“It’s not a fight for me, it’s a sport.” – Bobby Reardanz

I’m not a man of many sports, but I am an admirer of sportsmanship.  We don’t get to see enough of it through main stream media.   With the media giving their attention to the fighters who talk trash and speak the loudest, it’s the humble and respectful fighters who get left behind.  The world does not get to see good sportsmanship in MMA nearly enough.  This could possibly play a factor in the misunderstanding of the sport as a whole.

Take season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter for example.  The coaches were Josh Koscheck, who’s one of the most disrespectful people in the sport, and George St. Pierre, probably the most honorable athletes in mixed martial arts.  The commercials gave Koscheck all the attention for his antics but it was GSP and his values that were the big winner of season 12.

Ward (white shorts) hugs Rhodes after their Bout

In a recent interview with GSP’s Tri-Star training partner Ivan Menjivar on the Verbal Submission radio show, Ivan had plenty to say about respect in MMA.  ”The fans love stuff like that (trash talk) but it’s not natural to me to get up face to face with a guy and touch his nose to my face.  It’s not me.  For me I want to go there, be professional, have a good show with you.  After the fight we can go hang out together, get a drink together.  I don’t fight you because I hate you, no.  I fight because I’m a professional.  Fighting is a beautiful art.  I do my show in the fight, spinning kicks and back elbows, that’s my show.  My opponents have a family like me.  They do the sport because they love the sport, just like me.  We do it for the same reasons so I respect them just like I want them to respect me.”

We are used to seeing more sportsmanship in the local MMA scene than we are on the big screen.  Recently we were covering a local MMA event Hoosier Fight Club 6 and witnessed a couple great examples of sportsmanship.  The first came about half way through the event after a match between Adam Ward and Lydell Rhodes.  After 2 rounds of non-stop technical action the fight was ended with a Triangle Choke by Adam Ward forcing Lydell Rhodes to tap at 4:02 of the second round.  Immediately after referee Jeff Mallott stopped the bout, Rhodes sat up in disbelief.  He was then met by a victorious and gracious Ward, who proceeded to hug his opponent and offer up a few words of encouragement.

“I told him that it was a great fight,” said the victorious Ward.  ”I was too out of breath to say anything poetic, but Lydell Rhodes was one of the toughest fights I’ve ever had.”

Bobby Reardamnz and Andy Main kneel for a post fight prayer.

Suitably the next act of sportsmanship came at the end of the evening after the main event. Following a magnificent display of hands, submission attempts and submission defense, there came a crowd-moving display of sportsmanship that would have been a tough act to follow.  Bobby “The Believer” Reardanz and Andy Main went to the center of the cage for a post fight prayer.

We caught up with “The Believer” to ask him if the prayer together was planned, and he had this to say.  “No, it wasn’t planned.  I went over to him and congratulated him on his win and he replied with, ‘you’re amazing and have amazing faith.’”

Reardanz went on to say he expressed to Main that he usually prays in the center of the cage, and invited him to join in.  Main said “absolutely” and didn’t hesitate to kneel and pray as Reardanz took lead in the prayer. “Not only did I say one, but after I said ‘amen’, he said that he wanted to say one too, and did.  It was amazing. Having Andy Main go to the center of the cage and pray with me was well worth having a loss.”

We can only hope moving forward that the fans appreciate honorable moments like this as much as they do Chael Sonnen’s trash talk.

Sportsmanship in Local MMA

CageCraze.com was cage side once again for a night of exciting mixed martial arts action in the Porter County Expo Center as Hoosier Fight Club presented Hoosier Fight Club 6 |HFC 6 | “New Year Nemesis”.

Promoter Danielle Vale and Matchmaker Paul Vale put together one of their most sensational cards yet to date. The main event featured Bobby “The Believer” Reardanz (6-5-0) against TUF Season 12 contestant Andy Main (4-1-0).  The Co-Main event introduced Hoosier Fight Club’s first ever female bout pitting Felice “Lil Bulldog” Herrig (4-2-0) vs. Barb “Little Warrior” Honchak (1-1-0).

Preceding the Co-Main event CageCraze.com featured fighter Aaron “Hulk” Noel made his pro debut against Ed Smith (1-1-0).  Noel finished his amateur career with his first loss via unanimous decision to Justin Ruggio, closing his amateur record at (5-1-0).

The all professional card was full of hard hits, technical submissions and crowd pumping action.  let’s get to the coverage.

Joel Wyatt vs. Tim Hemmingway (Hvwt.)

Round one starts off with Hemmingway looking to strike and after landing a couple of small shots, Wyatt forces the fight against the cage and employs some dirty boxing before taking the fight to the ground. Wyatt is able to land hard elbows from guard before passing to side control where he forces the ref to stop the fight after a series of hard elbow strikes to the forehead of Hemmingway.  Joel Wyatt wins via TKO(strikes) at 1:59 of round1.

Brandon Wood vs.  Jake Rosenbaum (125lbs)

Rosenbaum sets up the finishing RNC

Rosenbaum comes out the aggressor landing a glancing uppercut before taking down Wood with a quick takedown. He then makes short work of passing Wood’s guard and transitioning to mount and then the rear mount.  After a brief struggle Rosenbaum is able to secure the rear naked choke at 1:17 of the first round.

Jeff Green vs. Mike Santiago

Green comes out landing first and Santiago retaliates by quickly getting to the back and slamming Green to the mat.  Santiago is able land some elbows from half guard and soften Green up before taking his back then landing strikes from the mount.  After Green gives up the back again Santiago takes advantage and is able to get the tap via rear naked choke at 2:37 in round one.

Adam Ward vs. Lydell Rhodes (145lbs)

Ward with the finishing Triangle Choke

Ward comes out moving well and landing first with his strikes, with Rhodes looking to counter.  They engage in a clinch against the cage with a quick takedown by Ward but no position was controlled and they return to the feet.  Ward controls the center but Rhodes gets the better of the exchanges.  Ward is able to get the back of Rhodes standing with a body triangle with intentions of sinking in the rear naked choke but time runs out and we have our first fight that makes it out of the first round.  Round 2 begins with both fighters landing some combos before Ward lands a kick to the head of Rhodes that momentarily shifts the momentum his way.  Rhodes is able to get his wits about him and return a flurry of his own to balance round back.  After catching a knee Rhodes is able to takedown but met with a triangle from Ward for his effort.  After a valiant effort by Rhodes, Ward is able pull the head down and finishes the triangle at 4:02 of round two.

Bobby Emmons vs. Nick Wayne (155lbs)

Wayne starts off quick looking to control the center of the cage and after a successful takedown works his ground and pound against the cage.  Emmons is able to set up and lock in a tight triangle but after a tough struggle Wayne is able to escape and remains in the guard of Emmons.  Wayne postures up and lands a few looping punches from the up down position before re-entering Emmons guard. Wayne is able to land some small elbows to finish up the round.  Emmons in unable to come out for the second round, Wayne is declared the winner.

Ken Johnson vs. Joe Benoit (170lbs)

Benoit looks to land a kick early but Johnson is able to catch it and slam Benoit to the ground.  Benoit is able to regain guard and is able to throw up a quick arm bar that forces Johnson to tap almost immediately.  Benoit is declared the winner via submission (armbar) at 2:22 in round one.

Robbie Nieto vs. Tony Wisnieski

Wisnieski loads up his right

Wisnieski is able land a body kick early but doesn’t seem to phase Neito.  Wisnieski seems to be the faster striker picking his shots at will.  Nieto looks tentative to exchange and isn’t able to find his range.  The round ends after a lack of action from both fighters. Round two begins with both fighters missing their marks with their hands and feet.  Both fighters look to open up near the end of the round with Wisnieski getting the better of the exchanges to end round number two.  Both fighters come out looking to win this last round by out striking each other blow for blow.  Nieto is able to take Wisnieski down against the cage and works short shots against the cage before Wisnieski is able to work his way to the feet.  Out of no where Wisnieski lands a right hand that sends Nieto crashing to the canvas for a flash KO at 3:51 of round 3.

Ed Smith vs. Aaron Noel (Lt. Hvwt).

Fight begins with a feeling out process, a very long process.  Smith lulls us to sleep only to wake us up with an out of nowhere spinning back fist with starts a brief flurry before both fighters return to their tentative selves.  In another burst of action Noel lands a quick combo ending with a body kick and a toe-to-toe punch trade off before the end of the round.  Round number two begins with Noel controlling the center of the  cage before Smith tries a takedown attempt ut Noel shrugs it off.  They continue a slow tentative pace intermitted by unsuccessful takedowns by Smith.  After a clinch against the cage and they end the round after a couple of missed punches by Noel.  Round 3 begins with Noel getting the better of the exchanges and Smith getting two consecutive takedown attempts and gets Noel to the ground finally.  Noel is able to get to his feet against the cage and is able to get some distance from Smith just before the end of the round.  Our first fight that goes to the judges is scored 30-27 Smith, 29-28 Noel, 29-28 Smith, for a split decision win for Ed Smith.

Co-Main Event:

Barb Honchak vs. Felice Herrig

Honchak throws one of many knees

Herrig comes out and lands a push kick that forces Honchak into the cage but is reversed by Honchak and is put against the cage early. Honchak works short punches and knees from the clinch against the cage. They separate and Herrig lands a few shots and backs up, they both trade some shots to the body and Honchak forces Herrig’s back to the cage but is unable to take Herrig down and they separate again.  Herrig gets off some hard punches before Honchak works for a takedown before the round ends.  Round two begins with Herrig landing consecutive left hooks, but Honchak is able to land some knees after latching onto a thai clinch that look to bloody Herrigs nose.  Honchak is able to control Herrig up against the cage and looks to wear and grind her down. They separate and Honchak starts to land her jab and out of the blue throws a spinning back fist but doesnt seem to land cleanly or affect Herrig too much, but Honchak continues to pressure Herrig into the fence grind her down once again.  Round 3 begins with Honchak looking more eager to trade and starts to find a home for her jab and Herrig connecting with a few hard shots but Honchak doesn’t seem to be phased too much by them and keeps walking forward and pressuring Herrig and keeping her from getting any shots off against the cage. Honchak controls Herrig with a thai clinch and lands some knees to the body before they separate.  As they disengage  blood flows from the nose of Herrig and Honchak  comes on strong to finish the round and stuns Herrig with a spinning back fist just before the final bell.  The fight goes to the judge’s score cards.  All three judges score it an unanimous decision for Barb Honchak.

Main Event:

Bobby Reardanz vs. Andy Main

Main with the finishing Armbar

Main takes Reardanz down quickly and works to pass guard after landing a few shots from an open guard.  Main works shorts shots from within the guard.  Main postures up and lands some elbows before the first round comes to a close.  Round 2 begins with Main controlling the center landing a few shots and taking Reardanz down and mounting Reardanz.  Main works short shots and is bucked off after Reardanz pushes off the cage.  Main winds up in the guard of Reardanz.  Reardanz is able to reverse the position but is met with a triangle attempt from Main which Reardanz slams his way out of.  They work their way back to the feet and Reardanz is able to defend a take down,  but after landing some hard shots is put in an armbar and is forced to tap.  Main is declared the winner by submission (armbar) at 4:40 in the second round.

Quick Results:

Joel Wyatt defeats Tim Hemmingway via Referee Stoppage due to Strikes in 1:59 of the 1^st Round

Jake Rosenbaum defeats Brandon Wood via tapout due to Rear Naked Choke in 1:17 of the 1^st Round

Mike Santiago defeated Jeff Green via Tapout due to Rear Naked Choke in 2:27 of the 1^st Round

Adam Ward defeated Lydell Rhodes via Tapout due to Triangle Choke in 4:02 of the 2^nd Round

Nick Wayne defeats Bobby Emmons via Emmons unable to answer the bell of the 2^nd Round (possibly broken rib(s))

Joe Benoit defeated. Ken Jackson via Tapout due to Armbar in 2:22 of the 1^st Round

Tony Wisnieski defeated Robbie Nieto via KO in 3:51 of the 3rd

Ed Smith defeated Aaron Noel via Split Decision (30-27 Smith) (29-28 Noel) (29-28 Smith)

Barb Honchak defeated. Felice Herrig  via Unanimous Decision

Andy Main defeated Bobby Reardanz  via Tapout due to Armbar in 4:40of the 2^nd Round

Hoosier Fight Club | HFC 6

Cagecraze was present at the very nice Porter County Expo & Event Center for Hoosier Fight Club 5 for another excellent all amateur card.  The night featured promising amateur fighters Aaron Noel, Bryant Whitaker, Devin Miller, Ralph Nurse, Nick Wayne, James Porter, Brady Hovermale, Terry House and a host of other young talent. An awesome National Anthem rendition on guitar gets the action started.

Eric Black vs. David Bernes

Both fighters come out timid with Black making the first contact with a leg kick and following with a quick combo, to which Bernes returns a hard right and a kick.  After a flurry from both fighters Bernes engages a clinch and lands a hard knee to the midsection of Black. Black returns fire and takes Bernes to the ground and works from the guard.  Bernes is able to set up a triangle which looks to be in deep.  Bernes transitions to an armbar which seems to be very tight.  Black is able to stay composed and works back into the guard of Bernes before passing to half guard and finishing the round with a few punches that land flush.  Round 2 Bernes comes out with a glancing superman punch but doesn’t land clean.  After a combo from Black, Bernes decides to shoot for a takedown and after a bit of a struggle is able to get the fight to the ground.  Black works to sweep from the guard as  Bernes looks to post up and land short elbows.  Referee Jeff Malott stands them up and they work from their feet for a short while before Black is able to duck a lazy hook from Bernes and takes him down with ease.  The round ends with Black landing some shots from half guard.  Round 3 begins with both fighters exchanging some kicks and some lone punches.  Black shoots in and takes Bernes down with a single to a double and works from inside the guard.  Bernes lands some elbows from guard before Black passes to half before the round ends.  Eric Black wins via Split Decision over David Bernes.

Drew Walters vs. Brandon Bolt

Bolt throws and lands an overhand right

The fighters come out swinging with Bolt landing hard with Walters sending one back his way.  Bolt rocks Walters up against the cage and tee’s off with hard punches that  flash KO’s Walters against the cage after another punch that wakes him up Bolt  takes the fight to the ground momentarily before standing back up to land more heavy punches on Walters for the rest of the round.  Round 2, Walters comes out the aggressor controlling the center of the cage before both fighters exchange hard over hand rights.  Bolt comes on strong mid round and starts to land solid punches that open up a cut under the left eye of Walters.  Walters catches a kick and lands an over the top right hand that sends Bolt to the mat before the end of the round.  Round 3,  Walters once again comes out strong landing multiple kicks to the lead leg and midsection of Bolt, in the blink of an eye Bolt swings an overhand right that lands on the button and sends Walters crashing to the canvas for a stunning KO victory.  Bolt KO’s Walters at 1:09 of the 3^rd round.

Jason Johns vs. Jordan Mitchell

Johns comes out and lands a quick jab before he is overwhelmed by punches from Mitchell and ends the fight quick with unanswered punches that force referee Jeff Malott to call an end to the bout 0:44 in the first round.

Dave Kreiner vs. Nate Wacnik

Kreiner shakes off the triangle attempt

Wacnik came out ready to go but can’t seem to find his range as his attacks come up short.  Kriener stays patient and gets a takedown against the cage when he is ready to attack.  Wacnik threatens with a guillotine attempt but does not retain guard and Kriener is able to pass to side control and land some elbows before the round closes.  Round 2 starts same as the first with Wicnik missing his mark on the feet and Kriener is able to clinch and take Wicnik down but is soon met with a deep triangle attempt which looks to close the deal but Kriener is able to remain calm and slips his way out and finish the round with another takedown. The final round begins much the same as the previous two with Kriener getting the fight to the ground early.  Wicnik sets up another triangle attempt but this time Kriener is able to stand up and push the legs off to avoid the submission.  The round ends with Kriener landing elbows from within the guard. Dave Kriener wins via unanimous decision (30-27) over Nate Wacnik.

Devon Cole vs. Devin Miller

Miller controls the cage early and works for a takedown after Cole comes in swinging wildly.  Cole is able to reverse the takedown and ends up in the guard of Miller.  Miller throws up an armbar attempt in which Cole is able to standup and slams Miller two times before he drops a knee to Miller’s head and Referee Don Clift steps into stop the action after the foul.  Cole is penalized a point.  Miller is unable to continue 1:04 seconds into the first round.  Devin Miller wins via disqualification at 1:04 seconds in the first round as a result of a foul by Devon Cole.

Terry House vs. Brady Hovermale

Hovermale comes out strong landing a left that drops House momentarily before giving him a kick to the head on the way up.  Hovermale gets double under hooks and takes House down and works a brabo choke from a front headlock position.  House is able to work his way to the feet and press Hovermale against the cage and eventually stop a throw takedown to wind up on top of Hovermale.  House passes to side control and lands some hard punches and elbows as Hovermale works to retain guard.  Round 2, begins with a flurry and Hovermale working for a takedown but ending up on his back but quickly locks up a guillotine closes guard and coaxes House to sleep 0:45 into round 2.  Hovermale wins via submission (guillotine choke) over Terry House at 45 seconds in the second round.

Ralph Nurse vs. Brandon Slabaugh

Nurse picks Slabaugh up for another big slam

Nurse comes out looking to land some hard shots and quickly takes Slabaugh to the mat and works from his guard.  After numerous sweep attempts Slabaugh locks on a kimura that forces Nurse to step over to north-south to defend.  After turtling momentarily Slabaugh is able to scramble and end up in Nurse’s guard to end the first round.  Round 2 starts with Slabaugh landing a kick and looking to close the distance and get the takedown he attempts a guillotine but is took down by Nurse and is mounted.  After a scramble to the feet Nurse scores another takedown and slams Slabaugh to the mat and takes his back.  After a strange standup due to confusion of the round being over, Nurse takes his opponent down and takes the back but cannot hold the position and Slabaugh rolls into his guard. Round 3 starts with Nurse walking through his opponents punches to return some hard straights of his own pushing his opponent into the cage where Nurse picks him up and slams him to the mat once again.  Nurse works short elbows from within Slabaughs guard to end the final round.  Ralph Nurse wins via unanimous decision over Brandon Slabaugh.

Anthony Moore vs. James Porter

Porter throws one of many vicious kicks

Both fighters coming out with a strong kicking focus in their striking after several kicks from each fighter Porter prevails with a head kick followed by a body kick that sends Moore into the cage.  Porter snatches up a single leg and dumps his opponent to his back.  Moore doesn’t fold though and is more than willing to swing from his back but Porter is able to get Moore’s back but falls off after an armbar attempt.  After they scramble to the feet and trade more kicks, Porter is able to get another single leg take down and ends the round by taking the back of Moore again.  Round 2 begins with Porter looking the fresher of the two, and resumes his game plan from the previous round and takes Moore down once again passes to mount, and takes the back.  Porter sinks his arm under the chin and gets the tap due to rear naked choke 1:26 in the second round.

Mike Manns vs. Brandon Thomerson

Thomerson comes out looking to land early but gets too wild and allows Manns to duck a punch and take him down and immediately passes to mount where he lands numerous elbows before Thomerson is able to escape for a moment before he is mounted once again.  Manns lands some heavy shots which Thomerson cannot defend and the ref calls an end via TKO at 1:21 in the very first round.

Co-Main Event

Nick Wayne vs. Bryant Whitaker

Whitaker lands first with a straight right while Wayne is unable to find his range with a number of shots.  Whitaker lands with a superman punch and initiates the clinch but is forced to his back after a failed lateral throw.  Wayne is able to defend a triangle attempt from Whitaker and steps around to attempt a Peruvian necktie but is unable to finish and Whitaker escapes and ends the round with some punches from guard. Round 2 begins with each fighter exchanging leg kicks and Wayne shooting in and gets the takedown but is met with a guillotine and forcing the tap at 42 seconds into the 2^nd round.

Main Event

Aaron Noel vs. Justin Ruggio

Ruggio attempts to finish Noel

Noel comes out on fire and catches Ruggio’s kick and sends him into the cage and unleashes a barrage of short punches from the top.  Ruggio scrambles to his feet and defends Noels relentless attack.  Both men trade hard punches each which rock the other with Ruggio landing the one that matters and sends Noel  shooting in for a takedown and Ruggio lands elbows from the top as Noel is only able to hold on to his leg.  The ref steps in and has the doctor look at the cut above Noels left eye.  The action resumes and Noel comes out swinging and catches Ruggio and sends him on a retreat to try and avoid the onslaught to end the round.  Round 2 begins and everyone is on their feet with a deafening roar from the opposing camps fans.  Ruggio shoots in and takes Noel down and works elbows from Noels half guard.  Ruggio is able to pass to mount and lands short elbows from the top position and ends the round with a flurry of punches.  Round 3 starts with the fighters still trying to recover from the previous round, with only a few strikes being thrown and none of which landing.  Ruggio is able to take Noel down and escape a guillotine attempt and works to take the back of Noel. The round ends with Ruggio landing punches from mount.  Justin Ruggio wins via unanimous (29-27, 29-28, 30-28)  decision over Aaron Noel.

Quick Results:

Eric Black defeated. David Bernes via Split Decision (30-27 Black, 29-28 Bernes, 30-27 Black)

Brandon Bolt defeats Drew Walters via KO in1:09 of the 3^rd Round

Jordan Mitchell defeats Jason Johns via Referee stoppage due to Strikes in 0:44 of the 1^st Round

Dave Kreiner defeats Nate Wacnik via a Unanimous Decision (30-27)

Devin Miller takes the Win over Devon Cole  via Disqualification due to kneeing a downed  opponent.  In 1:04 of the 1^st Round

Brady Hovermale defeats Terry House via Guillotine Choke in 0:44 of the 2^nd Round

Ralph Nurse defeats. Brandon Slabaugh via Unanimous Decision (30-27)

James Porter defeats Anthony Moore via Tapout due to Rear Naked Choke in 1:26 of the 2^nd Round

Mike Manns defeated Brandon Thomerson via Referee Stoppage due to Stikes in 1:21 of the 1^st Round

Co-Main Event

Bryant Whitaker defeats Nick Wayne via Tapout due to Guillotine Choke in 0:42 of the 2^nd Round

Main Event

Justin Ruggio defeats Aaron Noel via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-28)

Hoosier Fight Club | HFC 5

Noel puts the finishing touches to the TKO

In the main event of the evening featuring two heavyweights, after an evenly-matched opening period, Dallas Woods spent the second round working ground-and-pound from inside Aaron Noel’s half guard.  In the third, Woods stuffed Noel’s initial takedown attempt but struggled from there, gassing just a minute into the round.  Noel stuffed a tired takedown attempt by Woods, then began hammering away on his turtled opponent.  From there it was only a matter of time until the ref was forced to intervene, giving Noel the TKO victory 2:06 into the third round.

In the night’s co-main event, LA Boxing’s Jake Rosenbaum took full mount against Matt Baker about 90 seconds into their fight, got separation soon after, and began raining down some punishment.  Baker desperately worked to defend but had no answers.  Baker gave up his back and then got knocked out with several devastating strikes from Rosenbaum.  The end came 2:37 into a very one-sided fight.

Ryan Story notched an impressive first round submission against veteran IBJJA fighter Justin Curtis.  Story deftly neutralized Curtis’s offense, and secured a d’arce choke on a takedown attempt by Curtis.  From there Story wrenched the neck and elicited a quick tap.  The end came 2:05 into the fight, officially from a d’arce choke but more likely by neck crank.

"Submission of the Night"

As impressive as Story’s finish was, submission of the night honors went to Sam Agushi.  Terry House flattened Agushi with a devastating right just seconds into their fight, but Agushi somehow maintained his senses enough to weather the ground assault from House that followed.  House worked knees from side control and appeared to be dictating the action.  Somehow, incredibly, Agushi slipped his leg around House’s head and set up an inverted triangle choke.  House’s tapout wasn’t caught in time and he was put to sleep, giving Agushi a stunning submission victory 1:45 into the fight.

In the evening’s other action:

Kathryn secures full mount

Kathryn Gardiner stifled Katie Fry with good guard work, then rolled Fry into full mount, brutalized her with strikes, and elicited the tapout soon after Fry gave up her back.  Gardiner’s submission victory, due to strikes, came 1:43 into the fight.

Josh Dawson sprawled nicely on Ron Marshall’s double-leg takedown attempt, then quickly took Marshall’s back to finish the fight 2:09 into the first round by a rear naked choke.

Jorge Gonzalez got the better of David Shoemaker for three rounds of action, prevailing in a unanimous 30-27 decision.

Cody Martin prevailed in a split decision over Ryan Embry.

"Fight of the Night" (L) Ralph Nurse (R) Mike White

Ralph Nurse and Mike White staged a thrilling three-round battle in the fight of the night.  White won the first two rounds on the judges’ scorecards, then desperately hung on in the third as Nurse nearly finished the fight with punishment from full mount.  Nurse’s inability to close out the fight in the waning seconds ultimately cost him a unanimous 29-28 decision loss.

Joey Ross showed a lot of heart and grit against Mike Choucalas, surviving a first round in which Ross had several teeth knocked out.  In the second though, Choucalas sprawled on a Ross takedown, then overwhelmed Ross with punches and knees, forcing referee Don Clift to intervene 1:23 into the round.

Mike Mann completely used and abused an overmatched Jon Williams en route to a lopsided TKO victory 1:45 into the fight.

In the opening fight of the night, Alex Miller quickly worked out of Jarred Ewick’s guard, jumped to full mount, and nearly secured a vicious armbar from back mount when Ewick gave up his back.  Ewick’s escape was short-lived, as Miller quickly took mount again and secured a rear naked choke 2:10 into the fight after Ewick rolled.

For great photos of this event, stay tuned to ThruMyEye.com

HFC 3 – Hoosier Fight Club 3

James Cligerman refereeing one of many matches

The Extreme Grappling Open, or EGO commenced in 2004 with a simple mission to provide an effectively run, well organized gi and no-gi (male and female) division jiu-jitsu tournament (according to their website).  In the past six years, they have done just that.  Committing to improvement year in and year out has yielded a tournament with a great reputation.  Organizations tend to prosper when the enthusiasm of their owners is observed. Both James and A.J. Clingerman actively participate in the event (via refereeing, or announcing).Seeing the creators of the tournament actually working hands-on with the tournament, instead of simply watching, shows the level of commitment each has to watching EGO prosper.

Derrell Smith puts the finishing touch on this submission.

The Extreme Grappling Open is a great place to compete for all ages and all talent levels.  “Everyone is at the level in which they need to be.  No one sandbags here and that is great.” Stated Darrell Smith (an instructor at the I.B.J.J.A).  Competing at a tournament where people truly test themselves and do not “sandbag” allows the tournament to be a true test of ability.  This also allows people who do not just practice the art of jiu-jitsu to participate.  This past event featured a number of elite to “up and coming” mixed martial artists.

Alex Miller finishing his match via Rear Naked Choke.

According to Darrell “the bulldog” Smith, a cage veteran, “EGO is a great test of endurance for cage fighters.  There are no breaks like there are in a fight (due to no strikes being permitted).  There is always a constant contact with an opponent.  This event truly is a great check for your cardio for an upcoming fight.”  This statement seemed to be valid in that a few fighters chose to do exactly as “the bulldog” said.  Alex Miller (Team Colon)  and Kathryn Gardiner (Team James Clingerman) were less than a week out from their next bouts at Friday, April 2’s Hoosier Fight Club event in Valparaiso, Indiana.  Miller and Gardiner joined a whole strew of fighters who competed at the EGO.  Matt Perry, whom just competed at the Arnold Sports festival’s premier Amateur Mixed Martial Arts festival took third in his gi division, and second in his no-gi division.

Kyle Gibbons represents his sponsor well, and holds up his 1st place medal to prove it.

Kyle Gibbons won the men’s heavyweight intermediate no-gi division.  These were just a few of the fighters who decided to showcase their ground game.

This weekend’s event showed the promise of mixed martial arts and grappling not only in Indiana but the Midwest.  With events like the Extreme Grappling Open developing a reputation for Indiana only positive ramifications will ensue.

For anyone interested in future events please visit www.extremegrapplingopen.com.

EGO’s 2010 Opening Event

Story by Fight Junky

Hoosier Fight Club 2 | The second day of the new year saw an enthusiastic and vocal crowd gathered at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond to witness Indiana’s first-ever fully-sanctioned professional MMA fight card. In an evening filled with stellar fights, marred only slightly by the unfortunate conduct of one particular fight camp, the freshly-sanctioned sport beamed brightly in the Hoosier state.

Delprado nears a TKO victory in Indiana's first sanctioned pro bout

History was made at precisely 8:30 p.m. local time, when referee Don Clift signaled the opening bell to kick off Indiana’s first sanctioned professional fight between Brandon Delprado and Mike “Brutal” Berry.  Unfortunately for “Brutal”, it was Delprado bringing the brutality to this fight, and Clift was forced to signal an end to the fight 3:17 into the first round as Delprado was obliterating an outclassed Berry with strikes from the back mount.

The main event of the evening matched well-traveled MMA headliners Keith Wisniewski (24-11-1) and Pete Spratt (21-15).  Former UFC fighter Spratt, who has fought some of the biggest names in the sport during his distinguished career, was cornered by Mr. International Shonie Carter, who calmly urged his fighter throughout the fight to “stay cerebral”.

However, Wisniewski, himself a veteran of UFC, Bodog and IFL, executed a perfect game plan against Spratt.  Spratt escaped from an initial

Wisniewski finishing Spratt

takedown by Wisniewski from an inside leg trip, but could not work out of Wisniewski’s second takedown.  Wisniewski softened up Spratt from the full mount, and the end came shortly thereafter when Spratt rolled and gave up his back.  Wisniewski scored a submission victory at 4:07 of the opening frame, by means of what was announced as a rear naked choke but looked much more like a neck crank.

In the co-main event, rising prospect Joe Benoit (10-2) stepped up in class to take on UFC and Bodog veteran Derrick Noble (25-12-1).  Experience paid big dividends for Noble, as he slickly disguised and then executed a guillotine choke that left his game opponent quickly tapping at 3:58 into the first round.

Hill and Kolosci pummel for an advantage

In an earlier professional bout, Strikeforce veteran and Ultimate Fighter Season Six alumnus John Kolosci (12-6) was pushed to the limit by MMA journeyman Bill Hill (17-20) before ekeing out a split decision victory (29-28, 27-30, 29-28).

“A test of times”

France & Lee exchange blows

In a match that unfortunately may provide an early test for Indiana’s new mixed martial arts sanctioning body, Rocky France (1-2) and his MMA Minded camp disgraced themselves in a bout with Chicago fighter Joshua Lee (2-6).

Referee Don Clift swiftly stops the fight following the devastating illegal blow

After already having been penalized for illegal strikes to the back of the head in the first round, France’s continuation of the illegal conduct in the second round laid out Lee for good.  During several frightening minutes in which Lee lay prone on the mat and audibly feared permanent injury, France and his corner showed no concern for Lee and instead disdainfully celebrated his disqualification loss as if it had been a victory.  Following a fight in which the Commission ultimately may have the last word, and a lengthy intermission while Lee was transported to the hospital, word eventually filtered back to cageside that Lee thankfully is expected to be OK.

Taylor puts the final touch to the win just before referee Don Clift steps in to stop the fight

In other professional action, Louis Taylor (3-0) absolutely flattened Curtis Bailey (4-4) for a decisive knockout victory just 33 seconds into the fight, and Bobby Reardanz (1-1) closed out Norm Alexander (13-8) with strikes from a mounted triangle for a TKO victory 3:12 into the second round.

In the amateur portion of the evening’s fight card:

After the first round, Wayne looks across the cage with determination in his eyes

A classy Nick Wayne (2-1) earned a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) over a very tough Jorge Gonzales (6-5) in what was on its own merits the fight of the night.In a first round that saw both fighters scrambling to defend submissions on the ground, Wayne prevailed by scoring some damage from back control to close the round.

Gonzales make one of several attempts at an armbar

Wayne also seemed to have a slight edge in the last two rounds that also saw back-and-forth ground action, although Gonzales appeared close to securing a heel hook at one point late in the third round that may have earned him that round from one of the judges.

Storey putting the finishing choke on House

Ryan Storey (5-1) notched an impressive victory over Terry House (4-0), forcing a submission via rear naked choke 2:35 into the second round.

Keith McNeely (5-0) demolished Clint Ifland (0-1), knocking Ifland out in just 12 seconds.

Finally, heavyweight Aaron Noel (3-0) scored a TKO victory 1:17 into the first round, as referee Jeff Malott was forced to step in to save Jason Johns (2-0).

Hoosier Fight Club 2 (HFC 2) — “It’s On!”