THE CLINCH REPORT

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Bamma USA is known for putting on some of the best Mixed Martial Arts fights in California. Last night reinforced that recognition with some well balanced match-ups, and fighters who left all of their efforts in the cage.

Early on in the event, The Commerce Casino was rocked with a earthquake that registered 5.1 on the Richter scale. The after shocks, were hardly noticed as the crowd spent most of the night on their feet cheering loudly.

With the ground vibrating, the night was highlighted with spectacular efforts from a few fighters, one of which was former TUF contestant Chris Beal; who looked extremely comfortable as he dispatched a very game Keith Carson. Beal utilized his superior striking skills to take out the jittery Carson, who never seemed to get comfortable.

Beal utilized his superior counter striking and kept Carson guessing and flailing with random strikes that never seemed to threaten Beal. Beal maintained his composure, and showed excellent growth as he patiently waited for the opening instead of forcing the finish.

Comebacks are always entertaining, and Kevin Bostick’s comeback KO had the Casino shaking again. Bostick was able to absorb a vicious head kick from Chris Pena late in the first round. Moments later he countered a knee attempt with a huge uppercut that connected with Pena’s chin, immediately turning off the lights. Pena fell supine as the arena erupted with excitement.

The ladies also made a huge impression as Melanie Lacroix and Brooksie Baynard put on a back and forth battle that left both fighters battered. Baynard pressed the action the entire fight, utilizing her brute strength to her advantage, tossing Lacroix at first. However, Lacroix quickly changed her game plan, and was able to land countless knees in the clinch to Baynard’s face. Lacroix cruised to a close unanimous decision win. The fight was clearly a fan favorite, as the crowd stood for the entire second and third rounds.

Terrion Ware is quickly becoming the name you want to know, before everyone else in the world of MMA does. Last night, he proved why he should be the next guy on the UFC’s radar. Ware outlasted Eric Winston in a very tough 5 round war that netted ‘The Flash’ his first Bamma USA Title at 135 lbs. Winston proved to be a very tough opponent as advertised, and he was able to take down Ware on multiple occasions. However, outside of a near choke in the first round, he was never able to mount much offense with his dominant position. Ware was able to get out of that situation and never seemed in trouble on the mat after that round.

The fight came down to Ware’s superior counter punching. On multiple occasions he changed levels and countered with body shots and finished upstairs with the hook. Winston’s chin held up, and he was even able to clip Ware late in the fourth round. However, Ware came out for the start of the fifth with renewed vigor. Although, Winston was able to score another take down, Ware was able to get up after Referee Mike Beltran stood the fighters up, due too lack of action. Once standing Ware lit Winston up with body shots, and even attempted a few flying knees late that missed their mark.

Terrion Ware dedicated the win, and the title to the memory of his grandmother who passed away earlier in the week.

Once again the promoter Brett Roberts and his team created an atmosphere where the fighters decide the success of the event, and once again the fighters delivered. Bamma USA offers some of the most competitive fights available, and for the die hard fan, the pay per availability should be “must watch TV”. The fighters are hungry, aggressive, and the match-ups break the mold of the one sided regional promotions.

 

Notes: Also winning were Lateef Williams who dispatched Paul Karsky quickly with a slam and following choke; Kyra Batara impressively beat Misha Nassiri via Armbar; Benji Gomez outlasted David Duran, Christian Aguilera defeated Kory Kelly; Greg Parker defeated Paul Song; Justin Jones submitted Paul Gemmati; and Steve Kozola TKO’d Tommy Gavin.

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