April | 2015 | THE CLINCH REPORT

Archive for April, 2015

‘Fight Night 2’ Preview Friday Night from The Sportsmen’s Lodge

Posted: April 13, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Alfred Khashakyan, Armen Bakanian, Bash Boxing, Christian Bizarretty, Cold Cock Whiskey, Daniel McWilliams, David Mancha, Derion Chapman, Erick Gonzalez, Fight Night 2, Gabe Lopez, George Garcia, James Acosta, Jonathan Greene, Levon Sargsyan, Lights Out Promotions, Liz Tracy, Maria Rios, Matthew Spencer, Mitsubishi Super Stores, MMA, Pain 3, Ron Scolesdang, Thor Skancke, Vitor Oristanio

By:Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report and Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

Vitor Oristanio (1-2) vs Alfred Khashakyan (3-1)

The main event features two heavy handed, lightning fast strikers. Oristanio is coming of his first win as a pro a KO in his last bout. While Khashakyan is also looking to maintain the momentum of a 3 fight win streak. His last win may have been his most impressive as he needed just over a minute to KO a very tough David Hernandez. Both fighters are looking to make statements with their performances which should lead to some serious action!

Liz Tracy (0-0) vs Maria Rios (2-1)

Liz Tracy is set to make her professional debut after compiling a 2-1 record as an amateur. She will be sharing the cage with Maria Rios who will be fighting for the 4th time as a pro! Rios is coming off her first loss, and will be looking to take it out on the newcomer. However don’t count out the underdog when opportunity is on the line!
George Garcia (2-1) vs Ron Scolesdang (2-2)

This fight is an early candidate for Fight of The Night. Garcia won his last fight over Paul Amaro via verbal submission, while Scolesdang knocked out Christopher Fajardo at the last ‘Fight Night’. It was only a matter of time before these two talented prospects squared off in the ring. Scolesdang may have a slight edge in the striking department, but Garcia’s possesses a pretty slick ground game and can end the fight in an instant! This fight cannot be missed!
Derion Chapman (0-2) vs Armen Bakanyan (1-3)

Hungry dogs hunt! Both Derion Chapman and Armen Bakanyan are hungry for wins. Both fighters came into the pro ranks as highly touted amateurs, however things have not gone according to plan for either. Bakanyan has come up short on three decisions, one being a split, while Chapman is still searching for his first win. The fight should be an interesting match-up as Chapman’s speed will face off against Bakanyan’s power.

Thor Skancke (5-5) vs Daniel McWilliams (9-24)

Daniel McWilliams may not have the best record, but he is coming down in weight from 170 and at 6’2 will definitely maintain a notable size advantage. On the ground his submissions could be a problem. The scouting report on Skancke is simple, he comes at you from the opening bell and throws every strike with bad intentions. He will be looking to check McWilliams chin from the opening bell, however Skancke must be cautious. McWilliams is pretty savvy on the ground ( owner of 9 submission victories) and could end the fight with a submission in nearly any position.

David Mancha (2-2) vs Matthew Spencer (2-0)

Matthew Spencer is quickly gaining notoriety as a top up and coming prospect in the middleweight division. His tremendous strength coupled with his smothering Jiu Jitsu (Purple Belt under Eddie Bravo) make him a nightmare of an opponent anywhere the fight may go. His opponent Daniel Mancha may not have the best record, but he has much more experience coming in a veteran with over 15 fights under his belt.

Jonathan Greene (2-1) vs Gabe Lopez (3-6)

Jonathan Greene won the crowd over in his last ‘Fight Night’ performance, showcasing his durable chin, and relentless striking. Greene possesses excellent Thai boxing and is deadly in the clinch. His opponent Gabe Lopez is coming off a loss and looking to add another check in the win column. His durable chin and powerful take downs make him a formidable opponent for any striker.

Levon Sargsyan (0-2) vs James Acosta (0-3)

When two fighters are looking to get of the ‘schneid’ one thing is guaranteed, the fans will be pleased. Both Sargsyan and Acosta are eager to taste their first wins as pros, after both had stellar amateur careers. After going undefeated as an amateur Acost has run into some bad luck and is in need of a foundation win. Sargsyan is in the same boat after being DQ’d in his last bout, he is desperately in need of a win. When two hungry dogs get locked in cage, all hell breaks loose! Do yourselves a favor, DON’T BLINK!

Christian Bizarretty (1-2) vs Erick Gonzalez (2-0)

Durability versus Electricity. In one corner stand a very long Christian Bizarretty who has solid boxing, and a good ground game but his chin allows him to take chances most fighters can’t. . His opponent Erick Gonzalez can and has ended fights with one strike! His dynamic I.Q. changing elbows are becoming legendary and his technique continues to improve. This fight could end up being a three round war, or it could be over in a instant. One thing is certain get there early, this is a fight that cannot be missed!

*Card Subject to Change

: “A Wolf on a leash is just a dog!” Thor Skancke

: Thor Points to his Favorite Photog!

: Spencer

: Bizaretty

: Spencer vs. Lopez

: Altamimi vs. Bizaretty

Thor Skancke: A Wolf off the Chain!

Posted: April 12, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Daniel McWilliams, Fight Night, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Sportsmens Lodge, Thor Skancke

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report and Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

If you have seen Thor Skancke (5-5 MMA) fight, than you already understand. After witnessing him scrap, you comprehend what the casual onlooker can’t possibly understand simply looking at his record. Skancke is one of the most entertaining fighters decorating the Southern California landscape. Win or lose he is a throwback of sorts, resembling a likeness to his heroes more than to the mixed martial artists of today. However if you look beneath the surface you will find not only a fighter with a really cool name, but a man who does a whole lot of good for the neighborhoods and people around him.

“Growing up I watched a lot of Wanderlei Silva and Igor Vovchanchyn in Pride and just like them I’m not trying to win safely!” Skancke said. The owner of some vicious hands, ‘TNT’ throws them early and often with the intent to end the fight quickly. Sometimes this aggression gets him in trouble, but Thor refuses to change what he believes defines him. ” I won’t comprise myself as a fighter, and I understand most of the big shows really value your record. I don’t give a shit about my record.” Skancke said. “There are alot of guys who fight ‘not too loose’, I am not one of them. I want to be known for putting on battles.” Which is exactly what he is known for. Just ask promoter George Bastmajyan “He loses fights better than most guys win them!”

Inside the cage he is a dog off-the-chain, a wolf if you will. Outside of the cage, however Skancke is a pack animal looking to not only feed himself, but those around him as well. While driving home one day, Skancke saw a sign that was about the cost of a meal for someone who was without the means to provide for themselves. The signs message resonated deeply, “Growing up, there were times my mom had to go to the church to get food!, I understand how bad things can be. I understand how quick life can turn and how quickly someone can become homeless or down on their luck.” Skancke said.

Giving money was the first step. Next he set up a charity that had clients donate money to hit pads with him. For over 8 straight hours, Skancke stood in a ring with the mitts on as a hoard of donors took their turn, their round to knockout hunger. After receiving a check from Skancke and his team, the folks at the San Fernando Rescue Mission sent him a picture at Thanksgiving of several homeless people eating their meals with the caption “You paid for over half of these!

Next Skancke, who by trade is a carpenter decided to use his other skill set to continue his efforts. “I actually just got back from Mexico” Skancke said. While there he helped build two houses for families that were without means. While there Skancke began to realize that although materially poor, these people were rich beyond belief with a sense of love, charity and community.

The journey may have inspired Skancke, but it certainly did not soften his resolve. Reinvigorated, Skancke claims to be training harder and smarter than ever. April 17, will mark his return to the ring when he takes on Daniel McWilliams at ‘Fight Night’ from The Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. For Tickets go to: www.valleyfightnight.com or call 626-388-8888

McWilliams, a journeyman with nearly 40 fights under his belt has alternated wins and loses in last three and at nearly 6’2 will maintain a notable size advantage. “He is a big guy!” Skancke said. ” I don’t really understand how a guy that big is going to make weight, but that is his problem. I don’t really worry about my opponent much, I just know what I am going to do and that is knock him out in the first round. If I don’t knock him out in the first round, then I will knock him out in the second. If I don’t knock him out in the second then I will knock him out in the third!”

Thor ‘TNT’ Skancke would like to thank his friends, family, sponsors and management for always supporting him. Specifically Kris Buckner and George Bastmajyan. He would also like to thank his sponsors Bottle N Pint, Investigative Consultants, Nutrishop of Woodland Hills, and LAVO Beard oil. Make sure you show support for your local fighters by checking out the people who sponsor them!

: “A Wolf on a leash is just a dog!” Thor Skancke

: Thor Points to his Favorite Photog!

: Thor Skancke

: The Hammer of Thor

BAMMA USA Returns To The Commerce Casino With BadBeat 15

Posted: April 9, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: BadBeat 15, BAMMA USA, Brooksie Bayard, CHRIS Costello, Darren Smith, Eddie Jackson, Isaac Velasco, John Robles, Kaiyana Rain, Karim Ghazi, Kevin Bostick, MMA, Shai Lindsey, Shannon Reid, Tim Riscen, Tina Bui, Ty Freeman, UFC

Bostick has his arm raised!

By: The Clinch Report Staff

Brett Rogers and his BAMMA USA promotion return to the Commerce Casino Friday April 10th for ‘Bad Beat 15’. The main event will feature former TUF contestant Karim Ghazi (formerly Chris Saunders) who will take on a very talented up and comer Darren Smith. Smith is riding a two fight win streak and is looking too add a big name to his resume of wins. Ghazi has alternated wins and losses in his last four fights, and is looking to bring some consistency to finally shed the prospect mantle for that of a contender.

The event will feature some of the regions best young fighters including Systems Training Centers John Robles, and Isaac Velasco, HardCore HQ’s Eddie Jackson. The Co Main event will feature dynamic striker Kevin Bostick, who will look to continue his winning ways against a fellow striker Chris Costello. Both of these fighters seem to get paid by the minute, and not the round so you better not blink.

Badbeat 15 Fight Card

155lbs: Karim Ghazi vs. Darren Smith

135lbs: John Robles (7-4) vs. Rob Gooch (3-2)

155lbs: Kevin Bostick (5-3) vs. Chris Costello (3-3)

170lbs: Eddie Jackson (5-1) vs. Ty Freeman (8-3)

125lbs: Tim Riscen (4-0) vs. Shai Lindsey (2-0)

125lbs: Michael Reyes (1-0) vs. Keenan Lewis (3-3)

145lbs: Isaac Velasco (1-2) vs Odis Ruiz (2-1)

125lbs: Adrian Gutierrez (0-2) vs. Kyle Estrada (0-0)

170lbs: Zachary McAlister (0-0) vs Daniel Hernandez (0-0)

135lbs: Brooksie Bayard (0-1) vs Shannon Reid (0-0)

105lbs: Kaiyana Rain (0-2) vs Tina Bui (0-0)