These are the Heavyweight VALOR Amateur Rankings (206-265 LBS) as of October 2015. 

 

 

1.  Pete Pirtle

Association: 10th Planet BJJ

Height: 6'3”

City: Huntsville, Alabama

Record: 9-2

Most recent fight: def. Michael Snapp, Rd.3 TKO, November  2014, V3 Fights: Neal vs Johnson

Next Fight: TBD

Analysis:  Although it's been a while since VALOR fans have seen Pirtle, he's been on a role in other promotions. The former VALOR Heavyweight Champion is coming off a win against the number two ranked Snapp and also holds a win over the now professional Dustin Dyer. It's uncertain whether or not Pirtle will go pro or take one final amateur fight, but for now, he sits comfortably at the top of the rankings.

 

 

2.  Kyle Jessee (APEX HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION)

Association: Stryker MMA

Height: 6'1”

City: Bristol, Virginia

Record: 5-2-1

Most recent fight: def. C.J. Glynn, Rd. 1 Sub (Strikes), July 2015, APEX Fights 7

Analysis:  After a year away, Kyle Jessee made his return to the cage in July to face C.J. Glynn for the APEX Heavyweight Title and was victorious. Jessee has been in some wars with Michael Snapp over the past year and with this win, a 3rd battle could possibly be on the horizon. 

 

 

3.  Matt Tallent (VALOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION)

Association: Ogle's Martial Arts

Height: 6'2”

City: Madisonville, Tennessee

Record: 4-2

Most recent fight: def. Gavin Walker, Split Dec., August 2015, VALOR 25

Next Fight: TBD

Analysis: Tallent had some wars against Michael Snapp in both MMA and kickboxing before taking a short break from the sport in 2014. Tallent returned in August to win the VALOR Heavyweight Title in a very close fight against Gavin Walker. It'll be interesting to see what's next for Tallent whether it be a rematch with Walker, a different title defense, or a pro debut. 

 

 

4.  Michael Snapp

Association: Newport Combat Club

Height: 5'11”

City: Newport, Tennessee

Record: 9-5-1

Most recent fight:  Loss to Pete Pirtle, Rd. 3 TKO, November 2014, V3 Fights: Neal vs Johnson

Next Fight: TBD

Analysis:  Between 2013 and 2014, Snapp fought nearly 10 times and made a run for comeback fighter of the year. Was on a five fight winning streak before dropping two in a row to top notch fighters Pirtle and Shane Wicks. Snapp would likely to get one final amateur win before going pro later this year. 

 

 

5.  Gavin Walker

Association: D-Evil MMA

Height: 6'2"

City: Johnson City, Tennessee

Record: 4-2

Most recent fight: Loss to Matt Tallent, Split Dec., August 2015, VALOR 25

Next Fight: TBD

Analysis: After an early run in the sport, Gavin Walker took some time off and focused on body building, but in July, Walker made his return to the cage beating a very game Tim Johnson by decision. Walker made a quick turnaround and fought for the VALOR title in August, but lost a razor thin split decision to Matt Tallent. 

 

 

6. C.J. Glynn

Association: Independent

Height: 6'3"

City: Greeneville, Tennessee

Record: 6-4

Most Recent Fight: Loss to Kyle Jessee, Rd. 1 Sub (Strikes), July 2015, APEX Fights 7

Next Fight: TBD

Analysis: C.J. Glynn's impresseve 2015 took a step back in July when he took home a loss at the hands of Kyle Jessee for the APEX Heavyweight Title at APEX 7. Still yet, Glynn looked good early and looks prepared to have another big fight or two this year. 

 

 

7.  Jeremiah Harper

Association: Bushido MMA

Height: 5'10"

City: Bristol, VA

Record: 6-6-1

Most recent fight: Loss to CJ Glynn, Rd. 1 Sub (RNC), May 2015, Black Diamond Beatdown

Next Fight: TBD

Analysis:  The wild card of the heavyweight division is Jeremiah Harper. When training and in shape, Harper can be one of the most dangerous guys in the division and has showed that with knockout wins over Josh Short, Brock Walker, and others. But, with the good comes the bad as Harper has had a few outside the cage problems. Harper has joined Bushido MMA and will likely return to the cage this Fall, but it's uncertain whether it'll be as a pro or amateur. 

 

 

8.  Ben Rowland

Association: 3rd Degree MMA

Height: 6'4"

City: Middlesboro, KY

Record: 3-0

Most recent fight: def. Tim Anderson, Rd. 1 TKO (Punches), August 2015, VALOR 25

Next Fight: vs. Kyle Jessee (November 14th - Kingsport, TN)

Analysis:  Ben Rowland has been one of the most impressive newcomers to our amateur heavyweight rankings this summer with back to back powerful TKOs. Rowland has showed both power and speed in his hands and now, looks to continue to climb the ladder toward a potential title shot this Fall. 

 

 

9. Chris Cash

Association: Bushido MMA

Height: 5'11"

City: Kingsport, Tennessee

Record: 1-0

Most Recent Fight: Def. Dustin Johnson, Rd. 1 Sub (Triangle), July 2015, APEX Fights 7

Next Fight: vs. Derek Cordova (November 14th - Kingsport, TN)

Analysis: One of the brightest prospects in the heavyweight division, Chris Cash has an impressive wrestling background and showed some nasty ground skills at APEX 7 winning by triangle choke, a rare submission in the heavyweight division. Still very young, Cash is without question a future contender in the heavyweight division. 

 

 

10. Josh Short

Association: Independent

Height: 5'10"

City: Wise, VA

Record: 3-5

Most Recent Fight: Loss to Chandler Cole, Rd. 3 TKO, March 2015, Black Diamond Beatdown

Next Fight: TBD

Analysis: The former BDBD Champion has had a rollercoaster of an amateur so far. He's fought some of the top guys including CJ Glynn, Shane Wicks, Troy Rutledge, and Jeremiah Harper twice, but has been unable to stay consistent with wins and losses. A nice winning streak though later this year could launch Short higher in the rankings. 

 

 

*** To be eligible for the VALOR X Rankings, you must have been active over the last 600 days (includes accepting a fight), fought for a VALOR promotion or once associated, and made the said weight class official weight at least once (includes kickboxing). Rankings are submitted by a team of officials, writers, and professional fighters. ***