Local fighter makes successful return to the ring
By: Michael "Moe" Murphy
09/19/2007
Photo courtesy/Michael "Moe" Murphy Berryville resident Angel "the Predator" Ortiz lands a shot to the side of Derch Thayer's head after he took him down in the first round of a scheduled three round welterweight mixed martial arts fight held Saturday at the Sportsplex in Winchester. The fight was stopped shortly after this punch.
WINCHESTER - Berryville resident Angel "the Predator" Ortiz made his successful return to mixed martial arts Saturday night as he scored a first round TKO over Derch Thayer of Martinsburg, W.Va., at MMA in the Valley III held at the Sportsplex in Winchester.
"It's been three years since I've fought," Ortiz said, "I was hoping to return last year but I broke my leg playing for the [Winchester] Tigers. It felt real good to get back out there tonight."
Ortiz also plays linebacker for the Winchester Tigers semi pro football team who play their home games in Berryville and has been a member of the team since its inception last year.
Ortiz is the founder and coach of the Predator Fight Club located in Winchester. Ortiz has been a staple in the MMA in the Valley Series as a coach and corner man but this was his first time inside the cage.
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Contact the reporter at
moe@clarkecountysports.com
©Times Community Newspapers 2007
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