Mountain Force Seeks To Revamp Its Title Program & Fill Vacancies.

Logan UT  

Sept 9, 2020                                                                                                                                          

Roger Mckay

Every fighter dreams of winning a championship some day. Day in and day out, they train hard and work towards improving their record to one day receiving the call to fight for a title belt. A title in combat fighting can mean different things to different fighters. For some, it can mean that they are the best in their weightclass division. To others, it can mean a huge accomplishment of overcoming struggles and obstacles to achieve one of the highest honors in combat fighting. Regardless of what it means, most fighters can agree that a title shot is a dream come true. 

Mountain Force (MTF) has taken a deeper look into this and realized that it's title program is in need of reorganization. That it needs to be taken to the next level that adds value to the phrase "mountain force champion."   Simultaneously, the MTF organization is looking to fill all of it's vacancies next year in 2021.  According to management, their current or old system would choose any random fighter with any record, even a debut record, and give them a "title shot."  There is no regards to whether or not these fighters would pursue a long term commitment or career in MMA or Kickboxing.  

"I'm tired of this participation trophy culture or generation sports have succumb to," Mountain Force president Juan Pablo said.  "When I was growing up, you received a trophy because you earned it; because you were number one or number two out of a hundred competitors or teams. Nowadays, people get butt hurt when competitors don't get any trophies or titles. Where is the incentive to work or train hard?  Where is the strong work ethic to achieve?"  

He continues, "That's why Sh*t got to change with our title program. I know we are not the UFC or Bellator, but I want fighters to have that burning desire to work and train hard to become a Mountain Force ammy or pro champion.  I don't want them to win a title and feel like it's another participation trophy, like it is under our current system.  I want them to feel proud that they are an MTF champion. We will be making a more concerted effort to highlight these MTF champions in our marketing campaigns, among other things, because they deserve it. This will help to add more value to our title program."   

What are some of the changes that they are looking to implement?  Under the new MTF title policy, contenders will be required to have:

4 or more fights for amateur males and 3 or more fights for amateur females.                                          

5 or more fights for pro males and 4 or more fights for pro females. 

According to Mountain Force, more than 4 fights for ammy males and more than 3 fights for ammy females demonstrates a fighter's long term commitment to the sport-mma or kickboxing.  That is, a fighter has earned a right or the opportunity to fight for one of the highest honors in combat sports. These fighters have paid their due process.  These tend to be individuals who are not in a cage to scratch off a bucketlist item.  

Moreover, a fighter's record has to be above .500 percent to be considered for a title shot.  "I don't understand how a losing or debut record affords you a title fight," Juan Pablo said. "That just proves my point of rewarding mediocrity or participation culture.  It's time mountain force rewards hard work and dedication. I am excited to hold BMF title bouts for fighters who records maybe under par but are as tough as nails and have serious beef with another fighter."

Under the revamped title policy, a fighter who wins a title must defend it at least once.  If they successfully defend their title, they are given the privilege to keep the belt to hang at home or the gym.

"I think to prove you are the champ, you have to defend or protect what's yours," Juan Pablo continued. "Under our old program, fighters didn't have to defend their title.  No more.  If they refuse, they will have to vacate the champion's seat and return the belt to us.  Again, we are not the UFC; we don't tell fighters that in order to remain MTF strawweight or whatever champion, you got to keep defending your title forever.  No, we would like our belts hung up in different gyms around the nation.  There are awesome stories of triumph behind every belt hung at a gym or trophy case.  I want them to share their Mountain Force journey with their fellow teammates or with prospective gym members seeking that same fight path." 

     Juan Pablo crowns Tyson Craig after defending & retaining the featherweight title.

Mountain Force said title holders cannot be choosers.  Meaning that if you hold a MTF title, you are subjected to defending your title on who they choose would be a great challenger to strip the title from you. "Don't get me wrong, it will be someone with a similar record, fight percentage, and who meets all the criteria for title eligibility," Juan Pablo said.  "Someone once told me there's a big difference between a fighter and someone who fights.  A fighter is always ready to fight anyone after weighing out a few things. Someone who fights, is the one who picks and chooses.  Imagine Khabib Nurmagomedov refusing to defend his title against someone Dana White chooses or is next in line to a title shot against him. If he does, his belt gets taken away.  A title holder is a fighter."

Juan Pablo mentioned that they will be implementing their new title program and policies from scratch on January 1, 2021 for both MMA and Kickboxing. These are the following vacancies for MMA effective January 2021. Kickboxing, to be determined:

Amateur Male:  Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, & Heavyweight.

Amateur Female: Atomweight, Strawweight, Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, & Lightweight.

Professional Male:  Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, & Heavyweight.

Professional Female: Atomweight, Strawweight, Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, & Lightweight.

Fighters looking to fight in Mountain Force, can sign up at mountainforcemma.com/fighterinquiry

Mountain Force Fights Return to Idaho with Safety Protocols In Place.

Idaho Falls, ID. 

Sept 5, 2020

James Wayne

Mountain Force MMA have started hosting fight nights again. However, theses fight nights aren't what they used to be like before covid-19 took over the world. 

So what is different? For starters Mountain Force now has to submit a Covid-19 Social Distancing and Safety Protocol plan to both local and/or state health departments as well as the Athletic Commissions they are sanctioned under. 

Under the new guidelines & plan, fighters are required to now test for Covid-19 about 4 to 5 days prior to weigh-ins. This is in addition to the bloodwork (Hep B, Hep C, & HIV) already required to compete. A negative Covid test is required for competition. Self isolation is encouraged after testing to minimize the fighter's risk of infection. Also, a track record of their whereabouts after testing is also encouraged. So if anyone who they were around tested positive for Covid, they would need to take extra precaution or retest.  

Mask wearing is mandatory when a fighter is not warming up or in competition.  Corners and all participants are required to wear masks. Chairs and tables are socially distanced in the locker rooms as well.

Some states and sporting entities like the MLB or the UFC are not allowing any spectators to gather in person to watch a game or fight event. However, the states (Utah, Wyoming, & Idaho) Mountain Force host events are allowing large gatherings but under very strict guidelines.  Therefore, spectators are allowed to watch an Mountain Force event in person.  Mountain Force first MMA event after reopenings was on August 1, 2020 in Evanston Wyoming. They are now preparing for their second event (MTF 17) on Saturday, September 12, 2020 in Idaho Falls.  

"We've been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time," Said Mountain Force president, Juan Pablo.  "Without fans and sponsors in the stands, we wouldn't be able to afford to cover our overhead.  Sporting companies like the UFC, with huge broadcasting contracts, can still operate without fans. They also have a worldwide pay per view base. We are not there. Not even close. I'm just happy we are allowed to host fights at during these uncertain times; especially during a time when all large annual events have been cancelled. "

What are some of these strict guidelines imposed to host an event with a crowd, let alone an MMA event?  Every state makes sure all events follow the recommended general guidelines of the CDC which   is social distance 6 ft apart, wash and sanitize hands frequently, and wear a mask when social distancing is impossible. However, each state is different on their capacity allowance for large gatherings. 

Bonneville County, which is in the Yellow level and where Mountain Force will hold their Idaho Falls fight event, allows up to 1 person every 28 square feet.  Mountain Force was ecstatic to hear this order.  Melaleuca Baseball Field in IF, where Mountain Force will host MTF 17, is 30,000 square feet. 

Thus, this will allow between 1000 to 1200 socially distant force fans in the stands. By socially distant, I mean, every row will be blocked off for seating. The fans will sit in groups of household number or according to how many tickets you have purchased; and distanced 3 bleacher chairs from the next group. Despite the large number of guests allowed at MTF 17 in Idaho Falls, this event will be operating at 33% capacity. Moreover, Bonneville County has a mask mandate in place in which patrons are required to wear a mask or face covering except when eating, drinking, or at their seats. 

"I just hope we don't have any issue with non-compliant fans," said Juan Pablo.  "Like, in order for us to hold this event and many more in Idaho during this pandemic, we have to implement all guidelines set forth by local health & municipal departments.  Idaho Athletic Commission has clearly stated that any failure or violation of following all safety protocols can result in my license getting revoked or suspended. So I just hope everyone can see this as a grand opportunity to attend a sporting event that does come with safety guidelines but hasn't been cancelled."

This is an excerpt taken from Idaho Athletic Commission Covid-19 Requirements for event sanctioning:

Provide sufficient security to manage and monitor the crowd and ensure that social distancing and/or mask mandate requirements are being met. It is up to the promoter to enforce any violations of the local CDH/CDC guidelines among the crowd. If this cannot occur, it is recommended the promoter does not allow a crowd and has a broadcast/pay-per-view event only.

Mountain Force's next fight event in Idaho (tentatively December 2020)  is predicated on the safety outcome & compliance of all participants & fans at MTF 17 event on Saturday, September 12, 2020 in Idaho Falls. 

 

"It's up to all of us to do our part, big and small, for Mountain Force to continue hosting fights in Idaho during this pandemic, " Juan Pablo said. "We cannot get mad if something doesn't seem right or fair or a show is cancelled or postponed. Nothing is normal right now.  I have to remind myself that we are truly living in different times. It's a different story day in day out.  Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunity to host fights.  Many of my fellow promoters in other counties & states such as California can't host fights right now.  To them I say hang in there.  I am grateful that fighters and coaches have the opportunity to fight; and that the fans have the opportunity to feel some type of normalcy while simultaneously supporting their fighters. Keep fighting."