Interview with ICF Matchmaker Wesley Barrentine

Jeremy Horn MMA Seminar, ICF 22 highlight exciting weekend of MMA in Northern Kentucky

At one point the ICF (Intimidation Cage Fighting) was arguably the biggest and best promotion in the tri-state area (Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio). The promotion had the largest show in Cincinnati, outside of the UFC, and had their own venue. The ICF had it all going their way; then their fortunes changed. Like many businesses, no matter the industry, it is very difficult to have sustained success, especially in a down economy. For the ICF, hard times soon followed which resulted in a new direction including an ownership change. ProFighting-fans.com Editor-in-Chief Scott Dryden spoke with matchmaker Wesley Barrentine about the promotion’s desire to return to the top and their upcoming event/seminar with Jeremy Horn:

SD- First, speak about the return of the ICF.

WB-When Steve first approached me about taking over ICF I was really excited. This was the promotion I had come up as a fighter in, and I felt I could do a lot of things to improve the local MMA scene. I may have been a bit of an optimist, but it's been fun. Our first couple shows have had there ups and downs but I'm learning my lessons fast, there are things you can count on for certain in this business and things that you can't. I'm definitely lucky to have so many talented fighters in the area to pull my ass out of the fire when I overlook things.

ICF events are sponsored by Intimidation Clothing whcih will be available for sale at the Jeremy Horn MMA seminar and ICF 22 events.

SD- Where do you see the ICF in the next year?

WB-That's really up to the fans. I have great plans for ICF, like the area's first (outside of the UFC and Bellator) all pro show, and a few other ideas I'm holding close to my chest, but that will require the support of the area's fans and other promotions. In the short term I learned a lesson recently that a good fight card isn't enough to have a good show, so ICF is bringing back all the things it was in its former glory, the lights, the camera, the production, because the fighters and fans definitely deserve to get there money's worth.

SD- This weekend you are having Jeremy Horn on hand to conduct a seminar. Speak about that opportunity for fans and fighters alike.

WB-I was talking to Jeremy Horn about bringing a couple guys in to fight some of our local pros to bring some more recognition to our area. I thought since he was going to be here it would be a once in a lifetime chance to learn from one of MMA's most seasoned and technical fighters. I would love to do something like this every few shows, we will have to see how this one goes.

SD- Talk about the fight card this weekend.

WB- The ICF 22 fight card will feature some of the area's most talented fighters like Robert Walker Jr and Jeff Ignatowski, who never have a dull fight - not to mention two of Jeremy Horn’s up-and-coming pro's who fight all over the country. On the amateur side, there are a lot of up-and-comers like Aubrey Carter, Eric Harris, Miles Hayes, Moses Hatfield etc. These guys are going to be our next crop of great amateur fighters given that most of our seasoned amateurs are turning pro. Also this will be a once in a lifetime chance to meet Jeremy Horn in person for a lot of the fans and fighters alike.

SD- Where can fans get more information including tickets?

WB- There are tickets available at our website ICFMMA.com and ticketleap.com. All other information regarding the seminar or the fights can be found at our website and at facebook

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Editor-in-Chief