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By: Jason Bent, MMATorch Columnist The UWC runs a first class operation and the Patriot Center provides a wonderful venue for MMA, with not a single seat visible that appears to have a less than solid view of the action. In this day and age when you must either sit right beside the cage or watch all of the action from a large screen at your seat it is particularly refreshing to witness MMA in a venue large enough to contain all of the action, but small enough to serve each and every ticket holder.
Middleweight Bout- 3 Rounds
Manny "Postura" Okorie (Pro Debut) vs. Kris "Savage" McCray (1-0)
The first round began with absolutely no feeling out process, which is expected between such inexperienced fighters, and McCray unleashed a wicked kick to the legs of Okorie before the two began swinging for the fences. Looked much more vicious than what it was and McCray took Okorie down and enjoyed side control for a solid two and a half minutes. McCray unleashed a torrent of blows and the game Okorie could do little at all other than absorb a beating.
With 1:25 left to go in the round it appeared over as McCray had the rear naked choke nearly sunk in, but Okorie was somehow able to muster up enough energy to fight out and through it before surprisingly getting to his feet.
This was the start of the finish as McCray took Okorie down once more and was way too strong and delivering too many damaging blows. Okorie gave up his back and McCray finished him off by way of rear naked choke with only nine seconds left in the round.
Overall this was what it was expected to be between two young, hungry and relatively inexperienced fighters with McCray simply being too skilled and strong for the debuting Okorie. I give Manny Okorie a lot of credit for fighting on valiantly when he could have tapped numerous times early, but this was not his night, and it is back to the drawing board as he was summarily humbled by his rival McCray.
Winner is Kris McCray by rear naked choke at 4:51 of the 1st round
Welterweight Bout- 3 Rounds
Kyle "The Alleycat" Baker (6-3) vs. Levon "The Main Man" Maynard (5-3)
The first round of this one opens up with both men clinching and grappling for dominance beside the cage. Baker has an excellent clinch but it is Maynard delivering knees that are backing his man off. Maynard fighting off of the cage is allowing Baker to push forward and is choosing to use the aggression against his opponent and fire off knees, which is certainly scoring him points but doing little damage whatsoever.
Maynard's corner implores him to step away, and he does so as the fight suddenly becomes a battle of kicks for a few seconds before we are back to a clinch against the cage. Maynard could be having a much better time in this fight if he would listen to his corner and create some distance, but he is fighting off of the cage and while he is in no danger it is not the best place to remain.
With one minute and twelve seconds the two men are in the center of the cage and letting their hands go. It is Baker landing the harder shots which forced Maynard to work his kicks as a way of setting up his own strikes, the best of which is his left hook. At this point it appears that Baker doesn't have a lot behind his punches and it is Maynard who lands a stiff cross before the bell to punctuate the round.
-Bent's Score: 10-9 Levon Maynard-
The second round is underway and the two touch gloves before Baker begins swinging from the fourth row in earnest with some haymakers. Baker is a house on fire and took Maynard down, but he is unable to get much done as his opponent fires up and gets this fight back on the feet. A mouse has developed under the left eye of Kyle Baker and he is noticeably drained from this early torrent of activity. Both fighters are back into the clinch which results in Maynard landing a few shots before we have separation, and it is Baker with the loud connection with a right hand to the skull of Levon.
Kyle Baker suddenly went off and began throwing the fistic equivalent of a brick in a pillowcase, and he landed well over seven blows to the face of Levon Maynard which knocked him out on his feet and prompted referee Mario Yamasaki to wave this one off.
In a scary moment it was Levon Maynard doing a drunken dance in the middle of the cage and declaring to be alright before dropping to his knees and being attended to. This was an excellent stoppage and prevented him from eating any more unnecessary blows. Within a moment or two it is clear that Maynard will be ok, but he definitely suffered a concussion and he leaves the cage under his own powers.
Winner is Kyle Baker by TKO at 2:57 of the 2nd Round
Felice "Lil Bulldog" Herrig (0-0 Pro Debut) vs. Iman Achhal (0-0 Pro Debut)
Our third fight of the night showcases the ladies, and both are making their pro debut in what was a highly anticipated bout, with particular emphasis on the heralded Felice Herrig; but Iman Achhal is a Gracie product and no joke in her own right.
The first round is underway and it is Achhal landing a punch before backing Herrig up against the cage and tying her up in a clinch. Not much going on as the two jockey for position, but this is a show of strength by both ladies as neither is able to dominate the other at this moment. For the bulk of the first two minutes it is Achhal with Herrig against the cage and clinched before Achhal gets the single leg takedown and puts Herrig into a guillotine choke.
This choke was in deep, but not enough to finish it off as Herrig maintained composure and used her strength to break free and bring this fight back up to the feet and off of the ground. Herrig is clearly having difficulties with the strength of Achhal as she is unable to dictate the action, and is instead forced to work on countering with knees to Achhal's thigh while trying to create separation so that she can get to work.
Achhal lands a short uppercut to end the first round and both fighters look to be in tremendous shape as neither one is breathing particularly heavy and one competitive round between two young prospects is behind us. Herrig simply didn't do enough to get this round and as such I have to score it for the seemingly hungrier and surprisingly strong, Achhal.
-Bent's Score: 10-9 Iman Achhal-
The second round begins in much the same fashion of our last fight as both ladies are intent on taking control of the action and landing some shots. Both get some punches off but is Achhal who got the best of the exchange before once again getting Herrig into her clinch. Herrig has been forced to fight off of the cage and just seems uncomfortable doing so and is trying to land punches as her opponent seems to just want to hold on and avoid any shots while failing to deliver any of her own.
Achhal gets the takedown and nothing comes of it at all as Herrig is back to her feet and the ladies are engaged in a stalemate. With 1:41 to go in the round it is Felice Herrig who finally has some distance, and she makes the most of it by firing off a quick combination that looks good and lands effectively causing Achhal to once again clinch and simply maintain position while doing nothing whatsoever beyond grinding the round out. This round definitely goes to Felice Herrig and we are heading on to what should be the decisive final round.
-Bent's Score: 10-9 Felice Herrig-
The third round is underway and once again it is Iman Achhal doing little at all besides holding on for dear life and making sure there is no distance for Herrig to get shots off. With 3:12 left in the round it is Achhal who takes Herrig down. She gets in the full mount landing a few powerful hammer fists but her punching ability is unskilled at best, and even when Herrig turns and gives up her back it is Achhal who is unable to do anything at all. Clearly there is much to work on for both women and at this point it is Herrig who is a little bit better as she is able to bring this fight back to the feet and get off a few punches which equal points on the scorecard.
Achhal gets the takedown once more and is in Herrig's full guard while the "Lil Bulldog" is working feverishly to try to get a triangle locked in but is unable to do so. Both fighters are now stood up by the referee for a lack of action, and the final seconds of this bout consist of Achhal with Herrig against the cage and Felice throwing two knees before the final bell.
This one was a bout between two inexperienced fighters and it showed, but both women were in great shape and gave a full effort. Achhal looks worse for wear with her left eye swollen shut but in my opinion she just hung on too much and never really fought in in offensive manner in order to pull out this round. Herrig landed the crowd pleasing shots in this third round but I give this one ever so slightly to Iman Achhal.
-Bent's Score: 10-9 Iman Achhal-
-Bent's Decision- 29-28 Iman Achhal-
Official Scorecards- 29-28 Herrig , 29-28 Achhal, 29-28 Achhal
Winner is Iman Achhal by way of Split Decision
Light Heavyweight Bout- 3 Rounds
Cody "Donnybrook" Donovan (3-1) vs. John Doyle (6-4)
The first round began and this one was an absolute slaughter of Doyle and a highlight reel for Donovan. Cody Donovan took John Doyle down at will and unleashed a vicious beating to his opponent. This was a beating much like when Ralphie mounted Scott Farkus in 'A Christmas Story' and with mittens flying just took out all of his aggressions on the bully.
The referee waves this one off after just a little over two and a half minutes and Cody Donovan is victorious in what was a one-sided mugging.
Winner is Cody Donovan by way of TKO at 2:33 of the 1st Round.
Middleweight Bout- 3 Rounds
Herbert "Whisper" Goodman (8-4) vs. Ron "The Choir Boy" Stallings (6-3-1)
Our fifth fight of the evening is underway, and we have the Team Lloyd Irvin product in Stallings against the former Green Bay Packer in Goodman and the two trade punches while circling and getting a quick feel for each other. This lasted only half a minute before Goodman scored the takedown and found himself in Stalling's full guard. Goodman is effective in landing some shots to the body but Stallings is calm and controlling his opponent and keeping him in the full guard despite Goodman's efforts to pass.
Referee Mario Yamasaki separates the two and stands them up after a period of inactivity, and the two trade punches for only seconds before Goodman takes Stallings down again. Goodman is unable to shorten his punches and as such is not landing much of anything at all save for one or two looping shots to the body. Stallings is keeping him tight and at this point seems willing to do little besides neutralize his man, and with under a minute left it is clear that they need to be stood up once more for inactivity.
With twenty seconds to go, the fighters are separated and forced to stand and Ron "The Choir Boy" Stallings knocks out "Whisper" Goodman cold with a knee to the head. Goodman is flat on his back and not responsive at all as Stallings hit him with the equivalent of a two by four. Robbie Lawler was yelling himself hoarse to get Goodman to not keep this one standing and put himself at risk for a fight ending shot. He listened to his corner for well over four minutes but at this time he did not and ran headfirst into a knee which separated him from reality and gave Stallings the highlight reel knockout and the victory.
Winner is Ron Stallings by way of KO at 4:56 of the 1st Round
Middleweight Bout- 3 Rounds
Richie "The Dirty Samurai" Hightower (7-3) vs. Marcus Foran (5-2)
Both fighters exhibit caution to begin this fight and circle each other while trying to just get something started. Hightower gets off a couple of kicks and Foran goes for the takedown but it is stuffed effectively. Foran has thrown a few knees but is focused on trying to get the single leg takedown, and at this point Hightower is just too strong.
Hightower looks to be in the best shape I have ever seen him in and Foran is noticeably soft. As the two jockey for position it is Richie Hightower who sweeps the leg and throws Foran unceremoniously to the ground. Hightower in side control goes for a kimura but Foran powers out and winds up in Hightower's full guard. It is clear at this point that Foran is the stronger of the two, but by no means is Hightower necessarily weak. Foran feverishly works to pass guard and is landing a few very powerful blows to the body in the process. Hightower attempts to get to his feet and Foran is all over him like a sausage casing, but somehow they end up on the feet and against the cage.
Both fighters are attempting to land some knees and it is Hightower who is getting the best of this and lands a solid right cross right before the bell rings to end this first round. Both fighters gave a good effort in this one but I have to give the slight edge to Hightower for just getting more done in there.
-Bent's Score: 10-9 Richie Hightower-
The feeling out process is over and both men land some effective kicks to open the second round. Foran is breathing heavily with his mouth open and is definitely feeling the effects of the first round while Hightower looks to be calm and with more in the tank. The fighters clinch and it is Foran who is leaning on Hightower and taking a breather as Hightower lands a few body shots and a knee that made Foran wince.
Hightower's hands look sharper, and he got off several hooks with only one connecting, but he is the fighter actively doing something rather than Foran who seems content to hang on and throw a knee just to appear busy. Hightower lands another knee that is ruled low and the fight is stopped momentarily for Foran to recover a bit and collect himself.
With two minutes to go in the round, the two are back where they left off in a clinch against the cage, and Hightower opens up and throws elbow after elbow which leave Foran out cold. Richie looked vicious and the fighter who sports the flipped bill just peeled the cap back of his opponent and is back on the winning side of things after what was a solid showing for the former 'TUF' fighter.
Winner is Richie Hightower; but wait, there is more as the commission has ruled this one a no contest due to their opinion that Hightower's elbows were to the back of Foran's head. I vehemently disagree but that is the official decision.
No Contest-Technical Draw due to blows which struck the back of the head
Flyweight Bout- 3 Rounds
John "The Magician" Dodson (6-3) vs. Jose "The Pistol" Villarisco (0-0 Pro Debut)
The flyweight division of the UWC is officially launched, and these two bring the thunder to start the first round. Dodson is as impressive as ever and this fighter has the capabilities of doing things that when seen live are sure to leave you with a slacked jaw. Dodson is unorthodox, and because of his speed is able to get away with this.
This fight is being fought at a pace that reminds me of the closing segments of the "Benny Hill Show" when all of the characters would run around at triple speed to the strains of "Yakety Sax." Seriously, these two men are fighting at such a blistering pace that I am having a hard time not only keeping up with the action but trouble remembering a fight in which this was the case. At this point it appears that John Dodson is the stronger fighter as he has been capable of getting takedowns, but it is Villarisco who looks much, much sharper to me.
Villarisco is a Team Lloyd Irvin product and looks supremely sharp in there and for a guy making his pro debut it seems as if he were a veteran. This first round was definitely a round won by Villarisco, but if ever there was an argument for a 10-10 round this would be it. Both men have strong chins, strong will and full tanks of gas but so far it is Villarisco getting the edge.
-Bent's Score: 10-9 Jose Villarisco-
The second round begins and both men flew from their corners like they had just had hot pokers shoved up their asses, and it was time to go back to war. Villarisco landed a huge right hand to Dodson's head, and it definitely hurt him because Dodson smiled and pushed out his mouthpiece. As Villarisco went to capitalize on this it was Dodson who unleashed what was a five punch combination and had a load of power behind each shot. Villarisco wisely tied up Dodson and the two fought for position against the side of the cage.
Dodson scores a big takedown with only seconds remaining and this coupled with his crisper punches is what forces me to give this one to "The Magician." Tough fight to score between two tough fighters and the UWC flyweight division is off to one hell of a start.
-Bent's Score: 10-9 John Dodson-
The third round begins and both fighters look remarkably fresh and in such shape that they could probably fight for five rounds or more. Villarisco is landing some stiff kicks to the legs of Dodson and controlling the action. Dodson is looking for the big shot and lands several with a lot of force behind them but Villarisco is coming forward like he is a bull being hit with a wood board and not giving his man any respect whatsoever.
Dodson is now the one dictating the pace and circling while picking off Villarisco with counterpunches and literally spinning his opponent's head around like its on a swivel. Whatever is in the jaw of Villarisco is what I want the outside of my car made of as it is seemingly impenetrable.
With one minute and twenty seconds to go the two are still bouncing around like a couple of kids after eating nothing but sugar and just landing shot after shot on each other. Dodson is running around a bit and was caught with a low blow but this only stopped the action for a matter of seconds before they were back at it. Dodson scores a takedown and finishes this fight atop Villarisco and landing a few more shots for good measure.
-Bent's Score: 10-9 John Dodson-
-Bent's Decision: 29-28 John Dodson-
Official Scorecards- 29-28, 30-27, 30-27 for John Dodson
Winner by Unanimous Decision is John "The Magician" Dodson
The judge seated closest to me was one who scored it 30-27 for Dodson and he informed that he gave the first round to Dodson due to the takedowns, which is particularly interesting because it is proof positive that some judges give way more credit to the takedown than anything else and this is why he scored it 10-9. I firmly disagree with him as I feel a takedown is noteworthy if it means you do something after you get your man down, such as unload some blows or work for a submission, and in this first round a takedown only meant that the fighters were on the ground for a couple of seconds.
This was an amazing bout contested at a very high level between two athletes that I would say are worth your money to see if they are fighting on a card which you could purchase a ticket to see. They gave their all and fought to win for all three rounds and had this crowd on their feet and cheering for the bulk of the bout. Just a tremendous bout and neither man is a loser even though Villarisco is the fighter who leaves with the 'L" next to his name.
Light Heavyweight Bout- 3 Rounds
Jamal "The Suit" Patterson (4-2) vs. Antwain "The Juggernaut" Britt (8-1)
The co-main event of the evening is underway and Britt lands a punch that lets Patterson know it is going to be a long night, and Patterson eats a few more before taking Britt down, pulling him into his guard and submitting him with relative ease.
Patterson looked like a cobra. Submits Antwain Britt to a textbook guillotine choke in under a minute of action. It was clear that Britt was the more powerful striker, but the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Patterson was just too much and the way he finished it off served as a commercial for the Gracie Academy of Virgina.
Winner is Jamal Patterson by guillotine choke at :44 of the 1st Round
UWC Bantamweight Championship
Bantamweights- 5 Rounds
Justin Robbins (13-6-1) vs. Mike "The Hulk" Easton (6-1)
No Chase Beebe.
No problem.
The show goes on and Justin Robbins is prepared to take on Mike Easton and walk away with the UWC Bantamweight Championship of the world. Excellent production values for the main event, but admittedly its hard to focus on the fighters walk-ins when directly in front of me are four of the UWC ring girls with their backs to me. All I know is I hear Mike Easton's song and I see ass. Ass, ass and more ass. It is as if I am at strip club in the middle of an arena. The cameras show the fronts of the ladies and at least they have a purpose as they are holding the championship belt. Why it takes four of them to hold the belt I will never know, but there they are holding the belt as if it weighs five hundred pounds.
We are set for action and the first round begins with both fighters meeting in the center of the cage and starting with the punches. Easton circles well and is working off the jab while Robbins opts to kick and try to shorten the gap between the two. Mike Easton's hands look sharp as ever and his power is immediately noticeable as even the ones that miss are capable of sending a stiff breeze my way.
Give Robbins a lot of credit for taking this fight, but he is in a position in which he cannot lose and is definitely here to be more than an opponent. Easton looks remarkably comfortable in there and is content to make this one a boxing match, but he is throwing just enough kicks to keep his man honest.
Robbins went for a knee as Easton came inside and it missed by only an inch or so, and could have been bad news for "The Hulk." Robbins looks to be in great shape, and with a minute and a half left is finding a bit of a rhythm and landing a few punches of his own. It is Easton though with tons more power and it seems as if this one will be over the moment Easton finally puts a couple shots together. Robbins is changing levels very well and has unleashed a few attempts for a head kick with seconds to go.
The final seconds are much more of the same as Robbins is trying to land some kicks and Easton is blocking them while moving forward and trying to land the big hook. Spirited first round and much better than anyone expected given that Chase Beebe no-showed the event. The first round on my scorecard goes to Mike Easton and he just looks so fast and powerful in there tonight that it is nothing short of impressive.
-Bent's Score: 10-9 Mike Easton-
The second round of a scheduled five is now underway, and it is Easton who looks much more confident and at home on his feet as he has a nice bounce in his step and is rapidly firing off punches. Robbins stuffs him up against the fence momentarily but Easton is able to spin away and we are back in the middle of the cage once more.
Working behind the jab it is Easton who is dictating the pace, controlling the action and winning this fight with crisp, effective punches and cage control. At this point I really wonder what the Beebe-Easton tilt could have meant as Robbins is just unwilling and incapable of really pushing forward and trying to take this one, and is content to just fight going backwards.
The fans are booing with a little over a minute to go in the round, and for good reason as they two are not really doing much at this moment. Easton is walking his man down but feinting and not letting the hands go. For the life of me I cannot imagine what it is that he fears, if anything at all, but Robbins has gotten off a few solid kicks to Easton's legs. Mike Easton lands a right hand to the body of Robbins and the final ten seconds of the bout are spent with him in pursuit of Robbins who looks like is going to be content to just go some rounds here.
-Bent's Score: 10-9 Mike Easton-
Robbins comes out for the third round like he wants to fight, and with his corner behind him is putting some punches together against Easton. Easton is in no trouble at all but rather than slug it out on the feet opts to take Robbins down and for the first time in the bout we have some ground action. Mike Easton has side control, and much credit must go Robbins for doing what it took to get Easton back into his guard.
Easton is landing some solid shots to the body of Robbins but it is the H.I.T. squad product and late replacement who is doing a fantastic job of neutralizing Easton and getting his underhooks in. This would not last for long at all because as soon as it appeared Robbins was looking decent and listening to his corner it was Mike Easton sinking in a guillotine choke and finishing this one off. Robbins deserves credit for being a game opponent, but Mike Easton comes away with the win along with the championship belt and the knowledge of a job not only done but done well. The Team Lloyd Irvin product is your winner, and I have to say that I would favor him in a bout with Chase Beebe, and that perhaps this one might have turned out in much the same way had it gone forward as planned.
Winner is Mike Easton by guillotine choke at 4:44 of the 3rd Round
This was a topflight event and I have so much more to bring to you including interviews with Matt Hughes, Robbie Lawler, Mike Easton and just so much more. Stay tuned right here for more at MMATorch.com!
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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