USFL Board of Directors
Wanted - creative people with initiative to help support the USFL contact jon@fightleague.org if you have something to offer.
Jon Frank
Jon is a Marine Corps veteran and a retired fugitive task force Inspector and SRT leader for the U.S. Marshals Service. As a life long Martial Artist, Jon has participated in national and international competitions in Mixed Martial Arts (Shooto), Muay Thai, Taekwondo and Kickboxing.
Mr. Frank began organizing Pankration competitions in 2002, formulating rules and procedures that allowed realistic but safe competition for Military personnel. Recognizing a need for youth competitions in the emerging world of MMA, Jon immediately began hosting youth tournaments under the same protocols as Military events.
Respect and recognition for Mr. Frank’s dedication to safety in youth MMA was realized in 2014 when his comprehensive set of guidelines governing youth MMA was the first of its kind to be adopted by a U.S. state athletic commission. In present day, Jon still volunteers to direct the United States Fight League overseeing competitions and training for youth, Law Enforcement and Military.
Amanda Brown Tortorici
Amanda is a PH D in Public health as well as a registered dietitian, nutritionist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach. A former high school and collegiate athlete in track and field, lacrosse and Field Hockey, Amanda now focuses on competitive Brazilian Jiujitsu where she is a multi time IBJJF Pan Am and World Champion.
When not studying, working and training, Amanda coaches youth athletes in Brazilian Jiujitsu and Wrestling.
Christina Taylor
Christina Taylor is an Accountant, Human Resource Specialist, and Lean Manufacturing Professional. She is a former high school athlete who continues to feed her competitive spirit through martial arts training in Catch Wrestling and Kickboxing. Her introduction to and passion for martial arts came through her two boys. They compete, nation-wide, in Sport Karate, multiple grappling style, and Pankration tournaments.
Christina attained her Bachelors and Masters degree in Accounting, and also holds a Masters in Operations Management. She also serves as an active member of the Accounting Advisory Board for Arkansas State University, where she assists in curriculum management and improvement to better prepare ASU graduates for the current needs within the Accounting profession
Dane McGuire
Dane has been involved in some form sports media since the age of 13. He founded his own sports blog in 2010 and ran it until graduating high school in 2013 before shifting focus to MMA in 2015.
It was in 2015 that Dane earned his AAS degree in Radio Broadcasting from Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois after serving as an on-air talent and Sports Director for 89.9 WLCA. He is currently pursuing his BA in Journalism at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dane is also the U.S. Correspondent for the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF.) His work has appeared digitally for the renowned Fighters Only magazine, CBS Sports/Fox Sports Radio-St. Louis (590 The Fan,) and freelance clients in New York, England, and Australia.
For media inquiries, please email Dane at media@fightleague.org.
Ana Eustace
Ana is a mother and grandmother who has studied in South and North America with careers in the business and medical fields, beauty industry and Holistic area. Writing poems, painting and traveling are her hobbies. Besides her work as Consultant and Adult Educator, she enjoys giving back to the community. Ana has held positions as a PTSA President and Treasurer for a HS Wrestling team and Musical Choir, Historian for the Auxiliary American Legion, Volunteer for the Cancer Society, and many other great organizations as American Red Cross and Senior Services.
Her youngest child Nickie brought Ana to the world of MMA. Homeschooling Nickie while training in Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, Boxing, Wrestling and Pankration. Traveling and competitions became a norm for her, MMA and Pankration for Kids has opened her horizons to a complete new level of living a healthier life with a define purpose.
Mario Mendez
Mario Ismael Mendez
May 28, 1956 - April 12, 2018
Mario was an original volunteer board member and familiar face to countless USFL athletes. Although the first to break out his checkbook helping athletes with competition, travel and training expenses, his simple words of encouragement and support at the right moment is what he will be remembered for most. Mario's quiet generosity has impacted all who have crossed paths with him.
Also a referee and Head Official for USA Wrestling and FIAS Sombo, the San Diego Imperial Kids Wrestling Association awarded Mario a Lifetime Achievement award in 2003 for community involvement. Mr Mendez has also volunteered at the USO of San Diego, AYSO and was the Cal Trans district 11 volunteer of the year, being the only individual to "Adopt and Highway".
Professionally, as a member of United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 230, Mario was part of the Political Education Committee and outreach program trying to effect change in issues ranging from implementation of affordable housing, recognition of veterans issues, to increased recruitment of community members into registered apprenticeships.
Mario will be missed but not forgotten. Donations to the USFL in Mario's names will fund the Mario Mendez Memorial Scholarship fund, helping youth athletes cover annual licensing expenses.
Ayana Siplin Cruz
Ayana Siplin Cruz was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2007, and has worked in multiple areas of the law. At the onset of her career she worked for the Florida Public Defender’s office handling both misdemeanor and felony cases. Ayana sought out a more meaningful application of the law which brought her to work for the Department of Children and Families representing children. After several years of working with DCF, she ventured into other areas of the law which include foreclosure, bankruptcy, and personal injury. Ayana Siplin Cruz currently sits as the Chief Compliance Officer with the United States Fight League Eastern Division and was the co-founder of the 2018 summer curriculum “Legal Eagle”, the first time an MMA Team was instructed in law as part of their training
Joe Stevenson
Joe Stevenson is a former UFC champion, winning the Ultimate Fighter season 2 welterweight tournament with a long career as a top ranked UFC fighter. Joe is now a highly successful coach and mentor with a genuine interest in fighter physical and mental safety.
Ruben Saldana
USFL (EAST) Orlando, Florida
Youth Crime Prevention Credible Messenger Advisory Board
Coach Ruben Saldaña is a certified Credible Messenger of Florida after a childhood of gangs & crime in Miami. Demonstrating a change of lifestyle in his adulthood he created Ru Camp (Children And MMA Program) with very impressive results on youth crime prevention.
Melvin Farmer
Melvin Farmer, born and raised in Los Angeles, is a worldwide respected Civil Rights Advocate, Author, Community Organizer, Mentor, and host of the popular live stream #HittinCornerz. A former gang member whom now is a credible messenger that grew up near 83rd Street and Western Avenue, Melvin, through God’s guidance and leadership, now exhibits and promotes a positive image centering around redefining our community
Recently, he was a guest on Hot 97 Radio Station in New York City sharing his well-earned knowledge of street culture. A 2019 Certificate of Recognition Honoree from Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. Melvin farmer is committed to being a catalyst for positive change in our communities.
Audra Saldana
USFL (EAST) Orlando, Florida
Youth Crime Prevention Credible Messenger Advisory Board
Audra Saldaña, mother of 2 boys & 2 girls (3 of whom competed in numerous martial art shows to include herself), Co-founder, Vice President & Mentor of Ru Camp. Married to Ru Camp Founder Coach Ruben Saldaña. Certified Credible Messenger Of Florida. Inspector for the United States Fight League & Assistant School Teacher.
Sandro Ramirez
To get involved as a Team Parent Please contact Sandro at: usfalpac1@gmail.com
Parental Advisory committee members are volunteers who help facilitate communications between other parents, coaches and event matchmakers/ promoters.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Serve on special USFL committees to help coordinate significant events such as the national and world championships.
- Help athletes and coaches navigate the licensing process.
- Assist promoters/ matchmakers in setting up competitions.
- Help with national team fundraising ideas and activities.
- Serve as a communication link to send suggestions, questions and concerns to the USFL board of directors.
- Brainstorm ideas on how to improve the USFL.
- Form their own subcommittee of parents within their own region and special subcommittees with other regional coordinators.
Vacant
Parental Advisory committee members are volunteers who help facilitate communications between other parents, coaches and event matchmakers/ promoters.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Serve on special USFL committees to help coordinate significant events such as the national and world championships.
- Help athletes and coaches navigate the licensing process.
- Assist promoters/ matchmakers in setting up competitions.
- Help with national team fundraising ideas and activities.
- Serve as a communication link to send suggestions, questions and concerns to the USFL board of directors.
- Brainstorm ideas on how to improve the USFL.
- Form their own subcommittee of parents within their own region and special subcommittees with other regional coordinators.
Vacant
Parental Advisory committee members are volunteers who help facilitate communications between other parents, coaches and event matchmakers/ promoters.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Serve on special USFL committees to help coordinate significant events such as the national and world championships.
- Help athletes and coaches navigate the licensing process.
- Assist promoters/ matchmakers in setting up competitions.
- Help with national team fundraising ideas and activities.
- Serve as a communication link to send suggestions, questions and concerns to the USFL board of directors.
- Brainstorm ideas on how to improve the USFL.
- Form their own subcommittee of parents within their own region and special subcommittees with other regional coordinators.
Danielle Pazienza Green
To get involved as a Team Parent Please contact Pamela at usflpac.region4@gmail.com
Parental Advisory committee members are volunteers who help facilitate communications between other parents, coaches and event matchmakers/ promoters.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Serve on special USFL committees to help coordinate significant events such as the national and world championships.
- Help athletes and coaches navigate the licensing process.
- Assist promoters/ matchmakers in setting up competitions.
- Help with national team fundraising ideas and activities.
- Serve as a communication link to send suggestions, questions and concerns to the USFL board of directors.
- Brainstorm ideas on how to improve the USFL.
- Form their own subcommittee of parents within their own region and special subcommittees with other regional coordinators.
Vacant
Parental Advisory committee members are volunteers who help facilitate communications between other parents, coaches and event matchmakers/ promoters.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Serve on special USFL committees to help coordinate significant events such as the national and world championships.
- Help athletes and coaches navigate the licensing process.
- Assist promoters/ matchmakers in setting up competitions.
- Help with national team fundraising ideas and activities.
- Serve as a communication link to send suggestions, questions and concerns to the USFL board of directors.
- Brainstorm ideas on how to improve the USFL.
- Form their own subcommittee of parents within their own region and special subcommittees with other regional coordinators.
Jewlez Lee
To get involved as a Team Parent Contact Jewlez at usflpac6@gmail.com
Parental Advisory committee members are volunteers who help facilitate communications between other parents, coaches and event matchmakers/ promoters.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Serve on special USFL committees to help coordinate significant events such as the national and world championships.
- Help athletes and coaches navigate the licensing process.
- Assist promoters/ matchmakers in setting up competitions.
- Help with national team fundraising ideas and activities.
- Serve as a communication link to send suggestions, questions and concerns to the USFL board of directors.
- Brainstorm ideas on how to improve the USFL.
- Form their own subcommittee of parents within their own region and special subcommittees with other regional coordinators.