Posts Tagged ‘James Acosta’

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)

‘Fight Night 2’ Leaves Fans Asking When is ‘Fight Night 3’?

Posted: April 19, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Photos By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

Walking out of the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City among the crowd, the same sentiment reverberated multiple times on the way to the car. “Hey man, when are you guys going to do another one?”

Once again the Lights Out Promotions and Bash Boxing team has succeeded in putting together one hell of an entertaining night of fights. ‘Fight Night 2’ featured some of the regions top mixed martial artists, in a wide range of weight classes. The main event featured a mixed of young talent, and hard hitting veterans that left the crowd satisfied and asking for more.

Six fighters on the card in particular had heavier burdens than normal. With the up coming anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire as the back drop, 6 Armenian fighters took to the cage to fight for not only themselves but for a nation as well. Alfred Khashakyan, Levon Sarsyan, Armen Bakanyan, Tigran Grigoryan, Davit Yeghiazaryan, and Leon Shahbazyan each represented their Armenian roots with hard fought efforts that led to a 5-0-1 record on the evening.

In the co main event of the evening Alfred Khashakyan plowed through Blackhouse MMA fighter Vitor Oristanio (1-3 MMA) with a first round KO that left the young Oristanio unconscious. After trading kicks early on, Khashakyan caught a charging Oristanio on the chin with an uppercut that folded his legs beneath him. Wasting little time, Khashakyan dove in with some vicious right hands that with the mat underneath gave Oristanio’s head no place to go! The last punch removing him completely from his senses. The knockout, his fourth in a row, puts Khashakyan in a prime position to get a call from the UFC. Normally fighting at 135 lbs, Khashakyan’s power and wrestling back-round immediately make him a contender in the bantamweight division.

The second co main event saw local fan favorite Thor Skancke (6-5 MMA) defeat journeyman Daniel McWillams (9-24 MMA) in the first round via submission (Americana). Skancke showcased his heavy hands early in the first round, landing with heavy hooks to the body of McWilliams before the fight found itself on the ground. McWilliams flirted several times with an arm bar/ triangle transition, but eventually Skancke threw his legs to the side and  landed in side control. Once there a few ground strikes softened McWilliams enough to allow Skancke to get a hold of a wrist lock. Which he rotated into the Americana, finishing the fight.

The win for Skancke returned him to the right side of .500. He also didn’t receive any damage, making him eligible for the next card at ‘Fight Night 3’!

Over all the event was extremely entertaining. The fights were a good blend of Knockouts and submissions, with a few leading up to the suspense of a judges decision. We saw a Liz Tracy make a huge splash in her pro debut, with a big upset over Maria Rios. We also will probably being saying goodbye to Alfred Khashakyan who now stands 4-1 in the midst of  a 4 fight KO streak. He should be getting a call from Sean Shelby and Joe Silva at the UFC very soon,

Lights Out Promotions and Bash Boxing put together some pretty amazing events. The dynamic blend of young talent, coupled with well known regional talent makes them a highly desired promotion for fighters. There are no stepping stones at a ‘Fight Night’ event. Like Thor Skancke said following his fight, “If you are not in the UFC, this is where the best competition is!” and like Annie Lennox said, “Who am I to disagree!”

 

 

 

 

‘Fight Night 2’ Preview Friday Night from The Sportsmen’s Lodge

Posted: April 13, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By:Jonathan M. King  The Clinch Report

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

Vitor Oristanio (1-2)  vs  Alfred Khashakyan (3-1)

The main event features two heavy handed, lightning fast strikers. Oristanio is coming of his first win as a pro a KO in his last bout.  While Khashakyan is also looking to maintain the momentum of a 3 fight win streak. His last win may have been his most impressive as he needed just over a minute to KO a very tough David Hernandez. Both fighters are looking to make statements with their performances which should lead to some serious action!

Liz Tracy (0-0) vs  Maria Rios (2-1)

Liz Tracy is set to make her professional debut after compiling a 2-1 record as an amateur. She will be sharing the cage with Maria Rios who will be fighting for the 4th time as a pro! Rios is coming off her first loss, and will be looking to take it out on the newcomer. However don’t count out the underdog when opportunity is on the line!
George Garcia (2-1) vs  Ron Scolesdang (2-2)

This fight is an early candidate for Fight of The Night. Garcia won his last fight over Paul Amaro via verbal submission, while Scolesdang knocked out Christopher Fajardo at the last ‘Fight Night’. It was only a matter of time before these two talented prospects squared off in the ring. Scolesdang may have a slight edge in the striking department, but Garcia’s possesses a pretty slick ground game and can end the fight in an instant! This fight cannot be missed!
Derion Chapman (0-2) vs Armen Bakanyan (1-3)

Hungry dogs hunt! Both Derion Chapman and Armen Bakanyan are hungry for wins.  Both fighters came into the pro ranks as highly touted amateurs, however things have not gone according to plan for either. Bakanyan has come up short on three decisions, one being a split, while Chapman is still searching for his first win. The fight should be an interesting match-up as Chapman’s speed will face off against Bakanyan’s power.

Thor Skancke (5-5) vs Daniel McWilliams (9-24)

Daniel McWilliams may not have the best record, but he is coming down in weight from 170 and at 6’2 will definitely maintain a notable size advantage. On the ground his submissions could be a problem. The scouting report on Skancke is simple, he comes at you from the opening bell and throws every strike with bad intentions. He will be looking to check McWilliams chin from the opening bell, however Skancke must be cautious. McWilliams is pretty savvy on the ground ( owner of 9 submission victories) and could end the fight with a submission in nearly any position.

David Mancha (2-2) vs Matthew Spencer (2-0)

Matthew Spencer is quickly gaining notoriety as a top up and coming prospect in the middleweight division. His tremendous strength coupled with his smothering Jiu Jitsu (Purple Belt under Eddie Bravo) make him a nightmare of an opponent anywhere the fight may go. His opponent Daniel Mancha may not have the best record, but he has much more experience coming in a veteran with over 15 fights under his belt.

Jonathan Greene (2-1) vs Gabe Lopez (3-6)

Jonathan Greene won the crowd over in his last ‘Fight Night’ performance, showcasing his durable chin, and relentless striking. Greene possesses excellent Thai boxing and is deadly in the clinch. His opponent Gabe Lopez is coming off a loss and looking to add another check in the win column. His durable chin and powerful take downs make him a formidable opponent for any striker.

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

When two fighters are looking to get of the ‘schneid’ one thing is guaranteed, the fans will be pleased. Both Sargsyan and Acosta are eager to taste their first wins as pros, after both had stellar amateur careers. After going undefeated as an amateur Acost has run into some bad luck and is in need of a foundation win. Sargsyan is in the same boat after being DQ’d in his last bout, he is desperately in need of a win. When two hungry dogs get locked in cage, all hell breaks loose! Do yourselves a favor, DON’T BLINK!

Christian Bizarretty (1-2) vs Erick Gonzalez (2-0)

Durability versus Electricity. In one corner stand a very long Christian Bizarretty who has solid boxing, and a good ground game but his chin allows him to take chances most fighters can’t. . His opponent Erick Gonzalez can and has ended fights with one strike! His dynamic I.Q. changing elbows are becoming legendary and his technique continues to improve. This fight could end up being a three round war, or it could be over in a instant. One thing is certain get there early, this is a fight that cannot be missed!

*Card Subject to Change