Getting Ready to Rumble: Casey Olson Gives Back to the Community Outside of the Cage
"Everyone has heard of an underdog! Most have heard of Fresno’s underdog, but for those who have not, he also goes by the name Casey Olson. Along with climbing the MMA ladder to the top, Olson has also added coaching, running clinics, and public speaking… to his list of accomplishments.” – Josh Spooner, Fresno Magazine, Feb. 2009 (Photo by Peter Robertson)
[CLICK HERE] to see 91 more (106 total) photos from the Fresno Magazine Release Party taken at The Lime Lite on Feb. 11, 2009. (Top row photos by Peter Robertson/TEAMUNDERDOG24.com; Middle row photos by Eddie Melikian/FRESNOMAG.com; Bottom row photos by Sal Hernandez/CLUBFLYS.com)
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NO NEED TO FEAR, THE UNDERDOG IS HERE!| "When you ask someone from the Central Valley to name a local mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, they’ll probably say Casey "The Underdog" Olson.With the growth of MMA in the mainstream, Olson has established himself as one of the biggest stars in the Central Valley MMA community..." -- James Gilliland, VALLEYSPORTSPULSE.com (Photo by Peter Robertson)
[CLICK HERE] to read the Valley Sports Pulse article
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Leading by Example: Casey “The Underdog” Olson “It is without question that Fresno MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter Casey “The Underdog” Olson has faced his share of adversity both inside and out of competition throughout his career.
A fighter with strong local roots, Olson’s fallen foes can attest to just how much he gives inside the ring, but he also gives back to his community outside of it, as well. Olson, a fan favorite in Fresno, acts with compassion and leads by example as a highly-visible role model within the community. Olson said he learned these lessons of philanthropy from a father who lived the better part of his life to help others, not just in athletics but in all facets of life.
Philosopher Albert Schweitzer said that example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing. Undoubtedly Olson is familiar with this notion, and that’s just what he intends to continue doing: to lead by example.” –Joseph P. Ramirez, CALIFORNIA FIGHTER, April 2009 (Photos by Peter Robertson)
[CLICK HERE] to see 95 more (111 total) photos from the California Fighter Magazine Autograph & Release Party taken at Wahoo's Fish Tacos and Twist Lounge on April 2, 2009. (Top row photos by Peter Robertson/TEAMUNDERDOG24.com; Middle row photos by Casper Munoz/ MODELMAYHEM.com
/caspermunozphotography; Bottom row photos by Sal Hernandez/CLUBFLYS.com)
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Casey O. w/ $poony G. at the CALIFORNIA FIGHTER MAGAZINE
Autograph & Release Party!
Filmed at The Laundry Room on April 2, 2009
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Word on the Street:
CALIFORNIA FIGHTER MAGAZINE profiles highly popular sport's emerging stars.
April 27, 2009 ~ The Fresno Bee
"The economy is tough and advertisers are pulling back, but that didn't stop Brandon Eachus, a self-described "huge" fan of mixed martial arts, from starting a magazine devoted to the sport.
The 23-year-old Fresno State senior teamed up with a buddy, Kasey Kahl, 26, to publish the first issue of California Fighter in April. About 30,000 copies were printed and distributed throughout the state to capitalize on the soaring popularity of mixed martial arts.
California Fighter highlights emerging stars in the sport, including Casey "The Underdog" Olson, who is from Fresno and prominently displayed on the cover of the debut issue." (Photo by Mark Cross/THE FRESNO BEE).
10 Questions With Casey Olson April 29, 2009 • by Darrick Patrick
Casey "The Underdog" Olson is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Palace Fighting Championship, Cage Combat Fighting Championships, and Warrior Cup.
True California Fighter: PRO MMA exclusive interview-- Casey “The Underdog” Olson May 1, 2009 • by Matt De La Rosa
Casey “The Underdog” Olson made his presence felt in the California mixed martial arts community by reeling off four straight decisive victories to wrap up 2008. Olson (11-2), a former Fresno State wrestling product, found his way into mixed martial arts with the help of Chuck Liddell and members of The Pit.
THE INFO Episode 19:
Featuring Casey “The Underdog” Olson May 5, 2009 • by Matt De La Rosa
Matt De La Rosa and “Fast Eddie” Constantine were back on the PRO MMA (promma.info) airwaves with Casey “The Underdog” Olson. With The Palace Fighting Championship’s “PFC-13″ coming up on Friday, “The Underdog” talks about his upcoming bout with Eddie Yagin, the Fresno fight game atmosphere and more.
[CLICK HERE] to hear the PRO MMA podcast interview.
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[CLICK HERE] to see 9 more (15 total) photos taken at the ALL-AGES AFTER PARTY held at Coney Island Grill on May 8, 2009. (Photos by Peter Robertson).
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[CLICK HERE] to see all photos. Top two rows taken at STRIKEFORCE held at Save Mart Center (Fresno, Calif.)on May 15, 2009. Bottom row photos taken at Doghouse Grill (Fresno, Calif.). (Photos by Peter Robertson).
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[CLICK HERE] to see all photos taken at the WEC 41 AFTER PARTY with Antonio Banuelos, Mike Brown, Chuck Liddell and friends held at The Cosmopolitan (Sacramento, Calif.) on June 7, 2009. (Photos by Peter Robertson).
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RAW FOOTAGE: Casey O.
for VOTEFAMOUS.com & CENTRALVALLEYTALK.com Filmed at Gold's Gym on March 20, 2009
[CLICK HERE] to watch interview
But [Casey] Olson -- Clovis High graduate, former Fresno City state champion, former Fresno State wrestler, former manager of The Old Spaghetti Factory -- goes by "The Underdog." There is a certain, well, vulnerability to proclaiming yourself an underdog. Fighters aren't supposed to be doubted, to have weaknesses, and they're certainly not supposed to acknowledge them up front.
It was Olson's dad who came up with it. Andy Olson told his son he'd always envisioned him as the underdog, partly because Casey had overcome so many serious injuries in wrestling, and also because they'd dealt with so many family issues.
Fresno’s Casey [The Underdog] Olson dropped to his knees, rose to his feet and pointed to the heavens to honor his late father after taking Sacramento’s Chris Culley by TKO at 2:33 of the first round in their 145-pound bout.
Olson lost his father [Andy “Pops” Olson] last November and took almost a year off from fighting. He returned to the cage in May and lost, but rebounded with a strong showing on Friday.
“My dad was my life every day and I finally accepted that he was gone,” said Olson (12-3). “I came out firing tonight.”
RAW FOOTAGE: Casey O.
THE FRESNO BEE: 
