Binky Jones reportedly joins IFL for 2008
I'm very late with this, but according to the Ground Control Web site, Baltimore lightweight Binky Jones will be competing in the International Fight League (IFL) for the 2008 season:
"On October 21st, Binky Jones headed up to Manhattan to tryout for the 2008 IFL (International Fight League) roster. Unlike the Ultimate Fighter evaluation process, the IFL put the 200+ professional fighters through live grappling and MMA sparring. Binky stepped up to the competition by subbmitting two opponents and winning a decision in the finals. At the end of the day, Binky was selected to fight for the IFL in the 2008 season."
Before then, Jones will complete his two-fight contract with BodogFight by facing Vladamir Zenin in Moscow, Russia on November 30.
This is yet another big step for Jones, who has had a breakthrough year in 2007. First, he won the Ring of Combat lightweight tournament title, then he signed with BodogFight, and now he has earned the right to compete in the IFL.
I don't know the details of Jones' contract with the IFL or which camp (formerly team) he will be competing for (though given that Ground Control is a Renzo Gracie academy, it would make sense that he fights for Renzo Gracie's camp.) I hope to get in touch with Jones in the near future about his IFL plans and I'll pass on the 411 as soon as I have it.






Kevin Richardson has been a fan of mixed martial arts competition ever since UFC 3, when 600-pound sumo wrestler Emmanuel Yarborough was beaten by Keith Hackney. Kevin will cover the world of MMA — in Baltimore, nationally and internationally. He plans to take readers into the locker rooms and MMA schools, where they'll hear from local fighters and trainers. If you have a news tip or suggestions for the blog, please 