"What are the Juges Looking at?"

One constant issue that seems to arise after any MMA event, from the UFC all the way down to the local shows held in bars or ballrooms, is about judges’ decisions.  At the Indy MMA Cinco de Mayo event held this past weekend, there was a tough split-decision in the amateur main event title fight between Jameson Sharp and Cameron VanCamp that could have gone either way.  For fighters and fans, it is extremely frustrating to lose a fight you think you won.  Losing a close split decision 29-28, 29-28, and 28-29 is usually heartbreaking because you knew you were so close to the victory.  What’s more frustrating is when a fighter loses a fight and the scores are all over the board, 30-27 for fighter A, 30-27 for fighter B, and 29-28 for fighter A.  What are judges looking for when scoring a fight?  Do takedowns matter?  What is better – submission attempts or the ability to get out of the submission?   As a licensed judge and referee in Indiana, I will try to answer a few of these questions and hopefully clarify some issues that come up from fighters, trainers, and fans.

As judges, we look at these key areas:  effective striking, effective ground control, effective aggressiveness and cage control.  We also consider the damage inflicted and effective defense.  The first and most important area judges consider is the stand-up battle.  All the fights begin on their feet and striking is the first area encountered.  The fighter that keeps the fight standing avoids takedowns, and lands punches, kicks, and knees will be winning that area of the fight.  Another thing to consider is what is more effective:  a fighter that lands 50 strikes that do little damage or the guy that lands the one, big right hand that causes and eye to swell shut.

Takedowns can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what happens after the takedown.  A fighter that just comes out and gets the takedown, but can’t keep the fighter down or does no damage really did not have effective ground control.  When I judge a fight, I am looking for the fighter that gets the takedown to begin to do damage or attack for a submission.  If the fighter pulls the “lay and pray” mentality, it can backfire against them.  Takedowns can come in all shapes and sizes as well.  There trips, throws, slams, etc.  A vicious slam usually counts more in the judges’ eyes than a takedown that is from two guys clinching and the opponent “going with” the takedown to the mat.  Once both fighters are on the ground, judges are looking for submission attempts and striking on the ground.  As a referee, I encourage fighters to stay busy.  This is for the advantage of both fighters in the judges’ eyes and for the fans.  A fighter that works to finish the fight on the ground is going to score more points and win that area of a fight.

Effective aggressiveness and cage control means a fighter is pushing the pace and making his or her opponent fight their fight.  If a striker can keep the fight standing by avoiding takedowns, staying out of a clinch, and landing strikes, then he or she will win that round.   If the grappler comes out, gets a takedown, lands some ground and pound, and looks for submissions to finish the fight, then he or she will win the round.

One thing I encourage all of you to do is find a video of a fight that has gone to a decision and judge it minute by minute.  Many times a fighter will win the first 4 minutes of a round and then get rocked by a punch and lose the last minute.  Unfortunately, the last minute of the round is sometimes what people remember the most.  Breaking down a fight minute by minute can be a good way to really see who won the round.

I agree that the scoring system in MMA is not perfect and there does need to be some sort of revision to the criteria.  From a judging standpoint, we are looking for a fighter to finish the fight.  Bottom line is, and Dana White says it all the time, “never leave the fight in the hands of the judges.”

What Are the Judges Looking At?

Cagecraze.com is live at the Ivy Tech Kokomo Event Center for Colosseum Combat XXI for one of the biggest cards to hit Kokomo Indiana to date.  Colosseum Combat XXI Features for the first time a women’s amateur contest that pits Caylea Borges vs. Heather Bess.  In the main event former WEC title holder Chase Beebe takes on long time Indiana veteran Corey Mahon.

Amateur Card:

Clint Hoskins vs David Booth

Hoskins hits first with a right hand, Booth returns fire with a left hand before Hoskins initiates a clinch and pulls guard.  Hoskins is able to use a high guard to set up an armbar that Booth is able to escape after bellying out.  Booth is able to scramble and end up on top after the submission attempt.  Booth is able to land a few heavy punches from within guard but otherwise cannot improve his position before the end of the round. Round 2 begins with Booth pressuring Hoskins into the cage but cannot get a takedown before Hoskins initiates a guard pull. Hoskins is able to get a sweep but Booth falls back for a heel hook but doesn’t crank the submission, which is illegal as an amateur. Booth remains the aggressor and controls most of the action on the feet prior to the end of the round. The third round begins with Booth controlling the center of the cage before catching a kick from Hoskins and taking him to the ground.  Hoskins looks to attempt a knee bar but is unable to finish the submission.  Booth works from within the guard looking to land punches and not advance position. The fight ends with Booth standing over Hoskins landing kicks to the legs before the bell.  The judges score it a unanimous decision for your winner David Booth.

Deryck Rothenburger vs Ryan Kenworthy

Both fighters land with right hands to begin the round Rothenburger’s landing cleanly and stunning Kenworthy.  Rothenburger shoots in for a single leg but is unable to complete it and Kenworthy is able to end up on top in guard. Rothenburger rolls under for a knee bar but is unable to get it straightened out.  Kenworthy steps away to return to their feet but is taken down soon after.  The round ends with Rothenburger dropping back for a straight ankle lock before the bell.  The second round begins with Kenworthy looking to land some kicks but is met with a well timed takedown attempt from Rothenburger after a kick is caught.  Kenworthy works for a guillotine attempt but Rothenburger pops his head free.  After some battling for position Kenworthy is able to return to his feet.  Rothenburger closes the distance and is able to get a trip takedown from the clinch and land in mount.  Kenworthy is able to push away and sweep Rothenburger into half guard but cannot advance his position before the end of the round.  Round 3 begins with Kenworthy letting his hands go landing some hard punches coming out of the clinch and while defending Rothenburgers takedown attempts. Kenworthy is able to control the back of Rothenburger before he rolls for a knee bar attempt but stands up out of an ankle lock attempt after Rothenburger switches over.  Kenworthy is able to control the rest of the round from within Rothenburgers guard.  The judges score the fight 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 for a split decision for your winner Ryan Kenworthy.

Colosseum Combat XXI | Chase Beebe vs. Corey Mahon

Indy MMA 3 Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for Indy MMA’s third event of the year Cinco De Mayo.  The card featured eleven amateur bouts that led to a short three fight pro card. In the co-main event the heavyweights were in action as veteran Ron Carter took on Cornelius George. The main event pitted Bellator vet Bobby Reardanz  against newcomer Justin Ford.

Brian Hood vs.  Kyle VanCamp

Hood shoots in early for a single leg takedown but is met with a guillotine attempt from VanCamp and shortly thereafter is forced to tap.  Kyle VanCamp wins via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:34 in round 1.

Jordan Hernandez vs.  Trey Cole

Hernandez shoots in but is met with a tight guillotine attempt from Cole that forces Hernandez to his back, giving Cole mount.  Cole is able to setup an armbar but Hernandez slams his way out of it.  Hernandez momentarily takes Coles back but cannot maintain position and falls off the top.  Cole is able to transition to mount and locks up a mounted Americana which forces Hernandez to tap.  Trey Cole wins via submission (shoulder lock) at 1:40 of round 1.

Kyle Davidson vs.  Paul Palacios

Palacios times the kick of Davidison and lands a hard leg kick that chops Davidson to his back.  Davidson returns fire with a spinning heel kick when he returns to his feet but it doesn’t find a home on Palacios’ chin.  Palacios times a combo and gets a takedown but returns to his feet after passing Davidson’s guard.  Palacios lands a nice right straight left uppercut combo that backs Davidson into the fence and he follows it up with a takedown attempt after a superman punch.  Davidson forces Palacios to give up position by applying a nearly finished kimura attempt.  Palacios scrambles and ends up in the guard of Davidson before the end of the round.  The second round begins with Palacios timing a kick and getting a big slam double leg takedown into side control and immediately unleashing some hard knees to the body and then the final blows to the solar plexus of Davidson that force him to verbally tap.  Paul Palacios wins via verbal tapout due to strikes at 2:45 of round 2.

Kamal Macon vs. James Eversole

Macon is the aggressor and pursuer on the feet looking to land some heavy winging punches and constantly pressuring Eversole.  Macon is able to take Eversole down on a few occasions but chooses to back away to his feet each time.  Eversole isn’t able to find an answer to Macon’s constant pressure and finds himself on the losing end of a combination and is unable to defend himself intelligently before the referee steps in to stops the bout.  Kamal Macon wins via referee stoppage due to strikes at 2:09 of round 1.

Joe Rainey vs. Damar Gibson

Gibson catches Rainey coming in with a short hook and right hand but Rainey pushes through and is able to throw Gibson to his back with a bodylock.  Gibson is able to reverse position and standup inside of Rainey’s open guard where he is able to throw punches that force Rainey to cover up after a flurry of punches and no improvement of position from Rainey referee Justin Hahn steps in to end the fight.  Damar Gibson wins via referee stoppage due to strikes at 1:05 of round 1.

Michael Walker vs. Kyle Nickle

Nickle catches Walker coming in with a right straight but Walker is able to change levels and get Nickle to the ground.  Walker works from side control with knees to the body and bicep of Nickle.  After the fighters scramble to their feet Walker lands a hard right straight that drops Nickle to his back and Walker pounces on top eventually transitioning to Nickles back before the end of the round.  Nickle comes out with a heavy leg kick that drops Walker but he rushes in and is takendown by Walker and gives up his back after mount.  Nickle is able to escape and lands a superman punch as they return to their feet.  Walker shoots in again but is met with a deep guillotine attempt.  Walker fights it off but is met with a omaplata attempt that all but forces Walker to tap before a last ditch effort gets him free.  Nickle returns to his feet and looks to try and finish Walker with strikes before the bell but is unable.  Kyle Nickle wins via doctor stoppage (injury) at the beginning of the third round.

Justin Dowsett vs. Michael Conte

Conte comes out swinging immediately pressuring Dowsett against the cage with punches and finishes a takedown to get Dowsett to his back.  Dowsett works for a sweep but Conte is content in staying in guard.   Dowsett is able to get an angle with his hips and work for an armbar, Conte defends then transitions into a triangle that is all but locked in before the bell to the end the round.  Round 2 begins with Dowsett looking the fresher of the two fighters and putting more pressure on Conte this round.  Conte gets desperate and shoots in with his head out and Dowsett takes advantage locking up a guillotine and after an adjustment is able to force Conte to tap.  Justin Dowsett wins via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:05 in round 2.

Daniel Blackburn vs. Gary Widget

Blackburn comes out and controls the center of the cage and looks to find a home for his right hand but a clash of heads as he comes in opens a cut over his left brow.  Widget is able to maintain his composure and weather the early onslaught.  Blackburn is met with a single leg attempt from Widget and after a fight for position against the cage is unsuccessful in defending the shot and is put down.  Widget scrambles to Blackburn’s back and locks up a modified rear naked choke and puts Blackburn to sleep.  Gary Widget wins via technical submission (rear naked choke) at 1:50 in round 1.

Dustin Parrish vs.  A. Warren

Warren swings hard and fast and catches Parrish off guard with a few hard punches but Parrish goes into wrestling mode and gets Warren on his back for a moment before Warren uses the cage to scramble to his feet and lock up a guillotine.  Parrish is able to defend and get Warren back to the ground and eventually gets to mount where he unloads some hard punches on frequent occasion that overwhelm Warren and force the referee to step in.  Dustin Parrish wins via referee stoppage due to strikes 2:27 in round 1.

Ben Ticen vs. Austin Tweedy

Tweedy lands first with a leg kick, both fighters did not land any significant punches before Tweedy takes Ticen down.  Tweedy is able to pass to mount and land some hard punches before swinging for an armbar but isn’t able to secure the submission before Ticen is able to turn into Tweedy’s guard.  Tweedy works back to his feet and secures another takedown this time to the back of Ticen where he is able to control the position, and land some strikes before transitioning to an armbar from the back that forces Ticen to tap just before the bell.  Austin Tweedy wins via submission (armbar) at 2:54 in round 1.

Jameson Sharp vs Cameron Vancamp

VanCamp clinches and pulls guard before either fighter is able to land any strikes.  Sharp works from within guard till 20 seconds left in the round when VanCamp shows some signs of life and finishes the round with a combination into a takedown and some ground and pound before going to his back for a guillotine attempt before the bell.  Round 2 begins with VanCamp landing a head kick with the foot and then initiating a clinch where he works some uppercuts and knees to the body.  VanCamp is able to get a takedown and works from within Sharp’s guard.   The referee steps in after some inactivity and stands the fighters up.  Sharp shoots in and is stopped by VanCamp who then lock up yet another guillotine attempt at the end of the round but cannot finish before Sharp slips his head out.  Round 3 Sharp initiates a throw from the clinch but is countered by Vancamp who is able to take mount and eventually the back of Sharp but is unable to maintain the position and Sharp turns into his guard.  Sharp gets another takedown after a ref standup but is unable to do anything with it.  VanCamp upkicks Sharp to the face from a downed position and is warned for the foul.  After a moment to clear his head Sharp is able to continue.  The fight ends with a battle for position against the cage.  The judges score it 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 for winner by split decision Cameron VanCamp.  VanCamp is awarded the Indy MMA amateur 155 championship belt with this victory.

Carson Gainey vs. James Porter

After a feeling out period Gainey is able to shoot in for a takedown but cannot keep Porter down as he is upkicked from the bottom and backs away.  Porter engages a clinch against the cage.  Gainey is able to get another takedown and works from side control.  Porter works back to guard and uses a high guard to control the posture.  Porter is able to catch Gainey in a triangle as he re-enters Porters guard from standing.  Gainey cannot escape and is forced to tap.  James Porter wins via submission (triangle choke) at 4:33 in round 1.

Ron Carter vs. Cornelius George

George comes out looking to utilize some kicks.  Carter is first to land with the hands with two over hand rights but is soon met with a successful takedown attempt from George.   George works from halfguard but is unable to land many clean shots as Carter covers up.  George is able to quarter mount Ron and trap an arm and land some hammer fists that force Carter to tap from strikes.  Cornelius George wins via submission due to strikes at 3:28 of round 1.

Bobby Reardanz vs. Justin Ford

Reardanz is first to land with a hard leg kick followed by a blocked high kick.  Ford initiates a clinch and looks for a takedown but ends up pulling guard.  Reardanz backs away and forces Ford to stand up.   Ford works from a thai clinch and lands some blocked knees before Reardanz is able to get a double leg takedown.  Ford initiates a triangle but cannot get it locked and Reardanz is able to pass his guard momentarily before Ford can get a sweep.  Reardanz works from his back has a fully extended armbar near the end of the round but Ford is able to slam his way free before the bell.  Round 2 begins with Reardanz coming out with more kicks but Ford shows a flurry that connects with a knee to the body and a few punches but a knee lands to the groin of Reardanz and the action is stopped so that he can take his break for the foul.  Ford uses the clinch again to land some knees to the body and some elbows before Reardanz is able to escape the position.  Reardanz avoids a judo throw and takes Ford’s back but Ford works to the top position in the scramble where he mounts Reardanz but is unable to land any significant damage before Reardanz escapes the position with a double heel hook attempt for the remainder of the round.  Round 3 begins with more kicks from Reardanz and a clinch and takedown from Ford.  Reardanz switches his hips out to the side which creates an angle for a beautiful armbar and forces Ford to scramble but he cannot find a way out and is forced to tap.  Bobby Reardanz wins via submission (armbar) at 1:22 in round 3.

Indy MMA 3 | Fight Night 3

Craig “The Professor” Pumphrey

When I watch pro fighters in any fighting sport I often wonder who trains with them and who helps them get there. I can look at any fighter who is in the lime light and even though they may have what is know as a “fight camp”, usually there is just a few that wear their belt. What I mean is there are many people who help that fighter train for a fight, but there is only one or two that came up the ranks with that fighter. Someone who literally learned their techniques as they trained with that fighter. Someone that all the experimental moves, takedowns & striking combinations were practiced on. These are the ones that will stay with you when others leave because the training was too hard, or they didn’t get rank fast enough. I often tell my students “You’re only as good as the person you train with”. This is very true within martial arts and the people you train with can be an asset, or a stumbling block.

Everyone must find a person who shares their enthusiasm, and is like minded when it comes to learning anything new. I remember when I began looking for a new way to approach martial arts, I researched mountains of information on several different fighting styles & their instructors. I wanted something that wasn’t heard of in my area, and at the time that guided me to research Pankration. I found myself taking moves & techniques from dozens of styles and then researching which of those techniques worked in real fights & which didn’t. This took several years and I went through several training partners. Then I began teaching someone who would take the years of punishment, injuries, blood & sweat, just to find a style that was effective; a style we could call our own. This continued for years (This is a story within itself) but needless to stay he became my first black belt. My friend Ivan Dale, became not only my first black belt, but also became very detailed in his own teaching methods as an instructor. With National titles & World titles of his own, we still to this day strive to perfect our art, Eclectics & Pankration everywhere we go.

You will find yourself more times than not looking for a training partner, and I will tell you this…..they are hard to find. When you do find someone who shares your ideas, you have found a rare thing. Just as when Bruce Lee was searching to create something new, he also found a training partner who shared that dream, Daniel Inosanto. To become a better martial artist it is good to bounce ideas off of other people who have diverse backgrounds, and come from different areas. For example, I have a new student who is working on learning Pankration yet no one in his area is familiar with this style. There are a lot of BJJ students in his area, and he has a friend who likes to train in BJJ; so he asked me “What should I do”? I suggested he train in BJJ with him, and learn all you can learn about that style. Then schedule some days where he can train with you in Pankration so he can learn something new himself. Before you know it you both will be skilled in two different styles, and you both will have a great time training. Later, you can both compete in Bjj & Pankration tournaments which will only enhance your skills and sharpen your knowledge.

There is nothing wrong with learning other styles and competing in other tournaments that are not your style. Personally, I have competed in Wrestling, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Submission, Tae Kwon Do & MMA tournaments. So, find someone you can train with even if that means in another style, and who knows, that person may become a good friend and maybe even your first black belt.

Craig Pumphrey is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Pankration and founder of the Eclectics Martial Arts system. You can reach Craig directly at EKnation.com.

Who else wears your belt?

It is TIME!!!! Rose Williams walks out first for the blue corner, followed by Heather Bess for the red corner.

Round one- Bess is first to strike, throwing a leg kick. Both fighters throw punches and clench up in the middle of the cage. They separate and Bess lands two more kicks as they work around the cage. Williams sticks a good right and Bess clenches up with her and strikes Williams’s body multiple times just as the first round ends.

Second round- Bess comes out first again landing a leg kick and Williams follows her with a good right leg kick of her own. Bess keeps the distance with her kicks and Williams struggles to get inside. Bess forces Williams to the cage with her strikes and they clench up. Bess lands a couple knees, steps back and throws a crisp combo. Both fighters clench up and exchange punches. Bess backs out and Williams follows. They clench up again and Bess lands a good uppercut just before the bell rings.

Third round- This time Williams comes out strong and lands a leg kick followed by a solid jab. Bess clenches up with her and spins Williams against the cage. Bess backs out but they clench up again and heather falls back for the guillotine. Williams slips it and stands up. They clench up again and Bess throws a couple nasty uppercuts. Bess forces Williams against the cage. Bess gets stuck in the eye and the ref calls a time out. Time in, and both fighters meet in the middle, throwing for the fences because they know it is down to the wire. The final bell rings.

Heather Bess defeats Rose Williams via unanimous decision.

After the winner is announced and pictures are taken, the announcer, Bruce Pettis, talks with Heather Bess about her win. Heather says, “My opponent was tough, but I dominated.” And dominate she did, with 30-18 across the board.

LFC 52 | Heather Bess vs Rose Williams

LFC 52 | Tachi Tourney Semifinals (Legends of Fighting Championship 52) was held at the 8 Seconds Saloon, April 13, 2012. This is another great show put on by LFC featuring seven amateur bouts, including a female bout, and six professional bouts. The co-main event and the main event are the semi-finals of the Tachi Tourney. The winners of the final two fights will continue on to the championship match which will be held June 15th at LFC 53

Amateur Bouts:

Dustin Lajiness vs. Kyle Chavis

Chavis is first to strike and catches Lajiness with a quick combo before changing levels and initiating a takedown.  Lajiness is able to defend and keep the fight on his feet while landing a few punches in the transition. Chavis is able to control the Lajiness with a body lock and gets him to the ground where he quickly is able to sink in his hooks and eventually a body triangle before securing the rear naked choke submission.  Kyle Chavis wins by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:06 in round 1.

Tyler Fennessee vs. Aaron Ragsdale

Fennessee  is quick to open up his striking arsenal throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Ragsdale early on.  Ragsdale takes everything and keeps pressing forward despite taking damage from uppercuts and looping hooks to the head and body.  Fennessee  is caught coming in overzealous and is taken down by Ragsdale but quickly reverses position.  Fennessee  is warned and deducted a point for a punch to the back of the head, with all strikes to the head being illegal under the novice amateur rules.  Ragsdale is unable to continue and the fight is stopped after round 1.  Tyler Fennessee wins via verbal submission (opponent unable to answer the bell) at the beginning of the 2^nd round.

Brandon Bruce vs. Samuel O’Keefe

O’Keefe comes out looking to land a right high kick and goes to the well with it over and over during the first round.  Bruce is able to press O’Keefe into the cage and land knees to the thighs but unable to get the fight to the ground.  O’Keefe finds space and gets back to his range with his kicks.  O’Keefe is able to control the rest of the round and like strikes at will.  Round 2 starts with Bruce closing the distance and looking for a takedown but is met with a guillotine attempt from O’Keefe.  O’Keefe lets go of the guillotine and works rubber guard into a gogoplata attempt he uses to sweep Bruce into mount and where he finishes the mounted gogoplata.  Samuel O’Keefe wins via submission (gogoplata) 1:07 in round 2.

Rose Williams vs. Heather Bess

For the results of this bout, please see our NEW Women’s MMA section

LFC 52 | Tachi Tourney Semifinals

Ethan Schorey vs Ryan Hooten.

First fight of the night! Hooten lands the first punch and Schorey shoots for the take down but Hooten turns him against the cage and lands in side mount. Schorey gets Hooten to his guard. Both fighters work for position. Schorey tries for an ankle lock but Hooten uses that to his advantage and gets Schorey’s back. Hooten tries to flatten him out and work for the choke. Hooten lands a couple shots to try and open Schorey up but the bell rings before he could sink in a choke.

Second round starts and they go to the clench. Hooten lands some good body knees.  Schorey gets the takedown and holds Hooten at his waist. Schorey picks him up for another takedown but as soon as they fall Hooten lifts up for a takedown of his own. Hooten pins Schorey against the cage and lands some elbows to the body. Hooten lifts up to throw punches and Schorey reaches for an ankle lock that ends the match.

Ethan Schorey defeats Ryan Hooten in 2:15 of the 2nd round via tapout due to Kneebar.

Jonathan Franklin vs Thomas Jenkins

Right off the bat Franklin runs out for a head kick but misses and Jenkins takes him down. Jenkins throws body punches as he works in Franklin’s guard. Franklin uses the cage to stand them both up. Jenkins escapes the clench and throws a nice combination that throws Franklin back and Jenkins pins him against the cage as the round ends.

Second round begins and Franklin immediately lands a body kick to Jenkins. Both fighters exchange punches to the face as they move around. It’s all stand up at this point until Franklin lands a hard right that knocks Jenkins to the ground that ends the fight.

Jonathan Franklin defeats Thomas Jenkins in 1:33 of the 2^nd round via KO.

Phillip Trella vs Cody Groves

Trella lands a good combination at the start that surprises Groves. Trella clenches him against the cage but is unable to get the takedown. Both fighters move around the cage and continue to throw punches. Groves then clenches Trella against the cage and they both work for underhooks. Groves stands back and punches as he moves backwards and Trella comes in. Groves gets rocked and Trella fallows him to the ground. They scramble and Groves leans up and reigns down with strikes as the round ends.

Round two starts and Trella lands a nice leg kick. Both fighters work around the cage, throwing punches. Groves uses his momentum to get the takedown. Groves is on top and tries for an armbar but Trella flips him. They roll again and Groves takes dominant position that gives him an opening for the armbar. Groves goes for it and Trella is unable to escape. Armbar submission ends this fight.

Cody Groves defeats Phillip Trella in of the 2^nd round via armbar submission.

Nikalas Isham vs Trevel Bell

Isham immediately shoots for a takedown but Bell evades him. Isham lands a jab. As Bell throws a wide right, Isham ducks down and gets a nice takedown. Isham is in Bell’s guard and falls back for an ankle lock but it slips and he goes back to Bell’s guard. Isham gains side mount and keeps the pressure. Isham gives too much space and Bell sweeps him. They stand up and again as Bell punches Isham shoots in for another takedown. From side control, Isham throws body shots as the round ends.

Second round begins and both fighters exchange leg kicks. Isham throws punches then shoots in for another takedown but Bell uses the cage as leverage to prevent it. Bell gets underhooks and turns Isham. Bell gets a single leg. Isham uses his speed to gain full mount. Isham attempts an armbar but Bell escapes. Isham keeps the pressure on and as Bell turns on his back, Isham sinks in a tight rear naked.

Nikalas Isham defeats Trevel Bell in 2:04 of the 2^nd round via tap out due to rear naked choke.

Kombat Zone 33 | Return of the Champions

Now that you know who was in attendance, let’s get to the Mixed Martial Arts action…

Indy MMA March 31 Amateur Bouts:

Kyle Davidson vs. John Vandiver

Kyle Davidson is able to duck under some of Vandivers early punches and pick Vandiver up for a big slam.  Davidson then makes short work passing to mount and locking up an arm triangle that forces Vandiver to tap. Kyle Davidson wins via submission (arm triangle) at 1:18 of round 1.

Kyle Vancamp vs. Chris Axsom

Vancamp pressures early and clinches with Axsom momentarily then connects with a few punches as they disengage.  Vancamp opens up near the end of the round and starts to connect with some hard punches and eventually lands a hard right that sends Axsom to the ground for the knockout victory.  Kyle Vancamp wins by knockout at 2:52 of round 1.

Mahaul Mendosa vs. Anthony Sanders

Mendosa catchs Sanders with a right hand as he comes in then puts more hands on him as Sanders comes in looking for a clinch but to no avail. Mendosa is able to stop a bodylock takedown attempt by Sanders by floating and landing ontop of Sanders during the attempt.  Mendosa works some bodyshots from inside of Sanders guard till the end of the round.  Round 2 begins with Sanders taking control of the center but losing the standup battle as he again catches punches as he wades in.  Sanders is able to take Mendosa down and passes to mount but only for a few seconds before Mendosa is able to escape into the guard of Sanders.  Both fighters work to their feet for a moment before Mendosa finishes the round with a takedown. The 3^rd round starts with Sanders clinching Mendosa against the cage and takes him down into mount.  Sanders setups an armbar and bellies down but Mendosa fights his way free.  Mendosa works from within guard to end the round. Mahaul Mendosa wins by unanimous decision (29-28).

Jeremy Jackson vs. Lance Pickrell

Jackson comes out swinging and connects with a few hard punches to Pickrell but Pickrell soon changes his level and takes Jackson down to the ground. Jackson is able to return to his feet to land a few more punches before slipping on a high kick attempt.  Jackson scrambles to his feet and connects again with a hard punch that rocks Pickrell, Jackson jumps on a rear naked choke attempt before putting the hooks but is able to put Pickrell to sleep shortly after.  Jeremy Jackson wins via technical submission (rear naked choke) at 1:46 in round 1.

Brian Hood vs. Tyler Jones

Jones opens up with some effective kicks to the leg and body before Hood looks for a takedown but is rolled by Jones into mount.  Jones setups an armbar then transitions to a triangle and extends the arm to get the finish.  Tyler Jones wins via submission (armbar) at 1:26 in round 1.

Michael Conte vs. Brandon Hartsock

Conte is able to get Hartsock to the ground via big slam takedown right into mount.  After a few punches Hartsock is unable to defend himself intelligently and the fight is stopped.  Michael Conte wins via knockout at 36 seconds in round 1.

Indy MMA | Fight Night 2

Jonathan Bandy vs Johnte Potts

Bandy is first to strike with his jab that connects on two occasions before he catches a kick from Potts and takes the fight to the ground.  Bandy momentarily takes the back of Potts but gets too high and loses position. Pots works from within Bandy’s guard for the remainder of the round without a position change. Round 2 Bandy initiates a body clinch but is hip tossed to his back by Potts after a scramble for position Potts ends up on top.  Potts is able to pass into mount for a few punches before being bucked off and eventually re-guarded by Bandy. Potts loses position just for a moment when Bandy takes his back but is able to turn into guard and finishes the round with punches from guard.  Both fighters come out for the third round looking to land some heavy punches.  Potts connects with a hard right but Bandy seems un-phased.  After an awkward takedown attempt from Potts in which he lands off balance Bandy is able to secure back control.  Potts works his way free to his feet and pulls guard to attempt a front naked choke.  Bandy is able to work from side control into mount and to the back but is unable to finish Potts before he turns into his guard and lands a few from within guard at the close of the fight.  The judges score it an unanimous decision for your winner Johnte Potts.

Brandon Clawson vs William Cottrell

Clawson comes out with some hard body kicks one of which Cottrell catches and uses to pressure Clawson into the cage.  After a knee from Clawson, Cottrell is able to pick him up for a big slam takedown.  Cottrell is quick to take mount but is immediately bridged off.  Cottrell attempts an armbar but Clawson slams his way out of the attempt.  The round ends with Clawson escaping a tight guillotine attempt to land some ground and pound before the bell.  Round 2 opens with a flurry of punches from both fighters with Clawson getting the better of the exchange, before he rushes Cottrell into the cage and uses his momentum from the rebound on the cage to slam Cottrell to the ground.  After passing to mount Clawson immediately works for an armbar from mount.  Cottrell is able to escape but is quickly reversed and mounted again.  This time Cottrell gives up his back and Clawson locks in a modified rear naked choke to get the tap.  Brandon Clawson wins via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:14 in round 2.

Christopher Jewell vs Adam Gonzales

Jewell wastes no time getting the fight to the ground but is met immediately with an armbar to which he has no defense.  Adam Gonzales wins via submission (armbar) at 0:14 in round 1.

Jordan Crider vs Gary Widget

Widget wastes no time and lands two right hands that stop Crider’s forward progress before taking him to the ground.  After working from the back to side and through guard Widget is able to take the back of Crider.  From the back Widget lands a few punches before sinking in the rear naked choke.  Gary Widget wins via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:48 in round 1.

Patrick Ruby vs JD McCain

Ruby takes McCain down immediately and passes to mount.  Ruby locks up a mounted triangle and rolls to his back.  McCain puts up a hell of a fight but eventually cannot hang on much longer and is forced to tap.  Patrick Ruby wins via submission (triangle choke) at 2:37 of round 1.

Jacob Hurlock vs Gabriel Randolph

Randolph comes out looking to land some kicks early with a few missing their mark.  After a few missed exchnages on the feet Hurlock looks for a takedown but pulls guard. Hurlock works a cutback sweep from deep half guard to end up in top position.  Randolph throws up his legs for a triangle but Hurlock is able to pass the legs and then rolls out of a omaplata attempt right into a triangle attempt of his own.  After a brief struggle Randolph is forced to tap.  Jacob Hurlock wins via submission (triangle choke) at  2:01 of round 1.

Daniel Head vs Evan DeLong

eLong lands first with an inside leg kick.  Head is first to clinch and pressures Delong into the cage looking for a single leg takedown.  Head finishes the single leg by picking Delong up and dumping him to the ground.  Head works from side control until Delong works his way back to this feet shortly before being returned by Head.  Delong stands up and Head jumps to his back but is unable to secure his hooks and works from his back when Delong returns to the mat.  Delong works from half guard while Head attempts a few kimura’s but is unable to secure the submission. Round 2 begins with Delong looking to put the pressure on a winded looking Head but Head is able to weather the storm and pulls guard for a kimura off the cage and transitions into a armbar but Delong is able to scramble out.  Delong is able to land some elbows from guard but Head is unphased and welcomes the attack.  After a few more failed submission attempts from Head, Delong returns to his feet and unloads a barrage of fancy strikes including head and body kicks and spinning back elbows but Head weathers those as well.  Delong is able to get another takedown before the end of the round.  Round 3 starts with Delong landing when he wants with punches and kicks but Head still takes them and keeps going.  Head looks for a takedown against the cage eventually getting Delong down. Head works for a topside kimura but loses position and Delong works from top half-guard.  Delong creates space and backs away before getting another takedown to end the round.  The judges score it an unanimous decision for your winner Evan Delong.

Henry Goonen vs Casey Craft

Craft gets a takedown early and traps one of Goonen’s arms under his back.  After some inactivity the referee returns them to their feet.  Goonen is able to land a right hand but doesn’t follow up.  Craft pressures Goonen into the cage and works him down to the ground.  After another standup they return to their feet but are unable to find any offense and the round ends.  Round 2 begins with a lack luster minute on the feet followed by a takedown from Craft.  After another standup and another takedown from Craft, Craft is able to trap a hand under the back and land heavy hammer fists that go un-defended by Goonen and the referee is forced to step in to stop the bout.  Casey Craft wins via technical knockout due to strikes at 3:41 in round 2.

Michael Eikenberry vs Tyson Triplett, Sr.

Triplett finds an early home for an inside leg kick.  Eikenberry fires off a combination and a superman punch that misses its mark.  Eikenberry is caught backing up with a right hand that sends him to his butt for a moment but Triplett doesn’t follow up.  Triplett dumps Eikenberry with a double leg but doesn’t follow him down. Triplett is able to find Eikenberrys chin but again doesn’t follow up.  Eikenberry is able to get Triplett down by pulling guard and attempts an armbar but Triplett soon passes and lands heavy hammer fists to which Eikenberry cannot defend intelligently and the ref steps in.  Tyson Triplett wins via referee stoppage at 4:23 of round 1.

Roberto Nieto vs Jamey Scruggs

Scruggs lets his hands go first before Nieto loosens up enough to start throwing some punches back.  Both fighters battle for position against the cage but neither taking noticeable control of the position.  Nieto changes his level and ducks under the attack of Scruggs to get a takedown and works from side control.  Nieto is able to gain back control moments before the end of the round.   The fighters come out to throw down this round but neither can find their target with their punches. Scruggs is able to land a right straight but doesn’t follow up with any other attacks.  Nieto turns up the heat the second half of the round and controls the center of the cage but not landing too many significant strikes before the close of the round.  Nieto is able to shoot in for a well timed double leg and runs Scruggs to the ground.  Nieto is able to escape a guillotine attempt then transition to the back of Scruggs’ turtle position where Nieto employs heavy knees to the side and thigh of Scruggs.  Scruggs works his way to his feet for a second but Nieto is quick to take him back down into side control.  Nieto passes to mount and postures up for a few punches before the end of the round.  The judges score it 30-27-30-27 29-28 unanimously for Roberto Nieto.

Chase Beebe vs. David Love

Love lands a hard leg kick and Beebe looks to clinch shortly after a failed takedown attempt.  Love works his way off the cage and returns to the center of the cage.  Beebe is able to get an inside trip from a front headlock to get Love to the mat.  Beebe is able to transition to the back of Love and sinks in his hooks and eventually the body triangle that he uses to flatten Love out and sink in the rear naked choke.  Chase Beebe wins via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:02 in round 1.

Colosseum Combat 20 | Beebe vs Love

Hardrock MMA 45

CageCraze.com is cageside tonight at the Triple Crown Pavilion in Louisville, Kentucky, for Hardrock MMA 45. We have two professional bouts scheduled at this time, along with three amateur title fights. Headlining the card is a Middleweight bout featuring Bellator veteran John Troyer as he takes on Sean Huffman. The Co-Main Event of the evening is a Bantamweight tilt between “The Ultimate Fighter” veteran, BJ Ferguson, and Latral Perdue.

The tentative fight card can be seen below and we will be updating the results as the action happens.

Quick Results

William Myers def Antonio Rodriguez via TKO/RSC at 2:14 in Rd.1

John Lohden def Orlando Rodriguez via Submission (D’Arce choke) at 2:43 in Rd.1

Zach Michael def Roger Cross via KO (Punches) at 0:40 in Rd.1

James Reed def TC Coleman via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:56 in Rd.1

Eugene Perrin def Reggie Merriweather via Submission (Triangle Choke) at 2:55 in Rd.1

Pete Prather def Andre Rodriguez via Submission (Standing Guillotine Choke) at 0:50 in Rd.1

Billy Poe def Charles Dove via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x 3)

Will Duffy def Michael Gay via Submission (Keylock) at 1:50 in Rd.1

Josh Dominguez def Matt Egner via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x 3)

Cody Bruce def Robert Bennett via Submission (Armbar) at 1:03 in Rd.3 to win the Hardrock MMA Middleweight Title (Interim)

Deon Spalding def Josh Walker via TKO/RSC (unable to answer bell for Rd. 2) at 3:00 in Rd.1 to win the Hardrock MMA Light Heavyweight Title

BJ Ferguson def Latral Perdue via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:35 in Rd.1

John Troyer def Sean Huffman via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:06 in Rd.2

 Play-by-play

Antonio Rodriguez vs. William Myers

Rd. 1 –Myers is immediately scooped into the air and slammed by Rodriguez. Rodriguez lands a series of punches on the ground but allows Myers to stand. Myers takes Rodriguez to the mat and lands in his half guard. Myers passes to mount and postures up to drop bombs on Rodriguez. Rodriguez gives up his back and Myers flattens him out and locks in the rear naked choke. Myers gives up on the choke and starts throwing punches again. This latest flurry forces the ref to step in to stop the fight, saving Rodriguez from further punishment at 2:14 in the first round.

Orlando Rodriguez vs. John Lohden

Rd. 1 – Lohden opens with a jab and a push kick then lands a big body shot. Lohden gets Rodriguez in the clinch and lands a couple of knees before Rodriguez trips Lohden to the mat. Lohden quickly gets to his feet and starts throwing knees from the clinch. Lohden and Rodriguez trade right hands then Rodriguez trips Lohden to the mat and moves to mount. Lohden sweeps Rodriguez and starts teeing off from his guard. Rodriguez is pinned against the cage and is taking a lot of punches. Rodriguez rolls right into a choke and Lohden capitalizes, forcing the tap at 2:43 due to D’Arce choke.

Zach Michael vs. Roger Cross

Rd. 1 – Michael comes out with a pawing jab that allows him to get space and drop for a double leg. Michael scores the takedown and pounces on Cross. Cross rolls over and gives up his back and Michael flattens him out and lands hard body shots. Cross goes limp and he is out! Zach Michael scores a KO victory at 0:40 in the first round.

TC Coleman vs. James Reed

Rd. 1 – Coleman lands a jab and an outside leg kick to open the fight. Reed tries to shoot in but eats a flying knee from Coleman and goes to the mat. Coleman drops back for a guillotine choke but doesn’t have it and switches to a Kimura. Reed flips over trying to get out of the hold but does not work. Reed is refusing to tap but he holds on and finally escapes. Reed pounces on Coleman and unleashes with a torrent of punches. Coleman gives up his back and Reed is there to lock in the rear naked choke. Coleman taps to the choke at 2:56 in the first round.

Reggie Merriweather vs. Eugene Perrin

Rd. 1 – Both fighters come out throwing haymakers and Merriweather takes the worst of it. Perrin puts a right hand on Merriwether’s jaw then puts him on the mat. Merriweather is still in the fight and looking for a guillotine. Merriweather bucks Perrin off but gets caught in an armbar. Merriweather forces his arm out and pummels Perrin from the top! Perrin is very active on the bottom and has Merriweather in a triangle now. Merriweather stacks Perrin but drops to his knees eventually and falls deeper into the choke. Perrin has the choke in tight now. Merriweather taps! Eugene Perrin wins via triangle choke at 2:55 in the first round.

Andre Rodriguez vs. Pete Prather

Rd. 1 – Prather lands a jab and a big right hand to start the round but Rodriguez still moves forward, until eating a big knee from the clinch. Prather has a standing guillotine and almost lifts Rodriguez’s feet off of the mat by his neck. Rodriguez taps to the choke at 0:50 in the first round.

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Charles Dove vs. Billy Poe 

Rd. 1 – Dove ducks under a straight right from Poe but cannot complete his takedown attempt. Poe throws a heavy kick that backs Dove up. Dove moves forward and ties up with Poe but Poe spins him around into the cage. Poe goes for an arm drag but Dove avoids it and takes Poe’s back. Poe escapes and moves to side control. Poe is landing short knees from side control and then lets Dove up to his feet. Dove eats a huge right hand from Poe, losing his mouthpiece in the process. Poe swarms Dove on the ground but stalls out and decides to let Dove stand. Time runs out just as the fighters reengage. This is the best fight of the night so far.

Rd. 2 – Poe catches a body kick by Dove and slams him to the mat in dramatic fashion. Dove stands but is immediately taken to the ground again. Dove reverses position and gets on top of Poe in half guard. Dove lands a series of short left hands then mounts Poe. Dove lands a hammerfist and Poe bucks and rolls but ends up in an armbar. Poe is thrashing and rolling trying to get out of the sub attempt but Dove has it tight. Poe’s arm is badly hyper-extended but Poe refuses to tap. The horn sounds and Poe survives the round.

Rd. 3 – Poe pushes forward in the final round, bullying a tired Charles Dove into the cage and landing solid knees. Poe is leaning on Dove to wear him out but Dove trips Poe to the mat. As he falls, Poe slides around to Dove’s back and pops up to his feet. Poe charges across the cage at Dove, landing a big flying knee and then following up with two brutal knees against the cage, sending Dove’s mouthpiece flying again. Poe lets Dove stand again and bullies him into the cage once more. Dove attempts a trip and Poe backs off. Poe steps in and lands a solid right hand, forcing Dove to shoot in. Dove is tired and cannot get Poe to the mat. Poe ties up with Dove and takes him to the ground. Poe stacks Dove against the cage just as the round end. Our first fight of the night to make it out of the first round also goes to the judges. Billy Poe wins via Unanimous Decision, all three judges scoring the bout 29-28.

Will Duffy vs. Michael Gay

Rd. 1 – Gay throws an outside leg kick and falls backwards. Gay regains his feet and shoots in on Duffy but Duffy is not bothered by the takedown attempt and sprawls. Duffy peppers the body of Gay, and then Gay pulls guard. Duffy passes to half guard and lands three hard right hands to Gay’s ribs. Duffy passes to side control and works a Kimura. Gay has nowhere to go and is forced to tap at 1:50 in the first round.

Matt Egner vs. Josh Dominguez

Rd. 1 –Egner lands a right hand and Dominguez shoots in and forces Egner into the cage. Dominguez is looking for a single-leg takedown but gives up on it. The fighters are trading knees in the clinch when Dominguez trips Egner to the mat. Dominguez takes Egner’s back and has both hooks in. Dominguez is teeing off from the back then flattens Egner on the canvas. Egner tries to stand but Dominguez hangs on. Egner makes it up to his feet and flips forward trying to throw Dominguez off but it does not work. The round ends with Dominguez latched onto Egner’s back.

Rd. 2 – Dominguez lands a combo and then drops Egner with a head kick. Dominguez jumps on Egner on the ground and takes his back. Egner gets flattened out on the mat but as they roll over we can see Dominguez does not have the choke in. Egner stands tries to throw Dominguez off but Dominguez is able to wrestle him back to the mat. Dominguez is all over Egner but cannot improve his position as the round ends.

Rd. 3 – Egner tags Dominguez with a straight right as the final round starts. Dominguez shoots in and takes Egner to mat again, this time stacking Egner against the cage. Dominguez postures up and lands two right hands that send Egner’s head bouncing off of the mat. Egner rolls and gives up his back, allowing Dominguez to get both hooks in and go for the rear naked choke again. Dominguez does not have the choke in under Egner’s chin and struggles to work his arm in. The fight ends before either fighter can advance their position. This fight goes to the judges, and they all see it for Josh Dominguez (30-27).

Chris Dunn vs. Isiac Franks

Rd. 1 – Franks fakes a kick and shoots in on Dunn but is overpowered and Dunn trips Franks to the mat. Dunn quickly mounts Franks and takes his back when Franks rolls over. Dunn has both hooks in and is flattening Franks out. Franks fights the choke and forces Dunn to give up on it. Dunn goes back to mount but is swept by Franks with a little over ten seconds left in the round. Franks does not score any damage as the round ends.

Rd. 2 – Franks scores with an outside leg kick and a Superman punch to start the second round. Dunn and Franks tie up and trip to the mat, Franks landing on top in Dunn’s guard. Dunn sweeps Franks and stacks him against the cage, limiting his mobility. We are looking at a stalemate on the ground, but the fighters are just active enough to keep from being stood up. Dunn moves to half guard and looks to pass to side control. Dunn lands a series of body shots just before the round ends.

Rd. 3 – Franks lands a nice combo as the round starts and follows it with an outside leg kick but allows Dunn to take him down. Dunn mounts Franks and unloads from the top. Franks is hurt and rolls over, giving up his back to Dunn. Dunn wastes no time sinking in a rear naked choke, forcing the tap at 1:05 in the final round. Chris Dunn is the new Hardrock MMA Featherweight Champion.

Robert Bennett vs. Cody Bruce

Rd. 1 – Bennett opens with an inside leg kick but is stunned by a straight left from Cody Bruce. Bruce lands the same punch twice more before Bennett rushes in to tie up with the Baddog MMA fighter. Bruce spins Bennett into the cage and lands some big knees to the body. Bruce lands a big knee and the fighters take the center of the cage. Bruce is picking Bennett apart on the feet but eats a punch and decides to shoot in on Bennett. Bruce gets Bennett to the mat and moves to side control but Bennett gets his full guard back just as the round ends.

Rd. 2 – Bruce lands a huge left hand and drops Bennett to open the second round. Bruce is all over Bennett on the ground and Bennett has a cut under his right eye. Bruce mounts Bennett and is pounding away from the top. Bruce swivels and goes for an armbar but the fighters end up locked together in an awkward position and the fight is stood up. On the restart Bruce shoots in and takes Bennett to the mat. Bennett is looking for a triangle from his back but the round ends before he can do anything with it.

Rd. 3 – Bennett is coming out aggressively in the final round, knowing he is behind on the scorecards. He throws a leg kick and a stiff right hand but Bruce shoots in and puts Bennett on his back. Bruce mounts Bennett and immediately goes for the armbar. The move is fast and efficient, forcing Bennett to tap right away. The end comes at 1:03 in the third round.

Deon Spalding vs. Josh Walker

Rd. 1 – Spalding throws a straight right and rushes in on Walker but cannot take him down. Walker pulls guard and works his hips up looking for a submission. Spalding stacks Walker against the cage and puts all of his weight on him until he can pass to side control. Walker is able to escape and stand but Spalding immediately rushes him and pins him against the cage. Spalding wrestles Walker to the mat and falls into side control. Spalding takes Walker’s back after Walker tries to roll over and stand. As the round ends, Spalding slides off of Walker and Walker ends the round in Spalding’s guard. Walker tells the referee he cannot continue and the fight is stopped. Deon Spalding is the new Hardrock MMA Light Heavyweight Champion.

Latral Perdue vs. BJ Ferguson

Rd. 1 – Perdue starts with an inside leg kick and then circles and follows up with another. Perdue whiffs with a big right hand Ferguson rushes in, looking for a takedown. Perdue goes for a flying triangle but gets slammed to the mat for his troubles. Perdue works back to his feet and spins Ferguson into the cage. Ferguson tries tripping Perdue but settles for spinning Perdue around into the cage. Ferguson is working on Perdue’s thigh with knees and then picks Perdue up and drops him to the ground. Ferguson takes Perdue’s back and gets both hooks in, looking for a rear naked choke. They are too close to the fence for Ferguson to flatten Perdue out at first but Ferguson is persistent and manages to angle Perdue and flatten him out. As soon as Perdue’s hips go flat on the mat he taps to the choke, ending the fight at 3:35 in the first round.

Sean Huffman vs. John Troyer

Rd. 1 – Huffman comes out aggressively and lands a couple of right hands and pins Troyer against the cage but cannot advance. The fighters break and take the center of the cage and Troyer connects with a combo and lands a big knee. Troyer follows up with a five punch combo that stuns Huffman but Huffman pokes Troyer in the eye and we take a break. On the restart Troyer slams Huffman and lands a few strikes on the ground. Huffman is hard to keep down though and he works to his feet. Huffman manages to get Troyer to the mat and passes to half guard. Huffman lands solid left hands but is forced to move into Troyer’s closed guard as the round ends.

Rd. 2 – Both fighters look winded and are slowly circling as the round starts. Troyer catches Huffman with a big right hand and unloads, landing two nice combos. Troyer takes Huffman to the mat and opens up with elbows until Huffman rolls and give up his back. Troyer flattens Huffman out on the canvas and goes for a rear naked choke. Troyer rolls Huffman over and sinks in the choke, forcing the tap at 2:06 in the second round.

Hardrock MMA 45 Pro/Am | Kentucky MMA

Second session will be from 12:30pm to 2:00pm and this session will include: working off the wall, takedown defense, and getting back up from takedowns.

Cost per session is: $50 pre registration and $75 for walk ins. This will be held and Integrated Fighting Academy. 5301 Commerce Circle Suite A , Indianapolis, IN. If interested email Eddie Bell Here

 The event's 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!

Rich Franklin Seminar Hosted by Integrated Fighting Academy

We would like to thank Brandon “Hardrock” Higdon and Vanessa Bohleber-Higdon for having us as guests to cover what is one of the most unique MMA events in the region. The fight night at the Pendennis Club is a black-tie affair and for decades featured Boxing bouts. Louisville’s own Muhammad Ali fought at the Pendennis club early in his career. 2011 was the first year that the club switched from Boxing to Mixed Martial Arts. The event is open only to club members, representatives of the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority, and for the past two events, CageCraze.com. WiFi access for our live updates this year came courtesy of ProMMANow.com Staff Writer, Gary Thomas, who was one of the three judges for the event. Look below for our play-by-play and quick results as the event unfolded.

Play-by-play

Shane Clark vs. James Reed

Rd. 1 – Reed takes Clark to the mat and moves to side control then passes to mount. Reed flattens Clark out on the ground and walks him towards the cage. Reed postures up and starts unloading on Clark until taps to strikes at 1:08 in the first round. Very nice finish to get the crowd into the fight night!

Josh Dawson vs. Jonathan Clemons

Rd. 1 – Clemons opens up with a jab and a body kick and then Dawson fires back with a combo. Both fighters are standing and trading in the center of the cage now. The fighters clinch and Dawson lands two knees before Clemons dumps him on the ground. Clemons has Dawson stacked against the cage but Dawson wall walks and is able to get up. Clemons quickly looks for a D’Arce choke, Dawson fights it momentarily but ultimately taps to the choke at 1:33 in the first round.

Tony Watkins vs. Jesse Trout

Rd. 1 – Watkins scores first with a right hand and then trips Trout to the mat. Trout works for an armbar from his back but gets slammed for his trouble. Watkins is all over Trout now, landing big right hands on the ground. Trout scrambles to all fours and Watkins takes his back and opens up with right hands. Watkins falls forward and loses his footing but scrambles back to top position. Trout goes for another armbar but Watkins slams his way out of it again. Watkins makes a sloppy attempt to pass to side control and allows Trout to get up to his base. Watkins works a front choke then moves around to take Trout’s back again. Watkins lands several right hands before sinking in a rear naked choke. Trout taps to the choke with less than ten seconds left in the round. The win goes to Tony Watkins via rear naked choke at 2:57 in the first round.

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JR Hines vs. Phil White

Rd. 1 – Hines opens with a wild flurry and White looks to counter with an overhand left. The fighters back off and circle then White moves forward with a shot but Hines stuffs it and throws knees to the body of White. The fighters break and take the center of the cage and White moves in and rushes Hines. White drops Hines and opens up from the top. Hines rolls and gives up his back and White sinks in a rear naked choke. Hines taps quickly at 1:32 in the first round. Louisville MMA’s Phil White wins his professional MMA debut.

Tyrelle Olding vs. Matt Wilson

Rd. 1 – Olding lands a crisp outside leg kick to open the round and then follows up with two more kicks. Wilson takes Olding to the mat but Olding quickly looks for a D’Arce choke. It doesn’t look all the way in but Olding cranks it and Wilson taps immediately at the 0:17 mark in the first round! Very fast submission.

Michael Cockerham vs. Justin Gamble

Rd. 1 – Gamble lands a right hand and shoots in on Cockerham but Cockerham ties up with Gamble and lands a big knee against the cage. Gamble fights to his feet but Cockerham takes him back to the mat. Gamble is in trouble! Gamble rolls and gives up his back and Cockerham is landing blows to Gamble’s ribs. Gamble is thrashing trying to escape but Cockerham is on tight. Gamble rolls again and Cockerham mounts Gamble. Gamble bridges and gets space and gets back to guard. A wild scramble ensues and Gamble has an armbar! The hold is deep and Cockerham is forced to tap at 1:39 in the first round. If you blinked you missed it!

Shane Robinson vs. Joe Meyer

Rd. 1 – Robinson throws an uppercut as Meyer runs in and tees off from close range. Meyer shoots in again and fights through Robinson’s defense to get him to the ground. Meyer moves to side control but Robinson uses the cage and is able to escape. Robinson gets on top but Meyer has an armbar from the bottom. Robinson fights it as long as he can but Meyer extends his arm to an unnatural angle and Robinson is forced to tap at 1:59 in the first round. Joe Meyer, teammate of Phil White, secures the second win of the night for Louisville MMA.

Jason Keen vs. Zach Sanders

Rd. 1 – Keen throws an early body kick but Sanders catches it and falls backwards, pulling Keen to the mat. Sanders is working for a triangle on the bottom but Keen breaks free and stacks Sanders against the cage and starts dropping elbows. Keen is working hard to keep Sanders on the mat but Sanders is able to roll onto his back and get to full guard. Keen passes to side and looks for a D’Arce choke but Sanders is able to defend and get out of the choke. Sanders fights to his feet and Keen tries to drop back for a guillotine but loses his grip and Sanders chases him to the mat. Sanders takes Keen’s back and locks in both hooks. Sanders is on Keen’s back landing right hands from behind. All Keen is doing is covering up, not offering much defense. Sanders slides his right arm under Keen’s neck but Keen gets wrist control and pulls the arm away. Keen fights to his feet! Keen is throwing wildly and gets caught by a counter from Sanders. Sanders buckles Keen to the mat with a knee and then takes his back! Sanders looks for a rear naked choke but is too high and Keen is able to escape out the back door just as the round ends.

Rd. 2 – Keen’s leg is buckled with an outside leg kick at the start of the round and Sanders follows up with punches to drop him to the mat. Sanders takes Keen’s back again and lands heavy right hands from the back. Keen is able to stand again but gets nailed with a head kick from Sanders and drops to the mat again. Sanders lands two huge knees to Keen’s ribs on the ground. Keen rolls to his back and Sanders moves to side control. Sanders has Keen stacked against the cage and works short strikes with his left hand then opens up with elbows. Keen gives up his back and Sanders tees off with left hands. Keen stands again but is immediately tripped to the ground by Sanders. Sanders lands more knees to the body of Keen before taking Keen’s back. Sanders locks in a rear naked choke and forces Keen to tap at 3:28 in the second round.

Josh Franklin vs. Johnathan Ivey

Rd. 1 – Ivey takes the center of the cage immediately and Franklin throws some leg kicks to judge the distance. Franklin lands an outside leg kick but Ivey catches him with a big right hand then lands a knee to the body. Ivey and Franklin trade leg kicks before Ivey opens up on Franklin with a torrent of wild punches. Franklin is getting the worst of the standup battle thus far. Ivey’s experience is showing in this fight. Ivey bullies Franklin against the cage and the fighters trade knees to the body. Ivey is putting all of his weight on Franklin trying to wear him down but the action slows. The ref resets the fight due to inaction. Ivey nails Franklin with a low blow and Josh Franklin is given time to recover. As the fight restarts Franklin takes the center of the cage and flicks his jab effectively. Franklin is using his reach advantage to keep Ivey at bay. Ivey bobs and weaves then ducks under and catches Franklin with another looping punch and opens a cut over Franklin’s nose. Ivey rushes at Franklin and pushes him against the cage. There is blood flowing from Franklin now and he tries in desperation to trip Ivey to the mat. Franklin gets the takedown but Ivey goes for a Kimura immediately when he hits the ground. Franklin has no choice but to tap at 4:23 in the first round. “Big” John Ivey takes the stoppage victory.

That is all from the Pendennis Club in Downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Thanks for following along tonight for all of the local MMA action from the Bluegrass State. Follow @CageCrazeKy on Twitter for more news and event coverage from Kentucky. 

Quick Results

James Reed def Shane Clark via Submission (Strikes) at 1:08 in Rd.1

Jonathan Clemons def Josh Dawson via Submission (D’Arce Choke) at 1:33 in Rd.1

Tony Watkins def Jesse Trout via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:57 in Rd.1

Phil White def JR Hines via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:32 in Rd.1

Tyrelle Olding def Matt Wilson via Submission (D’Arce Choke) at 0:17 in Rd.1

Justin Gamble def Michael Cockerham via Submission (Armbar) at 1:39 in Rd.1

Joe Meyer def Shane Robinson via Submission (Armbar) at 1:59 in Rd.1

Zach Sanders def Jason Keen via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:28 in Rd.2

Johnathan Ivey def Josh Franklin via Submission (Kimura) at 4:23 in Rd.1

Hardrock MMA 44 | Private Show 2 | Kentucky MMA

MMA Social Network | CageCraze.com

Extreme Cage Challenge 5

February 18^th the Saturday night unfolds as Extreme Cage Challenge holds their 5^th event in Connersville Indiana. There will be six amateur fights tonight. This all ammy card also features two grappling matches that are announced move-by-move by the referee for the fans to get a little insight into the ground game. The fight card can be found below as well as all the play-by-play action.

Extreme Cage Challenge 5

Chad Eaton vs David Koelling:

Koelling comes out with the first strikes. Eaton lands a few but Koelling keeps the center. Eaton lands a leg kick and Koelling comes down with a good one-two. Eaton attempts the clench up but Koelling keeps them standing up. Koelling continues to land punches as Eaton folds to the ground. Koelling stands over him and blood drips from Eaton’s nose. Koelling backs away and lets Eaton stand. Koelling lands a solid leg kick and pain crosses Eaton’s face. Eaton throws a good one-two and Koelling connects with his own.

Second round and Koelling is dominating with his punches. Eaton lands a leg kick and goes for the clench. Eaton pushes Koelling to the cage and gets the single leg. Keolling comes up over him and takes Eaton’s back and gets his hooks in. Koelling lands several body shots. Koelling tries for the choke as the bell rings.

Its round three and Koelling is first to strike. Eaton lands a leg kick and gets the single leg. Koelling goes to guard and works for the kumara. He struggles to pull Eaton’s arm back but using his hips he sinks in the submission. Koelling defeats Eaton at :55 of the third round.

Mark Heindl vs Ben Ticen:

Both fighters throw punches and Heindl throws a nice cross that rocks Ticen and Heindl rushes in over top and takes Ticen’s back. Heindl sinks in a rear naked. Keindl defeats Ticen in :22 of the first round due to rear naked choke.

Thomas Jenkins vs Eric Brevik:

Jenkins immediately rushes in with a flurry of punches and clenches Brevik to the ground where he continues to land punches. Jenkins stands up and backs of and as soon as Brevik stands, Jenkins rushes in again and lands a hard right that knocks Brevik to the ground. Jenkins comes down on top and transitions to side control where he sinks in an arm triangle.  Jenkins defeats Brevik in :59 of the first round due to arm triangle.

Justin Bowsett vs Darrell Robertson:

Bowsett lands a hard leg kick. Both fighters throw a few punches and Robertson goes in for the single leg. Bowsett works in Robertson’s butterfly guard and lands some good body shots. Robertson stands up and both connect with a cross. Punches are flying everywhere and they clench up against the cage.

Second round starts with Bowsett throwing a leg kick and as Robertson grabs to attempt a takedown they fall to the ground. Robertson works in guard and Bowsett lands some rib shots. Robertson slowly works for a triangle but Bowsett slips it and lands some body shots. Robertson quickly turns him over and Bowsett now has to work on the ground. It’s a scramble as both fighters work to gain position and the bell rings.

Third round begins and Robertson rushes in with strikes and forces Bowsett to the cage. Bowsett is on top but Robertson has him in a choke. Bowsett escapes and works in Robertson’s guard. Both fighters work for position. Robertson lands a couple heal kicks to Bowsett’s leg. Robertson flips him and is now in Bowsett’s guard. It’s a scramble as Robertson raises up and tries to pass guard. Bowsett gets hold of Robertson’s arm as they are rolling and stretches it out for the arm bar.  Bowsett defeats Robertson 2:53 in the third round due to arm bar.

Carlos Martinez vs Mathew Camden:

Martinez lands the first punch but Camden lands his own and its knocks Martinez to the ground. Camden rushes in as Martinez stands up and they clench up. Camden gets the takedown and Martinez takes side control. Martinez stands up and both fighters throw hard punches. Martinez lands a kick. Camden comes over the top with a good two and again knocks Martinez to the ground. As he rushes in and they clench up against the cage the bell rings.

Round two Martinez lands the first one again. They exchange punches and Martinez hits Camden with a good head kick. Camden gets rocked to the ground but Martinez keeps it standing up. It’s a one hit battle as they continue to exchange punches. Martinez kicks again and at the second kick Camden tries for the takedown but unsuccessful.

Third round and again Martinez is first to throw. He lands a leg kick that sweeps Camden to the ground but Martinez keeps it standing. They continue to exchange punches and Martinez beats Camden with solid leg kicks. Camden barely defends himself as Martinez punishes him with leg kicks till the end of the round. Martinez defeats Camden due to unanimous decision.

Trey Cole vs James Eversole:

Cole throws the first kick. Eversole gets the takedown and works in guard and Cole stands to escape. Eversole rushes in for another takedown. Cole is in guard but slides out and stands back up. Cole rushes in for a takedown and ends up in Eversole’s guard. It’s a scramble as they work for position.

Second round begins and Eversole comes with a good combination into a takedown. He works in Cole’s guard and nearly escapes a triangle. Eversole gets side control and moves to north-south position. From there Eversole pulls a crucifix but he is unable to get the neck crank because of novice rules. While Cole is still trapped, Eversole then maneuvers to pull an arm bar.  Eversole defeats Cole 1:52 of the second round due to arm bar.

XCC 5 | Extreme Cage Challenge

S2N

Second2None Cage Fights will hold their 16th and final event tonight at the Derby Park Expo Five “Expo Dome” in Louisville, Kentucky. CageCraze.com will be cageside for the S2N finale and we would like to thank Amy and Jamie Evans for letting us cover their events over the years. They have offered many local fighters a stage to showcase their talent and it has been a pleasure being involved with their promotion, staff, and fighters.

The Second2None Cage Fights farewell event will be headlined by a Professional bout in the Middleweight division between Derby City MMA’s Nick “Chewy” Albin and PACMMA’s Chris Sizemore. In addition to the Main Event there are four Amateur titles on the line. A full fight card is not available at this time but we will have the card updated with quick results and a full play-by-play recap following the event. All of the known bouts can be found below. Doors open at 5:30PM and the event starts at 7:00PM so check back here for live updates (pending wifi access at venue).

Play-by-play

Chris Nelson vs. Andrew Ward

Rd. 1 – Nelson opens with a front kick and Ward rushes in. Ward eats a right hook from Nelson and the two fighters tie up against the cage. Ward trips Nelson to the mat and lands in his guard. Ward passes to half guard but stalls out and has to retreat to full guard. Nelson is throwing short, effective strikes from the bottom. The strikes from the bottom get Ward’s attention and he postures up and throws a hard right hand. Nelson is keeping Ward tight to his body and there is not much Ward can do. Ward lands a couple of lancing blows as the horn sounds to end the round.

Rd. 2 – Nelson opens with another push kick and then Ward opens up with a flurry of punches. The two fighters are standing and trading wild combinations now and Ward tags Nelson with a few solid punches. Nelson backs off and appears to be bleeding from the nose. The fighters become tangled and Nelson ends up on top of Ward on the ground. Nelson postures and drops a torrent of right hands to the face of Andrew Ward. Nelson lets Ward stand and nails him with a kick to the chest. Nelson rushes in and trips Ward to the mat. Ward sweeps Nelson and mounts him! Ward is peppering Nelson’s ribs with short left hands but the fighters are stood up. Ward looks displeased with the decision and gets caught with a nice combo from Nelson as the fight restarts. Ward fires back but Nelson gets the better of him in the last exchange as the horn sounds.

Rd. 3 – Ward lands an inside leg kick to start the final round but Nelson comes back with an outside leg kick and a high body kick. Nelson lands a hard left to Ward’s jaw that rocks him and Nelson follows up with another flurry. Nelson steps back and then the fighters clinch. Ward pushes Nelson back and Nelson clips Ward with a right hand that drops Ward to his rump. Nelson follows up but Ward recovers and gets on top of Nelson. The ref stands them up and Nelson lands a huge head kick. Ward looks dazed but is still in the fight. Nelson is now staying on the outside and landing his jab. Ward closes the distance and lands a couple of punches but Nelson lands three crisp jabs just before the horn sounds to end the fight.  Chris Nelson def Andrew Ward via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x 1, 29-28 x 2).

Dakota Clements vs. Antonio Arce

Rd. 1 – Clements opens with a leg kick and then trips Arce to the mat and passes to mount. Clements lands several blows from mount but catches Arce with a punch to the back of the head and the fight is stopped. Arce is given time to recover from the illegal blow and then the fight is reset. Clements hits Arce with a leg kick then a body kick but Arce comes back with a body kick of his own. Clements trips Arce to the mat again and moves to mount. Clements swivels around and drops back for an armbar. It is fully extended and Arce is forced to tap at 1:25 in the very first round.

Greg Weathers vs. Steve Coleman

Rd. 1 – Weathers opens with a jab but Coleman’s head movement is good and he ducks under the punch. Weathers is stalking Coleman across the cage but Coleman ducks and shoots in on Weathers. Coleman takes Weathers down and passes to side control, then to full mount. Coleman looks for an armbar then postures up and lands some serious punches from the top. Weathers is getting battered by Coleman now and all he can do is cover up. The ref has seen enough and he steps in to stop the fight at 1:52 in the first round.

Dusty Stengel vs. Robert Goodlett

Rd. 1 – The fighters circle for a few moments and both guys are trying to find their range. Goodlett has a reach advantage and Stengel is trying to close the distance. Stengel catchds Goodlett on the chin with a left hand and Goodlett returns fire with a kick. Stengel lands a nice combination that forces Goodlett to retreat. Goodlett throws an ill-advised body kick and gets taken to the mat for his troubles. Stengel opens up with left hands from Goodlett’s half guard. Goodlett’s head is bouncing off of the mat and can not do anything to stop Stengel’s attack. The ref steps in at 2:10 in the first round to save Goodlett from further damage.

Damon Bell vs. Ben Fowler

Rd. 1 – Bell catches a kick from Fowler but cannot take him down. Fowler lands two huge knees from the clinch and then takes Bell to the mat. Bell wall walks his way into a crouch but that is as far as he gets as Fowler promptly takes him back to the ground. Fowler passes to mount and opens up with left hands from the top. Fowler is teeing off on Bell and the ref stops the fight at 2:00 in the first round.

Cameron Cain vs. Brandon Ward

Rd. 1 – Cain opens using his jab and then closes the distance and throws a short leg kick. Cain moves in and lands a right hand and takes Ward to the mat. Cain is all over Ward on the ground! Ward is getting pummeled and the ref is forced to stop the fight. Ward protests that is was stopped early but he was in a bad situation. The official end to the fight comes at 0:51 in the first round.

Cody Kessinger vs. Bruce Bostic

Rd. 1 – Kessinger shoots under Bostic’s opening flurry and takes him to the mat. Bostic rolls and gives up his back but is able to scramble to his back and get his guard. Bostic sinks down and grabs Kessinger’s ankle looking for a heel hook. Kessinger refuses to tap and hammers away at Bostic from the top. Bostic is not phased though and cranks the heel hook as far as he can. Kessinger taps and immediately screams out in pain. Bostic tells the referee that Kessinger is hurt and he kneels down by Kessinger’s side to keep him from trying to stand. The paramedics rush into the cage to attend to Cody Kessinger. Cody is carried out on a stretcher with an apparent torn ligament in his knee. We will update everyone on his condition as soon as we can. We have covered Cody throughout his career and wish him the best. The official time of the submission is 1:29 in the first round. Bruce Bostic is a true sportsman and showed a lot of class tonight. His actions after the fight speak volumes about his character. UPDATE: Cody Kessinger tells CageCraze.com that he suffered a torn meniscus and a torn MCL as a result of the heel hook. We wish Cody a swift recovery and cannot wait to see him back in the cage.

Phillip Perkins vs. Brandon Cothern

Rd. 1 – Cothern opens with an overhand right but Perkins drops low and scoops Cothern and takes him down. Cothern sweeps Perkins and Perkins looks for a triangle. Cothern stands and gets out of the sub attempt and lands a big right hand to the face of Perkins. After a wild scramble on the mat Perkins ends up in side control  and opens up on Cothern. Perkins is dropping right hands at will and Cothern is hurt. Cothern can only cover up and Perkins looks at the ref between punches to see if he is going to stop it. The ref obliges and stops the fight at 1:51 in the first round. Phil “The Rooster” Perkins is the Flyweight Champ!

Robert Bennett vs. Matt Holthaus

Rd. 1 – Holthaus throws a leg kick then catches Bennett with a jab and shoots in. Holthaus takes Bennett to the mat then stands over top of him and lands a huge right hand. Bennett rolls and gives up his back and Holthaus drops down. Holthaus slides forward and looks for an armbar. Bennett is now dropping punches from the top and Holthaus is taking damage. Holthaus gives up on the submission to regain his composure. Holthaus scrambles and takes Bennett’s back again and flattens him out on the mat. Holthaus has both hooks in and is looking for a rear naked choke. The choke looks tight but Bennett does not tap. The round ends, saving Bennett from the submission attempt.

Rd. 2 – Bennett backs away from a Holthaus jab and then walks into a big right hand. Holthaus takes Bennet down and passes to side control. Holthaus steps over to mount and postures up and starts dropping punches. Holthaus switches to a keylock but Bennett fights through it and sweeps Holthaus. Holthaus looks for an armbar and then an omoplata as he rolls on top of Bennett. Holthaus mounts Bennett again! Holthaus looks for a mounted triangle then drops back for an armbar! Bennett fights it but eventually taps! Holthaus wins the Middleweight Championship via armbar at 2:42 in the second round.

AJ Sherrard vs. Skylar Banks

Rd. 1 – Sherrard lands a nice outside leg kick to start the fight. Banks comes back with a push kick and an outside leg kick of his own. Sherrard lands a pawing left jab, then rushes Banks and bullies him against the cage. Sherrard throws a knee but it lands south of the border. The fight is paused the restarted after Banks recovers. Sherrard snaps two three outside leg kicks that find their mark behind Banks’ left knee. Sherrard is chopping away now with his kicks! Sherrard is stalking Banks around the cage now and lands a right hand just before the horn sounds to end the round.

Rd. 2 – Sherrard misses with a body kick then misses with an overhand right. Banks lands a jab but eats another hard leg kick from Sherrard. Sherrard ducks under a punch from Banks and takes him down. Sherrard lands in Banks’ half guard and works to pass. Sherrard stands over Banks and drops bombs but Banks trips Sherrard and knocks him to the ground. Sherrard stands briefly but Banks spears Sherrard and drops him to the mat. Sherrard is pinned with his head against the cage and Banks is landing short right hands. The round ends with Sherrard taking damage against the cage.

Rd. 3 – Banks throws a combo and Sherrard shoots for a double leg. Banks sprawls and starts landing shots from the top. Sherrard looks for a Kimura from the bottom but Banks escapes. The fighters stand and Banks lands a knee from the clinch but Sherrard trips Banks to the mat! Sherrard is landing punches from Banks’ half guard now. Banks is working hard on the bottom to stifle Sherrard’s attack but Sherrard posts up and lands solid right hands. Sherrard is struggling to free his left leg and pass to side control as the round ends. This is a title fight so we head into the fourth round for the first time tonight.

Rd. 4 – Banks hurts Sherrard with a series of right hands but Sherrard ducks and shoots in on Banks and takes him down. Sherrard is trapped in Banks’ half guard again. Sherrard opens up with left hands but Banks pulls him close to traps Sherrard’s arm. Sherrard adjusts and starts scoring with left hands to Banks’ face. The punches are getting through and Sherrard smells blood. Sherrard opens up with alternating rights and lefts. Banks tries to buck Sherrard off but is unsuccessful. Banks tries to wall walk and stand but Sherrard pulls him away from the cage and puts his back on the mat. What started out as a scary round for Sherrard ended with Banks in deep waters. We are going to the fifth round to decide this fight!

Rd. 5 – Sherrard starts winging big punches and then shoots in on Banks. Banks sprawls and takes Sherrard’s back and looks for a choke. Sherrard  escapes and spins around into Banks’ guard! Banks is stacked against the cage again and his mobility is limited. Sherrard is pestering Banks with short right hands to the ribs. Sherrard is scoring but the punches are not as strong as they were early in the fight. Banks struggles on the bottom but time runs out and Sherrard looks like he will walk away with the belt as the horn sounds to end the round. We go to the scorecards to decide this one. AJ Sherrard defeats Skylar Banks via Unanimous Decision (49-46 x 3) to win the Welterweight Title.

Chris Sizemore vs. Nick Albin

Rd. 1 – Albin throws a leg kick then gets taken down when Sizemore catches another kick. Sizemore scrambles to his feet, not wanting to fight on the ground with the BJJ Black Belt from Louisville. Sizemore spins Albin into the cage and throws a flurry of punches. Albin escapes to the center of the cage and lands another leg kick. Sizemore pushes Albin against the cage and clinches with him. Albin lands a big knee to Sizemore’s midsection. Sizemore catches Albin with a stiff uppercut and Albin returns fire with a big knee to the face. The fighters are trading knee strikes from the clinch. Albin bullies Sizemore across the cage and looks for a single leg but cannot get the takedown.  Both fighters land big right hands in the center of the cage. Sizemore throws a left to the body of Albin then connects with an uppercut. Sizemore chases Albin across the cage and forces him against the fence. Sizemore takes Albin down to the mat against the fence. Sizemore starts throwing elbows just as the round ends. Wow, very exciting fight. Sizemore looks to be the better striker but Albin still looks fresh as we head into the second round.

Rd. 2 – Sizemore opens with a looping left but it misses its mark. Albin lands another inside leg kick but Sizemore punishes his midsection with punches. Sizemore rushes in with a flurry but Albin is able to take Sizemore down and stack him against the cage. Albin is throwing quick body shots now and looking for space to throw elbows. Albin passes to half guard and pulls Sizemore away from the fence. Albin briefly looks for a Kimura from half guard then passes to mount. Sizemore gives up his back and Albin unloads with punches from the top. Albin flattens Sizemore and is landing huge shots. Albin allows Sizemore space and the fighter from Illinois works back to his half guard. Albin looks for a straight armbar from the top but lets it go. Albin passes to side control then passes to mount again. Albin steps over to side control on the other side now. Albin is setting up a north-south choke. He spins around and sinks the choke in! The crowd erupts and Sizemore taps to the choke at 4:48.

Quick Results

James Glenn vs David Hoffman – DRAW (Grappling Match)

Harry Bloomer def Brandon Schoenbachler 1-0 (Grappling Match)

Chris Nelson def Andrew Ward via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x 1, 29-28 x 2)

Dakota Clements def Antonio Arce via Submission (Armbar) at 1:25 in Rd.1

Steve Coleman def Greg Withers via TKO/RSC (Strikes) at 1:52 in Rd.1

Dusty Stengel def Robert Goodlett via TKO/RSC (Strikes) at 2:10 in Rd.1

Brian Gates vs Dereck Duncan – DRAW (Grappling Match)

Ben Fowler def Damon Bell via TKO/RSC (Strikes) at 2:00 in Rd.1

Cameron Cain def Brandon Ward via TKO/RSC (Strikes) at 0:51 in Rd.1

Bruce Bostic def Cody Kessinger via Submission (Heel Hook) at 1:29 in Rd.1 to win the Bantamweight Championship

Phillip Perkins def Brandon Cothern via TKO/RSC (Strikes) at 1:51 in Rd.1 to claim the Flyweight Title

Matt Holthaus def Robert Bennett via Submission (Armbar) at 2:42 in Rd.2 to win the MW Title

AJ Sherrard def Skylar Banks via Unanimous Decision (49-46 x 3) to win the WW Title.

Nick Albin def Chris Sizemore via Submission (North-South Choke) at 4:48 in Rd.2

Second2None Cage Fights | Final Event | Kentucky MMA