College MMA Challenge: MMA 102 Winner, University of CT's Jeremy Pavlik and Open Division Winner Eric Conley

Westerly, RI, March 31, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Winning any tournament is a big deal. Winning two in a row is a super big deal. Congratulations to Jeremy Pavlik and the University of Connecticut. Congratulations are also in order for second place finisher Jim Donahue from Western New England Law and third place finisher Dan Mifflin from Yale Law. Good work to all the competitors and their respective colleges.

Great events are made possible by energetic and dynamic participants and by the support of sponsors. Live the Legend and College MMA Challenge welcomed Whitford Security, Fed Ex Kinkos, and Greenleaf BioFuels to their stable of sponsor supporters. "They are taking a chance on what is now a small regional venue designed to be a positive learning experience for college students where they can learn and grow in self defense and competition skills and build a sense community with each other and with our growing fan base" says Jim Hughes, Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Instructor and event promoter. Mr. Hughes adds, "I know that if owned a company that needed good employees, I would jump at the chance to see these young men in action. In the heat of battle you really see what people are made of, and from what I've seen, I would hire everyone who has showed up for the last two events."

The original sponsors who made it all possible were Ramen, Geezeo, and the Famous Paddy's Beach. People think Ramen Noodles are a joke, but they are not. says Perry Siegel, Live the Legend and College MMA Challenge Event Director and Director of Fighter Safety. "Most of us would not be here if it were not for Ramen" adds Brad Wolfson, referee and GJJ/BJJ/MMA coach out of New Haven Connecticut. Indeed, Ramen Noodles seem to be a staple for College Students worldwide, consequently, a fitting, albeit, humorous college event sponsor.

The open division, designed for non-college students, ran concurrent with the College MMA Challenge. It too is a proving ground for up and coming talent. "The rules and format is designed to help people develop their Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Grappling, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills in as safe an environment as possible" says Dustin Rhodes, Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach and one of the certified event referees and mat managers. The competition was quite good. We may see some of these fighters move on to bigger better things" reports Doug Gallant, long time Gracie Jiu jitsu and Kickboxing coach from Glastonbury and Manchester CT. Mr. Gallant is also one of the senior event referees responsible for staff training and development.

Congratulations to the Live the Legend MMA Challenge, MMA 102 GRAPPLING OPEN Division winners: First place: Eric Conley; Second Place: Josh Hesser; Third Place Jesse Lindquist.

Paul Doyle, Dave Capucci, and Brian Harrison of the famous Paddy's Beach were on hand. Paul said "the friendly competition is just right for our family oriented fun environment! Dave added, "I cant wait for summer, this event is going to be amazing for everyone involved!"

The next Live the Legend and College MMA Challenge event will be held March 22, 2008.

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