The NewBreed fights in Atlantic City on Saturday night were outstanding as usual. Full card, lots of MMA fans, and a talent pool that keeps growing. Tom Vanderhorst of BEDROC Martial Arts (Trained by John Farrar) in his Quarterfinal fight for the Battle of the Cruiserweight Belt was extremely crowd pleasing as usual. Tom’s looks and fight style make for a popular fight every time. Tom enters the ring with his usual stone face ready to take on any challenge. Although his opponent (Amir Davis) weighed well over 200lbs exceeding the 189.9lb weight class and Tom made weight easily, he still agreed to the fight. Tom could have opted out, but that is not Tom Vanderhorst. He will not stop until he gets the NewBreed Fighters Cruiserweight MMA Belt.

First round opens and Tom took a few shots from the heavier opponent. But Davis was standing back trying to stay out of Tom’s reach and trying to avoid Tom’s vicious take down skills, popping Tom a few times when Tom went in for the take down. At 2 minutes, Tom got the takedown and within 57 seconds, he applied his “TomBar” on an unwilling opponent who wouldn’t tap. The referee ended up stopping the fight at 2:57 of the first round because Davis’ arm was obviously injured. Tom’s opponent ended up with a broken arm and was wheeled out of the arena to be checked at the local hospital.

Look for Tom to fight the Semi-Final Round in Atlantic City at the Showboat Casino House of Blues on August 9, 2008. You will more than likely once again see his signature backflip after he defeats his third opponent in his quest for the belt.

For all the details of the Battle of the Cruiserweights see the link below where Tom is mentioned and pictured on the NewBreed Site:

http://www.newbreedfighters.tv/

All the members and instructors at BEDROC Martial Arts have been extremely helpful and willing to work with me, although my size sometimes hinders them from getting the best of their own training and I am very thankful for their attitudes and willingness to give of themselves for me. I didn't realize when I started how much I would really like it. I am going to enter my first tournament on August 30, 2008 in Fredonia, New York (Hayastan Grappling Challenge). This past weekend I attended, helped set brackets, and helped run tables at the Greater Rochester Martial Arts Championships. Although their were no girls my size, and only one female at the grappling competition at all, I still got the fever even more so than I had it before. Big thanks go out to Sensei John Farrar and BJJ Blue Belt Pat Turgeon of BEDROC Martial Arts for being so supportive of my late start in the grappling world.
See you all tonight on CagesideLive!!!!