02.15
Bradon Reinhardt, Middleweight Champion
On February 12, 2011, Bradon Reinhardt (3-0) defeated Cameron Hoback by rear-naked choke at the BattleFC MMA event in Fredericksburg, Va. to win the Middleweight Title. Hoback accepted the challenge and displayed heart as a last minute opponent due to other fighters dropping out of the event. However, his lack of preparation and inexperience showed when Reinhardt took him down at will and controlled him on the mat. Reinhardt said that he respected Hoback for stepping into the cage with him.
Choke attempt in the first round
Reinhardt’s start in martial arts began in 2007 when he saw Matt Hughes fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship while at a restaurant. The Manassas product went out and started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a smaller gym in northern Virginia. Fueled by a passion to get into the ring, he eventually pursued training with Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Doug Esposito at Vanguard Gym at the advice of a friend. “I rolled with Doug and got beat up pretty bad,” he said.
He would then start training ardently at Vanguard Gym and compete extensively as a white and blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments. He competed in events such as the Copa Nova, U.S. Grappling, and the Mundials (World Championships). He currently holds the rank of purple belt and teaches kids classes at Vanguard. “It is pretty fulfilling…it is a way of giving back,” said Reinhardt.
Reinhardt wins by RNC in the second round
When asked about his team, he said “one of the things that all the guys take seriously is when they step into the ring they are representing themselves and the team.” Reinhardt also has a special relationship with cohort and MMA fighter Colton Smith, who will go pro later this year. After initially butting heads as aggressive training partners, they now call each other brothers. Reinhardt expressed disappointment that Smith’s opponent did not show up for his fight at BattleFC, leaving the event organizers scrambling and Smith without a fight. As a training partner, Reinhardt said of Smith that “He’ll get on the mat with you and give you everything he’s got,” and that “I feel sorry for anyone that has to fight him.”
Reinhardt’s training consists of muay thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, and wrestling at Vanguard Gym. Special trips are made with Smith out to Iowa to wrestle with Johnny Curtis. When discussing his Vanguard Gym teammates, he said “…We take it very seriously. Anyone that gets in the cage with any of us is always going to have a fight ahead of them.”
“This is my dream…I live it, I eat it, I breathe it. It’s all I think about…I train every day,” he said.
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- Vanguard Coach Doug Esposito prepares Reinhardt for battle
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- Reinhardt latches on Hoback’s back
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- Choke attempt in the first round
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- Reinhardt takes Hoback down, second round takedown
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- Reinhardt chokes Cameron Hoback
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- Bradon Reinhardt (L) and teammate Colton Smith
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- Signs with old battles adorn the walls at the armory
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- BattleFC at the Fredericksburg Armory
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to back that up, I saw one of the vanguard guys purposefully try and slam someone who had him in a triangle on the wood at the edge of the mat, he actually walked the guy over there and tried to slam him on the wood, to top it off he threw a temper tantrum when he got dq’d. Cant say this about all of them, but the ones who i ve interacted with or seen compete seem a bit overly bullyish and agro, again not somethign this sport needs any more of
It’s nice to see a fighter speak so highly of their training partners and also give credit to their opponents. The guys and girls at Vanguard are class acts.
Johny needs a hug:)
First comment was unapproved. No name calling on threads. Thanks.
Johny,
I was at the match that you are referring to. The opponant had the Vanguard guy in a half shitty triangle, so he stood up and tried to shake him down…which is totally legal. When that was done the opponant let go, causing himself to fall. There was no “slamming”…sorry.
I am not saying this to start an arguement, just simply setting the record straight. Bradon worked very hard to win this Championship Belt and you should be ashamed of yourself trying to steal his thunder to talk about something you are uneducated about. Get a new hobby.
Johnny,
Im dissapointed you feel that way about me and my teammates, but I definately feel as if you are mistaken and should re-evaluate your feelings. Unless you were in the match with the two competitors you dont really know what is 100% true, I can tell you for one the referee for that match was in the wrong for letting the match continue for so long out of bounds, I also for can tell you that if my teammate really intended to slam his opponent that there probably been some sort of serious injury. Also im not sure what you mean by bullyish but if you mean the intensity we bring when we compete then thankyou that is exactly what i intend to do on the mat or in the cage, go play badmitton if that bothers you. Furthermore one thing i know myself and all my teammates strive to be is humble. Anyway if you wish to continue this you can always contact me via facebook, otherwise have a great day and god bless.