Bittner looking at Gomez win as fast track to UFC

Posted on | July 11, 2011 | 1 Comment

Lemoore, Calif. –Tachi Palace Fights “Let the Chips Falls” on Friday, August 5 has a different meaning for two fighters on the 9-bout card.

For Drew Bittner, it’s the Soledad, Calif. bantamweight’s big break in mixed martial arts and the fight he believes can get him to the next level.

For Ulysses Gomez, it’s the road back up the mountain. The former flyweight kingpin works to make his way back up the ladder after losing the TPF Flyweight title in February.

“Ulysses is a world recognized flyweight. I believe he is still ranked Top 10 in the World and this is the type of win that will put me in the big show like the UFC,” said Bittner (4-0). “It could also make me a title contender at Tachi.”

Bittner offers several challenges to Gomez, who is coming off of a 5-round decision loss to current TPF Flyweight champ Darrell Montague. Bittner has trained with Montague and Millennia and believes he has the better wrestling as well as the size and strength advantage over Gomez (7-2).

Although Gomez is a highly ranked flyweight the bout will be contested at bantamweight.

“I think Ulysses might think I’m scared to take the fight to the ground because he is such an accomplished grappler,” Bittner said. “But I’m really not all that concerned with his ground game. I think I’m stronger than he is and I have the better wrestling and can dictate where the fight is going to be. I believe I can pound him out on top.”

Wrestling has proven to be the Achilles’ heel in Gomez game, but the Las Vegas grappling ace has opted to make some changes to his camp to make the necessary improvements to bring his game to the next level.

“Drew is a pretty good wrestler and is bigger than me. He has decent hands,” Gomez said. “But I’ve been doing a lot of wrestling. I think that’s something that I’ve neglected in my training camps. I’ve had enough wrestling to get by, but I’m not just trying to get by anymore.”

Gomez moved training camps to Xtreme Couture, while he continues his Brazilian jiu-jitsu with Sim Go and Cobra Kai.

“It’s a completely different camp for me. I’m trying some different stuff and training with different guys. I’m working with a lot of different people for this fight. I’m no longer at the top of the food chain and it’s been a real humbling experience,” Gomez said. “I’m training harder and getting better.”

Tachi Palace Fights will stream live and free on Sherdog.com at 5:30 p.m. (PST).

The stream will be blacked out to fans within 100 mile radius of the Palace unless there is a sellout.

Tickets can be purchased at www.tachipalace.com or charge by phone at 1-800-225-2277. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tachi Palace Gift Shop and start at a low price of just $30 for general admission seating.

Tachi Palace Fights Flyweight champ Darrell Montague (9-1) will defend his title in the most significant 125-pound fight to take place on U.S. soil. The Chino, Calif. will take on San Clemente, Calif.’s Ian McCall (10-2) in the main event. McCall is currently ranked No. 3 in the world and Montague is No. 6.

In the co-main event, Porterville, Calif.’s Joe Soto (9-1) makes his return to Tachi after suffering his first career loss and is returning from several eye surgeries. Soto will take on San Diego, Calif.’s Eddie Yagin (13-4-1).

Also, in another pivotal flyweight bout World No. 2 ranked Mamoru Yamaguchi (26-5-3) faces No. 4 Jussier da Silva (9-1). Brazil’s da Silva will be back in action for the first time since suffering his first loss and losing his top ranking. Meanwhile, Japan’s Yamaguchi will be making his second consecutive appearances for TPF.

Tachi Palace Fights Middleweight champ Canada’s David Loiseau (20-10) defends his title for the first time against Irvine, Calif.’s Giva Santana (15-1).

Also in action;

-Las Vegas, Nev. welterweight Jorge Lopez (9-1) vs. San Diego, Calif.’ Andre Galvao (5-2).

-Merced, Calif. welterweight Phil Collins (10-6) vs. Exeter, Calif.’s Kenny Ento (11-6).

-Fresno, Calif. featherweight Art Arciniega (10-4) vs. Santa Rosa, Calif.’s Andy Miranda (5-1).

-Oakdale, Calif. featherweight Brad McDonald (6-1) vs. Lemoore, Calif.’s Sergio Quinones (6-7).

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