READY FOR A FIGHT – Iola trainer prepares for MMA bout in Kansas City

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February 3, 2014 - 12:00 AM

Jacob Browning’s venture into mixed martial arts fighting continues Friday at Harrah’s Casino in Kansas City, Mo., when he takes on Mark Conception in a 140-pound bout.
Browning, 24, has dabbled in MMA fighting — a full-contact fighting sport that utilizes both striking and grappling techniques — for the past 17 months.
Friday’s bout will be his fourth. He’s racked up a 1-2 record as an amateur — both losses coming by decisions — despite breaking his opponent’s nose and arm in his last fight.
“Still not sure how I lost that one,” he said.
Friday’s event will be special for several reasons, he noted.
His brother, Seth, will be in Jacob’s corner before heading out to basic training in the Army in a few days.
In addition, a large contingent of Iolans have snatched up most of the 50 tickets Browning sold through his affiliation with Blue Corner Promotions, sponsors of the fight.
“We’re gonna probably have more Iolans there than from any place else,” Browning predicted. “We’ll have local people show up on their own, too.”
Browning knows little about his upcoming opponent.
“I know I’m taller than he is, so I’m gonna try to use my height as an advantage,” he said.
If all goes well, Browning will try for a quick knockout, “or if the opportunity presents itself, to get a quick ‘sub.’”
“Sub” is short for submission.
One of Browning’s training partners, Iolan Mike Aronson, is optimistic.
Aronson, an Iola police officer, is a Marine and former boxer who has seen his share of tussles.
“Pound for pound, Jacob is as strong as just about anybody I’ve seen,” Aronson said. “I’ve tangled with guys who weigh 300 pounds who aren’t as strong as he is.”
Browning’s typical weight is at 160 pounds. For the past eight weeks he has adhered to a strict diet to shed 20 pounds to attain his lean and mean stature.
Seth Browning and Aronson will be in Browning’s corner on Friday, along with James London of Kansas City, the 135-pound MMA champion at Blue Corners Promotions.
“The  guys at Blue Corners have been great to work with,” Browning said. “I owe a lot to Ben Nogueras, our promoter. If things continue to go well, I’d like to turn professional in the next year or so.”

THE UPCOMING fight has been only part of Browning’s focus.
Through his work with Adrenaline Performance and Fitness, Browning trains about 50 or so local folks looking to get in shape.
The training is tailor made for groups or individuals and can be geared to anyone, regardless of his or her level of physical fitness.
“That’s the great part,” he said. “No two workouts are ever the same. The body doesn’t know what to expect.”
Browning’s company has grown exponentially in recent months, to the point he has twice had to relocate to larger environs. He now sets up in the former Iola Deluxe Cleaners, Heinrich Pest Control and Funkie Monkey building at the intersection of Jackson and Jefferson.
His training sessions hit high gear about eight weeks ago in preparation for Friday’s fight.
He leads thrice-daily workout sessions, at 5:30 a.m., another about 11 a.m. and finally an hour session each evening from 7 to 8.
Once his fight is out of the way, Browning’s training program hits another level as he leads a 12-week weight loss challenge at Adrenaline Performance , beginning March 1.
For more information, contact Browning at (785) 764-0900 or 2144 or via his Facebook page.

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