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Richard Leroy vs Brandon Hastings: Comeback of the Year?

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Brandon Hastings, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Richard Leroy, Sityodtong, The Clinch Report, UFC

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

In the main event of the Lights Out Promotions/Bash Boxing card in Studio City, two fan favorites went at it for nearly 14 minuted to the delight of the crowd. Utilizing superior movement, and an effective game plan Brandon Hastings clearly had the advantage on the score cards going into the third frame. Richard Leroy seemed to be baffled by Hastings movement, often lunging with punches that Hastings easily avoided and countered with ferocity.

Going in to the final round, Leroy was bloodied and bruised but still moving forward. Continually moving, Hastings took control of the round and once again left Leroy guessing. About halfway through the round, Hastings began to slow slightly. Charging forward Leroy saw an opening inspired by Hastings hands being low, and dropped him with a lighting fast combination that felled Hastings. Hastings did his best to weather the storm, but referee John McCarthy was forced to call a stop to the bout.

The incredible finish left the raucous crowd spellbound. With the win, Richard ‘Mr” Leroy remains undefeated as a professional at 3-0. While in defeat an extremely tough Brandon Hastings falls to 3-2. Although the fight obviously weighed heavy on the fighter, it was nice to see a huge crowd of people remaining long after the event ended, just to support their friend. Hastings may have lost the fight, but he certainly did look impressive. A rematch may certainly be in order!

For more information about these events, contact: Lights Out Promotions or Bash Boxing

The Golden Girl Deliver’s Nasty Head Kick KO

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Chandra Engel, GFC, Glendale Fighting Club, Jemyma Betrian, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Team GFC, The Clinch Report, The Golden Girl

The Golden Girl Delivers

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

Jemyma Betrian entered the fight only her second as a mixed martial artist. However that number is not a reflection of her experience. Betrian transitioned to the sport after dominating for years as a kickboxer. Now training with Ronda Rousey, Marina Shafir, Jessamyn Duke, and Shayna Baszler the Golden Girl is getting a crash course in mixed martial arts from some of the best in the sport.

Across the ring from Betrian stood Chandra Engel (0-2 MMA). Engel accepted the bout on short notice and did her best to face the juggernaut before her, even threatening with a submission after taking Betrian down. However she was just outmatched. Betrian’s pedigree came through, and despite a fever and the flu, The Golden Girl completed the task at hand.

Even after Engel achieved the take down, Betrian quickly scrambled from the bottom attempting an arm bar, that eventually allowed her back to a neutral position. Perhaps the take down shook something loose, because once Betrian got back to her feet the she never let off the gas.

Late in the first round Betrian began to swarm as Engel cornered herself. With amazing power and speed Betrian changed levels and landed to the body of Engel. As Engel reeled from the shot, almost doubling over, Betrian uncorked an ungodly head kick that landed flush to Engels nose inspiring a gushing leak. Immediately Engel fell backwards prompting the referee to stop any further damage.

The win keeps Betrian a perfect 2-0 as a professional and leaves her on a short list of future UFC Strawweights. Already the most educated striker in her divison, it would not be surprising to see her sign with the UFC immediately.

: The Golden Girl Delivers

Alfred Kashakian Ends The Evening Early With Highlight KO

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Alfred Kashakian, Bash Boxing, David Hernandez, Edmund Tarverdyan, Glendale Fighting Club, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Pain Away, South Coast Mitsubishi, The Clinch Report

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

Glendale Fighting Club is of course well known for being the gym where UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey plies her trade under the careful tutelage of Coach Edmund Tarverdyan, The Gym is also the home of some other well known UFC fighters. However their young pros maybe one of the best kept secrets in MMA.

One of those young fighters is Alfred Kashakian (3-1 MMA). Kashakian carried his two fight win streak into Friday nights engagement against David Hernandez. Apparently Kashakian had other pressing engagements, because he didn’t waste anytime. Charging across the ring he attacked at the opening bell, and immediately had Hernandez reeling.

Hernandez did his best to stand and trade with Kashakian but fell like an oak tree when his button was pressed. Kashakian dropped Hernandez with a series of shots, that just made gravity impossible to resist. Immediately the referee stepped in calling a halt to the bout, as Hernandez was lying face first. The impressive KO electrified the crowd, and set the tone for the rest of the evening!

The win puts Kashakian on the radar as a top prospect in his division, adding another polished stone to the cadre they are collecting in Glendale!

For more information about these events, contact: Lights Out Promotions or Bash Boxing

Marcos Bonilla and Christian Bizaretty In A Back And Forth War!

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Carlos Bonilla, Christian Bizaretty, Lights Out Promotions, Marcos Bonilla, MMA, The Clinch Report

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

What a beautiful dance it was! Taking turns leading the destructive tango both Marcos Bonilla (2-1 MMA) and Christian Bizaretty (1-2 MMA) each had their moments. The two fighters traded kicks early and often in a scrap that ended up being one of the most competitive fights of the evening.

Bonilla appeared to be landing the cleaner, more powerful strikes. However Bizaretty absorbed everything and still kept moving forward. Moving well behind his jab, Bonilla kept the pressure on and appeared to be clearly ahead on points. Bizaretty was able to score with a quick take down but was never really able to threaten from a dominant position. While on his back, Bonilla was very active and attacked with an nice arm-bar that he ended up using to sweep back to a neutral position.

Even a foul (grounded head strike) that cost Bonilla a point was only enough to make the score close. Bonilla was awarded with the majority decision. One judge scored the fight a draw, but he was overruled by the other two ring side officials who scored the bout for Bonilla.

The win for Bonilla reaffirms his recent signing to Bellator MMA. His first fight for the promotion has been signed and with this win he will carry some pretty good momentum into the biggest fight of his life. The loss although tough to digest for Bizaretty will not define him as a fighter. He will certainly be back better than ever.

For more information about these events, contact: Lights Out Promotions or Bash Boxing

DQ Costs Levon Sargsyan, But Gets Henderson Off “The Schneid”!

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, GFC, Glendale Fighting Club, Levon Sargsyan, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Ron Henderson, Systems Training Center, Team GFC, The Clinch Report, UFC

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

At 0-1 as a pro some were concerned that Levon Sargsyan was heading into deep water against the former Bellator MMA Fighter Ron Henderson (3-2 MMA). Those concerns were put too rest almost immediately. Sargsyan utilized a vast array of strikes including a spinning heel kick to the face at the opening bell. Henderson was forced on his bicycle from the start, as Sargsyan pushed forward establishing the pace.

Henderson was able to get the fight to the mat, however Sargsyan reversed position and landed an illegal knee that hurt Henderson. Veteran referee Mike Bell quickly intervened issuing a 2-point foul (illegal strike with injury). After alerting the judges of the score change, both fighters restarted and although Sargsyan was clearly winning, the foul now made the fight closer on the cards then it was in reality.

Once the fight resumed, The Glendale Fighting Club product immediately resumed his battering. Henderson still rocked from earlier, dove in for a take-down but ended up on his back. Sargsyan broke free to his feet, and unleashed a head kick that caught Henderson while he was still on the ground.

After a moment of judgement, referee Mike Bell waved off the fight as he stood over the supine Henderson. Although there appeared to be no intention behind the strike, Sargsyan was rightfully disqualified and Ron Henderson was awarded with the win in a rather odd finish. The win ends a two fight losing streak for Henderson, while Sargsyan continues to seek out his first win as a pro.

For more information about these events, contact: Lights Out Promotions or Bash Boxing

: UFC Lightweight Christos Giagos and RFA, WSOF’s John Robles

: Cocky Ron Henderson

: Levon on his way

: Levon Sargsyan

: Takedown

: Foul on Sargsyan for illegal knee

: Mike Bell explains the 2 point deduction

: Sargsyan looks for the sweep.

: The end, illegal kick to a grounded opponent!

: A win is a win

: Team Cocky Ron!

The Fight that Could Have Been: Injury Halts Paul Amaro vs Georgie Garcia

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Boxing, George Garcia, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Paul Amaro, The Clinch Report, UFC

George Garcia

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

This was the fight considered to be the best candidate for fight of the night. In one corner you have Paul Amaro (3-2 MMA), a relentless striker who consistently moves forward. In the other you have a very durable and well rounded George Garcia, who also only moves forward (1-1 MMA). With that in mind, the inevitable collision was set to be an epic fight.

Early on it appeared to be heading into that territory. Amaro true to form, kept the pace with his ranging strikes that seemed to confuse the shorter Garcia at first. Amaro did well enough, to keep the wrestling of Garcia at bay. However about 1:45 seconds into the opening round Garcia was able to close the distance, once he attached his hips, He judo tossed Amaro landing in side control with what appeared to be a bulldog choke.

However shortly after the flight landed Amaro apparently cried out on pain, having injured his shoulder on the landing. Referee Mike Bell alertly stepped in stopping Garcia from advancing, but awarding him the TKO finish.

True to his warrior form, Amaro seemed pained more by the loss than the injury. The good news is we will certainly see him again. The same can be said for the winner. George Garcia now moves to 2-1 as a pro. Hopefully these two can finish their tango the properly in the future!

For more information about upcoming events contact: Lights Out Promotions or Bash Boxing

: Paul Amaro ready

: Georgie Walking his way

: Determined

: Amaro lands with the 1

: Tough loss for a tough dude!

: Pained by the loss not the injury!

: Team Garcia

: George Garcia

Elbows Turn The Lights Down Low Enough to Call Them Out!

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Christopher Fajardo, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Ron Scolesdang, Team Oyama

By Jonathan M. King

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

Your Winner Ron Scolesdang

Going into Lights Out Promotions/Bash Boxing Friday Fight Night, many of those in the know,expected the first fight to be a good one. However no one could have expected the gorgeous destruction that ended the fight.

Early on in the fight it appeared that Ron Scolesdang (2-2 MMA) was the crisper of the two fighters. His undefeated opponent Christopher Fajardo (1-0 MMA) didn’t seem to have the same pep on his strikes. When Fajardo would land, the strikes were already past their prime, or Scolesdang would simply walk through them. Scolesdang however caused a reaction with every shot from his opponent and the crowd.

Consistently Scolesdang landed the middle kick to the body, and appeared to do damage with every strike. Fajardo did his best to stand tough, but it became apparent it wasn’t going to be his night.

Almost 3 minutes into the first frame Scolesdang rocked Fajardo with a right hand that had him covering up against the ropes. Refusing to go down, Fajardo was rewarded for his efforts with about bakers dozen standing elbow strikes that went unanswered, and eventually forced the referee to step in. The finish electrified the crowd as the fight served as the ‘curtain jerker’ for the event, and a sign of things too come!

The win now brings the Team Oyama product on the north side of .500, and the win could carry some serious momentum.

For more information about these events, contact: Lights Out Promotions or Bash Boxing

: Fajardo v Scolesdang

: Your Winner Ron Scolesdang

: Vicious Elbow forcesthe stoppage,

: Colin Oyama applying the war face

Lights Out Promotions/Bash Boxing Weigh In Gallery

Posted: February 20, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: #MMA #Boxing, Bash Boxing, Blanca Garcia, Brandon Hastings, Chandra Engel, Christian Bizaretty, Fight Night, Jemyma Betrian, Lights Out Promotions, Marcos Bonilla, Richard Leroy, Sportsmens Lodge, The Clinch Report

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: Blanca Garcia http://blancamarisagarcia.smugmug.com/

Lights Out Promotions and Bash Boxing held their weigh ins for Friday Nights Fight Night, and all the fights are now official. Richard Leroy and Brandon Hastings are set for the main event. The fights will begin promptly at 6:30. Tickets for this event will sell out. Last I heard there were still a few tickets available through the online portal, but they are almost gone!

If you haven’t been to one of these events, then you had better remedy that situation quickly. You are about to miss one of the best So Cal fight cards of the year!

For Tickets go to: http://www.bashboxing.com/

: Richard Leroy

: Brandon Hastings

: Hastings v Leroy

: Chandra Engel

: The Golden Girl

: Chandra and Jemyma

: Justin Vasquez

: Matthew Spencer

: Vasquez v SPencer

: Carsten

: Bogan

: Carlos Bonilla

: Christian Bizaretty

: Fajardo v Scolesdang

Matthew ‘M.O.G’ Spencer Question and Answer for Lights Out Promotions/Bash Boxing

Posted: February 18, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Boxing, Lights Out Promotions, Matthew Spencer, MMA

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Matthew Spencer is not your typical MMA fighter. He works and trains full time, helps his children with their homework, finds time to be a husband to his loving wife, and actively participates in his church community. Then on his off days, he sucks weight so he can punch people in the face. An odd scenario to say the least, so we decided to find out what makes this ‘Man Of God’ tick!

11 Questions with 185 lbs MMA prospect Matthew ‘M.O.G’ Spencer

1.) When and how did you become involved with the sport of MMA?

Spencer: I got into MMA in 2005 Coming home after a late night! The tv was on and it was the first Ultimate fighter finale and I was amazed at the fight and from that point on I was hooked!

2.) Who do you consider to be your closest mentor inside the sport? In life?

Spencer: Joe Schilling!! We train at the same gym! We have the same striking coach! And he is someone that motivates me not by word but by his actions! We are both fighter trying to provide for our families and now I’m trying to follow his lead!

3.) Where is Matthew Spencer in 6 years from now? 2 years?

Spencer: In 6 years I see my self at the top of the sport! In 2 years I see myself making a big splash in Bellator or the UFC.

4.) As a fighter how have would you measure your skill sets growth since your last fight?

Spencer:I look to become a better fighter in every way between fights! That is why I’m always in the gym. I am constantly trying to improve! I am always trying to master my craft.

5.) what areas do you feel you need to improve on most, as a fighter?

Spencer: Striking accuracy and take down defense!

6.) your a guy who wears many hats. Fighter, Father, Husband, Coach, Mentor, student… Etc, which hat best defines you as a person?

Spencer: I would say student!! Because I am always learning to be better in every aspect of my life! They day you stop learning should be the day u die.

7.) Walk us through a typical day in the life of Matthew Spencer!

Spencer: Typical days start by thanking God for another day. Getting the kids up, dressed, fed and off to school. Then wishing the wife a great day. Off to HQ for a personal training client. Then to the yard for striking with Manny Martinez. Then back to pick the kids up from school and then help them do their home work! Then back to HQ for Strength & Conditioning. Finally finish the night training with Eddie Bravo and my head coach Rob Rodriguez.

8.) Where did you get your nickname from?

Spencer: From my Manager Manley Smith. After I gave my life to Christ. He showed me a coin he would carry with him in battle when he was a United States Marine. It said ‘Man of God’. MOG!

9.) Now that you are heading in to your second fight for Lights Out Promotions and Bash Boxing, tell us what it’s like to fight for these guys?

Spencer: Pure electricity! George and Steve put on on of the best shows I have ever seen!! The place is always packed and the crowd is screaming! The atmosphere is almost indescribable. It’s amazing to be fighting for George and Steve.

10.) Every successful fighter has a strong support system keeping them in form. Who do you credit for keeping you on point as a fighter?

Spencer: As always first my lord and savior Jesus Christ that is my strength! Then my wife and children. My family and my friends. Then my mangers Evrati Avrahami and Manley Smith for believing in me. My coaches Rob Rodriguez, Manny Martinez, Eddie Bravo for getting me ready. The Yard Muay Thai, HQ & 10th planet gyms for the love and support! And all of my fans that are behind me!! Also a huge thanks to my sponsors Team NutriShop in Monterrey Park and Elite Medical Solutions (EMS).

11.) Finally what can the fans expect in your fight with Justin Vazquez?

Spencer: You can expect a lot of action! I fight hard and I fight to finish. This fight will not go to the judges. From the opening bell I’m gonna be all over him, and I’m not going to stop until the referee pulls me off of him. Then afterwards as always, we can pray together!

Lights Out Promotions/Bash Boxing MMA Card Preview

Posted: February 17, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Alfred Kashakyan, Bash Boxing, Bob Fisher, Brandon Hastings, Casey Greene, Chandra Engel, Chaos At The Casino, Chris Fajardo, Jared Carlsten, Jay Bogan, Jemyma Betrian, Levon Sargsyan, Lights Out Promotions, Mario Delgado, Matthew Spencer, Mixed Martial Arts, MMA, Pugilpix.com, Richard Leroy, Ron Henderson, Ron Scolesdang, The Clinch Report, The Sportsman Lodge, UFC

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Photos By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

Once again Bash Boxing and Lights Out Promotions have combined forces in order to create a hybrid night of combat that fans won’t soon forget. The Event takes place at The Sportsman Lodge in Studio City, California and features some of the best young fighters in the sport today.

Main Card:

Georgie Garcia ( 1-1 MMA, 10th Planet) vs Paul Amaro (3-3 MMA, NOC Fitness) 125lbs

Georgie Garcia is a very talented grappler who has fought in the past for King of The Cage. His opponent Paul Amaro is one tough dude! Amaro can take a ton of punishment, and prefers to stand and trade. The relentless pace that both of these fighters push makes this fight an early candidate for ‘Fight of the Night’. This early bout may end up being one of the most entertaining fights of the night!

Levon Sargsyan (0-1 MMA, GFC Fighting Club) vs Ron Henderson ( 3-2 MMA, Blackhouse MMA) 125 lbs

A few months ago Ron Henderson was an undefeated prospect making his Bellator MMA debut. Henderson lost that fight, and then a subsequent one for RFA. Now sitting at 3-2, Henderson is looking to return to his winning ways. In his way is Glendale’s Levon Sargsyan, who is also looking to stem the bleeding. Sargsyan never was able to get started in his pro debut, losing in just :32 seconds after being rocked by a head kick, he was dispatched with the follow up ground strikes. He simply got caught. This fight could end up being a battle of wills. Look for quick, heavy hands from both fighters!

Alfred Kashakyan (2-1 MMA, GFC Fighting Club) vs David Hernandez (1-1 MMA, Total Training Center) 145 lbs

This is a fight I am excited to see. Both fighters have good pedigrees, and both like to throw heavy punches. Hernandez is coming off a tough loss to talented prospect Chase Gibson, so he will be looking to right the ship after a stellar amateur career. Kashakyan is coming off a huge win over a very tough Cameron Harris, and hopes to add to his current 2 fight winning streak. Don’t blink, this one could end in a flash! Early candidate for ‘Knockout of The Night’.

Christopher Fajardo (1-0 MMA, Fight Academy) vs Ron Scolesdang (2-2 MMA, Team Oyama) 135 lbs

Fajardo is coming off an impressive TKO over Paul Amaro in his last fight, while Scolesdang is looking to right the ship after a tough split decision loss to ‘Ruthless’ Rudy Morales in his last bout. That fight was in October of 2013, so not only will Scolesdang have to battle Fajardo, but he will also have to knock off over a year of rust! Fajardo has excellent hand speed, and tremendous power for his division but in Scolesdang he may have found his equal. This is another candidate for ‘Fight of the Night’, but could also earn “Knockout of The Night” status as both guys throw with chin shattering force.

Matthew Spencer (1-0, HarQore HQ/The Yard/10th Planet) vs Justin Vasquez (3-7 MMA, LittleRock Wrestling) 185lbs

Matthew Spencer is one of the top 185 lbs prospects in the state. After a standout amateur career, Spencer turned pro and won his first fight in dominate fashion. However he showed one weakness, his wrestling defense. Vasquez, a wrestler could be the perfect opponent to expose this weakness. Vasquez will have to remain on his toes though, Spencer’s purple belt pedigree could end the fight from any position. This fight could be a candidate for ‘Submission of The Night’.

Mario Delgado (0-1 MMA, The Bodyshop) vs Casey Greene (2-1 MMA, Saekson Muay Thai)

Another candidate for ‘Knockout of The Night’. Mario Delgado is coming off two TKO losses in a row, which makes him very dangerous. A fighter backed into a corner, or hemmed in by losses can be like a cornered animal. Casey Greene will need to utilize his surgical striking to keep Delgado on his feet. Look for Delgado to ground the fight in search of a submission.

Jemyma Betrian (1-0 MMA, Glendale Fighting Club) vs Chandra Engel (0-2 MMA, Combative Arts) 115 lbs

After an extensive amateur career that saw mixed results, Engel turned pro and lost her first two fights. One of those losses was to Marina Shafir, who is teammates with her next opponent. Engel is looking for her first win as a pro, and in her way a kickboxing legend Jemyma Betrian. Betrian transitioned to MMA last year after amassing a ridiculous record as a kickboxer (35-2). Now training with ground aces Shafir, and UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey at Glendale Fighting Club, a win over Engel could propel Betrian into the UFC’s burgeoning Strawweight division.

Co- Main Event: Jay Bogan (4-4 MMA) vs Jared Carlsten (3-2 MMA, Systems Training Center) 145lbs

Coming off two submission wins in a row the later by a very rare twister submission Jay Bogan is making a name for himself as an ‘air taker’ and an ‘arm breaker’! After a four fight skid earlier in his career, Bogan appears to have reinvented himself as a mixed martial artist. He faces his toughest opponent yet in well rounded Jared Carlsten. Carlsten is looking to rebound after a tough split decision loss to Boostayre Nefarios (Marvin Eastman jr) in a fight that many observers had him winning! Carlsten is also an expert on the mat, and should this fight go to the ground, it could end up being a transition tango, that could lead to a lighting fast submission from no where!

Main Event:Richard Leroy (2-0 MMA, Sityodtong) vs Brandon Hastings (4-1 MMA) 155 lbs

Richard Leroy is a tremendously strong featherweight, with a durable chin. In his last fight Derrion Chapman tested his chin several times, only to have Leroy walk through his punches. Leroy ended up securing a choke midway through the 3rd round earning him his second win as a pro against no losses. His opponent Brandon Hastings brings some heavy hands along with a well rounded submission game. Expect to see Leroy’s explosive thai striking early and often. Although it may take a second for these fighters to get comfortable, it should end up being an epic fire fight!

Check out our Image Gallery from Previous Events:

Courtesy of John Walsh and Bob Fisher from Pugilpix.com