THE CLINCH REPORT

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Edited By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

The Sportsmen’s Lodge was once again the scene of the crime, as Lights Out Promotions and Bash Entertainment once again put together an amazing card of fights, as California Xtreme Fighting continued it’s running streak of standing room only shows. Currently the only pro mixed martial arts show in the San Fernando Valley, CXF 7 featured three title fights that sat atop one of the most entertaining under card in recent memory.

Taylor Alfaro (1-1) defeated Milton Arguello (0-1) via unanimous decision 135lbs

Setting the tone for the evening with an extremely exciting fight, Taylor Alfaro and Milton Arguello wasted very little time engaging each other almost as soon as the bell sounded. It appeared Arguellos strategy was to stay at range and land with his heavy kicks to the body of Alfaro. However Alfaro proved to be on to the plan, catching multiple kicks before countering with straight punches. The standing exchanges were quite even, but it was the ground attack of Alfaro that swayed the fight in his direction. Consistently able to bring the fight to the mat, Alfaro methodically and effectively wore away his opponent and the clock, cruising to a unanimous decision victory.

Edmen Shahbazian (2-0) defeated Dearmie Street (0-1) via TKO 3:16 Rd 1 185lbs

Picking up where the first fight left off, middleweights Edmen Shahbazian and Dearmie Street also came out throwing heavy leather, and after an early back and forth exchange the fight found its way to the mat, where Street was able to transition out of a few very dangerous arm bar attempts from Shahbazian. Once they both were standing, again they traded punches with Shahbazian clearly taking control. Late in the first round a quick combination forced Street to the mat. Smelling blood in the water Shahbazian swarmed and forced referee Mike Bell to call a halt to bout, after some IQ changing ground and pound.

Mike Jasper (12-4) defeated Jonathan Rivera (4-2) via TKO 4:57 Rd 3 170lbs CXF Welterweight Title Fight

Defending his title for the first time, CXF welterweight champion Mike Jasper came into the event looking to add legitimacy to his strap. However early on his opponent Jonathan Rivera quickly gained control with a surprisingly effective ground based attack. Once on the mat Rivera transitioned to the back of Jasper and looked to steal the title with a rear naked choke, but Jasper defended and was able to even turn the tables in the next round by taking Rivera down. However, unlike Rivera, Jasper selected to strike in the dominant position, softening up the challenger for a majority of the round. In the third round, the roundabout continued as Rivera again was able to gain top position before transitioning to the back of Jasper. Looking for the submission at one point, Rivera torqued Jasper’s leg like a banana split, but Jasper was able to escape the hold, and wound up on top. With seconds to go, Rivera again attempted a submission, this time a leg lock, but again Jasper was able to get free. Once out of the hold, the champion uncorked a barrage of strikes that rocked Rivera in the waining moments prompting the referee to stop the bout at 4:57 of the final round. Although he was able to defend his title, Jasper was injured in the final moments of the fight, apparently tearing his hamstring.

Chris Saunders (16-8) defeated Derion “DC” Chapman (4-7) via Unanimous Decision 155lbs

In the next bout Derion Chapman moved up in weight to take on perhaps his biggest challenge yet, in the form of UFC veteran Chris Saunders. For Saunders, this marked his first bout in over a year, but both proved extremely prepared as the early exchanges quickly had the crowd on their feet. In the second round Saunders looked to implement his jiujitsu pedigree, and almost had a guillotine before Chapman freed his head and got back to his feet. The third round was equally entertaining, as the two continued their tango, before Saunders again brought the fight to the mat. Once there, Saunders was able to control his opponent for most of the round. The effort was enough to convince the judges that Saunders was the winner, much to the chagrin of many of those in attendance.

Gabriel Green (4-2) defeated Matt Hagge (7-6) via Submission (rear-naked choke) 3:20 Rd 1 Catchweight 166 lbs

Former Bellator MMA veteran Gabriel Green was looking to make an impressive statement in his CXF promotional debut, and he certainly did deliver. After an early exchange between the two, Hagge quickly brought the fight to mat however Green quickly swept him, and took his back. Locking in the body lock, Green began setting up the choke with some punches to the side of his opponents head. While defending, Hagge for a moment exposed his neck, and Green quickly locked up the choke inspiring the tap at 3:20 of the very first round

Chase Gibson (5-2) defeated Sergei Minasyan (7-10) via Unanimous Decision 145lbs CXF Featherweight Title Fight

In the co-main event of the evening, Chase Gibson and Sergei Minasyan faced off in a very evenly matched three round war. In the first round, the fighters seemed content to stand and trade, with both fighters having their moments. In the second frame, Chase Gibson began to secure opinions, relying on his ground game to neutralize Minasyan on the mat. However, Minasyan was able to survive the onslaught. Halfway through a pretty even third round, Gibson again found his opponents back after Minasyan moved away from the clinch. Again Gibson was able to bring the fight horizontal, and although he was unable to find the finish, his control on the ground proved dominant, and the judges awarded him the fight and the vacant CXF featherweight title.

Terrion ‘Flash’ Ware (17-4) defeated Jared ‘The Jackhammer’ Papazian (21-13) via KO :20 Rd 3 135 lbs CXF Bantamweight Title Fight

In the third installment of one of southern California’s most memorable trilogies, Terrion Ware and Jared Papazian went face to face in the CXF cage in the main event, to settle their three-fight vendetta once and for all! With the vacant bantamweight title on the line, the fierce rivals met in the center of the cage, and immediately they picked up where they had left off. Both fighters landed nasty shots in the first round however, a late combination from Ware staggered Papazian as the round came to an end. In the second round, Papazian still hurt, showcased his tremendous heart looking to trade with Ware again. Utilizing his speed, Ware moved effectively in and out of range, surgically picking a slowing Papazian apart. Between rounds an exhausted Papazian could hardly sit on his stool, collapsing to the mat. However he refused to quit, answering the bell for the third and final round. However it was only a matter of time. Ware immediately pounced, and again rocked Papazian, felling him face first for the KO victory. The win earns Ware not only the bragging rights in the grudge match with Papazian, and the CXF title, it also almost certainly assures Ware of his long awaited chance to fight for the UFC.

Richard Leroy (4-0) defeated Marlen Magee (4-5) via Submission (rear-naked choke) 3:11 Rd 1 Catchweight 162 lbs

Returning to action after over a year off due to injuries, Richard Leroy looked better than ever, dominating his opponent in route to a first round submission victory. After dominating the standing exchanges, Leroy quickly took Marlen Magee down out of the clinch and immediately asserted himself from the top position with some nasty ground and pound. The relentless assault forced Magee to give up his back where Leroy swiftly threaded the choke and secured the tap, and the victory.

California Xtreme Fighting continues to grow, and the next event is scheduled for June 17th 2017. Make sure you follow CXF on Instagram to keep track of all the latest details. For ticket information to future events check out www.mmatixx.com.