Apparently Jeff Monson's original opponent Kevin Randleman has been replaced by former UFC Heavyweight Champ Ricco "Suave" Rodriguez, for tomorrow nights PPV in Charlotte NC.

On the Undercard TUF 4 Finalist Josh Haynes faces Murilio Bustamante.

Carmelo Marrero vs. Nick Hinchlieffe

The website is :

godsofwar.tv

Saturday morning June 14, I picked up OreoPunk (Jason) early and we drove to Richmond Va. We arrived at the Best Western on Broad Street before noon and checked in, unpacked and made a few calls. One to Total Cage Combat promoter Joe Grey, one to Jessica of Universal Fighting Network and then to "Mr. Anan"s wife Elizabeth. Anan is one of our sponored fighters and was fighting for the TCC Light Weight Title that night.(His display name is The Kombat Revolution on my Top Friends). They were across the street at K-Mart and I invited them up to the room to cool off before they had to be at the Raceway Complex and check in for the fights. We had a great time discussing his training and his journey as a martial artist. Then we talked about our mission as a company producing comic books and sponsoring MMA Fighters like him. Anan is a very enthusiastic and polite young man. Elizabeth, his wife is very involved in his career and is very wise and fun too.

Later, Jessica and her spouse Adam "Big Dog" Miller arrived mid-afternoon. Adam is a Regional Toughman Tournament Winner and had hoped to make his MMA Debut at the event but had suffered injuries that hindered his medical clearance. (He has been scheduled for the next TCC Event, October 25th). Jessica has been an amazing supporter of the Vanguards Of Comics, and is also our OFFICIAL Spokes Model. It was so good to finally meet her in person. After Jess and Adam got unpacked we went to the Event. Joe Gray came through and treated us all like VIP's and Jessica as the "Media Darling" that she is.

Next, we decided to get in line to see UFC Welter Weight Champion- Georges "RUSH" St.Pierre! He had already given a seminar earlier in the day and had people come from as far away as BRAZIL to take pointers from "GSP". I took Jessica's Picture with him and then I gave him a colored print of the Canadian Super-Hero Group ALPHA FLIGHT that I drew. I said "Salut Georges" and his eyebrows raised and he smiled big-time, probably the first french he had heard on his trip to the South. Jessica kindly took our pic and then it was back to the fights.

There were many excellent fights, great Knock Outs and Submissions, too. The Cage Club VIP Area was very nice, had great food drinks and "Malt Beverages" and a Flat Screen TV to see the fights up close, on the Closed-Circuit. Adam and Jason enjoyed the fights and Adam also got to visit with some of his friends for a bit on the front row.

One of the sevices that the VOC provides is Personal Security, in this case for Jessica as she went to do interviews with some of the fighters. You just can't let a beautiful celebrity like her just walk around unattended, LOL. I accompanied her around the floor and introduced her to UFC/WEC Matchmaker Joe Silva (whom I had met at the TCC in January). We took some pictures and spoke to some of the fighters and were infromed at intermission that Mr. Anan's fight was up first after the break.
Thanks to Megan for rocking the Lady VOC Gear and the pic with Joe!

There was also a Charity Give Away of a flat screen TV from Best Buy to help raise money for cancer. The raffle was a huge success!

Mr Anan came to the ring with his VOC patch prominatley on his shorts, his wife Elizabeth wearing a VOC ball cap, too. His opponent was Luis Rodriguez, a shorter, stockier young man. The fight began standing with great exchanges from both men, each rocking the other with punches and kicks. The fight went to the ground as the first round progressed and Anan was caught in a Traingle choke, he rolled and flipped several times, trying to escape, and the next thing you know, the referee called the fight over. I didn't see Anan tap and apparently the referee felt that Anan wasn't going to escape, even though he wasn't in danger of passing out. However, Anan was pure class in defeat, congratulating the new TCC Light Weight Champion. Luis Rodriguez was gracious in Victory and gave Anan his due. Joe Grey presented the belt and did a great interview with each fighter. Let's hope a rematch is sometime in the future. The rest of the Title Fights were top notch fights, culminating with a 16-second HeavyWeight win by the "EffDot" (also on my friend's list). As the crowd began leaving, I gave Joe Silva a stack of VOC Comic Books, as he is an avid comic book reader. We did a few more interviews, including one with Anan, and Jessica should have the audio up on her page soon.

Jason, Adam, Jessica and I went to a HOOTER's after the show and Adam graciously picked up the tab. (Thanks Adam!) The next day we had a Poolside Photo Shoot with Jessica and were later joined by Adam. Please check out the pics in the VOC Spokes Model Album. The only real blemish on the weekend came as Adam discovered some drunken idiots had put a planter and concrete ashtray/recepticle in the back of his truck!! MORONS!!

All in all, the weekend was so great. I can't thank all involved. Joe and everyone at Total Cage Combat, thank-you. The next TCC is October 25th and we can't wait!!