Posts Tagged ‘Alfred Kashakyan’

Battle Tested, Only A Few Survive “The Proving Grounds”

Posted: June 28, 2016 in Combat Sports, UFC
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CXF Clark Vs Chavez-23

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Merriam-Webster defines the term ‘Proving Ground’ as “a place where things or people are tested or tried out for the first time.” The sport of Mixed martial arts in many ways needs a proving grounds. A place for pedigreed fighters to face other well rounded scrappers in matches that are crafted to test each participant. A place where each win is earned, a place where the wheat is separated from the chaff. This is the CXF: Proving Grounds

The first bout of the triple-headed main event featured 3x Bellator MMA veteran Curtis Millender and 7x Glory Kickboxing veteran Casey Greene in a 5 round fight for the vacant CXF Welterweight Title. The intriguing matchup of strikers did not disappoint.

Early on in the fight Millender began to lead the dance working well behind his jab. Starching the charging Greene with every advance before circling away without damage. In the second round, the blood began to flow as Millender’s trip hammer jab instigated a leak above the eye and the nose of Greene. However Greene kept charging, and seemed to get stronger as the fight wore on. Even after a Millender spinning heel kick sent him across the cage.

Battered, bloodied and down on the cards Greene came out in the fourth round a much different fighter. Perhaps sensing he needed a knockout, he stalked Millender who continued to score but more in retreat as he countered his aggressive opponent. In the fifth round the Saeksons Muay Thai product came out even more aggressive, winning the round on many scorecards however Millender’s early investments were at that point already safely in the bank, and he cruised to a unanimous decision win.

Curtis Millender defeats Casey Greene for the CXF Welterweight Title via Unanimous Decision 

The second title fight of the evening featured Emilio Chavez and Dominic Clark in a lightweight showdown to crown the 155 lbs king of So Cal. However the excellent matchup quickly became a one sided affair.

After a short feeling out process, Clark was able to duck under a Chavez advance scoring with the takedown.  Once horizontal, Clark scooted Chavez to the cage and patiently looked for his opening. Chavez did an excellent job defending, however a untimely transition attempted exposed his back and Clark transitioned in a flash, taking his back and sinking both hooks. After softening Chavez up with a few shots, Clark was able to thread his arm under the neck and secured the tap at 4:35 seconds of the very first round.

Not only did Dominick Clark end up with the CXF Lightweight Title, but during his post fight speech he dropped to a knee and proposed to his longtime girlfriend, and she said yes! Congratulations to the Clarks!

Dominick Clark defeats Emilio Chavez for the CXF Lightweight Title via Submission (RNC) 4:25 Rd: 1

The final title fight of the evening saw Alfred Kashakyan defend his CXF Bantamweight strap against a very tough Anthony Perales normally a flyweight, Perales took the bantamweight title fight on short notice and in the champions backyard. The fight started out rather slow, with both opponents clearly respecting each others skills. But it wouldn’t take long for the crowd to be on there feet.

Perales tried to score with a takedown, however Kashakyan kept his footing and immediately went in pursuit of of his opponents chin. After a few brief exchange, Perales aggressively charged the champion missing with a combination who staggered the challenger with a left hook, right uppercut chaser that turned the lights out, leaving Perales unconsciously supine against the cage. The devastating knockout win should have Kashakyan on a short list of bantamweight prospects heading to the UFC.

Alfred Kashakyan defeats Anthony Perales Defending his CXF Bantamweight Title via KO (punches) :45 Rd: 1

The undercard:

Michael Quintero defeats Andril Vasylenko 3:28 Rd: 2 via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)

Leon Shahbazian defeats Eric Johnson 3:48 Rd: 1 via Submission (modified Guillotine)

James Acosta defeats David Duran 4:17 Rd: 2 via Knockout (punches)

Georgie Garcia defeats Gary Michaelyan 2:14 Rd: 1 via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)

Rob Gooch defeats Paul Amaro 1:17 Rd: 1 via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)

Alfred Kashakyan Returns to Form at CXF ‘Gold Rush’ and Earns His First Title

Posted: April 24, 2016 in Combat Sports, UFC
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The Beginning of the End

The Beginning of the End

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

According to Hemingway people with ‘guts’ always show “grace under pressure.” Coming in to his fight against Andrew Natividad, Alfred Kashakyan personified that saying. Returning off of a loss in his last fight and fighting with the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide as the back drop, Kashakyan was shouldering a ton of weight. He was not only fighting for the CXF Bantamweight title, but he was also fighting for a nation people who still to this day, continue to fight for themselves. Despite the pressure Kashakyan performed with grace, and showcased his power along the way.

Once Kashakyan made his way into the ball room it became clear who the crowd was there to see. Once he made his way into the cage it became clear who he was see! Charging to a halt an inch from his opponent Kashakyan stomped defiantly in front of him before circling away to take his corner. The aggressive display was not a taunt as much as it was a precursor for the chaotic storm on the horizon.

As the fight began Natividad looked to stay low, and after a few strikes from Kashakyan he shot in an attempt to take the fight to the mat. However Kashakyan was able to fend off the takedown, and once out of danger, he separated and looked to get busy with his hands. Each punch he threw was meant to end the fight. Although Natividad was able to block a few, in retreat a head kick backed him up against the cage and once there Kashakyan unleashed a flurry of strikes that dropped him a couple of times. The stoppage came moments later as grounded strikes went unanswered forcing the referee to stop the bout.

After the win an emotional Alfred Kashakyan spoke to the crowd about how personal the fight was for him. He spoke of his struggle, and of the Armenian struggle and vowed to continue his reign as CXF Champion declaring “This belt is mine, and its not going anywhere”.

The win moves Kashakyan to 6-2 as a pro and also earns him his first mixed martial arts title. As with most of the CXF fighters, Alfred is on a short list of UFC hopefuls in the bantamweight division. It would not be a surprise to see both Kashakyan and fellow 135 lbs prospect Terrion Ware in the UFC in the near future, if not perhaps we will see them square off in the CXF cage. Only time will tell!

Wherever Kashakyan fights next is only a guess, however as he starts to get bigger and bigger fights you can expect a seasoned fighter, one used to the pressure. A fighter who Hemingway himself would say has ‘guts’ in spades, a fighter with ‘Grace’!

The next CXF show is scheduled for June make sure you follow Lights Out Promotions and Bash Boxing for more information.

All photos are the property of The Clinch Report, LLC. Any unauthorized use is prohibited. Please email news@theclinchreport.com for licensing information.

California Xtreme Fighting: Gold Rush Set To Crown Inaugural Champions

Posted: April 13, 2016 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

In 1848 after gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill; California became the place for the bold to stake their claim to a bright future. Now nearly 170 years later, California Xtreme Fighting is the new Sutter’s Mill, and our young mixed martial artists are the miners seeking their fortune. The times may have changed, but the bounty is still the same. Everyone wants some of that sweet sweet gold, and on April 22nd, plenty will be on the line.

Lights Out Promotions in association with Bash Boxing are proud to be presenting ‘CXF: Gold Rush’ on April 22, 2016 at The Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. The talent laden card features some of the top young mixed martial artists in the world. Each one of them looking to strike gold.

Preliminary Card:

Georgie Garcia (2-2 MMA) vs Angel Oliveras (Pro Debut)

Georgie Garcia has fought under the Lights Out/Bash umbrella before, and those who have seen him fight are always entertained. His muay thai pedigree and strong athleticism make him a nightmare inside a large cage. His opponent Angel Oliveras is making his pro debut after an amateur pedigree that saw him even with a 1-1 record. Oliveras is a well rounded fighter with some slick submission skills. Both young men are hungry so sit back and watch them eat.

Marlen MaGee (2-4 MMA) vs Craig Plaskett (Pro Debut)

Marlen MaGee returns to action under the Lights Out/Bash umbrella for the fourth time. The heavy handed MaGee is looking for his first win after coming short in his previous engagements. His opponent Craig Plaskett is making his pro debut after a rather extensive amateur career that saw him even with 4 wins against 4 losses. Plaskett also possesses power in both hands, so this could up being a ‘rock em sock em robots’ type of fight. Don’t blink.

Joshua Jones (1-0 MMA) vs Akkim Lee (Pro Debut)

Joshua Jones came into his last bout the underdog, and left after silencing the crowd with a huge win in his pocket. Jones displayed a wide array of striking and dominated with a versatile attack that wore down his opponent before choking the will to compete from him. His opponent Akkim Lee has been around for a long time. Lee has an extensive amateur background and has a ton of fight left. Expect an educated slug fest!

Jordan Isordia (2-3 MMA) vs Derion Chapman (2-4-1)

Both of these young scrappers bring a ton of talent and energy to the cage. Isordia is the type of striker that likes to stay in the pocket, he certainly is not afraid to take a punch in order to land one. Chapman is more of a floater, who likes to inflict damage quickly before exiting his opponents range. On their feet, the fight could go either way. However should the fight hit the mat, Chapman is very dangerous off his back. This bout could be a back and forth war that produces a magical finish.

Armen Bakanyan (1-3-1 MMA) vs Dmitry Gerasimov (4-4MMA)

This is an easy candidate for Fight of the Night, simply because it already has been! If this rematch is any where close to as good as the first fight, everyone is in for an action-packed treat. The first fight ended in a close split decision that favored Gerasimov. Now 3 years later, these two are set to square off again. This time Bakanyan wants revenge, and his opponent Gerasimov wants to remove all doubt. Get ready for a nasty grudge match with all the violent trimmings. A last minute replacement on the card, may end up being the best fight of the night!

Main Card:

Moses Murrietta (2-0 MMA) vs Matthew Spencer (4-1 MMA) For the CXF Middleweight Championship

In his last bout Moses Murrietta was two parts lightning and one part thunder. Showcasing his superior boxing skills, he systematically picked apart a very tough John Gendron cruising to an rather oddly scored split decision victory. Murrietta sets up his power well with ranging strikes. He will need to use that range to contain his opponent who is somewhat of a bulldog. Matthew Spencer is built like an NFL fullback, and is just as athletic. In the clinch his power transforms opponents into victims quickly and on the mat things only get worse. A brown belt under Eddie Bravo, Spencer can quickly make the fight a foggy memory if your not careful. With a belt on the line, you can expect one hell of a high octane battle.

Jay Bogan (5-5 MMA) vs Cody Bollinger (16-5 MMA) For the CXF Featherweight Championship

Cody Bollinger is a veteran who has fought in pretty much every organization from the UFC on down. His stifling wrestling pedigree has picked up some pretty nasty striking along the way. Currently mired in a 3 fight losing streak Bollinger is looking to rebound with a win that would put him right back in the mix in the featherweight landscape. What his opponent Jay Bogan may lack in experience he certainly makes up for with ridiculous submission skills. With four of his five wins coming via submission Bogan is quick to attack in the transition. Equally dangerous on top position or on his back, Bogan can end the fight in an instant. This fight could end up being a battle of transitions, with the winner being crowned the CXF Featherweight Champion.

Alfred Kashakyan (5-2 MMA) vs Andrew Natividad (3-4 MMA) For the CXF Bantamweight Championship

Andrew Natividad is a very experienced and well rounded fighter. He possesses the one quality you cannot teach a fighter. He is a grinder. However in his last 2 fights, he came up on the wrong end of a decision to Ruben Duran and Juan Archuletta. His opponent Alfred Kashakyan has devastating knockout power in both hands, and brings a huge arsenal of weapons to the cage. Kashakyan is also coming off a disappointing loss, so his appetite is larger than ever. With the winner being crowned the CXF Bantamweight Champion you can bet this is going to be a great fight. Early candidate for Fight of the Night.

Terrion Ware (11-5 MMA) vs Rob Gooch (4-2 MMA)

Once the combat gods get there eyes on a matchup, they must be satisfied. This fight has been a long time coming. Finally after clearing up some red tape, and after all the injuries are healed, these two are going to throw down. Rob Gooch may be at a experience disadvantage record wise, but his skill is unquestionable. Equally dangerous on the mat or standing, Gooch is an extremely efficient fighter, a tactician with a keen mind. If your not on the ball at all times, Gooch can grab an arm or a leg, and end the fight in an instant. His opponent Terrion Ware has seemingly been one fight away from the UFC for a while now. Possibly one of the best bantamweights outside of the UFC, Ware is looking to make a statement, one signed with leather. A highlight reel win over a fighter like Rob Gooch may be the final piece in the puzzle. This fight could easily end up being the Fight of The Night.

Karen Darabedyan (11-5 MMA) vs Joe Condon (11-9 MMA) For The CXF 160lbs Championship 

This fight could easily be a money fight on a televised card. Both of these fighters have competed at the top level in mixed martial arts, both are still in their prime and both share a ridiculous grappling pedigree. Joe Condon has fought for titles in King of the Cage (twice), and competed in the 155 lbs tournament for World Series of Fighting. His experience speaks for itself. On his feet Condon has decent hands, but his defensive skills are amazing which often leads to openings for take downs. On the mat his finishing instincts shine. His methodical transitions to the back are relentless, and singular in purpose. Simply put if you give up your back, its pretty much over. His opponent Karen Darabedyan, like Condon is talented beyond words. Darabedyan a student of Gokor Chivichyan and Gene Lebell has some of the best leg locks in the game. If he grabs a leg, your going to be limping for along time. On his feet Darabedyan utilizes his compact frame to explode into his punches like a coiled snake. If he turns your chin, the room will get dim real quick. Once he has his opponents wounded, Darabedyan does not show mercy, well he sort of does, he doesn’t waste any time, and usually the finish comes quickly! Both of these fighters are climbing their way back to the top of the pecking order, so you can expect a war! This fight will not only product the CXF champion, the winner will also be arguably the best lightweight fighter in the state!

This event is in memory of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and a portion of the proceeds will donated to charity. Never Forget!

 

‘Fight Night 3’ Great Mix of Seasoned Veterans and Savvy Prospects Decorate a Stacked Card

Posted: July 1, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

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

The wait is almost over, the time is drawing near. ‘Fight Night 3’ returns to the Sportsmen’s Lodge courtesy of Lights Out Promotions and Bash Boxing. Following in the footsteps of previous ‘Fight Night’ installments, tickets are almost already sold out, and July 10, is still over a week away. For Tickets go to www.ValleyFightNight.com

The near sellout crowd is set to witness an absolutely stacked card, from ‘rooter to the tooter’, the card features a unique blend of battle tested veterans looking to punch their tickets back to the show, and hungry young predators looking to make a name for themselves as The City of Angels bears witness.

The main event features local legend, and avid face puncher Thor Skancke (6-6 MMA) who will take on the grappler Jason Cordero (5-6 MMA). The classic matchup of grappler vs. striker will be on display once again in this bout. Will it be a battle of transitions? Or will the lights go out in Studio City? A fight that cannot be missed!

The Co Main event features Alfred Khashakyan (4-1 MMA) vs Anthony Paredes (3-1 MMA). Khashakyan is arguably one of the top prospects in the area. His punches leave opponents unconscious, sipping their meals through straws. However this time, he may have finally found a rival with equal pedigree. Paredes comes in with a very well rounded striking game, backed up by a stifling wrestling game. If he can get Khashakyan to the mat, he may be able to maintain a solid advantage. This is another fight that could end being a marathon, or a sprint. Either way is another battle of top prospects you will eventually see fighting in the UFC.

The card also features the return of UFC and Strikeforce veteran Eddie Mendez (7-3). Mendez is looking to return to form, coming off of two very tough loses, one being his UFC debut the other being a title fight to now UFC fighter Kevin Casey under the RFA umbrella. He will be a facing a fighter very much in the same situation. Johnny Mercurio (5-6 MMA) is coming off of two tough losses himself, one of those being his Bellator MMA debut. These two veterans will be meeting head to head full speed, at a catchweight of 175 lbs. This one should be zero to sixty, in an instant. Put your seatbelt on!

Also on the Card:

Marcos Bonilla vs. Adel Al Tamimi (1-1 MMA) Both fighters are exciting strikers with very different styles. Bonilla has deadly accurate hands, that make a mess when he throws them around. Add in his footwork, and snapping leg kicks and he is a nightmare for anyone. Al Tamimi may be the perfect match. If he can keep his distance, and move in and out of Bonilla’s range, his karate style and hammering kicks can accumulate damage quickly, and his pace is always very measured. This fight could produce the *Knockout of The Night Candidate.

Ron Scolesdang (4-2 MMA) vs Paul Amaro (3-5 MMA) Both fighters are veterans of the ‘Fight Night’ series and always come ready to perform. What happens when a typhoon meets a tornado? This fight should give you the answer. Scolesdang is looking to build off his last ‘Fight Night’ performance, while Amaro is looking to end a five fight skid. With both fighters only knowing one speed, this fight should get the blood going.

Daniel Clark (3-2 MMA)vs Marlen Magee (3-2 MMA) This fight features two very well rounded tacticians, who have both been on the verge of the next level for quite some time. Clark may be the more well rounded fighter, but Magee is riding a 3 fight win streak, and will need to utilize his wrestling to neutralize the jiujitsu of his foe. Clark has all the tools for this game, however its been 8 months since his last fight. Ring rust is something Magee will certainly being looking to expose. This fight could produce the evenings slickest submission! *Submission of The Night Candidate

Dmitry Gerasimov (4-3 MMA) vs Max Ceniceros (6-2 MMA) Another early candidate for Fight of the Night. Ceniceros is currently riding a five fight win streak and standing in the way of his sixth, a one very tough Russian. Gerasimov’s karate pedigree and aggressive style coupled with Ceniceros explosiveness will make this fight one of the best on the card. *Fight of the Night Candidate.

Joe Bryant vs Joe Hernandez Whenever the heavyweights get locked in the cage you cannot afford to blink. This fight should come with that as a warning label. Both Bryant and Hernandez are both young, strong and extremely hungry. This fight could go either way, but it doubtfully will see a judges scorecard. Remember Don’t Blink. *Knockout of The Night Candidate

Levon Sargsyan (2-2 MMA) vs Chris Rodriguez (1-2 MMA) Intriguing bout that pits two talented prospects, cut from similar molds, in a fight that should deliver machine-gun action from the opening bell. Make sure you get to your seats early this is a fight that is certain to entertain.

Vardan Sholinian (5-1 MMA)  vs Anthony Hernandez (4-0 MMA) Hernandez undefeated atop a four fight KO pony, is risking his undefeated record against perhaps his toughest opponent yet. Sholinian one of the top young prospects emerging from Team GFC possesses heavy hands, a strong ground game and a granite chin. How is this not a main event? This one is worth the price of admission alone! *Knockout of The Night Candidate

Matthew Spencer (2-0 MMA)  vs Jonathan Ferrell (0-1 MMA) Ferrell making his ‘Fight Night’ debut will be looking to showcase his striking skills early. Spencer will be looking to utilize his strength and grappling skills to bring Ferrell into deep water, where he can drown him. Whoever wins, it should be a fun scrap to watch.

Izic Fernandez (1-0 MMA) vs Derion Chapman (1-2-1 MMA) How often does the curtain jerker actually have a chance to be Fight of The Night? This one does. Both fighters recently became professionals after extensive amateur backgrounds. This fight could end up being too close to call! *Fight of The Night Candidate

 

 

‘Fight Night 2’: ‘Fearless’ In His Approach, Alfred Khashakyan With an Impressive KO Win!

Posted: April 18, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Fight Night LO 3.15-8

500 MG of Ambien in the form of a Kashakyan right hand!

 

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Photos By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

‘Fearless’ is not just a cool moniker for Alfred Khashakyan, it serves as an accurate description, and perhaps a warning. Although second to enter the cage he immediately took possession when he approached his opponent Vitor Oristanio and defiantly slammed his feet into the mat. A day earlier, Oristanio’s lack of respect boiled over when he shoved Khashakyan during weigh ins and now the time had come to pay for that mistake.

At the opening bell, Khashakyan immediately took to the center of the cage and his heavy hands once again made a mess of his opponent. Oristanio did his best to quell the advances, even cutting Khashakyan above the brow. However the effort was akin to trying to stop an elephant with a feather. Khashakyan bulldozed Oristanio dropping him early in the first round. What followed was one of the most impressive ground and pound finishes of the year. Once he felled his foe, Khashakyan dropped the hammer.

Oristanio may have retained some senses at first, but the first punch on the ground removed them quickly. The second shot, was purely academic and relocated Oristanio’s consciousness from ‘queer street’ to ‘dream land’! The finish was so violent that Oristanio needed to be transported from the cage to the hospital. Before leaving the young warrior gave the thumbs up to the crowd to let everyone know he was going to be alright.

For Khashakyan is just seems to be a matter of time before he gets the call from the UFC. The idea makes sense. He is the type of fighter the 135 lbs division needs. An exciting striker with excellent defensive wrestling, Khashakyan would mimic the skills of those at the top of the division. Currently riding 4 fight knock out streak, he could be one fight or a poorly timed injury away (he would be an excellent injury replacement) from fighting on the big stage.

Gallery will continue to be updated!

The ‘Fearless’ Approach: Alfred Kashakyan Cold, Calculated and Ready!

Posted: April 15, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Video and Editing By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

By: Jonathan M. King

Alfred Kashakyan (3-1 MMA) is quickly becoming the worst kept secret in mixed martial arts. He will be anyway if he can keep his KO streak going. Kashakyan trains at the world famous Glendale Fighting Club under the watchful eye of Edmund Tarverdyan.  Training in a pool of sharks has prepared Kashakyan to fight on the grandest stage. However, his vision has not distorted the task at hand. Going into the most important fight of his life, Kashakyan seems to be on a rail. A rail that may make one or two more stops before ending up in the UFC!

With a well rounded pedigree, Kashakyan is an educated fighter wherever the scrap takes place. His strength as a striker is complimented by a very solid wrestling base that allow him to keep the fight where he wants it to be! Coaches and training partners are able to keep him honest in all areas, creating a hybrid fighter that literally has the ability to game-plan on the fly, making him very dangerous for any opponent.

Looking to knock him down is a Brazilian challenger named Vitor Oristanio (1-2). Oristanio a striker trains out of Blackhouse MMA and his K-1 level kickboxing could present a challenge for Kashakyan who also prefers to stand. However don’t be surprised if ‘Fearless’ Alfred parlays a take down into a ground and pound scenario. His wrestling back-round certainly makes that an option. However the knockout is always the ultimate goal! “I want to keep my KO streak going!” Kashakyan said.

Kashakyan vs. Oristanio will be the Co Main Event at ‘Fight Night 2’ at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. Tickets may still be available at http://www.valleyfightnight.com

*Special Thank You to fighters Glendale Fighting Club

Lights Out Promotions/Bash Boxing MMA Card Preview

Posted: February 17, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Chaos 10.30-42

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

 

 

Papazian vs. Casarez Headlines A Stacked Combat Saturated Card

Posted: February 11, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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hollywood

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Bronson Casarez is a young tough kid, with lofty aspirations. Following in his teammate Joshua Aveles’s (Current KOTC 170lbs and 160lbs Champion) footsteps, the Team Diamond product entered his last fight at Hollywood Fight Night 8 as a last minute replacement. He emerged a prospect, with a ton of attention. In that fight, Casarez outpointed 135lbs stalwart Dmitry Gerasimov in a very close fight. The win bolstered the young fathers confidence and moved him onto a short list of players in his division.

Casarez is now set to take on his toughest opponent to date in Jared Papazian. Papazian a former UFC veteran is coming off a big win in his last fight over Ara Muradyan and is looking to make the jump back to the UFC with an impressive win over a hungry young opponent. Don’t let the experience differential fool you, the fight should be a classic brawl, as neither fighter has the ‘backup’ in their vocabulary!

Also appearing on the card in support of the main event in a co-feature Muay Thai specialist Casey Greene takes a very tough Mario Delgado. Coming off a huge win in his last bout over Derrion Chapman, Richard Leroy is set to return to the Lightsout Ring against submission specialist David Fabian who is making his pro debut.

The preliminary card is also filled with local talent, featuring some excellent match-ups. Systems Training Center Eric Rios is looking to rebound from his first loss against another fighter,  Levon Sargsyan who is in the exact same position. Fighting out of Glendale Fighting Club, Sargsyan is also searching for his first win as a pro. Both fighters have explosive hands, and the matchup is an early favorite for fight of the night.

Featured on the preliminary card are some highly touted local prospects such as HarQore HQ’s/10thPlanet/The Yard product Matthew Spencer, Glendale’s Alfred Kashakyan, Systems Training Center’s Jared Carlsten, and of course Muay Thai Legend Jemyma Betrian who is looking for her second win as a mixed martial artist in as many bouts.

Betrian is perhaps the best prospect currently not in the UFC strawweight division. Although only 1-0 as a mixed martial artist, Betrian’s striking pedigree makes her one of the most dangerous women in the world at her weight. This may very well be the last time to catch her fight outside of the UFC.

If you have never been to a Lights Out Promotions/Bash Boxing card you are certainly in for a treat. The unique blend of combat offers a taste of ever discipline to even the most elite of combat fans. The unique atmosphere, beautiful woman, and celebrity attendees add to an always explosive card. The tickets usually sell out fast so make sure you order them now! For Tickets go to: http://www.itsmyseat.com/events/380443.html

The complete MMA portion of the card is as follows:

Remember The Card is Subject to change!

FEATURING:
• Jared Papazian vs. Bronson Casarez
• Casey Green vs. Mario Delgado
• Richard Leroy vs. David Fabian
• Angela Hancock vs. Liz Tracy
• Marcos Bonilla vs. Christian Bizaretty
• Mathew Spencer vs. Justin Vasquez
• Alfred Kashakyan vs. David Hernandez
• Ron Scolesdang vs. Christopher Fajardo
• Levon Sargsyan vs. Eric Rios
• Jay Bogan vs. Jared Carlsten
• George Garcia vs. Paul Amaro

Jemyma Betrian is awaiting her opponent.

Photo Gallery From Previous Lights Out Promotions Events:

First edit courtesy of Dmitry Gerasimov