NJ Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductees

Let's just say that humbled is not strong enough of a word for how I felt when I read the letter advising me that I am going to be inducted into the NJ Martial Arts Hall of Fame.  I was floored, to say the least, and this honor is way too big for me.  Not that I will turn it down, mind you.  I am just in shock that the NJ MA HOF has chosen me to be one of its first inductees.

The NJ MMA Hall of Fame has just come into being, and its having its first annual year end awards dinner on December 7.  On that date, the awards for the various contributions to NJ MMA and Muay Thai will be presented, and the winners get inducted into the Hall of Fame. The list of winners has been determined, and I have it for you here.  As NJ's Ring Announcer of the year, I just want to thank the committee and the people who made this all possible.  I can't wait to give my speech!

Here is the official press release announcing the winners:

The New Jersey Martial Arts Hall of Fame is extremely proud to announce the inaugural class of inductees to the New Jersey Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

This class will be honored at the Induction dinner gala to be held at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Meadowlands on December 7, 2012.

Tickets to the awards dinner can be purchased by calling 201-538-4843 or online at www. njmmaawards.com.

Discount hotel room rates at the Crowne Plaza can be also obtained by calling 877-227-6963 and mentioning the Hall of Fame dinner.

New Jersey has always been on the forefront of combat sports, and some of the biggest bouts in MMA, kickboxing and muay Thai history have taken place at various venues around the state.

We are very proud to announce the formation of the New Jersey State Martial Arts Hall of Fame. New Jersey has had a boxing hall of fame since the 1960's and, in a similar sense, we hope to recognize and honor those involved in combat martial arts such as MMA and Muay Thai. New Jersey is building a rich tradition in non-boxing martial arts and our goal is to recognize these individuals and entities.

Our goal is to honor those involved with New Jersey martial arts and to celebrate with them, at an evening with family and friends. Our focus is on those directly involved in New Jersey martial arts.

This truly is a historical moment in our State's combat sports history as our intent is to have the New Jersey State Martial Arts Hall of Fame continue for many years and serve as a record for those outstanding individuals involved in martial arts in our State.

We hope you will join us on December 7, 2012. Mark your calendars now and purchase your tickets early so you can be sure to be a part of New Jersey martial arts history. Call 201-538-4843 or visit www.njmmaawards.com and get your ticket and join us in a historic night for New Jersey and for martial arts.

It is certain to be a terrific night with friends, fun, and music.

Award Winners--

2012 Inaugural Class Inductee Awards

Legend Award- Renzo Gracie

Lifetime Achievement Award- Louis Neglia

MMA Fighter of the Year- Frankie Edgar

MMA Female Fighter of the Year- Munah Holland

Muay Thai Fighter of the Year- Ognjen Topic

Muay Thai female fighter of the Year- Prairie Rugilo

MMA Trainer of the Year-Mike Constantino

Muay Thai Trainer of the Year- Ray Cruz

MMA Promoter of the Year- Rob Haydak

MMA Matchmaker of the Year-Sam Caplan

Muay Thai Matchmaker of the Year- Chris Tran
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Muay Thai Referee of the Year- Coban

MMA Referee of the Year- Dan Miragliotta

MMA Judge of the Year- Ricardo Almeida

Muay Thai Judge of the Year- Vladimir Borodine

Ringside Physician of the Year- Dr. Sherry Wulkan

Announcer of the Year- Kevin Garvey

Media Personality of the Year-Jim Genia

Pioneer MMA Fighter Award- Dave Tirelli

Outstanding Achievement in MMA- Kurt Pellegrino