MMASF: Highfill vs Cockrell - Event Preview

Due to unfortunate circumstances the MMA Sport Federation event scheduled on May 2nd was pushed back two weeks to this Friday.

Here is an updated preview with the revised fight card:

Anytime you get to watch a local amateur with near limitless potential take to the cage it's worth the price of admission and Friday is no different.

Aaron Highfill, owner of an impressive 12-1 record, highlights another solid offering from Jim Jenkins and company. Highfill out of the War Room in Wood River, IL and Finney's MMA has declared war on the welterweight division dispatching many of the area's top talent including Scott Futrell, Tyler Claussen, and Jake Buehler. Only Raymond Gray from Jefferson City ranks higher on the Spire rankings.

"Happy to finally have this kid on one of our shows. He's explosive and one of the real up-and-comers in the area," Jenkins said.

On Friday, Highfill will step into the cage with Matt Cockrell, who is relatively unknown in this area.

Originally from Colorado, Cockrell trains with Team Z in Chesterfield and supports a bawdy record of 12-0 in Kickboxing, 5-0 in boxing, and 8-1 in MMA. Although not able to verify this record, if true, this should make for a very exciting main event and could be Highfill's toughest opponent to date.

Highfill spoke with KJ after his last outing in January at Fight Hard MMA where he discussed fighting at 170-pounds.

"I need to start walking around lighter," Highfill said. "I'm cutting way too much weight. I'm getting out of shape and then walking around over 200 pounds for too long."

Highfill could easily turn pro before the end of 2014 but would like to be considered the state's top welterweight before he makes the jump.

"I'd like to be the No. 1 guy at 170," he said. "We've tried making (a fight with Raymond Gray) happen but hopefully Spire can set something up."

Highfill wants to expand his striking from just solid boxing to a more complete arsenal.

"I want to do more K-1, do more gi jiu-jitsu, just get better," Highfill said. "I want my whole MMA game to get better. I have pretty good defensive jiu-jitsu. I'm good at staying out of stuff. I'm just not the most offensive. Just some basic stuff that I still need to do."

"Both guys have a ton of experience in kickboxing and golden gloves, surprised they never met each other before," Jenkins said.

"Seven MMA fights and five K-1 fights. Should be an exciting night of fights." Jenkins said.

Tickets still available. Please call (314) 267-2204 for more information or to reserve your seat.

Original artwork by Jan Speelman-Jenkins at Dimensional Design.

Main card:
Matt Cockrell vs Aaron Highfill - K-1 Main Event
John Grayson vs TBA
Carl Jefferson vs Kevin Roper
Jeff Kankolenski vs Justin Davis - K1

Andre Cannon vs Dough Washburn - K1
James Harris vs Cris Brickeen
Izik San Miguel vs Dennis Sturgeon - K1
Gage Martson vs Zach Allen

Kenny Murray vs 145 Shane Pearman
Chris Petty vs Jason Sieckman
John Madaus vs Aaron Harvey - K-1
Caleb Springer vs Billy Robinson

MMASF: Highfill vs Cockrell
Friday, May 16th
Heart of St. Charles, St. Charles, MO