Posts Tagged ‘Paul Amaro’

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 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

 

 

The Fight that Could Have Been: Injury Halts Paul Amaro vs Georgie Garcia

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
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George Garcia

George Garcia

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

This was the fight considered to be the best candidate for fight of the night. In one corner you have Paul Amaro (3-2 MMA), a relentless striker who consistently moves forward. In the other you have a very durable and well rounded George Garcia, who also only moves forward (1-1 MMA). With that in mind, the inevitable collision was set to be an epic fight.

Early on it appeared to be heading into that territory. Amaro true to form, kept the pace with his ranging strikes that seemed to confuse the shorter Garcia at first. Amaro did well enough, to keep the wrestling of Garcia at bay. However about 1:45 seconds into the opening round Garcia was able to close the distance, once he attached his hips, He judo tossed Amaro landing in side control with what appeared to be a bulldog choke.

However shortly after the flight landed Amaro apparently cried out on pain, having injured his shoulder on the landing. Referee Mike Bell alertly stepped in stopping Garcia from advancing, but awarding him the TKO finish.

True to his warrior form, Amaro seemed pained more by the loss than the injury. The good news is we will certainly see him again. The same can be said for the winner. George Garcia now moves to 2-1 as a pro. Hopefully these two can finish their tango the properly in the future!

For more information about upcoming events contact: Lights Out Promotions or Bash Boxing

 

Papazian vs. Casarez Headlines A Stacked Combat Saturated Card

Posted: February 11, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
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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

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.