Posts Tagged ‘Pugilpix.com’

Spar Star MMA: The Fighter Factory!

Posted: November 30, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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The History Making Liver Kick

The History Making Liver Kick

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Spar Star MMA Thanksgiving edition was another well balanced mixed martial arts event featuring some of Southern California’s top young talent. Mel Valenzuela carefully crafted an intricate fight card that show cased some of the best gyms in the area. Tapout LA, 10th Planet, DogPound MMA, BJMUTA, Systems Training Center, NZT MMA, The Sweat Shop, and Chad George’s new CMMA are just a few of the teams that were represented.

Farren Romero made MMA history when she captured the inaugural Spar Star MMA Bantamweight title, after she was able to fell a very tough Danielle Mack with a cirrhosis endusing liver kick. Mack did her best to retreat and recover, but her efforts only fueled Romero’s advance as she flurried with straight punches that went unanswered. After the volume of strikes continued from Romero, the referee stepped in to save her from further damage. The victory for Romero was certainly sweet, however each title carries with it a target. With a cadre of young hungry fighters coming through the amateur ranks, Romero will have to continue to improve is she hopes to retain that new shiny belt!

In the evenings co-main event, Tapout LA’s Daniel Rodriguez took on Hayastan/Defiant Gym’s Hakob Ter Petrosyan. Petrosyan looked to establish his range early on however Rodriguez had other plans. A nice left hand from instigated a lazy take-down attempt from Petrosyan that was stuffed easily. Once Rodriguez cleared the legs the ground and pound came raining down. After a few more unanswered shots referee Frank Trigg stepped in to call a halt to the bout. Rodriguez maintains his unblemished record (6-0) as an amateur and is looking to hopefully parlay this latest win into a shot for a pro contract.

Rodriguez like the rest of the Spar Star roster of amateurs are certainly in the right spot. Just a over a year ago Systems Training Center’s Albert Morales captured Spar Star gold, now after completing his amateur career Morales is set to make his debut on one of the grandest of stages. Morales will be fighting for Bellator MMA in January against fellow Spar Star MMA Champion Fabian Gonzalez. Gonzalez and Morales are just the latest Spar Star Alumni to make graduate to the next level. They now join Ron Henderson and Jonathan Santa Maria as the latest fighters to make the leap from the local So Cal fight scene.

Spar Star is more than just a promotion. Or maybe they just properly define the term. Simply put Spar Star MMA promotes fighters. If you can do well in their cage, odds are you will do well in any cage. Promoter Tony Padilla has created a juggernaut, a snowball rolling downhill gathering steam, soaking up talent and spitting out stars. The Morales, Henderson, Santa Maria, and Gonzalez signings to Bellator are a direct result of his work. In other words, as a promoter, he promotes. Not just his show, or his brand but the fighters themselves as well. And not only when they fall under his umbrella, even after the a fighter has outgrown the Spar Star playground, Padilla stay invested. Padilla says it best himself when he says “Spar Star is a family!” As the head of that family, nothing gives the father more pride than seeing his children succeed!

Spar Star MMA: The Crowning of A Queen

Posted: November 26, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Sparstar 10.11.14-10

 

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Saturday November 29th brings everyone a unique opportunity to witness MMA history. Months ago candidates for a women’s bantamweight tournament were selected to square off in an attempt to crown the first ever Spar Star MMA champion. That title would be the first of its kind under the CAMO sanctioning body.

Last month the four semi finalists were set to earn their spots, however a last minute withdrawal left Danielle Mack without a fight. Since she was ready to go, and on weight, Mack received a first round bye. Her opponent in the finals Farren Romero had to earn her spot in the traditional way. Romero choked out her opening round opponent in the second round of their fight, punching her ticket to meet Mack in the finals.

With Hollywood Park Casino as the backdrop, once again the Spar Star Cage is in place and ready to absorb all the punishment the fighters can dish out. Many of these men and women will be using this platform as launching points for their burgeoning pro careers. So we can expect a high level of output from some very eager brawlers. Several of the fighters on the card have fought here before, a testament to both the quality of the show, and the character of those who run the operation.

The Nights first fight is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm, with doors opening an hour earlier at 5:00 pm. As always this event is for all ages. Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase. A few tickets may still be available so make sure to contact any of the fighters on the card for tickets.

Support your local Fighters!

The entire Fight Card is scheduled as followed.

Antony Nealy vs. Kosmas Galatsis 181 lbs (Catchweight)

Roman Puga vs. Walter Alfaro 145lbs

Russell Beatley vs. Sergey Martirosyan  165lbs (Catchweight)

Tigran Grigoryan vs. Mateuz Grudziaz in a 175lbs

Nicholas Duran vs. Richie Meister   135lbs

Tizoc Froese vs. Javel Mckenzie       125lbs

Sincere Freeman vs. Mario Lopez   155lbs

Tanner Grant vs. Julio Rios   140lbs (Catchweight)

Jonathan Quiroz vs. Antonio Vasquez   145lbs

Eric Berganza vs. Jacob Sandoval   135lbs

Erick Gonzalez vs. Jonel Kimbrough 155lbs

JaShonna Owens vs. Selena Longo 145lbs

Hakob Ter-Petrosyan vs. Daniel Rodriguez 176lbs (Catchweight)

Danielle Mack vs. Farren Romero 135lbs

*Card is subject to change!

Some of Southern California’s best gyms will be represented including Hayastan, Tapout LA, 10th Planet, Main Event Gym, UFC Gym Fullerton, Systems Training Center, PKG, DogPound MMA, NZT MMA, The Sweat Shop, Defiant MMA, Team Sweet Science, and many more.

As always the stars will certainly be out, you never know who you may run into at a Spar Star show.

Check out some of our photo from the past Spar Star Events!

 

 

 

Matthew Spencer: The Three Headed Monster Earns A Successful Pro Debut!

Posted: November 1, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Videoed and Edited By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

I guess you could say Matthew Spencer has been reborn in every sense of the word. Spiritually and Physically it would be difficult to find a more legitimate role model. Spencer works several full time jobs to support his family and still has time to train religiously! Not only physically, but spiritually as well. Spencer is an active member in his church and often provides spiritual counsel to younger fighters.

As an amateur, Spencer had become somewhat recognized as a pedigreed fighter with a well rounded skill set. After all, he trains with some of the best in their respected disciplines. Most fighters in the sport of mixed martial arts prefer to find a home. A one stop shop for all their training needs. Super camps like American Top Team in Coconut Creek Florida, or American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose California, and even Jackson’s MMA in Arizona provide this ‘all in one’ fight camp that  resonates with some of the best fighters in the world. Like those fighters, Spencer receives the same training, in mixed disciplines. However unlike most, Spencer calls three gyms home. ‘The Yard‘ Muay Thai, ‘Tapout‘ Los Angeles, and Eddie Bravo’s ‘10th Planet Jiu Jitsu‘ can claim a piece of Spencer, as he represents sort of a three headed monster created by all 3 labs.

That Franken-Fighter, assembled from parts strewn around LA, made his pro debut at Hollywood Fight Night 8 presented by Lights Out Promotions and Bash Boxing, and all went according to plan. His opponent Gabe Lopez proved to be pretty tough, powering out of a deep arm bar, before Suplexing Spencer on his head. Spencer held on to a guillotine choke that in hind sight he probably should have let go! Even still Spencer quickly recovered without ever sacrificing position, and eventually he was able to secure  the rear naked choke at the end of the first round.Lopez fought off several attempts, but once the forearm was under his chin he was forced  to tap.

The win, his first may have been expected. However the journey to the destination has been full of road blocks. Life presents several challenges in everyday life. Spencer is no different in this regard. How he handles these issues, however is what separates this man from the rest. His approach to fighting and to life remain the same. His faith is his armor, and his family his heart. His allegiances may be between three different teams, but that loyalty is stronger than most fighter who call one place home. He may be late to the dance, in terms of age, however after all he has overcome to get where he currently is, with the faith he has, I wouldn’t bet against him!

For  more on our Exclusive coverage please check out our full report at:

https://theclinchreport.com/2014/10/31/costumes-and-carnage-hollywood-fight-night-8/

 

Bash Boxing And Lights Out Promotions Weigh Ins: All Fighters On Weight And Ready To Scrap!

Posted: October 29, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Avtandil "Tornado" Khurtsidze vs. Eddie Hunter

Co Main Event Boxing: Avtandil “Tornado” Khurtsidze vs. Eddie Hunter

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

“Hollywood Fight Night 8” Weigh Ins confirm a fight card that is certain to entertain. All fighters were on weight, and bouts were made official as an evening of blended disciplines takes place at Florentine Gardens October 30th, with the first fight starting at 7 pm. The weigh ins were streamed live courtesy of Pugilpix.com

Promoters George Bastmajyan and Steve Bash have blended a a combat sports brew that is one part boxing, one part mixed martial arts, and three parts kick-ass action. This violent concoction is certain to leave the crowd punch-drunk and screaming for more.

Some tickets may still be available, Click the link to see if tickets are still available http://www.hollywoodfightnight.com/. If so, throw on a crazy costume (No Masks), grab a drink and come watch some of the most talented fighters in the country. Fighters from Wildcard Boxing, Gleason’s Gym, Tarzana Boxing Club, Crenshaw Boxing, Systems Training Center, Blackhouse MMA, Gracie Barra, Sityodtong, House of Champions, Tapout LA, and many others will be represented.

Spar Star MMA Leo Imai vs. Alejandro Flores

Posted: October 19, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Video By: JT Media

Sound Courtesy of :Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh

Leo Imai took on a tough Alejandro Flores and dispatched him in rather quick fashion. Imai quickly becoming a name to remember in the Southern California amateur ranks. Imai now 2-0 under the CAMO umbrella and his stock is rising rapidly. Imai has looked impressive in both of his wins, and fighting out of the up and coming team at Robot Fight and Fitness, the sky’s the limit for this young fighter.

Make sure you look for him fighting under the Spar Star Banner in the near future!

 

 

 

Kevin Widdoes vs. Chase Gibson Spar Star MMA Fight Night Co Main Event

Posted: October 16, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Video: By JT MEDIA

Sound By: Bob Fisher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ets7TESxK54

In what ended up being a very close fight upon a second watch, Kevin Widdoes and PKG’s Chase Gibson entertained the Spar Star faithful with one hell of a back and forth fight. Ultimately, Gibson proved to be too much on this night, however Widdoes certainly made the fight an entertaining scrap.

With the win, Gibson ends his perfect amateur record and announced that the time has come for him to turn professional. Widdoes suffers his first loss as an amateur and will certainly be back in the cage in no time…Stay in tune for the latest from these two So Cal beasts.

Spar Star MMA Fight Night Leo Imai vs. Alejandro Flores

Posted: October 16, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Video By: JT Media Sound By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

Spar Star MMA

Leo Imai vs Alejandro Flores Brought to you by: Down 2 Scrap

3 O’Clock High: Bonnar vs. Ortiz Bellator’s After School Brawl Set for November 15th

Posted: October 6, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Videoed and Edited By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

Usually it would begin with some jokes or ‘smack talk’. Then it would escalate quickly. Emotions, embarrassment, and ego all fueled the once benign flicker into an all encompassing inferno, culminating with those words we have all heard! “After school!” For the rest of the day the hype would grow. Exaggerations and magnifications illuminate the stage, and before long the whole school knew.

When Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar squared off for the first time on Spike TV a few weeks ago, the whole school began to talk. Was it real? Was it scripted? Why the hell was Justin McCully wearing a mask? The angle had been used before, however the many unsavory stories about Tito Ortiz’s past made it somewhat believable. And again, why the hell was Justin McCully wearing a mask?

Long before the talk began, stories have swirled about Ortiz’s questionable business practices. After all his beef with Dana White is supposedly the reason Bonnar was released from the UFC. The prospect of Bonnar punishing Ortiz made it easy for White to allow Bonnar’s exit.

For now of course we ask do Ortiz and Bonnar genuinely dislike each other? At least for now they do. Ortiz, normally no stranger to the hype machine has decided to let his opponent do most of the press. His silence only feeding the fire further. Bonnar on the contrary remains quite vocal. Even warning that Tito’s ex Jenna Jameson may be under the mask next time!

Only time will tell if the bad blood is real. How many times have we seen the hype disappear with a touch of the gloves? It remains a very good possibility that this was all concocted in some board room. Either way the clock strikes 3 o’clock on November 15. The hype, of course will build until then. Lucky for us eventually these two will meet on the playground, and if principal Scott Coker has his way, the whole damn school will be watching!

Systems Training Center Quietly Making A Lot of Noise: Part 2 ‘A Strong Foundation Builds Champions’

Posted: August 15, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

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

“That city is well fortified which has a wall of men instead of brick.”  Greek Philosopher Lycurgus

Christos ‘The Spartan’ Giagos (9-2 MMA) has become one of the most complete mixed martial artists in southern California. He has notable wins over Sevak Magakian, Chris Tickle, the late great Joe Camacho, Thor Skancke and Preston Sharf. In his last fight, Giagos secured the Tachi Palace 155 lbs title against Magakian.

However the celebration with his father and friends was short lived. The win earned Giagos another title shot in a gateway bout with Dakota Cochrane for the RFA 155 lbs title on August 22nd. More importantly the winner will almost certainly punch his ticket into the UFC.

Preparing him for this bout as always is his Systems Training Center Family. Giagos trains alongside BAMMA USA 135 lbs Champion Terrion ‘Flash’ Ware, WSOF fighter John Robles, and recent RFA standout Dmitry Gerasimov. With coach Ian Harris and Marcus Kowal in his corner, Giagos rounds out a uniquely talented team.

Giagos sat down with The Clinch Report, to talk about his now infamous celebration after his Tachi Palace win, training for his RFA title fight, and what it means to be a major part of the Systems Training Center family.

Christo Giagos is Represented By: Iridium Sports

Giagos vs Cochrane for RFA 155lbs Title

 

 

Manny Gamburyan Fighting at UFC 178 This Time At 135 lbs

Posted: August 6, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Videoed and Edited By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

Manny Gamburyan is set to take on Cody Gibson at UFC 178. This time he will be competing in a new weight class. Gamburyan will be dropping for the first time to 135 lbs, and is hoping the new neighborhood will be his permanent home.

Gamburyan has fought at 170, 155, and 145 lbs as a pro, very often fighting much larger opponents. The new division will mark his 4th as a mixed martial artist. Now working with nutritionist guru Mike Dolce, Gamburyan is confident he can maintain his energy at the new weight and is looking to make a run at a title.

‘The Anvil’  is also the consummate teammate. He is constantly helping other fighters prepare for their bouts and will be at Chaos At The Casino 5 on August 10th to support his teammates Marina Shafir, Jemyma Betrian, Varden Sholinian, and Alfred Kashakyan. All of whom will all be competing on one of the most stacked fight cards of the year.

UFC 178 is only a few months away and although everyone is talking about Jones v Cormier, Gamburyan v Gibson is a fight that cannot be missed!

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