Art of War Cage Fighting (AOW) is launching its 2026 season on March 28th at the Valley Forge, PA Casino with AOW 46, featuring the main event Turnbull vs. Ryan Yapsam. AOW President Mike Bickings and his team have planned a total of six events for the year.
Grindhouse MMA and Fitness has established a strong legacy through its various programs, particularly its competitive fight team. Former AOW featherweight champion Shawn Stefanelli is mentoring the upcoming generation of fighters, with three of his proteges scheduled to compete this Saturday evening.
Anthony Corsino
Anthony Corsino (2-1) is set to return to the cage after a hiatus exceeding two years. Corsino admitted that personal and professional commitments caused a delay in his fighting career, but the desire to compete never faded. Witnessing his teammates’ preparation for their bouts provided the final motivation he needed to secure a fight. He will square off against Sean Casey, whose 0-2 record belies his talent; Casey, at just 20, has faced formidable opponents and shown composure despite his losses. The 34-year-old Corsino, who was initially focused on assisting his teammates, eagerly accepted this last-minute opportunity and is training intensely.
Dan Stewart
Dan Stewart is making his highly anticipated debut after years of dedicated training. He has committed fully to his diet and gym regimen, aiming to maintain his youthful appearance. Stewart attributes his rigorous, persistent style to the mentorship of Shawn Stefanelli. He is slated to fight Shaker Ali-Saleh, who previously pushed formidable opponent Justus Cheatum to a decision loss. This matchup is widely considered a strong contender for Fight of the Night.
Sean Conner
Sean Conner, 27, boasts a 1-1 record from 2014, including a submission win and a five-round decision loss. Having honed his skills for nearly five years, Conner highlights the strong camaraderie he shares with Corsino and Stewart as a key factor in his consistent dedication to training and improvement. He will be facing Tasheem Morris, who is making his AOW debut. Conner clearly holds an experience advantage, and the impact of this will soon be revealed.
Grindhouse leader Jerry Bradley commented on the upcoming event, stating, “Witnessing these three individuals forge such a powerful bond has been truly remarkable. This is precisely why I do what I do; it extends far beyond the realm of fighting. These men have discovered lifelong friendships and consistently motivate one another. It’s poised to be a momentous evening for both them and Grindhouse. We are eagerly awaiting it.”
The author expresses similar excitement, noting they will serve as the ring announcer for what promises to be an evening packed with engaging and entertaining bouts. For those unable to attend in person at Valley Forge, the event will be available for purchase on the Starfund App via pay-per-view. Doors open at 6 PM, with the first fight scheduled for 7 PM.