Published: April 20, 2008 02:13 am      

Haselrig wins MMA debut

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Carlton Haselrig can add two more heavyweight titles to his collection.

Haselrig, a six-time NCAA wrestling at Pitt-Johnstown, captured the United States Kick Boxing Association and Battle Cage Xtreme crowns early this morning, by making quick work of Shane Ott in his first professional mixed martial arts bout.

The 42-year-old, who has battled drug and alcohol addictions as well as legal problems for years, said it was just the beginning for him.

“This is just the first step in a long series of things that are going to happen,” the Johnstown native said moments after his seminal victory, which took place at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Battle Cage Xtreme IV. “Right now, whoever’s out there, I’m training hard, I’m getting ready. I want anybody.”

The bout, which was the main event in the 17-fight card and did not begin until after 1 a.m., was scheduled to go three five-minute rounds.

Ott was supposed to provide a stern test for Haselrig, who was also an All-Pro guard with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 36, the Reading native had both age and experience on his side, as he had already fought six professional fights. But the broad-chested, tattooed Ott took a strange tactic by trying to grapple with Haselrig.

His wrestling background was evident as Haselrig used a single leg to take down Ott and then unleashed a flurry of fists to the side of Ott’s face.

Ott eventually was able to work his way out of the situation and seemed to gain the upper hand with an ankle hold, but Haselrig got his leg out and put his 265 pounds on Ott, who is listed at 260. Another round of punches kept the obviously dazed Ott on the mat before the match was stopped by the referee after 4 minutes and nine seconds of the first round.

After the fight, Haselrig was asked about taking on Kevin Jordan – an Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran and winner of Battle Cage Xtreme III – to unify the BCX belts.

“Is he here? Is he ready right now? Let’s do it,” said Haselrig, who didn’t even seem to be out of breath. “Let’s put them together, let me get that one, too. I want all of them I can get.”

Haselrig had a vocal cheering section at the event, which he credited with helping him get his life back on track after spending time in prison.

“Thanks to all the fans that came out here to support me,” he said. “I needed their support to give me another step of courage and confidence.”