Carwin. Cerrone. Condit. Ludwig. Henderson. Garcia. Schaub. The list goes on and on…
On Saturday Dec 17th at the 1STBANK Center mma fans will get the opportunity to find out WHO’S NEXT.
Headlining the event will be a battle of two of the top Featherweight prospects in the country. Former ROF Champion Tyler THUNDER Toner (12-3) will be going after another “W” against one of the regions most dangerous fighterss Nick Macias (9-4).
(above Tyler Toner lands a low kick)
After the conclusion of ROF 41 there was no one more deserving of a standing ovation then Colorado’s Tyler Toner. In one of the most amazing displays of heart and tenacity, Toner struggled to hold off a stronger opponent, JR Sims for 3 rounds. In what became a comeback for the ages, Toner stunned Sims late in the 3rd and continued to press the attack until the referee was forced to stop the fight. The entire arena was on it’s feet and the feeling was electric. In that moment Toner also cemented his spot in the main event for ROF 42: WHO’S NEXT.
ROF Promoter Sven BOOGIE Bean was so impressed he immediately made up his mind to bring Toner back for the next event. “Tyler is exactly the kind of fighter the ROF fans want to see. He has a never give up mentality and is always looking to finish fights, even when the chips are down. He has been a a fixture with Ring Of Fire since 2005 and I am proud to have him headline this show.”
Toner was able to string enough wins on ROF events to get the call to the WEC and eventually the UFC. Under the Zuffa banner he had 3 wars that were great battles, but after losing two decisions, the talent laden promotion was forced to cut him loose with the familiar “go out, get a couple wins, and we’ll bring you right back”
Toner is just one win from that goal, and is looking to finish his opponent Nick Macias in any means necessary.
(above Nick Macias lands a kick to the body)
Nick Macias is known for his hard hitting, aggressive in your face style of fighting. He has amassed a 9-4 MMA record, and is riding a 4 fight win streak. Macias might just be the perfect foil for Toner’s plans and also has his sights set on a larger contract. A win against Toner would put Macias in position to advance his career to the next step and steal some of Toner’s THUNDER along the way. Macias is coming into the fight fresh off a victory of one of Toner’s stable mates, BJJ Black Belt Josh Ford. Macias was able to use his style to control the bout against the decorated grappler, and win a unanimous decision. Macias trains with UFC vet Chris Camozzi out of Factory X Muay Thai. This camp is quickly making waves in the fight community and is showing that it is a team to be reckoned with in the talent heavy region.
(above Ryan Shultz victorious in the IFL)
Making his debut to the RING OF FIRE and the 145lb weight class is former IFL Champion Ryan THE LION Schultz. Schultz is an American mixed martial artist that has competed in some of the world’s most recognized fighting organizations including the WEC, Sengoku, and the IFL. With a strong background in wrestling, several years of experience, and an explosive fighting style, Ryan is a fierce competitor and one of the sport’s most exciting fighters to watch. Shultz was always known as one of the bigger 155 lb fighters and will be huge at 145. Shultz started his career with the famous Team Quest in the Pacific North West. But the Nebraska native moved back towards his roots and now runs TRIALS MMA in Ft. Collins, CO with UFC fighter Ed Herman.
(above Michelle Blalock’s trademark growl at her opponent)