Apr 07 MMA Live 1: MacDonald, Barone, Opponents Set

Ottawa sports fans, have no fear! Despite the early demise of your Ottawa Senators, 2 local athletes are ready to step up and represent the city and its fans at the first of MMA Live's 3 scheduled events, which will take place on May 19th at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. We have learned that teammates Cory MacDonald and Anna "Smiles Barone have both signed multi-fight deals with the promotion, an agreement that has already paid huge dividends both fighters. The Jones Entertainment Group (JEG) which is presenting MMA Live, is really looking to make a statement with their inaugural event, signing high caliber fighters to compete, as well as new UFC light heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones to be in attendance.

Cory MacDonald was once regarded among Canada's best prospects, which had the unfortunate result of making it difficult for promotions to get quality opponents who would be willing to fight him. JEG was more than up to the task in accommodating the highly skilled native of Ontario who has not lost since July, 2007 against Jonathan "Road Warrior" Goulet, a span of almost 4 years and including 7 straight victories. Marcus "Maximus" Aurelio (20-9-0) will face the 12-2-0 Canadian who trains out of Kingston, Ontario and the world renown TriStar gym. Aurelio is a 5 time UFC veteran who has fought such notables as Shinya Aoki, Evan Dunham, Hermes Franca, Tyson Griffin, Clay Guida, Takanori Gomi, and Rich Clementi. According to MacDonald's camp, "MMA Live is committed to bring in high level UFC veterans to finally give Cory the platform he needs to showcase that he’s one of Canada’s top welterweights". A win over the likes of Aurelio will give MacDonald some much deserved recognition on the international stage.

For her part, Anna "Smiles" Barone (1-2-0) has been re-tooling, and re-focusing with a new team of coaches, a new training camp, and now a new promotion. She will need all of it as she takes on 2 time Strikeforce Challenger series fighter Julia "The Jewel" Budd (1-1). Both fighters are coming off losses and will be hungry for a victory. Barone has been spending her time training both out of Ottawa, as well as Tristar gym, and has never been one to shy away from a challenge. In fact, she relishes being the underdog, a trait that could have been developed from having 5 older brothers. A win not only evens her record at 2, but combined with her attitude of taking on all-comers, it opens the door to amazing possibilities for future opponents.

Tags: Anna Barone \ Cory Macdonald \ JEG \ Jones Entertainment Group \ Julia Budd \ Marcus Aurelio \ Maximus \ Smiles \ The Jewel