KYFC #53 Event Results (9/1/09)

On August 15th, FightTicker.com Member Lee Jacobs (aka Leebo Jakes) attended Kentucky Fighting Challenge # 53 at 4 Seasons Gym in Lexington, KY. Lee offered to cover the event for me as I was scheduled to be at another show.

Here are the results from the event:

Thomas Estes vs Justin Willis - Estes wins via submission (RNC) at 2:48 in Round 1.

Randall Johnson vs Cody Kissinger - Kissinger wins via submission (armbar) at 2:05 in Round 1.

JR Devers vs Vincent Hawkins - Devers wins via submission (RNC) at :36 in Round 1.

Jason Klenk vs Andrew Everett - Klenk wins via submission (armbar) at 2:24 in Round 1.

Hank Mayfield vs Bradley Day - Day wins via verbal submission at 1:25 in Round 2.

Aaron Lanter vs Barry Baden - Lanter wins via Unanimous Decision.

Brad Thompson vs Grady Self - Self wins via submission (RNC) at 1:54 in Round 1.

Ortez Thompkins vs Muricio Lopez - Thompkins wins via Unanimous Decision.

Keith Goggins vs William Conti - Goggins wins via verbal submission at :26 in Round 1.

Chris Johnson vs Adam Freeman - Johnson wins via submission (RNC) at 1:01 in Round 1.

Robert Traylor vs David Young - Traylor wins via submission (RNC) in Round 1.

205 Title- Patrick Garrett vs Richie “Macho” Mays - Mays wins via submission (RNC) at :45 in Round 2.

185 Title – JP Felty vs Chris Holmes - Felty wins via TKO (strikes) in Round 1.



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KYFC # 52 Live Blog (July 11, 2009)

I'm here at 4 Seasons Martial Arts Gym in Lexington, Kentucky for Kentucky Fighting Challenge # 52. The longest running promotion in Kentucky, KYFC has found a new home at 4 Seasons, hosting shows here almost every month to sell-out or near sell-out crowds every time, in addition to shows at other locations around the state.

Nine fights on the card tonight as well as two grappling matches. I'll be back when the action starts.

Cody Kissinger vs. Jacob Hobkins

Kissinger fights out of Highlander MMA.

Round 1

Kissinger shoots in for the takedown but Hobkins sprawls. Kissinger picks him up for a big slam and takes the top position after the fight is restarted in the center of the ring. Kissinger starts ground and pound and Hobkins gets out. Kissinger lands a knee to the head when the two stand and shoots again but falls short. They stand Kissinger lands a left hook. The two clinch up and Kissinger lands a couple knees to the body and a two punch combo. Kissinger takes the fight down and has top position but Hobkins lands some shots from the bottom and pulls Kissinger down to prevent him from posturing up. Kissinger gets full mount and starts more ground and pound. Kissinger goes for an armbar but Hobkins switches position and tries to stand, but leaves his arm loose and Kissinger sinks in another armbar for the tap.

Cody Kissinger wins via submission (armbar) at 2:46 of Round 1.

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A.J. Barnala vs. Ricky Winn

Barnala, making his MMA debut, fights out of 4 Seasons. Winn fights out of United Martial Arts Academy

Round 1
Barnala's opening attempt at a jab falls short. The two circle, looking for an opening. Winn comes in with a hard looping right hook and lands a shorter second one. Winn lands a right to the body and Barnala andswers with a leg kick. Winn knocks Barnala down with a big right and starts the ground and pound until the ref moves in to stop it.

Ricky Winn wins via TKO (strikes) at 1:21 of Round 1.

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Justin Scaggs vs. Vince Hawkins

Scaggs fight out of Black Out.

Round 1
Scaggs opens with three leg kicks but Hawkins answers with four quick punches. The two clinch up and Scaggs takes it to the ground and starts landing multiple shots to the head. He's warned for shots to the back of the head and continues to land more legal head shots. Hawkins manages to work his way back to his feet and Scaggs lands a knee to the head and the two go back down but Hawkins immediately stands and Scaggs follows. Scaggs misses with a leg kick and Hawkins lands a left hook. Scaggs lands a hard kick that Hawkins checks, but it appears that it dislocated Hawkins's shoulder in the process. The ref stops the fight to check on Hawkins and waives off the fight.

Scaggs wins via TKO (ref stoppage) at 2:00 in Round 1*
(*Although Scaggs was announced as the winner, the official result should have been announced as a no-contest because it ended in the first round and so there were no scores to tally as if the fight had gone a couple rounds.)

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Austin Rich vs. Xavier Singleton

Rich, making his MMA debut, fights out of The Swamp MMA. Singleton, also making his debut, fights out of United Martial Arts.

Round 1
The two immediately meet in the center of the cage exchanging punches. Rich takes it down and Singleton pulls guard. Singleton rolls and Rich takes his back, landing some shots to the head. Singleton rolls, trying to get out of it, but Rich has his legs locked between Singleton's. Rich lands more head shots and Singleton scrambles but can't escape. Rich flattens him out and lands more head shots. Rich works for the rear naked choke but lets it go to land more head shots. Singleton manages to roll but Rich lands more head shots. Singleton rolls, but Rich grabs his arm but can't finish the armbar. Singleton gets to his feet and lands a hard right hook. They clinch up and trade knees to the body and Rich hip tosses Singleton but Singleton takes the top position with a knee on Rich's stomach. The ref stops them to get them out of the ropes and they restart in the center. Rich goes for an armbar from the bottom as time expires.

A good rally by Singleton but I don't think it was enough to get him the round.

PreView sees it 10-9 Rich.

Round 2
Rich opens with a left hook and a right upperct. Rich lands a hard right while Singleton misses with one of his own, then lands another hard right hook that opens a cut above Singleton's eye. Rich lands knees to the head and more unanswered shots to the head, standing, as the ref moves in to stop it.

Austin Rich wins via TKO (strikes) at :38 of Round 2.

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Roger Cilinceon vs. Spencer Jenkins

This is one of the 18 and under grappling matches.

Spencer Jenkins wins via Split Decision

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Jeff Curry vs. Mike Wilson

Round 1

Curry lands a right to open the round but Wilson answers with a big takedown. Wilson lands in Curry's guard, but transitions to half-guard. Wilson lands some body shots from the top but Curry is doing a good job of defending. Wilson rolls and sinks in a guillotine from the bottom to end the fight.

Mike Wilson wins via submission (guillotine) at :57 of Round 1

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Robert Traylor vs. William Conti

Conti fights out of Black Out.

Round 1
Traylor thross a leg kick and Conti lands a big right hook. The two clinch up and Conti takes it down, landing shots to the head. Traylor gets half-guard but Conti lands more head shots as he transitions to full mount. Traylor rolls and takes top position, going for an armbar but Traylor defends and lands a couple hard head shots. Traylor lands a hard knee to the body as the two stand and clinch again. Traylor lands a hard body shot and the two separate. Traylor shoots in and lands a hard body shot but Conti defends, looking for a standing guillotine. However, Conti appears to be injured and the ref steps in to waive off the fight.

Robert Traylor wins via TKO (ref stoppage) at 1:48 of Round 1.

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J.P. Felty vs. Justin Biggerstaff

Felty fights out of Monster Squad MMA.

Round 1
Biggerstaff misses with a right and Felty takes him down and immediately takes his back going for the rear naked choke and sinks it in for the quick tap.

J.P. Felty wins via submission (rear naked choke) at :20 in Round 1.

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Andrew Havener vs. David Suter

Suter trains out of 4 Seasons

Round 1
Suter lands a couple jabs to start, but apparently there was an accidental eye poke and Havener gets some time to recover. Touch of the gloves and we're back. Suter lands a tone-two combo and Havener comes in with a three punch combo of his own. Havener scores a big takedown and locks Suter's head up briefly before Suter pulls it out, trying to take mount. Suter gets full mount, and lands some head shots before Havener reverses and gets out. Suter comes in with a hard left and Havener misses with a right hook and slips and falls. Havener lands a leg kick when he stands again. Suter lands a body kick and Havener misses with one of his own. Havener lands a leg kick and Suter lands a body kick followed by multiple shots to the head as the two hit the ground. Havener spins and takes Suter's back but Suter reverses and takes Havener's back, landing some head shots.

PreView sees it 10-9 Suter.

Before the second round could start, the ringside doctor stopped the fight due to the injury to Havener's eye.

David Suter wins via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 3:00 of Round 1*
(*The actual ending for this fight is a no contest, due to the doctor stoppage in between rounds, because of the inadvertent eye poke. Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission Rules.)

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Cody Parry vs. Anthony Miesse

Adult Grappling Match

Anthony Miesse wins 1 fall to 0.

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MAIN EVENT (pro)
Paul McEntee vs. J.R. Hines

McEntee trains out of 4 Seasons. Hines trains out of Extreme Force.

Round 1
Hines opens up with a leg kick and shoots in, taking McEntee down. Hines lands some head shots but the fight is quickly paused to be restarted in the center, in what appears to be a different position than the one they were in the action was stopped. McEntee briefly has Hines's head tied up, but Hines gets it out working from side control. Hines gets full mount and starts landing head shots. McEntee spins and Hines takes his back, working land more head shots. McEntee tries to stand but Hines sinks in the rear naked choke and works to flatten McEntee out, securing the tap.

J.R. Hines wins via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:26 in Round 1.



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KYFC News Update

June has been a fairly lax month for me blogging here on Previously Viewed. In the next few posts I'm going to be updating you on some news that has happened in the time I've been mostly absent.

The first is with the Kentucky Fighting Challenge (KYFC). KYFC recently hosted KYFC 51 in Lexington, KY - you can find the event recap on FightTicker.com.

You can also find a profile I did prior to the event of Matt Metts out of Reaction Athletics. You can also find it on FightTicker.com along with his post-fight interview.

For the next upcoming KYFC event going down at 4 Seasons in Lexington, KY on July 11, check out this post on FightTicker.com. I'll be there live blogging for FightTicker.


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Kentucky Fighting Challenge #49 Fight Card and Event Details

Jimmy Mc's Kentucky Fighting Challenge is Kentucky's longest running MMA promotion. I have had the opportunity to cover a few of Mc's shows and he always puts on good events. In fact, the first regional event I ever attended was KYFC #44 in Mt. Sterling, KY and I had a blast. The respect Jimmy garners from fighters and people in the industry is second-to-none. He even hosts grappling matches at a number of his events to give some of the under-18 crowd a chance to get in the cage or ring and compete in front of a hyped up audience.

Check after the jump for details on the event and the fight card.

- PreView

Jimmy's next event, KYFC # 49, will be this Saturday April 25th at Four Seasons in Lexington, KY. For the first time in the history of the KYFC, Jimmy Mc has publicly released the fight card for the event, highlighted by four amateur title matches and including a women's MMA fight. There are still a few fights pending, but I have no doubt Jimmy is working to finalize those fights - his dedication to the fighters is a kind you don't often see anymore.

From the Press Release:

KENTUCKY FIGHTING CHALLENGE #49 FIGHT CARD ...Come and enjoy great fights, some great food and drinks at KENTUCKY FIGHTING CHALLENGE. The event will be held at the new large 4-Seasons Gym at 951 Floyd Dr. in Lexington. The date is April 25th. The doors open at 6:30 P.M. and the fight starts at 8:00 P.M.General Adm. is $20.00. Front Row Seats are $25.00. And the rare VIP Table is $200.00 (seats 6 people) for that price.To reserve a Front row seat or a VIP table call Jimmy Mc at (859)948-5577 or e-mail to happyapple1©peoplepc.com below is a current fight card.

135 LB.
Chris Sallie vs. Jonathan Kinder
James Douglas vs. (pending)

145LB.
Josh Rucker vs. Scott Ratlife
Michael Cavenah vs. Fred Horn
Carl Thornsberry vs. David Crow

155LB.
Tanner McCowan vs. Zack Sanders
Ken Tichenor vs. Andrew Haverer
Phill Stevens vs. Chad Talkington
Vic Nesenchuck vs. (pending)

170LB.
Anthony Baumgardner vs. Brandon Hubbard ( TITLE )
Brandon McNeeley vs. Tim Mason
Brandon Radford vs. Adam Slaughter
Toleman Haley vs. Tyler Walling

185LB.
Derick Ruiz vs. Chris Holms ( TITLE )
Michael Cockerham vs. Cullen Babcock

205LB.
Clell Swinnet vs. Christopher Nickerson ( TITLE )
Brent Alphers vs. Ken Thacker

HEAVYWEIGHT
Brian Kilgore vs. Jeremy Centers ( TITLE )
James Watts vs. (pending)
James McDevitt vs. (pending)

FEMALE
Venessa Beachcamp vs. Kathy Waldrop

UNDER 18 years GRAPPLING
Tim Wright vs. Kyle Havens
Chanc Lykins vs. Jordan Daniel


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Kentucky Fighting Challenge #48 - This Saturday in Lexington, KY

Jimmy Mc will host Kentucky Fighting Challenge # 48 this Saturday, March 7, in Lexington, KY. The event is going down at 4 Seasons (951 Floyd Drive, Ste. 100) and will be headlined by a Super Heavyweight title match-up between Champion James Smith and the only man to beat him, Markeith Gillis. Gillis recently defeated Smith by referee stoppage at KYFC #47. Doors open at 6:30pm and fights start at 8:00pm.

Jimmy Mc always puts on great shows and 4 Seasons is a great venue to have them - if I weren't going to the UFC this weekend, having to choose between this and MMA Big Show would be a tough choice.

Check after the jump for more info on Jimmy Mc's next show from a press release he sent to me yesterday.


From the Press Release:

KYFC #49 will be the largest and most talented group of fighters we have ever put together.This fight will take place on April 25th in Lexington KY at 4 Seasons Gym. This is an AMATEUR fight card. We will have at least 5 TITLES up for grabs. The (Heavyweight)-(205lb.)-185lb.)-(170lb.)-(145lb.) titles will be open to all who have the skill to be a KYFC Champion. We will also have a full under card of fights. This is the most titles we have ever put on one card. We expect fighters from Louisville MMA, The Edge, The Dogs of War, The Dogg Pound, Iron Cobra, 4 Seasons, United Martial Arts, and many others plus several independent fighters. If you would like to fight on this card please call me. I will be taking bios on all fighters who want to fight on this card immediately. So please contact me ASAP. Lic.# (KBWA-M-4312) Jimmy Mc (859)948-5577 or e-mail to (happyapple1@peoplepc.com)(www.kyfight.com ) Kentucky's Oldest Running MMA Promotion.

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Looks to be another great event - there's a reason KYFC is KY's longest running MMA promotion; Jimmy knows what he's doing and knows how to put on a good show.

-PreView


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KY Fighting Challenge #47 - Live Blog

I'm here at 4 Seasons in Lexington, KY, waiting for the Kentucky Fighting Challenge to start. I already briefly ran into Carlson Gracie, Jr., and Junie is supposed to be here. There are 15 fights on the card tonight, and two grappling matches, so there is sure to be a lot of action.

Check after the jump for the full live blog of all the fights.


People are packed in, anxiously awaiting for the fights to start. All of the tickets, VIP and otherwise, have been sold, and it's now standing room only.

Fights are set to start in about 15 minutes - I'll be back after the first fight.

There are reps here tonight from Fight for Life USA and Fight or Flight. I encourage you to check out both of them. Fight for Life USA is taking a unique approach - a portion of their proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life.

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Randall Johnson vs. Corey Sanders

Round 1

Johnson fights out of Team Dogg Pound. I can't see Sanders's affiliation. Both fighters are making their MMA debuts. Johnson starts with a leg kick and Sanders comes back with a strong short right, then left, taking Johnson down. Johnson has Sanders locked up and Sanders is working him around the ring, landing some shots to the body. Johnson is holding Sanders, preventing him from posturing up. Johnson goes for a guillotine and sweeps, and starts ground and pound before the ref moves them away from the ropes. Johnson is landing shots from the top. Sander tries to sweep but misses and Johnson takes his back. Sanders gets up but Johnson gets a guillotine and pulls Sanders down. Johnson transitions to full mount, then side control, then back to full mount, landing body shots. Johnson stars groudn and pound, but Sanders rolls out and reverses Johnson, landing in the full mount. Johnson is holding Sanders, preventing him from posturing up and he reverses, landing on top. Johnson stands up and lands a knee before Sanders takes it back down to end the round.

PreView sees it 10-9 Johnson

Round 2

Johnson misses with a short front kick. Sanders comes in with a right hook but misses. They trade short shots in the middle of the ring and the action is stopped as Johnson lands an unintentional shot to the groin.

Johnson goes in with a few jabs that miss then a right that lands and stuns Sander. Johnson takes him down with a guillotine attempt and ends up in full mount. Sanders is holding on from the bottom, preventing Johnson from posturing up, but Johnson is landing multiple body shots and a lands a knee to the body before the ref moves them back to the center of the ring.

Johnson is working the ground and pound from the top and continues until his opponent taps due to the strikes.

Johnson wins via submission (strikes) in Round 2.


Victor Nesenchuk vs. Adam Baker (145)

Nesenchuk is an independent fighter. Baker fights out of Dogs of War.

Round 1
N opens up with a body kick and fighters trade body shots. Nesenchuk lands two hard shots to the head but almost slips on a body kick. Baker lands a body kick of his own. Nesenchuk lands a few more shots to the head, and Baker answers with two of his own and a body kick. Baker misses with a big overhand right. Baker lands a left and Nesenchuk a right. Nesenchuk misses with a jab and Baker lands a body kick, but slips and Nesenchuk lands two to the face. Baker shoots in but N defends. Baker takes it down and Nesenchuk fights for the top position. Nesenchuk stands and motions for Baker to stand. Nesenchuk misses with a couple jab and Baker ladns two hard shots to the face. Nesenchuk goes for the takedown but Baker defends and lands a knee to the body. Nesenchuk picks up Baker up for a big slam and works from side control, trying to get teh full mount position. Nesenchuk is trying to get Baker in a crucifix, working for the kimura. Nesenchuk lets it go and lands a couple shots to Baker's face to end the round.

PreView sees it 10-9 Nesenchuk

Round 2
Baker opens up the round with a head kick that grazes Nesenchuk. Nesenchuk answers with a hard right and Baker fires off a leg kick. N lands another right followed by a body kick. Baker goes in for the takedown but N defends and lands a shot to Baker's head. N lands a body kick, then another and Baker answers with one of his own. Baker lands a left hook followed by a right then another left and another right and N moves in for the takedown and slams Baker. N is working from side control and tries to transition to full mount but ends up in Baker's full guard. N is landing shots from the top to Baker's face and body. The ref stands them up after the action slows, just a few seconds before the round expires.

PreView sees it 10-9 Nesenchuk

Round 3
Nesenchuk shoots in to to open the round but Baker defends. Nesenchuk gets Baker down but stands again. Nesenchuk lands a body kick and Baker answers with a four punch combination. Nesenchuk takes Baker across the ring and takes him down. The ref moves them back to the center, with Nesenchuk in the top position, side control, and he moves to full mount. Nesenchuk starts the ground and pound and Baker is trying to scramble.Nesenchuk is landing more unanswered shots but Baker is trying to land shots from the bottom. Nesenchuk continues the ground and pound until the ref moves in to stop it.

Nesenchuk wins via TKO in Round 3.


Rick Reed vs. Michael Cavanah

Round 1

Both fighters quickly rush in and Cavanah takes it down. They stand back up and Cavanah takes it down again, trying to land shots from the top. Reed gets Cavanah in full guard and Cavanah is still landing shots from the top. Cavanah lands a couple more shots from the top, but stands and lets Reed up. Reed throws a jab, but Cavanah lands a big left and takes Reed down. Cavanah is landing shots from the top and Reed verbally submits.

Cavanah wins via verbal submission in Round 1.


Brandon Webb vs. Luke Bubenzer

Webb is an independent fighter. Bubenzer fights out of 4 Seasons

Webb lands right hook to start the round and Bubenzer takes him down and ends up in the top position. Bubenzer is working from side control, but Webb has a guillotine attempt. Bubenzer gets out and transitions to full mount, then takes WEbb's back, looking for the rear naked choke. Bubenzer is working to flatten him out and tries to land head shots to loosen Webb up. Bubenzer sinks in the RNC for the win.

Bubenzer wins via RNC in Round 1.


J.P. Felty vs. T.J. Fugate

The fighters trade leg kicks and Felty takes Fugate down and is working for the full mount. He gets a knee on one of Fugate's arms and starts raining down head shots. Fugate is landing knees to the body from the bottom, but Felty cotinues to land head shots. Felty gets full mount and continues the ground and pound. Felty lands more shots as Fugate rolls over and the ref rushes in to stop the action as Fugate taps out.

Felty wins via submission (strikes) in Round 1.


Mike Fleniken vs. Greg Pell (205)

Flenigan is a 4 Seasons fighter. Pell fights out of Team Dogg Pound.

Round 1
Fleniken comes in with a big right then follows it up with a four punch combination that floors Pell. Pell manages to get back up, but Fleniken rushes in and lands more head shots to Pell as the ref rushes in to stop the action.

Fleniken wins via TKO in Round 1


Brian Stevens vs. Michael Cochran

Stevens represents Dogs of War. Cochran is an independent fighter.

Cochran comes out with a couple body kicks and Stevens goes for head shots, but not really landing. Stevens goes for the takedown but eats a knee in the process. Cochran lets go of a guillotine position and Stevens takes the mount. Cochran rolls and Stevens lands shots to his head and works for the choke. Stevens goes for more head shots and gets one of Cochran's arms locked up in the process. Stevens lands more unanswered head shots until Cochran taps out.

Stevens wins via submission (strikes) in Round 1.


Alexander East vs. Donald Sanders

East is an independent fighter, Sanders fights out of United Martial Arts.

East come in with body kick and Sanders answers with two quick head shots. East misses with a big right, but then lands one and the two trade in Sanders's corner. Sanders takes East down and lands shots to the head from the mount position. East gives up his back and Sanders flattens him out and secures the rear naked choke for the tap.

Sanders wins via submission (rear naked choke) in Round 1


Zach Sanders vs. Dewayne Buckner

Sanders fights out of 4 Seasons. Buckner fights out of The Edge.

Sanders come in with a quick jab. There's a flurry of punches from both fighters until Buckner throws a knee and Sanders takes him down. Sanders is in Buckner's guard landing punches from the top. Buckner rolls but Sanders retains teh dominant position, working from side control. Buckner works for a submission from the bottom but Sanders gets out and the fighters stand. Both throw kicks out of range and Buckner lands some shots to the face followed by knees. Buckner works for a guillotine and the two fighters fall through the ropes, briefly stopping the action.

Sanders misses with a right and shoots in trying to take Buckner down. Bucker has Sanders's head tied up and throws a knee to Sanders's head. Buckner works for the standing guillotine and attempts to pul lguard, but Sanders gets his head out. Sanders lands a few body shots and short punches to Buckener's head. Sanders postures up and starts to ground and pound. The action is briefly stopped as the two are moved to the middle of the round, almost immediately before time expires.

PreView sees it 10-9 Buckner.

Round 2

Buckner has a cut above his right eye. Buckner rushes in and Sanders takes him across the ring and takes him down. Sanders is working from side control when the fight is restarted in the middle of the ring. Sanders restarts the action with more shots to Buckner's head. Sanders gets one of Buckner's arms tied up and lands a few more shots before he stands. Once up, Buckner tries to rush in but Sanders picks him and lands a huge slam that causes the crowd to go nuts. Sanders immediately starts working the ground and pound until the ref rushes in to stop it.

Sanders wins via TKO in Round 2.


The action is briefly put on hold as Jimmy Mc (KYFC Promoter) introduces Carlson Gracie Jr.


Donnie Combs vs. Jon Stocking

Combs fights out of Dogs of War. Stocking is an independent fighter.

Round 1
Combs comes in with two jabs and the two quickly clinch up. Stocking takes the fight to the ground and Combs quickly gets the full mount. Combs pushes Stocking's head down and starts landing shots. More unanswered shots by Combs. Stocking reverses and ends up in Combs's full guard. Stocking is landing body shots and Combs is trying to get a secure position on the bottom. More shots from the top by Stocking. Stocking is trying to cover Combs's mouth and Combs is still trying to scramble out. Combs lands some good shots from the bottom and Stocking answers with some of his own. Stocking lands a few more shots to Combs's head and body to end the round.

PreView sees it 10-9 Stocking.

Round 2
Combs comes in with a jab, then a right and Stocking answers with a couple of his own. Combs pushes Stocking against the ropes and takes him down, landing in top position. Stocking has Combs's head wrapped up from the bottom position and the ref moves them to the center of the ring.

Combs is in Stocking's half-guard and Combs postures up to land some shots to Stocking's face. Combs gets the full mount and starts to tee off, but Stocking is still trying to land shots from the bottom. Combs opens up a cut under Stocking's left eye, and Stocking's nose is starting to bleed. Combs continues the ground and pound assault until Stocking taps out.

Combs wins via submission (strikes) in Round 2.


Special Announcement: Donnie Combs has been named Fighter of the Night.


James Smith vs. Markeith Gillis

Smith fights out of The Edge and is the KYFC Super-Heavyweight Champ (but this is a non-title fight). He came into this fight at 363 pounds. Gillis fights out of 4 Seasons.

Round 1
Gillis comes in with a left hook, then a right. Smith answers with a left of his own and Gillis pushes him against the ropes. Both fighters are trading punches, going around the ring. Gillis lands multiple shots to Smith's head from the side and Smith reaches his hand out, as though trying to signal the ref. The ref rushes in and stops the fight, but Smith vehemently protests, saying he was trying to signal the ref that he was poked in the eye. Half of the crowd boos while the 4 Seasons half goes wild.

Gillis wins via TKO in Round 1.

(PV's Note: I was told after the event that the two have been scheduled for a re-match in what will likely be a fight for the SHW title.)

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Good event overall. Jimmy Mc puts on quality shows. The Kentucky Fighting Challenge will return to 4 Seasons on March 7, 2009 for another event.

I'll be back here at 4 Seasons sometime soon to do a full gym profile with Mike O'Donnell, owner of 4 Seasons.

-PreView


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Kentucky Fighting Challenge #47, February 7, 2009 in Lexington, KY (Fighters Still Needed)

I received another press release via email this weekend, and with it, confirmed another show that I'll be covering in the near future. At this point, it's going to be three weekends in a row, starting this weekend.

January 24th - ICF at Turfway Park
January 31st - MMA Big Show at Shimmer's Complex
(And now) February 7th - Kentucky Fighting Challenge at 4 Seasons.

For the full details from the press release that KYFC promoter Jimmy Mc sent me, check after the jump.

From a Press Release:

KENTUCKY FIGHTING CHALLENGE #47 LEXINGTON, KY. FEB. 7th.

With special guests JUNIE BROWNING and CARLSON GRACIE JR. Junie is Lexington's first fighter to be on The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Carlson Gracie Jr. is the world renowned Brazilian BJJ Champion and owner of the Gracie Federation Academy. This fight will be held at 4 Season's Gym in Lexington Ky. on Feb.7th.

The doors open at 6:30 P.M. and fight starts at 8:00 P.M. The cost is $20.00 for general admission and $25.00 for a Front Row Seat. We have a few VIP ringside Tables for $200.00 that seat six. We will have food and an MMA clothing vendor. Our last event there was sold out and we had some great fights. If you want to fight on this card or if you want to reserve a Front Row Seats or a VIP Table please call Jimmy Mc ( 859 ) 948-5577 or e-mail to
(happyapple1©peoplepc.com ) or see our website here.
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KYFC is Kentucky's longest running MMA promotion. The majority of Jimmy Mc's events feature amateur fighters, but the events are still great to watch. KYFC # 44 was actually the first regional event I attended, and it's where I met Jason Stanley, a fighter I interviewed here.

Jimmy hosts great events, and I'm looking forward to this one. Not to mention, getting to meet Junie and Carlson Gracie, Jr. will be cool, too.

(Editor's Note - today I received an email from Jimmy Mc stating that he still needs fighters for the event. I'll list the weights (and the fighter's record) that Jimmy said are still needed - if you're interested, contact Jimmy at the phone or email above.)

(1)135lb. 1-5
(2)145lb. 7-1
(3)145lb. 18-5
(4)155lb. 1-0
(5)185lb. 1-0
(6)205lb. 1-0
(7)hvywt. 4-1
(8)hvywt. 0-0
(9)s.hvy. 3-1.

-PreView

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KYFC #44 - Event Follow-Up and Post-Fight Commentary with Fighters

The Kentucky Fighting Challenge (#44) this past Saturday night was definitely an exciting event. As I stated in my brief post-event comment, there were eleven fights, nine of which ended in the first round. (The picture is of Jimmy Mc, the man who makes it happen. Picture owned by KY MMA Association.)

First, a bit about the promotion itself. The Kentucky Fighting Challenge is organized and promoted by Jimmy Mc. Check out the promotion's website here. I was able to meet Jimmy prior to the show and he is a genuinely nice guy who wants to make sure that anybody who wants to fight gets to fight, and that everyone who comes enjoys the show. It was obvious this was not his first show, as the promotion ran fairly smoothly throughout. It was an amateur event sanctioned by the Kentucky State Athletic Commission, complete with judges, a trained referee (Will Schneider, owner of London’s Premier Martial Arts out of London, KY – check them out on the web here), a 6-sided cage provided by Sinister Angel cages – check them out on the net here) ringside doctor, EMTs on standby, the whole nine yards. The fight format was three three-minute rounds. Seats were good, too, and since I was there when the doors opened, I had my pick of the general admission seats, from the second row on back. Definitely worth the $20 ticket price. (There was a co-promoter, too, but I was not able to get the name. I'll edit later if I can find it.)

Fighters came from a number of different Fight Teams, but the majority of fighters came from two – The Edge MMA and Team Dogg Pound. You can find Edge MMA on myspace at here (but their profile is private) and you can find Team Dogg Pound on myspace at here.

Although I was not officially covering the event, the fighters were hanging out in the audience both before and after their fights, so I was able to catch up with a number of them, trusty mini-recorder in hand. However, in what I’m sure was a cost-saving move to prevent extra expenses for the fighters, there weren’t programs, and I know I wasn’t able to get all of the names right, much less written down, but I’ll give you the best I can, including pre-fight comments from one fighter, and post-fight comments from a number of fighters. My apologies to any fighters whose names I misspelled or whose fight teams I couldn’t get a link to.

In the first fight of the night, James Reed out of Williams’ Karate Studio in West Liberty, KY faced Rick Reed from Team Dogg Pound (TDP), who was making his MMA debut. James Reed took a mount position fairly quickly, and although Rick almost submitted James via guillotine, James transitioned to win by rear naked choke.

In the second fight, Robbie Powell (of TDP) took on Nick Hettrick (of Edge MMA) who was making his MMA debut. Hettrick hit Powell with a quick right hand (what looked like a right cross from where I was sitting), and after a struggle, got the takedown. Shortly after that, Hettrick finished powell via a front scissor choke from the top position. A great move. I was able to speak to Hettrick briefly after his debut victory and when I asked him how he felt going into the fight, he summed it up with one word – “Ready.” When I asked him when he thought he’d be ready to fight again, it only took two words to get his point across – “Next week.” Hettrick stated that his training background was in submission wrestling and a little bit of muay thai. If I had to pick one word to describe Hettrick before the fight, it would be “focused.” I don’t think his facial expression changed more than once the entire time he was in the cage – he got in there, handled his business and got out, ready for the next fight. I look forward to seeing him fight again.

In fight number three, Bob Donaldson, fighting out of Bullitt County MMA (check them out on myspace here) took on Danny Abney (from TDP) making his MMA debut. Donaldson came roaring out, floored Abney with a few quick strikes and let loose with more until the ref jumped in to halt the action. Over in less than a minute.

Fight number four found Jason Stanley out of Stephens Vale Tudo (check them out on myspace here) vs. Jeremy Edmonson fighting out of Iron Dragon. Edmonson quickly got a guillotine attempt but Stanley reversed position, got the mount and started with a ground and pound assault until Edmonson gave up his back and Stanley sank in the rear naked choke for the win. I had a chance to talk to Stanley after his fight. He was a very approachable, well-spoken fighter. He stated that he took the fight on short notice, and had fought up a weight class at 185 (he normally fights at 170). I would not have guessed this - he's in great shape. His training background is mainly in BJJ, but he’s also trained in some boxing, muay thai and wrestling. Stanley stated that as of September 1, he had begun training full time and looked to turn pro after three or four more fights, provided those went well. Check out my blog in the near future for a full interview with Stanley. Out of everyone I saw fight Saturday night, I quickly decided he is the guy to look for in the future – he appears to have great physical conditioning and a strong skill set, and he’s definitely dedicated to the sport.

Fight number five pitted Devin Heierbacher out of Mt. Sterling, KY making his MMA debut against Brad (missed the last name) from Williams Karate Studio. Devin ended up winning a unanimous decision after three rounds that largely saw quick bouts of striking followed by some inactivity. I spoke to Devin after the fight and was surprised that he is a freestyle fighter with no truly formal training. His skill level appeared to be higher than that, but he credited his sparring partners, including his cousin, with helping him get ready. He also stated that coming into the fight as the local boy, he definitely felt like he needed to leave the cage with a win, and that for the last few days before the fight, he’d definitely felt the anxiety getting ready. When I asked him if it was something he’d like to do long-term, he stated that he wanted to get some more formal training and get a few more fights under his belt before making that decision. At 6’1”, 207, even though he fought a Heavyweight, Devin could easily make the Light Heavyweight class, and with his long reach and some BJJ training, I think could make a go at good amateur run.

Fight number six saw Josh Riddell out of TDP take on James D. from Iron Cobra MMA. Riddell weathered an early, hard leg kick and came back with a flurry of strikes that had the ref jumping in to stop it inside the first minute.

Fight number seven saw Josh Salencio out of Edge MMA vs. Chris Washburn out of Iron Dragon. Salencio weighed in at 153 pounds while Washburn weighed in at 145. Washburn went in for the quick takedown, but couldn’t fully execute it. Salencio then initially took Washburn’s back, but Washburn transitioned and ended up in Salencio’s high guard. After multiple triangle and armbar attempts, the round ended. I had it 10-9 Salencio. Early in the second round, Salencio got the mount and started a barrage of ground and pound strikes until the ref stopped the fight early in the second. Salencio definitely displayed a lot of submission skills in his fight - even though he couldn't capitalize on his triangle or armbar attempts, he was constantly transitioning, trying to get the best position. As I stated, he utilized the high guard, and it definitely worked to his advantage, keeping his opponent at a distance.

Fight number eight saw Larry Norton of TDP take on Shane Carroll of Iron Dragon in a 135-pound match-up. The pair clinched up early and Carroll landed a huge knee that almost floored Norton. Carroll quickly transitioned to Norton’s back and sank in the rear naked choke for a quick win. Carroll is apparently the 135-pound champion in another league he fights in, and it’s not hard to see why. He even fought a second time Saturday night (see #10).

Fight number nine matched up Brad Butler out of Edge MMA againt Pete Holmes, Jr. fighting out of Iron Cobra. The action started right out of the gate on this one as both fighters came out swinging. Butler quickly landed a solid guillotine attempt, but wasn’t able to immediately finish it. However, Holmes was not able to break the choke and was just thrown around the cage until he verbally submitted. Butler came in at 6’2” and 175 pounds, definitely tall for (what the weight class I assume he would fight in professionally) a welterweight. I think he could definitely use that reach to his advantage to both keep the distance and get better leverage when trying chokes. Even though he wasn’t able to immediately choke out Holmes, Holmes never could break out of the choke attempt.

Fight number ten saw Sammy Dills, a 145-pounder, (formerly out of Four Seasons) fight a returning Shane Carroll. I had the chance to speak to Dills both before and after the fight, and let me tell you this – this kid does not back down from a challenge. Coming into the event, he was not supposed to fight Caroll. Dills’ opponent dropped out before the fight, claiming a breathing problem. At this point, Dills was faced with a tough choice – fight a guy he knew nothing about except that he’d won his first fight of the night very quickly, he was the 135 pound champ in another league, and that he had a completely different body type than the fighter he trained for, OR, not fight at all. Dills manned up and took the fight. Dills came out firing, but ultimately over-committed on one of his strikes and got stuck in a tight guillotine choke where he was forced to tap out. When I spoke to Dills after the fight, he said he was definitely disappointed in how it went, but that he came to fight, so he was going to fight. Dills stated that he was going to return to Four Seasons and look for a rematch with Carroll at 135. That’s a fight I would definitely like to see.

The main event of the night pitted Dwayne Buckner out of Edge MMA against Doug "The Warrior" Copher, a fighter out of Four Seasons, sponsored by Spearmint Rhino. (Yes, Spearmint Rhino, the Gentlemen’s Club - awesome.) You can find Doug on Myspace here. Buckner came in the fight at 156 and Doug at 150. These guys came out firing from the beginning. They got in a sort of half-clinch standing, but Doug was able to transition and put Buckner down with a big slam. After that, Doug took Buckner’s back and worked on rear naked choke attempts until one landed and Buckner was forced to submit early in the first.

I know that was a lot of play-by-play coming a couple days after the event, but I wanted to make sure everyone knew about the action that went down because there were a lot of great amateur fights. I’ll definitely be attending any other KYFC events in the area, and I’m sure they’ll be just as exciting.

As a wrap-up I’d like to turn everyone’s attention back to The Edge MMA for a minute. I had a chance to talk with their owner/head-trainer/cornerman/guru Robert Cilinceon. He was an extremely nice guy and really stressed how he wasn’t just doing this so guys could learn to fight; he was doing it to help get kids off the street; to provide a more positive influence. Look for a more complete interview with Cilinceon soon – for now, I’ll just say that he’s definitely got the right idea. His school and his fighters are well-represented at KYFC events, and fighters from his gym hold multiple KYFC belts. Again, check back for the full interview with him soon.

Until the next local promotion comes around….

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