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By Patrick Lujan
Baby Joe is going mainstream with Bellator.
Taimanglo, one of Guam’s premiere athletes and a MMA mainstay, signed his contract with the promotion last week and will make his Bellator debut on Thursday, March 28 (Friday afternoon, Chamorro Standard Time) at the Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida.
“It took me a while,” Taimanglo said from Irvin, California where he’s wrapping up his training camp. “It’s been in the works (with Bellator) for over a year. When I went last year to train with (UFC champion) Dominic (Cruz), after I broke my hand in July and then the PXC fight, it postponed it.
“When I came out here again to train, the opportunity presented itself again. Timing was perfect and just a couple of weeks ago, they got in contact with me to do the show. Bellator is a really good, established organization so I wasn’t hesitant to be a part of that.”
For more than a month, Taimanglo (17-4-1) has been training with Alliance MMA in Chula Vista, California – a gym founded by UFC fighter Brandon Vera and home to the likes of Cruz, Phil Davis, Alexander Gustafsson, Ross Pearson and Michael Chandler.
The Juggernaut vs. Bam Bam
Taimanglo will be fighting in the featherweight division (145-lb) for this fight against South Carolina’s Ronnie ‘Bam Bam’ Rodgers (15-10).
“He’s a wrestler and a grinder,” Taimanglo said about his opponent. “He’s a tough guy. He fought seven times last year so I’m up for the challenge.”
Baby Joe says he wants to take care of business in Bellator 94 and move on to the promotion’s bantamweight tournament (135-lb).
“That’s my goal, to be the bantamweight champion.”
In His Corner
Taimanglo will fly into Miami on Tuesday with the weigh-ins Wednesday and fight night on Thursday. Cornering him will be David Avellan, a well-respected grappler and a black belt in jiu-jitsu from Alliance MMA.
“I’ve been working with him for over a month already and he’s been very helpful, a very nice guy and knowledgeable of the MMA game. He’s opened up my mind with all his knowledge.”
He’ll be walking into the cage with his Guam flag draped over his shoulders.
“Oh ya, definitely. I brought it with me.”
Grateful for the Support
As he ventures into his new career in Bellator, Taimanglo didn’t forget the support that has come his way.
“I want to thank everybody that’s supported me through this journey. It’s been epic so far. I appreciate everyone who’s’ been giving me support: So Kel Industries/Productions, Elegant Reflections, Alliance MMA, Camachili Tree Store, Guardyagrill, DJ Quen, Club Xscape, my family and GSPN.”
Bellator 94 is scheduled to air on Spike TV and for his Guam fans, Taimanglo said he’s bringing the same fire they are used to seeing.
“They’ve seen it all. I’m just going to bring it this fight like I do in every fight. I’m looking to finish him and put him away.”
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GPS Sports Calendar
March 2024
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for February
1st
ISA SOFTBALL
IIAAG MS GIRLS SOCCER FINALS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
Events for March
2nd
HS RUGBY
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
Events for March
2nd
Events for March
4th
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS
ISA SOFTBALL ALL-ISLAND COACHES MEETING
Events for March
5th
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for March
8th
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS PLAYOFFS
Events for March
9th
ISA SOFTBALL FINALS
HS RUGBY FINALS
Events for March
9th
Events for March
14th
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
Events for March
16th
Events for March
17th
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18th
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19th
Events for March
20th
Events for March
22nd
Events for March
24th
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25th
Events for March
27th
Events for March
28th
Events for March
29th
- 31
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Events for March
30th
Soccer
ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS
Uncategorized
4TH QUARTER SPORTS SET FOR TAKE OFF
Soccer
ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS
Uncategorized
4TH QUARTER SPORTS SET FOR TAKE OFF
COMING SOON …
4th Quarter Sports
- Guam Marathon