Colosseum Combat XXII Poster

Colosseum Combat is back again in Kokomo, Indiana, with their 22nd event to date. The night of action is scheduled to feature six professional fights with nine amateur bouts preceding the main card. Like many previous Colosseum Combat events, this one features a mix of popular Indiana fighters as well as fighters from outside the state.

Headlining the night of action is former UFC and Bellator vet Shamar Bailey taking on David Overfield. Overfield hasn’t competed since June of 2010 where he lost to Kurt Kinser at Bellator 23. Prior to the loss he put together a 6-1 record finishing all of his opponents.

Bailey is entering the fight on a two-fight losing streak with losses to Lucas Pimenta Borges and Josh Shockley. His last victory came inside the Colosseum Combat cage at CC 19 when he defeated Darrell Smith by Brabo Choke.

The co-main event will feature longtime Colosseum Combat veteran Daniel Head taking on Luke Taylor. Head is looking to rebound from his three-fight losing streak. Only Kevin Nowaczyk was able to finish him in that run, and even that wasn’t until late in the third round. Taylor recently saw his two-fight win streak snapped after dropping a split decision to Evan DeLong at CC 21.

Other notables on the card include Carson Beebe who is riding a six-fight win streak into his fight with undefeated James Porter. Also Midwest Training Center’s Ed Carpenter looks to bounce back after a clerical error that saw him lose his last fight, then win it, only to then have it be turned back into a loss.

The night of action takes place on Saturday, September 29 at the Kokomo Event Center in Kokomo, Indiana.

The full card is as follows:
Professional Bouts
Shamar Bailey vs David Overfield
Daniel Head vs Luke Taylor
Carson Beebe vs James Porter
Jared Bailey vs Tyson Triplett
Ed Carpenter vs Ron “the Savage” Carter
Nick Anderson vs Matthew Perry

Amateur Bouts
Jacob Hurlock vs David Booth
Gabe Randolph vs Gary Widget
Andrew Ferguson vs Levi Rose
Robert Duke vs Jeremy Jackson
Chris Jewell vs Deryck Rothenberger
Brandon Clawson vs Chad Rynn
Mickey Taylor vs Brandon Slabaugh
Rod Cole vs Ben Ticen
Kevin Purvis vs Jesse Lawson

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Jake O'Brien at IndyMMA - photo by Brent Todd

IndyMMA hosted a 16 fight marathon card this past Saturday night at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It was an evening packed with some exciting first round finishes, and the IndyMMA lightweight title exchanged hands. In the main event it was UFC vet Jake O’Brien who steamrolled through James Shaw in a minute and eight seconds. O’Brien is fighting at heavyweight, but he really wants to get back to the UFC’s light-heavyweight division.

In the first co-main event, it was Brian Geraghty who won a split decision over Dustin Neace. The bout was originally announced as a unanimous decision, but the Indiana Commission quickly corrected the error and informed us cage side of the mistake. In the second co-main event it was Lloyd Carter who dethroned IndyMMA light weight champion Jeremy Pender via a quick first round knock out. Below is how the main card fights went down, and underneath is the quick results for the entire amateur card.

Professional Bouts
James Shaw Vs Jake O’brien

Jake O’brien came straight in on James Shaw landing a jab, but was really just keeping it out there to keep it in his face. O’brien ducked down for the takedown and almost immediately moved into full mount. When Shaw went to roll O’brien snuck his arm through to cinch up the arm triangle. He hopped into sid mount and circled out until the choke tightened up.

Jake O’Brien defeats James Shaw via submission (arm triangle) at 1:06 of round 1

Brian Geraghty Vs Dustin Neace

In the first round Dustin Neace came out really aggressive, and was landing jabs to the nose of Brian Geraghty. Geraghty was staying in the pocket and was more than happy landing shots to the body of Neace, but he also landed a solid overhand right to the jaw of Neace. Neace was throwing a lot of feints to try and keep Geraghty off his timing, but it seemed liked Geraghty took to the rhythm of Neace. Neace began putting together combinations, and landed two decent flurries in a row, but Geraghty was returning shots to the body. At the end of round Geraghty started to come forward more, and landed a few jabs and straight rights that snapped Neace’s head back. Geraghty came forward with another solid flurry of “one-two’s” of his own, and the round came to an end.

-Recap Scorecard: This was a close round, I could see giving it to Neace, but I gave it to Geraghty 10-9

In the second round Geraghty turned up the pressure a little and was landing leg kicks to the lead leg of Neace, and following up with a lead hook to the body. Neace started to come forward and landed a few nice jab-straight-hook combinations, and was keeping Geraghty on the outside with some solid leg and body kicks. Geraghty remained faithful to the punches to the body, and followed one up with a nice kick to the body of the Neace. Neace landed a leg, and shot in and got Geraghty to the floor. Some blood showing on the face of Neace and he was cut on his right cheek bone. Geraghty scrambled to his feet, and got up with taking no significant strikes on the floor. Geraghty dove in for a take down of his own, but when he got the fight to the ground he landed a shot or two to the mug of Neace before the round ended.

-Recap Scorecard: 10-9 Geraghty (20-18 Geraghty)

In the final frame, Neace opened up landing straight rights, and leg kicks, and he was doing a fine job of marking up Geraghty and keeping him on the outside. Geraghty was still working the body with surgical precision, but still landing to the jaw of Neace. In the middle of the round, it was basically both fighters standing in the center of the cage throwing hands, and it was Geraghty who usually got the better of the exchanges. Geraghty looked to the be the fresher fighter, and at least 3 times Neace came forward to start throwing only to walk right into a stiff jab of Geraghty. Geraghty was throwing some leg kicks as well, and when Neace closed the distance in the final 15 seconds,Geraghty

-Recap Scorecard: 10-9 Geraghty (30-27 Geraghty)

Brian Geraghty defeats Dustin Neace by split decision (29-28, 30-27, 28-29)

Jeremy Pender (champion) Vs Lloyd Carter(challenger)

Pender and Carter both came out cautious pawing jabs out to gauge the distance. The crowd was a little impatient, because a few of the amateur fights were stalled out by wrestlers, but there was definitely a sense something was about to happen. That something was Lloyd Carter measuring up Pender with a jab, and following with an overhand left that sent Pender right to the seat of his pants. Carter smelled the blood in the water and followed up with two punches that turned out Pender’s lights. At first the stoppage looked a little quick, butit was only because of the angle I had on the finish. Pender looked to complain a little but when he hopped up to his feet he was still very wobbly, and he needed the fence and the ref to stand. From the look in his eyes he was finished.

Lloyd Carter defeats Jeremy Pender by knock out (punches) at 1:33 of round 1 to become the new lightweight champion.

Brian Neville Vs Joe Lile

Brian Neville came out with a lot of pressure by backing up Joe Lile with jabs in the face, until he backed him up to the fence to clinch. After Lile turned off the cage they created some space, and after they both missed punches Neville’s back presented itself to Lile and he took it. He climbed on Neville’s back while still standing and muscled him to the floor. From there he worked the position and was able to secure the rear naked choke.

Joe Lile defeats Brians Neville via submissin (rear naked choke) 2:17 of round 1

Amateur Quick Results
Kyle Davidson Vs John Vandiver
Kyle Davidson defeats John Vandiver via submission (arm triangle) at 1:18 of round 1

Kyle Vancamp Vs Chris Axsom
Kyle Vancamp defeats Chris Axsom via knock out at 2:51 of round 1

Mahu Mendosa Vs Anthony Sanders
Mahu Mendosa defeats Anthony Sanders via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Jeremy Jackson Vs Lance Pickrell
Jeremy Jackson defeats Lance Pickrell by technical submission (rear naked choke) at 1:46 of round 1

Brendan Hood Vs Tyler Jones
Tyler Jones defeats Brendan Hood via submission (arm bar) at 1:26 of round 1

Michael Conte Vs Brandon Hartstock
Michael Conte defeats Brandon Harstock via knock out (punches) at :36 of round 1

Jonny Neville Vs Ben Ticen
Ben Ticen defeats Jonny Neville via submission (strikes) at 1:28 of round 1

Damar Gibson Vs James Bubb
James Bubb defeats Damar Gibson via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:35 of round 1

Kyle Nickle Vs Ricky Newton
Kyle Nickle defeats Ricky Newton by submission (arm bar) at :54 of round 1

Jameson Sharp Vs Gary Widget
Jameson Sharp defeats Gary Widget by split decision (29-28 x3)

Levi Rose Vs Justin Dowsett
Levis Rose defeats Justin Dowsett by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Brendan Clawson Vs Donald Wright
Brendan Clawson defeats Donald Wright by knock out (strikes) at :17 of round 1

Cameron Vancamp Vs Sean Falon
Cameron Vancamp defeats Sean Falon via unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)

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