First Posted: 3/14/2013
Kris Gratalo is going to put his undefeated MMA record on the line at the XFE Cage Wars 21 at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Bethlehem on Saturday, March 23, which just happens to be the day before his 22nd birthday.
Gratalo, Pittston Area class of 2009, is 5-0 as a mixed martial arts amateur, having won four matches by unanimous decision and one in a split decision, since his debut last February when he defeated his friend Sean Olivieri of Old Forge in CageFight 10 at the Woodlands. Oliveri hasn’t lost since. He’s 4-1.
Gratalo was a wrestler at Pittston Area where he reached the District 2 championship bout at 160 as a junior and 171 as a senior. He also wrestled Division I at Lock Haven. He’s since transferred to Penn Technical College in Williamsport where he also works as a bartender. Gratalo’s last two opponents were also former scholastic wrestlers. “That’s probably the best base to come into MMA with,” Gratalo said.
Gratalo, 6-1, is 185 now which he said is his natural weight, but he’s wrestling up at 205 Saturday when he takes on highly-regarded Adam Atiydh in the top-billed amateur fight on the card.
Atiydh will be the hometown favorite in Bethlehem. “He sells 150 to 200 tickets. I can’t do that, but I’ve got my own little cheering a section.”
Again the event is this Saturday, March 23. Doors open at 6 p.m. First bell is 7 p.m. The Gratalo-Atiydh fight, scheduled for three 3-minute rounds, should go off about 9 or 9:30.
Gratalo said he expects to turn pro by the end of the year.
For tickets to Saturday’s event call 877-726-3777 or go to xfemma.com.