Hardrock MMA 43

Hardrock MMA storms back to Shepherdsville, Kentucky on Saturday, February 4, for their 3 Year Anniversary Show at the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre. Matchmaker Brandon “Hardrock” Higdon has over 20 match-ups slated for the evening. The night will culminate with the Professional MMA debut of Isaiah Ferguson, younger brother of local favorites BJ and Josh Ferguson. Isaiah Ferguson makes his debut against Georgetown MMA’s Tyrelle Olding. The tentative fight card can be found below and live quick results and play-by-play will be posted from cageside as all of the action unfolds.

Quick Results

John Lakes def William Myers via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 1:43 in Rd.1

Chad Sermon def Brian Kerr via DQ (Illegal headkick to downed opp) at 0:08 in Rd.1

Clay Brown def Trent Walden via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:50 in Rd.3

Cerel Holt def James Norris via Submission (Keylock) at 1:34 in Rd.1

Emilio Vallecillo def Bryan Tipton via Submission (Strikes) at 1:06 in Rd.1

Mark Morris def Wes Compton via Submission (Armbar) at 1:40 in Rd.1

Joe Meyer def Jason Williams via TKO/RSC (Strikes) at 1:48 in Rd.2

Dusty Stengel def Rob Covington via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x 3)

Brandon Hurst def Jacob Byrd via Submission (Triangle Choke) at 2:31 in Rd.2

Billy Smith def Derek Otterson via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 1:44 in Rd.1

Deon Spalding def Micheal Gay via TKO/RSC (Strikes) at 1:05 in Rd.2

Jack Podgorski def Ron Sanders via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)

Cody Bruce def Lewis Whitt via Submission (Armbar) at 1:57 in Rd.1

Derik Byrd def Dusty Gibbs via KO (Punch) at 0:15 in Rd.2

Chris Biddle def Jamey Scruggs via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)

Braedon Ward vs. Brandon Bishop ruled a No Contest (Cage Malfunction)

Isaiah Ferguson def Tyrelle Olding via Submission (Arm Triangle) at 0:45 in Rd.1

Play-by-play

John Lakes vs. William Myers

RD 1 – Lakes fires away with a leg kick and then eats a barrage of punches from Myers. Lakes steps back and slows the pace then starts picking Myers apart with straight punches. The fighters clinch against the cage and Myers lands a solid knee to Lakes’ face. Lakes gets pushed against the fence by Myers and catches Myers in a standing guillotine. Lakes drops to the floor then sinks in the guillotine and forces Myers to tap to the choke at 1:43 in the very first round.

Brian Kerr vs. Chad Sermon

RD 1 – Sermon crouches down and touches the mat as he makes his way towards Kerr. Kerr snaps a left head kick at Sermon, knocking him to the mat. The fight is immediately stopped because the kick was illegal due to Sermon having three points of contact. The official time of the stoppage is 0:08 and Sermon is the winner by DQ due to an illegal kick.

Clay Brown vs. Trent Walden

RD 1 – Brown trips Walden to the mat then immediately opens up with punches from the top. Walden rolls over and gives up his back. Brown goes for a rear naked choke but Walden gives the ref a thumbs up and then escapes the hold. Walden gets to his feet but Brown manages to trip him back to the canvas. Brown makes a mistake and lets Walden up and eats a hard right hand. Brown recovers and takes Walden back to the mat and mounts him. Brown postures and lands a few more hard shots before Walden scrambles back to close his guard. Round one ends before Brown can punish Walden further.

RD2 – Brown moves forward and chases Walden into the fence but Walden spins Brown around and starts throwing right hands. Walden is doing damage at this point but backs off and brown has the space he needs to get off of the cage and trip Walden to the mat. Walden closes his guard and then uses heel strikes to soften Brown’s left thigh. Brown postures up and lands a nice series of left hands from guard. Walden kicks Brown backwards and Brown decides he wants to stand so he lets Walden up. Brown bullies Walden into the fence but Walden gets underhooks and spins Brown into the cage. The round ends with Walden peppering Brown’s ribs.

RD3 – Walden sports a huge hematoma over his right eye at the start of the third round. Brown scores with the judges by taking Walden to the mat immediately. Brown moves to side control then mounts Walden and unloads with punches from the top. Walden is protecting himself by tying up Browns arms but still cannot escape. He rolls over and gives Brown his back and Brown sinks in a rear naked choke at 1:50 in the final round to win the fight.

Cerel Holt vs. James Norris

RD 1 – Holt opens with a crisp jab and then misses on a head kick. Norris scoops Holt into the air and then slams him to the mat. Holt sweeps Norris and moves to mount. Norris tries to keep Holt close but Holt slips in a couple of short right hands to Norris’ ear. Holt is looking for an arm and he takes Norris’ right arm and has a tight keylock. Norris taps to the hold at 1:34 in the first round!

Bryan Tipton vs. Emilio Vallecillo

RD 1 – Vallecillo pounces on Tipton immediately and hurts him with a right hand. Vallecillo follows up with knees and uppercuts against the cage and Tipton drops to the mat. Vallecillo moves to side control then mounts Tipton. Tipton rolls over due to Vallecillo’s punches but Vallecillo follows up and forces Tipton to tap due to strikes at 1:06 in the first round.

Mark Morris vs. Wes Compton

RD 1 – Morris opens with a combo and then throws and outside leg kick that lands. Compton fires back but his offense is short lived as Morris lands a solid head kick that hurts him and forces him to the ground. Morris moves to side control but Compton sweeps him and stacks him against the cage. Morris extends his legs and reigns in Compton with a triangle attempt. Compton fights it and Morris transitions to an armbar. It is tight and Compton has no choice but to tap. Morris walks away with the submission win at 1:40 in the first round.

Jason Williams vs. Joe Meyer

RD 1 – Meyer takes the center of the cage and eats an overhand left from Williams. Meyer shoots in and Williams grabs a neck crank but Meyer is able to escape back to his feet. Meyer works a standing guillotine  but Williams powers his way through it and looks for a single-leg against the cage. Williams scoops Meyer in the air and drops him to the mat, landing in Meyer’s guard. Meyer swivels his hips looking for a submission but Williams defends well and spins Meyer away from the cage. Meyer is able to scramble and get on top of Williams with ten seconds left in the round. Meyer lands some solid punches from Williams’ back just as the round ends.

RD 2 – Meyer shoots in to open the round but Williams stuffs the initial takedown. Meyer pushes his way through Williams’ defenses and then takes his back. Meyer unloads with punches from Williams’ back and flattens him out. Williams has no way to escape and the referee is forced to step in and stop the fight at 1:48 in the second round.

Rob Covington vs. Dusty Stengel

RD 1 – Covington connects with a couple of body kicks as he tries to keep Stengel at bay but the Baddog MMA fighter catches the next kick and takes Covington to the mat. Stengel works from Covington’s half guard and stacks the Reaction MMA fighter’s head against the cage.  Covington rolls under for a knee bar and uses the move to get on top of Stengel.  Stengel works desperately for a single-leg as time runs out and he gets Covington on his back. Stengel lands a couple of glancing blows from the top as the round ends.

RD 2 – Covington opens with an inside leg kick then fakes a Superman punch and catches Stengel with a solid right hand. Covington is content throwing strikes from the outside but Stengel shoots in to close the distance. Covington sprawls and then muscles Stengel to the mat. Covington mounts Stengel but Stengel fights his way out and rolls over into Covington’s guard. Stengel plants his left hand on the mat and Covington looks for a Kimura from the bottom. Stengel slips out and punishes Covington from the top with punches as the second round ends.

RD 3 – Stengel comes out throwing leg kicks and then catches a Covington kick and tries to take him to the mat. Covington sprawls though and stops the shot. Covington drops back looking for a neck crank then moves into a guillotine choke. Covington quickly mounts Stengel but the always gutsy Stengel sweeps Covington and ends up on top again. Covington looks like he has a tight armbar but Stengel  is not tapping. Stengel is out! Stengel gets on top in a mounted crucifix position and pummels Covington until time runs out. We go to the judges for a decision for the first time tonight.  All three judges score the fight 29-28 for Baddog MMA’s Dusty Stengel.

Jacob Byrd vs. Brandon Hurst

RD 1 – Byrd drops Hurst with a short punch and then slams him to the mat as soon as Hurst gets to his feet again. Hurst reverses Byrd and moves to mount. Byrd escapes to his feet and Hurst bullies him into the fence and trips him to the ground. Hurst mounts Byrd again and rains down blows from the top. Many of them are glancing off of Byrd’s arms though. Byrd then eats a big right hand from Hurst that bounces his head off of the canvas. Byrd rolls over and sneaks out the back door then moves into side control but the round ends before he can mount any effective offense.

RD 2 – Hurst opens with a nice inside leg kick but Byrd backs him into the fence and lands a left hand to his jaw. The fighters clinch against the cage and Hurst trips Byrd to the mat. Hurst moves to side control, then knee on belly, then mounts Byrd. Byrd sweeps Hurst though and lands several left hands from Hurst’s guard. Byrd has Hurst pinned against the cage but Hurst secures a triangle choke! Hurst pulls Byrd’s head down into his abdomen to tighten the choke and Byrd quickly taps. The official time of the submission is 2:31 in the second round.

Derek Otterson vs. Billy Smith

RD 1 – Smith comes out and tags Otterson with a precise combo then takes Otterson to the ground. Smith quickly mounts Otterson but Otterson gets to his feet. Smith hoists Otterson into the air and slams him to the mat. Otterson’s head smashes into the mat. Otterson struggles to his feet and then slams Smith with a double-leg. Otterson goes straight into a guillotine choke though and has to tap to the sub attempt. Billy Smith wins the bout at 1:44 in the first round.

Micheal Gay vs. Deon Spalding

RD 1 – Gay rushes in on Spalding and is immediately thrown to the ground. Spalding lands in side control but Gay scrambles to his feet. Spalding wraps his arms around Gay and suplexes him. Spalding is in side control again but Gay works him into his closed guard. Spalding passes to half and unloads with left hands. Gay turtles up momentarily and Spalding unleashes a hellacious torrent of knees to Gay’s ribs. The ref tells Gay he needs to do something or the fight will be stopped. Gay rolls over and Spalding takes his back, opening up with punches just as the round ends.

RD 2 – Spalding looks fresh as the round starts and Gay looks exhausted. The knees in the first round have taken their toll. A right hand at the open of the round sends Gay’s mouthpiece flying. Gay drops to the canvas and Spalding chases him to the ground. Spalding lands a few punches then the fighters stand and Gay is given time to put his mouthpiece in. Spalding rushes in and clobbers Gay again. Spalding is all over Gay and the referee is pleading with Gay to make an effort but no fight is left in him. The ref stops the fight at 1:05 in the second round to save Gay from further abuse.

Jack Podgorski vs. Ron Sanders

RD 1 – Podgorski grabs a single leg but cannot bring Sanders down. A second effort from Podgorski sends Sanders into the cage and then to the mat. Podgorski takes Sanders’ back but cannot free his hands to go for the rear naked choke. Podgorski slides around to side control then takes Sanders’ back as Sanders stands. Podgorski is hanging on Sanders’ back with a rear naked choke in! Sanders is fighting the choke and then flips Podgorski over his head to the canvas. Sanders stands and kicks Podgorski as the round ends.

RD 2 – The fighters are hesitant to engage and circle for the first 20 seconds of the round. Sanders goes for a flying knee but Podgorski ducks under it and takes Sanders down to the mat. Podgorski mounts Sanders but Sanders wall walks and forces Podgorski to spin off. Podgorski takes Sanders’ back again but he cannot capitalize to finish the fight. Podgorski hangs on Sanders’ back for the remainder of the round.

RD 3 – Both fighters are exhausted and are unwilling to commit to the fight. They slowly stagger towards each other and both miss on their first strikes of the round. Podgorski manages to get Sanders to the mat again and takes his back. Podgorski is hanging all over Sanders again but cannot do much with the position. Podgorski falls forward over Sanders’ head and then rolls into an armbar attempt. Sanders pulls out of the hold and then Podgorski looks for a modified triangle from the bottom. Sanders escapes and stands over Podgorski and delivers a kick to his downed opponent just as the round ends.  Jack Podgorski wins a unanimous decision, all three judges scoring the bout 30-27 in his favor.

Lewis Whitt vs. Cody Bruce Interim Middleweight Championship

RD 1 – Whitt opens with two inside leg kicks but Bruce is not phased. Bruce fires a straight right that snaps Whitt’s head back. Whitt fires back but Bruce backs away and avoids damage. Bruce steps into Whitt and scoops him into the air for a slam. Bruce patiently works his way through Whitt’s guard and moves to mount. Bruce opens up with hammerfists from the top then swivels his hips and sits back for a beautiful armbar. Lewis Whitt taps to the armbar at 1:57 in the first round. Cody Bruce is the Hardrock MMA Interim Middleweight Champion.

Dusty Gibbs vs. Derik Byrd Bantamweight Championship

RD 1 – Byrd strikes first, landing a stiff jab. Gibbs paws at Byrd with his left hand then steps in and connect with a big knee. Byrd tries to move in with an overhand right but Gibbs counters with a quick jab. Byrd connects with an overhand right but Gibbs lands a huge knee and then bullies Byrd into the cage. Gibbs trips Byrd to the mat and works right hands to Byrd’s ribs as the round ends.

RD 2 – The fighters circle and Derik Byrd unloads with a huge right hand that drops Gibbs to the floor. No follow up is needed and the ref stops the fight immediately. Derik Byrd retains the Hardrock MMA Bantamweight Championship with a KO at 0:15 in the second round.

Jamey Scruggs vs. Chris Biddle

RD 1 – Scruggs ducks under Biddle’s opening salvo and takes him to the mat with a double leg. Scruggs passes to half guard and lands short right hands. Biddle responds with an elbow from the bottom then looks for a Kimura from the bottom. Scruggs frees his right arm and punishes Biddle from the top.  Biddle fights to his feet and looks for a takedown and Scruggs looks for a guillotine. Biddle frees his head and then sweeps Scruggs. Biddle has Scruggs’ back and is unloading with right hands over the top. Biddle switches to left hands, sneaking them under Scruggs’ defense.  Biddle is on top, working from Scruggs’ half guard now but cannot advance before the round ends.

RD 2 – Scruggs catches Biddle with a jab and an outside leg kick at the start of the round but Biddle fights back with a bull rush and a series of knees. Biddle takes Scruggs to the mat and passes to side control. Biddle moves to knee on belly but Scruggs bucks and Biddle goes back to side control. Biddle lands short elbows and then opens up with right hands. Scruggs rolls over and gives up his back. Biddle rains down right hands and all Scruggs can do is cover up. Scruggs tries to wall walk to stand but Biddle trips him to the mat and lands in half guard. Scruggs has stifled Biddle’s offense and the ref warns that he will stand them up. There is no need though because the horn promptly sounds to end the round.

RD 3 – Scruggs comes out aggressively and the two fighters stand and bang in the center of the cage. Scruggs gets the better of Biddle but Biddle takes Scruggs to the mat and lands in half guard. Biddle lands two big elbows from the top then posts up and lands short rights to Scruggs’ ribs. Biddle moves to side control but does not do much and the fighters are stood up. Scruggs and Biddle trade right hands as they restart and Biddle snaps an outside leg kick. Scruggs looks for a takedown but Biddle defends well. Scruggs pushes Biddle into the cage and with a second effort takes Biddle to the mat. Scruggs works from Biddle’s closed guard but the fight is stood up again due to inaction. Biddle hurts Scruggs with a right hand on the restart and then looks for a choke as the round ends. The judges see the fight in Biddle’s favor, scoring all three rounds for the man from Brandenburg, Kentucky.

Braedon Ward vs. Brandon Bishop

RD 1 – Ward ducks under Bishop’s right hand and spins him into the cage. Bishop lands a knee from the clinch and Ward takes Bishop down. Bishop quickly regains his feet and the fighters tie up against the cage again. Ward throws Bishop to the ground and the fighters scramble and bust through the cage door, spilling out of the cage. Both fighters are unconscious. It is a scary moment but both fighters appear to be okay and are being attended to by the doctor. The cage door is broken and Hardrock staff is scrambling to fix the door for the main event. This fight has been ruled a No Contest.

Tyrelle Olding vs. Isaiah Ferguson

RD 1 – Ferguson moves forward and tags Olding with a wild flurry then slams him to the mat. Ferguson moves to side control then locks on an arm triangle and sinks it in. “The Vanilla Gorilla” forces the tap at 0:45 in the first round to win his Pro Debut!

Hardrock MMA 43 Pro/Am | 3 Year Anniversary Show | Event Results

LFC 51 is more than “Little Giants.” With a lot of hype surrounding the Tachi Tourney, little attention has been given to the co-main and main events. In the co-main event we have Indiana’s own Sean McCorkle (@BigSexyMcCorkle) as he takes on Michael Williams. McCorkle, who’s on a mission to return back to the UFC (@UFC) is coming off a win, as he made quick work of Mike Gordon via Arm Triangle in 2:14 of the 1^st Round at NAAFS: Caged Fury 16. This will be Michael Williams’ first fight back, after taking some time off after a tough loss via Unanimous Decision against Deon West at Absolute Action MMA: A Night of Champions  back in 2010.

In the Legends of Fighting Championship 51 Main Event, we have Chris Price, who is arguably an Indiana MMA Legend in the making, taking on Raymond Lopez.  Price, also on a charge back to the UFC, has won all eleven of his fights since being released from the UFC after a loss to Ed Herman in UFC Fight Night 8 via 1^st Round Armbar. Lopez is looking to make a statement and end the 11 fight winning streak of Price, as he is coming off a loss to UFC veteran Andrei Arlovski  at ProElite: Arlovski vs. Lopez.  Lopez took Arlovski to the 3^rd round before getting Arlovski got the TKO in 2:43 of the Round.  This Main event has Pro Fight of theNight all over it!

Knowledge:  Along with Chris Price, Indiana natives Sean Salmon and Jake O’Brien also fought on the UFC Fight Night 8 card.  They fought back to back with O’Brien up first against Heath Herring.  Jake O’Brien took the win via Unanimous Decision.  Chris Price was the co-main, and Sean Salmon took on Rashad Evans for the main event.  Unfortunately, O’Brien was the only one with a victory as Evans got the win over Salmon via KO (kick) in 1:06 of the 2nd Round.

 Amateur Bouts to look Forward to:

Joseph Lile vs Dustin Lema (155lbs Amateur Title Bout)

Joseph (Joe Jr.) Lile is an undefeated (4-0) amateur with 2 submissions and 2 TKO’s. He has only been taken to the 3^rd Round one time and that was in his very first fight.  In this bout Lile has the toughest fight of his career as he takes on Dustin Lema.  Lema, who is 4-1-1 in his amateur career, has never seen the 2^nd Round.  His only loss comes in his very first fight against Trey Michael via Triangle Choke in 1:43 of the 1^st Round. Since then, he has been on a mission with two 1^st Round KO’s, one of which was in :05 and the other in :22.

Luis Guerra vs Christopher Dunn (145lbs Amateur Title Bout)

Luis Guerra with a 3-1 amateur record is looking to defend his title after taking just at 8 months off, due to an injury during training.  Luis is also taking the fight of his career against Christopher Dunn, as Dunn has almost double the wins that Guerra has fights.  With an impressive beginning of his career, Dunn was 7-2, before his last two losses.  With Dunn coming off of a two fight losing streak, he is looking to make a statement and take the belt from Guerra.

Honorable Mention

We’re looking forward to the first bout from Samuel O’Keefe.  Remember his name, and remember where you heard it first!

Legends of Fighting Championship 51 “Little Giants” Full Line up:

Christopher Price vs Raymond Lopez
Sean McCorkle vs Michael Williams
Christopher Collins vs Ruddy Gray
Chico Camus vs Daniel Aguirre
Alp Ozkilic vs Andrew Huffman
Quinn Broomfield vs Tom McKenna
Casey Large vs Tony Zelinski
Joseph Lile vs Dustin Lema
Luis Guerra vs Christopher Dunn
Chad Wilson vs Jake Easter
Alan Buckley vs Steven Ames
Brad Woods vs Jameson Sharp
Aaron Clark vs Vincent Hines
Brandon Hicks vs Joshua E. Flowers
Benjamin Ticen vs Roderick Cole
Samuel O’Keefe vs Michael Runnells
John Neese vs Ricky Newton
Jason Hayes vs John Short

Legends of Fighting Championship 51: More Than Little Giants

Colosseum Combat Promoter Mark Slater will be going to jail March 27, 2012.  Not because of any broken law, but for charity.  Mark will be participating in the “Howard County 2012 Lock-Up” He will be joined by fellow community leaders to raise crucial funding for the research to fight against muscle disease.  All proceeds go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. If you would join Mark as his “Partner in Crime” you can follow this link.  If you only want to help Mark with bail money, please read his plea for help.

A plea letter from Mark Slater

Dear Family and Friends,

I’m proud to tell you that I’m going “behind bars” to help in the fight against muscle disease. I’m joining other community leaders to help raise critical funds for MDA, and I need your help to reach my bail!

The Howard County 2012 Lock-Up takes place on 03/27/2012, but I’m raising my bail before I go to jail! All you have to do is click here to make a secure, online donation today. Your support will help families living in our community with muscle disease, and help guarantee that I get out of jail. I will be sure to add you to my list of contributors.

Please support me in this important goal by visiting my fundraising page and making a contribution. Your tax-deductible donation makes a difference to the hundreds of kids, adults and their families who live right here in our local community.

Thanks in advance for your help. Don’t hesitate to call or email me with questions.

To make a donation online now, please visit my personal page.

Thanks,

Mark Slater

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

Colosseum Combat Promoter Mark Slater Goes to JAIL

Tachi Fight Palace Fights came about after playing host to the WEC and Palace Fights they began having their own shows and are now on their 12th event. Tachi Palace Fights quickly became considered 1 of the premier events on the west coast and is arguably the top event (outside of Zuffa) for flyweights and bantamweights.

Tachi Palace Fights’  Entertainment Coordinator, Jeremy Luchau talks with CageCraze about upcoming “Tachi Tourney.”  When asked about the focus of Tachi Palace Fights, Jeremy Luchau expresses that the promotion focuses on bringing in talent in the lighter weights but bring in some of the best up and coming talent at all weights. “Mike Camp came to me with the idea of the Tachi Tourney, to feed TPF undiscovered talent from the Midwest” said Luchau.  Luchau later proclaims that the Tachi Tourney offers the opportunity to for the fighters to begin climbing the ladder to make it to the big show. “TPF is just one of the rungs that lead to shows like UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator” said Luchau.

Hopefully the Tachi Tourney will be the first of many tournaments focused on featuring up and coming talent, as well as creating opportunities to get them to the next level promotions.  We will be covering the entire tournament with play by play content.  Be sure to follow the Tachi Tourney results and progressions right here on CageCraze.com

Tachi Tourney Line up:

Christopher Collins vs Ruddy Gray
Quinn Broomfield vs Tom McKenna
Alp Ozkillic vs Andrew Huffman
Chico Camus vs Daniel Aguirre

Tachi Tourney: What it Means to Midwest MMA

Cagecraze.com came to you live from The Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for Indy MMA’s Fight Night 1-26-12: Jaggers vs. Osborne this past Thursday night.  Indy MMA is the new face of what was previously Premiere Cage Fighting and Total Warrior Challenge.  Indy MMA looks to take their lead and follow through into the future of local MMA in Indianapolis. Indy MMA’s first card put some of Indiana’s best on display at both the amateur and professional levels.  The main event of the evening showcased experienced cage veteran Tom Osborne vs. TUF 14 contestant and rising star Matthew Jaggers.  The Co-Main event featured the return of local favorite Zach Jenkins taking on Bellator vet Pete Dominguez. With the lighter weights headlining the show we were brought an exciting night of mixed martial arts action.

Darby Hinton vs. Paul Palacios

Hinton leads with a lead head kick but misses. Palacios lets his hands go and pressures Hinton into the cage.  Palacios locks up a standing guillotine but Hinton is able to escape.  Palacios unleashes a flurry of punches that overwhelm Hinton who cannot defend himself intelligently and the referee is forced to step in.  Paul Palacios wins via referee stoppage due to strikes at 0:50 of round 1.

Kyle Jenkins vs. Aaron Meadows

Jenkins looks to land early with a straight right but misses his mark.  Meadows clinches and tries for a takedown but Jenkins ends up on top.  The momentarily return to their feet before Jenkins locks up a body lock and slams Meadows to the canvas.  Jenkins passes to mount and looks for a forearm choke but is unable to get enough leverage to for Meadows to tap before he rolls Jenkins into guard.  After a few failed arm bar attempts from Jenkins, Meadows is able to transition to the back of Jenkins just before the bell.  Round 2 begins with a heavy leg kick from Jenkins and immediately Meadows looks to take the fight to the ground.  Meadows is unable to get a takedown so he pulls half guard and is able to sweep Jenkins to end up in side control.  Meadows works from some armbar attempts and eventually passes to mount but only for a second before Jenkins reverses position and works from within Meadows guard.  Jenkins creates space and stands up but is unable to get anything going on his feet before Meadows takes him back down to end the round.  Round 3 starts with Jenkins attacking the body of Meadows which opens up his head to some hooks.  Meadows shoots in with his head out and gets caught in a tight guillotine choke and is forced to tap.  Kyle Jenkins wins by submission (guillotine choke) at 0:34 of round 3.

Shawn Bottoms vs. Justin King

Bottoms misses with a front kick and King quickly looks for the takedown which he secures against the cage. After some inactivity they are stood up.  Bottoms’ finds his range with his kicks and lands successful body and leg kicks.  King is able to catch Bottoms on his heels and gets a takedown.  The fight remains on the ground for the remainder of the round with not much happening.  Round 2 begins much the same as the first with Bottoms looking to land body kicks and King being relentless for the takedown.  Bottoms is able to throw up a triangle attempt as King takes him down but Bottoms is unable to lock up the submission and finish the choke before the close of the round.  Round 3 starts with King opening up more on his feet looking to land kicks of his own before landing a grazing spinning back fist and hook combo into a takedown.  They are stood up for a moment but King soon takes Bottoms back down with a thunderous slam just before the close of the final round. The judges score it a split decision for your winner Justin King.

James Bubb vs. Joe Raney

Bubb is able to find the range for his jab early and lands a few before following up with a few right hands.  Raney looks for a guillotine as Bubb pressures him into the cage but to no avail.  Bubb is able to snap Raney down in a front head long for a second and almost spends to the back before Raney stand up into a rear naked choke from Bubb and is pulled to the mat where Raney is forced to tap. James Bubb wins via submission(rear naked choke) at 1:31 in round 1.

Adam Waters vs Jeremy Burnett

Burnett opens with a few kicks and is able to land his hook  when Waters comes in.  Waters is able to cut Burnetts leg out from under him with a leg kick and they hit the ground for just a moment before Waters backs away.  Burnett continues to land with his hands and pushes the action before Waters returns fire with some hard leg kicks and uppercuts.  The round ends as both fighters land left hands.  Round 2 begins with both fighters standing toe to toe trading punches and kicks the bout is stopped as the referee calls in the doctor to check on a cut above the right eye of Burnett. The doctor calls a halt to the bout due to the cut above Burnetts eye.  Adam Waters wins by doctor stoppage due to cut at 0:56 of round 2.

Caleb Poyner vs. Chad Eaton

Poyner lands first and pressures Eaton into the cage where he lands some hard knees and punches to the body.  Poyner is deducted a point for an illegal knee strike to the face and action resumes. Poyner goes back on the attack landing hard body shots before Eaton clinches him against the cage.  The round ends with a battle for position against the cage.  Round 2 begins with Eaton opening up and throwing more punches but is unable to defend a single leg takedown by Poyner and works to regain guard from bottom side control.   Poyner is able to get Eaton to tap due to a forearm choke.  Caleb Poyner wins via submission (forearm choke) at 1:38 in round 2.

Gary Widget vs  Damar Gibson

Damar seems to be the quicker fighter and is able to land a few short punches as Widget shoots in for a takedown but is unable to fight off the takedown.  Widget works small body shots with Gibson pressed into the cage in guard.  Widget is able to stand then pass guard where he works from a modified crucifix position in side control till the close of the round.   The second round begins with Widget looking to take the fight to the ground and after a slight fight from Gibson he is successful in doing so with a bear hug takedown.  Widget successfully transitions to mount and postures up to land some hard punches before Gibson gives up his back and eventually the rear naked choke.  Gary Widget wins via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:10 in round 2.

Sean Fallon vs. DJ Wigley

Fallon leads off with two nice leg kicks that quickly brings Wigley to the realization of taking the fight to the ground.  After a brief standing guillotine attempt Fallon takes Wigley down right into mount where he rolls to his back and lock up a triangle.  Wigley soon taps to what appeared to be the triangle but the doctor examined his knee after the bout.  Sean Fallon wins by submission (triangle choke) at 0:51 of round 1.

Johnny Neville vs. Cameron VanCamp

VanCamp avoids some early punches from Neville and is able to close the distance to engage a takedown.  VanCamp picks up Neville and gives him a ride back down to the mat with a powerful slam.  VanCamp makes short work of taking Nevilles back where he lands a few punches before transitioning to an armbar forcing Neville to tap.  Cameron VanCamp wins by submission (armbar) at 0:39 of round 1.

Mark Neville vs. Anthony Hill

After a scramble in action after some off the mark kicks Neville is able to take Hill down but is met quickly with a triangle choke from Hill and after a small struggle Neville is forced to tap.  Anthony Hill wins via submission (triangle choke) at 0:42 in round 1.

DJ Jones vs. Bryant Whitaker

Whitaker lands first with a quick jab then a few hooks, Jones is able to find the home for a hook and a cross.  Whitaker presses Jones into the cage and gets a takedown straight into mount, where he lands some hard punches and elbows that force Jones to give up his back.  Whitaker lands a few more unanswered blows before the referee steps in to call an end to the bout.  Bryant Whitaker wins by referee stoppage due to strikes at 0:58 of round 1.

Zach Jenkins vs. Pete Dominguez

Jenkins comes out swinging hard with hook and over hand rights.  The fighters eventually lock up a modified thai clinch with Jenkins landing knees and uppercuts through Dominquez’s defense.  Jenkins is able to force Dominguez to his knees after some hard knee’s to the face and forces Dominguez into guard.  Jenkins postures and stands above Dominguez landing hard punches from the top position.  Dominguez is able to create some space with an upkick and catches Jenkins stumbling backwards and comes up on top.  Jenkins works a few armbar and triangle attempts but Dominguez is able to defend well.  Jenkins is able to take Dominguez’s guard before the end of the round but is unable to finish the fight.  Round 2 begins with Jenkins looking the fresher and landing a hard right hand and follows up with some knees to the body.  After Dominguez seems to pull guard after a right hand from Jenkins, he is able to sweep Jenkins into side control from there he passes to mount and eventually to the back where he is able to sink in a rear naked choke and get the tap.  Pete Dominguez wins by submission (rear naked choke) at 1:08 in the 2^nd round.

Matt Jaggers vs. Tom Osborne

Jaggers finds a home for his hook early and is able to land it when he wants to.  Osborne is unable to find his range with his jab and eats a few knees for his trouble.  Jaggers is able to find connect with some knee’s and punches that force a bad shot from Osborne.  Jaggers tags him with some punches from the front headlock position and takes the back for a moment.  Osborne threatens with a kimura from the back to get Jaggers to lose position and eventually get the fight back to the feet.  Jaggers lands an uppercut to Osborne as he shoots in from his knees that renders Osborne unconscious forcing the referee to step in.  Matt Jaggers wins by technical knockout at 2:04 of round 1.

Indy MMA Fight Night 1-26-12

Breaking News

Deerfield Beach, Fla. – Authentic Sports Management’s own Miguel Torres, former WEC Bantamweight Champion, will make his return to the Octagon to face rising 135-pound prospect Michael “Mayday” McDonald at UFC 145 in Atlanta, Georgia. Torres has won three of his last four bouts, while McDonald has won seven straight bouts. This will be a pivotal matchup in the bantamweight division and a one of the highly anticipated matchups on the UFC 145 card.

About Authentic Sports Management

Founded in 2010 and based in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Authentic Sports Management (ASM) is a premier sports management and marketing company with a mandate to help clients grow and succeed while building foundations, a personal brand and establishing a life-long positive legacy. Led by Glenn Robinson, President, Neal Tabachnick, General Counsel and Jon Rubinstein, Senior Partner, ASM primarily represents and supports top athletes in mixed martial arts, the fastest growing sport in the world.  - www.AuthenticSportsMgmt.com @AuthSportsmgmt

MIGUEL TORRES RETURNS TO THE OCTAGON AT UFC 145

I’m at a point in my training and in my career where I feel like I want to fight the best martial artist. - Indiana flyweight James Porter

Photo by B.B. Photography

Undefeated Indiana flyweight James Porter has experienced a roller coaster of emotions in the past few weeks. It all started with his second round submission victory over Carson Gainey at Colosseum Combat XIX on January 7^th.  It was a hard-fought battle and Porter eventually weathered the storm to secure a triangle choke submission, and then the accolades started pouring in.

One of Porter’s biggest heroes, Eddie Bravo, went as far as to say it was the “sickest triangle set up in MMA history” when posting it on his message board, complimenting the 19 year old on his technique plus unique heel strikes which practically forced his opponent to surrender the choke.

Porter himself admitted that the compliment was “very humbling.” With the whirlwind of emotions and offers pouring in to compete in bigger and better fights, Porter instead dropped a bombshell, posting on his facebook wall, he stated he was retiring from MMA competition less than one year into his promising professional mixed martial arts career.

Some thought it was a joke, others were completely baffled by the announcement, but we caught up with the young fighter during a special interview as well as a guest appearance on The Verbal Submission to find out his thought process behind the decision.

“I guess retiring may have been a strong word,” said Porter. “Because I am really young and I don’t want to give any guarantee that I’m never fighting again, but I think a better way to put it would be to just step back, step down from competing so much … I think, not retiring, I gave everyone a heart attack with that one, but just stepping down and not really deciding on a time or place to fight again for a while until I feel ready.“

But still, it begs the question. Why?

“I think a lot of it is just because, and I’ve always felt this way,” Porter sternly stated. “Mixed martial arts is too much publicity and drama and that’s what sells the fights. It’s not the purity of martial arts, the best martial artist against the best martial artist. It’s the bad guy against the good guy. That’s not how I like to represent my martial art and it’s like this even at the local level. It turns me off. That’s not what martial arts is about to me and I don’t want to continue in that direction.”

Still just 19 years old, Porter has plenty of time to potentially come back in the sport, but in the meantime, he’s got other plans, although most of them still involve the martial arts.

“I’m definitely planning on spending time with my daughter,” the young father admitted. “I really want to spend time with her. Also big passion of mine, moreso than competing is to teach. I really, really, really enjoy teaching. I coach little kids at my taekwondo school. I really like to help other people who really take it as seriously as I do … I love my martial arts so I think my goal is to re-expand into a martial art and not just a cagefighter. I want really branch out into different martial arts, different styles.”

And while his focus now is on his daughter, learning and teaching new and challenging martial arts, the young fighter is absolutely not ruling out a potential return down the road.

“I really do enjoy competing,” says Porter. “Part of me returning, part of the plan is to return at a much higher level. I still have that high after a win where I don’t even sleep for three days, wide awake. I don’t want to put a timeline on anything but now I’m at a point in my training and in my career where I feel like I want to fight the best martial artist, a true martial artist like the high level guys. It’s gotta be the right person, the right show and the right time more than anything.

When and if that return will happen is something only James Porter knows, and he’s not ready to announce it. For now, his focus is on himself and the people he knows and loves. As long as he continues to treat everyone around him with the same respect he’s shown his opponents and fans in mixed martial arts, we at CageCraze.com feel he’ll be just fine.

Undefeated Indiana Flyweight James Porter is Stepping Away from the Cage — for now

 The event's coverage is brought to you by our friends and event sponsor's over at "Street Made." Be sure to head over to StreetMade.com and purchase yourself some top of the line apparel. Don't forget to "Like" them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter and Subscribe to them on Youtube!

Cagecraze.com comes to you live from Piere’s Entertainment Center in Indiana’s second largest city of Ft.Wayne for Absolute Fighting Alliance 8: Resolution. AFA 8 brings mixed martial arts action back to north east Indiana with another card of talented young fighters.  The main event features middleweight prospects Moses McCraney vs. Nick Kraus fighting for the AFA middleweight championship belt. The Co-Main event of the evening is a featherweight title bout between Corey Simmons vs. Adam Brady. Along with 8 other fights Resolution promises to bring some dynamic and explosive displays of mixed martial arts.

Let’s get to the event…

Matthew Reiber Vs. Jarod Ingle

Ingle takes a big swing and a miss to start off the round which Reiber takes advantage of as he takes Ingle down after he jumps guard with a powerful slam.  They return to their feet momentarily where both fighters employ a hands at waist defensive style before Ingle shoots in for a takedown but is met with a brabo choke from Reiber and is unable to defend it before being forced to tap.  Matthew Reiber wins via submission (“Darce’ choke” aka Brabo choke) at 1:34 of round 1.

Thomas Duncan vs. Joshua Woods

Heavy leg attacks from both fighters to lead the round off.  They both trade leg kicks but cannot find a home for their punches. Duncan is able to find his range where he is able to get some punches in before the end of round 1.  Round 2 begins with Duncan putting more punches together but lets loose a kick that runs a stray and lands to the groin of Woods.   After the break from the foul Duncan returns to utilizing his reach and peppering Woods with jab crosses while mixing in some knees before referee Rob Hines sees enough and calls an end to the bout.  Thomas Duncan wins via referee stoppage due to strikes at 1:45 of round 2.

Kyle Pettit Vs. Jose Alvarado

Pettit lands an inside low kick to and over hand that lands cleanly but Alvarado takes it well.  Pettit is caught on his heels after a kick and Alvarado follows him to the ground for a moment before backing away.  Pettit butt scoots to Alvarado then sits up into a single leg takedown and puts Alvarado on his back.  Alvarado is able to lock up a triangle but is unable to finish before the end of round 1.  We begin round 2 with Alvarado forcing the action and pressuring Pettit into the fence where he fires off a few combinations before Pettit is able to force a takedown and get Alvarado down.  Referee Jeff Malott doesn’t see enough action and stands the fighters up.  Alvarado looks to be fatigued and doesn’t seem to be able to do much before pulling guard after losing the clinch battle.  The third round begins with another flurry of action which is interrupted after a knee to the head from Pettit which is illegal under this amateur commissions rules.  After a break in action Pettit flurries a combination of punches knees and kicks to which Alvarado returns a few of his own, before pulling guard.  Alvarado locks up a triangle but Pettit is able to escape and land a few punches on top before being reversed shortly before the end of the final round.

The judges score it a split decision for Kyle Pettit (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).  Kyle Pettit wins via split decision(29-28,28-29,29-28).

Gabe Garcia Vs. Ethan Schorey

Almost immediately both fighters clinch and work for position before disengaging.  Garcia seems to find his distance first and connects with a few punches and knees to the body.  Schorey is able to clinch Garcia against the cage but isn’t able to work in much damage before Garcia works his way off the cage.  Schorey is able to land a few uppecuts in a single collar clinch that Garcia doesn’t like.  Garcia finishes the round with a takedown before the bell.  Schorey comes out to take the center of the cage and trades punches with Garcia before he begins to look for a takedown.  Schorey is able to get a single leg takedown momentarily but Garcia works his way back to his feet. Garcia lands a good combo with his hands before finishing with some hard knees to the body.  Schorey gets another takedown against the cage before being reversed by Garcia before the end of round 2.  Garcia comes out right a hard right hand that barely misses its mark.  Schorey is unable to find success with a takedown and is met with more knees to the body before Garcia gets a takedown of his own.  Garcia lands an accidental hammerfist to the face which is also a foul under this sanctioning bodies rules.  Garcia loses position and they restart on their feet.  Schorey looks to dive under for a leg lock but is unable to roll through and winds up in guard.  After a few triangle and armbar attempts from Schorey the round comes to an end. The judges score it 30-27 for Gabe Garcia.  Gabe Garcia wins via unanimous decision(30-27).

Robert Blake Vs. Donte Adams

Before Blake can get any offense going Adams is able to secure a takedown, and is able to work some ground and pound.  Adams passes to half guard and secures an Americana and forces Blake to tap. Donte Adams wins via submission(Americana) at 1:41 of round 1.

Brandon Inskeep Vs. Joshua Killion

Inkeeps connects with a hard body kick and looks for a takedown but cannot complete the attempt.  They separate and Killion uses the opportunity to throw a spinning backfist to a crisp combo.  Inskeep looks for another takedown but winds up on bottom of Killion.  Inskeep gets to his feet and shoots in immediately but leaves his neck exposed, Killion locks up a guillotine and jumps guard.  Killion is able to get the tap while Inskeep is stil standing.  Joshua Killion wins via submission(guillotine) at 2:17 of round 1.

Darryl Madison Vs. Joshua Lee

Lee explodes with a head kick and leaping jab that pushes Madison into the cage and eventually to the ground.  Madison is able to reverse the position after Lee loses the battle for a guillotine choke.  Madison unloads with some heavy hammer fists that worry Lee for a moment before he is able to control Madison’s postures again.  The round ends with Madison landings small shots to the face of Lee.  Round 2 starts with Lee pressuring Madison and getting another takedown against the cage but is soon reversed.  Madison is able to pass to mount but is unable to posture up and create space. Lee is able to buck and reverse position to be inside of Madison’s guard.  After some inactivity the ref stands them up.  Madison lands a hard punch that stuns Lee and then goes in for the kill following up with heavy punches from above Lee till referee Jeff Malott steps in to stop it.  Darryl Madison wins via technical knockout at 2:45 of round 2.

Justin Woods Vs. Chris Smith

Smith lands a body kick but is met with a takedown by Woods for his efforts.  Woods momentarily attains mount but is bucked off by Smith using his feet to push off the cage.  Woods works a vast amount of punches from within the guard of Smith.  Woods unloads some hard punches that get through Smiths guard and render him unconscious.  Justin Woods wins via knockout at 3:40 in round 1.

Adam Brady Vs. Corey Simmons

Brady shoots in but leaves his neck out and Simmons latches onto a very tight guillotine.  Brady slams Simmons on to his head and fights off the guillotine attempt.  Brady moves Simmons into his corner and looks to posture up and do damage. Brady passes into mount where he looks for an arm triangle first and then an armbar.  Simmons is able to work his way free to his feet.  Brady follows him up and shoots in for another takedown.  Simmons reverse the position and unloads some heavy punches to Brady’s head and body one of which folds Brady and after a few more punches Brady is forced to tap.  Corey Simmons wins via tapout due to strikes at 4:52 of round 1.

Moses McCraney Vs. Nick Kraus

McCraney shoots in early for a big slam takedown.  Kraus works back to his feet.  McCraney looks for a takedown but Kraus is able to counter and end up on top.  Kraus lands in side control where he uses head and arm control to land some knees to the body.  McCraney works to top position for a moment while Kraus rolls to a heelhook/kneebar before scrambling into the half guard of McCraney.  Kraus works some small shots from side control to end out the round. Round 2 begins with McCraney pressuring Kraus against the cage where he looks to land some knees to the body.  Kraus reverses position and takes McCraney down with a single leg dump.  Kraus scrambles to the back and sinks his hooks in.  Kraus gets too high and is dumped off the top.  After some hard punches from guard Kraus forces the fight back to the feet and presses McCraney into the cage where he uses knees to the thigh of opponent.  The round ends with a failed takedown attempt from McCraney.  Round 3 begins with a tired McCraney getting momentarily dropped from a cross from Kraus. McCraney sits Kraus to his butt with a takedown but Krause uses the underhook to sweep into side control. Kraus locks up a kimura and gets the leverage to force McCraney to tap.  Nick Kraus wins via submission (kimura) at 1:31 of round 3.

Quick Results:

Matthew Reiber defeated. Jarod Ingle via Tapout due to Guillotine Choke in 1:34 of the 1^st Round

Thomas Duncan defeated. Joshua Woods via Referee Stoppage due to Strikes in 1:45 of the 2^nd Round

Kyle Pettit defeated. Jessie Shafer via Slit Decision

Gabe Garcia defeated. Ethan Schorey via Unanimous Decision (30-27)

Joshua Killion defeated Brandon Inskeep via Tapout due to Guillotine in 2:17 of the 1^st round.

Darryl Madison defeated Joshua Lee via TKO in 2:45 of the 2^nd Round

Justin Woods defeated Chris Smith via KO in 3:40 of the 1^st Round

Corey Simmons defeated Adam Brady via Tapout due to Strikes in 4:52 of the 1^st Round

Nick Kraus  defeated Moses McCraney via Tapout due to Kimura in 1:31 of the 3^rd Round

Photo’s coming SOON!!!

AFA 8 | Absolute Fighting Alliance 8: Resolution

Indianapolis, IN (CageCraze.com) January 13, 2012

New MMA apparel company StreetMade teams up with popular filmmaker Bobby Razak to present an exciting new film about the history of Mixed Martial Arts.

Bobby Razak is an accomplished sports filmmaker responsible for the well known Tapout and Dethrone Royalty Commercials. His highly renowned MMA film, “Rites of Passage” was featured in the Sundance and the Berlin Film Festival gaining worldwide exposure. His newest film is another MMA picture that details the sport’s wild history. The History of Mixed Martial Arts powered by StreetMade is a film that delves deep into the history of a sport that is quickly emerging as one of the worlds most popular. This film after years of preparation is set to come out this month for special screenings.

“I am extremely excited to be working with StreetMade. They are a great new company and I look forward to seeing where this relationship can go.” –Bobby Razak

StreetMade is an MMA company that represents the hard working class of human beings in all walks of life. The mission statement of: “Just Outwork ‘Em” needs no explanation. StreetMade is an MMA apparel line with an interactive side that brings them deep into the sport. StreetMade currently sponsors professional fighters; Matt Mitrione, Shamar Bailey, and Johnny Rees. The team has recently joined forces with Matt Mitrione in the opening of Integrated Fighting Academy in Indianapolis.

StreetMade will also be screening the film in the Indianapolis area.

“Bobby Razak is a prominent filmmaker that represents our sport honorably, and he is a great example of what hard work can accomplish.” –StreetMade

Interested Parties & Sponsors
Please contact:
StreetMade at Emak(at)streetmade(dot)com

Source:

StreetMade Teams Up With Filmmaker Bobby Razak to Present: The History of Mixed Martial Arts

After 3 years of traveling all over the United States to train, Matt Mitrione now has a gym he can call home (and his own).  This Saturday Matt, as well as Courtney Harris, opened the Integrated Fighting Academy on the south side of Indianapolis.  The Grand Opening played host to a number of UFC veterans whom conducted seminars for fans as they toured the new gym.  Fans enjoyed a rare opportunity to have full access to a professional gym, interact with UFC veterans, and learn technique directly from the fighters.

Joining Matt at the opening were fellow Integrated fighting teammates Chris Lytle, Johnny Rees, Orville Smith, Sean McCorkle, Shamar Bailey, Jake O’Brien, former WEC Bantamweight Champion Miguel Torres, and Indy American Top Team instructor Carlos Diaz.  Each of these individuals signed autographs, conducted interviews, and displayed to fans just what the Integrated Fighting Academy will entail.

Fans, and prospective customers, saw the dedication and teaching ability that each fighter possesses.  This dedication will transfer directly to the number of classes offered at the academy.  The Integrated Fighting Academy will feature classes ranging from Kid’s jiu-jitsu to Professional MMA and even Zumba.  This wide array of classes appeals to a vast demographic.  The Integrated Fighting Academy truly has a class for everyone. For information about upcoming events and seminars, be sure to stay tuned to CageCraze.com.

We at CageCraze.com look forward to the great things to come and would like to extend our congratulations to Matt Mitrione, Courtney Harris, and the entire Integrated Fighting Team.

Matt Mitrione Opens Integrated Fighting Academy