THE CLINCH REPORT

By: Jonathan King

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Photos By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

Once again the unholy union that is Lights Out Promotions and Bash Boxing, will take over the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City California for one of the most competitive fight cards they have ever put together. They leave you salivating for more fights and often, but you understand the time between cards when you see the match ups that take place. It truly is a proving grounds of MMA. For young fighter this is the place to find out if you have what it takes, for those veterans who find themselves in the midst of a transition, this is the perfect cage to keep balance to a name on the brink.

The records are according http://www.mixedmartialarts.com

Eddie Mendez (7-3-1 MMA) vs Curtis Millender (8-2 MMA)

At a catchweight of 175lbs Former UFC grappler Eddie Mendez is set to take on former Bellator MMA striking specialist Curtis Millender in what should be a classic matchup that puts style versus style, with a little extra flavor. Both fighters really need this win to earn a spot on a big card for their next fight. A win here, certainly will carry some momentum, while a loss would be a major setback! With all that is on the line, the fight could be an candidate for Fight of The Night. Who wins the lance or the ram?

Alfred Kashakyan (5-1 MMA) vs Juan Archuleta (3-1 MMA)

What a treat this fight is going to be! It is rare when you get to see two fighters at this early stage of their perspective careers face off on the regional scene. Both of these two fighters are shoe-ins for the UFC, so buckle up! Two superstars in the making. In one corner Ronda Rousey’s training partner, in the other corner one of the stars of the hist TV show ‘Kingdom’. This is going to be a fight you will not forget! The explosive hands of Kashakyan, the stifling wrestling game of Archuleta, who wins you ask? You do! Early candidate for Fight of the Night!

Dmitry Gerasimov (3-4 MMA) vs Julian Shore (3-1 MMA)

This fight features two very exciting 145lbs warriors that have been no secret to the Southern Californian fight scene. Shore who fights out of CMMA is a beast of an athlete who returns to the SoCal scene after winning fights under both the Legacy FC and Titan FC banner! He is welcomed by Fight Night veteran ‘Dima’ Gerasimov. If you have never seen a ‘Dima’ fight, he’s sort of a whirling dervish that stops occasioning to punch you in the face (Just ask Chinzo Machida). He always moves forward, and to his credit can take a ton of damage. Another fight that could end up earning fight of the night honors.

Kim Thinghaugen (2-1 MMA) vs Derion DC Chapman (1-3-1 MMA)

In one corner you have a well rounded fighter from across the pond, who has never been tested inside our battle dome! In the other you have a well travelled warrior who has fallen on hard luck but stood firm in the face of battle. Its sort of cliche and over written, but that is what you have. Thinghaugen is a talented grappler from across the pond, with power and promise. Chapman is quick handed savvy veteran who despite only 5 fights as a pro, had quite an extensive record as an amateur. Even though his record doesn’t show it he improves every time out. If the new guy leaves his chin out, you can bet ‘DC’ will be looking to check it back to LAX.

James Acosta (0-4 MMA) vs Levon Sargsyan (2-3 MMA)

Some of you will remember the last time these two fellas squared off. If you don’t, let me remind you. It was one hell of a donny brook. Some thought Acosta clearly won, some thought Levon was able to piece out a decision, eventually the judges agreed. Now they get to do it again, all for our entertainment!  Acosta is a durable tank, while Sargsyan is more of a darting viper. He needs to find his mark often and early. Acosta is built for the long haul so he could very easily drag this fight into deep water, gator roll it, and save it for later. Another candidate for Fight of The Night.

Brandon Michels (2-8 MMA) vs Mike Quintero (Pro Debut)

You have to love when the big boys throw. Usually you can time there punches with a calendar and measure their falls with the richter scale. Not in this case. Mike Quintero making his pro debut is a beast of man. He throws with hate on every punch, not like he hates you, but like he hates you and your mamma! But here is the issue. Dude has technique. So its scary. Not like your drunk Uncle Joey. Brandon Michels has strong Muay Thai, and has been around a long time. Quintero is not going to show him anything new. That doesn’t mean won’t be able to land! Should be a fun fight to watch.

Thor Skancke (7-5 MMA) vs Nick Vanderpool (4-0 MMA)

This fight has the ear marks of either making or breaking your hearts. Nick Vanderpool brings a strong wrestling background, and an unblemished record.His heavy hands, bad intentions are looking to knock any opponent out on Oct 23rd. For Vanderpool the veteran of more than few Gladiator Challenge events this marks a big step up in competition, however the objective remains the same. Skancke however has been here before and this is his den; Perhaps Vanderpool just walked in front wearing a big old juicy t-bone. Hopefully this dog can hunt, cause I know that wolf can! Either Stand back, let the hounds bay cause we are gonna have a fight on our hands!

The evening will also feature some of the top young amateur talent taking part on the preliminary card as well.

Check out our Gallery from Fight Night’s Past!