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Each month, Overtime MMA will feature a member of the month, which is sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings in Plainfield, IL. The member of the month will receive a $20 food certificate to dine at BWW.
The Buffalo Wild Wings Member of the Month for December 2009 is Craig Kaufman.
Craig Kaufman is a University of Iowa graduate who worked for Pella Windows & Doors for three years before quitting his job to focus on fighting full time and running his own Crossfit Gym (Crossfit Will County, www.crossfitwillcounty.com , in Oswego, IL). Craig has a 1 year old daughter named Isabella, and his wife Jenny is expecting their second child in June of 2010.
Craig wrestled at Bloomington High School, and was one match away from qualifying for the state tournament his junior year. At the beginning of his senior season, Kaufman defeated Chris Henry, the eventual state runner-up that year, but was unable to complete the rest of the season dude to ineligibility. He did not continue his wrestling career in college.
Craig got serious about training in MMA after he got married and settled down. In the past 3 years, he has fought all over the Midwest -- including Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana -- and has amassed a professional record of 9-5. He has even had the opportunity to fight outside the region by traveling to Salt Lake City, UT for Jeremy Horn's MMA Promotion and to Atlantic City, NJ for the World Cagefighting Alliance. His last opponent was Derek Downey, who fought in the UFC against Nick Catone at Ultimate Fight Night 17. Craig found his way to Overtime after a friend introduced him to BJJ instructor Mark Turner. Craig trained with Mark on a few occasions, and then attended the Demian Maia seminar at Overtime in October.
"I'm very excited to have found Overtime, and the timing is perfect. The fighter development program that was just created is exactly what I need to get to the next level," said Kaufman. "It is still surreal to me to be learning takedowns from world class coaches like John Kading and Sean Bormet. I know I am getting the best training possible in all disciplines, including the opportunity to learn from 2 top level BJJ instructors, Mark Turner and Jason Sullins."
Craig enjoys improving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi skills, as he hasn't trained with the gi on in 5 years, and also feels much more comfortable with his stand-up game after working with boxing coach Gustavo Pique for just a few short weeks. "I joined Overtime because I am serious about fighting. I think Overtime has put a system in place that will allow me to reach my potential. The coaches are world class. They offer classes in all disciplines. They have class times that work with my schedule, and there is a great group of guys to roll with. Having (business manager) Koy Kosek oversee everything adds a level of accountability that makes sure I am taking this 100% seriously, which is a big help. I couldn't ask for anything more."
Overtime MMA is proud to have a dedicated athlete like Craig training at the facility, and all members of the Overtime family are eager to see how the rest of his MMA career unfolds.
More on BWW:
Buffalo Wild Wings in Plainfield is located on
11820 South Route 59 (near 119th Street). We would like to thank Sarah Smith of Buffalo Wild Wings for making the BWW Member of the Month possible!
 Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar is one of the Top 10 Fastest-Growing Restaurant Chains in the country, and their concept is more than just a NY-style wing joint with 14 signature sauces. They are also a sports bar, complete with a full menu featuring everything from salads to appetizers to burgers, and a variety of specialty items. All served in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere where people like to hang out with friends, play trivia on their Buzztime Trivia system, and watch their favorite games on one of their many big-screen TVs. > Previous Members of the Month
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