Bellingham, MA (PressExposure) August 10, 2008 -- Two local Mixed Martial Arts champions each won in their weight class recently at the Reality Fighting competition in Plymouth, MA.

In the Welterweight Title Match, Mike Campbell, a 25-year-old from Franklin, MA, retained the title with a first round knock out over Tim Pinney. Campbell fights at 5'9", 170 lbs. He graduated from Coventry High School in Rhode Island. While in high school, his dream was to play college football. It was dream he shared with his father. After his father passed away from a heroin overdose in 2001, Campbell put aside his football plans, as it was a passion they had always shared together. "My dad and I both loved football and we shared the passion for the game and for me playing. When he passed away, I didn't want to play anymore."

Being no stranger to competition, and missing playing sports, Campbell was inspired to try power lifting. He represented the US as a power lifter at the Power Lifting World Championships when he was 22-years-old. From there, Campbell found Mixed Martial Arts training at USMMA. As a professional MMA fighter, he has built a solid career path for himself with a 5-0 record that includes 3 KO's. He holds a local title belt for the 170 lb. welterweight division.

He is just getting started. Campbell was chosen as the feature fighter on the reality show "Tapout" on the Versus Network. The "Tapout" crew has been following Campbell and watching his training and fights that will be featured on an upcoming episode that documents their quest for the best up and coming Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the United States. "It has been kind of weird having them follow me around, but I know that this will help take me to the next level in my career as a fighter," said Campbell. The episode will air in September.

Campbell also trains with Hafers and Phinney at the USMMA facility in Bellingham, MA. "They always come up with a great game plan and it always works!" he said. "Tom and Matt are there for me 100 percent. They have helped me to develop, not only as a fighter, but as and individual, as well," he added.

Also retaining a Championship Title that evening was Greg Rebello of Middleboro, MA. Rebello fights in the Light-Heavyweight division at 6 feet, 205 pounds. Rebello won the fight 4 minutes and 10 seconds into the first round with a technical knock out to Eric Brown. It was a huge win for Rebello as Brown had been his first and only loss to date. "This win was a big stepping stone for me. I moved up in the rankings, but winning was better than the rankings. A main goal of mine was achieved with this win!" said Rebello.

Originally from Buzzards Bay, Rebello graduated in 2000 from Bourne High School where he played football and hockey. He currently trains full-time at USMMA putting in 25-30 hours a week of mixed martial arts, wresting, boxing and strength and conditioning. "I love it! I have a new outlook on training and my confidence is much stronger than it was three years ago," he said. "My coaches at USMMA have taught me to be in great shape and that is what makes the difference in the fight. If you get tired first, you'll lose," said Rebello. "The motto at USMMA is 'Make Your Best Weapon Your Cardio" and that has worked for me." he added.

The United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center, located on Hartford Avenue in Bellingham, focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. This is accomplished through a four-pronged approach to reality self-defense training centered in total body wellness.

The state of the art, 4,000-square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000-square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 15 hundred-square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers, a retail store and a juice bar. USMMA also conducts kid's programs including birthday parties, hip-hop classes and summer camps.

About USMMA

To contact USMMA, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at http://www.usmma.org

Press Release Source: http://PressExposure.com/PR/USMMA.html