Indiana ( USA ): MMA Big Show has signed two-time UFC veteran Junie Browning (3-1) and The Ultimate Fighter alum Luke Zachrich (9-1) to contracts. Browning will debut at November’s MMA Big Show event, “ONSLAUGHT,” while Zachrich will fight at the January 9th event.
Junie Browning is a member of Xtreme Couture, and was a fighter on The Ultimate Fighter reality show. In his elimination bout, he defeated Jose Aguilar by TKO, as Aguilar was not able to answer the bell for the 2nd round. Browning was then made the first pick of the lightweights for Team Mir.
He was successful in his quarterfinal match-up with Rolando Delgado, winning by decision after 3 rounds, dropping and nearly finishing Delgado in the 2nd round. On December 13, 2008, Browning took on fellow Team Mir cast-mate Dave Kaplan on the main card of The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 Finale, winning by armbar. Browning and Kaplan both won $25,000 for Fight of the Night.
“We are fully aware of Junie’s recent arrest and cut from the UFC,” stated Big Show Owner/Promoter Jason Appleton. “However, I firmly believe that people deserve second and third chances. I saw Junie fight in Louisville , KY back in the day as an amateur, and he’s always put on a hell of a show. He and his brother were always fun to watch. They’re both good kids, and it is my hope that Junie will rebound and make the most of his limitless potential.”
Browning’s first challenge in MMA Big Show will be no pushover, as he will face fearsome fighter Scott Cornwell at November’s “ONSLAUGHT.” This Cincinnati native started Tae Kwon Do at the age of three under Master David Huffstutler. As a teenager, Cornwell quickly progressed through the ranks, and currently holds a 3rd degree black belt, winning several local and national tournaments.
He also had a very impressive high school wrestling career, where he competed for multiple national teams in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. His amateur mixed martial arts career began in 2007 while training under 4th degree black belt and renowned MMA instructor Rob Gerhardt, and he won his first five amateur fights, amassing an impressive record of 7-2.
In preparation for his pro debut, Scott began additional training with Rod Housley at Team Vision while continuing to train and teach at Hamilton-Fairfield Tae Kwon Do. In short, Scott is an excellent striker and wrestler, and is well-versed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is ready or the challenge that Browning will bring to the cage.
Luke Zachrich holds a very impressive record of 9-1, and has never gone to a decision in his professional fighting career. He possesses a very exciting fight style, and will bring his approach and technique to the MMA Big Show cage.
“Luke is a very fine fighter, and brings exactly the kind of “never-say-die” attitude that we love to have in our fighters,” explained Appleton . “He is a great addition to our roster, and I look forward to seeing him electrify the Big Show crowds.”
A heavyweight elimination bout headlines MMA Big Show’s next event offering, “FULL FORCE,” live at the Belterra Casino Resort & Spa in Belterra , Indiana on Saturday, October 24th. Also featured will be the first professional women’s bout in Big Show history. All told, 15 bouts are scheduled to entertain fight fans, and the “FULL FORCE” action is sure to be hard-hitting. Tickets are priced at $25, $40, and $45, and are available through Ticketmaster, as well as http://www.mmabigshow.com/. 21 and over only, please.
