As Richmond’s MMA and fighting scene continues to grow, the Combat Sports Center will host its 35^th event Saturday February 9^th at the Richmond Grand Hotel on Broad Street. CSC 35 will feature 14 pro and amateur kickboxing fights including 2 WKA title fights. The WKA (World Kickboxing Association) is the oldest and largest organization of its kind, with over 90 countries in its membership. The WKA has sanctioned events in Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia, Mexico, South America, Europe, and Canada, as well as throughout the United States. The U.S. head office of the WKA is right here in Richmond and is represented by Combat Sport Center owner/trainer Brian Crenshaw. Brian has helped coach Team USA at the WKA World Championships and has lead fighters to multiple medals helping put the United States back on the map in the world of kickboxing. CSC 35 is sure to be a fun event as Brian and everyone at Combat Sports Center help MMA grow in Richmond. Below are interviews with a few of the fighters on the card including; Francois Ambang who is fighting for the WKA US Super Light Heavyweight title, Ani Hilditch who is defending her VA Strawweight title, and Grayson Mullins who is making his career debut. For more info on the event check out www.CombatSportsCenter.com  

Francois Ambang - Pro MMA Fighter Fighting For The WKA US Super Light Heavyweight Title At CSC 35

Ani "Skywalker" Hilditch - WKA VA Strawweight Champion Defending Her Title At CSC 35

Grayson Mullins - Combat Sports Center Fighter Making His Career Debut At CSC 35

My apologizes for not updating my blog lately fellow sports nuts, let’s just say I had a little too much fun during the holiday season (don’t tell the boss!). I want to start something new with my blog. Instead of coming at you with long columns, that you would probably only half read, I feel a bi-weekly commentary of my musings in the sporting world might be a little easier. So here is the first edition of my musings from the bench.

I - First off I wanted to let you guys know about my newest endorsement, the Combat Sports Center. CSC is a fully loaded MMA gym that offers classes for every fitness level. I have been training there lately and I’m doing something different every class and I am working out like I never have before. CSC has world class trainers that will stick with you during the process in achieving your fitness goals. It gets you away from standard gyms that only allow you to work out so much. Check them out at CombatSportsCenter.com or call them at 804-754-2546 for more info.

II – Though their season is done RG3 and Redskins still continue to make headlines. With the latest news of his major knee surgery to repair his LCL and ACL you have to think how long is this kid going to make in the NFL. Much like running backs in the league, a running quarterback’s career span is shrinking at the same pace of Lindsay Lohan’s career. While RG3 is tough he and the Redskins need to remember he’s only a rookie. For this being the second major knee surgery of his life, which apparently comes with a 6-8 month recovering process, some have to think does he really need to rush back to play a whole season next year?  I know the organization wants to build off the momentum of NFC title run, but much like the Nationals with shutting down Stephen Strasburg, do the Redskins need to risk the franchise in doing so. This upcoming offseason and how this situation is handled will be a true testament to the Mike Shanahan era in D.C.

III – I want to go back to this whole Brent Musburger-Katherine Webb thing for a moment. In my honest, honest opinion at first I really think ole Brent did nothing wrong. His initial comment was nothing I haven’t heard before during a broadcast when they show the W.A.G.S (wives and girlfriends) of these athletes. I remember the AJ Hawk’s girlfriend-Brady Quinn’s sister thing during the 2006 Fiesta Bowl, and the coverage Matt Kalil’s mom (by the way if you don’t know what I’m talking about look her up, wow!) received during the 2012 NFL draft. But when Kirk Herbstreit tried to close out the statement and Brent kept going that’s when it got a little uncomfortable but still not derogatory. All he reminded me of was that drunk Uncle that you see at family functions that tries to hit on your girlfriend. Brent is a legend in the broadcasting industry and ESPN did not have to issue an apology especially when they don’t for things they should, ex. Stephen A. Smith.

IV – A10 conference play for VCU is here! It’s the game everyone has been waiting for since they announced their move to the new league. The Rams enter into the game against Dayton on a 9-game winning streak and are ranked (24^th in the coaches' poll) for the first time in regular season history. The evolution of the VCU’s men’s basketball program has been nothing short of amazing. I remember being a student at VCU during the Nick George-Dominic Jones- B.A. Walker-Eric Maynor eras and the Siegel Center only being half full. We use to be able to partake in pregame “activities” and then come find great seats at halftime. Now you basically have to name your first born child Shaka to be even considered for season tickets. The Rams are dangerous and deep this year and I even think they have Sweet 16 potential. Oh and while I wrote that Troy Daniels just hit another 3-pointer.

V – Hockey Is Back!!!! That is all for now, I am still badly burned by the NHL but I know I’ll be a dope and watch once they return. C-A-P-S CAPS CAPS CAPS!!!

So this was just an example of what I want to bring to you guys. I hope we can start a discussion via facebook, twitter, or face-to-face, remember when people use to communicate that way! Email me at Jesse@sportsradio910.com or tweet me @JesseSR910. Also if there is anything you want my take on let me know. I will be back soon with a NFL divisional round edition soon so stay tuned! 

It’s been quite a year to be a Richmond Spiders fan.  The turmoil this program went through last year seems a distant memory now. First year Head Coach Danny Rocco has instilled a culture of hard work and responsibility that has laid a foundation for success for many years. The team fought hard to get big wins over Villanova and JMU that put them in the national spotlight. At this point last year, the Spiders were finishing the season 3-8 and now they have a chance to finish this season 8-3. Not only is that at stake in their matchup with William & Mary, but also a spot in the playoffs. With a win the Spiders will lock up a slot in the FCS’s field of 20, but even with a loss they are still in a position to receive an at-large bid.

As Richmond (7-3, 5-2 CAA) faces William & Mary (2-8, 1-6 CAA) they won’t be taking on the same Tribe team that has beaten the Spiders the past 2 seasons. It’s been a down year for long time Head Coach Jimmye Laycock’s injury plagued crew. They currently ride a 4-game losing streak but have fought hard in those losses. The Spiders defense has been playing at a high level this season.  They currently lead the country in turnover margin (+20) and in interceptions (23). The offense seems to be rallying around Quarterback Michael Strauss. The redshirt-sophomore has 8 touchdowns and over 900 yards passing since taking over when John Laub went down with a broken ankle. Kendall Gaskins keeps climbing the ranks of greatest running backs to come out of Richmond. He is now tied for 3^rd all-time in rushing touchdowns and has 14 on the season. Also Ben Edwards has turned into an absolute weapon with 67 receptions this season.

A playoff bid would be a great reward for a program that has fought hard to get away from the funk it was clouded with last season. With a win the Spiders will return to the playoffs for the 5^th time in the past 6 years. Richmond will have to fight hard against a William & Mary that really has nothing to lose. Below I had a conversation with Richmond linebacker and team leader Darius McMillan. We discussed the task at hand for the Spiders and what a win would mean for him and the seniors. Click below

My conversation with Richmond Linebacker Darius McMillan

First off, I love Kevin Garnett’s snub of the Ray Allen hand shake.

KG has always been one of my favorite players in the NBA, and he is probably one of the most intense players in NBA history, right next to Dennis Rodman. Garnett and Allen did win a championship together in Boston, but the way Allen left the Celtics put a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. KG is that kind of competitor that “If you’re not on my team anymore you’re not my boy”. The NBA needs rivalries like this. There’s too much respect among players in the league these days and it needs a Magic v. Larry type feud. Boston and Miami are going to be two of the top teams in the eastern conference and this won’t be the first time they see each other. *DING*DING*DING*

The Lakers are going to have all kinds of issues.

No disrespect to the Dallas Mavericks it all. I know it’s early in the season, but the Lakers are going to have chemistry issues. It was good to see Kobe lace ‘em up but I have a feeling all the game time decision stuff about his foot was a front. Steve Nash was basically invisible last night as he would go from end to end and then pass the ball. No one denies Nash’s passing ability, but here’s a two-time MVP who can score. Also I believe his age is going to show soon. Then you have Dwight Howard who is a mess right now. Though he scored 19 he went 3 for 14 at the FT line and at one point Pau Gasol was giving him advice, and speaking of Pau he was the one bright spot. I think the Lake Show will get it together, but the team they share the Staples Center with is licking their chops right now at a wounded animal.

How did the Wizards Cavaliers game make it to the opening night showcase?

The NBA opened its season with 3 games and the night got started with Cleveland and Washington’s matchup. Between those two teams there’s one championship and between the other four teams that played there’s 37. I do support the Wizards. See, how I said support there? These were two of the worst teams in the league last year. I could see how the NBA was trying to setup a matchup between two number #1 picks between Wall and Irving, but Wall is out until the end of November but that’s was something out of Stern’s control. One thing I do respect about Stern is his ability to market the game internationally, and with Anderson Varejao emergence as a star, I think of him as a poor man’s Brazilian Dirk. In the league I could see how it was important to put him on the opening night stage. Of course Kyrie shined and he will continue to do so for a very long time. If that game showed anything it’s that it’s going to be a long season for the Wiz once again as they continue to rebuild, so hang in there Wiz fans, and supporters.

As you guys know I'm a big MMA fan. I have chatted with UFC fighters and I love to support local MMA. This weekend over at the Richmond Raceway Complex a pro-MMA event will go with CFFC 18. The organization has roots in the Northeast and they are expanding to the South. The card features a lot local Richmond fighters that train out of the MMA Institute. The main event will be a fight between Mike Wade and UFC Ultimate Fighter finalist Kris McCray. Also on the card is former Virginia Tech Hokie wrestler Donnie Ooton. Everything starts at 7pm at RIR and you can get information at CFFC.TV. Below I chatted with a few of the fighters and organizers of the event.

Pete Hatcher - CFFC VP Mid-Atlantic

Kris McCray - Welterweight - Season 11 Ultimate Fighter Finalist

Mike Wade - Welterweight - VHSL State Wrestling Champion

Donnie Ooton - Lightweight - Former Virginia Tech Hokie Wrestler