November 13, 2009
RE: Zack vs Jaime
As you know Jaime Jara taught at my school for a time and is a friend of mine. I feel the need to speak my mind a bit.
At the risk of pissing many off like promoters, matchmakers and maybe even career suicide, I have to make a statement.
First of all …..I had ABSOLUTLLY nothing to do with setting that fight up. I DO NOT REPRESENT ZACK BURLES IN ANY WAY. The extent on my knowing Zack is just this;
Zack is a young kid who couldn’t afford training and wants to be a fighter. During the time Jaime taught here I allowed him to train for free. He always wanted me to put him in tournaments at Fat Cats and other places. At one point I told him we would see if he trained hard and started to look like he was ready. At the time of the tournament I felt he was not ready so I didn’t let him do it. He and his friend Rich weren’t happy with my decision but I stood by it when I told them that if they were going to put him in any sort of competition when he wasn’t ready they would have to go somewhere different to train as I would not have any part of it. This is the result.
To the best of my knowledge Zack acquired a self proclaimed “team owner’s” phone number while getting tickets to a different fight. This man, like so many others, is helping set up the fights at Red Hawk. He is who put Zack in touch with the promoter and bingo; bango….a fight is booked.
I spoke to Jaime about the whole thing I still have respect for Jaime. He has even helped Zack get some sponsors. It was my impressions that Jaime did advise Zack against the fight but in the end Zack wants to do it, the promoter set it up now Jaime has to do what he does…fight. I do look for Jaime to take it easy on the Zack. Jaime is a good guy. He is a professional fighter though so Zack will get beat- no doubt. Everyone is trying to take short cuts to being a champ in Sacramento when all they really should do is train there ass off because in the end when they step out of the area they will get beat by guys who do just that…..train their ass off. One thing that disturbs me greatly is that this town is becoming full of unprofessional fighters who aren’t loyal or respectful to anyone, even the ones who train them. Makes me laugh at times but mostly ask myself why waist time on them. I believe it is a trickle down effect comes from the ones making the money on these people. Out of many that have team’s gyms and shows so few follow the first rule of Martial Arts- the code….respect. Not stealing fighters or destroying the beginners.
The one everyone should be talking to is not Jaime or Zack but the promoter for allowing it. I have three guys that want to fight at the same venue….but I have to tell you with that kind of matchmaking I don’t know that is would be in the best interest of Eric, Cole and Jeff to do so.
They all want to fight but I just have a hard time believing in that kind of show. Just like you said Mots in your show Friday….that is why there is the athletic commission so I guess this is what happens when they are not involved. Sad for the Sport.
Disclaimer: This letter is based solely on opinion as does not intend to harm or cause damage to any one individual and or business. This is intended for entertainment purposes only.
Respectfully,
TNT MMA/BOXING
8876 Vintage Park Cir. 916-682-4MMA
8876 Vintage Park Cir. 916-682-4MMANovember 13, 2009
RE: Zack vs Jaime
As you know Jaime Jara taught at my school for a time and is a friend of mine. I feel the need to speak my mind a bit.
At the risk of pissing many off like promoters, matchmakers and maybe even career suicide, I have to make a statement.
First of all …..I had ABSOLUTLLY nothing to do with setting that fight up. I DO NOT REPRESENT ZACK BURLES IN ANY WAY. The extent on my knowing Zack is just this;
Zack is a young kid who couldn’t afford training and wants to be a fighter. During the time Jaime taught here I allowed him to train for free. He always wanted me to put him in tournaments at Fat Cats and other places. At one point I told him we would see if he trained hard and started to look like he was ready. At the time of the tournament I felt he was not ready so I didn’t let him do it. He and his friend Rich weren’t happy with my decision but I stood by it when I told them that if they were going to put him in any sort of competition when he wasn’t ready they would have to go somewhere different to train as I would not have any part of it. This is the result.
To the best of my knowledge Zack acquired a self proclaimed “team owner’s” phone number while getting tickets to a different fight. This man, like so many others, is helping set up the fights at Red Hawk. He is who put Zack in touch with the promoter and bingo; bango….a fight is booked.
I spoke to Jaime about the whole thing I still have respect for Jaime. He has even helped Zack get some sponsors. It was my impressions that Jaime did advise Zack against the fight but in the end Zack wants to do it, the promoter set it up now Jaime has to do what he does…fight. I do
look for Jaime to take it easy on the Zack. Jaime is a good guy. He is a professional fighter though so Zack will get beat- no doubt. Everyone is trying to take short cuts to being a champ in Sacramento when all they really should do is train there ass off because in the end when they step out of the area they will get beat by guys who do just that…..train their ass off. One thing that disturbs me greatly is that this town is becoming full of unprofessional fighters who aren’t loyal or respectful to anyone, even the ones who train them. Makes me laugh at times but mostly ask myself why waist time on them. I believe it is a trickle down effect comes from the ones making the money on these people. Out of many that have team’s gyms and shows so few follow the first rule of Martial Arts- the code….respect. Not stealing fighters or destroying the beginners.
The one everyone should be talking to is not Jaime or Zack but the promoter for allowing it. I have three guys that want to fight at the same venue….but I have to tell you with that kind of matchmaking I don’t know that is would be in the best interest of Eric, Cole and Jeff to do so.
They all want to fight but I just have a hard time believing in that kind of show. Just like you said Mots in your show Friday….that is why there is the athletic commission so I guess this is what happens when they are not involved. Sad for the Sport.
Disclaimer: This letter is based solely on opinion as does not intend to harm or cause damage to any one individual and or business. This is intended for entertainment purposes only.
Respectfully,
TNT MMA/BOXING
8876 Vintage Park Cir. 916-682-4MMA
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My Name is Nick Draper. I have seen all of this unfold first hand. I was with Zach when he made the decision to take this fight, during training, the interviews, everything. And since everyone else is I guess I will say my part.
Zach Burleson is my best friend and has been so longer than I have been with my fiance, longer than we have been training, and longer than MMA has been what it is today. There is no one in the world, no one, that cares about Zach and what is best for him more than I do. He has been like a brother to me and I would sacrifice anything I had in order to see him happy.
Well one thing is for sure, Jaime cannot take it easy on Zack, this isnt training or sparring anymore. I hope Jaime trains extra hard this next month and into Dec and takes it too this guy for even thinking of stepping into the ring with him, if you think about it, its somewhat disrespectful…this guy thinks he can whoop Jaimes ass and has seen something in training that made him take the fight….JAIME..NO TAKING IT EASY ON HIM.
Niki has held so many fighters back it is hurtfull to see. She just pulled off 2 or 3 of her fighters formt he rebel fighter card? why? again? this seems to be an on going thing with her. Everything she touches she destroys
stop telling people what they think
There are many people out there that do not know Zach, so I understand their minunderstanding about him and his situation. Zach has had to overcome alot of obsticals to make it where he is today. To even imply that Zach isn't ready or doesn't dseserve this fight, is obsurd, and a huge miscalculation.
Zach has been training wherever, whenever and however he can for five years. For someone that only just got to know him in less than six months, someone that only trained with him a fraction of the time, to come out and judge him and say he has no respect and is trying to cut corners must be confused. Zach is a fighter. Fighters train to fight. This is Zachs opportunity and he took it. It is long overdue.
Zach as well as myself are very honored that Jaime Jara has agreed to this fight. Jaime would not tell Zach anything but that he has courage for doing this, and that he respects Zach. We have absolutely nothing but the utmost respect for him and his entire camp. Also to anyone that has helped get Zach to the point where he is today. The haters can continue to do their jobs, because the overwhelming love and support that we have is unmeasurable. And no one will slow us down.
This is going to be a huge test for Zach, no doubt. But do not assume that he is not a fighter. Don't assume it will be over before you know it. Zach has experience, determination, training, and heart like you wouldn't imagine. I have never seen him quit, slow down, or not give it his all. Zach is coming to shock the world. Be ready to eat your words.
"stealing fighters?" how many fighters has the " self proclaimed manager/trainer" tried to " steal" from other camps? how could anyone call themselves a manager over anyone that has not walked in their shoes? now that is very sad for the sport. yeah keep pulling " your" fighters from all these fights, i doubt anyone will be calling or answering your calls anymore. Good luck Zach u got heart man
Why does this Niki lady care so much about this fight? She is the one that kicked ZACH out of her "SO CALLED" school? Its none of her business. I hope to meet her at the fights. I also hear she is the biggest name dropper in the sport?
This lady should stop while she is ahead?
Who is this lady? Is she hot? Can she teach me a triangle choke? Or can I do one on her so we can shut her mouth!!! Who is Jara with? Didnt she steal him from Carnage?