Top MMA Fight Team

Highlander MMA, once the top performing MMA fight team in the Louisville, KY area, has relocated to the Tampa Fight Factory in beautiful Tampa, FL.
The team is lead by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Black Belt, Mike Yanez, student of World Champion grappler, Master Pablo Popovitch.

Contact us today to sign-up for your first FREE introductory lesson.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the premier ground-fighting martial art. Made famous by Royce Gracie in the early UFCs in the mid-1990's, it specializes in submission grappling when both fighters are on the ground. Techniques include positional control (especially the "guard" position), and submissions such as chokes and arm locks.

It is worth noting that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu differentiates itself from standard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for its emphasis on self-defense rather than sports competition. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu students will:

  • Learn to defend against punches and kicks from the standing position
  • Learn to neutralize an attacker’s stand up aggression while taking them to the ground, and maintaining the top position
  • Learn to defend and submit a larger opponent from the bottom position
  • Learn practical self -defense, including chokes, joint-locks, from both the standing and ground position

Testimonials

Master Pablo Popovitch

"Mike Yanez has been my student and friend for 11 years. His dedication and knowledge of competition is top notch. His students are as tough as they come anywhere in the country. His MMA team has a record of 70-17 in its first year and has shown strong Jiu Jitsu in the cage. Mike Yanez is extremely technical and very patient teacher and a great example of a good instructor. He treats everyone like famliy which I'm glad he has kept that tradition from my father and I."

Pablo Popovitch
BJJ Black Belt

2007 World Jiu-Jitsu Champion
2007 USA Grappling Trials Champion
2007 Abu Dhabi World Submission Wrestling Championship - 2nd Place
2007 Atlantic Cup Superfight Champion
2005 Abu Dhabi World Submission Wrestling Championship - 2nd Place
National Champion USA- 10 times
Grapplers Quest Champion- 7 times
2004 USA Grappling Trials Champion
2003 North American World Submission Champion
Casca Grossa Pro division Champion
Music City Pro Division Champion
III Northeast Grappling Tournament Pro division Champion
Texas Submission Pro Division Champion

Highlander MMA News

Monday, June 7, 2010

New Location TAMPA FLORIDA

The New School is located

HIGHLANDER MMA
3020 W Kennedy
Tampa Florida 33609

Ask about our Opening sign up Specials*

Monday, May 3, 2010

Ron " no Chance" Jacobs wins in 22 sec

Ron Jacobs over Jim Alers at AOF 7 Tampa Florida
Jacobs the underdog @ 1-0-1 vs Jim Alers Purple belt 4-0
fireworks is all i can say



Mike Yanez Ron Jacobs fight Highlander

Sunday, October 25, 2009

CT Turner defeats Tampa police officer Chris Baten at AOF 5

CT Turner defeats Tampa police officer Chris Baten at AOF 5

October 25, 2009 at 8:36 am by Astrid Bidanec

Tampa police officer, Chris Baten (Team Gracie Tampa), delivered an almost hulk-like performance while trying to thwart CT Turner’s powerful and relentless attacks during the main bout of the mixed martial arts (MMA) event, Rumble at Robarts 4, which was hosted by the Sarasota based promoter, Art of Fighting (AOF) on Oct. 23, 2009. But ultimately, his opponent CT Turner (Highlander Fight Team) fought like the indestructible Superman and took the win via unanimous decision.

Turner dominated Baten equally well during the stand up portion of the fight, as well as on the ground throughout all three rounds. His cobra like attack-punches were always followed by a quick retreat in order to evade Baten’s counter punches. On the mat he wrung Baten through several submission attempts including one vicious arm bar that made it seem like Baten was made out of rubber. When Baten was not busy defending himself against Turner’s serial attacks he dished out a few hard punches of his own, which hardly rattled Turner. At the end of the three-round war the bout went to the judges’ scorecards, who awarded Turner the win via unanimous decision, to no one’s surprise.

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Monday, October 19, 2009

Patrick Edwards 11 sec KO!

New Orleans Oct 17 2009- Patrick Edward KO's 11 sec!!

Highlander like a Storm In New Orleans oct 17th!!

Battle of New Orleans - Oct 17th 2009- Mike Yanez runs a tight team proving how strong his fighters are once again. Drew Atchison, Joel Ottley's Debut, Pat Edwards 3-1 and Rob Gonzalez 4-0. Video speaks for itself , these guys have trained less then 8 months Joel and Drew only 4 months under Master Yanez which followed his from the fight club wana be Academy st pete fight club. Watch and enjoy and look for them more!







Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Kelly Carter on a new video!!!

Mike Yanez and Kelly Carter as well as Chris chard have been good friends since blue belts
TEAM POPOVITCH TO THE BONE!
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Another good day of training

Highlander gets ready for Oct 17th and Oct 23
email Highlandermma@gmail.com for info
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