We have all heard the controversy about Joseph Bagley (the former Cage Wars Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Belt holder) being a professional MMA fighter in Florida before fighting in New York. Well MMA fans it is true, Joseph Bagley did indeed fight in two professional MMA bouts in the State of Florida.
So why is this all coming to light now and by us? We were contacted by a fighter inquiring about their stats that were published on a amateur MMA ranking website. As we had to dig further to get answers we contacted a lot of people some that did not call us back others that did. Our site at that time became a target and we were asked if we were so credible why don’t we add the fact that Bagley fought professionally. We asked for assistance from a lot of people and our research began.
We have been in contact with the Florida State Athletic Commission and they have in fact verified that Bagley did fight professionally and held a professional license from November 26, 2008 until 12/31/2010. During that time here were his fights.
02/27/2009 versus James Hammortree at RFC 16: Nations Collide
11/01/2008 versus Craig Corbett at RFC 15: Throwdown
Mixedmartialarts.com also shows Joseph Bagley’s professional record and when we contacted the Florida State Athletic Commission we were told to look at MixedMartialArts.com as they have the states official records posted as all bout results are verified by an official from the State.
Sherdog also has reported the same information that Bagley fought professionally, and they did confirm that his fights were in fact listed as professional from the promotion.
As I said we reached out to a lot of people and trying to fix fighters stats and Forrest Hobbick is playing a vital role in helping and guiding us in doing so. Forrest and I spoke briefly about Bagley and his statement is below.
A statement from Forrest Hobbick ISKA New York Director concerning Joesph Bagley:
The situation concerning Joe Bagley’s MMA status is unfortunate. There are a few cases I have come across where amateurs were listed as a pro. Under ISKA I am required to follow certain steps when that situation arises. Sadly, New York State does not require promoters to follow those same rules or any rules, for that matter.
The call for either 3rd party sanctioning by a nationally recognized sanctioning bodies or state regulations can’t be any louder, because of this matter. Mandating the use of submitting results to and checking athletes status with the national database is crucial to a positive future for amateur or professional MMA in NY.
When a fighter has been listed as a professional, it is up to the state commission that submitted the information to make a correction. Until that time if a fighter is listed as a professional with the ABC, one must view them as a professional, until a state commission has the status changed.
We have spoke with Shannon Miller from Evolution of Combat and Joesph Bagley has been removed from their upcoming card while they conduct an investigation of their own.
We will bring you updates as we receive them and we are scheduling interviews with those involved.
Joseph Bagley Was A Professional MMA Fighter
