The Clinch Report

Posts Tagged ‘The Clinch Report’

Heavyweight Showdown Highlights A Stacked Spar Star MMA Card

Posted: May 26, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bellator MMA, Hollywood Park Casino, Jose Lopez, MMA, Pugilpix.com, Santiago Diaz, Spar Star MMA, The Clinch Report, UFC

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

And Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

Jose Lopez looking for the finish!

History sets the tone. It may not always give you an accurate depiction of the present, but the past tells the story. Yesterday is what makes us look forward to today. In the fight world, the past serves as a reminder as where you are, where you were, and most importantly how far you have come!

When Santiago Diaz (3-1) looks back at his still young amateur career he can see progress. After losing his first bout (a close decision), Diaz has rallied with 3 straight impressive wins, with two of those victories coming by way of impressive knockout. The string of victories have vaulted Diaz up the state rankings, where he sits as the #5 Heavyweight.

His opponent Jose Lopez (4-0), is no stranger to Diaz. In fact it was Lopez who handed Diaz his first and only loss. Since that win, Lopez has only managed to fight once, a bout he won via disqualification. Unfortunately since no one will fight him, his inactivity has led to his current ranking as the #7 Heavyweight in the state, despite his win over Diaz.

History’s only flaw, is today. Today history has melted into the present, and currently we have two colossal men set to face off for the second time. Lopez looks to remain undefeated as an amateur, and a more confident Diaz will look to avenge his only loss while maintaining his current win streak.

This fight has the makings of being better than the epic first bout. Will Diaz’s new found success in the cage carry him over the undefeated Lopez? Will Lopez once again be able to vanquish his familiar foe? (Insert Batman Music Here)

There is only one way to find out! Come to the Hollywood Park Casino on May 30th, buy a ticket and enjoy the carnage! For tickets and information go to: www.SparStarPromotions.com

: T Bone overseeing the prep

: Jonathan Quiroz with Frank Trigg in victory!

: Give…

: Jonathan Quiroz looks to take the arm belly down, as Antonio Vazquez attempts to stack the legs..

: Right hand from WIddoes

: Strong right hand

: Tito Ortiz and Tony Padilla

: The New Champ enjoys his spoils!

: Dome kick!

Erick Gonzalez Wins Again Without Seeing The Second Round!

Posted: April 19, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Christian Bizarretty, Erick Gonzalez, Fight Night 2, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Pugilpix.com, Systems Training Center, The Clinch Report

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Photos By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

After a very solid amateur career Erick Gonzalez (2-0 MMA) leapt into the professional ranks with a :26 second KO over Derrion Chapman. In that fight Gonzalez connected with a vicious elbow ending the fight in less than :30. His second fight went a little bit longer but ended in the same fashion.

Gonzalez took on a very tough Christian Bizarretty (1-3 MMA) and quickly took control of the fight landing the more effective strikes. Bizarretty was on defense pretty much from the onset of the fight, and was never able to get settled. Gonzalez utilized a stifling top game to keep Bizarretty flattened out, once the fight found its way to the floor.

Once Gonzalez had both hooks in with his opponent flat as a pancake, the ground and pound from the back mount reigned down. It was only a matter of time before veteran referee Mike Beltran had seen enough. With the win, Gonzalez continues to develop into a legitimate prospect. However the competition Gonzalez faces will continue to improve, therefore he will have to train harder and smarter than ever before if he wants to maintain that momentum!

‘Fight Night 2’: ‘Fearless’ In His Approach, Alfred Khashakyan With an Impressive KO Win!

Posted: April 18, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: #1915, #NeverForget, Alfred Kashakyan, Bash Boxing, Glendale Fighting Club, Lights Out Promotions, The Clinch Report, Vitor Oristanio

500 MG of Ambien in the form of a Kashakyan right hand!

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Photos By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

‘Fearless’ is not just a cool moniker for Alfred Khashakyan, it serves as an accurate description, and perhaps a warning. Although second to enter the cage he immediately took possession when he approached his opponent Vitor Oristanio and defiantly slammed his feet into the mat. A day earlier, Oristanio’s lack of respect boiled over when he shoved Khashakyan during weigh ins and now the time had come to pay for that mistake.

At the opening bell, Khashakyan immediately took to the center of the cage and his heavy hands once again made a mess of his opponent. Oristanio did his best to quell the advances, even cutting Khashakyan above the brow. However the effort was akin to trying to stop an elephant with a feather. Khashakyan bulldozed Oristanio dropping him early in the first round. What followed was one of the most impressive ground and pound finishes of the year. Once he felled his foe, Khashakyan dropped the hammer.

Oristanio may have retained some senses at first, but the first punch on the ground removed them quickly. The second shot, was purely academic and relocated Oristanio’s consciousness from ‘queer street’ to ‘dream land’! The finish was so violent that Oristanio needed to be transported from the cage to the hospital. Before leaving the young warrior gave the thumbs up to the crowd to let everyone know he was going to be alright.

For Khashakyan is just seems to be a matter of time before he gets the call from the UFC. The idea makes sense. He is the type of fighter the 135 lbs division needs. An exciting striker with excellent defensive wrestling, Khashakyan would mimic the skills of those at the top of the division. Currently riding 4 fight knock out streak, he could be one fight or a poorly timed injury away (he would be an excellent injury replacement) from fighting on the big stage.

Gallery will continue to be updated!

The ‘Fearless’ Approach: Alfred Kashakyan Cold, Calculated and Ready!

Posted: April 15, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Cold Cock Whiskey, Edmund Tarverdyan, GFC, Glendale Fighting Club, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Pain Away, Pugilpix.com, Ronda Rousey, Sportsmens Lodge, The Clinch Report, UFC

Video and Editing By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

By: Jonathan M. King

Alfred Kashakyan (3-1 MMA) is quickly becoming the worst kept secret in mixed martial arts. He will be anyway if he can keep his KO streak going. Kashakyan trains at the world famous Glendale Fighting Club under the watchful eye of Edmund Tarverdyan. Training in a pool of sharks has prepared Kashakyan to fight on the grandest stage. However, his vision has not distorted the task at hand. Going into the most important fight of his life, Kashakyan seems to be on a rail. A rail that may make one or two more stops before ending up in the UFC!

With a well rounded pedigree, Kashakyan is an educated fighter wherever the scrap takes place. His strength as a striker is complimented by a very solid wrestling base that allow him to keep the fight where he wants it to be! Coaches and training partners are able to keep him honest in all areas, creating a hybrid fighter that literally has the ability to game-plan on the fly, making him very dangerous for any opponent.

Looking to knock him down is a Brazilian challenger named Vitor Oristanio (1-2). Oristanio a striker trains out of Blackhouse MMA and his K-1 level kickboxing could present a challenge for Kashakyan who also prefers to stand. However don’t be surprised if ‘Fearless’ Alfred parlays a take down into a ground and pound scenario. His wrestling back-round certainly makes that an option. However the knockout is always the ultimate goal! “I want to keep my KO streak going!” Kashakyan said.

Kashakyan vs. Oristanio will be the Co Main Event at ‘Fight Night 2’ at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. Tickets may still be available at http://www.valleyfightnight.com

*Special Thank You to fighters Glendale Fighting Club

Spar Star MMA: The Evolution Continues As A Piece Of History Slowly Disappears

Posted: March 25, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: #CAMO, 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, Camacho BJJ, CMMA, DogPound MMA, HardQore HQ, Hayastan, Main Event Gym, March 28th, MMA, PKG, Robot Fight Fitness, Spar Star MMA, Sweat Shop, Systems Training Center, Tapout LA, Team Quest, The Body Shop, The Clinch Report, White Tiger MMA

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Bob Fisher PugilPix.com

Maybe its not the Coliseum in Rome, or even the Forum across the parking lot but there is something epic about the Hollywood Park Race way and Casino. In its hey day the venue was a crown jewel of the elite, and the regular stomping grounds of the famed ‘Rat Pack’. The halls echo with memories, but what haunts me is the specter of whats to come. The last race went off a little over a year ago, however the venue has stayed active in many ways.

For years the Casino and Racetrack have been the home base of Spar Star MMA. Like the Coliseum in Rome, gladiators made their bones here. Like the Forum across the street, Champions were made here! Soon it will all be just a memory. Slowly piece by piece, the buildings add to the memories as they disappear, but until then the fists will fly.

March 28th will be our second to last show at this venue. If you have never been to a Spar Star Event, ask someone who has and you will find out quickly what you are missing. With only to shows left, the matchmaker and promoter are planning to go out with bang, so make sure you get tickets.

The Saturday show will feature the return of Spar Star MMA 135lbs Champion Farren Romero. Romero will put her belt on the line against fellow undefeated prospect Paola Ramirez. The co main event is equally exciting featuring Spar Star fan favorites Leo Imai and Jonell Kimbrough who will clash in a 145 lbs battle. Also featured on the main card: Mark Perez is scheduled to take on the always entertaining Ronnie Mugica, and Cody Halleman will square off with Antonio Vazquez.

Tickets May Still be Available Contact one of the Fighters on the Card!

Also Scheduled Are:

Chris Hansen vs Javel McKenzie

Christopher Giddens vs. Carlos Chavez

Carlos Ojeda vs. Santiago Diaz

Julian Capucetti vs. Michael Reyes

Victor Hernandez vs. Victor Pages

Eugene Cacho vs Michael Braun

Daniel Yeh vs. Wilbur Gonzalez

Rogelio Juan vs. Justin Morgan

Victor Rivera vs. Patrick Fernandez

Avedis Terzian vs. Jose Lopez

David Lopez vs. Jesse Ehrlich

James Pace vs. Trey Branch

Below find our gallery of Spar Star MMA’s Past. Photos courtesy of John Walsh The Clinch Report and Bob Fisher Pugilpix

: Jonathan Quiroz with Frank Trigg in victory!

: Vazquez drops a left

: Quiroz deep on a guillotine was able to escape from.

: Give…

: Jonathan Quiroz looks to take the arm belly down, as Antonio Vazquez attempts to stack the legs..

: Decisions….

: Trying to lock up the triangle

: Twinkle Toes laying down the law!

: Kid and Play dance or dueling leg kicks?

: Air Kimbrough

: T Bone, Farren Romero, and Mel The Matchmaker

: Winner Circle

: Miss Mexico V

: The History Making Liver Kick

: Hector Salinas injured

: Albert Morales

: New Champion

: Cali Love

: DUB C Wreaking Shit!

: Tito Ortiz and Tony Padilla

: Out cold!

: KO punch

: The New Champ enjoys his spoils!

: Contact!

Jay Bogan Battles Flu On His Way To A Big TKO Win

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, Bash Boxing, Jared Carlsten, Jay Bogan, Lights Out Promotions, Systems Training Center, Team Oyama, The Clinch Report

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

Jay Bogan (5-4 MMA) looked outstanding in his fight against Jared Carlsten(3-2 MMA). Bogan whose career has been surging of late never let Carlsten get comfortable. Although he was giving up a significant reach advantage, Bogan was able to control not only the distance but the pace of the fight as well. Frustrating his opponent.

Once the fight found its way to the mat Bogan was able to maintain position utilizing his wrestling and heavy top pressure. Carlsten tried to buck free, but Bogan ended up mounting him after sliding his knee over the belly. Shortly after Bogan slid to high mount, eliminating Carlsten’s hips and began reigning down with punches. After tasting a few shots, Carlsten turned away and covered up before the referee stepped in saving him from further assault.

Bogan like many other fighters was not feeling very well leading up to the event. Just getting over the flu, Bogan was still able to muster the resolve to not only step up but he performed tremendously in spite of the illness. Now north of .500 for the first time in a long time, look for Bogan to fight again relatively soon. His current win streak coupled with his near flawless victory have him primed for a big show.

His wrestling pedigree, and high profile camp could have him on a short lost of injury replacements for the big shows.

Richard Leroy vs Brandon Hastings: Comeback of the Year?

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Brandon Hastings, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Richard Leroy, Sityodtong, The Clinch Report, UFC

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

In the main event of the Lights Out Promotions/Bash Boxing card in Studio City, two fan favorites went at it for nearly 14 minuted to the delight of the crowd. Utilizing superior movement, and an effective game plan Brandon Hastings clearly had the advantage on the score cards going into the third frame. Richard Leroy seemed to be baffled by Hastings movement, often lunging with punches that Hastings easily avoided and countered with ferocity.

Going in to the final round, Leroy was bloodied and bruised but still moving forward. Continually moving, Hastings took control of the round and once again left Leroy guessing. About halfway through the round, Hastings began to slow slightly. Charging forward Leroy saw an opening inspired by Hastings hands being low, and dropped him with a lighting fast combination that felled Hastings. Hastings did his best to weather the storm, but referee John McCarthy was forced to call a stop to the bout.

The incredible finish left the raucous crowd spellbound. With the win, Richard ‘Mr” Leroy remains undefeated as a professional at 3-0. While in defeat an extremely tough Brandon Hastings falls to 3-2. Although the fight obviously weighed heavy on the fighter, it was nice to see a huge crowd of people remaining long after the event ended, just to support their friend. Hastings may have lost the fight, but he certainly did look impressive. A rematch may certainly be in order!

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

The Golden Girl Deliver’s Nasty Head Kick KO

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Chandra Engel, GFC, Glendale Fighting Club, Jemyma Betrian, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Team GFC, The Clinch Report, The Golden Girl

The Golden Girl Delivers

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

Jemyma Betrian entered the fight only her second as a mixed martial artist. However that number is not a reflection of her experience. Betrian transitioned to the sport after dominating for years as a kickboxer. Now training with Ronda Rousey, Marina Shafir, Jessamyn Duke, and Shayna Baszler the Golden Girl is getting a crash course in mixed martial arts from some of the best in the sport.

Across the ring from Betrian stood Chandra Engel (0-2 MMA). Engel accepted the bout on short notice and did her best to face the juggernaut before her, even threatening with a submission after taking Betrian down. However she was just outmatched. Betrian’s pedigree came through, and despite a fever and the flu, The Golden Girl completed the task at hand.

Even after Engel achieved the take down, Betrian quickly scrambled from the bottom attempting an arm bar, that eventually allowed her back to a neutral position. Perhaps the take down shook something loose, because once Betrian got back to her feet the she never let off the gas.

Late in the first round Betrian began to swarm as Engel cornered herself. With amazing power and speed Betrian changed levels and landed to the body of Engel. As Engel reeled from the shot, almost doubling over, Betrian uncorked an ungodly head kick that landed flush to Engels nose inspiring a gushing leak. Immediately Engel fell backwards prompting the referee to stop any further damage.

The win keeps Betrian a perfect 2-0 as a professional and leaves her on a short list of future UFC Strawweights. Already the most educated striker in her divison, it would not be surprising to see her sign with the UFC immediately.

: The Golden Girl Delivers

Alfred Kashakian Ends The Evening Early With Highlight KO

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Alfred Kashakian, Bash Boxing, David Hernandez, Edmund Tarverdyan, Glendale Fighting Club, Lights Out Promotions, MMA, Pain Away, South Coast Mitsubishi, The Clinch Report

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

Glendale Fighting Club is of course well known for being the gym where UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey plies her trade under the careful tutelage of Coach Edmund Tarverdyan, The Gym is also the home of some other well known UFC fighters. However their young pros maybe one of the best kept secrets in MMA.

One of those young fighters is Alfred Kashakian (3-1 MMA). Kashakian carried his two fight win streak into Friday nights engagement against David Hernandez. Apparently Kashakian had other pressing engagements, because he didn’t waste anytime. Charging across the ring he attacked at the opening bell, and immediately had Hernandez reeling.

Hernandez did his best to stand and trade with Kashakian but fell like an oak tree when his button was pressed. Kashakian dropped Hernandez with a series of shots, that just made gravity impossible to resist. Immediately the referee stepped in calling a halt to the bout, as Hernandez was lying face first. The impressive KO electrified the crowd, and set the tone for the rest of the evening!

The win puts Kashakian on the radar as a top prospect in his division, adding another polished stone to the cadre they are collecting in Glendale!

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

Marcos Bonilla and Christian Bizaretty In A Back And Forth War!

Posted: February 21, 2015 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: Bash Boxing, Carlos Bonilla, Christian Bizaretty, Lights Out Promotions, Marcos Bonilla, MMA, The Clinch Report

By: Jonathan M. King

Photos By: Blanca Garcia

What a beautiful dance it was! Taking turns leading the destructive tango both Marcos Bonilla (2-1 MMA) and Christian Bizaretty (1-2 MMA) each had their moments. The two fighters traded kicks early and often in a scrap that ended up being one of the most competitive fights of the evening.

Bonilla appeared to be landing the cleaner, more powerful strikes. However Bizaretty absorbed everything and still kept moving forward. Moving well behind his jab, Bonilla kept the pressure on and appeared to be clearly ahead on points. Bizaretty was able to score with a quick take down but was never really able to threaten from a dominant position. While on his back, Bonilla was very active and attacked with an nice arm-bar that he ended up using to sweep back to a neutral position.

Even a foul (grounded head strike) that cost Bonilla a point was only enough to make the score close. Bonilla was awarded with the majority decision. One judge scored the fight a draw, but he was overruled by the other two ring side officials who scored the bout for Bonilla.

The win for Bonilla reaffirms his recent signing to Bellator MMA. His first fight for the promotion has been signed and with this win he will carry some pretty good momentum into the biggest fight of his life. The loss although tough to digest for Bizaretty will not define him as a fighter. He will certainly be back better than ever.

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