United Martial Arts Academy

841 North Main Street - London, KY 40741 - (606) 862-6556

kentuckymartialarts.com

Scott Hope, 23, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at United Martial Arts Academy on North Main Street in London, successfully defended his welterweight title at the Warrior Fighting Challenge (WFC) in Harland, Kentucky. Hope defeated Marco Hopkins in the first round with a rear naked choke in 1:52.

The highly anticipated April 2^nd main event between Hope and Hopkins was the last fight of the two-day mixed martial arts competition that featured 24 matches showcasing the talents of several local fighters. Hope, a native of London and student of Bob Stines, was favored to win the fight, but Hopkins enjoyed the crowd support as the hometown favorite.

“Hopkins had a large following and lots of people were booing Scott,” said United Martial Arts owner, Jeremy Patton. “Scott didn’t lose his focus and performed as we expected. I think the crowd’s hostility toward him would have rattled most fighters."

Several punches were traded at the beginning of the match and Hope made numerous take down attempts before he and Hopkins finally hit the ground. Hopkins ended up in Hope's guard and Hope executed an arm bar from his back. Hopkins was able to stand up and pull his arm free from the hold. Hope reversed Hopkins and secured a mounted position. He punched Hopkins repeatedly from the mount until Hopkins rolled over onto his stomach, which allowed Hope to end the fight with a rear naked choke submission.

"You have to give credit to Marco because he landed some good punches and was hard to take down," Patton added. "Even though the fight was short, he gave Scott a run for his money."

The next WFC will be held at the National Guard Armory in London, KY on Saturday, May 7th, featuring a main event between Marco Hopkins and Brian Kilgore. For ticket information, contact promoter James Collins at (606) 521-6810 or visit www.warriorfc.com.

Those interested in Scott Hope's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program can contact United Martial Arts Academy at (606) 862-6556 or visit kentuckymartialarts.com.

Results of the April 1st-2nd WFC include:

April 1st:

1 - Jim Collier def. Danny Lee Boswell - Ref Stoppage - 2:40 Round 1

2 - Donnie Pace def. Sim Mcfadden - TKO (pulled groin) - 2:30 Round 1

3 - Ross Thomas def. Billy Jones - Submission - 1:51 Round 1

4 - Troy Grubb def. Jared Dopel - Corner Stoppage - 2:31 Round 1

5 - Darrell Zook def. Zach Earles - Submission - 1:07 Round 1

6 - Brandon Medlin def. Sam Coots - TKO - :24 Round 1

7 - Andrew Earles def. Frank Allen - Submission - :20 Round 1

8 - BJ Hickson def. Ritchie McCrystal - TKO - 2:24 Round 1

9 - Chancelor Edmonson def. Clay Livesay - Unanimous Decision

10 - Bill Petra def. Reggie Cottrell - KO - :53 Round 1

11 - Mike Walbright def. Kelvin Stokes - Submission - :11 Round 1

12 - Chris Brewer def. J C Kieth - TKO - 1:37 Round 1

April 2nd:

1- Zach Earles def. Cody Griffeth - Submission - 2:10 Round 1

2 - Michael Lunsford def. David Collett - TKO (Doctor Stoppage - Cut) 0:00 Round 2

3 - Gary Kirby def. Billy Jones - Submission - 1:49 Round 1

4 - Brandon Farley def. Ricky Brummett - Submission - 1:01 Round 1

5 - Ronnie Farley def. Jeremy Long - TKO - :56 Round 2

6 - Josh Wistafke def. Andrew Earles - Submission - 1:49 Round 2

7 - Thomas Smith def. Marty Burkhart - TKO - 2:44 Round 1

8 - Daniel Asher VS John Taylor - NO CONTEST (Foul ended the contest)

9 - Jeremy Vick def. Jason Coots - Unanimous Decision

10 - Frank Middleton def. Sean Pace - Submission 2:09 Round 1

11 - Mike Walbright def. Tony Steele - TKO - 2:00 Round 3

12 - Scott Hope def. Marco Hopkins - Submission - 1:52 Round 1