The Rise Of The Coat Hanger | Long Island MMA

     The team of amateur fighters competing out of Long Island Mixed Martial Arts is without a doubt a force to be reckoned with; consisting of fighters such as Mike “The Caveman” Kuhn, “The Saint” Joseph Ninomiya, and Daren “The Bat” Feliciano. All of these young athletes are talented; however, one specifically stands out. That fighter is Robert “The Coat Hanger” Diggle. Robert is an extremely talented grappler and brings quite an unorthodox method to the cage when he fights. Although Robert is a well-rounded fighter possessing striking ability as well as a wrestling background, it is his skill on the ground that makes him truly lethal.

     Robert’s main inspiration for his unorthodox style of fighting comes from Japanese MMA fighter Masakazu Imanari. When he first saw one of Imanari’s fights he was fascinated by the intricacy and the precision with which he was able to secure and finish his leg locks. Robert decided that he too would become skilled in this respect, and he has absolutely done so. As portrayed by his new highlight video, his leg locks are dangerous and judging by the looks of pain on the faces of his opponents they seem to agree.

       Over the years Robert has secured several first place victories in Jiu Jitsu tournaments, both in the gi and without. He currently competes as a purple belt. In regards to MMA, Robert has fought for the New York Fight Exchange and the MMA Platinum Gloves and holds a record of 2-1-0. The MMA talent being produced in the state of New York is becoming more and more recognized and it is safe to say that one day “The Coat Hanger” will too make himself known to the greater MMA world.

Defending The Under-Hook | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tip

Long Island MMA’s Head coach Gregg DePasquale is well known for being strict when it comes to promotions. So the fact that Billy is Gregg’s first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black belt says a lot about him. Billy began training at Long Island MMA and immediately started helping out all of our MMA fighters with their Jiu Jitsu. 

When I began training with Billy I noticed some of my usual Jiu Jitsu tricks didn’t work on him. That was because Billy uses tips and tricks similar to the one he shares with us in this video.

Billy also runs an informative website called Training for MMA fitness. For more quick tips and tricks from Billy check out http://trainingformmafitness.com/

If any of you have any questions at all please feel free to leave us a comment or contact us and I will have Billy answer and questions you have asked!

Chris Wade Vs Zhang Lipeng | UFC Fight Night 59 | Long Island MMA

UFC Fight Night 59 is set to take place on January 18, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. What a card to be one of the first to usher in a new year of great fights! This card consists of several high profile match ups, each with great potential. These match ups range from the headlining “Notorious” Conor McGregor vs. Dennis Siver, to the explosive co-main event of Eddie “The Silent Assassin” Alvarez vs. “Smooth” Benson Henderson. However, I would like to turn the spotlight to the undercard. More specifically to Long Island Mixed Martial Arts fighter and New York prospect Chris Wade and his Lightweight bout against “The Warrior” Zhang Lipeng.

     The twenty six year old Wade is coming off of a spectacular first round submission victory against Cain Carrizosa in his UFC debut; adding another win to his now 8-1-0 record. Chris Wade is the fifth New York State Wrestling Champion to make it to the UFC. Prior to making his UFC debut he was the lightweight Champion of the Ring of Combat; a New Jersey based promotion.  Zhang Lipeng whom is 24 years old is associated with Fight Emperor and became the winner of The Ultimate Fighter China by defeating Wang Sai via split decision. He currently possesses an overall record of 8-7-1.    

     There are several factors that when added up bode for fireworks on the eighteenth. It has been said for some time that “styles make fights” and this fight certainly applies. Both fighters have submission victories which may telegraph some interesting grappling exchanges. However, it is notable that Zhang Lipeng has five submission losses. It would not be a surprise to see another slick submission finish that night in favor of Chris Wade. In terms of stature, Zhang Lipeng stands at 5’11”which is two inches higher than Chris Wade. However, while he holds the height advantage it is Wade who holds a half inch reach advantage.

     Should these fighters choose to stay standing it should also be extremely entertaining for fight fans. Zhang Lipeng has won via knockout in the past. It is also notable that this knockout took place while he was fighting in the welterweight division. Wade, however, trains with undefeated welterweight prospect and Co-Owner of Long Island Mixed Martial Arts, Ryan LaFlare. He possesses a reach of 74.0” and is a heavy handed welterweight. With partners like LaFlare, Wade will be more than adequately prepared to strike in this fight and it is also important to note that with Zhang Lipeng now coming to fight at lightweight it is conceivable that his power may be in jeopardy.

     Regardless of the avenue that these athletes choose to take this fight one thing is certain; on January 18, 2015 fight fans will be entertained! This is a bout that should certainly be on your list of fights to see in the up-coming months.