Two Fighters, Several Fights- One War

By Randy Thomas

With an almost unheard of 61 fights stretched between these two warriors resume’s, Josh “The Hitman” Rabedeaux and Rick “The Lawman” Tasler are both ready to put on a show and go to war for the fans on January 16. Think about that. That’s 61 long, intense training camps. That’s 61 nerve racking walks to the cage. Countless punches, takedowns, knees, elbows, and kicks. And, with 61 fights, the winners hand has been raised 57 times. That’s impressive.

Josh “The Hitman” Rabedeaux has only been training mixed martial arts for three years, and with a 32-4-0 record, he’s kept plenty busy. He’s made appearances on large shows like King of the Cage and HD Net so he’s used to the bright lights, camera’s and roaring crowds. He’s held several belts and now his sights are set at climbing the MCC ladder and hopefully adding one more to his collection.

A scrappy guy who has never backed down from a challenge, Rabedeaux has stepped in the cage with fighters who have had fifty pounds on him. He’s taken last minute fights. He’s not picky. He’s just happy for any opportunity to step in the cage and bang.

A disciple of wrestling from the age of four, he’s now honing his MMA skills, training at the world famous Lion’s Den as well as with WEC Lightweight Champion, Jamie Varner at Arizona Combat Academy, “The Hitman” believes he has all the tools necessary to put a blemish on Tasler’s perfect record. When asked for his predictions about the upcoming fight he stated, “I am just hoping that it’s a war. We’ll have to see how it goes and what I am feeling that day . Some days I look for a knock out and others I feel like breaking arms, so we’ll see.” He added, “I know he has a lot of fights just like me. I’m just ready to bang. No hard feelings, I don’t know the guy, but he is the next one I have to take out, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do”

Rick Tasler sees it differently.

“On January 16th, I am going to show everyone what hard work and determination are all about. I know that I am going to have one of the toughest fights in my career. Josh is good everywhere and if I make a mistake in any position he will try to capitalize on it. So, I am going to set the pace early and stay in his face for the duration of the fight. We are both very aggressive fighters so it should be a great fight for the crowd. I have the upper hand on patience and power, so it’s going to come down to heart. If it does, he is in for a long night.”

Like his opponent, he has been wrestling almost his entire life. Training in mixed martial arts since 2006, Tasler has kept an open mind and learned something from each person he’s encountered. Tasler stated, “I think that I get respect because I earn it. What I lack in technique and training time I make up for in toughness. Nobody is going to come in and just push me around the cage. I could fight anyone in the world and know that I can’t beat many of them but know that every single one of them will leave the cage knowing that they had been in a fight.”

Tasler, the city of Madrid’s chief of police by day believes his 12-year law enforcement career definitely gives him an edge in the cage. He feels it has given him the mental toughness and never give up attitude which has propelled him in the sport of mixed martial arts. He stated, “It’s easier fighting in the cage having only one person to worry about, with no weapons, and a referee to stop serious injury from occurring.” A soft spoken and respectful figure in the community, Tasler sees himself as a hard working role model to the kids that look up to him. Some call him a hero. He’s thankful for the support and the opportunities he’s been given.

Josh Rabedeaux and Rick Tasler meet at MCC 24 “Reloaded” on January 16 at Veterans Auditorium. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at Dahl’s ticket outlets.

Fighter Bio’s

Name: Josh Rabedeaux
Nickname: The Hitman
Age:
Weight: 145
Hometown: Muscatine, IA
Fighting out of: Pheonix, AZ
Team: Lion’s Den/Arizona Combat Academy
Strengths: Experience, wrestling background, knock out power
MMA Record: 32-4-0
Titles Held: King of the Cage Superfight Champion, Warfare Extreme 135lb title, Rage in the Cage 135 and 145lb Champion, Midwest Kings of the Ring 145lb Champion

Name: Rick Tasler
Nickname: The Law Man
Age: 32
Hometown: Jefferson, IA
Fighting out of: Madrid, IA
Team: Team Insanity/Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy
Strengths: Heart, cardio, relentless submissions
MMA Record: 26-0-0
Titles Held: Iowa Budweiser 145lb Champion