Amateur Fighter of the Year Steve Mowry training with the Blackzilians for pro debut
Steve Mowry
He went 2-0 in two high profile fights in 2015, moving his overall amateur record to 7-0.
Mowry’s first fight of 2015 was in January, when he submitted former NCAA All-American wrestler JD Ramsey at Caged Madness 33 to hand him his first loss. The win earned Mowry the EFP heavyweight title.
“I would say that the Ramsey win was the biggest win of the year and my career,” Mowry told BluegrassMMA.com. “We both had accolades as the top ranked heavyweight amateurs in the country so to win and win after some adversity was a huge statement to myself.”
Mowry then defended his Gladiators of the Cage title with a submission victory over Chris Araujo at GOTC 17 in June.
That win closed out Mowry’s amateur career, and he decided to move his training camp to South Florida to begin his journey as a professional. He joined the Blackzilians team at the JACO Hybrid Training Center in Boca Raton.
The Blackzilians team features like likes of UFC fighters Rashad Evans, Anthony Johnson, Eddie Alvarez, and Vitor Belfort.
“I met [head striking coach] Henri [Hooft] after a visit in the fall,” Mowry said. “I have admired his work my whole career in how he structured fighters like Tyrone Spong, Michael Jonhnson, Anthony Johnson etc. and developed their offense into violent strikers, so I made sure that when I was in the Fort Lauderdale area that I went and did some training with him. I did some mitt work with him and I knew instantly that our chemistry would work well to help me develop my game further so if all things go according to plan I’ll set up camp there and become a stablemate.”
Mowry has been a main training partner for top UFC heavyweight Matt Mitrione for his upcoming bout against Travis Browne later this month. He also ventured to Texas to train with Jared Rosholt at Team Takedown in preparation for his win over Stefan Struve last year.
The 6’9″ fighter called a move to the pro ranks in 2016 a “sure thing” as soon as his team figures out the details.
“I just want to thank God, my family friends and fans for the support in helping me get this win,” Mowry said. “I want to tell everyone to keep their eyes out because big news is coming soon and a special thanks to my sponsors Revolution Physical Therapy along with my coaches Ryan Covert and Mike Demko for being with me and supporting my vision since day one.”
