Middle River's Rallo Responsible for Historic MMA Event in Baltimore

John Rallo

John Rallo began his fighting career in 1998 making an instant impact in local and regional tournaments. Under the tutelage of world-renowned fighter Renzo Gracie, Rallo trained with a number of top-notch competitors from the Renzo Gracie dynasty, including Sean Alvarez, Matt Serra, Ricardo Almedia, Rodrigo Gracie and Roger Gracie. Rallo was promoted to the rank of Black Belt on Nov. 22, 2006. He is the only person in the tri-state area to be personally promoted by legendary Renzo Gracie.
Rallo has competed or trained fighters in events such as UC, WEC, Elite XC, Bodog Fight, Ring of Combat, King of the Cage, Reality Fighting and the UWC. Rallo finished his career as the WEC's #2 Heavyweight in the World. Today, John is the founder and head instructor of Ground Control Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Baltimore. Taking control of the Academy in 2001, the school currently enrolls over 200 students with 15 fighters in the group. In 2009, Rallo added two new academy locations. There are now three Ground Control academies located in Owings Mills, Columbia and Baltimore.
In addition to the academics, Rallo has spent the last 11 years mastering the “business of the sport.” He has forged strong relationships throughout the media and Mixed Martial Arts communities. You can catch Rallo at any given time on no less than four media outlets in the marketplace building the Shogun Fights brand. In 2008, Rallo attracted national attention leading the charge to legalize Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Maryland. Because of his tireless efforts and with the full support of the State Athletic Commission, the Maryland State Legislature approved two bills officially legalizing MMA. In recognition of his efforts, Rallo was invited to the bill signing ceremony. He was present in Annapolis when Gov. Martin O'Malley signed the bill into law in May 2008.
Rallo's hard work and determination has paid off. On Saturday, Oct. 24, “Shoguns Fights” will debut in the tri-state region at the 1st Mariner in Baltimore. Tickets for this momentous event will be available at all Ticketmaster locations and at the 1st Mariner Arena Box Office.