Posts Tagged ‘Blackhouse MMA’

‘The Spartan’ Punctuates UFC Tryout with a Highlight Reel KO at RFA 38

Posted: June 7, 2016 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Christos -6

Seizing the day, The Spartan Delivers

“Seize the day, put no trust in the morrow!”- Horace

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Going into his fight with Karen Darabedyan at RFA 38, Christos Giagos appeared as as calm as the day is long. Waiting for his walkout music, he patiently paced back and forth, pausing for a moment to acknowledge a few fans in the crowd. He didn’t seem concerned in the least, instead the young fighter appeared oddly at peace. Almost tranquil, it appeared as if the Spartan already knew the outcome. For the day was at hand, and Giagos appeared as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

Did he know that this was perhaps the most important fight of career? He had to know that Dana White, his former boss, was in the building filming ‘Looking for a Fight’, (a show that showcases White’s search for emerging talent that airs on the UFC network Fight Pass). If not he was certainly aware of the danger before him.

His opponent Karen Darabedyan is one of the fiercest grapplers in the division. If you make a mistake against him, you can loose an arm, a leg, or end up asleep looking up at the lights wondering what the hell just happened. However as soon as the fight started it became clear The Spartan’s calm almost ‘laissez-faire’ approach was the result of proper preparation.

As Darabedyan bounced in and out Giagos countered with a crisp jab, cross combination that sharply snapped the head of Darabedyan back. A few moments later, after eating a sharp jab from Giagos, Darabedyan charged in looking to engage in a fire fight, but instead walked into a three punch combination from Giagos that clipped his chin, sending him to the canvas. A few ground and pound strikes later and Giagos finally came to life.

Running towards the cage, ‘The Spartan’ ran a flip off the cage, and then began screaming with all his might, for the first time all night he appeared uncomfortable. He didn’t know what to do. For months, this moment was all that was on his mind. Now having seized the moment, the raw emotion simply took over.

The fight ended up producing one hell of a MMA equation. The fashion of the victory, multiplied by the caliber of the opponent equaled UFC President Dana White saying ” This last kid was in the UFC, and tonight he looked like he should be back in the UFC.” (interview with Ron Kruck on Inside MMA). How about that for some MMA math?

Where Giagos fights next remains to be seen, however he has certainly proved he belongs in the UFC. In his first run with the promotion, Giagos compiled a 1-2 record, with the win splitting the losses. When he was cut, it seemed odd, as he had not lost consecutive bouts, and the last loss to Chris Wade ended up being an extremely entertaining fight.

Not only was Dana White impressed with his performance but UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby was in the building as well and appeared extremely interested as well.  So it appears all the stars are lining up for The Spartan’s return to the UFC. However making it to the UFC is one thing, but staying there is a completely different animal. If Giagos hopes to remain, he will have to continue to conquer each day, as if it is his last.

 

All photos and content are owned by The Clinch Report, LLC. Any unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Email news@theclinchreport.com for licensing. 

 

The Warrior Returns: Albert Morales Picks Up Another Big Win

Posted: February 22, 2016 in Combat Sports, UFC
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BAMMA WSOF-12

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Photos By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

“What though strength fails? Boldness is certain to win praise. In mighty enterprises, it is enough to have had the determination” -Sextus Aurelius Propertius

Leading up to BAMMA USA event last week, 135 lbs prospect Albert Morales boldly took to social media and called out the champion when his opponent Rob Gooch fell off the card with an injury. Despite already having a fight himself, Morales saw opportunity. Although that matchup never happened the seeds had been sewn. Instead of talking his way into a title fight, Morales was going to have to earn that shot.

In his way a very tough Anthony Paredes, who trains out of  Team Quest and possesses some of the best wrestling in the division. His smothering attack can be a nightmare for a striker. Just watch his fight with Alfred Kashakian to see why. Although the fight may not have been a ‘mighty enterprise’, it would however be the ‘determination’ that crowned the victor.

Once the fight started it appeared clear that Morales was the more aggressive fighter. Moving well, and working behind his jab, Morales kept Paredes on his bicycle for most of the fight. Each time Morales would engage, Paredes would retreat. Outside of one take down, which Morales quickly transitioned into a potential armbar; the fight remained standing for 3 rounds.

Consistently moving forward, Morales found a home for his straight punches and wobbled Paredes several times with sharp two and three punch combinations, however he showed excellent maturity by remaining cautious. By doing so he never exposed his legs by getting over aggressive. Instead he maintained distance, reset, and looked to land again. Paredes did his best to fire back, but he just couldn’t keep up with Morales’s athleticism. Although the finish eluded him, Morales cruised to a unanimous decision win.

With the victory the bold 135 lb fighter moves his undefeated record to 5-0, where he finds himself in a prime position. As a top prospect he may soon get swallowed up by a larger promotion (World Series of Fighting was certainly impressed!), and if he doesn’t, at least he can now lay claim to a title shot. Before his words were just bravado, but after his last fight, can you really deny him the opportunity? His mouth may have booked the reservation, but his actions have at least earned him a seat at the table.

 

 

 

 

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

RFA 21: The Mixed Martial Arts Measuring Stick

Posted: December 8, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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RFA 12.5-48

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Resurrection Fighting Alliance returned to the Southern Californian landscape with an evening of combat at the OC Hangar in Costa Mesa. The night featured some of the regions top young talent, as well as a good mix of savvy veterans who are hungry to return to prominence. With the vacant lightweight title on the line (vacated by Christos Giagos when he was signed by the UFC), Mehdi Baghdad (11-3 MMA, 1-0 RFA) took on Zach Juusola (10-3 MMA) in evenings main event.

Juusola looked to keep the fight grounded and out of the range of Baghdad’s strikes and did so for the better part of four rounds. However halfway through the fourth round Baghdad unleashed an I.Q. changing elbow that split Juusola apart, before dropping him to his knees. Juusola had just recovered from a low blow. After being given some time to recover, he indicated he was ready to go. The elbow came almost instantly, as did the stoppage.

The win places Baghdad in a good position. If he is signed by the UFC he will join Giagos, Kevin Casey, Brian Ortega, and Alan Jouban as former RFA champions currently employed by the industry leader. However it wouldn’t be surprising to Scott Coker courting him as well.

With Viacom committed, Bellator MMA could be the perfect fit for Baghdad. There he would be able to make good money, in a division with much less clutter. Currently the UFC roster is bloated with over 100 lightweights, whereas Bellator currently only has 27. With the UFC uniform concept yet to be proven profitable, it may make sense to look elsewhere.

In the co-main event fan favorite Joe Murphy (8-1 MMA, 1-0 RFA) starched Brazilian Bruno Frazatto (6-2 MMA, 1-1 RFA) with a dizzying array of strikes, that saw the grappling expert in the fetal position trying to cover up as the referee stopped the fight. Murphy landed with a short lead uppercut that caught Frazatto on the tip of the chin, felling him early in the first round. Much to the delight of the crowd who came complete with signs and t-shirts in support of the Cleber Jiu Jitsu fighter. The win may be enough for Murphy to maneuver himself for a shot at a title.

Chase Gormely (11-4 MMA, 1-0 RF) also cruised to a unanimous decision win over Dale Sopi (6-1 MMA) in a battle of heavyweights. Gormely looking to make his way back to the UFC handed Sopi the first loss of his career. Both fighters appeared to tire after the first frame, but Gormely was able to impose his will on Sopi, consistently taking him to the mat. The win keeps Gormely on track to get back to the UFC ranks.

Francisco France (11-3-1 MMA) made short work of veteran Mikey Gomez (17-11 MMA) winning their fight in the very first round by technical submission. France dropped Gomez with big shot to the top of the head. Once on the mat, a dazed Gomez was unable to prevent France from getting to side control, where the arm in choke put Gomez to sleep. The win may have moved France into title contention.

RFA continues to get better with each show. The main reason for that growth is the talent level they attract! Promoter Ed Soares and his team have created a viable promotion that primarily acts as the bar for the larger organizations. If you can win a title within the RFA organization, chances are you will do very well in the big show. If not, well then this is the measuring stick you need to gauge yourself against. Everyone wants to be in the UFC. First ask yourself if you can make it too RFA!

 

Chaos At The Casino 5: All Hell Broke Loose

Posted: August 11, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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UFC Champion Ronda Rousey poses with a young fan! #ChaosAtTheCasino

UFC Champion Ronda Rousey poses with a young fan! #ChaosAtTheCasino

 

By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com, Alex Linares and John Walsh The Clinch Report

Chaos At The Casino 5, was one of the most memorable fight cards in Southern California history. Future and Former UFC stars battled it out in the cage in front of a sold out crowd. Many UFC stars were on hand to watch the fights including UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke, Chris Beal, Josh Barnett and many others.

The card was headlined by former TUF finalist Karim Ghazi and highly touted prospect Dominic Clark. Clark was able to get Ghazi down early in the first round bout. Once there he quickly grabbed a modified guillotine and put Ghazi to sleep. The win moves Clark that much closer to the UFC, and also garnered him the ‘Submission of The Night’ bonus that was provided by 911 Tax Relief.

Thor Skancke also earned a bonus, for his devastating knockout over a very tough Matt Hagge. In a back and forth heavy handed showdown, both fighters had their moments early. However once Skancke was able to achieve top position, he was able to end the fight with some brutal ground and pound earning the “Knockout Of The Night” Bonus thanks to the Law Offices of Allen Saralou who sponsored the prize.

The “Fight of The Night” bonuses went to Christoper Fajardo and Paul Amaro. Both fighters gave as good as the received in this back and forth battle. Fajardo seemed to have Amaro heading for the exit on several occasions but he kept coming back. Amaro even turned the tide momentarily with some heavy haymakers that had Fajardo reassesing his approach. Ultimately Fajardo proved to be too much, and with Amaro hurt and down, the referee was forced to halt the action. The FOTN bonus was sponsored by Pain Away.

The biggest upset of the evening went to Amanda Bell, who was able to storm through Marina Shafir in the first round of their fight. Bell came out aggressive and landed some nice right hands, that had Shafir adjusting right away. A stiff right hand from Bell starched and staggered Shafir. Bell then swarmed her felled opponent and was able to secure the win with some ground and pound strikes that forced the referee to step in and stop the bout.

Heavyweight stalwarts Chase Gormley and Tony Lopez fought each other in a rather cautious fight that had neither willing to commit. Lopez started slow and was on his back for most of the first round, but was able to reverse the momentum in the second frame. Gormley appeared dominant at first, but then tired, as Lopez began to turn up the pressure. Late in the third frame Lopez attempted a head kick and his knee gave out from under him. Referee Mike Bell let him continue but repeated falls prompted a stoppage that immediately puts Chase Gormley back in the hunt for the UFC contract he so covets.

Also victorious at Chaos At The Casino:

Jay Bogan defeated Marcos Bonilla, Ruben Warr won a unanimous decision over Jordan Isordia, Vardan Sholinian out wrestled Mike Frear for the decision win, Jemyma Betrian decimated Hadley Griffith, and Joe Hernandez came back to TKO Arsen Galstyn.

Once again George Bastmajyan and his Lights Out Promotions team exceeded expectations. The well thought out matchups, and improved organization gave the show a very polished feel. The resulting amazing fights were presented properly in a quick fan friendly format. The event left fans asking as …”When is Chaos At The Casino 6 going to be?”

A very good question only time will answer.