Red Oak man wins MMA title

RED OAK — James Gilvin said one of the reasons he got into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) was because he was getting a divorce and it was a way to vent his frustrations.

“It became more of a lifestyle and it kept me out of trouble basically, put me back to where I want to be,” Gilvin said.

Gilvin won the Lightweight Championship for the Great Plains Cage Fighting promotion on March 20 at an event in Kansas City.

The Red Oak resident defeated Matt Williams in the second round by submission, using an armbar.

Gilvin has fought for different promotions all around the Midwest, including in Omaha, in Kansas and around Iowa.

Starting out as an amateur, Gilvin went 17-10. As a pro, Gilvin is 3-0.

“I love the technical aspect of it because a lot of people think it’s just two people brawling and it’s actually kind of like a chess game,” Gilvin said. “It’s just whoever makes the right move.”

Gilven tarted training in Red Oak with Team Rage, a team he and his friend from Atlantic started.

However, Gilvin said the team fell apart as they struggled to get sponsors and not enough people were showing up to train.
Gilvin trains privately, not only working out in Red Oak, but also in Omaha and other places.

His kickboxing instructor is Sonia Korvocavich. Gilvin has worked with Korvocavich for seven months.

“She's got me back to where I want to be in the stand-up game,” he said.

Gilvin does kickboxing in the stand-up, but has no trouble with taking the fight to the ground, as he wrestled in high school.

“Wherever the fight goes, I’m pretty comfortable,” Gilvin said.

Currently, Gilvin works as a forklift driver at American Hydraulics in Red Oak. He’s also worked at the Red Coach Inn as a bartender.
Gilvin works during the days and trains at night.

Gilvin is originally from Salinas, Kan., but has moved all around the Midwest.

As of now, Gilvin is on a medical suspension because of a broken nose, meaning he can’t fight or train for a certain period of time until his injuries heal.

Gilvin said his next match likely will take place in June.

The match would be a catchweight (weight outside of the standard weight classes) against the flyweight champion of the promotion.