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Ford is entering the fight on a four-fight win streak. He has finished all four of his opponents in the first round, having a total fight time of just under 5 minutes. His latest victory came at LFC 50 when he submitted Ryan McIntosh a 1:17 into the first round.

Reardanz is looking to get back on the winning side of the equation after losing a tough fight to Genair da Silva at Bellator 60 in March. Da Silva was a last minute switch of opponent for Reardanz, his third for that card. Prior to the loss, Reardanz had put together a two-fight win streak with wins over Steven Baker and Dennis Dombrow.

The night of action is scheduled to feature four professional bouts and eleven amateur bouts. Headlining the amateur portion of the card is Cameron VanCamp taking on Jameson Sharp for the IndyMMA amateur lightweight title.

The full lineup includes:
Professional
Bobby Reardanz vs Justin Ford
Ronald Carter vs Cornelius George
Carson Gainey vs James Porter
Jonathan Tarrh vs Jason Gilliam

Amateur
Cameron VanCamp vs Jameson Sharp
Austin Tweedy vs Benjamin Ticen
Dustin Parrish vs A Warren
Gary Widget vs Daniel Blackburn
Michael Conte vs Justen Dowsett
Kyle Nickle vs Michael Walker
Damar Gibson vs Joseph Raney
Kamal Macon II vs James Eversole, Jr.
Kyle Davidson vs Paul Palacios
Brian Hood vs Kyle VanCamp
Jordan Hernandez vs Trey Cole

Mike Corey faces off against Ronnie Mann - photo by Joey Hill

On March 9, 2012, Bellator finally returned, close to home with a stacked Featherweight tournament card and a championship fight as well. The small, but beautiful venue at the Horseshoe Casino was filled with local fans cheering on their friends or family members who are now established mixed martial artist.

Here is what transpired that night.

Genair da Silva vs Bobby Reardanz – 148 lbs.

Ref – Jeff Melot

Small crowd to start the undercard. Kicks to start for Reardanz, large distance between the two to start. Silva opened up with kicks. Knees against the cage from Silva. Silva gave pressure against the cage wall. Reardanz worked knees to counter. Reardanz was unable to switch positions with Silva. Good inside leg trip from Silva for the takedown. Reardanz retained guard, but punches and elbows from Silva landed from the top. Brief triangle attempt from the bottom from Reardanz. Silva scourged it off and began to work the leg kicks while standing. Reardanz found an opportunity to stand up. Flying knee attempt from Silva that was blocked from Reardanz. Heavy right hook from Reardanz to swing momentum for himself that pushed back Silva. Reardanz pushed the action against the cage and Silva stuffed the takedown against the fence. Good exchange between the two after the break. Reardanz slips and Silva gains a dominate position from the opportunity. Silva delivered hammer fits that didn’t land solidly. Dominate position from Silva as he rained down punishment. Reardanz had good control with his feet on Silva’s hips and was able to push him away. Leg kicks while standing from Silva again. Silva tried to swing past the legs after grabbing the ankles as soon as the round ends.

Round two started with leg kicks from Silva again. Silva went high and low on Reardanz with his strikes. Knocked Reardanz down with a outside leg kick. Silva pinned Reardanz against the cage and continue his campaign with punches. Silva let him stand back up. Reardanz was stuffed by Silva from the takedown attempt. Silva went for a darius choke for a second, but then abandoned it. Silva pushed forward and ended up in Reardanz’s guard against the cage. Reardanz was able to stall, but not long enough for a stand up. Silva broke from wrist control to land a few more punches. Silva backed away for Reardanz to stand up. Another leg sweep from Silva for the knockdown, but stand back up afterwards. Another inside leg kick from Silva for the knockdown. Silva was working the legs hard. Reardanz can hardly stand. Silva with heavy leg attack, another flying knee attempt, blocked by Reardanz. Another outside leg kick from Silva and another knockdown. Reardanz grabbed a desperate single leg and Silva landed heavy hammer fits to the right side of Reardanz’s head. Silva defended the takedown to end up in side control to end the round.

Round three: More kicks from Silva to start, Reardanz looked uncertain on what to do. Another outside Silva kick from Silva and Reardanz falls to the ground. Unanswered punches from Silva and the ref called the fight.

Result: Silva via TKO at .51 of round three

FEATHERWEIGHT QUARTERFINALS

Kenny Foster vs. Alexandre Bezerra

Ref – Rob Hines

A lot of feeling out process at the beginning of the fight. Bezerra with light jabs just to checks his distance. Some hand holding out in front of each other, then a close head kick from Bezerra. Strong and heavy left hand from Foster, but the strike just missed the target. Bezerra punched the action back against the cage and secures the double leg takedown. Foster answered quickly with a stand up and punched Bezerra against the cage. A lot of heavy work on wrist control and dirty boxing. The fighters broke clean and restart in the center. A deep inside leg kick from Bezerra landed. Foster with a high leg kick and falls, but defended the takedown from Bezerra smartly. A wild exchange, both fired off uppercuts and hooks, but nothing lands. Bezerra attempted a hip toss that was defending well from Foster. Another inside leg kick that lands from Bezerra. Bezerra with center control and Foster moving on the outside of the cage. A flying knee attempt from Bezerra that didn’t land. Foster blocking head kicks well.

Round two: Foster came out strong with combos to start the second. Bezerra again with center control. Foster started out as the busier fighter in this round. Fighters kept a good distance from each other, until Bezerra dived in for a takedown, but reversed by Foster and took Bezerra’s back. Bezerra was able to escape with no damage. Many strikes from both fighters are not landing because of the distance issue. Both fighters are standing just out of reach of each other. A diving takedown attempt from Foster, but stuffed from Bezerra and Bezerra reversed to grab the back of Foster. Bezerra landed many left handed punches and Foster was not fighting back. Bezerra sunk in his arms for the choke at the closing seconds of the round. Foster was forced to tap.

Result: Bezerra via Tapout due to a RNC at 4.52 of round two

CATCHWEIGHT (165)

SHAMAR BAILEY (13-5) Chicago, IL VS JOSH SHOCKLEY (8-1) Hobart, IN

Ref – Gary Cokland

Quick exchange of punches early from both fighters. A strong head kick from Bailey that was blocked. Kick and punch combo lands from Bailey to stun Shockley. Bailey over extended from a punch and Shockley reached in for the clinch position. Shockley worked for a takedown against the cage. Bailey with great defense as he pushed Shockley’s head down, but Shockley grabbed a double leg takedown for a huge body slam. Bailey fought off the advances and got back to his feet. Another over extension from Bailey and Shockley pushed the fight to the cage. A quick grappling exchange and reversals from both fighters but Shockley won as he moved to the mount. Bailey quickly retained half guard. But landing soft and infrequent strikes. Bailey working hard to reverse the position, but Shockley maintained control and ended in north-south from the knees. Body blows from Shockley and Bailey tried to create a scramble. Shockley still maintained control until the horn sounded.

Round two: Both threw faints to regain their distance. Shockley tagged Bailey early. Bailey caught Shockley with a left hook, but Shockley walked through it and pushed forward. Shockley countered well, but didn’t follow up afterwards. Low blow from Bailey. Shockley was down for the full five minutes. Puck bucket was brought in for a few minutes, but later was returned. Action resumed with Bailey landing strikes on the chin of Shockley. Shockley caught with a left hook and dropped in on Bailey guard. He quickly moved to side control. Bailey reversed with a takedown of his own, but reversed by Shockley into half guard. Shockley was now in Bailey’s half guard landing a few strikes to the ribs. Bailey landing more strikes from the bottom; elbows to the body. The crowd was loudly giving instructions. Shockley content to end the round in a dominate position, but not landing damaging strikes.

Round three: Bailey with early center control, but over extended and Shockley pushed in for a double leg takedown in to Bailey’s butterfly guard. More elbows from the bottom from Bailey. Shockley moved to half guard by pushing down the right knee and stepping over it. Punches from the top, but look soft. Shockley moved to side control by stepping over Bailey’s hips. Shockley went for the mount and almost left enough space for Bailey to get out and up. Shockley back in half guard. Shockley went back and forth between side control and half guard. Landed a few punches in between. Shockley holding Bailey against the cage for several seconds. Bailey from the bottom wanted to get a kimura but abandoned it. With thirty seconds left in the fight, Bailey gets back to his feet, but Shockley had his hips with his hands and scored another takedown. Bailey secured a guillotine, but Shockley was unaffected. Waved to the crowd to let them know he was okay as the horn sounded.

Result: Josh Shockley via unanimous decision

FEATHERWEIGHT QUARTER FINAL

RONNIE MANN (21-4-1) Cheltenham, UK VS MIKE COREY (11-2) Crystal Lake, IL

Ref – Gary Coklan

Crowd was to be behind Corey. Leg kick to open from Mann and with center cage control. Mann with a one-two combo with the cross landing. Punch combo ended with a head kick attempt from Mann. Corey pushed the action to the cage for a single leg, but Mann with a guillotine as a counter. They break cleanly and start over in the center. Corey had a quick one-two down the pipe of Mann that landed with one of them. Corey pushed forward more often than Mann at this point. Corey pushed in and got caught with a right hook from Mann while stepping backwards. Mann with a follow up punchs to the chin that dropped Corey. Mann was in the guard of Corey for an in stand and Corey trapped the arm looking for a shoulder lock and Mann backs up and wanted to restart in the center. Corey attacked forward with punches to answer for the two punches that dropped him. Small punching combos that push the fighters back and forth. Corey scores a takedown late in the round and gets half guard. Started to land right hammer fits as the round ended.

Round two: Corey showing the damage on his face. Mann opened up with an outside leg kick. Corey pushed forward with punch combos and landing a few. Mann answered with a quick one-two combo and Corey quickly swung out from the fence. Mann with another punch-kick combo that landed. Corey with a quick jab-takedown combo and secured into half guard. More punches from Corey on the face of Mann. Mann regained half guard. Mann worked for full guard now. Corey landed more punches against the cage. Mann using the fence to swing his hips over to look for an arm bar from the bottom. Corey putting his weight on to Mann that stalled the submission attempt. Corey escapes danger and landed more punches from the top. Corey was in side control and Mann rolled into him with thirty seconds left in the second. More punches from Corey that landed. Another last arm bar attempt, but Corey deafened well.

Round three: Crowd was still behind Corey. Mann caught Corey with a stiff jab to open the round. Corey quickly answered with strikes of his own to the body and face. Both fighters swung and landed a few jabs and hooks alike. Both men looking good and pushed forward. Corey with a takedown from a clinch that ended in half guard. Corey looked to advance his position with an arm triangle attempt. More punches from the top from Corey and landing on Mann’s face. Corey looked to pass to full mount, but good defense from Mann on the bottom. More punches from Corey from the top. Not doing much damage, but he stayed busy. Mann retained gull guard, but Corey still threw punches. Corey worked the head and body. Mann rolled over in the turtle and more punishment from Corey. Mann rolled forward looked for a leg lock or knee bar. Corey smartly spun out and reversed to regained side control. More punches followed. The crowd fully behind Corey as the fight ends.

Result: Mike Corey via Unanimous Decision (29-28)

FEATHERWEIGHT QUARTER FINAL

JEREMY SPOON (12-0) Tuttle, OK VS DANIEL STRAUS (17-4) Cincinnati, OH on

Ref – Jeff Melot

Straus quickly took the center and made Spoon move along the outside. Kicks from Spoon to start. Straus ducked under punches and captured the head under the arm of Spoon for what looked like the arm triangle while standing. Spoon spun out when Straus moved to take the back. They moved back to the center and they went and started kick boxing again. Spoon used a two punch combo and Straus throwing single strikes. Landing on Spoon’s chin to stun him. Straus pushed forward for a double leg takedown against the cage. Straus ended up in half guard after Spoon tried to stand up again the cage. Straus now with Spoon face down and kneed the left ribs of Spoon. Spoon stood up with wrist control and delivered a low blow. All is forgiven as they restart. Straus with level changes to stalk Spoon down against the cage. A flying kneed from Straus countered with a looping right hook, but Straus moved forward. Straus dived in for a takedown but Spoon deafened well and narrowly missed Straus. Head kick and left hook from Straus to end the round.

Round two: Started with fast action from both. Spoon dived in for at single, but Straus defended it off. Still in the over under position, Spoon pushed the action to the cage. Dirty boxing from here. Spoon worked the legs with his knees. Straus with a half hip toss, but Spoon back to his feet. Straus landed a heavy left hand followed by a blocked kick. Low blow from Straus. Action restarts and they both traded punches. Straus with an inside leg kick and Spoon countered with the same. Spoon came in and ate a right hand from Straus that sent him stumbling back. Straus missed a strike and Spoon ran forward for the clinch and moved the action to the cage wall. A focused battle for wrist control until Straus broke away with a knee to the head attempt, but missed. Straus swung with punches and Spoon ducked under for a single leg to move the action from the center to the cage. More knees and wrist control. Spoon with a spinning leg trip takedown. Straus unfazed and back to his feet, but Spoon was still close. Straus down for a double leg takedown against the cage. Punches followed from Straus. Spoon holding the body to escape punches. A rare ax kick to the abdomen from Straus while Spoon is down as the round ended.

Round three: Quick combo from Straus to open the round. Straus still in control of the center and Spoon on the outside. Spoon counters with a straight right hand that ‘oohs’ the crowd. Jab-takedown combo from Straus that is stuffed by Spoon and they bounce back to their feet. A quick right hook form Straus to briefly stun Spoon while against the cage. Spoon, again, fighting for wrist control while pressed Straus against the cage. Straus caught Spoon with a soft left hook on the break. Quick exchanges from both fighter, but nothing significant lands. Another takedown stuffed by Straus. They were standing in the middle and threw combos. The clinched and moved to the wall. More dirty boxing landing from both fighters and another game of wrist control. From the break Straus caught Spoon with a strong left hook. As Straus stalked down Spoon, Spoon pushed him against the cage. Round ends with both men on the floor fighting for position.

Result: Daniel Straus via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

BOUT 5 FEATHERWEIGHT QUARTERFINAL

ROBERTO VARGAS (12-1) San Bernardino, CA VS MARLON SANDRO (20-3) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ref – Rob Hines

Single strikes from both fighters that did not land to start the fight. Vargas is reaching out for that jab, but did not land it. Sandro ducked his head and swung out to the right with left hook. A great inside leg kick from Sandro. Sandro with center control and pushed back Vargas. Sandro caught Vargas with an uppercut and right hook to stumble Vargas backwards. Smelled blood and swarmed on him. Vargas was not easily put away. Vargas fought back with punches and takedown defense. Another let hook to Vargas and he was down again. Sandro takes the back easily and sinks in the choke; Vargas tapped.

Result: Marlon Sandro gets the Tapout 3.35 via guillotine at of round one.

CATCHWEIGHT (280)

RICHARD WHITE (18-12) Daytona Beach, FL VS SEAN MCCORKLE (13-2) Indianapolis, IN

McCorkle took the center and pushed White’s back against the cage. Leg trip takedown in to half guard from McCorkle. Punches and elbows from the top. White rolled into McCorkle’s postured up guard. McCorkle worked slowly on the ground. McCorkle took his right forearm around the forehead of White and pulls back for the tapout.

Result: McCorkle via Tapout due to a neck crank at 1.02 of round one.

TRAVIS WIUFF (65-14) Rochester, MN VS ANTHONY GOMEZ (8-1) Hammond, IN

Ref – Jeff Melot

Wiuff came out strong with punches from every angel. Gomez takes to the ground but Wiuff is all over him. Gomez retains guard and hand control to stop the punches and worked his way back up to his feet by using the cage. Wiuff is pushing all of his weight against him for a sweet judo toss to the ground right in side control. Crowd cheering Gomez while he was on the bottom and could not get up. Wiuff slips back into half guard. Gomez rolls into Wiuff halfway. Wiuff stepped over the legs and took the back of Gomez. Wiuff now with a body lock against the cage and Gomez swung his arm over to face his opponent. Wiuff dropped down for an easy single leg and in Gomez’s full guard. Gomez works back to his feet and crowd loved it.

Round two: Heavy swings from Wiuff to create a clinch position and pushed Gomez against the cage. Dirty boxing while fighting for wrist control. Wiuff sucks out the hips for a takedown against the cage. Wiuff in the half guard looked to pass. Some elbows from Wiuff landed. Gomez reversed a key lock submission attempt and ended up in full guard of Wiuff. Gomez landing punches and the crowd is back into this one. Hammer fists from both hands from Gomez. Gomez slips to half guard after some punches form the bottom. More elbows from Gomez and refs stand them up due to one stray elbow to the back of the head. Wiuff pushed forward with wild looping hands to set up another takedown. Wiuff making Gomez carry all of his weight against the cage. Some knees land from Wiuff as the round ends.

Round three: Nice jab to open the third round from Wiuff. Both were willing to exchange. More looping punches form Wiuff to push the action to a clinch position. A few knees from Gomez, but nothing significant landed. Some dirty boxing and upper cuts from Wiuff. More counter uppercuts from Wiuff that land on Gomez. Good Thai clinch where knees from Gomez land, and Wiuff seemed unfazed. Another takedown off the fence for Wiuff; in open guard of Gomez, but sill landing punches from the top. Gomez has moved to butterfly guard. Gomez spins to stand up, but Wiuff takes the back. Gomez spins back into Wiuff. Wiuff judo trips him again in the center of the cage in side control.  Wiuff content on lying in Gomez’s open half guard and throw small punches. Gomez worked back into open guard. More punches from Wiuff on top. The fight ends with Wiuff on top throwing punches.

Result: Travis Wiuff (29-28) via Unanimous Decision

CORY GALLOWAY (DEBUT) Crystal Lake, IL VS JAKE NAURACY (DEBUT) Hammond, IN

Ref – Gary Coplan

Galloway takes the center and they both swung at each other. Nothing significant landed. Both fighters just missing each other’s chins. Nauracy with a quick one-hook combo dropped Galloway and Nauracy jumped on the down opponent. Nauracy with full guard and trying to control the busy top fighter. Nauracy trying to pass Galloway’s guard. Nauracy fought for half guard, but Galloway counters with a guillotine threat. Nauracy worked out of that with punches and then looked for an arm triangle. Nauracy reversed and ended up in Nauracys guard, but wants out and off the ground. They stand up and start over. Galloway now in the center of the cage until Nauracy pushed forward with combos. Another right hook landed from Galloway and Nauracy with a takedown attempt. Galloway pushed the action to the cage and worked for a kimura. From the break Nauracy lands a solid knee on the chin, but Galloway pushes forward. The round ends as Galloway pushed forward with a last second combo.

Round two: good and quick exchanges from both fighters. Good body shots traded from each. High kick goes wrong for Galloway and slips to the ground. Nauracy looked for another arm triangle attempt. Galloway showed good defense. Galloway punched from the bottom to the ribs of Nauracy. Nauracy had control of the hands and landed punches from the top. Galloway tried to buck out from the bottom, but Nauracy got the back instead. Naurcy started going for the RNC, but Galloway was hand fighting well. Nauracy with a body triangle. Galloway with his head turning colors until he pushed the elbow away. Galloway could not get Nauracy off his back. Nauracy tried again for the RNC and sunk it in for the tap.

Result: Jake Nauracy via RNC at 4.22 in the second round.

Quick Results:

Genair da Silva via TKO at .51 of round three

Alexandre Bezerra via Tapout due to a RNC at 4.52 of round two

Josh Shockley via Unanimous Decision (30-27)

Mike Corey via Unanimous Decision (29-28)

Daniel Straus via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Marlon Sandro via Tapout due to a guillotine chock at 3.35 of round one

Sean McCorkle via Tapout due to a neck crank at 1.02 of round one

Travis Wiuff (29-28) via Unanimous Decision

Jake Nauracy via RNC at 4.22 of the second round

Pat Curran celebrates his KO win over Joe Warren at Bellator 60 winning the featherweight belt.

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Joe Warren and Pat Curran face off at weigh-ins for Bellator 60.

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Mike Corey - photo by Joey Hill

The longest running promotion in the state of Illinois can say that they are able to send fighters onto the big show. On Friday March 9 at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond Indiana, Bellator 60 takes place and seven of the twenty-two fighters have fought under the XFO Banner with three of those on the main card.

On the main card Pat Curran will get his chance to bring home the first world title to Team Curran while his teammate Mike Corey looks to upset Ronnie Mann as a late replacement entry into the season six tournament. A fighter whom many are calling the dark horse of the featherweight tournament, Daniel Straus, is looking to make another impact on the field of fighters in his second tournament go-around.

On the undercard three veterans of the sport are trying to improve their records. Travis Wiuff will be taking on Anthony Gomez in what could potentially be a tournament qualifier for the next light heavyweight tournament.

Richard White will be competing in a 280lb catchweight bout against Sean McCorkle and look to snap a three-fight losing streak. White suffered his second loss of his career at XFO 30 and followed it up with a five fight win streak.

Bobby Reardanz has competed under the XFO banner five times prior to getting the call to fight for Bellator. He is currently on a two-fight win streak for the first time in nearly two years.

Finally making his professional debut, Cory Galloway will be taking on Jake Nauracy in the bantamweight division. Galloway and Nauracy were both champions in different organizations and surprisingly their paths hadn’t crossed as amateurs.

Sean McCorkle at CCC 4 - photo by Joey Hill

Bellator 60 is just five days away and three fighters whom have competed for the organization will be fighting on the season six opening night of fights. Sean McCorkle, Josh Shockley, and Bobby Reardanz all were victorious at Chicago Cagefighting Championship 4.

McCorkle was a late replacement main event for the fourth event for Chicago Cagefighting Championship. Originally the main event was to feature War Machine, but after an injury, organizers scrapped the fight entirely and moved onto a much bigger main event. The result was Sean McCorkle taking on Justin Grizzard in a super heavyweight fight with McCorkle winning by kimura in the first round. McCorkle is taking on Richard White in what could be a tournament qualifier fight.

Shockley had competed for Bellator at Bellator 36 losing to Toby Imada. He rebounded with a rear naked choke victory over Mike Santiago at CCC 4. The victory allowed him to compete again for Bellator at Bellator 57 where he defeated Eric Moon in 35 seconds. Shockley will be taking on former Ultimate Fighter Shamar Bailey in the under card.

Reardanz is a veteran of the Midwest having fought for nearly every organization that put on a professional show in the greater Chicagoland area. After snapping a five-fight losing streak against Steven Baker at Northeast MMA he was pitted against the Midwest Training Center’s Dennis Dombrow. Dombrow a jiu jitsu brown belt was submitted via arm bar by Reardanz, though it took a lot of tugging before Dombrow tapped to the submission. Riding a two-fight win streak, Reardanz looks to test his skills against former Bellator tournament fighter Kenny Foster.

Bellator 60 takes place on Friday March 9th at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond Indiana.

Bobby Reardanz - photo by Joey Hill

After an injury forced Wagnney Fabiano out of his bout against Ronnie Mann, Bobby Reardanz’s original opponent Mike Corey was asked to fill the tournament slot. This left Reardanz without an opponent for the season six card. Bellator officials moved quickly and stepping in to fight Reardanz is Bellator season four semi-finalist Kenny Foster.

Foster got the chance to compete in the season four tournament after defeating Lester Caslow. In the quarterfinals he defeated Eric Larkin with a guillotine choke in the first round. He then fought a hard battle with Daniel Straus at Bellator 41 before losing to a guillotine himself.

Foster was given a second chance to enter the tournament at Bellator 53 when he took on Ronnie Mann. Mann overwhelmed Foster early in the fight and didn’t let up. Foster received his first ever back-to-back losses in just under four minutes. After the loss Foster fought outside of Bellator losing a unanimous decision.

Reardanz meanwhile is riding a two-fight win streak into the contest.  In his last fight Reardanz was able to submit a very game Dennis Dombrow at Chicago Cagefighting Championship 4 with an arm bar. Prior to his victories, Reardanz ran into a run of bad luck going 2-9 in his last eleven fights. To his credit the losses came against tough competition like Vince Ramos, Will Brooks, Andy Main, Matt Fiordirosa and Peter Grimes.

Bellator 60 takes place at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond Indiana on Friday March 9th.

Chicago Cagefighting Championship 4 Poster

Chicago Cagefighting Championship returned to the Odeum Sports Center on Saturday, October 15 for their fourth event. The night of action was headlined by former UFC heavyweight Sean McCorkle defeating Justin Grizzard. The entire event was filmed and edited for Comcast Sportsnet and will be broadcast tomorrow (November 1) at 9pm CST in the greater Chicagoland area.

Other regional Comcast Sportsnet channels will have the choice to pick up the broadcast after tomorrow night’s airing.

Other notables on the card include Will Brooks, Carson Beebe, Mike Pitz, and Bobby Reardanz.

Quick Results
Darious Yancy defeated Andrew Krezptowski by triangle-armbar at 0:52 in round 1
Grabowski defeated McGlassan by rear naked choke at 1:37 in round 2
Bobby Reardanz defeated Dennis Dombrow by armbar at 2:17 in round 1
Carson Beebe defeated Daniel Aguirre by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ed Carpenter defeated Miodrag Petkovich via technical submission by way of Von Flue choke at 2:42 in round 1
Skibinski defeated Enyobi by triangle choke 4:19 in round 1
Will Brooks defeated Ryan Bixler by rear naked choke at 1:00 in round 2
Mike Pitz defeated Robert Morrow via knockout at 2:56 in round 2
Josh Shockley defeated Mike Santiago via rear naked choke 2:18 in round 1
Robert Menigoz defeated Chico Camus via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Sean McCorkle defeated Justin Grizzard via kimura at 2:58 round 1

Chicago Cagefighting Championships hosted it’s fourth event on Saturday October 15th at the Odeum in Villa Park, Illinois. MMA Recap was on scene tweeting live results and capturing play by play account of each fight. Former UFC veteran Sean mcCorkle headlined the card that was stacked full of international talent. The event is set to air on Comcast Sports Net on November 1. Read on for a breakdown of each fight.

Andrew Krzeptowski vs Darious Yancy
A touch of gloves started our first bout of the evening in the welterweight division. Krzeptowski opened quickly with a combination, but Yancy pressed him into the cage. It was clear that Krzeptowski has much of the crowd behind him as loud cheers lead him on. After a clinch positioning battle, Yancy jumped for a flying triangle. Krzeptowski slamed Yancy to the mat to try and break free, but the triangle remained locked in. Yancy transitioned to the top with Krezptowski now in a mounted triangle-armbar combination. With no way out for Krzeptowski, he was forced to tap.

Lukasz Grabowski vs Dan McGlassan
McGlassan opened immediately with double leg take-down. After an omoplata and scramble, Grabowski took McGlassman’s back. A rear naked choke attempt was unsuccessful, and McGlassan was able to turn into Grabowski’s guard. After some work from the bottom, Grabowski attempted another omoplata, escaped by McGlassan, who ended the round on top with some ground and pound from half guard. It was a close round, but it was likely scored 10-9 for Dan McGlassan due to top control.

Kicks are exchanged at the opening of round 2 before a McGlassan double-leg take-down. An active guard is shown by Grabowski, and he swept McGlassan to take mount. McGlassan turned, giving up his back, and after some strikes, Grabowski locked in a rear naked choke for the finish.

Confusion sets in as Rafal Skibinski is stopped before entering the cage. The fight is delayed, potential glove issues are rumored.

Bobby Reardanz vs Dennis Dombrow
Fast-paced exchanges got this fight underway. Dombrow scored with a single leg take-down. He worked inside Reardanz’s guard throwing punches. Reardanz attempted a swift armbar and pried the limb away from his opponent. Dombrow tries to defend, but the submission is locked in place. Reardanz cranked the arm and earned the tap.

Daniel Aguirre vs Carson Beebe
After a brief exchange, it was Beebe with a take-down. He passed to side control and droped elbows from the top before passing to mount. Beebe attempted a mounted head-and-arm choke, but released his hold and rained down heavy leather from mount. Aguirre escaped and stood back up to his feet, but he was quickly body-locked and taken down to the mat again. Beebe attempted to control on-top, but Aguirre reversed and was able to be offensive against the cage until the bell. The first round was clearly for Carson Beebe 10-9.

The second round started and Beebe shot for a takedown that was stuffed by Aguirre for a few moments until Beebe finished against the cage. Beebe worked from half guard and passed to mount. He landed short strikes from his dominant position. Aguirre forced side control and then half guard before Beebe mounted again. A guillotine attempt from Aguirre was to no avail as Beebe continued to control from the top position. The bell rings with another clear round in the books for Beebe, 10-9.

The featherweights opened the round with powerful strikes before Beebe kicked Aguirre’s leg out from under him and obtained top position. The story of the fight continued as Beebe controled from the top with short punches and a heavy base. Beebe worked in mount until Aguirre regained half guard. The fight went back to guard, and Aguirre landed shots from the bottom and attempted a reverse triangle. Beebe passed to side control to finish the fight, and it appeared that he has earned the decision as Beebe won the third round. In the end, the judges agreed and scored the bout 30-27 for Beebe.

Ed Carpenter vs Miodrag Petkovich
Petkovich started with an inside leg kick, and was met with an immediate take-down from Carpenter. Carpenter defended a kimura attempt with heavy body shots, and Petkovich released the arm. In half guard, Carpenter locked up a Von Flue choke, and squeezed down on his Cerbian opponent. Petkovich went limp, and the referee jumped in to stop the fight. Petkovich was completely unconscious. The official announcement was improperly titled a “modified head and arm choke”, however the submission was most definitely Von Flue.

Rafal Skibinski vs Tony Enyobi
High paced striking from both men as the fight began. The pair clinched against the fence, and Enyobi lifted his opponent into the air with a powerful take-down. He can’t maintain his top position for long as Skibinski swept the Nigerian, earning mount and moved to the cage. Skibinkski sat up and rained down heavy shots as Enyobi gave up his back. He worked for a rear naked choke, but Enyobi was able to defend. Enyobi spun into guard, but Skibinkski threw up a triangle. He locked it in tight and Enyobi was forced to tap.

Will Brooks vs Ryan Bixler
Brooks came out striking and he was answered by Bixler. The fighters exchanged, and after Brooks threw a series of knees, they clinched against the fence. Bixler opened up with vicious combinations as Brooks retreated with his hand over his eye. The crowd protested that a poke to the eye is the cause, but the referee didn’t intervene as Bixler swarmed. Brooks was hurt and shoots to survive, and weathered the storm. After the intensity simmered down, the fight returned back to the feet. Brooks became the aggressor and started landing punches on Bixler. The fight moved into the fence, and Brooks began to work his opponent. Brooks took Bixler down and finished the round on-top. Both fighters found success, but Bixler likely took the razor close round.

Brooks took his opponent down early and quickly took the back. He sunk in a deep rear naked choke on Bixler, and he got the tap. Groups in the crowd went wild as the hometown kid improves to five wins and no losses.

Mike Pitz vs Robert Morrow
Pitz was stalking as Morrow circled, waiting for him to engage. Morrow attacked and was taken down to the mat. Pitz controled from the top. Morrow returned to his feet and attempted a guillotine, but Pitz stayed standing to avoid. The fighters separated and Morrow begun tagging Pitz with combinations as Pitz retreated. A hard body kick from Morrow led to another take-down from his opponent, and the round will end there.

Pitz opened with a three-punch combination before Morrow circled away. Some winging punches missed from Morrow before another big Pitz takedown. Pitz remained heavy on-top. The ref stood them up after the wrestler stalled in action. Morrow threw a kick and Pitz hammered him with a huge right hand. Morrow was floored, and the ref jumped in and pulled Pitz off as he pounced on Morrow with more punches.

Josh Shockley Mike Santiago
No nerves were shown from a calm Shockley as the fighters circled early. Shockley rushed Santiago into the fence with a body lock and took him down. He transitioned to his opponent’s back. Santiago exploded to his feet, but gets his back taken. Heavy punches rained down from Shockley as he flattened Santiago out. He struggled for a rear naked choke, switching his grip. Despite a hard fought battle from Santiago, Shockley strangled his opponent, leaving him no choice but to tap.

Robert Menigoz vs Chico Camus
The bantamweight co-main event began as the fighters circled. After a jab-cross combination, Camus took Menigoz down and worked in side control. Camus peppered Menigoz with short elbows and punches. Menigoz bucked his hips high and reversed the situation, landing in half guard with a great escape. A foot lock attempt from Camus, but Menigoz pulled out. After brief top control Camus stood and scored another take-down. He ended the round with heavy shots, and edges out a hard-fought round.

Menigoz opened with body kicks and landed a right hand. He pressed Camus into the fence and is worked hard for a take-down. Camus defended and the fight takes center cage again. Menigoz flurried and shots into the hips of Camus, who defended well against the fence. The fighters break again. Camus shot a hard double leg, and finished it with a slam. Menigoz got back to his feet, throwing leather just as fast as he began the fight with. Menigoz shots and was met with a hard knee, but instantly recovered and continued his takedown attempt. The fighters break and circled as the round ends. In an extremely high-paced and action-packed round, Menigoz took it.

The third and final round began with the scorecard likely even. Menigoz opened with a rushing combination into a clinch. He got in deep on a shot, but again Camus defended well. He finally finished his take-down and instantly moved to mount. After some time on top, the fighters scrambled, ending in Camus returning to his feet. Camus was pressed into the fence again, this time gunning for a kimura in which he used to roll his opponent. Menigoz escaped from the bottom and gained top position over Camus. As Camus scrambled, Menigoz took the back, and tried aggressively to sink in a rear naked choke. The fight ended with Menigoz squeezing for a choke that just wasn’t around the neck enough. The crowd applauded an excellent fight. Menigoz likely took the final round 10-9, winning the fight though it was a close fight. The judges scorecards were collected and Menigoz earned a split decision over Camus.

Sean McCorkle vs Justin Grizzard
The headlining heavyweights opened with a touch of gloves. A hard inside leg kick from Grizzard landed. McCorkle rushed in on a second kick and slamed Grizzard to the mat. Grizzard threatened with a guillotine, but McCorkle escaped. McCorkle sat in half guard and looked for a kimura. He cranked the lock behind Grizzards back. Grizzard thought about tapping, but withstood the pain with instruction from his corner to not tap. McCorkle switched momentarily to a straight arm armbar. “You’re fine,” Grizzard’s coach yelled. McCorkle turned it back into a kimura and twisted the shoulder lock to a terrible angle. Grizzard, despite great will and determination to fight the pain, tapped.

Quick Results
Darious Yancy defeated Andrew Krezptowski by triangle-armbar at 0:52 in round 1
Grabowski defeated McGlassan by rear naked choke at 1:37 in round 2
Bobby Reardanz defeated Dennis Dombrow by armbar at 2:17 in round 1
Carson Beebe defeated Daniel Aguirre by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ed Carpenter defeated Miodrag Petkovich via technical submission by way of Von Flue choke at 2:42 in round 1
Skibinski defeated Enyobi by triangle choke 4:19 in round 1
Will Brooks defeated Ryan Bixler by rear naked choke at 1:00 in round 2
Mike Pitz defeated Robert Morrow via knockout at 2:56 in round 2
Josh Shockley defeated Mike Santiago via rear naked choke 2:18 in round 1
Robert Menigoz defeated Chico Camus via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Sean McCorkle defeated Justin Grizzard via kimura at 2:58 round 1

Tonight the fourth edition of Chicago Cagefighting Championship takes place at the Odeum Sports Complex in Villa Park, Illinois. The original headlining bout between War Machine and Gideon Ray was scrapped due to injury, and instead official brought in former UFC heavyweight Sean McCorkle to fight Justin Grizzard. Outside of the main event there are several intriguing matchups that all could have the crowd on their feet.

Will Brooks versus Ryan Bixler

This fight might seem like a mis-match when you look at their records as Bixler (16-15-1) has eight times the number of fights that Brooks does (4-0). Even factoring in Bixler’s current losing skid of three fights, experience can play a huge factor into the fight. But this is another stiff test for the up and coming Brooks who seems to exponentially not only improve his strength, but his skill set as well in between fights. Brooks’ best skill going into this fight is his ability to explode from position to position while obtaining a submission. His victories over Bobby Reardanz and Joseph Richardson proved just that. Bixler is no slouch on the ground either and with the amount of experience he has, Brooks is likely to not surprise him with anything.

Carson Beebe versus Daniel Aguirre

A very intriguing matchup between these bantamweight fighters. Aguirre is coming off an impressive victory over Casey Dyer at XFO 41. Only one time has Aguirre gone the distance and it was against Beebe’s training partner Larry DiGuilio. That fight was split in the judges minds, but Aguirre earned the victory. Many people are thinking Beebe is coming off his loss to earn his way into the house on The Ultimate Fighter, but Beebe took a fight in august defeating Matt Wikoff with an armbar in the second round. Beebe has a very aggressive style of wrestling and this fight is sure to show fireworks.

Dennis Dombrow versus Bobby Reardanz

Reardanz is an impressive journeyman fighter. Having started his professional career in October of 2009, Reardanz has fought a total of 17 times in that span with his fight against Dombrow being his seventh this year. Reardanz is always an exciting fighter that brings it as evident by his bouts against Will Brooks, Vince Ramos and Andy Main this year. Dombrow is a tricky fighter to figure out. His hands are good, but are typically used as a setup to get the fight to the ground. Once on the ground he attacks like a wrestler, but then catches his opponents in submissions. Dombrow is a brown belt in jiu jitsu, a fact that many people don’t even realize. This fight will likely start off as a slugfest until Dombrow decides to put Reardanz on the mat. From there it will be an interesting chess match as Reardanz is difficult to submit.

XFO 40 took place at the Lakemoor Banquet hall in Lakemoor, Illinois on Saturday June 25.  The night of action saw seven amateur bouts and six professional fights.  Read on for the full recap and quick results.

The first professional fight saw Team Curran’s Chris Hartwig make his professional debut against Dan McGlasson.  McGlasson wanted to establish his kicks early on and Hartwig looked to counter.  Hartwig started to find his range and his timing, landing a great combo ending with a big body kick.  Hartwig rushed at McGlasson and quickly took him down working from side control.  Hartwig used small strikes to try and pass to mount and when that wasn’t available he let him up.  Hartwig went on the offense but McGlasson landed a counter right that sent Hartwig to the canvas.  McGlasson followed and started throwing bomb after bomb.  Hartwig gave up his back and McGlasson locked in a fight ending rear naked choke.

Midwest Training Center’s Dennis Dombrow took on Mark Neville in a featherweight matchup.  Neville came out quickly with a leg kick and a high kick that just missed.  He then tried to rush Dombrow, but Dombrow countered with uppercuts and hooks putting Neville in trouble.  Dombrow then took the fight to the ground and easily passed Neville’s guard to get mount.  Neville quickly gave up his back and Dombrow was able to squeeze a rear naked choke to end the fight.

As predicted by us, Joey Diehl and Eric Acuna was the fight of the night.  Acuna came out swinging fast and strong at the start of the round and hurt Diehl.  Diehl worked for a takedown, but Acuna was able to get the takedown instead.  Diehl worked for a kneebar and they started to roll.  Acuna was able to escape the submission attempt and took Diehl’s back.  Acuna threw several punches to try and catch Diehl in a rear naked choke, but Diehl defended well through out the round.  The second round Diehl worked a single leg takedown and got it.  Acuna nearly had a triangle choke and then transitioned to an omaplata, but Diehl escaped.  Like the first round, but in reverse, Diehl took Acuna’s back and tried to finish several times with a rear naked choke.  All tied up, both fighters came out hard in the third round.  Acuna took Diehl down, but Diehl did a backward’s summersault to get Acuna’s back.  Acuna escaped and had top position for the rest of the round.  Diehl tried to escape with submission attempts, but Acuna kept the pressure through out.  It was a close round and as such the judges were split and awarded the fight to Acuna.

Bobby Reardanz was a very late replacement fighter to take on Vince Ramos.  In the first round Ramos quickly clinched and looked for a single leg, but Reardanz obliged and pulled guard.  Ramos spent the entire round on top of Reardanz throwing several punches and elbows.  Ramos was able to pass guard, but Reardanz was quick to regain it.  The second round Ramos took Reardanz down with a double leg slam to the crowd’s delight.  Reardanz locked in a triangle choke and it looked bad, but Ramos stayed calm and eventually escaped.  Ramos finished the round on top with more strikes.  Reardanz was looking for a powershot at the start of the third round, but Ramos again took him down.  After a stall of action, the ref stood them up.  Reardanz wanted to land a knee, but Ramos just rushed forward with another double leg takedown.  Ramos worked elbows and passed to side control to finish the round and earn the victory.

The co-main event saw Dustin Jacoby take on Ryan Sturdy.  Jacoby came out and quickly found his range as he landed counter after counter on Sturdy.  Sturdy kept trying to close the distance, but Jacoby backed away and landed lefts and rights.  Jacoby kept Sturdy at bay even more with straight lefts that seemed to find Sturdy’s nose time after time.  The first round ended with a big high kick by Jacoby that Sturdy was able to defend.  The start of the second and Sturdy looked beat up, but came out swinging.  Sturdy was able to get under the left of Jacoby and landed several good punches.  Jacoby escaped and landed a big body kick.  Jacoby threw a left hook that opened up a gash above Sturdy’s right eye.  The doctor was called in and waved off the fight immediately.

If an award could be given out for total domination, Mike Pitz would have won that.  His opponent Marcus Finch had no answer for Pitz’s offense.  Through out the three round fight, Pitz took Finch down and landed multiple punches and elbows.  Pitz looked to try to finish the fight on multiple occasions via submission, but Finch was able to defend well.  All three rounds Pitz nearly got the TKO as well but Finch was able to do enough to fend off the ref.  In the end it was an easy decision for the judges, scoring it 30-27 for Pitz.

The first amateur fight saw Clint Blackburn take on Sonny Flores.  Flores tried to rush Blackburn and take the fight to the ground, but Blackburn reversed and took Flores down instead.  Blackburn immediately took the mount and worked several strikes.  Flores gave up an arm and Blackburn tried to secure an armbar but Flores was able to escape.  Blackburn quickly got the mount again and pounded away strike after strike forcing Flores to give up his back.  Blackburn continued the strikes and the ref was forced to stop the action.

Paul Attman took on Team Curran fighter Vince Romandine in the second amateur fight.  Attman threw some pawing jabs before Romandine came inside swinging.  He quickly locked up a standing guillotine choke on Attman and squeezed until Attman was forced to tap.

Vision MMA Matt Egnar took on Wrecking Squad’s Charlie Ratke in a welterweight matchup.  Ratke came out with a big left that dropped Egnar, but Egnar quickly got back up.  Ratke followed up with a one-two combo that dropped him again and the ref stopped the fight.

An early candidate for fight of the night featured Timmy LaGray taking on Charlie Richardson.  In the first round LaGray came out with a straight right hand that hurt Richardson.  LaGray would get the mount, but Richardson used a kneebar to escape.  LaGray continued his assault and scored a huge slam takedown.  LaGray worked multiple shots and was warned for forearm shots.  Richardson threw his legs up and nearly finished LaGray with an inverted triangle, but LaGray was able to escape.  He then threw more forearm strikes and was deducted a point for the shots.  The round ended and was clearly a 9-9 round.  The second round started with Richardson landing a big groin shot to LaGray and LaGray took nearly the full five minutes to recover.  LaGray came out swinging hard after the restart.  The fighters scrambled for a bit and LaGray got the better of it landing mount.  Richardson was able to summersault out and wound up in LaGray’s guard to end the round.  Knowing he needed a finish, Richardson threw a big left hook that stumbled LaGray.  He continued the attack and worked a top mounted guillotine forcing LaGray to tap.

Shelby Graham and Cory Galloway put on an exciting fight.  Graham controlled the action in the first round with multiple takedowns.  Graham landed several punches and when he felt threatened he stood up.  On one of the stand ups, Galloway landed a massive high kick to the crowd’s delight.  The second round Galloway was able to work his submissions after getting Graham’s back.  He worked for a rear naked choke, but when Galloway turned into him, he switched for an armbar.  It looked very tight, but Graham escaped.  The round ended with both fighters throwing wildly.  Galloway landed a straight left to start the third and then scored a double leg takedown.  After passing the guard, the fighters scrambled and Galloway used it to lock in a triangle choke.  Graham fought off the submission for nearly the entire round and forced the judges to deliver their decision in Galloway’s favor.

The amateur co-main event featured Zak Ottow and Dale Bowser in an exciting three-round fight.  The first round Bowser pulled guard and Ottow just controlled the fight with multiple strikes.  Bowser tried to secure a triangle choke, but was unable.  The second round the fighters quickly clinched and threw knees.  Bowser took the back of Ottow and started to throw big rights, but Ottow reversed and finished the round on top.  The third round Ottow wasted no time with the takedown and was happy to throw punch after punch until the time ran out and he was declared the victor.

The amateur main event saw Justin Seeburger take on Aaron Meyer.  Seeburger quickly took the fight to the ground and established a north south position.  He nearly finished the fight with a kimura, but rolled and locked in a fight ending triangle choke.

Professional Quick Results

Dan McGlasson defeated Chris Hartwig by rear naked choke at 2:46 of round 1

Dennis Dombrow defeated Mark Neville by rear naked choke at 1:46 of round 1

Eric Acuna defeated Joey Diehl by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Vince Ramos defeated Bobby Reardanz by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Dustin Jacoby defeated Ryan Sturdy by doctor stoppage at 2:31 of round 2

Mike Pitz defeated Marcus Finch by unanimous decision (30-28, 30-28, 30-28)

Amateur Quick Results

Clint Blackburn defeated Sonny Flores by TKO at 1:21 of round 1

Vince Romandine defeated Pall Attman by guillotine choke at 0:35 of round 1

Charlie Ratke defeated Matt Egnar by TKO at 0:15 of round 1

Charlie Richardson defeated Tim LaGray by guillotine choke at 0:41 of round 3

Cory Galloway defeated Shelby Graham by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28

Zack Ottow defeated Dale Bowser by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27

Justin Seeburger defeated Aaron Meyer by triangle choke at 1:06 of round 1

The Xtreme Fighting Organization put on the largest mixed martial arts event since November of 2009 in the greater Chicagoland area.  The night of action saw eleven professional contests headlined by Jeff Curran versus Billy Vaughan.  Read on for the full recap and results.

The first fight of the night was extremely quick as Hector Garcia needed just thirteen seconds to knock Nicholas Scotti out.  Both fighters went to the center of the cage and looked to throw combos.  Garcia landed a right hand that sent Scotti to the canvas.  Garcia pounced quickly and landed three more shots before the Scott Fischer called a halt to the action.

Lightweights Will Brooks and Bobby Reardanz were up next.  In the first round Reardanz looked to throw Brooks off with spinning attacks.  Brooks quickly found his range and hurt Reardanz with a straight right.  Brooks controlled the rest of the round with varied strikes including knees, elbows and punches.  The second round Brooks came out with a big body kick and followed it up with a one-two and a knee that sent Reardanz to the canvas.  Brooks took Reardanz down again worked to secure his back.  As Reardanz was standing up, Brooks landed a massive belly to back suplex.  Brooks finished the round with knees to the body while on the ground.  Reardanz was clearly hurt as the third round started and Brooks looked to capitalize on it with a flying knee followed with four more knees.  Reardanz looked to pull guard, but did nothing from the position and the ref stood them up.  Brooks dropped Reardanz again and this time passed to side control.  Brooks was working for a rear naked choke and couldn’t get it but transitioned to a beautiful armbar forcing Reardanz to tap.

Middleweights Kent Rexford and PJ Cajigas were up next.  Cajigas looked to establish his striking skills and hurt Rexford with a hook.  Rexford decided to put the fight in his realm and took Cajigas down.  Once on the ground, Rexford worked short elbows and strikes.  Cajigas tried to escape, but Rexford kept heavy pressure on him.  Cajigas attempted to roll to break free, but Rexford was able to just take his back and lock in a rear naked choke ending the fight.

The first of two women’s fights were up next as Amanda LaVoy took on Michele Gutierrez.  The first half of round one Gutierrez used her boxing to keep LaVoy at bay.  Gutierrez continually countered LaVoy’s leg kicks with big rights that sent LaVoy to the canvas.  After being knocked on her butt twice, LaVoy changed tactics and went after Gutierrez.  A big knee by LaVoy in a clinch was immediately noticeable as Gutierrez’s left eye started to swell.  The second round started out much like the first ended with the two women clinching.  LaVoy landed a big knee and when the ladies separated a huge gash was visible on Gutierrez.  The ref called the doctor in who stopped the fight.

Jason Graves opened up his fight with Dan Stittgen with a good one-two combo.  Stittgen just laughed it off and Graves immediately took him to the ground.  Graves was looking to pass his guard when Stittgen shifted and locked in an armbar to end the fight.

Fight of the night featured Lucas Gwaltney and Jon Murphy.  Murphy through out the fight press forward and score takedown after takedown.  Once on the ground he would work small strikes but it was Gwaltney who would work his way back to the feet where he was landing punch after punch.  The first round was clearly for Murphy and the second seemed likely for him as well after a cut was examined by the doctor.  The third round was a very close round and MMA Recap scored the fight 29-28 for Murphy.  When the judges’ scorecards were read, it was a unanimous decision for Gwaltney.

Bantamweights were up next with Terrance Kinney and Dan Aguirre.  Kinney shot for a takedown and Aguirre looked for a guillotine.  Aguirre attempted to pull guard with the choke, but Kinney escaped into his guard.  Aguirre used his wiry legs to lock up a triangle choke.  Kinney defended well until Aguirre started to transition to an armbar.  Aguirre again readjusted this time pulling down on his opponent’s head and forced a tap.

Mike Stumpf returned to action after a nearly three year layoff against Dan Bolden.  The three round fight saw Bolden land his powerful right hand when the fight was standing.  But it was Stumpf who controlled the fight as he had takedown after takedown.  Once on the ground Stumpf landed several small strikes to keep the fight on the ground.  Many times it looked like the ref was going to stand it up, but Stumpf was able to keep it there.  In the end the judges didn’t have a difficult decision as Stumpf clearly controlled the fight.

The women were up again as Felice Herrig took on Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc.  Rivera-Calanoc quickly rushed Herrig and pushed her up against the cage, but Herrig reversed and bullied her against the cage.  Both fighters looked to throw knees and when they separated, it was Herrig who landed a big overhand right.  Rivera-Calanoc shot for a takedown, but couldn’t get it.  Round two and again Rivera-Calanoc rushed but this time she landed a left hand that found it’s mark.  Herrig looked to throw straight punches while her opponent wanted the overhand variety.  Herrig started to change levels and work shots to the body, Rivera-Calanoc against rushed her to the cage.  Herrig scored a big takedown and threw a couple of elbows forcing Rivera-Calanoc to try to escape.  In the ensuring scramble, Herrig was able to get her back and finished the round working for a rear naked choke.  The final round Herrig was able to get her back while standing, but in the scramble out, Herrig found herself in a deep guillotine choke.  Rivera-Calanoc squeezed to end the fight, however Herrig was able to pop her head out.  Once again Herrig worked to get Rivera-Calanoc’s back and finished the round working towards a rear naked choke.

The co-main event featured former WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner taking on Tyler Combs.  Varner came out with a fast combo to set up his takedown.  He then landed several strikes ranging from elbows to hammer fists.  Combs tried to escape, but Varner moved to north-south and locked in a choke.  Combs looked like he was defending well, and then went unconscious.

Billy Vaughan stepped up on short notice to fight Jeff Curran in the main event of the evening.  Vaughan looked to have a reach advantage, but Curran used his kicks to keep Vaughan in the position he wanted.  Curran landed several striking combos as he clearly wanted a knockout victory.  At the end of the first round Curran showcased some of his jiu jitsu when Vaughan shot in for a takedown and Curran was able to secure a guillotine.  Vaughan started to escape so Curran went for an armbar as time expired in the round.  The second round both fighters wanted to finish the fight in highlight reel fashion, but both were just missing with their strikes.  Vaughan at one point threw six punches in a row to just have Curran dodge and avoid them.  The second round clearly for Curran like the first due to his consistent ability to land his strikes.  Vaughan came into the third round like he had nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Both fighters quickly clinched and Curran started to work his dangerous knees.  Vaughan decided to risk his chances on the ground, but Curran immediately attacked his arm with a kimura attempt.  After some readjusting, the kimura looked really deep, but Curran just used it to pass to get back control.  Curran nearly had a rear naked choke though Vaughan rolled out of it into an inverted triangle choke.  Vaughan tried to free himself by grabbing ahold of Curran’s foot and cranked it.  The fight ended with both fighters trying to finish with a flurry of strikes.  In the end, the fight went to Curran and he announced it was the last time we would see him inside the XFO cage.

Quick Results

Hector Garcia defeated Nicolas Scotti by TKO at 0:13 of round 1

Will Brooks defeated Bobby Reardanz by armbar at 3:22 of round 3

Kent Rexford defeated PJ Cajigas by rear naked choke at 4:47 of round 1

Amanda LaVoy defeated Michele Gutierrez by doctor stoppage at 0:34 of round 2

Dan Stittgen defeated Jason Graves by armbar at 1:10 of round 1

Lucas Gwaltney defeated Jon Murphy by unanimous decision

Dan Aguirre defeated Terrance Kinney by triangle choke at 2:20 of round 1

Mike Stumpf defeated Dan Bolden by unanimous decision

Felice Herrig defeated Nicdali RIvera-Calanoc by unanimous decision

Jamie Varner defeated Tyler Combs by north south choke at 1:30 of round 1

Jeff Curran defeated Billy Vaughan by unanimous decision

Not sure how this slipped through the cracks, but in conjunction with US Combat Sports, MMA Recap is proud to announce the winners of the “Best of 2010″.  The categories included Fighter of the Year, Fight of the Year, Rookie of the Year, KO of the Year, Submission of the Year, Comeback of the Year, Fight Card of the Year and Coach of the Year.  Read on to see who won.
Fighter of the Year
Mike Lullo

Fight of the Year
Matt FIordirosa vs Bobby Reardanz

Rookie of the Year
Carson Beebe

KO of the Year
Mike Pitz against Ryan Scheeper

Comback of the Year
Vince Ramos vs Chris Lane

Submission of the Year
Mike Lullo

Fight Card of the Year
Chicago Cagefighting Championship 1

Coach of the Year
Jeff Curran

Voting is now underway in conjunction with US Combat Sports at http://uscombatsports.com/best-of-il for the best fight that took place in Illinois in 2010.  Five fights easily stood out us and are up for your votes.

Mike Lullo versus Jeremy Castro is up because of the fantastic gogoplata finish that Lullo was able to secure.  The submission victory had the crowd erupt in cheers at the inaugural Chicago Cagefighting Championship event.

Clay French and Billy Stamp put on one of the best three-round fights the state had seen all year.  The two were the co-main event for Ruckus Invades Navy Pier and easily earned the “Fight of the Night” award.

Carson Beebe destroyed Danny Black at Chicago Cagefighting Championship 1.  Beebe used his wrestling and his strength to put Black in bad positions and unloaded multiple strikes nearly fracturing Black’s orbital bone and forcing a stoppage.

Matt Fiordirosa returned to action at XFO Outdoor War against Bobby Reardanz.  The fight was easily the fight of the night and earned a feature piece here at MMA Recap.

A sleeper of a fight that fans probably didn’t pay too much attention to saw former “Ultimate Fighter” Jeremy May take on Midwest Training Center’s Chris Albandia.  May upset Albandia with a first round triangle choke at Ruckus 2 in March.

To vote, just visit http://uscombatsports.com/best-of-il where you can vote on any number of categories for 2010.

Hoosier Fight Club put on their sixth show “New Years Nemesis” on Friday January 14.  The event was headlined by Bobby Reardanz and Andy Main with a co-main event of Felice Herrig taking on Barb Honchak.  The night of action saw ten professional fights.  Read on for the night’s full recap and results.

The first fight of the night was a heavyweight matchup featuring Tim Hemmingway and Joel Wyatt.  Hemmingway came out with loaded strikes, but was missing the mark.  After a high kick by Hemmingway that was blocked by Wyatt, Wyatt caught Hemmingway with a left hook and then clinched up against the cage.  Wyatt worked several knees before taking Hemmingway down with a single leg.  Once on the ground, Wyatt was relentless with his elbows until the ref stopped the action.

Jake Rosenbaum came out with a massive uppercut that just missed against Brandon Wood.  After missing the uppercut, Rosenbaum took the fight to the ground and quickly passed to side control.  Without hesitation, Rosenbaum mounted Wood.  Wood bucked and gave up his back, and Rosenbaum went after his neck with a rear naked choke.  Wood defended the choke well, but Rosenbaum readjusted and forced Wood to tap.

Team Top Notch’s Mike Santiago took on Jeff Green in a lightweight contest.  Green came out swinging, but Santiago ducked under and had a big slam takedown.  Santiago landed in side control but quickly passed to mount.  Santiago worked several strikes and Green defended by giving up his back and then turning back into mount.  Each time Green changed his position, Santiago’s strikes landed with more power and more damage.  The third time that Green gave up his back, Santiago locked in a rear naked choke and forced Green to tap.

An exciting back and forth battle featured Adam Ward and Lydell Rhodes.  In the first round Rhodes was throwing big overhands and Ward would counter with multiple kicks.  Ward took Rhodes down three separate times, but Rhodes was able to pop up very quick.  At the end of the round, Rhodes went for a takedown, but Ward countered and took Rhodes’s back.  Ward looked for a rear naked choke while standing, but time ran out.  The second round Rhodes landed a big overhand right to start the fight.  Ward started landing his jab-kick combo and Rhodes quickly took the fight down.  Rhodes threw several punches just missing and then Ward threw up his legs for a triangle choke.  Rhodes defended well and tried slamming  and punching his way out.  Ultimately though Ward would make small adjustments until Rhodes was forced to tap.

Nick Wayne literally just shoved Bobby Emmons down to the ground at the start of the fight.  Wayne worked ground and pound, but Emmons was able to nearly finish the fight with a triangle choke.  Both fighters looked to improve their position, but Wayne was the one who escaped.  Wayne stood up and landed some big shots before diving down into Emmons’s guard.  Wayne finished the round with elbows.  After the round was over, Emmons had to crawl to his corner and then could not answer the bell for the start of round two, giving Wayne the victory.

*UPDATE* Bobby Emmons sliped a disc in his back when attempting for a second triangle choke over Wayne.  This left him in a lot of pain and defended the strikes well, but left him without the ability to work for the submission.  It is also the reason that he was unable to answer the bell as the slipped disc made it difficult for him to walk.

Ken Jackson was very upset after his fight against Joe Benoit.  Jackson quickly took the fight to the ground and was working a smothering top game not allowing Benoit to do anything.  Jackson started working small shots from within Benoit’s guard, when Benoit threw his legs up and secured an armbar forcing Jackson to tap.

Tony Wisnieski and Robbie Nieto’s fight started off slow, but ended with a bang.  Both fighters looked like they were looking to counter the other in the first round and neither fighter threw much.  Wisieski had the longer reach and his jab started to land more often than Nieto’s.  The second round the action picked up more as both fighters were throwing combos with Wisnieski landing and causing more damage.  Knowing he was down two rounds to one, Nieto came into the third round stalking Wisnieski.  Nieto was landing several combos and seemed to stagger Wisnieski at one point.  Wisnieski pushed through and landed a big right hook that dropped Nieto to the canvas.  Wisnieski followed up with another strike, even though it wasn’t needed as Nieto was out.

The first round of Aaron Novel and Ed Smith was very lackluster.  Both fighters were circling trying to find their range with their jab.  The most action came when Smith landed a spinning backlist and Novel returned the with a good combo of his own.  MMA Recap scored the round for Novel.  Round two Smith looked for a takedown on multiple occasions, and was finally successful near the end of the round.  Novel was able to land good jabs and he bloodied up Smith.  MMA Recap scored the round for Novel.  The third round Smith came out and really worked for a takedown and was able to get it.  Smith worked punches and a guillotine choke, but Novel would counter and stand.  By the end of the round Smith was extremely tired and very bloodied up, but had landed several shots on Novel.  MMA Recap scored the fight for Novel with a score of 29-28, but the judges were split in favor of Smith.

The women were up next as Felice Herrig took on Barb Honchak in an exciting women’s fight.  The first round Honchak’s gameplan was to tie up Herrig against the cage and throw knees.  Herrig would land several punches and kicks through out. The first round was extremely close to score, but ultimately should have gone to Herrig for landing the more damaging blows.  The second round Honchak continued her gameplan of clinching Herrig against the cage and throwing knees.  The few times the fighters were separated, Herrig would land leg kicks and jabs before being tied up.  With the fight arguably tied at one round a piece, both women came out with bad intentions.  Herrig started landing her combos and Honchak tried to counter her way out.  Herrig went in for a body shot and Honchak landed a big knee.  Herrig was successful in escaping the clinch.  With time running out, both corners were calling for a knockout.  Honchak landed a spinning backlist that stumbled Herrig with ten seconds left and won the round and the fight.

The main event saw Andy Main take on Bobby Reardanz in a lightweight fight.  The first round Main took Reardanz down and worked a vicious ground and pound.  Main would stand to try and pass but Reardanz was able to defend well.  Reardanz was successful with pushing Main off, but Main was too quick to with a followup takedown.  The second round Main got a trip takedown and landed in mount.  Reardanz was able to reverse, but Main threatened with a triangle choke armbar combo.  Reardanz slammed his way out of the submission and let Main stand up.  Main dived in for the takedown, but Reardanz sprawled well.  Reardanz looked for a guillotine choke and then transitioned to Main’s back.  Main spun and pulled guard, and quickly secured a fight ending armbar.

Quick Results

Joel Wyatt defeated Tim Hemmingway by TKO at 1:59 of round 1

Jake Rosenbaum defeated Brandon Wood by rear naked choke at 1:17 of round 1

Mike Santiago defeated Jeff Green by rear naked choke at 2:37 of round 1

Adam Ward defeated Lydell Rhodes by triangle choke 2:02 at of round 2

Nick Wayne defeated Bobby Emmons by TKO (Emmons did not answer the bell) at 0:00 of round 2

Joe Benoit defeated Ken Jackson by armbar at 2:22 of round 1

Tony Wisnieski defeated Robbie Nieto by KO at 3:51 of round 3

Ed Smith defeated Aaron Noel by split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)

Barb Honchak defeated Felice Herrig by unanimous decision

Andy Main defeated Bobby Reardanz by armbar at 4:40 of round 2

Valparaiso, Indiana- Hoosier Fight Club presents “HFC 6″ will take place on Friday, January 14 at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso, Indiana.  Top fighters from the Midwest will be on the card including Felice “Lil Bulldog” Herrig, Bobby Reardanz, Adam Ward, and Mike Santiago.

Tickets start at just $35 for general admission, but discounts are available for students.  Tickets can be purchased at LA Boxing in Merrillville, Indiana.

In the night’s main event, Bobby Reardanz will be taking on Andy Main.  Main trains at AMA Fight Club in Whippany, New Jersey as well as Renzo Gracie’s gym in New York.  Main defeated Jason Brenton to earn a spot in the house on season twelve of “The Ultimate Fighter”.  Main has made a name for himself competing 80% of the time for Ring of Combat based in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Reardanz who turned pro in October of 2009 will be fighting for the twelfth time in fifteen months.  Reardanz has been very active in the Midwest mma scene having fought the likes of Randy Fuentes, Peter Grimes and Matt Fiordirosa.  Reardanz trains out of Gilbert Grappling in Chicago, Illinois.

The co-main event features two exciting female fighters in Felice Herrig and Barb Honchak.  Honchak trains out of Steve Berger’s MMA in St. Louis, MO.  Honchak is 1-1 in her career, most recently losing a three-round hard fought battle against Cat Zingano.  In her debut at King of the Cage, Honchak was able to secure a rear naked choke in the second round to earn the victory.

Herrig is widely considered one of the top female fighters in the world.  Having won her last three fights, Herrig has caught the eye of many promotions.  Herrig was considered for season three of Bellator after defeating Jessica Rakoczy at Bellator 14.  Herrig trains out of Team Curran in Crystal Lake, Illinois.  Earlier this year Herrig competed in a jiu jitsu tournament winning three of the four tournaments she entered.

The rest of the fight card for Hoosier Fight Club is as follows:

·      Aaron Noel vs Ed Smith

·      Robbie Nieto vs Tony Wisnieski

·      Joe Benoit vs Rob Washington

·      Nick Wayne vs Bobby Emmons

·      Adam Ward vs Lydell Rhodes

·      Jeff Green vs Mike Santiago

·      Jake Rosenbaum vs Josh Epps

·      Joel Wyatt vs Tim Hemmingway

For more information about Hoosier Fight Club visit www.hoosierfightclub.com

Matt “Sunshine” Fiordirosa became a household name after appearing on the TapouT reality show. But since then Fiordirosa has been almost MIA and taken some serious time off away as he was just getting some serious attention. Now, older and wiser, the Team Curran trained fighter is ready to get back into action with fights in August and September. MMA Recap’s Brent Todd caught up with Fiordirosa to discuss his career and more.

How’d you get into mixed martial arts and fighting as a career?
I have wrestled since I was 4 years old. I went to college to wrestle and transferred a couple of times because I wasn’t happy and started to lose interest in the sport. I wanted to try something new in the off season so I talked to Clay Guida who was just starting out in this fighting stuff. He started to pick me up and drive me out to Gilberts Grappling to learn some jiu jitsu and it got me hooked on the sport instantly. I took a couple of amateur fights and had some success so I figured I should give it a shot.

If you google your name, the first result is an interview that asks “What happened to Matt Fiordirosa?”  That interview was done in 2008 and now it is 2010.  So obviously I need to ask the question, what happened again?
I’ve had a lot of ups and downs with the sport. I originally trained and competed because it was fun, but I quickly learned that this is also a business. On top of not having fun while training I also had some injuries and family things to work out so mma took a back seat for a little bit. I also made it my number one priority to finish my degree incase something ever were to happen and I always want to have a back up plan. I also was supposed to fight about a year and a half ago. I trained, got down to weight, and my opponent never showed. The next week I got injured during training and it sidelined me for a while. It’s been a roller coaster, but no matter what happens I will most likely be involved in the sport in some way from here on out.

Your first fight back in three years is against Bobby Reardanz at the XFO Outdoor War.  Are you worried at all about the three year layoff?
A little bit. I didn’t even realize it had been that long until somebody brought it up. I feel really good and have had an awesome training camp so mentally and physically I’m ready. I also have matured a little bit and have taken my training and lifestyle a little bit more seriously than I have in the past. I’m just hoping I don’t have ring rust, other than that I feel great and will definitely be ready.

What are your thoughts on him as an opponent?
He’s a tough guy. From what I’ve heard he’s a pretty big 145lb guy and is 5’11” so I definitely have to keep that in mind. I’m excited to fight somebody that is game and ready to go for 3 rounds like I know he will be.

Four weeks later you are scheduled to fight DJ Fuentes for Ruckus Entertainment, are you planning on going back full force similar to what you did in 2006 with a fight nearly every other month?
I don’t plan on going full force right away. I have these 2 fights set up over the summer so when school starts up I can set my focus on that. I’m just going to take everything as it comes and just make sure that I have fun and enjoy what I’m doing.

What are your goals now that you are back full time to fighting?
I’m just going to enjoy the experience. I’m having a lot of fun training right now and it reminds me of when I first started. Everyday I learn something new and I have a good group of guys around me. I really like coaching the wrestling side of the sport as well as being around other athletes that have the dedication and desire to push their limits. My goal would be to continue to develop my game and one day fight in a big show.

There’s one little blemish on your record against a highly ranked Wagnney Fabiano.  I know the fight happened four years ago, but can you give us your thoughts on that fight and why it didn’t go your way?
It was my very first pro fight in a USA vs. Canada show and I was boo’d for the first time. I have a lot of excuses, but Wagnney was the better fighter at the time. As far as the fight went, it was also the first time that anyone had ever taken me down so everything went wrong, but it was a good learning experience for me.

With a record of 10-1 the WEC had to have been looking at you, were you fielding any offers from them at the time you decided to take a step back from the game?
Not that I am aware of.

What’s the most important part of your training?
Conditioning! I know that I’m not the cleanest boxer, best with submissions, or even the best wrestler, but my conditioning has helped me a lot. For this training camp in particular my training partners were key because I have a bunch of studs to train with and everyone has fights coming up so everyone was pushing their limits.

Which fight has been your favorite?
My fight with Chase Beebe was my favorite. It was on an XFO show and we were both beating everyone up in the area, but nobody outside of Illinois really knew who we were. It was my favorite fight not because I won, but I proved to myself that I had been developing in the sport. When I couldn’t rely strictly on wrestling the other aspects of the sport that I had been training actually were beneficial and probably the difference in the fight. Our wrestling balanced out but it was the development in other areas that separated me from him at that time.

Which fight did you walk away from and go “Oh man I need to work on this aspect of my game?”
My fight with Wagnney definitely made me rethink some things. He beat me up pretty bad in the first round and it actually made my head a little loopy for the next few days. When I got home I had to decide if I was done with fighting so I could focus on wrestling again or I needed to change and develop so that wouldn’t happen again. It really helped me refocus and dedicate myself to training. It also helped me concentrate on other aspects of the sport besides wrestling and that humble pie help me focus more than ever before. I think it worked because I went on to win 10 in a row.

Your website has the phrase Tears for Beers, what’s that about?
That has to do when I was younger and wrestling. My dad and other teammates’ dads all said “If you make your opponent cry you get a beer”. Needless to say we always tried to make our opponents cry.

What do you like to do when you aren’t training?
I like to play video games, watch movies, and follow college football ( GO GATORS!). I spend a majority of my time with my dog Thor. I’m a huge fan of food and I also like to longboard. That’s really it!

What’s your favorite breakfast cereal?
During training I eat oatmeal with bananas in it, but straight up cereal I’d have to say it’s a toss up between cinnamon toast crunch and apple jacks.

Any sponsors or people you want to thank?
First and foremost I’d like to thank Tapout for everything they’ve done for me! Also, Gordon at Lajit Industries, King Burrito (best Mexican food around), Trent Sherrill photography, ABC automotives, Tony Hernandez and The Wrestling Factory, Bombsquad Longboards, Jorson and Carlson Company, Firewood Restaurant and Sports Lounge, ElecSound, and Scott’s Auto. I’d also like to thank everyone at Team Curran and Davis Speed Center for getting me ready to do battle, as well as my family and friends for their support.


Questions by fighters for fighters
Who’s the hottest female fighter in the midwest?
I really only know one, but Felice Herrig is a cool chick!

What’s typically going through your mind in the moments before stepping into the cage?
There’s NO WAY I’m going to let this guy embarrass me in front of my friends and family!

The longest running Chicago based mixed martial arts promotion, Xtreme Fighting Organization has just confirmed several fights for their upcoming “Outdoor War 6″.  The event takes place on Saturday August 14 in Island Lake, Illinois.

The day of action starts at 2pm with several amateur matches and will have a one-hour break after those before starting the professional fights.

The professional card includes:
•    Joe “Triangular Strangler” Pearson vs. Daniel Straus
•    Ryan Sturdy vs. Rashad Brooks
•    Matt Fiordirosa vs. Bobby Reardanz
•    Matt Tobie vs. Francios Ambang
•    Christopher Garcia vs. Marcos Marquez
•    Achour Esho vs. Patrick Osborn
•    Michele Gutierrez vs. Meghan Wright
•    Carson Beebe vs. Peter Grimes
•    Mike Santiago vs. Donavan Winters
•    Kevin Nowaczyk vs. Marcus Penland

XFO 35 took place at the Copernicus Theatre in downtown Chicago, Illinois last night.  The action saw one amateur fight and eight professional fights.  Many notable guests were in attendance including Felice Herrig, Bart Palaszewski, Ricardo Llams and both Pat and Jeff Curran.  Read on for the full recap and results of the night’s competitions.

The first fight of the night didn’t take long at all.  Mike Ryan needed just twenty seconds to force Billy Blackwell to tap.  After a low kick by Ryan, Ryan took the fight to the ground and locked in the fight ended armbar.

The second amateur bout was to feature Chris Hartwig taking on Sean Martin.  Unfortunately Martin did not show up to the fight and Hartwig won by default.

The first professional fight of the night saw Carson Beebe take on Joe Voitik.  Voitik tried to grapple with Beebe but Beebe was the better grappler.  After a some punches both fighters stood and clinched.  Voitik worked some good knees, but Beebe responded with knees of his own forcing Voitik to shoot for a takedown.  Beebe sprawled and then spun to Voitik’s back and secured both hooks.  After about twenty punches, Voitik gave up his neck and Beebe locked in the fight ending rear naked choke.

Bill Hill defeated Dan Bolden in a controversial fashion.  In the first round, Hill controlled most of the action defending Bolden’s takedowns.  Bolden was able to reverse position a couple of times, but would not be able to capitalize on it.  In the second round both fighters clinched and Bolden had a failed hip toss takedown which look like it hurt him.  Hill ran in for an attack and the ref stopped it shortly after saying Bolden tapped out.

Ryan Bixler took on Jonatas Novaes in a catch-weight bout.  Novaes shot for a takedown but Bixler defended well.  Novaes was able to secure double undercooks and then completed the takedown.  Bixler was able to get to his feet and Novaes took him down again.  Bixler defended well as there was little action.  The crowd kept calling for a stand up, but the ref kept them on the ground.  Novaes was able to move from side control to mount to Bixler’s back.  Unable to secure a rear naked choke, Novaes transitioned to a slick armbar and forced the tap out.

In a very exciting fight Mike Santiago took on Jake Murphy.  Both fighters came out with large entourages who were very vocal through out the fight.  Murphy quickly took the fight to the ground and pressed Santiago up against the cage.  From there he worked a good ground and pound.  But Santiago wasn’t without his own tricks as he was able to reverse position more than once and almost had a reverse triangle choke.  The end of the first round saw Santiago work elbows from the bottom.  Round two Santiago rocked Murphy with a big right hand before Murphy went for the takedown again.  For the first minute or so Santiago controlled the action but Murphy was able to reverse and controlled the rest of the round from within Santiago’s guard landing multiple shots that were not very damaging.  The final round saw the crowd go wild for both fighters and Murphy again looked to his wrestling to control the action.  After a lull in the action, the ref stood both fighters up and Santiago caught Murphy with a fantastic knee that crumpled Murphy.  Unfortunately Santiago wasn’t able to capitalize on it and Murphy recovered quickly .  MMA Recap scored the fight 29-28 for Murphy but the judges were split and awarded the victory to Santiago.

Peter Grimes took on Bobby Reardanz in the next bout of the night.  The first round saw Grimes take Reardanz down early and worked a good ground a pound from within Reardanz’s guard.  Reardanz would use the cage to try to get his legs up and lock in an armbar, but Grimes would just punch his way out each time.  The second round both fighters looked to stay on their feet for a bit as they were both landing big kicks.  Grimes was getting the better kicks in and then easily took the fight to the ground.  After a lull in action, the ref stood both fighters up.  Grimes came in with a fancy spinning kick, followed it up with some punches and ended the combo with a knee.  Reardanz would retaliate with a knee of his own, but then Grimes dropped him with a big right hand.  Grimes quickly got Reardanz’s back landed three powerful shots before the ref halted the action.

In what was sure to become the fight of the night Matt Tobie and Kevin Nowacyzyk went the distance.  The three round war saw both fighters throwing big punches and landing several kicks.  Tobie was able to open up a cut under the right eye of Nowacyzyk in the second and bust open his ear in the third.  In the end the three judges scored it for Kevin Nowacyzyk in a split decision.

The heavyweights were the co-main event and featured Boban Simic taking on Rashad Brooks.  The two fighters exchanged heavy bombs in the first round with neither fighter being able to land that power shot to finish it.  In the second round, Simic was the fresher of the two fighters and punished Brooks’s body with multiple punches.  In the third round, Simic took the fight to the ground, passed to mount, and unloaded punches until the referee stopped the action.

The main event kicked off just after 11:30pm and saw Ted Worthington taking on Keith Wisniewski.  In the first round Wisniewski used takedowns to control the action.  Once on the ground he would use short punches and elbows to maintain his position over Worthington.  In the second round Wisniewski again took the fight to the ground but this time Worthington had an answer as he tried to lock in a heel hook submission.  Unfortunately for Worthington when he rolled to apply more pressure to Wisniewski’s leg, Wisniewski applied a heel hook of his own and forced Worthington to tap out.

Quick Results
Amateur Bouts
Mike Ryan defeated Billy Blackwell via armbar :20 of round 1
Chris Hartwig defeated Sean Martin by no show

Professional Bouts
Carson Beebe defeated Joe Voitik by rear naked choke 1:49 of round 1
Bill Hill defeated Dan Bolden by tap out 1:06 of round 2
Jonatas Novaes defeated Ryan Bixler via armbar 3:25 of round 1
Mike Santiago defeated Jake Murphy by split decision 29-28, 28-29, 29-28
Peter Grimes defeated Bobby Reardanz by technical knockout 4:07 of round 2
Kevin Nowacyzyk defeated Matt Tobie by split decision 30-27, 28-29, 30-27
Boban Simic defeated Rashad Brooks by technical knockout 1:30 of round 3
Keith Wisniewski defeated Ted Worthington by heel hook 3:56 of round 2

Chicago, IL (USA): The Xtreme Fighting Organization (XFO), one of the most respected MMA promotions in existence, has announced today their fight card for their upcoming fight event. On May 8th, MMA is overtaking the Copernicus Center in Chicago as fight fans will be treated to nine professional fights and four amateur bouts. Headlining the event are welterweight veterans Keith Wisniewski (25-12-1) and Ted “Red” Worthington (27-20). Wisniewski is coming into this fight on a three-match win streak, and he hasn’t allowed an opponent to go the distance during that span, winning two bouts by submission and one by TKO (strikes). Worthington has had an active year in 2010 thus far, fighting three times within the first four months and earning two victories, one by submission and one by knockout. Each warrior has proven throughout his career that he will fight his heart out to win, so fans can expect an epic battle when these two meet.

This exciting card features fighters from all different points in their career, and with a vast arsenal of skills. Some of the veterans will be looking to get back to their winning ways, while others will be looking to continue the strong start to their young careers. In what may be the 170 lb. fight of the night, Matt Tobie (2-0) will be putting his unbeaten record on the line as faces his toughest opponent to date in Quinton McCottrell (4-5). McCottrell is known for his heavy hands and ability to end the fight with one shot. Also on the main card will be a fight at 150 lbs. as former WEC fighter Rafael Dias (12-7-1) will be looking to get back on track after losing his last two fights, as he’ll be facing Ryan “Bones” Bixler (15-7). Dias is known as a submission specialist, while “Bones” is more of an all-around fighter. Regardless, both fighters will look to impose their will on the other.

The full card is as follows:

PROFESSIONAL
170-Keith Wisniewski vs. Ted “Red” Worthington
155-Rafael Dias vs. Ryan “Bones” Bixler
HVY-Boban Simic vs. Rashad Brooks
170-Matt Tobie vs. Quinton McCottrell
135-Carson Beebe vs. Chris Clark
145-Bobby Reardanz vs. Gustavo Rodriguez
185-Dan Bolden vs. Bill Hill
155-Chris Garcia vs. Glenn Hanson
155-Mike Santiago vs. Chris Tickle

The amateur card features hungry up-and-coming fighters as well as future stars looking to shine as they put their futures on the line.

AMATEUR
145-Alex Martinez vs. Mike Ryan
HVY-Ivan Garcia vs. Ken Fresbee
145-Steve Kozola vs. Joaquin Sanchez
170-Jonathan Melecio vs. Brian Kalsto

XFO—the Midwest’s premiere MMA show— features the best up-and-comers in the Midwest circuit and young fighters from all over the United States will look to hone their skills in the XFO cage. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $50 for Main Floor Seats and $35 for Mezzanine Level and are available for purchase by visiting http://www.xfomma.com/. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the fights will begin at 7:30 PM.

Information on the pre-event press conference and weigh-ins will be made public soon, as well. The Xtreme Fighting Organization is sure to electrify local fight fans so purchase your tickets now before the event is sold out!

About the XFO
The Xtreme Fighting Organization is operated by “The Big Frog” Jeff Curran, a veteran of the UFC, WEC, PRIDE, and StrikeForce, and has showcased some of the top talent in the sport of MMA today. Fighters such as Pat Militech, Ben Rothwell, Kevin Jordan, Jason Dent, Terry Martin, Tara LaRosa, Nick Thompson, Naoyuki Kotani, Ryan McGivern, Chase Beebe, Mike Russow, Travis Wiuff, Shonie Carter, Luke Zachrich, Sherman Pendergarst, amongst others, have all fought in the XFO cage. The promotion puts on regular events, and is committed to entertaining local fight fans with quality production values and exciting events. In addition, the XFO is dedicated to introducing some of the top young talent in the Midwest to the MMA masses. For additional information on the Xtreme Fighting Organization, please visit http://www.xfomma.com/