Ultimate Fighter Finalist Michael Johnson signs with R1 Management

Dec. 4, 2010 - PRLog -- R1 Management, a unique mix with Motorsports Marketing & Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) expertise, is pleased to announce the signing of Spike TV's,  “The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 12” Finalist, Michael “The Menace” Johnson.

R1 is a collaboration between former Motorsports Marketing executive and Xtreme Cagefighting Federation (XCF) owner Doug Bland and MMA pioneer Rico Chiapparelli. Bland, a former Director of Marketing for Penske Motorsports and International Speedway Corporation will bring his extensive background in sports marketing / sponsorship activation and team up with World Cup Champion wrestler and former RAW Team manager & trainer, Chiapparelli, to develop new talent for today’s fastest growing sport.

“I’m so excited that Michael has chosen R1 for his management team. It has been quite surreal to see this young man come through my XCF organization as an amateur fighter in 2007 and now three years later to be featured on Spike TV as the main event on this weekend’s UFC fight in Las Vegas.” Bland exclaimed.

Hailing from Springfield, MO, “The Menace” trains with the Springfield Fight Club, an affiliate of the famed Gracie Barra BJJ camp where he also works as the head MMA coach. Johnson gained regional acclaim in the Midwest by garnering the XCF Lightweight Amateur title in 2007, following it up with the Lightweight Pro title in January of 2010.

Going into the Hit Reality Show on a 3 fight win streak, Michael has rattled off four consecutive victories earning him the opportunity to face Orlando’s Johnathan Brookins in this season’s finale airing tonight Live on Spike TV. After being compared to Mike Tyson, Iron Mike showed up the next week to offer Johnson some inspirational advice. Next legendary Boxing trainer Freddie Roach appeared on the show and made comment of how Michael reminded him of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao. With praise coming from some big names within the industry Michael is excited to have the opportunity to compete for the TUF Title and display his skills on the sports’ biggest stage.

R1 Sports Management, LLC is a full service Sports and Entertainment agency with a mission of building complete and diversified careers for all of their Athletes. R1 clients will benefit from decades of experience in the realm of sponsorship, endorsements, licensing, media relations, legal assistance, regulation compliance, branding and Social Media.  R1 strives to provide each of their athletes the framework and blueprint for success within the ever-changing Combat Entertainment space!