.

Understandably the announcement has created quite a buzz in the local MMA scene, with fighters on the card knowing that an impressive performance could land them a coveted UFC deal. The card features many prospects and a pair of title fights. ROC Welterweight champ Randy “Rude Boy” Brown (5-0) will defend his title against pro kickboxer and Glory veteran Robby Plotkin (1-1), while Eddie Lenoci (4-0) takes on Bradley Desir (6-4) in a title fight at Lightweight. The card also features former ROC Bantamweight champ Julio Arce (8-1) and Lightweight Max “The Cobra” Bohanan (5-0), who are two of the top prospects in the nation. And in a featured Welterweight bout, Elijah Harshbarger (8-5) takes on Sidney Outlaw (5-1).

In anticipation of the show, Promoter Lou Neglia reminded New York FIghting that “The goal of Ring of Combat has always been to showcase new talent, and I’m… especially proud that Dana White has recognized Ring of Combat as being what it is, and that he’s coming to the show to search for new talent.” From Neglia’s perspective, a visit from the most powerful figure in the MMA world to scout undiscovered fighters fits right in line with the promotion’s purpose. “That has always been the concept of Ring of Combat, and I’m glad that he’s recognizing that and coming to do what we’ve been looking to do ever since the origination of Ring of Combat,” he said, calling Dana White a member of an “all-star team.” Mr. Neglia emphasized that before Dana White and the Fretitta brothers Lorenzo and Frank got involved, there was very little money to be made in martial arts, and their team created a new mainstream sport through their efforts, which has benefited everyone.

Julio Arce, who just came off a close and controversial loss in his last fight, was thrilled by the opportunity. “I am so fired up,” he told New York Fighting. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to further their careers as fighters and I am super pumped up.” Max Bohanan sounded a similar note. “Knowing Dana White will be in attendance spices things up a little ’cause we all know it’s an opportunity to potentialy take our game and career to the next level,” he said, “but I just want to fight and focus on that.”

Champion Randy Brown acknowledged the novelty of fighting in front of MMA‘s kingmaker, but seemed 100% focused on the task at hand. “I’m just gonna show up, get the W, and make it look pretty as usual. If I do what I usually do I’m sure he’ll take notice.”

At the end of the day, the fighters are in control of their own destinies, and on November 20th, at the Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, the fans might get a chance to see some of these fighters for the last time before they make it to the big show. As always,  NewYorkFighting.com will be on hand with full coverage of the event.