North Texas Notebook

While there may not be any live fights taking place in the DFW Metroplex this month that doesn’t mean that local area fighters are not in the midst of gearing up for a productive 2011.

Colleyville’s very own “Brutal” Johnny Bedford will be fighting in the main event of the Jackson MMA Series pro-am card Saturday night from the Hard Rock Casino in Albuquerque, NM.  Hailing from the much respected F3 fight team, “Brutal” Johnny Bedford has long held a level of respect amongst area MMA heads.  On Saturday night Bedford will take on former WEC vet Frank Gomez in what promises to be an explosive fight.  Bedford fans can check out the fight via PPV stream online.  Visit Jackson Series MMA’s website for more information. 

Undefeated light heavyweight Kentrell “The Beast” Claiborne will make his return to the ring next month when he takes on Cuban cruiserweight Yunieski Gonzalez on January 14.  The fight will take place at the Magic City Casino in Miami, FL. 

Former Dallas Cowboy and current Dallas resident Herschel Walker will make his much-hyped return to the cage as he has been tentatively penciled in to fight on January 29 at the Strikeforce event taking place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA.  Walker is 1-0 in MMA which is an incredible feat for a 48-year old with no professional, or amateur, fighting experience.  No opponent has yet been named for Walker.

As previously reported in yesterday’s “Roland’s Recap” the highly anticipated fight between Rafael Casias and Ray Ximinez Jr.will take place in February at the Fort Worth Convention Center.  Initially, the two boxers were scheduled to fight earlier this month in Oklahoma but due to regulatory issues the fight was scratched.  This bodes well for us fight freaks here in North Texas as we now have the opportunity to witness what is sure to be an explosive battle.  The fight will be on the undercard of an ESPN televised card that will be headlined by the rematch between Brian Vera and Andy Lee. 

Also expected to be fighting on the card will be Fort Worth’s very own Chap Huggins who is making a triumphant return to the ring following his battle last year with Hoddkin’s Lymphoma.  No opponent has yet been announced.