Art of Fighting is proud to present its fourth mixed martial arts (MMA) event in the state of Florida and its first event in Tampa Bay. After three successful events in Sarasota, to include the first ever MMA light heavyweight Florida State Title, Art of Fighting has put together a bout worthy of a large scale venue in Tampa. Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz vs. Tom “Trauma” Sauer for the first ever WFO World Title and a Headline Bout worthy of large scale attention, Seth “The Silverback” Petruzelli vs. Tampa Area police officer Chris Baten.

CRUZ VS. SAUER

Marcio Cruz is a 6’4″ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom who has conquered the world’s best fighters inside the cage to include current UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir, UFC Veteran Dan Christison, and Japanese legend Mu Bae Choi. However Marcio Cruz is better known in the Jiu-Jitsu community as a six time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, 5 time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu National Champion, and 8 time Pan-American Champion. Also as a world class grappler, “Pe de Pano” has defeated Jeff “The Snowman” Monson, Roger Gracie, Paulo Filho, Marcelo Gracie, and many others.

Tom Sauer is a 6’1″ Greco Roman Wrestler with outstanding striking and submission ability. He has over 40 professional MMA fights and has beaten some of the best in the world including Jeff “The Snowman” Monson, Enson Inoue, Crafton Wallace and many more in his 30 professional wins. “Trauma” is on a 5 fight win streak and has hoisted himself as the hands down number one heavyweight in the state of Florida and possibly on the east coast. What may be more astonishing is Tom Sauer has Tourette syndrome. Outside of the cage he has very noticeable symptoms but inside the cage he is focused and poised as a possible world champion should be. Tom Sauer was featured on the VS channel Tapout show (Season 2 Episode 9) as the trainer of the recent winner of the Florida State Light Heavyweight Title Holder, TJ Cook.

This bout will be the first ever WFO(World Fighting Organization) world title. The WFO which is headed by President John Daddono and Vice President Jeremy Levine is the same sanctioning body as the IBO (International Boxing Organization), who’s boxing champions include Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao, Wladimir “Dr. Steelhammer” Klitschko, and Chad Dawson. The IBO is looking to sanction MMA and aid in its lacking rank structure. Many believe the future of the sport is run through sanctioning bodies like the IBO and the Art of Fighting is proud to host the first ever World Title for the WFO.

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