Professional MMA

Lion's Den MMA Coaches:

Benny Madrid
Benny is an experienced MMA fighter with over 6 years of training experience and competition. Benny has trained with some of the top MMA fighters in the World including current WEC Lightweight Champ Ben Henderson and other top fighters such as Carlos Condit, and Jamie Varner as they prepared for title fights. Look for Benny to emerge as one of the top lightweight MMA fighters in the World in the near future.

Thom Ortiz
Thom is a highly decorated wresting coach and former All American Wrestler at Arizona State. The former ASU Head Wrestling Coach, and Pac 10 conference "Coach of the Year" has been instrumental in the development of current UFC stars Cain Velasquez, Ryan Bader, and C.B. Dolloway. Since leaving ASU in 2009, Thom has become a student of Mixed Martial Arts, having trained at some of the top MMA gyms in the world.

Carlos Farias
Carlos has become one of the most respected and feared competitors in the world for his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expertise and success in BJJ and Grappling Tournaments. Carlos is a Black Belt under Roberto "Spider" Traven and is also the Head BJJ and Grappling Coach at Lion's Den for both adults and Lion's Cubs.

Danny Brandt
Danny is an understudy of Lion's Den Head Muay Thai Coach Master Bob Karmel. As a fighter, Danny was one of the most decorated American Muay Thai fighters in history. Some of Danny's accolades include:

• International Muay Thai Council Warriors Cup USA Champion 2001
• IKKC Junior Middleweight Muay Thai Champion 2000
• IKBA Warriors of the Ring International Welterweight Muay Thai Champion 1997
• IKKC Junior Middleweight Western Muay Thai Champion 1999

In addition to Danny's Impressive resume as a fighter, he has an extensive coaching background having trained some of the top Muay Thai Fighters in the World.

Eric Larkin
Eric is a former Collegiate National Champion Wrestler at Arizona State University. He has assisted many fighters both as a training partner and coach in MMA since leaving ASU as assistant coach under Thom Ortiz. Eric has begun training for his pro MMA debut which will take place in Minnesota this March

Rob Monroe
Rob has been credited for developing many World Class MMA fighters the Art of Striking, including Georges St. Pierre, Rashaad Evans, and Carlos Condit. Rob came from Albuquerque NM, where he trained the top fighters at Greg Jackson's Gym.

Rob will be working per his availability with our fighters predominantly in a one on one setting

Fighters

Ben Askren, 170lb
Click Here to view bio.

Eric Larkin, 155lb
Eric will make his MMA debut in Early March.

Benny Madrid, 155lb: Click here to view bio.

Ray Steinbeiss, 170lb: Click here to view bio.

The Lion's Den Scottsdale is gaining momentum on the local and national scene through the development and success of our professional fighters. This program is reserved for fighters who have met the pre qualifications of our coaching staff. Our team trains at a very competitive and high level under the tutelage of Erik Larkin.

Our Pro team is a very exclusive group and we take great pride in the development of our fighters individually as well as collectively as a team.

If you are interested in fighting professionally please click on the link below and send your basic information including experience in various disciplines and amateur or professional fight record to our Fight Team Manager.