Butterbean Set for Clash with Gamlin in Global FC debut
Last week, it was announced that on August 17 at Mohegan Sun Arena either Jeff “The Snowman” Monson or Wes “The Project” Sims will be crowned as the first Global FC Heavyweight Champion. That Heavyweight Championship bout will not be the only battle of the big men on the Global FC debut card. MMA legend Mark “The Smashing Machine” Kerr looks to begin his climb back to the top of the Heavyweight Division if he can topple former Pro Wrestler and kick boxing specialist Sean “Nightmare” O’Haire. In addition to the two high profile Heavyweight bouts, the Super Heavyweight Division will also be on display:
Eric “Butterbean” Esch vs. Stefan Gamlin
The Global FC ring will be re-enforced for a true clash of the titans as two near four hundred pounders collide. Experts predict not much finesse in this battle, but rather a real slugfest.
Eric “Butterbean” Esch is one of the heavy hitters, literally, who will be in action at Global FC. Butterbean is one of the most popular fighters in the world today. Instantly recognizable by his bald head, excessive size and weight (350 lbs.) and his signature red white and blue American flag fight trunks, Esch is known as quite the character. Opponents know him better by his devastating punch power. A native of Jasper, Alabama, Esch has a hard working, blue-collar background. As such, he considered the “The Peoples’ Champion”. Butterbean first made an impact as a fighter in Toughman competitions. The “Butterbean” name came as he was dieting to get into fight shape, and butterbeans were a staple of his diet. He was eating so many of them, that a friend remarked, “You’re gonna turn into a butterbean!” The rest is history.
Many doubted that Esch would duplicate his Toughman success when he entered the pro boxing ranks in 1994. He silenced critics by becoming IBA Super Heavyweight Champion 1n 1996. Butterbean showed more stamina than anyone thought possible by lasting 10 rounds withy the legendary Larry Holmes in 2002.
Recently, Butterbean has beaten the odds yet again, earning success and respect in MMA. To date he has a winning record of 10-3-1. Victories include wins over powerhouse James “The Colossus” Thompson and tough as nails Wesley “Cabbage Correira. Six of Bean’s MMA wins have come by way of submission, suprising those who felt he would not take MMA training seriously, and would rely only on punching power. The bout will reveal whether Butterbean keep his momentum rolling, or if his monstrous opponent stop him in his tracks.
It is very rare for Butterbean to give up weight to his adversary, but he will do just that when he faces Stefan “The German Powerhouse” Gamlin. Gamlin, standing 6’7”, may make for a tough target for the 5’11” Butterbean’s signature head hunting. Born in Germany, Stefan has an impressive athletic background. He was a three-year starter as a Defensive Tackle while playing college football at Arkansas State. He returned to his native Germany as a standout for the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe. He was about to be signed by the San Francisco 49ers when a knee injury cut his football career short.
Following his gridiron days, Gamlin took up pro wrestling. Like Butterbean, he first got his feet wet in fighting in Toughman. A pro wrestler at the time, Stefan won a Team Toughman competition pitting pro wrestlers vs. NFL football players. In fact, Gamlin claims that as a result, he, not Butterbean is the true Toughman. Gamlin went on to say that he faced tougher opposition than Butterbean not only in Toughman, but MMA as well. Stefan was baptized by fire in MMA, battling top talent such as Bob “The Beast” Sapp, Sam Greco and Jason “Mayhem” Miller in K-1 and Rumble On The Rock. He wants to shock the world by doing the seemingly impossible; Gamlin wants to knock Butterbean out.
Gamlin has also tried his hand in acting as well, appearing in such films as “Two For The Money” starring Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey. Using his show-business background, he has promised his entrance will include exotic dancers and pit-bulls.
The Global FC Weekly Wire returns next week with a closer look at the Middleweight Championship bout between Edwin “Babyface” Dewees and Mavrick “The Soul Collector” Harvey.
Who: Global Fighting Championships
What: 8 big fights featuring MMA stars Butterbean, Mark Kerr, Jeff Monson, Wes Sims, Edwin Dewees and more.
Where: Mohegan Sun Arena
When: August 17 at 8 Pm EST.
Tickets: Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster (860) 886-0070, or on-line by visiting www.ticketmaster.com
Information: For more information, please visit www.globalfightingchampionships.comNational and local Media please contact Joel Parker: ( jparkerpr@sbcglobal.net )MMA Trade Press please contact Todd Keneley: (todd@upw.com )