The Chicagoland area will get treated to plenty of MMA this week. Here’s a rundown of the events.

Bellator 25, Thursday, Chicago Theatre

Bellator returns to Chicago for Bellator 25. The exciting Zoila Frausto (7-1) will battle the undefeated, #6-ranked flyweight Jessica Pene (7-0). Damian “The Polish Pitbull” Grabowski (12-0) will take on Scott Barrett in a battle of heavyweights. Bellator Season 2 Welterweight Tournament runner-up and local favorite Dan Hornbuckle will face off against UFC veteran “Bad” Brad Blackburn. Undefeated Division I NCAA Wrestling Champion Cole Konrad takes on submission specialist Rogent Lloret in another heavyweight tourney showdown. “Mr. International” Shonie Carter will take on Torrance Taylor, a one time Strikeforce fighter. Brian Gassaway will battle Kevin Knabjian in a match of two local fighters. Mark Miller was supposed to fight on the card, but he has been forced to withdraw due to injury. Keoki Cypriano will face Eric Kriegermeier in the promotion’s third show in the Windy City. Visit Bellator.com for ticket info.

G2 Fight Night Live, Saturday, Tinley Park Convention Center

The Gilbert Grappling produced event is back with another card full of promising amateur fights. Here’s a great fight video from the last G2 featuring Jon Reed vs. Kenny Jordan.

For more information contact 630.479.6304 or send an e-mail to g2fightnight@live.com.

American Predator FC, Saturday, Lithuanian World Center

The second event produced by APFC will once again be held in Lemont. You can buy tickets and check out the full fight card at the American Predator FC website.

Bad Boy Pro Series Handwraps 3-Pack w/Wash Bag

Results from the April 3rd G2 Fight Night in Tinley Park, IL

· 155 lbs: Matt Brax def Anthony Velut (JBMA), Submission, 1:35 Round 2 (Armbar)

· 125 lbs: Chris Haney (No Ego) def Kevin Groff (Urban Warriors) Submission, 2:24 Round 1 (Rear Naked Choke)

· 135 lbs: Kenny Farmer (G2) def Jonathan King (Combat Zone) TKO, 2:35 Round 1

· 145 lbs: Ryan DiPompeo (G2) def Thomas Benson (JBMA), TKO :37 Round 2

· 170 lbs: Dan Darby (Choke) def Ryan Kirwan (G2) Submission :46 Round 1 (Guillotine Choke)

· HWT: Mike Lettiere (G2) def Paul Garcia, Unanimous Decision

· 155 lbs: AJ Knoll (G2) def Bobby Jones (Urban Warriors) TKO 1:27 Round 1

· 155 lbs: Gino DiGuilio (G2) def Victor Johnson (Combat Zone) TKO 1:09 Round 2

· 170 lbs: Brad Muthart (G2) def Joe Ross (David & Goliath) Submission, :58 Round 1 (Tapout Due to Strikes)

· 145 lbs: Kenny Jordan (G2) def Jon Reed (Urban Warriors) TKO 1:30 Round 1

· 135 lbs: Jerald Williams (No Ego) def Matt Giancarlo (G2) Unanimous Decision

· 135 lbs: Mike Rzab (Southside) def Andrew Haney (No Ego) TKO 1:21 Round 1

· 125 lbs: Daryl Luigs (G2) def Jake Nealy (Urban Warriors) TKO 3:00 Round 1 (Nealy was unable to continue at the start of Round 2)

· 185 lbs: Rafal Skibinski (G2) def John McDonough (Urban Warriors) TKO :31 Round 1

· 145 lbs: Dan Benoit (G2) def Jonny Torres (PAC MMA) Unanimous Decision

Jaco USA Resurgence Fight Shorts

CM: For those that don’t know, tell us a bit about the history of Gilbert Grappling.

Dan Gilbert: It really got started in 2001 when Joey was training for the UFC 31 fight against BJ Penn. We were frustrated that we couldn’t find a good place to train and were working out in his garage. Over the years we have outgrown a few locations and are currently in our 4th and biggest location. We started out with a hand full of fighters and now have close to 40 with a good mix of upcoming amateurs and seasoned professionals. Due to our upbringing and success in wrestling, we tend to attract some the best wrestlers in state to our facility.

CM: Tell us about the new location for your school.

DG: Our new location is in Country Club Hills. It’s nice to have good amount of mat space were 40 guys can roll with out constantly bumping into each other. We have also added more classes that accommodate all levels of experience and conditioning.

Class Schedule

Mon & Wed 6:15pm MMA Technique All levels

Mon & Wed 7:00pm Ground Fighter Training

Tues & Thurs 6:00pm Wrestling

Tues & Thurs 7:00pm Stand-up Fighter Training

Saturday 10:30am MMA Technique and Fight training

Sunday 5:00pm Wrestling

CM: After a long layoff, you’ve been active with your fight career lately. In 2008 you fought in the XFO and IHC, and this year at the “Lock Down In Lowell”. Do you have another fight scheduled and will you continue to pursue a fighting career?

DG: Yes, my next fight is on November 20th at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso, Indiana. I plan to continue fighting and take my career one fight at a time.

CM: Tell us about the G2 Fight Night event.

DG: We are really looking forward to Black Wednesday G2 Fight Night and hope everyone will come out to support the local fighters. It should be a really fun way to start off Black Wednesday, one of the biggest party nights of the year. The event will feature Danny Benoit, Jake Murphy, Carson Beebe and Adam Ward whom are all planning to be turning pro after this event. We also have new guys that will be stepping into the cage for their first or only second time, Matt Giancarlo, Joe Wassong and Ryan DiPompeo.

Upon the success of this event, we plan to host more events in 2010 to support the growth of MMA of both amateurs and professionals.

CM: Thanks Dan! We’ll see you at the event and best of luck for your November 20th fight!

To check out upcoming Chicago’s MMA cards, visit our events page.