Ogden mixed martial arts heavyweight Craig Mock is taking a step up in his career as he will be heading to Moline, Ill., near Chicago, to compete in a nationally televised professional MMA tournament.
Mock's first fight at the eight-fighter Pro Elite Heavyweight Grand Prix, at Moline's I Wireless Center, is Nov. 5. He will face undefeated Chris Birchler, of Fairfield, N.J. The fights will be televised on the HD cable network.
Ogden's Mock, who is managed by Monte Cox, has enjoyed success as a professional, winning all his fights except his last one, where he was handicapped by a leg injury during the fight. The Weber High School graduate, who was a Utah high school wrestling champion, trains four to six days a week to maintain his peak fighting weight of between 220 and 225 pounds.
To improve his striker skills in MMA, Mock has been sparring in the ring with boxers, including Ogden heavyweight, Billy Zumbrun, who is a world-class boxer who counts former heavyweight champ Riddick Bowe as an opponent. In fact, Mock has considered pro boxing as a heavyweight.
"All fights start on their feet. The stand up aspect of boxing has benefits to MMA (competition)," he said.
But for now, becoming a member of MMA's elite circle, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is Mock's goal. He wants to move up the contender status with his manager, Cox, who has guided the careers of UFC-level fighters. To reach that goal, besides training there are other sacrifices. "No drinking ... no fast food, early wakeups and eating healthy," he lists.
In early November, in Chicagoland, Ogden's Mock gets a chance to continue his climb up the ladder. For more information, visit http://www.themmanews.com/proelite-heavyweight-grand-prix-trailer-nov-5t...
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