XFO 44

XFO 44 returned to the Sears Center for another fantastic night of both amateur and professional fights. Four of the five professional fights saw special guest referee Big John McCarthy inside the cage. In the main event Will Brooks continued his unbeaten streak with a first round finish over Taureen Bogguess.

Nate Beach vs Ken Hulbert
Beach opened the round with a body kick, but Hulbert responded with jabs. Hulbert then landed a good uppercut and Beach clinched to look for a takedown. Hulbert reversed and pressed Beach into the cage and was able to take Beach’s back and wrestle him to the ground. Beach was able to secure a bulldog headlock to defend his own back, and locked in a crazy looking armbar from the position. He gave it up and both fighters exchanged punches as they stood up.

The second round Hulbert again landed the uppercut but it was while Beach was working for a takedown. Beach was successful and he utilized a stacking pass to get to side control and then to mount. He started to work small punches before returning to side control to throw more punches. Hulbert wasn’t defending many of the punches and when he finally raised his arms to block, Beach grabbed ahold and looked for a keylock. The submission wasn’t there so he punched Hulbert a couple more times before standing to drop a big right. He then moved to mount and the punches started coming down fast but the end of the round ended, saving Hulbert.

Beach was first to land, a right hand, then shot and got the takedown. It looked like more of the same from the second round as Beach worked his positioning, tried to bait Hulbert into a submission, couldn’t get it, and then punched him. Hulbert was able to tie up Beach well the first time this happened and got a stand up, but the second takedown he couldn’t defend. Beach’s corner started calling for knees to the body from side control and after landing a couple he got the mount. Much like the second round, the punches were coming down fast and strong, only this time, Hulbert wasn’t saved by the bell.

Von Aulock vs Radtke
Ground control from Radtke early in the match against the cage wall after a heated exchange of punches. Von Aulock attempted a triangle from the bottom, but stuffed by Radtke with hand position and posture. Radtke moved from side control, then quickly into mount after a quick adjustment. Von Aulock bucked and moved out from the bottom. Radtke was able to adjust and take the back for a few seconds. Both men stood up and fought for control with headlocks. Radtke took the advantage and went for the D’arce choke by dragging the fight to the floor. Once they hit the floor Radtke circled into Von Aulock for the tap.

Radtke defeated Aulock via Tapout due to D’arce choke at 2.47 of round one

Rose vs. Moffett: Lightweight
Rose took the center, but it’s Moffett landed the first significant punch. After a huge body lock slam, Moffett delivered more punches and the ref called the fight. A huge gash on the back of Rose’s head that will need stitches.

Moffett defeated Rose via TKO at .29 of round one

Hastings vs. Mayer: 164 pounds
Hastings took the center while Mayer through hand faints. Hastings shuffled his feet towards Mayer and delivered a strong right hand to drop Mayer. He then moved in quickly to finish the fight. The ref moved in to rescue Mayer.

Hastings defeated Mayer via KO at .24 of round one

Gaut vs. Seeberger: Flyweight
Seeberger swarmed early, but Gaut went in for a single leg takedown. Seeberger countered with a guillotine choke against the cage wall. Gaut repositioned himself to avoid the choke as they restarted in the center. Seeberger scored a takedown from body lock and outside leg trip. As Gaut fought to get out from the bottom, Seeberger took the back and slipped his arms around the neck for the choke.

Seeberger defeated Gaut due to Tapout via RNC at 1.45 of round one

PRO
Haney vs. Killion: Bantamweight
Haney opened up with a head kick that was blocked by Killion. Quickly followed up with a body lock leg trip takedown into Killion’s guard against the cage wall. Haney landed a few ground and pound punches, but Killion countered with an arm bar attempt. Haney picked up Killion and swung him around like a helicopter then slammed him down to the mat. Killion held on to armbar attempt after two slams. Haney moved the action to the cage and work his out way out of the armbar to capture the back. Haney sat down against the cage to work in his arms for a choke. Killion turns to be on top, but Haney shifted his legs into a triangle attempt. Killion smartly pushed his legs aside to end in side control. Haney reverses to position himself in guard. Killion again went for an armbar attempt as the round closes. Haney sounded out in pain then tapped out.

Josh Killion defeated Haney due to Tapout via armbar at 4.42 of round one

P. Williams vs. J. Williams: Bantamweight
Bout opened up with an evenly match of takedown attempts and then stuffed. Fast moving action as the bantamweights moved around the whole cage to start. P. Williams scored a leg kick to the body early. J. Williams moved in with punches for a takedown against the cage, but P. Williams showed more takedown defense. P. Williams connected on a solid head kick with his lead leg. Impressive for J. Williams taking the kick and didn’t get knocked out. J. Williams moved in for a clinch as the round ended.

Round two – P. Williams connected again with an inside leg kick and straight right hand. J. Williams scored a takedown, but P. Williams quickly got back to his feet. At this point it seemed that P. Williams got the better of the striking and J. Williams can’t take him down long enough to do damage. J. Williams connected with a left hook after letting go of a takedown attempt. J. Williams moved in for another takedown, but P. Williams reversed it to end in side control. The crowd erupted with approval. P. Williams attempted a kimura from the top and used it to gain the mount. J. Williams was saved by the bell as P. Williams secured an arm triangle.

Round three – Another low kick to start the round from P. Williams. J. Williams attempted to turn it into a takedown, but P. Williams stuffed it again. Knees delivered by P. Williams as he was held against the cage. J. Williams connected with another left hook then pushed forward with a flurry that P. Williams took against the cage then circled out of it. More punches landed form J. Williams as he went in for takedowns and didn’t get them. P. Williams now showed damage with blood out of his left eye as the fight ended.

J. Williams defeated P. Wiliiams via Split Decision (29-28; 29-28; 29-28)

Beebe vs. Baskis: Lightweight
Both men closed in and exchanged punches to the heads. The match seemed even with strikes thrown, landed, takedowns and clinch work. Beebe scored the takedown into guard to gain the first dominant position in the bout. Baskis worked up with legs for high guard while Beebe issued ground and pound. Beebe showed damage by bleeding on Baskis from the top position. Baskis tried to work butterfly guard to lift Beebe off of himself, but he recognized that and fought back into full guard. Beebe moved over for a guillotine choke as Baskis tried to fight out of the bottom. Baskis popped his head out to end the round on top and landed ground and pound as the round ended.

Round two – Baskis opened up with a solid kick to the liver. Beebe delivered punches to get back into the fight. Baskis started to bleed from his right eye from Beebe’s punches in this round alone. Beebe started to find his range with his hands as he lands combos as Baskis darts in and out of distance. The two fighters trade body kicks. Beebe was putting a lot of energy into each punch as he threw small combos.

Round three – Baskis slipped to the mat after an exchange and Beebe swarmed in for ground and pound. Baskis was clever enough to tie Beebe’s feet up with his legs. Beebe managed to get into guard, but not with out heavy effort. Beebe stood up to deliver punches and fell into half guard. More ground and pound from Beebe followed with punches and elbows. A stalemate on the floor while the fighters are in guard. Beebe steps out of guard and they reset in the middle. Beebe still able to land punches and Baskis still able to land kicks. Beebe secured another takedown with the winding seconds of the fight.

Chase Beebe defeated Mike Baskis via Unanimous Decision

Mike Budnik vs. Adamson: Lightweight
Budnik immediately shot in for a double leg takedown and moved around and took the back of Adamson. Budnik sunk in the hooks while Adamson delivered a back elbow. With Adamson flattened out, Budnik delivered punches to the sides of Adamson‘s head. Budnik moved into a body triangle against the cage. Adamson created a scramble and moved into Budnik’s guard in top position. Adamson moved out of guard to deliver a body kick and knee to the face of Budnik. Budnik with another takedown attempt that turned into a guillotine choke in full guard and Adamson had no choice by to tap.

Mike Budnik defeated Adamson due to Tapout via guillotine choke at 4.30 of round one

Will Brooks vs. Taurean Bogguess: Lightweight
Books recovered from a takedown by Bogguess to end up in Bogguess’ guard and worked ground and pound. Bogguess started to bleed from above his right eye from elbows. Brooks was in full guard and then delivered several elbows that the crowd cheered for. Books got out of guard and went to knee on belly for more ground and pound. Bogguess was able to sit on his heels, but Books took the opportunity to knee his sternum. Then more ground and pound followed with unanswered elbows and punches from Bogguess. Big John rescued Bogguess to end the fight.
Will Brooks defeated Taurean Bogguess via ref stoppage due to strikes at 4.21 of round one

Amateur Quick Results
Nate Beach defeated Kenny Hulbert by technical knockout at 2:58 of round three
Charlie Radtke defeated Stephen Von Aulock by D’arce choke at 2:47 of round one
Bobby Moffett defeated Trevor Rose by technical knockout at 0:31 of round one
Bob Hastings defeated Bill Mayer by knockout at 1:24 of round one
Justin Seeberger defeated Giovanni Gaut by rear naked choke at 1:45 of round one

Professional Quick Results
Josh Killion defeated Chris Haney by armbar at 4:42 of round one
Jerald Williams defeated Phil Williams by split decision
Chase Beebe defeated Mike Baskis by unanimous decision
Mike Budnik defeated Brandon Adamson via guillotine at 4:30 of round one
Will Brooks defeated Taureen Bogguess by technical knockout at 4:20 of round one

Xtreme Fighting Organization is holding nothing back for their next professional show at the Sears Centre on Saturday June 16. The night of action will see a mix of both amateur and professional mixed martial arts fights and Big John McCarthy will be in house as a special guest referee for the night.

While no fights have been made official yet, several fighters have been signed up to fight for the promotion. Midwest Training Center’s Will Brooks has been slotted to fight in the main event of the evening. Brooks has amassed a perfect 5-0 record as a professional, finishing all five of his opponents. In December of 2011, he flew out to Vegas to audition for the first season of TUF Live. Brooks was made an alternate for the show in case someone who won was injured and couldn’t continue. Unfortunately that didn’t pan out, and now Brooks is looking to continue his winning ways.

Brooks’ teammate Ramy Daoud will also be on the card. Daoud was supposed to fight at XFO 43, but his opponent Johnny Coleman no-showed the weigh-ins and forfeited his fight. Daoud has taken time away from competing inside the cage, but is well versed in leg submissions and brings an exciting fight.

Other fighters who are scheduled to appear include Cory Galloway, Lucas Grabowski, Mike Budnik, Josh Estrada, Chris Haney, Andre Feliciano, and Phil Williams.

XFO 44 takes place on Saturday, June 16 at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Tickets are available at www.xfomma.com starting at just $25.

XFO 42 took place at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, IL, on December 10th, 2011.  The night of action saw eight amateur bouts and eleven professional fights.  Read on for the full recap of the professional fights as well as quick results of the amateur bouts.

Anthony Goodwin vs Robert Couillard

The fighters felt each other out on the feet early. Goodwin finished a double-leg take-down into Couillard’s guaround Coullard returned to his feet and Goodwin went for another takedown, but was smashed with a vicious knee instantly knocking him out. Couillard pounced with a huge hay-maker to an unconscious Goodwin before the ref intervened.

Johnny Coleman vs Chris Haney

Coleman caught a Haney flying knee and took his opponent down early. Haney gained top position, and passed Coleman’s guard to back mount. He flurried, and Coleman tapped out due to strikes.

Will Serment vs Vince Ramos

Vince Ramos shot early and briefly got Serment’s back. The fighters exchanged positioning, and Ramos wound up on top. Ramos passed to half guard, and remained on top for the majority of round 1. Round one went to Ramos, 10-9

Ramos was all over Serment with a wrestling attack. Serment is able to earn top position, and passed to half guard. Ramos powered up and returned to Serment’s guard. Serment swept to the top position and the round ended there. It was a debatable round, but we will edge it out to Serment, 10-9

Serment came out throwing heavy punches and snapping kicks, and shot on Ramos. Ramos again proved to the be the superior wrestler and pressed Serment into the fence. A long, stalled-out shot was finished by Ramos, eating up the entire second half of the round. Serment wins the final round on the early flurry, 10-9

Ed Blake vs Matt Tobie

Big kicks from Blake opened the round. He clinched Tobie against the fence and went for a trip take-down. Tobie twisted and landed on top in half guard, but Tobie was swept and Blake passed to mount. A buck of the hips created a scramble for Tobie, and he returned to his feet. The fighters clinched, and Blake successfully tripped Tobie to the ground. Blake improved his position twice and blasted Tobie with a big right hand before the round ended, winning it, 10-9

Blake hammered Tobie with a big right hand early, collapsing his opponent to the canvas. Tobie survived and stood to a clinch. Blake took Tobie down, but Tobie swept him and scrambled to take his back. Blake stood up to avoid, and the fighters exchanged take-downs. Blake was on top, delivering knees, as the horn signaled the end of the round. The round went to Blake, 10-9

Tobie opened up with a flurry, stunning Blake with a right hand. Blake got a take-down, and Tobie nearly tapped him with a guillotine. Tobie swept him with the near choke and flurried from mount, with multiple points near a stoppage. Blake survived the onslaught and stood to a clinch. “10 seconds” was yelled out to the cage, and Tobie breaks away in a flurry, hurting Blake. The round ended before Tobie could capitalize. Tobie wins the third round handily, 10-8, meaning that mmarecap as this one a 28-28 draw

Brandon Wood vs Joey Diehl

The fighters traded glancing one-twos to open. Diehl nodded to the sound of his coach and unleashed a vicious combination. Wood turtled up and was pounded out for a quick stoppage.

Danny Rodriqez vs Adam Ward

Ward stormed out and started putting his hands on Rodriqez, hurting him with a right hand and taking him down with a double leg. Rodriquez stood up, but was blasted with a head kick soon after. He survived, stood again, and was met with a straight cross, knocking him out cold.

Kent Rexford vs Darren Jacoby

The fighters circled early and Rexford delivered snapping leg kicks. Rexford pressed in with punches and Jacoby was clinched against the fence. Jacoby began opening up with his punches and dropped Kent with a big shot. Rexford survived and stood, but got into a firefight with Jacoby. Jacoby landed a full-force right hand, collapsing Rexford to the canvas.

Chase Beebe vs Lloyd Carter

Beebe opened with aggressive striking, but Carter was getting the better of him with quick hooks. Beebe shot and wrestled his opponent to the mat. He took his back and worked him with punches for the rest of the round. Beebe won it, 10-9

Carter began the round with his hands low, circling away from Beebe. Beebe threw a flurry and quickly took Carter down, passing his guard and dominating the grappling. Carter stood, and when Beebe shot on him he locked up a tight guillotine. Beebe stacked him and pressed, surviving the position to end up in guard. He passed and dominated from the top position to win the round, 10-9

Carter tried to suck Beebe into a striking match, waving him in, but Beebe had none of it, finishing a double-leg early. Beebe took the back and controlled the position, later in the round taking mount. Carson was able to stand, but Beebe suplexed him, providing what was surely the highlight of the fight. The round ended, Beebe taking it 10-9, and the fight 30-27

Brandon Adamson vs Kevin Knabjian

The fighters exchanged early, and Knabjian ducked under a head kick from Adamson. Adamson attempted a heel hook, failed, and Knabjian started landing heavy shots. He passed to side control, locked up a kimura, and cranked it for the tap.

Danny Aguirre vs Jake Grigson

Aguirre pressed in with fast punches, but was met with a driving double leg from Griggson. Griggson elevated him and dropped him on the mat, landing in side control. Aguirre returned to his feet, and lit Grigson up with a vicious flurry. Grigson caught a knee and wrestled Aguirre to the mat, only to be caught in a reverse triangle. With a few seconds remaining, Grigson broke free and stood over Aguirre, delivering kicks to his legs and being weary of up-kicks. Aguirre won the opening round, 10-9

Round two opened up with a bang as both fighters pressed and exchanged. Grigson shot and Aquirre answered with rubber guard. He elbowed Grigson repeatedly, and then hit a tight armbar forcing the tap.

Mike Marrello vs Miodrag Petkovich

It wasn’t hard to tell who the hometown hero was as the heavyweights made their way to the cage. A steady “Boo” rang throughout the area as Petkovich walked to the cage. It was followed by an enormous, thundering cheer for Marrello.

Marello opened with a big right hand and take-down attempt, stuffed by Petkovich who snatched a guillotine. Marrello broke free and the heavyweights exchanged, ending in a clinch. Marrello had double under-hooks but did not secure a body lock or do anything with them, and thus the fighters were broken apart. They exchanged single shots back and fourth for the rest of the round, and Marello won it, 10-9

Marello pressed into Petkovich, clearly the more aggressive striker early. Petkovich made him pay for his aggression, catching Marrello with a counter. Marrello shot in on a rushing Petkovich to stay alive, and he recovered. The fighters took center cage again, with momentum shifting from Petkovich to Marrello as the round wore on. At the bell, Marrello caught Petkovich with a clean one-two. Still, Petkovich won the round, 10-9

A clinch was initiated by Marrello early, pressing Petkovich into the fence and landing short body shots. The fight returned to the center, and Petkovich hammered Marrello with a powerful punch. He pounced on his hurt opponent, trying to finish the hometown hero, but Marrello survived and clinched Petkovich to recover. Exchanges and some brief clinch-work again ensued. The ref broke a stalled clinch, and after some brief striking, the round ended. Petkovich won the final frame, 10-9, and the fight, 29-28

Amateur quick results
Stephon Vonaulock defeated Jake Klipp by technical knockout at 1:13 of round 2
Josh Estrada defeated Mike O’Conner by unanimous decision
Alonzo Fuller defeated Tommy Hawley by unanimous decision
Zach Ottow defeated Oliver Vazquez by Unanimous Decision
Pat O’Conner defeated Eddie Escobar by triangle choke at 1:30 of round 1
Andre Feliciano defeated David Williams by unanimous decision to become the new XFO flyweight amateur champion
Cory Galloway defeated Pedro Velasco by arm bar at 1:11 of round 2 to become the new XFO featherweight amateur champion
Richard Dey defeated Vince Romadine via body kick knockout at 3:54 of round 1 to become the new XFO bantamweight amateur champion

Professional quick results
Danny Aguirre defeated Jake Grigson via armbar at 2:19 of round 2
Miodrag Petkovich defeated Mike Marrello by unanimous decision
Kevin Knabjian defeated Brandon Adamson via kimura at 1:44 of round 1

Carson Beebe defeated Lloyd Carter via unanimous decision

Darren Jacoby defeated Kent Rexford, via KO at 4:13 of round 1

Adam Ward defeated Danny Rodriguez via KO at 2:00 of round 1

Joey Diehl defeated Brandon Wood via TKO 0:47 of round 1

Ed Blake defeated Matt Tobie via majority decision

Guillermo Serment defeated Vince Ramos via unanimous decision

Chris Haney defeated Johnny Coleman tap via strikes at 2:25 of round 1

Robert Couillard defeated Anthony Goodwin, KO-Knee at 3:22 of round 1

<h5>Injuries abound have forced changes to this weekend’s XFO 42 event at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.  Chris Tickle injured his shoulder and had to withdraw from his fight with Will Brooks.  A replacement is being sought out for Brooks at this time.</h5>

Another injury forced David Sachs out of a highly anticipated fight with Carson Beebe.  Stepping up to fight Beebe on short notice is Llyod Carter.

Other changes have been made in the past two weeks and the full lineup currently looks like:

Mike Marrello vs Miodrag Petkovich
Daniel Aguirre vs Jake Grigson
Kevin Knabjian vs Brandon Adamson
Carson Beebe vs Lloyd Carter
Kent Rexford Jr. vs Darren Jacoby
Adam Ward vs Daniel Rodriguez
Joey Diehl vs Brandon Wood
Matt Tobie vs Ed Blake
Vincent Ramos vs Guillermo Serment
Christopher Haney vs Stanton Gavia
Kenny Booker vs Evian Rodriguez
Anthony Goodwin vs Robert Couillard

Many people think that just because a fighter is smaller, he won’t have knockout power. And while that can be true of a fair number of fighters, don’t tell that to Chris Haney or Stanton Gavia. While both fighters are early in their career, both have faced tough resilient fighters and shown they have the power to send their opponent to the canvas.

The fight between Haney and Gavia is going to be contested at just 130lbs and will likely be one of the fasted paced fights of the night. Haney, a veteran of the Chicago area fight scene has been making a name for himself since turning pro in November of 2010. Gavia has mostly fought across the border in Wisconsin leaving a massive wreck of fighters behind him.

Gavia turned pro in 2008 at Combat USA’s Fight Night. He needed just over a minute to submit Brad Robinson with a guillotine choke and setting the stage for his career. Just eight months later Gavia had one of the hardest fights of his career when he earned a split decision over Jake Omen.

Gavia was then forced to take time off from fighting after being in a near fatal car accident. He suffered a massive neck injury and had surgery on his neck. It took nearly two years of rehab and recovery, but then he got the all clear to start training and fighting again.

His first fight back didn’t last very long. His opponent Shawn West barely touched Gavia before he was taken down and was eating punches and elbows. The ref had one of the easiest decisions in stopping the fight and awarding Gavia the victory.

Gavia then competed at the Combat USA Illinois State finals a month later against Dave Sachs. The fight did not go his way as Sachs earned a TKO victory. Gavia now with a full training camp is ready to get back on the winning side of the equation.

In his way is the increasingly popular Chris Haney. Haney made his professional debut at Supremacy in November of 2010 losing a unanimous decision. But he was offered a rematch from his amateur days in his second pro fight against Joey Diehl. The first time the two met they were amateurs, but now as professionals their training and conditioning was drastically improved in addition to deadly elbows now being allowed.

Haney was nearly finished by Diehl in the first round, but always managed to escape. In the second round it was again a back and forth submissions and escapes from both fighters. But Haney found his opening and locked on a triangle choke and force Diehl to tap.

Haney wanted to prove a point in his next fight at Outdoor War 7 in September. After a delay in the fights due to the weather, Haney was ready to go out and set the stage for the rest of the pro card. Needing just ten seconds, Haney came out with a big leg kick and followed with a high kick that sent his opponent Dexter Wright the canvas completely unconscious.

There’s a lot of potential fight of the night performances on the XFO 42 card, but the fight between Haney and Gavia will likely set the bar extremely high for the rest of the fights.

XFO 42 is set to take place on Saturday, December 10 at the Sears Centre, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The night of fights will feature a combination of amateur and professional bouts with a scheduled thirteen professional fights.

Included on the professional card are fan favorites Mike Pitz, Kent Rexford, Will Brooks, Adam Ward, Joey Diehl and Kenny Booker. The current card includes:

Mike Marrello vs Miodrag Petkovich
Mike Pitz vs Kent Rexford Jr.
Daniel Aguirre vs TBD
Kevin Knabjian vs Brandon Adamson
Will Brooks vs Chris Tickle
Vincent Ramos vs Guillermo Serment
Adam Ward vs Daniel Rodriguez
Matt Tobie vs Frank Pizzirulli
Joey Diehl vs Joe Voitik
Anthony Goodwin vs Robert Couillard
Andrew Krzeptowski vs Quartus Stitt
Kenny Booker vs TBD
Christopher Haney vs Stanton Gavia

Some fantastic fights on the card that could produce fireworks. Will Brooks will look to hold onto his undefeated record against a very tough Chris Tickle. Tickle has won five straight and finished his opponent four times in those five bouts.

Anthony Goodwin had a successful professional debut in August after a very successful amateur career. Goodwin spent a lot of time as an amateur honing his skills before turning pro.

Tickets are on sale at the Sears Centre box office or at www.xfomma.com

XFO 41: Outdoor War 7 took place at Sideouts Bar and Grill in Island Lake, Illinois. The day of action saw twenty seven mixed martial arts fights. The amateurs kicked the day off just after 2pm and the pros took to the cage around 8pm after a rain delay.

The professional card saw many fan favorites including Eric Schafer, Chris Albandia, Will Brooks, Christian Reynoso, Greg Reddington, Kent Rexford and Joey Diehl.

A full recap of the professional fights as well as the quick results from the event can be found here.

The first professional fight of the night was quick as Chris Haney needed just ten seconds to knock Dexter Wright out cold. Haney came out with a big leg kick, reset and then threw a high kick that sent Wright to the canvas unconscious.

Team Curran’s Mike Marrello made his return to action against Brad Scholten. Marrello opened with a big leg kick, and Scholten tried to counter. Scholten then threw a leg kick of his own, but Marrello caught it and threw a straight right. He followed it up with a high kick that rocked Scholten. Marrello quickly swarmed and nearly finished, but Scholten started to regain his composure. Marrello passed to mount and landed punch after punch and elbow after elbow. Scholten tried to use the cage to escape but ultimate gave up his back. Once Marrello had his back, he sunk in a fight ending rear naked choke.

Up next was fan favorite Kent Rexford taking on Quartus Stitt. Stitt came out with a leg kick and rushing jabs that forced Rexford against the cage. Both fighters exchanged knees before Rexford landed a clean uppercut. Stitt landed a low knee and time was called for him to recover. After the restart the fighters quickly clinched again and dirty boxed. Rexford decided to put the fight on the ground and had a beautiful trip takedown landing in mount. Stitt was able to quickly pull guard, but he spent nearly the rest of the round on his back eating punches and elbows. At one point Stitt escaped and got back to his feet, but was quickly taken down again. At the start of the second round Rexford landed a big uppercut on Stitt as he was rushing forward. Rexford followed with a swarm of punches and Stitt appeared to defend well. Rexford continued his assault and Stitt gave up his back, only to eat more punches forcing the ref to stop the fight.

Flyweights Joey Diehl and Josh Epps went to war. Diehl tried to keep his distance with leg kicks and a push kick. Epps landed a straight jab and as Diehl was backing up, he slipped on the canvas. Epps landed a massive knee that was heard through out the arena. Diehl quickly recovered and took the fight to the ground. Diehl worked for a heel hook, but couldn’t get it. He then transitioned to an arm triangle and it looked tight. Epps kept his composure and worked to escape, forcing Diehl to let go of the choke. Diehl from the mount threw a big elbow and then again looked to finish with the arm triangle choke. This time he was able to get the right pressure as Epps tapped out just as he was about to go to sleep.

Will Brooks kept his undefeated streak going by submitting Joe Richardson. Brooks opened the fight with a high kick that just barely missed the mark. Both fighters looked to box and it was Brooks who was getting the better of the exchanges. Brooks then dropped down and scored a big takedown on Richardson landing in side control. Richardson didn’t panic and he was able to escape and stand back up. Brooks again looked for the high kick and just missed and Richardson tried for one of his own. Brooks immediately took the fight to the ground again and worked elbows from half guard. While trying to pass to mount, Richardson gave up his back and Brooks controlled from there. Richardson tried to stand up and Brooks looked to suplex him, but Richardson quickly dropped back down to the canvas. Brooks transitioned to an armbar from the back and fought for it. Richardson defended it for a bit, but once the arm was fully extended he had no choice but to tap.

Greg Reddington and Christian Reynoso put on an action packed three-round fight. Reddington was making his professional debut and didn’t look nervous at all. Reddington in the first round took the fight down after a body kick by Reynoso. Reddington was patient in looking for his openings for attacking and capitalized when they were there. Not finding much to work with, Reddington stood up and let Reynoso stand too. With both fighters clinched against the cage, Reynoso jumped for a guillotine, but Reddington was able to escape. The second and third round were much of the same as both fighters looked to start the fight out strong. Both times it was Reddington who landed the better combo and then took the fight to the ground. Reddington controlled the action on the ground and ultimately won the unanimous decision.

The co-main event featured Casey Dyer taking on Dan Aguirre. Both fighters looked to just go out and let it all out. Both fighters were exchanging kick after kick and punch after punch. There was hardly any time where either fighter was not throwing a strike. The fighters worked from the clinch and threw multiple knees. Dyer decided to change the game up with a takedown and scored it rather easily. Unfortunately he left his neck open and Aguirre grabbed a hold of it with a guillotine choke and squeezed until Dyer tapped.

Eric Schafer and Chris Albandia headlined the night of action. The fight marked the first fight for both fighters in fifteen months and the first fight for Schafer at middleweight. Albandia took the center of the cage and looked to keep Schafer on the outside with leg kicks. Schafer landed a right hand that seemed to hurt Albandia and followed it up with another combo that definitely rocked his opponent. Albandia then shot for a takedown and Schafer grabbed a guillotine. Albandia escaped and was patient working body punches. Schafer grabbed Albandia’s arm and then threw it outside of his leg to set up the triangle choke. After a quick adjustment, the choke was in tight and Albandia was forced to tap.

Professional Quick Results

Chris Haney defeated Dexter Wright by knockout at 0:10 of round 1

Mike Marrello defeated Brad Scholten by rear naked choke at 1:16 of round 1

Kent Rexford defeated Quartus Stitt by TKO at 1:17 of round 2

Joey Diehl defeated Josh Epps by arm triangle choke at 1:57 of round 1

Will Brooks defeated Joe Richardson by armbar at 3:49 of round 1

Greg Reddington defeated Chrisitan Reynoso by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27

Dan Aguirre defeated Casey Dyer by guillotine choke at 2:19 of round 1

Eric Schafer defeated Chris Albandia by triangle choke at 1:41 of round 1

Amateur quick results

Mike Oconnor defeated Deshaun Fergson by rear naked choke at 1:23 of round 1

Pat Oconnor defeated Dustin McIntire by tap out due to strikes at 1:07 of round 1

Al Nelson defeated Jared Baily by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28

Sean Fallon defeated Brian Radtke by triangle choke at 1:44 of round 3

Tim Lagray defeated Levi Rose by guillotine choke at 0:20 of round 2

Charlie Radtke defeated Dennis Sherman by TKO at 1:00 of round 1

Danny Martinez defeated John Cabel by rear naked choke at 2:30 of round 1

Dom Singleton defeated Don Wendt by rear naked choke at 1:32 of round 1

Shawn Bridgeman defeated Jason Bottomhagen by guillotine choke at 1:36 of round 1

David Sorenson defeated Devin Orton by TKO at 1:59 of round 1

Mike Giger defeated Nick Hernandez by rear naked choke at 1:20 of round 1

Peter Tonev defeated Drew Stout by rear naked choke at 0:36 ovf round 1

Aaron Meyer defeated Matt Vance by guillotine choke at 0:35 of round 1

Dustin Stusse defeated Matt Eisenzimmer by TKO at 2:23 of round 3

Armondo Calderon defeated Jeremy Kuldniski by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27

Tyler Reese defeated Mike Blake by rear naked choke at 2:22 of round 2

James Gilmore defeated Pat Hastings by guillotine choke at 2:35 of round 1

Sean Bottoms defeated Greyson Plate by KO at 0:23 of round 1

Kevin Switalla defeated Tom Lagray by rear naked choke at 2:50 of round 1

Xtreme Fighting Organization is nearly finished finalizing their September 3^rd professional card.  In the main event, former UFC fighter Eric “Ravishing Red” Schafer will be taking on Midwest Training Center’s Chris Albandia.  Also on the card is an exciting welterweight matchup between Mike Stumpf and Tony Parker.

XFO Outdoor War 7 will take place at Side Outs Bar and Grill in Island Lake, Illinois.  The day of action will start with several amateur mixed martial arts fights and then continue onto the night with the professionals.  It is the largest outdoor gathering of mixed martial arts in the greater Chicagoland area.

Tickets are available at mmafreeagent.com and start at just $35.

The full professional lineup now looks like:

Eric Schafer vs Chris Albandia

Mike Stumpf vs Tony Parker

Mike Pitz vs TBD

Daniel Aguirre vs Stanton Gavia

Mike Marrello vs Alex Rozman

Matt Tobie vs Baron Rotza

Christian Reynoso vs Greg Reddington

Joey Diehl vs TBD

Eric Acuna vs Christopher Haney

Kenny Booker vs Robert Couillard

Xtreme Fighting Organization hosts one of the largest outdoor fights in the Midwest every year.  After a scheduling conflict that forced a date change, Outdoor War will now be taking place on Saturday September 3.  While only a handful of fights have been confirmed already, several individual fighters have committed to the card including Eric Schafer, Matt Tobie, Mike Pitz, Joey Diehl and more.

An exciting flyweight fight will feature Eric Acuna and Chris Haney doing battle.  Both fighters are coming off of a victory over Joey Diehl and both fighters put on exciting battles.

Also on the card Greg Reddington will finally be making his professional debut against the very popular Christian Reynoso.  Reynoso won his pro debut in March at Chicago Cagefighting Championship 3 against Ray Grindstaff.

The full pro card for XFO 41 looks like:

Eric Schafer vs TBD

Mike Marrello vs Alex Rozman

Matt Tobie vs Baron Rotza

Christian Reynoso vs Greg Reddington

Mike Stumpf vs TBD

Daniel Aguirre vs TBD

Mike Pitz vs TBD

Joey Diehl vs TBD

Kenny Booker vs TBD

Eric Acuna vs Christopher Haney

Chicago Cagefighting Championship 3 took place on Saturday March 5 from The Odeum Sports Complex in Villa Park Illinois.  The event featured an all pro card with a main event of Jens Pulver taking on Wade Choate and a co-main event of Chase Beebe versus Steven Kinnison.  Read on for the recap of the event and the quick results.

Kicking off the night Jason Graves made his professional debut against PJ Cajigas.  Graves came out swinging hard and then quickly clinched Cajigas against the cage.  Graves had a smooth trip takedown to land in the mount.  Cajigas gave up his back and Graves immediately worked to get his hooks in as well as an arm under Cajigas’s neck.  Once the rear naked choke was secured, it was a mater of time before Cajigas was forced to tap.

Midwest Training Center’s Will Brooks took on Guillermo Serment in the second fight of the night.  Brooks looked for a touch of gloves, but Serment declined.  Brooks quickly rushed Serment and threw him to the ground.  Serment stood up, Brooks quickly grabbed a Muay Thai clinch and threw multiple knees.  The fighters separated and multiple times Brooks hurt Serment with strikes forcing Serment to attempt a takedown but was unable to get it.  Brooks started to find his range and Serment went to the ground.  Brooks quickly got his back and worked punches and elbows trying to get a choke.  Time ran out in a round that was very clearly for Brooks.  The second round started and Brooks landed an uppercut that buckled Serment’s knees.  Brooks again took Serment’s back, but this time was able to secure the choke and the tap.

Chris Haney took on Team Curran’s Joey Diehl in a rematch, only this time it was a professional fight instead of an amateur fight.  The first round Haney attempted a superman punch and over shot Diehl.  Diehl quickly worked for Haney’s back, but settled for side control.  Diehl worked elbow after elbow forcing Haney to try to escape.  Diehl was able to get the mount and again threw punches and elbows.  Diehl had a fantastic transition from mount to an armbar and the submission was in deep.  Haney was able to roll into it and finished the round in Diehl’s guard.  The start of the second round looked like both fighters wanted to stand and trade, however Haney shot for a takedown and Diehl quickly tied up a peruvian necktie.  Unable to get the choke, Diehl worked for a guillotine but Haney escaped and was in Diehl’s guard.  Diehl wanted to use a kimura from the bottom to sweep Haney, but Haney used the opportunity to get Diehl’s back and ultimately mount.  The back and forth grappling match continued as Haney nearly finished with an arm triangle choke.  Diehl escaped and Haney quickly transitioned to a triangle choke.  Diehl tried to escape, but Haney squeezed and continued the pressure giving Diehl his first loss of his professional career.

An early candidate for comeback of the year, Christian Reynoso overcame a devastating first round to secure an armbar early in the second and end the fight.  The first round started with Reynoso landing an illegal kick but Grindstaff quickly shook it off.  After the restart, Grindstaff landed a big right that dropped Reynoso.  Grindstaff quickly got the mount, but Reynoso stood up.  The fighters were clinched against the cage, and Grindstaff again took the fight to the ground.  Reynoso was able to tie up Grindstaff and prevent damage until the ref stood them up.  Again Grindstaff took the fight to the ground, but this time was able to avoid being tied up and landed many punches.  Reynoso looked for the early takedown at the start of the second, but was stuffed.  Grindstaff worked for a takedown of his own, but Reynoso locked in a guillotine choke.  The choke was in tight, but Grindstaff was able to pop his head out.  Reynoso quickly transitioned to an armbar and after a few adjustments got the tap he was looking for.

Prior to the fights, MMA Recap predicted that the fight of the night would belong to Eric Kriegermeier and Michael Santiago and the two did not disappoint.  The first round started with both fighters looking to throw bombs.  Santiago was able to get the fight to the ground and from there he landed punches in bunches and elbows galore.  Kriegermeier was visibly hurt as he had a cut above his eye and a mouse under the other.  Santiago clearly won the round with the sheer damage he was inflicting.  Like the first round, both fighters stood in the pocket to start the second round throwing massive punches.  Santiago again took the fight to the ground and had the dominant position.  Santiago had a crucifix and looked to finish the fight, but Kriegermeier was able to escape and pulled guard.  Santiago quickly passed to side control and attempted to throw a knee to the body.  Unfortunately Kriegermeier used the opportunity to slide out from under him and escape.  Kriegermeier grabbed a front headlock and then transitioned to Santiago’s back.  Kriegermeier flattened Santiago out and was landing big lefts and rights until Santiago’s neck was exposed and then squeezed to force a tap.

The undefeated Gilbert Grappling protege Carson Beebe took on Team Top Notch’s Giovanni Moljo.  Moljo started the fight with a flying knee as Beebe shot for a takedown.  Beebe shot for the takedown, but Moljo was able to secure an inverted triangle choke.  Beebe tried to escape, but Moljo held the choke until Beebe went to sleep and the fight was stopped.

After the intermission, middleweight fighters Dan Bolden and Mike Pitz were ready to throw leather.  Both fighters are known for their heavy hands and fans were expecting a knockout.  Bolden caught Pitz with a big right and Pitz looked for a takedown and got it.  Pitz worked short elbows before getting the mount.  Bolden was able to escape and both fighters stood up.  Pitz again got a takedown and while working to get mount landed an accidental knee to Bolden’s groin.  After the restart, Pitz again shot for a takedown, but Bolden was ready for it.  Bolden started unloading massive punches and nearly dropped Pitz.  Pitz got another takedown and rained down punch after punch.  The ref warned Bolden to do something.  Bolden tried to escape but caught up in a triangle choke and was forced to tap.

The women were up next as Team Curran’s Felice Herrig took on Andrea Miller.  Herrig came out with a push kick that sent Miller back.  Miller retaliated with a good stiff jab to Herrig’s nose that bloodied it up.  Herrig looked for leg kicks before clinching Miller against the cage.  Herrig dropped for a double leg takedown and got it landing in side control.  Herrig worked small strikes to set up the pass to mount.  Once in the mount Herrig threw punches and elbows over and over.  Miller covered up, but the strikes were relentless and the ref was forced to stop the action.

The co-main event of the evening featured former WEC bantamweight champion Chase Beebe taking on Steve Kinnison.  The three round fight was an all Beebe all the time performance.  The only thing doing more work than Beebe trying to pass from half guard to mount was Beebe’s elbow as the majority of his strikes were elbows.  In the second round Beebe landed a massive elbow that cut Kinnison above his eye.  More elbows were thrown by Beebe and the ref didn’t like the cut and asked the doctor to look at it.  Kinnison wanted to continue and showed a lot of heart.  Beebe easily took Kinnison to the ground in the third and again worked his elbows.  In the end, the judges had a very easy decision awarding the victory to Beebe.

The main event featured former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver taking on Wade Choate.  Pulver came out and stalked Choate through out the fight.  Both fighters were respectful of the other’s power.  The first round was a great back and forth round.  Pulver landed a big kick and winced after but it wasn’t evident what was going on right away.  The second round featured the two fighters circling and trading punches and kicks.  It was an extremely close round that could go either way.  The third round Choate became the aggressor and while Pulver was stalking Choate, it was Choate who was landing punch after punch.  When the fight was over, Pulver was visibly hurt and his left foot was extremely swollen.  The judges gave their score cards and it was a split decision for Pulver.

Quick Results

• Jason Graves defeated PJ Cajigas by rear naked choke at 0:31 of round 1
• Will Brooks defeated Guillermo Serment by rear naked choke at 0:45 of round 2
• Chris Haney defeated Joey Diehl by triangle choke at 3:39 of round 2
• Christian Reynos defeated Ray Grindstaff by armbar at 1:09 of round 2
• Eric Kriegermeier defeated Michael Santiago by rear naked choke at 3:48 of round 2
• Giovanni Moljo defeated Carson Beebe by inverted triangle choke at 0:52 of round 1
• Mike Pitz defeated Dan Bolden by triangle choke at 4:38 of round 1
• Felice Herrig defeated Andrea Miller by TKO at 3:30 of round 1
• Chase Beebe defeated Steve Kinnison by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Jens Pulver defeated Wade Choat by split decision 29-28, 28-29, 29-28