Tuff-N-Uff Building Tomorrow’s MMA Fighters Today

Walk before you run.

It’s an easy philosophy that can be applied to almost any craft or trade, and it especially holds extra meaning in the world of mixed martial arts.

Before making it to the big show like the UFC or Bellator, fighters are almost always expected to have some fight experience under their belts so matchmakers and executives know exactly what they’re buying into.

Even earlier than professional fights however comes the opportunity to rise up the ranks of the amateur fight circuit, and Las Vegas based promotion ‘Tuff-N-Uff’ has proven to be one of the best.

The organization has boasted such famous names as Jon Fitch, Aaron Riley, and Ultimate Fighter cast member Javier Torres among their ranks of fighters that tested the waters with Tuff-N-Uff before attempting a move into the pro ranks.

“Whether someone says they want to try it to get it off their bucket list, or maybe they just have a strong wrestling background or a strong Muay Thai background and they want to transition, they’re done competing in kickboxing or wrestling tournaments, and they want to try to ply themselves in a fight. Everyone’s got their own reasons to do it, and we’re excited to give them an avenue to do it, especially the females,” said Tuff-N-Uff President Barry Meyer when speaking to MMAWeekly.com.

Women’s MMA has been a mainstay at Tuff-N-Uff over the years with probably their most famous alumnus is current Strikeforce bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.

Rousey fought for Tuff-N-Uff twice between 2010 and 2011 before making her professional debut (she won both fights by armbar in case you were curious).

Meyer prides his promotion on putting on the best amateur fights possible, and hopes to continue supporting all competitors but especially women’s MMA into the future.

“It’s like seeing your baby grow up. You’re happy for them to see them successful. Especially Ronda (Rousey) and a lot of the females, I counted recently and we’ve done over 100 female fights, and so many more are getting into it that it’s great to see,” said Meyer.

“I think it’s really, really good and they love the exposure and decide if this is something they really want to commit to.”

This weekend on Sept 2 will bring the latest installment of Tuff-N-Uff to Las Vegas with an event titled ‘Festi-Brawl’. The fight card will take place at the South Point Arena, and the promotion will also welcome in gourmet food trucks as well as free beer tasting for those in attendance.

The competitors on the card range in experience on the amateur circuit and come from well known training teams like Xtreme Couture, the Reign Training Center, Wanderlei Silva’s fight team, and Robert Drysdale’s.

Meyer expects a good crowd for a holiday weekend to see tomorrow’s stars today.

“We’re expecting fireworks,” said Meyer. “Then throw in the free beer and food, makes it even better.”

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