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

Posted: June 28, 2016 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: #Glory, @BellatorMMA, Alfred Kashakyan, Andril Vasylenko, Anthony Perales, Bash Boxing, Casey Greene, Curtis Millender, CXF, David DUran, Dominick Clark, Emilio Chavez, Eric Johnson, Gary Michaelyan, Georgie Garcia, Glory Kickboxing, James Acosta, Leon Shahbazian, Lightsout Promotions, Mike Quintero, MMA, Paul Amaro, Proving Grounds, Rob Gooch, UFC

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)

CXF: California Xtreme Fighting Arises Anew In Front of A Packed House!

Posted: March 7, 2016 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: AJ Bryant, Andrii Vasylenko, Bash Boxing, Bobby Sanchez, Brad Robinson, Chase Gibson, Derion Chapman, Edgar Khachatryan, Erick Gonzalez, Gene Lebell, Idris Wasi, John Gendron, Josh Barnett, Joshua Jones, Karen Darabedyan, Keith Cutrone, Kyler Phillips, Lightsout Promotions, Matthew Spencer, Moses Murrieta, Pablo Sabori, Shohei Yamamoto, Tigran Grigoryan

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

From 2006-2009 California Xtreme Fighting was a steadfast beacon in a sea of shady promotions. Originally under the guidance of Mixed Martial Arts lifer Mike Rush, the promotion flourished for 3 years utilizing some of the best young fighters in the area. Jared Hamman, Brett Cooper, Francisco Rivera, Tony Fergusson, Daniel Hernandez, Ara Muradyan, Jared Papazian, Sevak Magakian and many more all found themselves cutting there teeth under the CXF banner. Many of whom have gone on the UFC and Bellator.

Now 7 years after their last bout ended CXF has returned. The first card back from their hibernation featured the return of grappling wizard Karen Darabedyan who had not fought since 2014. His opponent Pablo Sabori was riding a 4 fight win streak, and was anything but a tune up fight. From the opening bell Sabori came out aggressive, perhaps hoping to capitalize on some ring rust. However, Darabedyan showed little if any oxidation. After a few exchanges, Darabedyan charged forward with punches and was able to clinch Sabori before taking him to the mat. Once there, it was only a matter of time before the python like choke followed. Sabori was forced to tap due to a rear naked choke, halfway through the first round.

The tough opponent, and impressive win served as a measuring stick for Darabedyan who said in his post fight interview that he was now certain he was ready for a return to the UFC.

Also victorious on the card were: Matthew Spencer who secured a first round impressive armbar win over striker Idris Wasi, Joshua Jones defeated hometown favorite Tigran Grigoryan, Moses Murrieta took a split decision over John Gendron, Derion Chapman utilized a slick triangle to finish veteran Bobby Sanchez in the first round, Keith Cutrone TKO’d Edgar Khachatryan in the first round of their very entertaining bout, Andrii Vasylenko took out a very game Brad Robinson with a slick armbar, Chase Gibson finished AJ Bryant with a signature D’arce choke, Kyler Phillips defeated Taylor Alfaro in a one sided contest. Perhaps the most entertaining bout of the evening took place between Erick Gonzalez and Shohei Yamamoto. Gonzalez was able to swarm for a 3rd round TKO in a back and forth war that had the sold out crowd on their feet.

The next CXF event has already been announced, and is planned for April 23rd. After the last sold out standing room only event, this one will certainly be another night of exciting fights you will not want to miss. Get your tickets early. Stay updated with LightsOutPromotions and Bash Boxing by clicking the links.

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Chaos At The Casino 5: All Hell Broke Loose

Posted: August 11, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Amanda Bell, Animals MMA, Bellator MMA, Blackhouse MMA, Chaos At The Casino 5, Chase Gormley, Christopher Fajardo, CSAC, Defiant MMA, Dominic Clark, Enoch Wilson, Fight Academy, George Bastmajyan, Glendale Fighting Club, Hadley Griffith, Hayastan, Hollywood Park Casino, Jay Bogan, Jemyma Betrian, Jessamyn Duke, Jordan Isordia, Josh Barnett, Karim Ghazi, Lightsout Promotions, Main Event Gym, Marcos Bonilla, Marina Shafir, Matt Hagge, Mike Frear, Millenia MMA, MMA, Paul Amaro, Pinnacle MMA, PKG, Ronda Rousey, Ruben Warr, Savant Young, Shayna Baszler, Tapout LA, Team Oyama, Thor Skancke, Tony Lopez, Triax group, UFC, Vardan Sholinian

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.