MMA 
The first 5-time World’s Strongest Man, Polish icon Mariusz “Dominator” Pudzianowski, makes his United States debut May 21 against 2-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia (25-6-0) in the super heavyweight main event, headlining the first major mixed-martial-arts show in Massachusetts history, “God of Martial Arts” pay-per-view event, at the DCU Center in Worcester.
“God of Martial Arts” is being presented by Moosin, the South Korea-based promotional company, which has promoted MMA shows in South Korea and the United States. Moosin, in conjunction with the International Taekwon-Do Federation, plans expansion into to China, Poland and Australia.
The 6-1,275-pound Pudzianowski (1-0), a national hero in Poland, won his cage debut last December, forcing Marcin Najman to tap-out to punches and kicks in only 43 seconds. In addition to his feats of strength as the World’s Strongest Man, Marius practices karate and finished second in Poland’s version of “Dancing With The Stars.”
During his sensational career, Ellsworth, Maine-native Sylvia (6-8, 280 lbs.) has defeated many of the top MMA heavyweights and super heavyweights – Andrei Arlovski (2) Brandon Vera, Jeff Monson, Wes Sims, Ricco Rodriguez, Mike Whitehead (2), Ben Rothwell and Jason Lambert.
“The owner of Moosin, Mr. Oh, is an affluent Korean businessman who owns a global Yaekwon-Do company in South Korea,” Moosin’s Corey Fischer explained. “This (Moosin) isn’t about money; it’s about prestige. He wants to leave his legacy as the man who brought MMA to the forefront of the world, bringing it back to being a traditional sport. We’re coming to Massachusetts to put on the first major, sanctioned MMA show there because of its reputation for having great fight fans. ‘Butterbean’ (Eric Esch), who works with our promotional company, has fought in Worcester a few times. He loves it there and has developed a lot of good contacts in that market, too. Sylvia’s experience against Pudzianowski’s brute strength makes for a classic contrast of fighting styles. We’re going to feature some other big names, mix in some of the best talent in New England, and produce an awesome pay-per-view show.”
In the co-main event, Korean heavyweight Mu Bae “The Heavy Tank of Busan” Choi (9-4-0) battles veteran Travis “Diesel” Wiuff (59-14-0). Brazilian middleweight Rafael “Sapo” Natal (11-2-0) takes on Travis “The Serial Killer” Lutter (10-5-0), while Bahamian lightweight Yves “The Texas Gunslinger” Edwards (37-15-1) faces New England’s rising-star Mike Campbell (7-2-0).
A special female attraction has been added featuring two of the premier women MMA fighters in the U.S., Tara LaRosa (18-1-0) and Roxy Modafferi (13-4-0), at a 130-pound catch-weight.
“God of Martial Arts” is being distributed by Integrated Sports Media at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, TVN and DISH Network, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Bell TV and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95 (also available in HD).
The show has worldwide appeal but also features several local favorites on the undercard: Korean light heavyweight Chang Seob Lee (2-4-0) vs. Lukasz “Juras” Jurkowski (5-6-0), Clinton’s Matt Lee (11-8-1) vs. Bridgewater’s Brett Oteri (5-0-0) in a match-up of Massachusetts lightweights, unbeaten Worcester (Mass.) welterweight Ralph Johnson vs. NAAFS champion Forrest “The Meat Clever” Petz (23-7-0 undefeated Rockland (Mass.) heavyweight Paul Barry (3-0-0) vs. Stipe Miocic (1-0-0), Stoughton (Mass.) middleweight Fred “French Foot Fighter” Belleton (6-2-0) vs. Anthony “The Recipe” Lapsley (14-5-0).
Also, fan favorite Eric “Butterbean” Esch (98-18-5, all-fighting) squares-off against former Boston Bruins enforcer and popular WAAF sports personality, Lyndon “LB” Byers, in a charity fundraiser. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $35.75, $55.75, $75.75, $150.75 and $250.75, are on sale at the DCU Center Box Office (50 Foster St., Worcester, MA), all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1.800.745.3000.
Doors open at 7:30 PM/ET, first bout 8:00 PM/ET, first PPV bout 9 PM/ET (6 PM/PT).
