Former OSU Wrestling Star From Salem Steps in the Cage for His First Ever MMA Fight

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - On Thursday, December 2nd the Full Contact Fighting Federation (FCFF) along with the Intercollegiate Fighting Federation (IFF) will host the inaugural “Ducks vs. Beavs Cage Fights” event, LIVE from the historic Gill Coliseum. There are TWO Championship fights on the card in the Welterweight and Lightweight divisions, plus two celebrity coaches: Randy “The Natural” Couture for the Beavers Team and Chael Sonnen as the Duck’s Team Honorary Coach. The fight card has 18 fights, with many notable match-ups and mma newcomers “to watch,” like Ben Richards of Salem, Oregon. Tickets start as low as $10 for students with a valid ID at www.ticketswest.com.

The Main event is the Lightweight Championship pitting the current FCFF Champion Tommy Leisman (7-1: DUCK) against undefeated rising mma star Shamseddeen Moussaoui (3-0: BEAVER) of Next Level MMA. The Co-Main event is the Welterweight Championship where current Champ and war veteran Chad James (DUCK) will face the mma veteran Nathan Orchard (BEAVER) for the belt. “These Championship fights are already charged, but since each fight is “Beavs” vs. “Ducks” it’s going to get even more emotional," said FCFF Matchmaker and Co-owner Kevin Keeney.

The undercard is full of outstanding names, including Ben Richards from Salem, Oregon. Richards was an OSU Division I wrestler from 1997-2001 and finished in 3rd place –in all four years on the team- in the Pac 10. He was also a wildly successful high school wrestler. At South Salem High School he had an overall record of 136-6, with two of those losses coming in the State Championship Finals. It was during his junior year of High School that Richards earned the title of State Champion.

Richards wrestled at Oregon State University during the same time Randy Couture was coaching there. “I saw Randy Couture training with Dan Henderson in the wrestling room,” says Richards, “I’ve been exposed to mma by people of that caliber since I was in college.” Even though his wrestling resume is impeccable, Richards has no formal mma training. “Ben is the real deal. He is an outstanding wrestler, but mma it a little different. It will be great fight. Even though Ben’s opponent, John Alden has more fights and is a former champion in the FCFF, he is in for a real battle against Ben Richards,” said Keeney. *John Alden pictures attached

After his 2001 graduation from college, he has been putting his Economic Bachelor’s Degree to work; Richard has been working full time and is a self described “workout addict.” Keeping in good shape is part of the reason for taking his first ever mma fight. “I like to compete,” says Richards, “I have friends who compete, and they are helping me with my boxing and stand up,” says Richards, “I plan on using my wrestling in the cage.”

Richards has taken his vast wrestling experience and is now coaching locally. He is in his sixth season at South Ridge High School. “Its more frustrating and rewarding then I could have imagined,” he said. Richards has been wrestling since he was six years old and is happy to give back to the sport. “This entire event is about giving back to the OSU Wrestling. A portion of the event proceeds are going to the program,” said Keeney.

The FCFF is Oregon's oldest and most respected mixed martial arts organization, with its primary events in Portland (Rumble @ The Roseland) and Lincoln City (Caged on the Coast). All events are State sanctioned by the Oregon State Athletic Commission and held in the 25-foot steel cage, known to fight fans as “The Slammer.” There are 18 fights scheduled on the card with the doors opening at 6 pm, fights beginning at 7. There are local ticket outlets in Eugene and Corvallis, and at www.ticketswest.com. Prices start at just $10.

“I want to invite the fans to come out and enjoy a great night. It's good for wrestling and proceeds will go to support the sport,” said Randy Couture.

FCFF Event History The FCFF, since 2001 has gained National clout as the key organization in the USA for rising MMA talent. Evan Dunham, a former FCFF Fighter (record 11-0 in the professional arena) just defeated Tyson Griffin by split decision at UFC 115. The FCFF has been credited for launching the careers of some of the Nation’s favorite MMA personalities like: Chris "The Crippler" Leben (The Ultimate Fighter-1), Nathan "The Rock" Quarry (The Ultimate Fighter-1), Ed "Short Fuse" Herman (The Ultimate Fighter-3), Josh "Bring the Pain" Haynes (The Ultimate Fighter-3) and Chael Sonnen (Team Quest, WEC and UFC Fighter). Also the Healy Brothers competed in the FCFF. Currently, Pat and Ryan Healy fight for Strikeforce.