Alex “El Toro” Andrade and the RFL

Alex “El Toro” Andrade is the latest addition to the stable of top fighters in the Revolution Fight League; and on Saturday July 26, he will fight for the first time at 170 lbs. when he attempts to take John Troyer’s belt at Revolution Fight League’s Proving Grounds event. Andrade is an extremely experienced fighter and will represent the TRALEX fight team. Andrade was once affiliated with the famous Lion’s Den of Dallas before forming a team of his own with UFC veteran Tra “Trauma” Telligman. Telligman is instantly recognizable to fans of the old school UFC. The gutsy warrior compiled a 7-5-1 career record despite being born with only one pectoral muscle. Telligman fought against top competition from the UFC, PRIDE, and Pankration, including former Heavyweight champ Tim Sylvia, and he brings a wealth of experience to the team.  Olympic gold medalist Kenny Monday provides wrestling training that Andrade feels is the best in the country, and if Kenny Monday’s wrestling training was not enough, throw in Brazilian jiu-jitsu training from Travis Lutter, one of the top grapplers in the world, and it is obvious that Andrade is a serious threat to Troyer’s title. Andrade is not new to fighting either; he has compiled a record of 7-4 with two of his losses coming by way of disqualification for illegal strikes. These wins did not come against weak opponents either; he has fought in the UFC, PRIDE, Pankration, and King of the Cage. Andrade stated that he felt the last disqualification reshaped his career. “I feel like I disappointed my fans,” said Andrade, “I didn’t follow my corner’s instructions and I got disqualified. I am not sure that all the strikes were illegal but I definitely caught him with two bad shots.” Andrade has dropped weight to 170 lbs. for the first time in his career and hopes to get himself three or four good fights so he can return to the top of his game.

If Andrade is looking for an easy win, he might be in for a disappointment though. John Troyer is a tough guy with lots of experience in the Hook and Shoot events as well a fight on BODOG Fight against UFC vet Nick “The Goat” Thompson. Troyer lost the fight but everyone agreed that Troyer was a tough opponent for the much more experienced Thompson. Troyer is a true blue collar fighter who brings tough, hard-working values to the cage that kindle images of the old Matt Hughes with his workman like approach to fighting. Troyer, when I spoke to him before he won the belt, was working a full time job and raising his child alone while trying to train for his second career in Mixed Martial Arts. The Louisville MMA team, lead by coach Jason “Y”, has been a very effective home for Troyer’s training. Troyer has a background in wrestling but has shown excellent jiu-jitsu in the past as well as solid striking. In the fight against Thompson, he scored some very impressive slams and the title fight here at the Revolution Fight League was a ground and pound showcase. Troyer forced Highlander MMA’s Cris Crawford to submit to strikes from a crucifix position that was reminiscent of Matt Hughes’ famous win over Royce Gracie. Saturday night, we will prove just how good Troyer is when he meets up with one of his toughest opponents so far in Alex “El Toro” Andrade in Broadbent Arena at Revolution Fight League’s Proving Grounds. This fight could be the fight of the year for the Revolution Fight League so make sure you get your tickets soon!