Sean Santella returns to the cage Dec. 3

Following a six month layoff due to medical reasons, Jersey’s own Sean “Shorty Rock” Santella will be returning to the cage as he prepares to go to battle against Mikey Lovato Dec. 3 at Ring of Combat XXXII in Atlantic City.

After Santella’s last fight in May at UCC 2 in Jersey City, he was medically suspended for minor health issues.  The suspension lasted for six months before Santella was cleared to fight again.

“A few days before my birthday I received a phone call saying I was cleared, and it was the best birthday present I’ve gotten,” said Santella.  “The doctors and medical staffs had to take precautions to make sure there were no serious problems and cover their ends, and in the meantime I patiently waited to be cleared.”

Rather than becoming complacent and taking a brief hiatus from MMA, Santella stayed active training hard at AMA Fight Club in Whippany regularly and working with their all star lineup of fighters. 

“I knew the call could come at any time, so it was important for me to stay in shape and keep training,” said Santella.  “And we have a lot of guys coming up with fights—Jimmy and Dan (Miller)—so I wanted to stay active and work with them to get ready.”

Santella mentioned that throughout the layoff he maintained his disciplined workout regime of lifting in the mornings with strength and conditioning coach Martin Rooney, and working out at AMA in the evenings. 

This will be Santella’s second title fight; he previously fought and won the title at VFL 24: Broad Ave Brawlers 3 in February of this year.  But more important than winning another title is being back in the cage and doing what he loves.

“It’s a tough fight I got coming up.  The kid (Mikey Lovato) I’m fighting is 10-1 and it should be a great battle,” said Santella.  “I’m really looking forward to this fight.  Regardless of whether it is for a title or not, it’s about getting a ‘W’; the title is just an add on.”

Since turning pro Santella has put together an impressive record of 5-2-1 against tough opponents.  He’ll be looking to get another win under his belt to end the year on a positive note and move one step closer to his dream of fighting in the big show.

“My long term goal is to fight in the UFC one day, and everything I do is to keep me moving in that direction,” said Santella.  “My short term goal is fighting the best competition there is and winning, and by doing so I’ll be working towards my long term goal.”

“I’d like to thank all my training partners at AMA, Mike Constantino and Martin Rooney for helping me get ready for this fight, Knockout Athletics, Untamed Industries and Mark Williams from ADI.”

Tickets are still available for this fight.  Contact Sean Santella or Mike Constantino at AMA Fight Club up until Nov. 26 or visit www.ringofcombat.com.