While awaiting a photo op at Bamma USA, several celebrities and fighters began making there way into the cage for photos. At some point, Uriah Hall and Jason Mayhem Miller began a heated confrontation. I was literally right next to Hall. By now a bunch of fans had surrounded, and the commission, MMA Interviews Spencer Lazara, a few security guards and myself began creating distance between the two. When more guard arrived, Mayhem leaned in and called Uriah a “Bitch as N^GGA!” at least 6 times. Each one more venomous, each one more taunting, and flinching at Uriah with his head. After the sixth racist line, Uriah who can easily say Miller was acting aggressive and belligerent, responded to one of Millers movements with a glance Right hand, that did make contact! Uriah was beside himself.

He had every right to be angry. I really Hope the UFC doesn’t suspend Uriah Hall, he was put into a corner by a complete lunatic, one that I can say I was a huge fan of, but not anymore. Jason Mayhem Miller has decided to remain relevant by hating on those who actually are! Very disappointing. I am actually filled with mixed emotions, because again Mayhem is obviously at rock bottom. In fact, he is just Jason Miller, his rascal-like Mayhem, is long gone. In its place, all that is left is a bitter, ex jock, who is burning every bridge he comes across. He will not be allowed back at Bamma USA. And this comes straight from the top!

Live From The Commerce Casino

BAMMAUSA Badbeat 11:

Preliminary Card:

Justin Governale (0-0) v Chris Pena (1-1)

Rd1: Early take down by Pena, as he tries to pass the guard, Governale stands, but is eating ssome heavy elbows and kbees against the cage. Governale circles out, eats a kick and attempts his own take down. Governale finally able to secure the take down. Pena back up and eats a nasty low blow, time is called and Pena is not moving, in obvious pain.  After a long delay the fight resumes, Governale momentarily had Pena down, but Pena got back up before the end of the round. Pena rd 1

Rd2: Pena starts out nicely slipping the jab, but Governal again instigates the clinch, but Pena reverses and delivers a few knees. Goveranale with a nice combination, finishing on the leg. Both fighters trading sincgle shots, Nice leg kick by Pena, but Governale returns nicely with a 5 punch combination. Both men clearly tiring. Nice take down, by Governale as the round ends, Which may have given the rd1. Governale 10-9

Rd3: at leg kicks from Pena land early, but Governale returns with the hands. Both fighters are trading moments.  Nice body kicks from Pena find a home, an he backs Governale against the cage momentarily before they start throwing again. Pena looking for the take down, but Governale defends well, and is able to secure guard. Hammerfist from Pena, as the bell ends the fight. Very close fight. Very close rd. We have Pena 10-9 and the fight 29-28.

Winner via Decision (Unanimous) Chris Pena

Benji Gomez (0-0) v Shai Lindsey (0-0)

Rd1: Benji Gomez starts out pawing with the jab, and looking for the right hand. Lindsey moving well to avoid the power hand of Gomez. Lead left hook from Gomez fails to find a home, Lindsey getting busier with his hands, and is still moving real well. Both fighters spent their time picking single strikes, neither was able to land anything all that significant. Gomez 10-9 based activity.

Rd2: Gomez showng more urgency as the round begins. Lindsey takes the center of the cage and  moves away from any danger, before landing a leg kick and a lead left hook. Both fighters thrwg th little connections, but a nice knee from GZ FINDS A HOME> Nice lead right hand from Lindsey baks up Gomez, Gomez with a nice body kick, and immediately instigates the clinch! Lindsey reverse position and is able to sink in the standing guillotine. It looks deep and that its!

Winner via standing guillotine rd 2 (2:42) Shai Lindsey

Blake Belshe (0-1) v Christian Aguilera (0-0)

Rd1: Mike Beltran is the third man in the cage. Aguliera landing with the jab, and doubling up nicely. Nice combination from Belshe. Aguilera again slipping the jab effortlessly. Left hook counter by Aguilera. Nice right hand from Belshe, but he eats a counter on the exit. Aguilera lands a nice combination but is take down by Belshe after a brief clinch. Belshe again slams the standing Aguilera who quicklu returns to his feet. Belshe pressing the action, keeping Aguilera up against the cage. Great finish by Belshe who steals the round. 10-9 Belshe

Rd2: Nice jabs again from Aguilera start the round, Whistling jab after jab now, each one finding a home. Belshe charges but eats a counter right hand. Aguilera again pressing forward.  Nice upper cut from Belshe lands. Aguilera returns to his range and again starts pumping the jab. Starching left hand from Aguilera gets Belshe’s attention and he immediately starts circling away. Another left from Aguilera who is clearly finding a groove.

Rd3: Aguilera sticking with his bread and butter, as the jab again frustrates Belshe.  Belshe looking for a single leg, but looses it. Now Belshe is stalking  Aguilera, and again looks for the take down. This time he has it. Aguilera quickly back to his feet and circle free. Lead left hok finds its mark for Aguilera. Agulera using a little decption feigning well, and landing with Belshe’s reaction.  10-9 Aguilera. 29-28 Aguilera on our cards.

Winner: Via Decision (Split 29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Christian Aguilera 

Joe Cisneros (0-0) v Tommy Gavin (0-2)

Rd1:

Rd2:  Tommy Gavin via RNC Rd 2

DSC_5291

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Can you remember the last time 45 minutes made a difference? What could you do in less than an hour, that would matter on a grand scale? When it comes to children, 45 minutes can make a lifetime of difference. For a child who has spent his life in constant pain, 45 minutes can inspire a smile. For his parents, that relief although temporary, is priceless!

Houston Alexander is a 41 year old Mixed Martial Artist, known to the masses for his tenure with the UFC, where he fought the likes of Keith Jardine, Kimbo Slice, Thiago Silva, Alessio Sakara and James Irvin. Alexander is known for his devastating punching power, his lighting fast hands, and his ominous demeanor.

Donny Caffey Jr, is a young gladiator from Babylon NY. I know his family well, both his uncle and his father are physical specimens, and were always gifted athletes. Donny, however is tougher than both of them. Without getting into too much detail, Donny has lived most of his young life in pain due to chronic hip ailment that has required multiple surgeries. Living in constant agony, Donny has approached this adversity, like the fighters he watches. He takes his lumps, has small victories, and always keeps moving forward.

Knowing he was coming off yet another surgery, we asked the fighters at Bellator 99 to sign the fight card for him. Anything to inspire a smile. Everyone was more than eager to do so, Main Event winner Patricio Pitbull signed a glove, however Houston Alexander had other plans.

“Look man, Autographs are nice, but what do you say we give Donny a call!” Said Alexander. “Calling Donny, that is how we can make a difference!”Alexander, knows better than most about making a difference, being a single father of six children, he has learned to juggle his primary obligations with his training regimen.

With that we exchanged information, and I contacted Donny’s family.

True to his word Houston Alexander made that phone call. For 45 minutes the two spoke. What they spoke about exactly, matters, but its not important to anyone but Donny and Houston. Even his father seemed surprised. ” I don’t know what he said, but right now my son is on his crutches, punching the speed bag!” Don Caffey Sr said.

Houston Alexander may be known for his I.Q. changing right hand, but he is defined by his actions outside of the cage. In a world of questionable role models, Alexander sets the bar petty high. Mr Alexander is a Father first, and an ambassador of good will, that also happens to knock people out!

Authors Note: Thank you to Houston Alexander and his management team for organizing the call. Also, Thank you to Anthony Mazzuca and Bjorn Rebney for allowing us access to the extremely generous Bellator MMA Fighters. Any other fighters wishing to send Donny best wishes can email us at news@theclinchreport.com

 

 

By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Bellator 99 delivered some key opportunities for featherweights in the opening round of the tournament. First up, Justin Wilcox survived an early and dynamic battering from Akop Stepanyan, only to secure a submission victory. Wilcox, who took the fight on just 7 days notice, could barely stand after Stepanyan dismantled his lead leg with snapping kicks. However, he could not finish him.

Late in the second round, Wilcox was able to bring Stepanyan down and once he did, the transition to the back and subsequent choke, was lightning fast. Stepanyan did his best to escape, but eventually went to sleep after refusing to tap. With the win Wilcox moves on to the next round where he will face ‘Baby’ Joe Taimanglo.

Taimanglo was able to secure his spot in the next round with a win over Andrew Fisher. Utilizing excellent movement, Taimanglo was able to close the distance well, effectively neutralizing Fisher’s reach advantage. At times the fight lacked action, but that was because both fighters were utilizing their game plans. Fisher flurried late in the third round, but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges.

Also fighting in the opening round of the featherweight tournament were two of the promotions youngest prospects. Former #1 155 lbs prospect Fabricio Guerreiro was able to out point a very dynamic Desmond Green. Guerreiro was able to control the pace of the fight, and aside from a few take downs from Green clearly won the fight.

With the win Guerreiro now is faced with the daunting task of going up against Patricio Pitbull in the next round. Pitbull needed just 1:19 to move on, after he blasted Diego Nunes with an incredible hook to the ear that dropped the former UFC standout. Follow up punches removed all doubt.

Also on the card, Vladimir Matyushenko utilized an effective striking game plan to keep heavy handed Houston Alexander at bay for most of the fight. When Alexander did land, ‘The Janitor’ smothered him with a combination of dominating wrestling and grappling skills. Both fighters refuse to look or act their age (41) and the result was one hell of a fight.

With the win, Matyushenko should be on a short list of names for the next 205 lbs tournament.

More pictures will be added later today!

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PRELIMINARY CARD

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Savio Kosic (4-1) vs. Hector Ramirez (9-5)

Rd1: Hector Ramirez reverses postion on a nice takedown, and ends up on top of Kosic, working in side control. Ramirez lands some nice elbows to the mid section of Kosic. Ramirez holding dominant position but not landing much, aside from a few elbows. He finishes the round in top position.

Rd2: Hector Ramirez in full control to this point, but takes a poke to the eye prompting the stoppage. Both fighters re start and Hector Ramirez lands some devastating strikes to the body. Kosic drops, and Ramirez flurries. Ramirez looks for the crucifix, but Kosic is able to return to side control. More damage from Ramirez. Knees to the body from Ramirez as the round comes to a close.

Rd3: Kosic looks to establish range with the foot, as he throws several front kicks. Ramirez dances away nicely. Nice knee to the body from Kosic. Nice counter body kick from Kosic. Kosic then lands with the hands, only to get taken down again. Back to side control for Ramirez. Ramirez transitions again to the crucifix, but for some reason can’t land. Kosic controlling the posture well enough to avoid damage. Kosic gets to his feet, and flurries to the bell.

Winner: Hector Ramirez via UD

Welterweight Feature Fight: Andy Murad (6-0) vs. Gavin Sterritt (4-1)

Rd1: Murad starts off with a nice leg kick, and then instigates the clinch. Sterritt with his back against the cage. Murad changing levels well with the dirty boxing. Murad still controlling well, but Sterritt finally able to get away. Only to have Murad take him down. Murad looking to get the arm, but Sterritt gets free. Murad now looks for the guilotine, only to release and attempt to take the back. Sterritt again gets free. Sterritt delivers a liver kick, but Murad follows through and secure the double leg. Murad now working in the closed guard of Sterritt. Rd comes to end with Murad clearly in control.

Rd2: Murad starts off again with busy legs, only to instigate the clinch. Murad secures a body lock, and again brings the fight to the mat. Sterritt works back to his feet, but again tastes the dirty boxing of Murad. Big John restarts the action as fighters stalled. On the restart Sterritt is able to land some strikes, but again is bulled back to the cage. Knee on the exit from Sterritt, and then a left hook opens up Murad. Murad returns to the ground with a nice take down, but is getting split apart with some nice elbows from the bottom by Sterritt. Nice work by Sterritt, but Murad controlled the round 10-9 Murad.

Rd3: Both fighters start the round cautiously. With Sterritt looking the crisper of the two. Sterritt moving forward with some nice strikes, but Murad able to secure a single leg, and is able to parlay that into a take down. Murad in side control, and smothers a escape attempt from Sterritt once, but the second time he is successful.  Drs. check out Murad and allow the fight to continue. Sterritt steps out of a single leg. Sterritt landing with big right hands, and Murad is hurt. But, he is able to survive the round. 10-9 Sterritt

Winner: Gavin Sterritt via split Decision

Featherweight Feature Fight: Musa Toliver (9-8) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (14-1)

Rd1: Big take down from Toliver almost immediately. Yamauchii with some slick jujitsu is looking for the omaplato, but transitions to the back an secures the RNC.

Winner: Goiti Yamauchi via RNC 1:01 Rd 1

Heavyweight Feature Fight: Manny Lara (4-3) vs. Blagoi Ivanov (7-0)

Rd1: The big boys take the cage, Herb Dean in charge. Long feeling out process. Lara is instigating the clinch, but Ivanov is able to secure the guillotine and forces the tap almost immediately.

Winner: Blagoi Ivanov via Five Finger choke “Front Choke” Rd 1 1:17

Main Card:

Bellator Featherweight Opening Round: Joe Taimanglo (18-4) vs. Andrew Fisher (12-4)

Rd1: Taimanglo looks for the body shot, but Fisher avoids nicely. Fisher pressing the action, but Taimanglo fights off the cage well. Nice take down from Taimanglo, but Fisher is quick to get back to his feet. Fisher reversing position. Taimanglo with a nice upper cut, but fisher standing tough. Head butt prompts a stoppage. Fsher counters well with the right hand. Taimanglo doing well to get inside of the Fisher’s range.  Nice exchange with fisher landing hooks, and Taimanglo landing up the middle. Fisher seems to be waiting to counter, but never does. Nice jab from Fisher starched Taimanglo as the round comes to an end. We have it 10-9 Taimanglo

Rd2: Fisher counters well with the right hand. Taimanglo still looking to be the busier of the two. Taimanglo pressing the action with Fisher on his bicycle. Blood from Fishers nose. Fisher now starts to use the jab a little more. Nice body shot from Taimanglo. Fisher now being quicker with the jab.  Taimanglo with an excellent change of levels, lands with the hook, and then exits on the leg kick.  Fisher ducks under a left and almost takes the fight to the floor, as the round ends 10-9 Taimanglo in a rather boring round.

Rd3: Taimnglo starts the round with  a leg kick, and then scurries to avoid the clinch of Fisher. Nice jab from Taimanglo keeps Fisher at the end of punches. Taimanglo again with the jab, then follows with the straight right hand. Nice counter left hook from Taimanglo finds a home. Jab from Fisher lands. Counter right hand from Fisher rocks Taimanglo who shoots for the take down. Fisher avoids then lands to the body before returning fire to the head. Swelling under the left eye of Taimanglo, with some blood as well. Both fighters trade sloppy punches, as fatigue is taking its toll. Taimanglo looks to land one more big shot, bu the round and the fight comes to an end. 10-9 Taimanglo

Winner: Via UD Joe Taimanglo 

Bellator Featherweight Opening Round: Justin Wilcox (11-5) vs. Akop Stepanyan (13-5)

Rd1: Wilcox comes out throwing and lands a right hand, before Akop starts on the leg kicks. Vicious leg kick timed perfectly knocks Wilcox down momentarily. Akop moving well and counters nicely with the 1, 2. Flying knee from Wilcox misses. Another leg kick drops Wilcox again, he shoots for the take down, but Akop walks away Wilcox tastes a head kick, but stays tough. Akop countering beautifully with leg kicks that keep dropping Wilcox. Wilcox with a nice leg kick that trips Akop momentarily.  Spinning back kick from Akop looks to land low, but Wilcox says he is good.

Rd2: Moce left from Akop lands nicely. Cartwheel kick misses. Huge hematoma on Wilcox front leg, but that is the least of his worries. Big Head kick from Akop rocks Wilcox, but some how he is able to secure the take down. Wilcox now on top. Wilcox is able to transition to the back as Akop attempts to stand and sinks a deep RNC. Akop stands, then falls, he is trying to defend. He may be out. And he is.

Winner: Chris Wilcox via RNC Rd 2 

Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Vladimir Matyushenko (26-7) vs. Houston Alexander (15-9)

Rd1: Long feeling out process. But Alexander lands a big right hand. Vlad looking to counter. Alexander is able to take down Vlad with a single leg , but now Vlad looks to land in top position which he does, but Alexander stands. Both miss with big overhand rights. Vlad with an underhook, secures the take down. Vlad looking to mount and does. Alexander gets out the back door and stands back up. Alexander charges forward but eats a nice right from Vlad. Round ends. We have 10-9 for The Janitor

Rd2: Nice lead left hook from Vlad. Nice left from Houston catches Vlads attention. Vlad lands two nice left hooks of his own. Vlad is able to stuff a Alexander take down attempt, and now both seem hesitant. Leg kick from Vlad, is countered by a nice right hand from Alexander. Vlad is stalking, and Alexander is looking to counter. Nice leg kick again from Vlad. Round comes to a close as tho boo birds salute. We have Vlad 10-9 again with the leg kicks and take downs.

Rd3: Vlad paws with the jab and avoids the 1 2 from Alexander as he moves backwards. Leaping left hook from Vlad misses. ALexander misses with another charging 1, 2 but lands a hook before Vlad brings him down. Houston gets back up, only to be slammed back to the mat by Vlad. Matyushenko is in clear control of this fight so far. Alexander explodes up, but the Janitor blankets him. Vlad with the chancery, as Alexander kneels to ground himself. Vlad is now working a cradle, to get position. Vlad softening up Alexander on the ground. Vlad with several unanswered left hands. The round and the fight comes to an end. We have the round 10-9 for Vlad. With him winning the fight unanimously.!

Winner: Via Unanimous Decision Vladimir Matyushenko 

Bellator Featherweight Opening Round: Patricio Pitbull (17-2) vs. Diego Nunes (18-4)

Rd1: Long feeling out process to start. Nunes flairs with a leg kick. Big left hand from Pitbull, and Nunes is hurt badly. Pitbull swarms and that is all she wrote. Big left hook, followed by a few lefts on the ground.

Winner: TKO Rd 1 Patricio Pitbull 

 

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Nick Moghaddam (6-6) vs. Virgil Zwicker (10-3)

Pitbull v Nunes

Pitbull v Nunes

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Bellator MMA has once again invaded the Pechanga Casino, in Temecula California. Today all of the fighters were set to make weight, and aside from a few that were slightly off, all seemed to be ready to go. The main event between Diego Nunes and Patricio Pitbull was probably the most intense stare down of the day. Once Patricio confirmed his weight, he walked past Jimmy Smith’s interview attempt and immediately began an intense stare. Nunes, refused to budge. After a long, and fierce confrontation both fighters respectfully walked away. ‘Pitbull’ went on to tell Jimmy Smith, that tomorrow ‘Nunes was going into the cage with a Pitbull, and he’s going to get bit!” (through his translator)

Also featured on the main card is an excellent battle of contrasting styles from two veterans of the sport. Vladimir Matyushenko makes his promotional debut against fellow UFC veteran Houston Alexander. Matyushenko has become known in the sport by his well earned moniker ‘The Janitor’, for his grinding wrestling based style that has compiled the elder statesmen a record of 26-6 in his career.

Alexander is also making his debut, but that is where the similarities end. Houston Alexander is known for one thing, knocking people out. With a record of 15-9, Alexander is attempting to live up to the high expectations that once ranked him as a rising star in the sport. After being cut from the UFC, Alexander’s record had been quite streaky, however if he is able to extend his current two-fight win streak, a future spot in Bellator’s light heavyweight tournament may be what ‘The Assassin’ has his sites set upon.

 

Make sure you you tune in on Spike TV 8PM Eastern 5PM Pacific with the preliminaries airing on SpikeTV.com

All photos and video are the express property of The Clinch Report, LLC  All Rights Reserved. Any unauthorized use of materials expressly owned is prohibited!

Please contact for information regarding use of media.

 

The moment when all sound disappears, and life makes perfect sense!

The moment when all sound disappears, and life makes perfect sense! Victory!

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

BAMMA USA: Pro Series 3 event took place at The Braemar Country Club, in the picaresque hills of Southern California. The outdoor card featured several popular local fighters including: UFC Veteran Jared ‘The Jackhammer’ Papazian, Terrion ‘Flash’ Ware, Robert Gleckman, David Duran and several others.

The Main Event featured Papazian against submission fighter Jeff Martin. Papazian controlled the action early on with his dominant striking, however he fell into Martins guard after catching a leg kick, which almost lead to several submissions. Papazian patiently escaped a rather tenacious triangle, and the subsequent arm bar transition, only to returned to a dominant position where he could resume striking.

Moments later, the fight was over with Papazian being awarded the TKO win.

With the win, ‘The Jackhammer’ finds himself one step closer to making his way back to the UFC. Although his record is not stellar at 17-10, Papazian has never been finished in a fight by strikes, making him a very entertaining fighter to watch. With his ability to fight at either 125 or 135 lbs, Papazian also gives UFC matchmakers Joe Silva and Sean Shelby a pretty versatile tool, should a lighter weight fighter fall out of a scheduled bout due to injury!

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Once again, BAMMAUSA showcased some of Southern California’s best young, and in the case of Robert Gleckman 48, older MMA talent. The fight card featured former UFC fighter Jared ‘The Jackhammer’ Papazian, local favorite Terrion’ Flash Ware, as well as the aforementioned Gleckman who was victorious in his 2nd professional fight.

The fights were held outdoors, at the picaresque Braemar Country Club in Tarzana. Press row, was quite a long way from any internet connection so please excuse the erratic results.

Also, The Be First Clothing ‘Fight Night’ Bonus went out to David Duran (KO of the Night) and too Ozzie Avalos (Submission of the Night)

www.befirstclothing.com Make sure you support the sponsors, that support the fighters!!!

Preliminary Bout:

Bobby Sanchez (13-20) v Daniel Clark 160 lbs Catch-weight

Rd 1: Referee Mike Bell in charge of the action. After a short feeling out process, Daniel Clark is able to secure the take down. Sanchez looking to sweep, but gives up his back, and Clark sinks in the choke.

Winner: By RNC Daniel Clark 1:25 Rd 1

Aziz Rashid (0-1) v David Duran (0-1) 135 lbs

Rd1: Big John McCarthy is the third man in the cage for this 135 lbs bout. Aziz Rashid is fighting out of Dethrone base camp in Fresno, and David Duran fights out of Whittier, CA at Total MMA. Rashid lands a kick off of the touch, but Duran is un fazed. Duran able to secure the take down, now working out of Rashid’s guard. Duran looking to pass, but Rashid defends well. Duran now in the closed half guard. Big Johns stands them up, and Duran lands a big right hand and that is all she wrote.

Winner: David Duran via  KO Rd 1 2:52 

Moses Murrieta (0-0) v Howard LaCroix (0-0) 185 lbs

Emilio Chavez (4-5) v Shad Smith(12-20-2) 145 lbs

Rd1: Chavez blocks several high kicks, only to have Smith shoot a double leg. Smith secures the take down, but ends up losing dominate position. Chavez sinks in both hooks, and the choke ending the fight in the first round.

Winner: Chavez via RNC Rd 1:

Main Card:

Terrion Ware (4-2) v German Baltazar (3-1) 135 lbs

After a three round battle that featured a back and forth war the fate is in the hand of the judges. Ware, held a slight advantage in the striking department, but Baltazar was able to use effective take downs to neutralize ‘The Flash’.

Winner: Terrion ‘Flash’ Ware via Split Decison

Alex Rickards (4-8) v Robert Gleckman (1-0) 172 lbs Catch-weight

Rd1: Robert Gleckman wins via TKO over Alex Rickards Rd 1

Winner: Robert Gleckman via TKO rd 1

Nick Reale (7-6) v Ozzie Avalos (5-2)  174 lbs Catch-weight

Results: Ozzie Avalos wins via Submission (Guillotine)

Jeff Martin (10-9) v Jared Papazian (16-10) 135 lbs

Rd1: Papazian catches a Martin kick and presses him against the cage. Papazian with a nice combination on the exit. And lands again hurting Martins. Martins falling around the cage, eats another right hand. Papazian is able to control Martins from the back, and brings the fight to the floor. Papazian looking to flatten out Martins, but he defends well enough to prevent the choke. Now Papazian works in the closed guard of Martins, who is looking for a triangle. Martin’s has the hold deep, but Papazian  is able to work free. Now in mount Papazian lands a nice elbow, and that is enough for Big John who stops the fight.

Winner: Jared Papazian via TKO rd 1

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Inside the confines o f a steel cage, anything can, and often does happen. Knockouts appear out of no where, submissions transition with blinding speed, and many times the impossible happens. When the cage door closes, all talk and hype is removed and all that is left is the purity of two combatants. Two fighters entered the King of The Cage last night. One left with the belt, the other left disappointed; however everyone else bore witness to an amazing fight.

Former King of The Cage welterweight Champion Joshua ‘El Rey’ Aveles has been on the bottom before. Loss is something that Aveles not only understands, but he literally wears it. On his arm is a tattoo that pays tribute to his brother Stephen who passed away a few years ago. The loss is something that clearly still festers, like an open wound that just wont heal.

The loss of his brother devastated Joshua, but that devastation soon transformed into motivation. Aveles rededicated himself to his craft, and began training full time with renewed inspiration. Then a funny thing happened. He started winning! After losing 7 of his first 10 fights (mostly by decision except for 1 stoppage), Aveles rattled of 10 wins in 12 total fights.

During that span he KO’d 185 lbs stalwart Johnny Cisneros, and also knocked out Sam Liera to capture the KOTC welterweight title. Then Aveles ran into David Gomez for the first time. Gomez the former champion was looking to regain his title, and did so by squeaking out a highly controversial split decision win in April.

Aveles then defeated Carlos Ortega by decision last month, solidifying his #1 contender spot, and setting up the rematch: “Gomez v Aveles II”, which did not disappoint.

Much like the first fight, David Gomez utilized his superior wrestling to control the smaller Aveles for most of the fight. Gomez was able to take his opponent down at will, however once there he had problems landing any effective strikes. A credit to Aveles jujitsu game. Using his closed guard, Aveles was able to stifle the attacks of Gomez, prompting several stand ups form referee Mike Beltran.

At the end of the third round, Aveles was able to rock the champion with a combination to the body. However again, Gomez grabbed a hold of Aveles and was able to finish the round pressing Aveles into the fence.

When the fourth round started Gomez appeared to be fading. He looked for a take down, but unlike every earlier attempt, Aveles was able to avoid the shot, and kept the fight standing. Then he landed a cirrhosis inducing liver shot, followed by an I.Q. changing uppercut that left  Gomez asleep, supine, and once again a former champion.

For Aveles the celebration will be a short one. His next challenger has been named and was on hand to watch the title change hands. Josh Hinkle will be the next to challenge for the belt in October. For Aveles, though the win is another slap in the face of those who doubt him. A group that after last nights nasty KO, will most certainly be dwindling in numbers.

Streaming live from The San Manuel Casino In Highland California

Watch live on MAVTV

Preliminary Card:

1.) Nick Piecuch (0-1)  v Daylin Murray  (1-0)

Rd1: Piecuch eats a big head kick and its over! Daylin Murray with a vicious head kick KO!

Winner: Daylin Murray via TKO strikes :17 Rd 1

First Fight on Live TV

2.) Frank Park (3-4) v David Evans (6-3)

Rd1: Big John McCarthy is the third man in the cage.  Evand=s starts out with the jab and works a nice push kick in as well. Nice right hand from Evans drops Park momentarily. Nice body kick from Park find Evans mid section. Evans flutters with several kicks and lands a nice straight right. Park has his back pressed against the fence, but works free. After a bad flying kick, that misses badly Evans eats another liver kick but returns fire with jabs and a right cross. Evans presses Park against the cage, and then takes park down with a nice trip. Evans starting to land with the ground and pound, but Park transitions to a triangle, but losses it and eats a hammer fist for his effort. Evans almost takes the back but Park escapes and lands with the push kick. Park again lands a nice three punch combo and a kick at the end of the round. 10-9 Evans with the early action!

Rd2: Park starts off with an outside leg kick, Evans slips and Park flurries. Big knees land for Park in the clinch, but Evans is able to land on top as the both go to the ground. Nice elbows from Evans as Park closes his guard. Park working for a triangle, but can’t seem to get it tight. Big John stands them up. Nice knees from Park again in the clinch. Evans goes for a throw, but Park lands in mount and is landing heavy left hands. Park quikly transitions to the side looking for a choke, but then re mounts and lands more vicious strikes before Big John stops the fight. Evans wasnt responding to the strikes.

Winner: Frank Park via TKO Rd 2 4:32

3.) Adenilson Clementino (4-2) v Tony Lopez (32-13)

Rd1: Big hooks from Clementino land right away, but Lopez immediately clinches and starts working against the cage. Knees to the thigh and punches follow. Clementino can’t get away from Lopez, who bury some body shots. Nice knee from Clementino finds Lopez’s mid section.  Rights to the body from Lopez, as he presses Clementino against the cage. Finally they break free. Clementino misses a big kick and Lopez lands one of his own. one two from Clementino finds a home. And so does a nice counter right. Lopez ducks under a head kick and again instigates the clinch. Both fighters trading single shots, with Clementino landing knees. Clementino lands a big right hand that drops Lopez, He looks to swarm and misses with several shots before the round comes to a close. 10-9 Clementino

Rd2: Lopez is able to take control from the start and has position again. Beautiful inside trip from lopez lands hin in side control. Nice ground and pound from Lopez. He transitions to the back, only to start striking again. The choke is there, and Lopez takes it. The ref stops the fight and Lopez lands an extra shot after the ref pulls him free. The commission will investigate that one.

Winner; Tony Lopez via RNC 3:47 Rd2

4.) Melvin Costa (8-4) v Brandon Hunt (8-5)

Rd1: Hunt starts firing the jab, as Costa circles to his right. Costa now waiving in Hunt, who is being very cautious. Leg kick from Hunt. Neither fighter seems ready to commit. Push kick from Hunt. Hunt throwing single punches that miss, as Costa continues to dance. Boos begin to rain down, as the action is very sparse until this point. Hunt doubles up on the jab nicely. A very lackluster round ends, with Hunt taking a 10-9 lead.

Rd2: Hunt starts effectively with the jab again. Costa looks to shoot, but Hunt defends well with a nice knee. Costa bleeding from his nose now. hunt again starches Costa with the straight jab. Hunt is just picking Costa apart with the straight counters. Costa tries a few leg kicks but Hunt rewards his effort with another hook to the nose. Hunt looks for a take but the round comes to an end. 10-9 Hunt

Rd3: Leg Kick from Costa shows some urgency. Costa looks for a take down, but Hunt grabs a plumb clinch and falls against the cage. Both fighters work free and find the center of the cage once again. Nice jab from Hunt scores. Then he doubles it up and knocks Costa down momentarily. Costa a bloody mess. Costa land a pair of nice leg kicks. Then pounds his chest. Hunt avoids the combo from Costa and replies with another nice jab. Over hand right from Costa grazes Hunt. Nice right cross from Hunt sends Costa’s mouth piece flying prompting a momentary stoppage. Both fighters finally let loose with 10 seconds left. Neither able to land anything significant. Hunt 10-9 in a rather forgettable affair.

Winner: Brandon Hunt via UD Rd 3

5.) Matthew Lagler () v Sean Strickland () Champion 185 lbs

Rd1: Lagler with an inside leg kick as Strickland stalks.  Lagler trying to find his range, but Strickland stays loaded with the right. Nice right hand from Strickland catches Lagler leaping. head kick misses for Strickland. Strickland looking to find his range, but Lagler keeps moving. Big body shot with ten seconds left drops Lagler and Strickland swarms with heavy ground and pound prompting the stoppage with just seconds left in the round.

Winner: Sean Strickland via TKO rd 1 4:57

6.) Joshua Aveles v David Gomez Champion 170 lbs

Rd1: Leg kick from Aveles cracks through the air. Gomez lands one of his own. Aveles moving well and lands another leg kick. Gomez shoots, and takes Aveles down. Aveles closes the guard and controls Gomez’s posture well. The champion staying heavy on Aveles and lands a nice short elbow. Aveles looks for an arm bar, and Gomez lets him go. Low blow from Gomez prompts a stoppage. Gomez with a nice jab. Upper cut from Aveles lands flush. Nice left hook and a right follow from Aveles. Gomez avoids a right, and scores again with a take down. The round comes to a close. 10-9 Gomez because of the take downs.

Rd2: Head kick from Aveles. Nice left hook as well. Gomez again takes Aveles to the mat. Gomez now in the closed half guard of Aveles, and lands a few ground strikes. Aveles closes the guard again, keeping Gomez close.  Nice elbow from Gomez lands. Ref stands them up and Aveles lands immediately causing Gomez to go right back to the clinch. Gomez secures a single leg, almost losses the take down, but lands in side control and is quickly closed off by the guard of Aveles.  Again MikeBeltran stands them up. Gomez presses Aveles to the cage, and eats a knee as the round comes to an end.

Rd3: Nice right cross from Aveles and a leg kick follows. Gome kicks Aveles square in the groin. Its bad, Aveles is rolling on the ground in agony. Looks like they are ready to go. Aveles with a nice leg kick. Big left hand from Gomez. Aveles counters with a nice fright of his own Gomez again instigates the clinch. Gomez controlling the pace now, stifling Aveles against the cage. Gomez able to score another take down, and starts to work from side control. Gomez again can’t seem to land once he gains position. Mike Beltran stands them up again an Aveles rocks Gomez with a nice combination. Gomez hanging on grabs a clinch to survive.  10-9 Gomez in a close round

Rd4: Both fighters start very cautious. Gomez shoots, and Aveles some how avoids. Aveles jab finds a home. Big right hand and lands a huge left that knocks Gomez out cold, a few follow up strikes remove all doubt!

Winner: Joshua Aveles via TKO Rd 4 New Champion