THE CLINCH REPORT

By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

 

Promoter George Bastmayjan and his “Lights Out Promotions” team, once again put together an incredible sports exhibition that left a taste of every discipline on the pallet of LA’s loyal combat sports fans. The event took place once again at the Hollywood Park Casino, and just like the last event an empty seat was difficult to spot.

The MMA portion of the card, featured some of SoCal’s best such as Christos Giagos, John Robles, Ara Muradyan, TUF Alumni Karim Ghazi, Dmitry Gerasimov, Danny Navarro, Arsen Galstyan and Cameron Harris. However it was a fight on the undercard drew most of the attention. The pro debut of Marina Shafir. Shafir is one of the sports most highly touted prospects, and it doesn’t hurt that she is from Albany NY (Go Danes!).

‘The Supernova from Moldova” is known well too MMA fans, as being part of the ‘Four Horsewomen” of MMA. A team that features Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke, and of course UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey. Rousey was on hand, and working in Shafir’s corner with her coach Edmund Tarverdyan. The rest of her team, was not very far.

Shafir, had previously stormed through all of her amateur opponents, finishing them all in impressive fashion. Her pro debut was not any different. Shafir needed only 1:57 to defeat Chandra Engel via armbar. Aggressively Shafir, closed the distance early instigating her grappling game. Once the fight found the mat, it was evident that Shafir was looking for her signature arm bar. Engel did her best to defend and roll out of the first few attempts, but Shafir stayed patient and when the opening presented itself, she secured the arm and forced the tap.

Shafir, is seems to be destined for a successful career in mixed martial arts. Her extensive background, judo pedigree, and the dogs she shares the pen with are sure to keep her sharp, we can only hope the sport expands the growth of the women’s divisions.

“The Chaos in the Casino” series of fights are known in SoCal for being one of the best valued tickets in town. The dynamic fighters, and alternating disciplines give fight fans a look at several different sports, all under one roof, without ever letting you get comfortable. Just when a jujitsu exhibition tempts you into a glass of red wine, BAM, a muay thai head kick has you calling for the tequila! The Boxing portions of the fights never disappoint, they always feature consistent striking, devastating knockouts, and back and forth exchanges The Hollywood Park Casino provides the perfect backdrop for mixed martial arts, and all combat sports. They have a long history of supporting events like these.

Personal Commentary:

Supporting events like ‘Chaos in The Casino’ are crucial to the future of the sport. These operations often put their entire business on the line to put on events like these. The fighters get taken care of with this promotion, so each ticket sold directly supports local fighters.

Make sure you BUY a ticket and help support your Local Fighters!

 

 

 

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MMA Portion:

Vardan Sholinyan won via decision over Tremain Lewis

Arsen Galstyan, who won via TKO over Danny Lockhart

Emilio Chavez, was able to out point Dmitri Gerasimo, and won via Split Decision

Armen Bakanian won via impressive KO (punches) over Matt Doyle

Jay Bogan was able to secure an arm, and the tap over  Melsik Baghdasaryan

Danny Navarro took a UD over Fernand Vargas

Selah Williams took Damien Marzett’s back and was able to secure the tap via RNC

Christos Giagos TKO’d Preston Scharf  (Ref Stoppage)

TUF veteran Chris Karim Ghazi was victorious via submission over Dominigue Gutierrez

And in the Co Main Event, Ara Muradyan was able to win via signature armbar over a very game John Robles.

Muay Thai Card:

Sergey Martirosyan won via decision over Dennis Mendez
Levon Sargsyan and Ming Freeman, slugged it out, resulting in a majority draw

On The Boxing Card:

Alexi Zubov KO’d Ritchie Cherry

And in the Main Event:

Art Hovhannisyan peppered a very tough Miguel Zuniga for the entire fight and won via UD (main event)