By Don McGlynn dmcglynn@theabingtonjournal.comDecember 1, 2010SCRANTON - James Cianci, of Clarks Summit competed for the first time as a professional MMA fighter at Cage Fight 6, Nov. 26 at the Ice Box Sports Complex in Scranton.
The 25-year-old, who racked up a 3-0 record as an amateur, defeated Terrel Hobbs of Richmond VA., with a guillotine chokehold in his professional debut 2:52 in the first round of his featherweight bout.
Cianci has been training in mixed martial arts since June 2009 and jiu-jitsu and kickboxing since 2007.
He said that having his first professional fight the day after Thanksgiving gave him a little extra support that may have contributed to his win.
"The fact that it's the day after Thanksgiving, there will be a lot of family that's going to be there, tons of friends, so that's added pressure...but it will actually loosen my performance because I know people are watching me" said Cianci, a few days before the fight.
A first-match win is impressive, but in Ciani's case even more so, considering he only competed in three amateur fights prior to turning pro.
"Normally you should do me, but me and James...I think we're above the amateur level, we train like professionals." said Dave Morgan, 25, Scranton.
Morgan who is undefeated as a professional, also competed in three amateur matches before turning pro. His fight at Cage Match 6 was canceled due to problems with his opponent.
Both Morgan and Cianci train at the newly formed Scranton MMA.
Scranton MMA, which opened in July, is the result of a merger between James Simrell Mixed Martial Arts, Gracie NEPA, Gracie NEPA Judo and Keystone Crossfit.
"Steve Brunetti (one of the founders of Gracie NEPA) called me up and said "How would you like to join the teams together and be the biggest MMA team in northeastern Pennsylvania?" said Simrell, a Clarks Summit resident.
"So I talked it over with my wife and that's when I decide to come over"
Simrell estimated the new space, located in Dunmore, is close to 40,000 sqaure feet. The school offers classes in Royce Gracie Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, mixed martial arts, Muay Thai kickboxing, judo and boxing.
"Its like the best thing that ever happened to us" said Steve Wilson, 22, Scranton, about the merger.
He said that the addition of space and instructors, who each have their own specialty have been an advantage in his training.
"Not everybody's a fighter, we want people to come in and learn self defense, to come and get a good workout for cardio with crossfit," said Simrell.
Simrell said the athletes training in the gym range in age from 5 to 60.
Scranton MMA is located at 1000 Dunham Dr., Dunmore. For details call 570-851-2987 or visit
http://www.scrantonmma.com/Article from The Abington Journal,
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