Promoter's dream is for fighters to follow their dreams

Barry Meyer has turned upstart amateur organization into solid fight promotion

May 30, 2009 (midnight)

By Jennifer Miller/Special to the Sun

Las Vegas might be the fight capital of the world, but before a starry-eyed mixed martial artist can turn pro, he has to first prove he’s “Tuff-N-Uff.” The MMA organization of the same name, which grew from one man’s dream in the gyms of Chicago — has become a solid proving ground for amateur fighters for more than five years.

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  Are You Tuff-N-Uff?

  

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  A behind-the-scenes look at the sights and sounds of how amateur mixed martial arts organization Tuff-N-Uff put together its Future Stars of MMA show on April 24, 2009 at the Orleans.

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  Ruiz relishes role in and out of ring

  May 30, 2009

  Ashley Kringen

  Humble, is one word that follows Alex Odis Ruiz in and out of the ring. The 25-year-old mixed martial artist is sponsored by “Humble Me Clothing,” and to his friends, sponsors and coaches, the brand fits Ruiz to a “T. Alex is a very humble fighter, not a cocky fighter, he’s not a meathead,” said Bill Garness, owner of the gym Filipino MMA and one of Ruiz’s coaches. “He’s polite and mild-headed.”

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  Filipino MMA

  

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  Amateur fighters Gor Mnatsakanyan, Rudy Morales and Alex Ruiz offer a backstage look at the unique combat principles and training being taught at Filipino MMA.

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  Local wrestler back at it on different mat

  April 25, 2009

  By Andy Samuelson

  This is one arena where Weston Duschen’s UNLV basketball roommates know not to challenge him. “They’re always messing with me and trying to get me to come play basketball with them because they know I can’t play. But when I offer them the chance to come into my world, they’re like: ‘No way,’” Duschen said with a smile.